bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-12 Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide Stimulated Osteoclastogenesis in Mice
Authors: Yoshimatsu Masako , Kitaura Hideki , Fujimura Yuji , Kohara Haruka , Morita Yukiko , Yoshida Noriaki
Published: May 2015

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is related to osteoclastogenesis in osteolytic diseases. Interleukin- (IL-) 12 is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a critical role in host defense. In this study, we investigated the effects of IL-12 on LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis. LPS was administered with or without IL-12 into the supracalvariae of mice, and alterations in the calvarial suture were evaluated histochemically. The number of osteoclasts in the calvarial suture and the mRNA level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), an osteoclast marker, were lower in mice administered LPS with IL-12 than in mice administered LPS alone. The serum level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), a bone resorption marker, was also lower in mice administered LPS with IL-12 than in mice administered LPS alone. These results revealed that IL-12 might inhibit LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. In TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assays, apoptotic changes in cells were recognized in the calvarial suture in mice administered LPS with IL-12. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of both Fas and FasL were increased in mice administered LPS with IL-12. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis is inhibited by IL-12 and that this might arise through apoptotic changes in osteoclastogenesis-related cells induced by Fas/FasL interactions.
A Heparan Sulfate-Binding Cell Penetrating Peptide for Tumor Targeting and Migration Inhibition
Authors: Chen Chien-Jung , Tsai Kang-Chiao , Kuo Ping-Hsueh , Chang Pei-Lin , Wang Wen-Ching , Chuang Yung-Jen , Chang Margaret Dah-Tsyr
Published: May 2015

As heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are known as co-receptors to interact with numerous growth factors and then modulate downstream biological activities, overexpression of HS/HSPG on cell surface acts as an increasingly reliable prognostic factor in tumor progression. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short-chain peptides developed as functionalized vectors for delivery approaches of impermeable agents. On cell surface negatively charged HS provides the initial attachment of basic CPPs by electrostatic interaction, leading to multiple cellular effects. Here a functional peptide (CPPecp) has been identified from critical HS binding region in hRNase3, a unique RNase family member within vitroantitumor activity. In this study we analyze a set of HS-binding CPPs derived from natural proteins including CPPecp. In addition to cellular binding and internalization, CPPecpdemonstrated multiple functions including strong binding activity to tumor cell surface with higher HS expression, significant inhibitory effects on cancer cell migration, and suppression of angiogenesisin vitroandin vivo. Moreover, different from conventional highly basic CPPs, CPPecpfacilitated magnetic nanoparticle to selectively target tumor sitein vivo. Therefore, CPPecpcould engage its capacity to be developed as biomaterials for diagnostic imaging agent, therapeutic supplement, or functionalized vector for drug delivery.
A Novel Protective Framework for Defeating HTTP‐Based Denial of Service and Distributed Denial of Service Attacks
Authors: Saleh Mohammed A. , Abdul Manaf Azizah
Published: May 2015

The growth of web technology has brought convenience to our life, since it has become the most important communication channel. However, now this merit is threatened by complicated network‐based attacks, such as denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Despite many researchers’ efforts, no optimal solution that addresses all sorts of HTTP DoS/DDoS attacks is on offer. Therefore, this research aims to fix this gap by designing an alternative solution called a flexible, collaborative, multilayer, DDoS prevention framework (FCMDPF). The innovative design of the FCMDPF framework handles all aspects of HTTP‐based DoS/DDoS attacks through the following three subsequent framework’s schemes (layers). Firstly, an outer blocking (OB) scheme blocks attacking IP source if it is listed on the black list table. Secondly, the service traceback oriented architecture (STBOA) scheme is to validate whether the incoming request is launched by a human or by an automated tool. Then, it traces back the true attacking IP source. Thirdly, the flexible advanced entropy based (FAEB) scheme is to eliminate high rate DDoS (HR‐DDoS) and flash crowd (FC) attacks. Compared to the previous researches, our framework’s design provides an efficient protection for web applications against all sorts of DoS/DDoS attacks.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: Case Report and Review in Search for Diagnostic Key Points
Authors: López-Medina Guillermo , Gallo Manuel , Prado Alejandro , Vicuña-Honorato Iliana , Castillo Díaz de León Roxana
Published: May 2015

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is considered an uncommon disease with a low incidence rate that remains as a diagnostic challenge for the clinician, in spite of the fact that seventy years have passed since its original description. Hereby we present the case of a 29-year-old male without history of allergies who was evaluated for unspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, without relevant findings on physical examination and presenting an initial complete blood count (CBC) with severe eosinophilia. The patient was evaluated and the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis was confirmed by histopathological findings. The relevance of the case resides in highlighting the lack of guidelines or consensus for histological diagnosis being virtually the only one available. To a similar extent, treatment evidence is based on case series with a reasonable number of patients and case reports.
SERCA2 Haploinsufficiency in a Mouse Model of Darier Disease Causes a Selective Predisposition to Heart Failure
Authors: Prasad Vikram , Lorenz John N. , Lasko Valerie M. , Nieman Michelle L. , Huang Wei , Wang Yigang , Wieczorek David W. , Shull Gary E.
Published: May 2015

Null mutations in one copy ofATP2A2, the gene encoding sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2 (SERCA2), cause Darier disease in humans, a skin condition involving keratinocytes. Cardiac function appears to be unimpaired in Darier disease patients, with no evidence that SERCA2 haploinsufficiency itself causes heart disease. However, SERCA2 deficiency is widely considered a contributing factor in heart failure. We therefore analyzedAtp2a2heterozygous mice to determine whether SERCA2 haploinsufficiency can exacerbate specific heart disease conditions. Despite reduced SERCA2a levels in heart,Atp2a2heterozygous mice resembled humans in exhibiting normal cardiac physiology. When subjected to hypothyroidism or crossed with a transgenic model of reduced myofibrillar Ca2+-sensitivity, SERCA2 deficiency caused no enhancement of the disease state. However, when combined with a transgenic model of increased myofibrillar Ca2+-sensitivity, SERCA2 haploinsufficiency caused rapid onset of hypertrophy, decompensation, and death. These effects were associated with reduced expression of the antiapoptoticHax1, increased levels of the proapoptotic genesChopandCasp12, and evidence of perturbations in energy metabolism. These data reveal myofibrillar Ca2+-sensitivity to be an important determinant of the cardiac effects of SERCA2 haploinsufficiency and raise the possibility that Darier disease patients are more susceptible to heart failure under certain conditions.
M-PAM Signals Classification Using Modified Gabor Filter Network
Authors: Ghauri Sajjad Ahmed , Mansoor Qureshi Ijaz
Published: May 2015

A Modified Gabor Filter (MGF) network based approach is used for feature extraction and classification ofM-ary Pulse Amplitude Modulated (M-PAM) signals by adaptively tuning the parameters of MGF network. Modulation classification ofM-PAM signals is done under the influence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and channel effects such as Rayleigh flat fading and Rician flat fading. The MGF network uses the network structure of two layers. First layer which is input layer constitutes the adaptive feature extraction part and second layer constitutes the signal classification part. The Gabor atom parameters are tuned using Delta rule and updating of weights of MGF using Recursive Least Square (RLS) algorithm. The simulation results in the form confusion matrix show that proposed modified modulation classification algorithm has high classification accuracy at low signal to noise ratio (SNR). The performance comparison with state-of-the-art existing techniques shows the significant performance improvement of proposed MGF based classifier.
Effects of GUASHA on Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Male Volunteers under Normal Condition and Weightlifters after Weightlifting Training Sessions
Authors: Wang Xingze , Chatchawan Uraiwan , Nakmareong Saowanee , Silsirivanit Atit , Wang Yingying , Xie Dongbei , Yang Jinsheng , Eungpinichpong Wichai
Published: May 2015

Objectives. This paper aims at exploring the effects of GUASHA on heart rate variability between healthy volunteers under normal condition and weightlifters after training sessions.Methods. Ten healthy male volunteers under normal condition and 15 male weightlifters after weightlifting training sessions were recruited into two groups. Electrocardiography was recorded before and immediately after 20-minute GUASHA. HRV was calculated in both the time domain and the frequency domain.Results. Stress index was reduced, while standard deviation of N-N intervals (SDNN), proportion derived by dividing the number of interval differences of successive N-N intervals greater than 50 ms, and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) were enhanced after GUASHA therapy in the two groups. The changes in SDNN and RMSSD were higher in the healthy men group than in the weightlifters group. In addition, low frequency was decreased whereas high frequency was significantly increased in healthy men after the GUASHA session.Conclusions. GUASHA therapy facilitates the parasympathetic nervous activity and modulates the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic activities in both healthy men under normal condition and weightlifters after training sessions as indicated. Although the changes of the HRV parameters were similar in both groups, the responsiveness was more pronounced in healthy men than in male weightlifters.
Experimentally Induced Mammalian Models of Glaucoma
Authors: Ishikawa Makoto , Yoshitomi Takeshi , Zorumski Charles F. , Izumi Yukitoshi
Published: May 2015

A wide variety of animal models have been used to study glaucoma. Although these models provide valuable information about the disease, there is still no ideal model for studying glaucoma due to its complex pathogenesis. Animal models for glaucoma are pivotal for clarifying glaucoma etiology and for developing novel therapeutic strategies to halt disease progression. In this review paper, we summarize some of the major findings obtained in various glaucoma models and examine the strengths and limitations of these models.
Osteoimmunology: Major and Costimulatory Pathway Expression Associated with Chronic Inflammatory Induced Bone Loss
Authors: Crotti Tania N. , Dharmapatni Anak A. S. S. K. , Alias Ekram , Haynes David R.
Published: May 2015

The field of osteoimmunology has emerged in response to the range of evidences demonstrating the close interrelationship between the immune system and bone metabolism. This is pertinent to immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease, where there are chronic inflammation and local bone erosion. Periprosthetic osteolysis is another example of chronic inflammation with associated osteolysis. This may also involve immune mediation when occurring in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Similarities in the regulation and mechanisms of bone loss are likely to be related to the inflammatory cytokines expressed in these diseases. This review highlights the role of immune-related factors influencing bone loss particularly in diseases of chronic inflammation where there is associated localized bone loss. The importance of the balance of the RANKL-RANK-OPG axis is discussed as well as the more recently appreciated role that receptors and adaptor proteins involved in the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signaling pathway play. Although animal models are briefly discussed, the focus of this review is on the expression of ITAM associated molecules in relation to inflammation induced localized bone loss in RA, chronic periodontitis, and periprosthetic osteolysis, with an emphasis on the soluble and membrane bound factor osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR).
Cardioprotective Effects of Tualang Honey: Amelioration of Cholesterol and Cardiac Enzymes Levels
Authors: Khalil Md. Ibrahim , Tanvir E. M. , Afroz Rizwana , Sulaiman Siti Amrah , Gan Siew Hua
Published: May 2015

The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of Malaysian Tualang honey against isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats by investigating changes in the levels of cardiac marker enzymes, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, and antioxidant defense system combined with histopathological examination. Male albino Wistar rats (n= 40) were pretreated orally with Tualang honey (3 g/kg/day) for 45 days. Subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg in saline) for two consecutive days caused a significant increase in serum cardiac marker enzymes (creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate transaminase (AST)), cTnI, serum TC, and TG levels. In addition, ISO-induced myocardial injury was confirmed by a significant increase in heart lipid peroxidation (LPO) products (TBARS) and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, GRx, and GST). Pretreatment of ischemic rats with Tualang honey conferred significant protective effects on all of the investigated biochemical parameters. The biochemical findings were further confirmed by histopathological examination in both Tualang-honey-pretreated and ISO-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates that Tualang honey confers cardioprotective effects on ISO-induced oxidative stress by contributing to endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
Methylglyoxal Induced Basophilic Spindle Cells with Podoplanin at the Surface of Peritoneum in Rat Peritoneal Dialysis Model
Authors: Hirahara Ichiro , Sato Hideki , Imai Toshimi , Onishi Akira , Morishita Yoshiyuki , Muto Shigeaki , Kusano Eiji , Nagata Daisuke
Published: May 2015

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a common treatment for patients with reduced or absent renal function. Long-term PD leads to peritoneal injury with structural changes and functional decline. At worst, peritoneal injury leads to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), which is a serious complication of PD. In order to carry out PD safely, it is important to define the mechanism of progression of peritoneal injury and EPS. We prepared rat models of peritoneal injury by intraperitoneal administration of glucose degradation products, such as methylglyoxal (MGO) or formaldehyde (FA), chlorhexidine gluconate (CG), and talc. In rats treated with MGO, peritoneal fibrous thickening with the appearance of basophilic spindle cells with podoplanin, cytokeratin, andα-smooth muscle actin at the surface of the peritoneum was observed. These cells may have been derived from mesothelial cells by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In FA- or CG-treated rats, the peritoneum was thickened, and mesothelial cells were absent at the surface of the peritoneum. The CG- or MGO-treated rats presented with a so-called abdominal cocoon. In the talc-treated rats, extensive peritoneal adhesion and peritoneal thickening were observed. MGO-induced peritoneal injury model may reflect human histopathology and be suitable to analyze the mechanism of progression of peritoneal injury and EPS.
Preparation of Oleyl Phosphate‐Modified TiO2/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Hybrid Thin Films for Investigation of Their Optical Properties
Authors: Fujita Masato , Idota Naokazu , Matsukawa Kimihiro , Sugahara Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2015

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) modified with oleyl phosphate were synthesized through stable Ti–O–P bonds and were utilized to prepare poly(methyl methacrylate)‐ (PMMA‐) based hybrid thin films via the ex situ route for investigation of their optical properties. After surface modification of TiO2 NPs with oleyl phosphate, IR and 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy showed the presence of oleyl groups. The solid‐state 31P MAS NMR spectrum of the product revealed that the signal due to oleyl phosphate (OP) shifted upon reaction, indicating formation of covalent Ti–O–P bonds. The modified TiO2 NPs could be homogeneously dispersed in toluene, and the median size was 16.1 nm, which is likely to be sufficient to suppress Rayleigh scattering effectively. The TEM images of TiO2/PMMA hybrid thin films also showed a homogeneous dispersion of TiO2 NPs, and they exhibited excellent optical transparency even though the TiO2 content was 20 vol%. The refractive indices of the OP‐modified TiO2/PMMA hybrid thin films changed higher with increases in TiO2 volume fraction, and the hybrid thin film with 20 vol% of TiO2 showed the highest refractive index (n  =  1.86).
Characterization of Multidrug Resistant Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-ProducingEscherichia coliamong Uropathogens of Pediatrics in North of Iran
Authors: Rezai Mohammad Sadegh , Salehifar Ebrahim , Rafiei Alireza , Langaee Taimour , Rafati Mohammadreza , Shafahi Kheironesa , Eslami Gohar
Published: May 2015

Escherichia coliremains as one of the most important bacteria causing infections in pediatrics and producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) making them resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. In this study we aimed to genotype ESBL-producingE. coliisolates from pediatric patients for ESBL genes and determine their association with antimicrobial resistance. One hundred of theE. coliisolates were initially considered ESBL producing based on their MIC results. These isolates were then tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence or absence ofCTX,TEM,SHV,GES, andVEBbeta-lactamase genes. About 30.5% of isolatedE. coliwas ESBL-producing strain. TheTEMgene was the most prevalent (49%) followed bySHV(44%),CTX(28%),VEB(8%), andGES(0%) genes. The ESBL-producingE. coliisolates were susceptible to carbapenems (66%) and amikacin (58%) and showed high resistance to cefixime (99%), colistin (82%), and ciprofloxacin (76%). In conclusion, carbapenems were the most effective antibiotics against ESBl-producingE. coliin urinary tract infection in North of Iran. The most prevalent gene is the TEM-type, but the other resistant genes and their antimicrobial resistance are on the rise.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Study of Combined Impingement and Showerhead Film Cooling Near NGV Leading Edge
Authors: Chandran Dileep , Prasad Bhamidi
Published: May 2015

A computational and experimental study is carried out on the leading edge region of a typical gas turbine NGV, cooled by a combination of impingement and showerhead film cooling. A detailed flow and conjugate heat transfer study has revealed the complex flow structure owing to the coolant-mainstream interaction and the influence of vane material thermal conductivity. The local effectiveness values obtained by the computations agreed well with the experimental data from IR thermography. The effect of blowing ratio on the overall effectiveness is found to be strongly dependent on the vane material conductivity. The effect of blowing ratio is also found to be different towards the pressure and suction sides of the stagnation region. However, the overall effectiveness is found to decrease by about 12% and 6% for low and high conducting materials, respectively, with an increase in mainstream Reynolds number fromRe=4.8×105to14.4×105.
Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis Based on Choquet Integral
Authors: Xia Meimei
Published: May 2015

To reflect the interactions among criteria, Choquet integral is employed to stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis. Models are first given to roughly identify the best and worst ranking orders of each alternative, based on which the weight information spaces are explored to support some alternative for ranking at some position and calculate the acceptability indices of alternatives. Models are then given to analyze the characters of information spaces, which can describe what kind of information supports alternatives for ranking at some position and can give an analysis about the effect of characters on the decision result. The proposed method considers not only the interactions between two criteria, but also the interactions among three, four, and more criteria. The proposed method can be considered as an extension of the existing ones.
The Role of Power Doppler Ultrasonography as Disease Activity Marker in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bhasin Shaloo , Cheung Peter P.
Published: May 2015

Structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs early if inflammation is not treated promptly. Treatment targeted to reduce inflammation, in particular, that of synovial inflammation in the joints (synovitis), has been recommended as standard treat-to-target recommendations by rheumatologists. The goal is to achieve disease remission (i.e., no disease activity). Several accepted remission criteria have not always equated to the complete absence of true inflammation. Over the last decade, musculoskeletal ultrasonography has been demonstrated to detect subclinical synovitis not appreciated by routine clinical or laboratory assessments, with the Power Doppler modality allowing clinicians to more readily appreciate true inflammation. Thus, targeting therapy to Power Doppler activity may provide superior outcomes compared with treating to clinical targets alone, making it an attractive marker of disease activity in RA. However, more validation on its true benefits such as its benefits to patients in regard to patient related outcomes and issues with standardized training in acquisition and interpretation of power Doppler findings are required.
Neem (Azadirachta indicaA. Juss) Oil to Tackle EnteropathogenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Del Serrone Paola , Toniolo Chiara , Nicoletti Marcello
Published: May 2015

Neem (Azadirachta indicaA. Juss) oil (NO) was assayed against forty-eight isolates ofEscherichia coliby standardised disc diffusion test and microdilution test. By molecular biology characterization, fourteen isolates resulted in diarrheagenicE. coliwith sixteen primer pairs that specifically amplify unique sequences of virulence genes and of 16S rRNA. The NO showed biological activity against all isolates. The bacterial growth inhibition zone by disc diffusion method (100 µL NO) ranged between 9.50 ± 0.70 and 30.00 ± 1.00 mm. The antibacterial activity was furthermore determined at lower NO concentrations (1 : 10–1 : 10,000). The percent of growth reduction ranged between 23.71 ± 1.00 and 99.70 ± 1.53. The highest bacterial growth reduction was 1 : 10 NO concentration with 50 µL of bacterial suspension (ca. 1 × 106 CFU/mL). There is significant difference between the antibacterial activities against pathogenic and nonpathogenicE. coli, as well as NO and ciprofloxacin activities. Viable cells after the different NO concentration treatments were checked by molecular biology assay using PMA dye. On the basis of the obtained results, NO counteractsE. coliand also influences the virulence ofE. coliviable cells after NO treatment. The NO metabolomic composition was obtained using fingerprint HPTLC.
Authenticated Diffie-Hellman Key Agreement Scheme that Protects Client Anonymity and Achieves Half-Forward Secrecy
Authors: Chien Hung-Yu
Published: May 2015

Authenticated Diffie-Hellman key agreement (D-H key) is the de facto building block for establishing secure session keys in many security systems. Regarding the computations of authenticated D-H key agreement, the operation of modular exponentiation is the most expensive computation, which incurs a heavy loading on those clients where either their computational capacities or their batteries are limited and precious. As client’s privacy is a big concern in several e-commerce applications, it is desirable to extend authenticated D-H key agreement to protect client’s identity privacy. This paper proposes a new problem: the modified elliptic curves computational Diffie-Hellman problem (MECDHP) and proves that the MECDHP is as hard as the conventional elliptic curves computational Diffie-Hellman problem (ECDHP). Based on the MECDHP, we propose an authenticated D-H key agreement scheme which greatly improves client computational efficiency and protects client’s anonymity from outsiders. This new scheme is attractive to those applications where the clients need identity protection and lightweight computation.
Electrochemical Deposition and Dissolution of Thallium from Sulfate Solutions
Authors: Ussipbekova Ye. Zh. , Seilkhanova G. A. , Jeyabharathi Ch. , Scholz F. , Kurbatov A. P. , Nauryzbaev M. K. , Berezovskiy A.
Published: May 2015

The electrochemical behavior of thallium was studied on glassy carbon electrodes in sulfate solutions. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the kinetics of the electrode processes and to determine the nature of the limiting step of the cathodic reduction of thallium ions. According to the dependence of current on stirring rate and scan rate, this process is diffusion limited. Chronocoulometry showed that the electrodeposition can be performed with a current efficiency of up to 96% in the absence of oxygen.
A New Strategy Using Rikkunshito to Treat Anorexia and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Authors: Saegusa Yayoi , Hattori Tomohisa , Nahata Miwa , Yamada Chihiro , Takeda Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Because the clinical condition of gastrointestinal dysfunction, including functional dyspepsia, involves tangled combinations of pathologies, there are some cases of insufficient curative efficacy. Thus, traditional herbal medicines (Kampo medicines) uniquely developed in Japan are thought to contribute to medical treatment for upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Rikkunshito is a Kampo medicine often used to treat dyspeptic symptoms. Over the past few years, several studies have investigated the efficacy of rikkunshito for dysmotility, for example, upper abdominal complaints, in animals and humans. Rikkunshito ameliorated the decrease in gastric motility and anorexia in cisplatin-treated rats, stress-loaded mice, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-treated rats by enhancing plasma ghrelin levels via serotonin2B/2Creceptor antagonism. In addition, rikkunshito ameliorated the decrease in food intake in aged mice and stress-loaded decreased gastric motility via enhanced ghrelin receptor signaling. Several clinical studies revealed that rikkunshito was effective in ameliorating upper gastrointestinal symptoms, including dyspepsia, epigastric pain, and postprandial fullness. In this review, we discuss these studies and propose additional evidence-based research that may promote the clinical use of Kampo medicines, particularly rikkunshito, for treating anorexia and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Effects of Intravenous Injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis on Rabbit Inflammatory Immune Response and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lin Gengbing , Chen Shuai , Lei Lang , You Xiaoqing , Huang Min , Luo Lan , Li Yanfen , Zhao Xin , Yan Fuhua
Published: May 2015

The effects of intravenous injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) on rabbit inflammatory immune response and atherosclerosis were evaluated by establishing a microamount Pg bacteremia model combined with high‐fat diet. Twenty‐four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into Groups A‐D (n = 6). After 14 weeks, levels of inflammatory factors (C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1)) in peripheral blood were detected by ELISA. The aorta was subjected to HE staining. Local aortic expressions of toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR‐2), TLR‐4, TNF‐α, CRP, IL‐6, matrix metallopeptidase‐9, and MCP‐1 were detected by real‐time PCR, and those of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65, phospho‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phospho‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) proteins were detected by Western blot. Intravenous injection of Pg to the bloodstream alone induced atherosclerotic changes and significantly increased systemic and local aortic expressions of inflammatory factors, NF‐κB p65, phospho‐p38‐MAPK, and JNK, especially in Group D. Injection of microamount Pg induced inflammatory immune response and accelerated atherosclerosis, in which the NF‐κB p65, p38‐MAPK, and JNK signaling pathways played important roles. Intravenous injection of Pg is not the same as Pg from human periodontitis entering the blood stream. Therefore, our results cannot be extrapolated to human periodontitis.
Osteoprotegerin Polymorphisms in a Mexican Population with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Generalized Osteoporosis: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Zavala-Cerna Maria Guadalupe , Moran-Moguel Maria Cristina , Cornejo-Toledo Jesus Alejandro , Gonzalez-Montoya Norma Guadalupe , Sanchez-Corona Jose , Salazar-Paramo Mario , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo Hernan , Aguilar-Chavez Erika Anita , Alcaraz-Lopez Miriam Fabiola , Gonzalez-Sanchez Alicia Guadalupe , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Gamez-Nava Jorge Ivan
Published: May 2015

Bone disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex phenomenon where genetic risk factors have been partially evaluated. The system formed by receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB (RANK), receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG): RANK/RANKL/OPG is a crucial molecular pathway for coupling between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, since OPG is able to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activation. We aim to evaluate the association between SNPs C950T (rs2073617), C209T (rs3134069), T245G (rs3134070) in theTNFRSF11B(OPG) gene, and osteoporosis in RA. We included 81 women with RA and 52 healthy subjects in a cross-sectional study, genotyped them, and measured bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck. Mean age in RA was50±12with disease duration of12±8years. According to BMD results, 23 (33.3%) were normal and 46 (66.7%) had osteopenia/osteoporosis. We found a higher prevalence of C allele for C950T SNP in RA. Polymorphisms C209T and T245G did not reach statistical significance in allele distribution. Further studies including patients from other regions of Latin America with a multicenter design to increase the sample size are required to confirm our findings and elucidate if C950T SNP could be associated with osteoporosis in RA.
A Rare and Interesting Case of a Massive Secondary Spinal Chondrosarcoma and Review of the Literature
Authors: Adimonye Anthony
Published: May 2015

Chondrosarcoma, the second most common primary malignancy of the bone, is malignant cartilage forming tumour that very rarely involves the axial skeleton. It may arise as a primary bone tumour or as a secondary lesion from a preexisting benign cartilaginous neoplasm such as osteochondroma or enchondroma. A rare case of a massive secondary lumbar spine chondrosarcoma is presented. Management consisted of an initial posterior spinal stabilization and fusion and then a curative radicalen bloctumour resection. A review of the literature is also presented.
Endovascular Therapy Is Effective for Leriche Syndrome with Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Higashihara Tasuku , Shiode Nobuo , Kawase Tomoharu , Tamekiyo Hiromichi , Otsuka Masaya , Okimoto Tomokazu , Hayashi Yasuhiko
Published: May 2015

A 65-year-old man presented to our hospital due to intermittent claudication and swelling in his left leg. He had Leriche syndrome and deep vein thrombosis. We performed endovascular therapy (EVT) for Leriche syndrome, and a temporary filter was inserted in the inferior vena cava. He received anticoagulation therapy for deep vein thrombosis. The stenotic lesion in the terminal aorta was stented with an excellent postprocedural angiographic result and dramatic clinical improvement after EVT. This case suggests that EVT can be a treatment for Leriche syndrome.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation
Authors: Wang Xinjun , Yin Jieyun
Published: May 2015

Chronic constipation, an ancient disease, is prevalent, and costly in the general population. Complementary and alternative therapies are frequently used for constipation. This review introduces various methods of complementary and alternative therapies, including acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and herbal medicine. Efficacy, safety, influence factors, sham control design, and mechanisms of these therapies are discussed and evaluated. Acupuncture or electroacupuncture was found to be most commonly used for constipation among these complementary and alternative therapies, followed by herbal medicine. Although only a small number of clinical studies are flawless, our review of the literature seems to suggest that acupuncture or electroacupuncture and herbal medicine are effective in treating constipation, whereas findings on massage and moxibustion are inconclusive. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to improve and prove the efficacy of the complementary and alternative therapies for constipation; mechanistic studies that would lead to wide spread use and improvement of the methods are also discussed in this review.
Intersection Group Dynamic Subdivision and Coordination at Intraregional Boundaries in Sudden Disaster
Authors: Lin Ciyun , Gong Bowen , Yang Zhaosheng , Qu Xin
Published: May 2015

This paper aims at the traffic flow agglomeration effect characteristics and rapid evacuation requirement in sudden disaster; operation time of intraregional boundaries traffic signal coordination was presented firstly. Then intraregional boundaries intersection group dynamic subdivision and consolidation method based on relative similarity degree and similarity coefficient of adjacent intersections was put forward. As to make the traffic control strategy adapt to traffic condition of different intraregional boundaries intersection groups, this paper proposes an intraregional boundaries traffic signal coordination and optimization technology based on organic computing theory. Finally, this paper uses Delphi 7.0, MapX, and Oracle developing a software package, combined with Paramics V6 Simulator to validate the methods of this paper. The result shows that it can obviously improve disaster affected regional traffic signal control efficiency which reduces average traffic delay by 30–35%, decreases vehicle queue by more than 20% and reduces evacuation time more than 13.06%.
Morphological and Biomechanical Differences in the Elastase and AngIIapoE−/−Rodent Models of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Phillips Evan H. , Yrineo Alexa A. , Schroeder Hilary D. , Wilson Katherine E. , Cheng Ji-Xin , Goergen Craig J.
Published: May 2015

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially fatal cardiovascular disease with multifactorial development and progression. Two preclinical models of the disease (elastase perfusion and angiotensin II infusion in apolipoprotein-E-deficient animals) have been developed to study the disease during its initiation and progression. To date, most studies have usedex vivomethods to examine disease characteristics such as expanded aortic diameter or analytic methods to look at circulating biomarkers. Herein, we provide evidence fromin vivoultrasound studies of the temporal changes occurring in biomechanical parameters and macromolecules of the aortic wall in each model. We present findings from 28-day studies in elastase-perfused rats and AngIIapoE−/−mice. While each model develops AAAs specific to their induction method, they both share characteristics with human aneurysms, such as marked changes in vessel strain and blood flow velocity. Histology and nonlinear microscopy confirmed that both elastin and collagen, both important extracellular matrix molecules, are similarly affected in their levels and spatial distribution. Future studies could make use of the differences between these models in order to investigate mechanisms of disease progression or evaluate potential AAA treatments.
T Helper 17/Regulatory T Cell Balance and Experimental Models of Peritoneal Dialysis-Induced Damage
Authors: Liappas Georgios , Gónzalez-Mateo Guadalupe Tirma , Majano Pedro , Sánchez- Tomero José Antonio , Ruiz-Ortega Marta , Rodrigues Díez Raquel , Martín Pilar , Sanchez-Díaz Raquel , Selgas Rafael , López-Cabrera Manuel , Aguilera Peralta Abelardo
Published: May 2015

Fibrosis is a general complication in many diseases. It is the main complication during peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment, a therapy for renal failure disease. Local inflammation and mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MMT) are well known key phenomena in peritoneal damage during PD. New data suggest that, in the peritoneal cavity, inflammatory changes may be regulated at least in part by a delicate balance between T helper 17 and regulatory T cells. This paper briefly reviews the implication of the Th17/Treg-axis in fibrotic diseases. Moreover, it compares current evidences described in PD animal experimental models, indicating a loss of Th17/Treg balance (Th17 predominance) leading to peritoneal damage during PD. In addition, considering the new clinical and animal experimental data, new therapeutic strategies to reduce the Th17 response and increase the regulatory T response are proposed. Thus, future goals should be to develop new clinical biomarkers to reverse this immune misbalance and reduce peritoneal fibrosis in PD.
A Seismic Blind Deconvolution Algorithm Based on Bayesian Compressive Sensing
Authors: Li Yanqin , Zhang Guoshan
Published: May 2015

Compressive sensing in seismic signal processing is a construction of the unknown reflectivity sequence from the incoherent measurements of the seismic records. Blind seismic deconvolution is the recovery of reflectivity sequence from the seismic records, when the seismic wavelet is unknown. In this paper, a seismic blind deconvolution algorithm based on Bayesian compressive sensing is proposed. The proposed algorithm combines compressive sensing and blind seismic deconvolution to get the reflectivity sequence and the unknown seismic wavelet through the compressive sensing measurements of the seismic records. Hierarchical Bayesian model and optimization method are used to estimate the unknown reflectivity sequence, the seismic wavelet, and the unknown parameters (hyperparameters). The estimated result by the proposed algorithm shows the better agreement with the real value on both simulation and field-data experiments.
Similarity Theory of Withdrawn Water Temperature Experiment
Authors: Han Yunpeng , Gao Xueping
Published: May 2015

Selective withdrawal from a thermal stratified reservoir has been widely utilized in managing reservoir water withdrawal. Besides theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, model test was also necessary in studying the temperature of withdrawn water. However, information on the similarity theory of the withdrawn water temperature model remains lacking. Considering flow features of selective withdrawal, the similarity theory of the withdrawn water temperature model was analyzed theoretically based on the modification of governing equations, the Boussinesq approximation, and some simplifications. The similarity conditions between the model and the prototype were suggested. The conversion of withdrawn water temperature between the model and the prototype was proposed. Meanwhile, the fundamental theory of temperature distribution conversion was firstly proposed, which could significantly improve the experiment efficiency when the basic temperature of the model was different from the prototype. Based on the similarity theory, an experiment was performed on the withdrawn water temperature which was verified by numerical method.
Prediction of Metabolic Gene Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Disease by an Integrated Network-Based Approach
Authors: Ni Qi , Su Xianming , Chen Jingqi , Tian Weidong
Published: May 2015

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD), have become more and more common among aged people worldwide. One hallmark of NDs is the presence of intracellular accumulation of specific pathogenic proteins that may result from abnormal function of metabolic processes. Previously, we have developed a computational method named Met-express that predicted key enzyme-coding genes in cancer development by integrating cancer gene coexpression network with the metabolic network. Here, we applied Met-express to predict key enzyme-coding genes in both PD and HD. Functional enrichment analysis and literature review of predicted genes suggested that there might be some common pathogenic metabolic pathways for PD and HD. We further found that the predicted genes had significant functional association with known disease genes, with some of them already documented as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for NDs. As such, the predicted metabolic genes may be of use as novel biomarkers not only for ND diagnosis but also for potential therapeutic treatments.
A New Two-Level Clustering Scheme for Partitioning in Distributed Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Benaouda Nacéra , Mostefai Mohammed
Published: May 2015

Partitioning has always been a challenge in the design of distributed applications. It allows optimizing the intercommunication between the system components and so increasing the lifetime of the network. Graph theory methods have often been used to perform partitioning in classic distributed systems but seem to be not efficient in ad hoc or wireless sensor networks (WSN). The main reason is related to the topology of these kinds of networks and the presence of multihop communication. In this paper, we propose a new self-organisation of the WSN based on the optimization of the number of jumps between any sensor and the sink. The network is based on a two-level hierarchy structure and organised as a set of clusters with one cluster-head by cluster and a super-leader for the entire network. The optimisation process has been performed and validated by introducing some parameters, baptized cohesion parameters. The simulation of our approach compared to existing and previously developed protocols shows the efficiency of the method. The results are very interesting and allow projecting several perspectives to improve performances by using other metrics.
Circulating MicroRNA-21 Is a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Jianhong , Li Guangxin , Wang Zeyou , Yao Yongliang , Chen Rui , Pu XiongYong , Wang Jianjun
Published: May 2015

MicroRNA-21 was upexpressed in gastric cancer (GC) indicating that it is a potential diagnostic biomarker for GC. In this study, 50 GC patients and 50 healthy controls were recruited. miR-21 levels in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. CA199, and CEA were measured using electrochemiluminescence assay. The sensitivity and specificity of circulating miR-21, CA199 and CEA in GC diagnosis, the correlation of circulating miR-21 to clinicopathological features, and the diagnostic value of miR-21 in different GC stages were determined. The levels of miR-21 in both serum and PBMCs increased significantly in GC patients comparing to healthy controls; however, no correlation was observed between circulating miR-21 level and clinicopathological features. The sensitivity and specificity of miR-21 in serum and PBMCs, and CA199 and CEA in GC diagnosis were 88.4%, 79.6%, 81.3%, 73.4%, 60.5%, 55.9%, and 68.6%, 59.3%, respectively. The positive prediction rates of circulating miR-21 in GC stages I to IV were all around 90%, while those of CA199 and CEA were around or less than 50%. Our data suggest circulating miR-21 (both in serum and in PBMCs) can serve as a good biomarker for GC and could be used in diagnosis of early (stage I) and late GC (stage IV).
German Bowel Cancer Center: An Attempt to Improve Treatment Quality
Authors: Jannasch Olof , Udelnow Andrej , Wolff Stefanie , Lippert Hans , Mroczkowski Pawel
Published: May 2015

Background. Colorectal cancer remains the second most common cause of death from malignancies, but treatment results show high diversity. Certified bowel cancer centres (BCC) are the basis of a German project for improvement of treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze if certification would enhance short-term outcome in rectal cancer surgery.Material and Methods. This quality assurance study included 8197 patients with rectal cancer treated between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2010. We compared cohorts treated in certified and noncertified hospitals regarding preoperative variables and perioperative outcomes. Outcomes were verified by matched-pair analysis.Results. Patients of noncertified hospitals had higher ASA-scores, higher prevalence of risk factors, more distant metastases, lower tumour localization, lower frequency of pelvic MRI, and higher frequencies of missing values and undetermined TNM classifications (significant differences only). Outcome analysis revealed more general complications in certified hospitals (20.3% versus 17.4%,p=0.03). Both cohorts did not differ significantly in percentage of R0-resections, intraoperative complications, anastomotic leakage, in-hospital death, and abdominal wall dehiscence.Conclusions. The concept of BCC is a step towards improving the structural and procedural quality. This is a good basis for improving outcome quality but cannot replace it. For a primary surgical disease like rectal cancer a specific, surgery-targeted program is still needed.
Distention of the Immature Left Ventricle Triggers Development of Endocardial Fibroelastosis: An Animal Model of Endocardial Fibroelastosis Introducing Morphopathological Features of Evolving Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Shimada Shogo , Robles Christian , Illigens Ben M. W. , Casar Berazaluce Alejandra M. , del Nido Pedro J. , Friehs Ingeborg
Published: May 2015

Background.Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE), characterized by a diffuse endocardial thickening through collagen and elastin fibers, develops in the human fetal heart restricting growth of the left ventricle (LV). Recent advances in fetal imaging indicate that EFE development is directly associated with a distended, poorly contractile LV in evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In this study, we developed an animal model of EFE by introducing this human fetal LV morphopathology to an immature rat heart.Methods and Results.A neonatal donor heart, in which aortic regurgitation (AR) was created, was heterotopically transplanted into a recipient adult rat. AR successfully induced the LV morphology of evolving HLHS in the transplanted donor hearts, which resulted in the development of significant EFE covering the entire LV cavity within two weeks postoperatively. In contrast, posttransplants with a competent aortic valve displayed unloaded LVs with a trace of EFE.Conclusions.We could show that distention of the immature LV in combination with stagnant flow triggers EFE development in this animal model. This model would serve as a robust tool to develop therapeutic strategies to treat EFE while providing insight into its pathogenesis.