bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Density Is Nearly Equal to Water Density: A Validation Study of the Gravimetric Method of Measuring Intraoperative Blood Loss
Authors: Vitello Dominic J. , Ripper Richard M. , Fettiplace Michael R. , Weinberg Guy L. , Vitello Joseph M.
Published: January 2015

Purpose. The gravimetric method of weighing surgical sponges is used to quantify intraoperative blood loss. The dry mass minus the wet mass of the gauze equals the volume of blood lost. This method assumes that the density of blood is equivalent to water (1 gm/mL). This study’s purpose was to validate the assumption that the density of blood is equivalent to water and to correlate density with hematocrit. Methods. 50 µL of whole blood was weighed from eighteen rats. A distilled water control was weighed for each blood sample. The averages of the blood and water were compared utilizing a Student’s unpaired, one-tailed t-test. The masses of the blood samples and the hematocrits were compared using a linear regression. Results. The average mass of the eighteen blood samples was 0.0489 g and that of the distilled water controls was 0.0492 g. The t-test showed P=0.2269 and R2=0.03154. The hematocrit values ranged from 24% to 48%. The linear regression R2 value was 0.1767. Conclusions. The R2 value comparing the blood and distilled water masses suggests high correlation between the two populations. Linear regression showed the hematocrit was not proportional to the mass of the blood. The study confirmed that the measured density of blood is similar to water.
Temperature and pH Responsive Microfibers for Controllable and Variable Ibuprofen Delivery
Authors: Tran Toan , Hernandez Mariana , Patel Dhruvil , Wu Ji
Published: January 2015

Electrospun microfibers (MFs) composed of pH and temperature responsive polymers can be used for controllable and variable delivery of ibuprofen. First, electrospinning technique was employed to prepare poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) (pNIPAM-co-MAA) MFs containing ibuprofen. It was found that drug release rates from PCL MFs cannot be significantly varied by either temperature (22–40°C) or pH values (1.7–7.4). In contrast, the ibuprofen (IP) diffusion rates from pNIPAM-co-MAA MFs were very sensitive to changes in both temperature and pH. The IP release from pNIPAM-co-MAA MFs was highly linear and controllable when the temperature was above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of pNIPAM-co-MAA (33°C) and the pH was lower than thepKaof carboxylic acids (pH 2). At room temperature, however, the release rate was dramatically increased by nearly ten times compared to that at higher temperature and lower pH. Such a unique and controllable drug delivery system could be naturally envisioned to find many practical applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences such as programmable transdermal drug delivery.
An Unusual Occurrence of Hepatic Granulomas and Secondary Sitosterolemia in Turner Syndrome
Authors: Chintanaboina JayaKrishna , Shah Pragnesh R. , Riley Thomas R.
Published: January 2015

Although abnormal liver function tests occur in 50–80% of cases with Turner syndrome, there are no previous reports of overt hepatic disease or hepatic granulomas associated with Turner’s syndrome. We report three cases of Turner syndrome associated with hepatic granulomas with a wide range of liver dysfunction. Of the three patients, first patient underwent liver transplantation; second patient remained stable on immunosuppressants; and third patient died from complications of decompensated liver cirrhosis as she declined liver transplantation due to multiple comorbidities. One patient had sitosterolemia, a rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder of cholesterol metabolism, after she ingestedβ-sitosterol supplement and had worsening liver function tests and lipid panel. She had remarkably abnormal lipid panel that responded to ezetimibe and by stopping theβ-sitosterol supplement.
Dairy Consumption and Insulin Resistance: The Role of Body Fat, Physical Activity, and Energy Intake
Authors: Tucker Larry A. , Erickson Andrea , LeCheminant James D. , Bailey Bruce W.
Published: January 2015

The relationship between dairy consumption and insulin resistance was ascertained in 272 middle-aged, nondiabetic women using a cross-sectional design. Participants kept 7-day, weighed food records to report their diets, including dairy intake. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). The Bod Pod was used to measure body fat percentage, and accelerometry for 7 days was used to objectively index physical activity. Regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which mean HOMA levels differed across low, moderate, and high dairy intake categories. Results showed that women in the highest quartile of dairy consumption had significantly greater log-transformed HOMA values (0.41 ± 0.53) than those in the middle-two quartiles (0.22 ± 0.55) or the lowest quartile (0.19 ± 0.58) (F= 6.90,P= 0.0091). The association remained significant after controlling for each potential confounder individually and all covariates simultaneously. Adjusting for differences in energy intake weakened the relationship most, but the association remained significant. Of the 11 potential confounders, only protein intake differed significantly across the dairy categories, with those consuming high dairy also consuming more total protein than their counterparts. Apparently, high dairy intake is a significant predictor of insulin resistance in middle-aged, nondiabetic women.
Adaptation, Ecology, and Evolution of the Halophilic Stromatolite ArchaeonHalococcus hamelinensisInferred through Genome Analyses
Authors: Gudhka Reema K. , Neilan Brett A. , Burns Brendan P.
Published: January 2015

Halococcus hamelinensiswas the first archaeon isolated from stromatolites. These geomicrobial ecosystems are thought to be some of the earliest known on Earth, yet, despite their evolutionary significance, the role of Archaea in these systems is still not well understood. Detailed here is the genome sequencing and analysis of an archaeon isolated from stromatolites. The genome ofH. hamelinensisconsisted of 3,133,046 base pairs with an average G+C content of 60.08% and contained 3,150 predicted coding sequences or ORFs, 2,196 (68.67%) of which were protein-coding genes with functional assignments and 954 (29.83%) of which were of unknown function. Codon usage of theH. hamelinensisgenome was consistent with a highly acidic proteome, a major adaptive mechanism towards high salinity. Amino acid transport and metabolism, inorganic ion transport and metabolism, energy production and conversion, ribosomal structure, and unknown function COG genes were overrepresented. The genome ofH. hamelinensisalso revealed characteristics reflecting its survival in its extreme environment, including putative genes/pathways involved in osmoprotection, oxidative stress response, and UV damage repair. Finally, genome analyses indicated the presence of putative transposases as well as positive matches of genes ofH. hamelinensisagainst various genomes of Bacteria, Archaea, and viruses, suggesting the potential for horizontal gene transfer.
Effect of Surface Roughness on the Squeeze Film Characteristics of Circular Plates in the Presence of Conducting Couplestress Fluid and Transverse Magnetic Field
Authors: Fathima Syeda Tasneem , Naduvinamani N. B. , Santhosh Kumar J. , Hanumagowda B. N.
Published: January 2015

The combined effect of surface roughness and magnetic field on the performance characteristic of the circular plates lubricated with conducting couplestress fluid (CCSF) has been studied. On the basis of the Christensen Stochastic model, the generalized stochastic Reynold’s equation is derived. Modified equations for the nondimensional pressure, load load-carrying capacity, and squeeze film time are derived. The results are presented both numerically and graphically and compared with conducting smooth surface case. It is observed that the surface roughness effects are more pronounced for couplestresses as compared to nonconducting Newtonian fluid (NCNF) in the presence of magnetic field.
Fertilizers and Mixed Crop Cultivation of Chromium Tolerant and Sensitive Plants under Chromium Toxicity
Authors: Dheeba B. , Sampathkumar P. , Kannan K.
Published: January 2015

Zea mays(maize) andVigna radiata(green gram) are found to be the chromium (Cr) tolerant and sensitive plants, respectively. In the present paper, we investigate the reduction of the toxicity of Cr in the sensitive plants by the mixed crop cultivation in the field using various amendments. Further, the potassium dichromate was used as the source of hexavalent Cr. The results indicated that Cr adversely affects both the growth and yield of plants. The soil properties vary with Cr and different fertilizer amendments and the yield of both plants were affected by Cr. We conclude that metal accumulation of seeds of green gram was higher than corn and the application of single fertilizer either farm yard manure (FYM) or nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) enhances the growth and yield of both the tolerant and sensitive plants in the mixed crop cultivations.
Immunodiagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis Using Mimotope Peptides Selected from Phage Displayed Combinatorial Libraries
Authors: Toledo-Machado Christina Monerat , Machado de Avila Ricardo Andrez , NGuyen Christophe , Granier Claude , Bueno Lilian Lacerda , Carneiro Claudia Martins , Menezes-Souza Daniel , Carneiro Rubens Antonio , Chávez-Olórtegui Carlos , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio
Published: January 2015

ELISA and RIFI are currently used for serodiagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). The accuracy of these tests is controversial in endemic areas where canine infections byTrypanosoma cruzimay occur. We evaluated the usefulness of synthetic peptides that were selected through phage display technique in the serodiagnosis of CVL. Peptides were chosen based on their ability to bind to IgGs purified from infected dogs pooled sera. We selected three phage clones that reacted only with those IgGs. Peptides were synthesized, polymerized with glutaraldehyde, and used as antigens in ELISA assays. Each individual peptide or a mix of them was reactive with infected dogs serum. The assay was highly sensitive and specific when compared to solubleLeishmaniaantigen that showed cross-reactivity with anti-T. cruziIgGs. Our results demonstrate that phage display technique is useful for selection of peptides that may represent valuable synthetic antigens for an improved serodiagnosis of CVL.
Growth and Blood Parameters of Weaned Crossbred Beef Calves Fed Forage Kale (Brassica oleraceaspp.acephala)
Authors: Chorfi Y. , Couture Y. , Tremblay G. F. , Berthiaume R. , Cinq-Mars D.
Published: January 2015

Forty lightweight calves (206.4±3.2 kg) were randomly distributed to four treatments: (Control) low nutritive value pasture and hay plus 1 kg d−1of rolled barley; (Pasture) management intensive pasture; (Haylage) timothy haylage; and (Kale) 50% timothy haylage −50% kale pasture. Blood samples were analysed for thyroid hormones, liver enzymes, glucose, cholesterol, total proteins (TP), albumin, globulins, and urea-N. At the end of the trial, the Pasture group was the heaviest with323.6±4.2 kg BW and 1.54 kg ADG. Final BW and ADG were similar for the Kale and Haylage groups. Blood T3was higher for Kale than for the other groups. The T3/T4ratio was greater for Control at the end of the experiment. There were no treatment differences for T4, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), cholesterol, and glucose. Blood urea-N was lower for Kale and higher for Pasture; however albumin concentrations were greater for Pasture and similar for other treatments. Except for the Control group, calves had a lower concentration of circulating globulins at the end than at the beginning of the experiment. This study showed that Kale could be fed to backgrounding calves without detrimental effects on performance.
Transcriptional and Biochemical Effects of Cadmium and Manganese on the Defense System ofOctopus vulgarisParalarvae
Authors: Nicosia Aldo , Salamone Monica , Mazzola Salvatore , Cuttitta Angela
Published: January 2015

Due to anthropogenic activities the relative concentrations of cadmium and manganese have increased in the marine environment. Cephalopods are able to accumulate such metals and, as inhabitant of coastal waters,Octopus vulgarisis continuously exposed to anthropogenic activities. Since no study is available on the effects of heavy metals at molecular level in developing octopuses, herein we exposed 1-day-old paralarvae for 24 h to 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L of CdCl2or MnCl2. Cd exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition of survival and a reduction in growth rate was shown while Mn exposure did not affect the survival rate even at the highest concentrations. Gene expression profiles ofhsp70, sod, cat, andgstgenes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and defined patterns of transcription were observed. Moreover posttranscriptional analyses were also performed suggesting the impairment of metabolic functions, under strong oxidative conditions (as occurred in paralarvae exposed to Cd) or the complete detoxification events (as occurred in paralarvae exposed to Mn).
Littoral Cell Angioma in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Johansson Joel , Björnsson Bergthor , Ignatova Simone , Sandström Per , Ekstedt Mattias
Published: January 2015

Littoral cell angioma is a rare vascular tumor of the spleen. The pathogenesis is unknown but the lesion is associated with several malignancies and immunological disorders. The diagnosis requires histopathological examination. The malignant potential of this lesion is unknown, which is why splenectomy is recommend for all cases. Symptomatic cases generally suffer from hypersplenism and pyrexia. A previously healthy 20-year-old female was diagnosed with colonic Crohn’s disease; as part of the work-up a magnetic resonance enterography was performed which showed multiple signal changes of the spleen. The patient reported chronic abdominal pain in the left upper quadrant, malaise, and fever. The unknown splenic lesions prompted a laparoscopic splenectomy; pathology revealed a littoral cell angioma. The abdominal pain and malaise remitted but the fever persisted one year despite adequate treatment of the patient’s Crohn’s disease. Littoral cell angioma is associated with immune-dysregulation including Crohn’s disease with several reported cases. Signs and symptoms of hypersplenism and splenic lesions on imaging should raise suspicion of littoral cell angioma in patients with Crohn’s disease. Magnetic resonance enterography to assess disease severity in Crohn’s disease may provide an opportunity to study the prevalence and natural history of this rare splenic tumor.
Optimal Control Method of Parabolic Partial Differential Equations and Its Application to Heat Transfer Model in Continuous Cast Secondary Cooling Zone
Authors: Wang Yuan , Luo Xiaochuan , Li Sai
Published: January 2015

Our work is devoted to a class of optimal control problems of parabolic partial differential equations. Because of the partial differential equations constraints, it is rather difficult to solve the optimization problem. The gradient of the cost function can be found by the adjoint problem approach. Based on the adjoint problem approach, the gradient of cost function is proved to be Lipschitz continuous. An improved conjugate method is applied to solve this optimization problem and this algorithm is proved to be convergent. This method is applied to set-point values in continuous cast secondary cooling zone. Based on the real data in a plant, the simulation experiments show that the method can ensure the steel billet quality. From these experiment results, it is concluded that the improved conjugate gradient algorithm is convergent and the method is effective in optimal control problem of partial differential equations.
Therapeutic Effects of PPARαon Neuronal Death and Microvascular Impairment
Authors: Moran Elizabeth P. , Ma Jian-xing
Published: January 2015

Peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) is a broadly expressed nuclear hormone receptor and is a transcription factor for diverse target genes possessing a PPAR response element (PPRE) in the promoter region. The PPRE is highly conserved, and PPARs thus regulate transcription of an extensive array of target genes involved in energy metabolism, vascular function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and many other biological processes. PPARαhas potent protective effects against neuronal cell death and microvascular impairment, which have been attributed in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here we discuss PPARα’s effects in neurodegenerative and microvascular diseases and also recent clinical findings that identified therapeutic effects of a PPARαagonist in diabetic microvascular complications.
Precipitation over Northern South America and Its Seasonal Variability as Simulated by the CMIP5 Models
Authors: Sierra Juan P. , Arias Paola A. , Vieira Sara C.
Published: January 2015

Northern South America is identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to be affected by climate change. Furthermore, recent extreme wet seasons over the region have induced socioeconomic impacts of wide proportions. Hence, the evaluation of rainfall simulations at seasonal and interannual time scales by the CMIP5 models is urgently required. Here, we evaluated the ability of seven CMIP5 models (selected based on literature review) to represent the seasonal mean precipitation and its interannual variability over northern South America. Our results suggest that it is easier for models to reproduce rainfall distribution during boreal summer and fall over both oceans and land. This is probably due to the fact that during these seasons, incoming radiation and ocean-atmosphere feedbacks over Atlantic and Pacific oceans locate the ITCZ on the Northern Hemisphere, as suggested by previous studies. Models exhibit the worse simulations during boreal winter and spring, when these processes have opposite effects locating the ITCZ. Our results suggest that the models with a better representation of the oceanic ITCZ and the local low-level jets over northern South America, such as the Choco low-level jet, are able to realistically simulate the main features of seasonal precipitation pattern over northern South America.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Ni‐Doped Zn(Se,S) Quantum Dots
Authors: Cruz-Acuña Melissa , Bailón-Ruiz Sonia , Marti-Figueroa Carlos R. , Cruz-Acuña Ricardo , Perales-Pérez Oscar J.
Published: January 2015

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals with desirable optical properties for biological applications, such as bioimaging and drug delivery. However, the potential toxicity of these nanostructures in biological systems limits their application. The present work is focused on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the toxicity of water‐stable Ni‐doped Zn(Se,S) QDs. Also, the study of nondoped nanostructures was included for comparison purposes. Ni‐doped nanostructures were produced from zinc chloride and selenide aqueous solutions in presence of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid and Ni molar concentration of 0.001 M. In order to evaluate the potential cytoxicity of these doped nanostructures, human pancreatic carcinoma cells (PANC‐1) were used as model. The cell viability was monitored in presence of Ni‐doped Zn(Se,S) QDs at concentrations ranging from 0 μg/mL to 500 μg/mL and light excited Ni‐doped Zn(Se,S) nanostructures were evaluated at 50 μg/mL. Results suggested that Ni‐doped Zn(Se,S) nanostructures were completely safe to PANC‐1 when concentrations from 0 μg/mL to 500 μg/mL were used, whereas non‐doped nanostructures evidenced toxicity at concentrations higher than 200 μg/mL. Also, Ni‐doped Zn(Se,S) QDs under light excitation do not evidence toxicity to PANC‐1. These findings suggest strongly that Zn(Se,S) nanostructures doped with nickel could be used in a safe manner in light‐driving biological applications and drug delivery.
Analysis of an Underground Vertical Electrically Small Wire Antenna
Authors: Dong Shuwei , Yao Aiguo , Meng Fanhe
Published: January 2015

The problem considered is a vertical electrically small wire antenna located underground, which transmits electromagnetic signals to the ground. Getting Green’s function of the vertical dipole underground was the first step to calculate this issue. A quasistatic situation was considered to make an approximation on Sommerfeld integral for easy solution. The method of moments was used to solve the current distribution on the antenna surface at different frequencies, which laid a good foundation for obtaining the electric field of the antenna. Then the axial and radial components of the electric field with the radial distance on the ground were investigated, as well as the voltage received on the ground. Furthermore, the influence of the frequency and stratum parameters on current and electric field was studied to understand the variation clearly.
Heat Transfer Enhancement and Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Nanofluid in Turbulent Flow Regime
Authors: Nasiri-lohesara Mohammad
Published: January 2015

Turbulent forced convection ofγ-Al2O3/water nanofluid in a concentric double tube heat exchanger has been investigated numerically using mixture two-phase model. Nanofluids are used as coolants flowing in the inner tube while hot pure water flows in outer tube. The studies are conducted for Reynolds numbers ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 and nanoparticle volume fractions of 2, 3, 4, and 6 percent. Results showed that nanofluid has no effects on fully developed length and average heat transfer coefficient enhances with lower slope than wall shear stress. Comparisons with experimental correlation in literature are conducted and good agreement with present numerical study is achieved.
Seminoma Presenting as Renal Mass, Inferior Vena Caval Thrombus, and Regressed Testicular Mass
Authors: Raup Valary T. , Johnson Michael H. , Weese Jonathan R. , Hagemann Ian S. , Marshall Stephen D. , Brandes Steven B.
Published: January 2015

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy of men aged 15–40. Metastatic spread classically begins with involvement of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, with metastases to the liver, lung, bone, and brain representing advancing disease. Treatment is based on pathologic analysis of the excised testicle and presence of elevated tumor markers. We report a case of a 34-year-old male presenting with back pain who was found to have a right renal mass with tumor extension into the inferior vena cava. Subsequent biopsy was consistent with seminoma. We review this rare case and discuss the literature regarding its diagnosis and management.
Evaluation of the Effective Temperature of Sunspots Using Molecular Parameters of AlF
Authors: Balachandrakumar K. , Raja V. , Karthikeyan B. , Bagare S. P. , Rajamanickam N.
Published: January 2015

The physical conditions of celestial objects can be analyzed using the spectrum of atoms or molecules present in the object. The present work focuses on the spectroscopic analysis of astrophysically significant molecule AlF. The evaluation of Franck-Condon (FC) factors andr-centroids is done by a numerical integration procedure using the suitable potential energy curves forC1Σ+-A1Σ+,b3Σ+-a3Πr,c3Σ-a3Πr, andf3Π-a3Πrband systems of AlF molecule. The intensity of various bands is discussed with the help of derived FC factors. The band degradation and the nature of potential energy curves are studied usingr-centroid values. The vibrational temperature of sunspot is estimated to be around 1220 ± 130 K which falls in the reported temperature range of cold sunspots.
Applied Circular Dichroism: A Facile Spectroscopic Tool for Configurational Assignment and Determination of Enantiopurity
Authors: Okuom Macduff O. , Burks Raychelle , Naylor Crysta , Holmes Andrea E.
Published: January 2015

In order to determine if electronic circular dichroism (ECD) is a good tool for the qualitative evaluation of absolute configuration and enantiopurity in the absence of chiral high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ECD studies were performed on several prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. Cotton effects (CE) were observed for both S and R isomers between 200 and 300 nm. For the drugs examined in this study, the S isomers showed a negative CE, while the R isomers displayed a positive CE. The ECD spectra of both enantiomers were nearly mirror images, with the amplitude proportional to the enantiopurity. Plotting the differential extinction coefficient (Δε) versus enantiopurity at the wavelength of maximum amplitude yielded linear standard curves with coefficients of determination (R2) greater than 97% for both isomers in all cases. As expected, Equate, Advil, and Motrin, each containing a racemic mixture of ibuprofen, yielded no chiroptical signal. ECD spectra of Suphedrine and Sudafed revealed that each of them is rich in 1S,2S-pseudoephedrine, while the analysis of Equate vapor inhaler is rich in R-methamphetamine.
Prevalence of Multidrug Resistance amongSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium Isolated from Pig Faeces in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Osei Sekyere John , Adu Francis
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Salmonella typhimuriumis associated with outbreaks of food-borne nontyphoidal salmonellosis (NTS) worldwide with marked multidrug resistance.Objectives.This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistantSalmonella typhimuriumin pigs in Ashanti Region, Ghana.Methods.Faeces from 10 pigs per pig farm were collected and mixed to obtain 108 multiply-composite faecal samples. Standard microbiology and biochemical procedures were used to isolate and identify anS. typhimuriumisolate from the composite faecal sample of each farm. Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out to determine the sensitivity of the isolates.Discussion.From the 108 multiply-composite faecal samples, 72S. typhimuriumisolates were obtained from 72 separate composite samples representing 72 different pig farms. Of the 72 faecal isolates, 32 (52.8%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Twenty-seven isolates (71.1%) were resistant to amoxicillin and streptomycin. Resistance to tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin was found in 17 (44.7%), 15 (39.5%), and 8 (21.1%) isolates, respectively. Resistance to norfloxacin, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and gentamicin were expressed in 3 (7.9%), 3 (7.9%), and 0 (0.0%) isolates, respectively.Conclusion.Multiple drug resistance is common inS. typhimuriumisolates, many of which could belong to the same clone, from pigs in Ashanti Region, Ghana.
High In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Pac-525 againstPorphyromonas gingivalisBiofilms Cultured on Titanium
Authors: Li Ji-yin , Wang Xue-jin , Wang Li-na , Ying Xiao-xia , Ren Xiang , Liu Hui-ying , Xu Li , Ma Guo-wu
Published: January 2015

In order to investigate the potential of short antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternative antibacterial agents during the treatment of peri-implantitis, the cytotoxic activity of three short AMPs, that is, Pac-525, KSL-W, and KSL, was determined using the MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of these AMPs, ranging in concentration from 0.0039 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL, against the predominant planktonic pathogens, includingStreptococcus sanguis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, andPorphyromonas gingivalis, involved in peri-implantitis was investigated. Furthermore, 2-day-oldP. gingivalisbiofilms cultured on titanium surfaces were treated with Pac-525 and subsequently observed and analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The average cell proliferation curve indicated that there was no cytotoxicity due to the three short AMPs. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of Pac-525 were 0.0625 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL, respectively, forP. gingivalisand 0.0078 mg/mL and 0.0156 mg/mL, respectively, forF. nucleatum. Using CLSM, we confirmed that compared to 0.1% chlorhexidine, 0.5 mg/mL of Pac-525 caused a significant decrease in biofilm thickness and a decline in the percentage of live bacteria. These data indicate that Pac-525 has unique properties that might make it suitable for the inhibition the growth of pathogenic bacteria around dental implants.
Bayesian Estimation of Inequality and Poverty Indices in Case of Pareto Distribution Using Different Priors under LINEX Loss Function
Authors: Kaur Kamaljit , Arora Sangeeta , Mahajan Kalpana K.
Published: January 2015

Bayesian estimators of Gini index and a Poverty measure are obtained in case of Pareto distribution under censored and complete setup. The said estimators are obtained using two noninformative priors, namely, uniform prior and Jeffreys’ prior, and one conjugate prior under the assumption of Linear Exponential (LINEX) loss function. Using simulation techniques, the relative efficiency of proposed estimators using different priors and loss functions is obtained. The performances of the proposed estimators have been compared on the basis of their simulated risks obtained under LINEX loss function.
An Expedient Synthesis, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity, and Molecular Modeling Study of Highly Functionalized Hexahydro-1,6-naphthyridines
Authors: Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Suresh Kumar Raju , Arumugam Natarajan , Basiri Alireza , Kia Yalda , Ashraf Ali Mohamed
Published: January 2015

A series of hexahydro-1,6-naphthyridines were synthesized in good yields by the reaction of 3,5-bis[(E)-arylmethylidene]tetrahydro-4(1H)-pyridinones with cyanoacetamide in the presence of sodium ethoxide under simple mixing at ambient temperature for 6–10 minutes and were assayed for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity using colorimetric Ellman’s method. Compound4ewith methoxy substituent atortho-position of the phenyl rings displayed the maximum inhibitory activity with IC50value of 2.12 μM. Molecular modeling simulation of4ewas performed using three-dimensional structure ofTorpedo californicaAChE (TcAChE) enzyme to disclose binding interaction and orientation of this molecule into the active site gorge of the receptor.
Synergy between HDAC and PARP Inhibitors on Proliferation of a Human Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer-Derived Cell Line
Authors: Baldan Federica , Mio Catia , Allegri Lorenzo , Puppin Cinzia , Russo Diego , Filetti Sebastiano , Damante Giuseppe
Published: January 2015

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a very aggressive human malignancy, having a marked degree of invasiveness and no features of thyroid differentiation. It is known that either HDAC inhibitors or PARP inhibitors have antiproliferative effects on thyroid cancer cells. Therefore, in this study the possible synergy between the two types of compounds has been investigated. The ATC-derived cell line SW1736 has been treated with the HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and the PARP inhibitor PJ34, alone or in combination. In terms of cell viability, the combination index value was always lower than 1 at various tested dosages, indicating, therefore, synergy in a wide range of doses for both compounds. Synergy was also observed in induction of apoptosis. In terms of thyroid-specific gene expression, synergy was observed for TSHR mRNA levels but not for NIS, TTF1, TTF2, and PAX8 mRNA levels. Altogether, these data suggest that the combined use of HDAC and PARP inhibitors may be a useful strategy for treatment of ATC.
German Translation and Validation of the “Freezing of Gait Questionnaire” in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Vogler Anina , Janssens Jorina , Nyffeler Thomas , Bohlhalter Stephan , Vanbellingen Tim
Published: January 2015

Background. Freezing of Gait (FOG) is a disabling parkinsonian symptom. The Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q) reliably detects FOG in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop a German translated version of the FOG-Q and to assess its validity.Methods. The translation was accomplished using forward-backward-translation. The construct validity of the FOG-Q was examined in twenty-seven German native speaking PD patients. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the FOG-Q with the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) II-III, the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Divergent validity was assessed by correlating the FOG-Q with the MDS-UPDRS I. The internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha (Cα).Results. A good internal structure of the FOG-Q was found (Cα=0.83). Significant moderate correlations between the FOG-Q and the MDS-UPDRS item 2.13 (freezing) (rs=0.568,P=0.002) and between the FOG-Q and the PDQ-39 subscale mobility (rs=0.516,P=0.006) were found. The lack of correlation with the MDS-UPDRS I demonstrated good divergent validity.Conclusion. The German FOG-Q is a valid tool to assess FOG in German native speaking PD patients.
Automatic Epileptic Seizure Detection Using Scalp EEG and Advanced Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Fergus Paul , Hignett David , Hussain Abir , Al-Jumeily Dhiya , Abdel-Aziz Khaled
Published: January 2015

The epilepsies are a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders and syndromes characterised by recurrent, involuntary, paroxysmal seizure activity, which is often associated with a clinicoelectrical correlate on the electroencephalogram. The diagnosis of epilepsy is usually made by a neurologist but can be difficult to be made in the early stages. Supporting paraclinical evidence obtained from magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography may enable clinicians to make a diagnosis of epilepsy and investigate treatment earlier. However, electroencephalogram capture and interpretation are time consuming and can be expensive due to the need for trained specialists to perform the interpretation. Automated detection of correlates of seizure activity may be a solution. In this paper, we present a supervised machine learning approach that classifies seizure and nonseizure records using an open dataset containing 342 records. Our results show an improvement on existing studies by as much as 10% in most cases with a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 94%, and area under the curve of 98% with a 6% global error using ak-class nearest neighbour classifier. We propose that such an approach could have clinical applications in the investigation of patients with suspected seizure disorders.
Constitutive Activation of Myosin-Dependent Contractility Sensitizes Glioma Tumor-Initiating Cells to Mechanical Inputs and Reduces Tissue Invasion
Authors: Wong Sophie Y. , Ulrich Theresa A. , Deleyrolle Loic P. , MacKay Joanna L. , Lin Jung-Ming G. , Martuscello Regina T. , Jundi Musa A. , Reynolds Brent A. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: January 2015

Tumor-initiating cells (TIC) perpetuate tumor growth, enable therapeutic resistance, and drive initiation of successive tumors. Virtually nothing is known about the role of mechanotransductive signaling in controlling TIC tumorigenesis, despite the recognized importance of altered mechanics in tissue dysplasia and the common observation that extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness strongly regulates cell behavior. To address this open question, we cultured primary human glioblastoma (GBM) TICs on laminin-functionalized ECMs spanning a range of stiffnesses. Surprisingly, we found that these cells were largely insensitive to ECM stiffness cues, evading the inhibition of spreading, migration, and proliferation typically imposed by compliant ECMs. We hypothesized that this insensitivity may result from insufficient generation of myosin-dependent contractile force. Indeed, we found that both pharmacologic and genetic activation of cell contractility through RhoA GTPase, Rho-associated kinase, or myosin light chain kinase restored stiffness-dependent spreading and motility, with TICs adopting the expected rounded and nonmotile phenotype on soft ECMs. Moreover, constitutive activation of RhoA restricted three-dimensional invasion in both spheroid implantation and Transwell paradigms. Orthotopic xenotransplantation studies revealed that control TICs formed tumors with classical GBM histopathology including diffuse infiltration and secondary foci, whereas TICs expressing a constitutively active mutant of RhoA produced circumscribed masses and yielded a 30% enhancement in mean survival time. This is the first direct evidence that manipulation of mechanotransductive signaling can alter the tumor-initiating capacity of GBM TICs, supporting further exploration of these signals as potential therapeutic targets and predictors of tumor-initiating capacity within heterogeneous tumor cell populations. Cancer Res; 75(6); 1113–22. ©2015 AACR.
Targeting of Runx2 by miR-135 and miR-203 Impairs Progression of Breast Cancer and Metastatic Bone Disease
Authors: Taipaleenmäki Hanna , Browne Gillian , Akech Jacqueline , Zustin Jozef , van Wijnen Andre J. , Stein Janet L. , Hesse Eric , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B.
Published: January 2015

Progression of breast cancer to metastatic bone disease is linked to deregulated expression of the transcription factor Runx2. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the potential for clinical use of Runx2-targeting miRNAs to reduce tumor growth and bone metastatic burden. Expression analysis of a panel of miRNAs regulating Runx2 revealed a reciprocal relationship between the abundance of Runx2 protein and two miRNAs, miR-135 and miR-203. These miRNAs are highly expressed in normal breast epithelial cells where Runx2 is not detected, and absent in metastatic breast cancer cells and tissue biopsies that express Runx2. Reconstituting metastatic MDA-MB-231-luc cells with miR-135 and miR-203 reduced the abundance of Runx2 and expression of the metastasis-promoting Runx2 target genes IL11, MMP-13, and PTHrP. In addition, tumor cell viability was decreased and migration suppressed in vitro. Orthotopic implantation of MDA-MB-231-luc cells delivered with miR-135 or miR-203, followed by an intratumoral administration of the synthetic miRNAs, reduced the tumor growth and spontaneous metastasis to bone. Furthermore, intratibial injection of these miRNA-delivered cells impaired tumor growth in the bone environment and inhibited bone resorption. Importantly, reconstitution of Runx2 in MDA-MB-231-luc cells delivered with miR-135 and miR-203 reversed the inhibitory effect of the miRNAs on tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, we have identified that aberrant expression of Runx2 in aggressive tumor cells is related to the loss of specific Runx2-targeting miRNAs and that a clinically relevant replacement strategy by delivery of synthetic miRNAs is a candidate for a therapeutic approach to prevent metastatic bone disease by this route. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1433–44. ©2015 AACR.
Combination of Lenalidomide and Rituximab Overcomes Rituximab Resistance in Patients with Indolent B-cell and Mantle Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Chong Elise A. , Ahmadi Tahamtan , Aqui Nicole A. , Svoboda Jakub , Nasta Sunita D. , Mato Anthony R. , Walsh Kristy M. , Schuster Stephen J.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory agent that enhances antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, has the potential to synergize with rituximab, an anti-CD20 mAb. We hypothesized that the addition of lenalidomide to rituximab would improve clinical outcomes in patients with B-cell lymphomas who were previously rituximab resistant, defined as no response to or progression of lymphoma within 6 months of rituximab-based therapy.

Experimental Design: We conducted a single-center, phase II trial in patients with indolent B-cell or mantle cell lymphomas who were previously rituximab resistant. Patients received 10 mg lenalidomide daily for 8 weeks, and then received four weekly doses of 375 mg/m2 rituximab; lenalidomide continued during and after rituximab. Response to therapy was assessed after 8 weeks of lenalidomide and 12 weeks after first dose of rituximab. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) after lenalidomide and rituximab.

Results: Fifty patients were enrolled and 43 patients completed both response assessments. ORR after 8 weeks of lenalidomide was 30.2%; 12 weeks after the addition of rituximab to lenalidomide, ORR increased to 62.8% (N = 43). For all patients (N = 50), median progression-free survival (PFS) is 22.2 months (median follow-up, 39.2 months). PFS after lenalidomide–rituximab was significantly longer than the PFS for the antecedent regimen used to define rituximab resistance (22.2 vs. 9.13 months, P = 0.0004).

Conclusions: This trial is the first to show that the combination of lenalidomide and rituximab overcomes prior rituximab resistance in patients with indolent B-cell and mantle cell lymphomas. Clin Cancer Res; 21(8); 1835–42. ©2015 AACR.
Paracrine Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Conditioned Medium on Microglial Cytokines Expression and Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Ooi Yin Yin , Dheen S. Thameem , Sam Wah Tay Samuel
Published: January 2015

Background/Aim: Microglia, the resident macrophages in the central nervous system, secrete various proinflammatory cytokines and undergo proliferation upon activation in various neurodegenerative diseases. Activation of microglia has been implicated in exacerbation of various neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, it has been proposed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have immunosuppressive properties and the potential to moderate inflammation. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) in modulating microglial activation by analyzing microglial proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-10], signaling pathway molecules [NFκB, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and MKP-1) and NO production. Methods: Immortalized murine microglia cell line, BV2 microglia and primary microglia isolated from C57BL/6 mouse pup brains were used in this study. Mouse MSC were isolated from the male C57BL/6 mouse tibia and fibula. The effects of MSC-CM on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and signaling molecules in microglia were elucidated using RT-PCR, immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot analysis. NO production in microglia was assessed using a Griess kit. Results: MSC-CM significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-a) in microglia activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, MSC-CM significantly reduced the protein expression of NFκB, JNK and c-Jun, but increased the expression levels of IL-10 and MKP-1 in activated BV2 microglia. NO production and iNOS expression by BV2 microglia in MSC-CM were increased. Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest that MSC immunomodulate microglial activities through paracrine effects.
Dilemmas in Prenatal Chromosomal Diagnosis Revealed Through a Single Center's 30 Years' Experience and 90,000 Cases
Authors: Konialis Christopher , Pangalos Constantinos , InterGenetics .
Published: January 2015

Introduction: The aim of this article is to provide a perspective of prenatal chromosomal diagnosis (PCD) derived from a single center's evolving experience from ∼90,000 consecutive prenatal cases and to highlight important issues and current dilemmas. Materials and Methods: Prenatal cases in this study (1985-2013) were referred for various indications, and PCD was performed by standard karyotype in 84,255 cases, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) panel in 3,010 cases and standalone array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in 3,122 cases. Results: Classic karyotype revealed 1.7 and 7.9% of pathological cases in amniotic fluid and CVS samples, respectively, with common aneuploidies accounting for 59.6 and 64.3% of the total abnormal. Molecular approaches increased the diagnostic yield by 0.6% for MLPA and 1.6% for aCGH, uncovering pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities undetectable by karyotype analysis. Conclusions: Current molecular diagnostic capabilities and the recent introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) point to one current major dilemma in PCD, with serious implications in genetic counseling, relating on the one hand to reaping the benefits from the high detection rate afforded through aCGH but accepting an invasive risk, and on the other hand, offering a lower detection rate practically only for Down syndrome, with minimal invasive risk.
Acrobatic Courtship Display Coevolves with Brain Size in Manakins (Pipridae)
Authors: Lindsay Willow R. , Houck Justin T. , Giuliano Claire E. , Day Lainy B.
Published: January 2015

Acrobatic display behaviour is sexually selected in manakins (Pipridae) and can place high demands on many neural systems. Manakin displays vary across species in terms of behavioural complexity, differing in number of unique motor elements, production of mechanical sounds, cooperation between displaying males, and construction of the display site. Historically, research emphasis has been placed on neurological specializations for vocal aspects of courtship, and less is known about the control of physical, non-vocal displays. By examining brain evolution in relation to extreme acrobatic feats such as manakin displays, we can vastly expand our knowledge of how sexual selection acts on motor behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that sexual selection for complex motor displays has selected for larger brains across the Pipridae. We found that display complexity positively predicts relative brain weight (adjusted for body size) after controlling for phylogeny in 12 manakin species and a closely related flycatcher. This evidence suggests that brain size has evolved in response to sexual selection to facilitate aspects of display such as motor, sensorimotor, perceptual, and cognitive abilities. We show, for the first time, that sexual selection for acrobatic motor behaviour can drive brain size evolution in avian species and, in particular, a family of suboscine birds.
Impact of S-1 plus Cisplatin Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Scirrhous Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kunisaki Chikara , Makino Hirochika , Kimura Jun , Takagawa Ryo , Kanazawa Amane , Ota Mitsuyoshi , Kosaka Takashi , Ono Hidetaka A. , Akiyama Hirotoshi , Endo Itaru
Published: January 2015

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to address the therapeutic outcome for scirrhous gastric cancer patients by evaluating the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to gastrectomy. Methods: Two cycles of a 3-week regimen of fluoropyrimidine S-1 (40 mg/m2, orally, twice daily), together with cisplatin (60 mg/m2, intravenously, day 8), were administered to patients, separated by a 2-week rest period. Surgery was performed 3 weeks later in the neoadjuvant group (n = 27). We retrospectively evaluated overall survival and prognostic factors in these patients. Results: Univariate analysis showed that positive lavage cytology indicated significantly worse prognoses. In the 15 patients who also underwent curative gastrectomies after S-1 plus cisplatin chemotherapy, the pathological response grade was a significant prognostic factor for 5-year survival. Additionally, lymph node metastasis tended to be an adverse prognostic factor. Conclusion: After S-1 plus cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a grade 2-3 pathological response may predict favorable outcomes in scirrhous gastric cancer patients receiving curative gastrectomy, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.