bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arginase activity in Arabidopsis thaliana infected with Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Labudda M. , Różańska E. , Cieśla J. , Sobczak M. , Dzik J. M.
Published: March 2016

The activity of arginase (ARGAH), which results in ornithine and urea production, is important for nitrogen metabolism in all organisms as well as for defence responses. The second‐stage juveniles of the cyst‐forming nematode Heterodera schachtii penetrate roots and induce the formation of a permanent feeding site. To determine whether infection with H. schachtii causes the induction of arginase, the expression was studied in Arabidopsis roots and shoots at the day of inoculation and at 3, 7 and 15 days post‐inoculation (dpi). Parasite infection caused a strong decrease of root arginase activity and ARGAH1 gene expression, which persisted over the entire examination period. In shoots, the mRNA expression of ARGAH2 increased at 3 and 7 dpi, but the enzymatic activity was significantly enhanced only at 3 dpi. Thus, while arginase down‐regulation occurs in roots, which is apparently due to the presence of nematode effectors, in shoots the activity is only transiently up‐regulated despite persistently high gene expression. As oxidative stress is possible during nematode infection, the activity and gene expression of glutathione reductase, a marker of the redox equilibrium, were estimated and found to be significantly enhanced at 7 dpi in shoots of infected plants. The level of proline, an amino acid known for its ability to scavenge free radicals, was increased 60‐fold. The results suggest that the disruption of redox homeostasis, as reflected by increased proline level and glutathione reductase expression and activity, accompanies changes in arginine metabolism in the shoots, indicating systemic changes induced by nematode infection.
Adrenaline release evokes hyperpnoea and an increase in ventilatory CO2 sensitivity during hypoglycaemia: a role for the carotid body
Authors: Thompson Emma L. , Ray Clare J. , Holmes Andrew P. , Pye Richard L. , Wyatt Christopher N. , Coney Andrew M. , Kumar Prem
Published: March 2016

Key points

Hypoglycaemia is counteracted by release of hormones and an increase in ventilation and CO2 sensitivity to restore blood glucose levels and prevent a fall in blood pH.

The full counter‐regulatory response and an appropriate increase in ventilation is dependent on carotid body stimulation.

We show that the hypoglycaemia‐induced increase in ventilation and CO2 sensitivity is abolished by preventing adrenaline release or blocking its receptors.

Physiological levels of adrenaline mimicked the effect of hypoglycaemia on ventilation and CO2 sensitivity.

These results suggest that adrenaline, rather than low glucose, is an adequate stimulus for the carotid body‐mediated changes in ventilation and CO2 sensitivity during hypoglycaemia to prevent a serious acidosis in poorly controlled diabetes.

Hypoglycaemia in vivo induces a counter‐regulatory response that involves the release of hormones to restore blood glucose levels. Concomitantly, hypoglycaemia evokes a carotid body‐mediated hyperpnoea that maintains arterial CO2 levels and prevents respiratory acidosis in the face of increased metabolism. It is unclear whether the carotid body is directly stimulated by low glucose or by a counter‐regulatory hormone such as adrenaline. Minute ventilation was recorded during infusion of insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia (8–17 mIU kg−1 min−1) in Alfaxan‐anaesthetised male Wistar rats. Hypoglycaemia significantly augmented minute ventilation (123 ± 4 to 143 ± 7 ml min−1) and CO2 sensitivity (3.3 ± 0.3 to 4.4 ± 0.4 ml min−1 mmHg−1). These effects were abolished by either β‐adrenoreceptor blockade with propranolol or adrenalectomy. In this hypermetabolic, hypoglycaemic state, propranolol stimulated a rise in , suggestive of a ventilation–metabolism mismatch. Infusion of adrenaline (1 μg kg−1 min−1) increased minute ventilation (145 ± 4 to 173 ± 5 ml min−1) without altering or pH and enhanced ventilatory CO2 sensitivity (3.4 ± 0.4 to 5.1 ± 0.8 ml min−1 mmHg−1). These effects were attenuated by either resection of the carotid sinus nerve or propranolol. Physiological concentrations of adrenaline increased the CO2 sensitivity of freshly dissociated carotid body type I cells in vitro. These findings suggest that adrenaline release can account for the ventilatory hyperpnoea observed during hypoglycaemia by an augmented carotid body and whole body ventilatory CO2 sensitivity.
Stream of Variation Modeling and Analysis for Compliant Composite Part Assembly—Part I: Single-Station Processes
Authors: Zhang Tingyu , Shi Jianjun
Published: March 2016

Composite structures are widely used due to their superior properties, such as low density, high strength, and high stiffness-to-weight ratio (Mallick, 1993, Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing, and Design, Marcel Dekker, New York). However, the lack of methodologies for variation modeling and analysis of composite part assembly has imposed a significant constraint on developing dimensional control for composite assembly processes. This paper develops a modeling method to predict assembly deviation for compliant composite parts in a single-station assembly process. The approach is discussed in two steps: considering the part manufacturing error (PME) only and considering both the PME and the fixture position error (FPE). Finite element method (FEM) and homogenous coordinate transformation are used to reveal the impact of the PME and the FPE. The validity of the method is verified with two case studies on assembly deviation prediction of two composite laminated plates considering the PME only and both the PME and the FPE, respectively. The proposed method provides the basis for assembly deviation prediction in the multistation composite assembly.
Active control and sound synthesis—two different ways to investigate the influence of the modal parameters of a guitar on its sound
Authors: Benacchio Simon , Mamou-Mani Adrien , Chomette Baptiste , Finel Victor
Published: March 2016

The vibrational behavior of musical instruments is usually studied using physical modeling and simulations. Recently, active control has proven its efficiency to experimentally modify the dynamical behavior of musical instruments. This approach could also be used as an experimental tool to systematically study fine physical phenomena. This paper proposes to use modal active control as an alternative to sound simulation to study the complex case of the coupling between classical guitar strings and soundboard. A comparison between modal active control and sound simulation investigates the advantages, the drawbacks, and the limits of these two approaches.
Intraspecific Competition Impacts Vibrio fischeri Strain Diversity during Initial Colonization of the Squid Light Organ
Authors: Sun Yan , LaSota Elijah D. , Cecere Andrew G. , LaPenna Kyle B. , Larios-Valencia Jessie , Wollenberg Michael S. , Miyashiro Tim
Published: March 2016

Animal development and physiology depend on beneficial interactions with microbial symbionts. In many cases, the microbial symbionts are horizontally transmitted among hosts, thereby making the acquisition of these microbes from the environment an important event within the life history of each host. The light organ symbiosis established between the Hawaiian squid
Euprymna scolopes
and the bioluminescent bacterium
Vibrio fischeri
is a model system for examining how hosts acquire horizontally transmitted microbial symbionts. Recent studies have revealed that the light organ of wild-caught
E. scolopes
squid contains polyclonal populations of
V. fischeri
bacteria; however, the function and development of such strain diversity in the symbiosis are unknown. Here, we report our phenotypic and phylogenetic characterizations of FQ-A001, which is a
V. fischeri
strain isolated directly from the light organ of an
E. scolopes
individual. Relative to the type strain ES114, FQ-A001 exhibits similar growth in rich medium but displays increased bioluminescence and decreased motility in soft agar. FQ-A001 outcompetes ES114 in colonizing the crypt spaces of the light organs. Remarkably, we find that animals cocolonized with FQ-A001 and ES114 harbor singly colonized crypts, in contrast to the cocolonized crypts observed from competition experiments involving single genotypes. The results with our two-strain system suggest that strain diversity within the squid light organ is a consequence of diversity in the single-strain colonization of individual crypt spaces.

IMPORTANCE
The developmental programs and overall physiologies of most animals depend on diverse microbial symbionts that are acquired from the environment. However, the basic principles underlying how microbes colonize their hosts remain poorly understood. Here, we report our findings of bacterial strain competition within the coevolved animal-microbe symbiosis composed of the Hawaiian squid and bioluminescent bacterium
Vibrio fischeri
. Using fluorescent proteins to differentially label two distinct
V. fischeri
strains, we find that the strains are unable to coexist in the same niche within the host. Our results suggest that strain competition for distinct colonization sites dictates the strain diversity associated with the host. Our study provides a platform for studying how strain diversity develops within a host.
Meldonium use by athletes at the Baku 2015 European Games
Authors: Stuart Mark , Schneider Christian , Steinbach Klaus
Published: March 2016

Background

The aim of this report was to estimate the prevalence of meldonium use in athletes competing in the Baku 2015 European Games to contribute to the surveillance of substances on the 2015 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Monitoring Program. Meldonium is reported to be used by athletes to potentially enhance personal performance and shorten the recovery period after physical activity.

Methods

Three sources of data were reviewed to determine the prevalence of meldonium use during the Games including: (1) athlete self-reported declarations of drug and supplement use; (2) declarations from National Olympic Committee medical teams of the list of medicines that they imported into Azerbaijan as part of their stock of drugs for administration; (3) results from the antidoping laboratories reporting the detection of meldonium.

Results

Meldonium was declared as imported into Azerbaijan by 2 of 50 National Olympic Committee medical teams at the Games, but athletes from 6 countries declared the use of meldonium. Only 23 of the 662 (3.5%) athletes tested from 8 to 28 June 2015 declared the personal use of meldonium, which included 13 competition winners. However, 66 of the total 762 (8.7%) athlete urine samples analysed during the Games and during precompetition tested positive for meldonium. Meldonium use was detected in athletes competing in 15 of the 21 sports during the Games.

Conclusions

This study highlights the widespread and inappropriate use and prescribing of this prescription drug in a generally healthy athlete population. Subsequent to these findings, WADA has included meldonium as a prohibited substance on the 2016 List of Prohibited Substances.
Injury recurrence is lower at the highest professional football level than at national and amateur levels: does sports medicine and sports physiotherapy deliver?
Authors: Hägglund Martin , Waldén Markus , Ekstrand Jan
Published: March 2016

Background

Previous injury is a well-documented risk factor for football injury. The time trends and patterns of recurrent injuries at different playing levels are not clear.

Aim

To compare recurrent injury proportions, incidences and patterns between different football playing levels, and to study time trends in recurrent injury incidence.

Methods

Time-loss injuries were collected from injury surveillance of 43 top-level European professional teams (240 team-seasons), 19 Swedish premier division teams (82 team-seasons) and 10 Swedish amateur teams (10 team-seasons). Recurrent injury was defined as an injury of the same type and at the same site as an index injury within the preceding year, with injury <2 months defined as an early recurrence, and >2 months as a delayed recurrence. Seasonal trend for recurrent injury incidence, expressed as the average annual percentage of change, was analysed using linear regression.

Results

13 050 injuries were included, 2449 (18.8%) being recurrent injuries, with 1944 early (14.9%) and 505 delayed recurrences (3.9%). Recurrence proportions were highest in the second half of the competitive season for all cohorts. Recurrence proportions differed between playing levels, with 35.1% in the amateur cohort, 25.0% in the Swedish elite cohort and 16.6% in the European cohort (χ2overall effect, p<0.001). A decreasing trend was observed in recurrent injury incidence in the European cohort, a −2.9% average annual change over the 14-year study period (95% CI −5.4% to −0.4%, p=0.026). Similarly, a decreasing tendency was also seen in the Swedish premier division.

Conclusions

Recurrence proportions showed an inverse relationship with playing level, and recurrent injury incidence has decreased over the past decade.
Can the provision of a home help service for the elderly population reduce the incidence of fall-related injuries? A quasi-experimental study of the community-level effects on hospital admissions in Swedish municipalities
Authors: Bonander Carl , Gustavsson Johanna , Nilson Finn
Published: March 2016

Background

Fall-related injuries are a global public health problem, especially in elderly populations. The effect of an intervention aimed at reducing the risk of falls in the homes of community-dwelling elderly persons was evaluated. The intervention mainly involves the performance of complicated tasks and hazards assessment by a trained assessor, and has been adopted gradually over the last decade by 191 of 290 Swedish municipalities.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design was used where intention-to-treat effect estimates were derived using panel regression analysis and a regression discontinuity (RD) design. The outcome measure was the incidence of fall-related hospitalisations in the treatment population, the age of which varied by municipality (≥65 years, ≥67 years, ≥70 years or ≥75 years).

Results

We found no statistically significant reductions in injury incidence in the panel regression (IRR 1.01 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.05)) or RD (IRR 1.00 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.03)) analyses. The results are robust to several different model specifications, including segmented panel regression analysis with linear trend change and community fixed effects parameters.

Conclusions

It is unclear whether the absence of an effect is due to a low efficacy of the services provided, or a result of low adherence. Additional studies of the effects on other quality-of-life measures are recommended before conclusions are drawn regarding the cost-effectiveness of the provision of home help service programmes.
A lower bound on the essential dimension of PGL4 in characteristic 2
Authors: Baek Sanghoon
Published: March 2016

In the present paper, we provide a lower bound of the essential dimension over a field of positive characteristic via Kato’s cohomology group, defined by cokernel of a general Artin–Schreier operator. Combining this with Tignol’s result on the second trace form of simple algebras of degree [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text] over a field of characteristic [Formula: see text].
Thermalization in Many-Particle Quantum Walks
Authors: Musumbu Dibwe Pierrot , Przybylska Maria , Maciejewski Andrzej J.
Published: March 2016

Many-particle quantum walks of particles obeying Bose statistics, moving on graphs of various topologies are introduced. A single coin tossing commands the conditional shift operation over the whole graph. Vertex particle densities, mean values of phase space variables, second order spatial correlations and counting statistics are evaluated and simulated. The evidence of universal dynamics is presented.
On a Criterion for Simultaneous Block-Diagonalization of Normal Matrices
Authors: Pastuszak G. , Kamizawa T. , Jamiołkowski A.
Published: March 2016

Assume that A1, … , As are complex normal n × n matrices, p is a natural number and S2p is the standard polynomial in 2p non-commutative variables. It follows from classical results of S. Amitsur, J. Levitzki and H. Shapiro that A1, … , As can be simultaneously block-diagonalized by a unitary matrix with blocks of sizes not greater than p if and only if the algebra generated by A1, … , As satisfies the polynomial identity S2p = 0. We call this theorem the ALS-criterion for simultaneous block-diagonalization of normal matrices. In this paper, we present some application of the ALS-criterion in quantum theory. Namely, we give another proof of the renowned Morris-Shore transformation. Moreover, we discuss computable versions of the ALS-criterion. These versions allow one to verify the condition S2p = 0 in a finite number of steps. Such an approach is more useful in practical applications than the original one.
Female-favorable attenuation of coronary myogenic constriction via reciprocal activations of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and nitric oxide
Authors: Froogh Ghezal , Qin Jun , Kandhi Sharath , Le Yicong , Jiang Houli , Luo Meng , Sun Dong , Huang An
Published: March 2016

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are metabolites of arachidonic acid via CYP/epoxygenases, which are catabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and known to possess cardioprotective properties. To date, the role of sEH in the modulation of pressure-induced myogenic response/constriction in coronary arteries, an important regulatory mechanism in the coronary circulation, and the issue as to whether the disruption of the sEH gene affects the myogenic response sex differentially have never been addressed. To this end, experiments were conducted on male (M) and female (F) wild-type (WT) and sEH-knockout (KO) mice. Pressure-diameter relationships were assessed in isolated and cannulated coronary arteries. All vessels constricted in response to increases in intraluminal pressure from 60 to 120 mmHg. Myogenic vasoconstriction was significantly attenuated, expressed as an upward shift in the pressure-diameter curve of vessels, associated with higher cardiac EETs in M-KO, F-WT, and F-KO mice compared with M-WT controls. Blockade of EETs via exposure of vessels to 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE) prevented the attenuated myogenic constriction in sEH-KO mice. In the presence of 14,15-EEZE, pressure-diameter curves of females presented an upward shift from those of males, exhibiting a sex-different phenotype. Additional administration of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester eliminated the sex difference in myogenic responses, leading to four overlapped pressure-diameter curves. Cardiac sEH was downregulated in F-WT compared with M-WT mice, whereas expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and CYP4A (20-HETE synthase) was comparable among all groups. In summary, in combination with NO, the increased EET bioavailability as a function of genetic deletion and/or downregulation of sEH accounts for the female-favorable attenuation of pressure-induced vasoconstriction.
Adenosine influences myeloid cells to inhibit aeroallergen sensitization
Authors: Pei Hong , Linden Joel
Published: March 2016

Agonists of adenosine A2Areceptors (A2ARs) suppress the activation of most immune cells and reduce acute inflammatory responses. Asthma is characterized by sensitization in response to initial allergen exposure and by airway hyperreactivity in response to allergen rechallenge. We sought to determine if A2AR activation with CGS-21680 (CGS) is more effective when CGS is administered during sensitization or rechallenge. C57BL/6 wild-type mice and Adora2af/fLysM Cre+/−mice, which lack A2ARs on myeloid cells, were sensitized with intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) and LPS. Airway sensitization was characterized by a rapid increase in numbers of IL-6+and IL-12+macrophages and dendritic cells in lungs. A2AR activation with CGS (0.1 μg·kg−1·min−1sc) only during sensitization reduced numbers of IL-6+and IL-12+myeloid cells in the lungs and reversed the effects of OVA rechallenge to increase airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. CGS treatment during sensitization also reduced the expansion of lung T helper (Th1 and Th17) cells and increased expansion of regulatory T cells in response to OVA rechallenge. Most of the effects of CGS administered during sensitization were eliminated by myeloid-selective A2AR deletion. Administration of CGS only during OVA rechallenge failed to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness. We conclude that myeloid cells are key targets of adenosine during sensitization and indirectly modify T cell polarization. The results suggest that a clinically useful strategy might be to use A2AR agonists to inhibit sensitization to new aeroallergens. We speculate that adenosine production by macrophages engulfing bacteria contributes to the curious suppression of sensitization in response to early-life infections.
Dietary Flavonoid Hyperoside Induces Apoptosis of Activated Human LX-2 Hepatic Stellate Cell by Suppressing Canonical NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Wang Liwen , Yue Zhiwei , Guo Mengzheng , Fang Lianying , Bai Liang , Li Xinyu , Tao Yongqing , Wang Suying , Liu Qiang , Zhi Dexian , Zhao Hui
Published: March 2016

Hyperoside, an active compound found in plants of the generaHypericumandCrataegus, is reported to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Induction of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis is recognized as a promising strategy for attenuation of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we investigated whether hyperoside treatment can exert antifibrotic effects in human LX-2 hepatic stellate cells. We found that hyperoside induced apoptosis in LX-2 cells and decreased levels ofα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Remarkably, hyperoside also inhibited the DNA-binding activity of the transcription factor NF-κB and altered expression levels of NF-κB-regulated genes related to apoptosis, including proapoptotic genesBcl-Xs,DR4,Fas, andFasLand anti-apoptotic genesA20,c-IAP1,Bcl-XL, andRIP1. Our results suggest that hyperoside may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
The Prognostic Significance of Beta2 Microglobulin in Patients with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Jiang Tiantong , Ding Xiurong , Lu Weixing
Published: March 2016

Objective. To determine the prognostic significance of beta2 microglobulin (β2-m) concentrations in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disorder caused by pathologic activation of the immune system.Patients and Methods. The study population consisted of 74 patients diagnosed with HLH and 35 healthy controls. Serumβ2-m levels were measured using a latex agglutination photometric immunoassay.Results. Median serumβ2-m levels were significantly higher in HLH patients than in healthy controls (4.05 versus 1.5 mg/L;P<0.001) and were significantly higher in patients with lymphoma associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) than in patients with benign disease-associated HLH (4.2 versus 3.3 mg/L;P<0.001). Higher serumβ2-m levels were positively correlated with LAHS (P=0.005), abnormal lactate dehydrogenase concentrations (P=0.009), and hypoalbuminemia (P=0.003). ROC analysis showed that overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in LAHS patients with serumβ2-m levels ≥4.03 mg/L compared to <4.03 mg/L (P<0.001). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that serumβ2-m level was an independent prognostic of OS (P=0.034) in patients with LAHS.Conclusion. High serumβ2-m levels and LAHS were associated with markedly poorer OS in patients with HLH. Serumβ2-m concentration was a powerful and independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with LAHS.
The Viscosity Approximation Forward-Backward Splitting Method for Zeros of the Sum of Monotone Operators
Authors: Boikanyo Oganeditse Aaron
Published: March 2016

We investigate the convergence analysis of the following general inexact algorithm for approximating a zero of the sum of a cocoercive operatorAand maximal monotone operatorsBwithD(B)⊂H:xn+1=αnf(xn)+γnxn+δn(I+rnB)-1(I-rnA)xn+en, forn=1,2,…,for givenx1in a real Hilbert spaceH, where(αn),(γn), and(δn)are sequences in(0,1)withαn+γn+δn=1for alln≥1,(en)denotes the error sequence, andf:H→His a contraction. The algorithm is known to converge under the following assumptions onδnanden: (i)(δn)is bounded below away from 0 and above away from 1 and (ii)(en)is summable in norm. In this paper, we show that these conditions can further be relaxed to, respectively, the following: (i)(δn)is bounded below away from 0 and above away from 3/2 and (ii)(en)is square summable in norm; and we still obtain strong convergence results.
Baicalin and Baicalein Inhibit Src Tyrosine Kinase and Production of IL-6
Authors: Jelić Dubravko , Lower-Nedza Agnieszka D. , Brantner Adelheid H. , Blažeković Biljana , Bian Baolin , Yang Jian , Brajša Karmen , Vladimir-Knežević Sanda
Published: March 2016

Flavonoids play an important role in the treatment of various diseases, as they are able to inhibit reactive oxygen species, which cause damage to cells and tissues which may lead to increased risk of inflammatory diseases. Baicalin and baicalein, two flavonoids found in the roots ofScutellaria baicalensis, in the leaves ofThymus vulgarisandOroxylum indicum, were tested for their anti-inflammatory activity as well as for their cytotoxicity. Thereby the two compounds were investigated on Src tyrosine kinase inhibition and inhibition of production of interleukin (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated THP-1 cells. Additionally, the THP-1 cell line was used for the determination of the cytotoxicity. Both baicalin and baicalein showed some anti-inflammatory properties, while baicalein turned out to be the more active compound with higher inhibitory activities on both Src tyrosine kinase and production of cytokine IL-6. Baicalin and baicalein showed no signs of cytotoxicity in the MTS cytotoxicity assay in THP-1 cells.
Necessity of Antibiotics following Simple Exodontia
Authors: Yousuf Waqas , Khan Moiz , Mehdi Hasan , Mateen Sana
Published: March 2016

Introduction.The aim of our study is to assess the need for postoperative antibiotics following simple exodontia and determine its role in minimizing patient discomfort and postoperative complications.Material and Methods.All the patients undergoing simple extractions were grouped into two categories: Group 1, patients receiving antibiotics, and Group 2, patients receiving no antibiotics. Patients were recalled on the sixth day to assess postoperative complications. On recall, patients were evaluated for signs of persistent inflammation and signs of dry socket. Presence of persistent inflammation and/or suppuration on the 6th day was considered as wound infection.Results.A total of 146 patients were included in this study. Out of the total sample, 134 (91.8%) presented with no postoperative complications and 12 (8.2%) had postoperative complications, out of which 11 (7.5%) patients presented with dry socket (alveolar osteitis), 5 (3.4%) in the antibiotic group and 6 (4.1%) in the nonantibiotic group. Only 1 patient (0.7%) was reported with infection of the extraction socket in the nonantibiotic group, whereas no case of infection was found in the antibiotic group.Conclusion.Antibiotics are not required after simple extractions in patients who are not medically comprised nor do they have any role in preventing postoperative complications.
Effectiveness of Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging Endoscopy for Differential Diagnosis between the High-Risk Mixed-Type and Low-Risk Simple-Type of Low-Grade, Well-Differentiated Gastric Tubular Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Saitoh Takashi , Takamura Asako , Watanabe Gen , Sugitani Suzuko , Ajioka Yoichi
Published: March 2016

Backgrounds. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (NBI-ME) is useful for diagnosing differentiated early gastric cancer (D-EGC). D-EGC is classified as high- or low-grade based on its glandular architectural and cytological atypia. Low-grade, well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma (LG-tub1) mixed with high-grade tub1 (HG-tub1) and/or other histological types (M-LG-tub1) may indicate a primitive high-risk malignant lesion compared to histologically simple-type LG-tub1 (S-LG-tub1). Because LG-tub1 is occasionally difficult to diagnose due to its unclear demarcation under conventional white light endoscopy, early precise diagnoses are important.Methods. We compared NBI-ME and postendoscopic submucosal dissection histological findings for 30 S-LG-tub1 and 15 M-LG-tub1 lesions. We classified the NBI-ME findings of S-LG-tub1 (and not D-EGC) into four patterns. The differential diagnosis between M-LG-tub1 and S-LG-tub1 depended on the presence of more than one of these patterns without or with other patterns (referred to as “limited-to-four-pattern [LFP] sign-positive” and “sign-negative”, resp.).Result. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and intraobserver and interobserver agreement, using the “LFP sign” for the differential diagnosis between M-LG-tub1 and S-LG-tub1, were 87.9%, 91.7%, 88.9%, 96.7%, 73.3%, andk= 0.842 andk= 0.737, respectively.Conclusion. NBI-ME may be useful in differentiating between high-risk M-LG-tub1 and low-risk S-LG-tub1.
Human Papillomavirus Infection as a Possible Cause of Spontaneous Abortion and Spontaneous Preterm Delivery
Authors: Ambühl Lea Maria Margareta , Baandrup Ulrik , Dybkær Karen , Blaakær Jan , Uldbjerg Niels , Sørensen Suzette
Published: March 2016

Based on the current literature, we aimed to provide an overview on Human Papillomavirus prevalence in normal pregnancies and pregnancies with adverse outcome. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Embase. Data extracted from the articles and used for analysis included HPV prevalence, pregnancy outcome, geographical location, investigated tissue types, and HPV detection methods. The overall HPV prevalence in normal full-term pregnancies was found to be 17.5% (95% CI; 17.3–17.7) for cervix, 8.3% (95% CI; 7.6–9.1) for placental tissue, 5.7% (95% CI; 5.1–6.3) for amniotic fluid, and 10.9% (95% CI; 10.1–11.7) for umbilical cord blood. Summary estimates for HPV prevalence of spontaneous abortions and spontaneous preterm deliveries, in cervix (spontaneous abortions: 24.5%, and preterm deliveries: 47%, resp.) and placenta (spontaneous abortions: 24.9%, and preterm deliveries: 50%, resp.), were identified to be higher compared to normal full-term pregnancies (P<0.05andP<0.0001). Great variation in HPV prevalence was observed between study populations of different geographical locations. This review demonstrates an association between spontaneous abortion, spontaneous preterm delivery, and the presence of HPV in both the cervix and the placenta. However, a reliable conclusion is difficult to draw due to the limited number of studies conducted on material from pregnancies with adverse outcome and the risk of residual confounding.
Dabigatran in the Treatment of Warfarin-Induced Skin Necrosis: A New Hope
Authors: Bakoyiannis Christos , Karaolanis Georgios , Patelis Nikolaos , Maskanakis Anastasios , Tsaples Georgios , Klonaris Christos , Georgopoulos Sotirios , Liakakos Theodoros
Published: March 2016

Warfarin-induced skin necrosis is an infrequent and well-recognized complication of warfarin treatment. The incidence was estimated between 0.01% and 0.1% whereas a paradoxal prothrombotic state that arises from warfarin therapy seems to be responsible for this life-threatening disease. To the best of our knowledge we present the first case of an old woman diagnosed with warfarin-induced skin necrosis, in whom novel oral anticoagulants and extensive surgical debridement were combined safely with excellent results.
Angiosarcoma of the Right Atrium with Extension to SVC and IVC Presenting with Complete Heart Block and Significant Pericardial Effusion
Authors: Vakili Hossein , Khaheshi Isa , Memaryan Mehdi , Esmaeeli Shooka
Published: March 2016

Primary cardiac neoplasms are particularly unusual. Angiosarcoma is the most frequently seen histological subtype and is described by its infiltrating and damaging nature. Inappropriately, primary cardiac angiosarcoma is often missed as a preliminary diagnosis because of its scarcity. We present a 29-year-old previously healthy man with complete heart block and pericardial effusion who was finally diagnosed with angiosarcoma of the right atrium with extension to SVC and IVC.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Afford New Opportunities in Inherited Cardiovascular Disease Modeling
Authors: Bayzigitov Daniel R. , Medvedev Sergey P. , Dementyeva Elena V. , Bayramova Sevda A. , Pokushalov Evgeny A. , Karaskov Alexander M. , Zakian Suren M.
Published: March 2016

Fundamental studies of molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis are required to create more effective and safer methods of their therapy. The studies can be carried out only when model systems that fully recapitulate pathological phenotype seen in patients are used. Application of laboratory animals for cardiovascular disease modeling is limited because of physiological differences with humans. Since discovery of induced pluripotency generating induced pluripotent stem cells has become a breakthrough technology in human disease modeling. In this review, we discuss a progress that has been made in modeling inherited arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies, studying molecular mechanisms of the diseases, and searching for and testing drug compounds using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
CT Angiography Analysis of Axillary Artery Diameter versus Common Femoral Artery Diameter: Implications for Axillary Approach for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Hostile Aortoiliac Segment and Advanced Lung Disease
Authors: Tayal Rajiv , Iftikhar Humayun , LeSar Benjamin , Patel Rahul , Tyagi Naveen , Cohen Marc , Wasty Najam
Published: March 2016

Objective.The use of the axillary artery as an access site has lost favor in percutaneous intervention due to the success of these procedures from a radial or brachial alternative. However, these distal access points are unable to safely accommodate anything larger than a 7-French sheath. To date no studies exist describing the size of the axillary artery in relation to the common femoral artery in a patient population. We hypothesized that the axillary artery is of comparable size to the CFA in most patients and less frequently diseased.Methods.We retrospectively reviewed 110 CT scans of the thoracic and abdominal aorta done at our institution to rule out aortic dissection in which the right axillary artery, right CFA, left axillary artery, and left CFA were visualized. Images were then reconstructed using commercially available TeraRecon software and comparative measurements made of the axillary and femoral arteries.Results.In 96 patients with complete data, the mean sizes of the right and left axillary artery were slightly smaller than the left and right CFA. A direct comparison of the sizes of the axillary artery and CFA in the same patient yielded a mean difference of 1.69 mm ± 1.74. In all patients combined, the mean difference between the axillary artery and CFA was 1.88 mm on the right and 1.68 mm on the left. In 19 patients (19.8%), the axillary artery was of the same caliber as the associated CFA. In 8 of 96 patients (8.3%), the axillary artery was larger compared to the CFA.Conclusions.Although typically smaller, the axillary artery is often of comparable size to the CFA, significantly less frequently calcified or diseased, and in almost all observed cases large enough to accommodate a sheath with up to 18 French.
Developmental Changes in Sleep Spindle Characteristics and Sigma Power across Early Childhood
Authors: McClain Ian J. , Lustenberger Caroline , Achermann Peter , Lassonde Jonathan M. , Kurth Salome , LeBourgeois Monique K.
Published: March 2016

Sleep spindles, a prominent feature of the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep electroencephalogram (EEG), are linked to cognitive abilities. Early childhood is a time of rapid cognitive and neurophysiological maturation; however, little is known about developmental changes in sleep spindles. In this study, we longitudinally examined trajectories of multiple sleep spindle characteristics (i.e., spindle duration, frequency, integrated spindle amplitude, and density) and power in the sigma frequency range (10–16 Hz) across ages 2, 3, and 5 years (n=8; 3 males). At each time point, nocturnal sleep EEG was recorded in-home after 13-h of prior wakefulness. Spindle duration, integrated spindle amplitude, and sigma power increased with age across all EEG derivations (C3A2, C4A1, O2A1, and O1A2; allps < 0.05). We also found a developmental decrease in mean spindle frequency (p<0.05) but no change in spindle density with increasing age. Thus, sleep spindles increased in duration and amplitude but decreased in frequency across early childhood. Our data characterize early developmental changes in sleep spindles, which may advance understanding of thalamocortical brain connectivity and associated lifelong disease processes. These findings also provide unique insights into spindle ontogenesis in early childhood and may help identify electrophysiological features related to healthy and aberrant brain maturation.
Carbon Nanotubes-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for an Improved Osteoblast Cell Response
Authors: Constanda Sabrina , Stan Miruna Silvia , Ciobanu Carmen Steluţa , Motelica-Heino Mikael , Guégan Régis , Lafdi Khalid , Dinischiotu Anca , Predoi Daniela
Published: March 2016

An alternative and simple coprecipitation method was developed to obtain carbon nanotube-hydroxyapatite (CNTs:HAp) based nanocomposites. The incorporation of CNTs (in a concentration of 5% and 10% of total weight of the nanocomposite) and their impact on both structural and biological properties were studied by using a set of standard complementary biological, microscopic, and spectroscopic techniques. The characteristic peaks of carbon structure in CNTs were not observed in the CNTs-HAp composites by X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies confirmed the presence of HAp as the main phase of the synthesized CNTs:HAp nanocomposites. The addition of CNTs considerably affected the nanocomposite morphology by increasing the average crystallite size from 18.7 nm (for raw HAp) to 28.6 nm (for CNTs:HAp-10), confirming their proper incorporation. The biocompatibility evaluation of CNTs:HAp-5 and CNTs:HAp-10 nanocomposites included the assessment of several parameters, such as cell viability, antioxidant response, and lipid peroxidation, on human G-292 osteoblast cell line. Our findings revealed good biocompatibility properties for CNTs:HAp nanocomposites prepared by the coprecipitation method supporting their potential uses in orthopedics and prosthetics.
Large-Scale Computations of Flow around Two Cylinders by a Domain Decomposition Method
Authors: Zhu Hongkun , Yao Qinghe , Kanayama Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

A parallel computation is applied to study the flow past a pair of cylinders in tandem at Reynolds numbers of 1000 by Domain Decomposition Method. The computations were carried out for different sets of arrangements at large scale. The modeling by domain decomposition was validated by comparing available well-recognized results. Two cylinders with different diameters were further investigated; for different diameter ratios, the wake width ratio and some properties of the critical space ratio that dominates the flow regime were discovered. This result has important implications on future industrial application efforts as well as codes and standards related to the two-cylinder structure.
Improved Element Erosion Function for Concrete-Like Materials with the SPH Method
Authors: Kala Jiří , Hušek Martin
Published: March 2016

The subject of the paper is a description of a simple test from the field of terminal ballistics and the handling of issues arising during its simulation using the numerical techniques of the finite element method. With regard to the possible excessive reshaping of the finite element mesh there is a danger that problems will arise such as the locking of elements or the appearance of negative volumes. It is often necessary to introduce numerical extensions so that the simulations can be carried out at all. When examining local damage to structures, such as the penetration of the outer shell or its perforation, it is almost essential to introduce the numerical erosion of elements into the simulations. However, when using numerical erosion, the dissipation of matter and energy from the computational model occurs in the mathematical background to the calculation. It is a phenomenon which can reveal itself in the final result when a discrepancy appears between the simulations and the experiments. This issue can be solved by transforming the eroded elements into smoothed particle hydrodynamics particles. These newly created particles can then assume the characteristics of the original elements and preserve the matter and energy of the numerical model.
Delayed Presentation of Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence after Robotic Hysterectomy for Gynecologic Cancer: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Escobar Pamela A. , Gressel Gregory M. , Goldberg Gary L. , Kuo Dennis Yi-Shin
Published: March 2016

Background. Vaginal cuff dehiscence after hysterectomy has varying incidence according to surgical approach, with highest rates associated with laparoscopic surgery. Comparative data on timing of diagnosis describe a wide range of clinical presentation from weeks to years after hysterectomy. Limited reports have focused specifically on delayed presentation of vaginal cuff dehiscence.Cases. All cases of vaginal cuff dehiscence at our institution between 2005 and 2015 were collectively reviewed and three cases were identified of women who presented with cuff dehiscence greater than 180 days from index surgery. Diagnosis occurred at 342 to 461 days after operation. One patient presented with abdominal pain, a second case presented with vaginal discharge, and the third case lacked clinical symptoms altogether. Prior to diagnosis, one case received chemotherapy and external beam radiation for Stage IB1 cervical cancer and another case received external beam radiation alone for Stage II endometrioid adenocarcinoma. All cuffs were repaired vaginally with interrupted, early absorbable suture.Conclusion. Robotic total laparoscopic hysterectomy may be associated with increased risk of vaginal cuff dehiscence. Further studies are needed to determine risk factors and patient characteristics associated with delayed presentation of vaginal cuff dehiscence in robotic total hysterectomy as well as all surgical approaches.
Distributed Dynamic Memetic Algorithm Based Coding Aware Routing for Wireless Mesh Sensor Networks
Authors: Hamam Saeed , Almogren Ahmad S.
Published: March 2016

Network coding has been confirmed as a potential technology to improve performance of wireless mesh networks (WMNs); network coding has great advantages for sensor networks like minimization of communication needed to collect sensor data and error recovery. A few network coding aware routings have been proposed. However, these mechanisms detect coding opportunities through local traffic pattern checking, which hardly obtains optimal routes. This paper proposes a Distributed Dynamic Memetic Algorithm Based Coding Aware Routing (DDMCAR) for wireless mesh networks, which employs memetic algorithm to optimize routes and coding opportunities. This paper proposes an improvement over GCAR algorithm by employing memetic algorithm and also meme sharing among nodes to increase the chance of finding optimal solution and continuous monitoring and update of meme fitness to achieve a dynamic tracking of network conditions, and finally using most fit memes for load balancing elevating congestion. Through simulations on randomly generated wireless mesh networks, DDMCAR is to be shown to find optimal routes within a short time and achieve more improvements than GCAR.
Unilateral Erythema Nodosum following Norethindrone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol, and Ferrous Fumarate Combination Therapy
Authors: Min Michelle S. , Fischer Rob , Fournier John B.
Published: March 2016

Erythema nodosum is a septal panniculitis that typically presents as symmetric, tender nodules on the anterior aspects of bilateral lower extremities. Nearly half of cases are due to secondary causes, with oral contraceptive pills being the leading pharmaceutical cause. However, to our knowledge, there has yet to be a published association with norethindrone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate. We report our experience with a 30-year-old woman who developed unilateral tender nodules within a month of starting 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol daily. Of note, she had previously taken oral contraceptives with the same estrogen agent but different progesterone, without problems. We conclude that systemically triggered erythema nodosum can present with lesions localized to one extremity. When a patient presents with tender, firm nodules, clinicians should consider the possibility of erythema nodosum and its triggers, such as oral contraceptives. Additionally, should a patient on hormonal therapy develop erythema nodosum, changing the progesterone agent may allow the patient to continue similar therapy without developing symptoms.
Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Self-Assembled Folate-Biotin-Pullulan Nanoparticles for Targeted Intracellular Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Ming , Huang Meiling , Wang Jianting , Ye Mingquan , Deng Yan , Li Honghao , Qian Wensi , Zhu Bolin , Zhang Yao , Gong Renmin
Published: March 2016

The self-assembled folate-biotin-pullulan (FBP) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by facile one-pot synthesis and their physicochemical properties were characterized. The self-assembled FBP NPs were used as an anticancer drug nanocarrier entrapping doxorubicin (DOX) for targeting folate-receptors-overexpressing cancer cells. The identification of prepared NPs to folate-receptor-expressing cancer cells (KB cells) was affirmed by cell viability measurement, folate competition test, and flow cytometric analysis. Compared with the naked DOX and DOX/BP NPs, the DOX/FBP NPs had lower IC50value compared to KB cells as a result of the folate-receptor-mediated endocytosis process. The cytotoxicity of DOX/FBP NPs to KB cells could be inhibited competitively by free folate. The cellular intake pattern of naked DOX and drug-loaded NPs was identified by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation and the higher cellular uptake of drug for DOX/FBP NPs over naked DOX was observed. The prepared FBP NPs had the potential to be used as a powerful carrier to target anticancer drugs to folate-receptor-expressing tumor cells and reduce cytotoxicity to normal tissues.
AuCu@Pt Nanoalloys for Catalytic Application in Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol
Authors: Mehmood Sadia , Janjua Naveed Kausar , Saira Farhat , Fenniri Hicham
Published: March 2016

To enhance and optimize nanocatalyst ability for nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction reaction we look beyond Au-metal nanoparticles and describe a new class of Au nanoalloys with controlled composition for core of AuCu-metals and Pt-metal shell. The reduction of 4-NP was investigated in aqueous media spectroscopically on 7.8 nm Au nanospheres (AuNSs), 8.3 nm AuCuNSs, and 9.1 nm AuCu@Pt core-shell NSs in diameter. The rate constants of the catalyzed reaction at room temperature, activation energies, and entropies of activation of reactions catalyzed by the AuCu@Pt core-shell NSs are found to have different values to those of the pure metal NSs. The results strongly support the proposal that catalysis by nanoparticles is taking place efficiently on the surface of NSs. These core-shell nanocatalysts exhibited stability throughout the reduction reaction and proved that heterogonous type mechanisms are most likely to be dominant in nanoalloy based catalysis if the surface of the NSs is not defected upon shell incorporation.