bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Love as delusion, delusions of love: erotomania, narcissism and shame
Authors: Kelly Brendan D
Published: July 2017

Erotomania has a long, colourful history in psychiatry. It is a rare condition in which the patient (‘subject’) develops the belief that he or she is loved from afar by another person (‘object’). The subject is generally female, though men predominate in forensic samples. The object is generally perceived to belong to a higher social class, reflecting a sociopolitical element in the construction of love. Erotomania requires active treatment and risk management as it can be associated with stalking and other offending behaviour. In addition to featuring in the psychiatry literature, erotomania features in the biography of the economist John Maynard Keynes (the apparent ‘object’ of a woman’s erotomanic delusions in the early 1900s) and in fiction (eg, Ian McEwan’sEnduring Love); this reflects, in part, the general popularity of romantic themes in broader literature and society. In psychological terms, certain cases of erotomania might be underpinned by combinations of longing, disappointment, shame and narcissism in specific social contexts. Lesser forms of delusional exaggeration of true love might also exist in some stable relationships, and might even be essential for their continued existence. Overall, the division between love and delusions of love is not as distinct as one might imagine. The potential presence of an element of delusional love in many relationships might well serve important social functions, conferring specific advantages on the parties involved and increasing social and community stability. After all, delusions persist; love dies.
Acupuncture for the treatment of obesity in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Rong-Qiang , Tan Jiao , Li Feng-Ying , Ma Yong-Hong , Han Li-Xin , Yang Xiao-Li
Published: July 2017

Objective

Meta-analysis was used to assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment for simple obesity and to provide evidence-based medical data for treating obesity with acupuncture.

Methods

A comprehensive search of studies on MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese databases (Wan Fang,CNKI and VIP) from 1 January 1915 through 30 November 2015 (MEDLINE search updated through 31 December 2015) was performed. We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that used acupuncture and sham acupuncture to treat simple obesity. The effect of acupuncture on simple obesity was measured using body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body weight (BW). The Jadad scale was used to assess methodological quality. The random effects model was used in the pooled analysis to adjust for the heterogeneity of the included studies, and funnel plots were used to examine publication bias. The differences between treatment groups were reported as mean differences (MD).

Results

Eleven RCTs were selected after all relevant literature from the electronic databases had been screened. There were 338 and 305 participants in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups, respectively. Auricular and electro acupuncture were both able to reduce BMI in obese patients (MD 0.47 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.58, p<0.001; MD 0.50 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.62, p<0.001). BFM change after acupuncture treatment compared with sham treatment was statistically significant (MD 0.66 kg, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.80, p<0.001). There were also significant differences in WC and HC between the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups (MDwc2.02 cm, 95% CI 0.21 to 3.83, p=0.03; MDHC2.74 cm, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.27, p=0.0004). BW was not statistically significantly different between the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups (MD 0.60 kg, 95% CI −0.20 to 1.39, p=0.14). Begg’s test and funnel plots showed that the potential publication bias of the included studies was very slight (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Acupuncture for simple obesity appeared to be an effective treatment, but more studies on the safety of acupuncture used to treat simple obesity are required.
Study of the Mechanical Environment of Chondrocytes in Articular Cartilage Defects Repaired Area under Cyclic Compressive Loading
Authors: Liu Hai-Ying , Duan Hang-Tian , Zhang Chun-Qiu , Wang Wei
Published: July 2017

COMSOL finite element software was used to establish a solid-liquid coupling biphasic model of articular cartilage and a microscopic model of chondrocytes, using modeling to take into account the shape and number of chondrocytes in cartilage lacuna in each layer. The effects of cyclic loading at different frequencies on the micromechanical environment of chondrocytes in different regions of the cartilage were studied. The results showed that low frequency loading can cause stress concentration of superficial chondrocytes. Moreover, along with increased frequency, the maximum value of stress response curve of chondrocytes decreased, while the minimum value increased. When the frequency was greater than 0.2 Hz, the extreme value stress of response curve tended to be constant. Cyclic loading had a large influence on the distribution of liquid pressure in chondrocytes in the middle and deep layers. The concentration of fluid pressure changed alternately from intracellular to peripheral in the middle layer. Both the range of liquid pressure in the upper chondrocytes and the maximum value of liquid pressure in the lower chondrocytes in the same lacunae varied greatly in the deep layer. At the same loading frequency, the elastic modulus of artificial cartilage had little effect on the mechanical environment of chondrocytes.
Coral Recruit-Algae Interactions in Coral Reef Lagoons Are Mediated by Riverine Influences
Authors: Mwachireya S. A. , Nzioka A. M. , Mutiso D. N.
Published: July 2017

Coral recruit and algae abundance and diversity were studied in Kenyan reefs to determine the influence of terrestrial discharge (nutrients and sediments) and the recovery potential of coral reefs after disturbances. Reefs affected by sediments and nutrients were found to have high total, turf, and macroalgae but reduced coralline algae abundance and coral recruit density. Interestingly, this response was found to be the greatest in reefs close to nutrient sources relative to “pristine” reefs and those affected simultaneously by sediments and nutrients. Further, enhanced levels of brown algae and pocilloporid recruits were observed in reefs affected by terrestrial run-off whereas acroporid recruit, coralline, and calcareous algae abundance was high in reefs under low terrestrial input. Our results show that whereas increased sediment levels negatively affect coral recruit density individually, their interaction with nutrients improves recruit density in reefs simultaneously affected by sediment and nutrients. These findings suggest that the assessment of local factors that enhance inhibitory and those that suppress promotional processes involved in coral settlement and recruitment is an important aspect to consider in the conservation and management of coral reefs in the face of local anthropogenic stress as well as future climate disturbance dynamics and their interaction.
Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Provokes Neuroplasticity in Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Kim Ho Jeong , Han Soo Jeong
Published: July 2017

Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) provokes behavioral and cognitive changes. But the study about electrophysiologic findings and managements of rmTBI is limited. In this study, we investigate the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on rmTBI. Thirty-one Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the following groups: sham, rmTBI, and rmTBI treated by tDCS. Animals received closed head mTBI three consecutive times a day. Anodal tDCS was applied to the left motor cortex. We evaluated the motor-evoked potential (MEP) and the somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP). T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed 12 days after rmTBI. After rmTBI, the latency of MEP was prolonged and the amplitude in the right hind limb was reduced in the rmTBI group. The latency of SEP was delayed and the amplitude was decreased after rmTBI in the rmTBI group. In the tDCS group, the amplitude in both hind limbs was increased after tDCS in comparison with the values before rmTBI. Anodal tDCS after rmTBI seems to be a useful tool for promoting transient motor recovery through increasing the synchronicity of cortical firing, and it induces early recovery of consciousness. It can contribute to management of concussion in humans if further study is performed.
Effects of Exercise Training and Weight Loss on Plasma Fetuin-A Levels and Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Older Men
Authors: Blumenthal Jacob B. , Gitterman Anna , Ryan Alice S. , Prior Steven J.
Published: July 2017

Aerobic exercise training and weight loss (AEX+WL) improves insulin sensitivity in overweight adults; however, the underlying pathways are incompletely understood. Fetuin-A, a hepatokine that inhibits insulin signaling, may be involved in the salutary effects of AEX+WL. Therefore, we examined the effects of 6-month AEX+WL on plasma fetuin-A levels (36–48 hours after the last bout of exercise), aerobic capacity (VO2max), body composition, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity (M) in 16 sedentary, overweight-obese older men (age = 60 ± 2 years, BMI = 31 ± 1 kg/m2) with no history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. At baseline, fetuin-A levels correlated directly with adiposity and had a borderline inverse correlation with M. After AEX+WL, body weight decreased by ~10 kg, while both VO2max and M increased by 16% (P<0.005 for all). Contrary to our hypothesis, plasma fetuin-A levels increased after AEX+WL (1.16 ± 0.10 g/L versus 1.70 ± 0.19 g/L, P=0.006). This increase was unrelated to changes in body composition or glucose metabolism, but directly correlated with changes in VO2max (r=0.57, P<0.05). Thus, in overweight-to-obese older men, AEX+WL appears to increase plasma fetuin-A levels. Although not associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity, this increase in fetuin-A was related to improvements in aerobic capacity and could be representative of the cardioprotective effects of AEX+WL in older men.
Outcome of Surgical Treatment in Late-Onset Capsular Block Syndrome
Authors: Huang Yang , Ye Zi , Li Hang , Li Zhaohui
Published: July 2017

Purpose. To further investigate the pathogenesis of late-onset capsular block syndrome (CBS) and to evaluate the safety of surgical treatment.Methods. Seven patients diagnosed with late-onset CBS were retrospectively analyzed. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive diopter, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after surgery were recorded. The opaque substance was tested with Western blot, and a flow cytometer multiple array assay system was utilized to evaluate the levels of inflammatory cytokines from opaque substance and aqueous humor, respectively.Results. Patients who had undergone surgical treatment showed a significant BCVA and spherical equivalent refractive error improvement (P=0.002,P=0.021, resp.). Nevertheless, ACD and IOP before and after surgery were in normal range with no difference (P=0.165,P=0.749, resp.).αB-crystallin andβB-crystallin were detected in all opaque substances. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interlukin-1β(IL-1β) levels in opaque substance were significantly higher than those in aqueous humor (P=0.038,P=0.007, resp.), while IL-2 and IL-6 were not detected in any samples.Conclusions. Opaque substance is derived from human lens epithelial cells. Inflammatory cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of late-onset CBS. In addition, surgical treatment is an effective approach. This trial is registered withChiCTR-IOR-17011287.
Mathematical Modeling for Inherited Diseases
Authors: Anis Saima , Khan Madad , Khan Saqib
Published: July 2017

We introduced a new nonassociative algebra, namely, left almost algebra, and discussed some of its genetic properties. We discussed the relation of this algebra with flexible algebra, Jordan algebra, and generalized Jordan algebra.
Long‐Term Course to Lumbar Disc Resorption Patients and Predictive Factors Associated with Disc Resorption
Authors: Lee Jinho , Kim Joowon , Shin Joon-Shik , Lee Yoon Jae , Kim Me-riong , Jeong Seon-Yeong , Choi Young-jun , Yoon Tae Kyung , Moon Byung-heon , Yoo Su-bin , Hong Jungsoo , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: July 2017

The long‐term course to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) patients receiving integrative Korean medicine treatment and predictive factors associated with disc resorption were investigated. LDH patients who received integrative Korean medicine treatment from February 2012 to December 2015 and were registered in the “longitudinal project for LDH on MRI” were included. Disc resorption amount was measured 3‐dimensionally with disc degeneration and modic change levels on baseline and follow‐up MRIs. Patient characteristics, Korean medicine use, pain, symptom recurrence, and satisfaction were assessed through medical records and phone surveys. Of 505 participants, 19 did not show disc resorption, while 486 did. A total of 220 displayed resorption rates of ≥50%. LDH volume at baseline was 1399.82 ± 594.96 mm3, and that on follow‐up MRI was 734.37 ± 303.33 mm3, indicating a 47.5% decrease (p < 0.0001). Predictive factors for disc resorption were disc extrusion, Komori migration classification, and LDH amount. Approximately 68.4% did not experience symptom recurrence over the 51.86 ± 19.07‐month follow‐up, and 90.3% were satisfied with Korean medicine treatment. The majority of LDH patients who improved after integrative Korean medicine treatment showed disc resorption within 1 year with favorable long‐term outcomes. Predictive factors for disc resorption should be duly considered for informed decision‐making. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02841163.
Mechanical Bed for Investigating Sleep-Inducing Vibration
Authors: Kimura Hitoshi , Kuramoto Akisue , Inui Yuma , Inou Norio
Published: July 2017

In running cars or trains, passengers often feel sleepy. Our study focuses on this physiological phenomenon. If a machine can reproduce this phenomenon, it is feasible to put a person, such as an insomnia patient or an infant, to sleep without any harmful effects. The results of our previous study suggest that low-frequency vibration induces sleep. This report describes a new mechanical bed for inducing sleep and discusses the effects of different vibration conditions. The new bed has two active DOFs in the vertical and horizontal directions to examine the anisotropy of sensation. The bed includes three main parts: a vertical driver unit, a horizontal driver unit, and a unique 2-DOF counterweight system to reduce driving force and noise. With regard to motion accuracy, the maximum motion error in the vertical direction lifting 75 kg load was only 0.06 mm with a 5.0 mm amplitude of a 0.5 Hz sinusoidal wave. The results of excitation experiments with 10 subjects showed a significant difference in sleep latency between the conditions with vibration and without vibration. Furthermore, the average latency with insensible vibration (amplitude = 2.4 mm) was shorter than that with sensible vibration (amplitude = 7.5 mm). These results suggest the ability of appropriate vibration to induce sleep.
Zonulin: A Potential Marker of Intestine Injury in Newborns
Authors: Tarko Anna , Suchojad Anna , Michalec Marta , Majcherczyk Małgorzata , Brzozowska Aniceta , Maruniak-Chudek Iwona
Published: July 2017

Introduction.Zonulin (ZO), a new diagnostic biomarker of intestinal permeability, was tested in newborns presenting symptoms of infection and/or inflammation of the gut or being at risk of intestinal pathology.Material and Methods.Serum ZO was assessed in 81 newborns diagnosed with sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), rotavirus infection, and gastroschisis, also in extremely low gestational age babies, and in controls (healthy newborns). ZO concentration was compared to C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) values, leucocyte and platelet count, basic demographic data, and the value of the Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (NTISS).Results.Median values of ZO were markedly higher in groups with rotavirus infection and gastroschisis (36.0 (1-3Q: 26.0–43.2) and 20.3 (1-3Q: 17.7–28.2) ng/ml, resp.) versus controls (3.5 (1-3Q: 2.7–4.8) ng/ml). Its concentration in the NEC group was twice as high as in controls but did not reach statistical significance. ZO levels were not related to NTISS, CRP, and PCT.Conclusions.Zonulin is a promising biomarker of intestinal condition, markedly elevated in rotavirus infections. Its role in defining the severity of necrotizing enterocolitis and the risk for perforation is not well described and needs further evaluation. An increase in zonulin may not be parallel to the release of inflammatory markers, and low CRP should not exclude an injury to neonatal intestine.
In Vivo Assessment of Elasticity of Child Rib Cortical Bone Using Quantitative Computed Tomography
Authors: Zhu Y. , Bermond F. , Payen de la Garanderie J. , Pialat J.-B. , Sandoz B. , Brizard D. , Pracros J.-P. , Rongieras F. , Skalli W. , Mitton D.
Published: July 2017

Elasticity of the child rib cortical bone is poorly known due to the difficulties in obtaining specimens to perform conventional tests. It was shown on the femoral cortical bone that elasticity is strongly correlated with density for both children and adults through a unique relationship. Thus, it is assumed that the relationships between the elasticity and density of adult rib cortical bones could be expanded to include that of children. This study estimated in vivo the elasticity of the child rib cortical bone using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Twenty-eight children (from 1 to 18 y.o.) were considered. Calibrated QCT images were prescribed for various thoracic pathologies. The Hounsfield units were converted to bone mineral density (BMD). A relationship between the BMD and the elasticity of the rib cortical bone was applied to estimate the elasticity of children’s ribs in vivo. The estimated elasticity increases with growth (7.1 ± 2.5 GPa at 1 y.o. up to 11.6 ± 1.9 GPa at 18 y.o.). This data is in agreement with the few previous values obtained using direct measurements. This methodology paves the way for in vivo assessment of the elasticity of the child cortical bone based on calibrated QCT images.
Oxidative Stress Gene Expression Profile Correlates with Cancer Patient Poor Prognosis: Identification of Crucial Pathways Might Select Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Leone Alessandra , Roca Maria Serena , Ciardiello Chiara , Costantini Susan , Budillon Alfredo
Published: July 2017

The role of altered redox status and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) is still controversial in cancer development and progression. Intracellular levels of ROS are elevated in cancer cells suggesting a role in cancer initiation and progression; on the contrary, ROS elevated levels may induce programmed cell death and have been associated with cancer suppression. Thus, it is crucial to consider the double‐face of ROS, for novel therapeutic strategies targeting redox regulatory mechanisms. In this review, in order to derive cancer‐type specific oxidative stress genes’ profile and their potential prognostic role, we integrated a publicly available oxidative stress gene signature with patient survival data from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Overall, we found several genes statistically significant associated with poor prognosis in the examined six tumor types. Among them, FoxM1 and thioredoxin reductase1 expression showed the same pattern in four out of six cancers, suggesting their specific critical role in cancer‐related oxidative stress adaptation. Our analysis also unveiled an enriched cellular network, highlighting specific pathways, in which many genes are strictly correlated. Finally, we discussed novel findings on the correlation between oxidative stress and cancer stem cells in order to define those pathways to be prioritized in drug development.
Ultrastructural Characteristics of Rat Hepatic Oval Cells and Their Intercellular Contacts in the Model of Biliary Fibrosis: New Insights into Experimental Liver Fibrogenesis
Authors: Lotowska Joanna Maria , Sobaniec-Lotowska Maria Elzbieta , Lebensztejn Dariusz Marek , Daniluk Urszula , Sobaniec Piotr , Sendrowski Krzysztof , Daniluk Jaroslaw , Reszec Joanna , Debek Wojciech
Published: July 2017

Purpose. Recently, it has been emphasized that hepatic progenitor/oval cells (HPCs) are significantly involved in liver fibrogenesis. We evaluated the multipotential population of HPCs by transmission electron microscope (TEM), including relations with adherent hepatic nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) in rats with biliary fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods. The study used 6-week-old Wistar Crl: WI(Han) rats after BDL for 1, 6, and 8 weeks. Results. Current ultrastructural analysis showed considerable proliferation of HPCs in experimental intensive biliary fibrosis. HPCs formed proliferating bile ductules and were scattered in periportal connective tissue. We distinguished 4 main types of HPCs: 0, I, II (bile duct-like cells; most common), and III (hepatocyte-like cells). We observed, very seldom presented in literature, cellular interactions between HPCs and adjacent NPCs, especially commonly found transitional hepatic stellate cells (T-HSCs) and Kupffer cells/macrophages. We showed the phenomenon of penetration of the basement membrane of proliferating bile ductules by cytoplasmic processes sent by T-HSCs and the formation of direct cell-cell contact with ductular epithelial cells related to HPCs. Conclusions. HPC proliferation induced by BDL evidently promotes portal fibrogenesis. Better understanding of the complex cellular interactions between HPCs and adjacent NPCs, especially T-HSCs, may help develop antifibrotic therapies in the future.
Dual-Polarized On-Chip Antenna for 300 GHz Full-Duplex Communication System
Authors: Guo Linyan , Deng Ming , Zhang Qisheng , Zhang Xinyue , Yuan Zhenzhong
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a novel design of compact orthogonally polarized on-chip antenna to realize 300 GHz full-duplex communication system with high isolation. It consists of a dipole antenna for horizontal polarization and a disk-loaded monopole antenna for vertical polarization. They are in good cross-polarization state with more than 90 dB of self-interference suppression and then can be used to achieve good isolation between transmitting and receiving antennas. In addition, two dual-polarized antennas have been adopted in two separated transceivers to study their isolation performance. Furthermore, this compact antenna only occupies an active area of 390 μm × 300 μm × 78 μm and can be used for multiple-input multiple-output application as well.
The Combination of Ketorolac with Local Anesthesia for Pain Control in Day Care Retinal Detachment Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Liu Bingqian , Liang Xiaoling , Li Jiaqing , Li Tao , Li Yonghao , Yu Xiling , Lyu Cancan , Zhao Xiujuan , Tanumiharjo Silvia , Jin Chenjin , Lu Lin
Published: July 2017

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ketorolac with local anesthesia compared to local anesthesia alone for perioperative pain control in day care retinal detachment surgery. The randomized controlled trial included 59 eyes of 59 participants for retinal detachment surgery who were randomly assigned (1 : 1) into the ketorolac (K) group and control (C) group. All participants underwent conventional local anesthesia while patients in the K group received an extra administration of preoperative ketorolac. Participants in the K group had a statistically significantly lower intraoperative NRS score (median 1.0 versus 3.0, P=0.003), lower postoperative NRS score (median 0 versus 1.0, P=0.035), fewer proportion of rescue analgesic requirement (10% versus 34.5%, P=0.023), and lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (13.3% versus 41.4%, P=0.015) compared to the C group. Intraocular pressure (IOP) changes (△IOP) were significantly reduced in the K group (median 1.9 versus 3.0, P=0.038) compared to the C group 24 hours postoperatively. In conclusion, the combination of local anesthesia with ketorolac provides better pain control in retinal detachment surgery compared to local anesthesia alone. The beneficial effect of ketorolac with local anesthesia may contribute to a wider-spread adoption of day care retinal detachment surgery. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02729285.
Implementing a Reminder System in the Northern Part of Belgium to Stimulate Postpartum Screening for Glucose Intolerance in Women with Gestational Diabetes: The “Sweet Pregnancy” Project
Authors: Benhalima Katrien , Verstraete Sabine , Muylle Frederik , Decochez Katelijn , Devlieger Roland , Crombrugge Paul Van , Verhaegen Ann , Wens Johan , Mathieu Chantal
Published: July 2017

Aims. To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a gestational diabetes (GDM) recall register on the long-term screening uptake postpartum and to evaluate the prevalence of prediabetes postpartum.Methods. Evaluation of a GDM recall register implemented in 66 obstetrical centers in the northern part of Belgium from 2009 to 2016. Registrants receive yearly reminders to have a fasting plasma glucose test in primary care to timely detect prediabetes.Results. After 6 years, 7269 women were registered. The yearly response rates varied from 74.4% after the first year to 61.8% after the fifth year. The number of women who reported a screening test varied from 67.4% after the first year to 71.9% after the fifth year. Compared to women who responded at least once to a reminder, women who never responded were more often <30 years (41.4% versus 33.9%,p<0.001) and were more often obese (29.3% versus 20.8%,p≤0.001). Over a period of 6 years, 7.3% (CI 6.0%–8.8%) developed diabetes and 27.4% (CI 23.9%–31.0%) developed impaired fasting glycaemia.Conclusion. We show now the long-term feasibility and efficacy of a GDM recall register to stimulate screening postpartum. One-third of women developed prediabetes within 6 years.
Osteopontin at the Crossroads of Inflammation and Tumor Progression
Authors: Castello Luigi Mario , Raineri Davide , Salmi Livia , Clemente Nausicaa , Vaschetto Rosanna , Quaglia Marco , Garzaro Massimiliano , Gentilli Sergio , Navalesi Paolo , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Dianzani Umberto , Aspesi Anna , Chiocchetti Annalisa
Published: July 2017

Complex interactions between tumor and host cells regulate systemic tumor dissemination, a process that begins early at the primary tumor site and goes on until tumor cells detach themselves from the tumor mass and start migrating into the blood or lymphatic vessels. Metastatic cells colonize the target organs and are capable of surviving and growing at distant sites. In this context, osteopontin (OPN) appears to be a key determinant of the crosstalk between cancer cells and the host microenvironment, which in turn modulates immune evasion. OPN is overexpressed in several human carcinomas and has been implicated in inflammation, tumor progression, and metastasis. Thus, it represents one of the most attracting targets for cancer therapy. Within the tumor mass, OPN is secreted in various forms either by the tumor itself or by stroma cells, and it can exert either pro- or antitumorigenic effects according to the cell type and tumor microenvironment. Thus, targeting OPN for therapeutic purposes needs to take into account the heterogeneous functions of the multiple OPN forms with regard to cancer formation and progression. In this review, we will describe the role of systemic, tumor-derived, and stroma-derived OPN, highlighting its pivotal role at the crossroads of inflammation and tumor progression.
Curcumin Induces p53‐Null Hepatoma Cell Line Hep3B Apoptosis through the AKT‐PTEN‐FOXO4 Pathway
Authors: Liou An-Ting , Chen Mei-Fang , Yang Chu-Wen
Published: July 2017

Objective. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a yellow‐colored polyphenol with antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities to various types of cancer cells. This study explored the mechanism by which curcumin induces p53‐null hepatoma cell apoptosis. Results. AKT, FOXO1, and FOXO3 proteins were downregulated after curcumin treatment. Conversely, PTEN was upregulated. Subcellular fractionations revealed that the FOXO4 protein translocated from cytosol into the nucleus after curcumin treatment. Overexpression of FOXO4 increases the sensitivity of Hep3B cells to curcumin. Knockdown of the FOXO4 gene by siRNA inhibits the proapoptotic effects of curcumin on Hep3B cell. Conclusions. This study revealed the AKT/PTEN/FOXO4 pathway as a potential candidate of target for treatment of p53‐null liver cancers.
New Onset Insomnia in a Pediatric Patient: A Case of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Goldberg Tamar N. , Cellucci Michael F.
Published: July 2017

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is becoming more widely recognized as a cause of encephalopathy in both adults and children. Certain clinical features such as mood lability, movement disorders, speech dysfunction, seizures, and autonomic instability in a pediatric patient should prompt immediate concern and evaluation for autoimmune encephalitis among providers. We present the case of a pediatric patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in which the symptom prompting medical evaluation was insomnia. Insomnia has not previously been emphasized in the literature as a presenting feature of this disease in children and has a broad differential. Recognition of the symptoms of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and its variable presentation are key to early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment which may help to improve outcomes.
Ocular Adverse Effects of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Are Potentiated by Intermittent Hypoxia in a Rat Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy
Authors: Tan Jeffrey J. , Cai Charles L. , Shrier Eric M. , McNally Lois , Lazzaro Douglas R. , Aranda Jacob V. , Beharry Kay D.
Published: July 2017

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) use in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity is associated with severe neurological disabilities, suggesting vascular leakage. We examined the hypothesis that intermittent hypoxia (IH) potentiates intravitreal Avastin leakage. Neonatal rats at birth were exposed to IH from birth (P0)–P14. At P14, the time of eye opening in rats, a single dose of Avastin (0.125 mg) was injected intravitreally into the left eye. Animals were placed in room air (RA) until P23 or P45 for recovery (IHR). Hyperoxia-exposed and RA littermates served as oxygen controls, and equivalent volume saline served as the placebo controls. At P23 and P45 ocular angiogenesis, retinal pathology and ocular and systemic biomarkers of angiogenesis were examined. Retinal flatmounts showed poor peripheral vascularization in Avastin-treated and fellow eyes at P23, with numerous punctate hemorrhages and dilated, tortuous vessels with anastomoses at P45 in the rats exposed to IH. These adverse effects were associated with robust increases in systemic VEGF and in both treated and untreated fellow eyes. Histological analysis showed severe damage in the inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers. Exposure of IH/IHR-induced injured retinal microvasculature to anti-VEGF substances can result in vascular leakage and adverse effects in the developing neonate.
Modulation above Pump Beam Energy in Photoreflectance
Authors: Fuertes Marrón D.
Published: July 2017

Photoreflectance is used for the characterisation of semiconductor samples, usually by sweeping the monochromatized probe beam within the energy range comprised between the highest value set up by the pump beam and the lowest absorption threshold of the sample. There is, however, no fundamental upper limit for the probe beam other than the limited spectral content of the source and the responsivity of the detector. As long as the modulation mechanism behind photoreflectance does affect the complete electronic structure of the material under study, sweeping the probe beam towards higher energies from that of the pump source is equally effective in order to probe high-energy critical points. This fact, up to now largely overseen, is shown experimentally in this work. E1 and E0 + Δ0 critical points of bulk GaAs are unambiguously resolved using pump light of lower energy. This type of upstream modulation may widen further applications of the technique.
Neuroprotective and Memory‐Enhancing Effect of the Combined Extract of Purple Waxy Corn Cob and Pandan in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Kirisattayakul Woranan , Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Iamsaard Sittichai , Jittiwat Jinatta , Suriharn Bhalang , Lertrat Kamol
Published: July 2017

The neuroprotectant and memory enhancer supplement for menopause is required due to the side effects of hormone replacement therapy. Since purple waxy corn cob and pandan leaves exert antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChEI) effects, we hypothesized that the combined extract of both plants (PCP) might provide synergistic effect leading to the improved brain damage and memory impairment in experimental menopause. To test this hypothesis, female Wistar rats were ovariectomized bilaterally and orally given various doses of the functional drink at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for 28 days. The animals were assessed nonspatial memory using object recognition test every 7 days throughout the study period. At the end of study, they were assessed with oxidative stress status, AChEI, neuron density, and ERK1/2 signal in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Interestingly, all doses of PCP increased object recognition memory and neuron density but decreased oxidative stress status in PFC. Low dose of PCP also decreased AChE activity while medium dose of PCP increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in PFC. Therefore, the improved oxidative stress status and cholinergic function together with signal transduction via ERK in PFC might be responsible for the neuroprotective and memory‐enhancing effects of PCP.
Plumbagin Alleviates Capillarization of Hepatic Sinusoids In Vitro by Downregulating ET-1, VEGF, LN, and Type IV Collagen
Authors: Li Guiyu , Peng Yue , Zhao Tiejian , Lin Jiyong , Duan Xuelin , Wei Yanfei , Ma Jing
Published: July 2017

Critical roles for liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in liver fibrosis have been demonstrated, while little is known regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms of drugs delivered to the LSECs. Our previous study revealed that plumbagin plays an antifibrotic role in liver fibrosis. In this study, we investigated whether plumbagin alleviates capillarization of hepatic sinusoids by downregulating endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), laminin (LN), and type IV collagen on leptin-stimulated LSECs. We found that normal LSECs had mostly open fenestrae and no organized basement membrane. Leptin-stimulated LSECs showed the formation of a continuous basement membrane with few open fenestrae, which were the features of capillarization. Expression of ET-1, VEGF, LN, and type IV collagen was enhanced in leptin-stimulated LSECs. Plumbagin was used to treat leptin-stimulated LSECs. The sizes and numbers of open fenestrae were markedly decreased, and no basement membrane production was found after plumbagin administration. Plumbagin decreased the levels of ET-1, VEGF, LN, and type IV collagen in leptin-stimulated LSECs. Plumbagin promoted downregulation of ET-1, VEGF, LN, and type IV collagen mRNA. Altogether, our data reveal that plumbagin reverses capillarization of hepatic sinusoids by downregulation of ET-1, VEGF, LN, and type IV collagen.
An Energy Balancing Strategy Based on Hilbert Curve and Genetic Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kong Lingping , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Sung Tien-Wen , Tsai Pei-Wei , Snášel Václav
Published: July 2017

A wireless sensor network is a sensing system composed of a few or thousands of sensor nodes. These nodes, however, are powered by internal batteries, which cannot be recharged or replaced, and have a limited lifespan. Traditional two-tier networks with one sink node are thus vulnerable to communication gaps caused by nodes dying when their battery power is depleted. In such cases, some nodes are disconnected with the sink node because intermediary nodes on the transmission path are dead. Energy load balancing is a technique for extending the lifespan of node batteries, thus preventing communication gaps and extending the network lifespan. However, while energy conservation is important, strategies that make the best use of available energy are also important. To decrease transmission energy cost and prolong network lifespan, a three-tier wireless sensor network is proposed, in which the first level is the sink node and the third-level nodes communicate with the sink node via the service sites on the second level. Moreover, this study aims to minimize the number of service sites to decrease the construction cost. Statistical evaluation criteria are used as benchmarks to compare traditional methods and the proposed method in the simulations.
Numerical and Experimental Dynamic Analysis of IC Engine Test Beds Equipped with Highly Flexible Couplings
Authors: Cocconcelli M. , Troncossi M. , Mucchi E. , Agazzi A. , Rivola A. , Rubini R. , Dalpiaz G.
Published: July 2017

Driveline components connected to internal combustion engines can be critically loaded by dynamic forces due to motion irregularity. In particular, flexible couplings used in engine test rig are usually subjected to high levels of torsional oscillations and time-varying torque. This could lead to premature failure of the test rig. In this work an effective methodology for the estimation of the dynamic behavior of highly flexible couplings in real operational conditions is presented in order to prevent unwanted halts. The methodology addresses a combination of numerical models and experimental measurements. In particular, two mathematical models of the engine test rig were developed: a torsional lumped-parameter model for the estimation of the torsional dynamic behavior in operative conditions and a finite element model for the estimation of the natural frequencies of the coupling. The experimental campaign addressed torsional vibration measurements in order to characterize the driveline dynamic behavior as well as validate the models. The measurements were achieved by a coder-based technique using optical sensors and zebra tapes. Eventually, the validated models were used to evaluate the effect of design modifications of the coupling elements in terms of natural frequencies (torsional and bending), torsional vibration amplitude, and power loss in the couplings.
The Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Seo Young-Gyun , Choi Ho-Chun , An Ah Reum , Park Do Joon , Park Young Joo , Lee Kyu Eun , Park Sue K. , Hwang Yunji , Cho Belong
Published: July 2017

Aim. The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing worldwide. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is also increasing. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effect of T2DM on thyroid cancer. Methods. A case-control study was performed. A total of 415 healthy controls with thyroid ultrasound screening and physician consultation were selected from the Thyroid Cancer Longitudinal Study (T-CALOS). Among patients with thyroid cancer who were enrolled in T-CALOS, 415 patients were matched to the control group according to age and sex. We assessed the effects of T2DM, T2DM duration, and T2DM medication on thyroid cancer. Results. Women with T2DM had lower odds of thyroid cancer than women without T2DM (odds ratio [OR]: 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20–0.81). Individuals receiving T2DM medication had higher odds of thyroid cancer compared to those without T2DM medication (OR: 5.21, 95% CI: 1.58–17.15). Individuals with T2DM duration <6 years had lower odds of thyroid cancer compared to those without T2DM (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34–0.97). Conclusions. Individuals with early T2DM are presumed to have a low incidence of thyroid cancer, and this effect seems to last up to 6 years after diagnosis of T2DM.
Nonlinear Stochastic Analysis for Lateral Vibration of Footbridge under Pedestrian Narrowband Excitation
Authors: Bu-yu Jia , Xiao-lin Yu , Quan-sheng Yan , Zheng Yang
Published: July 2017

During the lateral vibration of footbridge, the pedestrian lateral load shows two distinct features: one is the vibration‐dependency; another is the narrowband randomness caused by the variability between two subsequent walking steps. In this case, the lateral vibration of footbridge is actually a complicated, nonlinear stochastic system. In this paper, a novel nonlinear stochastic model for lateral vibration of footbridge is proposed, in which a velocity‐dependent load model developed from Nakamura model is adopted to represent the pedestrian‐bridge interaction and the narrowband stochastic characteristic is considered. The amplitude and phase involved Itô equations are established using the multiscale method. Based on the maximal Lyapunov exponent derived from these equations, the critical condition for triggering a large lateral vibration can be obtained by solving the stability problem. The validity of the proposed method is confirmed, based on performing the case studies of two bridges. Meanwhile, through parameter analysis, the influences of several crucial parameters on the stability of vibration are discussed.
An Efficient Normalized Rank Based SVM for Room Level Indoor WiFi Localization with Diverse Devices
Authors: Rezgui Yasmine , Pei Ling , Chen Xin , Wen Fei , Han Chen
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes an efficient and effective WiFi fingerprinting-based indoor localization algorithm, which uses the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of WiFi signals. In practical harsh indoor environments, RSSI variation and hardware variance can significantly degrade the performance of fingerprinting-based localization methods. To address the problem of hardware variance and signal fluctuation in WiFi fingerprinting-based localization, we propose a novel normalized rank based Support Vector Machine classifier (NR-SVM). Moving from RSSI value based analysis to the normalized rank transformation based analysis, the principal features are prioritized and the dimensionalities of signature vectors are taken into account. The proposed method has been tested using sixteen different devices in a shopping mall with 88 shops. The experimental results demonstrate its robustness with no less than 98.75% correct estimation in 93.75% of the tested cases and 100% correct rate in 56.25% of cases. In the experiments, the new method shows better performance over the KNN, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, and Neural Network algorithms. Furthermore, we have compared the proposed approach with three popular calibration-free transformation based methods, including difference method (DIFF), Signal Strength Difference (SSD), and the Hyperbolic Location Fingerprinting (HLF) based SVM. The results show that the NR-SVM outperforms these popular methods.
Influence of Gait Speeds on Contact Forces of Lower Limbs
Authors: Wang Xin , Ma Yue , Hou Bo Yi , Lam Wing-Kai
Published: July 2017

While walking with fast speed aims to promote health and fitness of individuals, the potential risk on lower limb joint loading across walking speed is still unknown. In order to determine the joint contact force loading associated with different walking speeds, fifteen young male and fifteen female participants performed barefoot walking across different speeds (regular = 1.1 m/s, medium = 1.4 m/s, and fast = 1.7 m/s). The synchronized motion and ground reaction force (GRF) data were captured by Codamotion capture system and AMTI force platform. All kinematics and GRF information were input to the AnyBody musculoskeletal model to determine 3-dimensional knee contact forces. The results showed that increased walking speed was associated with a greater proximal-distal and anterior-posterior GRF during early impact phase, implying that the joint stability is more demanding at higher walking speed conditions (P<0.05). In addition, higher proximal-distal and anterior-posterior knee contact forces were found when participants were walking at higher speeds (P<0.05). Therefore, the risk of knee cartilage and ligament damage associated with the increased knee contact forces should require further attention.
Downregulation of Thromboxane A2 Receptor Occurs Mainly via Nuclear Factor-KappaB Signaling Pathway in Rat Renal Artery
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Mi Man , Xie Yan-Hua , Wang Si-Wang , Edvinsson Lars , Xu Cang-Bao
Published: July 2017

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) acts on TXA2 receptors (TP) to regulate renal artery blood flow and subsequently contributes to the pathogenesis of renal ischemia. The present study was designed to examine if nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway is involved in the downregulation of TP receptors in rat renal artery. Rat renal artery segments were organ cultured for 6 or 24 h. Downregulation of TP receptors was monitored using myograph (contractile function), real-time PCR (receptor mRNA), and immunohistochemistry (receptor protein). Specific inhibitors (MG-132 and BMS345541) for NF-κB signaling pathway were used to dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Compared to fresh (noncultured) segments, organ culture of the renal artery segments for 24 h induced a significant rightward shift of U46619 (TP receptor agonist) contractile response curves (pEC50: 6.89±0.06 versus 6.48±0.04, P<0.001). This decreased contractile response to U46619 was paralleled with decreased TP receptor mRNA and protein expressions in the renal artery smooth muscle cells. Specific inhibitors (MG-132 and BMS345541) for NF-κB signaling pathway significantly abolished the decreased TP protein expression and receptor-mediated contractions. In conclusion, downregulation of TP receptors in the renal artery smooth muscle cells occurs mainly via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Transcriptome-Based Modeling Reveals that Oxidative Stress Induces Modulation of the AtfA-Dependent Signaling Networks inAspergillus nidulans
Authors: Orosz Erzsébet , Antal Károly , Gazdag Zoltán , Szabó Zsuzsa , Han Kap-Hoon , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Pócsi István , Emri Tamás
Published: July 2017

To better understand the molecular functions of the master stress-response regulator AtfA inAspergillus nidulans, transcriptomic analyses of theatfAnull mutant and the appropriate control strains exposed to menadione sodium bisulfite- (MSB-),t-butylhydroperoxide- and diamide-induced oxidative stresses were performed. Several elements of oxidative stress response were differentially expressed. Many of them, including the downregulation of the mitotic cell cycle, as the MSB stress-specific upregulation of FeS cluster assembly and the MSB stress-specific downregulation of nitrate reduction, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and ER to Golgi vesicle-mediated transport, showed AtfA dependence. To elucidate the potential global regulatory role of AtfA governing expression of a high number of genes with very versatile biological functions, we devised a model based on the comprehensive transcriptomic data. Our model suggests that an important function of AtfA is to modulate the transduction of stress signals. Although it may regulate directly only a limited number of genes, these include elements of the signaling network, for example, members of the two-component signal transduction systems. AtfA acts in a stress-specific manner, which may increase further the number and diversity of AtfA-dependent genes. Our model sheds light on the versatility of the physiological functions of AtfA and its orthologs in fungi.