bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FSim: A Novel Functional Similarity Search Algorithm and Tool for Discovering Functionally Related Gene Products
Authors: Hu Qiang , Wang ZhiGang , Zhang ZhengGuo
Published: August 2014

Background. During the analysis of genomics data, it is often required to quantify the functional similarity of genes and their products based on the annotation information from gene ontology (GO) with hierarchical structure. A flexible and user-friendly way to estimate the functional similarity of genes utilizing GO annotation is therefore highly desired.Results. We proposed a novel algorithm using a level coefficient-weighted model to measure the functional similarity of gene products based on multiple ontologies of hierarchical GO annotations. The performance of our algorithm was evaluated and found to be superior to the other tested methods. We implemented the proposed algorithm in a software package, FSim, based onRstatistical and computing environment. It can be used to discover functionally related genes for a given gene, group of genes, or set of function terms.Conclusions. FSim is a flexible tool to analyze functional gene groups based on the GO annotation databases.
Establishment of Cell Lines from Both Myeloma Bone Marrow and Plasmacytoma: SNU_MM1393_BM and SNU_MM1393_SC from a Single Patient
Authors: Koh Youngil , Jung Woo-June , Ahn Kwang-Sung , Yoon Sung-Soo
Published: August 2014

Purpose.We tried to establish clinically relevant human myeloma cell lines that can contribute to the understanding of multiple myeloma (MM).Materials and Methods.Mononuclear cells obtained from MM patient’s bone marrow were injected via tail vein in an NRG/SCID mouse. Fourteen weeks after the injection, tumor developed at subcutis of the mouse. The engraftment of MM cells into mouse bone marrow (BM) was also observed. We separated and cultured cells from subcutis and BM.Results.After the separation and culture of cells from subcutis and BM, we established two cell lines originating from a single patient (SNU_MM1393_BM and SNU_MM1393_SC). Karyotype of the two newly established MM cell lines showed tetraploidy which is different from the karyotype of the patient (diploidy) indicating clonal evolution. In contrast to SNU_MM1393_BM, cell proliferation of SNU_MM1393_SC was IL-6 independent. SNU_MM1393_BM and SNU_MM1393_SC showed high degree of resistance against bortezomib compared to U266 cell line. SNU_MM1393_BM had the greater lethality compared to SNU_MM1393_SC.Conclusion.Two cell lines harboring different site tropisms established from a single patient showed differences in cytokine response and lethality. Our newly established cell lines could be used as a tool to understand the biology of multiple myeloma.
Risk-Adjusted Impact of Administrative Costs on the Distribution of Terminal Wealth for Long-Term Investment
Authors: Guillén Montserrat , Jarner Søren Fiig , Nielsen Jens Perch , Pérez-Marín Ana M.
Published: August 2014

The impact of administrative costs on the distribution of terminal wealth is approximated using a simple formula applicable to many investment situations. We show that the reduction in median returns attributable to administrative fees is usually at least twice the amount of the administrative costs charged for most investment funds, when considering a risk-adjustment correction over a reasonably long-term time horizon. The example we present covers a number of standard cases and can be applied to passive investments, mutual funds, and hedge funds. Our results show investors the potential losses they face in performance due to administrative costs.
Efficacy and Safety of Acotiamide for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiao Guoguang , Xie Xiaoping , Fan Juan , Deng Jianjun , Tan Shan , Zhu Yu , Guo Qin , Wan Chaomin
Published: August 2014

Background.There are no treatments with established efficacy for this disorder so far.Aim.To systematically review the efficacy of acotiamide in the treatment of patients with FD.Methods.We searched main electronic databases through November 2013. RCTs evaluating the efficacy of acotiamide versus placebo in FD patients were included. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidential interval (CI) was calculated.Results.Six publications including seven RCTs were eligible for inclusion. The summary RR of overall improvement of FD symptoms in patients receiving acotiamide versus placebo was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.19–1.40,P<0.00001;I2=15%). Acotiamide improved the symptoms of patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.09–1.53,P=0.003;I2=0%), and the summary RR for patients with epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.76–1.11,P=0.39;I2=0%). Acotiamide showed a significantly beneficial effect on the elimination of some individual FD symptoms compared with placebo. Adverse events were not significantly different between acotiamide and placebo groups. Subgroup analyses suggested that acotiamide 100 mg three times daily (tid) showed consistent efficacy not only for the overall improvement but also for the elimination of some individual symptoms in FD patients.Conclusions.Acotiamide has the potential to improve the symptoms of patients with FD, particularly of patients with PDS, without major adverse effects. The dosage of acotiamide 100 mg tid might be the appropriate dose in the treatment of FD.
Numerical Modeling of Irregular Water Wave Transformation
Authors: Fassieh K. M. , Fahmy O. , Zaki M. A.
Published: August 2014

Propagation of irregular water wave from deep water to a shoreline has been numerically modeled. Linear and irregular waves are considered. Model equations govern effects of shoaling, refraction, and diffraction over a varying bathymetry. The model requires the input of the incoming directional random sea at the offshore boundary. Statistical energy dissipation model is incorporated to predict realistically energy losses due to wave breaking in surf zone. Unlike most of the previous models, this model can predict wave transformation in surf zone where energy dissipation and bottom friction must be taken into consideration. The model does not have the limitation of parabolic approximation models (PAM) that are valid only in case of weak refraction. Finite difference approximations have been used to solve the governing equation. The model results are compared with experimental data for directional random wave propagation over a submerged shoal. Good agreements between the model results and experimental data are shown. Applicability of the model to real coastal areas is shown by application to coastal areas along the Nile Delta Coast, Egypt.
Discovery of Novel Leaf Rust Responsive microRNAs in Wheat and Prediction of Their Target Genes
Authors: Kumar Dhananjay , Singh Dharmendra , Kanodia Pulkit , Prabhu Kumble Vinod , Kumar Manish , Mukhopadhyay Kunal
Published: August 2014

MicroRNAs are endogenous small noncoding RNAs which play critical roles in gene regulation. Few wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) miRNA sequences are available in miRBase repertoire and knowledge of their biological functions related to biotic stress is limited. We identified 52 miRNAs, belonging to 19 families, from next-generation transcriptome sequence data based on homology search. One wheat specific novel miRNA was identified but could not be ascribed or assigned to any known miRNA family. Differentially expressed 22 miRNAs were found between susceptible and resistant wheat near-isogenic lines inoculated with leaf rust pathogenPuccinia triticinaand compared with mock inoculated controls. Most miRNAs were more upregulated in susceptible NIL compared to resistant NIL. We identified 1306 potential target genes for these 52 miRNAs with vital roles in response to stimuli, signaling, and diverse metabolic and cellular processes. Gene ontology analysis showed 66, 20, and 35 target genes to be categorized into biological process, molecular function, and cellular component, respectively. A miRNA-mediated regulatory network revealed relationships among the components of the targetome. The present study provides insight into potential miRNAs with probable roles in leaf rust pathogenesis and their target genes in wheat which establish a foundation for future studies.
Reduced Time CT Perfusion Acquisitions Are Sufficient to Measure the Permeability Surface Area Product with a Deconvolution Method
Authors: Mazzei Francesco Giuseppe , Volterrani Luca , Guerrini Susanna , Cioffi Squitieri Nevada , Sani Eleonora , Bettini Gloria , Pozzessere Chiara , Mazzei Maria Antonietta
Published: August 2014

Objective. To reduce the radiation dose, reduced time CT perfusion (CTp) acquisitions are tested to measure permeability surface (PS) with a deconvolution method. Methods and Materials. PS was calculated with repeated measurements (n=305) while truncating the time density curve (TDC) at different time values in 14 CTp studies using CTp 4D software (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, US). The median acquisition time of CTp studies was 59.35 sec (range 49–92 seconds). To verify the accuracy of the deconvolution algorithm, a variation of the truncated PS within the error measurements was searched, that is, within 3 standard deviations from the mean nominal error provided by the software. The test was also performed for all the remaining CTp parameters measured. Results. PS maximum variability happened within 25 seconds. The PS became constant after 40 seconds for the majority of the active tumors (10/11), while for necrotic tissues it was consistent within 1% after 50 seconds. A consistent result lasted for all the observed CTp parameters, as expected from their analytical dependance. Conclusion. 40-second acquisition time could be an optimal compromise to obtain an accurate measurement of the PS and a reasonable dose exposure with a deconvolution method.
Automatic Moving Object Segmentation for Freely Moving Cameras
Authors: Wan Yanli , Wang Xifu , Hu Hongpu
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a new moving object segmentation algorithm for freely moving cameras which is very common for the outdoor surveillance system, the car build‐in surveillance system, and the robot navigation system. A two‐layer based affine transformation model optimization method is proposed for camera compensation purpose, where the outer layer iteration is used to filter the non‐background feature points, and the inner layer iteration is used to estimate a refined affine model based on the RANSAC method. Then the feature points are classified into foreground and background according to the detected motion information. A geodesic based graph cut algorithm is then employed to extract the moving foreground based on the classified features. Unlike the existing global optimization or the long term feature point tracking based method, our algorithm only performs on two successive frames to segment the moving foreground, which makes it suitable for the online video processing applications. The experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm in both of the high accuracy and the fast speed.
Network-Coded Relaying in Multiuser Multicast D2D Network
Authors: Dai Mingjun , Zhang Shengli , Wang Hui , Chen Bin , Lin Xiaohui , Liu Hongwei , Zhang Li
Published: August 2014

D2D communication trades short-range communication for achieving high communication rate and short communication latency. Relay aided D2D communication can further tackle the problem of intermediate obstacles blocking the communication. In this work, multidevice multicast communication via a layer of parallel relay nodes is considered. Two relaying strategies, respectively, called the conventional relaying (CR) and network-coded relaying (NCR), are proposed. The throughput of these two schemes is analytically derived and evaluated through numerical study. Theoretically, NCR shows advantage over CR in twofold: one is higher throughput and the other is requiring less relay nodes and, hence, consuming less aggregate power. Numerical studies verify the analysis and show that the throughput performance gap between the two schemes increases significantly, actually exponentially with the number of devices.
Robust Tensor Preserving Projection for Multispectral Face Recognition
Authors: Sun Shaoyuan , Zhao Haitao , Jin Bo
Published: August 2014

Multiple imaging modalities based face recognition has become a hot research topic. A great number of multispectral face recognition algorithms/systems have been designed in the last decade. How to extract features of different spectrum has still been an important issue for face recognition. To address this problem, we propose a robust tensor preserving projection (RTPP) algorithm which represents a multispectral image as a third‐order tensor. RTPP constructs sparse neighborhoods and then computes weights of the tensor. RTPP iteratively obtains one spectral space transformation matrix through preserving the sparse neighborhoods. Due to sparse representation, RTPP can not only keep the underlying spatial structure of multispectral images but also enhance robustness. The experiments on both Equinox and DHUFO face databases show that the performance of the proposed method is better than those of related algorithms.
Multiplicity of Positive Solutions for a Singular Second-Order Three-Point Boundary Value Problem with a Parameter
Authors: Liu Jian , Feng Hanying , Feng Xingfang
Published: August 2014

This paper is concerned with the following second-order three-point boundary value problemu″t+β2ut+λqtft,ut=0,t∈0 , 1,u0=0,u(1)=δu(η), whereβ∈(0,π/2),δ>0,η∈(0,1), andλis a positive parameter. First, Green’s function for the associated linear boundary value problem is constructed, and then some useful properties of Green’s function are obtained. Finally, existence, multiplicity, and nonexistence results for positive solutions are derived in terms of different values ofλby means of the fixed point index theory.
Growth Theorems for a Subclass of Strongly Spirallike Functions
Authors: Cui Yan-Yan , Wang Chao-Jun , Zhu Si-Feng
Published: August 2014

In this paper we consider a subclass of strongly spirallike functions on the unit diskDin the complex planeC, namely, strongly almost spirallike functions of typeβand orderα. We obtain the growth results for strongly almost spirallike functions of typeβand orderαon the unit diskDinCby using subordination principles and the geometric properties of analytic mappings. Furthermore we get the growth theorems for strongly almost starlike functions of orderαand strongly starlike functions on the unit diskDofC. These growth results follow the deviation results of these functions.
Evaluation of Epithelial Integrity with Various Transepithelial Corneal Cross-Linking Protocols for Treatment of Keratoconus
Authors: Taneri Suphi , Oehler Saskia , Lytle Grace , Dick H. Burkhard
Published: August 2014

Purpose. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) has been demonstrated to stiffen cornea and halt progression of ectasia. The original protocol requires debridement of central corneal epithelium to facilitate diffusion of a riboflavin solution to stroma. Recently, transepithelial CXL has been proposed to reduce risk of complications associated with epithelial removal. Aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of various transepithelial riboflavin delivery protocols on corneal epithelium in regard to pain and epithelial integrity in the early postoperative period.Methods. One hundred and sixty six eyes of 104 subjects affected by progressive keratoconus underwent transepithelial CXL using 6 different riboflavin application protocols. Postoperatively, epithelial integrity was evaluated at slit lamp and patients were queried regarding their ocular pain level.Results. One eye had a corneal infection associated with an epithelial defect. No other adverse event including endothelial decompensation or endothelial damage was observed, except for epithelial damages. Incidence of epithelial defects varied from 0 to 63%. Incidence of reported pain varied from 0 to 83%.Conclusion. Different transepithelial cross-linking protocols have varying impacts on epithelial integrity. At present, it seems impossible to have sufficient riboflavin penetration without any epithelial disruption. A compromise between efficacy and epithelial integrity has to be found.
Comparative DFT Study of Phytochemical Constituents of the Fruits of Cucumis trigonus Roxb. and Cucumis sativus Linn.
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Subarayan Bothi , Kalaiarasi Thangaraj , Subramanian Ramasamy
Published: August 2014

The hepatoprotective active phytochemical constituents from the ethanolic extracts of the fruits of Cucumis trigonus Roxb. and Cucumis sativus Linn. were identified by GC-MS analysis. The density functional theory (DFT) of these molecules was calculated by density functional B3LYP methods using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The optimized geometries of phytochemical constituents were evaluated. Physicochemical properties such as HOMO, LUMO, ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, electrochemical potential, hardness, softness, electrophilicity, total energy, and dipole moment have also been recorded. These are very important parameters to understand the chemical reactivity and biological activity of the phytochemical constituents. Glycodeoxycholic acid and 2-(2-methylcyclohexylidene)-hydrazinecarboxamide were found to be effective drugs selected on the basis of their HOMO and LUMO energy gap and softness. The effective properties of these compounds may be due to the presence of amino, carbonyl, and alcohol as a functional group.
Adaptive Output Feedback Stabilization of Nonholonomic Systems with Nonlinear Parameterization
Authors: Shang Yanling , Yuan Ye , Yuan Fushun
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the problem of adaptive output feedback stabilization for a class of nonholonomic systems with nonlinear parameterization and strong nonlinear drifts. A parameter separation technique is introduced to transform nonlinearly parameterized system into a linear-like parameterized system. Then, by using the integrator backstepping approach based on observer and parameter estimator, a constructive design procedure for output feedback adaptive control is given. And a switching strategy is developed to eliminate the phenomenon of uncontrollability. It is shown that, under some conditions, the proposed controller can guarantee that all the system states globally converge to the origin, while other signals remain bounded. An illustrative example is also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
An Osteolytic Metastasis of Humerus from an Asymptomatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Lung: A Rare Clinical Entity
Authors: Das Anirban , Pandit Sudipta , Das Sibes k. , Basuthakur Sumitra , Das Somnath
Published: August 2014

Advanced lung cancer is complicated by skeletal metastases either due to direct extension from adjacent primaries or, more commonly, due to haematogenous dissemination of neoplastic cells. Lumber spine is the most common site for bony metastases in bronchogenic carcinoma. Proximal lone bones, especially humerus, are unusual sites for metastases from lung primaries. Small cell and large cell varieties of lung cancer are most commonly associated with skeletal dissemination. It is also unusual that an asymptomatic squamous cell carcinoma of lung presents with painful, soft tissue swelling with osteolytic metastasis of humerus which is reported in our case. Systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy, local palliative radiotherapy, adequate analgesia, and internal fixation of the affected long bone are different modalities of treatment in this advanced stage of disease. But the prognosis is definitely poor in this stage IV disease.
Biomedical Implications of Heavy Metals Induced Imbalances in Redox Systems
Authors: Sharma Bechan , Singh Shweta , Siddiqi Nikhat J.
Published: August 2014

Several workers have extensively worked out the metal induced toxicity and have reported the toxic and carcinogenic effects of metals in human and animals. It is well known that these metals play a crucial role in facilitating normal biological functions of cells as well. One of the major mechanisms associated with heavy metal toxicity has been attributed to generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which develops imbalance between the prooxidant elements and the antioxidants (reducing elements) in the body. In this process, a shift to the former is termed as oxidative stress. The oxidative stress mediated toxicity of heavy metals involves damage primarily to liver (hepatotoxicity), central nervous system (neurotoxicity), DNA (genotoxicity), and kidney (nephrotoxicity) in animals and humans. Heavy metals are reported to impact signaling cascade and associated factors leading to apoptosis. The present review illustrates an account of the current knowledge about the effects of heavy metals (mainly arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium) induced oxidative stress as well as the possible remedies of metal(s) toxicity through natural/synthetic antioxidants, which may render their effects by reducing the concentration of toxic metal(s). This paper primarily concerns the clinicopathological and biomedical implications of heavy metals induced oxidative stress and their toxicity management in mammals.
Study on Dynamics of Polygonal Wear of Automotive Tire Caused by Self‐Excited Vibration
Authors: Zuo Shuguang , Duan Xianglei , Li Yong
Published: August 2014

Considering the underlying reason of tire polygonal wear, a unified mechanical tire model is developed to analyze the different vibration properties between the driving wheel and follower wheel. And the LuGre dynamic friction model is applied to determine the frictional forces between the wheel with a slip angel and the road. Through the stability analysis with Lyapunov theory, it is found that tread self‐excited vibration is periodic oscillation caused by Hopf bifurcation. The analysis of the lateral vibration of driving wheel shows that the tread vibration system loses its stability and self‐excited vibration occurs when the wheel is rolling at a high speed, is over‐loaded, is having a large toe‐in angle, or is under a low tire pressure. On this basis, the dynamic behaviors of the driving and follower wheels are distinguished with different slip rates by the numerical simulation. Compared with the dynamic behaviors of the follower wheel under the same condition, the self‐excited vibration occurs on the driving wheel with more limited parameter scope, lower oscillation energy, and lower occurrence, which explains why the polygonal wear is less likely to occur on the driving wheel.
Adopting Ambulatory Breast Cancer Surgery as the Standard of Care in an Asian Population
Authors: Ng Yvonne Ying Ru , Chan Patrick Mun Yew , Chen Juliana Jia Chuan , Seah Melanie Dee Wern , Teo Christine , Tan Ern Yu
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Ambulatory surgery is not commonly practiced in Asia. A 23-hour ambulatory (AS23) service was implemented at our institute in March 2004 to allow more surgeries to be performed as ambulatory procedures. In this study, we reviewed the impact of the AS23 service on breast cancer surgeries and reviewed surgical outcomes, including postoperative complications, length of stay, and 30-day readmission.Methods. Retrospective review was performed of 1742 patients who underwent definitive breast cancer surgery from 1 March 2004 to 31 December 2010.Results. By 2010, more than 70% of surgeries were being performed as ambulatory procedures. Younger women (P<0.01), those undergoing wide local excision (P<0.01) and those with ductal carcinoma-in situ or early stage breast cancer (P<0.01), were more likely to undergo ambulatory surgery. Six percent of patients initially scheduled for ambulatory surgery were eventually managed as inpatients; a third of these were because of perioperative complications. Wound complications, 30-day readmission and reoperation rates were not more frequent with ambulatory surgery.Conclusion. Ambulatory breast cancer surgery is now the standard of care at our institute. An integrated workflow facilitating proper patient selection and structured postoperativee outpatient care have ensured minimal complications and high patient acceptance.
The Resistance of Ship Web Girders in Collision and Grounding
Authors: Gao Zhenguo , Yang Song , Hu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2014

Ship web girders play an important role in ship structure performance during collision and grounding accidents. The behavior of web girders subjected to in‐plane concentrated load is investigated by numerical simulation and theoretical analysis in this paper. A numerical simulation based on previous experiment is conducted to give insight to the deformation mechanism of crushing web girders. Some new important deformation characteristics are observed through the simulation results. A new theoretical deformation model is proposed featured with these deformation characteristics, and a simplified analytical method for predicting the instantaneous and mean resistances of crushing web girders is proposed. The proposed method is verified by two previous experiments and a series of numerical simulations. The agreement between the solutions by the proposed method and the experiment results is good. The comparison results between the proposed analytical method and numerical simulation results are satisfactory for most cases. The proposed analytical method will contribute to the establishment of an efficient method for fast and reliable assessment of the outcome of ship accidental collisions and grounding events.
DWI-Based Neural Fingerprinting Technology: A Preliminary Study on Stroke Analysis
Authors: Ye Chenfei , Ma Heather Ting , Wu Jun , Yang Pengfei , Chen Xuhui , Yang Zhengyi , Ma Jingbo
Published: August 2014

Stroke is a common neural disorder in neurology clinics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important tool to assess the neural physiological changes under stroke, such as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Quantitative analysis of MRI images would help medical doctors to localize the stroke area in the diagnosis in terms of structural information and physiological characterization. However, current quantitative approaches can only provide localization of the disorder rather than measure physiological variation of subtypes of ischemic stroke. In the current study, we hypothesize that each kind of neural disorder would have its unique physiological characteristics, which could be reflected by DWI images on different gradients. Based on this hypothesis, a DWI-based neural fingerprinting technology was proposed to classify subtypes of ischemic stroke. The neural fingerprint was constructed by the signal intensity of the region of interest (ROI) on the DWI images under different gradients. The fingerprint derived from the manually drawn ROI could classify the subtypes with accuracy 100%. However, the classification accuracy was worse when using semiautomatic and automatic method in ROI segmentation. The preliminary results showed promising potential of DWI-based neural fingerprinting technology in stroke subtype classification. Further studies will be carried out for enhancing the fingerprinting accuracy and its application in other clinical practices.
Solving Systems of Volterra Integral and Integrodifferential Equations with Proportional Delays by Differential Transformation Method
Authors: Yüzbaşı Şuayip , Ismailov Nurbol
Published: August 2014

In this paper, the differential transformation method is applied to the system of Volterra integral and integrodifferential equations with proportional delays. The method is useful for both linear and nonlinear equations. By using this method, the solutions are obtained in series forms. If the solutions of the problem can be expanded to Taylor series, then the method gives opportunity to determine the coefficients of Taylor series. Hence, the exact solution can be obtained in Taylor series form. In illustrative examples, the method is applied to a few types of systems.
A Research of Speech Emotion Recognition Based on Deep Belief Network and SVM
Authors: Huang Chenchen , Gong Wei , Fu Wenlong , Feng Dongyu
Published: August 2014

Feature extraction is a very important part in speech emotion recognition, and in allusion to feature extraction in speech emotion recognition problems, this paper proposed a new method of feature extraction, using DBNs in DNN to extract emotional features in speech signal automatically. By training a 5 layers depth DBNs, to extract speech emotion feature and incorporate multiple consecutive frames to form a high dimensional feature. The features after training in DBNs were the input of nonlinear SVM classifier, and finally speech emotion recognition multiple classifier system was achieved. The speech emotion recognition rate of the system reached 86.5%, which was 7% higher than the original method.
Phytochemical, Phytotherapeutical and Pharmacological Study of Momordica dioica
Authors: Talukdar Sattya Narayan , Hossain Mohammad Nazir
Published: August 2014

Momordica dioica is a perennial, dioecious, cucurbitaceous climbing creeper (commonly known as kakrol, spiny gourd or teasle gourd). It is native to Asia with extensive distribution in India and Bangladesh. It is used not only as preventive and curative agent for various diseases but also as vegetable with a significant nutritional value over thousands of years. This review aims to take an attempt to evaluate the phytochemical, ethnobotanical, phytotherapeutical and pharmacological properties of kakrol according to the view of traditional medicinal plant based treatment including ayurveda along with recent scientific observations. Kakrol is considered as an underutilized vegetable, although having significant presence of certain compounds containing higher nutritional value than many frequently consumed vegetables. Moreover, as a traditional medicinal plant, it is still potential for its phytochemical components that increase the demand of further extensive evaluation to justify its other therapeutical roles. Therefore, this effort will be helpful to researchers who interested to disclose the unjustified phytotherapeutical role of Momordica dioica.
Therapeutic Benefits of Tocilizumab Vary in Different Organs of a Patient with AA Amyloidosis
Authors: Matsui Masaru , Okayama Satoshi , Tsushima Hideo , Samejima Kenichi , Kanki Tomoko , Hasegawa Ayako , Morimoto Katsuhiko , Akai Yasuhiro , Takano Masato , Uemura Shiro , Ohbayashi Chiho , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: August 2014

Systemic reactive AA amyloidosis is a life-threatening complication of chronic inflammatory diseases. Anti-interleukin-6 receptor, tocilizumab (TCZ), has been shown to improve clinical symptoms of patients with AA amyloidosis, accompanied with regression of the amyloid deposition. We report a case of AA amyloidosis evaluated by histology of multiple organs before and after TCZ treatment. A woman in her 60s with rheumatoid arthritis was referred to our hospital because of cardiac and renal dysfunction. A gastric and renal biopsy revealed the deposition of AA amyloid, and echocardiography revealed concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate was decreased to 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, and B-type natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A protein were significantly elevated. TCZ treatments markedly decreased her serum amyloid A protein and C-reactive protein levels, but hemodialysis was required 1 year later. Endoscopic gastric rebiopsy 3 years after initiation of TCZ treatments revealed the regression of amyloid deposition and echocardiography revealed improvement of her left ventricular hypertrophy. However, a renal rebiopsy revealed that the amyloid deposition had not regressed. In conclusion, these observations suggest that the therapeutic effects of TCZ can vary among organs in patients with AA amyloidosis.
Ananas comosus L. Leaf Phenols and p‐Coumaric Acid Regulate Liver Fat Metabolism by Upregulating CPT‐1 Expression
Authors: Xie Weidong , Zhang Shaobo , Lei Fan , Ouyang Xiaoxi , Du Lijun
Published: August 2014

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect and action mechanisms of pineapple leaf phenols (PLPs) on liver fat metabolism in high‐fat diet‐fed mice. Results show that PLP significantly reduced abdominal fat and liver lipid accumulation in high‐fat diet‐fed mice. The effects of PLP were comparable with those of FB. Furthermore, at the protein level, PLP upregulated the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT‐1), whereas FB had no effects on CPT‐1 compared with the HFD controls. Regarding mRNA expression, PLP mainly promoted the expression of CPT‐1, PGC1a, UCP‐1, and AMPK in the mitochondria, whereas FB mostly enhanced the expression of Ech1, Acox1, Acaa1, and Ehhadh in peroxisomes. PLP seemed to enhance fat metabolism in the mitochondria, whereas FB mainly exerted the effect in peroxisomes. In addition, p‐coumaric acid (CA), one of the main components from PLP, significantly inhibited fat accumulation in oleic acid‐induced HepG2 cells. CA also significantly upregulated CPT‐1 mRNA and protein expressions in HepG2 cells. We, firstly, found that PLP enhanced liver fat metabolism by upregulating CPT‐1 expression in the mitochondria and might be promising in treatment of fatty liver diseases as alternative natural products. CA may be one of the active components of PLP.
Pulpal Thermal Changes following Er-YAG Laser Debonding of Ceramic Brackets
Authors: Nalbantgil Didem , Tozlu Murat , Oztoprak Mehmet Oguz
Published: August 2014

Lasers are effective in debonding ceramic brackets. Unfortunately, while reducing the adhesive bond strength, lasers are also reported to increase pulpal temperature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strengths and temperature increase levels after debonding ceramic brackets using an Er-YAG laser with or without water-cooling. Sixty polycrystalline upper premolar ceramic brackets were placed on the labial surface of sixty human premolar teeth which were randomly divided into three groups of twenty. A laser pulse at 5 W for 9 seconds was delivered to each bracket in both study groups either with water-cooling (water group) or without water-cooling (waterless group) using an Er-YAG laser. Debonding was performed 45 seconds after laser exposure and shear bond strengths were measured. Data comparison revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups. Mean temperature increases of 2.41°C and 4.59°C were recorded for the water and waterless laser groups, respectively. The shear bond strength value for the control group was 22.76 MPa and 10.46 and 6.36 MPa for the water and waterless laser groups, respectively. The application of Er-YAG laser with water-cooling was an efficient and safe method of debonding ceramic brackets.
Autophagy, Warburg, and Warburg Reverse Effects in Human Cancer
Authors: Gonzalez Claudio D. , Alvarez Silvia , Ropolo Alejandro , Rosenzvit Carla , Gonzalez Bagnes Maria F. , Vaccaro Maria I.
Published: August 2014

Autophagy is a highly regulated-cell pathway for degrading long-lived proteins as well as for clearing cytoplasmic organelles. Autophagy is a key contributor to cellular homeostasis and metabolism. Warburg hypothesized that cancer growth is frequently associated with a deviation of a set of energy generation mechanisms to a nonoxidative breakdown of glucose. This cellular phenomenon seems to rely on a respiratory impairment, linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. This mitochondrial dysfunction results in a switch to anaerobic glycolysis. It has been recently suggested that epithelial cancer cells may induce the Warburg effect in neighboring stromal fibroblasts in which autophagy was activated. These series of observations drove to the proposal of a putative reverse Warburg effect of pathophysiological relevance for, at least, some tumor phenotypes. In this review we introduce the autophagy process and its regulation and its selective pathways and role in cancer cell metabolism. We define and describe the Warburg effect and the newly suggested “reverse” hypothesis. We also discuss the potential value of modulating autophagy with several pharmacological agents able to modify the Warburg effect. The association of the Warburg effect in cancer and stromal cells to tumor-related autophagy may be of relevance for further development of experimental therapeutics as well as for cancer prevention.
Image Deconvolution by Means of Frequency Blur Invariant Concept
Authors: Honarvar Shakibaei Barmak , Jahanshahi Peyman
Published: August 2014

Different blur invariant descriptors have been proposed so far, which are either in the spatial domain or based on the properties available in the moment domain. In this paper, a frequency framework is proposed to develop blur invariant features that are used to deconvolve a degraded image caused by a Gaussian blur. These descriptors are obtained by establishing an equivalent relationship between the normalized Fourier transforms of the blurred and original images, both normalized by their respective fixed frequencies set to one. Advantage of using the proposed invariant descriptors is that it is possible to estimate both the point spread function (PSF) and the original image. The performance of frequency invariants will be demonstrated through experiments. An image deconvolution is done as an additional application to verify the proposed blur invariant features.
De novo Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Kidney Allograft with Focus on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Pichler Renate , Heidegger Isabel , Aigner Friedrich , Bösmüller Claudia , Schneeberger Stefan , Maglione Manuel , Schäfer Georg , Steiner Hannes , Horninger Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

The development of de novo renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a transplanted kidney is a rare condition. Currently, this is the second case report of a 41-year-old man in whom carcinoma of a renal allograft was detected by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). An abdominal CT scan was not conclusive enough to differentiate between septal enhancement of a cyst and a low vascularized tumor. CEUS confirmed a solid, homogeneously enhancing but hypoechoic and hypovascular lesion compared to the surrounding kidney parenchyma without septal enhancement. Therefore, the patient underwent nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), affirming papillary RCC type 2. Graft function remained unchanged postoperatively; 12 months after NSS, no local recurrence or distant metastasis was described. CEUS seems to be a minimally invasive and efficient imaging option if other diagnostic tools cannot clearly exclude RCC, with the advantage of wide-ranging use, especially in cases of impaired renal function.
Measurement of Neck Circumference and Its Correlation with Body Composition in a Sample of Students in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Coutinho Claudia Andrade , Longui Carlos Alberto , Monte Osmar , Conde Wolney , Kochi Cristiane
Published: August 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify the correlation between neck circumference (NC) and body mass index (BMI) in children, and to determine NC percentiles for Brazilian children. Methods: The subjects of this cross-sectional study were students between the ages of 6 and 19 years from five schools in São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and anthropometric data were collected from the students from April 2011 to June 2012. NC was measured at the level of the cricoid cartilage. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients between NC and other indices of obesity with Sigma Stat 3.5. NC percentiles were produced using the LMS (lambda, mu, and sigma) method (STATA 12.0). Results: Among 2,794 students, 49.9% were male. NC was significantly correlated with age, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and body fat percentage (%BF). The NC of boys was greater than that of girls. The NC curves of smoothed 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles were constructed by age and sex. Conclusions: NC can be used in the assessment of obesity in childhood. There was a positive correlation between NC and BMI, WC and %BF. This study was the first to provide NC percentiles for children in Brazil.
Association between rs12970134 Near MC4R and Adiposity Indexes in a Homogenous Population of Caucasian Schoolchildren
Authors: Marcovecchio M. Loredana , Capanna Rita , D'Adamo Ebe , Mammarella Sandra , De Lellis Laura , Chiarelli Francesco , Cama Alessandro , Mohn Angelika
Published: August 2014

Background: To assess whether previously identified obesity-susceptibility loci were associated with overweight/obesity risk in a homogeneous population of Caucasian schoolchildren and whether these associations varied with age. Methods: Seven hundred and forty-five schoolchildren (353 boys, mean age: 8.3 ± 1.4 years) underwent anthropometric assessments. A saliva sample was collected for DNA extraction and assessment of 19 single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with obesity. Results: Only the rs12970134 in the MC4R gene was significantly associated with overweight/obesity risk, with a higher frequency of the AA risk genotype in children with a BMI >85th (8.3%) than in those with a BMI <85th percentile (3.0%), p = 0.001; odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.544 (1.192-1.998), p = 0.001, after adjusting for age, sex and pubertal stage. BMI standard deviation scores (SDS) and waist-to-height ratio (W/Hr) progressively increased across the rs12970134 genotypes (GG vs. AG vs. AA): BMI SDS, p = 0.004; W/Hr, p = 0.009. When dividing the study population into two groups based on the median age of participants (8.3 years), the differences in BMI SDS and W/Hr across the MC4R genotypes persisted only in children older than 8.3 years. Conclusions: In a population of Caucasian schoolchildren, the rs12970134 MC4R variant was significantly associated with excess body weight, particularly in children older than 8 years of age.
Epigenetic Modification at Notch Responsive Promoters Blunts Efficacy of Inducing Notch Pathway Reactivation After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Felician Giulia , Collesi Chiara , Lusic Marina , Martinelli Valentina , Ferro Matteo Dal , Zentilin Lorena , Zacchigna Serena , Giacca Mauro
Published: August 2014

Rationale:

The Notch pathway plays a key role in stimulating mammalian cardiomyocyte proliferation during development and in the early postnatal life; in adult zebrafish, reactivation of this pathway is also essential to drive cardiac regeneration after injury.

Objective:

We wanted to assess efficacy of Notch pathway stimulation in neonatal and adult hearts as a means to induce cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction in mice.

Methods and Results:

In early postnatal life, cardiomyocyte exit from the cell cycle was paralleled by decreased Notch signaling and the establishment of a repressive chromatin environment at Notch-responsive genes, characterized by recruitment of the polycomb group enhancer of zeste homolog 2 methyltransferase and the acquisition of the histone 3 Lysine 27 trimethylation histone mark, as detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Forced Notch pathway activation by adenoassociated virus gene transfer of activated Notch1 or its ligand Jagged1 expanded the proliferative capacity of neonatal cardiomyocytes; this correlated with increased transcription of Notch target genes and maintenance of an open chromatin conformation at their promoters. The same adenoassociated virus vectors, however, were largely ineffective in stimulating cardiac repair after myocardial infarction in adult mice, despite optimal and long-lasting transgene expression. Analysis of Notch-responsive promoters in adult cardiomyocytes showed marks of repressed chromatin and irreversible CpG DNA methylation. Induction of adult cardiomyocyte re-entry into the cell cycle with microRNAs was independent from Notch pathway reactivation.

Conclusions:

Notch pathway activation is crucial in regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation during the early postnatal life, but it is largely ineffective in driving cardiac regeneration in adults, because of permanent epigenetic modification at Notch-responsive promoters.
WNK-SPAK-NCC Cascade Revisited
Authors: Chávez-Canales María , Zhang Chong , Soukaseum Christelle , Moreno Erika , Pacheco-Alvarez Diana , Vidal-Petiot Emmanuelle , Castañeda-Bueno María , Vázquez Norma , Rojas-Vega Lorena , Meermeier Nicholas P. , Rogers Shaunessy , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Yang Chao-Ling , Ellison David H. , Gamba Gerardo , Hadchouel Juliette
Published: August 2014

The with-no-lysine (K) kinases, WNK1 and WNK4, are key regulators of blood pressure. Their mutations lead to familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt), associated with an activation of the Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC). Although it is clear that WNK4 mutants activate NCC via Ste20 proline-alanine–rich kinase, the mechanisms responsible for WNK1-related FHHt and alterations in NCC activity are not as clear. We tested whether WNK1 modulates NCC through WNK4, as predicted by some models, by crossing our recently developed WNK1-FHHt mice (
WNK1

+/FHHt

) with
WNK4
−/−
mice. Surprisingly, the activated NCC, hypertension, and hyperkalemia of
WNK1

+/FHHt

mice remain in the absence of WNK4. We demonstrate that WNK1 powerfully stimulates NCC in a WNK4-independent and Ste20 proline-alanine–rich kinase–dependent manner. Moreover, WNK4 decreases the WNK1 and WNK3-mediated activation of NCC. Finally, the formation of oligomers of WNK kinases through their C-terminal coiled-coil domain is essential for their activity toward NCC. In conclusion, WNK kinases form a network in which WNK4 associates with WNK1 and WNK3 to regulate NCC.
Trends in the Incidence and Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction From 1999 to 2008: Get With the Guidelines Performance Measures in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Han , Cheng Ching‐Lan , Yang Yea‐Huei Kao , Chao Ting‐Hsing , Chen Ju‐Yi , Liu Ping‐Yen , Lin Chih‐Chan , Chan Shih‐Hung , Tsai Liang‐Miin , Chen Jyh‐Hong , Lin Li‐Jen , Li Yi‐Heng
Published: August 2014

Background

The American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines (
GWTG
) program has improved care quality of acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) with important implications for other countries in the world. This study evaluated the incidence and care of
AMI
in Taiwan and assessed the compliance of
GWTG
in Taiwan.

Methods and Results

We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (1999–2008) to identify hospitalized patients ≥18 years of age presenting with
AMI
. The temporal trends of annual incidence and care quality of
AMI
were evaluated. The age‐adjusted incidence of
AMI
(/100 000 person‐years) increased from 28.0 in 1999 to 44.4 in 2008 (
P
<0.001). The use of guideline‐based medications for
AMI
was evaluated. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy (
DAPT
) increased from 65% in 2004 to 83.9% in 2008 (
P
<0.001). Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (
ACE
) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (
ARB
) was used in 72.6% in 2004 and 71.7% in 2008 (
P
=
NS
) and β‐blocker was used in 60% in 2004 and 59.7% in 2008 (
P
=
NS
). Statin use increased from 32.1% to 50.1% from 2004 to 2008 (
P
<0.001). The in‐hospital mortality decreased from 15.9% in 1999 to 12.3% in 2008 (
P
<0.0001). Multivariable analysis showed that
DAPT
,
ACE
inhibitor/
ARB
, β‐blocker, and statin use during hospitalization were all associated with reduced in‐hospital mortality in our
AMI
patients.

Conclusions

AMI
incidence was increasing, but the guideline‐based medications for
AMI
were underutilized in Taiwan. Quality improvement programs, such as
GWTG
, should be promoted to improve
AMI
care and outcomes in Taiwan.