bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Nanomaterials Based on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Overcoming Challenges in Current Cancer Treatments
Authors: Alvarez-Berríos Merlis P. , Sosa-Cintron Naisha , Rodriguez-Lugo Mariel , Juneja Ridhima , Vivero-Escoto Juan L.
Published: May 2016

The current approaches used for the treatment of cancer face some clinical limitations such as induction of severe side effects, multidrug resistance (MDR), and low specificity toward metastatic cancer cells. Hybrid nanomaterials hold a great potential to overcome all these challenges. Among hybrid nanoparticles, those based on mesoporous silica and iron oxide nanoparticles (MSNs and IONPs) have gained a privileged place in the biomedical field because of their outstanding properties. There are many studies demonstrating their effectiveness as drug delivery systems, nanoheaters, and imaging contrast agents. This review summarizes the advances related to the utilization of IONPs and MSNs for reducing side effects, overcoming MDR, and inhibiting metastasis. Furthermore, we give a future perspective of the clinical application of these technologies.
Para-Phenylenediamine Induces Apoptotic Death of Melanoma Cells and Reduces Melanoma Tumour Growth in Mice
Authors: Bhowmick Debajit , Bhar Kaushik , Mallick Sanjaya K. , Das Subhadip , Chatterjee Nabanita , Sarkar Tuhin Subhra , Chakrabarti Rajarshi , Das Saha Krishna , Siddhanta Anirban
Published: May 2016

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, usually resistant to standard chemotherapeutics. Despite a huge number of clinical trials, any success to find a chemotherapeutic agent that can effectively destroy melanoma is yet to be achieved. Para-phenylenediamine (p-PD) in the hair dyes is reported to purely serve as an external dyeing agent. Very little is known about whether p-PD has any effect on the melanin producing cells. We have demonstrated p-PD mediated apoptotic death of both human and mouse melanoma cellsin vitro. Mouse melanoma tumour growth was also arrested by the apoptotic activity of intraperitoneal administration of p-PD with almost no side effects. This apoptosis is shown to occur primarily via loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caspase 8 activation. p-PD mediated apoptosis was also confirmed by the increase in sub-G0/G1 cell number. Thus, our experimental observation suggests that p-PD can be a potential less expensive candidate to be developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for melanoma.
Adaptive Content Management for UGC Video Delivery in Mobile Internet Era
Authors: Fan Qilin , Yin Hao , Jiang Zexun , Huang Haojun , Luo Yan , Zhang Xu
Published: May 2016

The demand of storing and transferring user generated content (UGC) has been rapidly growing with the popularization of mobile devices equipped with video recording and playback capabilities. As a typical application of software-defined networks/network functions virtualization-based pervasive communications infrastructure, content delivery networks (CDNs) have been widely leveraged to distribute contents across different geographical locations. Nevertheless, the content delivery for UGC is inefficient with the existing “pull-based” caching mechanism in traditional CDNs, because there exists a huge volume of lukewarm or cold UGC which results in a low cache hit ratio. In this paper, we propose a “push-based” caching mechanism to efficiently and economically deliver UGC videos. Different from traditional CDNs which separate the original content storage and caching, we directly store UGC videos into selective servers which serve as both reliable storages and user-facing uploading servers. By carefully and dynamically selecting the storage locations of each UGC object based on its popularity and locality, we not only guarantee the data availability but also remarkably improve the content distribution performance and reduce the distribution cost.
Implementation of a Diabetes Educator Care Model to Reduce Paediatric Admission for Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Deeb Asma , Yousef Hana , Abdelrahman Layla , Tomy Mary , Suliman Shaker , Attia Salima , Al Suwaidi Hana
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication that can be life-threatening. Management of DKA needs admission in a specialized center and imposes major constraints on hospital resources.Aim. We plan to study the impact of adapting a diabetes-educator care model on reducing the frequency of hospital admission of children and adolescents presenting with DKA.Method. We have proposed a model of care led by diabetes educators for children and adolescents with diabetes. The team consisted of highly trained nurses. The model effectiveness is measured by comparing the rate of hospital admission for DKA over 4-year period to the baseline year prior to implementing the model.Results. There were 158 admissions for DKA over a 5-year period. Number of patients followed up in the outpatient diabetes clinics increased from 37 to 331 patients at the start and the end of the study years. Admission rate showed a downward trend over the five-year period. Percentage of admission for DKA is reduced from 210% to 1.8% (P0.001).Conclusion. Diabetes educator care model is an effective and a sustainable measure to reduce hospital admission for DKA in children and adolescents.
Nanoparticle Delivered Human Biliverdin Reductase-Based Peptide Increases Glucose Uptake by Activating IRK/Akt/GSK3 Axis: The Peptide Is Effective in the Cell and Wild-Type and Diabetic Ob/Ob Mice
Authors: Gibbs Peter E. M. , Miralem Tihomir , Lerner-Marmarosh Nicole , Maines Mahin D.
Published: May 2016

Insulin’s stimulation of glucose uptake by binding to the IRK extracellular domain is compromised in diabetes. We have recently described an unprecedented approach to stimulating glucose uptake. KYCCSRK (P2) peptide, corresponding to the C-terminal segment of hBVR, was effective in binding to and inducing conformational change in the IRK intracellular kinase domain. Although myristoylated P2, made of L-amino acids, was effective in cell culture, its use for animal studies was unsuitable. We developed a peptidase-resistant formulation of the peptide that was efficient in both mice and cell culture systems. The peptide was constructed of D-amino acids, in reverse order, and blocked at both termini. Delivery of the encapsulated peptide to HepG2 and HSKM cells was confirmed by its prolonged effect on stimulation of glucose uptake (>6 h). The peptide improved glucose clearance in both wild-type and Ob/Ob mice; it lowered blood glucose levels and suppressed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. IRK activity was stimulated in the liver of treated mice and in cultured cells. The peptide potentiated function of IRK’s downstream effector, Akt-GSK3-(α,β)axis. Thus, P2-based approach can be used for improving glucose uptake by cells. Also, it allows for screening peptidesin vitroand in animal models for treatment of diabetes.
Recurrent Diplopia in a Pediatric Patient with Bickerstaff Brainstem Encephalitis
Authors: McLeod Scott A. , Wee Wallace , Jacob Francois D. , Chapados Isabelle , Bolduc Francois V.
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Acute complete external ophthalmoplegia is a rare finding in clinical practice that is associated with diseases affecting the neuromuscular junction, the oculomotor nerves, or the brainstem. Ophthalmoplegia has been reported with acute ataxia in Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE). Up to 95% of these cases are associated with anti-GQ1b antibodies. Only a small number of cases of anti-GQ1b negative MFS have been documented in pediatric patients. This is the first case reporting a recurrence of ocular symptoms in an anti-GQ1b antibody negative patient with BBE.Case Presentation. An 8-year-old Caucasian boy presented with complete external ophthalmoplegia without ptosis, cerebellar ataxia, and a disturbance of consciousness. He had recently recovered from a confirmedCampylobacter jejuniinfection. On subsequent laboratory testing he was anti-GQ1b antibody negative. He had a recurrence of diplopia at four-week follow-up.Conclusions. This patient’s recurrence of diplopia was treated with a five-week course of oral corticosteroids which did not worsen his condition, and this may be a therapeutic option for similar patients. We will discuss the symptoms and treatment of reported pediatric cases of anti-GQ1b antibody negative cases of MFS and the variation between cases representing a spectrum of illness.
Development of a Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for Control of a Neuroprosthetic Limb
Authors: Urbanchek Melanie G. , Kung Theodore A. , Frost Christopher M. , Martin David C. , Larkin Lisa M. , Wollstein Adi , Cederna Paul S.
Published: May 2016

Background. The purpose of this experiment was to develop a peripheral nerve interface using cultured myoblasts within a scaffold to provide a biologically stable interface while providing signal amplification for neuroprosthetic control and preventing neuroma formation.Methods. A Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) composed of a scaffold and cultured myoblasts was implanted on the end of a divided peroneal nerve in rats (n=25). The scaffold material consisted of either silicone mesh, acellular muscle, or acellular muscle with chemically polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conductive polymer. Average implantation time was 93 days. Electrophysiological tests were performed at endpoint to determine RPNI viability and ability to transduce neural signals. Tissue samples were examined using both light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.Results. All implanted RPNIs, regardless of scaffold type, remained viable and displayed robust vascularity. Electromyographic activity and stimulated compound muscle action potentials were successfully recorded from all RPNIs. Physiologic efferent motor action potentials were detected from RPNIs in response to sensory foot stimulation. Histology and transmission electron microscopy revealed mature muscle fibers, axonal regeneration without neuroma formation, neovascularization, and synaptogenesis. Desmin staining confirmed the preservation and maturation of myoblasts within the RPNIs.Conclusions. RPNI demonstrates significant myoblast maturation, innervation, and vascularization without neuroma formation.
Optimization-Based Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Data Collection in Large-Scale Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yue Yinggao , Li Jianqing , Fan Hehong , Qin Qin
Published: May 2016

Data collection is a fundamental operation in various mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN) applications. The energy of nodes around the Sink can be untimely depleted owing to the fact that sensor nodes must transmit vast amounts of data, readily forming a bottleneck in energy consumption; mobile wireless sensor networks have been designed to address this issue. In this study, we focused on a large-scale and intensive MWSN which allows a certain amount of data latency by investigating mobile Sink balance from three aspects: data collection maximization, mobile path length minimization, and network reliability optimization. We also derived a corresponding formula to represent the MWSN and proved that it represents an NP-hard problem. Traditional data collection methods only focus on increasing the amount data collection or reducing the overall network energy consumption, which is why we designed the proposed heuristic algorithm to jointly consider cluster head selection, the routing path from ordinary nodes to the cluster head node, and mobile Sink path planning optimization. The proposed data collection algorithm for mobile Sinks is, in effect, based on artificial bee colony. Simulation results show that, in comparison with other algorithms, the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce data transmission, save energy, improve network data collection efficiency and reliability, and extend the network lifetime.
Infection-Related Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Children
Authors: Dettmar Anne Katrin , Oh Jun
Published: May 2016

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the most common cause of steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome in children. It describes a unique histological picture of glomerular damage resulting from several causes. In the majority of patients the causing agent is still unknown, but in some cases viral association is evident. In adults, the most established FSGS causing virus is the human immune-deficiency virus, which is related to a collapsing variant of FSGS. Nevertheless, other viruses are also suspected for causing a collapsing or noncollapsing variant, for example, hepatitis B virus, parvovirus B19, andCytomegalovirus. Although the systemic infection mechanism is different for these viruses, there are similarities in the pathomechanism for the induction of FSGS. As the podocyte is the key structure in the pathogenesis of FSGS, a direct infection of these cells or immediate damage through the virus or viral components has to be considered. Although viral infections are a very rare cause for FSGS in children, the treating pediatric nephrologist has to be aware of a possible underlying infection, as this has a relevant impact on therapy and prognosis.
Chromium Distribution and Spatial Variations in the Finer Sediment Grain Size Fraction and Unfractioned Surficial Sediments on Nyanza Gulf, of Lake Victoria (East Africa)
Authors: Mwamburi Job
Published: May 2016

Surficial sediments collected from the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria (East Africa) were used to determine spatial concentrations of Cr and determine differences in contents of the unfractioned (whole sediment) and the finer grain size sediments, establishing any changes in Cr enrichment and potential ecological risks using sediment quality guidelines. A single pollution index was also used to evaluate level of Cr contamination. The spatial mean Cr contents in the <63 µm (silt-clay) fraction were found to be significantly lower than those in the unfractioned sediments, but with a strong linear positive correlation. The study results show decreasing spatial amounts of Cr in surficial sediments of the Nyanza Gulf, when compared to a study done 20 years earlier. However, the 95% confidence limits of the overall mean Cr in unfractioned sediments exceed the threshold effect concentration (TEC), indicating the potential for Cr remobilization from sediments. In general the sediment enrichment is evidence of possible dominance of lithogenous sources of Cr in the surface lake sediments, with potential anthropogenic sources from the drainage system and nearshore urban areas. The sediments are unpolluted with respect to geoaccumulation index, and sediment enrichment factors suggest a minor to moderate enrichment of Cr in surficial sediments of three sites around the Nyanza Gulf zones and around the river mouth in the main lake.
Percutaneous Punctured Transcatheter Device Closure of Residual Shunt after Ventricular Septal Defect Repair
Authors: Mo Xuming , Qi Jirong , Zuo Weisong
Published: May 2016

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are estimated to account for 20 to 30% of all congenital heart defects (CHDs). Although a residual shunt is the most common complication of VSD surgery, a second operation that applies the surgical repair method is very difficult because it can increase the possibility of uncontrolled bleeding and the severity of tissue adhesion. Here, we present the first case of percutaneous punctured transcatheter device closure of a residual shunt after VSD repair as a novel method to further develop for the treatment of children with congenital heart disease.
Use of the Relaxometry Technique for Quantification of Paramagnetic Ions in Aqueous Solutions and a Comparison with Other Analytical Methods
Authors: Gomes Bruna Ferreira , Burato Juliana Soares da Silva , Silva Lobo Carlos Manuel , Colnago Luiz Alberto
Published: May 2016

We have demonstrated that the relaxometry technique is very efficient to quantify paramagnetic ions duringin situelectrolysis measurements. Therefore, the goal of this work was to validate the relaxometry technique in the determination of the concentration of the ions contained in electrolytic solutions, Cu2+, Ni2+, Cr3+, and Mn2+, and compare it with other analytical methods. Two different NMR spectrometers were used: a commercial spectrometer with a homogeneous magnetic field and a home-built unilateral sensor with an inhomogeneous magnetic field. Without pretreatment, manganese ions do not have absorption bands in the UV-Visible region, but it is possible to quantify them using relaxometry (the limit of quantification is close to 10−5 mol L−1). Therefore, since the technique does not require chemical indicators and is a cheap and robust method, it can be used as a replacement for some conventional quantification techniques. The relaxometry technique could be applied to evaluate the corrosion of metallic surfaces.
Schwannoma Located in Nasopharyngeal Region
Authors: Aksoy Fadlullah , Yenigun Alper , Senturk Erol , Ozturan Orhan
Published: May 2016

Schwannoma is a tumor which has neuroectoderm origins, is hard, well-circumscribed, encapsulated, and slow growing benign cranial tumor, and may autonomously grow out of the nerve sheath of peripheral nerves. It is mostly seen in the head and neck region. In the paranasal sinus and nose areas, it is seen at a rate of 4%. The diagnosis is mostly made after histopathological examination. In this paper, a Schwannoma case observed in the nasopharyngeal region was presented in a 20-year-old female who had complaints of sleeping with open mouth, snoring, foreign body feeling in throat, and swallowing difficulties. The tumor was extracted via transoral approach. No recurrence was observed during follow-up over the next year. This case presentation is presented for the first time in the literature in English.
Anthelmintic Effect ofBacillus thuringiensisStrains against the Gill Fish TrematodeCentrocestus formosanus
Authors: Mendoza-Estrada Luis Javier , Hernández-Velázquez Víctor Manuel , Arenas-Sosa Iván , Flores-Pérez Fernando Iván , Morales-Montor Jorge , Peña-Chora Guadalupe
Published: May 2016

Parasitic agents, such as helminths, are the most important biotic factors affecting aquaculture, and the flukeCentrocestus formosanusis considered to be highly pathogenic in various fish species. There have been efforts to control this parasite with chemical helminthicides, but these efforts have had unsuccessful results. We evaluated the anthelmintic effect of 37 strains ofBacillus thuringiensisagainstC. formosanusmetacercariaein vitrousing two concentrations of total protein, and only six strains produced high mortality. The virulence (CL50) on matacercariae of three strains was obtained: the GP308, GP526, and ME1 strains exhibited a LC50of 146.2 μg/mL, 289.2 μg/mL, and 1721.9 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, these sixB. thuringiensisstrains were evaluated against the cercariae ofC.formosanus; the LC50obtained from the GP526 strain with solubilized protein was 83.8 μg/mL, and it could be considered as an alternative control of the metacercariae and cercariae of this parasite in the productivity systems of ornamental fishes.
A Multicriteria Approach for the Optimal Location of Gasoline Stations Being Transformed as Self-Service in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Sheng-Pen , Lee Hsing-Chen , Hsieh Yu-Kuang
Published: May 2016

Location selection significantly influences business success. In particular, location selection for the fuel stations is characterized by constraints on investment in facilities and by criteria that involve a series of social utilities. Recently, a leading fuel company in Taiwan initiated transforming its traditional gas stations into self-service. However, it is difficult to select an existing station to be transformed as self-service because there are many conflicting goals in the problem of location selection. In this paper, we apply a multicriteria approach, integrating analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and multichoice goal programming (MCGP), to obtain an appropriate gas station from many alternative locations that best suit the preferences of decision-makers in the case company. This study incorporates the weights obtained from AHP to set multiple aspirations in MCGP for ranking each candidate location. The results show that, under multiple quantitative and qualitative factors in the selection process, our proposed model is more scientific and efficient than unaided methods in finding a suitable location within a shorter evaluation time.
Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin (SIgA) and Lysozyme in Malignant Tumor Patients
Authors: Sun Haiyan , Chen Yong , Zou Xuan , Li Qihong , Li Huan , Shu Yao , Li Xia , Li Weihong , Han Li , Ge Cheng
Published: May 2016

Background.The purpose of this study is to understand the oral mucosal immune status of cancer patients and to make clear whether antibacterial proteins such as salivary secretory immunoglobulin (SIgA) and lysozyme in saliva were influenced by patients’ health status and certain medical treatment therapy.Materials and Methods.This study included 221 patients with malignant tumor receiving antineoplastic treatment and 171 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.Results.The results showed that patients suffering malignant tumor had lower level of SIgA and higher level of lysozyme than healthy subjects (P<0.05). The SIgA level was significantly different among different cancer tumors, while the lysozyme level showed significant difference only between patients with digestive tract malignant tumor and hematopoietic system tumor. Pretreatment before transplantation for hematopoietic system tumor patients significantly affected the lysozyme level other than SIgA. SIgA level was affected by many factors such as age, therapy factors, and oral hygiene.Conclusion.Malignant tumor and the antineoplaston may weaken the patients’ oral mucosal immunity, influence levels of some salivary proteins, and decrease the level of SIgA, resulting in aggregation of oral bacteria and failure of clearing them from the oral cavity.
Left Lung Torsion: Complication of Lobar Resection for an Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mansour Wissam , Moussaly Elias , Abou Yassine Ali , Nabagiez John , Maroun Rabih
Published: May 2016

Lobar torsion is a fatal but fortunately rare occurrence following lung resection. Early clinical signs and radiographic features may be nonspecific resulting in diagnostic delay. A high index of suspicion is vital for early diagnosis and intervention to avoid further parenchymal necrosis and deadly gangrene. We report a case of left lower lobe torsion in a 76-year-old female following elective upper lobectomy for underlying lung adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis was made following highly suggestive radiographic findings prompting bronchoscopy and revision thoracotomy. An emergency detorsion failed to restore lung viability and was followed by completion pneumonectomy. The patient recovered and was discharged on the seventh postoperative day.
Cystatin C Falsely Underestimated GFR in a Critically Ill Patient with a New Diagnosis of AIDS
Authors: Brown Caitlin S. , Kashani Kianoush B. , Clain Jeremy M. , Frazee Erin N.
Published: May 2016

Cystatin C has been suggested to be a more accurate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) surrogate than creatinine in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) because it is unaffected by skeletal muscle mass and dietary influences. However, little is known about the utility of this marker for monitoring medications in the critically ill. We describe the case of a 64-year-old female with opportunistic infections associated with a new diagnosis of AIDS. During her course, she experienced neurologic, cardiac, and respiratory failure; yet her renal function remained preserved as indicated by an eGFR ≥ 120 mL/min and a urine output > 1 mL/kg/hr without diuresis. The patient was treated with nephrotoxic agents; therefore cystatin C was assessed to determine if cachexia was resulting in a falsely low serum creatinine. Cystatin C measured 1.50 mg/L which corresponded to an eGFR of 36 mL/min. Given the >60 mL/min discrepancy, serial 8-hour urine samples were collected and a GFR > 120 mL/min was confirmed. It is unclear why cystatin C was falsely elevated, but we hypothesize that it relates to the proinflammatory state with AIDS, opportunistic infections, and corticosteroids. More research is needed before routine use of cystatin C in this setting can be recommended.
Noncoherent Low-Frequency Ultrasonic Communication System with Optimum Symbol Length
Authors: Jeon Kwang Myung , Kim Hong Kook , Lee Myung J.
Published: May 2016

A noncoherent low-frequency ultrasonic (LFU) communication system is proposed for near-field communication using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) speakers and microphones. Since the LFU communication channel is known to be a frequency-selective characteristic, the proposed system is basically designed by differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) modulation with forward error correction. In addition, automatic gain control of the carrier frequency band over the LFU communication channel is proposed. Then, in order to optimize the symbol length of the proposed LFU communication system under a realistic aerial acoustic channel, a propagation model of the LFU communication channel is proposed by incorporating aerial acoustic attenuation. The performance of the proposed LFU communication system is demonstrated on two different tasks: bit error rate (BER) measurement and successful transmission rate (STR) comparison with Google Tone for various distances between the transmitter and the receiver. Consequently, the proposed method can operate without a bit error at a distance of 8 m under various noise conditions with sound pressure level of 80 dB. Moreover, the proposed method achieves higher STR than Google Tone on a task of URL transmission using two laptops.
Long-Term Follow-Up of a Phase II Trial of Six Cycles of Dose-Dense R-CHOP-14 for First-Line Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Young and Elderly Patients
Authors: González-Barca Eva , Canales Miguel A. , Salar Antonio , Ferrer Secundino , Domingo-Domenech Eva , Vidal María-Jesús , Grande Carlos , Bargay Joan , Gardella Santiago , Oriol Albert , Briones Javier , García-Frade Javier , Bello Jose L. , Sánchez-Blanco Jose J. , Peñalver Francisco Javier , Tomás Jose Francisco , Asensio Antonio , López Andrés , Caballero Dolores ,   on behalf of the GELTAMO Group (Grupo Español de Linfoma y Trasplante de Médula Ósea)
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Rituximab-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) every 14 days seems to achieve better outcomes than R-CHOP every 21 days in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Currently, the standard regimen is R-CHOP every 21 days. Methods: This is a phase II clinical trial of treatment with 6 cycles of R-CHOP-14 with pegfilgrastim support in 2 populations of previously untreated DLBCL patients aged ≥65 years (n = 73) or <65 years (n = 51) with low-risk International Prognostic Index scores (0-2). Results: With a median follow-up of 63.7 months, the 5-year event-free survival rate was 53.8% in patients aged ≥65 years and 71.0% in patients aged <65 years. The 5-year overall survival rate was 71.4 and 89.8%, respectively. The complete remission rate was 69.9% for older and 80.4% for younger patients. The median relative dose intensity of cytotoxic drugs was 143.2% in the elderly and 149.1% in the young patients. Febrile neutropenia was the most common grade 3-4 adverse event, being higher in elderly patients (21.3 vs. 9.3%). Eight deaths (7 in elderly patients) were considered treatment related. Conclusion: In conclusion, the R-CHOP-14 regimen is feasible and very active, though it is more toxic in elderly patients mainly due to an increased incidence of infections. New strategies, such as new monoclonal antibodies or new targeted therapies, are needed to improve the outcomes of DLBCL patients.
Use Dependent Attenuation of Rat HCN1-Mediated Ih in Intact HEK293 Cells
Authors: Barthel Lennart , Reetz Olivia , Strauss Ulf
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Cationic currents (Ih) through the fast activating and relatively cAMP insensitive subtype of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, HCN1, are limited by cytosolic factors in mammalian cells. This cytosolic HCN1 break is boosted by changes in membrane voltage that are not characterized on a biophysical level, yet. Methods: We overexpressed rat (r)HCN1 in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and recorded pharmacologically isolated Ih in cell-attached or whole-cell mode of the patch-clamp technique. Results: Recurring activation of rHCN1 reduced and slowed Ih in intact HEK293 cells (cell-attached mode). On the contrary, sustained disruption of the intracellular content (whole-cell mode) ceased activity dependence and partially enables voltage dependent hysteresis. The activity induced Ih attenuation in intact cells was independent of the main external cation, depended on the number of previous forced activations and was - at least in part - due to a shift in the voltage dependence of activation towards hyperpolarization as estimated by an adapted tail current analysis. Intracellular elevation of cAMP could not reverse the changes in Ih. Conclusion: Reduction of rHCN1 mediated Ih is use dependent and may involve the coupling of voltage sensor and pore.
Multiparameter Characterization Confirms Apoptosis as the Primary Cause of Reduced Self-renewal Capacity in Cultured Human Fetal Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Guan Yunqian , Li Xiaobo , Zou Haiqiang , Yan Xiaoming , Zhao Chunsong , Wang Jiayin , Chen Ling , Zhang Y. Alex
Published: May 2016

Background: Human fetal striatum-derived neural stem cells (hfsNSCs) are important in regenerative medicine; however, their ability to self-renew diminishes quickly following passages in culture. Typically when hfsNSC-derived neurospheres are dissociated by accutase, more than 90% of the cells survive, but only 6-8% of the cells are able to form secondary neurospheres. Our hypothesis is that the hfsNSCs that are unable to form new neurospheres become apoptotic. Methods/Results: Because the NSC apoptosis process has never been characterized in detail, we characterized hfsNSC apoptosis using multiparameter analysis and determined that the majority of hfsNSCs undergo apoptosis after passaging, which leads to a reduction in self-renewal. The replacement of trituration with vortexing decreases apoptosis, increases self-renewal, and does not affect NSC differentiation. When we used live cell staining with Annexin V, Hoechst 33342, and PI together, the apoptotic index was in agreement with what could be obtained using fixed-cell staining methods, including TUNEL and activated caspase-3 immunocytochemistry. NSC apoptosis could be divided into 9 stage types based on our live cell assay. Several types during early and late stages had similar staining profiles that could be further discriminated based on cell size. Conclusion: Apoptosis largely contributes to the low self-renewal of neurospheres, and replacing trituration with vortexing aided in alleviating NSC apoptosis. Multiparameter analysis is required for the identification of NSC apoptosis, particularly when live cell staining is used.
MicroRNA-21 Regulates Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Invasion and Chemo-Sensitivity through SMAD7
Authors: Lin Lei , Tu Hong-bin , Wu Liang , Liu Ming , Jiang Ge-ning
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: SMAD7 is a key inhibitor of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor signaling, which regulates the alteration of cancer cell invasiveness through epithelial-mesenchymal cell conversion. Carboplatin is a commonly used drug in the chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying its suppressive effects on the NSCLC cell invasion are not completely understood. In the current study, we addressed this question by analyzing the effects of Carboplatin on microRNA-regulated SMAD7. Methods: We used Carboplatin to treat NSCLC cell lines. We performed bioinformatics analyses on the binding of microRNA-21 (miR-21) to the 3'-UTR of SMAD7 mRNA, and verified the biological effects of this binding using promoter luciferase reporter assay. The effects of Carboplatin or miR-21-modification on NSCLC cell invasion were evaluated in either a transwell cell invasion assay, or a scratch wound healing assay. Results: We found that Carboplatin inhibited the NSCLC cell invasion, in either a transwell cell invasion assay, or a scratch wound healing assay. Moreover, Carboplatin increased the levels of SMAD7 protein, but not mRNA, in NSCLC cells, suggesting presence of post-transcriptional control of SMAD7 by Carboplatin. Furthermore, expression of miR-21 was found to be inhibited by Carboplatin, and bioinformatics analyses showed that miR-21 targeted the 3'-UTR of SMAD7 mRNA to inhibit its translation, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Conclusion: Carboplatin may upregulate SMAD7 through suppression of miR-21 to inhibit TGFβ receptor signaling mediated NSCLC cell invasion.
Calsequestrin-1 Regulates Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry by Inhibiting STIM1 Aggregation
Authors: Zhang Lane , Wang Limin , Li Shu , Xue Jingyi , Luo Dali
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Stromal interacting molecule-1 (STIM1) aggregation and redistribution to plasma membrane to interact with Orai1 constitute the core mechanism of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Previous study has revealed that calsequestrin-1 (CSQ1) regulates SOCE in HEK293 cells through interacting with STIM1 and inhibiting STIM1/Orai1 interaction. Here, we further investigate how CSQ1/STIM1 interaction affects SOCE. Methods: Using confocal microscopy, STIM1 aggregation and co-localizations with CSQ1 or Orai1 upon Ca2+ store depletion by thapsigargin were measured and quantified by Imaris software in HeLa cells transfected with different CSQ1 mutants. The interactions of CSQ1/STIM1 and STIM1/Orai1, and internal Ca2+ changes were detected by co-immunoprecipitation and Fura2, respectively. Results: Wt-CSQ1 overexpression significantly reduced STIM1 clustering in the perimembrane and cytosolic regions, whereas over-expression of a C-terminal amino acid 362-396 deletion mutant (C35) did not. Consistently, a significant depression of SOCE, increased CSQ1 monomerization and CSQ1/STIM1 interaction, and a reduced STIM1/Orai1 association were observed in wt-CSQ1 but not in C35-transfected cells. Additionally, mutant lacking C-terminal AA 388-396 deletion exerted weaker potency in inhibiting STIM1 aggregation and association with Orai1 than wt-CSQ1. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that CSQ1 monomers suppress SOCE by interacting with STIM1 and attenuating STIM1 aggregation via its C-terminal amino acid 362-396.
Association of Inflammation prior to Kidney Transplantation with Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Martinez Cantarin Maria P. , Keith Scott W. , Lin Zhao , Doria Cataldo , Frank Adam M. , Maley Warren R. , Ramirez Carlo , Lallas Costas D. , Shah Ashesh , Waldman Scott A. , Falkner Bonita
Published: May 2016

Background/Objective: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is both common and associated with poor outcomes after kidney transplantation. Our objective was to examine relationships of uremia-associated inflammation and adiponectin with PTDM. Methods: Nondiabetic kidney transplant patients were enrolled with donor controls. Inflammatory cytokines and adiponectin were measured before and after transplantation. Adipose tissue was obtained for gene expression analysis. Glucose transport was quantified in vitro in C2C12 cells following cytokine exposure. The patients were monitored up to 12 months for PTDM. Results: We studied 36 controls and 32 transplant patients, of whom 11 (35%) developed PTDM. Compared to controls, plasma TNFα, IL-6, MCP-1, and CRP levels were higher in transplant patients (p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, TNFα plasma levels before transplantation were associated with development of PTDM (OR = 2.03, p = 0.04). Visceral adipose tissue TNFα mRNA expression was higher in transplant patients than controls (fold change 1.33; p < 0.05). TNFα mRNA expression was also higher in patients who developed PTDM than in those who did not (fold change 1.42; p = 0.05), and adiponectin mRNA expression was lower (fold change 0.48; p < 0.05). The studies on the C2C12 cells demonstrated an increase in glucose uptake following exposure to adiponectin and no significant change after exposure to TNFα alone. Concomitant TNFα and adiponectin exposure blunted adiponectin-induced glucose uptake (11% reduction; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our in vitro and clinical observations suggest that TNFα could contribute to PTDM through an effect on adiponectin. Our study proposes that inflammation is involved in glucose regulation after kidney transplantation.
Race and Sex Differences in the Incidence and Prognostic Significance of Silent Myocardial Infarction in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Zhang Zhu-Ming , Rautaharju Pentti M. , Prineas Ronald J. , Rodriguez Carlos J. , Loehr Laura , Rosamond Wayne D. , Kitzman Dalane , Couper David , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: May 2016

Background—

Race and sex differences in silent myocardial infarction (SMI) are not well established.

Methods and Results—

The analysis included 9498 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline (visit 1, 1987–1989). Incident SMI was defined as ECG evidence of MI without clinically documented MI (CMI) after the baseline until ARIC visit 4 (1996–1998). Coronary heart disease and all-cause deaths were ascertained starting from ARIC visit 4 until 2010. During a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 317 participants (3.3%) developed SMI and 386 (4.1%) developed CMI. The incidence rates of both SMI and CMI were higher in men (5.08 and 7.96 per 1000-person years, respectively) than in women (2.93 and 2.25 per 1000-person years, respectively;
P
<0.0001 for both). Blacks had a nonsignificantly higher rate of SMI than whites (4.45 versus 3.69 per 1000-person years;
P
=0.217), but whites had higher rate of CMI than blacks (5.04 versus 3.24 per 1000-person years;
P
=0.002). SMI and CMI (compared with no MI) were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease death (hazard ratio, 3.06 [95% confidence interval, 1.88–4.99] and 4.74 [95% confidence interval, 3.26–6.90], respectively) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.34 [95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.65] and 1.55 [95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.85], respectively). However, SMI and CMI were associated with increased mortality among both men and women, with potentially greater increased risk among women (interaction
P
=0.089 and 0.051, respectively). No significant interactions by race were detected.

Conclusions—

SMI represents >45% of incident MIs and is associated with poor prognosis. Race and sex differences in the incidence and prognostic significance of SMI exist that may warrant considering SMI in personalized assessments of coronary heart disease risk.
Masked Hypertension and Incident Clinic Hypertension Among Blacks in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Abdalla Marwah , Booth John N. , Seals Samantha R. , Spruill Tanya M. , Viera Anthony J. , Diaz Keith M. , Sims Mario , Muntner Paul , Shimbo Daichi
Published: May 2016

Masked hypertension, defined as nonelevated clinic blood pressure (BP) and elevated out-of-clinic BP may be an intermediary stage in the progression from normotension to hypertension. We examined the associations of out-of-clinic BP and masked hypertension using ambulatory BP monitoring with incident clinic hypertension in the Jackson Heart Study, a prospective cohort of blacks. Analyses included 317 participants with clinic BP <140/90 mm Hg, complete ambulatory BP monitoring, who were not taking antihypertensive medication at baseline in 2000 to 2004. Masked daytime hypertension was defined as mean daytime blood pressure ≥135/85 mm Hg, masked night-time hypertension as mean night-time BP ≥120/70 mm Hg, and masked 24-hour hypertension as mean 24-hour BP ≥130/80 mm Hg. Incident clinic hypertension, assessed at study visits in 2005 to 2008 and 2009 to 2012, was defined as the first visit with clinic systolic/diastolic BP ≥140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication use. During a median follow-up of 8.1 years, there were 187 (59.0%) incident cases of clinic hypertension. Clinic hypertension developed in 79.2% and 42.2% of participants with and without any masked hypertension, 85.7% and 50.4% with and without masked daytime hypertension, 79.9% and 43.7% with and without masked night-time hypertension, and 85.7% and 48.2% with and without masked 24-hour hypertension, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of incident clinic hypertension for any masked hypertension and masked daytime, night-time, and 24-hour hypertension were 2.13 (1.51–3.02), 1.79 (1.24–2.60), 2.22 (1.58–3.12), and 1.91 (1.32–2.75), respectively. These findings suggest that ambulatory BP monitoring can identify blacks at increased risk for developing clinic hypertension.
Visualizing Human-Animal-Technology Relations
Authors: Bear Christopher , Wilkinson Katy , Holloway Lewis
Published: May 2016

This paper explores the potential for less anthropocentric approaches to researching human-nonhuman relations through visual ethnography, critically examining the conceptualization of nonhuman animals as participants. Arguing that method in animal studies has developed more slowly than theory, it proposes visual approaches as a way of foregrounding nonhuman animals’ behavior and actions in “social” research. Questioning the meaning of “participation,” this challenges underlying anthropocentric assumptions of visual ethnography. The paper presents a comparison of approaches used in studying sites, moments and movements of robotic milking on United Kingdom dairy farms: field notes, still photography, and digital video. While visual approaches are not a panacea for more-than-human research, we suggest that they offer a means through which nonhumans might “speak for themselves.” Rather than presenting definitive accounts, including video in such work also leaves the actions of nonhumans open to further interpretation, destabilizing the centrality of the researcher.
Asiopsectra gen. n., a second genus of the family Brachypsectridae (Coleoptera, Elateroidea) from the Palaearctic Region
Authors: Kovalev Alexey V. , Kirejtshuk Alexander G.
Published: May 2016

A new genus of the family Brachypsectridae with two new species,Asiopsectra luculentagen. et sp. n. (type species) from the Middle East (Iran) andA. mirificasp. n. from Middle Asia (Tajikistan) are described. The genusAsiopsectragen. n., in contrast to the genusBrachypsectra, is characterized by the 12-segmented bilamellate antennae, the very large and subcontiguous antennal fossae, the strongly raised supra-antennal keels, the very narrow mandibles, the presence of small “window” punctures on the elytra, the lack of keels along the posterior pronotal angles, and only a small patch of excretory hairs at the posterior edge of abdominal ventrite 5. A revised diagnosis for the family Brachypsectridae is given.
More on the spider genus Xeropigo O.P.-Cambridge (Araneae, Corinnidae, Corinninae): seven new species and new records from Brazil
Authors: CARVALHO LEONARDO S. , SHIMANO YULIE , CANDIANI DAVID F. , BONALDO ALEXANDRE B.
Published: May 2016

Seven new species of the spider genus Xeropigo O. P.-Cambridge are described from Brazil, increasing the genus member list up to 16 species. X. piripiri n. sp., X. aitatu n. sp., and X. cajuina n. sp. are described from the state of Piauí. X. crispim n. sp. is described from the states of Ceará, Piauí, and Maranhão. X. oxente n. sp. is described from the state of Rio Grande do Norte. X. canga n. sp. is described from the state of Minas Gerais. X. ufo n. sp. is described from the state of Mato Grosso. The geographical distribution of X. tridentiger, X. camilae, X. pachitea, and X. perene is updated. A key to all species of Xeropigo is presented and possible relationships among all species of the genus are discussed.
Combining morphology, DNA sequences, and morphometrics: revising closely related species in the orb-weaving spider genus Araniella (Araneae, Araneidae)
Authors: SPASOJEVIC TAMARA , KROPF CHRISTIAN , NENTWIG WOLFGANG , LASUT LIANA
Published: May 2016

The integration of independent data sets could solve problems in both traditional and DNA-based taxonomy. The aim of this study is to investigate the power of CO1 sequences and of morphometrics to distinguish closely related species in the spider genus Araniella. We put special emphasis on the species pair A. cucurbitina (Clerck, 1757) and A. opisthographa (Kulczyński, 1905) since the females are morphologically difficult to distinguish and often misidentified. A total of 216 sequences of eight Araniella species from seven European countries, North America and Asia were included in the molecular analysis. The results from both maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference indicate successful separation of six out of eight Araniella species, including A. cucurbitina and A. opisthographa. For the same six species, we detect no overlap of intra- and interspecific genetic divergence, leading to successful species identification with a threshold approach. In addition, morphometric analysis of the epigyna of A. cucurbitina and A. opisthographa supports species separation by two best explanatory ratios: receptaculum length and distance between receptaculum and copulatory duct. Although a small overlap in the ratios exists, the species identification rate increases when combining morphometric and molecular data, which demonstrates the efficiency of integrative approaches for distinguishing closely related species. However, none of the molecular approaches was able to separate closely related A. alpica (L. Koch, 1869) and A. inconspicua (Simon, 1874) due to shared CO1 haplotypes. Considering the clear morphological separation of the males and different habitat preferences, incomplete lineage sorting or introgressive hybridization could have led to identical CO1 sequences. Therefore, DNA-barcoding must be thoroughly tested even within small homogenous genera of spiders.
A review of the genus Capulinia Signoret (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae) with description of two new species
Authors: KONDO T. , GULLAN P.J. , COOK L.G.
Published: May 2016

The eriococcid genus Capulinia Signoret currently comprises four Neotropical species (the type species C. sallei Signoret, C. crateraformis Hempel, C. jaboticabae Ihering and an undescribed species recognised in the literature) and one species from New Zealand (C. orbiculata Hoy). All species feed on plants in the family Myrtaceae and the undescribed species is a pest of guava, Psidium guajava, in Venezuela and Colombia. Here we describe the pest species based on the adult female and first-instar nymph and name it Capulinia linarosae Kondo & Gullan sp. n. We provide a summary of published information on the biology and pest status of C. linarosae by translating the Spanish literature. We also describe the adult female and first-instar nymph of a new Argentine species that we name as C. luma Kondo & Gullan sp. n. after its host Luma apiculata. In addition, we redescribe the adult female of C. jaboticabae and include notes on C. crateraformis, C. orbiculata and C. sallei. We provide a revised generic diagnosis and keys to all Capulinia species based on adult females and, where available, first-instar nymphs, as well as a revised key to South American eriococcid genera. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA place Capulinia within the "Gondwanan" clade of eriococcids, mostly likely within the Myrtaceae-feeding group.