bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Low-Cost Point-of-Care Testing System for Psychomotor Symptoms of Depression Affecting Standing Balance: A Preliminary Study in India
Authors: Dutta Arindam , Kumar Robins , Malhotra Suruchi , Chugh Sanjay , Banerjee Alakananda , Dutta Anirban
Published: September 2013

The World Health Organization estimated that major depression is the fourth most significant cause of disability worldwide for people aged 65 and older, where depressed older adults reported decreased independence, poor health, poor quality of life, functional decline, disability, and increased chronic medical problems. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to develop a low-cost point-of-care testing system for psychomotor symptoms of depression and (2) to evaluate the system in community dwelling elderly in India. The preliminary results from the cross-sectional study showed a significant negative linear correlation between balance and depression. Here, monitoring quantitative electroencephalography along with the center of pressure for cued response time during functional reach tasks may provide insights into the psychomotor symptoms of depression where average slope of the Theta-Alpha power ratio versus average slope of baseline-normalized response time may be a candidate biomarker, which remains to be evaluated in our future clinical studies. Once validated, the biomarker can be used for monitoring the outcome of a comprehensive therapy program in conjunction with pharmacological interventions. Furthermore, the frequency of falls can be monitored with a mobile phone-based application where the propensity of falls during the periods of psychomotor symptoms of depression can be investigated further.
Impact of Genetic Variants of Apolipoprotein E on Lipid Profile in Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Gregório Michele L. , Pinhel Marcela A. S. , Sado Caroline L. , Longo Gabriela S. , Oliveira Fábio N. , Amorim Gisele S. , Nakazone Marcelo A. , Florim Greiciane M. , Mazeti Camila M. , Martins Denise P. , Tognola Waldir A. , Brandão Antonio C. , Júnior Sidney Pinheiro , de Godoy Moacir F. , Souza Dorotéia R. S.
Published: September 2013

The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) seems to involve genetic susceptibility to neurodegeneration.APOEgene has been considered a risk factor for PD. This study aimed to evaluate the association ofAPOEpolymorphism with PD and its influence on lipid profile. We studied 232 PD patients (PD) and 169 individuals without the disease. The studied polymorphism was analyzed by PCR/RFLP. The Fisher's exact test, chi-square, ANOVA, andt-test (P<0.05) were applied. TheAPOE3/3genotype was prevalent in PD patients and Controls (P=0.713) followed byAPOE3/4(P=0.772). Both groups showed recommended values for lipid profile, with increase in the values of total cholesterol and LDLc, as well as decreased values of triglycerides in PD patients compared with Controls (P<0.05for all of them). Increased levels of HDLc, in PD patients, were associated with theAPOE3/3versusAPOE-/4genotypes (P=0.012). TheAPOEpolymorphism does not distinguish PD patients from Controls, as opposed to the lipid profile alone or in association withAPOE. Furthermore, a relationship between increase of HDLc levels andAPOE3in homozygous was found in PD patients only.
A Multilabel Texture Segmentation Based on Local Entropy Signature
Authors: Park Bo-Young , Kim Hyo-Hun , Hong Byung-Woo
Published: September 2013

We propose a multilabel segmentation that aims to partition a texture image into multiple regions based on a homogeneity condition using local entropy measured at varying scales. For multi-label segmentation, a bipartitioning segmentation scheme is recursively applied to confined regions obtained by previous segmentation steps. The empirical entropy is measured in the local neighbourhoods at varying scales, which is used as a characteristic feature in determining the spatial regularity of elementary texture structures. The experimental results on a variety of texture images demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Evolving Concepts: How Diet and the Intestinal Microbiome Act as Modulators of Breast Malignancy
Authors: Shapira Iuliana , Sultan Keith , Lee Annette , Taioli Emanuela
Published: September 2013

The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in human physiology. Next-generation sequencing technologies, knockout and gnotobiotic mouse models, fecal transplant data and epidemiologic studies have accelerated our understanding of microbiome abnormalities seen in immune diseases and malignancies. Dysbiosis is the disturbed microbiome ecology secondary to external pressures such as host diseases, medications, diet and genetic conditions often leading to abnormalities of the host immune system. Specifically dysbiosis has been shown to lower circulating lymphocytes, and increase neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, a finding which has been associated with a decreased survival in women with breast cancers. Dysbiosis also plays a role in the recycling of estrogens via the entero-hepatic circulation, increasing estrogenic potency in the host, which is another leading cause of breast malignancy. Non-modifiable factors such as age and genetic mutations disrupt the microbiome, but modifiable factors such as diet may also lead to profound disruptions as well. A better understanding of dietary factors and how they disrupt the microbiome may lead to beneficial nutritional interventions for breast cancer patients.
A Hybrid Architecture for Vision-Based Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Güzel Mehmet Serdar , Zakaria Wan
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes a new obstacle avoidance method using a single monocular vision camera as the only sensor which is called as Hybrid Architecture. This architecture integrates a high performance appearance-based obstacle detection method into an optical flow-based navigation system. The hybrid architecture was designed and implemented to run both methods simultaneously and is able to combine the results of each method using a novel arbitration mechanism. The proposed strategy successfully fused two different vision-based obstacle avoidance methods using this arbitration mechanism in order to permit a safer obstacle avoidance system. Accordingly, to establish the adequacy of the design of the obstacle avoidance system, a series of experiments were conducted. The results demonstrate the characteristics of the proposed architecture, and the results prove that its performance is somewhat better than the conventional optical flow-based architecture. Especially, the robot employing Hybrid Architecture avoids lateral obstacles in a more smooth and robust manner than when using the conventional optical flow-based technique.
15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2Down-Regulates Activin-Induced Activin Receptor, Smad, and Cytokines Expression via Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK Signaling in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Park Seung-Won , Cho Chunghee , Cho Byung-Nam , Kim Youngchul , Goo Tae Won , Kim Young Il
Published: September 2013

15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2(15d-PGJ2) and activin are implicated in the control of apoptosis, cell proliferation, and inflammation in cells. We examined both the mechanism by which 15d-PGJ2regulates the transcription of activin-induced activin receptors (ActR) and Smads in HepG2 cells and the involvement of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in this regulation. Activin A (25 ng/mL) inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation, whereas 15d-PGJ2(2 μM and 5 μM) had no effect. Activin A and 15d-PGJ2showed different regulatory effects on ActR and Smad expression, NF-κB p65 activity and MEK/ERK phosphorylation, whereas they both decreased IL-6 production and increased IL-8 production. When co-stimulated with 15d-PGJ2and activin, 15d-PGJ2inhibited the activin-induced increases in ActR and Smad expression, and decreased activin-induced IL-6 production. However, it increased activin-induced IL-8 production. In addition, 15d-PGJ2inhibited activin-induced NF-κB p65 activity and activin-induced MEK/ERK phosphorylation. These results suggest that 15d-PGJ2suppresses activin-induced ActR and Smad expression, down-regulates IL-6 production, and up-regulates IL-8 production via suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway in HepG2 cells. Regulation of ActR and Smad transcript expression and cytokine production involves NF-κB and the MAPK pathway via interaction with 15d-PGJ2/activin/Smad signaling.
Austenite Grain Growth Behavior of AISI 4140 Alloy Steel
Authors: Wang Lin , Qian Dongsheng , Guo Jun , Pan Yan
Published: September 2013

AISI 4140 alloy steel is widely applied in the manufacture of various parts such as gears, rams, and spindles due to its good performance of strength, toughness, and wear resistance. The former researches most focused on its deformation and recrystallization behaviors under high temperature. However, the evolution laws of austenite grain growth were rarely studied. This behavior also plays an important role in the mechanical properties of parts made of this steel. In this study, samples are heated to a certain temperature of 1073 K, 1173 K, 1273 K, and 1373 K at a heating rate of 5 K per second and hold for different times of 0 s, 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, and 480 s before being quenched with water. The experimental results suggest that the austenite grains enlarge with increasing temperature and holding time. A mathematical model and an application developed in Matlab environment are established on the basis of previous works and experimental results to predict austenite grains size in hot deformation processes. The predicted results are in good agreement with experimental results which indicates that the model and the application are reliable.
The Possible Role of TLR2 in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Precore Mutation
Authors: Moradzadeh Malihe , Tayebi Sirous , Poustchi Hossein , Sayehmiri Kourosh , Shahnazari Parisa , Naderi Elnaz , Montazeri Ghodratollah , Mohamadkhani Ashraf
Published: September 2013

Recognition mechanisms of innate immune response help to improve immunotherapeutic strategies in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is an important component of innate immunity. In this study, the frequency of precore mutations of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and serum TLR2 were evaluated in CHB patients. Fifty-one patients with chronic hepatitis B, negative for HBeAg and detectable HBV DNA, were examined for the presence of mutations in pre-core region of HBV genome by direct sequencing. Serum TLR2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Interactions of truncated HBeAg and TLR2 proteins were evaluated with molecular docking software. The G1896A pre-core mutation were detected in 29 (57%) which was significantly associated with higher concentration of serum TLR2 in comparison with patients without this mutation (4.8±2.9 versus 3.4±2.2 ng/mL,P=0.03). There was also a significant correlation between serum ALT and TLR-2 (r=0.46;P=0.01). Docking results illustrated residues within the N-terminus of truncated HBeAg and TLR2, which might facilitate the interaction of these proteins. These findings showed the dominance of G1896A pre-core mutation of HBV variants in this community which was correlated with serum TLR2. Moreover TLR2 is critical for induction of inflammatory cytokines and therefore ALT elevation.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Plasmonics-Based GaAs MSM-Photodetector for High Bandwidth-Product Responsivity
Authors: Das Narottam , Fadakar Masouleh Farzaneh , Mashayekhi Hamid Reza
Published: September 2013

A detailed numerical study of subwavelength nanogratings behavior to enhance the light absorption characteristics in plasmonic-based metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors (MSM-PDs) is performed by implementation of 2D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm. Due to the structure design and changes in the device physical parameters, various devices with different geometries are simulated and compared. Parameters like nano-grating height and duty cycle (DC) are optimized for rectangular and taper subwavelength metal nanogratings on GaAs substrate and their impact on light absorption below the diffraction limits are confirmed. The calculated light enhancement is ~32.7-times for an optimized device in comparison with a conventional MSM-PD. This enhancement is attributed to the plasmonic effects in the near-field region.
Mean-Field Approach to Dielectric Relaxation in Giant Dielectric Constant Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Ke Shanming , Lin Peng , Huang Haitao , Fan Huiqing , Zeng Xierong
Published: September 2013

The dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O3 (CCTO) and A2FeNbO6 (AFN, A = Ba, Sr, and Ca) giant dielectric constant ceramics were investigated in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 10 MHz. The relaxation properties can be perfectly described by a polaron model, indicating that the dielectric relaxation is intimately related to the hopping motion caused by localized charge carriers.
Controllability of Impulsive Fractional Functional Integro-Differential Equations in Banach Spaces
Authors: Ravichandran C. , Trujillo J. J.
Published: September 2013

This paper is concerned with the controllability problem for a class of mixed type impulsive fractional integro-differential equations in Banach spaces. Sufficient conditions for the controllability result are established by using suitable fixed point theorem combined with the fractional calculus theory and solution operator under some weak conditions. The example is given in illustrate the theory. The results of this article are generalization and improved of the recent results on this issue.
Effect of Forest Structural Change on Carbon Storage in a Coastal Metasequoia glyptostroboides Stand
Authors: Cheng Xiangrong , Yu Mukui , Wu Tonggui
Published: September 2013

Forest structural change affects the forest’s growth and the carbon storage. Two treatments, thinning (30% thinning intensity) and underplanting plus thinning, are being implemented in a coastal Metasequoia glyptostroboides forest shelterbelt in Eastern China. The vegetation carbon storage significantly increased in the underplanted and thinned treatments compared with that in the unthinned treatment (P < 0.05). The soil and litterfall carbon storage in the underplanted treatment were significantly higher than those in the unthinned treatment (P < 0.05). The total forest ecosystem carbon storage in the underplanted and thinned treatments increased by 35.3% and 26.3%, respectively, compared with that in the unthinned treatment, an increase that mainly came from the growth of vegetation aboveground. Total ecosystem carbon storage showed no significant difference between the underplanted and thinned treatments (P > 0.05). The soil light fraction organic carbon (LFOC) was significantly higher at the 0–15 cm soil layer in the thinned and underplanted stands compared with that in the unthinned stand (P < 0.05). The soil respiration of the underplanted treatment was significantly higher than that of the unthinned treatment only in July (P < 0.05). This study concludes that 30% thinning and underplanting after thinning could be more favorable to carbon sequestration for M. glyptostroboides plantations in the coastal areas of Eastern China.
The Relationship between Carotid Atherosclerosis, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Oxidative Stress in Middle-Aged and Elderly Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ren Hongqi , Zhou Xuan , Luan Zhiyong , Luo Xiaomei , Han Shujing , Cai Qing , Rui Wang , Li Yan
Published: September 2013

Objective. To identify the relationship between microinflammation, oxidative stress, and carotid arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients.Methods. The CASβand PWV obtained by ultrasound technology were used to assess carotid arterial stiffness. We divided the patients into either the CAS group or the non-CAS group based on the presence or absence of CAS. The parameters of ALB, Ca, P, TC, HDL, LDL, TG, glucose, creatinine, and hs-CRP levels were routinely tested in both groups of patients. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and 8-isoprostane F2αwere measured by ELISA.Results. A total of 42 patients were enrolled in the CAS group and 20 patients were enrolled in the non-CAS group. No significant differences between the CAS group and the non-CAS group were observed with respect to age, dialysis duration, DBP, BUN, Cr, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, and Hb. However, SBP , pulse pressure, and 8-isoprostane levels of the CAS group were higher than those of the non-CAS group. The hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were elevated in both groups but showed no significant differences.Conclusions. Maintenance of hemodialysis patients exhibits a microinflammatory state that may lead to atherosclerosis. The roles of hypertension and oxidative stress may be more important.
An Unrecognised Case of a Scapula Fracture Sustained through an Unusual Indirect Mechanism
Authors: Wu Feiran , Rajpura Asim , Shahid Mohammad , Sandher Dilraj
Published: September 2013

Scapula fractures following low-velocity injuries are extremely rare but can be a missed associated fracture of other upper limb injuries. We describe the case of a patient who sustained a fracture of the scapula through an unusual and hitherto unreported indirect mechanism. The injury was associated with a radial head fracture and initially missed on presentation. This case highlights the need for increased vigilance when diagnosing injuries with unusual mechanisms.
The Effect of Boundary Slip on the Transient Pulsatile Flow of a Modified Second-Grade Fluid
Authors: Khajohnsaksumeth N. , Wiwatanapataphee B. , Wu Y. H.
Published: September 2013

We investigate the effect of boundary slip on the transient pulsatile fluid flow through a vessel with body acceleration. The Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect, expressing the fluid behavior near the wall by the Newtonian fluid while in the core by a non-Newtonian fluid, is also taken into account. To describe the non-Newtonian behavior, we use the modified second-grade fluid model in which the viscosity and the normal stresses are represented in terms of the shear rate. The complete set of equations are then established and formulated in a dimensionless form. For a special case of the material parameter, we derive an analytical solution for the problem, while for the general case, we solve the problem numerically. Our subsequent analytical and numerical results show that the slip parameter has a very significant influence on the velocity profile and also on the convergence rate of the numerical solutions.
Bilateral Facial Palsy in Rapidly Progressive Course of Wegener’s Granulomatosis: A Case Report
Authors: Roszkowska Anna , Morawska-Kochman Monika , Temporale Hanna , Sikorska-Żuk Małgorzata , Kręcicki Tomasz
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Wegener’s granulomatosis belongs to a group of systemic vasculitis diseases, which is characterized by necrotizing vasculitis and presence of granulomas. In a lot of cases, the first symptoms of the disease are observed in the head and neck region, but the bilateral facial nerve palsy occurs very rarely.Objective. The objective of our report was to describe the unusual course of Wegener’s granulomatosis with the bilateral facial nerve paralysis, which subsided after application of steroids and immunosuppressive therapy in combination with surgical treatment.Results and Conclusions. Hearing loss may precede other symptoms in Wegener’s granulomatosis. Ear pain and otorrhea may suggest the diagnosis of bacterial purulent otitis media and delay the proper diagnosis. In the presented case, considering the clinical course, it was necessary to apply both pharmacological and surgical treatments.
Quantifying Changes in the Cellular Thiol-Disulfide Status during Differentiation of B Cells into Antibody-Secreting Plasma Cells
Authors: Hansen Rosa E. , Otsu Mieko , Braakman Ineke , Winther Jakob R.
Published: September 2013

Plasma cells produce and secrete massive amounts of disulfide-containing antibodies. To accommodate this load on the secretory machinery, the differentiation of resting B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells is accompanied by a preferential expansion of the secretory compartments of the cells and by an up-regulation of enzymes involved in redox regulation and protein folding. We have quantified the absolute levels of protein thiols, protein disulfides, and glutathionylated proteins in whole cells. The results show that while the global thiol-disulfide state is affected to some extent by the differentiation, steady-state levels of glutathionylated protein thiols are less than 0.3% of the total protein cysteines, even in fully differentiated cells, and the overall protein redox state is not affected until late in differentiation, when large-scale IgM production is ongoing. A general expansion of the ER does not affect global protein redox status until an extensive production of cargo proteins has started.
Targeted Drug Delivery to Endothelial Adhesion Molecules
Authors: Muzykantov Vladimir R.
Published: September 2013

Endothelial cells represent important targets for therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in many cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. Targeted delivery of drugs (especially potent and labile biotherapeutics that require specific subcellular addressing) and imaging probes to endothelium holds promise to improve management of these maladies. In order to achieve this goal, drug cargoes or their carriers including liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles are chemically conjugated or fused using recombinant techniques with affinity ligands of endothelial surface molecules. Cell adhesion molecules, constitutively expressed on the endothelial surface and exposed on the surface of pathologically altered endothelium—selectins, VCAM-1, PECAM-1, and ICAM-1—represent good determinants for such a delivery. In particular, PECAM-1 and ICAM-1 meet criteria of accessibility, safety, and relevance to the (patho)physiological context of treatment of inflammation, ischemia, and thrombosis and offer a unique combination of targeting options including surface anchoring as well as intra- and transcellular targeting, modulated by parameters of the design of drug delivery system and local biological factors including flow and endothelial phenotype. This review includes analysis of these factors and examples of targeting selected classes of therapeutics showing promising results in animal studies, supporting translational potential of these interventions.
The Role of Empathy and Wisdom in Medical Practice and Pedagogy: Confronting the Hidden Curriculum
Authors: Marcum James A.
Published: September 2013

The role of the virtues of empathy and wisdom in clinical practice is used to address two crises facing modern medicine—quality of care and professionalism. To that end, these virtues are initially explored individually and then collectively in terms of a synergistic relationship between them. Next, how empathy and wisdom guide and empower clinical practice, especially in terms of their synergistic relationship, is discussed vis-à-vis the two crises. The “Grand Rounds” scene from “W;t”—Margaret Edson’s 1999 Pulitzer prize-winning play—is used to illustrate how these virtues function with respect to providing quality care in a professional manner. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges facing the pedagogy of equipping medical students, residents, and even practicing clinicians with virtues like empathy and wisdom.
Protective Effect of Spin-Labeled 1-Ethyl-1-nitrosourea against Oxidative Stress in Liver Induced by Antitumor Drugs and Radiation
Authors: Gadjeva V. , Grigorov B. , Nikolova G. , Tolekova A. , Zheleva A. , Vasileva M.
Published: September 2013

This study was carried out to investigate possible protection effect of 1-ethyl-3-[4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl)]-1-nitrosourea (SLENU), synthesized in our laboratory, against oxidative liver injuries induced in mice treated by antitumor drugs: doxorubicin (DOX), bleomycin (BLM), or gamma irradiation (R). Specifically, alterations in some biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as lipid peroxidation products measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were studied in liver homogenates isolated from tumor bearing C57 black mice after i.p. treatment with solutions of DOX (60 mg/kg), BLM (60 mg/kg), or after total body gamma-irradiation with a single dose of 5 Gy. The same biomarkers were also measured after i.p. pretreatment of mice with SLENU (100 mg/kg). Statistical significant increased MDA levels and SOD and CAT enzymes activities were found in the liver homogenates of tumor bearing mice after alone treatment with DOX or gamma-irradiation compared to the control mice, while these parameters were insignificantly increased after BLM administration compared to the same controls.
Thermal and Hydrothermal Treatment of Silica Gels as Solid Stationary Phases in Gas Chromatography
Authors: El-Naggar Ashraf Yehia
Published: September 2013

Silica gel was prepared and treated thermally and hydrothermally and was characterized as solid stationary phase in gas chromatography. The characteristics have been evaluated in terms of polarity, selectivity, and separation efficiencies. These parameters were used to assess the outer silica surface contributions and the degree of surface deactivation brought about by different treatment techniques. The parent silica elutes the paraffinic hydrocarbons with high efficiency of separation and elutes aromatic hydrocarbons with nearly good separation and has bad separation of alcohols. The calcined silica at 500°C and 1000°C has a pronounced effect on the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons compared with the parent silica and hydrothermal treatment of silica. With respect to alcohols separation, the obtained bad separations using treated and untreated silica reflect the little effect of the thermal and hydrothermal treatment on the silica surface deactivation.
Large Traumatic Pneumatocele in a 2-Year-Old Child
Authors: Cheung N. K. , James A. , Kumar R.
Published: September 2013

Traumatic pneumatoceles are a rare complication of blunt chest trauma in children. Although they characteristically present as small, regular shaped lesions which can be safely treated nonoperatively, larger traumatic pneumatoceles pose diagnostic and management difficulties for clinicians. This case study reports one of the largest traumatic pneumatoceles reported to date in the paediatric population, which resulted in aggressive surgical intervention for both diagnostic and treatment reasons. This case adds further evidence to the current literature that significantly large traumatic pneumatoceles with failure of initial conservative management warrant surgical exploration and management to optimise recovery and prevent complications.
Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Doustkami Hossein , Hooshyar Afshin , Maleki Nasrollah , Tavosi Zahra , Feizi Iraj
Published: September 2013

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a rare clinical entity that can pose diagnostic problems. The diagnosis of CP requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. The gold standard for diagnosis is cardiac catheterization with analysis of intracavitary pressure curves, which are high and, in end diastole, equal in all chambers. We present a patient with unexplained dyspnea, recurrent right-side pleural effusion, and ascites. Analysis of the ascitic fluid revealed a high protein content and an elevated serum-ascites gradient. Echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac catheterization revealed the diagnosis of CP. He underwent complete pericardiectomy and to date has made a good recovery. The diagnosis of CP is often neglected by admitting physicians, who usually attribute the symptoms to another disease process. This case exemplifies the difficulty in diagnosing this condition, as well as the investigation required, and provides a discussion of the benefit and outcomes of prompt treatment.
Cavernous Hemangioma-Like Kaposi Sarcoma: Histomorphologic Features and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Onak Kandemir Nilüfer , Barut Figen , Doğan Gün Banu , Solak Tekin Nilgün , Hallaç Keser Sevinç , Oğuz Özdamar Şükrü
Published: September 2013

Aim. Cavernous hemangioma-like Kaposi sarcoma is a rare morphologic type of Kaposi sarcoma. So far there are no cases in the literature defining the histological features of this morphologic spectrum in detail. In this study we presented two classical-type cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma cases with histologic findings resembling cavernous hemangioma in company with clinical and histopathological data.Cases. One hundred and eighty-five classical-type cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma lesions in 79 patients were assessed retrospectively in terms of histopathological features. Findings of two cases showing features of cavernous hemangioma-like Kaposi sarcoma whose clinical data could be accessed were presented in accompany with the literature data. Both cases were detected to have bluish-purple, protruded, irregularly bordered cutaneous lesions. Histopathological examination revealed a lesion formed by cavernous hemangioma-like vascular structures organized in a lobular pattern that became dilated and filled with blood. Typical histological findings of early-stage KS, consisting of mononuclear inflammation, extravasated erythrocytes, and a few immature vascular structures in superficial dermis, were observed. All cases were serologically HIV-1 negative. A positive reaction with HHV-8, CD31, CD34, and D2-40 monoclonal antibodies was identified at both cavernous hemangioma-like areas and in immature vascular structures.Results. Cavernous hemangioma-like Kaposi sarcoma is a rare Kaposi sarcoma variant presenting with diagnostic challenges, that may be confused with hemangioma. As characteristic morphological features may not be observed in every case, it is important for diagnostic purposes to show immunohistochemical HHV-8 positivity in this variant.
Growth Retardation in Children with Kidney Disease
Authors: Salas Paulina , Pinto Viola , Rodriguez Josefina , Zambrano Maria Jose , Mericq Veronica
Published: September 2013

Growth failure is almost inextricably linked with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Growth failure in CKD has been associated with both increased morbidity and mortality. Growth failure in the setting of kidney disease is multifactorial and is related to poor nutritional status as well as comorbidities, such as anemia, bone and mineral disorders, and alterations in hormonal responses, as well as to aspects of treatment such as steroid exposure. This review covers updated management of growth failure in these children including adequate nutrition, treatment of metabolic alterations, and early administration of recombinant human growth hormone (GH).
Evaluation of Efficacy of Anionic Surfactant Degradation in the Presence of Concomitant Impurities of Natural Waters
Authors: Shvadchina Yuliya , Vakulenko Vera , Alekseenko Elena , Sova Anatoliy
Published: September 2013

The efficacy of anionic surfactant—sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate (ABS) degradation in the river waters and model solutions containing humic acid by various oxidation processes has been compared. The most effective method is photocatalytic ozonation (O3/TiO2/UV) which ensures maximum reduction of ABS concentration (94%‐95% over 20–30 min) from ~5 mg/dm3 to values not exceeding the MPC (<0.5 mg/dm3) and the highest degree of total organic carbon (TOC) removal (up to 74%) at the lowest values of specific ozone consumption per 1 mg/dm3 of TOC compared to ozonation and O3/UV. Photocatalytic oxidation with air oxygen (O2/TiO2/UV) and O3/UV treatment provides a smaller decrease in ABS concentrations (86%–93% and 71%–87% within 20–30 min, resp.) and significantly lowers TOC removal (up to 57% and 47%, resp.). Ozonation and UV irradiation, used separately, are inefficient methods for ABS degradation (<40%), and for TOC removal (<15%).
Body Mass Index in Multiple Sclerosis: Associations with CSF Neurotransmitter Metabolite Levels
Authors: Markianos Manolis , Evangelopoulos Maria-Eleftheria , Koutsis Georgios , Davaki Panagiota , Sfagos Constantinos
Published: September 2013

Body weight and height of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) or clinically isolated syndrome suggesting MS (CIS) in the age range 18 to 60 years (154 males and 315 females) were compared with those of subjects (146 males and 212 females) free of any major neurological disease. In drug-free patients, CSF levels of the metabolites of noradrenaline (MHPG), serotonin (5-HIAA), and dopamine (HVA), neurotransmitters involved in eating behavior, were estimated in searching for associations with body mass index (BMI). Statistical evaluations were done separately for males and females. Lower BMI was found in female MS patients compared to female controls, more pronounced in RRMS. BMI was not associated with duration of illness, smoking, present or previous drug treatment, or disability score. Body height showed a shift towards greater values in MS patients compared to controls. Patients in the lower BMI quartile (limits defined from control subjects) had lower 5-HIAA and HVA compared to patients in the upper quartile. The results provide evidence for weight reduction during disease process in MS, possibly related to deficits in serotoninergic and dopaminergic activities that develop during disease course, resulting in impairments in food reward capacity and in motivation to eat.
Distributed Compressed Sensing MRI Using Volume Array Coil
Authors: Feng Zhen , Liu Feng , Guo He , Chen Zhikui , Jiang Mingfeng , Hong Mingjian , Jia Qi
Published: September 2013

The volume array coil in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is a typical application of the distributed sensor network in the biomedical area. Each coil provides a large coverage of the imaged object, and the signals are largely overlapped during the data acquisition. The intercoil image similarities can be explored for the distributed compressed sensing (CS) based image reconstruction. In this work, a singular value decomposition (SVD) based sparsity basis was developed for the CS-MRI with a volume array coil configuration. In this novel imaging method, the spatial correlation both of intracoil and intercoil exploited. The experimental results showed that is with eightfold undersampled k-space data acquisition, the target images could still be faithfully reconstructed using the proposed method, which offered a better imaging performance compared to conventional CS schemes.
RNAi-Mediated Silencing of Myc Transcription Inhibits Stem-like Cell Maintenance and Tumorigenicity in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Civenni Gianluca , Malek Anastasia , Albino Domenico , Garcia-Escudero Ramon , Napoli Sara , Di Marco Stefano , Pinton Sandra , Sarti Manuela , Carbone Giuseppina M. , Catapano Carlo V.
Published: September 2013

Several studies link disease progression, recurrence, and treatment failures to the cancer stem-like cell (CSC) subpopulation within the heterogeneous tumor cell population. Myc is a transcription factor having a central function in stem cell biology and in human cancers. Hence, Myc represents an attractive target to develop CSC-specific therapies. Recent findings suggest that Myc transcription can be silenced using an RNA interference (RNAi)–based strategy that targets noncoding promoter-associated RNA (paRNA) overlapping the transcription start site. In this study, we investigated the effects of silencing Myc transcription on prostate CSC in cell culture and xenograft models of human prostate cancer. Treatment with an effective promoter-targeting siRNA reduced the fraction of CSCs, leading to reduced self-renewal, tumor-initiating, and metastatic capability. Combined analysis of stem-like cells and senescence markers indicated that Myc silencing triggered a phenotypic shift and senescence in the CSC subpopulation. Notably, systemic delivery of the promoter-targeting siRNA in the xenograft model produced a striking suppression in the development of prostate tumors. Our results support a pivotal role for Myc in CSC maintenance and show that Myc targeting via RNAi-based transcriptional silencing can trigger CSC senescence and loss of their tumor-initiating capability. More generally, our findings demonstrate the efficacy of RNAi-based transcriptional strategies and the potential to target regulatory noncoding paRNAs for therapeutic applications. Cancer Res; 73(22); 6816–27. ©2013 AACR.
A Tissue-Dependent Hypothesis of Dental Caries
Authors: Simón-Soro Á. , Belda-Ferre P. , Cabrera-Rubio R. , Alcaraz L.D. , Mira A.
Published: September 2013

Current understanding of dental caries considers this disease a demineralization of the tooth tissues due to the acid produced by sugar-fermenting microorganisms. Thus, caries is considered a diet- and pH-dependent process. We present here the first metagenomic analysis of the bacterial communities present at different stages of caries development, with the aim of determining whether the bacterial composition and biochemical profile are specific to the tissue affected. The data show that microbial composition at the initial, enamel-affecting stage of caries is significantly different from that found at subsequent stages, as well as from dental plaque of sound tooth surfaces. Although the relative proportion of Streptococcus mutans increased from 0.12% in dental plaque to 0.72% in enamel caries, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis were the dominant streptococci in these lesions. The functional profile of caries-associated bacterial communities indicates that genes involved in acid stress tolerance and dietary sugar fermentation are overrepresented only at the initial stage (enamel caries), whereas other genes coding for osmotic stress tolerance as well as collagenases and other proteases enabling dentin degradation are significantly overrepresented in dentin cavities. The results support a scenario in which pH and diet are determinants of the disease during the degradation of enamel, but in dentin caries lesions not only acidogenic but also proteolytic bacteria are involved. We propose that caries disease is a process of varying etiology, in which acid-producing bacteria are the vehicle to penetrate enamel and allow dentin degrading microorganisms to expand the cavity.
Prognostic Factors of ‘High-Grade' Ta Bladder Cancers according to the WHO 2004 Classification: Are These Equivalent to ‘High-Risk' Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer?
Authors: Gontero Paolo , Gillo Arianna , Fiorito Chiara , Oderda Marco , Pacchioni Donatella , Casetta Giovanni , Peraldo Francesca , Zitella Andrea , Tizzani Alessandro , Ricceri Fulvio
Published: September 2013

Objective: To determine the impact of prognostic factors of a series of high-grade Ta non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers (NMIBCs) according to the new International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 1998/WHO 2004 grading system (previously classified as either TaG2 or TaG3). Methods: One hundred and thirty-one high-grade Ta (105 G2 and 26 G3) cases were identified after independent review by two pathologists. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models addressed recurrence and progression-free survival. Progression was defined as appearance of any T ≥1 recurrence after complete TUR (type 1) or occurrence of T ≥2 (type 2). Results: Ten-year recurrence, type-1 and type-2 progression-free survival were 60, 75 and 95%, respectively. The previous grading system (G3 vs. G2) significantly predicted type 1 progression in the univariate model only. In the multivariate model, Ki67 was the only independent predictor of progression according to both definitions (HR = 5.25, p = 0.002 and HR = 6.16, p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: High-grade Ta NMIBC as defined by the WHO 2004 grading system cannot be equated with high-risk NMIBC. The risk of progression to muscle-invasive disease (type 2) is low, more in keeping with an intermediate-risk category of NMIBC. The previous WHO 1973 subcategorization into G2 and G3 is of little help in the prediction of outcome. Ki67 is a strong independent predictor of progression worthy of consideration for a clinical setting.
Effect of Phallic Stretch on Length of Bulbous Urethral Stricture during Retrograde Urethrography
Authors: Kathpalia Rohit , Dalela Divakar , Goel Apul , Mandal Swarnendu , Sankhwar Satya Narayan , Yadav Rahul , Nagathan Deepak , Dalela Deepansh
Published: September 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of phallic stretch on bulbous urethral stricture while performing retrograde urethrography (RUG). Methods: Between July 2009 and June 2012, 197 adult males with stricture pattern on uroflowmetry underwent RUG. Two films were taken, first without (film A) and second after stretching the penis by about 5 cm (film B). 29 cases with proximal and distal bulbous strictures were included in the present analysis. The data recorded were stricture lengths in films A and B. Results: 12 men had distal bulbous or penobulbous stricture (group 1) while 17 had stricture involving the proximal bulb (group 2). Mean stricture length in group 1 was 2.82 cm (range 1.2-4.2 cm) in film A and 4.59 cm (range 3.0-6.4 cm) in film B. In group 2 stricture length was 1.76 cm (range 1.0-2.3 cm) in film A and 1.79 cm (range 1.0-2.5 cm) in film B. The percentage change in stricture length on stretching was 38.48% (p = 0.0001) in group 1 and 1.67% (p = 0.8301) in group 2. Conclusions: The impact of phallic stretch on radiographic length during RUG was found to be significant in distal bulbous but not in proximal urethral stricture, which is important when interpreting the RUG and deciding the management of stricture.
A Prospective, Comparative, Observational Study on Optical Coherence Tomography of the Anterior Eye Segment
Authors: Theelen Thomas , Hoyng Carel B.
Published: September 2013

Background: We compared two commercially available spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices according to their capacity of imaging the anterior segment of the eye with the same detail and quality. Methods: A prospective, observational, single-visit study with individuals aged 18 years and older was conducted on two different OCT devices: the Spectralis™ OCT and the RTVue™ OCT. The resulting OCT images of both study devices of each study subject were compared and qualified by a single investigator according to the identification of corresponding structures and pathologies (primary endpoint) and the comparability of the clinical information given (secondary endpoint). Results: We included 28 eyes (28 patients) in our study, e.g. 8 normal eyes, 7 of subjects with corneal disease, 8 eyes with chamber angle pathology and 5 cases with pathology of the sclera. Of all anterior segment structures analyzed, 93.9% were identified by Spectralis™ OCT and 91.2% were detected by RTVue® OCT with a high positive correlation (r = 0.996; p < 0.0001) between the two devices. Conclusions: The majority of clinically relevant structures could be identified with both devices in all subjects. The Spectralis OCT tended to perform better in the illustration of deep anterior segment structures like the ciliary body and sclera.
The Effects of Perioperative Inhaled Iloprost on Pulmonary Hypertension with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Sung Ki Won , Jeon Yang Bin , Kim Na Yeon , Park Kook Yang , Park Chul Hyun , Choi Chang Hyu , Choi Deok Young
Published: September 2013

Objectives: The treatment of choice for congenital heart disease (CHD) with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is still controversial. We assessed the efficacy and safety of perioperative inhaled iloprost therapy in CHD with PAH. Methods: Among 45 patients with a ventricular septal defect and/or an atrial septal defect with PAH, 28 patients were treated with inhaled iloprost before and after surgery. Perioperative clinical parameters and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were evaluated. Results: No statistical difference in the estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (e-RVP), the e-RVP-to-systemic pressure ratio, and preoperative BNP levels between the iloprost group and the control group were found. Among the iloprost group, oxygen saturation was increased significantly after iloprost inhalation therapy (p = 0.0052). The iloprost group was also significantly correlated with less use of inhaled nitric oxide in the immediate postoperative period compared to the control group (p = 0.021). The durations of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.018), ICU stay (p = 0.005), and chest tube use (p = 0.039) were significantly shorter in the iloprost group compared to the control group. The plasma BNP, checked on 7th day of postoperatively, was lower in the iloprost group than in the control group (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Perioperative inhaled iloprost therapy showed the benefit of cardiac functional improvement and early weaning of postoperative supportive care in the management of CHD with PAH.
The Potential Depigmenting Activity of Retinaldehyde
Authors: Sorg O. , Kasraee B. , Salomon D. , Saurat J.-H.
Published: September 2013

Background: Retinoids have been reported to exert depigmenting activity. Unlike most depigmenting agents that target tyrosinase, they are not phenolic agents and may act via different mechanisms. Objectives: We analysed the properties of retinaldehyde (RAL), a precursor of retinoic acid (RA), as a skin-lightening agent in various models. Methods: The viability and the depigmenting properties of RAL were assessed in murine melanocytes, in human reconstructed epidermis, and in mice and guinea pigs. The melanin content and cytotoxicity were assessed in melanocytes; in 3-dimensional models, the melanin concentration and the number of active melanocytes were determined. Results: RAL was taken up by melanocytes and mostly metabolised to retinol and retinyl esters, and to a lesser extent to RA. RAL decreased the melanin concentration of guinea pig ears and mouse tails by 54 and 74%, respectively, and decreased the number of active melanocytes by 42 and 77%, respectively. In reconstructed epidermis the melanin concentration was increased by 52%, whereas the number of active melanocytes decreased by 44%. Conclusion: RAL exerts a significant depigmenting activity with a mode of action that looks different from that of RA. Our data suggest a skin-lightening effect related to a melanolytic action (i.e. a decrease in melanin concentration, whatever the mechanism) rather than to melanocytotoxicity, besides other still unknown actions of RAL on melanocytes.
Subclinical Macular Edema as a Predictor of Progression to Clinically Significant Macular Edema in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pires Isabel , Santos Ana Rita , Nunes Sandrina , Lobo Conceição , Cunha-Vaz José
Published: September 2013

Objective: To examine the relationship between subclinical diabetic macular edema (DME) and the development of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) in nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A prospective, monocenter, observational study was designed to follow patients/eyes with type 2 diabetes and NPDR (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study levels 20 and 35) with no prior laser treatment for 2 years or until development of CSME. Ophthalmologic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), were performed at baseline, 6 months and a final visit. Results: A total of 348 patients completed study follow-up; 26 eyes developed CSME. Six out of 32 eyes/patients presenting subclinical DME at baseline developed CSME (18.7%), while 20 out of 316 eyes without subclinical DME developed CSME (6.3%). Eyes/patients with subclinical DME presented a risk for DME progression 3.686 times higher than that of eyes/patients without subclinical DME (95% confidence interval 1.221-7.988). Conclusions: Subclinical DME in eyes with NPDR identified by center point thickness measured on a Stratus OCT is a good predictor of CSME development.