bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderate Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids Does Not Impact Plasma Von Willebrand Factor Profile in Mildly Hypertensive Subjects
Authors: Bürgin-Maunder Corinna S. , Brooks Peter R. , Hitchen-Holmes Deborah , Russell Fraser D.
Published: August 2015

Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) have blood pressure lowering and antithrombotic effects, which may benefit hypertensive patients. Increased plasma concentration of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a procoagulant glycoprotein, has been identified in patients with severe hypertension, with some, but not all studies showing an increase with mild hypertension. In this study, we determined the plasma concentration, multimer distribution, and collagen binding activity of vWF in subjects with mild hypertension and determined whether these parameters might improve after dietary supplementation with moderate amounts of LC n-3 PUFAs. Hypertensive and normotensive subjects were randomized to 12-week treatment with LC n-3 PUFAs (2.52 g/day) or placebo (canola oil). Home blood pressure measurements were recorded daily, and blood samples were collected every 3 weeks. LC n-3 PUFAs increased the n-3 index to cardioprotective levels (>8%). Plasma concentration, multimer distribution, and collagen binding activity of vWF were not reduced by LC n-3 PUFA treatment. We conclude that, at the concentration and duration used in this study, benefits of LC n-3 PUFAs in subjects with mild hypertension are not associated with a direct effect on vWF concentration or function. This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials RegistryACTRN12610000713099.
A New Biobjective Model to Optimize Integrated Redundancy Allocation and Reliability-Centered Maintenance Problems in a System Using Metaheuristics
Authors: MohammadZadeh Dogahe Shima , Sadjadi Seyed Jafar
Published: August 2015

A novel integrated model is proposed to optimize the redundancy allocation problem (RAP) and the reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) simultaneously. A system of both repairable and nonrepairable components has been considered. In this system, electronic components are nonrepairable while mechanical components are mostly repairable. For nonrepairable components, a redundancy allocation problem is dealt with to determine optimal redundancy strategy and number of redundant components to be implemented in each subsystem. In addition, a maintenance scheduling problem is considered for repairable components in order to identify the best maintenance policy and optimize system reliability. Both active and cold standby redundancy strategies have been taken into account for electronic components. Also, net present value of the secondary cost including operational and maintenance costs has been calculated. The problem is formulated as a biobjective mathematical programming model aiming to reach a tradeoff between system reliability and cost. Three metaheuristic algorithms are employed to solve the proposed model: Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II), Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO), and Multiobjective Firefly Algorithm (MOFA). Several test problems are solved using the mentioned algorithms to test efficiency and effectiveness of the solution approaches and obtained results are analyzed.
Analysis of the Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines Secreted by Adult Stem Cells during Differentiation
Authors: Strong Amy L. , Gimble Jeffrey M. , Bunnell Bruce A.
Published: August 2015

Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) are adult stem cells that have the potential to differentiate into mesenchymal lineage cells. The abundance of ASCs in adipose tissue and easy accessibility with relatively little donor site morbidity make them attractive candidate cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the underlying inflammatory process that occurs during ASC differentiation into adipocytes and osteoblast has not been extensively investigated. ASCs cultured in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation medium were characterized by oil red o staining and alizarin red staining, respectively. ASCs undergoing osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were isolated on days 7, 14, and 21 and assessed by qRT-PCR for the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. ASCs undergoing osteogenic differentiation expressed a distinct panel of cytokines that differed from the cytokine profile of ASCs undergoing adipogenic differentiation at each of the time points analyzed. Mapping the cytokine expression profile during ASC differentiation will provide insight into the role of inflammation in this process and identify potential targets that may aid in enhancing osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation for the purposes of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
MWCNTs/Cellulose Hydrogels Prepared from NaOH/Urea Aqueous Solution with Improved Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhang Yingpu , Huang Rong , Peng Si , Ma Zhaocheng
Published: August 2015

Novel high strength composite hydrogels were designed and synthesized by introducing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into cellulose/NaOH/urea aqueous solution and then cross-linked by epichlorohydrin. MWCNTs were used to modify the matrix of cellulose. The structure and morphology of the hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results from swelling testing revealed that the equilibrium swelling ratio of hydrogels decreased with the increment of MWCNTs content. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results demonstrated that the introduction of MWCNT into cellulose hydrogel networks remarkably improved both thermal and mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels. The preparation of MWCNTs modifiedcellulose-based composites with improved mechanical properties was the first important step towards the development of advanced functional materials.
Parking Query in Vehicular Delay-Tolerant Networks with Privacy Protection Based on Secure Multiparty Computation
Authors: Huang Haiping , Feng Juan , Sha Dan , Xu Jia , Dai Hua
Published: August 2015

Within vehicular delay-tolerant network, conflict exists in the scenario of which two vehicles happen to choose the same parking space. To solve this problem, two protocols are proposed, respectively, which are called privacy protection protocol based on secure multiparty computation and routing protocol based on angle and density. The proposed methods prevent the leaking of privacy information of the vehicles involved during the parking space seeking process and improve the performance of the transmission ratio and reduce the transmission delay by unifying the directions of messages and choosing the vehicle of the highest distribution density as the next hop. The results of the simulation show the efficiency of our method.
In Search of Biomarkers for Idiopathic Scoliosis:LeptinandBMP4Functional Polymorphisms
Authors: Nikolova Svetla , Yablanski Vasil , Vlaev Evgeni , Getova Gergana , Atanasov Ventseslav , Stokov Luben , Savov Alexey Slavkov , Kremensky Ivo Marinov
Published: August 2015

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is the most common spinal disorder in children and adolescents. The current consensus on IS maintains that it has a multifactorial etiology with genetic predisposition factors. In the present study the association of two functional polymorphisms ofleptin(rs7799039) andBMP4(rs4898820) with susceptibility to IS and curve severity was investigated in a Bulgarian population sample. The molecular detection of the genotypes was performed by amplification followed by restriction technology. The statistical analysis was performed by Pearson’s chi-squared test. This case-control study revealed no statistically significant association between the functional polymorphisms ofleptinandBMP4and susceptibility to IS or curve progression (p>0.05). On the basis of these results the examined polymorphic variants ofleptinandBMP4could not be considered as genetic variants with predisposition effect or as risk factors for the progression of the curve. In addition, these results do not exclude a synergistic effect of the promoter polymorphisms ofleptinandBMP4in the etiology and pathogenesis of IS. The identification of molecular markers for IS could be useful for early detection and prognosis of the risk for a rapid progression of the curve. That would permit early stage treatment of the patient with the least invasive procedures.
Study of Magnetization Reversal Process in FeCo/Ru/FeCo Exchange Coupled Synthetic Antiferromagnetic Multilayers
Authors: Liu Xi , Ishio Shunji , Ma Hailin
Published: August 2015

FeCo/Ru/FeCo exchange coupled synthetic antiferromagnetic multilayers were prepared with two sputtering modes. One is continuous sputtering mode, and the other mode is layer‐by‐layer sputtering mode. The former mode implies that substrate faced the target and film growth process was continuous when FeCo layers were sputtering, whereas the latter implies that substrate was rotating with the mask at a speed of 5 rpm when FeCo layers were sputtering. It was found that the exchange coupling field Hex of sample sputtered by layer‐by‐layer mode was higher than the one sputtered by continuous mode. Domain structures were measured with applying varied in‐plane magnetic fields along the easy axis in order to study the magnetization reversal process. We found it is a domain wall move process. When the applied field is smaller than Hex, both the two magnetic layers have domain structure and the domain structure of the two layers is reversed correspondingly. When the applied field is varying in the range of −Hex to Hex, the domain wall of the two layers moves correspondingly at the same time.
Design of Polymeric Nanofiber Gauze Mask to Prevent Inhaling PM2.5 Particles from Haze Pollution
Authors: Li Xingzhou , Gong Yan
Published: August 2015

Recently, PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 micron or less) has become a major health hazard from the polluted air in many cities in China. The regular gauze masks are used to prevent inhaling the PM2.5 fine particles; however, those masks are not able to filter out the PM2.5 because of the large porosity of the mask materials. Some well-prevented masks usually have poor breathability, which increases other health risks. In this study, a polysulfone based nanofiber for mask filtration material was synthesized by electrospinning. That nanofiber mask material was characterized by SEM, air permeability test, and PM2.5 trapping experiment. The results indicate that nanofiber mask material can efficiently filter out the PM2.5 particles and simultaneously preserve a good breathability. We attribute such improvement to the nanoscaled fibers, having the same porosity as that of regular gauze mask but with extremely reduced local interfiber space.
Oral Administration ofGanoderma lucidumto Lead-Exposed Rats Protects Erythrocytes against Hemolysis: Implicates to Anti-Anemia
Authors: Hossain Shahdat , Bhowmick Sujan , Islam Saiful , Rozario Liza , Jahan Sabrin , Hassan Mehedi , Sarkar Marzan , Choudhury Bazlul Karim , Ahmed Sohel , Shahjalal Hussain
Published: August 2015

We studied the effect of chronic oral exposure to lead acetate (PbA) on the sensitivity of RBC to hemolysis and whether the sensitivity could be decreased by feeding the rats with extract of medicinal mushroomGanoderma lucidum. Three groups of rats, control, PbA-exposed, andG. lucidum (Gl)+PbA,were used. PbA (3 mM) was administered via drinking water andG. lucidumextract by gavage at 300 mg/Kg BW/day for 12 weeks. Afterwards, the rats were killed and washed RBCs were subjected to hemolysis in the presence of Fenton’s reagents. Hemolysis was determined by estimating the amount of released hemoglobin. The levels of lipid peroxide (LPO) and GSH were determined from RBC membranes and whole RBCs, respectively. The levels of TNFαand LPO also were determined from hepatic tissues. The RBCs of PbA-exposed rats displayed significantly higher sensitivity to hemolysis than those of theGl+PbA rats. The levels of LPO increased and GSH decreased in the RBCs, with concomitant increases in the levels of hepatic TNFαand LPO in the PbA-exposed rats. The degree of hemolysis was significantly low in the RBCs ofGl+PbA rats, concurrently with amelioration of hepatic parameters. Finally, the study suggests that PbA-induced-hemolysis and related oxidative-toxicity might be minimized by consumption ofG. lucidum.
AuNPs‐Based Colorimetric Assay for Identification of Chicken Tissues in Meat and Meat Products
Authors: Han Hejing , Yi Wen , Hou Dongjun , Huang Tingting , Hao Zhihui
Published: August 2015

A simple colorimetric assay was developed to identify chicken tissues in meat and meat products by utilizing thiol‐labeled primers and unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Primers were designed based on the chicken‐specific mitochondrial D‐loop gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is applied to amplify the target gene, and the PCR products labeled with thiol at one end were obtained. Following the mixing of AuNPs with the PCR products, the thiol binds to the surface of AuNPs, resulting in the formation of GNP‐PCR products. The resultant PCR products had abundant negative charges, which made AuNPs maintain dispersion under the role of electrostatic repulsion. As a result, in the presence of PCR products, AuNPs remained red in the presence of salt. In the absence of PCR products, the color of AuNPs changed from red to blue; therefore, the method described here could be exploited for the verification of chicken tissues with high accuracy.
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid for the Treatment of Odontogenic Infections: A Randomised Study Comparing Efficacy and Tolerability versus Clindamycin
Authors: Tancawan Archiel Launch , Pato Maria Noemi , Abidin Khamiza Zainol , Asari A. S. Mohd , Thong Tran Xuan , Kochhar Puja , Muganurmath Chandra , Twynholm Monique , Barker Keith
Published: August 2015

Background. Treatment of odontogenic infections includes surgical drainage and adjunctive antibiotics. This study was designed to generate efficacy and safety data to support twice daily dosing of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid compared to clindamycin in odontogenic infections.Methods. This was a phase IV, randomised, observer blind study; 472 subjects were randomised to receive amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (875 mg/125 mg BID,n=235) or clindamycin (150 mg QID,n=237) for 5 or 7 days based on clinical response. The primary endpoint was percentage of subjects achieving clinical success (composite measure of pain, swelling, fever, and additional antimicrobial therapy required) at the end of treatment.Results. The upper limit of two-sided 95% confidence interval for the treatment difference between the study arms (7.7%) was within protocol specified noninferiority margin of 10%, thus demonstrating noninferiority of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid to clindamycin. Secondary efficacy results showed a higher clinical success rate at Day 5 in the amoxicillin/clavulanic acid arm. Most adverse events (raised liver enzymes, diarrhoea, and headache) were similar across both arms and were of mild to moderate intensity.Conclusion. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was comparable to clindamycin in achieving clinical success (88.2% versus 89.7%) in acute odontogenic infections and the safety profile was consistent with the known side effects of both drugs.Trial Registration. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:NCT02141217.
Enhancement of Anaerobic Digestion to Treat Saline Sludge from Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Luo Guo-zhi , Ma Niannian , Li Ping , Tan Hong-xin , Liu Wenchang
Published: August 2015

The effectiveness of carbohydrate addition and the use of ultrasonication as a pretreatment for the mesophilic anaerobic digestion of saline aquacultural sludge was assessed. Analyses were conducted using an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR), which included stopped gas production attributed to the saline inhibition. After increasing the C : N ratio, gas production was observed, and the total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) removal efficiency increased from 75% to 80%. The TCOD removal efficiency of the sonication period was approximately 85%, compared to 75% for the untreated waste. Ultrasonication of aquaculture sludge was also found to enhance the gas production rate and the TCOD removal efficiency. The average volatile fatty acid (VFA) to alkalinity ratios ranged from 0.1 to 0.05, confirming the stability of the digesters. Furthermore, soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), VFA, and concentrations increased in the effluents. There was a 114% greater gas generation during the ultrasonication period, with an average production of 0.08 g COD/L·day−1.
Electron Transport Disturbances and Neurodegeneration: From Albert Szent-Györgyi’s Concept (Szeged) till Novel Approaches to Boost Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
Authors: Szalárdy Levente , Zádori Dénes , Klivényi Péter , Toldi József , Vécsei László
Published: August 2015

Impaired function of certain mitochondrial respiratory complexes has long been linked to the pathogenesis of chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Furthermore, genetic alterations of mitochondrial genome or nuclear genes encoding proteins playing essential roles in maintaining proper mitochondrial function can lead to the development of severe systemic diseases associated with neurodegeneration and vacuolar myelinopathy. At present, all of these diseases lack effective disease modifying therapy. Following a brief commemoration of Professor Albert Szent-Györgyi, a Nobel Prize laureate who pioneered in the field of cellular respiration, antioxidant processes, and the roles of free radicals in health and disease, the present paper overviews the current knowledge on the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in central nervous system diseases associated with neurodegeneration including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease as well as mitochondrial encephalopathies. The review puts special focus on the involvement and the potential therapeutic relevance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a nuclear-encoded master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant responses in these disorders, the transcriptional activation of which may hold novel therapeutic value as a more system-based approach aiming to restore mitochondrial functions in neurodegenerative processes.
Intraoperative Myelography in Cervical Multilevel Stenosis Using 3D Rotational Fluoroscopy: Assessment of Feasibility and Image Quality
Authors: Westermaier Thomas , Koehler Stefan , Linsenmann Thomas , Kiderlen Michael , Pakos Paul , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo
Published: August 2015

Background. Intraoperative myelography has been reported for decompression control in multilevel lumbar disease. Cervical myelography is technically more challenging. Modern 3D fluoroscopy may provide a new opportunity supplying multiplanar images. This study was performed to determine the feasibility and image quality of intraoperative cervical myelography using a 3D fluoroscope.Methods. The series included 9 patients with multilevel cervical stenosis. After decompression, 10 mL of water-soluble contrast agent was administered via a lumbar drainage and the operating table was tilted. Thereafter, a 3D fluoroscopy scan (O-Arm) was performed and visually evaluated.Findings. The quality of multiplanar images was sufficient to supply information about the presence of residual stenosis. After instrumentation, metal artifacts lowered image quality. In 3 cases, decompression was continued because myelography depicted residual stenosis. In one case, anterior corpectomy was not completed because myelography showed sufficient decompression after 2-level discectomy.Interpretation. Intraoperative myelography using 3D rotational fluoroscopy is useful for the control of surgical decompression in multilevel spinal stenosis providing images comparable to postmyelographic CT. The long duration of contrast delivery into the cervical spine may be solved by preoperative contrast administration. The method is susceptible to metal artifacts and, therefore, should be applied before metal implants are placed.
The Role of Oxidative Damage in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia
Authors: Luca Maria , Luca Antonina , Calandra Carmela
Published: August 2015

Oxidative stress (OS) has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of the two major types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Evidence of OS and OS-related damage in AD is largely reported in the literature. Moreover, OS is not only linked to VaD, but also to all its risk factors. Several researches have been conducted in order to investigate whether antioxidant therapy exerts a role in the prevention and treatment of AD and VaD. Another research field is that pertaining to the heat shock proteins (Hsps), that has provided promising findings. However, the role of OS antioxidant defence system and more generally stress responses is very complex. Hence, research on this topic should be improved in order to reach further knowledge and discover new therapeutic strategies to face a disorder with such a high burden which is dementia.
Prevalence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinants and OqxAB Efflux Pumps among Extended-Spectrumβ-Lactamase ProducingKlebsiella pneumoniaeIsolated from Patients with Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infection in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Goudarzi Mehdi , Azad Mehdi , Seyedjavadi Sima Sadat
Published: August 2015

Objective. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) plays an important role in the development of clinical resistance to quinolone. The aim of this study was to investigate PMQR determinants among extended-spectrumβ-lactamases- (ESBL-) producingKlebsiella pneumoniaerecovered from patients with nosocomial urinary tract infection (UTI).Methods. A total of 247 ESBL-producingK. pneumoniaeisolates were collected from 750 patients with UTI. ESBL production was confirmed by double disc synergy test and combined disc diffusion test. The prevalence of PMQR determinants among ESBL-producingK. pneumoniaewas assessed using PCR method.Results. The rates of resistance to antimicrobial agents in present study varied from 14.2% to 98.8%. In comparison with other PMQR genotypes, the frequency ofaac(6′)-Ib(68.8%) was strikingly high. Of the 247 isolates tested,qnrA, qnrB, qnrS,andqepAgenes were present in 3.6%, 1.6%, 1.2, and 2%, respectively.oqxAandoqxBwere detected in 56.7% and 54.6% of isolates. The predominant coexisting ESBL and PMQR profile among our isolates includedblaCTX-Mandaac(6′)-Ib, oqxA, oqxB(28.3%) andblaTEM,blaSHVandaac(6′)-Ib, oqxA,andoqxB(19.4%) profile.  Conclusion. Given the linkage observed between resistance to quinolones and beta lactam antibiotics, therapeutic protocol with fluoroquinolones and beta lactam antibiotics should be seriously revised in Tehran hospitals.
Comparative Effect of Lisinopril and Fosinopril in Mitigating Learning and Memory Deficit in Scopolamine-Induced Amnesic Rats
Authors: Deb Debasree , Bairy K. L. , Nayak Veena , Rao Mohandas
Published: August 2015

Lisinopril and fosinopril were compared on scopolamine-induced learning and memory deficits in rats. A total of eighty-four male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Group I received 2% gum acacia orally for 4 weeks, group II received normal saline, and group III received scopolamine (2 mg/kg/ip) as single dose. Groups IV and V received lisinopril ( 0.225 mg/kg and 0.45 mg/kg), while Groups VI and VII received fosinopril (0.90 mg/kg and 1.80 mg/kg), respectively, orally for four weeks, followed by scopolamine (2 mg/kg/ip) given 45 minutes prior to experimental procedure. Evaluation of learning and memory was assessed by using passive avoidance, Morris water maze, and elevated plus maze tests followed by analysis of hippocampal morphology and quantification of the number of surviving neurons. Scopolamine induced marked impairment of memory in behavioral tests which correlated with morphological changes in hippocampus. Pretreatment with fosinopril 1.80 mg/kg was found to significantly ameliorate the memory deficits and hippocampal degeneration induced by scopolamine. Fosinopril exhibits antiamnesic activity, indicating its possible role in preventing memory deficits seen in dementia though the precise mechanism underlying this effect needs to be further evaluated.
ω-3 PUFAs and Resveratrol Differently Modulate Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Processes
Authors: Schwager Joseph , Richard Nathalie , Riegger Christoph , Salem Norman
Published: August 2015

ω-3 PUFAs and polyphenols have multiple effects on inflammationin vivoandin vitro. The effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and resveratrol (RV) were investigated in LPS-stimulated peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) (i.e., acute inflammation) and IL-1βactivated human chondrocytes (i.e., chronic inflammation). Inflammatory mediators including chemokines, cytokines, interleukins, and PGE2were measured by multiplex analysis and gene expression was quantified by RT-PCR. In PBLs, RV decreased the secretion of PGE2, CCL5/RANTES, and CXCL8/IL-8 but increased IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10. In contrast to RV,ω-3 PUFAs augmented the production of PGE2and CXCL8/IL-8. EPA and DHA similarly affected the pattern of inflammatory mediators. Combination of RV andω-3 PUFAs exerted synergistic effects on CCL5/RANTES and had additive effects on IL-6 or CXCL8/IL-8. Bothω-3 PUFAs and RV reduced catabolic gene expression (e.g., MMPs, ADAMTS-4, IL-1β, and IL-6) in activated chondrocytes. The data suggest thatω-3 PUFAs and RV differ in the regulation of acute inflammation of peripheral blood leukocytes but have common properties in modulating features related to chronic inflammation of chondrocytes.
Vitamin D Status among Older Adults Residing in the Littoral and Andes Mountains in Ecuador
Authors: Orces Carlos H.
Published: August 2015

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency and its determinants among older adults in Ecuador. Methods. 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency prevalence rates were examined among participants in the National Survey of Health, Wellbeing, and Aging. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate demographic characteristics associated with 25(OH)D deficiency. Results. Of 2,374 participants with a mean age of 71.0 (8.3) years, 25(OH)D insufficiency and deficiency were present in 67.8% (95% CI, 65.3–70.2) and 21.6% (95% CI, 19.5–23.7) of older adults in Ecuador, respectively. Women (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 3.15–3.22), self‐reported race as Indigenous (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.70–2.80), and residents in rural (OR, 4.49; 95% CI, 4.40–4.58) and urban (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.69–2.80) areas of the Andes Mountains region were variables significantly associated with 25(OH)D deficiency among older adults. Conclusions. Despite abundant sunlight throughout the year in Ecuador, 25(OH)D deficiency was significantly prevalent among older women, Indigenous subjects, and subjects residing in the Andes Mountains region of the country. The present findings may assist public health authorities to implement policies of vitamin D supplementation among older adults at risk for this condition.
Evaluation ofRicinus communisL. for the Phytoremediation of Polluted Soil with Organochlorine Pesticides
Authors: Rissato Sandra Regina , Galhiane Mário Sergio , Fernandes João Roberto , Gerenutti Marli , Gomes Homero Marques , Ribeiro Renata , Almeida Marcos Vinícius de
Published: August 2015

Phytoremediation is an attractive alternative to conventional treatments of soil due to advantages such as low cost, large application areas, and the possibility of in situ treatment. This study presents the assessment of phytoremediation processes conducted under controlled experimental conditions to evaluate the ability ofRicinus communisL., tropical plant species, to promote the degradation of 15 persistent organic pollutants (POPs), in a 66-day period. The contaminants tested were hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), DDT, heptachlor, aldrin, and others. Measurements made in rhizosphere soil indicate that the roots of the studied species reduce the concentration of pesticides. Results obtained during this study indicated that the higher the hydrophobicity of the organic compound and its molecular interaction with soil or root matrix the greater its tendency to concentrate in root tissues and the research showed the following trend: HCHs < diclofop-methyl < chlorpyrifos < methoxychlor < heptachlor epoxide < endrin < o,p′-DDE < heptachlor < dieldrin < aldrin < o,p′-DDT < p,p′-DDT by increasing order of logKowvalues. The experimental results confirm the importance of vegetation in removing pollutants, obtaining remediation from 25% to 70%, and demonstrated thatRicinus communisL. can be used for the phytoremediation of such compounds.
Experimentation Using Short-Term Spectral Features for Secure Mobile Internet Voting Authentication
Authors: Thakur Surendra , Adetiba Emmanuel , Olugbara Oludayo O. , Millham Richard
Published: August 2015

We propose a secure mobile Internet voting architecture based on the Sensus reference architecture and report the experiments carried out using short-term spectral features for realizing the voice biometric based authentication module of the architecture being proposed. The short-term spectral features investigated are Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), Mel-Frequency Discrete Wavelet Coefficients (MFDWC), Linear Predictive Cepstral Coefficients (LPCC), and Spectral Histogram of Oriented Gradients (SHOGs). The MFCC, MFDWC, and LPCC usually have higher dimensions that oftentimes lead to high computational complexity of the pattern matching algorithms in automatic speaker recognition systems. In this study, higher dimensions of each of the short-term features were reduced to an 81-element feature vector per Speaker using Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithm while neural network ensemble was utilized as the pattern matching algorithm. Out of the four short-term spectral features investigated, the LPCC-HOG gave the best statistical results withRstatistic of 0.9127 and mean square error of 0.0407. These compact LPCC-HOG features are highly promising for implementing the authentication module of the secure mobile Internet voting architecture we are proposing in this paper.
Complex Inflammation mRNA-Related Response in ALS Is Region Dependent
Authors: Berjaoui Sara , Povedano Mónica , Garcia-Esparcia Paula , Carmona Margarita , Aso Ester , Ferrer Isidre
Published: August 2015

Inflammatory changes are analyzed in the anterior spinal cord and frontal cortex area 8 in typical spinal-predominant ALS cases. Increased numbers of astrocytes and activated microglia are found in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and pyramidal tracts. Significant increased expression ofTLR7,CTSS, andCTSCmRNA and a trend to increased expression ofIL10RA,TGFB1, andTGFB2are found in the anterior lumbar spinal cord in ALS cases compared to control cases, whereasC1QTNF7andTNFRSF1AmRNA expression levels are significantly decreased.IL6is significantly upregulated andIL1Bshows a nonsignificant increased expression in frontal cortex area 8 in ALS cases. IL-6 immunoreactivity is found in scattered monocyte-derived macrophages/microglia and TNF-αin a few cells of unknown origin in ALS cases. Increased expression and abnormal distribution of IL-1βoccurred in motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord in ALS. Strong IL-10 immunoreactivity colocalizes with TDP-43-positive inclusions in motor neurons in ALS cases. The present observations show a complex participation of cytokines and mediators of the inflammatory response in ALS consistent with increased proinflammatory cytokines and sequestration of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in affected neurons.
Maternal Obesity and Rectovaginal Group B Streptococcus Colonization at Term
Authors: Kleweis Shelby M. , Cahill Alison G. , Odibo Anthony O. , Tuuli Methodius G.
Published: August 2015

Objective. To test the hypothesis that maternal obesity is an independent risk factor for rectovaginal group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization at term.Study Design. Retrospective cohort study of consecutive women with singleton term pregnancies admitted in labor at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (2004–2008). Maternal BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2(obese) or <30 Kg/m2(nonobese) defined the two comparison groups. The outcome of interest was GBS colonization from a positive culture. Baseline characteristics were compared using Student’st-test and Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test. The association between obesity and GBS colonization was assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses.Results. Of the 10,564 women eligible, 7,711 met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of GBS colonization in the entire cohort was relatively high (25.8%). Obese gravidas were significantly more likely to be colonized by GBS when compared with nonobese gravidas (28.4% versus 22.2%,P<0.001). Obese gravidas were still 35% more likely than nonobese women to test positive for GBS after adjusting for race, parity, smoking, and diabetes (adjusted OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.21–1.50]).Conclusion. Maternal obesity is a significant risk factor for GBS colonization at term. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of this finding on risk-based management strategies.
Incremental Discriminant Analysis in Tensor Space
Authors: Chang Liu , Weidong Zhao , Tao Yan , Qiang Pu , Xiaodan Du
Published: August 2015

To study incremental machine learning in tensor space, this paper proposes incremental tensor discriminant analysis. The algorithm employs tensor representation to carry on discriminant analysis and combine incremental learning to alleviate the computational cost. This paper proves that the algorithm can be unified into the graph framework theoretically and analyzes the time and space complexity in detail. The experiments on facial image detection have shown that the algorithm not only achieves sound performance compared with other algorithms, but also reduces the computational issues apparently.
Antibacterial Discovery and Development: From Gene to Product and Back
Authors: Fedorenko Victor , Genilloud Olga , Horbal Liliya , Marcone Giorgia Letizia , Marinelli Flavia , Paitan Yossi , Ron Eliora Z.
Published: August 2015

Concern over the reports of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in hospitals and in the community has been publicized in the media, accompanied by comments on the risk that we may soon run out of antibiotics as a way to control infectious disease. Infections caused byEnterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiellaspecies,Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and otherEnterobacteriaceaespecies represent a major public health burden. Despite the pharmaceutical sector’s lack of interest in the topic in the last decade, microbial natural products continue to represent one of the most interesting sources for discovering and developing novel antibacterials. Research in microbial natural product screening and development is currently benefiting from progress that has been made in other related fields (microbial ecology, analytical chemistry, genomics, molecular biology, and synthetic biology). In this paper, we review how novel and classical approaches can be integrated in the current processes for microbial product screening, fermentation, and strain improvement.
Determining Replenishment Lot Size and Shipment Policy for an EPQ Inventory Model with Delivery and Rework
Authors: Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo , Treviño-Garza Gerardo , Taleizadeh Ata Allah , Vasant Pandian
Published: August 2015

The determination of production-shipment policies for a vendor-buyer system is dealt within this paper. The main objective is to derive the optimal replenishment lot size and shipment policy for an EPQ inventory model with multiple deliveries and rework. This inventory model contains two decision variables: the replenishment lot size and the number of deliveries. Previous researches solve this inventory model considering both variables to be continuous. However, the number of deliveries must be considered as a discrete variable. In this direction, this paper solves the inventory model considering two cases: Case 1: the replenishment lot size as a continuous variable and the number of shipments as a discrete variable and Case 2: the replenishment lot size and the number of shipments as discrete variables. The final results are two simple and easy-to-apply solution procedures to find the optimal values for the replenishment lot size and the number of deliveries for each case.
Massive Neurilemoma of the Hard Plate in Which Preoperative Diagnosis Was Difficult
Authors: Kudoh Masanori , Harada Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Koshi , Sato Yuriko , Omura Ken , Ishii Yoshimasa
Published: August 2015

The patient was an 84-year-old man who was referred to our hospital in mid-December 2012 for a close examination of a mass arising from the left side of the hard palate that was found by a local dentist. The initial examination revealed the presence of a 3.0-cm elastic soft, dome-shaped mass in the left hard palate. CE-CT showed a lesion of size 1.8 × 1.4 cm in the right hard palate, which extended upward and invaded the nasal cavity. The mass was a solid tumor associated with resorption of surrounding bone and expansion of the greater palatine canal. CE-MRI indicated that the mass extended upward and invaded the nasal cavity, and the mass showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images, hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, and an irregular margin with internal enhancement. Abnormal uptake of FDG on PET-CT (SUVmax = 5.2) was observed in the left hard palate. The biopsy site lesion rapidly increased in size and biopsy was performed again in January 2013 due to suspicion of a malignant tumor. The histopathological diagnosis was a suspected malignant neurogenic tumor. Therefore, the patient underwent partial maxillectomy and a split-thickness skin graft in late February 2013. No recurrence was noted 29 months after the operation.
Follicular Helper CD4+ T Cells in Human Neuroautoimmune Diseases and Their Animal Models
Authors: Fan Xueli , Lin Chenhong , Han Jinming , Jiang Xinmei , Zhu Jie , Jin Tao
Published: August 2015

Follicular helper CD4+ T (TFH) cells play a fundamental role in humoral immunity deriving from their ability to provide help for germinal center (GC) formation, B cell differentiation into plasma cells and memory cells, and antibody production in secondary lymphoid tissues. TFH cells can be identified by a combination of markers, including the chemokine receptor CXCR5, costimulatory molecules ICOS and PD‐1, transcription repressor Bcl‐6, and cytokine IL‐21. It is difficult and impossible to get access to secondary lymphoid tissues in humans, so studies are usually performed with human peripheral blood samples as circulating counterparts of tissue TFH cells. A balance of TFH cell generation and function is critical for protective antibody response, whereas overactivation of TFH cells or overexpression of TFH‐associated molecules may result in autoimmune diseases. Emerging data have shown that TFH cells and TFH‐associated molecules may be involved in the pathogenesis of neuroautoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO)/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), and myasthenia gravis (MG). This review summarizes the features of TFH cells, including their development, function, and roles as well as TFH‐associated molecules in neuroautoimmune diseases and their animal models.
Generalized Residual Entropy and Upper Record Values
Authors: Kayal Suchandan
Published: August 2015

In this communication, we deal with a generalized residual entropy of record values and weighted distributions. Some results on monotone behaviour of generalized residual entropy in record values are obtained. Upper and lower bounds are presented. Further, based on this measure, we study some comparison results between a random variable and its weighted version. Finally, we describe some estimation techniques to estimate the generalized residual entropy of a lifetime distribution.
The Omega-3 Fatty Acid Docosahexaenoic Acid Modulates Inflammatory Mediator Release in Human Alveolar Cells Exposed to Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of ARDS Patients
Authors: Cotogni Paolo , Trombetta Antonella , Muzio Giuliana , Maggiora Marina , Canuto Rosa Angela
Published: August 2015

Background. This study investigated whether the 1 : 2 ω-3/ω-6 ratio may reduce proinflammatory response in human alveolar cells (A549) exposed to anex vivoinflammatory stimulus (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients).Methods. We exposed A549 cells to the BALF collected from 12 ARDS patients. After 18 hours, fatty acids (FA) were added as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA,ω-3) and arachidonic acid (AA,ω-6) in two ratios (1 : 2 or 1 : 7). 24 hours later, in culture supernatants were evaluated cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) and prostaglandins (PGE2and PGE3) release. The FA percentage content in A549 membrane phospholipids, content of COX-2, level of PPARγ, and NF-κB binding activity were determined.Results. The 1 : 2 DHA/AA ratio reversed the baseline predominance ofω-6 overω-3 in the cell membranes (P< 0.001). The proinflammatory cytokine release was reduced by the 1 : 2 ratio (P< 0.01 to <0.001) but was increased by the 1 : 7 ratio (P< 0.01). The 1 : 2 ratio reduced COX-2 and PGE2(P< 0.001) as well as NF-κB translocation into the nucleus (P< 0.01), while it increased activation of PPARγand IL-10 release (P< 0.001).Conclusion. This study demonstrated that shifting the FA supply fromω-6 toω-3 decreased proinflammatory mediator release in human alveolar cells exposed to BALF of ARDS patients.
Krill Oil Ameliorates Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Rats Treated with High-Fat Diet
Authors: Ferramosca Alessandra , Conte Annalea , Zara Vincenzo
Published: August 2015

In recent years, several studies focused their attention on the role of dietary fats in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis. It has been demonstrated that a high-fat diet is able to induce hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. On the other hand, krill oil, a novel dietary supplement of n-3 PUFAs, has the ability to improve lipid and glucose metabolism, exerting possible protective effects against hepatic steatosis. In this study we have investigated the effects of krill oil on mitochondrial energetic metabolism in animals fed a high-fat diet. To this end, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and fed for 4 weeks with a standard diet (control group), a diet with 35% fat (HF group), or a high-fat diet supplemented with 2.5% krill oil (HF+KO group). The obtained results suggest that krill oil promotes the burning of fat excess introduced by the high-fat diet. This effect is obtained by stimulating mitochondrial metabolic pathways such as fatty acid oxidation, Krebs cycle, and respiratory chain complexes activity. Modulation of the expression of carrier proteins involved in mitochondrial uncoupling was also observed. Overall, krill oil counteracts the negative effects of a high-fat diet on mitochondrial energetic metabolism.
Melanonychia Secondary to Long-Term Treatment with Hydroxycarbamide: An Essential Thrombocytosis Case
Authors: Malkan Umit Yavuz , Gunes Gursel , Eliacik Eylem , Yayar Okan , Haznedaroglu Ibrahim Celalettin
Published: August 2015

Hydroxycarbamide is used in the treatment of essential thrombocytosis and other myeloproliferative disorders. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman with essential thrombocytosis who had melanonychia after the long-term use of the hydroxycarbamide with a dose of 1000 mg/day. Two years after the initiation of the hydroxycarbamide, our patient had pain on her toes and melanonychia on her nails. Hydroxycarbamide treatment was discontinued because of pain and she was given anagrelide treatment. The pathogenesis of melanonychia secondary to long-term hydroxycarbamide treatment is not yet well understood. Some investigators suggested that genetic factors, induction of melanocytes, and some changes in nail matrix could be the reason of hydroxycarbamide related melanonychia. Our patient has suffered color changes in her nails as well as pain that made us doubtful for a beginning of ulceration besides melanonychia. Maybe early clinical reaction of discontinuation of the drug has prevented more severe side effect like ulceration in our patient. Also side effect of hydroxycarbamide has developed more slowly in our patient compared to other patients in the mentioned study. To conclude, long-term hydroxycarbamide treatment can cause mucocutaneous side effects and more studies should be done in future in order to reveal the underlying mechanism.
Clinical Experience of Patients Referred to a Multidisciplinary Cardiac Oncology Clinic: An Observational Study
Authors: Sulpher Jeffrey , Mathur Shrey , Graham Nadine , Crawley Freya , Turek Michele , Johnson Christopher , Stadnick Ellamae , Law Angeline , Wentzell Jason , Dent Susan
Published: August 2015

Cardiotoxicity is the second leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to report on the clinical and cardiac outcomes in patients with early stage and advanced cancer who were referred to our multidisciplinary cardiac oncology clinic (COC). A total of 428 patients were referred to the COC between October 2008 and January 2013. The median age of patients at time of cancer diagnosis was 60. Almost half of patients who received cancer therapy received first-line chemotherapy alone (169, 41.7%), of which 84 (49.7%) were exposed to anthracyclines. The most common reasons for referral to the cardiac oncology clinic were decreased LVEF (34.6%), prechemotherapy assessment (11.9%), and arrhythmia (8.4%). A total of 175 (40.9%) patients referred to the COC were treated with cardiac medications. The majority (331, 77.3%) of patients were alive as of January 2013, and 93 (21.7%) patients were deceased. Through regular review of cardiac oncology clinic referral patterns, management plans, and patient outcomes, we aim to continuously improve delivery of cardiac care to our patient population and optimize cardiac health.
Thoracic Kidney: Extremely Rare State of Aberrant Kidney
Authors: Khoshchehreh Mahdi , Paknejad Omalbanin , Bakhshayesh-Karam Mehrdad , Pazoki Marzieh
Published: August 2015

The thorax is the rarest place among all forms of renal ectopia. We report a rare case of an unacquired thoracic kidney. Only about 200 cases of the thoracic kidney have ever been reported in medical literature worldwide. In this paper we present the rarest form of nontraumatic nonhernia associated, truly ectopic thoracic kidney. The differential diagnosis and management options and classification of this rare form of aberrant kidney are discussed.