bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
End-to-End Korean Part-of-Speech Tagging Using Copying Mechanism
Authors: Jung Sangkeun , Lee Changki , Hwang Hyunsun
Published: February 2018

In this article, we introduce a novel neural architecture for the end-to-end Korean Part-of-Speech (POS) tagging problem. To address the problem, we extend the present recurrent neural network-based sequence-to-sequence models to deal with the key challenges in this task: rare word generation and POS tagging. To overcome these issues, Input-Feeding and Copying mechanism are adopted. Although our approach does not require any manual features or preprocessed pattern matching dictionaries, our best single model achieves an F-score of 97.08. This is competitive with the current state-of-the-art model (F-score 98.03), which requires extensive manual feature processing.
Direct intertectal inputs are an integral component of the bilateral sensorimotor circuit for behavior in Xenopus tadpoles
Authors: Gambrill Abigail C. , Faulkner Regina L. , Cline Hollis T.
Published: February 2018

The circuit controlling visually guided behavior in nonmammalian vertebrates, such as Xenopus tadpoles, includes retinal projections to the contralateral optic tectum, where visual information is processed, and tectal motor outputs projecting ipsilaterally to hindbrain and spinal cord. Tadpoles have an intertectal commissure whose function is unknown, but it might transfer information between the tectal lobes. Differences in visual experience between the two eyes have profound effects on the development and function of visual circuits in animals with binocular vision, but the effects on animals with fully crossed retinal projections are not clear. We tested the effect of monocular visual experience on the visuomotor circuit in Xenopus tadpoles. We show that cutting the intertectal commissure or providing visual experience to one eye (monocular visual experience) is sufficient to disrupt tectally mediated visual avoidance behavior. Monocular visual experience induces asymmetry in tectal circuit activity across the midline. Repeated exposure to monocular visual experience drives maturation of the stimulated retinotectal synapses, seen as increased AMPA-to-NMDA ratios, induces synaptic plasticity in intertectal synaptic connections, and induces bilaterally asymmetric changes in the tectal excitation-to-inhibition ratio (E/I). We show that unilateral expression of peptides that interfere with AMPA or GABAA receptor trafficking alters E/I in the transfected tectum and is sufficient to degrade visuomotor behavior. Our study demonstrates that monocular visual experience in animals with fully crossed visual systems produces asymmetric circuit function across the midline and degrades visuomotor behavior. The data further suggest that intertectal inputs are an integral component of a bilateral visuomotor circuit critical for behavior.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The developing optic tectum of Xenopus tadpoles represents a unique circuit in which laterally positioned eyes provide sensory input to a circuit that is transiently monocular, but which will be binocular in the animal’s adulthood. We challenge the idea that the two lobes of tadpole optic tectum function independently by testing the requirement of interhemispheric communication and demonstrate that unbalanced sensory input can induce structural and functional plasticity in the tectum sufficient to disrupt function.
Phase reorganization leads to transient β-LFP spatial wave patterns in motor cortex during steady-state movement preparation
Authors: Rule Michael E. , Vargas-Irwin Carlos , Donoghue John P. , Truccolo Wilson
Published: February 2018

Previous studies on the origin and properties of spatial patterns in motor cortex β-local field potential (β-LFP) oscillations have focused on planar traveling waves. However, it is unclear 1) whether β-LFP waves are limited to plane waves, or even 2) whether they are propagating waves of excito-excitatory activity, i.e., primarily traveling waves in excitable media; they could reflect, instead, reorganization in the relative phases of transient oscillations at different spatial sites. We addressed these two problems in β-LFPs recorded via microelectrode arrays implanted in three adjacent motor cortex areas of nonhuman primates during steady-state movement preparation. Our findings are fourfold: 1) β-LFP wave patterns emerged as transient events, despite stable firing rates of single neurons concurrently recorded during the same periods. 2) β-LFP waves showed a richer variety of spatial dynamics, including rotating and complex waves. 3) β-LFP wave patterns showed no characteristic wavelength, presenting instead a range of scales with global zero-lag phase synchrony as a limiting case, features surprising for purely excito-excitatory waves but consistent with waves in coupled oscillator systems. 4) Furthermore, excito-excitatory traveling waves induced by optogenetic stimulation in motor cortex showed, in contrast, a characteristic wavelength and reduced phase synchrony. Overall, β-LFP wave statistics differed from those of induced traveling waves in excitable media recorded under the same microelectrode array setup. Our findings suggest phase reorganization in neural coupled oscillators contribute significantly to the origin of transient β-LFP spatial dynamics during preparatory steady states and outline important constraints for spatially extended models of β-LFP dynamics in motor cortex.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that a rich variety of transient β-local field potential (β-LFP) wave patterns emerge in motor cortex during preparatory steady states, despite stable neuronal firing rates. Furthermore, unlike optogenetically induced traveling waves, β-LFP waves showed no characteristic wavelength, presenting instead a range of scales with global phase synchrony as a limiting case. Overall, our statistical analyses suggest that transient phase reorganization in neural coupled oscillators, beyond purely excito-excitatory traveling waves, contribute significantly to the origin of motor cortex β-LFP wave patterns.
Progression of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures during epileptogenesis after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus
Authors: Smith Zachariah Z. , Benison Alexander M. , Bercum Florencia M. , Dudek F. Edward , Barth Daniel S.
Published: February 2018

Although convulsive seizures occurring during pilocarpine-induced epileptogenesis have received considerable attention, nonconvulsive seizures have not been closely examined, even though they may reflect the earliest signs of epileptogenesis and potentially guide research on antiepileptogenic interventions. The definition of nonconvulsive seizures based on brain electrical activity alone has been controversial. Here we define and quantify electrographic properties of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures in the context of the acquired epileptogenesis that occurs after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). Lithium-pilocarpine was used to induce the prolonged repetitive seizures characteristic of SE; when SE was terminated with paraldehyde, seizures returned during the 2-day period after pilocarpine treatment. A distinct latent period ranging from several days to >2 wk was then measured with continuous, long-term video-EEG. Nonconvulsive seizures dominated the onset of epileptogenesis and consistently preceded the first convulsive seizures but were still present later. Convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures had similar durations. Postictal depression (background suppression of the EEG) lasted for >100 s after both convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures. Principal component analysis was used to quantify the spectral evolution of electrical activity that characterized both types of spontaneous recurrent seizures. These studies demonstrate that spontaneous nonconvulsive seizures have electrographic properties similar to convulsive seizures and confirm that nonconvulsive seizures link the latent period and the onset of convulsive seizures during post-SE epileptogenesis in an animal model. Nonconvulsive seizures may also reflect the earliest signs of epileptogenesis in human acquired epilepsy, when intervention could be most effective.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Nonconvulsive seizures usually represent the first bona fide seizure following a latent period, dominate the early stages of epileptogenesis, and change in severity in a manner consistent with the progressive nature of epileptogenesis. This analysis demonstrates that nonconvulsive and convulsive seizures have different behavioral outcomes but similar electrographic signatures. Alternatively, epileptiform spike-wave discharges fail to recapitulate several key seizure features and represent a category of electrical activity separate from nonconvulsive seizures in this model.
Dietary Modulation of the Epigenome
Authors: Ideraabdullah Folami Y. , Zeisel Steven H.
Published: February 2018

Epigenetics is the study of heritable mechanisms that can modify gene activity and phenotype without modifying the genetic code. The basis for the concept of epigenetics originated more than 2,000 yr ago as a theory to explain organismal development. However, the definition of epigenetics continues to evolve as we identify more of the components that make up the epigenome and dissect the complex manner by which they regulate and are regulated by cellular functions. A substantial and growing body of research shows that nutrition plays a significant role in regulating the epigenome. Here, we critically assess this diverse body of evidence elucidating the role of nutrition in modulating the epigenome and summarize the impact such changes have on molecular and physiological outcomes with regards to human health.
Performance Analysis of a Recycled Concrete Interfacial Transition Zone in a Rapid Carbonization Environment
Authors: Yue Gongbing , Zhang Peng , Li Qiuyi , Li Qianqian
Published: February 2018

Based on the characteristics of recycled concrete interface structures, a multi‐interface reconstruction model was established. To study the microstructure evolution of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) during the carbonization process of recycled concrete, the microstructure characteristics of the ITZ of C30, C40, and C50 grade recycled concrete and the mortar matrix before and after carbonization were studied through the microhardness tester and SEM. The results show that the microhardness values of the ITZ and the mortar matrix are obviously increased and that the width of the ITZ decreases, while the ITZ performance of the C50 grade recycled concrete is not significantly changed. The ITZ exhibits a large amount of granular CaCO3 after carbonization, the pores are refined, and microcracks are generated. Overall, there are significant differences in the microstructures between the ITZ and the mortar matrix before and after carbonization.
Comparison of Creep Properties of Cast and Wrought Haynes 282 Superalloy
Authors: Kim Young-Joo , Park Jae-Hyeun , Ahn Yong-Sik
Published: February 2018

Ni‐based superalloy Haynes 282 was developed as a gas turbine material for use in the ultra‐supercritical (USC) stage of next‐generation coal‐fired power plants. Temperatures in the USC stage exceed 700°C during operation. Despite the important role of Haynes 282 in increasing the performance of high‐pressure turbines, as a result of its high‐temperature capability, there is little information on the microstructure, deformation mechanism, or mechanical properties of the cast condition of this alloy. In this study, we compared the creep properties of Haynes 282 cast alloy with those of its wrought alloy counterpart. The tensile test results of cast and wrought Haynes 282 alloys over the temperature range 25–800°C showed that the cast product exhibited significantly lower strength and ductility compared with the wrought product at all test temperatures. A creep test performed at 750°C showed only a slight difference in the rupture life of the two products. Based on the creep test results, the deformation mechanism is discussed.
Cultural Distance-Aware Service Recommendation Approach in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Li Yan , Guo Yan
Published: February 2018

In the era of big data, traditional computing systems and paradigms are not efficient and even difficult to use. For high performance big data processing, mobile edge computing is emerging as a complement framework of cloud computing. In this new computing architecture, services are provided within a close proximity of mobile users by servers at the edge of network. Traditional collaborative filtering recommendation approach only focuses on the similarity extracted from the rating data, which may lead to an inaccuracy expression of user preference. In this paper, we propose a cultural distance-aware service recommendation approach which focuses on not only the similarity but also the local characteristics and preference of users. Our approach employs the cultural distance to express the user preference and combines it with similarity to predict the user ratings and recommend the services with higher rating. In addition, considering the extreme sparsity of the rating data, missing rating prediction based on collaboration filtering is introduced in our approach. The experimental results based on real-world datasets show that our approach outperforms the traditional recommendation approaches in terms of the reliability of recommendation.
A Cellular Automata-Based Simulation Tool for Real Fire Accident Prevention
Authors: Czerniak Jacek M. , Zarzycki Hubert , Apiecionek Łukasz , Palczewski Wiesław , Kardasz Piotr
Published: February 2018

Many serious real-life problems could be simulated using cellular automata theory. There were a lot of fires in public places which kill many people. Proposed method, called Cellular Automata Evaluation (CAEva in short), is using cellular automata theory and could be used for checking buildings conditions for fire accident. The tests performed on real accident showed that an appropriately configured program allows obtaining a realistic simulation of human evacuation. The authors analyze some real accidents and proved that CAEva method appears as a very promising solution, especially in the cases of building renovations or temporary unavailability of escape routes.
Equisetum arvense L. Extract Induces Antibacterial Activity and Modulates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Endothelial Vascular Cells Exposed to Hyperosmotic Stress
Authors: Pallag Annamaria , Filip Gabriela Adriana , Olteanu Diana , Clichici Simona , Baldea Ioana , Jurca Tunde , Micle Otilia , Vicaş Laura , Marian Eleonora , Soriţău Olga , Cenariu Mihai , Mureşan Mariana
Published: February 2018

Background. The antimicrobial activity of the Equisetum arvense L. extract and the mechanisms involved in the in vitro effects on endothelial vascular cells exposed to hyperosmotic stress were evaluated. Methods. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, in pretreatment with Equisetum arvense L., caffeic acid, and cathechin, were quantified. Results. The results have shown that Equisetum arvense L. exhibited antibacterial effects only on pathogenic gram‐positive cocci. The modulatory activity of Equisetum arvense L. on endothelial cells exposed to hypertonic medium was different and depended on the concentration used. Low concentrations of tested compounds exerted antioxidant effect and diminished the activity of caspase‐8 and also increased IκB expression while in high doses, Equisetum arvense L. was prooxidant, induced apoptosis, and decreased IL‐6 secretion. Conclusions. These experimental findings suggest that Equisetum arvense L. has antibacterial effects on gram‐positive cocci and, administered in low dose, may be a new therapeutic approach for diseases associated with hypertonic conditions or oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Online Signature Verification on MOBISIG Finger-Drawn Signature Corpus
Authors: Antal Margit , Szabó László Zsolt , Tordai Tünde
Published: February 2018

We present MOBISIG, a pseudosignature dataset containing finger-drawn signatures from 83 users captured with a capacitive touchscreen-based mobile device. The database was captured in three sessions resulting in 45 genuine signatures and 20 skilled forgeries for each user. The database was evaluated by two state-of-the-art methods: a function-based system using local features and a feature-based system using global features. Two types of equal error rate computations are performed: one using a global threshold and the other using user-specific thresholds. The lowest equal error rate was 0.01% against random forgeries and 5.81% against skilled forgeries using user-specific thresholds that were computed a posteriori. However, these equal error rates were significantly raised to 1.68% (random forgeries case) and 14.31% (skilled forgeries case) using global thresholds. The same evaluation protocol was performed on the DooDB publicly available dataset. Besides verification performance evaluations conducted on the two finger-drawn datasets, we evaluated the quality of the samples and the users of the two datasets using basic quality measures. The results show that finger-drawn signatures can be used by biometric systems with reasonable accuracy.
Avoiding the Trap of Misdiagnosis: Valuable Teaching Points Derived from a Case of Longstanding Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome
Authors: Wady Heitham , Badar Zain , Farooq Zerwa , Shaw Palma , Kobayashi Katsuhiro
Published: February 2018

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES), a condition predominantly affecting young individuals, is a rare clinical entity that can result in significant morbidity. The presence of lower limb pain and claudication in young, physically active individuals should prompt consideration for PAES. Early diagnosis and management is crucial to prevent long-term complications; however, diagnosis is fraught with challenges due to the rarity of the disease and its similar clinical presentation with more common conditions. We present a case of a young female with PAES who was misdiagnosed and underwent a tarsal tunnel release for suspected tarsal tunnel syndrome and subsequent fasciotomies for presumed chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) without any relief. We outline the insidious undiagnosed course of her condition over a period of 12 years, discuss teaching points of how to recognize key differences of PAES and associated conditions, and provide recommendations for how to make the right diagnosis.
What Kind of Information and Communication Technologies Do Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prefer? An Ecuadorian Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chérrez-Ojeda Iván , Vanegas Emanuel , Calero Erick , Plaza Karin , Cano Jose A. , Calderon Juan Carlos , Valdano Jorge , Gutierrez Jorge Oswaldo , Guevara Jose
Published: February 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency of use of information and communication technologies and patterns of preference among Ecuadorian patients with diabetes.Methods. We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey on type 2 diabetes mellitus. A chi-square test for association and adjusted regression analyses were performed.Results. 248 patients were enrolled, with a mean sample age of 57.7 years. SMS was the most used ICT (66.0%). The Internet was used by 45.2% of patients to obtain information about diabetes. SMS and email were rated as the most useful ICTs for receiving information (64.5% and 28.1%, resp.) and asking physicians about diabetes (63.8% and 26.1%, resp.). Patients were also interested in receiving disease information (82.4%) and asking physicians about diabetes (84.7%) through WhatsApp. Adjusted logistic regressions revealed that individuals aged 55 years or younger, those with superior degree level, and those with long diabetes history preferred email for receiving information and asking physicians about diabetes compared to those above 55 years, those with low education level, and those with short diabetes history, respectively.Conclusion. Understanding preferences of ICTs among patients with diabetes could facilitate application development targeted towards specific requirements from patients.
Do Mothers with Lower Socioeconomic Status Contribute to the Rate of All-Cause Child Mortality in Kazakhstan?
Authors: Yu Fei , Yan Ziqi , Pu Run , Tang Shangfeng , Ghose Bishwajit , Huang Rui
Published: February 2018

Background. This study aimed to explore whether or not mothers with higher educational and wealth status report lower rate of child mortality compared to those with less advantageous socioeconomic situation.Methods. Data used were cross-sectional and collected from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in Kazakhstan conducted in 2015. Subjects experiencing childbirth were 9278 women aging between 15 and 49 years. The associations between maternal education and household wealth status with child mortality were examined by multivariate analytical methods.Results. The overall prevalence of child mortality was 6.7%, with noticeable variations across the different regions. Compared with women who had the highest educational status, those with upper and lower secondary were 1.47 and 1.89 times more likely to experience child death. Women in the lowest and second lowest wealth quintile had 2.74 and 2.68 times higher odds of experiencing child death compared with those in the richest wealth status households.Conclusions. Policy makers pay special attention to improving socioeconomic status of the mothers in an effort to reduce child mortality in the country. Women living in the disadvantaged regions with poor access to quality health care services should be regarded as a top priority.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Presenting as Expressive Aphasia and Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus
Authors: Mahboob Hafiz B. , Kaokaf Kazi H. , Gonda Jeremy M.
Published: February 2018

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), the most common form of human prion diseases, is a fatal condition with a mortality rate reaching 85% within one year of clinical presentation. CJD is characterized by rapidly progressive neurological deterioration in combination with typical electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and positive cerebrospinal spinal fluid (CSF) analysis for 14-3-3 proteins. Unfortunately, CJD can have atypical clinical and radiological presentation in approximately 10% of cases, thus making the diagnosis often challenging. We report a rare clinical presentation of sporadic CJD (sCJD) with combination of both expressive aphasia and nonconvulsive status epilepticus. This patient presented with slurred speech, confusion, myoclonus, headaches, and vertigo and succumbed to his disease within ten weeks of initial onset of his symptoms. He had a normal initial diagnostic workup, but subsequent workup initiated due to persistent clinical deterioration revealed CJD with typical MRI, EEG, and CSF findings. Other causes of rapidly progressive dementia and encephalopathy were ruled out. Though a rare condition, we recommend consideration of CJD on patients with expressive aphasia, progressive unexplained neurocognitive decline, and refractory epileptiform activity seen on EEG. Frequent reimaging (MRI, video EEGs) and CSF examination might help diagnose this fatal condition earlier.
Characteristics of Heat Illness during Hajj: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abdelmoety Doaa A. , El-Bakri Nahid K. , Almowalld Wedian O. , Turkistani Zyad A. , Bugis Bassam H. , Baseif Eshraq A. , Melbari Mohamed H. , AlHarbi Khaled , Abu-Shaheen Amani
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Data regarding the characteristics and outcomes of heat illness are lacking in the literature. The present study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics, morbidity, management, and mortality associated with heat illness among Hajj participants. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the Hajj in 2016 on patients who presented to emergency departments and were diagnosed with heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Data were collected using a structured collection sheet developed based on the literature. Results. A total of 267 patients were recruited. Of these, 80 (29%) and 187 (67.75%) were diagnosed with heatstroke and heat exhaustion, with 6.3% and 0.0% mortality, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 54.0±16 years. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity among both heatstroke and heat exhaustion patients. The majority of patients had hyperthermia and electrolyte imbalance. Most of the heat illness cases were treated per heat illness guidelines. Conclusions. Although authorities are working on research and forming interdisciplinary teams to prevent health problems during the Hajj, the mortality rate from heatstroke is high and the majority of the patients had hyperthermia, varied signs and symptoms, elevated creatinine levels, and electrolyte imbalances.
Linear and Nonlinear Dynamic Analyses of Sandwich Panels with Face Sheet‐to‐Core Debonding
Authors: Burlayenko Vyacheslav N. , Sadowski Tomasz
Published: February 2018

A survey of recent developments in the dynamic analysis of sandwich panels with face sheet‐to‐core debonding is presented. The finite element method within the ABAQUS™ code is utilized. The emphasis is directed to the procedures used to elaborate linear and nonlinear models and to predict dynamic response of the sandwich panels. Recently developed models are presented, which can be applied for structural health monitoring algorithms of real‐scale sandwich panels. First, various popular theories of intact sandwich panels are briefly mentioned and a model is proposed to effectively analyse the modal dynamics of debonded and damaged (due to impact) sandwich panels. The influences of debonding size, form, and location and number of such damage incidents on the modal characteristics of sandwich panels are shown. For nonlinear analysis, models based on implicit and explicit time integration schemes are presented and dynamic responses gained with those models are discussed. Finally, questions related to debonding progression at the face sheet‐core interface when dynamic loading continues with time are briefly highlighted.
A Systematic Review of Herbal Medicine for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Noh Hyeonseok , Yoon Seong Woo , Park Bongki
Published: February 2018

Background. Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse effect in cancer patients. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of herbal medicine in preventing and treating CIPN. Methods. Randomised controlled trials were included in this review. Extracting and assessing the data independently, two authors searched 13 databases. Results. Twenty‐eight trials involving 2174 patients met the inclusion criteria. Although there were some exceptions, the methodological quality was typically low. Seventeen trials reported the incidence rate of CIPN assessed by various tools and 14 showed a significant difference regarding the decrease of the incidence rate between the two groups. For clinical improvement, 12 trials reported it using various tools and 10 showed a significant difference between two groups. Two cases of adverse events occurred in one trial; the other nine trials reported no adverse events. Conclusions. We found that herbal medicines in combination with and/or without other therapies potentially have preventive or therapeutic effects on CIPN. However, conclusions cannot be drawn because of the generally low quality of the methodology, the clinical heterogeneity, and the small sample size for each single herbal medicine. Trials that are more rigorous and report sufficient methodological data are needed.
Neural Induction Potential and MRI of ADSCs Labeled Cationic Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle In Vitro
Authors: Ma Weiqiong , Xie Qi , Zhang Baolin , Chen Huixian , Tang Jianyi , Lei Zhengxian , Wu Minyi , Zhang Dingxuan , Hu Jiani
Published: February 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with contrast agents is believed to be useful for stem cell tracking in vivo, and the aim of this research was to investigate the biosafety and neural induction of SD rat-originated adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) using cationic superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle which was synthesized by the improved polyol method, in order to allow visualization using in vitro MRI. The scan protocols were performed with T2-mapping sequence; meanwhile, the ultrastructure of labeled cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while the iron content was measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). After neural induction, nestin and NSE (neural markers) were obviously expressed. In vitro MRI showed that the cationic PEG/PEI-modified SPIO nanoparticles could achieve great relaxation performance and favourable longevity. And the ICP-AES quantified the lowest iron content that could be detected by MRI as 1.56~1.8 pg/cell. This study showed that the cationic SPIO could be directly used to label ADSCs, which could then inductively differentiate into nerve and be imaged by in vitro MRI, which would exhibit important guiding significance for the further in vivo MRI towards animal models with neurodegenerative disorders.
Prognostic Value of Combination of Pretreatment Red Cell Distribution Width and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhou Danyang , Wu Ying , Lin Zhenyu , Shi Liangliang , Zhao Lei , Liu Tao , Yu Dandan , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2018

Aims. Gastric cancer (GC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage; inexpensive and valid biomarkers for GC are still unavailable. We aimed to evaluate the prognosis of the combination of pretreatment red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with GC.Methods. A retrospective analysis from 103 GC patients who were diagnosed at our institution from 2012 to 2016 was performed. Both pretreatment RDW and NLR were calculated based on the recommended cutoff values of 13.4% and 2.755, respectively. Combined values of RDW and NLR (RDW + NLR) stratified patients into a score of 0 (RDW ≤ 13.4% and NLR ≤ 2.755), a score of 1 (RDW > 13.4% or NLR > 2.755), and a score of 2 (RDW > 13.4% and NLR > 2.755). Prognostic significances for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed.Results. Pretreatment RDW + NLR was a significantly independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. Moreover, high RDW + NLR was strongly related to age, tumor location, TNM stage, CA125, and CA199. In a subgroup analysis for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC), we observed that the level of RDW + NLR was markedly associated with OS and PFS.Conclusion. Pretreatment RDW + NLR is a simple, inexpensive, and valid prognostic system to predict the survival in patients with GC, especially AGC.
Role of Muramyl Dipeptide in Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Biological Activity and Osteoclast Activity
Authors: Kitaura Hideki , Ishida Masahiko , Kimura Keisuke , Sugisawa Haruki , Kishikawa Akiko , Shima Kazuhiro , Ogawa Saika , Qi Jiawei , Shen Wei-Ren
Published: February 2018

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin and bacterial cell wall component that is capable of inducing inflammation and immunological activity. Muramyl dipeptide (MDP), the minimal essential structural unit responsible for the immunological activity of peptidoglycans, is another inflammation-inducing molecule that is ubiquitously expressed by bacteria. Several studies have shown that inflammation-related biological activities were synergistically induced by interactions between LPS and MDP. MDP synergistically enhances production of proinflammatory cytokines that are induced by LPS exposure. Injection of MDP induces lethal shock in mice challenged with LPS. LPS also induces osteoclast formation and pathological bone resorption; MDP enhances LPS induction of both processes. Furthermore, MDP enhances the LPS-induced receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expression and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression bothin vivoandin vitro. Additionally, MDP enhances LPS-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in stromal cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that MDP plays an important role in LPS-induced biological activities. This review discusses the role of MDP in LPS-mediated biological activities, primarily in relation to osteoclastogenesis.
Gastric MALT Lymphoma with Increased Plasma Cell Differentiation Showing Unique Endoscopic Features
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Tanaka Takehiro , Nishida Kenji , Kawano Seiji , Kawahara Yoshiro , Ohya Shogen , Yoshino Tadashi , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2018

A 62-year-old woman was diagnosed with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) with increased plasma cell differentiation of the stomach. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed slightly elevated, whitish lesions in the gastric body. Magnifying endoscopic observation revealed that the gastric surface epithelium was swollen, but the structure was not destroyed or diminished. Elongated, tortuous vasculature was observed on the surface of the whitish lesions. The patient underwent eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori, which resulted in complete remission. Although the appearance of abnormal vessels and the destruction of gastric epithelial structure are the typical features of gastric MALT lymphoma during magnifying endoscopy, the present case showed different features, which were rather similar to those observed in a previously reported case of gastric plasmacytoma. The current case indicates that magnifying endoscopic features are not uniform among gastric MALT lymphomas.
Fast-LPG Sensors at Room Temperature by α-Fe2O3/CNT Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Chaitongrat B. , Chaisitsak S.
Published: February 2018

We present performance of a room temperature LPG sensor based on α-Fe2O3/CNT (carbon nanotube) nanocomposite films. The nanocomposite film was fabricated via the metallic Fe catalyst particle on CNTs in which both the catalyst particles and the CNT were simultaneously synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis and were subsequently annealed in air to create α-Fe2O3. These methods are simple, inexpensive, and suitable for large-scale production. The structure, surface morphologies, and LPG response of nanocomposite films were investigated. Raman spectroscopy and XPS analysis showed the formation of α-Fe2O3 on small CNTs (SWNTs). Morphological analysis using FE-SEM and AFM revealed the formation of the porous surface along with roughness surface. Additionally, the sensing performance of α-Fe2O3/CNTs showed that it could detect LPG concentration at lower value than 25% of LEL with response/recovery time of less than 30 seconds at room temperature. These results suggest that the α-Fe2O3/CNTs films are challenging materials for monitoring LPG operating at room temperature.
Postmenopausal Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis of the Colon: Rare Location and Novel Medical Therapy
Authors: Snyder Benjamin M. , Beets Joseph W. , Lessey Bruce A. , Horton Samuel R. W. , Abrams Gary A.
Published: February 2018

We report an uncommon case of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the colon presenting as iron deficiency anemia nine years after hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The endometrial implant was found at the hepatic flexure, an exceedingly rare location for endometriosis invasion with no cases distinctly reported in the literature. Additionally, the presentation of gastrointestinal endometriosis as iron deficiency anemia is not well documented in the literature. Instead of surgery, we prescribed a novel medical therapeutic approach using conjugated estrogen-bazedoxifene to antagonize the proliferative effects of estrogen on endometrial tissue. After five months of therapy and repeat colonoscopy, no evidence of endometrial tissue remained in the hepatic flexure.
Aortic Dissection Presenting as Septic Shock: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Feng Jing , Liu Rui , Ma Sai , Cao Changkui , Zhang Wei , Zhao Yang , Nie Shinan
Published: February 2018

Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening clinical emergency, which mostly occurs in aged patients and presents with sharp chest pain. In this paper, we reported a case of acute aortic dissection, which induced septic shock in a young woman, without typical chest pain. The septic shock was possibly due to the bacterial translocation caused by aortic dissection-induced intestinal ischemia and intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. Our case appeared as the first case report of aortic dissection presenting as septic shock. This case is rare but can serve as a reminder that aortic dissection may be accompanied by septic shock, and this could result in a grave outcome.
Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Presenting as Testicular Lymphoma in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Obanor Steve Omoruyi , Gruttadauria Michelle , Applebaum Kayla , Eskandari Mohammad , Lieberman Lubetzky Michelle , Greenstein Stuart
Published: February 2018

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a malignancy caused by the immunosuppression that occurs after transplantation. It is primarily a nodal lesion but frequently it involves extranodal masses. Treatment is usually by reducing immunosuppressive therapy. Testicular lymphoma as PTLD is notably rare in documented literature and there is limited evidence of definitive treatment guidelines. This manuscript describes a patient who developed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of his right testis one year following kidney transplantation. A diagnosis of PTLD was made and treatment with rituximab, locoregional radiotherapy, and intrathecal methotrexate in addition to the standard reduction of immunosuppression resulted in complete remission until now. We submit this case along with literature review of similar cases in the past and a review of specific peculiarities of our case with emphasis on our treatment plan to further the understanding of this diversiform disease.
MicroRNA-203 Inhibits Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR and Regulates Tumorigenesis through Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition Pathway in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dasgupta Pritha , Kulkarni Priyanka , Majid Shahana , Shahryari Varahram , Hashimoto Yutaka , Bhat Nadeem S. , Shiina Marisa , Deng Guoren , Saini Sharanjot , Tabatabai Z. Laura , Yamamura Soichiro , Tanaka Yuichiro , Dahiya Rajvir
Published: February 2018

This study aims to investigate the role of miR-203–HOTAIR interaction in the suppression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We employed series of in vitro assays such as proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation along with in vivo tumor xenograft model. Profiling of miR-203 and HOTAIR expression revealed that miR-203 was significantly underexpressed, whereas HOTAIR was overexpressed in RCC cell lines and clinical specimens compared with normal cell line and tissue. Both miR-203 and HOTAIR expression significantly distinguished malignant from normal tissues and significantly correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics of patients. Overexpression of miR-203 significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion with an induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. However, HOTAIR suppression resulted in the similar functional effects in the same RCC cell lines. In silico, RNA-22 algorithm showed a binding site for miR-203 in HOTAIR. We observed a direct interaction between miR-203 and HOTAIR by RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. We show that miR-203–HOTAIR interaction resulted in the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic genes as indicated by induction of key metastasis-suppressing proteins E-cadherin, claudin (epithelial markers), and PTEN along with induction of tumor suppressor genes p21 and p27. A significant decrease in vimentin (mesenchymal marker), KLF4, and Nanog (stemness markers) was also observed. This is the first report demonstrating miR-203–mediated regulation of HOTAIR induces tumor suppressor effects in RCC by regulating EMT and metastatic pathway genes. Thus, the study suggests that therapeutic regulation of HOTAIR by miR-203 overexpression may provide an opportunity to regulate RCC growth and metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 1061–9. ©2018 AACR.
Cervical Intramedullary Schwannoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Navarro Fernández José Omar , Monroy Sosa Alejandro , Cacho Díaz Bernardo , Arrieta Víctor Andrés , Ortíz Leyva Ramses Uriel , Cano Valdez Ana María , Reyes Soto Gervith
Published: February 2018

Cervical intramedullary schwannomas are extraordinarily rare. Gross total resection is the best therapeutic option for these types of tumors. Although rare, intramedullary schwannomas should be considered as a differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesions since a good prognosis can be guaranteed to the majority of these patients. We present a case of a cervical intramedullary schwannoma surgically treated in a 19-year-old male patient who initially presented with motor neuron disease.
Non-Answered Questions in Patients with Endobronchial Valve Placement for Lung Volume Reduction
Authors: Caviedes Iván R. , Labarca Gonzalo , de Oliveira Hugo G. , Herth Felix J.F. , Fernandez-Bussy Sebastián
Published: February 2018

Endoscopic lung volume reduction is a minimally invasive procedure performed to reduce the space occupied by the emphysemas’ lobes. This procedure has been demonstrated to be beneficial for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe hyperinflation. The use of endobronchial valves is increasing, as well as the number of reports of adverse events. The most common complications after the procedure are a pneumothorax, bleeding, infections, the need for valve removal, and valve expulsion. We have recently treated a patient who achieved immediate left upper lobe atelectasis but developed a pneumothorax on the 6th day and near-fatal kinking of the left lower lobe bronchus. This patient had asphyctic episodes probably due to a functional left pneumonectomy. We should consider this unusual complication in patients undergoing endoscopic lung volume reduction whose condition worsens after achieving complete lobar atelectasis.
Choroidal Lymphoma Discovered on Ultrasound in a Patient with Suspected Corneal Tumor
Authors: Theophanous Christos , Pekmezci Melike , Damato Bertil E. , Kao Andrew A. , Bloomer Michele M. , Stewart Jay M. , Afshar Armin R.
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: To report the case of a 77-year-old male with a blind, painful eye, referred for suspected corneal mass, with finding of choroidal B-cell lymphoma on pathology of enucleated globe. Methods: This is a retrospective case report of a single patient. Results: A 77-year-old male with a longstanding history of poor vision in the left eye was referred for a scarred, vascularized corneal mass. The patient had reported occasional mild ocular discomfort in the left eye and loss of light perception over the last year. Visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and no light perception in the left eye. Intraocular pressure was 32 mm Hg in the left eye. Fundoscopic visualization was not possible due to corneal opacity. B-scan ultrasound showed an infiltrative, low-reflective choroidal lesion and inferior retinal detachment. Pathology from the enucleated globe revealed diffuse sheets of CD20+ small B cells replacing the choroid, characteristic of a low-grade small B-cell extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. Conclusion: This is an unusual presentation of choroidal lymphoma in an eye with severe corneal opacification and scarring, and underscores the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in examination of eyes without view to the posterior segment.
Atypical Presentation of Bilateral Retinoblastoma with Floaters and Sub-Internal Limiting Membrane Seeds in an 11-Year-Old Asian Indian Male
Authors: Rishi Pukhraj , Krishnakumar Subramanian , Biswas Jyotirmay , Nair Sridevi
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To report bilateral retinoblastoma in an 11-year-old child presenting with floaters and sub-internal limiting membrane (sub-ILM) seeds. Method: An 11-year-old child presented with floaters of 4 months’ duration. Examination revealed circumscribed, whitish, subhyaloid, floccular nodules in the juxtapapillary region of both eyes. No solid tumor was seen. Swept-source optical coherence tomography revealed moderately reflective echoes in the sub-ILM space. Vitreous aspiration of sub-ILM deposits and cytopathological examination revealed retinoblastoma. Intravitreal melphalan (20 μg/0.02 mL) was followed by 6 monthly cycles of high-dose systemic chemotherapy (vincristine, etoposide, carboplatin). Metastatic workup and genetic testing for RB1 mutational screening were negative. Ocular lesions resolved after 13 weeks of treatment. Brain metastases developed after 20 weeks and were treated with radiation. Bilateral vitreous seeds recurred at 44 weeks and were treated with intravitreal chemotherapy (melphalan 20 μg/0.02 mL and topotecan 20 μg/0.02 mL). There was no extra-ocular spread from sclerotomy sites. Results: Retinoblastoma and brain metastases resolved with multimodal treatment without recurrence at 59 weeks of follow-up. Conclusion: Atypical manifestation of retinoblastoma can be seen in older children presenting with “floaters” and bilateral deposits of sub-ILM seeds, without solid tumor.
Starch Combined with Sucrose Provokes Greater Root Dentine Demineralization than Sucrose Alone
Authors: Souza Samilly Evangelista , Sampaio Aline Araújo , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , Ricomini Filho Antônio Pedro , Cury Jaime Aparecido
Published: February 2018

Since there is no consensus about whether starch increases the cariogenic potential of sucrose, we used a validated 3-species biofilm model to evaluate if starch combined with sucrose provokes higher root dentine demineralization than sucrose alone. Biofilms (n = 18) composed by Streptococcus mutans (the most cariogenic bacteria), Actinomces naeslundii (which has amylolytic activity), and Streptococcus gordonii (which binds salivary amylase) were formed on root dentine slabs under exposure 8 ×/day to one of the following treatments: 0.9% NaCl, 1% starch, 10% sucrose, or a combination of 1% starch and 10% sucrose. Before each treatment, biofilms were pretreated with human whole saliva for 1 min. The pH of the culture medium was measured daily as an indicator of biofilm acidogenicity. After 96 h of growth, the biofilms were collected, and the biomass, bacteria viability, and polysaccharides were analyzed. Dentine demineralization was assessed by surface hardness loss (% SHL). Biofilm bioarchitecture was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Treatment with a starch and sucrose combination provoked higher (p = 0.01) dentine demineralization than sucrose alone (% SHL = 53.2 ± 7.0 vs. 43.2 ± 8.7). This was supported by lower pH values (p = 0.007) of the culture medium after daily exposure to the starch and sucrose combination compared with sucrose (4.89 ± 0.29 vs. 5.19 ± 0.32). Microbiological and biochemical findings did not differ between biofilms treated with the combination of starch and sucrose and sucrose alone (p > 0.05). Our findings give support to the hypothesis that a starch and sucrose combination is more cariogenic for root dentine than sucrose alone.