bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γTriggers Hepatic Stellate Cell-Mediated Immune Regulation through MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gu Xiaodong , Wang Yan , Xiang Jianbin , Chen Zongyou , Wang Lianfu , Lu Lina , Qian Shiguang
Published: May 2013

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) interact with immune cells to actively participate in regulating immune response in the liver which is mediated by the effector molecules, including B7-H1. We demonstrated here that expression of B7-H1 on HSCs was markedly enhanced by interferon-(IFN-)γstimulation. IFN-γstimulated HSCs inhibited T-cell proliferation via induction of T-cell apoptosis (22.1% ± 1.6%). This immunosuppressive effect was inhibited by preincubation with an anti-B7-H1 antibody, or inhibitor of the MEK/ERK pathway inhibited IFN-γmediated expression of B7-H1. Thus, regulation of B7-H1 expression on HSCs by IFN-γrepresents an important mechanism that regulates immune responses in the liver favoring tolerogenicity rather than immunogenicity. Involvement of MEK/ERK pathway provides a novel target for therapeutic approaches.
Pre- and Posttherapy Assessment of Intestinal Soluble Mediators in IBD: Where We Stand and Future Perspectives
Authors: Scaldaferri F. , Petito V. , Lopetuso L. , Bruno G. , Gerardi V. , Ianiro G. , Sgambato A. , Gasbarrini A. , Cammarota G.
Published: May 2013

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by an abnormal immune response against food or bacterial antigens in genetically predisposed individuals. Several factors of innate and adaptive immune system take part in the inflammatory process, probably actively contributing in endoscopic and histological healing at molecular level. Although it is difficult to discriminate whether they are primary factors in determining these events or they are secondarily involved, it would be interesting to have a clear map of those factors in order to have a restricted number of potentially “good candidates” for mucosal healing. The present review will present a class of these factors and their modulation in course of therapy, starting from pathogenic studies involving several treatments associated with good clinical outcomes. This approach is meant to help in the difficult task of identifying “good candidates” for healing signatures, which could also be possible new therapeutic targets for clinical management of IBD patients.
Obstacles in Haemocompatibility Testing
Authors: van Oeveren W.
Published: May 2013

ISO 10993-4 is an international standard describing the methods of testing of medical devices for interactions with blood for regulatory purpose. The complexity of blood responses to biomaterial surfaces and the variability of blood functions in different individuals and species pose difficulties in standardisation. Moreover,in vivoorin vitrotesting, as well as the clinical relevance of certain findings, is still matter of debate. This review deals with the major remaining problems, including a brief explanation of surface interactions with blood, the current ISO 10993 requirements for testing, and the role ofin vitrotest models. The literature is reviewed on anticoagulation, shear rate, blood-air interfaces, incubation time, and the importance of evaluation of the surface area after blood contact. Two test categories deserve further attention: complement and platelet function, including the effects on platelets from adhesion proteins, venipuncture, and animal derived- blood. The material properties, hydrophilicity, and roughness, as well as reference materials, are discussed. Finally this review calls for completing the acceptance criteria in the ISO standard based on a panel of test results.
Comparison of Bioradiolocation and Respiratory Plethysmography Signals in Time and Frequency Domains on the Base of Cross-Correlation and Spectral Analysis
Authors: Alekhin Maksim , Anishchenko Lesya , Tataraidze Alexander , Ivashov Sergey , Parashin Vladimir , Dyachenko Alexander
Published: May 2013

Comparison of bioradiolocation and standard respiratory plethysmography signals during simultaneous registration of different types of the human breathing movements is performed in both time and frequency domains. For all couples of synchronized signals corresponding to bioradiolocation and respiratory plethysmography methods, the cross-correlation and spectral functions are calculated, and estimates of their generalized characteristics are defined. The obtained results consider bioradiolocation to be a reliable remote sensing technique for noncontact monitoring of breathing pattern in medical applications.
Semantic Integration of Sensor Data and Disaster Management Systems: The Emergency Archetype Approach
Authors: Lezcano Leonardo , Santos Leopoldo , García-Barriocanal Elena
Published: May 2013

The Semantic Sensor Web (SSW) allows emergency response management (ERM) systems to consume sensor data and improve response time and effectiveness. It is also a fact that ERM must be carried out as a multiorganizational task to combine sensor data with human decisions and observations. A frequent problem in such scenarios is that current formats for data exchange do not support sensor data in a way that allows semantic interoperability between heterogeneous ERM systems. Therefore, part of the semantic richness coming from the SSW, such as the Semantic Sensor Network Ontology (SSNO), is lost when sensor data is embedded in current ERM messages. To bridge the gap, an application of the two-level paradigm to the ERM domain is proposed. The advantages of using “emergency archetypes” include semantic data integration and flexibility to represent new types of messages, without losing the support for seamless exchange between heterogeneous ERM systems. Emergency archetypes can reuse the terminologies and ontologies available in the ERM domain so that systems based on previous formats can switch to archetypes in a straightforward process. Finally, a method to attach rules to emergency archetypes is explained, allowing not only the semantic interoperability of ERM data but also of the inference knowledge that trigger alerts and support decision making.
A Class of Solutions for the Hybrid Kinetic Model in the Tumor-Immune System Competition
Authors: Cattani Carlo , Ciancio Armando
Published: May 2013

In this paper, the hybrid kinetic models of tumor-immune system competition are studied under the assumption of pure competition. The solution of the coupled hybrid system depends on the symmetry of the state transition density which characterizes the probability of successful occurrences. Thus by defining a proper transition density function, the solutions of the hybrid system are explicitly computed and applied to a classical (realistic) model of competing populations.
Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in LPS-Activated Microglia by Cryptolepine
Authors: Olajide Olumayokun A. , Bhatia Harsharan S. , de Oliveira Antonio C. P. , Wright Colin W. , Fiebich Bernd L.
Published: May 2013

Cryptolepine, an indoloquinoline alkaloid inCryptolepis sanguinolenta, has anti-inflammatory property. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of cryptolepine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced neuroinflammation in rat microglia and its potential mechanisms. Microglial activation was induced by stimulation with LPS, and the effects of cryptolepine pretreatment on microglial activation and production of proinflammatory mediators, PGE2/COX-2, microsomal prostaglandin E2synthase and nitric oxide/iNOS were investigated. We further elucidated the role of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinases in the antiinflammatory actions of cryptolepine in LPS-stimulated microglia. Our results showed that cryptolepine significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), nitric oxide, and PGE2. Protein and mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS were also attenuated by cryptolepine. Further experiments on intracellular signalling mechanisms show that IκB-independent inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation contributes to the anti-neuroinflammatory actions of cryptolepine. Results also show that cryptolepine inhibited LPS-induced p38 and MAPKAPK2 phosphorylation in the microglia. Cell viability experiments revealed that cryptolepine (2.5 and 5 μM) did not produce cytotoxicity in microglia. Taken together, our results suggest that cryptolepine inhibits LPS-induced microglial inflammation by partial targeting of NF-κB signalling and attenuation of p38/MAPKAPK2.
Using Ensemble of Neural Networks to Learn Stochastic Convection Parameterizations for Climate and Numerical Weather Prediction Models from Data Simulated by a Cloud Resolving Model
Authors: Krasnopolsky Vladimir M. , Fox-Rabinovitz Michael S. , Belochitski Alexei A.
Published: May 2013

A novel approach based on the neural network (NN) ensemble technique is formulated and used for development of a NN stochastic convection parameterization for climate and numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. This fast parameterization is built based on learning from data simulated by a cloud-resolving model (CRM) initialized with and forced by the observed meteorological data available for 4-month boreal winter from November 1992 to February 1993. CRM-simulated data were averaged and processed to implicitly define a stochastic convection parameterization. This parameterization is learned from the data using an ensemble of NNs. The NN ensemble members are trained and tested. The inherent uncertainty of the stochastic convection parameterization derived following this approach is estimated. The newly developed NN convection parameterization has been tested in National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmospheric Model (CAM). It produced reasonable and promising decadal climate simulations for a large tropical Pacific region. The extent of the adaptive ability of the developed NN parameterization to the changes in the model environment is briefly discussed. This paper is devoted to a proof of concept and discusses methodology, initial results, and the major challenges of using the NN technique for developing convection parameterizations for climate and NWP models.
Biomedical Pollutants in the Urban Environment and Implications for Public Health: A Case Study
Authors: Squire Jeffrey N. T.
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the management of biomedical pollutants in the Accra Metropolitan Area in Ghana, using a qualitative case study approach involving interviews, focus-group discussions, and observation techniques. A state of precariousness was found to characterize the management of biomedical pollutants in the study area, culminating in the magnification of risks to the environment and public health. There is neither a single sanitary landfill nor a properly functioning incineration system in the entire metropolis, and most of the healthcare facilities surveyed lack access to suitable treatment technologies. As a result, crude burning and indiscriminate dumping of infectious and toxic biomedical residues were found to be widespread. The crude burning of toxic biomedical pollutants was found to provide environmental pathways for carcinogenic substances. These include polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hydrogen, lead, mercury, cadmium, chlorobenzenes, particulate matter, and chlorophenols. The improper disposal of biomedical pollutants in open dumps and unsanitary landfills also carries a risk of providing environmental entry points for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), inorganic macrocomponents, heavy metals, and xenobiotic organic compounds.
Improving Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation by Incorporating Nondominated Solutions
Authors: Lim Kian Sheng , Ibrahim Zuwairie , Buyamin Salinda , Ahmad Anita , Naim Faradila , Ghazali Kamarul Hawari , Mokhtar Norrima
Published: May 2013

The Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is widely used to solve multiobjective optimisation problems. This algorithm optimises one objective using a swarm of particles where their movements are guided by the best solution found by another swarm. However, the best solution of a swarm is only updated when a newly generated solution has better fitness than the best solution at the objective function optimised by that swarm, yielding poor solutions for the multiobjective optimisation problems. Thus, an improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is introduced by incorporating the nondominated solutions as the guidance for a swarm rather than using the best solution from another swarm. In this paper, the performance of improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is investigated using performance measures such as the number of nondominated solutions found, the generational distance, the spread, and the hypervolume. The results suggest that the improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm has impressive performance compared with the conventional Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm.
Manufacture of Partially Biodegradable Composite Materials Based on PLA-Tires Powder: Process and Characterization
Authors: Rios-Soberanis Carlos Rolando , Wakayama Shuchi , Sakai Takenobo , Rodriguez-Laviada José de los Ángeles , Pérez-Pacheco Emilio
Published: May 2013

This research work focuses on the processability and mechanical characterization of blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and tire (elastomeric part). Wasted tires used as filler in the PLA matrix were reduced by two different processes (thermal shock and pyrolysis) in order to acquire the solid residuals in powder to be characterized and compared. Elastomeric solids obtained from scraped tires were used as filler in the PLA matrix and mixed in a Brabender 60 cc mixer at different concentrations ranging from 0% to 60% of filler volume fraction. The blend was laminated, and then samples were obtained in order to undertake mechanical properties at tension and Izod impact tests. A fully detailed analysis on the solid powders by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared analysis (IR), and scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM) identified them as a rich source of carbon. Blends were characterized thermally and mechanically showing a direct effect due to the tire nature (thermoset rubber) and concentration. Fracture mechanisms were also identified.
The History of Inpatient Care in German Departments Focussing on Natural Healing
Authors: Beer André-Michael , Uehleke Bernhard , Wiebelitz Karl Rüdiger
Published: May 2013

We describe historic developments of inhouse facilities for natural healing in this paper, which were mainly located in German speaking regions. The naturopathic movement is a relabeling of the hydropathic movement in Germany, which was supported by a considerable proportion of the population in Germany during the mid 19th century. Due to the fact that hydropathic treatments were provided by nonmedical healers, discriminated as “quacks”, there was continuous hostility between hydropathy/naturopathy and medicine. However, among the many establishments providing inhouse treatment for acute and chronic diseases over weeks there were some which were controlled by medical doctors in the 20th century and some which were implemented by government. In many of the establishments there were approaches for measuring usefulness of the treatments, some of which have been initiated explicitly for that purpose.
A Unique Cause of Intestinal and Splenic Infarction in a Sickle Cell Trait Patient
Authors: Asfaw Sofya H. , Falk Gavin A. , Morris-Stiff Gareth , Tuthill Ralph J. , Moorman Matthew L. , Samotowka Michael A.
Published: May 2013

Sickle-cell trait is a common genetic abnormality in the African American population. A sickle-cell crisis in a patient with sickle-cell trait is uncommon at best. Abdominal painful crises are typical of patients with sickle cell anemia. The treatment for an abdominal painful crisis is usually medical and rarely surgical. We present the case of a cocaine-induced sickle-cell crisis in a sickle-cell trait patient that resulted in splenic, intestinal, and cerebral infarctions and multisystem organ failure necessitating a splenectomy, subtotal colectomy, and small bowel resection. This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma that abdominal pain can present in the sickle-cell population and illustrates the importance of recognizing the potential for traditionally medically managed illnesses to become surgical emergencies.
Asymptomatic Bone Cement Pulmonary Embolism after Vertebroplasty: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Geraci Girolamo , Lo Iacono Giorgio , Lo Nigro Chiara , Cannizzaro Fabio , Cajozzo Massimo , Modica Giuseppe
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Acrylic cement pulmonary embolism is a potentially serious complication following vertebroplasty.Case Report. A 70-year-old male patient was treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic nontraumatic vertebral collapse of L5-S1. Asymptomatic pulmonary cement embolism was detected on routine postoperative chest radiogram and the patient was treated with enoxaparin, amoxicillin, and dexamethasone. At the followup CT scan no further migration of any cement material was reported; and the course was uneventful.Discussion. The frequency of local leakage of bone cement is relatively high (about 80–90%), moreover, the rate of cement leakage into the perivertebral veins (seen in up to 24% of vertebral bodies treated) with consequent pulmonary cement embolism varies from 4.6 to 6.8% (up to 26% in radiologic studies); the risk of embolism is increased with the liquid consistency of the cement and with the treatment of some malignant lesions. Patients may remain asymptomatic and develop no known long-term sequelae.Conclusions. Our ancedotal case illustrates the need for close monitoring of patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty and emphasizes the importance of prompt and correct diagnosis and treatment, even if actually there is no agreement regarding the therapeutic strategy.
Regulatory T Cells in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Michael Maria , Shimoni Avichai , Nagler Arnon
Published: May 2013

Growing evidence suggests that cellular adoptive immunotherapy is becoming an attractive though challenging approach in regulating tumor immunity and alloresponses in clinical transplantation. Naturally arising CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) have emerged as a key component in this regard. Over the last decade, a large body of evidence from preclinical models has demonstrated their crucial role in auto- and tumor immunity and has opened the door to their “first-in-man” clinical application. Initial studies in clinical allogeneic stem cell transplantation are very encouraging and may pave the way for other applications. Further improvements in Tregex vivoorin vivoexpansion technologies will simplify their global clinical application. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of Treg biology and their potential for cell-based immunotherapy in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Groups Which Contain the Diffeomorphisms and Superdiffeomorphisms as Proper Subgroups
Authors: Pandres Dave
Published: May 2013

We begin by recalling a group which is an enlargement of the diffeomorphisms on an ordinary manifold. We used this larger group to unify the gravitational and electroweak fields, which are mediated by bosons. Unfortunately, we could not include the neutrinos, because geometrical theories based on an ordinary manifold generally cannot include fermions. Therefore, in this paper, we introduce an analogous group that contains the superdiffeomorphisms on a DeWitt supermanifold as a proper subgroup.
Experiments on the Use of Signal Visualization Technique for In-Service Stall Detection in Industrial Fans
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , Corsini Alessandro , Sheard Anthony G.
Published: May 2013

The paper describes a stalldetection criterion based on the use of symmetrised dot pattern (SDP) visual waveform analysis and the stallwarning methodology based on a recently developed analysis. The experimental study explores the capability of the SDP technique to detect the stall incipience and evolution in the presence of low signal-to-noise ratios, that is, a noisy working environment. Moreover, the investigation presents a systematic analysis on the probe position’s influence with respect to the fan section. As such, the SDP technique in combination with an acoustic measurement is able to create a visual pattern that one can use to detect stall from potentially any location around the fan/duct system.
Electrical Resistivity of Pristine and Functional Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lu Yijiang , Li Jing , Hong Haiping
Published: May 2013

The resistance of several pristine and functional single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) deposited and dried on interdigitated electrode (IDE) chips was investigated to better understand how functional groups influence their resistivity. Without the external electrical field, the resistance was generally increased for the sulfonated and fluorinated SWNTs but not for COOH‐SWNTs. With a 3 V electric field applied during depositing, while no change in resistance was found for the purified pristine SWNTs, fluorinated SWNTs, COOH SWNTs, and Ni‐SWNTs, a significant decrease in resistance was observed in sulfonated SWNTs and unpurified pristine SWNTs, which could be due to the alignment of SWNTs in an electric field. The alignment of the sulfonated SWNTs is most likely due to the charge of the sulfate functional group. It is interesting to note that the alignment was found in the unpurified pristine SWNTs but not in the purified pristine ones which have lessened resistivity. The lower resistivity in the purified pristine SWNTs may be due to the smaller number (<5%) of impurities. The significance of this research is that hydrophilic COOH‐SWNTs could be a better candidate than the hydrophobic pristine SWNTs for being used in many applications, especially in polymer nanocomposites.
Statistical Evaluation of a Fully Automated Mammographic Breast Density Algorithm
Authors: Abdolell Mohamed , Tsuruda Kaitlyn , Schaller Gerry , Caines Judy
Published: May 2013

Visual assessments of mammographic breast density by radiologists are used in clinical practice; however, these assessments have shown weaker associations with breast cancer risk than area-based, quantitative methods. The purpose of this study is to present a statistical evaluation of a fully automated, area-based mammographic density measurement algorithm. Five radiologists estimated density in 5% increments for 138 “For Presentation” single MLO views; the median of the radiologists’ estimates was used as the reference standard. Agreement amongst radiologists was excellent, ICC = 0.884, 95% CI (0.854, 0.910). Similarly, the agreement between the algorithm and the reference standard was excellent, ICC = 0.862, falling within the 95% CI of the radiologists’ estimates. The Bland-Altman plot showed that the reference standard was slightly positively biased (+1.86%) compared to the algorithm-generated densities. A scatter plot showed that the algorithm moderately overestimated low densities and underestimated high densities. A box plot showed that 95% of the algorithm-generated assessments fell within one BI-RADS category of the reference standard. This study demonstrates the effective use of several statistical techniques that collectively produce a comprehensive evaluation of the algorithm and its potential to provide mammographic density measures that can be used to inform clinical practice.
Trichostatin A Promotes the Generation and Suppressive Functions of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Doñas Cristian , Fritz Macarena , Manríquez Valeria , Tejón Gabriela , Bono María Rosa , Loyola Alejandra , Rosemblatt Mario
Published: May 2013

Regulatory T cells are a specific subset of lymphocytes that suppress immune responses and play a crucial role in the maintenance of self-tolerance. They can be generated in the thymus as well as in the periphery through differentiation of naïve CD4+T cells. The forkhead box P3 transcription factor (Foxp3) is a crucial molecule regulating the generation and function of Tregs. Here we show that thefoxp3gene promoter becomes hyperacetylated inin vitrodifferentiated Tregs compared to naïve CD4+T cells. We also show that the histone deacetylase inhibitor TSA stimulated thein vitrodifferentiation of naïve CD4+T cells into Tregs and that this induction was accompanied by a global increase in histone H3 acetylation. Importantly, we also demonstrated that Tregs generated in the presence of TSA have phenotypical and functional differences from the Tregs generated in the absence of TSA. Thus, TSA-generated Tregs showed increased suppressive activities, which could potentially be explained by a mechanism involving the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73. Our data show that TSA could potentially be used to enhance the differentiation and suppressive function of CD4+Foxp3+Treg cells.
Expedite Privacy-Preserving Emergency Communication Scheme for VANETs
Authors: Chen Long , Jia Xuedan , Meng Lixia , Wang Liangmin
Published: May 2013

The existing communication schemes are often unusable in natural disasters and public emergencies. But requirements of information collection and data transmission in emergency scenario are very imperative. Thus, sensor networks ad hoc networks are required in the emergency communication systems. For example, rescue vehicles equipped with wireless communication devices, sensors, and cameras are regularly used to collect and transmit the real-time information for the rescue action. The paper focuses on security solutions for the vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) in the emergency communication cases, in which the communication infrastructures are not always available. An expedite privacy-preserving emergency communication (EPEC) scheme is presented for the vehicles to securely connect with the others in the neighbor area even when the trusted infrastructures are destroyed by the disaster. EPEC satisfies conditional privacy preservation requirements, in which both lightweight signature and batch verification are employed to provide efficiency. We also show the proof of the security, feasibility, and efficiency of our EPEC by the theoretical and experimental analyses.
Bifurcation and Chaotic Behavior of a Discrete-Time SIS Model
Authors: Li Junhong , Cui Ning
Published: May 2013

The discrete-time epidemic model is investigated, which is obtained using the Euler method. It is verified that there exist some dynamical behaviors in this model, such as transcritical bifurcation, flip bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, and chaos. The numerical simulations, including bifurcation diagrams and computation of Lyapunov exponents, not only show the consistence with the theoretical analysis but also exhibit the rich and complex dynamical behaviors.
Estimating Kidney Function in the Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Seller-Pérez Gemma , Herrera-Gutiérrez Manuel E. , Maynar-Moliner Javier , Sánchez-Izquierdo-Riera José A. , Marinho Anibal , do Pico José Luis
Published: May 2013

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an accepted measure for assessment of kidney function. For the critically ill patient, creatinine clearance is the method of reference for the estimation of the GFR, although this is often not measured but estimated by equations (i.e., Cockroft-Gault or MDRD) not well suited for the critically ill patient. Functional evaluation of the kidney rests in serum creatinine (Crs) that is subjected to multiple external factors, especially relevant overhydration and loss of muscle mass. The laboratory method used introduces variations in Crs, an important fact considering that small increases in Crs have serious repercussion on the prognosis of patients. Efforts directed to stratify the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) have crystallized in the RIFLE or AKIN systems, based in sequential changes in Crs or urine flow. These systems have provided a common definition of AKI and, due to their sensitivity, have meant a considerable advantage for the clinical practice but, on the other side, have introduced an uncertainty in clinical research because of potentially overestimating AKI incidence. Another significant drawback is the unavoidable period of time needed before a patient is classified, and this is perhaps the problem to be overcome in the near future.
Oral Health Behavior of Parents as a Predictor of Oral Health Status of Their Children
Authors: Bozorgmehr Elham , Hajizamani Abolghasem , Malek Mohammadi Tayebeh
Published: May 2013

Introduction. It is widely acknowledged that the behavior of parents affects their children’s health. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral health behavior of parents and oral health status and behavior of their children in a sample of preschool children in Iran. Method and Material. A random sample of over-five-year-old preschool children and their parents were enrolled in the study. Selection of schools was by clustering method. Parents were asked to fill a piloted questionnaire which included demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, oral health behaviors of children and their parents. Oral health status of children was examined. The parent and their children oral health relationship were tested using regression and correlation analysis. Results. About 222 parents and children participated in the study. There was a significant relationship between history of having dental problems in parents and dmft index in their children (P=0.01). There was a significant relationship between parental frequency of tooth brushing and child frequency of tooth brushing (P=0.05); however, there was no significant relationship between parental frequency of dental visits and those of their children (P=0.1). Conclusion. The study concluded that some important health behaviors in parents, such as tooth brushing habits are important determinants of these behaviors in their young children. So promoting parent knowledge and attitude could affect their children oral health behavior and status.
Dietary Calcium Intake and Calcium Supplementation in Hungarian Patients with Osteoporosis
Authors: Speer Gábor , Szamosujvári Pál , Dombai Péter , Csóré Katalin , Mikófalvi Kinga , Steindl Tímea , Streicher Ildikó , Tarsoly Júlia , Zajzon Gergely , Somogyi Péter , Szamosújvári Pál , Lakatos Péter
Published: May 2013

Purpose. Adequate calcium intake is the basis of osteoporosis therapy—when this proves insufficient, even specific antiosteoporotic agents cannot exert their actions properly.Methods. Our representative survey analyzed the dietary intake and supplementation of calcium in 8033 Hungarian female and male (mean age: 68 years) (68.01 (CI95: 67.81–68.21)) patients with osteoporosis.Results. Mean intake from dietary sources was665±7.9 mg (68.01 (CI95: 67.81–68.21)) daily. A significant positive relationship could be detected between total dietary calcium intake and lumbar spine BMD (P=0.045), whereas such correlation could not be demonstrated with femoralT-score. Milk consumption positively correlated with femur (P=0.041), but not with lumbar BMD. The ingestion of one liter of milk daily increased theT-score by 0.133. Average intake from supplementation was558±6.2 mg (68.01 (CI95: 67.81–68.21)) daily. The cumulative dose of calcium—from both dietary intake and supplementation—was significantly associated with lumbar (r=0.024,P=0.049), but not with femur BMD (r=0.021,P=0.107). The currently recommended 1000–1500 mg total daily calcium intake was achieved in 34.5% of patients only. It was lower than recommended in 47.8% of the cases and substantially higher in 17.7% of subjects.Conclusions. We conclude that calcium intake in Hungarian osteoporotic patients is much lower than the current recommendation, while routinely applied calcium supplementation will result in inappropriately high calcium intake in numerous patients.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Magnetic Field on Natural Convection in a Curved-Shape Enclosure
Authors: Sheikholeslami M. , Hashim I. , Soleimani Soheil
Published: May 2013

This investigation reports the magnetic field effect on natural convection heat transfer in a curved-shape enclosure. The numerical investigation is carried out using the control volume-based-finite element method (CVFEM). The numerical investigations are performed for various values of Hartmann number and Rayleigh number. The obtained results are depicted in terms of streamlines and isotherms which show the significant effects of Hartmann number on the fluid flow and temperature distribution inside the enclosure. Also, it was found that the Nusselt number decreases with an increase in the Hartmann number.
Long-Term Station Blackout Accident Analyses of a PWR with RELAP5/MOD3.3
Authors: Prošek Andrej , Cizelj Leon
Published: May 2013

Stress tests performed in Europe after accident at Fukushima Daiichi also required evaluation of the consequences of loss of safety functions due to station blackout (SBO). Long-term SBO in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) leads to severe accident sequences, assuming that existing plant means (systems, equipment, and procedures) are used for accident mitigation. Therefore the main objective was to study the accident management strategies for SBO scenarios (with different reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) leaks assumed) to delay the time before core uncovers and significantly heats up. The most important strategies assumed were primary side depressurization and additional makeup water to reactor coolant system (RCS). For simulations of long term SBO scenarios, including early stages of severe accident sequences, the best estimate RELAP5/MOD3.3 and the verified input model of Krško two-loop PWR were used. The results suggest that for the expected magnitude of RCPs seal leak, the core uncovery during the first seven days could be prevented by using the turbine-driven auxiliary feedwater pump and manually depressurizing the RCS through the secondary side. For larger RCPs seal leaks, in general this is not the case. Nevertheless, the core uncovery can be significantly delayed by increasing RCS depressurization.
Collaboration Control of Fractional-Order Multiagent Systems with Sampling Delay
Authors: Yang Hong-yong , Guo Lei , Xu Banghai , Gu Jian-zhong
Published: May 2013

Because of the complexity of the practical environments, many distributed multiagent systems cannot be illustrated with the integer-order dynamics and can only be described with the fractional-order dynamics. In this paper, collaboration control problems of continuous-time networked fractional-order multiagent systems via sampled control and sampling delay are investigated. Firstly, the sampled-data control of multiagent systems with fractional-order derivative operator is analyzed in a directed weighted network ignoring sampling delay. Then, the collaborative control of fractional-order multiagent systems with sampled data and sampling delay is studied in a directed and symmetrical network. Many sufficient conditions for reaching consensus with sampled data and sampling delay are obtained. Some numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the utility of our theoretical results.
Extravasation Injuries in Adults
Authors: Al-Benna S. , O’Boyle C. , Holley J.
Published: May 2013

Insertion of an intravascular catheter is one of the most common invasive procedures in hospitals worldwide. These intravascular lines are crucial in resuscitation, allow vital medication to be administered, and can be used to monitor the patients' real-time vital parameters. There is, however, growing recognition of potential risks to life and limb associated with their use. Medical literature is now replete with isolated case reports of complications succinctly described by Garden and Laussen (2004) as “An unending supply of “unusual” complications from central venous catheters.” This paper reviews complications of venous and arterial catheters and discusses treatment approaches and methods to prevent complications, based on current evidence and endeavours to provide information and guidance that will enable practitioners to prevent, recognise, and successfully treat extravasation injuries in adults.
Clinical Findings in Albanian Patients with 2009 Influenza AH1N1 Admitted at the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ndreu Arben , Kraja Dhimitër , Bino Silva , Simaku Artan , Hatibi Iris , Çomo Najada , Harxhi Arjan , Ohri Ilir , Shytaj Kastriot , Kolovani Entela , Sula Hektor , Pilaca Arben , Morrison Shane , Rashidi Vania , Mingomataj Ervin Çerçiz
Published: May 2013

Due to the ease of cross-continent spread of infectious diseases, the 2009 influenza AH1N1 (H1N1) affected many countries. This observational prospective study looked at Albanian patients admitted with 2009 H1N1 at the ICU of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital Center of Tirana, from November 2009 to March 2010. Demographic data, symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes were collected from each patient. The number of days spent in the ICU was recorded for each patient along with their radiological and laboratory findings, and outcome at discharge. Critical illness occurred in 31 patients admitted with confirmed 2009 H1N1. The median age of patients was 35 years. Five (16.1%) patients required endotracheal intubation; noninvasive oxygen therapy (NIV) was used in 15 (48.4%) patients via nasal tube; and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) oxygen masks were used in 11 (35.5%) patients. All patients were treated with oseltamivir. Four patients admitted and treated did not survive. Critical illness in the setting of 2009 H1N1 admitted in the ICU predominantly affected young adults. NIV could play a role in treating 2009 influenza H1N1 infection-related hypoxemic respiratory failure that was associated with severe hypoxemia, pneumonia, requirement for prolonged mechanical ventilation, and the frequent use of antiviral therapy.
Structural Adaptation of Cold-Active RTX Lipase fromPseudomonassp. Strain AMS8 Revealed via Homology and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approaches
Authors: Mohamad Ali Mohd. Shukuri , Mohd Fuzi Siti Farhanie , Ganasen Menega , Abdul Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja , Basri Mahiran , Salleh Abu Bakar
Published: May 2013

The psychrophilic enzyme is an interesting subject to study due to its special ability to adapt to extreme temperatures, unlike typical enzymes. Utilizing computer-aided software, the predicted structure and function of the enzyme lipase AMS8 (LipAMS8) (isolated from the psychrophilicPseudomonassp., obtained from the Antarctic soil) are studied. The enzyme shows significant sequence similarities with lipases fromPseudomonassp. MIS38 andSerratia marcescens. These similarities aid in the prediction of the 3D molecular structure of the enzyme. In this study, 12 ns MD simulation is performed at different temperatures for structural flexibility and stability analysis. The results show that the enzyme is most stable at 0°C and 5°C. In terms of stability and flexibility, the catalytic domain (N-terminus) maintained its stability more than the noncatalytic domain (C-terminus), but the non-catalytic domain showed higher flexibility than the catalytic domain. The analysis of the structure and function of LipAMS8 provides new insights into the structural adaptation of this protein at low temperatures. The information obtained could be a useful tool for low temperature industrial applications and molecular engineering purposes, in the near future.
Diagnosis and Management of Extracranial Head and Neck Schwannomas: A Review of 27 Cases
Authors: Yasumatsu Ryuji , Nakashima Torahiko , Miyazaki Rina , Segawa Yuichi , Komune Shizuo
Published: May 2013

Objectives. Clinical records of 27 patients with extracranial head and neck schwannoma were retrospectively reviewed.Methods. Ultrasonography (US) was performed in all cases. Seven patients underwent CT. Twenty-five patients underwent MRI. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed for 12 of the 27 patients. Clinical history, surgical data, and postoperative morbidity were analyzed.Results. The images of US showed a well-defined, hypoechoic, primarily homogeneous solid mass. At CT, only one of 7 cases (14%) was able to suggest the diagnosis of schwannoma. At MRI, twenty of 25 cases (80%) suggested the diagnosis of schwannoma. Only three of 12 cases (25%) displayed a specific diagnosis of schwannoma rendered on FNAC. The distribution of 27 nerves of origin was 10 (37%) vagus nerves, 6 (22%) sympathetic trunks, 5 (19%) cervical plexuses, 3 (11%) brachial plexuses, 2 (7%) hypoglossal nerves, and 1 (4%) accessory nerve. Complete tumor resection was performed in 11 patients, and intracapsular enucleation of the tumor was performed in 16 patients. The rate of nerve palsy was 100 (11/11) and 31% (5/16).Conclusions. MRI is sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of schwannoma. Intracapsular enucleation was an effective and feasible method for preserving the neurological functions.
Emerging Molecularly Targeted Therapies in Castration Refractory Prostate Cancer
Authors: Patel Jesal C. , Maughan Benjamin L. , Agarwal Archana M. , Batten Julia A. , Zhang Tian Y. , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: May 2013

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with medical or surgical castration is the mainstay of therapy in men with metastatic prostate cancer. However, despite initial responses, almost all men eventually develop castration refractory metastatic prostate cancer (CRPC) and die of their disease. Over the last decade, it has been recognized that despite the failure of ADT, most prostate cancers maintain some dependence on androgen and/or androgen receptor (AR) signaling for proliferation. Furthermore, androgen independent molecular pathways have been identified as drivers of continued progression of CRPC. Subsequently, drugs have been developed targeting these pathways, many of which have received regulatory approval. Agents such as abiraterone, enzalutamide, orteronel (TAK-700), and ARN-509 target androgen signaling. Sipuleucel-T, ipilimumab, and tasquinimod augment immune-mediated tumor killing. Agents targeting classic tumorogenesis pathways including vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, insulin like growth factor-1, tumor suppressor, and those which regulate apoptosis and cell cycles are currently being developed. This paper aims to focus on emerging molecular pathways underlying progression of CRPC, and the drugs targeting these pathways, which have recently been approved or have reached advanced stages of development in either phase II or phase III clinical trials.
Curbing Inflammation through Endogenous Pathways: Focus on Melanocortin Peptides
Authors: Ahmed Tazeen J. , Montero-Melendez Trinidad , Perretti Mauro , Pitzalis Costantino
Published: May 2013

The resolution of inflammation is now known to be an active process, armed with a multitude of mediators both lipid and protein in nature. Melanocortins are peptides endowed with considerable promise with their proresolution and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models of inflammatory disease, with tissue protective effects. These peptides and their targets are appealing because they can be seen as a natural way of inducing these effects as they harness endogenous pathways of control. Whereas most of the information generated about these mediators derives from several acute models of inflammation (such as zymosan induced peritonitis), there is some indication that these mediators may inhibit chronic inflammation by modulating cytokines, chemokines, and leukocyte apoptosis. In addition, proresolving mediators and their mimics have often been tested alongside therapeutic protocols, hence have been tested in settings more relevant to real life clinical scenarios. We provide here an overview on some of these mediators with a focus on melanocortin peptides and receptors, proposing that they may unveil new opportunities for innovative treatments of inflammatory arthritis.
Adipocytokines, Inflammation, and Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women: A Prospective Study
Authors: Gross Amy L. , Newschaffer Craig J. , Hoffman-Bolton Judith , Rifai Nader , Visvanathan Kala
Published: May 2013

Obesity is a known risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer; it has been postulated that adipocytokines may mediate this association. We explored the relationship between three markers altered by obesity: leptin, adiponectin, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNF-R2), an inflammatory marker, with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. A nested case–control study of postmenopausal women was conducted within CLUE II, a prospective population-based cohort. Baseline plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, and sTNF-R2 were assayed in 272 female breast cancer cases and 272 controls matched on age, date, and hour of blood draw. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate matched odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). sTNF-R2 and leptin were independently positively associated with breast cancer risk in adjusted models. The OR for breast cancer comparing the highest to lowest tertile was 2.44 (95% CI: 1.30–4.58) for sTNF-R2 and 1.98 (95% CI: 1.20–3.29) for leptin. While higher levels of adiponectin were protective (OR for the lowest tertile = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02–2.60), there was no dose response. A 20% reduction in the breast cancer risk associated with overweight/obesity was observed when sTNF-R2 alone was included in multivariable models. Including both sTNF-R2 and adiponectin in the models resulted in a 29% reduction in the OR. Adipocytokines and sTNF-R2 are important factors in the etiology of postmenopausal breast cancer due to adiposity. This study informs our understanding of the relationship between obesity, inflammation, and postmenopausal breast cancer and identifies potential biomarkers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(7); 1319–24. ©2013 AACR.
A Randomized Phase II Trial of Multiepitope Vaccination with Melanoma Peptides for Cytotoxic T Cells and Helper T Cells for Patients with Metastatic Melanoma (E1602)
Authors: Slingluff Craig L. , Lee Sandra , Zhao Fengmin , Chianese-Bullock Kimberly A. , Olson Walter C. , Butterfield Lisa H. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Leming Philip D. , Kirkwood John M.
Published: May 2013

Purpose: This multicenter randomized trial was designed to evaluate whether melanoma helper peptides augment cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to a melanoma vaccine and improve clinical outcome in patients with advanced melanoma.

Experimental Design: One hundred seventy-five patients with measurable stage IV melanoma were enrolled into 4 treatment groups, vaccinated with 12 MHC class I-restricted melanoma peptides to stimulate CTL (12MP, group A), plus a tetanus peptide (group B), or a mixture of 6 melanoma helper peptides (6MHP, group C) to stimulate helper T lymphocytes (HTL), or with 6 melanoma helper peptide (6MHP) alone (group D), in incomplete Freund's adjuvant plus granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. CTL responses were assessed using an in vitro-stimulated IFN-γ ELIspot assay, and HTL responses were assessed using a proliferation assay.

Results: In groups A to D, respectively, CTL response rates to 12 melanoma peptides were 43%, 47%, 28%, and 5%, and HTL response rates to 6MHP were in 3%, 0%, 40%, and 41%. Best clinical response was partial response in 7 of 148 evaluable patients (4.7%) without significant difference among study arms. Median overall survival (OS) was 11.8 months. Immune response to 6 MHP was significantly associated with both clinical response (P = 0.036) and OS (P = 0.004).

Conclusion: Each vaccine regimen was immunogenic, but MHPs did not augment CTL responses to 12 melanoma peptides. The association of survival and immune response to 6MHP supports further investigation of helper peptide vaccines. For patients with advanced melanoma, multipeptide vaccines should be studied in combination with other potentially synergistic active therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4228–38. ©2013 AACR.