bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
I/Q Imbalance Problem in SC-FDMA System with DCT and DFT Basis Functions
Authors: Al-kamali F. S. , Sakran Hefdhallah , Odhah N. A.
Published: January 2015

In-phase/quadrature-phase (I/Q) imbalance is one of the most serious concerns in the practical implementation of the direct conversion receiver architecture. This paper investigates and analyzes the impacts of the I/Q imbalance on the performance of the single-carrier frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system with different basis functions by computer simulations only. The suitable phase and amplitude of I and Q branches that can be utilized in SC-FDMA system are studied and determined through simulations for different I/Q imbalance scenarios and different subcarrier mapping schemes. Simulation results show that the phase and amplitude of I and Q branches have significant effects on the bit error rate (BER) performance of the SC-FDMA system.
Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Enrofloxacin and Its Degradation Products in Tablet Dosage Forms
Authors: Chakravarthy V. Ashok , Sailaja B. B. V. , Kumar Avvaru Praveen
Published: January 2015

The present work was the development of a simple, efficient, and reproducible stability-indicating reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for simultaneous determination enrofloxacin (EFX) and its degradation products including ethylenediamine impurity, desfluoro impurity, ciprofloxacin impurity, chloro impurity, fluoroquinolonic acid impurity, and decarboxylated impurity in tablet dosage forms. The separation of EFX and its degradation products in tablets was carried out on Kromasil C-18(250×4.6 mm, 5 μm) column using 0.1% (v/v) TEA in 10 mM KH2PO4(pH 2.5) buffer and methanol by linear gradient program. Flow rate was 1.0 mL min−1with a column temperature of 35°C and detection wavelength was carried out at 278 nm and 254 nm. The forced degradation studies were performed on EFX tablets under acidic, basic, oxidation, thermal, humidity, and photolytic conditions. The degraded products were well resolved from the main active drug and also from known impurities within 65 minutes. The method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, and robustness as per ICH guidelines. The results obtained from the validation experiments prove that the developed method is a stability-indicating method and suitable for routine analysis.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Women Who Have Aborted in Comparison with the Women with Normal Delivery in Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran
Authors: Saki J. , Mohammadpour N. , Moramezi F. , Khademvatan S.
Published: January 2015

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite causing toxoplasmosis in animals and humans. Primary maternal infection with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is frequently associated with transplacental transmission to the fetus. However it is not certain whether Toxoplasma infection can cause recurrent abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between Toxoplasma infection and abortion via detection of anti‐Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sera of women with obstetrical problems and compare the results with control group consisting of women with history of normal delivery. Sera from 130 women with abortion and sera of 130 women with normal delivery were tested for IgG and IgM anti‐Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by ELISA method. The present study revealed 24.6% of the samples with abortion and 21.5% of the samples with normal delivery were positive for IgG antibodies. However, statistical analysis indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05). In addition, IgM antibody was detected in one woman who had aborted but not in women with normal childbirth. This study showed no significant difference between the case and control groups in IgG anti‐Toxoplasma antibody but detected one sample with IgM antibodies in woman with abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. In order to determine the relationship between Toxoplasma infection and abortion, anti‐Toxoplasma IgG avidity and PCR to discriminate between recent and prior infections are recommended.
Size Measurement of Nanoparticle Assembly Using Multilevel Segmented TEM Images
Authors: Muneesawang Paisarn , Sirisathitkul Chitnarong
Published: January 2015

Multilevel image segmentation is demonstrated as a rapid and accurate method of quantitative analysis for nanoparticle assembly in TEM images. The procedure incorporating K‐means clustering algorithm and watershed transform is tested on transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of FePt‐based nanoparticles whose diameters are less than 5 nm. By solving the nanoparticle segmentation and separation problems, this unsupervised method is useful not only in the nonoverlapping case but also for agglomerated nanoparticles. Furthermore, the method exhibits scale invariance based on comparable results from images of different magnifications.
Musculotendinous Stiffness of Triceps Surae, Maximal Rate of Force Development, and Vertical Jump Performance
Authors: Driss Tarak , Lambertz Daniel , Rouis Majdi , Jaafar Hamdi , Vandewalle Henry
Published: January 2015

The relationships between ankle plantar flexor musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) and performance in a countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) and maximal rate of torque development (MRTD) were studied in 27 active men. MTS was studied by means of quick releases at 20 (S0.2), 40 (S0.4), 60 (S0.6), and 80% (S0.8) of maximal voluntary torque (TMVC). CMJ was not correlated with strength indices but was positively correlated with MRTD/BM,S0.4/BM. The slopeα2and interceptβ2of the torque-stiffness relationships from 40 to 80%TMVCwere correlated negatively (α2) and positively (β2) with CMJ. The different stiffness indices were not correlated with MRTD. The prediction of CMJ was improved by the introduction of MRTD in multiple regressions between CMJ and stiffness. CMJ was also negatively correlated with indices of curvature of the torque-stiffness relationship. The subjects were subdivided in 3 groups in function of CMJ (groups H, M, and L for high, medium, and low performers, resp.). There was a downward curvature of the torque-stiffness relationship at high torques in group H or M and the torque-stiffness regression was linear in group L only. These results suggested that torque-stiffness relationships with a plateau at high torques are more frequent in the best jumpers.
H-ZSM-5 Zeolite Synthesis by Sourcing Silica from the Wheat Husk Ash: Characterization and Application as a Versatile Heterogeneous Catalyst in Organic Transformations including Some Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Shaikh Isak Rajjak , Shaikh Rafique Ahmed , Shaikh Alamgir Abdulla , War Javeed Ahmad , Hangirgekar Shankar Poshetti , Shaikh Ahmad Lalahmad , Shaikh Parveen Rajjak , Shaikh Rafik Rajjak
Published: January 2015

ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized by sourcing silica from wheat husk ash and was converted into its protonated form following careful,
conventionally accepted ion-exchange method and calcinations. The H-ZSM-5 zeolite (Si/Al ratio = 30) prepared was appropriately characterized by
XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, TG-DTA, CV, and so forth, and evaluated as recyclable catalyst in selective organic transformations including three- and four-component reactions.
The catalytic activity of the zeolite sample supposedly relates to increased density of the accessible acid sites.
Role of Rebiopsy in Relapsed Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer for Directing Oncology Treatments
Authors: Jekunen Antti P.
Published: January 2015

Background.Currently, few rebiopsies are performed in relapses of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. They are not customary in clinical practice of lung cancer. However, it is not possible to properly target treatments in cases of relapse without knowing the nature of new lesions.Design.This paper comprehensively summarizes the available literature about rebiopsy and broadly discusses the importance of rebiopsy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.Results.Altogether 560 abstracts were used as material for further analysis. 19 articles were about clinical rebiopsy in lung cancer and were reviewed in detailed manner.Conclusions.This review shows that rebiopsy is feasible in non-small cell lung cancer, and success rates can be high if rebiopsy is accompanied by adequate evaluation before biopsy. Its use may resolve the difficulties in sampling bias and detecting changes in cancer characteristics. In cases where treatment was selected based on tissue characteristics that then change, the treatment selection process must be repeated while considering new characteristics of the tumor. Rebiopsy may be used to predict therapeutic resistance and consequently redirect targeted therapies. Such knowledge may resolve the difficulties in sampling bias and also in selecting preexisting clones or formulating drug-resistant ones. Rebiopsy should be performed more often in non-small cell lung cancer.
Angiogenesis in the Placenta: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling
Authors: Pereira Robyn D. , De Long Nicole E. , Wang Ruijun C. , Yazdi Fereshteh T. , Holloway Alison C. , Raha Sandeep
Published: January 2015

Proper placental development and function are central to the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. A critical component of healthy placental function is the proper development of its vascular network. Poor vascularization of the placenta can lead to fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and in some cases fetal death. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which uterine stressors influence the development of the placental vasculature and contribute to placental dysfunction is of central importance to ensuring a healthy pregnancy. In this review we discuss how oxidative stress observed in maternal smoking, maternal obesity, and preeclampsia has been associated with aberrant angiogenesis and placental dysfunction resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. We also highlight that oxidative stress can influence the expression of a number of transcription factors important in mediating angiogenesis. Therefore, understanding how oxidative stress affects redox-sensitive transcription factors within the placenta may elucidate potential therapeutic targets for correcting abnormal placental angiogenesis and function.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antihypertensive Evaluation of Some Novel 2,2,8,8-Tetramethyl-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-4,6-diamino-3,7-dihydroxy-6,7-epoxy-benzo-[1,2-b:5,4-b′]dipyran Derivatives
Authors: Dwivedi Pankaj , Barot Kuldipsinh P. , Jain Shailesh , Ghate Manjunath D.
Published: January 2015

A series of 2,2,8,8-tetramethyl-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-4,6-diamino-3,7-dihydroxy-6,7-epoxy-benzo-[1,2-b:5,4-b′]dipyran derivatives 7a–e and 8a–e were synthesized from resorcinol. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, mass spectra, and 1H NMR. These compounds were evaluated for antihypertensive activity using Wister Albino Rat model. Direct antihypertensive activity was performed using the instrument BIOPAC System MP-36 Santa Barbara, California, for recording blood pressure response. Among the title compounds, compounds 7b, 7c, and 7d showed potent antihypertensive activity and other compounds were also found to exert low and moderate antihypertensive activity. The relaxant potency in rat aorta and trachea was used for biological characterization of the benzopyrans. Structure-activity relationships study was investigated around position-4 of the benzopyran nucleus.
Inhibition of Rat 5α-Reductase Activity and Testosterone-Induced Sebum Synthesis in Hamster Sebocytes by an Extract ofQuercus acutissimaCortex
Authors: Koseki Junichi , Matsumoto Takashi , Matsubara Yosuke , Tsuchiya Kazuaki , Mizuhara Yasuharu , Sekiguchi Kyoji , Nishimura Hiroaki , Watanabe Junko , Kaneko Atsushi , Hattori Tomohisa , Maemura Kazuya , Kase Yoshio
Published: January 2015

Objective.Bokusoku(BK) is an extract from theQuercuscortex used in folk medicine for treatment of skin disorders and convergence, and is present injumihaidokuto, a traditional Japanese medicine that is prescribed for purulent skin diseases like acne vulgaris. The excess of sebum production induced by androgen is involved in the development of acne. Our aim is to examine whether BK and its constituents inhibit testosterone metabolism and testosterone-induced sebum synthesis.Methods. Measurements of 5α-reductase activity and lipogenesis were performed using rat liver microsomes and hamster sebocytes, respectively.Results. BK dose-dependently reduced the conversion of testosterone to a more active androgen, dihydrotestosterone in a 5α-reductase enzymatic reaction. Twenty polyphenols in BK categorized as gallotannin, ellagitannin, and flavonoid were identified by LC-MS/MS. Nine polyphenols with gallate group, tetragalloyl glucose, pentagalloyl glucose, eugeniin, 1-desgalloyl eugeniin, casuarinin, castalagin, stenophyllanin C, (−)-epicatechin gallate, and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate, inhibited testosterone metabolism. In particular, pentagalloyl glucose showed the strongest activity. BK and pentagalloyl glucose suppressed testosterone-induced lipogenesis, whereas they weakly inhibited the lipogenic action of insulin.Conclusions. BK inhibited androgen-related pathogenesis of acne, testosterone conversion, and sebum synthesis, partially through 5α-reductase inhibition, and has potential to be a useful agent in the therapeutic strategy of acne.
Strategy for the Management of Macular Edema in Retinal Vein Occlusion: The European VitreoRetinal Society Macular Edema Study
Authors: Adelman Ron A. , Parnes Aaron J. , Bopp Silvia , Saad Othman Ihab , Ducournau Didier
Published: January 2015

Objective. To compare the efficacy of different therapies in the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO).Design. This is a nonrandomized, multicenter collaborative study.Participants. 86 retina specialists from 29 countries provided clinical information, including choice of treatment and outcome, on 2,603 patients with macular edema including 738 cases of RVO.Methods. Reported data included the type and number of treatments performed, visual acuities, and other clinical and diagnostic findings.Main Outcome Measures. The mean increase in visual acuity and mean number of treatments performed.Results. 358 cases of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 380 cases of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) were included in this investigation. Taking all RVO cases together, pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling alone resulted in an improvement in vision greater than other therapies. Those treated with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection alone showed the second greatest improvement in vision. Dexamethasone intravitreal implant alone and intravitreal triamcinolone alone both resulted in modest visual gains.Conclusions. In the treatment of macular edema in RVO, vitrectomy with ILM peeling may achieve visual improvement and may be a good option for certain cases. Anti-VEGF injection is the most effective of the nonsurgical treatments.
Late Occurrence of PML in a Patient Treated for Lymphoma with Immunomodulatory Chemotherapies, Bendamustine, Rituximab, and Ibritumomab Tiuxetan
Authors: Lane Michael A. , Renga Vijay , Pachner Andrew R. , Cohen Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2015

PML caused by John Cunningham (JC) virus is a rare but an increasingly recognized entity. With the advent of newer immunomodulatory therapies with monoclonal antibodies, there is an increasing incidence of PML. Initially concern was restricted to patients treated for multiple sclerosis with natalizumab but more case reports are being reported during treatment for other conditions like Crohn’s disease and lymphoma with agents such as rituximab. We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who developed PML a year after completion of therapy with rituximab, ibritumomab, and bendamustine.
Modeling of Memristive and Memcapacitive Behaviors in Metal‐Oxide Junctions
Authors: Mohamed M. G. A. , Kim HyungWon , Cho Tae-Won
Published: January 2015

Memristive behavior has been clearly addressed through growth and shrinkage of thin filaments in metal‐oxide junctions. Capacitance change has also been observed, raising the possibility of using them as memcapacitors. Therefore, this paper proves that metal‐oxide junctions can behave as a memcapacitor element by analyzing its characteristics and modeling its memristive and memcapacitive behaviors. We develop two behavioral modeling techniques: charge‐dependent memcapacitor model and voltage‐dependent memcapacitor model. A new physical model for metal‐oxide junctions is presented based on conducting filaments variations, and its effect on device capacitance and resistance. In this model, we apply the exponential nature of growth and shrinkage of thin filaments and use Simmons’ tunneling equation to calculate the tunneling current. Simulation results show how the variations of practical device parameters can change the device behavior. They clarify the basic conditions for building a memcapacitor device with negligible change in resistance.
A New Case of Prenatally Diagnosed Pentasomy X: Review of the Literature
Authors: Pirollo Linda Maria Azzurra , Salehi Leila Baghernajad , Sarta Simona , Cassone Marco , Capogna Maria Vittoria , Piccione Emilio , Novelli Giuseppe , Pietropolli Adalgisa
Published: January 2015

Pentasomy X is a rare chromosomal abnormality probably due to a nondisjunction during the meiosis. Only four cases prenatally diagnosed were described until now. Our case is the fifth one prenatally diagnosed at 20 weeks of gestational age in a 39-years-old woman. She underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis for her advanced maternal age without any other known risk factor. Amniocentesis performed at 17 weeks showed a female 49, XXXXX karyotype. The ultrasonographic examination revealed nonspecific signs of a mild early fetal growth retardation and no significant increased nuchal fold. The fetal autopsy and the X-ray excluded major malformations. Prenatal diagnosis is often difficult due to the lack of indicative ultrasonographic findings and the rarity of described cases. The influence of the mother’s age on the occurrence of penta-X syndrome has not been determined. Considering the lack of correlation between advanced maternal age and increased risk for pentasomy X, as well as the absence of typical echographic signs, evaluation of the inclusion of a noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT) that expands clinical coverage to include the X and Y chromosomes in routine prenatal diagnosis should be considered as well as three-dimensional ultrasound to detect any helpful indicative prognostic signs.
Planning for Reliable Coal Quality Delivery Considering Geological Variability: A Case Study in Polish Lignite Mining
Authors: Naworyta Wojciech , Sypniowski Szymon , Benndorf Jörg
Published: January 2015

The aim of coal quality control in coal mines is to supply power plants daily with extracted raw material within certain coal quality constraints. On the example of a selected part of a lignite deposit, the problem of quality control for the run-of-mine lignite stream is discussed. The main goal is to understand potential fluctuations and deviations from production targets dependent on design options before an investment is done. A single quality parameter of the deposit is selected for this analysis—the calorific value of raw lignite. The approach requires an integrated analysis of deposit inherent variability, the extraction sequence, and the blending option during material transportation. Based on drill-hole data models capturing of spatial variability of the attribute of consideration are generated. An analysis based on two modelling approaches, Kriging and sequential Gaussian simulation, reveals advantages and disadvantages lead to conclusions about their suitability for the control of raw material quality. In a second step, based on a production schedule, the variability of the calorific value in the lignite stream has been analysed. In a third step the effect of different design options, multiple excavators and a blending bed, was investigated.
Measurement Properties and Implementation of a Checklist to Assess Leadership Skills during Interdisciplinary Rounds in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ten Have Elsbeth C. M. , Nap Raoul E. , Tulleken Jaap E.
Published: January 2015

The implementation of interdisciplinary teams in the intensive care unit (ICU) has focused attention on leadership behavior. A daily recurrent situation in ICUs in which both leadership behavior and interdisciplinary teamwork are integrated concerns the interdisciplinary rounds (IDRs). Although IDRs are recommended to provide optimal interdisciplinary and patient‐centered care, there are no checklists available for leading physicians. We tested the measurement properties and implementation of a checklist to assess the quality of leadership skills in interdisciplinary rounds. The measurement properties of the checklist, which included 10 essential quality indicators, were tested for interrater reliability and internal consistency and by factor analysis. The interrater reliability among 3 raters was good (κ, 0.85) and the internal consistency was acceptable (α, 0.74). Factor analysis showed all factor loadings on 1 domain (>0.65). The checklist was further implemented during videotaped IDRs which were led by senior physicians and in which 99 patients were discussed. Implementation of the checklist showed a wide range of “no” and “yes” scores among the senior physicians. These results may underline the need for such a checklist to ensure tasks are synchronized within the team.
Biochemical Storage Lesions Occurring in Nonirradiated and Irradiated Red Blood Cells: A Brief Review
Authors: Adams F. , Bellairs G. , Bird A. R. , Oguntibeju O. O.
Published: January 2015

Red blood cells undergo a series of biochemical fluctuations during 35–42-day storage period at 1°C to 6°C. The sodium/potassium pump is immobilised causing a decrease in intracellular potassium with an increase in cytoplasmic sodium levels, glucose levels decline, and acidosis occurs as a result of low pH levels. The frailty of stored erythrocytes triggers the formation of haemoglobin-containing microparticles and the release of cell-free haemoglobin which may add to transfusion difficulties. Lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress to band 3 structures, and other morphological and structural molecular changes also occur leading to spheroechinocytes and osmotic fragility. These changes that transpire in the red cells during the storage period are referred to as “storage lesions.” It is well documented that gamma irradiation exacerbates storage lesions and the reports of increased potassium levels leading to adverse reactions observed in neonates and infants have been of particular concern. There are, however, remarkably few systematic studies comparing thein vitrostorage lesions of irradiated and nonirradiated red cell concentrates and it has been suggested that the impact of storage lesions on leucocyte reduced red blood cell concentrate (RBCC) is incomplete. The review examines storage lesions in red blood cells and their adverse effects in reference to blood transfusion.
Natural History and Management of Congenital Hypothyroidism with in situ Thyroid Gland
Authors: Castanet Mireille , Goischke Alexandra , Léger Juliane , Thalassinos Caroline , Rodrigue Daniele , Cabrol Sylvie , Zenaty D. , al-Harbi M. , Polak Michel , Czernichow Paul ,   on behalf of Fédération Parisienne pour le Dépistage et la Prévention des Handicaps de l''Enfant (FDPHE)
Published: January 2015

Background/Objective: Normally sited glands account for increasing congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Mechanisms often remain unknown. To report the incidence of CH with in situ thyroid gland (ISTG) and describe the natural history of the disease without known etiology. Method: Clinical, biochemical and imaging data at diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed in 285 children positively screened for CH in Ile-de-France between 2005 and 2008. If treatment was discontinued, management of hormonal substitution and follow-up of biochemical thyroid function was performed. Results: 93 full-term CH neonates displayed ISTG (40.6%), including 50 with unexplained mechanism. Follow-up data were available in 32 of them. Therapy was withdrawn from 20 children at a median age of 23.5 months (6-66), among whom 18 remained still untreated over a median duration of 15.3 months (4.4-29.6). In 11 children, levothyroxine (L-T4) dosage was increased over time to maintain biochemical euthyroidism. No statistical differences in initial TSH or FT4 levels, iodine status or birth weight were found between children with transient and permanent hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Withdrawal of L-T4 substitution was feasible in 56.2% of full-term children with CH with ISTG but unexplained mechanism, emphasizing the need for systematic therapy withdrawal. However, further studies are warranted to standardize withdrawal protocol.
Genetics of Autoimmune Liver Disease: A Brief Summary for Clinicians
Authors: Webb Gwilym J. , Hirschfield Gideon M.
Published: January 2015

Autoimmune liver diseases are rare chronic immune-mediated liver injuries in which the consequences of hepatic and biliary inflammation are cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Epidemiological surveys of individuals, families and populations strongly support a model of disease for which environmental and genetic influences are highly relevant to why any individual develops disease. The overlapping clinical presentations of primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis further highlight the likelihood for shared pathways to disease. Of late, the application of high-throughput genetic technology, paralleled by large patient cohort development, has led to new insights into the nature of the host genetic risk. This risk is now robustly demonstrable for the HLA locus as well as in various non-HLA loci and is summarized in this brief review article.
External Validation of the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) for Predicting Spontaneous Pregnancy after Surgery: Further Considerations on Its Validity
Authors: Garavaglia Elisabetta , Pagliardini Luca , Tandoi Iacopo , Sigismondi Cristina , Viganò Paola , Ferrari Stefano , Candiani Massimo
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: The revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification of endometriosis has a limited predictive value for pregnancy after surgery. A tool for predicting spontaneous pregnancy or pregnancy following assisted reproduction technology (ART) represents a clinical need. This study aimed to (i) provide an external validation of the EFI score in predicting pregnancy in infertile Italian endometriosis women; (ii) evaluate the predictive value of EFI score on ART outcome for patients who previously attempted to spontaneously conceive after surgery. Methods: In 104 women with endometriosis, EFI score was calculated based on a prospective database data. Cumulative pregnancy rates curves were calculated using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) product limit estimate and log-rank test was used to evaluate differences between EFI groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted for EFI as a predictor of ART outcome. Results: Differences in time to non-ART pregnancy for the six EFI groups were statistically significant (log-rank, p = 1.4 × 10-4). The area under the curve (AUC) for EFI as ART outcome predictor was 0.75 (95% CI 0.61-0.89, p = 6.2 × 10-3), while the best cut-point for pregnancy was 5.5. Conclusion: The EFI score is a reliable scoring system to predict non-ART and ART pregnancy outcome after surgery for endometriosis.
The Role of Antioxidant Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Infertility Caused by Cisplatin in Rats
Authors: Aksoy Ayse Nur , Kabil Kucur Suna , Batmaz Gonca , Gözükara Ilay , Aksoy Mehmet , Kurt Nezahat , Mammadov Renad
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: To investigate the importance of antioxidant activity in infertility caused by cisplatin in rats. Methods: Rats in cisplatin control (CG), Vitamin E + cisplatin (ECG), Vitamin C + cisplatin (CCG), Hippophae rhamnoides extract (HRE) + cisplatin (HRECG), and thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) + cisplatin (TPPCG) groups were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with (100 mg/kg) Vitamin E, Vitamin C, HRE, and TPP, respectively. One hour later, ip cisplatin was administered (5 mg/kg), and then antioxidant medications were continued for 10 days. Cisplatin + Vitamin E (CEG-1), cisplatin + Vitamin C (CCG-1), cisplatin + HRE (CHREG-1), and cisplatin + TPP (TPPCG-1) rats received cisplatin (5 mg/kg, ip) and were kept for 10 days. At the end of that period, rats received antioxidant medications for 10 days. (n = 12, for each group). Six rats from each group were sacrificed. Ovaries were removed to measure malondialdehyde, total glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase levels. The remaining rats were kept in a suitable laboratory environment. Results: Cisplatin-induced oxidative stress was best prevented by HRE, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and TPP, in that order. However, infertility caused by cisplatin was only prevented and treated by TPP. Conclusion: Oxidative stress is not a major component in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-associated infertility.
The Association of Openness Personality Trait with Stress-Related Salivary Biomarkers in Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: de Souza Fabrício T.A. , Kummer Arthur , Silva Maiza L.V. , Amaral Tânia M.P. , Abdo Evandro N. , Abreu Mauro H.N.G. , Silva Tarcília A. , Teixeira Antônio L.
Published: January 2015

Background: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic disorder defined as a burning sensation in the oral mucosa without evidence of pathological findings. Its pathophysiology is largely unknown, but psychiatric disorders and personality traits have been implicated. Objective: This study investigated whether there is any association between salivary biomarkers and personality traits in BMS patients. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, controlled study that evaluated 30 individuals with BMS and 32 controls. All subjects were assessed with a structured psychiatric interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and the Big Five inventory. Salivary levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neural growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and cortisol were determined. Results: We found that BMS patients exhibited more traits of neuroticism and lower openness than controls. Openness showed a moderate and negative correlation with cortisol, BDNF and IL-6. Conclusion: Personality traits are associated with salivary biomarkers in BMS.
Predictive Factors of the Use of Systemic Therapy in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Who Gets Chemotherapy?
Authors: Ahmed Shahid , Pahwa Punam , Fields Anthony , Chandra-Kanthan Selliah , Iqbal Nayyer , Zaidi Adnan , Reeder Bruce , Plaza Florence A. , Zhu Tong , Leis Anne
Published: January 2015

Background: Chemotherapy improves survival in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). Although in a clinical trial setting, strict eligibility criteria are used for chemotherapy, little is known about the use of chemotherapy in the general population. The study aims to assess clinicopathological variables that correlate with the use of chemotherapy in patients with stage IV CRC. Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving patients with stage IV CRC, diagnosed between 1992 and 2005, in the province of Saskatchewan was carried out. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation of various clinicopathological factors with the use of chemotherapy. Results: A total of 1,237 eligible patients were identified. Their median age was 70 years (range: 22-98) and the male:female ratio was 1.3:1. 23.8% had an ECOG performance status (PS) of ≥2 and 61.8% of the patients had a comorbid illness. 46.8% of the patients received chemotherapy. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an age of <65 years [odds ratio (OR) 3.82, 95% CI: 2.59-5.63], metastasectomy (OR 3.60, 95% CI: 1.82-7.10), normal albumin (OR 3.26, 95% CI: 2.44-4.36), no comorbid illness (OR 2.87, 95% CI: 1.34-6.16), ECOG PS of <2 (OR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.94-3.82), normal blood urea nitrogen (OR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.40-3.59), palliative radiation (OR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.38-2.99), primary tumor resection (OR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.47-2.73), and the time period (OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.41-2.42) were significantly correlated with the use of chemotherapy. Conclusions: The use of chemotherapy appears to be increasing in stage IV CRC. Patients treated with curative intention or who underwent primary tumor resection were more likely to receive chemotherapy. Despite a known benefit of chemotherapy in elderly patients, a differential use of chemotherapy was noted in this population.
Role of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone in the Modulation of Pollinosis Induced by Pollen Antigens
Authors: Hashimoto Maki , Sato Eisuke F. , Hiramoto Keiichi , Kasahara Emiko , Inoue Masayasu , Kitagawa Seiichi
Published: January 2015

Background: A mild restraint stressor suppressed an increase in the levels of Th2-dependent cytokines and IgE, thereby reducing the symptoms of pollinosis. In the present study, to clarify the mechanism of action of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in improving the symptoms of pollinosis, we studied the effects of ACTH on the plasma level of histamine, mast cell number in nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and the T cell differentiation in splenocytes. Methods: The role of ACTH in the development of pollen antigen-induced pollinosis was studied in mice. Allergic symptoms and parameters were measured on day 17 after sensitization. To investigate the effects of ACTH on T cell differentiation, we stimulated splenocytes obtained from control mice with ACTH and CD3/CD28 in vitro, and measured the cytokine production in the culture supernatant. Results: The plasma levels of IL-10, IgE and histamine and mast cell number in NALT were increased in the sensitized animals in association with a concomitant increase in the incidence of sneezing and nasal rubbing. The intraperitoneal administration of ACTH decreased the IL-10, IgE and histamine levels in the plasma and mast cell number in NALT, while increasing the IFN-γ level and suppressing the incidence of nasal rubbing. Furthermore, the production of IFN-γ increased, while the IL-4 level was suppressed after 2 days in culture. Conclusions: The present findings showed that ACTH directly affects T cell differentiation and promotes Th1-type reactions. The regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance by ACTH may result in a decrease in the pathological features of pollinosis.
Temporal Gene Expression in the Hippocampus and Peripheral Organs to Endotoxin-Induced Systemic Inflammatory Response in Caspase-1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Mastronardi Claudio Alberto , Paz-Filho Gilberto , Zanoni Martina , Molano-González Nicolas , Arcos-Burgos Mauricio , Licinio Julio , Wong Ma-Li
Published: January 2015

Objectives: Caspase-1 (casp1), a key protease involved in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), controls the brain expression of a set of eight genes: Nos2 and Ptgs2 (nitric oxide synthase 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, two inducible enzymes), Cxcl1 and Cxcl10 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 and ligand 10), Tgtp and Gbp2 (T cell-specific GTPase 1 and guanylate-binding protein 2, two GTPases), Adamts1 (a disintegrin-like and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 1, a metalloprotease) and Il1rn (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist). Our objective was to ascertain whether casp1 also controlled the peripheral expression of these genes and, if so, to compare their central versus peripheral patterns of gene expression in immune and endocrine tissues during SIRS. Methods: Wild-type (wt) and casp1 knockout (casp1-/-) mice were injected with either saline or a high dose of endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 800 μg/mice i.p.). Saline-injected mice were immediately euthanized after injection, whereas LPS-injected mice were sacrificed 6 and 12 h after LPS administration. Hippocampal, splenic and adrenal gene expressions were determined by real-time PCR. Results: Overall, casp1-/- mice showed a lower inflammatory response than wt mice. The expression levels of powerful proinflammatory factors such as Nos2 and Ptgs2 was reduced in casp1-/- mice. Moreover, a hierarchical clustering analysis aimed at studying patterns of gene coexpression revealed large alterations in the hippocampal pattern of casp1-/- mice. Surprisingly, the expression of Adamts1 was increased in the hippocampus and adrenals of casp1-/- mice. Conclusions: The resilience of casp1-/- mice to SIRS lethality is associated with a lower inflammatory response, loss of hippocampal gene coexpression patterns, and increased hippocampal Adamts1 gene expression. The latter might be beneficial for casp1-/- mice, since ADAMTS1 is likely to play a role in neuronal plasticity. The mechanisms described here may help the development of either novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets against SIRS/sepsis.
Exploration of the Successful Treatment Algorithms Used in 23 Cases of Early Live Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Peng Mei , Li Li , Ding Yiling , Yu Ling , Deng YaLi , Zheng Jingjie , Wang Liqiong , Wu Xianqing , Zhang Hongwen
Published: January 2015

Without timely discovery and treatment, early live cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) can cause hemorrhage, uterine rupture or excision, and in extreme cases, loss of fertility or death. This study explored the significance of early diagnosis and treatment algorithms for early live CSP. Twenty-three patients with early live CSP who were hospitalized at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2012 to July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were selected according to the number of days since the last menstrual period, the color Doppler ultrasound results, the β-HCG values, and the thickness of the lower uterine myometrium. Ultrasound-guided evacuation and Foley balloon compression hemostasis were conducted directly in the lower uterine segment to stop the bleeding. All 23 patients were cured, and their uteri and fertility were conserved. Timely and proper treatment algorithms can yield satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of CSP.
Development of a Bioreactor to Culture Tissue Engineered Ureters Based on the Application of Tubular OPTIMAIX 3D Scaffolds
Authors: Seifarth Volker , Gossmann Matthias , Janke Heinz Peter , Grosse Joachim O. , Becker Christoph , Heschel Ingo , Artmann Gerhard M. , Temiz Artmann Aysegül
Published: January 2015

Regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and biomedical research give hope to many patients who need bio-implants. Tissue engineering applications have already been developed based on bioreactors. Physiological ureter implants, however, do not still function sufficiently, as they represent tubular hollow structures with very specific cellular structures and alignments consisting of several cell types. The aim of this study was to a develop a new bioreactor system based on seamless, collagenous, tubular OPTIMAIX 3D prototype sponge as scaffold material for ex-vivo culturing of a tissue engineered ureter replacement for future urological applications. Particular emphasis was given to a great extent to mimic the physiological environment similar to the in vivo situation of a ureter. NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, C2C12, Urotsa and primary genitourinary tract cells were applied as co-cultures on the scaffold and the penetration of cells into the collagenous material was followed. By the end of this study, the bioreactor was functioning, physiological parameter as temperature and pH and the newly developed BIOREACTOR system is applicable to tubular scaffold materials with different lengths and diameters. The automatized incubation system worked reliably. The tubular OPTIMAIX 3D sponge was a suitable scaffold material for tissue engineering purposes and co-cultivation procedures.
Prognostic Factors in Operable Breast Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Towards a Quantification of Residual Disease
Authors: Mombelli Sarah , Kwiatkowski Fabrice , Abrial Catherine , Wang-Lopez Qian , de Boissieu Paul , Garbar Christian , Bensussan Armand , Curé Hervé
Published: January 2015

Objective: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) allows for a more frequent use of breast-conservative surgery; it is also an in vivo model of individual tumor sensitivity which permits to determine new prognostic factors to personalize the therapeutic approach. Methods: Between 2000 and 2012, 318 patients with primary invasive breast cancer were treated with a median of 6 cycles of NACT; they received either an anthracycline-based FEC 100 protocol (31.1%), or anthracyclines + taxanes (53.5%), with trastuzumab if indicated (15.4%). Results: After a median follow-up of 44.2 months, the pathological complete response rate according to the classification of Chevallier et al. [Am J Clin Oncol 1993;16:223-228] was 19.3%, and overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 10 years were 60.2 and 69.6%, respectively. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the Residual Disease in Breast and Nodes (RDBN) index was the most significant prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.0082) and DFS (p = 0.0022), and multivariate analyses mainly revealed that the residual tumor size, residual involved node number and post-chemotherapy Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) grading were the most significant prognostic factors. Conclusions: In a cohort of patients who were all homogeneously treated with some of the most common drugs for breast cancer, we demonstrate that NACT may provide additional prognostic factors and confirm the RDBN index. As this index allows for the prediction of survival with different breast cancer subtypes, we suggest that it should be calculated routinely to help clinicians to select patients who need adjuvant treatments.
The Study of Character Development: Towards Tests of a Relational Developmental Systems Model
Authors: Lerner Richard M. , Schmid Callina Kristina
Published: January 2015

Current conceptualizations of the nature of character development, including its content, structure, and function, are consistent with the relational developmental systems metatheory. However, there is more conceptual consensus than empirical support for these ideas. With the intention of promoting programmatic research about the nature of character development, we present ideas pertinent to devising a relational developmental systems-derived model of character development, and we suggest ways in which research testing such a model might proceed. We discuss the implications of tests of this model for the enhancement of theory and for programs aimed at promoting different facets of character.
Stress-Induced Glucocorticoid Release Upregulates Uncoupling Protein-2 Expression and Enhances Resistance to Endotoxin-Induced Lethality
Authors: Kasahara Emiko , Sekiyama Atsuo , Hori Mika , Kuratsune Daisuke , Fujisawa Naoki , Chida Dai , Hiramoto Keiichi , Li Jiawei , Okamura Haruki , Inoue Masayasu , Kitagawa Seiichi
Published: January 2015

Objective: Although psychological and/or physiological stress has been well documented to influence immune responses, the precise mechanism for immunomodulation remains to be elucidated. The present work describes the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the mechanism of stress-mediated enhanced-resistance to lethality after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Methods/Results: Preconditioning with restraint stress (RS) resulted in enhanced activation of the HPA axis in response to LPS injection and suppressed LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide metabolites. Melanocortin 2 receptor-deficient mice (MC2R-/-) failed to increase plasma levels of glucocorticoids in response to LPS injection, and exhibited high sensitivity to LPS-induced lethality with enhanced release of proinflammatory cytokines as compared with MC2R+/- mice. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that RS induced upregulation of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) in macrophages in the lung and the liver of MC2R+/-, but not of MC2R-/-, mice. In addition, RS increased UCP2-dependent uncoupling activity of isolated mitochondria from the liver of MC2R+/-, but not of MC2R-/-, mice. In vitro study revealed that corticosterone and dexamethasone directly increased UCP2 expression in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages and suppressed the generation of LPS-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and TNF-α production. Knockdown of UCP2 by small interfering RNA blunted the dexamethasone action for suppressing LPS-induced mitochondrial ROS and TNF-α production. Conclusion: The present work suggests that RS enhances activation of the HPA axis to release glucocorticoids and upregulation of UCP2 in macrophages, thereby increasing the resistance to endotoxin-induced systemic inflammation and death.
Is it Safe to Omit Baseline Bone Scan for Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer Patients?
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Wan Fangning , Xu Lei , Zhao Naiqing , Xu Zhibing , Wang Hang , Wang Guomin , Ye Dingwei , Guo Jianming
Published: January 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study is to modify and validate a novel screening tool to determine the necessity of bone scans in Chinese PCa patients at the time of diagnosis. Methods: Five-hundred-and-one patients diagnosed with PCa between 2010 and 2013 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, were included in the study. All received bone scans using technetium 99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-​MDP) at the initial staging. Age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at diagnosis, disease stage, and biopsy Gleason score were collected from all patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and discrimination analysis were performed. A validation analysis of this screening tool was performed by Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University. Results: Among the 501 patients, 84 (16.7%) of them had BM. The area under the ROC curve was 0.9006 (95% CI, 0.87-0.93). The sensitivity of the cut-off point was 94.1%, and the speciﬁcity was 58.3%. The validation analysis demonstrated an area under the ROC curve of 0.846 (95% CI, 0.805-0.887). Conclusions: Study results demonstrated that a baseline bone scan can be safely omitted for cT1-T3 PCa patients who have a PSA ≤39 ng/ml and an ALP ≤88 IU/l. This novel screening tool may help determine the necessity of including a bone scan at the time of initial diagnosis of PCa.
Expression of Fucosyltransferase 8 Is Associated with an Unfavorable Clinical Outcome in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Honma Rio , Kinoshita Ichiro , Miyoshi Eiji , Tomaru Utano , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Shimizu Yasushi , Takeuchi Satoshi , Kobayashi Yuka , Kaga Kichizo , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Dosaka-Akita Hirotoshi
Published: January 2015

Objecitive: Fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8), the only enzyme responsible for the core α1,6-fucosylation of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins, is a vital enzyme in cancer development and progression. We examined FUT8 expression in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) to analyze its clinical significance. We also examined the expression of guanosine diphosphate-mannose-4,6-dehydratase (GMD), which is imperative for the synthesis of fucosylated oligosaccharides. Methods: Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated the expression of FUT8 and GMD in relation to patient survival and prognosis in potentially curatively resected NSCLCs. Results: High expression of FUT8 was found in 67 of 129 NSCLCs (51.9%) and was significantly found in non-squamous cell carcinomas (p = 0.008). High expression of FUT8 was associated with poor survival (p = 0.03) and was also a significant and independent unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with potentially curatively resected NSCLCs (p = 0.047). High expression of GMD was significantly associated with high FUT8 expression (p = 0.04). Conclusions: High expression of FUT8 is associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome in patients with potentially curatively resected NSCLCs, suggesting that FUT8 can be a prognostic factor. The analysis of FUT8 expression and its core fucosylated products may provide new insights for the therapeutic targets of NSCLCs.