bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactation and Maternal Cardio-Metabolic Health
Authors: Perrine Cria G. , Nelson Jennifer M. , Corbelli Jennifer , Scanlon Kelley S.
Published: May 2016

Researchers hypothesize that pregnancy and lactation are part of a continuum, with lactation meant to “reset” the adverse metabolic profile that develops as a part of normal pregnancy, and that when lactation does not occur, women maintain an elevated risk of cardio-metabolic diseases. Several large prospective and retrospective studies, mostly from the United States and other industrialized countries, have examined the associations between lactation and cardio-metabolic outcomes. Less evidence exists regarding an association of lactation with maternal postpartum weight status and dyslipidemia, whereas more evidence exists for an association with diabetes, hypertension, and subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease.
Local coupling of TRPC6 to ANO1/TMEM16A channels in smooth muscle cells amplifies vasoconstriction in cerebral arteries
Authors: Wang Qian , Leo M. Dennis , Narayanan Damodaran , Kuruvilla Korah P. , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: May 2016

Anoctamin-1 [ANO1, also known as transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A)] is a Ca2+-activated Cl− channel expressed in arterial myocytes that regulates membrane potential and contractility. Signaling mechanisms that control ANO1 activity in arterial myocytes are poorly understood. In cerebral artery myocytes, ANO1 channels are activated by local Ca2+ signals generated by plasma membrane nonselective cation channels, but the molecular identity of these proteins is unclear. Arterial myocytes express several different nonselective cation channels, including multiple members of the transient receptor potential receptor (TRP) family. The goal of this study was to identify localized ion channels that control ANO1 currents in cerebral artery myocytes. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy experiments indicate that ANO1 and canonical TRP 6 (TRPC6) channels are present in the same macromolecular complex and localize in close spatial proximity in the myocyte plasma membrane. In contrast, ANO1 is not near TRPC3, TRP melastatin 4, or inositol trisphosphate receptor 1 channels. Hyp9, a selective TRPC6 channel activator, stimulated Cl− currents in myocytes that were blocked by T16Ainh-A01, an ANO1 inhibitor, ANO1 knockdown using siRNA, and equimolar replacement of intracellular EGTA with BAPTA, a fast Ca2+ chelator that abolishes local Ca2+ signaling. Hyp9 constricted pressurized cerebral arteries, and this response was attenuated by T16Ainh-A01. In contrast, T16Ainh-A01 did not alter depolarization-induced (60 mM K+) vasoconstriction. These data indicate that TRPC6 channels generate a local intracellular Ca2+ signal that activates nearby ANO1 channels in myocytes to stimulate vasoconstriction.
Enhanced sympathetic nerve activity induced by neonatal colon inflammation induces gastric hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behavior in adult rats
Authors: Winston John H. , Sarna Sushil K.
Published: May 2016

Gastric hypersensitivity (GHS) and anxiety are prevalent in functional dyspepsia patients; their underlying mechanisms remain unknown largely because of lack of availability of live visceral tissues from human subjects. Recently, we demonstrated in a preclinical model that rats subjected to neonatal colon inflammation show increased basal plasma norepinephrine (NE), which contributes to GHS through the upregulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in the gastric fundus. We tested the hypothesis that neonatal colon inflammation increases anxiety-like behavior and sympathetic nervous system activity, which upregulates the expression of NGF to induce GHS in adult life. Chemical sympathectomy, but not adrenalectomy, suppressed the elevated NGF expression in the fundus muscularis externa and GHS. The measurement of heart rate variability showed a significant increase in the low frequency-to-high frequency ratio in GHS vs. the control rats. Stimulus-evoked release of NE from the fundus muscularis externa strips was significantly greater in GHS than in the control rats. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression was increased in the celiac ganglia of the GHS vs. the control rats. We found an increase in trait but not stress-induced anxiety-like behavior in GHS rats in an elevated plus maze. We concluded that neonatal programming triggered by colon inflammation upregulates tyrosine hydroxylase in the celiac ganglia, which upregulates the release of NE in the gastric fundus muscularis externa. The increase of NE release from the sympathetic nerve terminals concentration dependently upregulates NGF, which proportionately increases the visceromotor response to gastric distention. Neonatal programming concurrently increases anxiety-like behavior in GHS rats.
Mechanisms of innate immune activation by gluten peptide p31-43 in mice
Authors: Araya Romina E. , Gomez Castro María Florencia , Carasi Paula , McCarville Justin L. , Jury Jennifer , Mowat Allan M. , Verdu Elena F. , Chirdo Fernando G.
Published: May 2016

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Innate immunity contributes to the pathogenesis of CD, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Although previous in vitro work suggests that gliadin peptide p31-43 acts as an innate immune trigger, the underlying pathways are unclear and have not been explored in vivo. Here we show that intraluminal delivery of p31-43 induces morphological changes in the small intestinal mucosa of normal mice consistent with those seen in CD, including increased cell death and expression of inflammatory mediators. The effects of p31-43 were dependent on MyD88 and type I IFNs, but not Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and were enhanced by coadministration of the TLR3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid. Together, these results indicate that gliadin peptide p31-43 activates the innate immune pathways in vivo, such as IFN-dependent inflammation, relevant to CD. Our findings also suggest a common mechanism for the potential interaction between dietary gluten and viral infections in the pathogenesis of CD.
The ghrelin receptor agonist HM01 mimics the neuronal effects of ghrelin in the arcuate nucleus and attenuates anorexia-cachexia syndrome in tumor-bearing rats
Authors: Borner Tito , Loi Laura , Pietra Claudio , Giuliano Claudio , Lutz Thomas A. , Riediger Thomas
Published: May 2016

The gastric hormone ghrelin positively affects energy balance by increasing food intake and reducing energy expenditure. Ghrelin mimetics are a possible treatment against cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS). This study aimed to characterize the action of the nonpeptidergic ghrelin receptor agonist HM01 on neuronal function, energy homeostasis and muscle mass in healthy rats and to evaluate its possible usefulness for the treatment of CACS in a rat tumor model. Using extracellular single-unit recordings, we tested whether HM01 mimics the effects of ghrelin on neuronal activity in the arcuate nucleus (Arc). Furthermore, we assessed the effect of chronic HM01 treatment on food intake (FI), body weight (BW), lean and fat volumes, and muscle mass in healthy rats. Using a hepatoma model, we investigated the possible beneficial effects of HM01 on tumor-induced anorexia, BW loss, muscle wasting, and metabolic rate. HM01 (10−7–10−6 M) mimicked the effect of ghrelin (10−8 M) by increasing the firing rate in 76% of Arc neurons. HM01 delivered chronically for 12 days via osmotic minipumps (50 μg/h) increased FI in healthy rats by 24%, paralleled by increased BW, higher fat and lean volumes, and higher muscle mass. Tumor-bearing rats treated with HM01 had 30% higher FI than tumor-bearing controls and were protected against BW loss. HM01 treatment resulted in higher muscle mass and fat mass. Moreover, tumor-bearing rats reduced their metabolic rate following HM01 treatment. Our studies substantiate the possible therapeutic usefulness of ghrelin receptor agonists like HM01 for the treatment of CACS and possibly other forms of disease-related anorexia and cachexia.
Intrauterine growth restriction programs an accelerated age-related increase in cardiovascular risk in male offspring
Authors: Dasinger John Henry , Intapad Suttira , Backstrom Miles A. , Carter Anthony J. , Alexander Barbara T.
Published: May 2016

Placental insufficiency programs an increase in blood pressure associated with a twofold increase in serum testosterone in male growth-restricted offspring at 4 mo of age. Population studies indicate that the inverse relationship between birth weight and blood pressure is amplified with age. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that intrauterine growth restriction programs an age-related increase in blood pressure in male offspring. Growth-restricted offspring retained a significantly higher blood pressure at 12 but not at 18 mo of age compared with age-matched controls. Blood pressure was significantly increased in control offspring at 18 mo of age relative to control counterparts at 12 mo; however, blood pressure was not increased in growth-restricted at 18 mo relative to growth-restricted counterparts at 12 mo. Serum testosterone levels were not elevated in growth-restricted offspring relative to control at 12 mo of age. Thus, male growth-restricted offspring no longer exhibited a positive association between blood pressure and testosterone at 12 mo of age. Unlike hypertension in male growth-restricted offspring at 4 mo of age, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system with enalapril (250 mg/l for 2 wk) did not abolish the difference in blood pressure in growth-restricted offspring relative to control counterparts at 12 mo of age. Therefore, these data suggest that intrauterine growth restriction programs an accelerated age-related increase in blood pressure in growth-restricted offspring. Furthermore, this study suggests that the etiology of increased blood pressure in male growth-restricted offspring at 12 mo of age differs from that at 4 mo of age.
Heterosynaptic modulation of evoked synaptic potentials in layer II of the entorhinal cortex by activation of the parasubiculum
Authors: Sparks Daniel W. , Chapman C. Andrew
Published: May 2016

The superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex receive sensory and associational cortical inputs and provide the hippocampus with the majority of its cortical sensory input. The parasubiculum, which receives input from multiple hippocampal subfields, sends its single major output projection to layer II of the entorhinal cortex, suggesting that it may modulate processing of synaptic inputs to the entorhinal cortex. Indeed, stimulation of the parasubiculum can enhance entorhinal responses to synaptic input from the piriform cortex in vivo. Theta EEG activity contributes to spatial and mnemonic processes in this region, and the current study assessed how stimulation of the parasubiculum with either single pulses or short, five-pulse, theta-frequency trains may modulate synaptic responses in layer II entorhinal stellate neurons evoked by stimulation of layer I afferents in vitro. Parasubicular stimulation pulses or trains suppressed responses to layer I stimulation at intervals of 5 ms, and parasubicular stimulation trains facilitated layer I responses at a train-pulse interval of 25 ms. This suggests that firing of parasubicular neurons during theta activity may heterosynaptically enhance incoming sensory inputs to the entorhinal cortex. Bath application of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) blocker ZD7288 enhanced the facilitation effect, suggesting that cholinergic inhibition of Ih may contribute. In addition, repetitive pairing of parasubicular trains and layer I stimulation induced a lasting depression of entorhinal responses to layer I stimulation. These findings provide evidence that theta activity in the parasubiculum may promote heterosynaptic modulation effects that may alter sensory processing in the entorhinal cortex.
Spontaneous activations follow a common developmental course across primary sensory areas in mouse neocortex
Authors: Frye Charles G. , MacLean Jason N.
Published: May 2016

Spontaneous propagation of spiking within the local neocortical circuits of mature primary sensory areas is highly nonrandom, engaging specific sets of interconnected and functionally related neurons. These spontaneous activations promise insight into neocortical structure and function, but their properties in the first 2 wk of perinatal development are incompletely characterized. Previously, we have found that there is a minimal numerical sample, on the order of 400 cells, necessary to fully capture mature neocortical circuit dynamics. Therefore we maximized our numerical sample by using two-photon calcium imaging to observe spontaneous activity in populations of up to 1,062 neurons spanning multiple columns and layers in 52 acute coronal slices of mouse neocortex at each day from postnatal day (PND) 3 to PND 15. Slices contained either primary auditory cortex (A1) or somatosensory barrel field (S1BF), which allowed us to compare sensory modalities with markedly different developmental timelines. Between PND 3 and PND 8, populations in both areas exhibited activations of anatomically compact subgroups on the order of dozens of cells. Between PND 9 and PND 13, the spatiotemporal structure of the activity diversified to include spatially distributed activations encompassing hundreds of cells. Sparse activations covering the entire field of view dominated in slices taken on or after PND 14. These and other findings demonstrate that the developmental progression of spontaneous activations from active local modules in the first postnatal week to sparse, intermingled groups of neurons at the beginning of the third postnatal week generalizes across primary sensory areas, consistent with an intrinsic developmental trajectory independent of sensory input.
A Study of the Circulation Patterns Affecting Drought and Wet Years in Central Iran
Authors: Omidvar Kamal , Fatemi Mehran , Narangifard Mahdi , Hatami Bahman Beiglou Khodakaram
Published: May 2016

The main objective of this research is to identify atmospheric circulation patterns involved in the occurrence of wet and dry periods using the PCA method. To this end, drought and wet periods (1982–2011) were calculated in central Iran. The results of PCA indicated that 42% of variance in geopotential height data at 500 HPa level was associated with the extension of subpolar lows elevation towards lower latitudes, which transmitted high elevation areas like Siberian highs to the south and formed high atmospheric stability in the study area. Therefore, the dominance of high elevation cores on the area was characterized by cold air descent and cloudlessness, which led to low precipitation and drought events. Moreover, the eight components in wet periods could explain 94% of data variation in geopotential height data. The results of PCA in wet period suggested that the first component with the highest frequency played a key role among circulation patterns, determining the dominant pattern in cold period of the year. Further, its negative phase indicated polar and Siberian highs with the remaining components, given the negative and positive phases of the centers, revealing atmospheric instability that entered the region from Mediterranean, Black, and Red sea, thereby marking the transition of the area from drought to the wet period.
The Influence of Executive Functioning on Facial and Subjective Pain Responses in Older Adults
Authors: Oosterman Joukje M. , Traxler Juliane , Kunz Miriam
Published: May 2016

Cognitive decline is known to reduce reliability of subjective pain reports. Although facial expressions of pain are generally considered to be less affected by this decline, empirical support for this assumption is sparse. The present study therefore examined how cognitive functioning relates to facial expressions of pain and whether cognition acts as a moderator between nociceptive intensity and facial reactivity. Facial and subjective responses of 51 elderly participants to mechanical stimulation at three intensities levels (50 kPa, 200 kPa, and 400 kPa) were assessed. Moreover, participants completed a neuropsychological examination of executive functioning (planning, cognitive inhibition, and working memory), episodic memory, and psychomotor speed. The results showed that executive functioning has a unique relationship with facial reactivity at low pain intensity levels (200 kPa). Moreover, cognitive inhibition (but not other executive functions) moderated the effect of pressure intensity on facial pain expressions, suggesting that the relationship between pressure intensity and facial reactivity was less pronounced in participants with high levels of cognitive inhibition. A similar interaction effect was found for cognitive inhibition and subjective pain report. Consequently, caution is needed when interpreting facial (as well as subjective) pain responses in individuals with a high level of cognitive inhibition.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Vein Thrombus Extending into Left Atrium: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rana Muhammad Asim , Tilbury Nicholas , Kumar Yashwant , Ahmad Habib , Naser Kamal , Mady Ahmed F. , Patel Awani
Published: May 2016

Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is rather an uncommon condition which presents nonspecifically and is usually associated with lung malignancy and major pulmonary surgery. Rarely could no cause be found. It causes increased pulmonary venous pressure leading to pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction and subsequent pulmonary arterial hypertension and subsequently can cause cor pulmonale if not addressed in timely fashion. Other associated complications like peripheral embolization and stroke have also been reported. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining high index of clinical suspicion especially when CT pulmonary angiogram is negative for pulmonary embolism.
A Time-Delayed Mathematical Model for Tumor Growth with the Effect of a Periodic Therapy
Authors: Xu Shihe , Wei Xiangqing , Zhang Fangwei
Published: May 2016

A time-delayed mathematical model for tumor growth with the effect of periodic therapy is studied. The establishment of the model is based on the reaction-diffusion dynamics and mass conservation law and is considered with a time delay in cell proliferation process. Sufficient conditions for the global stability of tumor free equilibrium are given. We also prove that if external concentration of nutrients is large the tumor will not disappear and the conditions under which there exist periodic solutions to the model are also determined. Results are illustrated by computer simulations.
Qualitative Behaviour of Solutions in Two Models of Thin Liquid Films
Authors: Michal Matthew , Chugunova Marina , Taranets Roman
Published: May 2016

For the thin-film model of a viscous flow which originates from lubrication approximation and has a full nonlinear curvature term, we prove existence of nonnegative weak solutions. Depending on initial data, we show algebraic or exponential dissipation of an energy functional which implies dissipation of the solution arc length that is a well known property for a Hele-Shaw flow. For the classical thin-film model with linearized curvature term, under some restrictions on parameter and gradient values, we also prove analytically the arc length dissipation property for positive solutions. We compare the numerical solutions for both models, with nonlinear and with linearized curvature terms. In regimes when solutions develop finite time singularities, we explain the difference in qualitative behaviour of solutions.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome May Be an Autoimmune Disorder
Authors: Mobeen Hifsa , Afzal Nadeem , Kashif Muhammad
Published: May 2016

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting females. It is a common cause of menstrual irregularities and infertility during reproductive age. Genetic and hormonal factors play crucial role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Low level of progesterone in PCOS causes overstimulation of immune system that produces more estrogen which leads to various autoantibodies. Different autoantibodies have been documented in PCOS, for example, anti-nuclear (ANA), anti-thyroid, anti-spermatic, anti-SM, anti-histone, anti-carbonic anhydrase, anti-ovarian, and anti-islet cell antibodies. There is an association between PCOS and autoimmune diseases such as ANA and anti-TPO that have been documented in systemic lupus erythematosus and Hashimoto thyroiditis, respectively, and it is suspected that there are autoantibodies that might affect the long term clinical management of these patients. Therefore fluctuating levels of autoantibodies in different PCOS patients give us the way to open new chapter for future research on molecular level. This may lead to discovery of better treatment options for PCOS in near future.
Harberger-Laursen-Metzler Effect with Modified Becker-Mulligan Preference by Dynamic Optimization
Authors: Wang Deng-Shan , Jin Miao , Guo Zeng-Gang
Published: May 2016

We investigate the effects of terms-of-trade shocks on the spending and current account where households with the modified Becker-Mulligan endogenous time preference maximize their utility over an infinite planning period. Our results show that, with the modified Becker-Mulligan preference, the effect of the deterioration in terms of trade on the current account depends on people’s characters. However, with the second preference we have considered, the deterioration in terms of trade will result in a current account deficit, which is the same as Obstfeld (1982), where households with Uzawa endogenous time preference are considered; deterioration in terms of trade leads to a decline in the current account. These theoretical results are consistent with the empirical evidence by numerical simulations.
Development and Characterization of Novel Floating-Mucoadhesive Tablets Bearing Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
Authors: Misra Raghvendra , Bhardwaj Peeyush
Published: May 2016

The present investigation is concerned about the development of floating bioadhesive drug delivery system of venlafaxine hydrochloride which after oral administration exhibits a unique combination of floating and bioadhesion to prolong gastric residence time and increase drug bioavailability within the stomach. The floating bioadhesive tablets were prepared by the wet granulation method using different ratios of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4MCR) and Carbopol 934PNF as polymers. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and citric acid were used as gas (CO2) generating agents. Tablets were characterized for floating properties,in vitrodrug release, detachment force, and swelling index. The concentration of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and Carbopol 934PNF significantly affects thein vitrodrug release, floating properties, detachment force, and swelling properties of the tablets. The optimized formulation showed the floating lag time72±2.49seconds and duration of floating24.50±0.74 hr. Thein vitrorelease studies and floating behavior were studied in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at pH 1.2. Different drug release kinetics models were also applied. Thein vitrodrug release from tablets was sufficiently sustained (more than 18 hr) and the Fickian transports of the drug from the tablets were confirmed. The radiological evidence suggests that the tablets remained buoyant and altered position in the stomach of albino rabbit and mean gastric residence time was prolonged (more than > 6 hr).
The Numerical Study of the Hemodynamic Characteristics in the Patient-Specific Intracranial Aneurysms before and after Surgery
Authors: Byun Jun Soo , Choi Sun-Young , Seo Taewon
Published: May 2016

The patient-specific pre- and postsurgery cerebral arterial geometries in the study were reconstructed from computed tomography angiography (CTA). Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics models were used to investigate the hemodynamic phenomena in the cerebral arteries before and after surgery of the aneurysm under realistic conditions. CFD simulations for laminar flow of incompressible Newtonian fluid were conducted by using commercial software, ANSYS v15, with the rigid vascular wall assumption. The study found that the flow patterns with the complex vortical structures inside the aneurysm were similar. We also found that the inflow jet streams were coming strongly in aneurysm sac in the presurgery models, while the flow patterns in postsurgery models were quite different from those in presurgery models. The average wall shear stress after surgery for model 1 was approximately three times greater than that before surgery, while it was about twenty times greater for model 2. The area of low WSS in the daughter saccular aneurysm region in model 2 is associated with aneurysm rupture. Thus the distribution of WSS in aneurysm region provides useful prediction for the risk of aneurysm rupture.
Cell‐Based Strategies for Meniscus Tissue Engineering
Authors: Niu Wei , Guo Weimin , Han Shufeng , Zhu Yun , Liu Shuyun , Guo Quanyi
Published: May 2016

Meniscus injuries remain a significant challenge due to the poor healing potential of the inner avascular zone. Following a series of studies and clinical trials, tissue engineering is considered a promising prospect for meniscus repair and regeneration. As one of the key factors in tissue engineering, cells are believed to be highly beneficial in generating bionic meniscus structures to replace injured ones in patients. Therefore, cell‐based strategies for meniscus tissue engineering play a fundamental role in meniscal regeneration. According to current studies, the main cell‐based strategies for meniscus tissue engineering are single cell type strategies; cell coculture strategies also were applied to meniscus tissue engineering. Likewise, on the one side, the zonal recapitulation strategies based on mimicking meniscal differing cells and internal architectures have received wide attentions. On the other side, cell self‐assembling strategies without any scaffolds may be a better way to build a bionic meniscus. In this review, we primarily discuss cell seeds for meniscus tissue engineering and their application strategies. We also discuss recent advances and achievements in meniscus repair experiments that further improve our understanding of meniscus tissue engineering.
A Novel Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm Based on Glowworm Swarm Optimization for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Hou Wenhui , Jin Yi , Zhu Changan , Li Guiqiang
Published: May 2016

In order to extract the maximum power from PV system, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology has always been applied in PV system. At present, various MPPT control methods have been presented. The perturb and observe (P&O) and conductance increment methods are the most popular and widely used under the constant irradiance. However, these methods exhibit fluctuations among the maximum power point (MPP). In addition, the changes of the environmental parameters, such as cloud cover, plant shelter, and the building block, will lead to the radiation change and then have a direct effect on the location of MPP. In this paper, a feasible MPPT method is proposed to adapt to the variation of the irradiance. This work applies the glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) algorithm to determine the optimal value of a reference voltage in the PV system. The performance of the proposed GSO algorithm is evaluated by comparing it with the conventional P&O method in terms of tracking speed and accuracy by utilizing MATLAB/SIMULINK. The simulation results demonstrate that the tracking capability of the GSO algorithm is superior to that of the traditional P&O algorithm, particularly under low radiance and sudden mutation irradiance conditions.
An Expert Diagnosis System for Parkinson Disease Based on Genetic Algorithm-Wavelet Kernel-Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Avci Derya , Dogantekin Akif
Published: May 2016

Parkinson disease is a major public health problem all around the world. This paper proposes an expert disease diagnosis system for Parkinson disease based on genetic algorithm- (GA-) wavelet kernel- (WK-) Extreme Learning Machines (ELM). The classifier used in this paper is single layer neural network (SLNN) and it is trained by the ELM learning method. The Parkinson disease datasets are obtained from the UCI machine learning database. In wavelet kernel-Extreme Learning Machine (WK-ELM) structure, there are three adjustable parameters of wavelet kernel. These parameters and the numbers of hidden neurons play a major role in the performance of ELM. In this study, the optimum values of these parameters and the numbers of hidden neurons of ELM were obtained by using a genetic algorithm (GA). The performance of the proposed GA-WK-ELM method is evaluated using statical methods such as classification accuracy, sensitivity and specificity analysis, and ROC curves. The calculated highest classification accuracy of the proposed GA-WK-ELM method is found as 96.81%.
An Interactive Biobjective Method for Solving a Waste Collection Problem
Authors: Delgado-Antequera L. , Pérez F. , Hernández-Díaz A. G. , López-Sánchez A. D.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this paper is to propose a framework in order to solve the real-world waste collection problem in a city of southern Spain modeled as an Asymmetric Vehicle Routing Problem (AVRP) with side constraints and several variations. In this problem, not only are vehicle capacity and temporal constraints considered but multiple trips are also allowed. Furthermore, two objectives will be considered: the minimization of the total distance and the balance of the working day. Finally, in order to select a single solution among all efficient (or nondominated) solutions, an interactive method is designed using reference points.
A Systematic Comparison Identifies an ATP‐Based Viability Assay as Most Suitable Read‐Out for Drug Screening in Glioma Stem‐Like Cells
Authors: Kleijn A. , Kloezeman J. J. , Balvers R. K. , Kaaij M. van der , Dirven C. M. F. , Leenstra S. , Lamfers M. L. M.
Published: May 2016

Serum‐free culture methods for patient‐derived primary glioma cultures, selecting for glioma stem‐like cells (GSCs), are becoming the gold standard in neurooncology research. These GSCs can be implemented in drug screens to detect patient‐specific responses, potentially bridging the translational gap to personalized medicine. Since numerous compounds are available, a rapid and reliable readout for drug efficacies is required. This can be done using approaches that measure viability, confluency, cytotoxicity, or apoptosis. To determine which assay is best suitable for drug screening, 10 different assays were systematically tested on established glioma cell lines and validated on a panel of GSCs. General applicability was assessed using distinct treatment modalities, being temozolomide, radiation, rapamycin, and the oncolytic adenovirus Delta24‐RGD. The apoptosis and cytotoxicity assays did not unequivocally detect responses and were excluded from further testing. The NADH‐ and ATP‐based viability assays revealed comparable readout for all treatments; however, the latter had smaller standard deviations and direct readout. Importantly, drugs that interfere with cell metabolism require alternative techniques such as confluency monitoring to accurately measure treatment effects. Taken together, our data suggest that the combination of ATP luminescence assays with confluency monitoring provides the most specific and reproducible readout for drug screening on primary GSCs.
Synergism Effect of the Essential Oil from Ocimum basilicum var. Maria Bonita and Its Major Components with Fluconazole and Its Influence on Ergosterol Biosynthesis
Authors: Cardoso Nathalia N. R. , Alviano Celuta S. , Blank Arie F. , Romanos Maria Teresa V. , Fonseca Beatriz B. , Rozental Sonia , Rodrigues Igor A. , Alviano Daniela S.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of the EO and its major components of Ocimum basilicum var. Maria Bonita, a genetically improved cultivar, against the fluconazole sensitive and resistant strains of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Geraniol presented better results than the EO, with a low MIC (76 μg/mL against C. neoformans and 152 μg/mL against both Candida strains). The combination of EO, linalool, or geraniol with fluconazole enhanced their antifungal activity, especially against the resistant strain (MIC reduced to 156, 197, and 38 μg/mL, resp.). The ergosterol assay showed that subinhibitory concentrations of the substances were able to reduce the amount of sterol extracted. The substances tested were able to reduce the capsule size which suggests they have an important mechanism of action. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated cell wall destruction of C. neoformans after treatment with subinhibitory concentrations. In C. albicans ultrastructure alterations such as irregularities in the membrane, presence of vesicles, and cell wall thickening were observed. The biofilm formation was inhibited in both C. albicans strains at MIC and twice MIC. These results provide further support for the use of O. basilicum EO and its major components as a potential source of antifungal agents.
Daily Optical Coherence Tomography Examinations after First Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections: An Interventional Case Series
Authors: Novais Eduardo A. , Badaró Emmerson , Hirai Flavio E. , Jorge Felipe Abdo , Leal Paula , Farah Michel Eid , Rodrigues Eduardo B.
Published: May 2016

Purpose.To evaluate daily spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) changes in naive-treatment patients with diagnosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with intravitreous bevacizumab (1.25 mg), during a 30-day follow-up period.Methods.In prospective, interventional study, SD-OCT was performed daily for 30 days after the first intravitreal injection. The baseline, initial-decrease, minimal, and final central retinal thicknesses (CRTs) were assessed.Results.Nine eyes of nine patients with neovascular AMD were enrolled. The mean baseline CRT was625.3±182.5 μm, and the mean final CRT was383.4±163.0 μm (mean difference,206.1±167.6 μm), a difference that reached significance (P=0.006). After the first injection, the initial decrease in the CRT was seen as an average of one day after injection (mean CRT,503.6±189.10 μm;P=0.0431). The speed of the reduction in the CRT tended to decrease by day 17. The mean CRT was336.5±105.44 μm and the mean minimal CRT on day 30 was320.75±96.38 μm.Conclusion.The CRT decreased early after the first injection. We observed a tendency for reductions in the speed with which the CRT decreased by day 17 after the first injection, which may affect retreatment regime.
Ultra-Thin Films of Poly(acrylic acid)/Silver Nanocomposite Coatings for Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Fahmy Alaa , Eisa Wael H. , Yosef Mohamed , Hassan Ali
Published: May 2016

In this work not only colloids of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) embedded with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) but thin films (10 nm) also were deposited using electrospray deposition technique (ESD). A mixture of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and ascorbic acid (AA) were utilized to reduce the silver ions to generate Ag-NPs in the PAA matrix. Moreover, sodium tricitrate was used to stabilize the prepared colloids. The obtained colloids and films were characterized using UV-visible, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-Vis results reveal that an absorption peak at 425 nm was observed in presence of PAA-AgNO3-AA-citrate-NaBH4. This peak is attributed to the well-known surface plasmon resonance of the silver bound in Ag-NPs, while the reduction was rendering and/or inhibiting in absence of the AA and citrate. FTIR spectroscopy was used to study the mechanism of the reaction process of silver nitrate with PAA. TEM images showed the well dispersion of Ag-NPs in the PAA matrix with average particle size of 8 nm. The antimicrobial studies showed that the Ag-NPs embedded in the PAA matrix have proven to have a significant antimicrobial activity againstE. coli,B. subtilis, andC. albicans.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Disseminated Infection in Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Moreno-González Gabriel , Ricart de Mesones Antoni , Tazi-Mezalek Rachid , Marron-Moya Maria Teresa , Rosell Antoni , Mañez Rafael
Published: May 2016

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a rare pathology with increasing incidence mainly in critical care settings and recently in immunocompetent patients. The mortality of the disease is very high, regardless of an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Here, we report a case of a 56 yr old previously healthy woman who was found unconscious at home and admitted to the emergency room with mild respiratory insufficiency. In the first 24 hours she developed an acute respiratory failure with new radiographic infiltrates requiring Intensive Care Unit admission. A severe obstructive pattern with impossibility of ventilation because of bilateral atelectasis was observed, requiring emergent venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenator device insertion. Bronchoscopy revealed occlusion of main bronchi, demonstrating by biopsy an invasive infection byAspergillus fumigatusandA. flavus. Despite an aggressive treatment and vital support the patient had a fatal outcome. The forensic study confirms the diagnosis of IPA but also revealed the presence of disseminated aspergillosis.
QoS and QoE Aware N-Screen Multicast Service
Authors: Sarwar Ghulam , Ullah Farman , Lee Sungchang
Published: May 2016

The paper focuses on ensuring the quality-of-service (QoS) and quality-of-experience (QoE) requirements of users having heterogeneous devices in a multicast session. QoS parameters such as bit rate, delays, and packet losses are good indicators for optimizing network services but fall short in characterizing user perception (QoE). In N-Screen service, the users have different devices with heterogeneous attributes like screen size, resolution, and access network interface, and the users have different QoE on N-Screen devices with the same QoS parameters. We formulate the objective function of the N-Screen multicast grouping to ensure the minimum user’s QoE with smaller bandwidth requirement. We propose a dynamic user reassignment scheme to maintain and satisfy the QoE by adapting the user’s membership to the varying network conditions. The proposed schemes combine the available bandwidth and multimedia visual quality to ensure the QoS and QoE. In the network architecture, we introduce the functions of the QoS and QoE aware multicast group management and the estimation schemes for the QoS and QoE parameters. The simulation results show that the proposed multicast service ensures the network QoS and guarantees the QoE of users in the varying network conditions.
An Evidence‐Based Review of Related Metabolites and Metabolic Network Research on Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Liu Mengting , Tang Liying , Liu Xin , Fang Jing , Zhan Hao , Wu Hongwei , Yang Hongjun
Published: May 2016

In recent years, metabolomics analyses have been widely applied to cerebral ischemia research. This paper introduces the latest proceedings of metabolomics research on cerebral ischemia. The main techniques, models, animals, and biomarkers of cerebral ischemia will be discussed. With analysis help from the MBRole website and the KEGG database, the altered metabolites in rat cerebral ischemia were used for metabolic pathway enrichment analyses. Our results identify the main metabolic pathways that are related to cerebral ischemia and further construct a metabolic network. These results will provide useful information for elucidating the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia, as well as the discovery of cerebral ischemia biomarkers.
A Giant Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Pelvis Misdiagnosed as Incarcerated Femoral Hernia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sozutek Alper , Irkorucu Oktay , Reyhan Enver , Yener Kemal , Besen Ali Ayberk , Erdogan Kivilcim Eren , Gonlusen Gulfiliz , Doran Figen
Published: May 2016

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is an uncommon mesenchymal tumor that is mostly derived from the female pelvic and perineal regions. AA is a locally infiltrative slow growing tumor with a marked tendency to local recurrence. Painless swelling located around the genitofemoral region is the common symptom; thus, it is often misdiagnosed as a gynecological malignancy or a groin hernia. A 35-year-old female patient who previously underwent surgery for left femoral hernia operation resulting in surgical failure was reoperated for a giant AA located in the pelvis. The tumor was completely excised with free margins. Histopathologic examination revealed an AA. The tumor size was measured as 24 × 12 × 6 cm with a weight of 4.2 kg. Immunohistochemically, the cells show positive staining with vimentin, desmin, estrogen, and progesterone receptor. S100, MUC4, CD34, and SMA were negative in the tumor cells. AA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any painless swelling located in the genitofemoral region, particularly in women of reproductive age. The principle treatment should be complete surgical excision with tumor-free margins. Long-term follow-up and careful monitoring are essential due to its high tendency of local recurrence in spite of wide excision of the tumor. Adjuvant antihormonal therapy yields promising results for preventing recurrence.
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ОСОБЛИВОСТЕЙ СИСТЕМ И РЕГУЛЯЦІЇ АГРЕГАТНОГО СТАНУ КРОВІ ЖІНОК З АНЕМІЄЮ ІІІ СТУ - ПЕНЯ НА ФОНІ АНОМАЛЬНИХ МАТКОВ ИХ КРОВОТЕЧ.
Authors: Byrchak I. V. , Kuritsyna S. A.
Published: May 2016

 У жінок з анемією ІІІ ступеня на тлі аномальних маткових кровотеч,
за високої активності первинного гемостазу розвивається структурна та хронометрична гіпокоагуляція, що зумовлено різким
зниженням вмісту в крові фібриногену. Основною причиною гіпофібриногенемії є надмірна активація неферментативного
фібринолізу. Загалом, зміни в системі регуляції агрегатного стану крові у жінок з високим ступенем анемізації є проявом
субклінічного внутрішньосудинного згортання крові, яке розвивається внаслідок високої функціональної активності тром-
боцитів.
ЗМІНИ ІМУНОЛОГІЧНОГО СТАТУСУ ВАГІТНИХ ПРИ ПЛАЦЕНТАРНІЙ ДИСФУНКЦІЇ.
Authors: Кalinovska І. V.
Published: May 2016

 У статті наведено результати змін імунологічного статусу вагітних при плацентарній формі фетоплацентарної недостатності. Показано збільшення рівня
прозапальних IL-2 та зменшення рівня протизапальних IL-4, що призводить до порушень функції ендотеліальних клітин судинної стінки, до судинного спазму та ішемії плаценти.
ПРОЛОНГОВАНА ТА ПЕРЕНОШЕНА ВАГІТНІСТЬ. КЛІНІКО-МОРФОЛОГІЧНІ АСПЕКТИ.
Authors: Markin L. B. , Yashchenko L. M.
Published: May 2016

Нами проведене динамічне спостереження за 15 вагітними з моменту їх госпіталізації до виписки після пологів. Жінки розподілені на 3 групи: перша – 5 жінок із пролонгованою вагітністю 41 тиждень; друга група – 5 жінок з переношеною вагітністю 42 тижні; третя група – 5 жінок з фізіологічним перебігом вагітності. Критерії включення до дослідження: одноплідна вагітність, гестаційний вік >280 днів, відсутність тяжкої екстрагенітальної патології, переношена вагітність в анамнезі. Усі вагітні були обстежені в повному клініко-лабораторному обсязі. У процесі обстеження проводили загальноклінічні (клініко-анамнестичні, лабораторні), спеціальні дослідження: ультразвукове дослідження з доплерометрією,  ардіотокографію, морфологічні дослідження плаценти та амніотичної оболонки. Показано, що в 60 % жінок із пролонгованою вагітністю в анамнезі спостерігалися перенесені в дитинстві інфекційні захворювання (краснуха, скарлатина, паротит). Середній вік менархе у жінок із пролонгованою й переношеною вагітністю становив 15±0,5 років. У 40 % вагітних із переношеною вагітністю виявлено анемію легкого ступеня
(Нв 98–100 г/л). Під час пологів у 60 % жінок із переношеною та в 40 % зі пролонгованою вагітністю спостерігалось передчасне вилиття навколоплодових вод. Морфологічні дослідження показали, що дистрофічні зміни у плаценті та у судинах плодово-плацентарної системи із зміною структури гемохоріального (плацентарного) бар’єра можуть бути однією з причин переношування вагітності та факторами ризику негативного впливу на життєдіяльність плода.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ПОКАЗНИКІВ ПЕРЕНОСИМОСТІ ГОРМОНАЛЬНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ У ЖІНОК ІЗ МЕТАБОЛІЧНИМИ ПОРУШЕННЯМИ ПІСЛЯ ГІСТЕРЕКТОМІЇ.
Authors: Міsiurа А. H.
Published: May 2016

Патогенетична терапія хірургічної менопаузи у категорії жінок з предикторами метаболічних порушень чи клінічними проявами метаболічного синдрому не супроводжується розвитком ускладнень і появою побічних
ефектів, що є необхідними умовами, які гарантують прийнятність гормональної терапії. Застосування препарату «Фемостон 2/10» у жінок із метаболічними порушеннями після гістеректомії при відсутності протипоказань, індивідуалізованому підборі дозування та тривалості терапії – безпечний лікувально-профілактичний крок, з доброю переносимістю і хорошим
комплаєнсом.
КАРДІОТОКОГРАФІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ У ЖІНОК ІЗ ЗАТРИМКОЮ РОСТУ ПЛОДА.
Authors: Ovcharuk V. V. , Boychuk A. V. , Khlibovska O. I. , Dzhyvak V. H.
Published: May 2016

Нами проаналізовано особливості кардіотокограм у 30 вагітних жінок із затримкою росту плода. Контрольну групу склали 25 вагітних із фізіологічним перебігом. Проведений аналіз кардіотокографічних показників у 30 вагітних віком 26,2±0,2 року в термінах вагітності 32–36 тижнів і у яких за результатами ультразвукового скринінгу діагностовано затримку росту плода. Кардіотокограми у вагітних із затримкою росту плода характеризуються достовірним зменшенням базальної частоти серцевих скорочень плода, пониженою амплітудою, зменшенням кількості акцелерацій, наявністю децелерацій. Ці дані свідчать про плацентарну дисфункцію та
хронічну внутрішньоутробну гіпоксію.
КЛІНІЧНІ І ПАТОМОРФОЛОГІЧНІ КРИТЕРІЇ ВИБОРУ МЕТОДУ ЛІКУВАННЯ ПАТОЛОГІЇ ЕНДОМЕТРІЯ.
Authors: Senchuk A. Ya. , Hychka S. H. , Zakordonets R. M. , Ivanenko S. V.
Published: May 2016

Проаналізовано 320 патогістологічних висновків діагностичних зскрібків пацієнток із лейоміомою матки і геморагічним синдромом. Виявлено, що патоморфологічно лейоміома матки з геморагічним синдромом найчастіше проявляється залозистою і залозистокістозною гіперплазією ендометрія (50,7 %), поліпозом ендометрія (36,9 %). Вважаємо, що під час вибору методу лікування
пацієнток із лейоміомою матки і геморагічним синдромом необхідно враховувати дані анамнезу, наявність екстрагенітальної патології, клінічні та патоморфологічні результати обстеження даної групи пацієнток.
ВПЛИВ КОМПЛЕКСНИХ ЛІКУВАЛЬНО-ПРОФІЛАКТИЧНИХ ЗАХОДІВ НА СТАН ЙОДНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ, ГІПОФІЗАРНО-ТИРЕОЇДНУ СИСТЕМУ В ЖІНОК ІЗ ПРЕЕКЛАМПСІЄЮ В ПОЄДНАННІ З ГІПОТИРЕОЗОМ.
Authors: Fedynchuk H. V. , Maliar V. V. , Maliar V. A.
Published: May 2016

Обстежено 100 вагітних жінок із прееклампсією на тлі йододефіцитних захворювань у регіоні з природною нестачею йоду Закарпаття, у яких проводилася традиційна терапія та розроблена комплексна терапія, яка включала комбінацію йодовмісного та вітамінно-оксидного комплексу (тріовіт); препаратів, що покращують мікроциркуляцію матково-плацентарного комплексу (актовегін); корекція гомеостазу проводилася включенням аспірину. При  ключенні до традиційної терапії комплексного препарату, до складу якого входять йодид калію (770 мкг), вітаміни А і D2 та омега-3 поліненасичені кислоти, загальна медіана йодурії (Ме) у вагітних зросла у 1,4 раза, що забезпечило ліквідацію йододефіциту. Про ефективність запропонованої технології ведення вагітності свідчить зниження частоти фетоплацентарної недостатності та зміни її структури, що привело до зниження рівня передчасних пологів, анемії, розвитку важких форм прееклампсії.