bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring privacy versus data quality trade-offs in anonymization techniques using multi-objective optimization
Authors: Dewri Rinku , Ray Indrajit , Ray Indrakshi , Whitley Darrell
Published: May 2016

Data anonymization techniques have received extensive attention in the privacy research community over the past several years. Various models of privacy preservation have been proposed: k-anonymity, ℓ-diversity and t-closeness, to name a few. An oft-cited drawback of these models is that there is considerable loss in data quality arising from the use of generalization and suppression techniques. Optimization attempts in this context have so far focused on maximizing the data utility for a pre-specified level of privacy. To determine if better privacy levels are obtainable with the same level of data utility, majority of the existing formulations require exhaustive analysis. Further, the data publisher's perspective is often missed in the process. The publisher wishes to maintain a given level of data utility (since the data utility is the revenue earner) and then maximize the level of privacy within acceptable limits. In this paper, we explore this privacy versus data quality trade-off as a multi-objective optimization problem. Our goal is to provide substantial information to a data publisher about the trade-offs available between the privacy level and the information content of an anonymized data set.
Analysing TLS in the strand spaces model
Authors: Kamil Allaa , Lowe Gavin
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we analyse the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol (in particular, bilateral TLS in public-key mode) within the strand spaces setting. In Proceedings of the 16th IEEE Computer Security Foundations Workshop (CSFW), IEEE Computer Society, 2003, pp. 141–154, Broadfoot and Lowe suggested an abstraction of TLS. The abstraction models the security services that appear to be provided by the protocol to the high-level security layers. The outcome of our analysis provides a formalisation of the security services provided by TLS and proves that, under reasonable assumptions, the abstract model suggested by Broadfoot and Lowe is correct. To that end, we reduce the complexity of the protocol using fault-preserving simplifying transformations. We extend the strand spaces model in order to include the cryptographic operations used in TLS and facilitate its analysis. Finally, we use the extended strand spaces model to fully analyse the public-key mode of bilateral TLS with its two main components: the Handshake and Record Layer protocols.
Attacking and fixing Helios: An analysis of ballot secrecy
Authors: Cortier Véronique , Smyth Ben
Published: May 2016

Helios 2.0 is an open-source web-based end-to-end verifiable electronic voting system, suitable for use in low-coercion environments. In this article, we analyse ballot secrecy in Helios and discover a vulnerability which allows an adversary to compromise the privacy of voters. The vulnerability exploits the absence of ballot independence in Helios and works by replaying a voter's ballot or a variant of it, the replayed ballot magnifies the voter's contribution to the election outcome and this magnification can be used to violated privacy. We demonstrate the practicality of the attack by violating a voter's privacy in a mock election using the software implementation of Helios. Moreover, the feasibility of an attack is considered in the context of French legislative elections and, based upon our findings, we believe it constitutes a real threat to ballot secrecy. We present a fix and show that our solution satisfies a formal definition of ballot secrecy using the applied pi calculus. Furthermore, we present similar vulnerabilities in other electronic voting protocols – namely, the schemes by Lee et al., Sako and Kilian and Schoenmakers – which do not assure ballot independence. Finally, we argue that independence and privacy properties are unrelated, and non-malleability is stronger than independence.
Intrusion detection using sequences of system calls
Authors: Hofmeyr Steven A. , Forrest Stephanie , Somayaji Anil
Published: May 2016

A method is introduced for detecting intrusions at the level of privileged processes. Evidence is given that short sequences of system calls executed by running processes are a good discriminator between normal and abnormal operating characteristics of several common UNIX programs. Normal behavior is collected in two ways: Synthetically, by exercising as many normal modes of usage of a program as possible, and in a live user environment by tracing the actual execution of the program. In the former case several types of intrusive behavior were studied; in the latter case, results were analyzed for false positives.
Ichthyodiversity of the Bangshi river, Savar, Dhaka
Authors: Kamrujjaman Md , Nabi Md Rafiqun
Published: May 2016

Fish diversity of Bangshi river, Savar, Dhaka was studied over a period of two consecutive years (July, 2010 to June, 2012). A total of 48 fish species belonging to 39 genera, 18 families and 8 orders were recorded. Siluriformes was the most dominant order comprising 33.33% of all the number of species recorded, followed by the Cypriniformes (31.25%), Perciformes (14.58%), Clupiformes (6.25%), Channiformes (6.25%), Osteoglossiformes (4.16%), Synbranchiformes (2.08%) and Beloniformes (2.08%). The most dominated species of this study were Ailia punctata, Mystus tengra and Puntius sophore and rare species was Bagarius yarrellii. During the study 29 sp. (40.42%) fish species were found to be locally rare, whereas, only 3sp. (6.25% ) were very common and 16 sp. (33.33%) were common in occurrence. Among the fishes, 52.08% was threatened in which vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered were 20%, 36% and 44% respectively.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 4(1): 19-25, 2015 (June)
Anaesthetic efficacy of table salt on two live fishes Anabas testudineus and Channa punctatus
Authors: Parween Selina , Ahsan Md Kamrul , Alam M Manjurul
Published: May 2016

Different concentrations of table salt (NaCl) were evaluated for its induction/anaesthetic and physiological effects on two live fish species viz., Anabas testudineus (Koi) and Channa punctatus (Taki). The time taken to immobilize and fully anaesthesize the fishes were quite long, 36-52.83 hours and 37.75-53 hours respectively for Koi, 64.50-71.50 hours and 68.25- 71.50 hours respectively for Taki, but thereafter a quick mortality occurred in both species. The induction time was negatively related with the concentrations of salt, and independent of the intrinsic factors (total length and total weight) of the fish. No changes in the colours of skin, eye and gill were observed at lower concentrations were observed in A. testudineus, but the eye and gill were found to be affected at low concentrations in C. punctatus, irrespective of the exposure time. Table salt produced a bad smell at all concentrations at longer exposure in both species of fish.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 4(1): 41-49, 2015 (June)
Pattern of antibiotic use and physicians opinion about the resistance against antibiotics used for treating Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) in Bangladesh: A cross sectional survey
Authors: Farjana Kaniz , Zahid Hasan Imam , Bhuiya M Salahuddin , Yesmine Saquiba
Published: May 2016

Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) are major causes of illness, doctor visit and high rates of antibiotic prescriptions in Bangladesh. Over the past decades, emergence of antibiotic resistance has been recognized as an important public health problem across the globe. The current study was aimed to assess the physicians prescribing pattern of antibiotics in treating RTIs, their usages by patients and physicians opinion regarding the causes of antimicrobial resistance. This cross sectional survey was conducted by a self-designed standard questionnaire and data were collected manually over a two-month period from November 15, 2013 to January 18, 2014 in four cities of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Khulna. According to physicians opinion, the most frequently prescribed antibiotic for RTIs was levofloxacin (33.44%) followed by azithromycin (24.12%), cefixime (18.33%) and ceftriaxone (17.84%), respectively. Erythromycin was found to be the most resistant antibiotic (32.13%). Two or more antibiotics were prescribed in 43.94% of prescriptions. A total of 65.15% prescriptions had complete direction for antibiotics use and 46.97% patients completed full course of antibiotics. Although 86.36% prescriptions had no clinical test for using antibiotics, the percentages of patients disease recovery were 84.85% and noncompliance was 15.15%. Most of the physicians believed that self-medication of antibiotics results in the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in RTIs. The present findings are important for public awareness and education in antibiotic use. These findings also have significance to the regulations of prescribing antibiotics in RTIs in Bangladesh.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 4(2): 9-17, 2015 (December)
Antioxidant Efficacy of Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Pericarp Extract in Sheep Meat Nuggets
Authors: Das Arun , Rajkumar Vincent , Nanda Pramod , Chauhan Pranav , Pradhan Soubhagya , Biswas Subhasish
Published: May 2016

In the present study, the efficacy of litchi fruit pericarp (LFP) extract (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% concentration) in retarding lipid oxidation of cooked sheep meat nuggets was evaluated and compared to butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT, 100 ppm). The total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of LFP extracts were determined. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values were evaluated to assess the potential of LFP extracts as natural antioxidants for oxidative stability of cooked nuggets during 12 days of refrigerated storage. Results show that total phenolics content in 10 mg LFP powder was comparable to 100 ppm BHT, but 15 mg LFP powder had significantly higher (p < 0.05) total phenolics content and reducing power than the synthetic antioxidant. LFP extract did not affect pH, cooking yield and the sensory attributes of cooked nuggets. Non-treated control and nuggets with 1.0% LFP extract had significantly lower total phenolics than nuggets with 1.5% extract and BHT. TBARS values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) throughout the storage period in cooked meat nuggets containing either LFP extract or BHT than in non-treated control. Results indicate that LFP extracts are promising sources of natural antioxidants and can potentially be used as functional food additives in meat products at 1.5% without affecting products’ acceptability.
MicroRNA in Metabolic Re-Programming and Their Role in Tumorigenesis
Authors: Tomasetti Marco , Amati Monica , Santarelli Lory , Neuzil Jiri
Published: May 2016

The process of metabolic re-programing is linked to the activation of oncogenes and/or suppression of tumour suppressor genes, which are regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). The interplay between oncogenic transformation-driven metabolic re-programming and modulation of aberrant miRNAs further established their critical role in the initiation, promotion and progression of cancer by creating a tumorigenesis-prone microenvironment, thus orchestrating processes of evasion to apoptosis, angiogenesis and invasion/migration, as well metastasis. Given the involvement of miRNAs in tumour development and their global deregulation, they may be perceived as biomarkers in cancer of therapeutic relevance.
Roles of Mineralogical Phases in Aqueous Carbonation of Steelmaking Slag
Authors: Zhang Huining , Lu Yongming , Dong Jianhong , Gan Lei , Tong Zhifang
Published: May 2016

Mineralogical phases of steelmaking slags have significant influences on the carbonation of the slags. In this paper, the effects of temperature and reaction time on the conversion of calcium-related phases and the carbonation degree of a slag sample were studied. The experimental conditions were a liquid-to-solid ratio of 20 mL/g, a carbon dioxide flow rate of 1 L/min and a slag particle size of 38–75 μm. The results show that the optimum carbonation temperature and reaction time are 60 °C and 90 min, respectively, and calcite phase content is about 26.78% while the conversion rates of Ca3Al2O6, CaSiO3, Ca2SiO4 and free CaO are about 40%, 42.46%, 51% and 100%, respectively, and the carbon dioxide sequestration efficiency is about 170 g/kg slag.
Towards a Rational Design of a Continuous-Flow Method for the Acetalization of Crude Glycerol: Scope and Limitations of Commercial Amberlyst 36 and AlF3·3H2O as Model Catalysts
Authors: Guidi Sandro , Noè Marco , Riello Pietro , Perosa Alvise , Selva Maurizio
Published: May 2016

The acetalization of six different types of glycerol including pure, wet, and crude-like grade compounds of compositions simulating those of crude glycerols produced by the biodiesel manufacture, was carried out with two model ketones such as acetone and 2-butanone. The reaction was investigated under continuous-flow (CF) conditions through a comparative analysis of an already known acetalization catalyst such as Amberlyst 36 (A36), and aluminum fluoride three hydrate (AlF3·3H2O, AF) whose use was never previously reported for the synthesis of acetals. At 10 bar and 25 °C, A36 was a highly active catalyst allowing good-to-excellent conversion (85%–97%) and selectivity (99%) when either pure or wet glycerol was used as a reagent. This catalyst however, proved unsuitable for the CF acetalization of crude-like glycerol (CG) since it severely and irreversibly deactivated in a few hours by the presence of low amounts of NaCl (2.5 wt %) which is a typical inorganic impurity of raw glycerol from the biorefinery. Higher temperature and pressure (up to 100 °C and 30 bar) were not successful to improve the outcome. By contrast, at 10 bar and 100 °C, AF catalyzed the acetalization of CG with both acetone and 2-butanone, yielding stable conversion and productivity up to 78% and 5.6 h−1, respectively. A XRD analysis of fresh and used catalysts proved that the active phase was a solid solution (SS) of formula Al2[F1-x(OH)x]6(H2O)y present as a component of the investigated commercial AF sample. A hypothesis to explain the role of such SS phase was then formulated based on the Brønsted acidity of OH groups of the solid framework. Overall, the AF catalyst allowed not only a straightforward upgrading of CG to acetals, but also a more cost-efficient protocol avoiding the expensive refining of raw glycerol itself.
Validation of the Home Hearing Test™
Authors: Margolis Robert H. , Killion Mead C. , Bratt Gene W. , Saly George L.
Published: May 2016

Background:The Home Hearing Test™ (HHT) is an automated pure-tone threshold test that obtains an air-conduction audiogram at five test frequencies. It was developed to provide increased access to hearing testing and support home telehealth programs.Purpose:The study
was conducted as part of an audiology telehealth trial based at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN. Air-conduction audiograms obtained by the HHT were compared to results obtained in the clinic.Research Design:Prospective, repeated
measures.Study Sample:Twenty-eight participants, aged 44‐88 yr (mean = 65) were recruited from the Nashville U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs audiology clinic. Participants were required to have a Windows personal computer in the home and were self-reported to be comfortable
with using computers. Two participants had normal hearing and 26 had hearing loss of various severities and configurations.Data Collection and Analysis:Audiograms were obtained in the audiology clinic by experienced audiologists following standard clinical protocols. Participants were
provided with a kit for installing HHT on their home computers. The HHT air-conduction audiogram is obtained with Automated Method for Testing Auditory Sensitivity (AMTAS®), described in previous publications. Threshold pairs (clinic versus HHT) were analyzed by determining
distributions of threshold differences and absolute differences. These were compared to distributions of differences between manual threshold pairs obtained by two audiologists and AMTAS® versus manual threshold pairs obtained under laboratory conditions.Results:Threshold
differences (clinic versus HHT) were slightly larger than differences between thresholds obtained by two audiologists and AMTAS® versus manual threshold differences obtained under laboratory conditions. The differences were not statistically significant.Conclusions:HHT
air-conduction audiograms agree well with audiograms obtained in the clinic. HHT is well suited to home telehealth applications and personal use.
SIMULATING THE FORMATION OF MASSIVE PROTOSTARS. I. RADIATIVE FEEDBACK AND ACCRETION DISKS
Authors: Klassen Mikhail , Pudritz Ralph E. , Kuiper Rolf , Peters Thomas , Banerjee Robi
Published: May 2016

We present radiation hydrodynamic simulations of collapsing protostellar cores with initial masses of 30, 100, and 200 M
⊙. We follow their gravitational collapse and the formation of a massive protostar and protostellar accretion disk. We employ a new hybrid radiative feedback method blending raytracing techniques with flux-limited diffusion for a more accurate treatment of the temperature and radiative force. In each case, the disk that forms becomes Toomre-unstable and develops spiral arms. This occurs between 0.35 and 0.55 freefall times and is accompanied by an increase in the accretion rate by a factor of 2–10. Although the disk becomes unstable, no other stars are formed. In the case of our 100 and 200 M
⊙ simulations, the star becomes highly super-Eddington and begins to drive bipolar outflow cavities that expand outwards. These radiatively driven bubbles appear stable, and appear to be channeling gas back onto the protostellar accretion disk. Accretion proceeds strongly through the disk. After 81.4 kyr of evolution, our 30 M
⊙ simulation shows a star with a mass of 5.48 M
⊙ and a disk of mass 3.3 M
⊙, while our 100 M
⊙ simulation forms a 28.8 M
⊙ mass star with a 15.8 M
⊙ disk over the course of 41.6 kyr, and our 200 M
⊙ simulation forms a 43.7 M
⊙ star with an 18 M
⊙ disk in 21.9 kyr. In the absence of magnetic fields or other forms of feedback, the masses of the stars in our simulation do not appear to be limited by their own luminosities.
Primeros apuntes sobre la Quinta da Regaleira de Luigi Manini: el Palacio (1893-1912)
Authors: Moure Pazos Iván
Published: May 2016

El presente artículo pretende ser un “fresco” de los principales diseños arquitectónicos propuestos para la construcción del Palacio de la Quinta da Regaleira en Sintra, analizando cuáles fueron los factores condicionantes que configuraron el desarrollo del actual complejo edilicio. Asimismo, se persigue dar respuesta a reincidentes demandas, de tipo interpretativo, que afloran en la literatura crítica lussoniana y maniniana. ¿Por qué se frustra el primer proyecto de Lusseau para el Palacio de la Quinta da Regaleira? ¿Cómo un arquitecto italiano, a priori ajeno a la cultura neomanuelina, “gótica” y “flamígera”, pudo haberse convertido en la figura más aclamada del neomanuelino Portugués?
La clase creativa. Una aproximación a la realidad española
Authors: Bergua Amores José Ángel , Pac Salas David , Báez Melián Juan Miguel , Serrano Martínez Cecilia
Published: May 2016

La noción de clase creativa y su interpretación de la creatividad, elaboradas por Richard Florida (2002), han abierto una importante vía de investigación y controversia en el panorama sociológico internacional. En este artículo aplicamos sus mediciones al caso de España calculando los tres indicadores que construyen la creatividad (tecnología, talento y tolerancia), cada uno de los cuales está compuesto de tres subíndices. Los datos que ofrecemos están desagregados por comunidades autónomas y provincias.
Giornate AIEOP 2011 - Riccione, 6-8 Novembre 2011
Authors: Editors the
Published: May 2016

Le GIORNATE AIEOP 2011 rinnovano l’incontro di aggiornamento a cadenza annuale riservato agli iscritti all'AIEOP e a chi è impegnato nei Centri di Oncoematologia Pediatrica.
Lactate levels as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion in acute heart failure patients seen in the emergency department: a pilot study
Authors: Sauser Kori , Alkhawam Lora , Pierchala Linda , Pang Peter S.
Published: May 2016

Acute heart failure (AHF) may lead to subclinical tissue ischemia due to hypoperfusion from inadequate forward flow or congestion. The aim of the present study is to test whether lactate levels are elevated in emergency department (ED) patients with AHF. A prospective pilot study of ED AHF patients was conducted. Venous lactate level was measured at baseline and 6-12 hours after initial draw. Of the 50 patients enrolled, mean age was 65.3 years, 68% were male. Only 7 (14%) had an elevated lactate on either draw, with no differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and without elevated lactate. Patients with an elevated lactate had a higher mean heart rate (99 vs 81, P=0.03) and trended toward an increased rate of abnormal initial temperature (57 vs 23%, P=0.06). In this pilot study, only a minority of acute HF patients had an elevated lactate on presentation.
An alien in the gallbladder. A rare case of biliary ascariasis in an Italian emergency department
Authors: Ferri Enrico , Ianni Angelo , Magrini Laura , Di Somma Salvatore
Published: May 2016

Ascariasis is a common infection in many developing countries. The prevalence of ascariasis is related to poverty, poor hygienic and sanitary conditions. The adult form of Ascaris lumbricoides usually resides in the human intestinal lumen (more frequently in the jejunum and middle ileum) and does not cause symptoms. However, it can occasionally cause severe complications such as intestinal obstruction or perforation peritonitis. Its migration into the biliary tract is not uncommon but gallbladder involvement is very rare. Abdominal ultrasonography is essential to detect the presence of this parasite. In this article, we describe the radiologic findings, clinical manifestations and successful medical treatment of a patient with gallbladder ascariasis diagnosed in an emergency setting.
Integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare in Lagos, Nigeria: the way forward
Authors: Coker Ayodele O. , Olugbile Olufemi B. , Oluwatayo Olufemi
Published: May 2016

The Lagos State Ministry of Health recently launched its Mental Health Policy aimed at addressing the mental health needs the residents of the State. The policy also aimed at reducing the mental disorders treatment gap in the state by integrating mental healthcare into the primary healthcare in order to make mental healthcare services closer and accessible for residents of the State. This paper therefore critically reviews the rationale for the integration, magnitude of problems in Lagos State with regards to mental healthcare services, available resources, challenges in providing mental healthcare services, recommendations for successful integration, the necessary advocacy needed to implement the integration and benefits of the integration.
World Health Organization calls for food safety and prevention of food-borne illnesses
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh R. , Shrivastava Prateek S. , Ramasamy Jegadeesh
Published: May 2016

Not available.
Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes contamination in ready-to-eat sandwiches collected from vending machines
Authors: Cossu Francesca , Spanu Carlo , Deidda Silvia , Mura Erica , Casti Daniele , Pala Carlo , Lamon Sonia , Spanu Vincenzo , Ibba Michela , Marrocu Elena , Scarano Christian , Piana Andrea , De Santis Enrico Pietro Luigi
Published: May 2016

Ready-to-eat (RTE) food is characterised by a long shelf-life at refrigerated temperature and can be consumed as such, without any treatment. The aim of the work was to evaluate the presence of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in RTEs collected from refrigerated vending machines placed in hospital environment and accessible to the hospitalised patients. In 4 different sampling, 55 RTEs were collected from vending machines of six hospitals located in different areas of Sardinia region. All the samples were characterised by similar manufacturing process, such as the use of modified atmosphere packaging and belonged to 5 different producers. Listeria spp. was not countable using the enumeration method in all of the analysed samples. Using the detection method, Listeria spp. was recovered from 9 sandwich samples. Interestingly, 3 of these samples (5.5%) made by the manufacturer, were positive for L. monocytogenes contamination. The risk related to the L. monocytogenes presence in RTEs proportionally increases when food is introduced in susceptible environments, such as hospitals and consumed by susceptible people. Although the RTEs analysed showed values that complied with the European microbiological criteria for foodstuffs, the availability of these products in a susceptible environment should be carefully checked. Therefore, in order to limit the possible exposition to L. monocytogenes, more information on the risk related to RTE consumption should be provided to the hospitalised patients.
Using a concentrate of phenols obtained from olive vegetation water to preserve chilled food: two case studies
Authors: Fasolato Luca , Cardazzo Barbara , Balzan Stefania , Carraro Lisa , Andreani Nadia Andrea , Taticchi Agnese , Novelli Enrico
Published: May 2016

Phenols are plant metabolites characterised by several interesting bioactive properties such as antioxidant and bactericidal activities. In this study the application of a phenols concentrate (PC) from olive vegetation water to two different fresh products – gilt-head seabream (Sparus aurata) and chicken breast – was described. Products were treated in a bath of PC (22 g/L; chicken breast) or sprayed with two different solutions (L1:0.75 and L2:1.5 mg/mL; seabream) and then stored under refrigeration conditions. The shelf life was monitored through microbiological analyses – quality index method for seabream and a specific sensory index for raw breast. The secondary products of lipid-peroxidation of the chicken breast were determined using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) test on cooked samples. Multivariate statistical techniques were adopted to investigate the impact of phenols and microbiological data were fitted by DMfit software. In seabream, the levels of PC did not highlight any significant difference on microbiological and sensory features. DMfit models suggested an effect only on H2S producing bacteria with an increased lag phase compared to the control samples (C: 87 h vs L2: 136 h). The results on chicken breast showed that the PC bath clearly modified the growth of Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae. The phenol dipping was effective in limiting lipid-peroxidation (TBARs) after cooking. Treated samples disclosed an increase of shelf life of 2 days. These could be considered as preliminary findings suggesting the use of this concentrate as preservative in some fresh products.
FHIT suppresses inflammatory carcinogenic activity by inducing apoptosis in esophageal epithelial cells
Authors: Mimori Koshi , Yokobori Takehiko , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Sudo Tomoya , Tanaka Fumiaki , Shibata Kohei , Ishii Hideshi , Mori Masaki
Published: May 2016

We focused on the mechanism by which FHIT suppresses neoplastic transformation in normal but damaged esophageal epithelial cells exposed to inflammatory stimuli in vivo and to chemo-radiotherapy in clinical samples. For in vitro analysis, Adenoviral-FHIT (Ad-FHIT) in TE4 and TE2 were used for microarray analysis. For in vivo analysis, wild-type (WT) FHIT and FHIT-deficient (KO) C57BL/6 mice were exposed to N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA) and to a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (COXI). Considering DNA damage on clinical samples, expressions of FHIT, BAX and PCNA were evaluated by comparing between 3 cases of esophageal cancer cases of the chemo-radiotherapy responder and 7 cases of the non-responder. In in vitro analysis, we listed the down-regulated genes in Ad-FHIT that significantly control Lac-Z infected cells, such as prostaglandin E receptor 4, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. In in vivo analysis, FHIT-KO mice were much more susceptible to tumorigenesis than were FHIT-WT mice. A significant difference in PGE2 activation was observed between FHIT-WT mice (5.2 ng/mL) and FHIT-KO mice (28.4 ng/mL) after exposure to NMBA in the absence of COXI as determined by ELISA assay (P less than 0.01). BAX expression was significantly higher in FHIT-WT (1.0±0.43) than in FHIT-KO (0.17±0.17) (P less than 0.05). The IHC score for FHIT and BAX expression was significantly higher in responders than the others (P less than 0.05). FHIT possesses tumor suppressor activity by induction of apoptosis in damaged cells after exposure to inflammatory carcinogens and DNA damaging chemo-radiotherapy.
A novel detection method for heteroduplex DNA using carbodiimide-induced interrupted primer extension
Authors: Tabone Tania , Cotton Richard , Mathew Ninan , Parkin J. Des , Savige Judy
Published: May 2016

Direct sequencing may be problematic in demonstrating mutations where inherited disease results from multiple different heterozygous variants in large genes. We describe here a novel mutation screening method based on the ability of carbodiimide to bind mismatched DNA and interrupt primer extension thereby identifying both a heterozygous variant and its location. This assay detected all four classes of DNA mismatch in 550 bp engineered plasmid fragments and in two dominantly inherited renal diseases. In patients with thin basement membrane nephropathy, the method demonstrated multiple variants within a single amplicon including some close to the primer binding site. This method also detected a complex mutation in medullary cystic kidney disease type 2 (c.278-289 del/insCCGGCTCCT) as multiple termination events and, furthermore, correctly identified five affected and 28 unaffected family members. Carbodiimide-induced interrupted primer extension identifies heterozygous variants in large or multiexonic genes, where the variants differ in each family, their locations are unknown, and even if there are multiple known non-pathogenic variants within the same amplicon. This assay incorporates a “universal” protocol that detects all types of mutations without the need for further optimization, and potentially detects mutations where the proportion of heteroduplex is less than 50%.
Role of microRNAs in the molecular diagnosis of cancer
Authors: Giglio Simona , Vecchione Andrea
Published: May 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, endogenous, small non-coding RNA molecules of about 22 nucleotides in length that function as posttranscriptional gene regulators. They are involved in numerous cellular processes including development, cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. There is increasing evidence to show that miRNAs are mutated or differentially expressed in many types of cancer and specific functions of the miRNAs are now becoming apparent. Here we discuss the current literature on potential usefulness of miRNAs as diagnostic markers, emphasizing the involvement of specific miRNAs in particular tumor types, highlighting their potential role in distinguishing benign from malignant tissues and/or the different subtypes of the same tumor and/or in diagnosis and classification of tumor of unknown origin.
Expression of microRNA during bovine adipogenesis
Authors: Pratt Scott L. , Burns T. Ashley , Curry Erin , Duckett Susan K.
Published: May 2016

Studies have recently indicated that the adipogenic process and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism may be regulated in part at the post-transcriptional level by a class of small RNA called microRNA (miRNA). The objectives of this study were to i) determine if miRNAs are differentially expressed, and ii) evaluate expression of known miRNA targets in bovine adipocytes. Bovine adipose samples were collected from castrated males fattened on a high concentrate diet (C) or pasture (PA) and were frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C, or used to generate primary stromal-vascular cells (SV). SV cells were cultured to confluence (Control) or differentiated at confluence and harvested 2 (D2), 6 (D6), or 12 (D12) days post-confluence. A 3x3 microarray analysis was performed comparing Control and differentiated samples. miR-21, -221, and -222 (P less than 0.05) were differentially expressed. qRT-PCR was conducted using the in vitro samples, and all three miRNAs were down regulated on D2 (P less than 0.05). miR-221 and -222 were decreased on D6 compared to Control (P less than 0.05), but only miR-222 expression was decreased at D12 (P less than 0.05) compared to Control. miR-21 increased in expression compared to Control on D12 (P less than 0.05). In vivo, only miR-21 expression was affected and it was reduced in PA compared to C fat samples (P less than 0.05). Two targets of miR-21 are Programmed Cell Death Protein 4 (PDCD4) and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN), and neither messenger RNA was differentially expressed in vitro (P greater than 0.05), but both messenger RNAs were elevated for PA compared to C (P less than 0.05). These data show that miRNAs are differentially expressed in adipose cells and tissue, and that miR-21 may be involved in adipocyte function by regulating the translation of PDCD4 and PTEN.
Non-coding RNAs and cancer: microRNAs and beyond
Authors: Raia Rachel Marie , Calin George Adrian
Published: May 2016

Non-coding RNAs were previously thought to have little importance because they are not directly translated into a protein like their coding counterparts. However, it was recently found that non-coding RNAs do in fact have a much bigger role than previously thought. They are involved in cancer predisposition, development and progression. MicroRNAs, very short non-coding RNAs, are abnormally expressed in cancer and some harbor mutations that affect expression levels. MicroRNA alterations have been observed in all forms of cancer that have been researched to the current date. MicroRNAs are also located in cancer- associated genomic regions, which have been previously shown to affect gene expression leading to the activation or inhibition of cancer growth. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms within microRNAs can predispose someone to cancer. MicroRNAs have been shown to target both tumor suppressors, inhibiting cancer development, as well as oncogenes, stimulating cancer development. Some microRNAs can switch between these two functions and behave as a tumor suppressor at one time and an oncogene at another time. MicroRNAs can be used for diagnostic purposes as well as prognostic evaluations. Outside of microRNAs, ultraconserved genes, another group of non-coding RNAs, also express differently in cancer patients. Large intervening non-coding RNAs, specifically one termed HOTAIR, have been quantified in very high levels in cancer cells and have been implicated in metastasis. Further research into noncoding RNAs may allow for the development of therapies that will target non-coding RNAs creating better treatment options for cancer patients, improving their prognosis. This review discusses the most current discoveries about non-coding RNAs, revealing their associations with cancer.
A new entropy model for RNA: part I. A critique of the standard Jacobson-Stockmayer model applied to multiple cross links
Authors: Dawson Wayne , Yamamoto Kenji , Kawai Gota
Published: May 2016

The Jacobson-Stockmayer (JS) model is used in a number of standard programs for calculating the conformational entropy of RNA (and proteins). However, it is shown in this study that, in certain limiting cases, the current form of this model can lead to highly unphysical conclusions. The origin of this behavior can be traced to misunderstandings that occurred during the development of the model as applied to folded, single-stranded RNA. Here we show that an alternative model known as the cross linking entropy (CLE) model can overcome these issues. The principal object that causes entropy loss on a global scale in the CLE model is the stem, the primary measure of structural order in such coarse-grained calculations. The principal objects in the JS-model are various types of loops, and, with the exception of the hairpin loop, they are topologically local in character. To extract experimentally measurable variables, a simplified version of the CLE model is developed that resembles many features of the contact order model used in RNA and protein folding. These modifications are then applied to single molecule force-extension experiments (molecular tweezers) to extract quantitative information. It is further shown that a crude derivative of the CLE model itself can be derived directly from the JS-model when the misunderstandings are examined and corrected.
Practical strategies for the evaluation of high-affinity protein/nucleic acid interactions
Authors: Altschuler Sarah E. , Lewis Karen A. , Wuttke Deborah S.
Published: May 2016

The quantitative evaluation of binding interactions between proteins and nucleic acids is highly sensitive to a variety of experimental conditions. Optimization of these conditions is critical for obtaining high quality, reproducible data, particularly in the context of very high affinity interactions. Here, we discuss the practical considerations involved in optimizing the apparent binding constant of an interaction as measured by two common quantitative assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and double-filter binding when measuring extremely tight protein/nucleic acid interactions with sub-nanomolar binding affinities. We include specific examples from two telomere end-binding protein systems, Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pot1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc13, to demonstrate potential experimental pitfalls and some useful strategies for optimization.
Psychological distress and emotional pain among adult attendees of a dental clinic: a case-control study
Authors: Erinfolami Adebayo Rasheed , Olagunju Andrew Toyin , Oshodi Yewande Olufunmilayo , Akinbode Abiola Adelphine , Fadipe Babatunde , Adeyemo Wasiu Lanre
Published: May 2016

We set out to carry out a case-control evaluation of psychological distress and emotional pain among adult attendees of a Nigerian dental clinic. A total of 201 subjects, made up of 101 dental patients (test group) matched with age and sex with 100 normal subjects (controls), was recruited into the study. All participants completed a designed socio-demographic questionnaire. General Health Question naire and Psyche ache Assessment Schedule were also administered to assess psychological distress based on cut-off scores ≥3 and emotional pain based on cut-off scores ≥28 respectively. The mean ages of study and control group were 33 (±12) and 36 (±13) years respectively, and both study and control groups were not significantly different in all the assessed socio-demographic parameters. Overall, 21.8% (n=22) of the subjects had psychological distress, while only 7% of the control group had psychological distress. This difference was statistically significant (P=0.003). Similarly, there was significant difference in the experience of psyche ache (unbearable psychological pain) as over a third of the dental patients (37.6%, n=38) had emotional pain, while only 13% of the controls experienced psych ache (P<0.001). In this study, the burden of psychological distress and emotional pain was many-fold in dental patients when compared with the controls.
Current antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of typhoidal salmonellae in a referral diagnostic centre
Authors: Shujat Umer , Ikram Aamer , Hashmi Inam Qadir Javaid , Abbasi Shahid Ahmed , Afzal Amna , Ayyub Muhammad
Published: May 2016

Background: Infections caused by typhoidal salmonellae are an important public health concern in Pakistan. Inappropriate and injudicious use of fluoroquinolones has reduced their efficacy due to development of high level resistance.
Aim: To ascertain the current susceptibility pattern of typhoidal salmonellae thus guiding the physicians for better management of typhoid patients.
Materials and Methods: A study was conducted at our institution from January 2012 through December 2013 to investigate current susceptibility pattern of typhoidal salmonellae.
Results: Out of 200 isolates, 107 (53.5%) were identified as Salmonella Typhi and 93 (46.5%) as Salmonella Paratyphi A. Sensitivities of Salmonella Typhi were as follows: ampicillin (48.6%), chloramphenicol (45.8%), co-trimoxazole (40.1%), ciprofloxacin (11.2%). Sensitivities of Salmonella Paratyphi A were: ampicillin (80.6%), chloramphenicol (89.2%), co-trimoxazole (90.3%), and ciprofloxacin (16.1%). No resistance was detected against third generation cephalosporins.
Conclusions: Typhoidal salmonellae are still entirely susceptible to third generation cephalosporins in our setting. Marked rise in resistance to fluoroquinolones has reduced their empirical usage. Sensitivity of Salmonella Paratyphi A to conventional antityphoid drugs was encouraging.
Burkholderia cepacia infection in an infant affected by renal osteodystrophy
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Cadossi Matteo , Mazzotti Antonio , Tedesco Giuseppe , Viale Pierluigi , Giannini Sandro
Published: May 2016

We report a case of chronic osteomyelitis caused by Burkholderia cepacia presenting with multiple bone localizations in an infant affected by end-stage renal disease. In order to avoid the amputation of the extremities, a salvage procedure was attempted: all lesions were curetted completely and filled in with bone cement. At 24 months follow-up all lesions are completely healed.
Cervical cancer screening based on human papilloma virus-DNA testing: a scientific heritage to microbiologists or to pathologists? An on-going dilemma
Authors: Venturoli Simona , Sambri Vittorio
Published: May 2016

Among the 28 current Members of the European Union, approximately 34,000 new cases of cervical cancer occur annually, with 13,000 related deaths. In Italy, about 2900 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually (crude incidence rate/100,000/year=9.4). As a direct consequence, about 1016 deaths related to cervical cancer are reported annually in Italy (crude mortality rate/100,000/year=3.3). Cervical cancer stands in the 15th rank among female cancers and is currently the 3rd most common cancer in women aged 15-44 years in Italy. [..]
Effect of doxycycline on stifle lameness: a preliminary clinical observation in twelve dogs
Authors: Hayashi Kei , Frank Joseph D. , Manley Paul A. , Muir Peter
Published: May 2016

The clinical efficacy of oral doxycycline was evaluated in twelve dogs with stifle arthritis and a presumptive diagnosis of early cruciate disease. Doxycycline (2.5-4.5 mg/kg once daily) was administered orally for 3 to 8 weeks. Eight dogs, who presented prior to the treatment with clinical signs of 4 weeks or fewer duration (group B), had a good response to doxycycline, whereas four dogs with a longer history of lameness (group A) had a poor response. The follow-up periods ranged from 2 to 12 months after discontinuation of the doxycycline treatment (median=6.5 months, 3 months in group A, and 9.5 months in group B). There was a significant correlation between the duration of lameness and the subjective grading of clinical improvement. In 68% of these cases of dogs with stifle arthritis (8/12), the oral administration of doxycycline resulted in the improvement of lameness, even after discontinuation of doxycycline. Careful selection of patients based on the duration of their lameness appears to be crucial in order to achieve a positive outcome.
Urine diacetylated spermine might be a nonspecific tumor marker in canine neoplasia
Authors: Isaka Mitsuhiro , Noriko Ito , Takeshi Kuwahara , Yosuke Takahasi , Midori Onoue , Yurie Arase , Shinichi Namba , Sekizawa Ryuichi
Published: May 2016

Diacetylated spermine, a polyamine, is clinically used as a tumor marker in human medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of diacetylated spermine as a nonspecific tumor marker in dogs. One hundred six dogs were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups (cancer-bearing, n=23; control, n=44; young, n=24; inflammatory, n=15). Urine samples were collected to measure diacetylated spermine and creatinine levels. The diacetylated spermine concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay, standardized by creatinine concentration. The urine diacetylated spermine concentration was markedly significant elevated in cancer-bearing dogs, as compared to that in control dogs (P=0.0081). Whilst the urine diacetylated spermine level in cancer-bearing group was not markedly different from that in the young group, there was significant different between levels in the control and young groups (P=0.019). No significant difference was observed between the inflammatory and cancer-bearing groups. It is suggested that urine diacetylated spermineis a useful tumor marker in dogs over 2 years of age.
Non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in two Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni)
Authors: Von Deetzen Marie-Charlotte , Müller Kerstin , Brunnberg Leo , Klopfleisch Robert
Published: May 2016

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are malignant tumors of the epidermal cells with varying degrees of keratinocyte differentiation. They are common tumors in mammalian and avian species but there are, however, only two description of SCC in tortoises. In this case report we describe two cases of non-metastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the carapax and the plastron in Hermann’s tortoises with evidence of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) in one case. HHM is thought to be associated with SCC in mammals due to de novo secretion of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) by the tumor cells or tumor induced osteolysis but has not been described in reptiles so far.
Effect of constant heat flux at outer cylinder on stability of viscous flow in a narrow-gap annulus with radial temperature gradient
Authors: Pandey S. , Singh A.K. , Prasad R.
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the stability of the Couette flow of a viscous incompressible fluid between two concentric rotating cylinders is studied in the presence of a radial temperature gradient, when the outer cylinder is maintained at a constant heat flux. The analytical solution of the eigen-value problem is obtained by using the trigonometric series method, when the gap between the cylinders is narrow. The numerical values of the critical wave number and critical Taylor number are computed from the obtained analytical expressions for the first, second and third approximations. It is found that the difference between the numerical values of the critical Taylor number corresponding to the second and third approximations are very small as compared to the difference between first and second approximations. The critical Taylor numbers obtained by the third approximation agree very well with the earlier results computed numerically by using the shooting method. This clearly indicates that for the better result one should obtain the numerical values by taking more approximations. Also, the amplitude of the radial velocity and the cell-pattern are shown on the graphs for different values of the ratio of the angular velocities.Keywords: Radial temperature gradient, trigonometric series method, constant heat flux, Taylor number.