bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of γ‐tocopherol‐enriched diet on N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐induced epithelial dysplasia in rat ventral prostate
Authors: Sanches Lucas D. , Santos Sergio A. A. , Carvalho Jaqueline R. , Jeronimo Gabriela D. M. , Favaro Wagner J. , Reis Maria D. G. , Felisbino Sérgio L. , Justulin Luis A.
Published: October 2013

Despite recent advances in understanding the biological basis of prostate cancer (PCa), the management of this disease remains a challenge. Chemoprotective agents have been used to protect against or eradicate prostate malignancies. Here, we investigated the protective effect of γ‐tocopherol on N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU)‐induced epithelial dysplasia in the rat ventral prostate (VP). Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): control (CT): healthy control animals fed a standard diet; control+γ‐tocopherol (CT+γT): healthy control animals without intervention fed a γ‐tocopherol‐enriched diet (20 mg/kg); N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU): rats that received a single dose of MNU (30 mg/kg) plus testosterone propionate (100 mg/kg) and were fed a standard diet; and MNU+γ‐tocopherol (MNU+γT): rats that received the same treatment of MNU plus testosterone and were fed with a γ‐tocopherol‐enriched diet (20 mg/kg). After 4 months, the VPs were excised to evaluate morphology, cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2), glutathione‐S‐transferase‐pi (GST‐pi) and androgen receptor (AR) protein expression, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activity. An increase in the incidence of epithelial dysplasias, such as stratified epithelial hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, in the MNU group was accompanied by augmented cell proliferation, GST‐pi and Cox‐2 immunoexpression and pro‐MMP‐9 activity. Stromal thickening and inflammatory foci were also observed. The administration of a γ‐tocopherol‐enriched diet significantly attenuated the adverse effects of MNU in the VP. The incidence of epithelial dysplasia decreased, along with the cell proliferation index, GST‐pi and Cox‐2 immunoexpression. The gelatinolytic activity of pro‐MMP‐9 returned to the levels observed for the CT group. These results suggest that γ‐tocopherol acts as a protective agent against MNU‐induced prostatic disorders in the rat ventral prostate.
Proposed classification of longitudinal melanonychia based on clinical and dermoscopic criteria
Authors: Sawada Masaki , Yokota Kenji , Matsumoto Takaaki , Shibata Shinichi , Yasue Satoshi , Sakakibara Akihiro , Kono Michihiro , Akiyama Masashi
Published: October 2013

Background

For longitudinal melanonychia, clinical and dermoscopic criteria for differentiating malignant melanoma in situ from benign nevus/lentigo/functional melanonychia have not been fully established.

Objective

To propose a clinical classification of longitudinal melanonychia that is useful in judging the need for follow‐up.

Methods

A total of 137 patients with longitudinal melanonychia referred to our outpatient clinic in the most recent eight years were included. The mean and median lengths of follow‐up for patients were 5.0 and 5.5 years, respectively. We classified the 137 lesions into three types by clinical and dermoscopic features of the nail and periungual skin, including Hutchinson sign, variation of color, and borders in the pigmentation band. We observed type I and II lesions with dermoscopy every six months and three months, respectively.

Results

After follow‐up, all 72 lesions classified as type I were thought to be benign nevus/lentigo/functional melanonychia. Five of the 52 lesions classified as type II showed enlargement during follow‐up, and biopsy was performed. Of these five lesions, three were diagnosed as nevus/lentigo, and the other two were diagnosed as malignant melanoma in situ. All 13 lesions classified as type III were diagnosed as malignant melanoma in situ.

Conclusion

We can expect a type I lesion to be a benign nevus/lentigo/functional melanonychia and a type III lesion to be a malignant melanoma in situ; however, type II lesions fall in a gray zone. We believe this classification is useful in deciding treatment and follow‐up.
Lord Krebs
Authors: Champkin Julian
Published: October 2013

How do you explain to the public the risk that the meat they have been eating for years may pass on a lethal disease? Or to parents that the milk they are giving their children may contain dioxins? Or to politicians that killing badgers may not be an efficient way to control TB? Lord Krebs has succeeded in two out of these three enterprises in statistical communication. Julian Champkin spoke to him at the height of a trial badger cull.
Interactive effects of proactive personality and display rules on emotional labor in organizations
Authors: Randolph Kristen L. , Dahling Jason J.
Published: October 2013

Emotional labor is the management of emotional displays that happens in the context of a work role. Past research has shown that organizational display rules (standards for emotions that should be shown and hidden from customers) influence emotional labor, but little research has examined the individual differences that make employees more or less responsive to these display rules. The present study draws on concepts from the control theory model of emotional labor to address this limitation by examining the moderating role of proactive personality. Results indicate that proactive individuals are highly responsive to different types of display rules that prompt the use of different emotional labor strategies, highlighting the importance of how display expectations are framed for employees.
Adaptation of Oral Processing to the Fracture Properties of Soft Solids
Authors: Koç H. , Çakir E. , Vinyard C.J. , Essick G. , Daubert C.R. , Drake M.A. , Osborne J. , Foegeding E.A.
Published: October 2013

Hardness and rubberiness are distinct textural properties that are associated with extended oral processing times and therefore of interest to designing food structure for specific textural properties. Model food gels were developed with (1) increasing strength/hardness and constant deformability or (2) increasing deformability/rubberiness within a limited range of strength. Gel structures were characterized based on mechanical properties and the muscle activity (electromyography) and mandibular movements (three‐dimensional jaw tracking) required for oral processing. Increased strength or deformability required more chewing cycles and increased muscle activity to breakdown samples for swallowing. In contrast, jaw movement amplitude increased in all directions with increased strength and remained constant or decreased with increased deformability. Specific mechanical properties that were correlated with oral processing parameters changed as chewing progressed, possibly reflecting a change in dominate mechanical properties and sensory perception during oral processing.

Practical Applications

A fundamental understanding of how food structure determines sensory texture is essential to designing foods that are healthy and desirable to consumers. Oral processing, from first bite through swallowing, is the main physiological element of texture evaluation. Model soft solid foods with increasing strength/hardness or deformability/rubberiness were developed and characterized by mechanical tests and oral processing. Mastication of harder or more deformable structures required different chewing movements in bolus preparation. The specific mechanical properties relating to oral processing may change during the chewing sequence.
Powered Transtibial Prosthetic Device Control System Design, Implementation, and Bench Testing
Authors: Sun Jinming , Voglewede Philip A.
Published: October 2013

This article outlines the controller design for a specific active transtibial prosthesis. The controller governs the power output of a DC motor attached to a four-bar mechanism and torsional spring. Active power reinforcement is used to assist the push off at later stages of the stance phase and achieve ground clearance during the swing phase. A two level control algorithm which includes a higher level finite state controller and lower level proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers is applied. To implement this control algorithm, a digital signal processor (DSP) control board was used to realize the higher level control and an off-the-shelf motor controller was used to realize the lower level PID control. Sensors were selected to provide the desired feedback. A dynamic simulation was performed to obtain the proper PID parameters which were then utilized in a bench test to verify the approach.
Molecular Epidemiology and Mechanisms of Tigecycline Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii from a Chinese University Hospital
Authors: Deng Mei , Zhu Man-Hua , Li Jun-Jie , Bi Sheng , Sheng Zi-Ke , Hu Fei-Shu , Zhang Jia-Jie , Chen Wei , Xue Xiao-Wei , Sheng Ji-Fang , Li Lan-Juan
Published: October 2013

Because of its remarkable ability to acquire antibiotic resistance and to survive in nosocomial environments,Acinetobacter baumanniihas become a significant nosocomial infectious agent worldwide. Tigecycline is one of the few therapeutic options for treating infections caused byA. baumanniiisolates. However, tigecycline resistance has increasingly been reported. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of efflux-based tigecycline resistance in clinical isolates ofA. baumanniicollected from a hospital in China. A total of 74A. baumanniiisolates, including 64 tigecycline-nonsusceptibleA. baumannii(TNAB) and 10 tigecycline-susceptibleA. baumannii(TSAB) isolates, were analyzed. The majority of them were determined to be positive foradeABC,adeRS,adeIJK, andabeM, while theadeEgene was found in only one TSAB isolate. Compared with the levels in TSAB isolates, the mean expression levels ofadeB,adeJ,adeG, andabeMin TNAB isolates were observed to increase 29-, 3-, 0.7-, and 1-fold, respectively. The efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) phenyl-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN) and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) could partially reverse the resistance pattern of tigecycline. Moreover, thetetX1gene was detected in 12 (18.8%) TNAB isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of thetetX1gene being detected inA. baumanniiisolates. ST208 and ST191, which both clustered into clonal complex 92 (CC92), were the predominant sequence types (STs). This study showed that the active efflux pump AdeABC appeared to play important roles in the tigecycline resistance ofA. baumannii. The dissemination of TNAB isolates in our hospital is attributable mainly to the spread of CC92.
Plasmodium vivax Chloroquine Resistance and Anemia in the Western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Marques Marly M. , Costa Monica R. F. , Santana Filho Franklin S. , Vieira José L. F. , Nascimento Margareth T. S. , Brasil Larissa W. , Nogueira Fátima , Silveira Henrique , Reyes-Lecca Roberto C. , Monteiro Wuelton M. , Lacerda Marcus V. G. , Alecrim Maria G. C.
Published: October 2013

Data on chloroquine (CQ)-resistant
Plasmodium vivax
in Latin America is limited, even with the current research efforts to sustain an efficient malaria control program in all these countries where
P. vivax
is endemic and where malaria still is a major public health issue. This study estimated
in vivo
CQ resistance in patients with uncomplicated
P. vivax
malaria, with use of CQ and primaquine simultaneously, in the Brazilian Amazon. Of a total of 135 enrolled subjects who accomplished the 28-day follow-up, parasitological failure was observed in 7 (5.2%) patients, in whom plasma CQ and desethylchloroquine (DCQ) concentrations were above 100 ng/dl. Univariate analysis showed that previous exposure to malaria and a higher initial mean parasitemia were associated with resistance but not with age or gender. In the multivariate analysis, only high initial parasitemia remained significant. Hemoglobin levels were similar at the beginning of the follow-up and were not associated with parasitemia. However, at day 3 and day 7, hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in patients presenting CQ resistance. The
P. vivax
dhfr
(
pvdhfr
),
pvmrp1
,
pvmdr1
, and
pvdhps
gene mutations were not related to resistance in this small sample.
P. vivax
CQ resistance is already a problem in the Brazilian Amazon, which could be to some extent associated with the simultaneous report of anemia triggered by this parasite, a common complication of the disease in most of the areas of endemicity.
Response of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli to Human Serum Reveals a Protective Role for Rcs-Regulated Exopolysaccharide Colanic Acid
Authors: Miajlovic Helen , Cooke Niamh M. , Moran Gary P. , Rogers Thomas R. F. , Smith Stephen G.
Published: October 2013

ExtraintestinalEscherichia coli(ExPEC) organisms are the leading cause of Gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections. These bacteria adapt to survival in the bloodstream through expression of factors involved in scavenging of nutrients and resisting the killing activity of serum. In this study, the transcriptional response of a prototypic ExPEC strain (CFT073) to human serum was investigated. Resistance of CFT073 to the bactericidal properties of serum involved increased expression of envelope stress regulators, including CpxR, σE, and RcsB. Many of the upregulated genes induced by active serum were regulated by the Rcs two-component system. This system is triggered by envelope stress such as changes to cell wall integrity. RcsB-mediated serum resistance was conferred through induction of the exopolysaccharide colanic acid. Production of this exopolysaccharide may be protective while cell wall damage caused by serum components is repaired.
Are parents following the recommendations for keeping children younger than 2 years rear facing during motor vehicle travel?
Authors: O'Neil Joseph , Slaven James E , Talty Judith , Bull Marilyn J
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Between 2007 and 2012 there have been several recommendations that infants and toddlers ride in a car safety seat (CSS) rear facing until 2 years of age. This study reports the effect of these recommendations on the observed direction of travel for infants and toddlers transported in motor vehicles between 2007 and 2012.

Methods

This is an observational, cross-sectional survey of drivers transporting children collected at 25 convenience locations selected in Indiana during summer 2007 through 2012. Observations were conducted by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. As drivers completed a written survey, the Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician recorded the vehicle seating location, type of restraint, CSS direction and use of the CSS harness or safety belt as appropriate, and demographic data. The infant and toddler's age and weight were collected. Data from 2007 through 2012 for ages birth through 23 months were compared in order to determine if recommendations impacted observed direction of travel.

Results

During the study period, the percent of infants and toddlers (birth through 23 months) observed rear facing in a motor vehicle varied from 44.2% (2007) to 59.1% (2012). For infants (birth through 11 months) observed rear facing, it was 85.1% (2009) to 91.6% (2012). The percent of toddlers (12 months through 23 months) observed rear facing ranged from 3.3% (2008) to 18.2% (2012).

Conclusions

During the study period, the proportion of toddlers rear facing increased approximately 15% (p=0.03). Counselling by primary care providers should continue and be strengthened to increase parent and caregiver awareness of the latest child passenger safety recommendations.
NONRECIPROCAL ELECTROMAGNETIC DEVICES IN GYROMAGNETIC PHOTONIC CRYSTALS
Authors: LI ZHI-YUAN , LIU RONG-JUAN , GAN LIN , FU JIN-XIN , LIAN JIN
Published: October 2013

Gyromagnetic photonic crystal (GPC) offers a promising way to realize robust transport of electromagnetic waves against backscattering from various disorders, perturbations and obstacles due to existence of unique topological electromagnetic states. The dc magnetic field exerting upon the GPC brings about the time-reversal symmetry breaking, splits the band degeneracy and opens band gaps where the topological chiral edge states (CESs) arise. The band gap can originate either from long-range Bragg-scattering effect or from short-range localized magnetic surface plasmon resonance (MSP). These topological edge states can be explored to construct backscattering-immune one-way waveguide and other nonreciprocal electromagnetic devices. In this paper we review our recent theoretical and experimental studies of the unique electromagnetic properties of nonreciprocal devices built in GPCs. We will discuss various basic issues like experimental instrumental setup, sample preparations, numerical simulation methods, tunable properties against magnetic field, band degeneracy breaking and band gap opening and creation of topological CESs. We will investigate the unidirectional transport properties of one-way waveguide under the influence of waveguide geometries, interface morphologies, intruding obstacles, impedance mismatch, lattice disorders, and material dissipation loss. We will discuss the unique coupling properties between one-wave waveguide and resonant cavities and their application as novel one-way bandstop filter and one-way channel-drop filter. We will also compare the CESs created in the Bragg-scattering band gap and the MSP band gap under the influence of lattice disorders. These results can be helpful for designing and exploring novel nonreciprocal electromagnetic devices for optical integration and information processing.
Leaking Space
Authors: Mitchell Neil
Published: October 2013

A space leak occurs when a computer program uses more memory than necessary. In contrast to memory leaks, where the leaked memory is never released, the memory consumed by a space leak is released, but later than expected. This article presents example space leaks and how to spot and eliminate them.
An Evolutionary Algorithm Based on the Four-Color Theorem for Location Area Planning
Authors: Chen Lei , Liu Hai-Lin
Published: October 2013

As an important constituent of wireless network planning, location area planning (LAP) directly affects the stability, security, and performance of wireless network. This work proposes a novel evolutionary algorithm (EA) to solve the LAP problem. The difference between the proposed algorithm and the previous EA is mainly how to encode. The new coding method is inspired by the famous four-color theorem in graph theory. Only four numbers are needed to encode all chromosomes by this method. The encoding and decoding process is fast and easy to implement. What is more, illegal solutions can be processed easily in the process of decoding. The design of effective and efficient genetic operators can also benefit from this coding method. The modified evolutionary algorithm with this coding method is especially effective for LAP problem. The use of the principle of fuzzy clustering in initialization can effectively compress the search space in this new algorithm. The computer simulation has been conducted, and the quality of proposed algorithm is confirmed by comparing the results of proposed algorithm with EA and simulated annealing (SA).
Opposition-Based Animal Migration Optimization
Authors: Cao Yi , Li Xiangtao , Wang Jianan
Published: October 2013

AMO is a simple and efficient optimization algorithm which is inspired by animal migration behavior. However, as most optimization algorithms, it suffers from premature convergence and often falls into local optima. This paper presents an opposition-based AMO algorithm. It employs opposition-based learning for population initialization and evolution to enlarge the search space, accelerate convergence rate, and improve search ability. A set of well-known benchmark functions is employed for experimental verification, and the results show clearly that opposition-based learning can improve the performance of AMO.
Synthesis and Application of Nanocrystalline-Cellulose-Supported Acid Ionic Liquid Catalyst in Pechmann Reaction
Authors: Lakouraj Moslem Mansour , Bagheri Nazanin , Hasantabar Vahid
Published: October 2013

Nanocrystalline-cellulose-supported acidic ionic liquid carrying SO3H functional group was prepared using nanocrystalline cellulose, imidazole and 1,4-butane sultone as the source chemicals. The prepared nanocrystalline-cellulose-supported ionic liquid catalyst was characterized by AFM and SEM and its catalytic activity in the reaction of resorcinol with ethyl acetoacetate was tested in a solvent-free condition. The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, and the ratio of catalyst on the conversion of resorcinol were investigated. A variety of coumarin derivatives were obtained in good yield in the absence of solvent.
Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method for Solving Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Ratib Anakira N. , Alomari A. K. , Hashim I.
Published: October 2013

We extend for the first time the applicability of the optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) to find the algorithm of approximate analytic solution of delay differential equations (DDEs). The analytical solutions for various examples of linear and nonlinear and system of initial value problems of DDEs are obtained successfully by this method. However, this approach does not depend on small or large parameters in comparison to other perturbation methods. This method provides us with a convenient way to control the convergence of approximation series. The results which are obtained revealed that the proposed method is explicit, effective, and easy to use.
Low-Frequency Acoustic-Structure Analysis Using Coupled FEM-BEM Method
Authors: Feng Jinlong , Zheng Xiaoping , Wang Haitao , Wang HongTao , Zou Yuanjie , Liu Yinghua , Yao Zhenhan
Published: October 2013

A numerical algorithm based on finite element method (FEM) and boundary element method (BEM) is proposed for the analyses of acoustic-structure coupled problems. By this algorithm, the structural domain and the acoustic domain are modelled by FEM and BEM, respectively, which are coupled with each other through the consideration of the appropriate compatibility and equilibrium conditions on the interface of the two domains. To improve the computational efficiency, the adaptive cross approximation (ACA) approach is incorporated into the proposed algorithm to deal with the nonsymmetric and fully populated matrices resulting from the coupling of the FEM and BEM. The validity and the high efficiency of the present approach are demonstrated by two examples.
Tunneling Conductance in Ferromagnetic Metal/Normal Metal/Spin-Singlet -Wave Ferromagnetic Superconductor Junctions
Authors: Emamipour Hamidreza
Published: October 2013

In the framework of scattering theory, we study the tunneling conductance in a system including two junctions, ferromagnetic metal/normal metal/ferromagnetic superconductor, where ferromagnetic superconductor is in spin-singlet -wave pairing state. The non-magnetic normal metal is placed in the intermediate layer with the thickness () which varies from 1 nm to 10000 nm. The interesting result which we have found is the existence of oscillations in conductance curves. The period of oscillations is independent of FS and FN exchange field while it depends on . The obtained results can serve as a useful tool to determine the kind of pairing symmetry in ferromagnetic superconductors.
Alum Catalyzed Simple, Efficient, and Green Synthesis of 2‐[3‐Amino‐5‐methyl‐5‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1,5‐dihydro‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl]propanoic Acid Derivatives in Aqueous Media
Authors: Sachdeva Harshita , Dwivedi Diksha , Saroj Rekha
Published: October 2013

Alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) is an inexpensive,
efficient, and nontoxic catalyst used for the synthesis of
2‐[3‐amino‐5‐methyl‐5‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1,5‐dihydro‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl]propanoic
acid derivatives in aqueous media by the reaction of 3‐acetyl pyridine (1), amino acids (2)/(6),
and thiosemicarbazide (4) at 80°C.
This methodology offers significant improvements for the synthesis of products
with regards to the yield of products, simplicity in operation, and green aspects
by avoiding toxic catalysts which uphold the motto of green chemistry.
Synthesized compounds have been characterized by FT‐IR, 13C NMR, and 1HNMR spectroscopy.
Distance-Based Routing Strategy for Traffic Transport in Spatial Networks
Authors: Huang Wei , Pan Xiang , Yang Xi , Zhang Jianhua
Published: October 2013

It is well known that routing strategies based on global topological information is not a good choice for the enhancement of traffic throughput in large-scale networks due to the heavy communication cost. On the contrary, acquiring spatial information, such as spatial distances among nodes, is more feasible. In this paper, we propose a novel distance-based routing strategy in spatial scale-free networks, called LDistance strategy. The probability of establishing links among nodes obeys the power-law in the spatial network under study. Compared with the LDegree strategy (Wang et al., 2006) and the mixed strategy (a strategy combining both greedy routing strategy and random routing strategy), results show that our proposed LDistance strategy can further enhance traffic capacity. Besides, the LDistance strategy can also achieve a much shorter delivering time than the LDegree strategy. Analyses reveal that the superiority of our strategy is mainly due to the interdependent relationship between topological and spatial characteristics in spatial scale-free networks. Furthermore, along transporting path in the LDistance strategy, the spatial distance to destination decays more rapidly, and the degrees of routers are higher than those in the LDegree strategy.
Targeting Metabolic Scavenging in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lyssiotis Costas A. , Cantley Lewis C.
Published: October 2013

Pancreatic tumor metabolism is rewired to facilitate survival and growth in a nutrient-depleted environment. This leads to a unique dependence on metabolic recycling and scavenging pathways, including NAD salvage. Targeting this pathway in pancreatic cancer disrupts metabolic homeostasis and impairs tumor growth. Clin Cancer Res; 20(1); 6–8. ©2013 AACR.
FBXW7 Mediates Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity and Prognosis in NSCLCs
Authors: Yokobori Takehiko , Yokoyama Yozo , Mogi Akira , Endoh Hideki , Altan Bolag , Kosaka Takayuki , Yamaki Ei , Yajima Toshiki , Tomizawa Kenji , Azuma Yoko , Onozato Ryoichi , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Tanaka Shigebumi , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: October 2013

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. To improve the prognosis of patients with NSCLCs, new and validated therapeutic targets are critically needed. In this study, we focused on F-box and WD repeat domain containing-7 (FBXW7), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, that regulates the degradation of MCL1, Myc, cyclin E, and TOP2A. Importantly, loss of FBXW7 was associated with increased sensitivity of tumors to a class I–specific histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, MS-275. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of FBXW7 targets, MCL1 and TOP2A, in NSCLC tumors with low expression of FBXW7. Moreover, clinical specimens exhibiting low FBXW7 expression presented with more progressive cancer and significantly shorter cancer-specific survival than patients with high FBXW7 expression. Mechanistic study of NSCLC cell lines with silenced FBXW7 revealed enhanced MS-275 sensitivity and taxol resistance. Interestingly, taxol resistance was eliminated by MS-275 treatment, suggesting the potential of HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of aggressive taxol-resistant NSCLCs that lack FBXW7.

Implications: FBXW7 status impacts chemosensitivity and is a prognostic marker in NSCLCs.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2013/12/19/1541-7786.MCR-13-0341/F1.large.jpg. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 32–37. ©2013 AACR.
Hemorrhagic Ganglioglioma of the Posterior Fossa: Case Report
Authors: Jeevan Dhruve S. , Neil Jayson A. , Mohan Avinash , Tobias Michael
Published: October 2013

Gangliogliomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system that are usually found in the supratentorial compartment, although cases throughout the nervous system have been described. They are generally low-grade malignancies that are amenable to cure by surgical resection. Most manifest as seizures, though, based on location, they can present with focal neurological deficits. We present here a rare case of an infratentorial ganglioglioma presenting with hemorrhage. To our knowledge this is the only reported case of a hemorrhagic ganglioglioma and, as such, we examine its possible prognosis.
Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality among Veterans Health Administration Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection for Large Bowel Polyps (Bowel Resection for Polyps)
Authors: Ikard Robert W. , Snyder Rebecca A. , Roumie Christianne L.
Published: October 2013

Background: Large bowel polyps with malignant characteristics or those that are too large to remove colonoscopically may require bowel resection. Method: We performed a retrospective review of 126 Veterans Health Administration patients who underwent elective resections for colonoscopically unresectable colorectal polyps over a 10-year period. We evaluated the association of patient characteristics and operative management on the composite outcome of 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results: 98% of patients were males. Mean age was 65.1 years. Most patients had comorbidities, including cardiac or vascular disease (47.4%), diabetes mellitus (54%), and tobacco (41%) or alcohol (32.5%) use. The majority (85.7%) of patients were considered to be in American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classifications III and IV. 92% of resections were completed via laparotomy. Thirty-day postoperative morbidity and mortality occurred among 40 (31.7%) patients. Fifty-six patients (44.4%) had operative specimens with malignant features. The only comorbidity statistically associated with 30-day morbidity and mortality was body mass index >30. Conclusion: Approximately one third of patients had significant postoperative morbidity or mortality. Clinical pathways chosen to treat colonoscopically unresectable polyps should be tailored to patients' conditions and the characteristics of their colorectal lesions.
The Disappearing Brain-Sparing Effect in Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction Fetuses Revisited
Authors: Yeniel A. Özgür , Ergenoglu A. Mete , Sanhal Cem Y. , Akdemir Ali , Akercan Fuat , Kazandi Mert , Sagol Sermet
Published: October 2013

Objective: To evaluate the association between the brain-sparing situation and perinatal outcomes in fetuses with early-onset fetal growth restriction (EO-FGR) with absent or reverse end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (UA A/REDF). Methods: We evaluated fetuses with EO-FGR who had patterns of UA A/REDF without abnormal venous Doppler indices. Participants were divided into two groups according to measurements of mid-cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) just before delivery. Group 1 (n = 45) included those with a brain-sparing effect (BSE) (a MCA PI <5th percentile for the gestational age) and group 2 (n = 14) included those with a disappearing BSE, defined as an MCA PI increase towards normal values after the BSE detected at the initial evaluation. Short-term perinatal outcomes were analyzed. Results: Compared to group 1, group 2 had a significantly low birth weight (p = 0.018) and high rates of extended neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization (p = 0.049 respectively). Conclusion: On the basis of longitudinal measurements of MCA PI, increases after the reduction <5th percentile might be related to poor perinatal outcomes in fetuses with EO-FGR who had UA A/REDF without abnormal venous flow patterns.
Flank Sequences of miR‐145/143 and Their Aberrant Expression in Vascular Disease: Mechanism and Therapeutic Application
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Cheng Yunhui , Yang Jian , Qin Shanshan , Chen Xiuwei , Tang Xiaojun , Zhou Xiangyu , Krall Thomas J. , Zhang Chunxiang
Published: October 2013

Background

Many micro
RNA
s (mi
RNA
s) are downregulated in proliferative vascular disease. Thus, upregulation of these mi
RNA
s has become a major focus of research activity. However, there is a critical barrier in gene therapy to upregulate some mi
RNA
s such as miR‐145 and miR‐143 because of their significant downregulation by the unclear endogenous mechanisms under disease conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular mechanisms responsible for their downregulation and to overcome the therapeutic barrier.

Methods and Results

In cultured proliferative rat vascular smooth muscle cells (
VSMC
s) in vitro and in diseased rat and mouse arteries in vivo, we have identified that the impairment of pri‐miR‐145 into pre‐miR‐145 is the critical step related to the downregulation of miR‐145, in which the
PI
3‐kinase/Akt/p53 pathway is involved. We further identified that the flank sequences of pri‐miR‐145 are the critical structural components responsible for the aberrant miR‐145 expression. Switching of the flank sequence of downregulated miR‐145 and miR‐143 to the flank sequence of miR‐31 confers resistance to their downregulation. The genetically engineered miR‐145 (smart miR‐145) restored the downregulated miR‐145 in proliferative rat
VSMC
s and in rat carotid arteries with balloon injury and mouse atherosclerotic aortas and demonstrated much better therapeutic effects on the abnormal growth of
VSMC
s, expression of its target gene,

KLF
5

expression,
VSMC
marker gene expression, and vascular neointimal growth.

Conclusions

The flank sequences of miR‐145 and miR‐143 play a critical role in their aberrant expression in
VSMC
s and vascular walls. The genetically engineered “smart” mi
RNA
s based on their flank sequences may have broadly therapeutic applications for many vascular diseases.
A Corpus-based Study of Fillers among Native Basque Speakers and the Role of Zera
Authors: Urizar Xabier , Samuel Arthur G
Published: October 2013

Although speakers often transmit their messages clearly and concisely, their speech also includes disfluencies, including filler words. We have analyzed the kinds of filler-like words (hereafter fillers) that native Basque speakers produce and the role that these fillers have within the discourse. We recorded six Basque L1 speakers in a natural setting designed to trigger spontaneous speech. Because Basque is an agglutinative language it may offer speakers certain options for filler use that have not been observed in studies of languages that do not have such a rich agglutinative morphology (e.g. English). When speakers are close to the retrieval of a to-be-produced word, but not quite able to access it, they may use the agglutinative morphology to give the listener clues to the syntactic category of the intended word. In Basque such clues could be provided by modifying the surface form of a filler.

Our corpus includes approximately 300 filler tokens. We provide analyses of the kinds of fillers this population produces and the contexts in which these appear. Certain fillers tend to be produced before beginning large units (e.g. sentences), whereas others usually precede smaller units. One filler (/zera/) behaves differently than the others. In particular, it assumes context-based forms that offer listeners partial information about the almost-retrieved word.
The Effect of Explicit and Direct Generative Strategy Training and Working Memory on Word Problem-Solving Accuracy in Children at Risk for Math Difficulties
Authors: Swanson H. Lee , Moran Amber , Lussier Cathy , Fung Wenson
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of explicit, direct, and generative strategy training and working memory capacity (WMC) on mathematical word problem-solving accuracy in elementary schoolchildren. In this study, children in third grade ( N = 82) identified as at risk for math difficulties (MD) were randomly assigned (within classrooms) to one of three treatment conditions that explicitly directed students’ attention to different propositions within word problems—paraphrase question propositions (Restate), paraphrase relevant propositions (Relevant), and paraphrase all propositions (Complete)—or an untreated control condition. A significant treatment by covariate design indicated that generative strategy outcomes were conditional on the level of pretest WMC. A clear advantage in posttest problem-solving accuracy and solution planning was found for the complete generative condition relative to the control condition, but this advantage was conditional on setting WMC to a high level. Although no significant treatment advantages were found for solution accuracy when WMC was set to a low level, treatment advantages relative to the control condition were found for measures of schema activation. The results indicated that the effectiveness of generative strategies among children at risk for MD was directly dependent on the level of WMC.
A mathematical model of a twin ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing jetpack
Authors: Speck Michael , Buchholz Jörg , Sellier Mathieu
Published: October 2013

A dynamic model of a twin ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the Martin Jetpack, has been developed to study and improve the understanding of the flight mechanics involved with this novel aircraft concept. This article describes the flight mechanics of a twin ducted-fan aircraft and explains in detail the modeling of the forces and moments contributed by the twin ducted-fans, body aerodynamics, control surfaces, gyration, and landing gear interactions. Also, a novel model for the movement of the duct center of pressure has been developed, which allows for the complex duct pitching moment to be predicted. Employing the conventional aircraft modeling methodology, a system of ordinary differential equations that describes the behavior of the aircraft is developed. The equations are solved in real-time using MATLAB–Simulink software to simulate the response to given inputs. A comparison of the flight data with both steady-state (trimmed) and dynamic simulations shows good agreement, which validates the novel duct center of pressure model. The validated model allows the aircraft designer/engineer to efficiently evaluate the sizing of key aerodynamic features and various control methodologies to aid in the design and flying of the Martin Jetpack.
Change and Predictors of Change in Social Skills of Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
Authors: Chappell Neena L. , Kadlec Helena , Reid Colin
Published: October 2013

Background

Social skills are of primary importance for those with dementia and their care providers, yet we know little about the extent to which basic social skills can be maintained over time and the predictors of change.

Methods

A total of 18 nursing homes with 149 newly admitted residents with moderate to severe dementia, 195 direct care staff, and 135 family members, in British Columbia, Canada, contributed data on change in social skills from admission to 6 months and 1 year later.

Results

Three-quarters of residents maintained or improved their basic social skills during both the time periods. Decline was explained primarily by cognitive status at the time of admission, notably present orientation. However, staff-to-resident communication becomes more important over time.

Conclusions

Social skills appear to present an opportunity to maintain interaction with these residents. The findings also suggest that a focus on the present orientation before and following admission and on staff-to-resident communication may be beneficial.
Serum Trace Metal Levels in Alzheimer’s Disease and Normal Control Groups
Authors: Park Jun-Hyun , Lee Dong-Woo , Park Kyung Su , Joung HyoJee
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To determine whether serum trace metals are related to abnormal cognition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods:

We studied serum lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic(As) in 89 patients with AD and in 118 cognitively normal individuals. We analyzed the results of the blood tests and the food intake.

Results:

Serum Pb levels correlated with word list recall ( P = .039) and word list recognition ( P = .037). Without age adjustment, serum Cd levels ( P = .044) were significantly higher in the AD group. After stratified age adjustment, the levels of selected trace metals did not differ significantly between AD and normal individuals. Food intakes regarding selected trace metals were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

In this study, serum Pb, Cd, Hg, and As levels were not directly related to abnormal cognition in AD. Serum Pb levels were significantly negatively correlated with verbal memory scores.
Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of the ethanol extract, fractions and eight compounds isolated from Eriosema robustum (Fabaceae)
Authors: Awouafack Maurice D , McGaw Lyndy J , Gottfried Sebastian , Mbouangouere Roukayatou , Tane Pierre , Spiteller Michael , Eloff Jacobus N
Published: October 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the cytotoxicity of the ethanol crude extract, fractions and isolated compounds from the twigs ofEriosema robustum, a plant used for the treatment of coughs and skin diseases.

Methods

Column chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were used to isolate and identify eight compounds, robusflavones A (1) and B (2), orostachyscerebroside A (3), stigmasterol (4), 1-O-heptatriacontanoyl glycerol (5), eicosanoic acid (6), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside of sitosterol (7) and 6-prenylpinocembrin (8), fromE. robustum. A two-fold serial microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against fungi and bacteria, and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity.

Results

Fraction B had significant antimicrobial activity againstAspergillus fumigatusandCryptoccocus neoformans(MIC 0.08 mg/ml), whilst the crude extract and fraction A had moderate activity againstA. fumigatusandCandida albicans(MIC 0.16 mg/ml). Fraction A however had excellent activity againstStaphylococcus aureus(MIC 0.02 mg/ml),Enterococcus faecalisandEscherichia coli(MIC 0.04 mg/ml). The crude extract had significant activity againstS. aureus,E. faecalisandE. coli. Fraction B had good activity againstE. faecalisandE. coli(MIC 0.08 mg/ml). All the isolated compounds had a relatively weak antimicrobial activity. An MIC of 65 μg/ml was obtained with robusflavones A (1) and B (2) againstC. albicansandA. fumigatus, orostachyscerebroside A (3) againstA. fumigatus, and robusflavone B (2) againstC. neoformans. Compound8had the best activity against bacteria (average MIC 55 μg/ml). The 3 fractions and isolated compounds had LC50values between 13.20 to > 100 μg/ml against Vero cells yielding selectivity indices between 0.01 and 1.58.

Conclusion

The isolated compounds generally had a much lower activity than expected based on the activity of the fractions from which they were isolated. This may be the result of synergism between different compounds in the complex extracts or fractions. The results support the traditional use ofE. robustumto treat infections. The crude extract had a good activity and low preparation cost, and may be useful in topical applications to combat microbial infections.
Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans attenuates neuroinflammation in symptomatic hSOD1G93Amice
Authors: Cai MuDan , Choi Sun-Mi , Song Bong Keun , Son Ilhong , Kim Sungchul , Yang Eun Jin
Published: October 2013

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective motor neuron death in the spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Neuroinflammation is one of several pathological causes of degenerating motor neurons and is induced by activated microglial cells and astrocytes in ALS.

Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans (SSM) is utilized in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as cancer, apoplexy, and epilepsy. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of SSM are currently unclear, even though SSM increases immune and antibiotic activity.

Methods

To determine the effects of SSM on symptomatic hSOD1G93A transgenic mice, SSM (2.5 μℓ/g) was injected bilaterally at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint three times per week for two weeks. The effects of SSM treatment on anti-neuroinflammation in the brainstem and spinal cord of hSOD1G93A mice were assessed via Nissl and Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining, and immunohistochemistry using Iba-1, CD14, HO1, and NQO1 proteins was evaluated by Western blotting.

Results

In this study, we investigated whether SSM affects neuroinflammation in the spinal cord of symptomatic hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. We found that SSM treatment attenuated the loss of motor neurons and reduced the activation of microglial cells and astrocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SSM administration in this animal model of ALS suppressed oxidative stress in the brainstem and spinal cord by 1.6- and 1.8-fold, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that SSM, which has previously been used in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), might also be considered as an anti-neuroinflammatory therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
The significance of the alteration of 8-OHdG in serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Xu Xia , Wang Yan , Guo Wenwen , Zhou Yiqing , Lv Chunmei , Chen Xiaoxiang , Liu Kaijiang
Published: October 2013

Background

Oxidative damage and DNA repair dysfunction are associated with carcinogenesis. 8-OHdG is one of the major oxidative DNA adducts. Present work aims to investigate whether the expression of 8-OHdG and its key repair gene hOGG1 play distinctive role in two types of serous ovarian cancer.

Materials and methods

8-OHdG level in DNA from tumor and matched tumor-adjacent normal tissue in 48 high-grade papillary serous carcinomas (HG-SOC), 24 low-grade papillary serous carcinomas (LG-SOC), 20 serous cystadenomas, and 16 non-tumor control ovaries was tested. The Cox proportional hazards model and the log-rank test were used to assess the associations between the 8-OHdG level in two types of serous cancer and patients’ survival. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein immunoblot were employed to detect hOGG1 mRNA and protein levels in tumor and adjacent normal tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of hOGG1 and p53.

Results

There was no difference of average 8-OHdG/106dG DNA level either between HG-SOC (27.8 ± 8.9), LG-SOC (25.2 ± 7.4) and benign serous cystadenoma (26.5 ± 7.7, p = 0.35); or between the tumor-adjacent normal tissue of HG-SOC (18.8 ± 5.2), LG-SOC (21.4 ± 6.5), benign serous cystadenoma (20.5 ± 9.1) and non-tumor ovary (21.6 ± 4.9, p = 0.62). The 8-OHdG/106dG level was significantly higher in tumor comparing to that in matched normal tissue adjacent to carcinoma in HG-SOC (1.52 ± 0.52, p = 0.02), but not in LG-SOC or benign serous cystadenoma. Increased level of 8-OHdG in tumor DNA was an independent factor of overall survival in serous ovarian carcinoma upon multivariate analysis (p < 0.01). Increased level of 8-OHdG in tumor DNA indicates poorer overall and progression-free survival durations than counterparts (47.3 vs 105.7 months and 13.5 vs 45.3 months, respectively). Protein levels of hOGG1 were remarkably decreased in HG-SOC (p < 0.01), but not in LG-SOC and serous cystadenoma compared with the tissue adjacent to carcinoma. A positive result on p53 immunostaining was associated with lower hOGG1 expression in HG-SOC (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Increased 8-OHdG level and decreased expression of hOGG1 in tumor were found in HG-SOC but not LG-SOC. Increased 8-OHdG level in tumor DNA was significantly associated with poorer overall survival and progression-free survival in serous ovarian carcinoma.