bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levels of Serum 25(OH)VD3, HIF-1α, VEGF, vWf, and IGF-1 and Their Correlation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Different Urine Albumin Creatinine Ratio
Authors: Shao Ying , Lv Chuan , Yuan Qin , Wang Qiuyue
Published: March 2016

Objective.To investigate changes in serum 25(OH)VD3, HIF-1α, VEGF, vWf, IGF-1, and their correlation in type 2 diabetes patients at different stages of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Methods.502 type 2 diabetes patients were divided into three groups: Normoalbuminuric group (201 patients), Microalbuminuric group (171 patients), and Macroalbuminuric group (130 patients). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3[25(OH)VD3] was measured by chemiluminescence. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), von Willebrand factor (vWf), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We detected the aforementioned serum factors in all cases and 224 control subjects.Results.Serum HIF-1α, VEGF, vWf, and IGF-1 in type 2 diabetes patients were significantly higher than those in the control group and increased with the increase of Ln(ACR), respectively (P<0.001). Serum 25(OH)VD3was significantly lower in type 2 diabetes patients and decreased with the increase of Ln(ACR) (P<0.001). Ln(ACR) was positively correlated with duration, HbA1c, Scr, BUN, TC, LDL, TG, UA, HIF-1α, VEGF, IGF-1, vWf, and Fg and negatively correlated with 25(OH)VD3and eGFR.Conclusion. Serum HIF-1α, VEGF, vWf, and IGF-1 may be involved in DKD process through inflammation, angiogenesis, and endothelial injury. Serum 25(OH)VD3may have protective effects on DKD partly by inhibiting inflammation, abnormal angiogenesis, and vascular endothelial dysfunction.
Paraffin Nanocomposites for Heat Management of Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Computational Investigation
Authors: Shirazi A. H. N. , Mohebbi Farzad , Azadi Kakavand M. R. , He B. , Rabczuk T.
Published: March 2016

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are currently considered as vital components for advances in mobile technologies such as those in communications and transport. Nonetheless, Li-ion batteries suffer from temperature rises which sometimes lead to operational damages or may even cause fire. An appropriate solution to control the temperature changes during the operation of Li-ion batteries is to embed batteries inside a paraffin matrix to absorb and dissipate heat. In the present work, we aimed to investigate the possibility of making paraffin nanocomposites for better heat management of a Li-ion battery pack. To fulfill this aim, heat generation during a battery charging/discharging cycles was simulated using Newman’s well established electrochemical pseudo-2D model. We couple this model to a 3D heat transfer model to predict the temperature evolution during the battery operation. In the later model, we considered different paraffin nanocomposites structures made by the addition of graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerene by assuming the same thermal conductivity for all fillers. This way, our results mainly correlate with the geometry of the fillers. Our results assess the degree of enhancement in heat dissipation of Li-ion batteries through the use of paraffin nanocomposites. Our results may be used as a guide for experimental set-ups to improve the heat management of Li-ion batteries.
Influence of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Glucose Uptake
Authors: Röhling Martin , Herder Christian , Stemper Theodor , Müssig Karsten
Published: March 2016

Insulin resistance plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes. It arises from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental and lifestyle factors including lack of physical exercise and poor nutrition habits. The increased risk of type 2 diabetes is molecularly based on defects in insulin signaling, insulin secretion, and inflammation. The present review aims to give an overview on the molecular mechanisms underlying the uptake of glucose and related signaling pathways after acute and chronic exercise. Physical exercise, as crucial part in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, has marked acute and chronic effects on glucose disposal and related inflammatory signaling pathways. Exercise can stimulate molecular signaling pathways leading to glucose transport into the cell. Furthermore, physical exercise has the potential to modulate inflammatory processes by affecting specific inflammatory signaling pathways which can interfere with signaling pathways of the glucose uptake. The intensity of physical training appears to be the primary determinant of the degree of metabolic improvement modulating the molecular signaling pathways in a dose-response pattern, whereas training modality seems to have a secondary role.
Unusual Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis and Lumbosacral Instability
Authors: Ruiz Picazo David , Ramírez Villaescusa José
Published: March 2016

Introduction.Epidural lipomatosis is most frequently observed in patients on chronic steroid treatment. Only a few idiopathic epidural lipomatosis cases have been described.Material and Methods.64-year-old male patient presented with low back pain and left leg pain. Later, the patient experienced neurogenic claudication and radicular pain in the left leg without urinary dysfunction. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an abnormal fat tissue overgrowth in the epidural space with compression of the dural sac, degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 level, and instability at L5-S1. Endocrinopathic diseases and chronic steroid therapy were excluded. If conservative treatment failed, surgical treatment can be indicated.Results.After surgery, there was a gradual improvement in symptoms and signs, and six months later the patient returned to daily activities and was neurologically normal.Conclusion.In the absence of common causes of neurogenic claudication, epidural lipomatosis should be considered. The standard test for the diagnosis of epidural lipomatosis is magnetic resonance (MR). At first, conservative treatment must be considered; weight loss and the suspension of prior corticosteroid therapy are indicated. In the presence of neurological impairment, the operative treatment of wide surgical decompression must be performed soon after diagnosis.
Prevalence and Severity of Depression and Its Association with Substance Use in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mossie Andualem , Kindu Dagmawi , Negash Alemayehu
Published: March 2016

Background. Depression is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease and affects 350 million people worldwide. Substance use could be the risk factor for depression.Objective. We aim to determine the prevalence and severity of depression and its association with substance use.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 650 respondents in Jimma town in March 2014. A multistage stratified sampling method was conducted. Structured questionnaire and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scale were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using the SPSS Version 20.0 for Windows.Results. The participation rate of respondents was 590/650 (90.77%). The proportion of females was 300 (50.9%). The current prevalence of depression was 171 (29.0%). Based on the BDI-II grading of the severity of depression, 102 (59.6%) had mild, 56 (32.7%) had moderate, 13 (7.6%) had severe depression. In the present study, age of 55 years and above [OR = 5.94, CI: 2.26–15.58], being widowed [OR = 5.18, CI: 1.18–22.76], illiterates [OR = 9.06, CI: 2.96–27.75], khat chewing [OR = 10.07, CI: 5.57–18.25], cigarette smoking [OR = 3.15, CI: 1.51–6.58], and shisha usage [OR = 3.04, CI: 1.01–9.19] were significantly and independently associated with depression.Conclusion. The finding depicted that depression was a moderate public health problem. Advanced age, being widowed, illiterate, khat chewing, and cigarette and shisha smocking could be the potential risk factors for depression. Risk reduction is recommended.
Management of Oehler’s Type III Dens Invaginatus Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Ranganathan Jaya , Rangarajan Sundaresan Mohan Kumar , Ramasamy Srinivasan
Published: March 2016

Dens Invaginatus is a dental malformation that poses diagnostic difficulties in the clinical context. This anomaly may increase the risk of pulp disease and can potentially complicate endodontic procedure due to the aberrant root canal anatomy. Compared to conventional radiographs, three-dimensional images obtained with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) are invaluable in the diagnosis of the extent of this anomaly and in the appropriate treatment planning. Oehler’s classification (1957) for Dens Invaginatus (DI) into three types depending on the depth of the invagination has been used for treatment planning. Of the three types Type III DI is characterized by infolding of the enamel into the tooth up to the root apex and is considered as the most severe variant of DI and hence the most challenging to treat endodontically, due to the morphological complexities. This report describes a case of Oehler’s Type III DI in a necrotic permanent maxillary lateral incisor in which CBCT images played a key role in diagnosis and treatment planning. The case was managed successfully by a combination of nonsurgical and surgical endodontic therapy with orthograde and retrograde thermoplastic gutta percha obturation.
PD98059 Protects Brain against Cells Death Resulting from ROS/ERK Activation in a Cardiac Arrest Rat Model
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh , Chen Meng-Hua , Li Nuo , Zhuo Xiao-Jun , Xie Lu
Published: March 2016

The clinical and experimental postcardiac arrest treatment has not reached therapeutic success. The present study investigated the effect of PD98059 (PD) in rats subjected to cardiac arrest (CA)/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Experimental rats were divided randomly into 3 groups: sham, CA, and PD. The rats except for sham group were subjected to CA for 5 min followed by CPR operation. Once spontaneous circulation was restored, saline and PD were injected in CA and PD groups, respectively. The survival rates and neurologic deficit scores (NDS) were observed, and the following indices of brain tissue were evaluated: ROS, MDA, SOD, p‐ERK1/2/ERK1/2, caspase‐3, Bax, Bcl‐2, TUNEL positive cells, and double fluorescent staining of p‐ERK/TUNEL. Our results indicated that PD treatment significantly reduced apoptotic neurons and improved the survival rates and NDS. Moreover, PD markedly downregulated the ROS, MDA, p‐ERK, and caspase‐3, Bax and upregulated SOD and Bcl‐2 levels. Double staining p‐ERK/TUNEL in choroid plexus and cortex showed that cell death is dependent on ERK activation. The findings in present study demonstrated that PD provides neuroprotection via antioxidant activity and antiapoptosis in rats subjected to CA/CPR.
Effect of TiO2Rutile Additive on Electrical Properties of PPy/TiO2Nanocomposite
Authors: Nguyen Trong Tung , Duong Ngoc Huyen
Published: March 2016

Polypyrrole/titanium dioxide nanocomposite (PPy/TiO2) was synthesized byin situchemical polymerization of pyrrole (Py) monomer in colloidal suspension of TiO2rutile. TEM and SEM images show that the TiO2is covered by PPy forming a core-shell structure. The PPy/TiO2core-shell will createn-pjunction and bring in an inversion layer on the PPy-shell surface. The feature is accounted for the modification in electrical properties of the PPy/TiO2nanocomposite. On the exposure to oxygen the conductivity of the nanocomposite exhibits an increase in 16–18-folds that are accounted for the interaction between oxygen (an electron acceptor) and the inversion layer. The cyclic voltammetry diagrams have shown that at around 15% TiO2and scan rate 100 mV/s the nanocomposites can reach a specific capacitance about 176 F/g.
A Human Activity Recognition System Using Skeleton Data from RGBD Sensors
Authors: Cippitelli Enea , Gasparrini Samuele , Gambi Ennio , Spinsante Susanna
Published: March 2016

The aim of Active and Assisted Living is to develop tools to promote the ageing in place of elderly people, and human activity recognition algorithms can help to monitor aged people in home environments. Different types of sensors can be used to address this task and the RGBD sensors, especially the ones used for gaming, are cost-effective and provide much information about the environment. This work aims to propose an activity recognition algorithm exploiting skeleton data extracted by RGBD sensors. The system is based on the extraction of key poses to compose a feature vector, and a multiclass Support Vector Machine to perform classification. Computation and association of key poses are carried out using a clustering algorithm, without the need of a learning algorithm. The proposed approach is evaluated on five publicly available datasets for activity recognition, showing promising results especially when applied for the recognition of AAL related actions. Finally, the current applicability of this solution in AAL scenarios and the future improvements needed are discussed.
Effects of Yiqi Tongyang on HCN4 Protein Phosphorylation in Damaged Rabbit Sinoatrial Node Cells
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Liu Ruxiu , Peng Jie , Wang Yanli
Published: March 2016

The hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channel (If) is closely associated with sinoatrial node pacing function. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in pacing function improvements of damaged sinoatrial node cells and the consequent treatment effects on sick sinus syndrome (SSS) after the use of Yiqi Tongyang. HCN4 channel protein expression and phosphorylation were measured by immunoblotting and fluorescent quantitation. After ischemia‐reperfusion injury (model group), the HCN4 protein and the optical density (OD) of the phosphorylated HCN4 protein as well as intracellular PKA activity in the sinoatrial node cells decreased significantly. However, the OD values and PKA activity increased to different degrees after treatment with serum containing different doses of Yiqi Tongyang; in contrast, no significant improvement was seen in the control group compared to the model group. These findings demonstrated that the use of the traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Tongyang could increase HCN4 protein expression and phosphorylation as well as PKA activity within sinoatrial node cells damaged by ischemia‐reperfusion. The HCN4 protein is involved in the If‐related ion channel. Here, we speculated that these effects could be associated with upregulation of HCN4 protein phosphorylation, which consequently improved cell automaticity, increased heart rate, and had treatment effects on SSS.
Simulation of Ni-MH Batteries via an Equivalent Circuit Model for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhu Wenhua H. , Davis Zenda , Tatarchuk Bruce J.
Published: March 2016

Impedance measurement was conducted at the entire cell level for studying of the Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. An improved equivalent circuit model considering diffusion process is proposed for simulation of battery impedance data at different charge input levels. The cell capacity decay was diagnosed by analyzing the ohmic resistance, activation resistance, and mass transfer resistance of the Ni-MH cells with degraded capacity. The capacity deterioration of this type, Ni-MH cell, is considered in relation to the change of activation resistance of the nickel positive electrodes. Based on the report and surface analysis obtained from the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the composition formula of metal-hydride electrodes can be closely documented as the AB5 type alloy and the “A” elements are recognized as lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce). The capacity decay of the Ni-MH cell is potentially initiated due to starved electrolyte for the electrochemical reaction of active materials inside the Ni-MH battery, and the discharge product of Ni(OH)2 at low state-of-charge level is anticipated to have more impeding effects on electrode kinetic process for higher power output and efficient energy delivery.
The Technological Enhancement of Normally Occurring Radioactive Materials in Red Mud due to the Production of Alumina
Authors: Miller Maurice O. , Miller Dionne A.
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the level of technological enhancement of normally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) in the red mud waste due to the production of alumina in Jamaica. Technological enhancements factors (TEF) were determined for the uranium, thorium, actinium series, their progenies, and the nonseries potassium-40 using gamma spectrometry. The study concluded that bauxite production technologically enhances the uranium progenies Th-234, Pb-214, Bi-214, and Pa-234 and the thorium-232 progenies Ac-228, Pb-212, and Bi-212 in red mud. The actinium series was technologically enhanced, but K-40 and the thorium daughter, Tl-208, were reduced. The spectrometric comparison of Tl-208 (at 510 keV) was unexpected since its other photopeaks at 583 keV, 934 keV, and 968 keV were markedly different. An explanation for this anomaly is discussed. An explanation regarding the process of accumulation and fractionation of organically derived phosphate deposits and potassium-feldspar is offered to explain the spectrometric differences between the alumina product and its waste material, red mud.
Emittance Measurement for Beamline Extension at the PET Cyclotron
Authors: Park Sae-Hoon , Lee Sang-Hoon , Kim Yu-Seok
Published: March 2016

Particle-induced X-ray emission is used for determining the elemental composition of materials. This method uses low-energy protons (of several MeV), which can be obtained from high-energy (of tens MeV) accelerators. Instead of manufacturing an accelerator for generating the MeV protons, the use of a PET cyclotron has been suggested for designing the beamline for multipurpose applications, especially for the PIXE experiment, which has a dedicated high-energy (of tens MeV) accelerator. The beam properties of the cyclotron were determined at this experimental facility by using an external beamline before transferring the ion beam to the experimental chamber. We measured the beam profile and calculated the emittance using the pepper-pot method. The beam profile was measured as the beam current using a wire scanner, and the emittance was measured as the beam distribution at the beam dump using a radiochromic film. We analyzed the measurement results and are planning to use the results obtained in the simulations of external beamline and aligned beamline components. We will consider energy degradation after computing the beamline simulation. The experimental study focused on measuring the emittance from the cyclotron, and the results of this study are presented in this paper.
Correlation of IL-18 with Tryptase in Atopic Asthma and Induction of Mast Cell Accumulation by IL-18
Authors: Wang Junling , Zhang Huiyun , Zheng Wenjiao , Xie Hua , Yan Hongling , Lin Xiaoping , He Shaoheng
Published: March 2016

Interleukin- (IL-) 18 and tryptase were previously reported to relate to asthma, but the correlation between these two potent proinflammatory molecules in asthma and their roles in mast cell accumulation remain uninvestigated. Using flow cytometric analysis technique and ovalbumin- (OVA-) sensitized mouse model, it was found that IL-18 and tryptase levels in the plasma of moderate and severe asthma were elevated, and they correlated well with each other. Tryptase and agonist peptides of protease activated receptor- (PAR-) 2 induced substantial quantity of IL-18 release. IL-18 and tryptase provoked mast cell accumulation in peritoneum of OVA-sensitized mice. OVA-sensitization increased number of IL-18 receptor (R)+mast cells. IL-18 and tryptase induced dramatic increase in IL-18R+mast cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of IL-18R on mast cells. Moreover, while IL-18 induced an increase in PAR-2+mast cells in nonsensitized mice, IL-18 and tryptase provoked increases in IL-4 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in the peritoneum of OVA-sensitized mice. In summary, the correlation between IL-18 and tryptase in plasma of patients with asthma indicates close interactions between them, which should be considered for development of anti-IL-18 and antitryptase therapies. Interactions between IL-18 and tryptase may contribute to mast cell recruitment in asthma.
Vegetable Contamination by the Fecal Bacteria of Poultry Manure: Case Study of Gardening Sites in Southern Benin
Authors: Atidégla Séraphin C. , Huat Joël , Agbossou Euloge K. , Saint-Macary Hervé , Glèlè Kakai Romain
Published: March 2016

A study was conducted in southern Benin to assess the contamination of vegetables by fecal coliforms,Escherichia coli, and fecal streptococci as one consequence of the intensification of vegetable cropping through fertilization with poultry manure. For this purpose, on-farm trials were conducted in 2009 and 2010 at Yodo-Condji and Ayi-Guinnou with three replications and four fertilization treatments including poultry manure and three vegetable crops (leafy eggplant, tomato, and carrot). Sampling, laboratory analyses, and counts of fecal bacteria in the samples were performed in different cropping seasons. Whatever the fertilization treatment, the logs of mean fecal bacteria count per g of fresh vegetables were variable but higher than AFNOR criteria. The counts ranged from 8 to 10 fecal coliforms, from 5 to 8 fecal streptococci, and from 2 to 6Escherichia coli, whereas AFNOR criteria are, respectively, 0, 1, and 0. The long traditional use of poultry manure and its use during the study helped obtain this high population of fecal pathogens. Results confirmed that the contamination of vegetables by fecal bacteria is mainly due to the use of poultry manure. The use of properly composted poultry manure with innovative cropping techniques should help reduce the number and incidence of pathogens.
Strong Country Level Correlation between Syphilis and HSV-2 Prevalence
Authors: Kenyon Chris Richard , Tsoumanis Achilleas , Osbak Kara
Published: March 2016

Background. Syphilis is curable but Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) is not. As a result, the prevalence of syphilis but not HSV-2 may be influenced by the efficacy of national STI screening and treatment capacity. If the prevalence of syphilis and HSV-2 is found to be correlated, then this makes it more likely that something other than differential STI treatment is responsible for variations in the prevalence of both HSV-2 and syphilis. Methods. Simple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between national antenatal syphilis prevalence and HSV-2 prevalence in women in two time periods: 1990–1999 and 2008. Adjustments were performed for the laboratory syphilis testing algorithm used and the prevalence of circumcision. Results. The prevalence of syphilis was positively correlated with that of HSV-2 for both time periods (adjusted correlations, 20–24-year-olds: 1990–99: R2=0.54, P<0.001; 2008: R2=0.41, P<0.001 and 40–44-year-olds: 1990–99: R2=0.42, P<0.001; 2008: R2=0.49, P<0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of syphilis and HSV-2 is positively correlated. This could be due to a common set of risk factors underpinning both STIs.
Oxidative Stress: An Effective Prognostic Tool for an Early Detection of Cardiovascular Disease in Menopausal Women
Authors: Amrita Jyot , Mahajan Mridula , Bhanwer A. J. S. , Mohan Gurinder
Published: March 2016

Background. Menopause, a form of reproductive aging, is marked by many hormonal variations which cause imbalance in the oxidative processes resulting in onset of endothelial dysfunction leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to analyze the effect of oxidative stress in an early detection of CVD in all menopausal women both normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic.Methods and Results. Study included 523 menopausal women (265 CVD and 258 non-CVD). They were screened for lipid profile, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), serum LDL carbonyl protein, and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD). Pearson’s correlation was observed between MDA and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in both normolipidemic (r=0.650;p<0.001) and hyperlipidemic (r=0.207;p<0.01) CVD group as compared to non-CVD menopausal women. Significant correlation was also observed between LDL carbonyl content and AIP in normolipidemic (r=0.650;p<0.001) and hyperlipidemic (r=0.248;p<0.01) CVD menopausal women as compared to non-CVD ones.Conclusion. Strong correlation between atherogenic index of plasma and oxidative stress in CVD menopausal women reveals oxidative stress as an effective prognostic tool for an early detection of cardiovascular risk.
Malignant Peritoneum Mesothelioma with Hepatic Involvement: A Single Institution Experience in 5 Patients and Review of the Literature
Authors: Su Shan-shan , Zheng Guo-qi , Liu Ya-gang , Chen Yue-feng , Song Zhao-wei , Yu Shu-jing , Sun Ning-ning , Yang Yu-xin
Published: March 2016

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with invasion of the liver is an invariably fatal disease. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma cases with liver involvement. The clinical presentation, computed tomography images, and immunohistochemical and histopathological features of 5 patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and liver involvement were evaluated. The diagnosis was established by imaging and immune profiles of the tumours. A review of 8 cases with primary or invading malignant mesothelioma in liver is presented. All 5 mesothelioma cases were asbestos-related. CT images of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with the liver involvement typically showed that the lesion grew inside the liver along the capsule and was possibly accompanied by capsule breakthrough and extrahepatic infiltration. The tumours exhibited a common epithelioid appearance in all 5 patients and most cases revealed positive Cal, CK, and MC with negative CEA and HeP. Different from our findings, the review of literature revealed that most malignant mesothelioma of liver was due to primary intrahepatic malignant mesothelioma. Finally, we concluded that the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma cases with liver invasion is reliably achieved by the history of asbestos exposure, the characteristic CT imaging, and immune profiles of the tumours.
Stress Response and Perinatal Reprogramming: Unraveling (Mal)adaptive Strategies
Authors: Musazzi Laura , Marrocco Jordan
Published: March 2016

Environmental stressors induce coping strategies in the majority of individuals. The stress response, involving the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the consequent release of corticosteroid hormones, is indeed aimed at promoting metabolic, functional, and behavioral adaptations. However, behavioral stress is also associated with fast and long-lasting neurochemical, structural, and behavioral changes, leading to long-term remodeling of glutamate transmission, and increased susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Of note, early-life events, bothin uteroand during the early postnatal life, trigger reprogramming of the stress response, which is often associated with loss of stress resilience and ensuing neurobehavioral (mal)adaptations. Indeed, adverse experiences in early life are known to induce long-term stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders in vulnerable individuals. Here, we discuss recent findings about stress remodeling of excitatory neurotransmission and brain morphology in animal models of behavioral stress. These changes are likely driven by epigenetic factors that lie at the core of the stress-response reprogramming in individuals with a history of perinatal stress. We propose that reprogramming mechanisms may underlie the reorganization of excitatory neurotransmission in the short- and long-term response to stressful stimuli.
Antihyperglycemic and Antiobesity Effects of JAL2 on db/db Mice
Authors: Lee In-Seung , Kim Ki-Suk , Kim Kang-Hoon , Park Jiyoung , Jeong Hyeon-soo , Kim Yumi , Na Yun-Cheol , Chung Won Seok , Ahn Kwang-Seok , Lee Seok-Geun , Um Jae Young , Lee Jun Hee , Jang Hyeung-Jin
Published: March 2016

Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJT) and Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. (RGL) have been used traditionally as a herbal medicine in Korean medicine. Using LC/Q‐TOF was performed to profile the two herbal medicines and the mixture of LJR and RGL (JAL2, ratio 1 : 1). We performed oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and plasma GLP‐1 and insulin secretion by multiplex assays to investigate antidiabetic effects of LJT, RGL, and JAL2 in db/db mice, the mice model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Also, the antiobesity‐related factors such as plasma peptide YY (PYY), triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and weight of liver, epididymal, and retroperitoneal fat tissue were investigated. Through the multiplex assay, it was found that JAL2 treatment more efficiently attenuated high levels of blood glucose by stimulating GLP‐1 secretion and reduced LDL concentration and weight of liver and retroperitoneal fat tissue compared to LJT or RGL treated separately. These results suggest that the JAL2 has antidiabetes and antiobesity effects in T2DM mice model.
Novel Distance Measure in Fuzzy TOPSIS for Supply Chain Strategy Based Supplier Selection
Authors: Pardha Saradhi B. , Shankar N. Ravi , Suryanarayana Ch.
Published: March 2016

In today’s highly competitive environment, organizations need to evaluate and select suppliers based on their manufacturing strategy. Identification of supply chain strategy of the organization, determination of decision criteria, and methods of supplier selection are appearing to be the most important components in research area in the field of supply chain management. In this paper, evaluation of suppliers is done based on the balanced scorecard framework using new distance measure in fuzzy TOPSIS by considering the supply chain strategy of the manufacturing organization. To take care of vagueness in decision making, trapezoidal fuzzy number is assumed for pairwise comparisons to determine relative weights of perspectives and criteria of supplier selection. Also, linguistic variables specified in terms of trapezoidal fuzzy number are considered for the payoff values of criteria of the suppliers. These fuzzy numbers satisfied the Jensen based inequality. A detailed application of the proposed methodology is illustrated.
Therapy Effects of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells on Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ye Xinchun , Hu Jinxia , Cui Guiyun
Published: March 2016

Stroke is the second most common cause of death and major cause of disability worldwide. Recently, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have been shown to improve functional outcome after stroke. In this review, we will focus on the protective effects of BMSCs on ischemic brain and the relative molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of BMSCs on stroke.
Nanostructural Effect of ZnO on Light Extraction Efficiency of Near-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Park Young Jae , Song Hyounsuk , Ko Kang Bok , Ryu Beo Deul , Cuong Tran Viet , Hong Chang-Hee
Published: March 2016

The effect of ZnO nanostructures on the light output power of 375 nm near-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (NUV-LEDs) was investigated by comparing one-dimensional (1D) nanorods (NR-ZnO) with two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets (NS-ZnO). ZnO nanostructures were grown on a planar indium tin oxide (ITO) by solution based method at low temperature of 90°C without degradation of the forward voltage. At an injection current of 100 mA, the light output efficiency of NUV-LED with NR-ZnO was enhanced by around 30% compared to the conventional NUV-LEDs without ZnO nanostructures. This improvement is due to the formation of a surface texturing, resulting in a larger escape cone and a multiple scattering for the photons in the NUV-LED, whereas the light output efficiency of NUV-LED with NS-ZnO was lower than that of the conventional NUV-LEDs due to the internal reflection and light absorption in the defective sites of NS-ZnO.
An Intelligent Strategy for Tactical Movements of UAVs in Disaster Scenarios
Authors: Sánchez-García J. , García-Campos J. M. , Toral S. L. , Reina D. G. , Barrero F.
Published: March 2016

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are envisioned as flexible and fast-deploying communication network for disaster scenarios, where the typical communication infrastructure is likely to be malfunctioning. A few works propose UAVs for building communication links autonomously between rescue team's members in disaster scenarios. The techniques used are usually based on navigation, positioning, and signal strength processing. However, these techniques may not be enough if the objective is to provide communication services to the maximum number of victims and rescuers and not only to a few rescuers. In this situation, dissimilarity metrics, like the Jaccard distance, can provide information about whether the communication service provided to victims is efficient or not (e.g., providing a better distribution of the victims assigned to each UAV acting as service provider). We propose an intelligent strategy that allows UAVs to perform tactical movements in a disaster scenario, combining the Jaccard distance and artificial intelligence algorithms like hill climbing and simulated annealing. Our strategy maximizes the number of victims that are serviced by the UAVs while avoiding network disconnections. Also, a mobility model specifically developed for modelling the victims' movements within the incident site of a disaster scenario is proposed.
Translation of Korean Medicine Use to ICD‐Codes Using National Health Insurance Service‐National Sample Cohort
Authors: Lee Ye-Seul , Lee Ye-Rin , Chae Younbyoung , Park So-Youn , Oh In-Hwan , Jang Bo-Hyoung
Published: March 2016

Background. Korean medicine was incorporated into the Korean Classification of Diseases (KCD) 6 through the development of U codes (U20–U99). Studies of the burden of disease have used summary measures such as disability‐adjusted life years. Although Korean medicine is included in the official health care system, studies of the burden of disease that include Korean medicine are lacking. Methods. A data‐based approach was used with National Health Insurance Service‐National Sample Cohort data for the year 2012. U code diagnoses for patients covered by National Health Insurance were collected. Using the main disease and subdisease codes, the proportion of U codes was redistributed into the related KCD 6 codes and visualized. U code and KCD code relevance was appraised prior to the analysis by consultation with medical professionals and from the beta draft version of the International Classification of Diseases‐11 traditional medicine chapter. Results. This approach enabled redistribution of U codes into KCD 6 codes. Musculoskeletal diseases had the greatest increase in the burden of disease through this approach. Conclusion. This study provides a possible method of incorporating Korean medicine into burden of disease analyses through a data‐based approach. Further studies should analyze potential yearly differences.
Highly Responsive UV Light Sensors Using Mg-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Alam Mirza Shirjeel , Manzoor Umair , Mujahid Mohammad , Bhatti Arshad S.
Published: March 2016

Different concentrations of Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by coprecipitation technique at 60°C. XRD data are used to study phase purity and crystal structure in different doping concentrations. The results indicated that increasing the doping from 0~7.5 wt.% caused a subsequent increase in FWHM in XRD and an associated systematic shift towards higher wavelength in the optical properties. Finally, the sensing of UV light is tested by observing the response of nanoparticles by exposing them to UV light and measuring the resistance in presence and absence of UV light.
Multiscale CNNs for Brain Tumor Segmentation and Diagnosis
Authors: Zhao Liya , Jia Kebin
Published: March 2016

Early brain tumor detection and diagnosis are critical to clinics. Thus segmentation of focused tumor area needs to be accurate, efficient, and robust. In this paper, we propose an automatic brain tumor segmentation method based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Traditional CNNs focus only on local features and ignore global region features, which are both important for pixel classification and recognition. Besides, brain tumor can appear in any place of the brain and be any size and shape in patients. We design a three-stream framework named as multiscale CNNs which could automatically detect the optimum top-three scales of the image sizes and combine information from different scales of the regions around that pixel. Datasets provided by Multimodal Brain Tumor Image Segmentation Benchmark (BRATS) organized by MICCAI 2013 are utilized for both training and testing. The designed multiscale CNNs framework also combines multimodal features from T1, T1-enhanced, T2, and FLAIR MRI images. By comparison with traditional CNNs and the best two methods in BRATS 2012 and 2013, our framework shows advances in brain tumor segmentation accuracy and robustness.
The Effects of Bairesi Complex Prescription (a Uyghur Medicine Prescription) and Its Five Crude Herbal Extracts on Melanogenesis in G‐361 Cells
Authors: Huang Xuedan , Ishikawa Masayuki , Mansur Arkin , Emet Aynur , Nasir Ezimet , Semet Repket , Kobayashi Yoshinori
Published: March 2016

Vitiligo is considered a preimmune stage of a disease that is not well clarified. This condition is difficult to treat because there is no definite cure. Uyghur medicine is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. There are many types of prescriptions that are used for the treatment of vitiligo. Bairesi complex prescription is one of the active prescriptions for vitiligo that is used in the clinic. However, the intensities of melanogenesis due to uses of Bairesi complex prescription and its five constituent crude herbs have not been reported yet. In the present study, we found that the hot water extracts of Bairesi complex prescription and the crude herbs were more effective in eliciting melanin production in G‐361 cells than the EtOH extracts. Furthermore, the Bairesi complex prescription exhibited less cytotoxicity and was more effective in melanin formation than the five crude herbal extracts. In the present study, we also discuss the mechanisms of melanogenesis due to the use of the Bairesi complex prescription and its single crude herbal extracts.
Fortified Iodine Milk Improves Iodine Status and Cognitive Abilities in Schoolchildren Aged 7–9 Years Living in a Rural Mountainous Area of Morocco
Authors: Zahrou Fatima Ezzahra , Azlaf Mehdi , El Menchawy Imane , El Mzibri Mohamed , El Kari Khalid , El Hamdouchi Asmaa , Mouzouni Fatima-Zahra , Barkat Amina , Aguenaou Hassan
Published: March 2016

Iodine is required for the production of the thyroid hormones essential for the growth and development of the brain. All forms of iodine deficiency (ID) affect the mental development of the child. Our study aims to assess the impact of ID on the intellectual development of Moroccan schoolchildren and to evaluate the effect of consumption of fortified milk on reducing ID. In a double-blind controlled trial conducted on schoolchildren, children were divided into two groups to receive fortified milk (30% of cover of RDI iodine) or nonfortified milk for 9 months. Urinary iodine was analyzed using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction, a dynamic cognitive test using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices to assess learning potential was performed at baseline and end line, and anthropometric assessment was done only at baseline. The study included schoolchildren who were severely iodine deficient. The prevalence of malnutrition was high in both groups; in this study, we found improvements in iodine status and in cognitive abilities among Moroccan schoolchildren. Our study showed that the consumption of fortified milk led to a clear improvement in iodine status and also appeared to have a favorable effect on the cognitive ability of Moroccan schoolchildren in a rural mountainous region.
Tongxinluo Enhances Neurogenesis and Angiogenesis in Peri‐Infarct Area and Subventricular Zone and Promotes Functional Recovery after Focal Cerebral Ischemic Infarction in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Xiaoting , Zhang Jian , Dang Chao , Liu Gang , Liang Zhijian , Huang Gelun , Zhao Weijia , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: March 2016

Background. Tongxinluo is a traditional Chinese medicine compound with the potential to promote the neuronal functional recovery in cerebral ischemic infarction. Objective. This study aimed to disclose whether tongxinluo promotes neurological functional recovery and neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the infarcted area and SVZ after cerebral ischemic infarction in hypertensive rats. Methods. The ischemic model was prepared by distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in hypertensive rats. Tongxinluo was administrated 24 h after MCAO and lasted for 3, 7, or 14 days. Behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the protection of tongxinluo. Immunochemical staining was applied on brain tissue to evaluate the effects of tongxinluo on neurogenesis and vascularization in the MCAO model rats. Results. Postinjury administration of tongxinluo ameliorated the neuronal function deficit in the MCAO model rats. As evidenced by the immunochemical staining, BrdU+/DCX+, BrdU+/nestin+, and BrdU+ vascular endothelial cells were promoted to proliferate in SVZ after tongxinluo administration. The matured neurons stained by NeuN and vascularization by laminin staining were observed after tongxinluo administration in the peri‐infarct area. Conclusion. Tongxinluo postischemia administration could ameliorate the neurological function deficit in the model rats. Possible mechanisms are related to neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the peri‐infarct area and SVZ.
Energy Drink Administration in Combination with Alcohol Causes an Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in the Hippocampus and Temporal Cortex of Rats
Authors: Díaz Alfonso , Treviño Samuel , Guevara Jorge , Muñoz-Arenas Guadalupe , Brambila Eduardo , Espinosa Blanca , Moreno-Rodríguez Albino , Lopez-Lopez Gustavo , Peña-Rosas Ulises , Venegas Berenice , Handal-Silva Anabella , Morán-Perales José Luis , Flores Gonzalo , Aguilar-Alonso Patricia
Published: March 2016

Energy drinks (EDs) are often consumed in combination with alcohol because they reduce the depressant effects of alcohol. However, different researches suggest that chronic use of these psychoactive substances in combination with alcohol can trigger an oxidative and inflammatory response. These processes are regulated by both a reactive astrogliosis and an increase of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and iNOS, causing cell death (apoptosis) at the central and peripheral nervous systems. Currently, mechanisms of toxicity caused by mixing alcohol and ED in the brain are not well known. In this study, we evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol consumption in combination with ED on inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the temporal cortex (TCx) and hippocampus (Hp) of adult rats (90 days old). Our results demonstrated that consuming a mixture of alcohol and ED for 60 days induced an increase in reactive gliosis, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, iNOS, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide, in the TCx and Hp. We also found immunoreactivity to caspase‐3 and a decrease of synaptophysin in the same brain regions. The results suggested that chronic consumption of alcohol in combination with ED causes an inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which induced cell death via apoptosis in the TCx and Hp of the adult rats.
Modelling of the Electric Field Distribution in Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Adolescence, in the Adulthood, and in the Old Age
Authors: Fiocchi Serena , Longhi Michela , Ravazzani Paolo , Roth Yiftach , Zangen Abraham , Parazzini Marta
Published: March 2016

In the last few years, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) has been used for the treatment of depressive disorders, which affect a broad category of people, from adolescents to aging people. To facilitate its clinical application, particular shapes of coils, including the so-called Hesed coils, were designed. Given their increasing demand and the lack of studies which accurately characterize their use, this paper aims to provide a picture of the distribution of the induced electric field in four realistic human models of different ages and gender. In detail, the electric field distributions were calculated by using numerical techniques in the brain structures potentially involved in the progression of the disease and were quantified in terms of both amplitude levels and focusing power of the distribution. The results highlight how the chosen Hesed coil (H7 coil) is able to induce the maxima levels ofEmainly in the prefrontal cortex, particularly for the younger model. Moreover, growing levels of induced electric fields with age were found by going in deep in the brain, as well as a major capability to penetrate in the deepest brain structures with an electric field higher than 50%, 70%, and 90% of the peak found in the cortex.
Platelet Reactivity Is Independent of Left Atrial Wall Deformation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Procter Nathan , Goh Vincent , Mahadevan Gnanadevan , Stewart Simon , Horowitz John
Published: March 2016

It has been documented recently that left atrial (LA) deformation in AF patients (while in AF) is predictive of subsequent stroke risk. Additionally, diminished LA deformation during AF correlates with the presence of LA blood stasis. Given that endothelial function is dependent on laminar blood flow, the present study sought to investigate the effect of diminished LA deformation (during AF) on platelet reactivity and inflammation in AF patients. Patients (n=17) hospitalised with AF underwent echocardiography (while in AF) for determination of peak positive LA strain (LASp). Whole blood impedance aggregometry was used to measure extent of ADP-induced aggregation and subsequent inhibitory response to the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside. Platelet thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) content was determined by immunohistochemistry. LASp tended (p=0.078) to vary inversely with CHA2DS2VASc scores. However, mediators of inflammation (C-reactive protein, Txnip) did not correlate significantly with LASp nor did extent of ADP-induced platelet aggregation or platelet NO response. These results suggest that the thrombogenic risk associated with LA stasis is independent of secondary effects on platelet aggregability or inflammation.
MIF Maintains the Tumorigenic Capacity of Brain Tumor–Initiating Cells by Directly Inhibiting p53
Authors: Fukaya Raita , Ohta Shigeki , Yaguchi Tomonori , Matsuzaki Yumi , Sugihara Eiji , Okano Hideyuki , Saya Hideyuki , Kawakami Yutaka , Kawase Takeshi , Yoshida Kazunari , Toda Masahiro
Published: March 2016

Tumor-initiating cells thought to drive brain cancer are embedded in a complex heterogeneous histology. In this study, we isolated primary cells from 21 human brain tumor specimens to establish cell lines with high tumorigenic potential and to identify the molecules enabling this capability. The morphology, sphere-forming ability upon expansion, and differentiation potential of all cell lines were indistinguishable in vitro. However, testing for tumorigenicity revealed two distinct cell types, brain tumor–initiating cells (BTIC) and non-BTIC. We found that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was highly expressed in BTIC compared with non-BTIC. MIF bound directly to both wild-type and mutant p53 but regulated p53-dependent cell growth by different mechanisms, depending on glioma cell line and p53 status. MIF physically interacted with wild-type p53 in the nucleus and inhibited its transcription-dependent functions. In contrast, MIF bound to mutant p53 in the cytoplasm and abrogated transcription-independent induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, MIF knockdown inhibited BTIC-induced tumor formation in a mouse xenograft model, leading to increased overall survival. Collectively, our findings suggest that MIF regulates BTIC function through direct, intracellular inhibition of p53, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumorigenicity of certain malignant brain cells. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2813–23. ©2016 AACR.