bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginkgo biloba Extract Improves Insulin Signaling and Attenuates Inflammation in Retroperitoneal Adipose Tissue Depot of Obese Rats
Authors: Hirata Bruna Kelly Sousa , Banin Renata Mancini , Dornellas Ana Paula Segantine , de Andrade Iracema Senna , Zemdegs Juliane Costa Silva , Caperuto Luciana Chagas , Oyama Lila Missae , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi , Telles Monica Marques
Published: April 2015

Due to the high incidence and severity of obesity and its related disorders, it is highly desirable to develop new strategies to treat or even to prevent its development. We have previously described that Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) improved insulin resistance and reduced body weight gain of obese rats. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the effect of GbE on both inflammatory cascade and insulin signaling in retroperitoneal fat depot of diet‐induced obese rats. Rats were fed with high fat diet for 2 months and thereafter treated for 14 days with 500 mg/kg of GbE. Rats were then euthanized and samples from retroperitoneal fat depot were used for western blotting, RT‐PCR, and ELISA experiments. The GbE treatment promoted a significant reduction on both food/energy intake and body weight gain in comparison to the nontreated obese rats. In addition, a significant increase of both Adipo R1 and IL‐10 gene expressions and IR and Akt phosphorylation was also observed, while NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation and TNF‐α levels were significantly reduced. Our data suggest that GbE might have potential as a therapy to treat obesity‐related metabolic diseases, with special interest to treat obese subjects resistant to adhere to a nutritional education program.
Low-Power and Reliable Communications for UWB-Based Wireless Monitoring Sensor Networks in Underground Mine Tunnels
Authors: Abou El-Nasr Mohamad , Shaban Heba
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the bit-error-rate (BER) and maximum allowable data throughput (MADTh) performance of a novel low-power mismatched Rake receiver structure for ultra wideband (UWB) wireless monitoring sensor networks in underground mine tunnels. This receive node structure provides a promising solution for low-power and reliable communications in underground mine tunnels with more than 90% reduction in power consumption. The BER and MADTh of the proposed receive nodes are investigated via Monte-Carlo simulations in UWB line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) underground mine tunnels. The proposed mismatched receive nodes achieve a MADTh and BER performance approaching the corresponding optimal nodes with ≈1 dB and 1.5 dB BER performance degradation in LOS and NLOS scenarios, respectively. The mismatched PRake (M-PRake) receiver model with [Formula: see text] represents the best choice for low-power and reliable communications in sensor networks in underground mine tunnels with BER performance degradation of 1 dB and 3 dB in LOS and NLOS scenarios, respectively, as compared to the optimum detector. This minimal degradation in performance is traded for more than 90% reduction in power consumption.
Enhancement of Power Efficiency and Stability of P3HT‐Based Organic Solar Cells under Elevated Operating‐Temperatures by Using a Nanocomposite Photoactive Layer
Authors: Thao Tran Thi , Trung Tran Quang , Truong Vo-Van , Dinh Nguyen Nang
Published: April 2015

With the aim to find out an enhanced operating‐temperature range for photovoltaic device parameters, two types of the photoactive layer were prepared: poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and P3HT+nc‐TiO2 (PTC) thin films. The enhancement obtained for the photoelectrical conversion efficiency of the composite based OSCs is attributed to the presence of nanoheterojunctions of TiO2/P3HT. For the temperature range of 30–70°C, the decrease of the open‐circuit potential was compensated by an increase of the fill factor; and the increase in the short‐circuit current resulted in an overall increase of the energy conversion efficiency. At elevated temperatures of 60–80°C the efficiency of the P3HT‐ and PTC‐based cells reached a maximum value of 1.6% and 2.1%, respectively. Over this temperature range the efficiency of P3HT‐based OSC decreased strongly to zero, whereas for the PTC cells it maintained a value as large as 1.2% at the temperature range of 110–140°C. The improved thermal stability of the composite‐based device was attributed to the lowered thermal expansion coefficient of the nanocomposite photoactive layer.
Using Computed Tomography Scans and Patient Demographic Data to Estimate Thoracic Epidural Space Depth
Authors: Kosturakis Alyssa , Soliz Jose , Su Jackson , Cata Juan P. , Feng Lei , Harun Nusrat , Amsbaugh Ashley , Gebhardt Rodolfo
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives. Previous studies have used varying methods to estimate the depth of the epidural space prior to placement of an epidural catheter. We aim to use computed tomography scans, patient demographics, and vertebral level to estimate the depth of the loss of resistance for placement of thoracic epidural catheters.Methods. The records of consecutive patients who received a thoracic epidural catheter were reviewed. Patient demographics, epidural placement site, and technique were collected. Preoperative computed tomography scans were reviewed to measure the skin to epidural space distance. Linear regression was used for a multivariate analysis.Results. The records of 218 patients were reviewed. The mean loss of resistance measurement was significantly larger than the mean computed tomography epidural space depth measurement by 0.79 cm (p<0.001). Our final multivariate model, adjusted for demographic and epidural technique, showed a positive correlation between the loss of resistance and the computed tomography epidural space depth measurement (R2=0.5692,p<0.0001).Conclusions. The measured loss of resistance is positively correlated with the computed tomography epidural space depth measurement and patient demographics. For patients undergoing thoracic or abdominal surgery, estimating the loss of resistance can be a valuable tool.
Wind Shear Target Echo Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Liu Chao , Liu Wanping
Published: April 2015

Wind shear is a dangerous atmospheric phenomenon in aviation. Wind shear is defined as a sudden change of speed or direction of the wind. In order to analyze the influence of wind shear on the efficiency of the airplane, this paper proposes a mathematical model of point target rain echo and weather target signal echo based on Doppler effect. The wind field model is developed in this paper, and the antenna model is also studied by using Bessel function. The spectrum distribution of symmetric and asymmetric wind fields is researched by using the mathematical model proposed in this paper. The simulation results are in accordance with radial velocity component, and the simulation results also confirm the correctness of the established model of antenna.
Percentages of CD4+CD161+ and CD4−CD8−CD161+ T Cells in the Synovial Fluid Are Correlated with Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Miao Jinlin , Zhang Kui , Qiu Feng , Li Tingting , Lv Minghua , Guo Na , Han Qing , Zhu Ping
Published: April 2015

Objective. CD161 has been identified as a marker of human IL‐17‐producing T cells that are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate the potential link between the percentage of CD161+ T cells and disease activity in RA patients. Methods. Peripheral blood (PB) from 54 RA patients and 21 healthy controls was evaluated. Paired synovial fluid (SF) (n = 17) was analyzed. CD161 expression levels on CD4+, CD8+, and CD4−CD8− T cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Results. The percentage of CD4+CD161+ T cells in RA SF was higher than RA PB, and it was positively correlated with DAS28, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C‐reactive protein (CRP). CD4−CD8−CD161+ T cell percentage was decreased in RA PB and was further reduced in RA SF, and its level in SF was inversely correlated with DAS28, ESR, and CRP. However, CD8+CD161+ T cell percentage was neither changed in RA PB and SF nor correlated with disease activity indices. Conclusion. An increased CD4+CD161+ T cell percentage and a decreased CD4−CD8−CD161+ T cell percentage are present in RA SF and are associated with disease activity, and the accumulation of CD4+CD161+ T cells in SF may contribute to the local inflammation of RA.
A Fuzzy Kernel Maximum Margin Criterion for Image Feature Extraction
Authors: Xuan Shibin
Published: April 2015

Based on kernel principal component analysis, fuzzy set theory, and maximum margin criterion, a novel image feature extraction and recognition method, called fuzzy kernel maximum margin criterion (FKMMC), is proposed. In the proposed method, two new fuzzy scatter matrixes are redefined. The new fuzzy scatter matrix can reflect fully the relation between fuzzy membership degree and the offset of the training sample to subclass center. Besides, a concise reliable computational method of the fuzzy between-class scatter matrix is provided. Experimental results on four face databases (AR, extended Yale B, GTFD, and FERET) demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other methods.
Formation and Photocatalytic Activity of BaTiO3 Nanocubes via Hydrothermal Process
Authors: Xiong Xinrun , Tian Ruoming , Lin Xi , Chu Dewei , Li Sean
Published: April 2015

We reported a facile hydrothermal approach to synthesize BaTiO3 nanocubes with controlled sizes for degradation of methylene blue (MB). The nanocubes with reaction time of 48 hours exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency, owing to their narrower size distribution and better crystallinity compared to those of 24 hours and, at the meantime, smaller particle size than those of 72 hours. This work also demonstrated the degradation of methylene orange (MO) using BaTiO3 nanocubes synthesized for 48 hours. Compared with the removal of MB, BaTiO3 had lower photocatalytic activity on MO, mainly due to the poorer absorption behavior of MO on the surface of BaTiO3 nanocubes. The degradation efficiency for each photocatalytic reaction was calculated. The possible mechanism of the photocatalytic decomposition on MB has been addressed as well.
Sex Differences and the Impact of Chronic Stress and Recovery on Instrumental Learning
Authors: McDowell Angela L. , Fransen Kathryn M. H. , Elliott Kevin S. , Elghouche Alhasan , Kostylev Polina V. , O’Dea Pamela K. , Garraghty Preston E.
Published: April 2015

We have previously shown that 21-day chronic restraint stress impacts instrumental learning, but overall few studies have examined sex differences on the impact of stress on learning. We further examined sex differences in response to extended 42-day chronic stress on instrumental learning, as well as recovery from chronic stress. Rats were tested in aversive training tasks with or without prior appetitive experience, and daily body weight data was collected as an index of stress. Relative to control animals, reduced body weight was maintained from day 22 through day 42 across the stress period for males, but not for females. Stressed males had increased response speed and lower learning efficiency during appetitive acquisition and aversive learning. Males overall showed slower escape shaping times and more shock exposure. In contrast, stressed females showed slower appetitive response speeds and higher appetitive and aversive efficiency but overall reduced avoidance rates during acquisition and maintenance for transfer animals and during maintenance for aversive-only animals. These tasks reveal important nuances on the effect of stress on goal-directed behavior and further highlight sexually divergent effects on appetitive versus aversive motivation. Furthermore, these data underscore that systems are temporally impacted by chronic stress in a sexually divergent pattern.
Markers of Inflammation Associated with Plaque Progression and Instability in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ammirati Enrico , Moroni Francesco , Norata Giuseppe Danilo , Magnoni Marco , Camici Paolo G.
Published: April 2015

Atherosclerosis is the focal expression of a systemic disease affecting medium‐ and large‐sized arteries, in which traditional cardiovascular risk factor and immune factors play a key role. It is well accepted that circulating biomarkers, including C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6, reliably predict major cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction or death. However, the relevance of biomarkers of systemic inflammation to atherosclerosis progression in the carotid artery is less established. The large majority of clinical studies focused on the association between biomarkers and subclinical atherosclerosis, that is, carotid intima‐media thickening (cIMT), which represents an earlier stage of the disease. The aim of this work is to review inflammatory biomarkers that were associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden, a faster disease progression, and features of plaque instability, such as inflammation or neovascularization, in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque, which represents an advanced stage of disease compared with cIMT. The association of biomarkers with the occurrence of cerebrovascular events, secondary to carotid plaque rupture, will also be presented. Currently, the degree of carotid artery stenosis is used to predict the risk of future cerebrovascular events in patients affected by carotid atherosclerosis. However, this strategy appears suboptimal. The identification of suitable biomarkers could provide a useful adjunctive criterion to ensure better risk stratification and optimize management.
Beneficial Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Gestational Diabetes: Consequences in Macrosomia and Adulthood Obesity
Authors: Yessoufou Akadiri , Nekoua Magloire P. , Gbankoto Adam , Mashalla Yohana , Moutairou Kabirou
Published: April 2015

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are increasingly being used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes and obesity. In this paper, we report data on the observed effects of omega-3 PUFA on major metabolic disorders and immune system disruption during gestational diabetes and their consequences on macrosomia. While controversies still exist about omega-3 PUFA effects on antioxidant status regarding the level of omega-3 PUFA in diet supplementation, their lipid-lowering effects are unanimously recognized by researchers. Animal studies have shown that omega-3 PUFA contributes to the maintenance of the immune defense system by promoting the differentiation of T helper (Th) cell to a Th2 phenotype in diabetic pregnancy and by shifting the Th1/Th2 ratio from a deleterious proinflammatory Th1 phenotype to a protective anti-inflammatory Th2 phenotype in macrosomia and in adulthood obesity that results from macrosomia at birth. Based on the available evidence, international nutritional and food agencies recommend administration of omega-3 PUFA as triglyceride-lowering agents, for the prevention of cardiovascular disease risk and during human pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, studies targeting humans are still required to explore application of the fatty acids as supplement in the management of gestational diabetes and inflammatory and immune diseases.
A Kinase Anchoring Protein 9 Is a Novel Myosin VI Binding Partner That Links Myosin VI with the PKA Pathway in Myogenic Cells
Authors: Karolczak Justyna , Sobczak Magdalena , Skowronek Krzysztof , Rędowicz Maria Jolanta
Published: April 2015

Myosin VI (MVI) is a unique motor protein moving towards the minus end of actin filaments unlike other known myosins. Its important role has recently been postulated for striated muscle and myogenic cells. Since MVI functions through interactions of C-terminal globular tail (GT) domain with tissue specific partners, we performed a search for MVI partners in myoblasts and myotubes using affinity chromatography with GST-tagged MVI-GT domain as a bait. A kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9), a regulator of PKA activity, was identified by means of mass spectrometry as a possible MVI interacting partner both in undifferentiated and differentiating myoblasts and in myotubes. Coimmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay confirmed that both proteins could interact. MVI and AKAP9 colocalized at Rab5 containing early endosomes. Similarly to MVI, the amount of AKAP9 decreased during myoblast differentiation. However, in MVI-depleted cells, both cAMP and PKA levels were increased and a change in the MVI motor-dependent AKAP9 distribution was observed. Moreover, we found that PKA phosphorylated MVI-GT domain, thus implying functional relevance of MVI-AKAP9 interaction. We postulate that this novel interaction linking MVI with the PKA pathway could be important for targeting AKAP9-PKA complex within cells and/or providing PKA to phosphorylate MVI tail domain.
The Interplay between Zinc, Vitamin D and, IL-17 in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Liver Disease
Authors: Reda Randa , Abbas Amal A. , Mohammed Mai , El Fedawy Shahira F. , Ghareeb Hala , El Kabarity Rania H. , Abo-Shady Rania A. , Zakaria Doaa
Published: April 2015

Objectives. To assess zinc (Zn) and vitamin D (Vit. D) status in chronic Hepatitis C virus- (HCV) infected patients and their relationship to interleukin- (IL-) 17 and disease severity and then investigate whether Zn and Vit. D3 modulate IL-17 expression in chronic HCV patients.Methods. Seventy patients and fifty healthy subjects were investigated. Serum levels of Zn, Vit. D, and IL-17 were assessed in the patients group and subgroups. Patients lymphocytes were activatedin vitroin the presence or absence of Zn or Vit. D3 and then intracellular IL-17 production was assessed using flow cytometry.Results. Zn and Vit. D were significantly decreased in HCV patients. Increasing disease severity leads to more reduction in Zn level opposed by increasing IL-17 level. Zn potently reduced IL-17 production in a dose-related fashion; however it did not exert any toxic effects. Although Vit. D apparently increases IL17 expression, it is unclear whether it is due to its toxic effect on cell count or lack of definite association between Vit. D and both IL-17 and disease severity.Conclusions. This study demonstrates that Zn modulates IL-17 expression and provides a rationale for evaluating this compound as a supplementary agent in the treatment of chronic HCV.
Design of Explicit Fuzzy Prediction Controller for Constrained Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Yan Yan , Su Baili
Published: April 2015

This paper presents an explicit fuzzy predictive control method for a class of nonlinear systems with constrained inputs. The main idea is to construct a terminal invariant set and explicit predictive controller with affine input on the basis of T-S fuzzy model. This method need not compute the complex nonconvex nonlinear programming problem of earlier nonlinear predictive control methods and decreases the number of optimization variables and guarantees stability of the closed-loop system. The simulation results on a numerical example show the validity of the method presented in this paper.
Briefing in Application of Machine Learning Methods in Ion Channel Prediction
Authors: Lin Hao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2015

In cells, ion channels are one of the most important classes of membrane proteins which allow inorganic ions to move across the membrane. A wide range of biological processes are involved and regulated by the opening and closing of ion channels. Ion channels can be classified into numerous classes and different types of ion channels exhibit different functions. Thus, the correct identification of ion channels and their types using computational methods will provide in‐depth insights into their function in various biological processes. In this review, we will briefly introduce and discuss the recent progress in ion channel prediction using machine learning methods.
Pectoral Muscle Attenuation as a Marker for Breast Cancer Risk in Full-Field Digital Mammography
Authors: Cheddad Abbas , Czene Kamila , Hall Per , Humphreys Keith
Published: April 2015

Background: Mammographic percent density is an established marker of breast cancer risk. In a study of screen film mammograms, we recently reported a novel feature from the pectoral muscle region to be associated with breast cancer risk independently of area percent density (APD). We now investigate whether our novel feature is associated with risk in a study based on full-field digital mammography (FFDM).

Methods: We carried out a breast cancer risk analysis using a data set of 3,552 healthy controls and 278 cases. We included three image-based measures in our analyses: volumetric percent density (VPD), APD, and the mean intensity of the pectoral muscle (MIP). The datasets comprised different machine vendors and models. In addition, the controls dataset was used to test for the association of our measures against rs10995190, in the ZNF365 gene, a genetic variant known to be associated with mammography density and breast cancer risk.

Results: MIP was associated with breast cancer risk [per SD OR, 0.811; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.707–0.930; P = 0.0028] after adjusting for conventional covariates and VPD. It was also associated with the genetic variant rs10995190 after adjusting for VPD and other covariates (per allele effect = 0.111; 95% CI, 0.053–0.170; P = 1.8 × 10−4). Results were similar when adjusting for APD instead of VPD.

Conclusion: MIP is a novel mammographic marker, which is associated with breast cancer risk and the genetic variant rs10995190 independently of PD measures.

Impact: Inclusion of MIP in risk models should be considered for studies using PD from FFDM. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(6); 985–91. ©2015 AACR.
Proton Radiotherapy for Midline Central Nervous System Lesions: A Class Solution
Authors: Estabrook Neil C. , McDonald Mark W. , Hoene Ted A. , Bartlett Greg K. , Johnstone Peter A.S. , McMullen Kevin P. , Buchsbaum Jeffrey C.
Published: April 2015

Objective: Midline and central lesions of the brain requiring conventional radiotherapy (RT) present complex difficulties in dose avoidance to organs at risk (OAR). In either definitive or adjuvant settings, proper RT coverage of these lesions involves unnecessary treatment of large volumes of normal brain. We propose a class solution for these lesions using proton radiotherapy (PrT). Materials and Methods: The records of the Indiana University Health Proton Therapy Center were reviewed for patients presenting between January 1, 2005 and October 1, 2013 with midline central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Twenty-four patients were identified. After Institutional Review Board approval was granted, their dosimetry was reviewed for target volume doses and OAR dose avoidance. Results: For these cases, meningiomas were the most common histology (8 cases), and next most prevalent were craniopharyngiomas (6 cases). The others were various different deep midline brain tumors (10 cases). In all cases, fields formed by vertex and/or anterior/posterior superior oblique PrT beams along the midsagittal plane were used to provide coverage with minimal dose to the brain stem or to the cerebral hemispheres. The median prescribed dose to the planning target volume for treating these patients was 54.0 Gy RBE (range 48.6-62.5) with a mean dose of 53.5 Gy RBE. The average of the mean doses to the brain stems using these fields in the 24 plans was 18.4 Gy RBE (range 0.0-44.7). Similarly, the average of the mean doses to the hippocampi was 15.8 Gy RBE (range 0.0-52.6). Conclusions: We consider these patients to be optimally treated with PrT. The use of modified midsagittal PrT schemas allows for the treatment of midline CNS lesions with sparing of most of the uninvolved brain.
Ecological Approaches to Oral Biofilms: Control without Killing
Authors: Marsh Phil D. , Head David A. , Devine Deirdre A.
Published: April 2015

Humans have co-evolved with micro-organisms and have a symbiotic or mutualistic relationship with their resident microbiome. As at other body surfaces, the mouth has a diverse microbiota that grows on oral surfaces as structurally and functionally organised biofilms. The oral microbiota is natural and provides important benefits to the host, including immunological priming, down-regulation of excessive pro-inflammatory responses, regulation of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, and colonisation by exogenous microbes. On occasions, this symbiotic relationship breaks down, and previously minor components of the microbiota outcompete beneficial bacteria, thereby increasing the risk of disease. Antimicrobial agents have been formulated into many oral care products to augment mechanical plaque control. A delicate balance is needed, however, to control the oral microbiota at levels compatible with health, without killing beneficial bacteria and losing the key benefits delivered by these resident microbes. These antimicrobial agents may achieve this by virtue of their recommended twice daily topical use, which results in pharmacokinetic profiles indicating that they are retained in the mouth for relatively long periods at sublethal levels. At these concentrations they are still able to inhibit bacterial traits implicated in disease (e.g. sugar transport/acid production; protease activity) and retard growth without eliminating beneficial species. In silico modelling studies have been performed which support the concept that either reducing the frequency of acid challenge and/or the terminal pH, or by merely slowing bacterial growth, results in maintaining a community of beneficial bacteria under conditions that might otherwise lead to disease (control without killing).
Low Frequencies of Autoimmunity-Associated PTPN22 Polymorphisms in MODY Patients, Including Those Transiently Expressing Islet Cell Autoantibodies
Authors: Heneberg Petr , Malá Milena , Yorifuji Tohru , Gat-Yablonski Galia , Lebenthal Yael , Tajima Toshihiro , Nogaroto Viviane , Rypáčková Blanka , Kocková Lucie , Urbanová Jana , Anděl Michal
Published: April 2015

Background: The protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene encodes lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase (LYP), which is expressed primarily in lymphoid tissues. The functional but geographically highly variable PTPN22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), particularly c.1858C>T, contribute to the onset and progression of autoimmunity-associated diseases and facilitate the expression of disease-associated autoantibodies. In Central Europe, 17-25% of patients with monogenic diabetes (maturity-onset diabetes of the young, MODY) transiently express islet cell autoantibodies. Methods: We addressed the links between the functional and geographically variable PTPN22 SNPs with MODY manifestation and the expression of islet cell autoantibodies in 276 MODY patients who originated from four regions (the Czech Republic, Israel, Japan and Brazil). Results: The frequency of PTPN22 polymorphisms in the MODY patients was similar to those in geographically matched healthy populations, with the exception of c.788G>A, the minor allele frequency of which was significantly elevated in the Czech hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1A) MODY patients [odds ratio (OR) 4.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-10.7] and the Brazilian MODY patients (OR 8.4, 95% CI 1.8-39.1). A barely significant increase in the c.788G>A minor allele was also detected in the islet cell autoantibody-positive Czech MODY patients. However, c.788A behaves as a loss-of-function mutant in T cells, and thus protects against autoimmunity. Conclusions: MODY patients (including islet cell autoantibody-positive cases) do not display any increase in autoimmunity-associated PTPN22 alleles. The absence of autoimmunity-associated PTPN22 alleles was also demonstrated in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, which suggests that the slow kinetics of the onset of autoantibodies is subject to a regulation that is different from that experienced in type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune disorders.
Models and Role Models
Authors: ten Cate Jacob M.
Published: April 2015

Developing experimental models to understand dental caries has been the theme in our research group. Our first, the pH-cycling model, was developed to investigate the chemical reactions in enamel or dentine, which lead to dental caries. It aimed to leverage our understanding of the fluoride mode of action and was also utilized for the formulation of oral care products. In addition, we made use of intra-oral (in situ) models to study other features of the oral environment that drive the de/remineralization balance in individual patients. This model addressed basic questions, such as how enamel and dentine are affected by challenges in the oral cavity, as well as practical issues related to fluoride toothpaste efficacy. The observation that perhaps fluoride is not sufficiently potent to reduce dental caries in the present-day society triggered us to expand our knowledge in the bacterial aetiology of dental caries. For this we developed the Amsterdam Active Attachment biofilm model. Different from studies on planktonic (‘single') bacteria, this biofilm model captures bacteria in a habitat similar to dental plaque. With data from the combination of these models, it should be possible to study separate processes which together may lead to dental caries. Also products and novel agents could be evaluated that interfere with either of the processes. Having these separate models in place, a suggestion is made to design computer models to encompass the available information. Models but also role models are of the utmost importance in bringing and guiding research and researchers.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Single-Center Experience of 25 Cases
Authors: Jahan Amna , Yusuf Muhammed Aasim , Loya Asif
Published: April 2015

Objective: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (Pan NETs) are rare but are being increasingly diagnosed. The objective of this retrospective study was to share our experience of fine-needle aspiration (FNA), including endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), with the use of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers in the diagnosis of Pan NET. Study Design: A total of 25 cases of Pan NET diagnosed on pancreatic FNA between 2008 and 2013 were identified from our hospital database. Clinical history, radiology, cytomorphological features, and IHC performed were reviewed. Results: The mean age of our patient group was 52 years; 15/25 were male. Most presented with abdominal pain and the majority of the lesions were in the pancreatic body, the largest being 14 cm in size. Based on the 2010 World Health Organization criteria, cases were further graded as follows: 21 cases were grade 1, 2 cases were grade 2 and 2 cases were grade 3. Proliferation marker Ki-67 was utilized in 6 cases for definitive grading. Of the 25 cases, 23 were diagnosed as nonfunctional while 2 were functional; 1 patient had MEN-1 syndrome and 1 had von Recklinghausen's syndrome. Conclusions: Our data suggests that FNA, with ROSE and IHC markers, is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing Pan NET.
The Treatment of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Lai Kar Neng , Leung Joseph C.K. , Tang Sydney C.W.
Published: April 2015

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a very common glomerulonephritis worldwide. Nevertheless, treatment options for primary IgAN are still largely based on opinion or weak evidence. There is a lack of large randomized controlled trials (RCT) that provide a definitive immunosuppressive protocol for IgAN. The recent KDIGO Clinical Practice Guidelines for Glomerulonephritis have assigned low levels of evidence for almost all recommendations and suggestions related to this nephropathy. Summary: In this article, we review different treatment options and emphasize that the key to therapeutic decision-making is the assessment of an individual's prognosis. The risk of disease progression is closely related to clinical parameters such as proteinuria, hypertension, and impaired glomerular filtration rate. For patients with minor urinary abnormalities, the mainstay of treatment is long-term regular follow-up to detect renal progression and hypertension. Optimized supportive care aiming to maintain proteinuria <1 g/day is preferred in the typical patient presenting with microhematuria, significant but nonnephrotic proteinuria, hypertension, and variable degrees of renal failure. The atypical patient with overt nephritic syndrome or rapidly progressive kidney injury that represents a vasculitic form of IgAN should be treated with immunosuppression. Finally, the variant of overlapping syndrome of IgAN and lipoid nephrosis that runs a good prognosis should be treated as lipoid nephrosis. Key Message: The treatment of IgAN should be structured according to the clinical scenario.
LRH-1 May Rescue SF-1 Deficiency for Steroidogenesis: An in vitro and in vivo Study
Authors: Camats Núria , Audí Laura , Fernández-Cancio Mónica , Andaluz Pilar , Mullis Primus E. , Carrascosa Antonio , Flück Christa E.
Published: April 2015

Steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1/SF-1) mutations usually manifest in 46,XY individuals with variable degrees of disordered sex development and in 46,XX women with ovarian insufficiency. So far, there is no genotype-phenotype correlation. The broad spectrum of phenotype with NR5A1 mutations may be due to a second hit in a gene with similar function to NR5A1/SF-1. Liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1/NR5A2) might be a good candidate. We performed in vitro studies for the interplay between SF-1, LRH-1 and DAX-1, expression profiles in human steroidogenic tissues, and NR5A2 genetic studies in a cohort (11 patients, 8 relatives, 11 families) harboring heterozygote NR5A1/SF-1 mutations. LRH-1 isoforms transactivate the CYP17A1 and HSD3B2 promoters similarly to SF-1 and compensate for SF-1 deficiency. DAX-1 inhibits SF-1- and LRH-1-mediated transactivation. LRH-1 is found expressed in human adult and fetal adrenals and testes. However, no NR5A2/LRH-1 mutations were detected in 14 individuals with heterozygote NR5A1/SF-1 mutations. These findings demonstrate that in vitro LRH-1 can act like SF-1 and compensate for its deficiency. Expression of LRH-1 in fetal testis suggests a role in male gonadal development. However, as we found no NR5A2/LRH-1 mutations, the ‘second genetic hit' in SF-1 patients explaining the broad phenotypic variability remains elusive.
Systemic Treatment Approaches for Sporadic Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis: Scarce Evidence and Recommendations
Authors: Kasper Bernd
Published: April 2015

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a rare disease characterized by a monoclonal, fibroblastic proliferation and a variable and often unpredictable clinical course. Although histologically benign, DF is locally invasive and associated with a high local recurrence rate, but lacks any metastatic potential. As there is no established or evidence-based treatment approach available as of today, an individualized treatment strategy is fundamental in the light of highly variable clinical presentations, anatomic locations, and biological behaviors. Surgery with negative margins has been the cornerstone of DF treatment; however, an overall reassessment of the management of DF patients has taken place in the last few years, and preservation of function and quality of life has become a priority in these patients. Evidence is scarce for systemic treatment; different pharmacological options can be proposed and will be reviewed here. To better define possible therapeutic strategies, a consensus approach has been initiated, bringing together sarcoma experts from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group (STBSG) with patient advocates from Sarcoma Patients EuroNet (SPAEN). As a prerequisite, patients should be discussed in a multidisciplinary setting in centers/networks with specific expertise and experience in this disease.
Blood Pressure and Adverse Events During Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Saeed Omar , Jermyn Rita , Kargoli Faraj , Madan Shivank , Mannem Santhosh , Gunda Sampath , Nucci Cecilia , Farooqui Sarah , Hassan Syed , Mclarty Allison , Bloom Michelle , Zolty Ronald , Shin Julia , D’Alessandro David , Goldstein Daniel J. , Patel Snehal R.
Published: April 2015

Background—

Adverse events (AEs), such as intracranial hemorrhage, thromboembolic event, and progressive aortic insufficiency, create substantial morbidity and mortality during continuous flow left ventricular assist device support yet their relation to blood pressure control is underexplored.

Methods and Results—

A multicenter retrospective review of patients supported for at least 30 days and ≤18 months by a continuous flow left ventricular assist device from June 2006 to December 2013 was conducted. All outpatient Doppler blood pressure (DOPBP) recordings were averaged up to the time of intracranial hemorrhage, thromboembolic event, or progressive aortic insufficiency. DOPBP was analyzed as a categorical variable grouped as high (>90 mm Hg; n=40), intermediate (80–90 mm Hg; n=52), and controlled (<80 mm Hg; n=31). Cumulative survival free from an AE was calculated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox hazard ratios were derived. Patients in the high DOPBP group had worse baseline renal function, lower angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker usage during continuous flow left ventricular assist device support, and a more prevalent history of hypertension. Twelve (30%) patients in the high DOPBP group had an AE, in comparison with 7 (13%) patients in the intermediate DOPBP group and only 1 (3%) in the controlled DOPBP group. The likelihood of an AE increased in patients with a high DOPBP (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence interval], 16.4 [1.8–147.3];
P
=0.012 versus controlled and 2.6 [0.93–7.4];
P
=0.068 versus intermediate). Overall, a similar association was noted for the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (
P
=0.015) and progressive aortic insufficiency (
P
=0.078) but not for thromboembolic event (
P
=0.638). Patients with an AE had a higher DOPBP (90±10 mm Hg) in comparison with those without an AE (85±10 mm Hg;
P
=0.05).

Conclusions—

In a population at risk, higher DOPBP during continuous flow left ventricular assist device support was significantly associated with a composite of AEs.
Prevalence, Vascular Distribution, and Multiterritorial Extent of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in a Middle-Aged Cohort
Authors: Fernández-Friera Leticia , Peñalvo José L. , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Ibañez Borja , López-Melgar Beatriz , Laclaustra Martín , Oliva Belén , Mocoroa Agustín , Mendiguren José , Martínez de Vega Vicente , García Laura , Molina Jesús , Sánchez-González Javier , Guzmán Gabriela , Alonso-Farto Juan C. , Guallar Eliseo , Civeira Fernando , Sillesen Henrik , Pocock Stuart , Ordovás José M. , Sanz Ginés , Jiménez-Borreguero Luis Jesús , Fuster Valentín
Published: April 2015

Background—

Data are limited on the presence, distribution, and extent of subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged populations.

Methods and Results—

The PESA (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis) study prospectively enrolled 4184 asymptomatic participants 40 to 54 years of age (mean age, 45.8 years; 63% male) to evaluate the systemic extent of atherosclerosis in the carotid, abdominal aortic, and iliofemoral territories by 2-/3-dimensional ultrasound and coronary artery calcification by computed tomography. The extent of subclinical atherosclerosis, defined as presence of plaque or coronary artery calcification ≥1, was classified as focal (1 site affected), intermediate (2–3 sites), or generalized (4–6 sites) after exploration of each vascular site (right/left carotids, aorta, right/left iliofemorals, and coronary arteries). Subclinical atherosclerosis was present in 63% of participants (71% of men, 48% of women). Intermediate and generalized atherosclerosis was identified in 41%. Plaques were most common in the iliofemorals (44%), followed by the carotids (31%) and aorta (25%), whereas coronary artery calcification was present in 18%. Among participants with low Framingham Heart Study (FHS) 10-year risk, subclinical disease was detected in 58%, with intermediate or generalized disease in 36%. When longer-term risk was assessed (30-year FHS), 83% of participants at high risk had atherosclerosis, with 66% classified as intermediate or generalized.

Conclusions—

Subclinical atherosclerosis was highly prevalent in this middle-aged cohort, with nearly half of the participants classified as having intermediate or generalized disease. Most participants at high FHS risk had subclinical disease; however, extensive atherosclerosis was also present in a substantial number of low-risk individuals, suggesting added value of imaging for diagnosis and prevention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01410318.
The Absolute Milieu: Blanchot’s Aesthetics of Melancholy
Authors: Allen William S.
Published: April 2015

Unlike his other fictional works Blanchot’s 1953 narrative Celui qui ne m’accompagnait pas has received comparatively little attention. The reasons for this would seem to lie in the intense abstraction of his writing in this work, which is forbidding even by his own standards, but as I will show, this intensity can be understood as comprising a singular topography of the experience of writing. Blanchot’s narrative thereby becomes a very precise and concrete form of aesthetics, which can be usefully compared to the understandings of melancholy developed by Benjamin and Adorno, but transposed into a more stringent modernist context.
With Jesus in Paradise?
Authors: Olsson Hans
Published: April 2015

This article explores the quest among contemporary pentecostal migrants from mainland Tanzania in Zanzibar to become “saved” Christians. The analysis of a set of techniques and processes applied in developing and keeping faith reveals high levels of suspicion and doubt connected to the perceived presence of evil in the Zanzibari environment, which, in turn, is linked to a fear of losing salvation. With Christian minorities recently having their premises attacked in connection with sociopolitical hostilities in the predominantly Muslim setting of Zanzibar, the case in this article highlights how the context of violence is negotiated in pentecostal modes of suspicion toward the other while, at the same time, it bolsters spiritual growth. This illustrates how a pentecostal ethos intermingles with and provides migrants with ways of interpreting the contemporary setting in which religious belonging is at the fore in present-day calls for Zanzibari political sovereignty and inclusive Union politics.
Red Army Propaganda for Uzbek Soldiers and Localised Soviet Internationalism during World War II
Authors: Shin Boram
Published: April 2015

During World War II, the Red Army, which had been a predominantly Slavic institution, felt the need to ‘learn the languages’ of its non-Slavic Central Asian soldiers when a large number of recruits from Central Asia arrived at the front. The Red Army authorities mobilised Central Asian political and cultural apparatuses to produce propaganda materials targeting these non-Slavic soldiers. The mobilised Uzbek propagandists and frontline entertainers reinterpreted the Soviet motherland (rodina) using the local metaphor of the Uzbek fatherland (el/yurtt/o‘tov). In this process of reimagining the Soviet/national space, Soviet heroism and internationalism, promoted as a part of Soviet patriotism, reshaped the Uzbek national identity as an Asiatic liberator. This paper explores the propaganda materials and frontline entertainment tailored to the Uzbek Red Army soldiers and traces the nationalised war hero narrative in Komil Yashin’s 1949 playGeneral Rahimov.
British Lord, American Movie Idol and Soviet Counterculture Figure
Authors: White Frederick H.
Published: April 2015

For an entire generation of Soviet youth, Tarzan was a provocative symbol of individualism and personal freedom. Previous scholarship has included Tarzan within the larger counterculture movement of the thaw period (1953–64), but has not specifically examined how this occurred. Joseph S. Nye has coined the term soft power to describe the ability to attract and to co-opt rather than to force another nation into accepting your ideals. Within this rubric, Tarzan’s presence in the Soviet Union was simultaneously entertaining and provocative. As literary fare in the 1920s, Tarzan represented an escape from war and revolution and was sanctioned as acceptable reading for Soviet youths. The celluloid Tarzan also represented an escape, but this time from the repressive Stalinist regime and the hardships of post-WWII Soviet society. Raised on both the books and films, a new generation of Soviet youth longed for the individual freedom that Tarzan came to represent. Tarzan’s impact in the Soviet Union is one example of western cultural infiltration that contributed to the idealization of American individualism over the Soviet collective within the Soviet Union.
Greek Literature in the Christian East: Translations into Syriac, Georgian, and Armenian
Authors: McCollum Adam Carter
Published: April 2015

This article offers a non-exhaustive survey of translation activities for texts, secular and religious, from Greek into Syriac and, to a lesser extent, Georgian, Armenian, and other languages. Some remarks on theoretical and historical considerations surrounding these activities precede the survey itself. Comments on agenda and desiderata conclude the article.
Spatial Frequency Modulates the Degree of Illusory Second Flash Perception
Authors: Takeshima Yasuhiro , Gyoba Jiro
Published: April 2015

When a brief single flash is presented simultaneously with two brief beeps, the number of presented flashes is often perceived as two. This phenomenon is referred to as the fission illusion. Several effects related to the fission illusion have been investigated using both psychophysical and neurophysiological methods. The present study examined the effects of spatial frequency on the fission illusion. At a low spatial frequency, transient channels respond preferably; conversely, sustained channels respond preferably at a high spatial frequency. Sustained channels differ in temporal properties from transient channels and are characterized by poor temporal resolution and slow-onset responses. In our previous study, visual stimuli presented at a slow processing speed were not conducive to the fission illusion. Therefore, we hypothesized that the fission illusion would not be difficult to observe when using high spatial frequencies. The results indicated that the degree of the perceived illusory second flash was reduced when spatial frequency was high as compared to when it was is low. Furthermore, according to signal detection theory, this difference between high and low spatial frequencies was not attributed to participants’ response biases. Therefore, the fission illusion likely will not occur in conditions of slow processing speed and long response latencies in sustained channels, which respond preferably to high spatial frequency stimuli. Overall, the results indicated that the fission illusion was affected by temporal characteristics of lower-order sensory processing stages.
Two-Dimensional Rubber-Hand Illusion: The Dorian Gray Hand Illusion
Authors: Pasqualotto Achille , Proulx Michael J.
Published: April 2015

The rubber-hand illusion provides a window into body representation and consciousness. It has been found that body-ownership extended to numerous hand-like objects. Interestingly, the vast majority of these objects were three-dimensional. We adopted this paradigm by using hand drawings to investigate whether rubber-hand illusion could be extended to two-dimensional hand samples, and we measured skin conductance responses and behavioural variables. The fact that this illusion extended to two-dimensional stimuli reveals the dominant role of top–down information on visual perception for body representation and consciousness.