bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Anatomic Distribution of Serrated and Adenomatous Lesions in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lee Lik Hang , Iacucci Marietta , Fort Gasia Miriam , Ghosh Subrata , Panaccione Remo , Urbanski Stefan
Published: January 2017

Background. Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) have not been well characterized in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study assesses the prevalence and anatomic distribution of SSA/Ps, TSAs, and conventional adenomas/dysplasia (Ad/Ds) in IBD patients.Methods. IBD patients with serrated, adenomatous, or hyperplastic lesions between 2005 and 2009 were identified in the regional tertiary-care hospital database. Clinicopathological information was reviewed and the histology of biopsies was reevaluated.Results. Ninety-six Ad/Ds, 25 SSA/Ps, and 4 TSAs were identified in 83 patients. Compared to Ad/Ds, serrated lesions were more prevalent in females (p=0.046). The prevalence of Ad/Ds was 4.95%, SSA/Ps was 1.39%, and TSAs was 0.31%. No relationship was identified between lesion type and IBD type. Comparing all IBD patients, the distribution of lesion types was significantly different (p=0.02) with Ad/Ds more common distally, SSA/Ps more common proximally, and TSAs evenly distributed. Among Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, a similar distribution difference was noted (p<0.001). However, ulcerative colitis (UC) patients had a uniform distribution of lesion types (p=0.320).Conclusions. IBD patients have a lower prevalence of premalignant lesions compared to the general population, and the anatomic distribution of lesions differed between CD and UC patients. These findings may indicate an interaction between lesion and IBD pathogenesis with potential clinical implications.
Efficiency Evaluation of Strategies for Dynamic Management of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: González Andrea Verônica , Brisolara Lisane , Ferreira Paulo R.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents and evaluates dynamic management strategies to improve efficiency in event-triggered wireless sensor networks. We are considering mobility, where nodes move themselves to maximize the coverage, and load balancing state-of-the-art techniques, by which the number of nodes sensing the same area is reduced. To explore mobility, we present a simple method by which nodes can dynamically reorganize themselves based on the force fields approach of mobile robotics. Firstly, the strategies are evaluated separately through experiments with different network configurations and, afterwards, a joint evaluation has been conducted to observe the impact of mobility on the efficiency of load balancing techniques. We show that mobile nodes significantly contribute to keeping the coverage as nodes die in mesh and powerfully improving it in random deployments. Load balancing techniques achieve important results, increasing lifetime and the number of sensed events. However, in random deployments, these techniques lose efficiency and become unsuitable strategies. Combining these strategies with mobility, we observe that PS-based technique keeps its contribution in mesh and random deployments, as well as improving its performance for not so dense networks. Ant-based technique when combined with mobile nodes loses performance significantly in mesh and keeps its good performance in random deployed and less dense networks.
Analysis of the Viscoelastic Sphere Impact against a Viscoelastic Uflyand-Mindlin Plate considering the Extension of Its Middle Surface
Authors: Rossikhin Yury A. , Shitikova Marina V. , Trung Phan Thanh
Published: January 2017

In the present paper, the problem on impact of a viscoelastic sphere against a viscoelastic plate is considered with due account for the extension of plate’s middle surface and local bearing of sphere and plate’s materials via the Hertz theory. The standard linear solid models with conventional derivatives and with fractional-order derivatives are used as viscoelastic models, respectively, outside and within the contact domain. As a result of impact, transient waves (surfaces of strong discontinuity) are generated in the plate, behind the wave fronts of which up to the boundaries of the contact domain the solution is constructed in terms of one-term ray expansions due to short-time duration of the impact process. The motion of the contact zone occurs under the action of extension forces acting in the plate’s middle surface, transverse force, and the Hertzian contact force. The suggested approach allows one to find the time-dependence of the impactor’s indentation into the target and the Hertzian contact force.
A Case Report of Nonvasculitic Autoimmune Inflammatory Meningoencephalitis with Sensory Ganglionopathy: A Rare Presentation of Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Peres João , Cruz Simão , Oliveira Rita , Santos Luís , Valverde Ana
Published: January 2017

A 68-year-old Caucasian female was admitted to the emergency department with a progressive history of behavioural symptoms and anxiety followed by visual and auditory hallucinations, forgetfulness, and impaired gait in the previous 3 months. On examination she was psychotic and had a postural and rest tremor of the upper limbs, cogwheel rigidity of the four limbs, retropulsion on standing position, and inability to walk. During the following 2 weeks she developed xerostomia and unilateral parotiditis that improved with steroids. A simultaneous improvement of the cognitive abilities allowed for the detection of sensory ataxia of the lower limbs. Sensory ganglionopathy was then detected with electrophysiological studies. A diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome was suspected and confirmed by salivary gland scintigraphy, Schirmer’s test, and submaxillary gland biopsy. We report a case of Sjögren syndrome associated with central and peripheral nervous system involvement, without sicca symptoms preceding the neurological clinical picture. The coexistence of ganglionopathy and a favourable response to immunosuppression are key features that can lead to the correct diagnosis in cases with atypical CNS symptoms, mimicking a rapidly progressive dementia.
Internal Jugular and Subclavian Vein Thrombosis in a Case of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Moriwaki Hiroto , Hayama Nana , Morozumi Shouko , Nakano Mika , Nakayama Akari , Takahata Yoshiomi , Sakaguchi Yuusuke , Inoue Natsuki , Kubota Toshiki , Takenoya Akiko , Ishii Yoshiko , Okubo Haruka , Yamaguchi Souta , Ono Tsuyoshi , Oharaseki Toshiaki , Yoshikawa Mamoru
Published: January 2017

Central venous catheter insertion and cancer represent some of the important predisposing factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). DVT usually develops in the lower extremities, and venous thrombosis of the upper extremities is uncommon. Early diagnosis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis are of importance, because it is a precursor of complications such as pulmonary embolism and postthrombotic syndrome. A 47-year-old woman visited our department with painful swelling on the left side of her neck. Initial examination revealed swelling of the region extending from the left neck to the shoulder without any redness of the overlying skin. Laboratory tests showed a white blood cell count of 5,800/mm3 and an elevated serum C-reactive protein of 4.51 mg/dL. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck revealed a vascular filling defect in the left internal jugular vein to left subclavian vein region, with the venous lumina completely occluded with dense soft tissue. On the basis of the findings, we made the diagnosis of thrombosis of the left internal jugular and left subclavian veins. The patient was begun on treatment with oral rivaroxaban, but the left shoulder pain worsened. She was then admitted to the hospital and treated by balloon thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapy, which led to improvement of the left subclavian venous occlusion. Histopathologic examination of the removed thrombus revealed adenocarcinoma cells, indicating hematogenous dissemination of malignant cells.
Myoinositol: The Bridge (PONTI) to Reach a Healthy Pregnancy
Authors: Cavalli Pietro , Ronda Elena
Published: January 2017

The use of folic acid in the periconceptional period can prevent about 70% of neural tube defects (NTDs). In the remaining cases, no medical prevention is available, and those conditions should be defined as folate-resistant NTDs. Rodent models suggest that some folate-resistant NTDs can be prevented by inositol (myoinositol and chiroinositol) supplementation prior to pregnancy. Should folic acid be combined with myoinositol periconceptional supplementation to reduce the overall risk of NTDs even in humans? Hereafter, we discuss the results from the PONTI study that strongly support both the effectiveness and safety of myoinositol periconceptional supplementation in preventing human NTDs. We further report on the largest case series of pregnancies treated with myoinositol and folic acid. At our institution, a sequential study during 12 years involved mothers at risk of fetal NTDs, and 29 babies from 27 pregnancies were born after periconceptional combined myoinositol and folic acid supplementation. No case of NTDs was observed, despite the high recurrence risk in the mothers. Taken together, those data suggest that periconceptional folic acid plus myoinositol can reduce both the occurrence and recurrence risks of NTDs in a greater number of cases than folic acid alone.
Simulation of Transient Nonlinear Friction-Induced Vibrations Using Complex Interface Modes: Application to the Prediction of Squeal Events
Authors: Sinou J.-J. , Besset S.
Published: January 2017

During the past decades, the problem of friction-induced vibration and noise has been the subject of a huge amount of works. Various numerical simulations with finite elements models have been largely investigated to predict squeal events. Although a nonlinear analysis is more predictive than Complex Eigenvalues Analysis, one of the main drawbacks of the time analysis is the need of large computational efforts. In view of the complexity of the subject, this approach appears still computationally too expensive to be used in industry for finite element models. In this study, the potential of a new reduced model based on a double modal synthesis (i.e., a classical modal reduction via Craig and Bampton plus a condensation at the frictional interface based on complex modes) for the prediction of self-excited vibrations of brake squeal is discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed modal reduction is tested on a finite element model of a simplified brake system. It will be shown that numerical results of times analysis by applying the proposed reduction correlate well with those of the nonlinear analysis based on a reference model, hence demonstrating the potential of using adapted modal reductions to predict the squeal propensity and to estimate self-excited vibrations and noise.
Architecture Level Safety Analyses for Safety-Critical Systems
Authors: Kushal K. S. , Nanda Manju , Jayanthi J.
Published: January 2017

The dependency of complex embedded Safety-Critical Systems across Avionics and Aerospace domains on their underlying software and hardware components has gradually increased with progression in time. Such application domain systems are developed based on a complex integrated architecture, which is modular in nature. Engineering practices assured with system safety standards to manage the failure, faulty, and unsafe operational conditions are very much necessary. System safety analyses involve the analysis of complex software architecture of the system, a major aspect in leading to fatal consequences in the behaviour of Safety-Critical Systems, and provide high reliability and dependability factors during their development. In this paper, we propose an architecture fault modeling and the safety analyses approach that will aid in identifying and eliminating the design flaws. The formal foundations of SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) augmented with the Error Model Annex (EMV) are discussed. The fault propagation, failure behaviour, and the composite behaviour of the design flaws/failures are considered for architecture safety analysis. The illustration of the proposed approach is validated by implementing the Speed Control Unit of Power-Boat Autopilot (PBA) system. The Error Model Annex (EMV) is guided with the pattern of consideration and inclusion of probable failure scenarios and propagation of fault conditions in the Speed Control Unit of Power-Boat Autopilot (PBA). This helps in validating the system architecture with the detection of the error event in the model and its impact in the operational environment. This also provides an insight of the certification impact that these exceptional conditions pose at various criticality levels and design assurance levels and its implications in verifying and validating the designs.
A Combined TEM/STEM and Micromagnetic Study of the Anisotropic Nature of Grain Boundaries and Coercivity in Nd-Fe-B Magnets
Authors: Zickler Gregor A. , Fidler Josef , Bernardi Johannes , Schrefl Thomas , Asali Ahmad
Published: January 2017

The nanoanalytical high resolution TEM/STEM investigation of the intergranular grain boundary phase of anisotropic sintered and rapidly quenched heavy rare earth-free Nd-Fe-B magnet materials revealed a difference in composition for grain boundaries parallel (large Fe-content) and perpendicular (low Fe content) to the alignment direction. This behaviour vanishes in magnets with a high degree of misorientation. The numerical finite element micromagnetic simulations are based on the anisotropic compositional behaviour of GBs and show a decrease of the coercive field with an increasing thickness of the grain boundary layer. The magnetization reversal and expansion of reversed magnetic domains primarily start as Bloch domain wall at grain boundaries parallel to thec-axis and secondly as Néel domain wall perpendicular to thec-axis into the adjacent hard magnetic grains. The increasing misalignment of grains leads to the loss of the anisotropic compositional behaviour and therefore to an averaged value of the grain boundary composition. In this case the simulations show an increase of the coercive field compared to the anisotropic magnet. The calculated coercive field values of the investigated magnet samples are in the order ofμ0HcJ=1.8 T–2.1 Tfor a mean grain boundary thickness of 4 nm, which agrees perfectly with the experimental data.
Thymosinβ4 Improves Differentiation and Vascularization of EHTs
Authors: Ziegler Tilman , Hinkel Rabea , Stöhr Andrea , Eschenhagen Thomas , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , le Noble Ferdinand , David Robert , Hansen Arne , Kupatt Christian
Published: January 2017

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) constitute a powerful tool to study cardiac physiology and represents a promising treatment strategy to tackle cardiac disease. However, iPSCs remain relatively immature after differentiation. Additionally, engineered heart tissue (EHT) has been investigated as a therapy option in preclinical disease models with promising results, although their vascularization and functionality leave room for improvement. Thymosinβ4 (Tβ4) has been shown to promote the differentiation of progenitor cell lines to cardiomyocytes while it also induces angiogenic sprouting and vascular maturation. We examined the potential impact of Tβ4 to enhance maturation of cardiomyocytes from iPSCs. Assessing the expression of transcription factors associated with cardiac differentiation, we were able to demonstrate the increased generation of cells displaying cardiomyocyte characteristics in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrated, in a zebrafish model of embryonic vascular development, that Tβ4 is crucial for the proper execution of lymphatic and angiogenic vessel sprouting. Finally, utilizing Tβ4-transduced EHTs generated from mice genetically engineered to label endothelial cells in vitro, we show that treatment with Tβ4 promotes vascularization and contractility in EHTs, highlighting Tβ4 as a growth factor improving the formation of cardiomyocytes from iPSC and enhancing the performance of EHTs generated from neonatal cardiomyocytes.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Five White Onion (Allium cepaL.) Landraces
Authors: Liguori Loredana , Califano Rosa , Albanese Donatella , Raimo Francesco , Crescitelli Alessio , Di Matteo Marisa
Published: January 2017

Five onion landraces belonging toBianca di Pompeicv., cultivated in Campania region (Italy), were characterized for their main quality parameters. The onion landraces were harvested at the end of the growth cycle corresponding to the ripening time and harvest month, respectively: February, March, April, May, and June. The total content of volatile compounds as well as the sulfur-containing compounds inAprilaticawas significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the other landraces investigated. The nutraceutical feature investigated through the total phenols, phenols profile, and antioxidant activity showed higher values for the samples harvested in spring months. High pungency values ranging from 9 to 14 μmol/g FW were found in all onion landraces investigated as enzymatically (alliinase) produced pyruvate (EPY). The organic acids profile (malic, citric, succinic, pyruvic, oxalic, ascorbic, and tartaric acids) highlighted malic and citric acids in higher amounts in all landraces. Fructose, glucose, and sucrose were found as soluble sugars and fructose was the most abundant. Generally, the results highlighted the growth temperature influence on the investigated quality parameters.
Deep Sclerectomy with Nonabsorbable Implant (T-Flux) in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma
Authors: Studeny Pavel , Baxant Alina-Dana , Vranova Jana , Kuchynka Pavel , Pokorna Jitka
Published: January 2017

Purpose.To evaluate the effectiveness of deep sclerectomy with T-flux implant (DS T-flux) in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PExG).Methods.20 eyes of 18 patients with medically uncontrolled PExG have undergone DS T-flux implantation. Postoperatively we evaluated the IOP values and the frequency of complications. The minimum follow-up time was 12 months (20 eyes) and the maximum 24 months (10 eyes).Results.The mean preoperative IOP was36.8±8.7 mmHg. The IOP significantly decreased throughout all postoperative periods (P<0.05) and reached 1 day after surgery11.45±6.6 mmHg; 3 months13.45±3.6 mmHg; 12 months14±2.8 mmHg; and 24 months14.80±2.4 mmHg. Complete success rate, defined as IOP ≤ 18 mmHg without medication, was 85% (17/20 eyes) at 12 months. Qualified success rate, defined as IOP ≤ 18 mmHg with or without medication, was 100% (20/20 eyes). The most frequent postoperative complications were mild hyphaema (9 patients, 45%), choroidal detachment (3 patients, 15%), and hypotony—IOP < 5 mmHg (2 patients, 10%).Conclusions.DS with T-flux implant is a safe and effective surgical treatment method for medically uncontrolled PExG. The number of complications is low.
Performance Analysis of MRC Receivers with Adaptive Modulation and Coding in Rayleigh Fading Correlated Channels with Imperfect CSIT
Authors: Sámano-Robles Ramiro , Lavendelis Egons , Tovar Eduardo
Published: January 2017

This paper addresses the performance analysis of an adaptive wireless link with one antenna transmitter and a multiple antenna maximum-ratio combining (MRC) receiver. Two main assumptions are used in this paper: (1) Rayleigh fading correlated channels (i.e., MRC branch correlation) and (2) imperfect (outdated) channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) side. The main contribution of this work lies in the derivation of analytic expressions (in terms of a series expansion) of the statistics of correct packet reception conditional on the decisions made by the transmitter based on outdated CSIT. The novelty of this derivation is the joint modelling of spatially correlated branches, imperfect CSIT, and adaptive modulation based on threshold-trigger decision. Contrary to common belief, the results presented here suggest that spatial correlation not always affects the performance of the MRC receiver: at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), correlation can improve performance rather than degrading it. In contrast, at high SNR, correlation is found to always degrade performance. At high SNR, correlation tends to worse the degrading effects of imperfect CSIT, particularly when the number of antennas increases. Imperfect CSIT causes errors in the assignment of MCSs, thus reducing throughput performance. These errors become more evident in the high SNR regime, particularly when the values of branch correlation and the number of antennas increase.
Adding Blends of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2to Low-Sodium Dry Fermented Sausages: Effects on Lipid Oxidation on Curing Process and Shelf Life
Authors: dos Santos Bibiana Alves , Campagnol Paulo Cezar Bastianello , Fagundes Mariane Bittencourt , Wagner Roger , Pollonio Marise Aparecida Rodrigues
Published: January 2017

The effect of a 50% reduction of NaCl and its replacement by KCl, CaCl2, and a blend of KCl and CaCl2(1 : 1) on lipid oxidation of dry fermented sausages was investigated. We found that a 50% reduction in NaCl decreased the intensity of the reactions to lipid oxidation, while treatments with added CaCl2resulted in increased lipid oxidation during manufacture and storage. Fatty acid composition also changed owing to the presence of KCl and CaCl2, showing a decrease in saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids after 30 days of storage. Furthermore, a decreased intensity ofL⁎and increasedb⁎values were found in salamis with CaCl2. These results suggest that using CaCl2as a substitute for NaCl increases the intensity of oxidative reactions while the addition of KCl could be a good alternative to reduce the NaCl content in fermented meat products.
Hemoglobins Likely Function as Peroxidase in Blood ClamTegillarca granosaHemocytes
Authors: Wang Sufang , Yu Xiaopei , Lin Zhihua , Zhang Shunqin , Xue Liangyi , Xue Qinggang , Bao Yongbo
Published: January 2017

Hemoglobins are a group of respiratory proteins principally functioning in transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in red blood cells of all vertebrates and some invertebrates. The blood clamT. granosais one of the few invertebrates that have hemoglobin-containing red hemocytes. In the present research, the peroxidase activity ofT. granosahemoglobins (Tg-Hbs) was characterized and the associated mechanism of action was deciphered via structural comparison with other known peroxidases. We detected that purified Tg-Hbs catalyzed the oxidation of phenolic compounds in the presence of exogenous H2O2. Tg-Hbs peroxidase activity reached the maximum at pH 5 and 35°C and was inhibited by Fe2+, Cu2+, SDS, urea, and sodium azide. Tg-Hbs shared few similarities in amino acid sequence and overall structural characteristics with known peroxidases. However, the predicted structure at their heme pocket was highly similar to that of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). This research represented the first systemic characterization of hemoglobin as a peroxidase.
PEDF Is Associated with the Termination of Chondrocyte Phenotype and Catabolism of Cartilage Tissue
Authors: Klinger P. , Lukassen S. , Ferrazzi F. , Ekici A. B. , Hotfiel T. , Swoboda B. , Aigner T. , Gelse K.
Published: January 2017

Objective.To investigate the expression and target genes of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in cartilage and chondrocytes, respectively.Methods.We analyzed the expression pattern of PEDF in different human cartilaginous tissues including articular cartilage, osteophytic cartilage, and fetal epiphyseal and growth plate cartilage, by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR. Transcriptome analysis after stimulation of human articular chondrocytes with rhPEDF was performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and confirmed by qRT-PCR.Results.Immunohistochemically, PEDF could be detected in transient cartilaginous tissue that is prone to undergo endochondral ossification, including epiphyseal cartilage, growth plate cartilage, and osteophytic cartilage. In contrast, PEDF was hardly detected in healthy articular cartilage and in the superficial zone of epiphyses, regions that are characterized by a permanent stable chondrocyte phenotype. RNA-Seq analysis and qRT-PCR demonstrated that rhPEDF significantly induced the expression of a number of matrix-degrading factors including SAA1, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13. Simultaneously, a number of cartilage-specific genes including COL2A1, COL9A2, COMP, and LECT were among the most significantly downregulated genes.Conclusions.PEDF represents a marker for transient cartilage during all neonatal and postnatal developmental stages and promotes the termination of cartilage tissue by upregulation of matrix-degrading factors and downregulation of cartilage-specific genes. These data provide the basis for novel strategies to stabilize the phenotype of articular cartilage and prevent its degradation.
The Interaction between GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 Ile105Val Gene Polymorphisms and Environmental Risk Factors in Premalignant Gastric Lesions Risk
Authors: Negovan Anca , Iancu Mihaela , Moldovan Valeriu , Mocan Simona , Banescu Claudia
Published: January 2017

The study investigated the possible influence of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms as predisposing factors for premalignant gastric lesions as well as their interaction with H. pylori infection, gastrotoxic drugs, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In this study, 270 patients with a complet set of gastric biopsies and successfully genotyped were finally included. The GSTM1 gene polymorphism had significant contribution in mild/severe endoscopic lesions (p=0.01) as well as in premalignant lesions (p=0.01). The GSTM1 null genotype increased the risk for mucosal defects in H. pylori-negative patients (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.20–4.37) and the risk for premalignant lesions in patients with no alcohol consumption (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.19–3.83). The GSTT1 deleted polymorphism did not significantly increase the risk for premalignant lesions in the absence of gastrotoxic drugs (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.72–4.74). The combined GSTT1T1 and GSTM1 null polymorphisms were borderline correlated with an increased risk for premalignant lesions (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.00–2.97). The wild-type GSTP1 Ile/Ile genotype versus the variant genotypes Ile/Val + Val/Val was significantly associated with a decreased risk of gastric atrophy/intestinal metaplasia (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37–0.98). In conclusion, the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes increased the risk for premalignant and endoscopic gastric lesions, modulated by H. pylori, alcohol, or gastrotoxic drug consumption, while the presence of the GSTP1Val allele seemed to reduce the risk for premalignant lesions.
Veronicastrum axillareAlleviates Ethanol-Induced Injury on Gastric Epithelial Cells via Downregulation of the NF-kB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Wei-chun , Xu Yan-shan , Chen Gang , Guo Yan , Wang Dan-yi , Meng Gui-bin
Published: January 2017

We used human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) line in an ethanol-induced cell damage model to study the protective effect ofVeronicastrum axillareand its modulation to NF-κB signal pathway. The goal was to probe the molecular mechanism ofV. axillaredecoction in the prevention of gastric ulcer and therefore provide guidance in the clinical application ofV. axillareon treating injuries from chronic nephritis, pleural effusion, gastric ulcer, and other ailments. The effects ofV. axillare-loaded serums on cell viability were detected by MTT assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Real-Time PCR methods were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, IκBα, and IKKβ. The results showed thatV. axillare-loaded serum partially reversed the damaging effects of ethanol and NF-κB activator (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate: PMA) and increased cell viability. The protein and mRNA expressions of TNF-α, NF-κB, IκBα, and IKKβwere significantly upregulated by ethanol and PMA while they were downregulated byV. axillare-loaded serum. In summary,V. axillare-loaded serum has significantly protective effect on GES-1 against ethanol-induced injury. The protective effect was likely linked to downregulation of TNF-αbased NF-κB signal pathway.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Magnetic Properties of Pure and EDTA-Capped NiO Nanosized Particles
Authors: Rahal H. T. , Awad R. , Abdel-Gaber A. M. , Bakeer D. El-Said
Published: January 2017

The effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a capping agent on the structure, morphology, optical, and magnetic properties of nickel oxide (NiO) nanosized particles, synthesized by coprecipitation method, was investigated. Nickel chloride hexahydrate and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used as precursors. The resultant nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD patterns showed that NiO have a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. The crystallite size, estimated by Scherrer formula, has been found in the range of 28–33 nm. It is noticed that EDTA-capped NiO nanoparticles have a smaller size than pure nanoparticles. Thus, the addition of 0.1 M capping agent EDTA can form a nucleation point for nanoparticles growth. The optical and magnetic properties were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV) as well as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetization measurements. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of absorption bands in the range of 402–425 cm−1, which is a common feature of NiO. EPR for NiO nanosized particles was measured at room temperature. An EPR line withgfactor ≈1.9–2 is detected for NiO nanoparticles, corresponding to Ni2+ions. The magnetic hysteresis of NiO nanoparticles showed that EDTA capping recovers the surface magnetization of the nanoparticles.
A Note on Fatty Acids Profile of Meat from Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Inorganic or Organic Selenium
Authors: del Puerto Marta , Cabrera M. Cristina , Saadoun Ali
Published: January 2017

This investigation evaluated, in broiler chickensPectoralisandGastrocnemiusmuscles, the effect of the dietary supplementation with sodium selenite (0.3 ppm) versus selenomethionine (0.3 ppm), on the fatty acids composition, lipids indices, and enzymes indexes for desaturase, elongase, and thioesterase. The selenium reduced, in both muscles, the content of atherogenic fatty acids, C14:0 and C16:0, while it increased the C18:1 level. On the other hand, selenium increased, in both muscles, the content of C18:3n3 and EPA, but not DPA and DHA. No selenium effect was detected for PUFA/SFA, n-6, n-3, n-6/n-3, and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. As for the enzyme indexes, a selenium effect is only detected for thioesterase. Taken together, the results highlight the potential effect of dietary selenium, mainly selenomethionine, in the modulation of the composition of fatty acids in chicken meat, in particular, reducing the content of atherogenic fatty acids and increasing the health promoting n-3 PUFA.
Database of Periodic DNA Regions in Major Genomes
Authors: Frenkel Felix E. , Korotkova Maria A. , Korotkov Eugene V.
Published: January 2017

Summary. We analyzed several prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes looking for the periodicity sequences availability and employing a new mathematical method. The method envisaged using the random position weight matrices and dynamic programming. Insertions and deletions were allowed inside periodicities, thus adding a novelty to the results we obtained. A periodicity length, one of the key periodicity features, varied from 2 to 50 nt. Totally over 60,000 periodicity sequences were found in 15 genomes including some chromosomes of theH. sapiens(partial),C. elegans,D. melanogaster,andA. thalianagenomes.
Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer with GraftJacket® Augmentation to Increase Tendon Length for an Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Skedros John G. , Henrie Tanner R.
Published: January 2017

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears can be reconstructed with latissimus dorsi tendon transfers (LDTT). Although uncommon, the natural length of the latissimus dorsi tendon (LDT) could be insufficient for transfer even after adequate soft tissue releases. Descriptions of cases where grafts were needed to lengthen the LDT are therefore rare. We located only two reports of the use of an acellular dermal matrix to increase effective tendon length in tendon transfers about the shoulder: (1) GraftJacket patch for a pectoralis major tendon reconstruction and (2) ArthroFlex® patch for LDTT. Both of these brands of allograft patches are obtained from human cadavers. These products are usually used to cover soft tissue repairs and offer supplemental support rather than for increasing tendon length. Extending the LDTT with GraftJacket to achieve adequate length, to our knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 50-year-old male who had a massive, irreparable left shoulder rotator cuff tear that was reconstructed with a LDTT. The natural length of his LDT was insufficient for transfer. This unexpected situation was rectified by sewing two patches of GraftJacket to the LDT. The patient had greatly improved shoulder function at two-year follow-up.
Potential Role of ANGPTL4 in the Cross Talk between Metabolism and Cancer through PPAR Signaling Pathway
Authors: La Paglia Laura , Listì Angela , Caruso Stefano , Amodeo Valeria , Passiglia Francesco , Bazan Viviana , Fanale Daniele
Published: January 2017

The angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) protein belongs to a superfamily of secreted proteins structurally related to factors modulating angiogenesis known as angiopoietins. At first, ANGPTL4 has been identified as an adipokine exclusively involved in lipid metabolism, because of its prevalent expression in liver and adipose tissue. This protein regulates lipid metabolism by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and stimulating lipolysis of white adipose tissue (WAT), resulting in increased levels of plasma triglycerides (TG) and fatty acids. Subsequently, ANGPTL4 has been shown to be involved in several nonmetabolic and metabolic conditions, both physiological and pathological, including angiogenesis and vascular permeability, cell differentiation, tumorigenesis, glucose homoeostasis, lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, wound healing, inflammation, and redox regulation. The transcriptional regulation of ANGPTL4 can be modulated by several transcription factors, including PPARα, PPARβ/δ, PPARγ, and HIF-1α, and nutritional and hormonal conditions. Several studies showed that high levels of ANGPTL4 are associated with poor prognosis in patients with various solid tumors, suggesting an important role in cancer onset and progression, metastasis, and anoikis resistance. Here, we have discussed the potential role of ANGPTL4 in mediating the cross talk between metabolic syndromes, such as diabetes and obesity, and cancer through regulation of its expression by PPARs.
C2 Fracture Subtypes, Incidence, and Treatment Allocation Change with Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 233 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Robinson Anna-Lena , Möller Anders , Robinson Yohan , Olerud Claes
Published: January 2017

The currently available data on the distribution of C2 fracture subtypes is sparse. This study was designed to identify the proportions of the second cervical vertebra (C2) fracture subtypes and to present age and gender specific incidences of subgroups. A dataset of all patients treated between 2002 and 2014 for C2 fractures was extracted from the regional hospital information system. C2 fractures were classified into odontoid fractures types 1, 2, and 3, Hangman’s fractures types 1, 2, and 3, and atypical C2 fractures. 233 patients (female 51%, age 72±19 years) were treated for a C2 fracture. Odontoid fractures were found in 183 patients, of which 2 were type 1, 127 type 2, and 54 type 3, while 26 of C2 fractures were Hangman’s fractures and 24 were atypical C2 fractures. In the geriatric subgroup 89% of all C2 fractures were odontoid, of which 71% were type 2 and 29% type 3. There was an increasing incidence of odontoid fractures types 2 and 3 from 2002 to 2014. 40% of C2 fractures were treated surgically. This study presents reliable subset proportions of C2 fractures in a prospectively collected regional cohort. Knowledge of these proportions facilitates future epidemiological studies of C2 fractures.
A Replica Detection Scheme Based on the Deviation in Distance Traveled Sliding Window for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mishra Alekha Kumar , Tripathy Asis Kumar , Kumar Arun , Turuk Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2017

Node replication attack possesses a high level of threat in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and it is severe when the sensors are mobile. A limited number of replica detection schemes in mobile WSNs (MWSNs) have been reported till date, where most of them are centralized in nature. The centralized detection schemes use time-location claims and the base station (BS) is solely responsible for detecting replica. Therefore, these schemes are prone to single point of failure. There is also additional communication overhead associated with sending time-location claims to the BS. A distributed detection mechanism is always a preferred solution to the above kind of problems due to significantly lower communication overhead than their counterparts. In this paper, we propose a distributed replica detection scheme for MWSNs. In this scheme, the deviation in the distance traveled by a node and its replica is recorded by the observer nodes. Every node is an observer node for some nodes in the network. Observers are responsible for maintaining a sliding window of recent time-distance broadcast of the nodes. A replica is detected by an observer based on the degree of violation computed from the deviations recorded using the time-distance sliding window. The analysis and simulation results show that the proposed scheme is able to achieve higher detection probability compared to distributed replica detection schemes such as Efficient Distributed Detection (EDD) and Multi-Time-Location Storage and Diffusion (MTLSD).
Effects of Tibolone on the Central Nervous System: Clinical and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Pinto-Almazán Rodolfo , Segura-Uribe Julia J. , Farfán-García Eunice D. , Guerra-Araiza Christian
Published: January 2017

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of endometrial and breast cancer. A strategy to reduce this incidence is the use of tibolone (TIB). The aim of this paper was to address the effects of TIB on the central nervous system (CNS). For the present review, MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS (via BIREME), Ovid Global Health, SCOPUS, Scielo, and PsycINFO (ProQuest Research Library) electronic databases were searched for the results of controlled clinical trials on peri- and postmenopausal women published from 1990 to September 2016. Also, this paper reviews experimental studies performed to analyze neuroprotective effects, cognitive deficits, neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, and stroke using TIB. Although there are few studies on the effect of this hormone in the CNS, it has been reported that TIB decreases lipid peroxidation levels and improves memory and learning. TIB has important neuroprotective effects that could prevent the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in postmenopausal women as well as the benefits of HRT in counteracting hot flashes, improving mood, and libido. Some reports have found that TIB delays cognitive impairment in various models of neuronal damage. It also modifies brain plasticity since it acts as an endocrine modulator regulating neurotransmitters, Tau phosphorylation, and decreasing neuronal death. Finally, its antioxidant effects have also been reported in different animal models.
A Case of Acute Hepatitis E Infection in a Patient with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated Successfully with Ribavirin
Authors: Haboubi Hasan N. Y. , Diyar Rizwan , Benton Ann , Ch’ng Chin Lye
Published: January 2017

We present the case of a man who, following immunosuppressive treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, became infected with viral hepatitis E. Acute hepatitis E virus infection should be considered in patients with deranged liver function on a background of haematological malignancies or immunosuppression, even without travel to endemic regions. Whilst clearance is usually spontaneous in immune-competent individuals, these at-risk groups may develop a more complicated and protracted disease course. Thus awareness is important as additional treatment with ribavirin or pegylated interferon may be required, as in this case, in order to help achieve eradication.
Could Externalized St. Jude Medical Riata® Lead Be a Culture Medium of a Polymicrobial Endocarditis? A Clinical Case
Authors: Palamà Zefferino , Trotta Roberta , Mandurino Cosimo , Pinto Mariangela , Luzzi Giovanni , Favale Stefano
Published: January 2017

We report the case of a man affected by polymicrobial endocarditis developed on a St. Jude Medical Riata lead with a malfunction because of the outsourcing of conductors. The patient was treated with antibiotic targeted therapy and showed different bacteria at the blood cultures and then underwent transvenous leads extraction. Vegetations were highlighted on the caval, atrial, and ventricular tracts of the Riata lead, but the cultures were all negative. The externalization of Riata lead may cause the malfunction but it could also promote bacterial colonies and vegetations. In conclusion, looking for early signs of infection is mandatory during Riata leads follow-up checks.
Evolution of Cerebral Atrophy in a Patient with Super Refractory Status Epilepticus Treated with Barbiturate Coma
Authors: Newey Christopher R. , George Pravin , Nattanmai Premkumar , Ahrens Christine , Hantus Stephen , Sarwal Aarti
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Status epilepticus is associated with neuronal breakdown. Radiological sequelae of status epilepticus include diffusion weighted abnormalities and T2/FLAIR cortical hyperintensities corresponding to the epileptogenic cortex. However, progressive generalized cerebral atrophy from status epilepticus is underrecognized and may be related to neuronal death. We present here a case of diffuse cerebral atrophy that developed during the course of super refractory status epilepticus management despite prolonged barbiturate coma. Methods. Case report and review of the literature. Case. A 19-year-old male with a prior history of epilepsy presented with focal clonic seizures. His seizures were refractory to multiple anticonvulsants and eventually required pentobarbital coma for 62 days and midazolam coma for 33 days. Serial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed development of cerebral atrophy at 31 days after admission to our facility and progression of the atrophy at 136 days after admission. Conclusion. This case highlights the development and progression of generalized cerebral atrophy in super refractory status epilepticus. The cerebral atrophy was noticeable at 31 days after admission at our facility which emphasizes the urgency of definitive treatment in patients who present with super refractory status epilepticus. Further research into direct effects of therapeutic coma is warranted.
Simultaneous Robust Fault and State Estimation for Linear Discrete‐Time Uncertain Systems
Authors: Gannouni Feten , Ben Hmida Fayçal
Published: January 2017

We consider the problem of robust simultaneous fault and state estimation for linear uncertain discrete‐time systems with unknown faults which affect both the state and the observation matrices. Using transformation of the original system, a new robust proportional integral filter (RPIF) having an error variance with an optimized guaranteed upper bound for any allowed uncertainty is proposed to improve robust estimation of unknown time‐varying faults and to improve robustness against uncertainties. In this study, the minimization problem of the upper bound of the estimation error variance is formulated as a convex optimization problem subject to linear matrix inequalities (LMI) for all admissible uncertainties. The proportional and the integral gains are optimally chosen by solving the convex optimization problem. Simulation results are given in order to illustrate the performance of the proposed filter, in particular to solve the problem of joint fault and state estimation.
Neuroplastic Correlates in the mPFC Underlying the Impairment of Stress-Coping Ability and Cognitive Flexibility in Adult Rats Exposed to Chronic Mild Stress during Adolescence
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shao Feng , Wang Qiong , Xie Xi , Wang Weiwen
Published: January 2017

Using a valid chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression, we found that adolescent (postnatal days [PND] 28–41) CMS induced transient alterations in anhedonia that did not persist into adulthood after a 3-week recovery period. Previously stressed adult rats exhibited more immobility/despair behaviors in the forced swimming test and a greater number of trials to reach criterion in the set-shifting task, suggesting the impaired ability to cope with stressors and the cognitive flexibility that allows adaptation to dynamic environments during adulthood. In addition, adult rat exposure to adolescent CMS had a relatively inhibited activation in ERK signaling and downstream protein expression of phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the medial prefrontal cortex. Further correlation analysis demonstrated that immobility and set-shifting performance were positively correlated with the inhibition of ERK signaling. These results indicated adolescent CMS can be used as an effective stressor to model an increased predisposition to adult depression.
Molecular Cloning, Bioinformatic Analysis, and Expression ofBombyx moriLebocin 5 Gene Related toBeauveria bassianaInfection
Authors: Lü Dingding , Hou Chengxiang , Qin Guangxing , Gao Kun , Chen Tian , Guo Xijie
Published: January 2017

A full-length cDNA of lebocin 5 (BmLeb5) was first cloned from silkworm,Bombyx mori, by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The BmLeb5 gene is 808 bp in length and the open reading frame encodes a 179-amino acid hydroxyproline-rich peptide. Bioinformatic analysis results showed that BmLeb5 owns an O-glycosylation site and four RXXR motifs as other lebocins. Sequence similarity and phylogenic analysis results indicated that lebocins form a multiple gene family in silkworm as cecropins. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that BmLeb5 was highest expressed in the fat body. In the silkworm larvae infected byBeauveria bassiana, the expression level of BmLeb5 was upregulated in the fat body and hemolymph which are the most important immune tissues in silkworm. The recombinant protein of BmLeb5 was for the first time successfully expressed with prokaryotic expression system and purified. There are no reports so far that the expression of lebocins could be induced by entomopathogenic fungus. Our study suggested that BmLeb5 might play an important role in the immune response of silkworm to defendB. bassianainfection. The results also provided helpful information for further studying the lebocin family functioned in antifungal immune response in the silkworm.
Cell Therapies in Cardiomyopathy: Current Status of Clinical Trials
Authors: Hao Ming , Wang Richard , Wang Wen
Published: January 2017

Because the human heart has limited potential for regeneration, the loss of cardiomyocytes during cardiac myopathy and ischaemic injury can result in heart failure and death. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of dead myocardium, directly or indirectly, and seems to offer functional benefits to patients. The ideal candidate donor cell for myocardial reconstitution is a stem-like cell that can be easily obtained, has a robust proliferation capacity and a low risk of tumour formation and immune rejection, differentiates into functionally normal cardiomyocytes, and is suitable for minimally invasive clinical transplantation. The ultimate goal of cardiac repair is to regenerate functionally viable myocardium after myocardial infarction (MI) to prevent or heal heart failure. This review provides a comprehensive overview of treatment with stem-like cells in preclinical and clinical studies to assess the feasibility and efficacy of this novel therapeutic strategy in ischaemic cardiomyopathy.