bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially Explicit Metrics of Species Diversity, Functional Diversity, and Phylogenetic Diversity: Insights into Plant Community Assembly Processes
Authors: Wiegand Thorsten , Uriarte María , Kraft Nathan J.B. , Shen Guochun , Wang Xugao , He Fangliang
Published: August 2017

Spatial processes underlie major species coexistence mechanisms. A range of spatial analysis techniques are increasingly applied to data of fully mapped communities to quantify spatial structures in species and phylogenetic and functional diversity at some given spatial scale with the goal of gaining insights into processes of community assembly and dynamics. We review these techniques, including spatial point pattern analysis, quadrat-based analyses, and individual-based neighborhood models, and provide a practical roadmap for ecologists in the analysis of local spatial structures in species and phylogenetic and functional diversity. We show how scale-dependent metrics of spatial diversity can be used in concert with ecological null models, statistical models, and dynamic community simulation models to detect spatial patterns, reveal the influence of the biotic neighborhood on plant performance, and quantify the relative contribution of species interactions, habitat heterogeneity, and stochastic processes to community assembly across scale. Future works should integrate these approaches into a dynamic spatiotemporal framework.
Attitudes and Attitude Change
Authors: Albarracin Dolores , Shavitt Sharon
Published: August 2017

This review covers research on attitudes and attitude change published between 2010 and 2017. We characterize this period as one of significant progress toward an understanding of how attitudes form and change in three critical contexts. The first context is the person, as attitudes change in connection to values, general goals, language, emotions, and human development. The second context is social relationships, which link attitude change to the communicator of persuasive messages, social media, and culture. The third context is sociohistorical and highlights the influence of unique events, including sociopolitical, economic, and climatic occurrences. In conclusion, many important recent findings reflect the fact that holism, with a focus on situating attitudes within their personal, social, and historical contexts, has become the zeitgeist of attitude research during this period.
Ammonia modifies enteric neuromuscular transmission through glial γ-aminobutyric acid signaling
Authors: Fried David E. , Watson Ralph E. , Robson Simon C. , Gulbransen Brian D.
Published: August 2017

Impaired gut motility may contribute, at least in part, to the development of systemic hyperammonemia and systemic neurological disorders in inherited metabolic disorders, or in severe liver and renal disease. It is not known whether enteric neurotransmission regulates intestinal luminal and hence systemic ammonia levels by induced changes in motility. Here, we propose and test the hypothesis that ammonia acts through specific enteric circuits to influence gut motility. We tested our hypothesis by recording the effects of ammonia on neuromuscular transmission in tissue samples from mice, pigs, and humans and investigated specific mechanisms using novel mutant mice, selective drugs, cellular imaging, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Exogenous ammonia increased neurogenic contractions and decreased neurogenic relaxations in segments of mouse, pig, and human intestine. Enteric glial cells responded to ammonia with intracellular Ca2+responses. Inhibition of glutamine synthetase and the deletion of glial connexin-43 channels in hGFAP:: CreERT2+/−/connexin43f/fmice potentiated the effects of ammonia on neuromuscular transmission. The effects of ammonia on neuromuscular transmission were blocked by GABAAreceptor antagonists, and ammonia drove substantive GABA release as did the selective pharmacological activation of enteric glia in GFAP::hM3Dq transgenic mice. We propose a novel mechanism whereby local ammonia is operational through GABAergic glial signaling to influence enteric neuromuscular circuits that regulate intestinal motility. Therapeutic manipulation of these mechanisms may benefit a number of neurological, hepatic, and renal disorders manifesting hyperammonemia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose that local circuits in the enteric nervous system sense and regulate intestinal ammonia. We show that ammonia modifies enteric neuromuscular transmission to increase motility in human, pig, and mouse intestine model systems. The mechanisms underlying the effects of ammonia on enteric neurotransmission include GABAergic pathways that are regulated by enteric glial cells. Our new data suggest that myenteric glial cells sense local ammonia and directly modify neurotransmission by releasing GABA.
Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with telomere lengthening
Authors: Polonis Katarzyna , Somers Virend K. , Becari Christiane , Covassin Naima , Schulte Phillip J. , Druliner Brooke R. , Johnson Ruth A. , Narkiewicz Krzysztof , Boardman Lisa A. , Singh Prachi
Published: August 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Telomere shortening is linked to hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Because these conditions are highly prevalent in OSA, we hypothesized that telomere length (TL) would be reduced in OSA patients. We identified 106 OSA and 104 non-OSA subjects who underwent polysomnography evaluation. Quantitative PCR was used to measure telomere length in genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples. The association between OSA and TL was determined using unadjusted and adjusted linear models. There was no difference in TL between the OSA and non-OSA (control) group. However, we observed a J-shaped relationship between TL and OSA severity: the longest TL in moderate-to-severe OSA [4,918 ± 230 (SD) bp] and the shortest TL in mild OSA (4,735 ± 145 bp). Mean TL in moderate-to-severe OSA was significantly longer than in the control group after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and depression (β = 96.0, 95% confidence interval: 15.4–176.6, P = 0.020). In conclusion, moderate-to-severe OSA is associated with telomere lengthening. Our findings support the idea that changes in TL are not unidirectional processes, such that telomere shortening occurs with age and disease but may be prolonged in moderate-to-severe OSA.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we show that moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with longer telomeres, independent of age and cardiovascular risk factors, challenging the hypothesis that telomere shortening is a unidirectional process related to age/disease. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying telomere dynamics may identify targets for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular aging/other chronic diseases.
Hypoxia promotes primitive glycosaminoglycan-rich extracellular matrix composition in developing heart valves
Authors: Amofa Dorothy , Hulin Alexia , Nakada Yuji , Sadek Hesham A. , Yutzey Katherine E.
Published: August 2017

During postnatal heart valve development, glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-rich valve primordia transform into stratified valve leaflets composed of GAGs, fibrillar collagen, and elastin layers accompanied by decreased cell proliferation as well as thinning and elongation. The neonatal period is characterized by the transition from a uterine environment to atmospheric O2, but the role of changing O2 levels in valve extracellular matrix (ECM) composition or morphogenesis is not well characterized. Here, we show that tissue hypoxia decreases in mouse aortic valves in the days after birth, concomitant with ECM remodeling and cell cycle arrest of valve interstitial cells. The effects of hypoxia on late embryonic valve ECM composition, Sox9 expression, and cell proliferation were examined in chicken embryo aortic valve organ cultures. Maintenance of late embryonic chicken aortic valve organ cultures in a hypoxic environment promotes GAG expression, Sox9 nuclear localization, and indicators of hyaluronan remodeling but does not affect fibrillar collagen content or cell proliferation. Chronic hypoxia also promotes GAG accumulation in murine adult heart valves in vivo. Together, these results support a role for hypoxia in maintaining a primitive GAG-rich matrix in developing heart valves before birth and also in the induction of hyaluronan remodeling in adults.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Tissue hypoxia decreases in mouse aortic valves after birth, and exposure to hypoxia promotes glycosaminoglycan accumulation in cultured chicken embryo valves and adult murine heart valves. Thus, hypoxia maintains a primitive extracellular matrix during heart valve development and promotes extracellular matrix remodeling in adult mice, as occurs in myxomatous disease.
Efficacy of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Combined with IFN-α in Chinese Resected Stage III Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Linping , Wang Yaomei , Zhao Lingdi , Kellner Daniel B. , Gao Quanli
Published: August 2017

Background. This study aims to explore the efficacy of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) along with interferon-α (IFN-α) to treat stage III malignant melanoma (MM) patients in China. Methods. Between May 2010 and October 2014, 77 patients of stage III MM who underwent surgery were collected in this study. These patients were divided into two groups: patients who received TIL + IFN-α ± RetroNectin-activated cytokine-induced killer cells (R-CIK) in Arm 1 (n=27) and IFN-α ± R-CIK in Arm 2 (n=50) as adjuvant therapy. The primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) time and DFS rates measured at time points of 1, 2, and 3 years. The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) rates measured at time points of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years as well as OS as evaluated by Kaplan-Meier. Results. Our results indicated that the median DFS and OS in Arm 1 were significantly better than those in Arm 2. The data also demonstrated that DFS rate and OS rates in Arm 1 were significantly better than those in Arm 2 at all measured time points. Conclusion. Patients who undergo surgical excision of stage III MM appear to enjoy prolonged DFS and OS when treated with TIL + IFN-α compared to IFN-α alone.
Antibacterial and Antibiotic-Modifying Activity of Methanol Extracts from Six Cameroonian Food Plants against Multidrug-Resistant Enteric Bacteria
Authors: Dzotam Joachim K. , Kuete Victor
Published: August 2017

The present work was designed to investigate the antibacterial activities of methanol extracts from six Cameroonian edible plants and their synergistic effects with some commonly used antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria expressing active efflux pumps. The extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and the microdilution broth method was used for antibacterial assays. The results of phytochemical tests indicate that all tested crude extracts contained polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, and steroids. Extracts displayed selective antibacterial activities with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 32 to 1024 μg/mL. The lowest MIC value (32 μg/mL) was recorded withCoula edulisextract againstE. coliAG102 andK. pneumoniaeK2 and withMangifera indicabark extract againstP. aeruginosaPA01 andCitrus sinensisextract againstE. coliW3110 which also displayed the best MBC (256 μg/mL) value againstE. coliATCC8739. In combination with antibiotics, extracts fromM. indicaleaves showed synergistic effects with 75% (6/8) of the tested antibiotics against more than 80% of the tested bacteria. The findings of the present work indicate that the tested plants may be used alone or in combination in the treatment of bacterial infections including the multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Rapid Biological Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Ocimum sanctum and Their Characterization
Authors: Khan M. Z. H. , Tarek F. K. , Nuzat M. , Momin M. A. , Hasan M. R.
Published: August 2017

With development of nanotechnology, the biological synthesis process deals with the synthesis, characterization, and manipulation of materials and further development at nanoscale which is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly and rapid synthesis process as compared to physical and chemical process. In this research silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from silver nitrate (AgNO3) aqueous solution through eco-friendly plant leaf broth of Ocimum sanctum as reactant as well as capping agent and stabilizer. The formation of AgNPs was monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) have been used to characterize the morphology of prepared AgNPs. The peaks in XRD pattern are in good agreement with that of face-centered-cubic (FCC) form of metallic silver. Thermal gravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) results confirmed the weight loss and the exothermic reaction due to desorption of chemisorbed water. The average grain size of silver nanoparticles is found to be 29 nm. The FTIR results indicated that the leaf broths containing the carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amine groups are mainly involved in fabrication of silver AgNPs and proteins, which have amine groups responsible for stabilizing AgNPs in the solution.
Gaze Estimation Method Using Analysis of Electrooculogram Signals and Kinect Sensor
Authors: Sakurai Keiko , Yan Mingmin , Tanno Koichi , Tamura Hiroki
Published: August 2017

A gaze estimation system is one of the communication methods for severely disabled people who cannot perform gestures and speech. We previously developed an eye tracking method using a compact and light electrooculogram (EOG) signal, but its accuracy is not very high. In the present study, we conducted experiments to investigate the EOG component strongly correlated with the change of eye movements. The experiments in this study are of two types: experiments to see objects only by eye movements and experiments to see objects by face and eye movements. The experimental results show the possibility of an eye tracking method using EOG signals and a Kinect sensor.
Properties and Internal Curing of Concrete Containing Recycled Autoclaved Aerated Lightweight Concrete as Aggregate
Authors: Suwan Teewara , Wattanachai Pitiwat
Published: August 2017

Global warming is a vital issue addressed to every sector worldwide, including the construction industry. To achieve the concept of green technology, many attempts have been carried out to develop low-carbon footprint products. In the construction sector, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) has become more popular and been manufactured to meet the construction demand. However, errors from manufacturing process accounted for approximately 3 to 5% of the AAC production. The development of AAC waste as lightweight aggregate in concrete is one of the potential approaches which was extendedly studied in this paper. The results showed that the compressive strength of AAC-LWA concrete was decreased with an increase in volume and coarse size. The optimum mix proportion was the AAC aggregate size of 1/2′′ to 3/8′′ with 20 to 40% replacement to normal weight aggregate. Internal curing by AAC-LWA was also observed and found to provide sufficient water inside the specimens, leading to an achievement in higher compressive strength. The main goal of this study is not only utilising unwanted wastes from industry (recycling of waste materials) but also building up a new knowledge of using AAC-LWA as an internal curing agent as well as the production of value-added lightweight concrete products.
Manual Acupuncture Suppresses the Expression of Proinflammatory Proteins Associated with the NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Hippocampus of SAMP8 Mice
Authors: Ding Ning , Jiang Jing , Lu Menghan , Hu Jiatong , Xu Yiyuan , Liu Xiaoxiao , Li Zhigang
Published: August 2017

Objective. To investigate the effect of manual acupuncture (MA) on NLRP3 inflammasome‐related proteins. Methods. SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into Alzheimer’s disease (AD) group, the MA group, and the medicine (M) group. Mice in the M group were treated with donepezil hydrochloride at 0.65 μg/g. In the MA group, MA was applied on Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) for 20 min and then pricked at Shuigou (GV26). The Morris water maze was applied to assess spatial learning and memory. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were used to observe the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome‐related proteins. Results. Compared with the normal (N) control group, spatial learning and the memory capabilities of the AD group significantly decreased (p < 0.01). The number of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‐1, and IL‐1β positively stained cells in the AD group was higher than the N group, and the relative expression levels of the above proteins were significantly higher than those in the N group (p < 0.01). These changes were reversed by both MA and donepezil (p < 0.01). Conclusion. MA can improve the learning and memory capabilities of SAMP8 mice. The negative regulation of the NLRP3/Caspase‐1 pathway in the hippocampus may be a possible mechanism of MA in the treatment of AD.
Optimising the Performance of Cement-Based Batteries
Authors: Byrne Aimee , Barry Shane , Holmes Niall , Norton Brian
Published: August 2017

The development of a battery using different cement-based electrolytes to provide a low but potentially sustainable source of electricity is described. The current, voltage, and lifespan of batteries produced using different electrolyte additives, copper plate cathodes, and (usually) aluminium plate anodes were compared to identify the optimum design, components, and proportions to increase power output and longevity. Parameters examined include water/cement ratio, anode to cathode surface area ratio, electrode material, electrode spacing, and the effect of sand, aggregate, salts, carbon black, silica fume, and sodium silicate on the electrolyte. The results indicate that the greatest and longest lasting power can be achieved using high proportions of water, carbon black, plasticiser, salts, and silica fume in the electrolyte and using a magnesium anode and copper cathode. This cell produced an open-circuit voltage of 1.55 V, a resistor-loaded peak current over 4 mA, maintaining over 1 mA for 4 days, and a quasi steady current of 0.59 mA with a lifespan of over 21 days.
Realization of a CORDIC-Based Plug-In Accelerometer Module for PSG System in Head Position Monitoring for OSAS Patients
Authors: Lin Wen-Yen , Chou Wen-Cheng , Shiao Tsu-Hui , Shiao Guang-Ming , Luo Chin-Shan , Lee Ming-Yih
Published: August 2017

Overnight polysomnography (PSG) is currently the standard diagnostic procedure for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It has been known that monitoring of head position in sleep is crucial not only for the diagnosis (positional sleep apnea) but also for the management of OSA (positional therapy). However, there are no sensor systems available clinically to hook up with PSG for accurate head position monitoring. In this paper, an accelerometer-based sensing system for accurate head position monitoring is developed and realized. The core CORDIC- (COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer-) based tilting sensing algorithm is realized in the system to quickly and accurately convert accelerometer raw data into the desired head position tilting angles. The system can hook up with PSG devices for diagnosis to have head position information integrated with other PSG-monitored signals. It has been applied in an IRB test in Taipei Veterans General Hospital and has been proved that it can meet the medical needs of accurate head position monitoring for PSG diagnosis.
Mystery of Retinal Vein Occlusion: Vasoactivity of the Vein and Possible Involvement of Endothelin-1
Authors: Kida Teruyo
Published: August 2017

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common vascular disease of retina; however, the pathomechanism leading to RVO is not yet clear. In general, increasing age, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disorder, and cerebral stroke are systemic risk factors of RVO. However, RVO often occur in the unilateral eye and sometimes develop in young subjects who have no arteriosclerosis. In addition, RVO show different variations on the degrees of severity; some RVO are resolved without any treatment and others develop vision-threatening complications such as macular edema, combined retinal artery occlusion, vitreous hemorrhage, and glaucoma. Clinical conditions leading to RVO are still open to question. In this review, we discuss how to treat RVO in practice by presenting some RVO cases. We also deliver possible pathomechanisms of RVO through our clinical experience and animal experiments.
The Nrf2/Keap1/ARE Pathway and Oxidative Stress as a Therapeutic Target in Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: David Joshua A. , Rifkin William J. , Rabbani Piul S. , Ceradini Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

Despite improvements in awareness and treatment of type II diabetes mellitus (TIIDM), this disease remains a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and prevalence continues to rise. Oxidative damage caused by free radicals has long been known to contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of TIIDM and its complications. Only recently, however, has the role of the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE master antioxidant pathway in diabetic dysfunction begun to be elucidated. There is accumulating evidence that this pathway is implicated in diabetic damage to the pancreas, heart, and skin, among other cell types and tissues. Animal studies and clinical trials have shown promising results suggesting that activation of this pathway can delay or reverse some of these impairments in TIIDM. In this review, we outline the role of oxidative damage and the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE pathway in TIIDM, focusing on current and future efforts to utilize this relationship as a therapeutic target for prevention, prognosis, and treatment of TIID.
Influence of the Distance between Nanoparticles in Clusters on the Magnetization Reversal Process
Authors: Ehrmann Andrea , Blachowicz Tomasz
Published: August 2017

Fourfold magnetic nanoparticles, created from nanowires or in the form of an open square, offer the possibility of creating quaternary memory devices with four unambiguously distinguishable stable states at remanence. This feature, however, has been simulated for single magnetic nanoparticles or clusters with interparticle distances similar to the nanoparticle dimensions. For the possible use in bit-patterned media, it is important to understand the scaling behavior of the stability of the additional intermediate states with the interparticle distance. The paper investigates exemplarily nanoparticles of two shapes which were found to be optimum to gain four states at remanence. For clusters of these particles, the probability of reaching the additional intermediate states in all particles in the same field region is strongly reduced with decreased interparticle distance. The differences between both shapes indicate possible solutions for this problem in the form of new nanoparticle shapes.
T-S Fuzzy Model Based H-Infinity Control for 7-DoF Automobile Electrohydraulic Active Suspension System
Authors: Zhou Chenyu , Yu Qiang , Zhao Xuan , Zhu Guohua
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a double loop controller for a 7-DoF automobile electrohydraulic active suspension via T-S fuzzy modelling technique. The outer loop controller employs a modified H-infinity feedback control based on a T-S fuzzy model to provide the actuation force needed to ensure better riding comfort and handling stability. The resulting optimizing problem is transformed into a linear matrix inequalities solution issue associated with stability analysis, suspension stroke limit, and force constraints. Integrating these via parallel distributed compensation method, the feedback gains are derived to render the suspension performance dependent on the perturbation size and improve the efficiency of active suspensions. Adaptive Robust Control (ARC) is then adopted in the inner loop design to deal with uncertain nonlinearities and improve tracking accuracy. The validity of improvements attained from this controller is demonstrated by comparing with conventional Backstepping control and a passive suspension on a 7-DoF simulation example. It is shown that the T-S fuzzy model based controller can achieve favourable suspension performance and energy conservation under both mild and malevolent road inputs.
The Effect of Oral Dexmedetomidine Premedication on Preoperative Cooperation and Emergence Delirium in Children Undergoing Dental Procedures
Authors: Keles Sultan , Kocaturk Ozlem
Published: August 2017

Introduction. The aim of this study was to detect the effect of 1 μg/kg of oral dexmedetomidine (DEX) as premedication among children undergoing dental procedures. Materials and Methods. The study involved 100 children between 2 and 6 years of age, ASA I, who underwent full-mouth dental rehabilitation. The DEX group (n=50) received 1 μg/kg DEX in apple juice, and the control group (n=50) received only apple juice. The patients’ scores on the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), parental separation anxiety scale, mask acceptance scale, and pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale (PAEDS) and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. The data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, and analysis of variance in SPSS. Results. RSS scores were significantly higher in the DEX group than group C at 15, 30, and 45 min (p<0.05). More children (68% easy separation, 74% satisfactory mask acceptance) in the DEX group showed satisfactory ease of parental separation and mask acceptance behavior (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the PAEDS scores and mean hemodynamic parameters of both groups. Conclusions. Oral DEX administered at 1 μg/kg provided satisfactory sedation levels, ease of parental separation, and mask acceptance in children but was not effective in preventing emergence delirium. The trial was registered (Protocol Registration Receipt NCT03174678) at clinicaltrials.gov.
Cartilage Protection and Analgesic Activity of a Botanical Composition Comprised of Morus alba, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Acacia catechu
Authors: Yimam Mesfin , Horm Teresa , Wright Laura , Jiao Ping , Hong Mei , Brownell Lidia , Jia Qi
Published: August 2017

Although there have been augmented advances in drug discovery, current OA management is inadequate due to the lack of successful therapies proven to be effective in modifying disease progression. For some, the risk outweighs the benefit. As a result, there is a desperate need for safe and efficacious natural alternatives. Here we evaluated a composition from Morus alba, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Acacia catechu in maintaining joint structural integrity and alleviating OA associated symptoms in monoiodoacetate‐ (MIA‐) induced rat OA disease model. Study lasted for 6 weeks. 59.6%, 64.6%, 70.7%, 69.9%, and 70.3% reductions in pain sensitivity were observed for rats treated with the composition from week 1 to week 5, respectively. Statistically significant improvements in articular cartilage matrix integrity (maintained at 57.1% versus MIA + vehicle treated rats) were shown from the modified total Mankin score for animals treated with the composition. The composition showed a statistically significant reduction in uCTX‐II level (54.1% reductions). The merit of combining these botanicals was also demonstrated in their synergistic analgesic activity. Therefore, the standardized blend of Morus alba, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Acacia catechu could potentially be considered as an alternative remedy from natural sources for the management of OA and/or its associated symptoms.
Responders to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Osteoarthritis: A Technical Analysis
Authors: Milants Christophe , Bruyère Olivier , Kaux Jean-François
Published: August 2017

Purpose.To evaluate the similarities and differences between the variety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) formulations, preparation, and uses to try to determine the best responses for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.Materials and Methods.A comparison of the outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in the 3 most recent and high-quality meta-analyses to classify the different studies in 2 groups (bad responders group (BRG) and very good responders group (VGRG)).Results and Discussion.From the 19 RCTs analyzed, 7 trials were included in the VGRG and 4 in the BRG. In VGRG, 1 or 2 injections were performed in 4/7 trials, time between injections was 2 to 3 weeks in 4/5 studies with many injections, volume injected varied from 2.5 to 8 mL, and single spinning technique was used in 5/7 studies. PRP classification was Mishra 4B and PAWP2Bβin 5/7 studies. The use of PRP with leukocytes is only found in the BRG.Conclusion.There is a lack of standardization in PRP preparation technique for knee osteoarthritis. However it appears that the use of a single spinning technique, a platelet concentration lower than 5 times the baseline, and avoidance of leukocytes should be preferred.
Energy‐Based Controller Design of Stochastic Magnetic Levitation System
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Wang Kaili , Nie Congcong , Xie Xuejun
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the control problem of magnetic levitation system, in which velocity feedback signal is influenced by stochastic disturbance. Firstly, single‐degree‐freedom magnetic levitation is regarded as an energy‐transform action device. From the view of energy‐balance relation, the magnetic levitation system is transformed into port‐controlled Hamiltonian system model. Next, based on the Hamiltonian structure, the control law of magnetic levitation system is designed by applying Lyapunov theory. Finally, the simulation verifies the correctness of the proposed results.
Multimodal Approach of Pulmonary Artery Intimal Sarcoma: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Secondino S. , Grazioli V. , Valentino F. , Pin M. , Pagani A. , Sciortino A. , Klersy C. , Callegari M. G. , Morbini P. , Dore R. , Paulli M. , Pedrazzoli P. , D’armini A. M.
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is a rare tumor, whose therapeutic approach is mainly based on surgery, either pneumonectomy or pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). The prognosis reported in published series is very poor, with survival of 1.5 months without any kind of treatment. Patients and Methods. From January 2010 to January 2016, 1027 patients were referred to our hospital for symptoms of acute or chronic pulmonary thromboembolic disease. Twelve patients having a confirmed diagnosis of PAS underwent PEA. Median age was 64.5 years. Most patients had a long history of symptoms, having a median time of 7.5 months from onset of symptoms to surgery. Results. Following PEA and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, 10 patients received conventional chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide, starting at a median of 42 days from surgery. Four patients also received radiotherapy. Four patients have died due to disease progression, while 7 are still alive, with 5 being disease-free at 4–55+ months from diagnosis. Conclusions. In patients with PAS, a multimodal approach including PEA, CT, and RT is feasible but it should be evaluated individually, according to the tumor extension and the patient’s clinical condition. Apart from improving quality of life mainly by reducing or delaying symptoms due to PH, it may improve life expectancy.
Review of Current Immunologic Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Shanmugam Victoria K. , Zaman Nadia Meher , McNish Sean , Hant Faye N.
Published: August 2017

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory disease of apocrine gland-bearing skin which affects approximately 1–4% of the population. The disease is more common in women and patients of African American descent and approximately one-third of patients report a family history. Obesity and smoking are known risk factors, but associations with other immune disorders, especially inflammatory bowel disease, are also recognized. The pathogenesis of HS is poorly understood and host innate or adaptive immune response, defective keratinocyte function, and the microbial environment in the hair follicle and apocrine gland have all been postulated to play a role in disease activity. While surgical interventions can be helpful to reduce disease burden, there is a high recurrence rate. Increasingly, data supports targeted immune therapy for HS, and longitudinal studies suggest benefit from these agents, both when used alone and as an adjunct to surgical treatments. The purpose of this review is to outline the current data supporting use of targeted immune therapy in HS management.
Bifurcation and Chaos Analysis of the Spur Gear Transmission System for One-Way Clutch, Two-Shaft Assembly
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Yan Hongzhi , Cao Yuming , Lai Yuqing
Published: August 2017

A four-degree-of-freedom nonlinear transverse and torsional vibration model of spur gear transmission system for one-way clutch, two-shaft assembly was developed, in which the one-way clutch was modeled as a piecewise nonlinear spring with discontinuous stiffness, considering the factors such as the time-varying gear mesh stiffness, static transmission error, and nonlinearity backlash. With the help of bifurcation diagrams, time domain response diagrams, phase plane diagrams, and Poincaré maps, the effects of the excitation frequency and the torsional stiffness of one-way clutch on the dynamic behavior of gear transmission system for one-way clutch, two-shaft assembly are investigated in detail by using Runge-Kutta method. Numerical results reveal that the system response involves period-1 motion, multiperiodic motion, bifurcation, and chaotic motion. Large torsional stiffness of one-way clutch can increase the impact and lead to instability in the system. The results can present a useful source of reference for technicians and engineers for dynamic design and vibration control of such system.
Application of Ground Granulate Blast Furnace Slag-Steel Slag Composite Binder in a Massive Concrete Structure under Severe Sulphate Attack
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Dongmin
Published: August 2017

A composite mineral binder was prepared by mixing ground granulate blast furnace slag (GGBS) and steel slag (GGBS/steel slag ratios are 1 : 1 or 3 : 2 by mass). The application of a composite binder in a massive concrete structure under severe sulphate attack is discussed by determining the hydration heat, adiabatic temperature increase, compressive strength, elastic modulus, chloride ion permeability, and sulphate attack resistance. The results show that the hydration heat of the composite binder decreases greatly when the cement replacement ratio increases to 50% at 45°C. The adiabatic temperature rise of the concrete containing the composite mineral admixture decreases significantly. Concrete containing the composite mineral admixture has a lower early elastic modulus and satisfactory late-age compressive strength. The composite mineral admixture can improve the resistance to chloride ion permeability and sulphate attack resistance of concrete, especially during temperature match curing.
Isolated Splenic Cold Abscesses with Perisplenic Extension: Treated Successfully without Splenectomy
Authors: Khadka Mohan , Pradhan Ravi
Published: August 2017

Splenic tuberculosis (TB) in the form of multiple splenic cold abscesses with perisplenic extensions is a rare disease, especially in an immunocompetent host. It demonstrates diagnostic complexity, which makes identification of the disease difficult. We report a case of an immunocompetent adult male who presented with fever, pain in the left lower chest, decreased appetite, and significant weight loss. On physical examination, he had tenderness in the left lower infra-axillary region and Traube’s space dullness without palpable spleen. Ultrasound-guided aspiration of the abscess fluid revealedMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No primary focus of the infection was detected in the lungs or any other organs. The patient was successfully treated with antitubercular therapy (ATT).
Lack of Constitutively Active DNA Repair Sensitizes Glioblastomas to Akt Inhibition and Induces Synthetic Lethality with Radiation Treatment in a p53-Dependent Manner
Authors: Palanichamy Kamalakannan , Patel Disha , Jacob John R. , Litzenberg Kevin T. , Gordon Nicolaus , Acus Kirstin , Noda Shin-ei , Chakravarti Arnab
Published: August 2017

Treatment refractory glioblastoma (GBM) remains a major clinical problem globally, and targeted therapies in GBM have not been promising to date. The Cancer Genome Atlas integrative analysis of GBM reported the striking finding of genetic alterations in the p53 and PI3K pathways in more than 80% of GBMs. Given the role of these pathways in making cell-fate decisions and responding to genotoxic stress, we investigated the reliance of these two pathways in mediating radiation resistance. We selected a panel of GBM cell lines and glioma stem cells (GSC) with wild-type TP53 (p53-wt) and mutant TP53, mutations known to interfere with p53 functionality (p53-mt). Cell lines were treated with a brain permeable inhibitor of P-Akt (ser473), phosphatidylinositol ether lipid analogue (PIA), with and without radiation treatment. Sensitivity to treatment was measured using Annexin-V/PI flow cytometry and Western blot analysis for the markers of apoptotic signaling, alkaline COMET assay. All results were verified in p53 isogenic cell lines. p53-mt cell lines were selectively radiosensitized by PIA. This radiosensitization effect corresponded with an increase in DNA damage and a decrease in DNA-PKcs levels. TP53 silencing in p53-wt cells showed a similar response as the p53-mt cells. In addition, the radiosensitization effects of Akt inhibition were not observed in normal human astrocytes, suggesting that this treatment strategy could have limited off-target effects. We demonstrate that the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by PIA radiosensitizes p53-mt cells by antagonizing DNA repair. In principle, this strategy could provide a large therapeutic window for the treatment of TP53-mutant tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(2); 336–46. ©2017 AACR.

See all articles in this MCT Focus section, “Developmental Therapeutics in Radiation Oncology.”
Comparison of Three Different Cranio-Cervical Decompression Procedures in Children with Chiari Malformation Type I: Does the Surgical Technique Matter?
Authors: Gallo Pasquale , Sokol Drahoslav , Kaliaperumal Chandrasekaran , Kandasamy Jothy
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: A broad spectrum of cranio-cervical decompression techniques (CCD) is employed for the treatment of Chiari malformation type I (CM1). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcome of 3 different CCD performed in a single paediatric centre. Methods: A retrospective analysis of children treated between 2008 and 2014 was performed. Three different surgical techniques were offered to the patients: an extradural osseo-ligamentous bony decompression (BD), or a BD plus opening of the dura either without duroplasty (DOWD) or with watertight expansile duroplasty (DOPD). The primary clinical outcome was measured by utilizing the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS). Results: Forty-six children underwent 51 CCD: 17 BD, 17 DOWD, and 17 DOPD. The median follow-up period was 46 months (16-98 months). Patients who underwent BD had a shorter length of hospital stay than those who underwent DPTC and DOWD. Clinical improvement, defined by the mean CCOS score, was comparable in patients receiving BD (n = 14.6) and DOPD (n = 14.5), but lower in patients with DOWD (n = 12). Post-operative complications were noted in 7 DOWD patients (41%) and 3 DOPD patients (17.6%). Conclusions: BD is a safe and effective procedure with comparable clinical and radiological outcomes to DOPD in children with CM1. The risk of post-operative complications and worse clinical outcome was noted to be higher when performing a DOWD.
Magnifying Blue Laser Imaging versus Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging for the Diagnosis of Early Gastric Cancer: A Prospective, Multicenter, Comparative Study
Authors: Dohi Osamu , Yagi Nobuaki , Yoshida Shigeto , Ono Shoko , Sanomura Yoji , Tanaka Shinji , Naito Yuji , Kato Mototsugu
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: The diagnostic efficacy of magnifying blue laser imaging (M-BLI) and M-BLI in bright mode (M-BLI-bright) in the identification of early gastric cancer (EGC) was evaluated for comparison to that of magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI). Methods: This prospective, multicenter study evaluated 114 gastric lesions examined using M-BLI, M-BLI-bright, and M-NBI between May 2012 and November 2012; 104 EGCs were evaluated by each modality. The vessel plus surface classification system was used to evaluate the demarcation line (DL), microvascular pattern (MVP), and microsurface pattern (MSP). Results: M-BLI, M-BLI-bright, and M-NBI revealed a DL for 96.1, 98.1, and 98.1% and irregular MVP for 95.1, 95.1, and 96.2% of lesions, respectively, with no significant difference. Irregular MSP was observed by M-BLI, M-BLI-bright, and M-NBI in 97.1, 90.4, and 78.8% of lesions, respectively, with significant differences (p < 0.001). The proportion of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with irregular MSP on M-BLI and absent MSP on M-NBI was significantly higher than that with irregular MSP on M-BLI and M-NBI (35.0 and 9.9%, respectively; p = 0.002). Conclusion: M-BLI and M-BLI-bright provided excellent visualization of microstructures and microvessels similar to M-NBI. Irregular MSP in a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma might be frequently visualized using M-BLI and M-BLI-bright compared with using M-NBI.
The Impact of Discrepancy between Measured versus Stated Weight on Hemorrhagic Transformation and Clinical Outcomes after Intravenous Alteplase Thrombolysis
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Kang Min-Ju , Kim Jin Wook , Shin Dong-Jin , Park Hyeon-Mi , Sung Young Hee , Kim Eung Yeop
Published: August 2017

Background: An accurate measurement of patient weight is important in determining the dosage for intravenous alteplase thrombolysis. In most emergency rooms, however, weight is not measured. We investigated the difference between stated and measured weight and its effect on hemorrhagic transformation and clinical outcomes. Methods: We enrolled 128 consecutive patients who had hyperacute stroke and were treated by alteplase. Alteplase dose was calculated using the weight provided by patient or guardian/caregiver, and the actual weight was measured after administration. Patients were classified into 2 groups: overused group (stated weight >measured weight) and underused group (measured weight ≥stated weight). The prevalence of hemorrhagic transformation on follow-up, determined by gradient-recalled echo MRI or non-enhanced CT, was compared between the 2 groups. The predictors for hemorrhage with progression, defined as an increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by a value of 4 or more accompanied by hemorrhage, were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis and included the overused or underused alteplase and baseline clinical and laboratory findings. Results: Sixty-six (51.6%) of 128 patients were in the underused group and 62 patients (48.4%) in the overused group. The median difference between the stated and measured weights was 1.5 (interquartile range 0.56-3.81) kg, with the largest difference being 25.6 kg. Although there were no significant difference in baseline clinical and laboratory findings between the 2 groups, the overused group showed a significantly higher prevalence of hemorrhagic transformation (p = 0.012) and hemorrhage with progression (p = 0.025). The multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that overused alteplase (OR 7.26; 95% CI 1.24-42.45; p = 0.028), baseline glucose (>144 mg/dL; OR 5.03; 95% CI 1.00-25.26; p = 0.050), and initial NIHSS (OR 1.13 per 1-point NIHSS increase; 95% CI 1.00-1.27; p = 0.047) in model 1 that use alteplase overdose as a categorical variable and overused alteplase (OR 1.67 1-mg increase; 95% CI 1.05-2.66; p = 0.027) in model 2 that use an overused alteplase dose as numerical variable were significant predictors for hemorrhage with progression. Conclusion: More alteplase usage than actual weight led to higher hemorrhagic transformation. As one of the predictors for clinical deterioration, it is important to administrate alteplase based on an accurately measured weight.
Snail Enhances Glycolysis in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process by Targeting FBP1 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yu Jie , Li Jing , Chen Yong , Cao Wenmiao , Lu Yuanyuan , Yang Jianqi , Xing Enmin
Published: August 2017

Background: Snail is a key regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. However, the regulatory role and underlying mechanisms of Snail in gastric cancer metabolism are unknown. In this study, we characterized the regulation of aerobic glycolysis by Snail in gastric cancer. Methods: The impact of Snail on glucose metabolism was studied in vitro. Combining maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), which was obtained preoperatively via a PET/CT scan, with immunohistochemistry staining, we further analyzed the correlation between SUVmax and Snail expression in gastric cancer tissues. Results: Increased expression of Snail promoted lactate production, glucose utilization, and decreased FBP1 expression at both mRNA and protein level. The expression level of Snail was positively associated with SUVmax in gastric cancer patients (P=0.022). Snail and FBP1 expression were inversely correlated at both mRNA and protein level (P=0.002 and P=0.015 respectively) in gastric cancer tissues. Further studies demonstrated that Snail inhibited the FBP1 gene expression at the transcriptional level. Restoring FBP1 expression reversed the effects of glycolysis and EMT induced by Snail in gastric cancer cells. Conclusions: Our results thus reveal that Snail serves as a positive regulator of glucose metabolism through regulation of the FBP1 in gastric cancer. Disrupting the Snail-FBP1 signaling axis may be effective to prevent primary tumor EMT and glycolysis process.
The SGK1 Kinase Inhibitor SI113 Sensitizes Theranostic Effects of the 64CuCl2 in Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells
Authors: Catalogna Giada , Talarico Cristina , Dattilo Vincenzo , Gangemi Vincenzo , Calabria Ferdinando , D’Antona Lucia , Schenone Silvia , Musumeci Francesca , Bianco Cataldo , Perrotti Nicola , Amato Rosario , Cascini Giuseppe L.
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: The importance of copper in the metabolism of cancer cells has been widely studied in the last 20 years and a clear-cut association between copper levels and cancer deregulation has been established. Copper-64, emitting positrons and β-radiations, is indicated for the labeling of a large number of molecules suitable for radionuclide imaging as well as radionuclide therapy. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the CNS tumor with the worse prognosis, characterized by high number of recurrences and strong resistance to chemo-radio therapy, strongly affecting patients survival. We have recently discovered and studied the small molecule SI113, as inhibitor of SGK1, a serine/threonine protein kinase, that affects several neoplastic phenotypes and signaling cascades. The SI113-dependent SGK1 inhibition induces cell death, blocks proliferation, perturbs cell cycle progression and restores chemo-radio sensibility by modulating SGK1-related substrates. In the present paper we aim to characterize the combined effects of 64CuCl2 and SI113 on human GBM cell lines with variable p53 expression. Methods: Cell viability, cell death and stress/authopagic related pathways were then analyzed by FACS and WB-based assays, after exposure to SI113 and/or 64CuCl2. Results: We demonstrate here, that i) 64CuCl2 is able to induce a time and dose dependent modulation of cell viability (with different IC50 values) in highly malignant gliomas and that the co-treatment with SI113 leads to ii) additive/synergistic effects in terms of cell death; iii) enhancement of the effects of ionizing radiations, probably by a TRC1 modulation; iv) modulation of the autophagic response. Conclusions: Evidence reported here underlines the therapeutic potential of the combined treatment with SI113 and 64CuCl2 in GBM cells.