bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airway Complications from an Esophageal Foreign Body
Authors: Garcia Ismael , Varon Joseph , Surani Salim
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Foreign body impaction (FBI) in the esophagus can be a serious condition, which can have a high mortality among children and adults, if appropriate diagnosis and treatment are not instituted urgently. 80–90% of all foreign bodies trapped in the esophagus usually pass spontaneously through the digestive tract, without any medical or surgical intervention. 10–20% of them will need an endoscopic intervention.Case Report. We hereby present a case of a large chicken piece foreign body impaction in the esophagus in a 25-year-old male with mental retardation. Patient developed hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring intubation. The removal required endoscopic intervention.Conclusions. Foreign bodies trapped in the upper gastrointestinal tract are a serious condition that can be fatal if they are not managed correctly. A correct diagnosis and treatment decrease the chances of complications. Endoscopic treatment remains the gold standard for extracting foreign body impaction.
ADRC Method for Noncascaded Integral System Based on the Total Derivative of Composite Functions of Several Variables
Authors: Huang Zhijian , Xiong Xuemei , Wang Hailong , Chen Yuli , Liu Yihua
Published: December 2016

The standard ADRC controller usually selects the canonical plant in the form of cascaded integrators. However, the condition variables of practical system do not necessarily have the cascaded integral relationship. Therefore, this paper proposes a method of total derivative of composite functions of several variables and a structure, which can convert the state space system of noncascaded integral form into the cascaded integral form. In this way, the converted system can be directly controlled with ADRC. Meanwhile, the control of Chen chaotic system is discussed in detail to show the conversion and the controller design. The control performances under different levels of complication and different strengths of disturbance are comparably researched. The converted system achieves significantly better control effects under ADRC than that of the PID. This converting method solves the control problem of some noncascaded integral systems in both theory and application and greatly expands the application scope of the standard ADRC method.
A Case of an Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma Arising from the Innominate Vein Mimicking Cervical Metastatic Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Brill Jason B. , Schwartz Isaac E. , Prescher Lindsey M. , Pratt Theodore C.
Published: December 2016

Background. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare tumor usually presenting in soft tissue. EHE is a vascular malignancy of intermediate clinical behavior, with a histologic appearance of endothelial cells growing in nests or cords. Although EHE often originates from a vessel, it is relatively rare for a primary vascular EHE to originate from a large vein or artery. Occurrence in the mediastinum is exceptionally rare. There are no known associations with other malignancies. Case Presentation. We present a case of mediastinal invasive EHE in a 39-year-old female with concurrent papillary thyroid cancer. She initially presented with a thyroid mass found by her primary care provider, with preoperative imaging concerning for extension into the superior mediastinum. Operative exploration revealed a mediastinal mass distinct from her thyroid carcinoma with invasion into the great vessels, requiring off-pump interposition graft bypass for en bloc resection. Final pathology confirmed pT3N1b multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma with a separate grade 1 pT1b EHE. Review of the literature describes the demographics, updated pathologic outcomes, histologic findings, and reported incidence of EHE. Conclusions. This is the first reported case of thyroid malignancy with separate and concurrent EHE. Surgeons should remain aware of this entity given its variable behavior. Although initially described as an indolent neoplasm, tumors with poor prognostic factors have been shown to be locally aggressive.
Enhancing Growth of Vigna radiata in the Presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biopolymer and Metarhizium anisopliae Spores
Authors: Rekadwad Bhagwan N. , Khobragade Chandrahasya N. , Jadhav Vishnu G. , Kadam Siddheswar U.
Published: December 2016

Exopolysaccharide producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 2945 (PANCL) belonging to gamma-proteobacterium and entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae MCC 1129 (MAMCC) belonging to Ascomycota were studied for their morphological features biochemical characteristics and plant growth promotion ability. Optimum growth of PANCL was recorded after 24 h at temperature 30°C and pH 7.0. Gram-negative PANCL appeared as white in color, one mm size, circular, opaque, and nonconsistent elevated colonies with entire margin. It has utilized dextrose, fructose, maltose, and sorbitol as carbon source and produced acid in the medium. PANCL was sensitive to Polymyxin B (300 µgm/disc) followed by Neomycin (30 µgm/disc), Gentamycin (10 µgm/disc), and Chloramphenicol (30 µgm/disc). PANCL has secreted extracellular lipase, amylase, protease, and exopolysaccharides (EPS). Another fungal strain MAMCC sporulated after 168 h at temperature 30°C and pH 7.0. MAMCC has septate-white mycelium and bears dirty green colored spores. Growth of MAMCC was enhanced in the presence of Neem and Karela-Amla oil (0.1 mL each). Extracellular polysaccharide produced by PANCL and spores of MAMCC promoted growth of dicotyledon Vigna radiata (Mung) individually as well as in consortium. Considerable increase in dry weight of Vigna radiata was recorded. Thus, reported PANCL and MAMCC strains have promoted growth Vigna radiata and may be a solution for sustainable agriculture.
Absorbable Suture as an Apical Matrix in Single Visit Apexification with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
Authors: Goyal Ayush , Nikhil Vineeta , Jha Padmanabh
Published: December 2016

Several procedures have been recommended to induce the root end barrier formation in teeth with open apices. Conventional treatment for such cases will require many appointments with an average duration of 12.9 months. During this period, the root canal is susceptible to reinfection from around the provisional restoration, which may promote apical periodontitis and arrest of apical repair. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully used for one visit apexification wherein the root canal can be obturated within 24 hours after placement of MTA. Using a matrix prior to the placement of MTA avoids its extrusion, reduces leakage in the sealing material, and allows favorable response of the periapical tissues. This report presents a case of apexification where an absorbable suture was used as an apical matrix. Use of an absorbable suture circumvents all the problems associated with other conventional materials. Conclusion. Placement of the matrix made from the suture material is predictable and is easily positioned at the apex and the length can be adjusted as required. 10-month follow-up of the case shows resorbed matrix and bone healing in the periapical region. The patient was asymptomatic during the whole follow-up period and tooth exhibited mobility within physiologic limits and was functioning normally.
Infant’s DNA Methylation Age at Birth and Epigenetic Aging Accelerators
Authors: Javed Ruheena , Chen Weidan , Lin Fangqin , Liang Huiying
Published: December 2016

Knowing the biological age of the neonates enables us to evaluate and better understand the health and maturity comprehensively. However, because of dearth of biomarkers, it is difficult to quantify the neonatal biological age. Here we sought to quantify and assess the variability in biological age at birth and to better understand how the aging rates before birth are influenced by exposure in intrauterine period by employing a novel epigenetic biomarker of aging (epigenetic clock). We observed that the methylation age at birth was independent of the infant’s sex but was significantly influenced by race. Partial correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between maternal socioeconomic status and infants’ methylation age (rs=-0.48, Ps = 0.005). A significant association with the risk of fast aging was observed for prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke with OR (95% CI) of 3.17 (1.05–9.56). Both estimated cell abundance measures and lymphocyte subpopulations in cord blood showed that tobacco exposed group exhibit an altered T cell compartment, specifically substantial loss of naive T cells. Present study provides the first evidence that common perinatal exposure (such as maternal smoking and lower socioeconomic status) may be important aging accelerators and substantial loss of naive T cells may play a role in the smoking-related fast aging phenomenon.
Sipuleucel-T and Androgen Receptor-Directed Therapy for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yi Renliang , Chen Baoxin , Duan Peng , Zheng Chanjiao , Shen Huanyu , Liu Qun , Yuan Chen , Ou Weilin , Zhou Zhiheng
Published: December 2016

New treatments, such as sipuleucel-T and androgen receptor- (AR-) directed therapies (enzalutamide (Enz) and abiraterone acetate (AA)), have emerged and been approved for the management of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). There are still debates over their efficacy and clinical benefits. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sipuleucel-T and AR-directed therapies in patients with CRPC. RevMan 5.1 was used for pooled analysis and analysis of publication bias. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, with three studies in sipuleucel-T (totally 737 patients, 488 patients in treatment group, and 249 patients in placebo group) and four in AR-directed therapies (totally 5,199 patients, 3,015 patients in treatment group, and 2,184 patients in placebo group). Treatment with sipuleucel-T significantly improved overall survival in patients with CRPC and was not associated with increased risk of adverse event of grade ≥3 (p>0.05). However, treatment with sipuleucel-T did not improve time-to-progression and reduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≥50% was not significantly different from that with placebo. AR-directed therapies significantly improved overall survival in patients with CRPC and improved time-to-progression and reduction of PSA level ≥50%. AR-directed therapies did not increase risk of adverse event of grade ≥3 (p>0.05).
Proliferation-Related Activity in Endothelial Cells Is Enhanced by Micropower Plasma
Authors: Suzuki Kotaro , Yoshino Daisuke
Published: December 2016

Nonthermal plasma has received a lot of attention as a medical treatment technique in recent years. It can easily create various reactive chemical species (ROS) and is harmless to living body. Although plasma at gas-liquid interface has a potential for a biomedical application, the interactions between the gas-liquid plasma and living cells remain unclear. Here, we show characteristics of a micropower plasma with 0.018 W of the power input, generated at gas-liquid interface. We also provide the evidence of plasma-induced enhancement in proliferation activity of endothelial cells. The plasma produced H2O2, HNO2, and HNO3in phosphate buffered saline containing Mg++and Ca++(PBS(+)), and their concentration increased linearly during 600-second discharge. The value of pH in PBS(+) against the plasma discharge time was stable at about 7.0. Temperature in PBS(+) rose monotonically, and its rise was up to 0.8°C at the bottom of a cell-cultured dish by the plasma discharge for 600 s. Short-time treatment of the plasma enhanced proliferation activity of endothelial cells. In contrast, the treatment of H2O2does not enhance the cell proliferation. Thus, the ROS production and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation due to the plasma treatment might be related to enhancement of the cell proliferation. Our results may potentially provide the basis for developing the biomedical applications using the gas-liquid plasma.
Effect of Trehalose and Trehalose Transport on the Tolerance ofClostridium perfringensto Environmental Stress in a Wild Type Strain and Its Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Mutant
Authors: Park Miseon , Mitchell Wilfrid J. , Rafii Fatemeh
Published: December 2016

Trehalose has been shown to protect bacterial cells from environmental stress. Its uptake and osmoprotective effect inClostridium perfringenswere investigated by comparing wild typeC. perfringensATCC 13124 with a fluoroquinolone- (gatifloxacin-) resistant mutant. In a chemically defined medium, trehalose and sucrose supported the growth of the wild type but not that of the mutant. Microarray data and qRT-PCR showed that putative genes for the phosphorylation and transport of sucrose and trehalose (via phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase systems, PTS) and some regulatory genes were downregulated in the mutant. The wild type had greater tolerance than the mutant to salts and low pH; trehalose and sucrose further enhanced the osmotolerance of the wild type to NaCl. Expression of the trehalose-specific PTS was lower in the fluoroquinolone-resistant mutant. Protection ofC. perfringensfrom environmental stress could therefore be correlated with the ability to take up trehalose.
Some Relations between Isologic and Varietal Perfect Groups
Authors: Lotfi Shokufeh , Taheri S. Mostafa
Published: December 2016

In 1940, Hall introduced the notion ofV-isologism, with respect to a given variety of groupsϑ. In the present article, we study the concepts ofV-perfect groups,V-subgroup, andV-quotient irreducible groups, with respect to a given variety of groupsϑ. Also we prove and obtain some results.
A Novel Contribution-Aware Neighbor-Assist Video Delivery Solution over Mobile Content-Centric Networks
Authors: Zhong Lujie , Jia Shijie , Wang Mu
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we propose a novel contribution-aware neighbor-assist video delivery solution over mobile content-centric network (CNVD). CNVD allows the nodes to build and maintain neighbor relationship with other nodes to share cached video resources and achieve unicast-based video lookup. CNVD constructs an estimation model of contribution of neighbor nodes by investigation of lookup delay, number of cached videos, lookup success rate, and geographical distance. CNVD designs the estimation methods of interest level and lookup capacity of nodes for video content, which enables the nodes to decide whether to build neighbor relationship with other nodes. A maintenance method of neighbor relationship between nodes is proposed, which enables the nodes to update valid time of neighbor relationship in terms of contribution of neighbor nodes and decide whether to remove neighbor relationship in terms of the current valid time of neighbor relationship. Further, CNVD designs a contribution-based video lookup algorithm, which reduces lookup delay and improves lookup success rate. Extensive tests show how CNVD achieves much better performance results in comparison with other state-of-the-art solutions.
Cardiogenic Shock due to Psychosis-Induced Inverted Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Bridged-to-Recovery with a Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Korabathina Ravi , Abel Warren , Labovitz Arthur
Published: December 2016

Inverted Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a less common variant in the spectrum of stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is increasingly being reported. This report describes an acute psychiatric illness leading to the onset of this syndrome. The patient presented here developed cardiogenic shock but successfully recovered with the use of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device.
High Virulence and Antifungal Resistance in Clinical Strains ofCandida albicans
Authors: Monroy-Pérez Eric , Paniagua-Contreras Gloria Luz , Rodríguez-Purata Pamela , Vaca-Paniagua Felipe , Vázquez-Villaseñor Marco , Díaz-Velásquez Clara , Uribe-García Alina , Vaca Sergio
Published: December 2016

Antifungal resistance and virulence properties ofCandida albicansare a growing health problem worldwide. To study the expression of virulence and azole resistance genes in 39 clinical strains ofC. albicans, we used a model of infection of human vaginal epithelial cells withC. albicansstrains isolated from Mexican women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The strains were identified by PCR amplification of the ITS1 and ITS2 regions of rRNA. The detection and expression of virulence genes and azole resistance genesMDR1andCDR1were performed using PCR and RT-PCR, respectively. All strains were sensitive to nystatin and 38 (97.4%) and 37 (94.9%) were resistant to ketoconazole and fluconazole, respectively.ALS1,SAP4–SAP6,LIP1,LIP2,LIP4,LIP6,LIP7,LIP9,LIP10, andPLB1-PLB2were present in all strains;SAP1was identified in 37 (94.8%) isolates,HWP1in 35 (89.7%),ALS3in 14 (35.8%), andCDR1in 26 (66.6%). In nearly all of the strains,ALS1,HWP1,SAP4–SAP6,LIP1–LIP10,PLB1, andPLB2were expressed, whereasCDR1was expressed in 20 (51.3%) andALS3in 14 (35.8%). In our in vitro model of infection withC. albicans, the clinical strains showed different expression profiles of virulence genes in association with the azole resistance geneCDR1. The results indicate that the strains that infect Mexican patients suffering from VVC are highly virulent and virtually all are insensitive to azoles.
The Role of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in Predicting Malignant Transformation of Plexiform Neurofibromas in Neurofibromatosis-1
Authors: Tovmassian David , Abdul Razak Muzib , London Kevin
Published: December 2016

Background. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are difficult to diagnose and treat and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality for patients with Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1). FDG-PET/CT is being increasingly used as an imaging modality to discriminate between benign and malignant plexiform neurofibromas. Objectives. To assess the value of FDG-PET/CT in differentiating between benign and malignant peripheral nerve lesions for patients with Neurofibromatosis-1. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed prior to application of stringent selection criteria. Ultimately 13 articles with 796 tumours were deemed eligible for inclusion into the review. Results. There was a significant difference between mean SUVmax of benign and malignant lesions (1.93 versus 7.48, resp.). Sensitivity ranged from 89 to 100% and specificity from 72 to 94%. ROC analysis was performed to maximise sensitivity and specificity of SUVmax cut-off; however no clear value was identified (range 3.1–6.1). Significant overlap was found between the SUVmax of benign and malignant lesions making differentiation of lesions difficult. Many of the studies suffered from having a small cohort and from not providing histological data on all lesions which underwent FDG-PET/CT. Conclusion. This systematic review is able to demonstrate that FDG-PET/CT is a useful noninvasive test for discriminating between benign and malignant lesions but has limitations and requires further prospective trials.
Identification and Prioritization of the Economic Impacts of Vaccines
Authors: Putten Ingeborg M. van der , Paulus Aggie T. G. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , Hutubessy Raymond C. W. , Hiligsmann Mickael
Published: December 2016

Understanding the most important economic impacts of vaccines can provide relevant information to stakeholders when selecting vaccine immunization strategies from a broader perspective. This study was therefore designed to first identify economic impacts to vaccinated individuals and, second, assess the relative importance of these economic impacts. A four-step approach was used, including a review of the literature, a pilot study, and expert consultation. As a fourth step, a survey utilizing a best-worst scaling was conducted among 26 different stakeholders to assess the relative importance of the identified economic impacts. In each of the 15 choice tasks, participants were asked to choose the most important and the least important economic impact from a set of four from the master list. We identified 23 economic impacts relevant for vaccine introduction. Four domains were identified, namely, health related benefits to vaccinated individuals, short- and long-term productivity gains, community or health systems externalities, and broader economic indicators. The first domain was seen as especially important with mortality, health care expenditure, and morbidity ranking in the top three overall. In conclusion, our study suggests that domain A “health related benefits to vaccinated individuals” are valued as more important than the other economic impacts.
Parkinson’s Disease and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yang Yang , Tang Bei-sha , Guo Ji-feng
Published: December 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease primarily characterized by the hallmarks of motor symptoms, such as tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. However, through clinical investigations in patients and experimental findings in animal models of Parkinson’s disease for years, it is now well recognized that Parkinson’s disease is more than just a motor-deficit disorder. The majority of Parkinson’s disease patients suffer from nonmotor disabilities, for instance, cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction, sensory dysfunction, and sleep disorder. So far, anti-PD prescriptions and surgical treatments have been mainly focusing on motor dysfunctions, leaving cognitive impairment a marginal clinical field. Within the nonmotor symptoms, cognitive impairment is one of the most common and significant aspects of Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive deficits such as dysexecutive syndrome and visuospatial disturbances could seriously affect the quality of life, reduce life expectancy, prolong the duration of hospitalization, and therefore increase burdens of caregiver and medical costs. In this review, we have done a retrospective study of the recent related researches on epidemiology, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, genetics, and potential treatment of cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s disease, aiming to provide a summary of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease and make it easy for clinicians to tackle this challenging issue in their future practice.
Imiquimod Treatment Causes Systemic Disease in Mice Resembling Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in an IL-1 and IL-36 Dependent Manner
Authors: Alvarez Pilar , Jensen Liselotte E.
Published: December 2016

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe form of psoriasis that can be caused by missense mutations in the interleukin-36 (IL-36) receptor antagonist. In addition to neutrophil rich skin inflammation, GPP patients typically also experience anorexia, fever, malaise, and pain. The imiquimod-induced skin inflammation mouse model has rapidly become a popular way to study plaque psoriasis, which typically does not involve symptoms of systemic disease. In this model, neutrophil recruitment to the skin is dependent upon the inflammatory mediators IL-1, via its receptor IL-1R1, and IL-36α. Unexpectedly, we observed that mice also exhibited signs of anorexia (weight loss and decreased food intake), general malaise (decreased activity and loss of interest in building nests), and pain (nose bulging and hunched posture). A scoring system allowing quantitative comparisons of test groups was developed. Female mice were found to develop more severe disease than male mice. Furthermore, mice deficient in both IL-1R1 and IL-36αare nearly disease-free, while mice lacking only one of these inflammatory mediators have less severe disease than wild type mice. Hence, the imiquimod-induced skin inflammation mouse model recapitulates not only plaque psoriasis, but also the more severe symptoms, that is, anorexia, malaise, and pain, seen in GPP.
One-Piece Zirconia Ceramic versus Titanium Implants in the Jaw and Femur of a Sheep Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Siddiqi A. , Duncan W. J. , De Silva R. K. , Zafar S.
Published: December 2016

Reports have documented titanium (Ti) hypersensitivity after dental implant treatment. Alternative materials have been suggested including zirconia (Zr) ceramics, which have shown predictable osseointegration in animal studies and appear free of immune responses. The aim of the research was to investigate the bone-to-implant contact (BIC) of one-piece Zr, compared with one-piece Ti implants, placed in the jaws and femurs of domestic sheep. Ten New Zealand mixed breed sheep were used. A One-piece prototype Ti (control) and one Zr (test) implant were placed in the mandible, and one of each implant (Ti and Zr) was placed into the femoral epicondyle of each animal. The femur implants were submerged and unloaded; the mandibular implants were placed using a one-stage transgingival protocol and were nonsubmerged. After a healing period of 12 weeks, %BIC was measured. The overall survival rate for mandibular and femur implants combined was 87.5%. %BIC was higher for Zr implants versus Ti implants in the femur (85.5%, versus 78.9%) (p=0.002). Zirconia implants in the mandible showed comparable %BIC to titanium implants (72.2%, versus 60.3%) (p=0.087). High failure rate of both Zr and Ti one-piece implants in the jaw could be attributed to the one-piece design and surface characteristics of the implant that could have influenced osseointegration. Further clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the performance of zirconia implants under loading conditions.
Long‐Term Alteration of Reactive Oxygen Species Led to Multidrug Resistance in MCF‐7 Cells
Authors: Cen Juan , Zhang Li , Liu Fangfang , Zhang Feng , Ji Bian-Sheng
Published: December 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in multidrug resistance (MDR). This study aimed to investigate the effects of long‐term ROS alteration on MDR in MCF‐7 cells and to explore its underlying mechanism. Our study showed both long‐term treatments of H2O2 and glutathione (GSH) led to MDR with suppressed iROS levels in MCF‐7 cells. Moreover, the MDR cells induced by 0.1 μM H2O2 treatment for 20 weeks (MCF‐7/ROS cells) had a higher viability and proliferative ability than the control MCF‐7 cells. MCF‐7/ROS cells also showed higher activity or content of intracellular antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Importantly, MCF‐7/ROS cells were characterized by overexpression of MDR‐related protein 1 (MRP1) and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), as well as their regulators NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1α), and the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in upstream. Moreover, several typical MDR mediators, including glutathione S‐transferase‐π (GST‐π) and c‐Myc and Protein Kinase Cα (PKCα), were also found to be upregulated in MCF‐7/ROS cells. Collectively, our results suggest that ROS may be critical in the generation of MDR, which may provide new insights into understanding of mechanisms of MDR.
A Meshless Radial Basis Function Based on Partition of Unity Method for Piezoelectric Structures
Authors: Li Sen , Yao Linquan , Yi Shichao , Wang Wei
Published: December 2016

A meshless radial basis function based on partition of unity method (RBF-PUM) is proposed to analyse static problems of piezoelectric structures. The methods of radial basis functions (RBFs) possess some merits: the shape functions have high order continuity;h-adaptivity is simpler than mesh-based methods; the shape functions are easily implemented in high dimensional space. The partition of unity method (PUM) easily constructs local approximation. The character of local approximate space can be varied and regarded asp-adaptivity. Considering the good properties of the two methods, the RBFs are used for local approximation and the local supported weight functions are used in the partition of unity method. The system equations of the RBF-PUM are derived using the variational principle. The field variables are approximated using the RBF-PUM shape functions which inherit all the advantages of the RBF shape functions such as the delta function property. The boundary conditions can be implemented easily. Numerical examples of piezoelectric structures are investigated to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method and the obtained results are compared with analytical solutions and available numerical solutions. The behaviors of some parameters that probably influenced numerical results are also studied in detail.
Effect of Sr-P Interaction on the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of A413.0 Type Alloys
Authors: Samuel A. M. , Doty H. W. , Valtierra S. , Samuel F. H.
Published: December 2016

The present study was performed on low magnesium A413.0 type alloys. The results show that strontium (Sr) is mainly concentrated in the silicon particles. Overmodification occurs when Sr precipitates in the form of Al2SrSi2, which takes place over a wide range of temperatures. The first peak occurs following the precipitation ofα-Al, the second peak is merged with the precipitation of eutectic silicon (Si), and the third peak is a posteutectic reaction. Introduction of phosphorus (P) to Sr-modified alloys leads to the formation of (Al,P,Sr)2O5compound, which reduces the modification effectiveness of Sr. Therefore, in the presence of P, the amount of added Sr should exceed 200 ppm. For the same levels of P, the tensile parameters of well modified alloys (233 ppm Sr) are relatively higher than those partially modified with Sr (about 60 ppm Sr) containing the same amount of P. During solution heat treatment, coarsening of the eutectic Si particles occurs by the growth of some particles at the expense of the dissolution of the smaller ones, as well as by the collision of nearby particles.
Periploca forrestiiSaponin Ameliorates Murine CFA-Induced Arthritis by Suppressing Cytokine Production
Authors: Liu Yingqin , Li Minghui , He Qiuhong , Yang Xinping , Ruan Fang , Sun Guangchen
Published: December 2016

Periploca forrestiiSchltr. has been used as a Chinese folk medicine due to its versatile pharmacological effects such as promoting wounds and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the antiarthritic activity ofPeriploca forrestiisaponin (PFS) and its active compound Periplocin has still not been demonstrated. Here, we evaluated the antiarthritic effects of PFS in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats by intragastric administration at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory activities of Periplocin were also examined in LPS-induced AIA splenocytes and synoviocytes. PFS significantly ameliorated joint swelling; inhibited bone erosion in joints; lowered levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in AIA rat splenocyte; and reduced joint protein expression levels of phospho-STAT3 and IKKα. Using LPS-induced AIA splenocytes, we demonstrate that Periplocin suppressed the key proinflammatory cytokines levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, and IL-13 and IL-22 and transcription factor levels of T-bet, GATA3, and C-Jun genes. Periplocin also suppressed LPS-induced cytokine secretion from synoviocytes. Our study highlights the antiarthritic activity of PFS and its derived Periplocin and the underlying mechanisms. These results provide a strong rationale for further testing and validation of the use ofPeriploca forrestiiSchltr. as an alternative modality for the treatment of RA.
Exact Interval Inference for the Two-Parameter Rayleigh Distribution Based on the Upper Record Values
Authors: Seo Jung-In , Jeon Jae-Woo , Kang Suk-Bok
Published: December 2016

The maximum likelihood method is the most widely used estimation method. On the other hand, it can produce substantial bias, and an approximate confidence interval based on the maximum likelihood estimator cannot be valid when the sample size is small. Because the sizes of the record values are considerably smaller than the original sequence observed in the majority of cases, a method appropriate for this situation is required for precise inference. This paper provides the exact confidence intervals for unknown parameters and exact predictive intervals for the future upper record values by providing some pivotal quantities in the two-parameter Rayleigh distribution based on the upper record values. Finally, the validity of the proposed inference methods was examined from Monte Carlo simulations and real data.
Towards a Definition of Harmless Nanoparticles from an Environmental and Safety Perspective
Authors: Cui Xueyan , Yin Jun , Lin Ying , Li Na , Wang Meizhen , Shen Dongsheng
Published: December 2016

The rapid development of nanoparticles (NPs), such as silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) and ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs), and their use in myriad commercial applications have raised questions of their potential impacts on wastewater treatment systems. In this study, we investigated the consequences of the presence of Si NPs and Fe2O3NPs in the denitrification of anoxic sludge. Fe2O3NPs, at a concentration up to 50 mg/L, had no significant impact on nitrate removal, whereas Si NPs, at concentrations up to 50 mg/L, increased the rate of nitrate removal. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the effect of Si NPs and Fe2O3NPs. Si NPs exposure enhanced the abundance ofnarG-1 gene, which might promote nitrate removal process directly. Finally, we reviewed and identified the specific properties of a variety of NPs responsible for toxicity and found NPs larger than about 100 nm and without ion release in general possible to energy safety and nontoxic or low toxic to environment. Our results provide useful information to understand the response of anoxic sludge to Si NPs and Fe2O3NPs in complex environmental matrix as well as potent support for wide use of the environmentally friendly NPs.
Blood Pressure, Serum Glucose, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides in Dogs with Different Body Scores
Authors: José Lahm Cardoso Mauro , Fagnani Rafael , Zaghi Cavalcante Carolina , de Souza Zanutto Marcelo , Júnior Ademir Zacarias , Holsback da Silveira Fertonani Luciane , Calesso Jéssica Ragazzi , Melussi Maíra , Pinheiro Costa Helena , Yudi Hashizume Eduardo
Published: December 2016

The objective of this research was to determine the frequency for the occurrence of MS in dogs, using the criteria determined, and to correlate the criteria of dogs that would characterize the MS with different body condition score (BCS). 271 dogs with different body scores were studied, with 101 dogs with BCS 4-5; 101 dogs with BCS 6-7; and 69 dogs with BCS 8-9. Among the dogs studied, 62 (22,87%) had two or more inclusion criteria for MS. Of these, 28 had BCS 6-7, while 34 dogs had BCS 8-9. Therefore, 27,72% of overweight dogs had inclusion criteria for MS and 49,27% of obese ones had two or more inclusion criteria for MS. When only overweight and obese dogs were considered as a total population, it was observed that 36,47% got inclusion criteria for the MS. No dog with BCS 4-5 showed two or more inclusion criteria for MS. The metabolic syndrome, according to the parameters for inclusion defined in the literature, was observed in 22,87% of the animals studied and in 36% of dogs overweight or obese. Furthermore, MS was most common in obese (49%) compared to overweight dogs (27%).
Systems Pharmacology Based Study of the Molecular Mechanism of SiNiSan Formula for Application in Nervous and Mental Diseases
Authors: Shen Xia , Zhao Zhenyu , Luo Xuan , Wang Hao , Hu Benxiang , Guo Zihu
Published: December 2016

Background. Mental disorder is a group of systemic diseases characterized by a variety of physical and mental discomfort, which has become the rising threat to human life. Herbal medicines were used to treat mental disorders for thousand years in China in which the molecular mechanism is not yet clear. Objective. To systematically explain the mechanisms of SiNiSan (SNS) formula on the treatment of mental disorders. Method. A systems pharmacology method, with ADME screening, targets prediction, and DAVID enrichment analysis, was employed as the principal approach in our study. Results. 60 active ingredients of SNS formula and 187 mental disorders related targets were discovered to have interactions with them. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis of drug‐target network showed that SNS probably acts through “multi‐ingredient, multitarget, and multisystems” holistic coordination in different organs pattern by indirectly regulating the nutritional and metabolic pathway even their serial complications. Conclusions. Our research provides a reference for the molecular mechanism of medicinal herbs in the treatment of mental disease on a systematic level. Hopefully, it will also provide a theoretical basis for the discovery of lead compounds of natural medicines for other diseases based on traditional medicine.
CLOCK Promotes Endothelial Damage by Inducing Autophagy through Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Tang Xiao , Lin Changpo , Guo Daqiao , Qian Ruizhe , Li Xiaobo , Shi Zhenyu , Liu Jianjun , Li Xu , Fan Longhua
Published: December 2016

A number of recent studies have implicated that autophagy was activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our previous report indicated that CLOCK increased the accumulation of ROS under hypoxic conditions. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which CLOCK mediated endothelial damage, focusing on the involvement of oxidative damage and autophagy. Overexpression of CLOCK in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed inhibition of cell proliferation and higher autophagosome with an increased expression of Beclin1 and LC3‐I/II under hypoxic conditions. In contrast, CLOCK silencing reversed these effects. Interestingly, pretreatment with 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) resulted in the attenuation of CLOCK‐induced cell autophagy and but did not influence the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, Tiron (4,5‐dihydroxy‐1,3‐benzene disulfonic acid‐disodium salt), a ROS scavenger, significantly attenuated CLOCK‐induced cell autophagy. In addition, we found that overexpression of CLOCK had no significant effects on the production of ROS and expression of Beclin1 and LC3‐I/II under normoxic conditions in HUVEC. In this present investigation, our results suggested a novel mechanism of action of CLOCK in HUVECs, opening up the possibility of targeting CLOCK for the treatment of vascular diseases.
Optimal Allocation of Tunnel Safety Provisions Based on a Quantitative Risk Assessment Model
Authors: Li Pan , Qu Xiaobo
Published: December 2016

This paper addresses the issue of optimally selecting the tunnel safety provisions. Tunnel safety provisions are the assets of urban road tunnels which are installed and implemented to reduce the tunnel risks, which are basically selected by expert judgment in practice. An optimization model is proposed to obtain the optimal solution for the selection of tunnel safety provisions. The objective function is to minimize the life cycle costs of tunnel safety provisions, which is subject to the requirements for tunnel safety provisions and the safety targets. Finally, by taking advantage of the special structure of the optimization model, a Bi-Section Search and Bound Algorithm (BSSBA) is designed to efficiently solve the problem.
An Integrated Review of Psychological Stress in Parkinson’s Disease: Biological Mechanisms and Symptom and Health Outcomes
Authors: Austin Kim Wieczorek , Ameringer Suzanne Weil , Cloud Leslie Jameleh
Published: December 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by complex symptoms and medication-induced motor complications that fluctuate in onset, severity, responsiveness to treatment, and disability. The unpredictable and debilitating nature of PD and the inability to halt or slow disease progression may result in psychological stress. Psychological stress may exacerbate biological mechanisms believed to contribute to neuronal loss in PD and lead to poorer symptom and health outcomes. The purpose of this integrated review is to summarize and appraise animal and human research studies focused on biological mechanisms, symptom, and health outcomes of psychological stress in PD. A search of the electronic databases PubMed/Medline and CINAHL from 1980 to the present using the key wordsParkinson’s disease and stress, psychological stress, mental stress, and chronic stressresulted in 11 articles that met inclusion criteria. The results revealed significant associations between psychological stress and increased motor symptom severity and loss of dopamine-producing neurons in animal models of PD and between psychological stress and increased symptom severity and poorer health outcomes in human subjects with PD. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for these relationships, for the ultimate purpose of designing targeted interventions that may modify the disease trajectory.
Oral Low-Dose Ferric Citrate Is a Useful Iron Source for Hyperphosphatemic Hemodialysis Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Tanemoto Masayuki , Ishimoto Yu , Saito Hisako
Published: December 2016

Background: Randomized trials have demonstrated that a phosphate binder ferric citrate (FeC) increases iron parameters in comparison with other phosphate binders, but the doses for FeC to improve iron stores safely have not been clarified. Methods: We examined changes of iron parameters and blood hemoglobin (Hb) in 7 iron-deficient hemodialysis (HD) patients taking FeC 750 mg/day as a phosphate binder. Results: The median serum transferrin saturation and ferritin increased from 13% (interquartile range (IQR) 7-18) to 28% (IQR 22-31; p = 0.010) and from 17 ng/ml (IQR 11-60) to 106 ng/ml (IQR 58-176; p = 0.015) by 2 and 3 months respectively. With the persistence of these levels thereafter, the FeC administration reduced the usage of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents while maintaining adequate blood Hb levels. Conclusion: Oral FeC 750 mg/day improves iron stores without inducing iron overload in hyperphosphatemic HD patients.
A Confounding Case of Inherited Factor V Deficiency Complicated by Inhibitors at First Presentation
Authors: Subramanian Hema , Kar Rakhee , Charles Deepak , Babu Hitha , Ambika Pagadalu , Dutta Tarun Kumar
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Inherited factor V deficiency / Owren's disease has varied clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic laboratory abnormalities to massive hemorrhage. The acquired form due to inhibitors following antibiotic therapy, infection, or surgery is less common, and spontaneous development of inhibitors is not known. Case Report: An 18-year-old boy presented with bleeding axillary and groin ulcers. At the age of 15, due to recurrent epistaxis and gum bleed, he was diagnosed with acquired factor V deficiency with positive inhibitor screen and treated with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion and temporary azathioprine. Coagulation workup at his current presentation also revealed acquired factor V deficiency with presence of inhibitors. The tests were repeated after 6 weeks of intermittent FFP transfusion, and the differences observed included negative inhibitor screen and complete correction on mixing studies, but factor V level was 2%. Discussion: Evidence of inhibitors at presentation favored acquired disease. However, younger age of onset, detection of inhibitors 1 year after first episode of self-regressing bleed, lack of identifiable triggers, and persistent bleeding with reduced factor levels after disappearance of inhibitors favored inherited factor V deficiency. Conclusion: In this case report, we have described an interesting case of severe inherited factor V deficiency with spontaneous appearance and disappearance of inhibitors exhibiting nonspecific factor inhibitory activity.
90-Day Mortality after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Prognostic Factors in a Multicenter Case Series
Authors: D'Elia Carolina , Comploj Evi , Cerruto Maria Angela , Trenti Emanuela , Palermo Salvatore Mario , Melotti Roberto , Artibani Walter , Pycha Armin
Published: December 2016

Objectives: To identify preoperative risk factors for 90-day mortality and to validate existing nomograms in a multicenter series of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). Materials and Methods: We evaluated 90-day mortality in 475 patients following RC and urinary diversion at 2 Italian institutions and validated Aziz and Isbarn nomogram. Univariable logistic models assessed the predictive ability of operative volume, age at intervention, gender, body mass index, carcinoma in situ at transurethral resection of the bladder, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, clinical stage and pathological stage (TNM). Results: Of the total number of patients, 387 of them (81%) were male. The median age at RC was 71.8. The most frequent ASA score was 2 (53%). Twenty-five deaths occurred within 90 days (5.3%), all among patients who had undergone RC and incontinent urinary diversion. Risk was higher in patients with advanced disease (OR 2.4); moreover, 90-day mortality odd in 70-79-year-old patients was 13 times higher than those of younger patients (<70). Predictive accuracy using Isbarn's and Aziz's nomogram were 67 and 71%, respectively. Conclusions: Our multicenter study confirmed the moderate predictive value of the Aziz nomogram. Larger studies are needed to improve on existing nomograms with the aim of enhancing preoperative counseling.
Reversal Learning Deficits Associated with Increased Frontal Cortical Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Tyrosine Kinase B Signaling in a Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Mouse Model
Authors: McCarthy Deirdre M. , Bell Genevieve A. , Cannon Elisa N. , Mueller Kaly A. , Huizenga Megan N. , Sadri-Vakili Ghazaleh , Fadool Debra A. , Bhide Pradeep G.
Published: December 2016

Prenatal cocaine exposure remains a major public health concern because of its adverse impact on cognitive function in children and adults. We report that prenatal cocaine exposure produces significant deficits in reversal learning, a key component of cognitive flexibility, in a mouse model. We used an olfactory reversal learning paradigm and found that the prenatally cocaine-exposed mice showed a marked failure to learn the reversed paradigm. Because brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of cognitive functions, and because prenatal cocaine exposure increases the expression of BDNF and the phosphorylated form of its receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), we examined whether BDNF-TrkB signaling is involved in mediating the reversal learning deficit in prenatally cocaine-exposed mice. Systemic administration of a selective TrkB receptor antagonist restored normal reversal learning in prenatally cocaine-exposed mice, suggesting that increased BDNF-TrkB signaling may be an underlying mechanism of reversal learning deficits. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the reversal learning phenomenon and may have significant translational implications because impaired cognitive flexibility is a key symptom in psychiatric conditions of developmental onset.