bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shift in Monocyte Apoptosis with Increasing Viral Load and Change in Apoptosis-Related ISG/Bcl2 Family Gene Expression in Chronically HIV-1-Infected Subjects
Authors: Patro Sean C. , Pal Sharmistha , Bi Yingtao , Lynn Kenneth , Mounzer Karam C. , Kostman Jay R. , Davuluri Ramana V. , Montaner Luis J.
Published: October 2014

Although monocytes and macrophages are targets of HIV-1-mediated immunopathology, the impact of high viremia on activation-induced monocyte apoptosis relative to monocyte and macrophage activation changes remains undetermined. In this study, we determined constitutive and oxidative stress-induced monocyte apoptosis in uninfected and HIV
+
individuals across a spectrum of viral loads (
n =
35; range, 2,243 to 1,355,998 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml) and CD4 counts (range, 26 to 801 cells/mm
3
). Both constitutive apoptosis and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis were positively associated with viral load and negatively associated with CD4, with an elevation in apoptosis occurring in patients with more than 40,000 (4.6 log) copies/ml. As expected, expression of Rb1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), plasma soluble CD163 (sCD163) concentration, and the proportion of CD14
++
CD16
+
intermediate monocytes were elevated in viremic patients compared to those in uninfected controls. Although CD14
++
CD16
+
frequencies, sCD14, sCD163, and most ISG expression were not directly associated with a change in apoptosis, sCD14 and ISG expression showed an association with increasing viral load. Multivariable analysis of clinical values and monocyte gene expression identified changes in IFI27, IFITM2, Rb1, and Bcl2 expression as determinants of constitutive apoptosis (
P
= 3.77 × 10
−5
; adjusted
R
2
= 0.5983), while changes in viral load, IFITM2, Rb1, and Bax expression were determinants of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis (
P
= 5.59 × 10
−5
; adjusted
R
2
= 0.5996). Our data demonstrate differential activation states in monocytes between levels of viremia in association with differences in apoptosis that may contribute to greater monocyte turnover with high viremia.

IMPORTANCE
This study characterized differential monocyte activation, apoptosis, and apoptosis-related gene expression in low- versus high-level viremic HIV-1 patients, suggesting a shift in apoptosis regulation that may be associated with disease state. Using single and multivariable analysis of monocyte activation parameters and gene expression, we supported the hypothesis that monocyte apoptosis in HIV disease is a reflection of viremia and activation state with contributions from gene expression changes within the ISG and Bcl2 gene families. Understanding monocyte apoptosis response may inform HIV immunopathogenesis, retention of infected macrophages, and monocyte turnover in low- or high-viral-load states.
APOBEC3A Functions as a Restriction Factor of Human Papillomavirus
Authors: Warren Cody J. , Xu Tao , Guo Kejun , Griffin Laura M. , Westrich Joseph A. , Lee Denis , Lambert Paul F. , Santiago Mario L. , Pyeon Dohun
Published: October 2014

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small DNA viruses causally associated with benign warts and multiple cancers, including cervical and head-and-neck cancers. While the vast majority of people are exposed to HPV, most instances of infection are cleared naturally. However, the intrinsic host defense mechanisms that block the early establishment of HPV infections remain mysterious. Several antiviral cytidine deaminases of the human APOBEC3 (hA3) family have been identified as potent viral DNA mutators. While editing of HPV genomes in benign and premalignant cervical lesions has been demonstrated, it remains unclear whether hA3 proteins can directly inhibit HPV infection. Interestingly, recent studies revealed that HPV-positive cervical and head-and-neck cancers exhibited higher rates of hA3 mutation signatures than most HPV-negative cancers. Here, we report that hA3A and hA3B expression levels are highly upregulated in HPV-positive keratinocytes and cervical tissues in early stages of cancer progression, potentially through a mechanism involving the HPV E7 oncoprotein. HPV16 virions assembled in the presence of hA3A, but not in the presence of hA3B or hA3C, have significantly decreased infectivity compared to HPV virions assembled without hA3A or with a catalytically inactive mutant, hA3A/E72Q. Importantly, hA3A knockdown in human keratinocytes results in a significant increase in HPV infectivity. Collectively, our findings suggest that hA3A acts as a restriction factor against HPV infection, but the induction of this restriction mechanism by HPV may come at a cost to the host by promoting cancer mutagenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are highly prevalent and potent human pathogens that cause >5% of all human cancers, including cervical and head-and-neck cancers. While the majority of people become infected with HPV, only 10 to 20% of infections are established as persistent infections. This suggests the existence of intrinsic host defense mechanisms that inhibit viral persistence. Using a robust method to produce infectious HPV virions, we demonstrate that hA3A, but not hA3B or hA3C, can significantly inhibit HPV infectivity. Moreover, hA3A and hA3B were coordinately induced in HPV-positive clinical specimens during cancer progression, likely through an HPV E7 oncoprotein-dependent mechanism. Interestingly, HPV-positive cervical and head-and-neck cancer specimens were recently shown to harbor significant amounts of hA3 mutation signatures. Our findings raise the intriguing possibility that the induction of this host restriction mechanism by HPV may also trigger hA3A- and hA3B-induced cancer mutagenesis.
Conformational Changes in the Adenovirus Hexon Subunit Responsible for Regulating Cytoplasmic Dynein Recruitment
Authors: Scherer Julian , Vallee Richard B.
Published: October 2014

Virus capsids provide genome protection from environmental challenges but are also poised to execute a program of compositional and conformational changes to facilitate virion entry and infection. The most abundant adenovirus serotype 5 (AdV5) capsid protein, hexon, directly recruits the motor protein cytoplasmic dynein following virion entry. Dynein recruitment is crucial for capsid transport to the nucleus and requires the transient exposure of AdV5 hexon to low pH, presumably mimicking passage through the endosomal compartment. These results suggest a pH-dependent capsid modification during early infection. The changes to hexon structure controlling this behavior have not been explored. We report that hexon remains trimeric at low pH but undergoes more subtle conformational changes. These changes are indicated by increased sensitivities to SDS-mediated dissociation and dispase proteolysis. Both effects are reversed at neutral pH, as is dynein binding by low-pH-treated hexon. Dispase cleavage, which we find maps to a specific site within hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of AdV5 hexon, has no apparent effect on virion entry but completely inhibits its transport to the nucleus. In addition, an AdV5 mutant containing HVR1 of AdV48 is unable to bind dynein and is strongly inhibited in the postentry transport step. These results reveal that conformational changes involving hexon HVR1 are the basis for a novel viral mechanism controlling capsid transport to the nucleus.

IMPORTANCE
The adenovirus serotype 5 (AdV5) capsid protein hexon recruits the molecular motor protein cytoplasmic dynein in a pH-dependent manner, a function critical for efficient transport toward the nucleus and AdV5 infectivity. In this work, we describe how low-pH exposure induces reversible structural changes in AdV5 hexon and how these changes affect dynein binding. In addition, we identified a pH-sensitive dispase cleavage site in hexon HVR1, which depends on the same structural changes and furthermore regulates dynein recruitment and capsid redistribution in infected cells. These data provide the first evidence relating long-known but subtle pH-dependent structural changes in hexon to a more recently established essential but poorly understood role in virus transport. These results have broad implications for understanding virus infectivity in general, and our ability to block the recruitment mechanism has potential therapeutic implications as well.
Improving the accuracy and turn-around time of controlled drug prescribing for patients being discharged home for end-of-life care
Authors: Daniel Suzanne , Patel Janki , Benson Debbie
Published: October 2014

Many patients approaching the end of their life express the preference to die at home,[1] although unfortunately the majority of people will still die in hospital.[2] For patients approaching the end of their life, it was noted anecdotally that often those who have expressed a preference to go home from hospital for end of life care may have their discharge delayed due to problems in the prescribing of common medications used to alleviate distressing symptoms at the end of life.

An initial audit at Conquest Hospital showed an 89% error rate in these prescriptions, mostly related to prescribing controlled drugs such as morphine and midazolam. A single standardised dispensing chart for commonly prescribed medications at the end of life, in the form of both "Just in Case" medications and syringe driver medications, was created which addressed this problem by having the medications pre-written so as to meet all legal requirements for controlled drugs. The prescriber is able to choose and fill out an appropriate drug and dose by using flow-chart information overleaf and then sign the prescription to allow it to be dispensed. After an initial two month pilot period, a re-audit showed a significant fall in error rate down to 11%, as well as an improvement in turnaround time in dispensing the medications.
One Health and emergency preparedness
Authors: Stauffer Kendra E. , Conti Lisa
Published: October 2014

Emergencies such as hurricanes, floods and nuclear disasters do not just affect people and the environment; they also affect domestic animals. In this latest article in Veterinary Record 's One Health series, Kendra Stauffer and Lisa Conti discuss how One Health considerations are being incorporated into emergency preparedness planning in the USA
Increased cardiac output elicits higher V̇O2max in response to self-paced exercise
Authors: Astorino Todd Anthony , McMillan David William , Edmunds Ross Montgomery , Sanchez Eduardo
Published: October 2014

Recently, a self-paced protocol demonstrated higher maximal oxygen uptake versus the traditional ramp protocol. The primary aim of the current study was to further explore potential differences in maximal oxygen uptake between the ramp and self-paced protocols using simultaneous measurement of cardiac output. Active men and women of various fitness levels (N = 30, mean age = 26.0 ± 5.0 years) completed 3 graded exercise tests separated by a minimum of 48 h. Participants initially completed progressive ramp exercise to exhaustion to determine maximal oxygen uptake followed by a verification test to confirm maximal oxygen uptake attainment. Over the next 2 sessions, they performed a self-paced and an additional ramp protocol. During exercise, gas exchange data were obtained using indirect calorimetry, and thoracic impedance was utilized to estimate hemodynamic function (stroke volume and cardiac output). One-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine differences in maximal oxygen uptake and cardiac output between ramp and self-paced testing. Results demonstrated lower (p < 0.001) maximal oxygen uptake via the ramp (47.2 ± 10.2 mL·kg–1·min–1) versus the self-paced (50.2 ± 9.6 mL·kg–1·min–1) protocol, with no interaction (p = 0.06) seen for fitness level. Maximal heart rate and cardiac output (p = 0.02) were higher in the self-paced protocol versus ramp exercise. In conclusion, data show that the traditional ramp protocol may underestimate maximal oxygen uptake compared with a newly developed self-paced protocol, with a greater cardiac output potentially responsible for this outcome.
Stress relaxation behavior in Virginia Beach sand
Authors: Lade Poul V. , Karimpour Hamid
Published: October 2014

Effects of strain rate on the stress–strain and subsequent stress relaxation behaviors have been studied by performing triaxial compression tests on dense Virginia Beach sand specimens at three different strain rates (ratio of 256 between the slowest and the fastest) under low and high confining pressures. For the tests performed under low confining pressure, the specimens that were initially sheared at a faster rate showed a slightly higher amount of stress relaxation, but almost identical stress–strain behaviors were achieved. For tests performed under high confining pressure, the same amount of strength was achieved at high axial strains (10% to 20%), but specimens sheared at higher strain rates showed a slightly stiffer stress–strain response at low axial strains (up to 10%). Similar to the tests performed under low confining pressure, higher strain rates produced higher amounts of stress relaxation to some extent. Effects of correction of axial strain due to load cell expansion and drainage condition during stress relaxation have also been studied and the results indicated that correction of axial strain and undrained condition will both increase the observed amount of stress relaxation. Moreover, a 1 day stress relaxation curve was obtained by connecting the ending stress–strain points of six stress relaxation tests initiated at different deviator stress levels, and this curve was found to be different from the 1 day creep curve obtained from a previous study. A long-term stress relaxation test was also performed, and it showed linear reduction of deviator stress with the logarithm of time during stress relaxation. Observations made are all aligned with the phenomenon of static fatigue and the proposed mechanism for time effects in granular materials.
Simultaneous influence of canopy decline and deer herbivory on regeneration in a conifer–broadleaf forest
Authors: Nagel Thomas A. , Diaci Jurij , Jerina Klemen , Kobal Milan , Rozenbergar Dusan
Published: October 2014

Understanding how forests respond to multiple disturbances is becoming increasingly important under global change. We examined the simultaneous influence of canopy decline and deer browsing on regeneration in an old-growth reserve and surrounding managed forest dominated by Fagus sylvatica L. and Abies alba Mill. in Slovenia. We quantified both disturbance processes by measuring characteristics of canopy gaps and reconstructing historical deer densities. Forest response was assessed with repeated measurements of tree regeneration and regeneration patterns within deer exclosures. Most gaps were formed by mortality of A. alba (71%), and gapmaker characteristics suggest that gaps formed slowly and often expanded, resulting in a mosaic of openings covering 17% of the old-growth reserve. Fagus sylvatica dominated the regeneration layer throughout the reserve and recruited to taller height classes over the past 26 years. The recruitment failure of preferred browse species (A. alba and Acer pseudoplatanus L.) in the reserve and the successful recruitment of these species within exclosures indicate that selective browsing by deer has altered the successional response to A. alba decline, facilitating the dominance of F. sylvatica. Given that global change may increase forest decline worldwide and the ubiquitous nature of deer browsing in many temperate forests, understanding their combined effects on forests will become increasingly important.
Quality effort decision in service supply chain with quality preference based on quantum game
Authors: Zhang Cuihua , Xing Peng , Wang Jianwei
Published: October 2014

Service quality preference behaviors of both members are considered in service supply chain (SSC) including a service integrator and a service provider with stochastic demand. Through analysis of service quality cost and revenue, the utility functions are established on service quality effort degree and service quality preference level in integrated and decentralized SSC. Nash equilibrium and quantum game are used to optimize the models. By comparing the different solutions, the optimal strategies are obtained in SSC with quality preference. Then some numerical examples are studied and the changing trend of service quality effort is further analyzed by the influence of the entanglement operator and quality preferences.
Electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1,3-benzodioxole) porphyrin and its manganese and iron complexes
Authors: Ucoski Geani Maria , Nakagaki Shirley , Nunes Fábio Souza
Published: October 2014

Cyclic voltammetry and thin-layer spectroelectrochemical properties of the free base 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1,3-benzodioxole)porphyrin ( H 2 P ), and its manganese and iron complexes ( MnP and FeP , respectively) were studied in dichloromethane with tetra-butyl ammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6) as supporting electrolyte. The free base undergoes two monoelectronic oxidations at +0.71 and +0.96 V vs.  Ag / Ag +, corresponding to the formations of the π-cation radical and dication. Two reductions were observed at -1.53 and -1.87 V corresponding to the formation of π-anion and dianion species. The cyclic voltammograms of the Mn III and Fe III complexes also showed a reversible process centered in the metal ion with E1/2 values at -0.61 and -0.59 V, respectively. In a typical experiment, in situ spectroelectrochemical response showed a decrease of the Soret band at 422 nm, a red shift of the Q-bands, and the new low intensity bands between 800–950 nm range. Structural features and spectroscopic assignments were proposed and discussed based on semi-empirical (molecular mechanics MMFF and ZINDO/S (Zerner method of intermediate neglect of differential overlap for spectroscopy) calculations.
Deletion of small ankyrin 1 (sAnk1) isoforms results in structural and functional alterations in aging skeletal muscle fibers
Authors: Giacomello E. , Quarta M. , Paolini C. , Squecco R. , Fusco P. , Toniolo L. , Blaauw B. , Formoso L. , Rossi D. , Birkenmeier C. , Peters L. L. , Francini F. , Protasi F. , Reggiani C. , Sorrentino V.
Published: October 2014

Muscle-specific ankyrins 1 (sAnk1) are a group of small ankyrin 1 isoforms, of which sAnk1.5 is the most abundant. sAnk1 are localized in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane from where they interact with obscurin, a myofibrillar protein. This interaction appears to contribute to stabilize the SR close to the myofibrils. Here we report the structural and functional characterization of skeletal muscles from sAnk1 knockout mice (KO). Deletion of sAnk1 did not change the expression and localization of SR proteins in 4- to 6-mo-old sAnk1 KO mice. Structurally, the main modification observed in skeletal muscles of adult sAnk1 KO mice (4–6 mo of age) was the reduction of SR volume at the sarcomere A band level. With increasing age (at 12–15 mo of age) extensor digitorum longus (EDL) skeletal muscles of sAnk1 KO mice develop prematurely large tubular aggregates, whereas diaphragm undergoes significant structural damage. Parallel functional studies revealed specific changes in the contractile performance of muscles from sAnk1 KO mice and a reduced exercise tolerance in an endurance test on treadmill compared with control mice. Moreover, reduced Qγ charge and L-type Ca2+ current, which are indexes of affected excitation-contraction coupling, were observed in diaphragm fibers from 12- to 15-mo-old mice, but not in other skeletal muscles from sAnk1 KO mice. Altogether, these findings show that the ablation of sAnk1, by altering the organization of the SR, renders skeletal muscles susceptible to undergo structural and functional alterations more evident with age, and point to an important contribution of sAnk1 to the maintenance of the longitudinal SR architecture.
Trivalent chromium inhibits TSP-1 expression, proliferation, and O-GlcNAc signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells in response to high glucose in vitro
Authors: Ganguly Rituparna , Sahu Soumyadip , Chavez Ronaldo J. , Raman Priya
Published: October 2014

Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) is a mineral nutrient reported to have beneficial effects in glycemic and cardiovascular health. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that Cr3+ supplementation reduces the atherogenic potential and lowers the risk of vascular inflammation in diabetes. However, effects of Cr3+ in vascular cells under conditions of hyperglycemia, characteristic of diabetes, remain unknown. In the present study we show that a therapeutically relevant concentration of Cr3+ (100 nM) significantly downregulates a potent proatherogenic matricellular protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) stimulated with high glucose in vitro. Promoter-reporter assays reveal that this downregulation of TSP-1 expression by Cr3+ occurs at the level of transcription. The inhibitory effects of Cr3+ on TSP-1 were accompanied by significant reductions in O-glycosylation of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. Using Western blotting and immunofluorescence studies, we demonstrate that reduced protein O-glycosylation by Cr3+ is mediated via inhibition of glutamine: fructose 6-phosphate amidotransferase, a rate-limiting enzyme of the hexosamine pathway, and O-linked N-acetylglucosamine ( O-GlcNAc) transferase, a distal enzyme in the pathway that controls intracellular protein O-glycosylation. Additionally, we found that Cr3+ attenuates reactive oxygen species formation in glucose-stimulated HASMC, suggesting an antioxidant effect. Finally, we report an antiproliferative effect of Cr3+ that is specific for high glucose and conditions triggering elevated protein O-glycosylation. Taken together, these findings provide the first cellular evidence for a novel role of Cr3+ to modulate aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell function associated with hyperglycemia-induced vascular complications.
Sensitization of sodium appetite: evidence for sustained molecular changes in the lamina terminalis
Authors: Hurley Seth W. , Zhang Zhongming , Beltz Terry G. , Xue Baojian , Johnson Alan Kim
Published: October 2014

Animals with a history of sodium depletions exhibit increases in salt intake, a phenomenon described as the sensitization of sodium appetite. Using a novel experimental design, the present experiments investigated whether putative molecular markers of neural plasticity and changes in the message for components of the brain renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) accompany the sensitization of sodium appetite. An initial set of experiments examined whether the glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 would attenuate sodium appetite sensitization and prevent changes in mRNA expression associated with sensitization. Rats with repeated sodium depletions exhibited enhanced sodium appetite and mRNA expression for components of the RAAS in areas along the lamina terminalis (LT), a region of the brain that is important for the regulation of body fluid homeostasis, and these effects were significantly attenuated by MK-801 pretreatment. A second set of experiments investigated whether successive sodium depletions would elevate sodium intake and induce a pattern of fos-B staining consistent with the Δ fos-B isoform in areas along the LT. The pattern of fos-B staining in the subfornical organ was consistent with the characteristics of Δ fos-B expression. Specifically, fos-B/Δ fos-B expression was increased 4 days after the last of a series of sodium depletions, fos-B/Δ fos-B expression was nearly absent in control rats, and the quantity of fos-B/Δ fos-B staining was directly associated with a history of sodium depletions. These findings demonstrate that the sensitization of sodium appetite is associated with sustained molecular alterations in the LT that are indicative of neural plasticity and upregulation of the central RAAS.
Reactive oxygen species as important determinants of medullary flow, sodium excretion, and hypertension
Authors: Cowley Allen W. , Abe Michiaki , Mori Takefumi , O'Connor Paul M. , Ohsaki Yusuke , Zheleznova Nadezhda N.
Published: October 2014

The physiological evidence linking the production of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide in the renal medullary thick ascending limb of Henle (mTAL) to regulation of medullary blood flow, sodium homeostasis, and long-term control of blood pressure is summarized in this review. Data obtained largely from rats indicate that experimentally induced elevations of either superoxide or hydrogen peroxide in the renal medulla result in reduction of medullary blood flow, enhanced Na+reabsorption, and hypertension. A shift in the redox balance between nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is found to occur naturally in the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rat model, where selective reduction of ROS production in the renal medulla reduces salt-induced hypertension. Excess medullary production of ROS in SS rats emanates from the medullary thick ascending limbs of Henle [from both the mitochondria and membrane NAD(P)H oxidases] in response to increased delivery and reabsorption of excess sodium and water. There is evidence that ROS and perhaps other mediators such as ATP diffuse from the mTAL to surrounding vasa recta capillaries, resulting in medullary ischemia, which thereby contributes to hypertension.
Bistatic Scattering due to Hydrometeors on Cochannel Intersystem Communication Links over a Subtropical Path
Authors: Owolawi P. A. , Wallingo T.
Published: October 2014

The performance of fixed satellite systems in the shared frequency band depends on the tolerance level of interference between them. Interference disturbs the functionality of the ground station and causes signal degradation. The knowledge of interference level must therefore be known for an optimal satellite design. In this work, we evaluate interference due to hydrometeors for a situation in which a satellite downlink signal is affected by the signal from a terrestrial microwave network operating at the same frequency as the satellite system in a subtropical station: Durban, South Africa. The evaluation of the transmission loss is based on the modified 3D bistatic radar equation and the exponential rain cell model for the scattering. The results of intersystem interference for different station separation over frequencies variation, terrestrial antenna gains, and exceedance probabilities are presented. The effect of the additional rain attenuation(Aw)on the satellite signals is also examined. The results point out to some remarkable attenuation differences between the effective transmission loss and the transmission loss statistics for small time unavailability at the frequencies considered in this work. This could be detrimental in link budget design if overlooked.
Effect of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Autism: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Trial
Authors: Amatachaya Anuwat , Auvichayapat Narong , Patjanasoontorn Niramol , Suphakunpinyo Chanyut , Ngernyam Niran , Aree-uea Benchaporn , Keeratitanont Keattichai , Auvichayapat Paradee
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), and Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) after anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in individuals with autism. Twenty patients with autism received 5 consecutive days of both sham and active tDCS stimulation (1 mA) in a randomized double-blind crossover trial over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) for 20 minutes in different orders. Measures of CARS, ATEC, and CGAS were administered before treatment and at 7 days posttreatment. The result showed statistical decrease in CARS score (P<0.001). ATEC total was decreased from 67.25 to 58 (P<0.001). CGAS was increased at 7 days posttreatment (P=0.042). Our study suggests that anodal tDCS over the F3 may be a useful clinical tool in autism.
Alteration of Behavioral Changes and Hippocampus Galanin Expression in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress‐Induced Depression Rats and Effect of Electroacupuncture Treatment
Authors: Mo Yuping , Yao Haijiang , Song Hongtao , Wang Xin , Chen Wanshun , Abulizi Jiawula , Xu Anping , Tang Yinshan , Han Xiangbo , Li Zhigang
Published: October 2014

To explore new noninvasive treatment options for depression, this study investigated the effects of electric acupuncture (EA) for depression rat models. Depression in rats was induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) combined with isolation for 21 days. Eighteen male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups: control, model, and EA groups. Rats were treated by EA once daily for 21 days. The results showed that body weight and sucrose consumption were significantly increased in EA group than in the model group. The crossing numbers and rearing numbers in the open field test significantly decreased in the model group but not in the EA group. And EA treatments upregulated levels of hippocampus galanin (Gal) in UCMS rats back to relative normal levels. The present study suggested that EA had antidepressant effects on UCMS model rats. The potential antidepressant effect may be related to upregulating Gal expression in hippocampus.
Performance, Emission, Energy, and Exergy Analysis of a C.I. Engine Using Mahua Biodiesel Blends with Diesel
Authors: Panigrahi Nabnit , Mohanty Mahendra Kumar , Mishra Sruti Ranjan , Mohanty Ramesh Chandra
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an experimental investigation on a four-stroke single cylinder diesel engine fuelled with the blends of Mahua oil methyl ester (MOME) and diesel. The performance emission, energy, and exergy analysis has been carried out in B20 (mixture of 80% diesel by volume with 20% MOME). From energy analysis, it was observed that the fuel energy input as well as energy carried away by exhaust gases was 6.25% and 11.86% more in case of diesel than that of B20. The unaccounted losses were 10.21% more in case of diesel than B20. The energy efficiency was 28%, while the total losses were 72% for diesel. In case of B20, the efficiency was 65.74 % higher than that of diesel. The exergy analysis shows that the input availability of diesel fuel is 1.46% more than that of B20. For availability in brake power as well as exhaust gases of diesel were 5.66 and 32% more than that of B20. Destructed availability of B20 was 0.97% more than diesel. Thus, as per as performance, emission, energy, and exergy part were concerned; B20 is found to be very close with that of diesel.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding Food, and Waterborne Outbreak after Massive Diarrhea Outbreak in Yazd Province, Iran, Summer 2013
Authors: Cheraghi Zahra , Okhovat Batul , Doosti Irani Amin , Talaei Mojgan , Ahmadnezhad Elham , Gooya Mohammad Mehdi , Soroush Mahmood , Masoumi Asl Hossein , Holakouie-Naieni Kourosh
Published: October 2014

Objective. This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Province, Iran. The aim of the study was to compare knowledge, attitude, practice, and other risk factors of the affected communities regarding diarrhea outbreak (the cities of Zarch, Meybod, and Ardakan) to nonaffected communities (the cities of Yazd and Taft). Methods. A knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey study was conducted from August to September 2013 enrolling 505 subjects who were referred to health centers anonymously during the epidemic. The questionnaire included the following four parts: (a) general characteristics such as gender, education level, source of health information obtaining; (b) 12 questions on knowledge (Min = 0, Max = 36); (c) 10 questions on attitude (Min = 0, Max = 50); and (d) nine questions on practice (Min = 0, Max = 27). Results. The overall mean score of knowledge, attitude, and practice was 28.17 (SD = 4.58), 37.07 (SD = 4.39), and 21.31 (SD = 3.81), respectively. Practice on food- and waterborne outbreaks was significantly higher in females (P=0.001) and in nonaffected communities (P=0.031). Conclusions. Nonaffected communities had a considerably better practice score. With the increase in the score of knowledge about food- and waterborne outbreaks, the score of practice increased slightly.
Usage of EMBRACETMin Gujarat, India: Survey of Paediatricians
Authors: Nimbalkar Somashekhar , Patel Harshil , Dongara Ashish , Patel Dipen V. , Bansal Satvik
Published: October 2014

Aim. EMBRACETMis an innovative, low cost infant warmer for use in neonates. It contains phase change material, which stays at constant temperature for 6 hours. We surveyed paediatricians using EMBRACETMregarding benefits, risks, and setup in which it was used in Gujarat.Methods. Questionnaire was administered telephonically to 52 out of 53 paediatricians.Results. EMBRACETMwas used for an average of 8.27 (range of 3–18, SD = 3.84) months by paediatricians. All used it for thermoregulation during transfers, for average (SD) duration of 42 (0.64) m per transfer, 62.7% used it at mother’s side for average (SD) 11.06 (7.89) h per day, and 3.9% prescribed it at home. It was used in low birth weight neonates only by 56.9% while 43.1% used it for all neonates. While hyperthermia was not reported, 5.9% felt that EMBRACETMdid not prevent hypothermia. About 54.9% felt that they could not monitor the newborn during EMBRACETMuse. Of paediatricians who practiced kangaroo mother care (KMC), 7.7% have limited/stopped/decreased the practice of KMC and substituted it with EMBRACETM.Conclusions. EMBRACETMwas acceptable to most but concerns related to monitoring neonates and disinfection remained. Most paediatricians felt that it did not hamper KMC practice.
Research on Routing Algorithm Based on Limitation Arrangement Principle in Mathematics
Authors: Lv Jianhui , Wang Xingwei , Huang Min
Published: October 2014

Since the research on information consistency of the whole network under OSPF protocol has been insufficient in recent years, an algorithm based on limitation arrangement principle for routing decision is proposed and it is a permutation and combination problem in mathematical area. The most fundamental function of this algorithm is to accomplish the information consistency of the whole network at a relatively fast speed. Firstly, limitation arrangement principle algorithm is proposed and proved. Secondly, LAP routing algorithm in single link network and LAP routing algorithm in single link network with multiloops are designed. Finally, simulation experiments are worked by VC6.0 and NS2, which proves that LAPSN algorithm and LAPSNM algorithm can solve the problem of information consistency of the whole network under OSPF protocol and LAPSNM algorithm is superior to Dijkstra algorithm.
The Neuroepithelium Disruption Could Generate Autoantibodies against AQP4 and Cause Neuromyelitis Optica and Hydrocephalus
Authors: Castañeyra-Ruiz Leandro , González-Marrero Ibrahim , Castañeyra-Ruiz Agustín , González-Toledo Juan M. , Castañeyra-Ruiz María , Perez-Molto Francisco J. , Carmona-Calero Emilia M. , Castañeyra-Perdomo Agustín
Published: October 2014

Neuromyelitis optica is an inflammatory disease characterized by neuritis and myelitis of the optic nerve. Its physiopathology is connected with the aquaporin-4 water channel, since antibodies against aquaporin-4 have been found in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of neuromyelitis optica patients. The seropositivity for aquaporin-4 antibodies is used for the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease. On the other hand, aquaporin-4 is expressed in astrocyte feet in the brain-blood barrier and subventricular zones of the brain ventricles. Aquaporin-4 expression is high in cerebrospinal fluid in hydrocephalus. Furthermore, neuroepithelial denudation precedes noncommunicating hydrocephalus and this neuroepithelial disruption could allow aquaporin-4 to reach anomalous brain areas where it is unrecognized and induce the generation of aquaporin-4 antibodies which could cause the neuromyelitis optica and certain types of hydrocephalus.
Generalizations of Refined Hölder’s Inequalities and Their Applications
Authors: Tian Jingfeng , Wang Wen-Li
Published: October 2014

We present several new generalized versions of refined Hölder’s inequalities proposed by Tian and Hu. And then we obtained some new generalized and sharp versions of Hölder’s inequalities. As the applications, the obtained results are used to improve Aczél‐Popoviciu type inequality and Aczél‐Vasić‐Pečarić inequality.
Burnout in Medical Residents: A Study Based on the Job Demands-Resources Model
Authors: Zis Panagiotis , Anagnostopoulos Fotios , Sykioti Panagiota
Published: October 2014

Purpose. Burnout is a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job. The purpose of our cross-sectional study was to estimate the burnout rates among medical residents in the largest Greek hospital in 2012 and identify factors associated with it, based on the job demands-resources model (JD-R).Method. Job demands were examined via a 17-item questionnaire assessing 4 characteristics (emotional demands, intellectual demands, workload, and home-work demands’ interface) and job resources were measured via a 14-item questionnaire assessing 4 characteristics (autonomy, opportunities for professional development, support from colleagues, and supervisor’s support). The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout.Results. Of the 290 eligible residents, 90.7% responded. In total 14.4% of the residents were found to experience burnout. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that each increased point in the JD-R questionnaire score regarding home-work interface was associated with an increase in the odds of burnout by 25.5%. Conversely, each increased point for autonomy, opportunities in professional development, and each extra resident per specialist were associated with a decrease in the odds of burnout by 37.1%, 39.4%, and 59.0%, respectively.Conclusions. Burnout among medical residents is associated with home-work interface, autonomy, professional development, and resident to specialist ratio.
Microwave Studies of Environmental Friendly Ferroelectrics
Authors: Mathad S. N. , Puri Vijaya
Published: October 2014

The structural and microwave studies of lead-free barium niobates ceramics prepared by the high temperatures solid state reaction technique are reported. The structural parameters such as the lattice constants, average crystallite size (D), texture coefficients (TC), dislocation density, and microstrain have been determined using X-ray diffraction data. Surface morphological studies were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The strong absorption bands at ~816 cm−1, 641 cm−1, and 482 cm−1are associated with the coupling mode between Nb–O stretching modes observed in FTIR studies. The electromagnetic transmittance, absorption, studies of barium niobates in the X band frequency range frequencies using waveguide reflectometer technique are reported.
Prevalence of Newcastle Disease Antibodies in Local Chicken in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Abraham-Oyiguh Joseph , Sulaiman L. K. , Meseko C. A. , Ismail S. , Suleiman I. , Ahmed S. J. , Onate E. C.
Published: October 2014

Newcastle disease is a contagious disease of birds and is the greatest constraint to the development of rural poultry production in Nigeria and most developing countries. The only effective means of control is vaccination which is not properly carried out in Nigeria. Therefore, this project determined the prevalence rate of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in local chicken in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. About 5 mL of blood was collected from each of 200 chickens at the point of sale by exsanguination and sera obtained were analyzed using Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test to determine the prevalence of NDV. Of the 200 samples screened 34 were positive for HI antibody to NDV giving a prevalence rate of 17%. The prevalence rate obtained in this study is significant (P<0.05) and indicates endemicity of the disease. There was no statistically significant (P>0.05) difference in the seroprevalence of NDV antibodies among the four markets studied. Further studies are required to determine the strains circulating for appropriate preventive and control measures.
In Vitro Degradation of Poly(caprolactone)/nHA Composites
Authors: Díaz Esperanza , Sandonis Iban , Valle María Blanca
Published: October 2014

The degradation behavior and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone/nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffolds are studied in phosphate buffered solution (PBS), at 37°C, over 16 weeks. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was observed that the longer the porous scaffolds remained in the PBS, the more significant the thickening of the pore walls of the scaffold morphology was. A decrease in the compressive properties, such as the modulus and the strength of the PCL/nHA composite scaffolds, was observed as the degradation experiment progressed. Samples with high nHA concentrations degraded more significantly in comparison to those with a lower content. Pure PCL retained its mechanical properties comparatively well in the study over the period of degradation. After the twelfth week, the results obtained by GPC analysis indicated a significant reduction in their molecular weight. The addition of nHA particles to the scaffolds accelerated the weight loss of the composites and increased their capacity to absorb water during the initial degradation process. The addition of these particles also affected the degradation behavior of the composite scaffolds, although they were not effective at compensating the decrease in pH prompted by the degradation products of the PCL.
Safety of Targeting ROR1 in Primates with Chimeric Antigen Receptor–Modified T Cells
Authors: Berger Carolina , Sommermeyer Daniel , Hudecek Michael , Berger Michael , Balakrishnan Ashwini , Paszkiewicz Paulina J. , Kosasih Paula L. , Rader Christoph , Riddell Stanley R.
Published: October 2014

Genetic engineering of T cells for adoptive transfer by introducing a tumor-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is a new approach to cancer immunotherapy. A challenge for the field is to define cell surface molecules that are both preferentially expressed on tumor cells and can be safely targeted with T cells. The orphan tyrosine kinase receptor ROR1 is a candidate target for T-cell therapy with CAR-modified T cells (CAR-T cells) because it is expressed on the surface of many lymphatic and epithelial malignancies and has a putative role in tumor cell survival. The cell surface isoform of ROR1 is expressed in embryogenesis but absent in adult tissues except for B-cell precursors and low levels of transcripts in adipocytes, pancreas, and lung. ROR1 is highly conserved between humans and macaques and has a similar pattern of tissue expression. To determine if low-level ROR1 expression on normal cells would result in toxicity or adversely affect CAR-T cell survival and/or function, we adoptively transferred autologous ROR1 CAR-T cells into nonhuman primates. ROR1 CAR-T cells did not cause overt toxicity to normal organs and accumulated in bone marrow and lymph node sites, where ROR1-positive B cells were present. The findings support the clinical evaluation of ROR1 CAR-T cells for ROR1+ malignancies and demonstrate the utility of nonhuman primates for evaluating the safety of immunotherapy with engineered T cells specific for tumor-associated molecules that are homologous between humans and nonhuman primates. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(2); 206–16. ©2014 AACR.
Epidemiological Trends of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Austria
Authors: Pinter Matthias , Hucke Florian , Zielonke Nadine , Trauner Michael , Sieghart Wolfgang , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus
Published: October 2014

Background/Aims: The heterogeneous epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the highest incidence rates in East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Melanesia results from variations in the main risk factors. We investigated epidemiological trends, including incidence and mortality, of patients diagnosed with HCC over a 20-year period in Austria. Methods: Data on age-adjusted incidence rates of HCC were obtained from the Austrian National Cancer Registry, which compiles nationwide data on all newly diagnosed cancers. Data on age-adjusted mortality were obtained from the national death registry (Statistics Austria). Results: Of 24,939 patients diagnosed with hepatobiliary tumors between 1990 and 2009, 8,561 subjects had HCC (m/f ratio 75/25%; mean age 69 years). Lymph node and distant metastases were present in 7.5 and 12.2%, respectively. The age-adjusted incidence rate was significantly higher in men than women (m/f ratio 4.5/1) and markedly increased in men (4.68/5.10) but remained stable in women (1.18/1.11). Similarly, the age-adjusted mortality rate was significantly higher in men than women (m/f ratio 4.5/1), increased in men (4.02/4.98) and remained stable in women (0.92/1.0). The median overall survival was 4.5 months for men and 3.2 months for women with 1-/5-year survival rates of 33/11% and 28/10%, respectively. Conclusion: HCC is the most common hepatobiliary neoplasia in Austria and has a very poor prognosis. The age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were higher in males, increased over time in men and remained stable in women. Extrahepatic metastases were rarely diagnosed and associated with dismal survival.
Non-Hypervascular Hypointense Nodules ≥1 cm on the Hepatobiliary Phase of Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cirrhotic Livers
Authors: Yoon Jeong Hee , Lee Jeong Min , Yang Hyun Kyung , Lee Kyung Bun , Jang Ja-June , Han Joon Koo , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: October 2014

Objective: To determine the pathologic nature of non-hypervascular hypointense nodules (≥1 cm) on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to describe the chronological changes of their imaging features on follow-up MR imaging. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board and the requirement for informed consent was waived. 69 patients with 115 non-hypervascular HBP hypointense nodules (≥1 cm in diameter) in cirrhotic livers were enrolled. 67 nodules were histologically diagnosed (group 1) and 52 nodules were followed up with MR for at least 12 months (group 2); 4 nodules belonged to both groups. Two radiologists reviewed the initial and follow-up MR images to determine the size and signal intensities on unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted images, dynamic phases and HBP images in consensus. In addition, two pathologists reviewed the histologic findings including H&E staining and four kinds of immunohistochemical staining in group 1. Results: In group 1, 73.1% (49/67) of nodules were hepatocellular carcinomas. In group 2, 32.7% (17/52) of nodules developed arterial hypervascularity on follow-up, and 78.8% (41/52) showed at least one of the three imaging features considered to indicate malignant changes during follow-up (mean 19 ± 10 months): increase in diameter by ≥5 mm (23/52, 44.2%), arterialization (17/52, 32.7%) and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images (18/52, 34.6%). Conclusion: Our study results demonstrate that a significant proportion of non-hypervascular HBP hypointense nodules (≥1 cm in diameter) in patients with cirrhosis showed either malignant features on pathology (73.1%) or developed hypervascularity (32.7%) during follow-up.