bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Outpatient Antibiotic Prescription on Discharge to Hospice Care
Authors: Furuno Jon P. , Noble Brie N. , Horne Kristi N. , McGregor Jessina C. , Elman Miriam R. , Bearden David T. , Walsh Eric W. , Fromme Erik K.
Published: July 2014

The use of antibiotics is common in hospice care despite limited evidence that it improves symptoms or quality of life. Patients receiving antibiotics upon discharge from a hospital may be more likely to continue use following transition to hospice care despite a shift in the goals of care. We quantified the frequency and characteristics for receiving a prescription for antibiotics on discharge from acute care to hospice care. This was a cross-sectional study among adult inpatients (≥18 years old) discharged to hospice care from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012. Data were collected from an electronic data repository and from the Department of Care Management. Among 62,792 discharges, 845 (1.3%) patients were discharged directly to hospice care (60.0% home and 40.0% inpatient). Most patients discharged to hospice were >65 years old (50.9%) and male (54.6%) and had stayed in the hospital for ≤7 days (56.6%). The prevalence of antibiotic prescription upon discharge to hospice was 21.1%. Among patients discharged with an antibiotic prescription, 70.8% had a documented infection during their index admission. Among documented infections, 40.3% were bloodstream infections, septicemia, or endocarditis, and 38.9% were pneumonia. Independent risk factors for receiving an antibiotic prescription were documented infection during the index admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 7.00; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 4.68 to 10.46), discharge to home hospice care (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.92 to 4.28), and having a cancer diagnosis (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.48 to 3.23). These data suggest that a high proportion of patients discharged from acute care to hospice care receive an antibiotic prescription upon discharge.
The Cry Toxin Operon of Clostridium bifermentans subsp. malaysia Is Highly Toxic to Aedes Larval Mosquitoes
Authors: Qureshi Nadia , Chawla Swati , Likitvivatanavong Supaporn , Lee Han Lim , Gill Sarjeet S.
Published: July 2014

The management and control of mosquito vectors of human disease currently rely primarily on chemical insecticides. However, larvicidal treatments can be effective, and if based on biological insecticides, they can also ameliorate the risk posed to human health by chemical insecticides. The aerobic bacteria
Bacillus thuringiensis
and
Lysinibacillus sphaericus
have been used for vector control for a number of decades. But a more cost-effective use would be an anaerobic bacterium because of the ease with which these can be cultured. More recently, the anaerobic bacterium
Clostridium bifermentans
subsp.
malaysia
has been reported to have high mosquitocidal activity, and a number of proteins were identified as potentially mosquitocidal. However, the cloned proteins showed no mosquitocidal activity. We show here that four toxins encoded by the Cry operon, Cry16A, Cry17A, Cbm17.1, and Cbm17.2, are all required for toxicity, and these toxins collectively show remarkable selectivity for
Aedes
rather than
Anopheles
mosquitoes, even though
C. bifermentans
subsp.
malaysia
is more toxic to
Anopheles
. Hence, toxins that target
Anopheles
are different from those expressed by the Cry operon.
Role of Oxidative Stress in Sclerotial Differentiation and Aflatoxin B1 Biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Grintzalis Konstantinos , Vernardis Spyros I. , Klapa Maria I. , Georgiou Christos D.
Published: July 2014

We show here that oxidative stress is involved in both sclerotial differentiation (SD) and aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis in
Aspergillus flavus
. Specifically, we observed that (i) oxidative stress regulates SD, as implied by its inhibition by antioxidant modulators of reactive oxygen species and thiol redox state, and that (ii) aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis and SD are comodulated by oxidative stress. However, aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis is inhibited by lower stress levels compared to SD, as shown by comparison to undifferentiated
A. flavus
. These same oxidative stress levels also characterize a mutant
A. flavus
strain, lacking the global regulatory gene
veA
. This mutant is unable to produce sclerotia and aflatoxin B1. (iii) Further, we show that hydrogen peroxide is the main modulator of
A. flavus
SD, as shown by its inhibition by both an irreversible inhibitor of catalase activity and a mimetic of superoxide dismutase activity. On the other hand, aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis is controlled by a wider array of oxidative stress factors, such as lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl and thiyl radicals.
Modulation of Medium pH by Caulobacter crescentus Facilitates Recovery from Uranium-Induced Growth Arrest
Authors: Park Dan M. , Jiao Yongqin
Published: July 2014

The oxidized form of uranium [U(VI)] predominates in oxic environments and poses a major threat to ecosystems. Due to its ability to mineralize U(VI), the oligotroph
Caulobacter crescentus
is an attractive candidate for U(VI) bioremediation. However, the physiological basis for U(VI) tolerance is unclear. Here we demonstrated that U(VI) caused a temporary growth arrest in
C. crescentus
and three other bacterial species, although the duration of growth arrest was significantly shorter for
C. crescentus
. During the majority of the growth arrest period, cell morphology was unaltered and DNA replication initiation was inhibited. However, during the transition from growth arrest to exponential phase, cells with shorter stalks were observed, suggesting a decoupling between stalk development and the cell cycle. Upon recovery from growth arrest,
C. crescentus
proliferated with a growth rate comparable to that of a control without U(VI), although a fraction of these cells appeared filamentous with multiple replication start sites. Normal cell morphology was restored by the end of exponential phase. Cells did not accumulate U(VI) resistance mutations during the prolonged growth arrest, but rather, a reduction in U(VI) toxicity occurred concomitantly with an increase in medium pH. Together, these data suggest that
C. crescentus
recovers from U(VI)-induced growth arrest by reducing U(VI) toxicity through pH modulation. Our finding represents a unique U(VI) detoxification strategy and provides insight into how microbes cope with U(VI) under nongrowing conditions, a metabolic state that is prevalent in natural environments.
Sucrose Synthesis in the Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 Is Controlled by the Two-Component Response Regulator OrrA
Authors: Ehira Shigeki , Kimura Satoshi , Miyazaki Shogo , Ohmori Masayuki
Published: July 2014

The filamentous, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium
Anabaena
sp. strain PCC 7120 accumulates sucrose as a compatible solute against salt stress. Sucrose-phosphate synthase activity, which is responsible for the sucrose synthesis, is increased by salt stress, but the mechanism underlying the regulation of sucrose synthesis remains unknown. In the present study, a response regulator, OrrA, was shown to control sucrose synthesis. Expression of
spsA
, which encodes a sucrose-phosphate synthase, and
susA
and
susB
, which encode sucrose synthases, was induced by salt stress. In the
orrA
disruptant, salt induction of these genes was completely abolished. The cellular sucrose level of the
orrA
disruptant was reduced to 40% of that in the wild type under salt stress conditions. Moreover, overexpression of
orrA
resulted in enhanced expression of
spsA
,
susA
, and
susB
, followed by accumulation of sucrose, without the addition of NaCl. We also found that SigB2, a group 2 sigma factor of RNA polymerase, regulated the early response to salt stress under the control of OrrA. It is concluded that OrrA controls sucrose synthesis in collaboration with SigB2.
Diversity of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Associated with Switchgrass in the Native Tallgrass Prairie of Northern Oklahoma
Authors: Bahulikar Rahul A. , Torres-Jerez Ivone , Worley Eric , Craven Kelly , Udvardi Michael K.
Published: July 2014

Switchgrass (
Panicum virgatum
L.) is a perennial C
4
grass native to North America that is being developed as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production. Industrial nitrogen fertilizers enhance switchgrass biomass production but add to production and environmental costs. A potential sustainable alternative source of nitrogen is biological nitrogen fixation. As a step in this direction, we studied the diversity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) associated with native switchgrass plants from the tallgrass prairie of northern Oklahoma (United States), using a culture-independent approach. DNA sequences from the nitrogenase structural gene,
nifH
, revealed over 20 putative diazotrophs from the alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gammaproteobacteria and the firmicutes associated with roots and shoots of switchgrass. Alphaproteobacteria, especially rhizobia, predominated. Sequences derived from
nifH
RNA indicated expression of this gene in several bacteria of the alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gammaproteobacterial groups associated with roots. Prominent among these were
Rhizobium
and
Methylobacterium
species of the alphaproteobacteria,
Burkholderia
and
Azoarcus
species of the betaproteobacteria, and
Desulfuromonas
and
Geobacter
species of the deltaproteobacteria.
Effect of Nonheme Iron-Containing Ferritin Dpr in the Stress Response and Virulence of Pneumococci
Authors: Hua Chun-Zhen , Howard Angela , Malley Richard , Lu Ying-Jie
Published: July 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus) produces hydrogen peroxide as a by-product of metabolism and provides a competitive advantage against cocolonizing bacteria. As pneumococci do not produce catalase or an inducible regulator of hydrogen peroxide, the mechanism of resistance to hydrogen peroxide is unclear. A gene responsible for resistance to hydrogen peroxide and iron in other streptococci is that encoding nonheme iron-containing ferritin,dpr, but previous attempts to study this gene in pneumococcus by generating adprmutant were unsuccessful. In the current study, we found thatdpris in an operon with the downstream genesdhfrandclpX. We generated adprdeletion mutant which displayed normal early-log-phase and mid-log-phase growth in bacteriologic medium but survived less well at stationary phase; the addition of catalase partially rescued the growth defect. We showed that thedprmutant is significantly more sensitive to pH, heat, iron concentration, and oxidative stress due to hydrogen peroxide. Using a mouse model of colonization, we also showed that thedprmutant displays a reduced ability to colonize and is more rapidly cleared from the nasopharynx. Our results thus suggest that Dpr is important for pneumococcal resistance to stress and for nasopharyngeal colonization.
Neonatal intestinal obstruction secondary to a small bowel duplication cyst
Authors: Puralingegowda Anil Kumar , Mohanty Pankaj Kumar , Razak Abdul , Nagesh N Karthik , Chandrayya Ramachandra
Published: July 2014

A 3-week-old neonate developed abdominal distension and vomiting which subsided after conservative management. However, there was a recurrence of symptoms for which a lower gastrointestinal tract contrast study was performed. The infant had a filling defect in the area of the transverse colon. A CT scan was performed, showing a duplication cyst arising from the small bowel and indenting the transverse colon. Resection of the duplication cyst and end-to-end anastomosis of the bowel was performed. The duplication cyst was of tubular type, and a sealed perforation was noted in the cyst wall.
Cultural and socio-economic conditions as factors contributing to chronic stress in sub-Saharan African communities
Authors: Henley Phaedra , Lowthers Megan , Koren Gideon , Fedha Pamela Tsimbiri , Russell Evan , VanUum Stan , Arya Sumedha , Darnell Regna , Creed Irena F. , Trick Charles G. , Bend John R.
Published: July 2014

Stress is known to contribute to overall health status. Many individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are believed to be stressed about their employment, income, and health. This study aimed to investigate hair cortisol as a biomarker of chronic stress in settlement communities in Kenya. Hair samples were collected from 108 volunteers from settlement communities in Kenya. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used to measure hair cortisol concentrations. In parallel, a health survey was completed. The mean ± SD for the cortisol concentration in the hair of volunteers from the settlement communities in Naivasha was 639 ± 300 ng/g, which was higher than found for a Caucasian reference group (299 ± 110 ng/g; one-way ANOVA, P = 0.0003). There were no differences in hair cortisol concentrations between members of slum settlements adjacent to large floriculture farms in Naivasha (Karagita, Kamere/Kwa Muhia/DCK, and Kasarani) compared with those well-removed from all floriculture in Mogotio (Mogotio and Westlands/Katorongot). However, hair cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in females, divorced volunteers, those who made below minimum wage, and those who reported feeling unsafe collecting water or using sanitation facilities within these 2 settlement groups. We found no evidence for increased chronic stress (measured by hair cortisol content) between members of slum settlements adjacent to versus distant to large floriculture farms. Cultural and socio-economic conditions that prevail in much of sub-Saharan Africa were found to be factors contributing to chronic stress.
Perspectives and Visions of Computer Science Education in Primary and Secondary (K-12) Schools
Authors: Hubwieser Peter , Armoni Michal , Giannakos Michail N. , Mittermeir Roland T.
Published: July 2014

In view of the recent developments in many countries, for example, in the USA and in the UK, it appears that computer science education (CSE) in primary or secondary schools (K-12) has reached a significant turning point, shifting its focus from ICT-oriented to rigorous computer science concepts. The goal of this special issue is to offer a publication platform for soundly based in-depth experiences that have been made around the world with concepts, approaches, or initiatives that aim at supporting this shift. For this purpose, the article format was kept as large as possible, enabling the authors to explain many facets of their concepts and experiences in detail. Regarding the structure of the articles, we had encouraged the authors to lean on the Darmstadt Model, a category system that was developed to support the development, improvement, and investigation of K-12 CSE across regional or national boundaries. This model could serve as a unifying framework that might provide a proper structure for a well-founded critical discussion about the future of K-12 CSE. Curriculum designers or policy stakeholders, who have to decide, which approach an upcoming national initiative should follow, could benefit from this discussion as well as researchers who are investigating K12 CSE in any regard. With this goal in mind, we have selected six extensive and two short case studies from the UK, New Zealand, USA/Israel, France, Sweden, Georgia (USA), Russia, and Italy that provide an in-depth analysis of K-12 CSE in their respective country or state.
A Case Study of the Introduction of Computer Science in NZ Schools
Authors: Bell Tim , Andreae Peter , Robins Anthony
Published: July 2014

For many years computing in New Zealand schools was focused on teaching students how to
use
computers, and there was little opportunity for students to learn about programming and computer science as formal subjects. In this article we review a series of initiatives that occurred from 2007 to 2009 that led to programming and computer science being made available formally as part of the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA), the main school-leaving assessment, in 2011. The changes were phased in from 2011 to 2013, and we review this process using the Darmstadt model, including describing the context of the school system, the socio-cultural factors in play before, during and after the changes, the nature of the new standards, the reactions and roles of the various stakeholders, and the teaching materials and methods that developed. The changes occurred very quickly, and we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having such a rapid process. In all these changes, teachers have emerged as having a central role, as they have been key in instigating and implementing change.
Basic Statistics in Cell Biology
Authors: Vaux David L.
Published: July 2014

The physicist Ernest Rutherford said, “If your experiment needs statistics, you ought to have done a better experiment.” Although this aphorism remains true for much of today's research in cell biology, a basic understanding of statistics can be useful to cell biologists to help in monitoring the conduct of their experiments, in interpreting the results, in presenting them in publications, and when critically evaluating research by others. However, training in statistics is often focused on the sophisticated needs of clinical researchers, psychologists, and epidemiologists, whose conclusions depend wholly on statistics, rather than the practical needs of cell biologists, whose experiments often provide evidence that is not statistical in nature. This review describes some of the basic statistical principles that may be of use to experimental biologists, but it does not cover the sophisticated statistics needed for papers that contain evidence of no other kind.
The Cell Biology of Neurogenesis: Toward an Understanding of the Development and Evolution of the Neocortex
Authors: Taverna Elena , Götz Magdalena , Huttner Wieland B.
Published: July 2014

Neural stem and progenitor cells have a central role in the development and evolution of the mammalian neocortex. In this review, we first provide a set of criteria to classify the various types of cortical stem and progenitor cells. We then discuss the issue of cell polarity, as well as specific subcellular features of these cells that are relevant for their modes of division and daughter cell fate. In addition, cortical stem and progenitor cell behavior is placed into a tissue context, with consideration of extracellular signals and cell-cell interactions. Finally, the differences across species regarding cortical stem and progenitor cells are dissected to gain insight into key developmental and evolutionary mechanisms underlying neocortex expansion.
Virus and Cell Fusion Mechanisms
Authors: Podbilewicz Benjamin
Published: July 2014

In biomembrane fusion pathways, membranes are destabilized through insertions of amphipathic protein segments, lipid reorganization via hemifusion, protein restructuring, and dimpling of the membranes. Four classes of membrane proteins are known in virus and cell fusion. Class I virus-cell fusion proteins (fusogens) are α-helix-rich prefusion trimers that form coiled-coil structures that insert hydrophobic fusion peptides or loops (FPs or FLs) into membranes and refold into postfusion trimers. Class II virus-cell fusogens are β-sheet-rich prefusion homo- or heterodimers that insert FLs into membranes, ending in postfusion trimers. Class III virus-cell fusogens are trimers with both α-helices and β-sheets that dissociate into monomers, insert FLs into membranes, and oligomerize into postfusion trimers. Class IV reoviral cell-cell fusogens are small proteins with FLs that oligomerize to fuse membranes. Class I cell-cell fusogens (Syncytins) were captured by mammals from retroviruses, and class II cell-cell fusogens (EFF-1/AFF-1) fuse membranes via homotypic zippering. Mechanisms and fusogens for most cell fusion events are unknown.
Archaeal Viruses: Diversity, Replication, and Structure
Authors: Dellas Nikki , Snyder Jamie C. , Bolduc Benjamin , Young Mark J.
Published: July 2014

The Archaea—and their viruses—remain the most enigmatic of life's three domains. Once thought to inhabit only extreme environments, archaea are now known to inhabit diverse environments. Even though the first archaeal virus was described over 40 years ago, only 117 archaeal viruses have been discovered to date. Despite this small number, these viruses have painted a portrait of enormous morphological and genetic diversity. For example, research centered around the various steps of the archaeal virus life cycle has led to the discovery of unique mechanisms employed by archaeal viruses during replication, maturation, and virion release. In many instances, archaeal virus proteins display very low levels of sequence homology to other proteins listed in the public database, and therefore, structural characterization of these proteins has played an integral role in functional assignment. These structural studies have not only provided insights into structure-function relationships but have also identified links between viruses across all three domains of life.
Naked Viruses That Aren't Always Naked: Quasi-Enveloped Agents of Acute Hepatitis
Authors: Feng Zongdi , Hirai-Yuki Asuka , McKnight Kevin L. , Lemon Stanley M.
Published: July 2014

Historically, viruses were considered to be either enveloped or nonenveloped. However, recent work on hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus challenges this long-held tenet. Whereas these human pathogens are shed in feces as naked nonenveloped virions, recent studies indicate that both circulate in the blood completely masked in membranes during acute infection. These membrane-wrapped virions are as infectious as their naked counterparts, although they do not express a virally encoded protein on their surface, thus distinguishing them from conventional enveloped viruses. The absence of a viral fusion protein implies that these quasi-enveloped virions have unique mechanisms for entry into cells. Like true enveloped viruses, however, these phylogenetically distinct viruses usurp components of the host ESCRT system to hijack host cell membranes and noncytolytically exit infected cells. The membrane protects these viruses from neutralizing antibodies, facilitating dissemination within the host, whereas nonenveloped virions shed in feces are stable in the environment, allowing for epidemic transmission.
Herpesvirus Genome Integration into Telomeric Repeats of Host Cell Chromosomes
Authors: Osterrieder Nikolaus , Wallaschek Nina , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: July 2014

It is well known that numerous viruses integrate their genetic material into host cell chromosomes. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and oncogenic Marek's disease virus (MDV) have been shown to integrate their genomes into host telomeres of latently infected cells. This is unusual for herpesviruses as most maintain their genomes as circular episomes during the quiescent stage of infection. The genomic DNA of HHV-6, MDV, and several other herpesviruses harbors telomeric repeats (TMRs) that are identical to host telomere sequences (TTAGGG). At least in the case of MDV, viral TMRs facilitate integration into host telomeres. Integration of HHV-6 occurs not only in lymphocytes but also in the germline of some individuals, allowing vertical virus transmission. Although the molecular mechanism of telomere integration is poorly understood, the presence of TMRs in a number of herpesviruses suggests it is their default program for genome maintenance during latency and also allows efficient reactivation.
Evaluation of Cocktails with Recombinant Proteins ofMycobacterium bovisfor a Specific Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Mon María Laura , Moyano Roberto Damián , Viale Mariana Noelia , Colombatti Olivieri María Alejandra , Gamietea Ignacio José , Montenegro Valeria Noely , Alonso Bernardo , Santangelo María de la Paz , Singh Mahavir , Duran Rosario , Romano María Isabel
Published: July 2014

The Delayed type hypersensitivity skin test (DTH) and interferon-gamma assay are used for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (TBB). The specificity of these diagnoses, however, is compromised because both are based on the response against purified protein derivative ofMycobacterium bovis(PPD-B). In this study, we assessed the potential of two cocktails containingM. bovisrecombinant proteins: cocktail 1 (C1): ESAT-6, CFP-10 and MPB83 and cocktail 2 (C2): ESAT-6, CFP-10, MPB83, HspX, TB10.3, and MPB70. C1, C2, and PPD-B showed similar response by DTH inM. bovis-sensitized guinea pigs. Importantly, C1 induced a lower response than PPD-B inM. avium-sensitized guinea pigs. In cattle, C1 displayed better performance than PPD-B and C2; indeed, C1 showed the least detection of animals either vaccinated or Map-infected. To optimize the composition of the cocktails, we obtained protein fractions from PPD-B and tested their immunogenicity in experimentallyM. bovis-infected cattle. In one highly reactive fraction, seven proteins were identified. The inclusion of FixB in C1 enhanced the recognition ofM. bovis-infected cattle without compromising specificity. Our data provide a promising basis for the future development of a cocktail for TBB detection without interference by the presence of sensitized or infected animals with other mycobacteria.
Miniscalpel‐Needle versus Steroid Injection for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial with a 12‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: Li Shuming , Shen Tong , Liang Yongshan , Zhang Ying , Bai Bo
Published: July 2014

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. A novel alternative medical instrument, the miniscalpel‐needle (MSN), which is based on an acupuncture needle, has been recently developed in China. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the MSN release treatment versus that of traditional steroid injection for plantar fasciitis. Patients with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to 2 groups and followed up for 12 months, with 29 receiving MSN treatment and 25 receiving steroid injection treatment. The results showed that visual analog scale scores for morning pain, active pain, and overall heel pain all were decreased significantly in the MSN group from 1 to 12 months after treatment. In contrast, treatment with steroid injection showed a significant effect only at the 1‐month follow‐up but not at 6 or 12 months after treatment. Moreover, the MSN group achieved more rapid and sustained improvements than the steroid group throughout the duration of this study. No severe side effects were observed with MSN treatment. Our data suggest that the MSN release treatment is safe and has a significant benefit for plantar fasciitis compared to steroid injection.
Traditional Japanese Medicine Daikenchuto Improves Functional Constipation in Poststroke Patients
Authors: Numata Takehiro , Takayama Shin , Tobita Muneshige , Ishida Shuichi , Katayose Dai , Shinkawa Mitsutoshi , Oikawa Takashi , Aonuma Takanori , Kaneko Soichiro , Tanaka Junichi , Kanemura Seiki , Iwasaki Koh , Ishii Tadashi , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: July 2014

Poststroke patients with functional constipation, assessed by the Rome III criteria, from 6 hospitals were recruited in a study on the effects of the traditional Japanese medicine Daikenchuto (DKT) on constipation. Thirty‐four patients (17 men and 17 women; mean age: 78.1 ± 11.6 years) were randomly assigned to 2 groups; all patients received conventional therapy for constipation, and patients in the DKT group received 15 g/day of DKT for 4 weeks. Constipation scoring system (CSS) points and the gas volume score (GVS) (the measure of the intestinal gas volume calculated from plain abdominal radiographs) were recorded before and after a 4‐week observation period. The total score on the CSS improved significantly in the DKT group compared to the control (P < 0.01). In addition, scores for some CSS subcategories (frequency of bowel movements, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and need for enema/disimpaction) significantly improved in the DKT group (P < 0.01, P = 0.049, and P = 0.03, resp.). The GVS was also significantly reduced in the DKT group compared to the control (P = 0.03). DKT in addition to conventional therapy is effective in treating functional constipation in poststroke patients. This study was a randomized controlled trial and was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (no. UMIN000007393).
Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Intrathecal Transplantation in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Sharma Alok , Sane Hemangi , Gokulchandran Nandini , Khopkar Dipti , Paranjape Amruta , Sundaram Jyothi , Gandhi Sushant , Badhe Prerna
Published: July 2014

Cell therapy is being widely explored in the management of stroke and has demonstrated great potential. It has been shown to assist in the remodeling of the central nervous system by inducing neurorestorative effect through the process of angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and reduction of glial scar formation. In this study, the effect of intrathecal administration of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) is analyzed on the recovery process of patients with chronic stroke. 24 patients diagnosed with chronic stroke were administered cell therapy, followed by multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation. They were assessed on functional independence measure (FIM) objectively, along with assessment of standing and walking balance, ambulation, and hand functions. Out of 24 patients, 12 improved in ambulation, 10 in hand functions, 6 in standing balance, and 9 in walking balance. Further factor analysis was done. Patients of the younger groups showed higher percentage of improvement in all the areas. Patients who underwent cell therapy within 2 years after the stroke showed better changes. Ischemic type of stroke had better recovery than the hemorrhagic stroke. This study demonstrates the potential of autologous BMMNCs intrathecal transplantation in improving the prognosis of functional recovery in chronic stage of stroke. Further clinical trials are recommended. This trial is registered withNCT02065778.
Conditional Oscillation of Half-Linear Differential Equations with Coefficients Having Mean Values
Authors: Hasil Petr , Mařík Robert , Veselý Michal
Published: July 2014

We prove that the existence of the mean values of coefficients is sufficient for second-order half-linear Euler-type differential equations to be conditionally oscillatory. We explicitly find an oscillation constant even for the considered equations whose coefficients can change sign. Our results cover known results concerning periodic and almost periodic positive coefficients and extend them to larger classes of equations. We give examples and corollaries which illustrate cases that our results solve. We also mention an application of the presented results in the theory of partial differential equations.
The Modelled Raindrop Size Distribution of Skudai, Peninsular Malaysia, Using Exponential and Lognormal Distributions
Authors: Yakubu Mahadi Lawan , Yusop Zulkifli , Yusof Fadhilah
Published: July 2014

This paper presents the modelled raindrop size parameters in Skudai region of the Johor Bahru, western Malaysia. Presently, there is no model to forecast the characteristics of DSD in Malaysia, and this has an underpinning implication on wet weather pollution predictions. The climate of Skudai exhibits local variability in regional scale. This study established five different parametric expressions describing the rain rate of Skudai; these models are idiosyncratic to the climate of the region. Sophisticated equipment that converts sound to a relevant raindrop diameter is often too expensive and its cost sometimes overrides its attractiveness. In this study, a physical low-cost method was used to record the DSD of the study area. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to test the aptness of the data to exponential and lognormal distributions, which were subsequently used to formulate the parameterisation of the distributions. This research abrogates the concept of exclusive occurrence of convective storm in tropical regions and presented a new insight into their concurrence appearance.
Role of JNK Activation and Mitochondrial Bax Translocation in Allicin‐Induced Apoptosis in Human Ovarian Cancer SKOV3 Cells
Authors: Xu Ling , Yu Jin , Zhai Dongxia , Zhang Danying , Shen Wei , Bai Lingling , Cai Zailong , Yu Chaoqin
Published: July 2014

Background. Allicin, the major component of freshly crushed garlic, is one of the most biologically active compounds of garlic; it has been reported to induce apoptosis in cancer cells; however, the mechanism by which allicin exerts its apoptotic effects is not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to further elucidate the apoptotic pathways induced by allicin in the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3. Methods. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by cell‐counting assay and flow cytometry analysis. Activation of the signaling pathway was screened by human phospho‐kinase array analysis, and the activated pathway and its related proteins were further confirmed by western blot analysis. Results. Allicin induced SKOV3 cell apoptosis and JNK phosphorylation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, but these were significantly blocked by SP600125 (an inhibitor of JNK). The findings suggest that JNK phosphorylation is related to the action of allicin on SKOV3 cells. Furthermore, JNK activation induced Bcl‐2 family activation, triggered mitochondria‐mediated signaling pathways, and led to the translocation of a considerable amount of Bax and cytochrome c release. Conclusions. JNK activation and mitochondrial Bax translocation are involved in allicin‐induced apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. Our data input new insights to the literature of allicin‐induced apoptosis.
Study on Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on Grinding Force and Surface Quality in Ultrasonic Assisted Micro End Grinding of Silica Glass
Authors: Jianhua Zhang , Yan Zhao , Shuo Zhang , Fuqiang Tian , Lanshen Guo , Ruizhen Dai
Published: July 2014

Ultrasonic vibration assisted micro end grinding (UAMEG) is a promising processing method for micro parts made of hard and brittle materials. First, the influence of ultrasonic assistance on the mechanism of this processing technology is theoretically analyzed. Then, in order to reveal the effects of ultrasonic vibration and grinding parameters on grinding forces and surface quality, contrast grinding tests of silica glass with and without ultrasonic assistance using micro radial electroplated diamond wheel are conducted. The grinding forces are measured using a three-component dynamometer. The surface characteristics are detected using the scanning electron microscope. The experiment results demonstrate that grinding forces are significantly reduced by introducing ultrasonic vibration into conventional micro end grinding (CMEG) of silica glass; ultrasonic assistance causes inhibiting effect on variation percentages of tangential grinding force with grinding parameters; ductile machining is easier to be achieved and surface quality is obviously improved due to ultrasonic assistance in UAMEG. Therefore, larger grinding depth and feed rate adopted in UAMEG can lead to the improvement of removal rate and machining efficiency compared with CMEG.
Observer Design for a Core Circadian Rhythm Network
Authors: Zhang Yuhuan
Published: July 2014

The paper investigates the observer design for a core circadian rhythm network inDrosophilaandNeurospora. Based on the constructed highly nonlinear differential equation model and the recently proposed graphical approach, we design a rather simple observer for the circadian rhythm oscillator, which can well track the state of the original system for various input signals. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the designed observer. Potential applications of the related investigations include the real-world control and experimental design of the related biological networks.
Healing Efficacy of an EGF Impregnated Triple Gel Based Wound Dressing: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Khanbanha Najmeh , Atyabi Fatemeh , Taheri Azade , Talaie Fatemeh , Mahbod Mirgholamreza , Dinarvand Rassoul
Published: July 2014

To accomplish an ideal wound healing process which promotes healthy tissue growth with less scaring, a novel gel based topical drug delivery system composed of 3 different polymers chitosan, dextran sulfate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (CDP) was prepared. The physicochemical properties of the prepared gels were investigated in vitro. Gels showed a maximum swelling ratio of 50 ± 1.95 times of dried gel in PBS at pH 7.4. The swelling ratios increase in acidic and alkaline pH to 55.3 ± 1.75 and 65.5 ± 2.42, respectively. In the rheological test, prepared gels revealed viscoelastic properties and a small linear viscoelastic region of 0.166%. In vivo wound healing promoting activities of CDP gels containing 20 μg/mL EGF were evaluated on surgically induced dermal wounds in rats using pathologic examination. The application of CDP gel with incorporated EGF significantly reduced the defect on the rat’s skin and enhanced epithelial healing compared with the topical application of the EGF-free CDP gel. The results clearly substantiate the beneficial effects of the topical application of CDP containing EGF in the acceleration of healthy wound healing process with less scarring.
External Hemorrhage from a Portacaval Anastomosis in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Biyik Murat , Ucar Ramazan , Cifci Sami , Ozbek Orhan , Gungor Gokhan , Ozer Cakir Ozlem , Yavuz Fatma , Ataseven Huseyin , Demir Ali
Published: July 2014

Variceal bleeding is the major complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. Hemorrhage mainly occurs in gastrointestinal lumen. Extraluminal hemorrhages are quite rare, such as intraperitoneal hemorrhages. We aimed to present a variceal bleeding case from the anastomosis on the anterior abdominal wall, as an extraordinary bleeding location, in a patient with portal hypertension in whom there were no esophageal and gastric varices.
The Comparative Study on Expression of SIRT1 Signal Transduction by Xuefuzhuyu Capsule
Authors: Teng Fei , Li Guangxi , Liu Zhangjing , Zhang Liangdeng , Yao Kuiwu
Published: July 2014

The Xuefuzhuyu capsule (XFZY) is widely used for the treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in China. We previously demonstrated that XFZY could reduce apoptosis in Sprague‐Dawley rat cardiomyocytes with the similar effect of resveratrol (Res) Hori et al. (2013), although its molecular mechanism underlying this protective effect is still unclear. Silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1) had been demonstrated to be responsible for cardioprotection against ischemia‐reperfusion injury via long‐term transcriptionally regulatory mechanism Braunersreuther and Jaquet (2012). Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to test if XFZY might contribute to the protection of ischemic myocardial cells induced by ischemia through SIRT1‐mediated signal transduction pathway by using electron micrograph, RT‐PCR assay, and western‐blot test. All the result showed that the target genes of SIRT1 pathway including P53, NF‐kB, FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXO4 were significantly downregulated to SIRT1, suggesting that apoptosis pathway might transcriptionally be regulated to SIRT1. In addition, the expression level of SIRT1 was significantly increased by XFZ, it might prove that SIRT1 is the target of XFZY working on ischemia heart disease. Our findings supported that XFZY might function to protect myocardial cells and reduce myocardial injury though SIRT1 signaling pathway and has the same pharmacological effect with Res.
Heavy Silicone Oil and Intraocular Inflammation
Authors: Morescalchi Francesco , Costagliola Ciro , Duse Sarah , Gambicorti Elena , Parolini Barbara , Arcidiacono Barbara , Romano Mario R. , Semeraro Francesco
Published: July 2014

In the past two decades, many advances have been made in vitrectomy instrumentation, surgical techniques, and the use of different tamponade agents. These agents serve close retinal breaks, confine eventual retinal redetachment, and prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Long-acting gases and silicone oil are effective internal tamponade agents; however, because their specific gravity is lower than that of the vitreous fluid, they may provide adequate support for the superior retina but lack efficacy for the inferior retina, especially when the fill is subtotal. Thus, a specific role may exist for an internal tamponade agent with a higher specific gravity, such as heavy silicone oils (HSOs), Densiron 68, Oxane HD, HWS 45-300, HWS 46-3000, and HeavySil. Some clinical evidence seems to presume that heavy tamponades are more prone to intraocular inflammation than standard silicone if they remain in the eye for several months. In this review, we discuss the fundamental clinical and biochemical/molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammatory response after the use of heavy tamponade: toxicity due to impurities or instability of the agent, direct toxicity and immunogenicity, oil emulsification, and mechanical injury due to gravity. The physical and chemical properties of various HSOs and their efficacy and safety profiles are also described.
The Inhibition of Folylpolyglutamate Synthetase (folC) in the Prevention of Drug Resistance inMycobacterium tuberculosisby Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hung Tzu-Chieh , Chen Kuen-Bao , Lee Wen-Yuan , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: July 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by many strains of mycobacteria, but commonlyMycobacterium tuberculosis. As a possible method of reducing the drug resistance ofM. tuberculosis, this research investigates the inhibition of Folylpolyglutamate synthetase, a protein transcript from the resistance association gene folC. After molecular docking to screen the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database, the candidate TCM compounds, with Folylpolyglutamate synthetase, were selected by molecular dynamics. The 10,000 ps simulation in association with RMSD analysis and total energy and structural variation defined the protein-ligand interaction. The selected TCM compounds Saussureamine C, methyl 3-O-feruloylquinate, and Labiatic acid have been found to inhibit the activity of bacteria and viruses and to regulate immunity. We also suggest the possible pathway in protein for each ligand. Compared with the control, similar interactions and structural variations indicate that these compounds might have an effect on Folylpolyglutamate synthetase. Finally, we suggest Saussureamine C is the best candidate compound as the complex has a high score, maintains its structural composition, and has a larger variation value than the control, thus inhibiting the drug resistance ability ofMycobacterium tuberculosis.
Single‐ and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Phosphorus Based Flame Retardants for Textiles
Authors: Wesolek D. , Gieparda W.
Published: July 2014

Due to growing popularity of composites, modification methods to obtain the best properties are searched for. The aim of the study is to reduce the flammability of textile materials using nanocomposite polymer back‐coating. Different types of carbon nanotubes (single‐ and multiwalled) and different phosphorus flame retardants (ammonium polyphosphates and melamine polyphosphate) were introduced into the resin and then the fabrics were covered by the obtained composites. Homogeneous dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the polyurethane resin was obtained by sonification, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Flammability tests of fabrics coated by modified polyurethane resin were carried out using pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter (PCFC) and thermal stability of textiles was evaluated. Also, organoleptic estimation of coatings was conducted (flexibility and fragility). The use of polymer nanocomposites with phophorus flame retardants as a back‐coating for textiles effectively reduces flammability and improves thermal stability of the fabric. Furthermore, the synergistic effect beetwen carbon nanotubes and phosphorous compound occurs. The resulting coatings are flexible and do not crack or change the feel of fabrics.
Chemical Potentials of Quarks Extracted from Particle Transverse Momentum Distributions in Heavy Ion Collisions at RHIC Energies
Authors: Zhao Hong , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: July 2014

In the framework of a multisource thermal model, the transverse momentum distributions of charged particles produced in nucleus-nucleus (A-A) and deuteron-nucleus (d-A) collisions at relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) energies are investigated by a two-component revised Boltzmann distribution. The calculated results are in agreement with the PHENIX experimental data. It is found that the source temperature increases obviously with increase of the particle mass and incident energy, but it does not show an obvious change with the collision centrality. Then, the values of chemical potentials for up, down, and strange quarks can be obtained from the antiparticle to particle yield ratios in a wide transverse momentum range. The relationship between the chemical potentials of quarks and the transverse momentum with different centralities is investigated, too.
Heat Transfer and Thermal Deformation Characteristics of Liquid-Cooled Laser Mirror
Authors: Hu Panpan , Zhu Haihong , He Chongwen , Ren Xiaoming
Published: July 2014

A coupled finite volume-element method is developed to simulate the transient thermal deformation of water-cooled mirror by considering fluid flow and convective heat transfer. The simulation process consists of two steps: the 3D finite volume models of fluid flow and heat transfer equation are solved to obtain the time-dependent temperature field by using CFD; then, the obtained temperature field used as final temperature field is unidirectionally coupled to the finite element model for solving the thermoplastic equation. It is concluded that fluid flow not only affects the magnitude of temperature rise and thermal deformation, but also affects the distribution of temperature and thermal deformation. The temperature gradient in the thickness direction ( z direction) is found to be much larger than that in transverse direction. It is found that the temperature and the consequent deformation of water-cooled mirror increase significantly in the first seconds and gradually become steady state in the subsequent time. Experiments are conducted to estimate the precision of numerical models, and the experimental results agree well with the simulated results.
Possible Inhibitor from Traditional Chinese Medicine for theβForm of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Type II in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Hung Tzu-Chieh , Lee Wen-Yuan , Chen Kuen-Bao , Huang Hung-Jin , Chan Yueh-Chiu , Lee Cheng-Chun , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: July 2014

Recently, an important topic of major depressive disorder (MDD) had been published in 2013. MDD is one of the most prevalent and disabling mental disorders. Consequently, much research is being undertaken into the causes and treatment. It has been found that inhibition of theβform of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (β-CaMKII) can ameliorate the disorder. Upon screening the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database by molecular docking, sengesterone, labiatic acid, and methyl 3-O-feruloylquinate were selected for molecular dynamics. After 20 ns simulation, the RMSD, total energy, and structure variation could define the protein-ligand interaction. Furthermore, sengesterone, the principle candidate compound, has been found to have an effect on the regulation of emotions and memory development. In structure variation, we find the sample functional group of important amino acids make the protein stable and have limited variation. Due to similarity of structure variations, we suggest that these compounds may have an effect onβ-CaMKII and that sengesterone may have a similar efficacy as the control. However labiatic acid may be a stronger inhibitor ofβ-CaMKII based on the larger RMSD and variation.