bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features and Outcome of Sporadic Colorectal Carcinoma in Young Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Developing Country
Authors: Zahir Muhammad Nauman , Azhar Eisha Mahpara , Rafiq Sobia , Ghias Kulsoom , Shabbir-Moosajee Munira
Published: April 2014

Background. Early onset colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is rare and has been hypothesized to be a biologically and clinically distinct entity personifying aggressive disease and worse survival. Methods. Data for 131 patients was collected by retrospective chart review. Cox proportional hazard model was used to compute prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results. Early onset sporadic CRC accounted for 32% of all CRC treated in the specified time period. The mean age was 33.3±7.9 years and the male to female ratio was 2:1. Colon and rectal cancers accounted for 55% and 45% of patients, respectively. 96% of rectal carcinoma patients received appropriate therapy as opposed to 65% of colon cancers. On multivariable analysis, appropriate reception of therapy (PR 4.99; 95% CI, 1.21–20.6) and signet ring morphology (PR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.33–4.32) were significantly associated with rectal cancers as opposed to colon cancer. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a trend towards inferior survival for rectal carcinoma 2 years after diagnosis. Conclusion.A high prevalence of early onset CRC was noted in the study. A trend towards inferior survival was seen in patients with rectal cancer. This finding raises the possibility of rectal carcinoma being an aggressive subset of young CRC.
Behavioural Outcome in Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Experience of a Single Centre
Authors: Idris Arini Nuran , Chandran Viji , Syed Zakaria Syed Zulkifli , Rasat Rahmah
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the behavioral outcome in children with CAH and to identify the risk factors that may influence it. Participants (aged 6–18 years) included 29 girls and 20 boys with CAH and unaffected siblings (25 girls and 17 boys). Psychological adjustment was assessed with parent reports on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Information about disease characteristics was obtained from medical records. Our study reveals that there was higher incidence of parent-reported problem of anxious/depressed and withdrawn/depressed behaviours, somatic complaints, social, thought, and attention problems, and rule-breaking, aggressive, internalizing, and externalizing behaviour among children with CAH compared to controls. The prevalence of internalizing behaviour problems was higher in CAH boys compared with that of controls. Psychosocial adjustment of girls with CAH was found to be similar to unaffected female controls and was within the normal population range. Family income may be associated with behavioral outcome. Glucocorticoid dose may reflect disease severity which may be associated with behavioral outcome. We conclude that internalizing behavioral problem was prevalent among boys with CAH reflecting maladaptive adjustment in coping with chronic illness. This highlighted the importance of psychological and social support for the patients and their families.
Expression Profiles of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Associated Proteins in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Mi-Kyung , Kim Min A , Kim Haeryoung , Kim Yong-Beom , Song Yong-Sang
Published: April 2014

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been suggested to contribute to tumor progression and acquisition of therapeutic resistance. To assess the clinical significance of EMT-associated proteins, we evaluated the expression of Snail and Slug, the key regulators of EMT, in the primary ovarian cancer samples (n=103) by immunohistochemistry. Snail was differentially expressed according to the histologic subtype (P=0.001) and was predominantly expressed in serous and endometrioid types. In the serous and endometrioid adenocarcinomas, the expression of Snail remained high across the stage and grade, suggesting its role in the early phase of carcinogenesis. However, the expression of Snail and Slug was not related to chemoresistance and poor prognosis and did not serve as independent predictive or prognostic marker.
Impending Carotid Blowout Stabilization Using an LT-D Tube
Authors: Desuter G. , Gregoire A. , Gardiner Q. , Francois P. M.
Published: April 2014

Adequate stabilization of a patient presenting with a carotid blowout is one of the most challenging issues an on-call ENT surgeon can be confronted with. Reducing the bleeding and securing the airway are essential before more definitive management. We present the case of a 72-year-old patient with head and neck cancer who arrived at the emergency room with a carotid blowout and who was successfully stabilized using a King LT-D ventilation tube.
Designing an Ultra-Negative Dispersion Photonic Crystal Fiber with Square-Lattice Geometry
Authors: Maji Partha Sona , Roy Chaudhuri Partha
Published: April 2014

We have theoretically investigated the dispersion characteristics of dual-core PCF, based on square-lattice geometry by varying different parameters. The fiber exhibits a very large negative dispersion because of rapid slope change of the refractive indices at the coupling wavelength between the inner core and outer core. The dependence of different geometrical parameters, namely, hole-to-hole spacing (Λ) and different air-hole diameter (d), was investigated in detail. By proper adjustment of the available parameters, a high negative dispersion value of -47,500 ps/nm/km has been achieved around the wavelength of 1550 nm. Our proposed fiber will be an excellent device for dispersion compensation in long-haul data transmission as being thousand times more than the available DCFs.
Family Health Conversations: How Do They Support Health?
Authors: Persson Carina , Benzein Eva
Published: April 2014

Research shows that living with illness can be a distressing experience for the family and may result in suffering and reduced health. To meet families’ needs, family systems intervention models are developed and employed in clinical contexts. For successful refinement and implementation it is important to understand how these models work. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the dialogue process and possible working mechanisms of one systems nursing intervention model, the Family Health Conversation model. A descriptive evaluation design was applied and 15 transcribed conversations with five families were analyzed within a hermeneutic tradition. Two types of interrelated dialogue events were identified: narrating and exploring. There was a flow between these events, a movement that was generated by the interaction between the participants. Our theoretically grounded interpretation showed that narrating, listening, and reconsidering in interaction may be understood as supporting family health by offering the families the opportunity to constitute self-identity and identity within the family, increasing the families’ understanding of multiple ways of being and acting, to see new possibilities and to develop meaning and hope. Results from this study may hopefully contribute to the successful implementation of family systems interventions in education and clinical praxis.
Post-Heat Treatment and Mechanical Assessment of Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Sheet Fabricated by Electrospinning Technique
Authors: Es-saheb Mahir , Elzatahry Ahmed
Published: April 2014

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheets based nanofibers were produced by electrospinning technique. Postheat treatment of the produced PVA sheets with temperatures both below and above Tg to improve the mechanical properties of this material is conducted. The morphology, microstructures, and thermal degradation of the nanofibers sheets produced were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Produced nanofibers are compact, and entangled with each other, with diameters from around 150 to 210. Some mechanical characteristics of the successfully produced PVA sheets, and heat-treated, are then conducted and assessed employing uniaxial tensile tests at different speeds ranging from 1 mm/min to 100 mm/min. The tensile test results obtained show that the PVA sheets are strain rate sensitive with increasing strength as the speed (i.e., strain rate) increases. The yield tensile stress ranges from 2.411 to 6.981 MPa, the ductility (i.e., elongation percent) from∼21 to 60%, and Young modulus ranges from 103 to 0.137 KPa. However, for heat-treated samples, it is found that the yield strength increases almost by∼35–40% more than the values of untreated cases with values reaching up to about 3.627–9.63 MPa.
Lack of Outer Membrane Protein A Enhances the Release of Outer Membrane Vesicles and Survival ofVibrio choleraeand Suppresses Viability ofAcanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Valeru Soni Priya , Shanan Salah , Alossimi Haifa , Saeed Amir , Sandström Gunnar , Abd Hadi
Published: April 2014

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the diarrhoeal disease cholera, survives in aquatic environments. The bacterium has developed a survival strategy to grow and survive insideAcanthamoeba castellanii. It has been shown thatV. choleraeexpresses outer membrane proteins as virulence factors playing a role in the adherence to interacted host cells. This study examined the role of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in survival ofV. choleraealone and during its interaction withA. castellanii. The results showed that anOmpAmutant ofV. choleraesurvived longer than wild-typeV. choleraewhen cultivated alone. Cocultivation withA. castellaniienhanced the survival of both bacterial strains andOmpAprotein exhibited no effect on attachment, engulfment, and survival inside the amoebae. However, cocultivation of theOmpAmutant ofV. choleraedecreased the viability ofA. castellaniiand this bacterial strain released more OMVs than wild-typeV. cholerae. Surprisingly, treatment of amoeba cells with OMVs isolated from theOmpAmutant significantly decreased viable counts of the amoeba cells. In conclusion, the results might highlight a regulating rule forOmpAin survival ofV. choleraeand OMVs as a potent virulence factor for this bacterium towards eukaryotes in the environment.
Dynamic Analysis of Nonlinear Impulsive Neutral Nonautonomous Differential Equations with Delays
Authors: Li Jinxian
Published: April 2014

A class of neural networks described by nonlinear impulsive neutral nonautonomous differential equations with delays is considered. By means of Lyapunov functionals and differential inequality technique, criteria on global exponential stability of this model are derived. Many adjustable parameters are introduced in criteria to provide flexibility for the design and analysis of the system. The results of this paper are new and they supplement previously known results. An example is given to illustrate the results.
Fractal Dynamical Model of Vehicular Traffic Flow within the Local Fractional Conservation Laws
Authors: Wang Long-Fei , Yang Xiao-Jun , Baleanu Dumitru , Cattani Carlo , Zhao Yang
Published: April 2014

We suggest a new model of the scale conservation equation in the mathematical theory of vehicular traffic flow on the fractal network based on the local fractional calculus.
On the Kutta Condition in Potential Flow over Airfoil
Authors: Mohebbi Farzad , Sellier Mathieu
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a novel method to implement the Kutta condition in irrotational, inviscid, incompressible flow (potential flow) over an airfoil. In contrast to common practice, this method is not based on the panel method. It is based on a finite difference scheme formulated on a boundary-fitted grid using an O-type elliptic grid generation technique. The proposed algorithm uses a novel and fast procedure to implement the Kutta condition by calculating the stream function over the airfoil surface through the derived expression for the airfoils with both finite trailing edge angle and cusped trailing edge. The results obtained show the excellent agreement with the results from analytical and panel methods thereby confirming the accuracy and correctness of the proposed method.
Therapy with Interleukin-22 Alleviates Hepatic Injury and Hemostasis Dysregulation in Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Ashour Tariq Helal
Published: April 2014

The therapeutic efficacy of interleukin-22 (IL-22) on liver injury and hematological disturbances was studied in rat model of acute liver failure (ALF) induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS). The following parameters were investigated: (1) survival rate, (2) serum levels of liver function enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), total bilirubin (TBILI), and total albumen (ALB), (3) blood clotting tests (prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen level (FIB)) and white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelet counts, (4) hepatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and (5) liver histopathology. After 48 hours of D-GalN/LPS, the rats exhibited 20% mortality, significant increases in AST, ALT, ALP, TBILI, PT, and aPTT, TNF-α, and COX-2 and significant decreases in FIB, WBCs, and RBCs. By contrast, therapy with IL-22 prevented the lethal effect of D-GalN/LPS by 100% and efficiently alleviated all the biochemical and hematological abnormalities that were observed in ALF untreated group. Furthermore, IL-22 treatment decreased the hepatic contents of TNF-αand COX-2. The histopathological findings also supported the hepatoprotective effect of IL-22. Taken together, therapy with IL-22 can represent a promising therapeutic tool against liver injury and its associated hemostasis disturbances.
Resection Leads to Less Recurrence Than Strictureplasty in a Paediatric Population with Obstructive Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Bamford Richard , Hay Ashley , Kumar Devinder
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Resection and strictureplasty are used to treat patients with obstructive Crohn’s disease. Strictureplasty is preferable in adults as it retains bowel length. This study aims to identify differences in outcomes of children undergoing strictureplasty and resection for obstructive Crohn’s disease.Method.Patients under 20 years undergoing surgery over a nine-year period were included. Data was collected on procedures for stenotic Crohn’s disease. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 treated with strictureplasties and Group 2 resections. Postoperative complications and recurrence rates were recorded. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the data.Results. Twenty-six patients and 40 operations were identified. Mean age was 15.6 years (7.2–19.4) with equal numbers of males and females. Mean follow-up was 45.9 months (0.1–149.9). 20/40 procedures involved the terminal ileum; 9/40, the ileocolic junction; 8/40, the upper GI tract; and 3/40, the colon. Group 1 consisted of 19 strictureplasties and Group 2 consisted of 13 resections and 8 combined procedures. Significantly more patients in Group 1 required further surgery (11/19 versus 3/21;P=0.008).Conclusion. Allowing for variations in disease duration, severity, and previous medical management, these data suggest that resection is preferable to strictureplasty in treating obstructive Crohn’s disease in children and adolescents.
From Smart Camera to SmartHub: Embracing Cloud for Video Surveillance
Authors: Saini Mukesh Kumar , Atrey Pradeep K. , Saddik Abdulmotaleb El
Published: April 2014

Smart cameras were conceived to provide scalable solutions to automatic video analysis applications, such as surveillance and monitoring. Since then, many algorithms and system architectures have been proposed, which use smart cameras to distribute functionality and save bandwidth. Still, smart cameras are rarely used in commercial systems and real installations. In this paper, we investigate the reason behind the scarce commercial usage of smart cameras. We found that, in order to achieve scalability, smart cameras put additional constraints on the quality of input data to the vision algorithms, making it an unfavourable choice for future multicamera systems. We recognized that these constraints can be relaxed by following a cloud based hub architecture and propose a cloud entity, SmartHub, which provides a scalable solution with reduced constraints on the quality. A framework is proposed for designing SmartHub system for a given camera placement. Experiments show the efficacy of SmartHub based systems in multicamera scenarios.
On Delegatability of Some Strong Designated Verifier Signature Schemes
Authors: Kang Baoyuan , Xu Hao , Niu Yongzheng
Published: April 2014

A strong designated verifier signature scheme makes it possible for a signer to convince a designated verifier that she has signed a message in such a way that the designated verifier cannot transfer the signature to a third party, and no third party can even verify the validity of a designated verifier signature. In 2005, Lipmaa, Wang, and Bao identified a new essential security property, non delegatability, of designated verifier signature schemes. Briefly, in a non delegatability designated verifier signature scheme, neither a signer nor a designated verifier can delegate the signing rights to any third party without revealing their secret keys. However, this paper shows that four recently proposed strong designated verifier signature schemes are delegatable. These schemes do not satisfy non delegatability secure requirement of strong designated verifier signature schemes.
Suppression of Cross-Polarization of the Microstrip Integrated Balun-Fed Printed Dipole Antenna
Authors: Jingjian Huang , Xiaofa Zhang , Shaoyi Xie , Weiwei Wu , Naichang Yuan
Published: April 2014

The high cross-polarization of the microstrip integrated balun-fed printed dipole antenna cannot meet the demands of many engineering applications. This kind of antennas has high cross-polarization levels (about −20 dB). And we find that the high cross-polarization radiation is mainly produced by the microstrip integrated balun rather than the dipole itself. The very limited method to lower the cross-polarization level of this kind of antennas is to reduce the substrate thickness. In this paper, to improve the low cross-polarized performance, firstly, an equivalent model is presented to analyze the cross-polarization radiation. Secondly, a novel structure with low cross-polarization is proposed. The microstrip integrated balun is enclosed by a center slotted cavity. The E-field of the microstrip integrated balun is transformed parallel to the dipole arms by the slot, so the radiation of the cross-polarized component is suppressed. Measured results show that this structure can achieve a bandwidth wider than 40% while reducing the cross-polarization level to less than −35 dB within the frequency band.
One-Stop Outpatient Management of Accessory Auricle in Children with Titanium Clip
Authors: Wong Phui Yee , Laing Tereze , Milroy Catherine
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Literature on ideal management of accessory auricles is limited. Traditionally, accessory auricles are managed by paediatricians with suture ligation at the base of the accessory auricle to induce ischaemic necrosis (Mehmi et al, 2007). This method can be associated with complications and poor cosmesis thus leading to the vogue of surgical excision ( Frieden et al, 1995; Sebben, 1989). We present our experience in managing these lesions in children with the application of a titanium clip in a one-stop outpatient setting. Methods. Data was collected retrospectively through review of patient records and telephone questionnaire identifying outcomes from the parents’ perspective. Results. Of 42 patients, 24 (57.1%) responded. Eleven (26.2%) underwent surgical excision, 6 (14.3%) had no intervention, and 1 (2.4%) was not contactable. All parents were happy with the outcome and would recommend this management to other parents. Twenty-three (96%) had no complications apart from a tiny residual nubbin, which was considered cosmetically acceptable. One child had a residual nubbin that grew in size requiring surgical excision at later stage. Conclusion. Management of accessory auricles by the application of a titanium clip in one-stop outpatient setting is safe, simple, quick, and well tolerated with no need for admission, anaesthesia, or followup due to the low complication rate.
IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 Are Associated with Hyperferritinemia in Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease with Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis
Authors: Kawasumi Hidenaga , Gono Takahisa , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Kaneko Hirotaka , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Hanaoka Masanori , Kataoka Sayuri , Yamanaka Hisashi
Published: April 2014

Objective.Hyperferritinemia is frequently accompanied by rapidly progressive (RP) interstitial lung disease (ILD) with polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM). To clarify the mechanism of RP-ILD with hyperferritinemia, we investigated the associations between serum ferritin levels and various cytokines in patients with PM/DM.Methods.This retrospective study included 38 patients admitted to our hospital with PM/DM. Levels of serum ferritin and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IP-10) were measured. Disease activity was evaluated using the tool proposed by the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group. We analyzed the associations between disease activity and levels of serum ferritin and cytokines.Results.The levels of serum ferritin, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, and TNF-α, were significantly correlated with disease activity. In a multivariate analysis, IL-6(t=3.6,P=0.0010), IL-8(t=4.8,P<0.0001), and IL-10(t=5.7,P<0.0001)significantly contributed to serum ferritin levels. The levels of serum ferritin, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, were higher in the RP-ILD subset than in the non-ILD subset or the chronic ILD subset.Conclusion.IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 are significant contributors to hyperferritinemia in PM/DM. The regulation of these cytokines might offer a possible treatment strategy for RP-ILD with PM/DM.
Comparison of Microtox and Xenoassay Light as a Near Real Time River Monitoring Assay for Heavy Metals
Authors: Halmi M. I. E. , Jirangon Hussain , Johari W. L. W. , Abdul Rachman A. R. , Shukor M. Y. , Syed M. A.
Published: April 2014

Luminescence-based assays for toxicants such as Microtox, ToxAlert, and Biotox have been used extensively worldwide. However, the use of these assays in near real time conditions is limited due to nonoptimal assay temperature for the tropical climate. An isolate that exhibits a high luminescence activity in a broad range of temperatures was successfully isolated from the mackerel,Rastrelliger kanagurta. This isolate was tentatively identified asPhotobacteriumsp. strain MIE, based on partial 16S rDNA molecular phylogeny. Optimum conditions that support high bioluminescence activity occurred between 24 and 30°C, with pH 5.5 to 7.5, 10 to 20 g/L of sodium chloride, 30 to 50 g/L of tryptone, and 4 g/L of glycerol as the carbon source. Assessment of near real time capability of this bacterial system, Xenoassay light to monitor heavy metals from a contaminated river running through the Juru River Basin shows near real time capability with assaying time of less than 30 minutes per samples. Samples returned to the lab were tested with a standard Microtox assay usingVibrio fishceri. Similar results were obtained to Xenoassay light that show temporal variation of copper concentration. Thus, this strain is suitable for near real time river monitoring of toxicants especially in the tropics.
Uncertainty Measures in Ordered Information System Based on Approximation Operators
Authors: Fan Bingjiao , Xu Weihua , Yu Jianhang
Published: April 2014

This paper focuses on constructing uncertainty measures by the pure rough set approach in ordered information system. Four types of definitions of lower and upper approximations and corresponding uncertainty measurement concepts including accuracy, roughness, approximation quality, approximation accuracy, dependency degree, and importance degree are investigated. Theoretical analysis indicates that all the four types can be used to evaluate the uncertainty in ordered information system, especially that we find that the essence of the first type and the third type is the same. To interpret and help understand the approach, experiments about real-life data sets have been conducted to test the four types of uncertainty measures. From the results obtained, it can be shown that these uncertainty measures can surely measure the uncertainty in ordered information system.
Factors Determining Survival and Retention among HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents in a Community Home-Based Care and a Facility-Based Family-Centred Approach in Kampala, Uganda: A Cohort Study
Authors: Massavon W. , Barlow-Mosha L. , Mugenyi L. , McFarland W. , Gray G. , Lundin R. , Costenaro P. , Nannyonga M. M. , Penazzato M. , Bagenda D. , Namisi C. P. , Wabwire D. , Mubiru M. , Kironde S. , Bilardi D. , Mazza A. , Fowler M. G. , Musoke P. , Giaquinto C.
Published: April 2014

We describe factors determining retention and survival among HIV-infected children and adolescents engaged in two health care delivery models in Kampala, Uganda: one is a community home-based care (CHBC) and the other is a facility-based family-centred approach (FBFCA). This retrospective cohort study reviewed records from children aged from 0 to 18 years engaged in the two models from 2003 to 2010 focussing on retention/loss to follow-up, mortality, use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and clinical characteristics. Kaplan Meier survival curves with log rank tests were used to describe and compare retention and survival. Overall, 1,623 children were included, 90.0% (1460/1623) from the CHBC. Children completed an average of 4.2 years of follow-up (maximum 7.7 years). Median age was 53 (IQR: 11–109) months at enrolment. In the CHBC, retention differed significantly between patients on ART and those not (log-rank test, adjusted, P<0.001). Comparing ART patients in both models, there was no significant difference in long-term survival (log-rank test, P=0.308, adjusted, P=0.489), while retention was higher in the CHBC: 94.8% versus 84.7% in the FBFCA (log-rank test, P<0.001, adjusted P=0.006). Irrespective of model of care, children receiving ART had better retention in care and survival.
PCR and Microscopic Identification of IsolatedLeishmania tropicafrom Clinical Samples of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Human Population of Kohat Region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Authors: Abd El-Salam Nasser M. , Ayaz Sultan , Ullah Riaz
Published: April 2014

Leishmania tropicawas isolated from the clinical patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural community of Kohat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and was identified through PCR, microscopy, and culture techniques. A total of 113 samples from the clinical patients were examined through PCR, microscopy, and culture which showed 87.61% (99/113), 53.98% (61/113), and 46.90% (53/113) prevalence. During the study, 186 bpLeishmania tropicawas identified through PCR. Thus the sensitivity of PCR is very high as compared to the conventional techniques.
SPECT- and PET-Based Approaches for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Acute Renal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Pawelski Helga , Schnöckel Uta , Kentrup Dominik , Grabner Alexander , Schäfers Michael , Reuter Stefan
Published: April 2014

Molecular imaging techniques such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography are promising tools for noninvasive diagnosis of acute allograft rejection (AR). Given the importance of renal transplantation and the limitation of available donors, detailed analysis of factors that affect transplant survival is important. Episodes of acute allograft rejection are a negative prognostic factor for long-term graft survival. Invasive core needle biopsies are still the “goldstandard” in rejection diagnostics. Nevertheless, they are cumbersome to the patient and carry the risk of significant graft injury. Notably, they cannot be performed on patients taking anticoagulant drugs. Therefore, a noninvasive tool assessing the whole organ for specific and fast detection of acute allograft rejection is desirable. We herein review SPECT- and PET-based approaches for noninvasive molecular imaging-based diagnostics of acute transplant rejection.
Vocabulary Is an Appropriate Measure of Premorbid Intelligence in a Sample with Heterogeneous Educational Level in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Maira Okada de , Nitrini Ricardo , Yassuda Mônica Sanches , Brucki Sonia Maria Dozzi
Published: April 2014

Crystallized intelligence refers to one’s knowledge base and can be measured by vocabulary tests. Fluid intelligence is related to nonverbal aspects of intelligence, depends very little on previously acquired knowledge, and can be measured by tests such as Block Design (BD) and Raven Colored Matrices (RCM). Premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) refers to one’s intellectual ability level previous to the onset of disorders like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and it is important to estimate disease severity. The objective was to compare performance in tests that measure crystallized and fluid intelligence in healthy subjects and patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) and AD. One hundred forty-four participants (aMCI (n=38), AD (n=45), and healthy controls (n=61)) were submitted to neuropsychological tests (WAIS-III vocabulary, BD, and RCM). There were significant among groups, except for vocabulary, indicating a relative stability of crystallized intelligence in the continuum from normal to pathological cognitive decline. Vocabulary seems to be stable during the progression of the disease and useful as a measure of premorbid intelligence, that is, to estimate previous function in relation to the level of education and, as a collateral measure of cognition in people with low education.
Epidemiology of Hospitalized Traumatic Pelvic Fractures and Their Combined Injuries in Taiwan: 2000–2011 National Health Insurance Data Surveillance
Authors: Yang Nan-Ping , Chan Chien-Lung , Chu Dachen , Lin Yu-Zhen , Lin Kai-Biao , Yu Ching-Shao , Yu I-Liang , Chang Nien-Tzu , Lee Yi-Hui
Published: April 2014

Background. From the viewpoint of prehospital emergency medicine, a greater proportion of pelvic fractures not of a life-threatening status but combined with other injuries need more comprehensive recognition.Methods. A 12-year nationwide health database of inpatients was reviewed. All cases diagnosed as pelvic fractures were enrolled. The associated injuries classified into 20 categories were further analyzed.Results. During 2000–2011, the hospitalized incidence of pelvic fractures in Taiwan ranged from 17.17 to 19.42 per 100,000, and an increasing trend with age was observed. The mean case-fatality rate was 1.6% for females and 2.1% for males; male patients with pelvic fractures had a significantly higher risk of death than female patients after adjusting for other covariates. 74.2% of these cases were combined with other injuries. The most common associated injuries in an identified body region were other orthopedic fractures of the lower limbs (21.50%), spine/trunk (20.97%), or upper limbs (18.18%), followed by significant head injuries (17.59%), intra-abdominal injuries (11.00%), and thoracic injuries (7.20%).Conclusion. The incidence of hospitalized pelvic fractures in Taiwan was low and the case-fatality rate was lower than those of other countries. Concurrently, coexistence of major combined injuries with pelvic fractures was easily treated at medical centers.
A Numerical Study for Robust Active Portfolio Management with Worst‐Case Downside Risk Measure
Authors: Ling Aifan , Tang Le
Published: April 2014

Recently, active portfolio management problems are paid close attention by many researchers due to the explosion of fund industries. We consider a numerical study of a robust active portfolio selection model with downside risk and multiple weights constraints in this paper. We compare the numerical performance of solutions with the classical mean‐variance tracking error model and the naive 1/N portfolio strategy by real market data from China market and other markets. We find from the numerical results that the tested active models are more attractive and robust than the compared models.
Varietal Trials and Physiological Components Determining Yield Differences among Cowpea Varieties in Semiarid Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Kamai Nkeki , Gworgwor Nuhu Adamu , Wabekwa Joshua Wasinaninda
Published: April 2014

Field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (11°47.840′N; 13°12.021′E; elevation 319 m asl), in Borno State in semiarid zone of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 rainy seasons. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the agronomic performances of some improved cowpea varieties and to identify the physiological traits associated with high grain yield in the semiarid zone of Nigeria. The trial consisted of eight treatments, which included two local varieties, namely, Kannanado White and Borno Brown and six improved varieties, namely, IT90K-277-2, IT97K-568-18, IT89KD-288, IT97K-499-35, IT98K-131-2, and IT89KD-391. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The gross plot size was 5.0 m × 4.0 m (20 m2) while the net plot size was 3.6 m × 3.0 m (10.8 m2). The results showed that the improved varieties, namely, IT90K-277-2, IT97K-499-35, IT98K-131-2, and IT89KD-288, had significantly higher grain yield per hectare and matured earlier to escape drought in this agroecological zone. The local varieties also had significantly heavier grains, took more days to reach first and 50% flowering, and matured later than the improved varieties. Cowpea grain yield per hectare was highly positively correlated with harvest index, shell weight, soil moisture suction measurements, shelling percentage, and grain yield per plant and also significant negative correlation between cowpea grain yield per hectare and number of days to first and 50% flowering, 100-grain weight, number of days to physiological maturity, and pod development period. The results also indicated that fodder yield per hectare was highly positively correlated with photosynthetically active radiation thereby indicating that higher photosynthetically active radiation produced higher yield of fodder.
Preparation of Amino‐Modified PAN Fibers with Triethylenetetramine as Aminating Reagents and Their Application in CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Liu Biao , Chen Jian
Published: April 2014

Amino‐modified polyacrylonitrile (AMPAN) fiber was synthesized by the reaction of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber and triethylenetetramine (TETA) in the presence of water. The effect of water amount, reaction temperature, and time on the weight increase degree and alkali content of the AMPAN fiber was investigated in detail. The characterization results indicated that TETA could be grafted onto the surface of PAN fiber by this method. However, the highest adsorption capacity of the AMPAN fibers was only 0.09 g/g even at 15 bar and 50°C, which was much lower than the porous materials. The reason for this result may be related to its low surface area.
Multiobjective RFID Network Optimization Using Multiobjective Evolutionary and Swarm Intelligence Approaches
Authors: Chen Hanning , Zhu Yunlong , Ma Lianbo , Niu Ben
Published: April 2014

The development of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology generates the most challenging RFID network planning (RNP) problem, which needs to be solved in order to operate the large‐scale RFID network in an optimal fashion. RNP involves many objectives and constraints and has been proven to be a NP‐hard multi‐objective problem. The application of evolutionary algorithm (EA) and swarm intelligence (SI) for solving multiobjective RNP (MORNP) has gained significant attention in the literature, but these algorithms always transform multiple objectives into a single objective by weighted coefficient approach. In this paper, we use multiobjective EA and SI algorithms to find all the Pareto optimal solutions and to achieve the optimal planning solutions by simultaneously optimizing four conflicting objectives in MORNP, instead of transforming multiobjective functions into a single objective function. The experiment presents an exhaustive comparison of three successful multiobjective EA and SI, namely, the recently developed multiobjective artificial bee colony algorithm (MOABC), the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II), and the multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), on MORNP instances of different nature, namely, the two‐objective and three‐objective MORNP. Simulation results show that MOABC proves to be more superior for planning RFID networks than NSGA‐II and MOPSO in terms of optimization accuracy and computation robustness.
Filters in 2D and 3D Cardiac SPECT Image Processing
Authors: Lyra Maria , Ploussi Agapi , Rouchota Maritina , Synefia Stella
Published: April 2014

Nuclear cardiac imaging is a noninvasive, sensitive method providing information on cardiac structure and physiology. Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) evaluates myocardial perfusion, viability, and function and is widely used in clinical routine. The quality of the tomographic image is a key for accurate diagnosis. Image filtering, a mathematical processing, compensates for loss of detail in an image while reducing image noise, and it can improve the image resolution and limit the degradation of the image. SPECT images are then reconstructed, either by filter back projection (FBP) analytical technique or iteratively, by algebraic methods. The aim of this study is to review filters in cardiac 2D, 3D, and 4D SPECT applications and how these affect the image quality mirroring the diagnostic accuracy of SPECT images. Several filters, including the Hanning, Butterworth, and Parzen filters, were evaluated in combination with the two reconstruction methods as well as with a specified MatLab program. Results showed that for both 3D and 4D cardiac SPECT the Butterworth filter, for different critical frequencies and orders, produced the best results. Between the two reconstruction methods, the iterative one might be more appropriate for cardiac SPECT, since it improves lesion detectability due to the significant improvement of image contrast.
Robotic-Assisted Dissection of Bulky Lymph Nodes in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Göçmen Ahmet , Şanlıkan Fatih , Avcı Muhittin Eftal
Published: April 2014

The resection of bulky lymph node metastases, which may provide a therapeutic benefit, has been proposed in several studies based on laparotomy and laparoscopy. There is no published study in the literature examining the resection of bulky lymph node metastases using a robotic technique. In this report, we presented a patient with cervical cancer who underwent robotic-assisted dissection of bulky lymph nodes. The robotic-assisted operation time was 255 minutes, and the mean console time was 215 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 70 mL. The number of lymph nodes retrieved was 28, and the number of the dissected paraaortic lymph nodes was 13. The number of the lymph node metastases was eight. The bulky lymph nodes which are difficult to be eradicated with standard radiation therapy can be resected with robotic-assisted surgery and successful resection of the lymph nodes can improve the treatment strategy. This minimal invasive technique is safe and feasible for bulky lymph node dissection.
Photobiomodulation for Cobalt Chloride-Induced Hypoxic Damage of RF/6A Cells by 670 nm Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Qiang-Li , Chen Xin , Mi Xian-qiang
Published: April 2014

Objective. The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of 670 nm light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation on the diabetic retinopathy (DR) using hypoxic rhesus monkey choroid-retinal (RF/6A) cells as the model system.Background Data. Treatment with light in the spectrum from red to near-infrared region has beneficial effect on tissue injury and 670 nm LED is currently under clinical investigation for retinoprotective therapy.Methods. Studies were conducted in the cultured cells under hypoxia treated by cobalt chloride (CoCl2). After irradiation by 670 nm LED with different power densities, cell viability, cytochrome C oxidase activity, and ATP concentration were measured.Results. The irradiation of 670 nm LED significantly improved cell viability, cytochrome C oxidase activity, and ATP concentration in the hypoxia RF/6A cells.Conclusion. 670 nm LED irradiation could recover the hypoxia damage caused by CoCl2. Photobiomodulation of 670 nm LED plays a potential role for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Src Kinase Is a Novel Therapeutic Target in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Tyryshkin Alexey , Bhattacharya Abhisek , Eissa N. Tony
Published: April 2014

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a progressive cystic lung disease affecting some women with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Sporadic LAM can develop in women without TSC, owing to somatic mutations in the TSC2 gene. Accumulating evidence supports the view of LAM as a low-grade, destructive, metastasizing neoplasm. The mechanisms underlying the metastatic capability of LAM cells remain poorly understood. The observed behavior of LAM cells with respect to their infiltrative growth pattern, metastatic potential, and altered cell differentiation bears similarity to cells undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Here, we report increased levels of active Src kinase in LAM lungs and in TSC2−/− cells, caused by a reduction of autophagy. Furthermore, increased Src kinase activation promoted migration, invasion, and inhibition of E-cadherin expression in TSC2−/− cells by upregulating the transcription factor Snail. Notably, Src kinase inhibitors reduced migration and invasion properties of TSC2−/− cells and attenuated lung colonization of intravenously injected TSC2−/− cells in vivo to a greater extent than control TSC2+/+ cells. Our results reveal mechanistic basis for the pathogenicity of LAM cells and they rationalize Src kinase as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of LAM and TSC. Cancer Res; 74(7); 1996–2005. ©2014 AACR.
VISTA Is an Immune Checkpoint Molecule for Human T Cells
Authors: Lines J. Louise , Pantazi Eirini , Mak Justin , Sempere Lorenzo F. , Wang Li , O'Connell Samuel , Ceeraz Sabrina , Suriawinata Arief A. , Yan Shaofeng , Ernstoff Marc S. , Noelle Randolph
Published: April 2014

V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a potent negative regulator of T-cell function that is expressed on hematopoietic cells. VISTA levels are heightened within the tumor microenvironment, in which its blockade can enhance antitumor immune responses in mice. In humans, blockade of the related programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) pathway has shown great potential in clinical immunotherapy trials. Here, we report the structure of human VISTA and examine its function in lymphocyte negative regulation in cancer. VISTA is expressed predominantly within the hematopoietic compartment with highest expression within the myeloid lineage. VISTA-Ig suppressed proliferation of T cells but not B cells and blunted the production of T-cell cytokines and activation markers. Our results establish VISTA as a negative checkpoint regulator that suppresses T-cell activation, induces Foxp3 expression, and is highly expressed within the tumor microenvironment. By analogy to PD-1 and PD-L1 blockade, VISTA blockade may offer an immunotherapeutic strategy for human cancer. Cancer Res; 74(7); 1924–32. ©2013 AACR.
VISTA Regulates the Development of Protective Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Le Mercier Isabelle , Chen Wenna , Lines Janet L. , Day Maria , Li Jiannan , Sergent Petra , Noelle Randolph J. , Wang Li
Published: April 2014

V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a novel negative checkpoint ligand that is homologous to PD-L1 and suppresses T-cell activation. This study demonstrates the multiple mechanisms whereby VISTA relieves negative regulation by hematopoietic cells and enhances protective antitumor immunity. VISTA is highly expressed on myeloid cells and Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory cells, but not on tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). VISTA monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment increased the number of tumor-specific T cells in the periphery and enhanced the infiltration, proliferation, and effector function of tumor-reactive T cells within the TME. VISTA blockade altered the suppressive feature of the TME by decreasing the presence of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and increasing the presence of activated dendritic cells within the tumor microenvironment. In addition, VISTA blockade impaired the suppressive function and reduced the emergence of tumor-specific Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells. Consequently, VISTA mAb administration as a monotherapy significantly suppressed the growth of both transplantable and inducible melanoma. Initial studies explored a combinatorial regimen using VISTA blockade and a peptide-based cancer vaccine with TLR agonists as adjuvants. VISTA blockade synergized with the vaccine to effectively impair the growth of established tumors. Our study therefore establishes a foundation for designing VISTA-targeted approaches either as a monotherapy or in combination with additional immune-targeted strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 74(7); 1933–44. ©2014 AACR.
IGF-I Regulates Redox Status in Breast Cancer Cells by Activating the Amino Acid Transport Molecule xC−
Authors: Yang Yuzhe , Yee Douglas
Published: April 2014

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) stimulate cell growth in part by increasing amino acid uptake. xCT (SLC7A11) encodes the functional subunit of the cell surface transport system xC−, which mediates cystine uptake, a pivotal step in glutathione synthesis and cellular redox control. In this study, we show that IGF-I regulates cystine uptake and cellular redox status by activating the expression and function of xCT in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells by a mechanism that relies on the IGF receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). Breast cancer cell proliferation mediated by IGF-I was suppressed by attenuating xCT expression or blocking xCT activity with the pharmacologic inhibitor sulfasalazine (SASP). Notably, SASP sensitized breast cancer cells to inhibitors of the type I IGF receptor (IGF-IR) in a manner reversed by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Thus, IGF-I promoted the proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cells by regulating xC− transporter function to protect cancer cells from ROS in an IRS-1–dependent manner. Our findings suggest that inhibiting xC− transporter function may synergize with modalities that target the IGF-IR to heighten their therapeutic effects. Cancer Res; 74(8); 2295–305. ©2014 AACR.