bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treated Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Is Associated with a Decreased Quality of Life among Young Persons with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Spirkova Alena , Dusatkova Petra , Peckova Monika , Kolouskova Stanislava , Snajderova Marta , Obermannova Barbora , Stechova Katerina , Hrachovinova Tamara , Mares Jiri , Cinek Ondrej , Lebl Jan , Sumnik Zdenek , Pruhova Stepanka
Published: May 2015

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children and adolescents is relatively often accompanied by other immunopathological diseases, autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) or celiac disease (CD). Our aim was to assess whether these conditions are associated with changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric patients with T1D. In a cross-sectional study we identified eligible 332 patients with T1D aged 8–18 years, of whom 248 (75%) together with their parents responded to the PedsQL Generic and Diabetes Modules. Compared to 143 patients without thyroid autoantibodies, 40 patients with a thyroxine-treated AITD scored lower in the overall generic HRQOL(P=0.014), as well as in the overall diabetes-specific HRQOL(P=0.013). After adjustment for age, gender, duration of diabetes, type of diabetes treatment, and diabetes control, this association remained statistically significant for the generic HRQOL(P=0.023). Celiac disease was not associated with a change in the generic or diabetes-specific HRQOL (P=0.07  and   P=0.63, resp.). Parental scores showed no association with AITD or celiac disease, except a marginally significant decrease in the overall generic HRQOL(P=0.039)in the T1D + AITD compared to T1D group. Our study indicates that, in pediatric patients with T1D, concomitant thyroxine-treated AITD is associated with lower quality of life.
Traditional and Skilled Birth Attendants in Zimbabwe: A Situational Analysis and Some Policy Considerations
Authors: Choguya Naume Zorodzai
Published: May 2015

The paper focuses on the situational analysis of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and skilled birth attendants (SBAs) in Zimbabwe. Against a background of a frail health care system, characterised by a shortage in skilled professionals, increased cost of medical care, and geographic and economic inaccessibility of health care centres among others, TBAs have remained a life-line for especially many rural women in maternal health care provision. Moreover, TBAs have also found their way into the urban areas of Zimbabwe. The shift in international policy and health funding toward skilled birth attendants (i.e., an accredited health professional) has materialized into concerted government efforts to increase numbers of both midwifery training institutions and midwives themselves. The call for SBAs, though a worthy ideal, is out of touch with the lived realities of pregnant women in low resource settings such as Zimbabwe. The study is concerned with situational analysis of TBAs and SBAs in maternal health care service provision in Zimbabwe analysing and evaluating policy considerations.
Biosynthesis of Anisotropic Silver Nanoparticles by Bhargavaea indica and Their Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics against Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Kim Yeon Ju , Singh Hina , Mathiyalagan Ramya , Wang Chao , Yang Deok Chun
Published: May 2015

The strain Bhargavaea indica DC1 isolated from four‐year‐old P. ginseng rhizospheric soil was used to perform rapid and extracellular biosynthesis of anisotropic silver nanoparticles. The ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectra of the reaction mixture containing silver nanoparticles showed a peak at 460 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Field‐emission transmission electron microscopy (FE‐TEM) structural characterization revealed the nanobar, pentagon, spherical, icosahedron, hexagonal, truncated triangle, and triangular nanoparticles, with the size range from 30 to 100 nm. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis and elemental mapping results also confirmed that the silver was the predominant component of isolated nanoparticles. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results correspond to the purity of silver nanoparticles and dynamic light scattering (DLS) result indicated that the average diameter of particles was 111.6 nm. In addition, enhancement in antimicrobial activity of commercial antibiotics was observed against various pathogenic microorganisms such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.
Traceability and Quality Control in Traditional Chinese Medicine: From Chemical Fingerprint to Two-Dimensional Barcode
Authors: Cai Yong , Li Xiwen , Li Mei , Chen Xiaojia , Hu Hao , Ni Jingyun , Wang Yitao
Published: May 2015

Chemical fingerprinting is currently a widely used tool that enables rapid and accurate quality evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, chemical fingerprints are not amenable to information storage, recognition, and retrieval, which limit their use in Chinese medicine traceability. In this study, samples of three kinds of Chinese medicines were randomly selected and chemical fingerprints were then constructed by using high performance liquid chromatography. Based on chemical data, the process of converting the TCM chemical fingerprint into two-dimensional code is presented; preprocess and filtering algorithm are also proposed aiming at standardizing the large amount of original raw data. In order to know which type of two-dimensional code (2D) is suitable for storing data of chemical fingerprints, current popular types of 2D codes are analyzed and compared. Results show that QR Code is suitable for recording the TCM chemical fingerprint. The fingerprint information of TCM can be converted into data format that can be stored as 2D code for traceability and quality control.
Compact Two-Section Half-Wave Balun Based on Planar Artificial Transmission Lines
Authors: Liu Changjun , Yin Zhenyu , Yang Yilan , Huang Wen
Published: May 2015

Artificial transmission lines are realized by a series of meandered-line inductors, parallel-plate capacitors, and interdigital capacitors, which belong to metamaterial transmission lines. An ameliorated artificial transmission line is proposed to realize a low characteristic impedance transmission line. A two-section half-wave balun at 900 MHz is designed, fabricated, and measured in this paper. The compact balun is based on conventional and ameliorated planar artificial transmission lines instead of microstrip transmission lines. The main advantage of the proposed balun is its size reduction, which occupies only about 10% of a conventional one. Measured results match well with theory and simulation. The balun features excellent amplitude and phase balance in microwave power combining and a reasonable bandwidth of the return loss as well.
DFT Study of Polythiophene Energy Band Gap and Substitution Effects
Authors: Bouzzine Si. Mohamed , Salgado-Morán Guillermo , Hamidi Mohamed , Bouachrine Mohammed , Pacheco Alison Geraldo , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: May 2015

Polythiophene (PTh) and its derivatives are polymer-based materials with aπ-conjugation framework. PTh is a useful photoelectric material and can be used in organic semiconductor devices, such as PLED, OLED, and solar cells. Their properties are based on molecular structure; the derivatives contain different substitutes in the 3 and 5 positions, such as electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups. All molecular geometries were optimized at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. The energy gap (Egap) between the HOMO and LUMO levels is related to theπ-conjugation in the PTh polymer backbone. In this study, the DFT calculations were performed for the nonsubstituted and 3,5-substituted variants to investigate the stability geometries and electrical properties. The theoretical calculations show that the substituted forms are stable, have lowEgap, and are in good agreement with the experimental observations.
Histologic and Metabolic Derangement in High‐Fat, High‐Fructose, and Combination Diet Animal Models
Authors: Lee Jai Sun , Jun Dae Won , Kim Eun Kyung , Jeon Hye Joon , Nam Ho Hyun , Saeed Waqar Khalid
Published: May 2015

Background. We used high‐fat (HF), high‐fructose (HFr), and combination diets to create a dietary animal model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Comparison of both clinical phenotypes has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to compare histologic and metabolic characteristics between diets in an animal model of NAFLD.
Methods. NAFLD was induced in rats by feeding them HF, HFr, and combination (HF + HFr) diets for 20 weeks. The degree of intrahepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress was evaluated. Metabolic derangements were assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test and the intrahepatic insulin signal pathway. Results. Body weight gain and intrahepatic fat accumulation were more prominent in the HF feeding group than in the HFr group. The expressions of NOX‐4 and TLR‐4 were higher in the HF and HFr combination groups than in the HF‐only group. Other intrahepatic inflammatory markers, MCP‐1, TNF‐α, and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, were the highest in the HF + HFr combination group. Although intrahepatic fat deposition was less prominent in the HFr diet model, intrahepatic inflammation was noted. Conclusions. Intrahepatic inflammation and metabolic derangements were more prominent in the HF and HFr combination model than in the HF monodiet model.
Low Magnesium Levels and FGF-23 Dysregulation Predict Mitral Valve Calcification as well as Intima Media Thickness in Predialysis Diabetic Patients
Authors: Silva Ana Paula , Gundlach Kristina , Büchel Janine , Jerónimo Teresa , Fragoso André , Silva Claudia , Guilherme Patrícia , Santos Nélio , Faísca Marília , Neves Pedro
Published: May 2015

Background. Mitral valve calcification and intima media thickness (IMT) are common complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) implicated with high cardiovascular mortality.Objective. To investigate the implication of magnesium and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels with mitral valve calcification and IMT in CKD diabetic patients.Methods. Observational, prospective study involving 150 diabetic patients with mild to moderate CKD, divided according to Wilkins Score. Carotid-echodoppler and transthoracic echocardiography were used to assess calcification. Statistical tests used to establish comparisons between groups, to identify risk factors, and to establish cut-off points for prediction of mitral valve calcification.Results. FGF-23 values continually increased with higher values for both IMT and calcification whereas the opposite trend was observed for magnesium. FGF-23 and magnesium were found to independently predict mitral valve calcification and IMT(P<0.05). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the number of deaths was higher in patients with lower magnesium levels and poorer Wilkins score. The mean cut-off value for FGF-23 was 117 RU/mL and for magnesium 1.7 mg/dL.Conclusions. Hypomagnesemia and high FGF-23 levels are independent predictors of mitral valve calcification and IMT and are risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in this population. They might be used as diagnostic/therapeutic targets in order to better manage the high cardiovascular risk in CKD patients.
Role of Genetic Polymorphisms of Deoxycytidine Kinase and Cytidine Deaminase to Predict Risk of Death in Children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Medina-Sanson Aurora , Ramírez-Pacheco Arturo , Moreno-Guerrero Silvia Selene , Dorantes-Acosta Elisa María , Sánchez-Preza Metzeri , Reyes-López Alfonso
Published: May 2015

Cytarabine is one of the most effective antineoplastic agents among those used for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. However, some patients develop resistance and/or severe side effects to the drug, which may interfere with the efficacy of the treatment. The polymorphisms of some Ara-C metabolizing enzymes seem to affect outcome and toxicity in AML patients receiving cytarabine. We conducted this study in a cohort of Mexican pediatric patients with AML to investigate whether the polymorphisms of the deoxycytidine kinase and cytidine deaminase enzymes are implicated in clinical response and toxicity. Bone marrow and/or peripheral blood samples obtained at diagnosis from 27 previously untreated pediatric patients withde novoAML were processed for genotyping andin vitrochemosensitivity assay, and we analyzed the impact of genotypes andin vitrosensitivity on disease outcome and toxicity. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, we found that age at diagnosis, wild-type genotype of the CDA A79C polymorphism, and wild-type genotype of the dCK C360G polymorphism were the most significant prognostic factors for predicting the risk of death.
An Optimization Algorithm with Novel RFA-PSO Cooperative Evolution: Applications to Parameter Decision of a Snake Robot
Authors: Gao Qin , Wang Zhelong , Li Hongyi
Published: May 2015

The success to design a hybrid optimization algorithm depends on how to make full use of the effect of exploration and exploitation carried by agents. To improve the exploration and exploitation property of the agents, we present a hybrid optimization algorithm with both local and global search capabilities by combining the global search property of rain forest algorithm (RFA) and the rapid convergence of PSO. Originally two kinds of agents, RFAAs and PSOAs, are introduced to carry out exploration and exploitation, respectively. In order to improve population diversification, uniform distribution and adaptive range division are carried out by RFAAs in flexible scale during the iteration. A further improvement has been provided to enhance the convergence rate and processing speed by combining PSO algorithm with potential guides found by both RFAAs and PSOAs. Since several contingent local minima conditions may happen to PSO, special agent transformation is suggested to provide information exchanging and cooperative coevolution between RFAAs and PSOAs. Effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are compared with several algorithms in the various benchmark function problems. Finally, engineering design optimization problems taken from the gait control of a snake-like robot are implemented successfully by the proposed RFA-PSO.
Changing Trends in Meteorological Elements and Reference Evapotranspiration in a Mega City: A Case Study in Shenzhen City, China
Authors: Liu Haijun , Zhang Xian , Zhang Liwei , Wang Xuming
Published: May 2015

Shenzhen city was a farmland region before 1978, and it then developed to a mega city in China. This type of change in city can greatly affect the climatic conditions. In this study, the daily, monthly, and annual climatic variables and the reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) for Shenzhen from 1954 to 2012 were computed using the FAO Penman-Monteith equation (PM), and these parameters were analyzed to study the temporal trends of ET0and meteorological factors. The trends and the time points of abrupt changes of ET0and meteorological factors were tested using Mann-Kendall methods. Results show that, in the past 59 years, the annual ET0first decreased from 1954 to 1978, then increased from 1979 to 1990, and now varied slightly after 1990. The mean air temperature rose gradually, and the relative humidity decreased as a whole. These trends finally resulted in an increasing trend in vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The wind speed showed a slightly decreasing trend. Both the annual total sunshine duration and net radiation showed trends of rapid decline. ET0change is sensitive to the hours of sunshine and VPD. The significant increase in ET0after 1979 was mainly due to the increased air temperature and decreased relative humidity.
The Investigation of Quality of Life in 87 Chinese Patients with Disorders of Sex Development
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Tian Qinjie
Published: May 2015

Objective. In the process of care for disorders of sex development (DSD), clinical decisions should focus on the long-term quality of life (QOL). We sought to investigate the QOL of patients with DSD in China.Design. Case-control study was carried out.Patients.90 patients of DSD participated in the study. Finally, 87 patients were analyzed including Turner’s syndrome (23), Noonan syndrome (2), androgen insensitivity syndrome (22), testicular regression syndrome (2), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (16), and pure gonadal dysgenesis (22).Measurements. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was chosen for the present investigation. Four domain scores were analyzed independently including physical, psychological, and social relationship and environmental domains.Results. The average age of the DSD group is 22.34 ± 4.97 years, and only 13.79% patients ever had sexual life. The scores of psychological and environmental domains were lower than that of the physical and social relationship domains, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Compared with the Chinese urban population, the QOL scores of DSD patients in China were not significantly lower.Conclusions. With proper treatment, including the follow-up and psychological support, the QOL of DSD patients cannot be significantly reduced. For DSD patients, more attention should be paid to the potential psychological and sexual problems.
Porous PCL/Chitosan and nHA/PCL/Chitosan Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: Fabrication and Evaluation
Authors: Mad Jin Rashid , Sultana Naznin , Baba Sayang , Hamdan Salehhuddin , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: May 2015

Two semicrystalline polymers were blended to fabricate porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds containing polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) incorporated nHA/PCL/chitosan were produced using the freeze‐drying technique. A model drug, tetracycline hydrochloride (tetracycline HCL), was incorporated into the scaffolds. The scaffolds were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), EDX, and water contact angle. The antibacterial properties of the nHA/PCL/chitosan/tetracycline HCL scaffold were tested and the scaffolds showed positive results on gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The cell biocompatibility using human skin fibroblast cells (HSF 1184) was examined. The scaffold materials were found to be nontoxic to human skin fibroblast cells (HSF 1184) and showed positive proliferation activities. The nHA/PCL/chitosan/tetracycline HCL scaffold has potential for controlling implant‐associated bacterial infections during operative procedures and can potentially be used as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (rs4236480) in TRPV5 Calcium Channel Gene Is Associated with Stone Multiplicity in Calcium Nephrolithiasis Patients
Authors: Khaleel Anas , Wu Mei-Shin , Wong Henry Sung-Ching , Hsu Yu-Wen , Chou Yii-Her , Chen Hsiang-Yin
Published: May 2015

Nephrolithiasis is characterized by calcification of stones in the kidneys from an unknown cause. Animal models demonstrated the functional roles of the transient receptor potential vanilloid member 5 (TRPV5) gene in calcium renal reabsorption and hypercalciuria. Therefore, TRPV5 was suggested to be involved in calcium homeostasis. However, whether genetic polymorphisms of TRPV5 are associated with kidney stone multiplicity or recurrence is unclear. In this study, 365 Taiwanese kidney‐stone patients were recruited. Both biochemical data and DNA samples were collected. Genotyping was performed by a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. We found that a TRPV5 polymorphism (rs4236480) was observed to be associated with stone multiplicity of calcium nephrolithiasis, as the risk of stone multiplicity was higher in patients with the TT+CT genotype than in patients with the CC genotype (p = 0.0271). In summary, despite the complexity of nephrolithiasis and the potential association of numerous calcium homeostatic absorption/reabsorption factors, TRPV5 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of calcium nephrolithiasis.
Binding and Endocytosis of Bovine Hololactoferrin by the ParasiteEntamoeba histolytica
Authors: Ortíz-Estrada Guillermo , Calderón-Salinas Víctor , Shibayama-Salas Mineko , León-Sicairos Nidia , de la Garza Mireya
Published: May 2015

Entamoeba histolyticais a human parasite that requires iron (Fe) for its metabolic function and virulence. Bovine lactoferrin (B-Lf) and its peptides can be found in the digestive tract after dairy products are ingested. The aim of this study was to compare virulent trophozoites recently isolated from hamster liver abscesses with nonvirulent trophozoites maintained for more than 30 years in culturesin vitroregarding their interaction with iron-charged B-Lf (B-holo-Lf). We performed growth kinetics analyses of trophozoites in B-holo-Lf and throughout several consecutive transfers. The virulent parasites showed higher growth and tolerance to iron than nonvirulent parasites. Both amoeba variants specifically bound B-holo-Lf with a similarKd. However, averages of 9.45 × 105and 6.65 × 106binding sites/cell were found for B-holo-Lf in nonvirulent and virulent amoebae, respectively. Virulent amoebae bound more efficiently to human and bovine holo-Lf, human holo-transferrin, and human and bovine hemoglobin than nonvirulent amoebae. Virulent amoebae showed two types of B-holo-Lf binding proteins. Although both amoebae endocytosed this glycoprotein through clathrin-coated vesicles, the virulent amoebae also endocytosed B-holo-Lf through a cholesterol-dependent mechanism. Both amoeba variants secreted cysteine proteases cleaving B-holo-Lf. These data demonstrate that the B-Lf endocytosis is more efficient in virulent amoebae.
Hypolipidemic Activity and Antiatherosclerotic Effect of Polysaccharide ofPolygonatum sibiricumin Rabbit Model and Related Cellular Mechanisms
Authors: Yang Jun-xuan , Wu Shen , Huang Xi-liang , Hu Xiao-quan , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2015

Objective. To evaluate the hypolipidemic activity and antiatherosclerotic effect of polysaccharide ofPolygonatum sibiricum(PPGS), which is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine using the rhizome part of the whole herb.Materials and Methods. Thirty rabbits were divided into normal control group, model control group, and PPGS subgroups of 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mL/kg/day under random selection. In atherosclerosis model, the effects of PPGS on diverse blood lipids, foam cells number, and aortic morphology were evaluated. In the primary culture of endothelial cells (ECs), the activities of PPGS on both ECs proliferation and ECs injury were studied as well.Results. In atherosclerosis model, the hypolipidemic activities of PPGS were mainly focused on TC, LDL-C, and Lp(a). All changes on these factors were statistically significant compared with model group (P< 0.01), except TG and HDL-C. The intimal foam cell number of PPGS subgroups (0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mL/kg/day) was significantly reduced than model control (P< 0.01). In the primary culture of endothelial cells (ECs), PPGS showed no effect on cell proliferation but preferred to protect EC from injury and apoptosis induced by H2O2and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Discussion and Conclusion. The antiatherosclerotic effect of PPGS may be supported by its hypolipidemic activities, improving aortic morphology, and reducing foam cells number and ECs injury.
Elevated Serum Tryptase and Endothelin in Patients with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Preliminary Report
Authors: Lewicki Lukasz , Siebert Janusz , Marek-Trzonkowska Natalia , Masiewicz Emilia , Kolinski Tomasz , Reiwer-Gostomska Magdalena , Targonski Radoslaw , Trzonkowski Piotr
Published: May 2015

An inflammatory response plays a crucial role in myocardial damage after an acute myocardial infarction. Objectives. To measure serum concentrations of several mediators in patients with an acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to assess their potential relationship with a risk of coronary instability. Patients and Methods. The 33 patients with STEMI and 19 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The clinical data were obtained; as well serum concentrations of tryptase, endothelin (ET‐1), angiogenin, soluble c‐kit, and PDGF were measured. Results. Patients with STEMI had higher serum tryptase and ET‐1 than healthy volunteers (2,5 ± 0,4 ng/mL versus 1,1 ± 0,4 ng/mL and 0,7 ± 0,1 ng/mL versus 0,3 ± 0,1 ng/mL, resp.). Subjects with significant lesion in left anterior descending artery (LAD) had lower serum ET‐1 compared to those with normal LAD (0,6 ± 0,2 pg/mL versus 0,9 ± 0,4 pg/mL). Patients with three‐vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) had higher level of soluble c‐kit compared to those with one‐ or two‐vessel CAD: 19,9 ± 24,1 ng/mL versus 5,6 ± 1,9 ng/mL. Conclusions. Elevated serum tryptase and ET‐1 may be markers of increased coronary instability; some cytokines may be related to the extension of CAD.
Does Preendoscopy Rockall Score Safely Identify Low Risk Patients following Upper Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage?
Authors: Johnston Matthew R. , Murray Iain A. , Schultz Michael , McLeod Peter , O’Donnell Nathan , Norton Heather , Baines Chelsea , Fawcett Emily , Fesaitu Terry , Leung Hin , Park Jeong-Yoon , Salleh Adibah , Zhang Wei , García José A.
Published: May 2015

Objective.To determine if preendoscopy Rockall score (PERS) enables safe outpatient management of New Zealanders with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (UGIH).Methods.Retrospective analysis of adults with UGIH over 59 consecutive months. PERS, diagnosis, demographics, need for endoscopic therapy, transfusion or surgery and 30-day mortality and 14-day rebleeding rate, and sensitivity and specificity of PERS for enabling safe discharge preendoscopy were calculated.Results.424 admissions with UGIH. Median age was 74.3 years (range 19–93 years), with 55.1% being males. 30-day mortality was 4.6% and 14-day rebleeding rate was 6.0%. Intervention was required in 181 (46.6%): blood transfusion (147 : 37.9%), endoscopic intervention (75 : 19.3%), and surgery (8 : 2.1%). 42 (10.8%) had PERS = 0 with intervention required in 15 (35.7%). Females more frequently required intervention, OR 1.73 (CI: 1.12–2.69). PERS did not predict intervention but did predict 30-day mortality: each point increase equated to an increase in mortality of OR 1.46 (CI: 1.11–1.92). Taking NSAIDs/aspirin reduced 30-day mortality, OR 0.22 (CI: 0.08–0.60).Conclusion.PERS identifies 10.8% of those with UGIH as low risk but 35.7% required intervention or died. It has a limited role in assessing these patients and should not be used to identify those suitable for outpatient endoscopy.
An SEIV Epidemic Model for Childhood Diseases with Partial Permanent Immunity
Authors: Bai Mei , Ren Lishun
Published: May 2015

An SEIV epidemic model for childhood disease with partial permanent immunity is studied. The basic reproduction numberR0has been worked out. The local and global asymptotical stability analysis of the equilibria are performed, respectively. Furthermore, if we take the treated rateτas the bifurcation parameter, periodic orbits will bifurcate from endemic equilibrium whenτpasses through a critical value. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to support our analytic results.
Investigating Thermal Comfort and User Behaviors in Outdoor Spaces: A Seasonal and Spatial Perspective
Authors: Huang Kuo-Tsang , Lin Tzu-Ping , Lien Hsiao-Chi
Published: May 2015

Numerous studies have examined the correlation between the number of attendants in a given outdoor environment and thermal indices to understand how the environmental planning has an impact on the users. However, extensive observations should be conducted to examine the detailed static and dynamic behavior patterns of users. We conducted dynamic observations at a stepped plaza to perform on-site measurements of the physical environment and observations of users behaviors, including their resting positions, movements, and stay durations. The results indicated that more people rested on the steps during the cool season than hot season. Compared to neutral temperatures, people demonstrated higher heat tolerance to the hot season. The results indicated that more than 75% of users preferred to remain in shaded areas and stayed longer than in the sunlight. The people tended to engage in static activities in environments that exhibit sufficient shading. The shaded areas were conducive to static activities as the summer grew hotter. The results verified that the people of Taiwan would avoid sunlight and desire shaded spaces based on their previous climate experiences and expectations, which can serve as a reference for outdoor space design to improve the usability and quality of open urban spaces.
Progesterone and Src Family Inhibitor PP1 Synergistically Inhibit Cell Migration and Invasion of Human Basal Phenotype Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Xie Mingxuan , Zhou Li , Chen Xi , Gainey Lindsey O. , Xiao Jian , Nanes Mark S. , Hou Anji , You Shaojin , Chen Qiong
Published: May 2015

Basal phenotype breast cancer is one of the most aggressive breast cancers that frequently metastasize to brain. The role of sex hormones and their receptors in development of this disease is largely unclear. We demonstrated that mPRαwas expressed at a moderate level in a brain metastatic BPBC cell line MB231Br, which was derived from the parent mPRαundetectable MB231 cells. It functioned as an essential mediator for progesterone induced inhibitory effects on cell migration of MB231Br and, when coincubated with PP1, synergistically enhanced the progesterone’s inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasionin vitro. Progesterone and PP1 cotreatment induced a cascade of molecular signaling events, such as dephosphorylation of FAK, downregulation of MMP9, VEGF, and KCNMA1 expressions. Ourin vitrostudy demonstrated that mPRαwas expressed and functioned as an essential mediator for progesterone induced inhibitory effects on cell migration and invasion in BPBC cells. This inhibitory effect was enhanced by PP1 via FAK dephosphorylation, MMP9, VEGF, and KCNMA1 downregulation mechanisms. Our study provides a new clue toward the development of novel promising agents and pathways for inhibiting nuclear hormonal receptor-negative and endocrine-resistant breast cancers.
Structure Analysis and Decoupling Research of a Novel Flexible Tactile Sensor Array
Authors: Wang Feilu , Song Yang , Zhang Zhenya , Chen Wanli
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a novel flexible tactile sensor structure and proposes an efficient decoupling algorithm for the tactile sensor. Firstly, structure of the sensor model is introduced, and the sensing mechanism of the sensor array based on force-sensitive conductive rubber is analyzed. Then the mapping relation between the resistances of conductive pillars and the three-dimensional force is deduced. After that, the force applied on the tactile sensor is decoupled from the resistance information by the improved Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) algorithm with the number of hidden layer nodes optimized. The flexible tactile sensor model achieves the decomposition of the three-dimensional information from the structure with its unique design, avoids the direct interference between electrodes of the sensor array, reduces the structural complexity and the nonlinear degree, improves the decoupling accuracy, and accelerates the decoupling rate.
Experimental Vaccines against Chagas Disease: A Journey through History
Authors: Rodríguez-Morales Olivia , Monteón-Padilla Víctor , Carrillo-Sánchez Silvia C. , Rios-Castro Martha , Martínez-Cruz Mariana , Carabarin-Lima Alejandro , Arce-Fonseca Minerva
Published: May 2015

Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, which is caused by the protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, is primarily a vector disease endemic in 21 Latin American countries, including Mexico. Although many vector control programs have been implemented,T. cruzihas not been eradicated. The development of an anti-T. cruzivaccine for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes may significantly contribute to the transmission control of Chagas disease. Immune protection against experimental infection withT. cruzihas been studied since the second decade of the last century, and many types of immunogens have been used subsequently, such as killed or attenuated parasites and new DNA vaccines. This primary prevention strategy appears feasible, effective, safe, and inexpensive, although problems remain. The objective of this review is to summarize the research efforts about the development of vaccines against Chagas disease worldwide. A thorough literature review was conducted by searching PubMed with the terms “Chagas disease” and “American trypanosomiasis” together with “vaccines” or “immunization”. In addition, reports and journals not cited in PubMed were identified. Publications in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were reviewed.
Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasonography for Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Yamashita Yasunobu , Kato Jun , Ueda Kazuki , Nakamura Yasushi , Kawaji Yuki , Abe Hiroko , Nuta Junya , Tamura Takashi , Itonaga Masahiro , Yoshida Takeichi , Maeda Hiroki , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Tamai Hideyuki , Ichinose Masao
Published: May 2015

Objectives. To investigate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography (CE-EUS) for histological differentiation of pancreatic tumors.Methods. CE-EUS was performed for consecutive patients having a pancreatic solid lesion, and tumors were classified into three vascular patterns (hypervascular, isovascular, and hypovascular) at two time phases (early-phase and late-phase). Correlation between vascular patterns and histopathology of resected pancreatic cancer (PC) tissues was ascertained.Results. The final diagnoses of 147 examined tumors were PC(n=109), inflammatory mass(n=11), autoimmune pancreatitis(n=9), neuroendocrine tumor(n=8), and others(n=10). In late-phase images, 104 of 109 PCs had the hypovascular pattern, for a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 71%, respectively. Of 28 resected PCs, 10 had isovascular, and 18 hypovascular, patterns on the early-phase image. Early-phase isovascular PCs were more likely to be differentiated than were early-phase hypovascular PCs (6 well and 4 moderately differentiated versus 3 well, 14 moderately, and 1 poorly differentiated,P=0.028). Immunostaining revealed that hypovascular areas of early-phase images reflected heterogeneous tumor cells with fibrous tissue, necrosis, and few vessels.Conclusion. CE-EUS could be useful for distinguishing PC from other solid pancreatic lesions and for histological differentiation of PCs.
A Correlated Model for Evaluating Performance and Energy of Cloud System Given System Reliability
Authors: Zhang Hongli , Li Panpan , Zhou Zhigang
Published: May 2015

The serious issue of energy consumption for high performance computing systems has attracted much attention. Performance and energy-saving have become important measures of a computing system. In the cloud computing environment, the systems usually allocate various resources (such as CPU, Memory, Storage, etc.) on multiple virtual machines (VMs) for executing tasks. Therefore, the problem of resource allocation for running VMs should have significant influence on both system performance and energy consumption. For different processor utilizations assigned to the VM, there exists the tradeoff between energy consumption and task completion time when a given task is executed by the VMs. Moreover, the hardware failure, software failure and restoration characteristics also have obvious influences on overall performance and energy. In this paper, a correlated model is built to analyze both performance and energy in the VM execution environment given the reliability restriction, and an optimization model is presented to derive the most effective solution of processor utilization for the VM. Then, the tradeoff between energy-saving and task completion time is studied and balanced when the VMs execute given tasks. Numerical examples are illustrated to build the performance-energy correlated model and evaluate the expected values of task completion time and consumed energy.
In VivoAntioxidant and Hypolipidemic Effects of Fermented Mung Bean on Hypercholesterolemic Mice
Authors: Yeap Swee Keong , Beh Boon Kee , Ho Wan Yong , Mohd Yusof Hamidah , Mohamad Nurul Elyani , Ali Norlaily Mohd , Jaganath Indu Bala , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Koh Soo Peng , Long Kamariah
Published: May 2015

Legumes have previously been reported with hypolipidemic effect caused by the presence of flavonoid. This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of fermented mung bean on hypercholesterolemic mice. Blood from all mice was collected and subjected to serum lipid and liver profiles biochemical analysis and quantitative RT-PCR for atherosclerosis related gene expressions. Besides, livers were collected for antioxidant assays and histopathology evaluation. Fermented mung bean was found to reduce the level of serum lipid and liver enzyme profiles of hypercholesterolemic mice. Furthermore, liver antioxidant and nitric oxide levels were also significantly restored by fermented mung bean in a dosage dependent manner. The gene expression study indicated thatApoeandBcl2a1awere upregulated whileNpyandVwfexpressions were downregulated after the treatment. The effects of fermented mung bean were greater than nonfermented mung bean. These results indicated that fermented mung bean possessed antioxidants that lead to its hypolipidemic effect on hypercholesterolemic mice.
Uveitis in the Aging Eye: Incidence, Patterns, and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Abdulaal Marwan R. , Abiad Bachir H. , Hamam Rola N.
Published: May 2015

Uveitis is a vision threatening inflammation of the eye that carries considerable morbidity. It is responsible for 10% of legal blindness in the United States and up to 25% in the developing world. Uveitis in patients more than 60 years of age is less common. The aging body has a changing response of the immune system, which might reflect a different pattern of uveitis in the elderly population. In this paper we review the incidence and patterns of uveitis in the elderly as reported in the literature and discuss changes with time. We also delineate a thorough differential diagnosis of de novo uveitis in the elderly.
Delayed Age Replacement Policy with Uncertain Lifetime
Authors: Li Xueyan , Zhang Chunxiao
Published: May 2015

This paper considers the delayed age replacement policy, in which the lifetimes of all units are assumed to be uncertain variables, and the lifetime of the first unit has an uncertainty distribution which is different from the others. A delayed age replacement model which is concerned with finding the optimal replacement time to minimize the expected cost is developed. In the policy, the optimal replacement time is irrelevant to the uncertain distribution of lifetime of the first unit over the infinite time span.
Platelet-Rich Gel Supernatants Stimulate the Release of Anti-Inflammatory Proteins on Culture Media of Normal Equine Synovial Membrane Explants
Authors: Ríos Diana L. , López Catalina , Carmona Jorge U.
Published: May 2015

The aims were as follows: (1) to evaluate the effects at 48 and 96 h of two concentrations (25 and 50%) of leukocyte and platelet-rich gel (L-PRG) and pure PRG (P-PRG) supernatants on the production/degradation in normal equine synovial membrane explants (SME) of platelet derived growth factor isoform BB, transforming growth factor beta-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL-) 4 (IL-4), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and hyaluronan (HA) synthesis and (2) to correlate these molecules with their respective PRG supernatant treatments. SME from 6 horses were cultured for 96 h with L-PRG and P-PRG supernatants at 25 and 50% concentrations, respectively. SME culture media were changed each 48 h and used for determination by ELISA of the molecules, which were also determined in synovial fluid. 25% L-PRG supernatant produced a sustained release over time of IL-1ra and a gradual release of HA, whereas 50% L-PRG supernatant produced a sustained increase over time of IL-4 and HA. 50% P-PRG supernatant produced an increased and sustained production of IL-1ra and IL-4. The cellular composition and the articular concentration (volume) of a platelet-rich plasma preparation could affect the anti-inflammatory and anabolic joint responses in horses with osteoarthritis.
Extraintestinal Helminth Infection Limits Pathology and Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression during DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis: A Role for Alternatively Activated Macrophages and Prostaglandins
Authors: Ledesma-Soto Yadira , Callejas Blanca E. , Terrazas César A. , Reyes Jose L. , Espinoza-Jiménez Arlett , González Marisol I. , León-Cabrera Sonia , Morales Rosario , Olguín Jonadab E. , Saavedra Rafael , Oghumu Steve , Satoskar Abhay R. , Terrazas Luis I.
Published: May 2015

Chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa is characteristic of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Helminth parasites have developed immunomodulatory strategies that may impact the outcome of several inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we investigated whetherTaenia crassicepsinfection is able to decrease the inflammatory effects of dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced ulcerative colitis in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Preinfection significantly reduced the manifestations of DSS-induced colitis, as weight loss and shortened colon length, and decreased the disease activity index independently of the genetic background of the mice.Taeniainfection decreased systemic levels of proinflammatory cytokines while increasing levels of IL-4 and IL-10, and the inflammatory infiltrate into the colon was also markedly reduced. RT-PCR assays from colon showed thatT. crassiceps-infected mice displayed increased expression of Arginase-1 but decreased expression of iNOS compared to DSS-treated uninfected mice. The percentages of T regulatory cells were not increased. The adoptive transfer of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMФs) from infected mice into mice with DSS-induced colitis reduced the severity of colon inflammation. Administration of indomethacin abrogated the anticolitic effect ofTaenia. Thus,T. crassicepsinfection limits the pathology of ulcerative colitis by suppressing inflammatory responses mechanistically associated with AAMФs and prostaglandins.
Neuroprotection of Sanhua Decoction against Focal Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats through a Mechanism Targeting Aquaporin 4
Authors: Lu Lin , Li Hui-qin , Li Ji-huang , Liu Ai-ju , Zheng Guo-qing
Published: May 2015

Sanhua decoction (SHD) is a famous classic Chinese herbal prescription for ischemic stroke, and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is reported to play a key role in ischemic brain edema. This study aimed to investigate neuroprotection of SHD against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats and explore the hypothesis that AQP4 probably is the target of SHD neuroprotection against I/R rats. Lentiviral-mediated AQP4-siRNA was inducted into adult male Sprague-Dawley rats via intracerebroventricular injection. The focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model was established by occluding middle cerebral artery. Neurological examinations were performed according to Longa Scale. Brain water content, was determined by wet and dry weight measurement. Western blot was adopted to test the AQP4 expression in ipsilateral hippocampus. After the treatment, SHD alleviated neurological deficits, reduced brain water content and downregulated the expression of AQP4 at different time points following I/R injury. Furthermore, neurobehavioral function and brain edema after I/R were significantly attenuated via downregulation of AQP4 expression when combined with AQP4-siRNA technology. In conclusion, SHD exerted neuroprotection against focal cerebral I/R injury in rats mainly through a mechanism targeting AQP4.
Influence of Urban Microclimate on Air-Conditioning Energy Needs and Indoor Thermal Comfort in Houses
Authors: Liao Feng-Chi , Cheng Ming-Jen , Hwang Ruey-Lung
Published: May 2015

A long-term climate measurement was implemented in the third largest city of Taiwan, for the check of accuracy of morphing approach on generating the hourly data of urban local climate. Based on observed and morphed meteorological data, building energy simulation software EnergyPlus was used to simulate the cooling energy consumption of an air-conditioned typical flat and the thermal comfort level of a naturally ventilated typical flat. The simulated results were used to quantitatively discuss the effect of urban microclimate on the energy consumption as well as thermal comfort of residential buildings. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for city planning and energy management divisions to study urban sustainability strategies in the future.
Diabetes Complications at Presentation and One Year by Glycated Haemoglobin at Diagnosis in a Multiethnic and Diverse Socioeconomic Population: Results from the South London Diabetes Study
Authors: Azam Mohsin , Marwood Lindsey , Ismail Khalida , Evans Tyrrell , Sivaprasad Sobha , Winkley Kirsty , Amiel Stephanie Anne
Published: May 2015

Background. WHO’s recommendation ofHbA1c≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) as diagnostic for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was adopted by three UK London boroughs in May 2012. The South London Diabetes (SOUL-D) study has recruited people with newly diagnosed T2DM since 2008. We compared participants diagnosed before May 2012 withHbA1c<48 mmol/mol to those with diagnosticHbA1c≥48 mmol/mol.Methods. A prospective cohort study of newly diagnosed T2DM participants from 96 primary care practices, comparing demographic and biomedical variables between those with diagnosticHbA1c<48 mmol/mol orHbA1c≥48 mmol/mol at recruitment and after one year.Results. Of 1488 participants, 22.8% had diagnosticHbA1c<48 mmol/mol. They were older and more likely to be white (p<0.05). At recruitment and one year, there were no between-group differences in the prevalence of diabetic complications, except that those diagnosed withHbA1c<48 mmol/mol had more sensory neuropathy at recruitment (p=0.039) and, at one year, had new myocardial infarction (p=0.012) but less microalbuminuria (p=0.012).Conclusions. Use ofHbA1c≥48 mmol/mol as the sole T2DM diagnostic criterion may miss almost a quarter of those previously diagnosed in South London yetHbA1c<48 mmol/mol may not exclude clinically important diabetes.
Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism and Organ Protection
Authors: Catena Cristiana , Colussi GianLuca , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: May 2015

Primary aldosteronism is a frequent form of secondary hypertension that had long been considered relatively benign. Experimental and clinical evidence collected in the last two decades, however, has clearly demonstrated that this endocrine disorder is associated with excess cardiovascular and renal complications as compared to essential hypertension. These complications reflect the ability of inappropriate elevation of plasma aldosterone to cause tissue damage beyond that induced by high blood pressure itself, thereby setting the stage for major cardiovascular and renal disease. Because of the impact of elevated aldosterone on organ damage, goals of treatment in patients with primary aldosteronism should not be limited to normalization of blood pressure, and prevention or correction of organ complications is mandatory. Treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists or unilateral adrenalectomy is the respective options for treatment of idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia or aldosterone-producing adenoma. Last years have witnessed a rapid growth in knowledge concerning the effects of these treatments on cardiovascular and renal protection. This paper is an overview of the cardiovascular and renal complications that occur in patients with primary aldosteronism and a summary of the results that have been obtained in the long term on cardiovascular and renal outcomes with either medical or surgical treatment.