bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Positive Anti-NMDAR and Anti-AMPAR Antibodies Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis
Authors: Boangher Sabina , Mespouille Pascal , Filip Corina-Mihaela , Goffette Sophie
Published: December 2016

We report the case of a 66-year-old woman, with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, treated 6 months earlier for bladder neoplasia. The patient presented to the emergency room with rapidly increasing symptoms, noninfectious cerebral spinal fluid associated with positive anti-NMDAR (as well as in serum) and positive AMPAR antibodies in the serum. Four months later, the patient was diagnosed with a small-cell lung cancer for which chemotherapy and radiotherapy was commenced. Simultaneously, endoscopic surgical treatment was undertaken for an in situ relapse of the bladder neoplasm. After the completion of 3 cycles of chemotherapy her neurological status temporarily worsened. The cerebral MRI did not show signs of encephalitis such as increased T2/FLAIR signal intensity in the mesial temporal lobes and limbic systems. No specific treatment was prescribed. Limbic encephalitis can be associated with malignant tumors such as lung carcinoma. Several cases reported in the literature have shown cognitive improvement after tumoral therapy. Regarding our experience, significant progress was achieved through immuno-modulatory treatment. A transitory deterioration of the cognitive process was perceived during the chemotherapy sessions.
Comparative Study of Cooperation Tools for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Molina-Gil J. , Caballero-Gil P. , Caballero-Gil C.
Published: December 2016

Mobile ad hoc networks are formed spontaneously to use the wireless medium for communication among nodes. Each node in this type of network is its own authority and has an unpredictable behaviour. These features involve a cooperation challenge that has been addressed in previous proposals with methods based on virtual currencies. In this work, those methods have been simulated in NS-2 and the results have been analyzed, showing several weaknesses. In particular, it has been concluded that existent methods do not provide significant advances compared with networks without any mechanism for promoting cooperation. Consequently, this work presents three new proposals that try to solve those problems. The obtained results show that the new proposals offer significant improvements over previous schemes based on virtual currencies.
Ultrasonic Irradiation: Synthesis, Characterization, and Preliminary Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Series of 4,6-Disubstituted-1,3,5-triazine Containing Hydrazone Derivatives
Authors: Al-Rasheed Hessa H. , Al Alshaikh Monirah , Khaled Jamal M. , Alharbi Naiyf S. , El-Faham Ayman
Published: December 2016

Novel series of 4,6-disubstituted-1,3,5-triazines containing hydrazone derivatives were synthesized employing ultrasonic irradiation and conventional heating. The ultrasonication gave the target products in higher yields and purity in shorter reaction time compared with the conventional method. IR, NMR (H 1 and C 13), elemental analysis, and LC-MS confirmed the structures of the new products. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities were evaluated for all the prepared compounds against some selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The results showed that only two compounds 7i (pyridine derivative) and 7k (4-chlorobenzaldehyde derivative) displayed biological activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while the rest of the tested compounds did not display any antifungal activity.
Reversible Vitamin B12 Deficiency Presenting with Acute Dementia, Paraparesis, and Normal Hemoglobin
Authors: Almoallim Hani , Mehdawi Fahtima S. , Cheikh Mohammed M. , Al-dhaheri Fahmi , Aqeel Abdullah Mahir
Published: December 2016

Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological function and its deficiency is associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders. We report the case of a previously healthy 53-year-old male patient presenting with delirium and multiple neurological findings. Complete blood analysis indicated megaloblastic anemia. All infectious causes were excluded owing to negative cultures (blood and urine). Tests for human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, and toxoplasma were also negative. Metabolic workup showed severe vitamin B12 deficiency, decreased reticulocyte count, and increased direct bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase. Intramuscular injection of cobalamin was started, and the patient showed significant improvement.
In Silico Investigation into Cellular Mechanisms of Cardiac Alternans in Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Gong Yinglan , Xia Ling , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: December 2016

Myocardial ischemia is associated with pathophysiological conditions such as hyperkalemia, acidosis, and hypoxia. These physiological disorders may lead to changes on the functions of ionic channels, which in turn form the basis for cardiac alternans. In this paper, we investigated the roles of hyperkalemia and calcium handling components played in the genesis of alternans in ischemia at the cellular level by using computational simulations. The results show that hyperkalemic reduced cell excitability and delayed recovery from inactivation of depolarization currents. The inactivation time constantτfof L-type calcium current (ICaL) increased obviously in hyperkalemia. One cycle length was not enough forICaLto recover completely. Alternans developed as a result ofICaLresponding to stimulation every other beat. Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase (SERCA2a) function decreased in ischemia. This change resulted in intracellular Ca (Cai) alternans of small magnitude. A strong Na+-Ca2+exchange current (INCX) increased the magnitude ofCaialternans, leading to APD alternans through excitation-contraction coupling. Some alternated repolarization currents contributed to this repolarization alternans.
Equivalent Neural Network Optimal Coefficients Using Forgetting Factor with Sliding Modes
Authors: Aguilar Cruz Karen Alicia , Medel Juárez José de Jesús , Urbieta Parrazales Romeo
Published: December 2016

The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) concept is familiar in methods whose task is, for example, the identification or approximation of the outputs of complex systems difficult to model. In general, the objective is to determine online the adequate parameters to reach a better point-to-point convergence rate, so that this paper presents the parameter estimation for an equivalent ANN (EANN), obtaining a recursive identification for a stochastic system, firstly, with constant parameters and, secondly, with nonstationary output system conditions. Therefore, in the last estimation, the parameters also have stochastic properties, making the traditional approximation methods not adequate due to their losing of convergence rate. In order to give a solution to this problematic, we propose a nonconstant exponential forgetting factor (NCEFF) with sliding modes, obtaining in almost all points an exponential convergence rate decreasing. Theoretical results of both identification stages are performed using MATLAB® and compared, observing improvement when the new proposal for nonstationary output conditions is applied.
Congestion Control Mechanism for Intermittently Connected Wireless Network
Authors: Wang Ruyan , Tang Yang , Yan Junjie
Published: December 2016

Based on the “storing-carrying-forwarding” transmission manner, the packets are forwarded flexibly in Intermittently Connected Wireless Network (ICWN). However, due to its limited resources, ICWN can easily become congested as a large number of packets entering into it. In such situation, the network performance is seriously deteriorated. To solve this problem, we propose a congestion control mechanism that is based on the network state dynamic perception. Specifically, through estimating the congestion risk when a node receives packets, ICWN can reduce the probability of becoming congested. Moreover, due to ICWN’s network dynamics, we determine the congestion risk threshold by jointly taking into account the average packet size, average forwarding risk, and available buffer resources. Further, we also evaluate the service ability of a node in a distributed manner by integrating the recommendation information from other intermediate nodes. Additionally, a node is selected as a relay node according to both the congestion risk and service ability. Simulation results show that the network performance can be greatly optimized by reducing the overhead of packet forwarding.
Nasal Dilators (Breathe Right Strips and NoZovent) for Snoring and OSA: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Camacho Macario , Malu Omojo O. , Kram Yoseph A. , Nigam Gaurav , Riaz Muhammad , Song Sungjin A. , Tolisano Anthony M. , Kushida Clete A.
Published: December 2016

Objective. To systematically review the international literature for studies evaluating internal (NoZovent) and external (Breathe Right Strips) nasal dilators as treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Study Design. Systematic review with meta-analysis.Methods. Four databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, were searched through September 29, 2016.Results. One-hundred twelve studies were screened, fifty-eight studies were reviewed, and fourteen studies met criteria. In 147 patients, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was reported, and there was an improvement from a mean ± standard deviation (M ± SD) of28.7±24.0to27.4±23.3events/hr,pvalue 0.64. There was no significant change in AHI, lowest oxygen saturation, or snoring index in OSA patients when using nasal dilators. However, a subanalysis demonstrated a slight reduction in apnea index (AI) with internal nasal dilators (decrease by 4.87 events/hr) versus minimal change for external nasal dilators (increase by 0.64 events/hr).Conclusion. Although nasal dilators have demonstrated improved nasal breathing, they have not shown improvement in obstructive sleep apnea outcomes, with the exception of mild improvement in apnea index when internal nasal dilators were used.
Steel Fibres: Effective Way to Prevent Failure of the Concrete Bonded with FRP Sheets
Authors: Gribniak V. , Arnautov A. K. , Norkus A. , Kliukas R. , Tamulenas V. , Gudonis E. , Sokolov A.
Published: December 2016

Although the efficiency of steel fibres for improving mechanical properties (cracking resistance and failure toughness) of the concrete has been broadly discussed in the literature, the number of studies dedicated to the fibre effect on structural behaviour of the externally bonded elements is limited. This experimental study investigates the influence of steel fibres on the failure character of concrete elements strengthened with external carbon fibre reinforced polymer sheets. The elements were subjected to different loading conditions. The test data of four ties and eight beams are presented. Different materials were used for the internal bar reinforcement: in addition to the conventional steel, high-grade steel and glass fibre reinforced polymer bars were also considered. The experimental results indicated that the fibres, by significantly increasing the cracking resistance, alter the failure character from splitting of the concrete to the bond loss of the external sheets and thus noticeably increase the load bearing capacity of the elements.
Sol-Gel Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: Preparation and Structural Characterization
Authors: Kang Oon Lee , Ahmad Azizan , Rana Usman Ali , Hassan Nur Hasyareeda
Published: December 2016

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle was achieved in an alternative sol-gel route, as involved in 1 M acidic solution: HCl-tetrahydrofuran (HCl-THF), HNO3-tetrahydrofuran (HNO3-THF), and ClHNO2-tetrahydrofuran (ClHNO2-THF) solution. Resultant TiO2 nanoparticle was further investigated in a systematic analytical approach. Nanoscale TiO2 structure was observed at a moderate hydrolysis ratio (8≤RH≤16). Particle size range was much narrower in an aprotic HNO3-THF medium, as compared to a differential HCl-THF medium. Biphasic TiO2 structure was detected at a certain hydrolysis ratio (RH≥16). Even so, relative anatase content was rather insignificant in an aprotic HCl-THF medium, as compared to a differential HNO3-THF medium. Tetragonal TiO2 structure was observed in the entire hydrolysis ratio (4≤RH≤32). Interstitial lattice defect was evident in an aprotic HNO3-THF medium but absent in a differential ClHNO2-THF medium.
Cholesterol Granuloma in Odontogenic Cyst: An Enigmatic Lesion
Authors: Kamboj Mala , Devi Anju , Gupta Shruti
Published: December 2016

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is the outcome of the foreign body type of response to the accumulation of cholesterol crystals and is frequently present in conjunction with chronic middle ear diseases. Recently, cases of CG in jaws have been reported, but still, very few cases have been found of CG in dental literature. This article presents three rare cases of CG in the wall of odontogenic cysts emphasizing on its possible role in expansion of the associated lesion and bone erosion. It also lays stress on the fact that more cases of CG should be reported so that its nature and pathogenesis in the oral cavity become more perceivable.
Multiple Genetic Associations with Irish Wolfhound Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Simpson Siobhan , Dunning Mark D. , Brownlie Serena , Patel Janika , Godden Megan , Cobb Malcolm , Mongan Nigel P. , Rutland Catrin S.
Published: December 2016

Cardiac disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs and humans, with dilated cardiomyopathy being a large contributor to this. The Irish Wolfhound (IWH) is one of the most commonly affected breeds and one of the few breeds with genetic loci associated with the disease. Mutations in more than 50 genes are associated with human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), yet very few are also associated with canine DCM. Furthermore, none of the identified canine loci explain many cases of the disease and previous work has indicated that genotypes at multiple loci may act together to influence disease development. In this study, loci previously associated with DCM in IWH were tested for associations in a new cohort both individually and in combination. We have identified loci significantly associated with the disease individually, but no genotypes individually or in pairs conferred a significantly greater risk of developing DCM than the population risk. However combining three loci together did result in the identification of a genotype which conferred a greater risk of disease than the overall population risk. This study suggests multiple rather than individual genetic factors, cooperating to influence DCM risk in IWH.
Cooling and Wetting Effects of Agricultural Development on Near-Surface Atmosphere over Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Nana , Han Songjun , Xu Di , Wang Jiandong , Yu Hongjing
Published: December 2016

The effects of agricultural development on observed changes in near-surface atmospheric temperature and moisture from 1960 to 2014 over Northeast China are evaluated using data from 109 meteorological stations. Cultivated land fraction (CF) within a 3 km radius of the meteorological station is used as a quantitative indicator of agricultural intensity. Stations with large CFs experience a less significant increase in air temperature, especially in daily maximum temperature (Tmax) and a more rapid increase in vapor pressure (ea) and relative humidity (RH) than stations with small CFs, especially during the main growing season (from May to September). Compared with the reference station group withCF<0.2, cooling effects during May to September in terms of daily mean, maximum, and minimum temperature by −0.067°C, −0.081°C, and −0.069°C per decade and wetting effects of May to September regardingeaby 0.075 hPa and RH by 0.56% per decade exist for the station group withCF>0.5. The cooling and wetting effects can be attributed to the agricultural development and thus should be considered when analyzing the near-surface atmospheric temperature and moisture records in Northeast China.
A Matched Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Risk in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen J. , Le Q. H. , Duong B. H. , Sun P. , Pham H. T. , Ta V. T. , Kotsopoulos J. , Narod S. A. , Ginsburg O.
Published: December 2016

Background. Vietnam has a low age-standardized incidence of breast cancer, but the incidence is rising rapidly with economic development. We report data from a matched case-control study of risk factors for breast cancer in the largest cancer hospital in Vietnam.Methods. 492 incident breast cancer cases unselected for family history or age at diagnosis and 1306 control women age 25–75 were recruited from the National Cancer Hospital (BVK), Hanoi. Structured interviews were conducted and pathology data was centrally reported at the National Cancer Hospital of Vietnam, in Hanoi.Results. Our analysis included 294 matched pairs. Mean age at diagnosis was 46.7 years. Lower mean parity, older age at first parity, increasing weight and BMI at age 18, and increasing BMI at diagnosis were positively correlated with breast cancer cases compared to controls. Age at first menarche and duration of breastfeeding were not statistically different between cases and controls.Conclusions. In this study we demonstrate that breast cancer in Vietnam is associated with some but not all of the published risk factors from Western populations. Our data is consistent with other studies of breast cancer in Asian populations.
Serum Amyloid A Level in Egyptian Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Lofty Hala M. , Marzouk Huda , Farag Yomna , Nabih Mohammad , Khalifa Iman A. S. , Mostafa Noha , Salah Ahmed , Rashed Laila , El Garf Kamal
Published: December 2016

Background and Objectives. SAA is an acute-phase reactant detected during an FMF attack or other inflammatory conditions. High SAA levels may increase the risk of amyloidosis. The aim of the study is to measure the serum amyloid A (SAA) level in a group of Egyptian children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and study its various correlates, if any.Methods. The study enrolled seventy-one children with FMF.Results. SAA level was high in 78.9% of the studied patients with a mean of81.62±31.6 mg/L, and CRP was positive in 31% of patients. There was no significant releation between SAA level and any demographic or clinical manifestation. High SAA was more frequent in V726A allele (16.9%) followed by M694V allele (12.3%). Elevated SAA levels were more frequent in patients on low colchicine doses. Forty-five percent (45%) of patients have low adherence to colchicine therapy.Interpretation and Conclusion. High SAA levels were detected two weeks after last FMF attack in a large percentage of Egyptian FMF children. This indicates that subclinical inflammation continues during attack-free periods, and SAA could be used as a marker of it.
A New Dual Circularly Polarized Feed Employing a Dielectric Cylinder-Loaded Circular Waveguide Open End Fed by Crossed Dipoles
Authors: Bang Jae-Hoon , Choi Soon-Woo , Noh Jae-Woo , Lim Joo-Young , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Dae-Oh , Ahn Bierng-Chearl
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a new dual circularly polarized feed that provides good axial ratio over wide angles and low cross-polarized radiation in backward direction. A circular waveguide open end is fed with two orthogonally polarized waves in phase quadrature by a pair of printed crossed dipoles and a compact connectorized quadrature hybrid coupler. The waveguide aperture is loaded with a dielectric cylinder to reduce the cross-polarization beyond 90 degrees off the boresight. The fabricated feed has, at 5.5 GHz, 6.33-dBic copolarized gain, 3-dB beamwidth of 106°, 10-dB beamwidth of 195°, 3-dB axial ratio beamwidth of 215°, maximum cross-polarized gain of −21.4 dBic, and 27-dB port isolation. The reflection coefficient of the feed is less than −10 dB at 4.99–6.09 GHz.
Associations between White Blood Cell Count and the Development of Incidental Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Chung Goh Eun , Yim Jeong Yoon , Kim Donghee , Kwak Min-Sun , Yang Jong In , Chung Su Jin , Yang Sun Young , Kim Joo Sung
Published: December 2016

Aims. Chronic low-grade inflammation is thought to be associated with the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to determine the association between serum white blood cell (WBC) counts and the development of incidental NAFLD.Methods. In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study, we recruited participants who underwent abdominal ultrasonography and blood samplings during medical checkups in both 2005 and 2010. A total of 2,216 subjects were included in our analyses.Results. The prevalence of NAFLD in 2010 increased steadily in conjunction with increasing WBC counts in 2005 after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) [odds ratio (OR) 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.49–4.00 for women and OR 2.42, 95% CI = 1.61–3.63 for men, lowest quartile versus highest quartile]. Multivariate regression analysis after adjusting for age, BMI, hypertension, smoking, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and glucose levels revealed that NAFLD was significantly associated with the highest WBC quartile compared to the lowest quartile [OR 1.85, 95% CI, 1.10−3.10 for women and OR 1.68, 95% CI, 1.08−2.61 for men].Conclusions. We demonstrated that the risk of developing NAFLD was significantly associated with WBC counts independently of metabolic factors. This finding provides novel evidence indicating that serum WBC counts may be potential surrogate markers of NAFLD.
Detection of Gait Modes Using an Artificial Neural Network during Walking with a Powered Ankle-Foot Orthosis
Authors: Islam Mazharul , Hsiao-Wecksler Elizabeth T.
Published: December 2016

This paper presents an algorithm, for use with a Portable Powered Ankle-Foot Orthosis (i.e., PPAFO) that can automatically detect changes in gait modes (level ground, ascent and descent of stairs or ramps), thus allowing for appropriate ankle actuation control during swing phase. An artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm used input signals from an inertial measurement unit and foot switches, that is, vertical velocity and segment angle of the foot. Output from the ANN was filtered and adjusted to generate a final data set used to classify different gait modes. Five healthy male subjects walked with the PPAFO on the right leg for two test scenarios (walking over level ground and up and down stairs or a ramp; three trials per scenario). Success rate was quantified by the number of correctly classified steps with respect to the total number of steps. The results indicated that the proposed algorithm’s success rate was high (99.3%, 100%, and 98.3% for level, ascent, and descent modes in the stairs scenario, respectively; 98.9%, 97.8%, and 100% in the ramp scenario). The proposed algorithm continuously detected each step’s gait mode with faster timing and higher accuracy compared to a previous algorithm that used a decision tree based on maximizing the reliability of the mode recognition.
Spatial Distribution of Elephants versus Human and Ecological Variables in Western Ghana
Authors: Danquah Emmanuel
Published: December 2016

An elephant survey was conducted in the Bia-Goaso Forest Block in western Ghana during the wet season month of November 2012 to determine the distribution of elephants and assess the human and ecological variables that affect them. One hundred and thirty 1-kilometre transects were systematically distributed in three strata (high, medium, and low density) based on elephant dung pile density recorded in an initial reconnaissance. Elephant activity was concentrated in southern and mid-Bia Conservation Area, the southern tip of Bia North Forest Reserve, and eastern Mpameso Forest Reserve towards the adjoining Bia Shelter belt, indicating a clumped distribution. Secondary forest, water availability, poaching activity, and proximity to roads and settlements explained a high proportion of variance in elephant distribution. Given that the Bia-Goaso Forest Block forms an important biogeographic corridor between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, more effort should be directed at mitigating the problems such as poaching activity, vehicular traffic, and impacts of settlements that hinder seasonal movements of forest elephants between western Ghana and eastern Cote d’Ivoire.
Optical Network Technologies for Future Digital Cinema
Authors: Nazir Sajid , Kaleem Mohammad
Published: December 2016

Digital technology has transformed the information flow and support infrastructure for numerous application domains, such as cellular communications. Cinematography, traditionally, a film based medium, has embraced digital technology leading to innovative transformations in its work flow. Digital cinema supports transmission of high resolution content enabled by the latest advancements in optical communications and video compression. In this paper we provide a survey of the optical network technologies for supporting this bandwidth intensive traffic class. We also highlight the significance and benefits of the state of the art in optical technologies that support the digital cinema work flow.
Optimal First-Line Treatment forHelicobacter pyloriInfection: Recent Strategies
Authors: Lee Ju Yup , Park Kyung Sik
Published: December 2016

A new treatment strategy is needed, as the efficacy of triple therapy containing clarithromycin—the current standard treatment forHelicobacter pyloriinfection—is declining. Increasing antibiotic resistance ofH. pyloriis the most significant factor contributing to eradication failure. Thus, selecting the most appropriate regimen depending on resistance is optimal, but identifying resistance to specific antibiotics is clinically challenging. In a region suspected to have high clarithromycin resistance, bismuth quadruple therapy and so-called nonbismuth quadruple therapies (sequential, concomitant, and sequential-concomitant hybrid) are some first-line regimen options. However, more research is needed regarding appropriate second-line treatments after first-line treatment failure. Tailored therapy, which is based on antibiotic sensitivity testing, would be optimal but has several limitations for clinical use, and an alternative technique is required. A novel potassium-competitive acid blocker-based eradication regimen could be a valuable eradication option in the near future.
An Unusual Case of Cystic Fibrosis Associated Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia in an Infant
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Katariya Priyanka , Dhakad Megh Singh , Mehra Bhanu , Jhamb Urmila , Dubey A. P.
Published: December 2016

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is one of the major infections in patients with impaired immunity. The entity is common in HIV-seropositive individuals but quite very rare in HIV-seronegative individuals especially children. We report here a case of 16-week-old HIV-seronegative infant with chief complaint of chronic cough of one month of evolution. Sweat chloride test for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was positive. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated on culture. Empirical antibiotic regimen comprising ceftriaxone and azithromycin was initiated that was switched to meropenem as per antimicrobial susceptibility report, but the patient did not improve. Subsequently, an immunofluorescence staining of BAL fluid was performed and P. jiroveci cysts were detected. Following a laboratory confirmation of Pneumocystis pneumonia, cotrimoxazole was added and the clinical condition of the patient significantly improved. This is an unusual case wherein unsuspected PJP occurred and since signs and symptoms of the patient persisted even after the initiation of antimicrobial therapy for Pseudomonas infection and resolved only after treatment for PJP was started, it suggests a causative role of P. jiroveci rather than colonization/contamination.
The Distribution Pattern of Sediment Archaea Community of the Poyang Lake, the Largest Freshwater Lake in China
Authors: Ma Yantian , Liu Fangpeng , Kong Zhaoyu , Yin Jianhua , Kou Wenbo , Wu Lan , Ge Gang
Published: December 2016

Archaea plays an important role in the global geobiochemical circulation of various environments. However, much less is known about the ecological role of archaea in freshwater lake sediments. Thus, investigating the structure and diversity of archaea community is vital to understand the metabolic processes in freshwater lake ecosystems. In this study, sediment physicochemical properties were combined with the results from 16S rRNA clone library-sequencing to examine the sediment archaea diversity and the environmental factors driving the sediment archaea community structures. Seven sites were chosen from Poyang Lake, including two sites from the main lake body and five sites from the inflow river estuaries. Our results revealed high diverse archaea community in the sediment of Poyang Lake, including Bathyarchaeota (45.5%), Euryarchaeota (43.1%), Woesearchaeota (3.6%), Pacearchaeota (1.7%), Thaumarchaeota (1.4%), suspended Lokiarchaeota (0.7%), Aigarchaeota (0.2%), and Unclassified Archaea (3.8%). The archaea community compositions differed among sites, and sediment property had considerable influence on archaea community structures and distribution, especially total organic carbon (TOC) and metal lead (Pb) (p<0.05). This study provides primary profile of sediment archaea distribution in freshwater lakes and helps to deepen our understanding of lake sediment microbes.
Infiltrating CD16+Are Associated with a Reduction in Peripheral CD14+CD16++Monocytes and Severe Forms of Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Barrera García Anabel , Gómez-Puerta José A. , Arias Luis F. , Burbano Catalina , Restrepo Mauricio , Vanegas Adriana L. , Muñoz Carlos H. , Rojas Mauricio , González Luis A. , Vásquez Gloria
Published: December 2016

Our aim was to characterize glomerular monocytes (Mo) infiltration and to correlate them with peripheral circulating Mo subsets and severity of lupus nephritis (LN).Methods. We evaluated 48 LN biopsy samples from a referral hospital. Recognition of Mo cells was done using microscopic view and immunohistochemistry stain with CD14 and CD16. Based on the number of cells, we classified LN samples as low degree of diffuse infiltration (<5 cells) and high degree of diffuse infiltration (≥5 cells). Immunophenotyping of peripheral Mo subsets was done using flow cytometry.Results. Mean age was34.0±11.7years and the mean SLEDAI was17.5±6.9. The most common SLE manifestations were proteinuria (91%) and hypocomplementemia (75%). Severe LN was found in 70% of patients (Class III, 27%; Class IV, 43%). Severe LN patients and patients with higher grade of CD16+infiltration had lower levels of nonclassical (CD14+CD16++) Mo in peripheral blood.Conclusions. Our results might suggest that those patients with more severe forms of LN had a higher grade of CD14+CD16+infiltration and lower peripheral levels of nonclassical (CD14+CD16++) Mo and might reflect a recruitment process in renal tissues. However, given the small sample, our results must be interpreted carefully.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Therapeutic Candidates for Halting the Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Paulini Janaina , Higuti Eliza , Bastos Rosana M. C. , Gomes Samirah A. , Rangel Érika B.
Published: December 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess pleiotropic properties that include immunomodulation, inhibition of apoptosis, fibrosis and oxidative stress, secretion of trophic factors, and enhancement of angiogenesis. These properties provide a broad spectrum for their potential in a wide range of injuries and diseases, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). MSCs are characterized by adherence to plastic, expression of the surface molecules CD73, CD90, and CD105 in the absence of CD34, CD45, HLA‐DR, and CD14 or CD11b and CD79a or CD19 surface molecules, and multidifferentiation capacity in vitro. MSCs can be derived from many tissue sources, consistent with their broad, possibly ubiquitous distribution. This article reviews the existing literature and knowledge of MSC therapy in DN, as well as the most appropriate rodent models to verify the therapeutic potential of MSCs in DN setting. Some preclinical relevant studies are highlighted and new perspectives of combined therapies for decreasing DN progression are discussed. Hence, improved comprehension and interpretation of experimental data will accelerate the progress towards clinical trials that should assess the feasibility and safety of this therapeutic approach in humans. Therefore, MSC‐based therapies may bring substantial benefit for patients suffering from DN.
Ultrasensitive Anomalous Hall Effect in Ta/CoFe/Oxide/Ta Multilayers
Authors: Yang Guang , Li Yongye , Chen Xi , Zhang Jingyan , Yu Guanghua
Published: December 2016

Ultrahigh anomalous Hall sensitivity has been demonstrated in Ta/CoFe/Oxide/Ta multilayers. By changing oxides (MgO and HfO2) and annealing temperature, different annealing dependence of sensitivity was found in MgO-sample and HfO2-sample. For the MgO-sample, the anomalous Hall sensitivity reaches 18792 Ω/T in the as-deposited state and significantly reduces as annealing temperature increases. On the contrary, the sensitivity of the as-deposited HfO2-sample is only 765 Ω/T, while it remarkably increases with annealing temperature increasing, finally reaching 14741 Ω/T at 240°C. The opposite variation of anomalous sensitivity in two samples originates from the different change of magnetic anisotropy and anomalous Hall resistance during the annealing process. Our study provides a new perspective that both the choice of oxide material and the optimization of annealing treatment are important to the anomalous Hall sensitivity.
Cancer Incidence and Survival Trends by Subtype Using Data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Program, 1992–2013
Authors: Noone Anne-Michelle , Cronin Kathleen A. , Altekruse Sean F. , Howlader Nadia , Lewis Denise R. , Petkov Valentina I. , Penberthy Lynne
Published: December 2016

Background: Cancers are heterogeneous, comprising distinct tumor subtypes. Therefore, presenting the burden of cancer in the population and trends over time by these tumor subtypes is important to identify patterns and differences in the occurrence of these subtypes, especially to generalize findings to the U.S. general population.

Methods: Using SEER Cancer Registry Data, we present incidence rates according to subtypes for diagnosis years (1992–2013) among men and women for five major cancer sites: breast (female only), esophagus, kidney and renal pelvis, lung and bronchus, and thyroid. We also describe estimates of 5-year relative survival according to subtypes and diagnosis year (1992–2008). We used Joinpoint models to identify years when incidence rate trends changed slope. Finally, recent 5-year age-adjusted incidence rates (2009–2013) are presented for each subtype by race and age.

Results: Hormone receptor–positive and HER2-negative was the most common subtype (about 74%) of breast cancers. Adenocarcinoma made up about 69% of esophagus cases among men. Adenocarcinoma also is the most common lung subtype (43% in men and 52% in women). Ninety percent of thyroid subtypes were papillary. Distinct incidence and survival patterns emerged by these subtypes over time among men and women.

Conclusions: Histologic or molecular subtype revealed different incidence and/or survival trends that are masked when cancer is considered as a single disease on the basis of anatomic site.

Impact: Presenting incidence and survival trends by subtype, whenever possible, is critical to provide more detailed and meaningful data to patients, providers, and the public. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 632–41. ©2016 AACR.
Somatic Mutations and Neoepitope Homology in Melanomas Treated with CTLA-4 Blockade
Authors: Nathanson Tavi , Ahuja Arun , Rubinsteyn Alexander , Aksoy Bulent Arman , Hellmann Matthew D. , Miao Diana , Van Allen Eliezer , Merghoub Taha , Wolchok Jedd D. , Snyder Alexandra , Hammerbacher Jeff
Published: December 2016

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising treatments for patients with a variety of malignancies. Toward understanding the determinants of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, it was previously demonstrated that the presence of somatic mutations is associated with benefit from checkpoint inhibition. A hypothesis was posited that neoantigen homology to pathogens may in part explain the link between somatic mutations and response. To further examine this hypothesis, we reanalyzed cancer exome data obtained from our previously published study of 64 melanoma patients treated with CTLA-4 blockade and a new dataset of RNA-Seq data from 24 of these patients. We found that the ability to accurately predict patient benefit did not increase as the analysis narrowed from somatic mutation burden, to inclusion of only those mutations predicted to be MHC class I neoantigens, to only including those neoantigens that were expressed or that had homology to pathogens. The only association between somatic mutation burden and response was found when examining samples obtained prior to treatment. Neoantigen and expressed neoantigen burden were also associated with response, but neither was more predictive than somatic mutation burden. Neither the previously described tetrapeptide signature nor an updated method to evaluate neoepitope homology to pathogens was more predictive than mutation burden. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(1); 84–91. ©2016 AACR.
Effect of Tannic Acid on the Protective Properties of the in situ Formed Pellicle
Authors: Hertel Susann , Pötschke Sandra , Basche Sabine , Delius Judith , Hoth-Hannig Wiebke , Hannig Matthias , Hannig Christian
Published: December 2016

Objectives: In the present in situ/ex vivo study the impact of tannic acid on the erosion-protective properties of the enamel pellicle was tested. Additionally, the antiadherent and antibacterial effects of tannic acid were evaluated. Methods: The pellicle was formed in situ on bovine enamel samples fixed on individual splints worn by 6 subjects. Following 1 min of pellicle formation the volunteers rinsed for 10 min with tannic acid. After further oral exposure for 19 min, 109 min, and 8 h overnight, respectively, slabs were incubated in HCl ex vivo (pH 2.0, 2.3, 3.0) over 120 s. Subsequently, kinetics of calcium and phosphate release were measured photometrically. Samples after a 1-min fluoride mouth rinse as well as enamel samples with and without a 30-min in situ pellicle served as controls. Antiadherent effects were evaluated after a 1-min rinse with tannic acid and oral exposure of the slabs overnight. DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) combined with concanavalin A staining and live/dead staining was used for fluorescence microscopic visualization and quantification of adherent bacteria and glucans. Modification of the pellicle's ultrastructure by tannic acid was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Tannic acid significantly improved the erosion-protective properties of the pellicle in a pH-dependent manner. Bacterial adherence and glucan formation on enamel were significantly reduced after rinses with tannic acid as investigated by fluorescence microscopy. TEM imaging indicated that rinsing with tannic acid yielded a sustainable modification of the pellicle; it was distinctly more electron dense. Conclusion: Tannic acid offers an effective and sustainable approach for the prevention of caries and erosion.
Calcium-Phosphate-Osteopontin Particles Reduce Biofilm Formation and pH Drops in in situ Grown Dental Biofilms
Authors: Schlafer Sebastian , Ibsen Casper J.S. , Birkedal Henrik , Nyvad Bente
Published: December 2016

This 2-period crossover study investigated the effect of calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles on biofilm formation and pH in 48-h biofilms grown in situ. Bovine milk osteopontin is a highly phosphorylated glycoprotein that has been shown to interfere with bacterial adhesion to salivary-coated surfaces. Calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles have been shown to reduce biofilm formation and pH drops in a 5-species laboratory model of dental biofilm without affecting bacterial viability. Here, smooth surface biofilms from 10 individuals were treated ex vivo 6 times/day for 30 min with either calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles or sterile saline. After growth, the amount of biofilm formed was determined by confocal microscopy, and pH drops upon exposure to glucose were monitored using confocal-microscopy-based pH ratiometry. A total of 160 biofilms were analysed. No adverse effects of repeated ex vivo treatment with calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles were observed. Particle treatment resulted in a 32% lower amount of biofilm formed (p < 0.05), but large inter-individual differences could be observed. Biofilm pH was significantly higher upon particle treatment, both shortly after the addition of glucose and after 30 min of incubation with glucose (p < 0.05). Calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles may represent a new therapeutic approach to caries control and aim at directly targeting virulence factors involved in the caries process. Further studies are required to determine the effect of particle treatment on more acidogenic/aciduric biofilms as well as the remineralizing potential of the particles.
A Rare Cause of Dysphagia to Remember: Calcific Tendinitis of the Longus Colli Muscle
Authors: Colella Dominic M. , Calderón Sandoval Fiorela , Powers David W. , Patel Nimal , Sobrado Javier
Published: December 2016

Longus colli tendinitis (LCT) is an acute inflammatory condition with symptoms typically consisting of acute neck pain and stiffness with or without dysphagia. Once more severe etiologies for these symptoms are ruled out, this self-limiting condition usually resolves spontaneously with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. We present a case of LCT that presented as acute neck pain, dysphagia, and odynophagia that rapidly resolved once diagnosed and treated with anti-inflammatory agents. Though exceedingly rare, LCT must be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute neck pain, dysphagia, and odynophagia when more common etiologies do not correlate with the clinical presentation.
Clinical and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Appearance of Optic Disc Melanocytoma: A New Classification and Differentiation from Pigmented Choroidal Lesions
Authors: Apinyawasisuk Supanut , McCannel Tara , Arnold Anthony C.
Published: December 2016

Aims: The aim of this paper was to compare the features of both the classic, darkly pigmented and the atypical, more lightly pigmented optic disc melanocytoma with those of pigmented choroidal lesions. Methods: We analyzed the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of 9 eyes with optic disc melanocytoma and compared them with those of choroidal melanoma and nevus. Results and Conclusion: We identified 2 categories of SD-OCT findings in optic disc melanocytoma: (a) type 1, the typical, prominent, hyperpigmented lesion with SD-OCT findings of a hyperreflective, disorganized overlying retina and a posterior hyporeflective shadow, and (b) the less common, atypical, minimally pigmented type 2 lesion overlaid by a relatively well-organized retina that lacks a posterior hyporeflective shadow. Choroidal lesions were characterized by tumor confined beneath the clearly visible hyperreflective line of the photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium, with minimal disorganization of the overlying retina.
The mTORC2/Akt/NFκB Pathway-Mediated Activation of TRPC6 Participates in Adriamycin-Induced Podocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Hai-Tao , Wang Wei-Wei , Ren Li-Hong , Zhao Xia-Xia , Wang Zhi-Hui , Zhuang De-Li , Bai Yun-Nuo
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Although increased expression and gain function of transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) has been associated with the pathogenesis of some proteinuric glomerular diseases, it remains elusive how TRPC6 participates in the process of podocyte damage. Methods: The potential signaling responsible for TRPC6 activation was investigated using immunoblot assays in an in vitro podocyte injury model induced by Adriamycin (ADR). Podocyte apoptosis was measured using FITC-conjugated Annexin V and Propidium Iodide staining. The channel activity of TRPC6 was assessed using the Ca2+ influx assay. Results: Increase of TRPC6 expression was detected in ADR-treated podocytes, and TRPC6 knockdown significantly decreased ADR-induced podocytes apoptosis. Following ADR treatment, phospho-mTORSer2481 and phospho-AktSer473 was significantly increased in a time-dependent manner, whereas phospho-mTORSer2448 and phospho-p70S6KThr389 showed no change. ADR-induced apoptosis was prevented by ku0063794 (a dual mTOR complexes inhibitor), not by rapamycin (a specific mTORC1 inhibitor). Furthermore, nuclear translocation of NFκB/p65 was detected in ADR-treated podocytes, which was prevented by an Akt inhibitor triciribine. Of note, NFκB inhibitor PDTC prevented ADR-induced increase of TRPC6, and decreased ADR-induced apoptosis. We found that Akt activation and NFκB nuclear translocation was significantly inhibited by knockdown of mTORC2 protein Rictor, not by mTORC1 protein Raptor. In comparison with control, the Ca2+ influx was significantly increased in ADR-treated podocytes, which was remarkably prevented by TRPC6 knockdown. ADR-induced increase of TRPC6 channel activity was dramatically prevented by ku0063794, but not by rapamycin. Additionally, knockdown of Rictor, not Raptor, prevented ADR-induced increase of the Ca2+ influx. Moreover, the application of NFκB inhibitor PDTC also prevented the Ca2+ influx in ADR-treated podocytes. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the mTORC2/Akt/NFκB pathway-mediated activation of TRPC6 participates in ADR-induced podocyte apoptosis.
Melatonin Induces Anti-Inflammatory Effects to Play a Protective Role via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Chen Yina , Zhang Jie , Zhao Qian , Chen Qinfen , Sun Yangjie , Jin Yin , Wu Jiansheng
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Melatonin, which is mainly secreted by the pineal gland and released into blood, has anti-inflammatory properties in acute pancreatitis. Many studies show that melatonin can relieve inflammation in taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis. However, the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory effects are still undefined, especially the relationship between melatonin and endoplasmic reticulum stress. We explored the anti-inflammatory activity of melatonin in AR42J and rat models. Methods: The CCK-8 assay was used to assess effects of melatonin on AR42J cell viability. Inflammatory degree and the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress related molecules were examined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. The degree of inflammation in the tissue was also accessed by pathological grading. Finally, we used the western blotting method to verify apoptosis and autophagy. Results: Endoplasmic reticulum stress was obviously activated in early stage inflammation in AR42J and rat models. Melatonin could induce anti-inflammatory effects via endoplasmic reticulum stress. Melatonin significantly inhibited inflammatory cytokines and the expression of ERS-related molecules. Finally, it played a protective role by promoting apoptosis and autophagy of the cells, which were damaged in the process of inflammatory reaction. Conclusion: Melatonin induces anti-inflammatory effects via endoplasmic reticulum stress in acute pancreatitis to play a protective role.