bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Novel NF1 Mutation Associated with Mitochondrial Complex I Deficiency
Authors: Domingues Sara , Isidoro Lara , Rocha Dalila , Sales Marques Jorge
Published: March 2014

Background.Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a multisystemic, progressive disease, with an estimated incidence of 1/3500-2500. Mitochondrial diseases are generally multisystemic and may be present at any age, and the global prevalence is 1/8500. The diagnosis of these disorders is complex because of its clinical and genetic heterogeneity.Case Report.We present a rare case of the association of these two different genetic diseases, in which a heterozygous missense mutation in the NF1 gene was identified which had not yet been described (p.M1149 V). Additionally, the patient is suspected of carrying an unspecified mutation causing respiratory chain complex I deficiency. Clinical presentation included hypotonia, global development delay, reduced growth rate, progressive microcephaly, and numerouscafé-au-laitspots.Discussion.To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of complex I deficiency in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. It is very important to maintain a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders. In this patient, both the laboratory screening and muscle histology were normal and only the biochemical study of muscle allowed us to confirm the diagnosis.
Peritoneal Tuberculosis Mimicking Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Akce Mehmet , Bonner Sarah , Liu Eugene , Daniel Rebecca
Published: March 2014

A 67-year-old male presented with fatigue, abdominal pain , and 30-pound weight loss over 3 months. Computerized tomography (CT) abdomen displayed ascites with thickening and enhancement of the peritoneum and mottled nodular appearing as soft tissue consistent with omental caking worrisome for peritoneal carcinomatosis. A paracentesis revealed white blood cell count of 2,500 with 98% lymphocytes and serum ascites albumin gradient of 0.9 g/L. No acid-fast bacilli were seen by microscopic exam and culture was negative. Purified protein derivative skin test (PPD) was negative and CXR did not reveal any infiltrates. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy were unrevealing. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with round ligament and peritoneal biopsies that revealed numerous necrotizing granulomas. Acid-fast bacteria Ziehl-Neelsen stain (AFB) of the biopsy specimen revealed single acid-fast bacilli. Treatment for M. tuberculosis was initiated and final culture revealed that mycobacterium tuberculosis was sensitive to Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide. After 6 months of treatment, the ascites and peritoneal carcinomatosis resolved.
A Unique Case of Malignant Pleuropericardial Effusion: HHV-8-Unrelated PEL-Like Lymphoma—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mohammad Farhan , Siddique Muhammad Neaman , Siddiqui Faraz , Popalzai M. , Asgari Masoud , Odaimi Marcel
Published: March 2014

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) or body cavity lymphoma is a rare type of extra nodal lymphoma of B-cell origin that presents as lymphomatous effusion(s) without any nodal enlargement or tumor masses. It belongs to the group of AIDS related non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. First described in 1996 in HIV infected individuals who were coinfected with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or HHV-8 virus, it was included as a separate entity in WHO classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue in the year 2001. The definition included association with HHV-8 virus as a mandatory diagnostic criterion. However, cases were later reported where PEL-like disease process was diagnosed in HHV-8 negative patients. This was eventually recognized as a rare but distinct entity termed as “HHV-8-unrelated PEL-like lymphoma”. Herein, we are reporting a case of an elderly patient who presented with a large pleuropericardial effusion and was eventually diagnosed with this entity. Till date, only around 50 cases of HHV-8-unrelated PEL-like lymphoma have been reported and our case being EBV, HIV, and Hepatitis C negative makes it very unique and rare occurrence. We are also presenting a review of relevant literature focused mainly on comparing outcomes in patients treated with and without chemotherapy.
Morphological Characteristics of Renal Artery and Kidney in Rats
Authors: Yoldas Atilla , Dayan Mustafa Orhun
Published: March 2014

The gross anatomy and morphometry of the kidney and renal arteries were studied in the strains of laboratory rat: Sprague-Dawley (Sp) and Wistar (W) rats. Total of 106 three-dimensional endocasts of the intrarenal arteries of kidney that were prepared using standard injection-corrosion techniques were examined. A single renal artery was observed in 100% of the cases. The renal arteries were divided into a dorsal and a ventral branch. The dorsal and ventral branches were divided into two branches, the cranial and caudal branch. Renal arteries were classified into types I and II, depending on the cranial and caudal branches and their made of branching. The present study also showed that the right kidney was slightly heavier than the left one and that the kidney of the male was generally larger than that of the female. The mean live weights of the Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats were found to be 258.26 ± 5.9 and 182.4 ± 19.05 g, respectively. The kidney weights were significantly correlated (P<0.01) with body weights. The kidney weights were not found significantly correlated (P>0.01) with the length of renal arteries.
Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis and X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia: An Uncommon Association
Authors: Lavrador Vasco , Correia Filipa , Sampaio Rita , Cândido Cristina , Sameiro-Faria Maria , Marques Laura , Mota Conceição
Published: March 2014

Introduction. X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by agammaglobulinemia requiring replacement treatment with immunoglobulin. The association of XLA and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is unexpected and, to our knowledge, only one case was previously published.Case Report. The authors report the case of a 10-year-old boy with family history and prenatal diagnosis of XLA, treated from birth with intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy. He presented with pneumonia, macroscopic hematuria, nephrotic proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hypercholesterolemia with normal renal function and serum complement levels. Renal histology showed immune complex mediated MPGN. He was started on high dose prednisolone and ramipril and switched to weekly subcutaneous immunoglobulin. After a 4-month treatment, hematuria and proteinuria significantly improved and prednisolone was gradually tapered without relapse.Conclusion. The pathogenic process underlying MPGN development in this patient is unknown but residual humoral immunity might play an important role. Thus, this case highlights the risk of autoimmune disorders among patients with XLA.
A Quasi-Poisson Approach on Modeling Accident Hazard Index for Urban Road Segments
Authors: Ma Lu , Yan Xuedong , Qiao Wenxin
Published: March 2014

In light of the recently emphasized studies on risk evaluation of crashes, accident counts under specific transportation facilities are adopted to reflect the chance of crash occurrence. The current study introduces more comprehensive measure with the supplement information of accidental harmfulness into the expression of accident risks which are also named Accident Hazard Index (AHI) in the following context. Before the statistical analysis, datasets from various sources are integrated under a GIS platform and the corresponding procedures are presented as an illustrated example for similar analysis. Then, a quasi-Poisson regression model is suggested for analyses and the results show that the model is appropriate for dealing with overdispersed count data and several key explanatory variables were found to have significant impact on the estimation of AHI. In addition, the effect of weight on different severity levels of accidents is examined and the selection of the weight is also discussed.
Influence ofAlbizia lebbeckSaponin and Its Fractions onIn VitroGas Production Kinetics, Rumen Methanogenesis, and Rumen Fermentation Characteristics
Authors: Sirohi Sunil Kumar , Goel Navneet , Singh Nasib
Published: March 2014

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of crude seed powder (CSP) and gross saponins extract (GSE) of seeds ofAlbizia lebbeckon antimicrobial activity by taking two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureusandBacillus cereus), two Gram-negative (Escherichia coliandSalmonellaTyphi) bacteria, and two fungi species (Aspergillus nigerandCandida butyric) were taken at 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 µg levels using agar well diffusion method. Zone of inhibition was increased with increasing of concentration of CSP and saponins which indicates that Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), Gram-positive bacteria (B. cereus), andA. nigerwere significantly susceptible to inhibition. Another experiment was conducted to study the effect of GSE and saponins fraction A and B ofA. lebbecksupplementation at 6% on DM basis on methane production and other rumen fermentation parameters usingin vitrogas production test, by taking three different type diets, that is, high fiber diet (D1, 60R : 40C), medium fiber diet (D2, 50R : 50C), and low fiber diet (D3, 40R : 60C). Significant (P≤0.05) increase was seen in IVDMD, methane production; however ammonia nitrogen concentration decreased as compared to control. The methane production was reduced in a range between 12 and 49% by saponin supplemented diets except in case of GSE in D2. Sap A showed the highest methane reduction per 200 mg of truly digested substrate (TDS) than other treatment groups. Results in relation with quantification of methanogens and protozoa by qPCR indicated the decreasing trend with saponins ofA. lebbekin comparison with control except total methanogen quantified usingmcr-A basedprimer.
Correlation between Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Gierach Marcin , Gierach Joanna , Ewertowska Marlena , Arndt Adam , Junik Roman
Published: March 2014

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a group of coexisting metabolic risk factors, such as central obesity, lipid disorders, carbohydrate disorders, and arterial hypertension. According to the 2005 IDF criteria, subsequently revised in 2009, abdominal obesity is identified as the waist circumference of ≥80 cm in women and ≥94 cm in men. It is responsible for the development of insulin resistance. The aim of our study was to demonstrate a correlation between waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) in patients with metabolic syndrome in relation with hypertension, lipid disorders, and carbohydrate disorders. A cross-sectional two-site study was conducted in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship for 24 months. The study group consisted of 839 patients with diagnosed metabolic syndrome: 345 men (41.1%) and 494 women (58.9%) aged 32–80. In the study group, WC was found to be significantly correlated with BMI (R = 0.78, P < 0.01). The presence of overweight in men (BMI 25, 84 kg/m2) and even normal body weight in women (BMI 21,62 kg/m2) corresponds to an increased volume of visceral tissue in the abdomen. Introduction of primary prophylaxis in those people to limit the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular diseases should be considered.
Costs of Formal and Informal Home Care and Quality of Life for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Sweden
Authors: Svensson Marianne , Fajutrao Liberty
Published: March 2014

Disease progression in multiple sclerosis leads to dramatic changes in a person's ability to perform daily activities and increases reliance on external help. This study aims to describe and to estimate costs of formal/informal home care and quality of life related to multiple sclerosis. A mailed survey to a random sample of MS sufferers(n=1500)collected data on the number of hours of home care received, type of help, productivity losses, quality of life, and disease characteristics. Costs for home care were estimated in 2012 € and factors that may influence the likelihood of getting home care were also evaluated. Formal care was given to 27% of the respondents(n=839)at an average of 238.7 hrs/month at a mean monthly cost of €2873/person with MS. Informal care was received by 49% of the respondents at an average of 47.3 hrs/month at a mean monthly cost of €389/person with MS. Utilities across disease severity are as follows: mild MS = 0.709 (sd = 0.233), moderate MS = 0.562 (sd = 0.232), and severe MS = 0.284 (sd = 0.283). Total home care costs increased with increasing disease severity. Informal caregiving contributes significantly to MS home care in Sweden.
Indefinite Eigenvalue Problems forp-Laplacian Operators with Potential Terms on Networks
Authors: Park Jea-Hyun , Chung Soon-Yeong
Published: March 2014

We address some forward and inverse problems involving indefinite eigenvalues for discretep-Laplacian operators with potential terms. These indefinite eigenvalues are the discrete analogues ofp-Laplacians on Riemannian manifolds with potential terms. We first define and discuss some fundamental properties of the indefinite eigenvalue problems for discretep-Laplacian operators with potential terms with respect to some given weight functions. We then discuss resonance problems, anti-minimum principles, and inverse conductivity problems for the discretep-Laplacian operators with potential terms involving the smallest indefinite eigenvalues.
An Investigation of Hand-Drawn Representations of Rivers by Fifth-Grade Students in Greek Elementary Schools
Authors: Galani Apostolia , Rokka Ageliki
Published: March 2014

This paper is part of a wider study and reflects an attempt to explore the cognitive representations that Greek pupils in the 5th grade of elementary school have, as they emerge from the freehand drawing of rivers. An attempt was made to explore the extent to which the cognitive representation skills of school pupils are associated with real images of space and the extent to which intervention by the teacher who presents the structure of a river emphasizing on how it is formed can contribute to an improvement in the drawings made. Two groups of pupils (n=125, n=113) took part in this study. They were taught one of two parallel lesson plans, to create representations relating to the concept of river. This was followed by an analysis of the drawings and the pre- and postteaching interviews (n=60/group). The results indicate that pupils perceive the differences between reality and how it is conveyed in images, and they reproduce stereotypical models of rivers presented in schoolbooks without using complex structures to represent them. In addition, it was clear how encouraging use of children’s mental maps can be not only in revising existing teaching theories but also in building new ones.
Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in the Baltic Countries and St. Petersburg Area
Authors: Pavelkovich Anastasia , Balode Arta , Edquist Petra , Egorova Svetlana , Ivanova Marina , Kaftyreva Lidia , Konovalenko Irina , Kõljalg Siiri , Lillo Jana , Lipskaya Lidia , Miciuleviciene Jolanta , Pai Kristiine , Parv Kristel , Pärna Katri , Rööp Tiiu , Sepp Epp , Štšepetova Jelena , Naaber Paul
Published: March 2014

The spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae is a global problem; however, no exact data on the epidemiology of carbapenemase in the Baltic countries and St. Petersburg area is available. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of carbapenemase-producingEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaein the Baltic States and St. Petersburg, Russia, and to compare the different methods for carbapenemase detection. From January to May 2012, allK. pneumoniae  n=1983andE. coli  n=7774clinical isolates from 20 institutions in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and St. Petersburg, Russia were screened for carbapenem susceptibility. The IMP, VIM, GIM, NDM, KPC, and OXA-48 genes were detected using real-time PCR and the ability to hydrolyze ertapenem was determined using MALDI-TOF MS. Seventy-seven strains were found to be carbapenem nonsusceptible. From these, 15K. pneumoniaestrains hydrolyzed ertapenem and carried theblaNDMgene. All of these strains carried integron 1 and most carried integron 3 as well as genes of the CTX-M-1 group. No carbapenemase-producingE. coliorK. pneumoniaestrains were found in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania; however, NDM-positiveK. pneumoniaewas present in the hospital in St. Petersburg, Russia. A MALDI-TOF MS-based assay is a suitable and cost-effective method for the initial confirmation of carbapenemase production.
Evaluation of CD25+CD4+ Regulatory T-Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Coronary Artery Diseases Patients
Authors: Romuk Ewa , Skrzep-Poloczek Bronisława , Wojciechowska Celina , Jacheć Wojciech , Mazur Bogdan , Birkner Ewa
Published: March 2014

Background. The development of atherosclerosis may be associated with a deficiency in the regulatory T-cells, which should serve a protective function and inhibit the accumulation of lymphocytes and macrophages. The aim of this study was the analysis of the T-lymphocyte subpopulations, particularly CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells in patients with different form of coronary artery disease.Materials and Methods. In the study 30 patients with stable coronary heart disease and 30 patients with unstable coronary heart disease take part. Lymphocytes subpopulations were measured with flow cytometry technique. The analysis of the treated cells parameters was performed with the use of CellQuest program.Results. We have observed statistically significant increase in activated lymphocytes subpopulations in patients with unstable coronary artery disease in comparison to stable group and significant decrease in CD25+, CD25/CD3+, and CD25/CD4+ subpopulations in unstable patients comparing to stable patients group.Conclusions. A strong interest in regulatory lymphocytes is due to their possible therapeutic use as a factor in modifying the immune response in various diseases. Questions regarding the role of regulatory T-cells in the development of atherosclerosis remain unclear. Mechanisms of the regulatory T-cells impact on suppression of atherosclerosis need more experiments to be done.
The Nonlocal Sparse Reconstruction Algorithm by Similarity Measurement with Shearlet Feature Vector
Authors: Qidi Wu , Yibing Li , Yun Lin , Xiaodong Yang
Published: March 2014

Due to the limited accuracy of conventional methods with image restoration, the paper supplied a nonlocal sparsity reconstruction algorithm with similarity measurement. To improve the performance of restoration results, we proposed two schemes to dictionary learning and sparse coding, respectively. In the part of the dictionary learning, we measured the similarity between patches from degraded image by constructing the Shearlet feature vector. Besides, we classified the patches into different classes with similarity and trained the cluster dictionary for each class, by cascading which we could gain the universal dictionary. In the part of sparse coding, we proposed a novel optimal objective function with the coding residual item, which can suppress the residual between the estimate coding and true sparse coding. Additionally, we show the derivation of self‐adaptive regularization parameter in optimization under the Bayesian framework, which can make the performance better. It can be indicated from the experimental results that by taking full advantage of similar local geometric structure feature existing in the nonlocal patches and the coding residual suppression, the proposed method shows advantage both on visual perception and PSNR compared to the conventional methods.
Efficacy of Composite Extract from Leaves and Fruits of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Diabetic Therapy against Oxidative Stress in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Tiwari Brahm Kumar , Kumar Dileep , Abidi A. B. , Rizvi Syed Ibrahim
Published: March 2014

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in diabetic complications. To suppress the oxidative stress mediated damage in diabetic pathophysiology, a special focus has been given on composite extract (CE) and making small dose of naturally occurring antidiabetic plants leaf and fruits. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial role of CE against alloxan- (ALX-) induced diabetes of Wistar strain rats. A dose-dependent study for CE (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight) was carried out to find the effective dose of the composite compound in ALX-induced diabetic rats. ALX exposure elevated the blood glucose, plasma advanced oxidation product (AOPP), sialic acid demonstrating disturbed antioxidant status.CE at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight restored/minimised these alterations towards normal values. In conclusion, small dose of CE possesses the capability of ameliorating the oxidative stress in ALX-induced diabetes and thus could be a promising approach in lessening diabetic complications.
Treatment of Habitual Patellar Dislocation in an Adult by Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Bohu Yoann , Thaunat Mathieu , Lefevre Nicolas , Klouche Shahnaz , Herman Serge , Catonné Yves
Published: March 2014

Habitual patellar dislocations are rare in adults. Treatment is difficult, and often associated with significant morbidity. A 30-year-old man, construction worker, presented a habitual patellofemoral dislocation which was caused by direct trauma to the knee as a child. Clinical examination showed a 3 cm leg-length discrepancy with no rotational deformities. The patient had a limp and loss of function; the patella was dislocated laterally and had locked at 20° of flexion with a range of motion of 0°/0°/30°. Open surgery was performed associating lateral retinacular release, reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with an ipsilateral gracilis tendon graft. The postoperative course was simple with no complications. Four months after surgery the patient has begun working normally. At the final 50-month clinical follow-up, knee range of motion was 0°/0°/130°, and functional results were excellent on clinical assessment scores of Kujala, Lysholm, and subjective IKDC. MPFL reconstruction alone seems effective in habitual posttraumatic patellar dislocation in adults without any associated bone anomalies.
Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma beyond Milan Criteria: Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Outcome
Authors: Kornberg A.
Published: March 2014

The implementation of the Milan criteria (MC) in 1996 has dramatically improved prognosis after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver transplantation has, thereby, become the standard therapy for patients with “early-stage” HCC on liver cirrhosis. The MC were consequently adopted by United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) and Eurotransplant for prioritization of patients with HCC. Recent advancements in the knowledge about tumor biology, radiographic imaging techniques, locoregional interventional treatments, and immunosuppressive medications have raised a critical discussion, if the MC might be too restrictive and unjustified keeping away many patients from potentially curative LT. Numerous transplant groups have, therefore, increasingly focussed on a stepwise expansion of selection criteria, mainly based on tumor macromorphology, such as size and number of HCC nodules. Against the background of a dramatic shortage of donor organs, however, simple expansion of tumor macromorphology may not be appropriate to create a safe extended criteria system. In contrast, rather the implementation of reliable prognostic parameters of tumor biology into selection process prior to LT is mandatory. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach of pre-, peri-, and posttransplant modulating of the tumor and/or the patient has to be established for improving prognosis in this special subset of patients.
Effect of Titanium Addition on the Thermal Properties of Diamond/Cu-Ti Composites Fabricated by Pressureless Liquid-Phase Sintering Technique
Authors: Chung Chih-Yu , Chu Chao-Hung , Lee Mu-Tse , Lin Chun-Ming , Lin Su-Jien
Published: March 2014

In this study, minor-addition elements such as Si, Co, Cr, W, Mo, and Ti were added to matrix to improve the wettability between the diamonds and Cu matrix. The pressureless liquid-phase sintering technique adopted in this study provides a low-cost method for producing diamond/Cu composites with high potential for industrial mass production. Thermal properties of the diamond/Cu-Ti composites fabricated by pressureless liquid-phase sintering at 1373 K with variation in Ti contents were thoroughly investigated. XRD and TEM analysis show that TiC layer formed in the interface between Cu and diamond. The composites exhibited thermal conductivity as high as 620 W/m·K for 50 vol% diamond/Cu-0.6  at % Ti composite with diamond particle size of 300 µm. This value comes up to 85% of the thermal conductivity calculated by the Hasselman and Johnson (H-J) theoretical analysis. Under these conditions, a suitable coefficient of thermal expansion of 6.9 ppm/K was obtained.
Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Different Ocular Conditions and New Measurement Techniques
Authors: Garcia-Porta Nery , Fernandes Paulo , Queiros Antonio , Salgado-Borges Jose , Parafita-Mato Manuel , González-Méijome Jose Manuel
Published: March 2014

Several refractive and therapeutic treatments as well as several ocular or systemic diseases might induce changes in the mechanical resistance of the cornea. Furthermore, intraocular pressure measurement, one of the most used clinical tools, is also highly dependent on this characteristic. Corneal biomechanical properties can be measured now in the clinical setting with different instruments. In the present work, we review the potential role of the biomechanical properties of the cornea in different fields of ophthalmology and visual science in light of the definitions of the fundamental properties of matter and the results obtained from the different instruments available. The body of literature published so far provides an insight into how the corneal mechanical properties change in different sight-threatening ocular conditions and after different surgical procedures. The future in this field is very promising with several new technologies being applied to the analysis of the corneal biomechanical properties.
Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity after Liver Transplantation for Autoimmune and Nonautoimmune Liver Diseases: A Prospective, Single Centre Study
Authors: Kotarska Katarzyna , Wunsch Ewa , Kempińska-Podhorodecka Agnieszka , Raszeja-Wyszomirska Joanna , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Wójcicki Maciej , Milkiewicz Piotr
Published: March 2014

Background/Aim.With the improvement of the outcomes after liver transplantation (LTx), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity are becoming significant outcome parameters. We prospectively assessed these parameters in patients with autoimmune and nonautoimmune liver disorders undergoing LTx.Materials and Methods.Patients (n=107) were subdivided into 3 groups depending on the time after LTx: group-A (n=21): 6–12 months; group-B (n=48): 13–36 months; and group-C (n=38): >37 months. SF-36 and IPAQ were applied in HRQoL and physical activity assessment.Results.Females had impaired HRQoL in most SF-36 domains. Younger patients showed higher scores at SF-36physical functioningdomain but IPAQ was not influenced by age. Group-B had highergeneral healthandphysical component summarythan group-A (P=0.037,P=0.04, resp.) and total IPAQ than group-C (P=0.047). Thesitting timedomain was longer in group-A than in group-B and group-C (P=0.0157;  P=0.042, resp.). Employed patients had better HRQoL and higher physical activity than those not working. SF-36 and IPAQ were unrelated to the autoimmune etiology of liver disease.Conclusions.These findings show that female and unemployed patients have worse HRQoL, while gender and age at LTx time do not affect IPAQ’s physical activity. The autoimmune etiology of liver disease does not influence HRQoL and physical activity after LTx.
In VivoHealing Potential ofAegle marmelosin Excision, Incision, and Dead Space Wound Models
Authors: Gautam M. K. , Purohit V. , Agarwal M. , Singh A. , Goel R. K.
Published: March 2014

The study incorporates the wound healing potential ofAegle marmelosfruit pulp extract (AME) on excision, incision, and dead space wound models in rats. AME (200 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for variable days depending on the type of wound ulcer study. AME was studied for its wound breaking strength (incision wound), rate of contraction, period of epithelization and histology of skin (excision model), and granulation tissue free radicals, antioxidants, acute inflammatory marker, and connective tissue markers and deep connective tissue histology (dead space wound). Complete wound contraction and epithelization were observed at the 20th day after treatment with AME as compared to the 24th day in control rats. Mean epithelization period and scar area were decreased while wound breaking strength was increased with AME compared with control. Granulation tissue showed increased levels of collagen determinants (33.7 to 64.4%,P<0.001) and antioxidants (13.0 to 38.8%,P<0.05toP<0.001), whereas markers of oxidative stress (55.0 to 55.6%,P<0.001) and myeloperoxidase (21.3%,P<0.001) were decreased in AME treated group.A. marmelosseems to promote wound healing by enhancing connective tissue formation and antioxidants status with decrease in free radicals and myeloperoxidase having tissue damaging effects.
Reexpression of Let-7g MicroRNA Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration via K-Ras/HMGA2/Snail Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Ke-ji , Hou Ying , Wang Kui , Li Jun , Xia Yong , Yang Xiao-yu , Lv Gang , Xing Xiang-Lei , Shen Feng
Published: March 2014

Let-7 family microRNAs have been reported to be downregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma in comparison with normal hepatic tissues. Among them, let-7g was identified as the lowest expression using real-time RT-PCR. However, the mechanism by which let-7g works in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown. Here, in our present study, we have had let-7g reexpressedin vitroin hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines MHCC97-H and HCCLM3 via transfection. The proliferation after reexpression of let-7g was assayed using MTT method; the migration and invasion after restoration were detected by wound-healing and Transwell assay, respectively. We found using Western-blotting that let-7g can regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating K-Ras and HMGA2A after reexpresssion. Xenografted nude mice were used to observe whether or not reexpression of let-7g could have potential therapeutic ability.In vivo, to observe the association with let-7g expression and overall prognosis, 40 paired cases of hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed using in situ hybridization (ISH). It was found that reexpression of let-7g can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion significantly, and that low expression of let-7g was significantly associated with poorer overall survival. Taken together, let-7g could be used as a promising therapeutic agentin vivoin the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma at the earlier stage.
Adsorption of Brilliant Green onto Luffa Cylindrical Sponge: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Segun Esan Olaseni , Nurudeen Abiola Oladoja , Owoyomi Olanrewaju , Olumuyiwa Aboluwoye Christopher , Olubunmi Osundiya Medinat
Published: March 2014

The sponge of Luffa cylindrical (LFC), a fibrous material, was employed as adsorbent for the removal of Brilliant Green (BGD) from aqueous effluent via batch studies. The optimum removal of BGD was found at pH 8.2 and the equilibrium was attained within 3 hours. The kinetic data are analyzed using several models including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, power function, simple elovich, intraparticle diffusion, and liquid film diffusion. The fitting of the different kinetics models to the experimental data, tested by error analysis, using the linear correlation coefficientr2and chi-square analysisχ2, showed that the mechanism of adsorption process was better described by pseudo-second-order and power function kinetic models. The equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models and the sorption process was described by the Langmuir isotherm with maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 18.2 mg/g at 303 K. The thermodynamic propertiesΔG0,ΔH0, andΔS0showed that adsorption of BGD onto LFC was spontaneous, endothermic, and feasible within the temperature range of 303–313 K.
Expression Patterns of ERF Genes Underlying Abiotic Stresses in Di-HaploidPopulus simonii×P. nigra
Authors: Wang Shengji , Yao Wenjing , Wei Hairong , Jiang Tingbo , Zhou Boru
Published: March 2014

176 ERF genes fromPopuluswere identified by bioinformatics analysis, 13 of these in di-haploidPopulus simonii×P. nigrawere investigate by real-time RT-PCR, the results demonstrated that 13 ERF genes were highly responsive to salt stress, drought stress and ABA treatment, and all were expressed in root, stem, and leaf tissues, whereas their expression levels were markedly different in the various tissues. In roots,PthERF99,110,119, and168were primarily downregulated under drought and ABA treatment but were specifically upregulated under high salt condition. Interestingly, in poplar stems, all ERF genes showed the similar trends in expression in response to NaCl stress, drought stress, and ABA treatment, indicating that they may not play either specific or unique roles in stems in abiotic stress responses. In poplar leaves,PthERF168was highly induced by ABA treatment, but was suppressed by high salinity and drought stresses, implying thatPthERF168participated in the ABA signaling pathway. The results of this study indicated that ERF genes could play essential but distinct roles in various plant tissues in response to different environment cues and hormonal treatment.
Early Effects of a Hypocaloric, Mediterranean Diet on Laboratory Parameters in Obese Individuals
Authors: Greco Marta , Chiefari Eusebio , Montalcini Tiziana , Accattato Francesca , Costanzo Francesco S. , Pujia Arturo , Foti Daniela , Brunetti Antonio , Gulletta Elio
Published: March 2014

Calorie restriction is a common strategy for weight loss in obese individuals. However, little is known about the impact of moderate hypocaloric diets on obesity-related laboratory parameters in a short-term period. Aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of laboratory biomarkers in obese individuals following a Mediterranean, hypocaloric (1400–1600 Kcal/die) diet. 23 obese, pharmacologically untreated patients were enrolled and subjected to the determination of anthropometric variables and blood collection at baseline, 1 and 4 months after diet initiation. After 4 months of calorie restriction, we observed a significant decrease in body weight and BMI (bothP<0.0001), insulin (P=0.037), HOMA-IR (P=0.026), leptin (P=0.008), and LDH (P=0.023) and an increase in EGF (P=0.013). All these parameters, except LDH, varied significantly already at 1 month after diet initiation. Also, lower levels of insulin (P=0.025), leptin (P=0.023), and EGF (P=0.035) were associated with a greater (>5%) weight loss. Collectively, our data support a precocious improvement of insulin and leptin sensitivity after a modest calorie restriction and weight reduction. Moreover, EGF and LDH may represent novel markers of obesity, which deserve further investigations.
Splenic Stromal Cells from Aged Mice Produce Higher Levels of IL-6 Compared to Young Mice
Authors: Park Jihyun , Miyakawa Takuya , Shiokawa Aya , Nakajima-Adachi Haruyo , Tanokura Masaru , Hachimura Satoshi
Published: March 2014

Inflamm-aging indicates the chronic inflammatory state resulting from increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators such as IL-6 in the elderly. Our principle objective was to identify cell types that were affected with aging concerning IL-6 secretion in the murine model. We compared IL-6 production in spleen cells from both young and aged mice and isolated several types of cells from spleen and investigated IL-6 mRNA expression and protein production. IL-6 protein productions in cultured stromal cells from aged mice spleen were significantly high compared to young mice upon LPS stimulation. IL-6 mRNA expression level of freshly isolated stromal cells from aged mice was high compared to young mice. Furthermore, stromal cells of aged mice highly expressed IL-6 mRNA after LPS injection in vivo. These results suggest that stromal cells play a role in producing IL-6 in aged mice and imply that they contribute to the chronic inflammatory condition in the elderly.
The Cooperative Effect of In2O2and In/HZSM-5 for Reduction of Nitric Oxide with Methane
Authors: Ren Lili
Published: March 2014

Compared with In/HZSM-5 catalyst, In/HZSM-5/In2O3catalyst that contained two different kinds of In induced by the impregnation and the physical mixing method, respectively, has shown remarkable activity for methane selectively catalytic reduction (CH4-SCR) of NOx. The addition of In2O3to In/HZSM-5 could improve the NO conversion. When a little In2O3was added to the In/HZSM-5, the active sites of InO+which can adsorb NO2were increased. Moreover, at the internal surface of HZSM-5, highly dispersed In2O3species could promote oxidation of NO to NO2. The adsorption of NO2is the key step for the whole reaction, which benefits the activation of methane and the reduction of NOxby methane. Thus the activity of In/HZSM-5/In2O3for CH4-SCR of NOxwas higher than that of In/HZSM-5.
On the Fekete-Szegö Problem for a Class of Analytic Functions
Authors: Peng Zhigang
Published: March 2014

Let 𝒜 denote the class of functions which are analytic in the unit disk D={z:|z|<1} and given by the power series f(z)=z+∑n=2∞‍anzn. Let C be the class of convex functions. In this paper, we give the upper bounds of |a3-μa22| for all real number μ and for any f(z) in the family 𝒱={f(z):f∈𝒜, Re(f(z)/g(z))>0 for  some g∈C}.
Towards a Computational Model of a Methane Producing Archaeum
Authors: Peterson Joseph R. , Labhsetwar Piyush , Ellermeier Jeremy R. , Kohler Petra R. A. , Jain Ankur , Ha Taekjip , Metcalf William W. , Luthey-Schulten Zaida
Published: March 2014

Progress towards a complete model of the methanogenic archaeumMethanosarcina acetivoransis reported. We characterized size distribution of the cells using differential interference contrast microscopy, finding them to be ellipsoidal with mean length and width of 2.9 μm and 2.3 μm, respectively, when grown on methanol and 30% smaller when grown on acetate. We used the single molecule pull down (SiMPull) technique to measure average copy number of the Mcr complex and ribosomes. A kinetic model for the methanogenesis pathways based on biochemical studies and recent metabolic reconstructions for several related methanogens is presented. In this model, 26 reactions in the methanogenesis pathways are coupled to a cell mass production reaction that updates enzyme concentrations. RNA expression data (RNA-seq) measured for cell cultures grown on acetate and methanol is used to estimate relative protein production per mole of ATP consumed. The model captures the experimentally observed methane production rates for cells growing on methanol and is most sensitive to the number of methyl-coenzyme-M reductase (Mcr) and methyl-tetrahydromethanopterin:coenzyme-M methyltransferase (Mtr) proteins. A draft transcriptional regulation network based on known interactions is proposed which we intend to integrate with the kinetic model to allow dynamic regulation.
On the Inverse Eigenvalue Problem for Irreducible Doubly Stochastic Matrices of Small Orders
Authors: Zhang Quanbing , Xu Changqing , Yang Shangjun
Published: March 2014

The inverse eigenvalue problem is a classical and difficult problem in matrix theory. In the case of real spectrum, we first present some sufficient conditions of a realr-tuple (forr=2; 3; 4; 5) to be realized by a symmetric stochastic matrix. Part of these conditions is also extended to the complex case in the case of complex spectrum where the realization matrix may not necessarily be symmetry. The main approach throughout the paper in our discussion is the specific construction of realization matrices and the recursion when the targetedr-tuple is updated to a(r+1)-tuple.
First ComprehensiveIn SilicoAnalysis of the Functional and Structural Consequences of SNPs in HumanGalNAc-T1Gene
Authors: Ali Mohamoud Hussein Sheikh , Manwar Hussain Muhammad Ramzan , El-Harouni Ashraf A. , Shaik Noor Ahmad , Qasmi Zaheer Ulhaq , Merican Amir Feisal , Baig Mukhtiar , Anwar Yasir , Asfour Hani , Bondagji Nabeel , Al-Aama Jumana Yousuf
Published: March 2014

GalNAc-T1, a key candidate of GalNac-transferases genes family that is involved in mucin-typeO-linked glycosylation pathway, is expressed in most biological tissues and cell types. Despite the reported association ofGalNAc-T1gene mutations with human disease susceptibility, the comprehensive computational analysis of coding, noncoding and regulatory SNPs, and their functional impacts on protein level, still remains unknown. Therefore, sequence- and structure-based computational tools were employed to screen the entire listed coding SNPs ofGalNAc-T1gene in order to identify and characterize them. Our concordantin silicoanalysis by SIFT, PolyPhen-2, PANTHER-cSNP, and SNPeffect tools, identified the potential nsSNPs (S143P, G258V, and Y414D variants) from 18 nsSNPs ofGalNAc-T1. Additionally, 2 regulatory SNPs (rs72964406 and #x26; rs34304568) were also identified inGalNAc-T1by using FastSNP tool. Using multiple computational approaches, we have systematically classified the functional mutations in regulatory and coding regions that can modify expression and function ofGalNAc-T1enzyme. These genetic variants can further assist in better understanding the wide range of disease susceptibility associated with the mucin-based cell signalling and pathogenic binding, and may help to develop novel therapeutic elements for associated diseases.
True Fibroma of Alveolar Mucosa
Authors: Patil Shankargouda , Rao Roopa S. , Sharath Sanketh , Agarwal Anveeta
Published: March 2014

Benign fibrous overgrowths are often found in the oral cavity, almost always being reactive/irritational in nature. However, benign mesenchymal neoplasms of the fibroblasts are extremely uncommon. Here we report a case of “True Fibroma of Alveolar Mucosa” for its rarity.
Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Colon: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Barrera-Maldonado Christian Daniel , Wiener Isidoro , Sim Sue
Published: March 2014

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the colon has been described scarcely in the literature. It affects elderly men more commonly than women and usually appears in the left side of the colon. A Hispanic 41-year-old female came to the emergency room with abdominal pain, vomiting, and distension. Physical exam revealed generalized tenderness without peritoneal signs. Laboratory data was unremarkable. A CT scan showed an apple-core lesion in the distal colon. A flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed an obstructive mass that made further evaluation impossible. Exploratory surgery revealed a hard mass obstructing the descending colon, which was resected. Histopathology analysis with immunohistochemistry staining was positive for cytokeratin 20, cytokeratin 10, CDX2, and villin, while it was negative for cytokeratin 7, RCC, vimentin, and CD31. These results confirmed the clear cell variant of the adenocarcinoma. Clear cell adenocarcinomas usually arise from the kidneys and Müllerian organs. Immunohistochemistry is crucial for establishing the origin of these neoplastic cells. A cytokeratin 20+/7− with positive CDX2 is highly specific and sensitive for intestinal neoplastic origin. The main treatment has been surgery alone with moderately good results. More research and information about this malignancy is needed, especially in regard to prognosis and in order to provide the best treatment option.
Polarization of ILC2s in Peripheral Blood Might Contribute to Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bie Qingli , Zhang Pan , Su Zhaoliang , Zheng Dong , Ying Xinyu , Wu Yumin , Yang Huijian , Chen Deyu , Wang Shengjun , Xu Huaxi
Published: March 2014

Newly identified nuocytes or group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play an important role in Th2 cell mediated immunity such as protective immune responses to helminth parasites, allergic asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the contributions of ILC2s in the occurrence and development of cancer remain unknown. Our previous study found that there was a predominant Th2 phenotype in patients with gastric cancer. In this study, the ILC2s related genes or molecules in PBMC from patients with gastric cancer were measured, and the potential correlation between them was analyzed. The expression levels of RORα, GATA3, T1/ST2, IL-17RB, CRTH2, IL-33, IL-5, and IL-4 mRNA were significantly increased in patients, but no significant changes were found in ICOS, CD45, and IL-13 expression, and there was a positive correlation between RORαor IL-13 and other related factors, such as ICOS and CD45. The increased frequency of ILC2s was also found in PBMC of patients by flow cytometry. In addition, the mRNA of Arg1 and iNOS were also significantly increased in patients. These results suggested that there are polarized ILC2s in gastric cancer patients which might contribute to immunosuppressive microenvironment and closely related to the upregulation of MDSCs and M2 macrophages.
Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation and Tocilizumab in a Patient with Juvenile Arthritis
Authors: Chiran Dragos Andrei , Weber Michael , Ailioaie Laura Marinela , Moraru Eovelina , Ailioaie Constantin , Litscher Daniela , Litscher Gerhard
Published: March 2014

This study presents effects of intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI) in a transient immunodeficiency patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor (Tocilizumab). Biological agents induce JIA remission, but some patients do not respond favorably to this final therapeutic line of defense. ILBI was performed in a 16-year-old male patient, with JIA and transient immunodeficiency. When ILBI was introduced, the patient was receiving disease-modifying drugs, steroids, tocilizumab, and physical therapy. Because the disease was not well controlled, ILBI was applied in addition to other ongoing therapies. The patient underwent 1 session daily, and 10 successive sessions per month, repeated every 3 months, for 7 months. Patient evaluation was performed before ILBI was started and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after ILBI initiation, using the ACR Pediatric response. The outcome was evaluated using Pediatric 50, 70, and 90 responses and compared to initial status, after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. At the end of study, the titre of IgA and IgG levels returned to normal. Synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of ILBI was evident, if applied additionally in combination with tocilizumab, in a patient with a therapy-resistant severe form of JIA and related subacute transient immunodeficiency.
A Case of Recurrent Breast Cancer with Solitary Metastasis to the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Pawinski Adam
Published: March 2014

Elderly patients with breast cancer often present with symptomatic, locoregionally advanced rather than screening-detected disease, thereby increasing the risk of metastatic recurrence during their remaining life time. Typical sites of metastases include lungs, bones, liver, and brain. Here we present a patient who developed a solitary urinary bladder metastasis five years after primary diagnosis of stage T4 N0 estrogen receptor-positive lobular carcinoma, while on continued adjuvant endocrine treatment (91 years of age). Anemia and increased serum creatinine resulting from hydronephrosis led to diagnosis of metastatic disease, which was confirmed by transurethral resection. The patient responded clinically to palliative radiotherapy and a different type of endocrine therapy. One year after diagnosis of metastatic disease, she died without signs of cancer progression.