bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network feedback regulates motor output across a range of modulatory neuron activity
Authors: Spencer Robert M. , Blitz Dawn M.
Published: March 2016

Modulatory projection neurons alter network neuron synaptic and intrinsic properties to elicit multiple different outputs. Sensory and other inputs elicit a range of modulatory neuron activity that is further shaped by network feedback, yet little is known regarding how the impact of network feedback on modulatory neurons regulates network output across a physiological range of modulatory neuron activity. Identified network neurons, a fully described connectome, and a well-characterized, identified modulatory projection neuron enabled us to address this issue in the crab ( Cancer borealis) stomatogastric nervous system. The modulatory neuron modulatory commissural neuron 1 (MCN1) activates and modulates two networks that generate rhythms via different cellular mechanisms and at distinct frequencies. MCN1 is activated at rates of 5–35 Hz in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, network feedback elicits MCN1 activity time-locked to motor activity. We asked how network activation, rhythm speed, and neuron activity levels are regulated by the presence or absence of network feedback across a physiological range of MCN1 activity rates. There were both similarities and differences in responses of the two networks to MCN1 activity. Many parameters in both networks were sensitive to network feedback effects on MCN1 activity. However, for most parameters, MCN1 activity rate did not determine the extent to which network output was altered by the addition of network feedback. These data demonstrate that the influence of network feedback on modulatory neuron activity is an important determinant of network output and feedback can be effective in shaping network output regardless of the extent of network modulation.
Tumour Debulking for Esophageal Cancer - Thermal Modalities
Authors: Fleischer David
Published: March 2016

Esophageal cancer usually is discovered at a late stage and curative therapy seldom is possible. The prognosis is poor and most therapy is palliative. Endoscopic therapy commonly is employed; two common treatments involve thermal modalities. The Nd:YAG laser has been employed for 10 years and is effective in relieving obstruction in approximately 90% of cases. Re-ohstruction usually occurs in two to three months and repeat treatment may be necessary. Limitations to laser use include the fact that equipment is expensive and there are technical restrictions. An alternative thermal modality is the bipolar coagulation tumour probe which employs bipolar electrocoagulation. It is less expensive and, if the tumour is circumferential, tends to be easier to use. (It should not be used if the cancer is noncircumferential.) The advantages and limitations of each modality are addressed.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: One Surgeon’s Experience in 100 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Pokorny Ivan J
Published: March 2016

Initial 100 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by one surgeon were studied prospectively. The standard technique was modified in that the gallbladder removal was accomplished through the upper epigastric incision; there was no need to change the location of the camera. The conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 2%. There were no major complications and no mortality. Minor complications occurred in 9% of the patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in a community hospital setting. Simplified technique of gallbladder extraction is recommended.
Celiac Disease Assocaited with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis in a Coast Salish Native
Authors: Freeman Hugh J
Published: March 2016

A 41-year-old Coast Salish female was initially diagnosed with typical features of classical adult celiac disease. Clinical and pathological features of primary biliary cirrhosis were also present, along with a familial history of insulin-dependent diabetes. Later, childhood celiac disease was detected in a male first-degree relative with diabetes. These patients are the first reported natives in Canada with celiac disease, a disorder believed to be genetically based but dependent on environmental factors for its clinical expression. The recognition of a ‘new’ disease in the setting of an aboriginal population may reflect geographical and climatic factors that permitted subsistence of this culturally complex food-gathering society up until most recent historical times, followed by adaptation of this society to European-based agricultural methods, particularly wheat cultivation.
Effect of Nicotine on Gallbladder Bile
Authors: Anglo-Dutch Nicotine Intestinal Study Group  , Rhodes Michael , Zijlastra Freek J , Bradburn D Michael , Srivastava Emmanuel D , van Dijk APM , Russell Michael AH , Van Blankenstein Mark , Wilson JH Paul , Allen Adrian , Rhodes John
Published: March 2016

Several studies have shown that symptomatic gallstones are largely a disease of nonsmokers, which raises the possibility that nicotine may protect against the formation of gallstones. To examine the effect of nicotine on the gallbladder, 32 rabbits were allocated to four groups: controls and three treatment groups in which nicotine tartarate at low, medium and high doses was administered subcutaneously via an osmotic minipump. After 14 days’ treatment the gallbladder was removed and measurements made of gallbladder mucin synthesis, bile mucin concentration, bile acid concentration and cholesterol saturation. Serum nicotine concentrations (ng/mL) were (± SE) 0.4±0.1, 3.5±0.4, 8.8±0.8 and 16.2±1.8 in the controls and three treatment groups, respectively. Total bile acid concentration increased significantly in all three treated groups with the greatest increase in the group given low dose nicotine (P<0.001). Cholesterol saturation did not differ significantly in any group but soluble mucin concentration in gallbladder bile was significantly reduced (P=0.013, 95% CI: 16 to 111) with high dose nicotine. Gallbladder mucin synthesis, measured by3H-glucosamine incorporation, did not change significantly with nicotine treatment. Subcutaneous nicotine 2.0 mg/kg/day for 14 days significantly reduced the concentration of biliary mucin, which could potentially reduce cholesterol nucleation and subsequent gallstone formation. This may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the relative reduction in gallstone disease among smokers.
Esophageal High Pressure Zones: Effect of Perisophageal Structures on Esophageal Manometric Recording
Authors: Bédard G , Pellicano A , Ste-Marie R
Published: March 2016

During the course of esophageal motility studies, short zones of elevated esophageal baseline pressure are occasionally noticed. The aim of this study is to determine their frequency and their cause. Among 77 consecutive esophageal manometries (group 1), 17 cases (22%) of ‘esophageal high pressure zones’ (EHPZs) were recorded. Thirty-three additional patients (group 2) were evaluated and 18 other cases of EHPZ were found; in the latter group, a miniature sound microphone was positioned on a carotid artery. When a high pressure zone was identified, the manometric catheter was immobilized; the patient underwent a chest x-ray, with the radiopaque marker imbedded in the catheter used to locate the thoracic structures adjacent to EHPZs. In both groups, indentations (pressure spikes) over the high pressure zones occurred synchronously with the patients’ radial or carotid pulse. Results suggest that EHPZs are caused by the compression and pulsations of vascular or cardiac periesophageal structures; the aortic arch is responsible for the manometric EHPZ when it is found between 10 and 14 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter whereas the left auricle is the cause of the EHPZ if it is located between 4 and 7 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter.
An Unusual Case of Monolobar Caroli’s Disease
Authors: Gomez Anthony J , Bailey Robert J
Published: March 2016

A 27-year-old male with recurrent upper abdominal pain was found to have a suspicious mass in the right hepatic lobe. Right hepatectomy was performed. Pathological examination and further radiological evaluation proved this to be a focal form of Caroli’s disease.
Oral Glutamine Supplementation Benefits Jejunum but Not Ileum
Authors: Hardy Paul E , Madsen Karen L , Thurston Olin G , Hamilton Stewart M , Cui Ningren , Fedorak Richard N
Published: March 2016

Glutamine is the primary metabolic fuel of the small intestine. The ability of enteral glutamine to support jejunal architecture and metabolism is well established, but its effect on intestinal absorptive function, especially in the terminal ileum, remains undetermined. The purpose of this study was to develop a functional ileal fluid absorption surgical injury model and to determine if oral glutamine supplementation would be beneficial in accelerating healing and restoring function. The effects of either 1 cm resection and ileal end-to-end anastomosis or sham laparotomy on rat in vivo fluid absorption at study start (day 0), one and two days was investigated. In sham-operated rats, fluid absorption was not altered. In contrast, ileal fluid absorption was significantly reduced at days 0 (17.2±4.8 μL/cm/h) and 1 (31.4±13.6 μL/cm/h), but returned to normal by day 2 (71.0±6.2 μL/cm/h) in anastomosed rats. To examine the effects of glutamine in this model, rats were fed either glutamine (2.4 g/kg/day) or an isonitrogenous glycine-supplemented elemental oral diet for five days before their randomization to sham or anastomotic groups. This dose of glutamine reached the ileum and was completely absorbed along the small intestine. Glutamine-fed rats demonstrated no difference in recovery of in vivo ileal fluid absorption, ileal villus morphometric measurements, mg DNA:mg protein ratio, degree of inflammation or glutaminase activity. In contrast, jejunal, but not ileal, villus morphometry, mg DNA:mg protein ratio and glutaminase activity were increased in glutamine-fed ‘not operated’ rats (P<0.01), indicating that the jejunum, but not the ileum, responded to the glutamine-supplemented diet. These studies demonstrate that ileal resection and anastomosis causes transient impairments in in vivo fluid absorption, and oral glutamine supplementation offers a beneficial effect to jejunal, but not ileal, intestinal mucosa. These results suggest that the effects of oral glutamine may be limited to the proximal intestine.
Budesonide for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Greenberg Gordon R
Published: March 2016

While corticosteroids are the most effective treatment for the symptomatic management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), they cause serious side effects. Budesonide is a nonhalogenated glucocorticosteroid structurally related to 16 alpha-hydroxyprednisolone that possesses high topical anti-inflammatory activity and low systemic activity compared with the conventional steroids prednisone and prednisolone. This favourable activity ratio is achieved because a high affinity to the steroid receptor is coupled with rapid hepatic conversion to metabolites with minimal or no biological activity. Controlled trials in patients with distal ulcerative colitis indicate that budesonide enemas have equivalent or superior efficacy compared with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) enemas, prednisolone disodium phosphate enemas or methylprednisolone enemas, without causing significant depression of endogenous cortisol levels. Two controlled trials investigating the efficacy of an oral controlled-ileal release form of hudesonide for active Crohn’s disease have recently been completed. In the first trial, after eight weeks’ treatment budesonide 9 mg daily caused clinical remission in 51% of patients, compared with 20% of patients receiving placebo. Budesonide caused a dose-related reduction of plasma cortisol responses to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation, but was not associated with clinically important corticosteroid-related symptom or other toxicity. In a second trial, budesonide 9 mg daily was as effective as prednisolone for induction of remission in active ileocecal Crohn’s disease. Budesonide is a potentially promising new therapeutic agent for the management of patients with IBD.
A Profile of Patients on ASA or NSAIDs Hospitalized with Gastrointestinal Perforations
Authors: Bailey James D , Bailey Robert J , Fedorak Richard N
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: In a recent clinical trial gastrointestinal tract perforations in patients on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were found to occur with a frequency of 0.15%, and possibly to be reduced in patients concomitantly using the cytoprotective agent misoprostol.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize patients with gastrointestinal perforations admitted to the two major referral teaching hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 1993.

METHODS: A computerized search program was used to select patient charts containing preselected International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9-CM codes, and patients were organized into four study groups based upon drug use: those taking NSAIDs, those taking acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), those taking both NSAIDs and ASA, and those taking neither NSAIDs nor ASA.

RESULTS: The following significant characteristics were identified in the 428 patients admitted with perforations: only a minority (29%) were taking either NSAIDs or ASA; NSAID users were likely to be female, while those using neither NSAID nor ASA were more likely to be male; females were older than males; patients taking NSAIDs, ASA or both were more often asymptomatic at presentation compared with those not using these drugs; and upper gastrointestinal tract perforations were more likely to occur in the duodenum than in the stomach, while lower gastrointestinal tract perforations were more likely to occur in the colon than in the small intestine.

CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective descriptive study outlines the profile of a patient presenting to a referral hospital with a gastrointestinal perforation. Furthermore, it suggests that NSAID and/or ASA use significantly alters this profile compared with that in patients using neither NSAIDs nor ASA.
Nutritional Assessment and Disease Activity for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Wasser Thomas E , Reed James F , Moser Kathleen , Robson Pamela , Faust Linda , Fink Lori L , Wunderler Denise
Published: March 2016

Using the Harvard/Willett Semi‐Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (H/WSQFFQ), nutritional information was gathered on patients enrolled in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) registry. The registry lists 320 patients positive for either ulcerative colitis (n=124) or Crohn’s disease (n=196). The sample was limited to those 19 to 84 years old (mean ± SD 48.57±14.98), and comprised 136 males and 184 females. Using a battery of indices, quality of life, disease activity and general well‐being were also assessed. Nutritional intake values from the Harvard‐Willett data were compared with recommended dietary allowances (RDA) tables by sex and age group (19 to 24 years, 25 to 50, 51 and older) to discover any intake deficiencies. Results showed that IBD patients were below RDA guidelines for vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine and selenium. Females were below RDA guidelines for iron while men were below for vitamin B6. There were also some deficiencies according to age in males and two nutrient deficiencies were seen by age group in women. There were no deficiencies by sex or age for vitamins A, C, D and niacin. There were no observed nutrient intake differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease groups. Patients receiving vitamin or mineral supplementation showed significant decreases in quality of life, regardless of diagnosis (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) group. The H/WSQFFQ is a useful tool for assessment of the nutritional status of the IBD patient because it not only provides valuable measurement data to the clinician, but also adds to patient awareness about nutritional problems associated with IBD.
Hepatobiliary Tract and Pancreatic Disorders in Celiac Disease
Authors: Freeman Hugh J
Published: March 2016

A number of hepatobiliary tract and pancreatic disorders have been documented in patients with celiac disease. Some disorders have shared immunological or genetic factors, including chronic hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis. Other hepatic or pancreatic pathological changes in celiac disease have been documented with severe malnutrition and malabsorption, including hepatic steatosis and pancreatic insufficiency, sometimes with pancreatic calcification. Finally, celiac disease may be associated with other very rare hepatic complications, such as hepatic T cell lymphoma.
Successful Therapy of Refractory Erythema Nodosum Associated with Crohn's Disease Using Potassium Iodide
Authors: Marshall John K , Irvine E Jan
Published: March 2016

Erythema nodosum is a common extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease. While mild skin involvement often responds to conservative management, severe or refractory cases may require systemic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy. This report describes successful treatment of severe, refractory erythema nodosum associated with Crohn's colitis using oral potassium iodide. While the mechanism of action of this agent is poorly understood, it appears to be an effective and nontoxic therapy for Crohn's-related erythema nodosum and warrants further evaluation in a placebo controlled trial.
A Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial of Recombinant Interferon-Alpha-2a in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Komatsu Masafumi , Ono Tsuyoshi , Nakajima Ko , Toyoshima Itaru , Chiba Mitsuro , Masamune Osamu , Ohkubo Shunji , Yoshida Tsukasa , Yagisawa Hitoshi , Komatsu Kanji , Wakamatsu Hideki , Yamada Nobuo , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Mukojima Tsuyoshi , Goto Mitsuo
Published: March 2016

Sixty-one chronic hepatitis C patients were randomly assigned to receive either 6x106or 9x106U of recombinant interferon-alpha-2a (IFNα-2a) six days a week for the first two weeks of treatment, followed in both cases by 6x106U three days a week for the next 22 weeks. In the low dose group, 11 patients showed a complete response maintained for at least six months, 12 responded but then relapsed and nine did not respond; the corresponding figures in the high dose group were 10, 15 and five patients, respectively. The differences between groups are not statistically significant. Thus, this study provides no evidence of therapeutic benefit from increasing the initial dose of IFNα-2a. In both treatment groups, complete responders had significantly lower pretreatment viral titres than nonresponders and were significantly more likely to be infected by type 2a versus type 1b virus.
Clinical, Pathological and Molecular Genetic Findings in Small Intestinal Follicle Centre Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Freeman Hugh J , Anderson Michelle E , Gascoyne Randy D
Published: March 2016

A 44-year-old male was evaluated for an iron deficiency anemia. Endoscopic investigation revealed marked serpiginous ulceration of the proximal small intestine due to a B cell lymphoma. Endoscopic small intestinal mucosal biopsies revealed a nodular lymphoid infiltrate, and polymerase chain reaction of biopsy material from the same site demonstrated rearrangement of thebcl-2gene, the molecular equivalent of the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation. Primary small bowel follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma was diagnosed. Endoscopic tissue biopsies for immunophenotyping, molecular genetic studies or both are a valuable diagnostic aid for precise classification of lymphoid neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Selective Subnormal IgG1 in 54 Adult Index Patients with Frequent or Severe Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Barton James C. , Bertoli Luigi F. , Barton J. Clayborn , Acton Ronald T.
Published: March 2016

We characterized 54 adult index patients with reports of frequent or severe bacterial respiratory tract infections at diagnosis of selective subnormal IgG1. Mean age was50±13(SD) y; 87.0% were women. Associated disorders included the following: autoimmune conditions 50.0%; hypothyroidism 24.1%; atopy 38.9%; and other allergy 31.5%. In 35.5%, proportions of protectiveS. pneumoniaeserotype-specific IgG levels did not increase after polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (PPPV). Blood lymphocyte subset levels were within reference limits in most patients. Regressions on IgG1 and IgG3 revealed no significant association with age, sex, autoimmune conditions, hypothyroidism, atopy, other allergy, corticosteroid therapy, or lymphocyte subsets. Regression on IgG2 revealed significant associations with PPPV response (negative) and CD19+ lymphocytes (positive). Regression on IgG4 revealed significant positive associations with episodic corticosteroid use and IgA. Regression on IgA revealed positive associations with IgG2 and IgG4. Regression on IgM revealed negative associations with CD56+/CD16+ lymphocytes. Regressions on categories of infection revealed a negative association of urinary tract infections and IgG1. HLA-A⁎03, HLA-B⁎55 and HLA-A⁎24, HLA-B⁎35 haplotype frequencies were greater in 38 patients than 751 controls. We conclude that nonprotectiveS. pneumoniaeIgG levels and atopy contribute to increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections in patients with selective subnormal IgG1.
Gender Differences in Pain-Physical Activity Linkages among Older Adults: Lessons Learned from Daily Life Approaches
Authors: Ho Amy , Ashe Maureen C. , DeLongis Anita , Graf Peter , Khan Karim M. , Hoppmann Christiane A.
Published: March 2016

Background. Many older adults know about the health benefits of an active lifestyle, but, frequently, pain prevents them from engaging in physical activity. The majority of older adults experience pain, a complex experience that can vary across time and is shaped by sociocultural factors like gender.Objectives. To describe the time-varying associations between daily pain and physical activity and to explore differences in these associations between women and men.Methods. One hundred and twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older were asked to report their pain levels three times daily over a 10-day period and wear an accelerometer to objectively capture their daily physical activity (step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity).Results. Increased daily step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity were associated with increased daily pain, especially among women. Confirming past literature and contrasting findings for daily pain reports, overall pain levels across the study period were negatively associated with minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.Conclusions. Findings highlight that pain is significantly associated with physical activity in old age. The nature of this association depends on the time scale that is considered and differs between women and men.
Hypothyroidism in Pancreatic Cancer: Role of Exogenous Thyroid Hormone in Tumor Invasion—Preliminary Observations
Authors: Sarosiek Konrad , Gandhi Ankit V. , Saxena Shivam , Kang Christopher Y. , Chipitsyna Galina I. , Yeo Charles J. , Arafat Hwyda A.
Published: March 2016

According to the epidemiological studies, about 4.4% of American general elderly population has a pronounced hypothyroidism and relies on thyroid hormone supplements daily. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in our patients with pancreatic cancer was much higher, 14.1%. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) or distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy (DPS) at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, from 2005 to 2012. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters including tumor stage, grade, and survival. To further understand how thyroid hormone affects pancreatic cancer behavior, functional studies including wound-induced cell migration, proliferation, and invasion were performed on pancreatic cancer cell lines, MiaPaCa-2 and AsPC-1. We found that hypothyroid patients taking exogenous thyroid hormone were more than three times likely to have perineural invasion, and about twice as likely to have higher T stage, nodal spread, and overall poorer prognostic stage (P<0.05). Pancreatic cancer cell line studies demonstrated that exogenous thyroid hormone treatment increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (P<0.05). We conclude that exogenous thyroid hormone may contribute to the progression of pancreatic cancer.
Formula Compatibility Identification of Dachengqi Decoction Based on the Effects of Absorbed Components in Cerulein‐Injured Pancreatic AR42J Cells
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Zhu Lin , Wang Jia , Zhao Jianlei , Zhao Xianlin , Guo Hui , Li Juan , Tang Wenfu
Published: March 2016

Objective. To identify the herbal formula compatibility law based on the effects of the absorbed components from DCQD on the cerulein‐injured AR42J cells. Methods. AR42J cells were pretreated for 30 min with or without the different concentrations of the absorbed components from DCQD individually or in combination or DCQD and coincubated with cerulein (10 nM) for a further 24 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and the levels of apoptosis and necrosis were measured. Results. Compared to DCQD, the individual or combination components partially protected cerulein‐injured AR42J cells by increasing cell viability, reducing LDH release, and promoting apoptosis. Rhein, naringin, and honokiol were the main absorbed components from DCQD in cerulein‐induced pancreatitis. Moreover, rhein in combination with naringin and honokiol had synergistic effects in protecting cerulein‐injured AR42J cells and was better than the individual or the pairwise combination of the three components. Conclusions. The ten effective components from DCQD may elicit similar protective effects as DCQD on cerulein‐induced pancreatitis. The principle of the formula compatibility of DCQD may be identified based on the effects of its absorbed components in cerulein‐injured AR42J cells.
A Novel Control Strategy of DFIG Based on the Optimization of Transfer Trajectory at Operation Points in the Islanded Power System
Authors: Mi Zengqiang , Liu Liqing , Yuan He , Du Ping , Wan Yuliang
Published: March 2016

A novel control strategy based on the optimization of transfer trajectory at operation points for DFIG is proposed. Aim of this control strategy is to reduce the mechanical fatigue of DFIG caused by the frequent adjustment of rotating speed and pitch angle when operating in the islanded power system. Firstly, the stability of DFIG at different operation points is analyzed. Then an optimization model of transfer trajectory at operation points is established, with the minimum synthetic adjustment amount of rotating speed and pitch angle as the objective function and with the balance of active power and the stability of operation points as the constraint conditions. Secondly, the wind speed estimator is designed, and the control strategy of pitch system is improved to cooperate with the indirect stator flux orientation control technology for rotor-side inverter control. Then by the coordination control of its rotating speed and pitch angle, an operation trajectory controller is established to ensure the islanded operation of DFIG along the optimal transfer trajectory. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed control strategy is technical feasibility with good performance.
Calpain-Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor Signaling and the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease and Diabetes
Authors: Zhao Yong , Cui Guo-ming , Zhou Nan-nan , Li Cong , Zhang Qing , Sun Hui , Han Bo , Zou Cheng-wei , Wang Li-juan , Li Xiao-dong , Wang Jian-chun
Published: March 2016

Calpain, calcineurin (CaN), and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) play a key role in the development of atrial fibrillation. Patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) are prone to develop atrial fibrillation (AF). Thus, our current study was aimed at investigating whether activation of calpain-CaN-NFAT pathway is associated with the incidence of AF in the patients with VHD and diabetes. The expressions of calpain 2 and alpha- and beta-isoforms of CaN catalytic subunit (CnA) as well as NFAT-c3 and NFAT-c4 were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in atrial tissues from 77 hospitalized patients with VHD and diabetes. The relevant protein content was measured by Western blot and calpain 2 in human atrium was localized by immunohistochemistry. We found that the expressions of calpain 2, CnA alpha and CnA beta, and NFAT-c3 but not NFAT-c4 were significantly elevated in the samples from patients with AF compared to those with sinus rhythm (SR). Elevated protein levels of calpain 2 and CnA were observed in patients with AF, and so was the enhanced localization of calpain 2. We thereby concluded that CaN together with its upstream molecule, calpain 2, and its downstream effector, NFAT-c3, might contribute to the development of AF in patients with VHD and diabetes.
The Relationship between Population T4/TSH Set Point Data and T4/TSH Physiology
Authors: Fitzgerald Stephen Paul , Bean Nigel Geoffrey
Published: March 2016

Context. Population studies of the distribution of T4/TSH set points suggest a more complex inverse relationship between T4 and TSH than that suggested by physiological studies. The reasons for the similarities and differences between the curves describing these relationships are unresolved.Methods. We subjected the curve, derived from empiric data, describing the TSH suppression response to T4, and the more mathematically derived curve describing the T4 response to TSH, to the different possible models of population variation. The implied consequences of these in terms of generating a population distribution of T4/TSH equilibrium points (a “population curve”) were generated and compared to the empiric population curve. The physiological responses to primary hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were incorporated into the analysis.Conclusions. Though the population curve shows a similarly inverse relationship, it is describing a different relationship than the curve describing the suppression of TSH by T4. The population curve is consistent with the physiological studies of the TSH response to T4 and implies a greater interindividual variation in the positive thyroid T4 response to TSH than in the central inhibitory TSH response to T4. The population curve in the dysthyroid states is consistent with known physiological responses to these states.
Estimating HIV Incidence during Pregnancy and Knowledge of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission with an Ad Hoc Analysis of Potential Cofactors
Authors: Egbe Thomas Obinchemti , Tazinya Rose-Mary Asong , Halle-Ekane Gregory Edie , Egbe Eta-Nkongho , Achidi Eric Akum
Published: March 2016

Background. We determined the incidence of HIV seroconversion during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and ad hoc potential cofactors associated with HIV seroconversion after having an HIV-negative result antenatally. We also studied knowledge of PMTCT among pregnant women in seven health facilities in Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon.Method. During the period between September 12 and December 4, 2011, we recruited a cohort of 477 HIV-negative pregnant women by cluster sampling. Data collection was with a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, knowledge of PMTCT, and methods of HIV prevention were obtained from the study population and we did Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV.Results. The incidence rate of HIV seroconversion during pregnancy was 6.8/100 woman-years. Ninety percent of the participants did not use condoms throughout pregnancy but had a good knowledge of PMTCT of HIV. Only 31.9% of participants knew their HIV status before the booking visit and 33% did not know the HIV status of their partners.Conclusion. The incidence rate of HIV seroconversion in the Fako Division, Cameroon, was 6.8/100 woman-years. No risk factors associated with HIV seroconversion were identified among the study participants because of lack of power to do so.
Association between Toll‐Like Receptor 4 and Occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Susceptible to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Northeast China
Authors: Li Yuze , Li Dianzhong , Zhang Jinfeng , Liu Shurui , Chen Haijun , Wu Kun
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore why type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are susceptible to pulmonary tuberculosis through detection of serum Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), an important immune‐related receptor, especially in terms of content and TLR4 gene polymorphism. Patients with T2DM complicated by pulmonary tuberculosis (T2DMTB) were selected as the case group and T2DM patients without tuberculosis were selected as the control group. Forty patients in each group were randomly selected and their serum TLR4 levels were detected and compared. Determination of six sites of TLR4 gene polymorphism was carried out in 238 T2DMTB patients and 310 patients with T2DM, and results showed that the serum TLR4 content of the T2DMTB group was significantly lower than that of the T2DM group (p < 0.05). The six sites of TLR4 gene polymorphism did not show significant associations with T2DMTB risk. No statistically significant differences in genotype distributions were observed between T2DMTB patients and patients with T2DM when studied using the recessive and dominant genetic models. How two diseases with contradictory nutritional statuses can occur in the same person is difficult to explain from environmental factors perspective alone. Future research should study the causes of T2DMTB from the perspective of genetics.
Markers of Vitamin D Exposure and Esophageal Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zgaga Lina , O'Sullivan Fiona , Cantwell Marie M. , Murray Liam J. , Thota Prashanthi N. , Coleman Helen G.
Published: March 2016

Vitamin D has been associated with reduced risk of many cancers, but evidence for esophageal cancer is mixed. To clarify the role of vitamin D, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of vitamin D exposures and esophageal neoplasia, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Barrett's esophagus, and squamous dysplasia. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to September 2015. Fifteen publications in relation to circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D; n = 3], vitamin D intake (n = 4), UVB exposure (n = 1), and genetic factors (n = 7) were retrieved. Higher [25(OH)D] was associated with increased risk of cancer [adenocarcinoma or SCC, OR = 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.74], with the majority of participants coming from China. No association was observed between vitamin D intake and risk of cancer overall (OR, 1.03; 0.65–1.42); however, a nonsignificantly increased risk for adenocarcinoma (OR, 1.45; 0.65–2.24) and nonsignificantly decreased risk for SCC (OR, 0.80; 0.48–1.12) were observed. One study reported a decreased risk of adenocarcinoma with higher UVB exposure. A decreased risk was found for VDR haplotype rs2238135(G)/rs1989969(T) carriers (OR, 0.45; 0.00–0.91), and a suggestive association was observed for rs2107301. In conclusion, no consistent associations were observed between vitamin D exposures and occurrence of esophageal lesions. Further adequately powered, well-designed studies are needed before conclusions can be made. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 877–86. ©2016 AACR.
Role of Telomeres and Telomerase in Aging and Cancer
Authors: Shay Jerry W.
Published: March 2016

Telomeres progressively shorten throughout life. A hallmark of advanced malignancies is the ability for continuous cell divisions that almost universally correlates with the stabilization of telomere length by the reactivation of telomerase. The repression of telomerase and shorter telomeres in humans may have evolved, in part, as an anticancer protection mechanism. Although there is still much we do not understand about the regulation of telomerase, it remains a very attractive and novel target for cancer therapeutics. This review focuses on the current state of advances in the telomerase area, identifies outstanding questions, and addresses areas and methods that need refinement.

Significance: Despite many recent advances, telomerase remains a challenging target for cancer therapy. There are few telomerase-directed therapies, and many of the assays used to measure telomeres and telomerase have serious limitations. This review provides an overview of the current state of the field and how recent advances could affect future research and treatment approaches. Cancer Discov; 6(6); 584–93. ©2016 AACR.
Microalbuminuria and the Combination of MRI Markers of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Vilar-Bergua Andrea , Riba-Llena Iolanda , Ramos Natalia , Mundet Xavier , Espinel Eugenia , López-Rueda Antonio , Ostos Elena , Seron Daniel , Montaner Joan , Delgado Pilar
Published: March 2016

Background: Kidney function has been related to the presence of individual markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), as lacunes, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) or microbleeds. We aimed at studying the relationship of kidney dysfunction with the combination of several markers of CSVD. Methods: Subjects are those included in the ISSYS cohort (Investigating Silent Strokes in hypertensives: a magnetic resonance imaging study). A scale ranging from 0 to 4 points was applied based on the presence (one point each) of lacunes, deep microbleeds, moderate to extensive basal ganglia enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), and periventricular or deep WMH. We determined the creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) as markers of kidney function and studied their association with the scale of CSVD in univariate and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Results: Among the 975 patients included, 28.2% presented one or more CSVD markers, being the most prevalent marker (either alone or in combination) basal ganglia EPVS. The UACR was elevated at increasing the scores of the CSVD scale and remained as independent predictor of the combination of markers (common OR per natural log unit increase in UACR: 1.23, 1.07-1.41) after controlling per age, gender, cardiovascular risk, antihypertensive treatment and hypertension duration. In contrast, no associations were found between the CSVD scores and the creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusions: A significant proportion of stroke-free hypertensives present at least one imaging marker of CSVD. UACR but not creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate is associated with the combination of markers of CSVD.
Evaluation of Video Quality in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Shakir Mustafa , Rehman Obaid Ur , Abbas Zeeshan , Masood Abdullah , Shahid Wajeeha
Published: March 2016

Simulating wireless sensor networks; there implementation and evaluation, require the use of a discrete event simulator. Omnet++ is quite a powerful simulator which supports concise and easy modeling of wired as well as wireless sensors environment. Scenarios involving multimedia transmissions with characteristics of video quality control and evaluation must be computed on the basis of Quality of Experience which relies on user’s perception to maintain the video quality. For the multimedia growth and awareness of future WMSNs, it is quite necessary that the performance should be tested for different types of radio models. So varying the radio parameters may allow for the optimization and improvement of the video quality. In this paper we have provided a test bench for the easy evaluation and optimization of the performance of WMSNs using different radio models. The performance is evaluated based on the QoE metrics; i.e. PSNR(Peak Signal-to-Noise ratio) and MoS(Mean Opinion Score), which depend on user’s perception to maintain the video quality.
Design of Quadcopter Robot as a Disaster Environment Remote Monitor
Authors: Sudarma Made , Swamardika I.B. Alit , Mas Pratama Adinata
Published: March 2016

As technology development increase, human more use robot technology to help in many fields. One of robot technology advances is the flying robot Quadcopter. The quadcopter robot is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV that consists of four propellers and four brushless motors that function as actuator. Quadcopter was designed by using KK Board V 2.0 Flight Controller which is a series of motor rotation controller and all at once has Accelerometer censor as acceleration censor and Gyroscop censor as a balance or stability censor. The robot controlling is by using remote control (RC), and GoPro HD Hero2 camera was installed to monitor the condition of the environment. Result of testing is that the quadcopter has maximum load for 4.4 kg and maximum range distance of RC is 100 meters without any barrier and 50 meters with barrier.  In the testing, robot can fly with maximum height for 30 meters from land surface. The robot is equipped with camera, so the quadcopter flying robot can be used to monitor any places that are hard to reach.
High throughput FPGA Implementation of Data Encryption Standard with time variable sub-keys
Authors: Oukili Soufiane , Bri Seddik
Published: March 2016

The Data Encryption Standard (DES) was the first modern and the most popular symmetric key algorithm used for encryption and decryption of digital data. Even though it is nowadays not considered secure against a determined attacker, it is still used in legacy applications. This paper presents a secure and high-throughput Field Programming Gate Arrays (FPGA) implementation of the Data Encryption Standard algorithm. This is achieved by combining 16 pipelining concept with time variable sub-keys and compared with previous illustrated encryption algorithms. The sub-keys vary over time by changing the key schedule permutation choice 1. Therefore, every time the plaintexts are encrypted by different sub-keys. The proposed algorithm is implemented on Xilinx Spartan-3e (XC3s500e) FPGA. Our DES design achieved a data encryption rate of 10305.95 Mbit/s and 2625 number of occupied CLB slices. These results showed that the proposed implementation is one of the fastest hardware implementations with much greater security.
Path Planning Based on Fuzzy Decision Trees and Potential Field
Authors: Iswanto Iswanto , Wahyunggoro Oyas , Imam Cahyadi Adha
Published: March 2016

The fuzzy logic algorithm is an artificial intelligence algorithm that uses mathematical logic to solve to by the data value inputs which are not precise in order to reach an accurate conclusion. In this work, Fuzzy decision tree (FDT) has been designed to solve the path planning problem by considering all available information and make the most appropriate decision given by the inputs. The FDT is often used to make a path planning decision in graph theory. It has been applied in the previous researches in the field of robotics, but it still shows drawbacks in that the robot will stop at the local minima and is not able to find the shortest path. Hence, this paper combines the FDT algorithm with the potential field algorithm. The potential field algorithm provides weight to the FDT algorithm which enables the robot to successfully avoid the local minima and find the shortest path.
Control of power and voltage of solar grid connected
Authors: Abdallah Boucetta Abdou , Djamel Labed
Published: March 2016

Renewable energy is high on international agendas. Currently, grid-connected photovoltaic systems are a popular technology to convert solar energy into electricity. Control of power injected into the grid, maximum power point, high efficiency, and low total harmonic distortion of the currents injected into the grid are the requirements for inverter connection into the grid. Consequently, the performance of the inverters connected to the grid depends largely on the control strategy applied. In this paper the simulation and design of grid connected three phase photovoltaic system using Matlab/Simulink has examined. The proposed system consists photovoltaic panels, boost and inverter the PV system convert the sun irradiation into direct current, thereafter we have used a boost to track the maximum power point of the PV system, three-phase inverter and LC output filter. A VOC control strategy based on the phase shifting of the inverter output voltage with respect to the grid voltage. The proposed control strategy requires few hardware and computational resources. As a result, the inverter implementation is simple, and it becomes an attractive solution for low power grid connected applications.
Prediction Data Processing Scheme using an Artificial Neural Network and Data Clustering for Big Data
Authors: Jung Se-Hoon , Kim Jong-Chan , Sim Chun-Bo
Published: March 2016

Various types of derivative information have been increasing exponentially, based on mobile devices and social networking sites (SNSs), and the information technologies utilizing them have also been developing rapidly. Technologies to classify and analyze such information are as important as data generation. This study concentrates on data clustering through principal component analysis and K-means algorithms to analyze and classify user data efficiently. We propose a technique of changing the cluster choice before cluster processing in the existing K-means practice into a variable cluster choice through principal component analysis, and expanding the scope of data clustering. The technique also applies an artificial neural network learning model for user recommendation and prediction from the clustered data. The proposed processing model for predicted data generated results that improved the existing artificial neural network–based data clustering and learning model by approximately 9.25%.
Robust Digital Predistortion in Saturation Region of Power Amplifiers
Authors: Hong Soon-il , Lee Kwang-Pyo , Jeong Eui-Rim
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a digital predistortion (DPD) technique to improve linearization performance when the power amplifier (PA) is driven near the saturation region. The PA is a non-linear device in general, and the nonlinear distortion becomes severer as the output power increases. However, the PA’s power efficiency increases as the PA output power increases. The nonlinearity results in spectral regrowth, which leads to adjacent channel interference, and degrades the transmit signal quality. According to our simulation, the linearization performance of DPD is degraded abruptly when the PA operates in its saturation region. To relieve this problem, we propose an improved DPD technique. The proposed technique performs on/off control of the adaptive algorithm based on the magnitude of the transmitted signal. Specifically, the adaptation normally works for small and medium signals while it stops for large signals. Therefore, harmful coefficient updates by saturated signals can be avoided. A computer simulation shows that the proposed method can improve the linearization performance compared with the conventional DPD method in highly driven PAs.