bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spread of Mutant Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus with Reduced Affinity to Human CD26 during the South Korean Outbreak
Authors: Kim Yuri , Cheon Shinhye , Min Chan-Ki , Sohn Kyung Mok , Kang Ying Jin , Cha Young-Je , Kang Ju-Il , Han Seong Kyu , Ha Na-Young , Kim Gwanghun , Aigerim Abdimadiyeva , Shin Hyun Mu , Choi Myung-Sik , Kim Sanguk , Cho Hyun-Soo , Kim Yeon-Sook , Cho Nam-Hyuk
Published: March 2016

The newly emerging Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes a severe respiratory infection with a high mortality rate (~35%). MERS-CoV has been a global threat due to continuous outbreaks in the Arabian peninsula and international spread by infected travelers since 2012. From May to July 2015, a large outbreak initiated by an infected traveler from the Arabian peninsula swept South Korea and resulted in 186 confirmed cases with 38 deaths (case fatality rate, 20.4%). Here, we show the rapid emergence and spread of a mutant MERS-CoV with reduced affinity to the human CD26 receptor during the South Korean outbreak. We isolated 13 new viral genomes from 14 infected patients treated at a hospital and found that 12 of these genomes possess a point mutation in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of viral spike (S) protein. Specifically, 11 of these genomes have an I529T mutation in RBD, and 1 has a D510G mutation. Strikingly, both mutations result in reduced affinity of RBD to human CD26 compared to wild-type RBD, as measured by surface plasmon resonance analysis and cellular binding assay. Additionally, pseudotyped virus bearing an I529T mutation in S protein showed reduced entry into host cells compared to virus with wild-type S protein. These unexpected findings suggest that MERS-CoV adaptation during human-to-human spread may be driven by host immunological pressure such as neutralizing antibodies, resulting in reduced affinity to host receptor, and thereby impairs viral fitness and virulence, rather than positive selection for a better affinity to CD26.

IMPORTANCE
Recently, a large outbreak initiated by an MERS-CoV-infected traveler from the Middle East swept South Korea and resulted in 186 confirmed cases with 38 deaths. This is the largest outbreak outside the Middle East, and it raised strong concerns about the possible emergence of MERS-CoV mutations. Here, we isolated 13 new viral genomes and found that 12 of them possess a point mutation in the receptor-binding domain of viral spike protein, resulting in reduced affinity to the human cognate receptor, CD26, compared to the wild-type virus. These unexpected findings suggest that MERS-CoV adaptation in humans may be driven by host immunological pressure.
Valpromide Inhibits Lytic Cycle Reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus
Authors: Gorres Kelly L. , Daigle Derek , Mohanram Sudharshan , McInerney Grace E. , Lyons Danielle E. , Miller George
Published: March 2016

Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) from latency into the lytic phase of its life cycle allows the virus to spread among cells and between hosts. Valproic acid (VPA) inhibits initiation of the lytic cycle in EBV-infected B lymphoma cells. While VPA blocks viral lytic gene expression, it induces expression of many cellular genes, because it is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Here we show, using derivatives of VPA, that blockade of EBV reactivation is separable from HDAC inhibition. Valpromide (VPM), an amide derivative of valproic acid that is not an HDAC inhibitor, prevented expression of two EBV genes, BZLF1 and BRLF1, that mediate lytic reactivation. VPM also inhibited expression of a viral late gene, but not early genes, when BZLF1 was exogenously expressed. Unlike VPA, VPM did not activate lytic expression of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Expression of cellular immediate-early genes, such as FOS and EGR1, is kinetically upstream of the EBV lytic cycle. VPM did not activate expression of these cellular immediate-early genes but decreased their level of expression when induced by butyrate, an HDAC inhibitor. VPM did not alter expression of several other cellular immediate-early genes, including STAT3, which were induced by the HDAC inhibitors in cells refractory to lytic induction. Therefore, VPM selectively inhibits both viral and cellular gene expression. VPA and VPM represent a new class of antiviral agents. The mechanism by which VPA and VPM block EBV reactivation may be related to their anticonvulsant activity.

IMPORTANCE
Epstein-Barr virus, (EBV), a human tumor virus, establishes a life-long latent infection. Reactivation of EBV into the lytic phase of its life cycle allows the virus to spread. Previously, we showed that EBV reactivation was blocked by valproic acid (VPA), an inhibitor of cellular histone deacetylases (HDACs). VPA alters the expression of thousands of cellular genes. In this study, we demonstrate that valpromide (VPM), an amide derivative of valproic acid that is not an HDAC inhibitor, prevented initiation of the EBV lytic cycle. VPA induced lytic reactivation of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), but VPM did not. Unlike VPA, VPM did not activate cellular immediate-early gene expression. VPM is a new type of antiviral agent. VPM will be useful in probing the mechanism of EBV lytic reactivation and may have therapeutic application.
What a Dinner Party! Mechanisms and Functions of Interkingdom Signaling in Host-Pathogen Associations
Authors: Kendall Melissa M. , Sperandio Vanessa
Published: March 2016

Chemical signaling between cells is an effective way to coordinate behavior within a community. Although cell-to-cell signaling has mostly been studied in single species, it is now appreciated that the sensing of chemical signals across kingdoms can be an important regulator of nutrient acquisition, virulence, and host defense. In this review, we focus on the role of interkingdom signaling in the interactions that occur between bacterial pathogens and their mammalian hosts. We discuss the quorum-sensing (QS) systems and other mechanisms used by these bacteria to sense, respond to, and modulate host signals that include hormones, immune factors, and nutrients. We also describe cross talk between these signaling pathways and strategies used by the host to interfere with bacterial signaling, highlighting the complex bidirectional signaling networks that are established across kingdoms.
Duloxetine in OsteoArthritis (DOA) study: study protocol of a pragmatic open-label randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of preoperative pain treatment on postoperative outcome after total hip or knee arthroplasty
Authors: Blikman T , Rienstra W , van Raaij T M , ten Hagen A J , Dijkstra B , Zijlstra W P , Bulstra S K , van den Akker-Scheek I , Stevens M
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Residual pain is a major factor in patient dissatisfaction following total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). The proportion of patients with unfavourable long-term residual pain is high, ranging from 7% to 34%. There are studies indicating that a preoperative degree of central sensitisation (CS) is associated with poorer postoperative outcomes and residual pain. It is thus hypothesised that preoperative treatment of CS could enhance postoperative outcomes. Duloxetine has been shown to be effective for several chronic pain syndromes, including knee osteoarthritis (OA), in which CS is most likely one of the underlying pain mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the postoperative effects of preoperative screening and targeted duloxetine treatment of CS on residual pain compared with care-as-usual.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre, pragmatic, prospective, open-label, randomised controlled trial includes patients with idiopathic hip/knee OA who are on a waiting list for primary THA/TKA. Patients at risk for CS will be randomly allocated to the preoperative duloxetine treatment programme group or the care-as-usual control group. The primary end point is the degree of postoperative pain 6 months after THA/TKA. Secondary end points at multiple time points up to 12 months postoperatively are: pain, neuropathic pain-like symptoms, (pain) sensitisation, pain catastrophising, joint-associated problems, physical activity, health-related quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and perceived improvement. Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the local Medical Ethics Committee (METc 2014/087) and will be conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (64th, 2013) and the Good Clinical Practice standard (GCP), and in compliance with the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO).

Trial registration number

2013-004313-41; Pre-results.
Frailty as a predictor of hospitalisation among community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kojima Gotaro
Published: March 2016

Background

Owing to detrimental hazards and substantial healthcare burden and costs, hospitalisation of older people has become a major focus. Frailty has increasingly been recognised as an important predictor of hospitalisation. This study aims to identify studies on physical frailty as a predictor of hospitalisation risks and to pool the risk estimates among community-dwelling older people.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in August 2015 using five databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library for prospective studies examining physical frailty as a predictor of hospitalisation published in 2000 or later. OR and HR were combined to synthesise pooled effect measures using fixed-effects models. The included studies were assessed for heterogeneity, methodological quality and publication bias. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted to examine study characteristics in relation to the hospitalisation risks.

Results

Of the 4620 studies identified by the systematic review, 13 studies with average follow-up period of 3.1 years were selected. Frailty and prefrailty were significantly associated with higher hospitalisation risks among 10 studies with OR (pooled OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.74–2.07, p<0.00001; pooled OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.33, p<0.00001, respectively) and 3 studies with HR (pooled HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.12–1.52, p=0.0007; pooled HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.24, p=0.005, respectively). Heterogeneity was low to moderate. No publication bias was detected. The studies with older populations and unadjusted outcome measures were associated with higher hospitalisation risks in the subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated physical frailty is a significant predictor of hospitalisation among community-dwelling older people. Hospitalisation can potentially be reduced by treating or preventing frailty.
Association of a multibiomarker disease activity score at multiple time-points with radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the SWEFOT trial
Authors: Hambardzumyan Karen , Bolce Rebecca J , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Forslind Kristina , Wallman Johan K , Cruickshank Scott E , Sasso Eric H , Chernoff David , van Vollenhoven Ronald F
Published: March 2016

Objectives

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), predictive biomarkers for subsequent radiographic progression (RP) could improve therapeutic choices for individual patients. We previously showed that the multibiomarker disease activity (MBDA) score in patients with newly diagnosed RA identified patients at risk for RP. We evaluated the MBDA score at multiple time-points as a predictor of RP during 2 years of follow-up.

Methods

A subset of patients with RA (N=220) from the Swedish Farmacotherapy (SWEFOT) trial were analysed for MBDA score, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at baseline (BL), month 3 and year 1, for predicting RP based on modified Sharp/van der Heijde scores at BL, year 1 and year 2.

Results

Patients with persistently low MBDA (<30) scores or those with a decrease from moderate (30–44) to low MBDA scores, did not develop RP during 2 years of follow-up. The highest risk for RP during 2 years of follow-up (42%) was observed among patients with persistently high (>44) MBDA scores. Among methotrexate non-responders with a high MBDA score at BL or month 3, significantly more of those who received triple therapy had RP at year 2 compared with those who received antitumour necrosis factor therapy.

Conclusions

Measuring the MBDA score both before and during treatment in RA was useful for the assessment of individual patient risk for RP during 2 years of follow-up. In comparison with low CRP, ESR or DAS28, a low MBDA score at any time-point was associated with numerically lower proportions of RP.

Trial registration number

NCT00764725.
Design of bio-inspired computing technique for nanofluidics based on nonlinear Jeffery–Hamel flow equations
Authors: Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Khan Mohmmad Abdul Rehman , Mahmood Tariq , Farooq Umair , Chaudhary Naveed Ishtiaq
Published: March 2016

In this study, stochastic numerical treatment is presented for boundary value problems (BVPs) arising in nanofluidics for nonlinear Jeffery–Hamel flow (NJ-HF) equations using feed-forward artificial neural networks (ANNs) optimized with bio-inspired computing based on genetic algorithms (GAs) integrated with the active-set method (ASM). NJ-HF equations associated with both convergent and divergent channels, involving nanoparticles, are derived from the transformation of Navier–Stokes partial differential equations to nonlinear BVPs of third-order ordinary differential equations. The mathematical model of the transformed BVPs is developed with the help of ANNs in an unsupervised manner and the design parameters of these networks are trained with GAs, ASM, and GA–ASM. The design scheme is evaluated for NJ-HF by taking water as a base fluid containing three different types of nanomaterials: copper (Cu), alumina (Al2O3), and titania (TiO2) under various scenarios based on the angle of the channels and Reynolds numbers. Accuracy and convergence of the designed scheme are validated through comparison with standard numerical results using the Adams method.
Foliated compressing discs for Legendrian rational tangles
Authors: Schneider Gregory R.
Published: March 2016

We establish a new framework for diagramming both Legendrian rational tangles in the standard contact structure on [Formula: see text] and the signed characteristic foliations of their associated compressing discs, as well as the technical means by which these diagrams can be used to study Legendrian isotopies of such tangles. We then establish a number of results that represent new progress in the ongoing effort to classify Legendrian rational tangles under a pair of operations known as Legendrian flypes. These operations, while topologically isotopies, are known to produce distinct Legendrian objects in many circumstances, a fact that has been of much interest throughout the study and classification of Legendrian knots.
Stochastic volatility asymptotics of defaultable interest rate derivatives under a quadratic Gaussian model
Authors: Yoon Ji-Hun , Kim Jeong-Hoon , Choi Sun-Yong , Han Youngchul
Published: March 2016

Stochastic volatility of underlying assets has been shown to affect significantly the price of many financial derivatives. In particular, a fast mean-reverting factor of the stochastic volatility plays a major role in the pricing of options. This paper deals with the interest rate model dependence of the stochastic volatility impact on defaultable interest rate derivatives. We obtain an asymptotic formula of the price of defaultable bonds and bond options based on a quadratic term structure model and investigate the stochastic volatility and default risk effects and compare the results with those of the Vasicek model.
Studies of Unstable Nuclei with Spin-Polarized Proton Target
Authors: Sakaguchi Satoshi , Uesaka Tomohiro , Wakui Takashi , Chebotaryov Sergey , Kawahara Tomomi , Kawase Shoichiro , Milman Evgeniy , Tang Tsz Leung , Tateishi Kenichiro , Teranishi Takashi
Published: March 2016

Roles of spin-dependent interactions in unstable nuclei have been investigated via the direct reaction of radioactive ions with a solid spin-polarized proton target. The target has a unique advantage of a high polarization of 20–30% under low magnetic field of 0.1 T and at a high temperature of 100 K, which allow us to detect recoil protons with good angular resolution. Present status of on-going experimental studies at intermediate energies, such as proton elastic scattering and ([Formula: see text]) knockout reaction, and new physics opportunities expected with low-energy RI beams are overviewed.
A Novel RF E × B Spin Manipulator at COSY
Authors: Mey Sebstian , Gebel Ralf
Published: March 2016

The Jülich Electric Dipole Moment Investigations (JEDI) Collaboration is developing tools for the measurement of permanent Electric Dipole Moments (EDMs) of charged, light hadrons in storage rings. While the Standard Model prediction for the EDM gives unobservably small magnitudes, a non-vanishing EDM from [Formula: see text] violating sources beyond the standard model can lead to a tiny build-up of vertical polarization in a beforehand horizontally polarized beam. This requires a spin tune modulation by an RF dipole without any excitation of coherent beam oscillations. In the course of 2014, a prototype RF [Formula: see text] dipole has been successfully commissioned and tested. We verified that the device can be used to continuously flip the vertical polarization of a 970[Formula: see text]MeV/c deuteron beam without exciting any coherent beam oscillations.
Today’s Polarized Solid Targets in Borghini’s Footsteps
Authors: Meyer Werner
Published: March 2016

The development, in the early 1960’s, of the dynamic nuclear polarization process in solid diamagnetic materials, doped with paramagnetic radicals. led to the use of solid polarized targets in numerous nuclear and particle physics experiments.

In 1965 Michel Borghini moved from Saclay to CERN, where under his leadership of the polarized target group (until 1978) decisive developments have been made. Target material research and the early frozen spin targets were certainly the basis for the successful story of present day polarized solid targets.
Infant Formula Fat Analogs and Human Milk Fat: New Focus on Infant Developmental Needs
Authors: Zou Long , Pande Garima , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: March 2016

Human breast milk is generally and universally recognized as the optimal choice for nutrition during the first year of life. In certain cases in which it is not feasible to breast-feed the infant or the breast milk is not sufficient, especially in the case of preterm infants, infant formula is the next best alternative to provide nutrition to nurture the infant. Therefore, it is highly important that the nutrient composition of the infant formula is as close to breast milk as possible for proper growth and development of the infant. However, human milk is a complex dynamic matrix, and therefore significant research has been done and is still ongoing to fully understand and mimic human breast milk, particularly its fat composition. Lipids play a critical role in infant nutrition. A number of advances have been made in infant formula lipid content and composition so that formula can better simulate or mimic the nutritional functions of human maternal milk.
Bacterial Spores in Food: Survival, Emergence, and Outgrowth
Authors: Wells-Bennik Marjon H.J. , Eijlander Robyn T. , den Besten Heidy M.W. , Berendsen Erwin M. , Warda Alicja K. , Krawczyk Antonina O. , Nierop Groot Masja N. , Xiao Yinghua , Zwietering Marcel H. , Kuipers Oscar P. , Abee Tjakko
Published: March 2016

Spore-forming bacteria are ubiquitous in nature. The resistance properties of bacterial spores lie at the heart of their widespread occurrence in food ingredients and foods. The efficacy of inactivation by food-processing conditions is largely determined by the characteristics of the different types of spores, whereas food composition and storage conditions determine the eventual germination and outgrowth of surviving spores. Here, we review the current knowledge on variation in spore resistance, in germination, and in the outgrowth capacity of spores relevant to foods. This includes novel findings on key parameters in spore survival and outgrowth obtained by gene-trait matching approaches using genome-sequenced Bacillus spp. food isolates, which represent notorious food spoilage and pathogenic species. Additionally, the impact of strain diversity on heat inactivation of spores and the variability therein is discussed. Knowledge and quantification of factors that influence variability can be applied to improve predictive models, ultimately supporting effective control of spore-forming bacteria in foods.
Hindbrain glucagon-like peptide-1 neurons track intake volume and contribute to injection stress-induced hypophagia in meal-entrained rats
Authors: Kreisler Alison D. , Rinaman Linda
Published: March 2016

Published research supports a role for central glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) signaling in suppressing food intake in rodent species. However, it is unclear whether GLP-1 neurons track food intake and contribute to satiety, and/or whether GLP-1 signaling contributes to stress-induced hypophagia. To examine whether GLP-1 neurons track intake volume, rats were trained to consume liquid diet (LD) for 1 h daily until baseline intake stabilized. On test day, schedule-fed rats consumed unrestricted or limited volumes of LD or unrestricted volumes of diluted (calorically matched to LD) or undiluted Ensure. Rats were perfused after the test meal, and brains processed for immunolocalization of cFos and GLP-1. The large majority of GLP-1 neurons expressed cFos in rats that consumed satiating volumes, regardless of diet type, with GLP-1 activation proportional to intake volume. Since GLP-1 signaling may limit intake only when such large proportions of GLP-1 neurons are activated, a second experiment examined the effect of central GLP-1 receptor (R) antagonism on 2 h intake in schedule-fed rats. Compared with baseline, intracerebroventricular vehicle (saline) suppressed Ensure intake by ∼11%. Conversely, intracerebroventricular injection of vehicle containing GLP-1R antagonist increased intake by ∼14% compared with baseline, partly due to larger second meals. We conclude that GLP-1 neural activation effectively tracks liquid diet intake, that intracerebroventricular injection suppresses intake, and that central GLP-1 signaling contributes to this hypophagic effect. GLP-1 signaling also may contribute to satiety after large volumes have been consumed, but this potential role is difficult to separate from a role in the hypophagic response to intracerebroventricular injection.
Gait parameter control timing with dynamic manual contact or visual cues
Authors: Rabin Ely , Shi Peter , Werner William
Published: March 2016

We investigated the timing of gait parameter changes (stride length, peak toe velocity, and double-, single-support, and complete step duration) to control gait speed. Eleven healthy participants adjusted their gait speed on a treadmill to maintain a constant distance between them and a fore-aft oscillating cue (a place on a conveyor belt surface). The experimental design balanced conditions of cue modality (vision: eyes-open; manual contact: eyes-closed while touching the cue); treadmill speed (0.2, 0.4, 0.85, and 1.3 m/s); and cue motion (none, ±10 cm at 0.09, 0.11, and 0.18 Hz). Correlation analyses revealed a number of temporal relationships between gait parameters and cue speed. The results suggest that neural control ranged from feedforward to feedback. Specifically, step length preceded cue velocity during double-support duration suggesting anticipatory control. Peak toe velocity nearly coincided with its most-correlated cue velocity during single-support duration. The toe-off concluding step and double-support durations followed their most-correlated cue velocity, suggesting feedback control. Cue-tracking accuracy and cue velocity correlations with timing parameters were higher with the manual contact cue than visual cue. The cue/gait timing relationships generalized across cue modalities, albeit with greater delays of step-cycle events relative to manual contact cue velocity. We conclude that individual kinematic parameters of gait are controlled to achieve a desired velocity at different specific times during the gait cycle. The overall timing pattern of instantaneous cue velocities associated with different gait parameters is conserved across cues that afford different performance accuracies. This timing pattern may be temporally shifted to optimize control. Different cue/gait parameter latencies in our nonadaptation paradigm provide general-case evidence of the independent control of gait parameters previously demonstrated in gait adaptation paradigms.
Effects of Xiaoyaosan on Stress‐Induced Anxiety‐Like Behavior in Rats: Involvement of CRF1 Receptor
Authors: Jiang You-Ming , Li Xiao-Juan , Meng Zhen-Zhi , Liu Yue-Yun , Zhao Hong-Bo , Li Na , Yan Zhi-Yi , Ma Qing-Yu , Zhang Han-Ting , Chen Jia-Xu
Published: March 2016

Background. Compared with antidepressant activity of Xiaoyaosan, the role of Xiaoyaosan in anxiety has been poorly studied. Objective. To observe the effects of Xiaoyaosan on anxiety‐like behavior induced by chronic immobilization stress (CIS) and further explore whether these effects were related to CRF1R signaling. Methods. Adult male SD rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 12): the nonstressed control group, vehicle‐treated (saline, p.o.) group, Xiaoyaosan‐treated (3.854 g/kg, p.o.) group, vehicle‐treated (surgery) group, and antalarmin‐treated (surgery) group. Artificial cerebrospinal fluid (0.5 μL/side) or CRF1R antagonist antalarmin (125 ng/0.5 μL, 0.5 μL/side) was bilaterally administered into the basolateral amygdala in the surgery groups. Except for the nonstressed control group, the other four groups were exposed to CIS (14 days, 3 h/day) 30 minutes after treatment. On days 15 and 16, all animals were subjected to the elevated plus‐maze (EPM) and novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test. We then examined the expression of CRF1R, pCREB, and BDNF in the amygdala. Results. Chronic pretreatment with Xiaoyaosan or antalarmin significantly reversed elevated anxiety‐like behavior and the upregulated level of CRF1R and BDNF in the amygdala of stressed rats. pCREB did not differ significantly among the groups. Conclusions. These results suggest that Xiaoyaosan exerts anxiolytic‐like effects in behavioral tests and the effects may be related to CRF1R signaling in the amygdala.
Evaluation of Stress Intensity and Anxiety Level in Preoperative Period of Cardiac Patients
Authors: Rosiek Anna , Kornatowski Tomasz , Rosiek-Kryszewska Aleksandra , Leksowski Łukasz , Leksowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2016

Introduction. The stress related to patient’s stay in a hospital increases when it is necessary to perform a surgery. Therefore, the study of the phenomenon of stress intensity in hospitalized patients has become an important issue for public health.Material and Method. The study was conducted in University Hospital No. 1 in the cardiosurgery clinic. The study involved 58 patients who were admitted as planned to the hospital. The study used a standardized questionnaire measuring intensity of the stress and also deepened interviews with patients about stress and anxiety felt before the surgery.Results. The greater the patient’s anxiety resulting from his state of health, the greater the intensity of stress in the preoperative period. This relationship is linear. The results of the study also made it possible to see intrapersonal factors (pain, illness, and suffering) and extrapersonal factors (anesthesia, surgery, and complications after surgery), which are causes of anxiety before surgery.Conclusion. The research showed high (negative) results of anxiety and stress associated with the disease, surgery, and complications after cardiac surgery. Active involvement in hospitalization elements, such as patient education before surgery, psychological support, and medical care organization taking into account patient’s preferences, reduces the impact of stressors.
Synergistic Effect and Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Regulating Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Cells
Authors: Xu Jingnan , Song Zhuo , Guo Qiujun , Li Jie
Published: March 2016

The interaction of tumor cells with the microenvironment is like a relationship between the “seeds” and “soil,” which is a hotspot in recent cancer research. Targeting at tumor microenvironment as well as tumor cells has become a new strategy for cancer treatment. Conventional cancer treatments mostly focused on single targets or single mechanism (the seeds or part of the soil); few researches intervened in the whole tumor microenvironment and achieved ideal therapeutic effect as expected. Traditional Chinese medicine displays a broad range of biological effects, and increasing evidence has shown that it may relate with synergistic effect on regulating tumor microenvironment and cancer cells. Based on literature review and our previous studies, we summarize the synergistic effect and the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine on regulating tumor microenvironment and cancer cells.
Secure Trust Based Key Management Routing Framework for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kaur Jugminder , Gill Sandeep S. , Dhaliwal Balwinder S.
Published: March 2016

Security is always a major concern in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Several trust based routing protocols are designed that play an important role in enhancing the performance of a wireless network. However they still have some disadvantages like limited energy resources, susceptibility to physical capture, and little protection against various attacks due to insecure wireless communication channels. This paper presents a secure trust based key management (STKF) routing framework that establishes a secure trustworthy route depending upon the present and past node to node interactions. This route is then updated by isolating the malicious or compromised nodes from the route, if any, and a dedicated link is created between every pair of nodes in the selected route with the help of “q” composite random key predistribution scheme (RKPS) to ensure data delivery from source to destination. The performance of trust aware secure routing framework (TSRF) is compared with the proposed routing scheme. The results indicate that STKF provides an effective mechanism for finding out a secure route with better trustworthiness than TSRF which avoids the data dropping, thereby increasing the data delivery ratio. Also the distance required to reach the destination in the proposed protocol is less hence effectively utilizing the resources.
Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Vascular Damage Caused by Consumption of High Fructose Corn Syrup in Rats
Authors: Gun Aburrahman , Ozer Mehmet Kaya , Bilgic Sedat , Kocaman Nevin , Ozan Gonca
Published: March 2016

Fructose corn syrup is cheap sweetener and prolongs the shelf life of products, but fructose intake causes hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. All of them are referred to as metabolic syndrome and they are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the harmful effects of increased fructose intake on health and their prevention should take greater consideration. Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) has beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome and vascular function which is important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, there are no known studies about the effect of CAPE on fructose‐induced vascular dysfunction. In this study, we examined the effect of CAPE on vascular dysfunction due to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS (6 weeks, 30% fed with drinking water) caused vascular dysfunction, but treatment with CAPE (50 micromol/kg i.p. for the last two weeks) effectively restored this problem. Additionally, hypertension in HFCS‐fed rats was also decreased in CAPE supplemented rats. CAPE supplements lowered HFCS consumption‐induced raise in blood glucose, homocysteine, and cholesterol levels. The aorta tissue endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) production was decreased in rats given HFCS and in contrast CAPE supplementation efficiently increased its production. The presented results showed that HFCS‐induced cardiovascular abnormalities could be prevented by CAPE treatment.
Cooperative Networking towards Maritime Cyber Physical Systems
Authors: Yang Tingting , Feng Hailong , Yang Chengming , Sun Zhonghua , Yang Jiadong , Sun Fan , Deng Ruilong , Su Zhou
Published: March 2016

An innovative paradigm named Cooperative Cognitive Maritime Cyber Physical Systems (CCMCPSs) is developed to achieve high-speed and low-cost communication services. The analysis of the available white space at sea, as well as the framework, is presented. Specifically, a bilevel game with two stages of PUs-to-SUs (primary users to secondary users) and SUs-to-SUs is proposed, to address the resource allocation issue of Decode-and-Forward (DF) relay mode with maximal-ratio combining (MRC) receiving mode in destination. Stackelberg game with priority is employed between PU and SUs, while a symmetrical system model is considered among SUs-to-SUs. The game theoretic procedure that converges to Nash equilibrium based on the utility and payoff function is illustrated. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed strategy could effectively increase the throughput as well as the payoffs of the system.
Oviposition and Development inGregopimpla kuwanaeViereck (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a Gregarious Ectoparasitoid Wasp Attacking the Rice SkipperParnara guttata
Authors: Ueno Takatoshi
Published: March 2016

Gregopimpla kuwanaeis a gregarious ectoparasitoid wasp attacking mature larvae and prepupae of the rice skipperParnara guttata(Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), a major herbivorous pest in rice paddies. Here, the biology ofG. kuwanaewas investigated usingGalleria mellonellaas a laboratory host. Adult females acceptedG. mellonellacocoons for oviposition, and larvae ofG. kuwanaedeveloped successfully to adulthood on this host. Females laid, on average, 3.5 eggs per host. Time required for oviposition was relatively long (mean = 14.2 min). Survival of parasitoid offspring decreased with the increasing number of eggs on each host. Females used 18.9% of hosts for host feeding, killing the hosts with no exception. Oviposition did not occur on hosts used for feeding purpose, indicating that the parasitoid was a nonconcurrent, destructive host feeder. Newly emerging adult females carried no eggs in the ovary; females started oogenesis only after they had destructively fed on hosts. This parasitoid thus was extremely synovigenic (ovigeny index = 0).Gregopimpla kuwanaelaid typically yolk-rich, anhydropic eggs. Females carried on average 15 mature eggs with 20 immature eggs, and larger females had a greater number of eggs in the ovary. Life history characteristics ofG. kuwanaewere discussed.
A Comfort-Aware Energy Efficient HVAC System Based on the Subspace Identification Method
Authors: Tsakiridis O. , Sklavounos D. , Zervas E. , Stonham J.
Published: March 2016

A proactive heating method is presented aiming at reducing the energy consumption in a HVAC system while maintaining the thermal comfort of the occupants. The proposed technique fuses time predictions for the zones’ temperatures, based on a deterministic subspace identification method, and zones’ occupancy predictions, based on a mobility model, in a decision scheme that is capable of regulating the balance between the total energy consumed and the total discomfort cost. Simulation results for various occupation-mobility models demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed technique.
Are Hyoid Bone and Tongue the Risk Factors Contributing to Postoperative Relapse for Mandibular Prognathism?
Authors: Tseng Yu-Chuan , Lai Steven , Lee Huey-Er , Chen Ker-Kong , Chen Chun-Ming
Published: March 2016

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative stability and the correlation between hyoid, tongue, and mandible position following surgery for mandibular prognathism.Materials and Methods. Thirty-seven patients, treated for mandibular prognathism using intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO), were evaluated cephalometrically. A set of four standardized lateral cephalograms were obtained from each subject preoperatively (T1), immediately postoperatively (T2), six weeks to three months postoperatively (T3), and more than one year postoperatively (T4). The Studentt-tests, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis.Results. Immediately after surgery, menton (Me) setback was 12.8 mm, hyoid (H) setback was 4.9 mm, and vallecula epiglottica (V) setback was 5.8 mm. The postoperative stability significantly correlated (r=-0.512,p<0.01) with the amount of setback. The hyoid bone and tongue did not have significant effects on postoperative stability. Multiple linear regression model (R2=0.2658,p<0.05) showed predictability: Horizontal Relapse Me (T4-T2) = −6.406 − 0.488Me (T2-T1) + 0.069H (T2-T1) − 0.0619V (T2-T1).Conclusion. Mandibular setback surgery may push the hyoid and tongue significantly backward, but this did not correlate with mandibular relapse. Postoperative stability significantly correlated with the amount of mandibular setback.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease in One Patient: The Extremes of Thyroid Dysfunction Associated with Interferon Treatment
Authors: Bishay R. H. , Chen R. C. Y.
Published: March 2016

Autoimmune thyroid disease associated with interferon therapy can manifest as destructive thyroiditis, Graves’ Hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune (often subclinical) hypothyroidism, the latter persisting in many patients. There are scare reports of a single patient developing extremes of autoimmune thyroid disease activated by the immunomodulatory effects of interferon. A 60-year-old man received 48 weeks of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic HCV. Six months into treatment, he reported fatigue, weight gain, and slowed cognition. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 58.8 mIU/L [0.27–4.2], fT4 11.1 pmol/L [12–25], and fT3 4.2 pmol/L [2.5–6.0] with elevated anti-TPO (983 IU/mL [<35]) and anti-TG (733 U/mL [<80]) antibodies. He commenced thyroxine with initial clinical and biochemical resolution but developed symptoms of hyperthyroidism with weight loss and tremor 14 months later. Serum TSH was <0.02 mIU/L, fT4 54.3 pmol/L, and fT3 20.2 pmol/L, with an elevated TSH receptor (TRAb, 4.0 U/L [<1.0]), anti-TPO (1,163 IU/mL) and anti-TG (114 U/mL) antibodies. Technetium scan confirmed Graves’ Disease with bilateral diffuse increased tracer uptake (5.9% [0.5–3.5%]). The patient commenced carbimazole therapy for 6 months. Treatment was ceased following spontaneous clinical and biochemical remission (TSH 3.84 mIU/L, fT4 17pmol/L, fT3 4.5 pmol/L, and TRAb <1 U/L). This raises the need to monitor thyroid function closely in patients both during and following completion of interferon treatment.
Effect of Cigarette Smoke on Wound Healing of the Septal Mucosa of the Rat
Authors: Trombitas Veronica , Nagy Alina , Berce Cristian , Tabaran Flaviu , Albu Silviu
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis. Proper wound healing following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is influenced by several factors, like cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. This study aims to assess the influence of cigarette smoke on the healing of induced septal mucosal lesion in rats.Methods. Unilateral nasal wounds were created by means of the interdental brush in seventy-four-week-old male rats. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: control group and CS exposure group, each comprising 35 animals, divided into five groups (n=7). Animals were sacrificed in groups of seven on day 2 and then on days 5, 14, and 28 and finally on day 42 following wound induction.Results. Histological analysis of mucosal specimens shows important changes at the CS exposure group. Starting with the infiltrates of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, the histological changes were continued with the Goblet cell proliferation, ciliated cells loss, fibrosis, and epithelial and subepithelial hypertrophy.Conclusion. In this experimental model of nasal wound healing we demonstrated the deleterious effects of chronic CS exposure. The adverse effects of CS exposure are firstly a postponement of the healing process and secondly the persistence of inflammation which becomes chronic.
Review: The Lacrimal Gland and Its Role in Dry Eye
Authors: Conrady Christopher D. , Joos Zachary P. , Patel Bhupendra C. K.
Published: March 2016

The human tear film is a 3-layered coating of the surface of the eye and a loss, or reduction, in any layer of this film may result in a syndrome of blurry vision and burning pain of the eyes known as dry eye. The lacrimal gland and accessory glands provide multiple components to the tear film, most notably the aqueous. Dysfunction of these glands results in the loss of aqueous and other products required in ocular surface maintenance and health resulting in dry eye and the potential for significant surface pathology. In this paper, we have reviewed products of the lacrimal gland, diseases known to affect the gland, and historical and emerging dry eye therapies targeting lacrimal gland dysfunction.
Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir Combination Treatment in a Patient with HCV Cirrhosis and HbS Beta 0-Thalassemia: Efficacy and Safety despite Baseline Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Deutsch Melanie , Georgalas Athanasios , Poulakidas Helias , Karnesis Lazaros
Published: March 2016

Hyperbilirubinemia is an adverse reaction of simeprevir (SMV). The majority of these patients were taking concurrent ribavirin presenting elevated unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to hemolysis. However, cases of hepatic failure with elevated bilirubin level have also been reported in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. We describe a 51-year-old female patient with HbS beta 0-thalassemia and recently diagnosed compensated cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C infection. Laboratory evaluation revealed total bilirubin: 2.7 mg/dL and serum HCV-RNA 137.204 IU/mL. HCV was genotyped as 4. A FibroScan revealed 35.3 kPa. She was considered as illegible for pegylated-interferon-free treatment with direct acting antivirals and a course with simeprevir and sofosbuvir (SOF) combination for twelve weeks was planned. Hyperbilirubinemia developed from the beginning with peak values during the 3rd month of treatment. However, no findings of liver decompensation were noticed. Hyperbilirubinemia was benign and fully reversible and our patient finally achieved sustained virological response 24 weeks after the end of treatment.
Does the Length of Elbow Flexors and Visual Feedback Have Effect on Accuracy of Isometric Muscle Contraction in Men after Stroke?
Authors: Juodzbaliene Vilma , Darbutas Tomas , Skurvydas Albertas , Brazaitis Marius
Published: March 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different muscle length and visual feedback information (VFI) on accuracy of isometric contraction of elbow flexors in men after an ischemic stroke (IS).Materials and Methods. Maximum voluntary muscle contraction force (MVMCF) and accurate determinate muscle force (20% of MVMCF) developed during an isometric contraction of elbow flexors in 90° and 60° of elbow flexion were measured by an isokinetic dynamometer in healthy subjects (MH,n=20) and subjects after an IS during their postrehabilitation period (MS,n=20).Results. In order to evaluate the accuracy of the isometric contraction of the elbow flexors absolute errors were calculated. The absolute errors provided information about the difference between determinate and achieved muscle force.Conclusions. There is a tendency that greater absolute errors generating determinate force are made by MH and MS subjects in case of a greater elbow flexors length despite presence of VFI. Absolute errors also increase in both groups in case of a greater elbow flexors length without VFI. MS subjects make greater absolute errors generating determinate force without VFI in comparison with MH in shorter elbow flexors length.
Bronchogenic Carcinoma with Cardiac Invasion Simulating Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Das Anirban , Das Sibes K. , Pandit Sudipta , Karmakar Rathindra Nath
Published: March 2016

Cardiac metastases in bronchogenic carcinoma may occur due to retrograde lymphatic spread or by hematogenous dissemination of tumour cells, but direct invasion of heart by adjacent malignant lung mass is very uncommon. Pericardium is frequently involved in direct cardiac invasion by adjacent lung cancer. Pericardial effusion, pericarditis, and tamponade are common and life threatening presentation in such cases. But direct invasion of myocardium and endocardium is very uncommon. Left atrial endocardium is most commonly involved in such cases due to anatomical contiguity with pulmonary hilum through pulmonary veins, and in most cases left atrial involvement is asymptomatic. But myocardial compression and invasion by adjacent lung mass may result in myocardial ischemia and may present with retrosternal, oppressive chest pain which clinically may simulate with the acute myocardial infarction (AMI). As a result, it leads to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of lung cancer. Here we report a case of non-small-cell carcinoma of right lung which was presented with asymptomatic invasion in left atrium and retrosternal chest pain simulating AMI due to myocardial compression by adjacent lung mass, in a seventy-four-year-old male smoker.
T-Bar Utilization for Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Operation and Left Upper Lobectomy
Authors: Mitropoulos Fotios , Kanakis Meletios A. , Apostolou Anastasios , Chatzis Andrew , Contrafouris Constantinos , Apostolidis Christos , Lioulias Achilleas
Published: March 2016

Management in patients with coexisting coronary artery disease and lung carcinoma is usually a two-stage operation, with the cardiac surgery procedure followed by pulmonary resection at a later time. Delayed tumor resection on the other hand may be detrimental. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting could facilitate concomitant lung resection at one stage via median sternotomy. T-bar retractor may be a useful tool in the surgical approach of this combined operation.
Environmental Application of Telon Blue AGLF Adsorption on Sunflower Pulp: A Response Surface Methodology Approach and Kinetic Study
Authors: Gönen Ferda , Köylü Esra
Published: March 2016

The adsorptive removal of Telon Blue AGLF (TB AGLF) from aqueous solution using sunflower pulp was studied. The effects of pH, adsorbent dose, temperature, and initial dye concentration on the adsorption capacity and the removal % of TB AGLF were investigated. Experimental results showed that sunflower pulp was excellent agroindustrial adsorbent with maximum dye removal efficiency of 97.22% for a very short time (under conditions of 100 mg L−1initial dye concentration, pH = 3,T=50°C, and 1 g L−1of adsorbent dose). The binary effects of initial dye concentration and temperature on the adsorption properties of sunflower pulp were analysed by RSM and two model equations for predicting adsorption capacity and dye removal % of pulp because arbitrarily chosen initial dye concentration and temperature were developed by using response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental values of the adsorption capacity and dye removal % were in good agreement with the predicted values by the improved models. Adsorption experiments and kinetic regression results indicated that the experimental data were well defined with pseudo-second-order kinetic model.