bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Fibronectin To Disrupt In Vivo Candida albicans Biofilms
Authors: Nett Jeniel E. , Cabezas-Olcoz Jonathan , Marchillo Karen , Mosher Deane F. , Andes David R.
Published: February 2016

New drug targets are of great interest for the treatment of fungal biofilms, which are routinely resistant to antifungal therapies. We theorized that the interaction of
Candida albicans
with matricellular host proteins would provide a novel target. Here, we show that an inhibitory protein (FUD) targeting
Candida
-fibronectin interactions disrupts biofilm formation
in vitro
and
in vivo
in a rat venous catheter model. The peptide appears to act by blocking the surface adhesion of
Candida
, halting biofilm formation.
Development of an
Ex Vivo
Tissue Platform To Study the Human Lung Response to Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Graham Joseph G. , Winchell Caylin G. , Kurten Richard C. , Voth Daniel E.
Published: February 2016

Coxiella burnetii
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes human Q fever, an acute debilitating flu-like illness that can also present as chronic endocarditis. Disease typically occurs following inhalation of contaminated aerosols, resulting in an initial pulmonary infection. In human cells,
C. burnetii
generates a replication niche termed the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) by directing fusion with autophagosomes and lysosomes.
C. burnetii
requires this lysosomal environment for replication and uses a Dot/Icm type IV secretion system to generate the large PV. However, we do not understand how
C. burnetii
evades the intracellular immune surveillance that triggers an inflammatory response. We recently characterized human alveolar macrophage (hAM) infection
in vitro
and found that avirulent
C. burnetii
triggers sustained interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production. Here, we evaluated infection of
ex vivo
human lung tissue, defining a valuable approach for characterizing
C. burnetii
interactions with a human host. Within whole lung tissue,
C. burnetii
preferentially replicated in hAMs. Additionally, IL-1β production correlated with formation of an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC)-dependent inflammasome in response to infection. We also assessed potential activation of a human-specific noncanonical inflammasome and found that caspase-4 and caspase-5 are processed during infection. Interestingly, although inflammasome activation is closely linked to pyroptosis, lytic cell death did not occur following
C. burnetii
-triggered inflammasome activation, indicating an atypical response after intracellular detection. Together, these studies provide a novel platform for studying the human innate immune response to
C. burnetii
.
Frequency and aetiology of hypercalcaemia
Authors: McNeilly J D , Boal R , Shaikh M G , Ahmed S F
Published: February 2016

Background

Hypercalcaemia is rare in children and may present with characteristic signs/symptoms or coincidentally following investigations for a variety of non-specific conditions. The aetiologies of childhood hypercalcaemia are diverse. Untreated sustained hypercalcaemia has serious clinical consequences. However there is limited data regarding the true frequency and aetiologies of childhood hypercalcaemia.

Aim

To determine the frequency of severe childhood hypercalcaemia in routine clinical practice.

Methods

The laboratory database was searched for all children (0–17 years) with severe hypercalcaemia defined as non-adjusted ≥2.90 mmol/L from 2007–2012. Hypercalcaemia was categorised as either transient (1 day) or sustained (≥2 consecutive days). Retrospective analysis of all cases of sustained severe hypercalcaemia was performed to identify the underlying aetiology.

Results

Over the 5 year period, 206 children were identified as severely hypercalcaemic ≥2.90 mmol/L (0.3% all 61 380 calcium requests). Of these 131 (63.3%) children were classified as having sustained hypercalcaemia. The frequency of severe hypercalcaemia was highest in neonates (42% of sustained cases) and was inversely related to age. Sepsis was the most common aetiology (24%), particularly in neonates where it accounted for 41% of all causes of neonatal hypercalcaemia. Endocrine aetiologies included congenital adrenal hyperplasia (2 cases), fat necrosis (1), Addison's disease (2). A genetic cause was identified in 3 children (2 familial hypocalciuria hypercalcaemia, 1 Williams syndrome).

Conclusions

Sustained hypercalcaemia affects 1 in 500 children in a general hospital setting. The frequency was highest in neonates and underlying aetiology differed markedly with age. All children with sustained hypercalcaemia require thorough investigation to determine the underlying aetiology to ensure appropriate management.
CMV disease complicating induction immunosuppressive treatment for ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Tollitt James , O'Riordan Edmond , Poulikakos Dimitrios
Published: February 2016

We present a case of a 71-year-old woman who initially presented with renal-limited antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Following standard therapy with cyclophosphamide, steroids and plasma exchange, her renal function began to improve. However, despite appropriate treatment, her renal function subsequently deteriorated and she suffered haemoptysis. Owing to diagnostic uncertainty, bronchoscopy and a repeat renal biopsy were performed. The bronchoscopy washings demonstrated positivity for cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA, and in combination with a positive serum CMV PCR, immunosuppression was withheld. Treatment with ganciclovir was started. Repeat renal biopsy demonstrated active vasculitis and, following successful treatment of CMV disease, immunosuppression was re-started alongside prophylactic valganciclovir. This resulted in a successful outcome for the patient. Pulmonary CMV disease may mimic pulmonary disease associated with vasculitis, posing a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. We recommend a low threshold when testing for CMV in these patients.
Detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA during medullary and brainstem relapses in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Torkildsen Øivind , Power Øystein , Storstein Anette
Published: February 2016

We describe three cases of patients with concomitant acute medullary or brainstem multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and detectable spinal fluid varicella-zoster virus DNA. Herpes simplex virus PCR was also positive in two of the patients. One patient was re-punctured 2 weeks following the relapse, with negative results. The PCR findings greatly delayed correct diagnosis and treatment in all three patients. Based on our cases, we propose that inflammatory medullary and brainstem lesions could result in viral leakage, and possibly viral reactivation, from destroyed sensory neurons, yielding false-positive cerebrospinal fluid PCR results. As this can have diagnostic and therapeutic consequences, further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings.
Molecular cloning and expression of a jasmonate biosynthetic gene allene oxide cyclase from Camellia sinensis
Authors: Wang Meng-xin , Ma Qing-ping , Han Bao-yu , Li Xing-hui
Published: February 2016

As a family of signaling plant hormone, jasmonic acid plays an important role in coordinating plant defense responses to pests and pathogen attack through transcriptional and metabolic changes. In the jasmonate biosynthetic pathway of plants, allene oxide cyclase (AOC) is an essential enzyme. Here we cloned a cDNA from tea plant (Camellia sinensis), named as CsAOC (GenBank: HQ889679), which was 916 bp, containing an open reading frame (738 bp) encoding 245 amino acids. Comparative and bioinformatic analyses revealed that the deduced protein of CsAOC was highly homologous to AOC from other plant species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CsAOC was clustered in a closely related subgroup with AOC of Ipomoea nil. The full-length coding region of CsAOC was ligated with pET-32a and successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and purified. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment on its own potently enhanced its expression over the control (healthy leaves), suggesting feedback activation of CsAOC. The expression under salicylic acid (SA) and wounding treatments was up-regulated. The mRNA expression of CsAOC could be induced by tea geometrids and tea green leafhoppers.
Registration of lipoxygenase free food grade soybean Germplasm, HS-151
Authors: Yu Kangfu , Woodrow Lorna , Poysa Vaino
Published: February 2016

HS-151 is a lipoxygenase free food grade soybean line (Glycine max. L.) with large seed size, high protein content, yellow hilum, and satisfactory food processing quality. It is adapted to areas of southwest Ontario with 3100 or more crop heat units and has a relative maturity of 2.2 (MG 2.2).
Accuracy of the box-counting algorithm for noisy fractals
Authors: Górski A. Z. , Stróż M. , Oświȩcimka P. , Skrzat J.
Published: February 2016

The box-counting (BC) algorithm is applied to calculate fractal dimensions of four fractal sets. The sets are contaminated with an additive noise with amplitude [Formula: see text]. The accuracy of calculated numerical values of the fractal dimensions is analyzed as a function of [Formula: see text] for different sizes of the data sample. In particular, it has been found that even in case of pure fractals ([Formula: see text]) as well as for tiny noise ([Formula: see text]) one has considerable error for the calculated exponents of order 0.01. For larger noise the error is growing up to 0.1 and more, with natural saturation limited by the embedding dimension. This prohibits the power-like scaling of the error. Moreover, the noise effect cannot be cured by taking larger data samples.
Photodissociation of water on rutile (110): A wave packet approach based on first principles
Authors: Mitschker Jan , Klüner Thorsten
Published: February 2016

The photodissociation of water on rutile (110) is studied from first principles. Using an embedded cluster approach, the motion of one hydrogen atom with a fixed OH group served as a model system. The ground and an electronically excited state are calculated on a CASSCF level of theory, explicitly accounting for the multi-reference character of the wave function during bond breaking. The dynamics is simulated by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for a wave packet moving on the electronic potential energy surface. Photodissociation probabilities of water are calculated for hydrogen, deuterium and tritium, thereby revealing significant isotope effects.
The generalized pair coherent states and the corresponding entangled coherent states
Authors: Chung Won Sang
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we consider the generalized Schrödinger cat states. Using these states, we obtain the corresponding quasi-Bell states and the reduced density operator. For these quasi-Bell states, we investigate the non-classical effects such as oscillatory photon statistics, sub-Poissonian property and violation of the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality.
Pd–P Hydrogenation Catalyst: Nanoparticle Nature and Surface Layer State
Authors: Belykh Lyudmila B. , Skripov Nikita I. , Sterenchuk Tatyana P. , Umanets Vitaliy A. , Schmidt Fedor K.
Published: February 2016

The Pd–P selective catalyst for liquid-phase hydrogenation of o-chloronitrobenzene (o-CNB) was obtained by the reduction of Pd(acac)2 with hydrogen at 80∘C in the presence of white phosphorus (P/Pd = 1) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). It has been shown [(high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD)] that such low-temperature synthesis of the Pd–P catalyst affords nanoparticles of palladium phosphides (Pd5P2, PdP2), the Pd5P2 phosphide being prevailing. On the nanoparticle surface, palladium is present as a phosphide (BE (Pd3d5∕2) = 336.2 eV; BE (P2p3∕2) = 130 eV) and as palladium clusters of ≈ 1 nm in diameter. The formation of the Pd–P catalyst proceeds through a number of stages: a redox process between Pd(acac)2 and white phosphorus affording mainly PdP2 nanoparticles, H3PO3 and acacH; next follows the reduction of unreacted Pd(acac)2 with hydrogen at 80∘C and the reaction of Pd(0) atoms with each other and with PdP2. It is assumed that formation of small palladium clusters on the surface of the Pd5P2 nanoparticles ensures the high selectivity of the Pd–P catalyst in the o-CNB hydrogenation.
Global stability and vaccination of an SEIVR epidemic model with saturated incidence rate
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf , Khan Yasir , Khan Sehra , Islam Saeed
Published: February 2016

This study considers SEIVR epidemic model with generalized nonlinear saturated incidence rate in the host population horizontally to estimate local and global equilibriums. By using the Routh–Hurwitz criteria, it is shown that if the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text], the disease-free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable. When the basic reproduction number exceeds the unity, then the endemic equilibrium exists and is stable locally asymptotically. The system is globally asymptotically stable about the disease-free equilibrium if [Formula: see text]. The geometric approach is used to present the global stability of the endemic equilibrium. For [Formula: see text], the endemic equilibrium is stable globally asymptotically. Finally, the numerical results are presented to justify the mathematical results.
Volumes of balls in Riemannian manifolds and Uryson width
Authors: Guth Larry
Published: February 2016

If [Formula: see text] is a closed Riemannian manifold where every unit ball has volume at most [Formula: see text] (a sufficiently small constant), then the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Uryson width of [Formula: see text] is at most 1.
Rapid synthesis and luminescence properties of Sr3SiO5:Eu2+ phosphors
Authors: Sun Jiacheng , Mi Xiaoyun , Ma Jing , Su Jiangang , Xia Wei , Zhang Lei , Bai Zhaohui , Zhang Xiyan
Published: February 2016

Sr3SiO5:Eu[Formula: see text] phosphors were synthesized rapidly through a microwave sintering method with the presence of activated carbon powder. The detailed composition and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influences of sintering time, fluxing agent (BaF[Formula: see text] content and rare earth ion doping concentration on its photoluminescence (PL) properties were also investigated. It was clear in PL spectra that a broad emission band peaking at 570[Formula: see text]nm was obtained in as-prepared phosphors under a blue light excitation. Meanwhile, non-radiative transitions between Eu[Formula: see text] ions in the Sr3SiO5 host had also been demonstrated to be attributable to dipole–dipole interactions, and the critical distance calculated by the quenching concentration was estimated to be 10.56 Å. The samples were uniform in diameter and regular in morphology. In other words, the Sr3SiO5:Eu[Formula: see text] phosphors possessed a potential application for white light emitting diodes (LEDs).
A subtle calculation method for nanoparticle’s molar extinction coefficient: The gift from discrete protein-nanoparticle system on agarose gel electrophoresis
Authors: Zhong Ruibo , Yuan Ming , Gao Haiyang , Bai Zhijun , Guo Jun , Zhao Xinmin , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2016

Discrete biomolecule-nanoparticle (NP) conjugates play paramount roles in nanofabrication, in which the key is to get the precise molar extinction coefficient of NPs. By making best use of the gift from a specific separation phenomenon of agarose gel electrophoresis (GE), amphiphilic polymer coated NP with exact number of bovine serum albumin (BSA) proteins can be extracted and further experimentally employed to precisely calculate the molar extinction coefficient of the NPs. This method could further benefit the evaluation and extraction of any other dual-component NP-containing bio-conjugates.
A Decision Tree Regression based Approach for the Number of Software Faults Prediction
Authors: Rathore Santosh Singh , Kumar Sandeep
Published: February 2016

Software fault prediction is an important activity to make software quality assurance (SQA) process more efficient, economic and targeted. Most of earlier works related to software fault prediction have focused on classifying software modules as faulty or non-faulty. However, prediction of the number of faults in a given software module is not adequately investigated. In this paper, we explore the capability of decision tree regression (DTR) for the number of faults prediction in two different scenarios, intra-release prediction and inter-releases prediction for the given software system. The experimental study is performed over five open-source software projects with their nineteen releases collected from the PROMISE data repository. The predictive accuracy of DTR is evaluated using absolute error and relative error, prediction at level l and goodness-of-t measure. The results show that decision tree regression produced significant prediction accuracy for the number of faults prediction in both the considered scenarios. The relative comparison of intra-release and inter-releases fault prediction shows that intra-project prediction produced better accuracy compared to inter-releases prediction across all the datasets
Cystic Fibrosis and Its Management Through Established and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Spielberg David R. , Clancy John P.
Published: February 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-shortening autosomal recessive disorder in the Caucasian population and occurs in many other ethnicities worldwide. The daily treatment burden is substantial for CF patients even when they are well, with numerous pharmacologic and physical therapies targeting lung disease requiring the greatest time commitment. CF treatments continue to advance with greater understanding of factors influencing long-term morbidity and mortality. In recent years, in-depth understanding of genetic and protein structure-function relationships has led to the introduction of targeted therapies for patients with specific CF genotypes. With these advances, CF has become a model of personalized or precision medicine. The near future will see greater access to targeted therapies for most patients carrying common mutations, which will mandate individualized bench-to-bedside methodologies for those with rare genotypes.
Neuroimmunity: Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Talbot Sébastien , Foster Simmie L. , Woolf Clifford J.
Published: February 2016

Evolution has yielded multiple complex and complementary mechanisms to detect environmental danger and protect tissues from damage. The nervous system rapidly processes information and coordinates complex defense behaviors, and the immune system eliminates diverse threats by virtue of mobile, specialized cell populations. The two systems are tightly integrated, cooperating in local and systemic reflexes that restore homeostasis in response to tissue injury and infection. They further share a broad common language of cytokines, growth factors, and neuropeptides that enables bidirectional communication. However, this reciprocal cross talk permits amplification of maladaptive feedforward inflammatory loops that contribute to the development of allergy, autoimmunity, itch, and pain. Appreciating the immune and nervous systems as a holistic, coordinated defense system provides both new insights into inflammation and exciting opportunities for managing acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
KBP-088, a novel DACRA with prolonged receptor activation, is superior to davalintide in terms of efficacy on body weight
Authors: Gydesen Sofie , Andreassen Kim Vietz , Hjuler Sara Toftegaard , Christensen Jane Marie , Karsdal Morten Asser , Henriksen Kim
Published: February 2016

This study aims to elucidate the mechanism behind the potent weight loss induced by dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists (DACRA) through comparison of the novel DACRA KBP-088 with the amylinomimetic davalintide with regard to in vitro receptor pharmacology and in vivo efficacy on food intake and body weight. KBP-088 and davalintide were tested for their ability to activate the amylin and calcitonin receptors as function of dose and time. Two doses of KBP-088 (1.67 and 5.0 μg/kg) were compared with similar davalintide doses in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats receiving subcutaneous dosing once daily for 62 days. Glucose tolerance was assessed after 3 and 7 wk of treatment. KBP-088 demonstrated activation of amylin and calcitonin receptors and prolonged receptor activation compared with davalintide as well as a potent reduction of acute food intake. KBP-088 transiently reduced food intake and induced and notably sustained a significant ∼16% vehicle-corrected weight loss without significant weight loss in the calorie-restricted control groups. Additionally, KBP-088 reduced white adipose tissues and adipocyte hypertrophy. Finally, KBP-088 alleviated hyperinsulinemia and improved oral glucose tolerance even with significantly lower insulin levels after 3 and 7 wk of treatment. KBP-088 is a potent amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist with prolonged receptor activation compared with davalintide. Moreover, KBP-088 induced and sustained significant weight loss and reduced overall adiposity and adipocyte hypertrophy in HFD rats. Finally, KBP-088 improved oral glucose tolerance and alleviated hyperinsulinemia, underscoring the potential of KBP-088 as an antiobesity agent with benefits on glucose control.
Effects of 4-Week Intensive Active-Resistive Training with an EMG-Based Exoskeleton Robot on Muscle Strength in Older People: A Pilot Study
Authors: Son Jongsang , Ryu Jeseong , Ahn Soonjae , Kim Eun Joo , Lee Jung Ah , Kim Youngho
Published: February 2016

This study aims to investigate the idea that an active-resistive training with an EMG-based exoskeleton robot could be beneficial to muscle strength and antagonist muscle cocontraction control after 4-week intensive elbow flexion/extension training. Three older people over 65 years participated the training for an hour per session and completed total 20 sessions during four weeks. Outcome measures were chosen as the maximum joint torque and cocontraction ratio between the biceps/triceps brachii muscles at pre-/post-training. The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was performed to evaluate paired difference for the outcome measures. As a result, there was no significant difference in the maximum flexion or extension torque at pre- and post-training. However, the cocontraction ratio of the triceps brachii muscle as the antagonist was significantly decreased by 9.8% after the 4-week intensive training. The active-resistive training with the exoskeleton robot in the older people yielded a promising result, showing significant changes in the antagonist muscle cocontraction.
HIV Progression Perturbs the Balance of the Cell-Mediated and Anti-Inflammatory Adaptive and Innate Mycobacterial Immune Response
Authors: DiNardo Andrew R. , Mandalakas Anna M. , Maphalala Gugu , Mtetwa Godwin , Mndzebele Temhlanga , Ustero Piluca , Hlatshwayo Makhosazana , Mace Emily M. , Orange Jordan S. , Makedonas George
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Our objective is to understand how HIV infection increases the risk of progression from latent tuberculosis (TB) to active disease. We understand now that immunity is a balance of competing immune responses by multiple cell types. Since T-lymphocyte production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in response toMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens fails to differentiate disease from latent infection, we applied a comprehensive profiling methodology to define immune biomarkers that reliably predict a patient’s TB risk.Methods. We established a cohort of HIV-infected adults with TB disease from Swaziland. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to quantify the mycobacterial-specific anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) and proinflammatory (IFN-γ) immune response.Results. From 12 HIV-infected Swaziland patients with TB disease, the CD4+, CD8+, Double Negative, and CD56+CD3−lymphocytes increase their IL-4 : IFN-γratio as HIV disease worsens (Spearmanrof −0.59; −0.59; −0.60; and −0.59, resp.;p<0.05). Similarly, HIV severity is associated with an increased IL-10 : IFN-γratio (Spearmanrof −0.76;p=0.01).Conclusion. As HIV disease progresses, both the adaptive and innate branches skew away from an inflammatory and towards anti-inflammatory phenotype.
Liuwei Dihuang Pills Enhance the Effect of Western Medicine in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Lan , Wang Qiuhong , Yi Yongxin , Wang Shihan , Qiu Zonglin
Published: February 2016

Objectives. To assess the effectiveness and adverse effects of adding Liuwei Dihuang Pills (LDP) to Western medicine for treating diabetic nephropathy. Methods. Studies were retrieved from seven electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Data until November 2015. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to Cochrane standards. Meta‐analysis was performed on the overall therapeutic efficacy of hyperglycemia and renal functions, and the study also analyzed adverse events. Results. A total of 1,275 patients from 18 studies were included. The methodological quality of these included trials was generally low. We found that adding LDP can lower patients’ FBG (MD: −0.36 [−0.46, −0.25], P < 0.00001), PBG (MD: −1.10 [−1.35, −0.85], P < 0.00001), and HbA1c (MD: −0.14 [−0.49, 0.21], P = 0.43). There were also improvements in lowering patients’ BUN (MD: −0.67 [−0.89, −0.45], P < 0.00001), SCr (MD: −0.96 [−1.53, −0.39], P < 0.00001), 24 h UTP (SMD: −1.26 [−2.38, −0.15], P < 0.00001), UAER (MD: −26.18 [−27.51, −24.85], P < 0.00001), and UmAlb (SMD: −1.72 [−2.67, −0.77], P < 0.00001). Conclusion. There is encouraging evidence that adding LDP to Western medicine might improve treatment outcomes of diabetic nephropathy, including hyperglycemia and renal functions. However, the evidence remains weak. More rigorous high‐quality trials are warranted to substantiate or refute the results.
National Eye Institute Visual Function Scale in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Akkaya Sezen , Düzova Sinay , Şahin Özlem , Kazokoğlu Haluk , Bavbek Tayfun
Published: February 2016

Aim. To examine subscale and total scores of NEI-VFQ questionnaire of type 2 diabetes patients at different diabetic retinopathy (DRP) stages.Methods. A total number of 201 patients have been included. Prior to ophthalmological examination all patients participated in the NEI-VFQ questionnaire. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale (ICDRS).Results. The diabetes duration in general health scores (p=0.029); the stage (p=0.011); and clinically significant macular edema (CSME) (p=0.019) in general vision were found to be the most efficient factors. In near vision activities the most efficient factors were near vision acuity (NVA) (p=0.0001) and DRP stage (p=0.020). EDTRS visual acuity was found to be the most efficient factor in vision specific role difficulties (p=0.034) and dependency (p=0.011) whereas Snellen visual acuity was found to be among the most effective factors in distance activities (DA) (p=0.014) and total scores (p=0.026).Discussion. Difference was based not on the diabetes duration, clinically significant cataract (CSCat), CSME presence, and DRP stage but on thevisual acuitylevels of the better seeing eye of the patients.
Modeling Financial Time Series Based on a Market Microstructure Model with Leverage Effect
Authors: Xi Yanhui , Peng Hui , Qin Yemei
Published: February 2016

The basic market microstructure model specifies that the price/return innovation and the volatility innovation are independent Gaussian white noise processes. However, the financial leverage effect has been found to be statistically significant in many financial time series. In this paper, a novel market microstructure model with leverage effects is proposed. The model specification assumed a negative correlation in the errors between the price/return innovation and the volatility innovation. With the new representations, a theoretical explanation of leverage effect is provided. Simulated data and daily stock market indices (Shanghai composite index, Shenzhen component index, and Standard and Poor’s 500 Composite index) via Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method are used to estimate the leverage market microstructure model. The results verify the effectiveness of the model and its estimation approach proposed in the paper and also indicate that the stock markets have strong leverage effects. Compared with the classical leverage stochastic volatility (SV) model in terms of DIC (Deviance Information Criterion), the leverage market microstructure model fits the data better.
A Review on Key Issues and Challenges in Devices Level MEMS Testing
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Hamid Nor Hisham , Malik Aamir Farooq , Zain Ali Noohul Basheer , Tariq Jan Mohammad
Published: February 2016

The present review provides information relevant to issues and challenges in MEMS testing techniques that are implemented to analyze the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) behavior for specific application and operating conditions. MEMS devices are more complex and extremely diverse due to the immersion of multidomains. Their failure modes are distinctive under different circumstances. Therefore, testing of these systems at device level as well as at mass production level, that is, parallel testing, is becoming very challenging as compared to the IC test, because MEMS respond to electrical, physical, chemical, and optical stimuli. Currently, test systems developed for MEMS devices have to be customized due to their nondeterministic behavior and complexity. The accurate measurement of test systems for MEMS is difficult to quantify in the production phase. The complexity of the device to be tested required maturity in the test technique which increases the cost of test development; this practice is directly imposed on the device cost. This factor causes a delay in time-to-market.
Improved Bowel Preparation with Multimedia Education in a Predominantly African-American Population: A Randomized Study
Authors: Garg Shashank , Girotra Mohit , Chandra Lakshya , Verma Vipin , Kaur Sumanjit , Allawy Allawy , Secco Alessandra , Anand Rohit , Dutta Sudhir K.
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim. Inadequate bowel preparation is a major impediment in colonoscopy quality outcomes. Aim of this study was to evaluate the role of multimedia education (MME) in improving bowel preparation quality and adenoma detection rate. Methods. This was an IRB-approved prospective randomized study that enrolled 111 adult patients undergoing outpatient screening or surveillance colonoscopy. After receiving standard colonoscopy instructions, the patients were randomized into MME group (n=48) and control group (n=46). The MME group received comprehensive multimedia education including an audio-visual program, a visual aid, and a brochure. Demographics, quality of bowel preparation, and colonoscopy findings were recorded. Results. MME group had a significantly better bowel preparation in the entire colon (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.16–6.09) and on the right side of the colon (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.12–6.71) as compared to control group (p<0.05). Large polyps (>1 cm) were found more frequently in the MME group (11/31, 35.5% versus 0/13; p<0.05). More polyps and adenomas were detected in MME group (57 versus 39 and 31 versus 13, resp.) but the difference failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusion. MME can lead to significant improvement in the quality of bowel preparation and large adenoma detection in a predominantly African-American population.
Moisture Sorption and Thermodynamic Properties of Wood under Dynamic Condition
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Ma Erni
Published: February 2016

Thermodynamic approach is a useful method to study interactions between water and wood at molecular level. This work investigated the dynamic moisture sorption and thermodynamic properties for two thick poplar woods (Populus euramericanaCv.) subjected to sinusoidal relative humidity (RH) changes between 45% and 75% for cyclic period of 1, 6, and 24 h, at two temperatures of 25°C and 40°C. Moisture changes of the specimens were measured during the successive adsorption and desorption processes, giving the following results: (1) moisture content changed sinusoidally with the imposed RH and was inversely related to specimen thickness as well as temperature, but in a positive correlation with cyclic periods; (2) all ofQL,ΔG, andTΔSof the adsorbed water during dynamic sorption decreased with increasing moisture content or specimen thickness and decreasing cyclic period. However, temperature had opposite effects onΔGandTΔS. (3) Both moisture sorption hysteresis and thermodynamic sorption hysteresis could be found. The former became weak with rising temperature or thicker specimens, while the latter got clear when temperature or specimen thickness increased.
Diplopia as the Complication of Cataract Surgery
Authors: Gawęcki Maciej , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: February 2016

The authors present systematic review of aetiology and treatment of diplopia related to cataract surgery. The problem is set in the modern perspective of changing cataract surgery. Actual incidence is discussed as well as various modalities of therapeutic options. The authors provide the guidance for the contemporary cataract surgeon, when to expect potential problem in ocular motility after cataract surgery.
Characterization and Functions of Protease-Activated Receptor 2 in Obesity, Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kagota Satomi , Maruyama Kana , McGuire John J.
Published: February 2016

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a cell surface receptor activated by serine proteinases or specific synthetic compounds. Interest in PAR2 as a pharmaceutical target for various diseases is increasing. Here we asked two questions relevant to endothelial dysfunction and diabetes: How is PAR2 function affected in blood vessels? What role does PAR2 have in promoting obesity, diabetes, and/or metabolic syndrome, specifically via the endothelium and adipose tissues? We conducted a systematic review of the published literature in PubMed and Scopus (July 2015; search terms: par2, par-2, f2lr1, adipose, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome). Seven studies focused on PAR2 and vascular function. The obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome animal models differed amongst studies, but each reported that PAR2-mediated vasodilator actions were preserved in the face of endothelial dysfunction. The remaining studies focused on nonvascular functions and provided evidence supporting the concept that PAR2 activation promoted obesity. Key studies showed that PAR2 activation regulated cellular metabolism, and PAR2 antagonists inhibited adipose gain and metabolic dysfunction in rats. We conclude that PAR2 antagonists for treatment of obesity indeed show early promise as a therapeutic strategy; however, endothelial-specific PAR2 functions, which may offset mechanisms that produce vascular dysfunction in diabetes, warrant additional study.
Pacemaker Created in Human Ventricle by Depressing Inward-Rectifier K+Current: A Simulation Study
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Kuanquan , Li Qince , Zhang Henggui
Published: February 2016

Cardiac conduction disorders are common diseases which cause slow heart rate and syncope. The best way to treat these diseases by now is to implant electronic pacemakers, which, yet, have many disadvantages, such as the limited battery life and infection. Biopacemaker has been expected to replace the electronic devices. Automatic ventricular myocytes (VMs) could show pacemaker activity, which was induced by depressing inward-rectifier K+current (IK1). In this study, a 2D model of human biopacemaker was created from the ventricular endocardial myocytes. We examined the stability of the created biopacemaker and investigated its driving capability by finding the suitable size and spatial distribution of the pacemaker for robust pacing and driving the surrounding quiescent cardiomyocytes. Our results suggest that the rhythm of the pacemaker is similar to that of the single cell at final stable state. The driving force of the biopacemaker is closely related to the pattern of spatial distribution of the pacemaker.
The Role of Untimed Blood Glucose in Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a High Prevalent Diabetic Population
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Craus Johann , Savona-Ventura Charles
Published: February 2016

Global prevalence increase of diabetes type 2 and gestational diabetes (GDM) has led to increased awareness and screening of pregnant women for GDM. Ideally screening for GDM should be done by an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), which is laborious and time consuming. A randomized glucose test incorporated with anthropomorphic characteristics may be an appropriate cost-effective combined clinical and biochemical screening protocol for clinical practice as well as cutting down on oGTTs. A retrospective observational study was performed on a randomized sample of pregnant women who required an OGTT during their pregnancy. Biochemical and anthropomorphic data along with obstetric outcomes were statistically analyzed. Backward stepwise logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curves were used to obtain a suitable predictor for GDM without an oGTT and formulate a screening protocol. Significant GDM predictive variables were fasting blood glucose (p=0.0001) and random blood glucose (p=0.012). Different RBG and FBG cutoff points with anthropomorphic characteristics were compared to carbohydrate metabolic status to diagnose GDM without oGTT, leading to a screening protocol. A screening protocol incorporating IADPSG diagnostic criteria, BMI, and different RBG and FBG criteria would help predict GDM among high-risk populations earlier and reduce the need for oGTT test.
Models to Tailor Brain Stimulation Therapies in Stroke
Authors: Plow E. B. , Sankarasubramanian V. , Cunningham D. A. , Potter-Baker K. , Varnerin N. , Cohen L. G. , Sterr A. , Conforto A. B. , Machado A. G.
Published: February 2016

A great challenge facing stroke rehabilitation is the lack of information on how to derive targeted therapies. As such, techniques once considered promising, such as brain stimulation, have demonstrated mixed efficacy across heterogeneous samples in clinical studies. Here, we explain reasons, citing its one-type-suits-all approach as the primary cause of variable efficacy. We present evidence supporting the role of alternate substrates, which can be targeted instead in patients with greater damage and deficit. Building on this groundwork, this review will also discuss different frameworks on how to tailor brain stimulation therapies. To the best of our knowledge, our report is the first instance that enumerates and compares across theoretical models from upper limb recovery and conditions like aphasia and depression. Here, we explain how different models capture heterogeneity across patients and how they can be used to predict which patients would best respond to what treatments to develop targeted, individualized brain stimulation therapies. Our intent is to weigh pros and cons of testing each type of model so brain stimulation is successfully tailored to maximize upper limb recovery in stroke.
Dental Treatment of a Child with Pallister-Killian Syndrome
Authors: Didinen Serhan , Atabek Didem , Kip Gülay , Patır Münevveroğlu Aslı , Tulunoğlu Özlem
Published: February 2016

The Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder with an incidence estimated around 1/25000. PKS is a multiple congenital anomaly deficit syndrome caused by mosaic tissue limited tetrasomy for chromosome 12p. The presented report is the first confirmed case with PKS in Turkey. This report focuses on the orofacial clinical manifestations of an 6-year-old boy with PKS who was referred to the Department of Paediatric Dentistry clinic, Gazi University. It has been learned that the PKS was diagnosed 1 year after birth. Due to intellectual disability, it was decided to make the dental treatments under moderate sedation. Although significant tongue thrust and anterior open bite were determined, any oral appliances could not be applied because of the 2 epilepsy seizures in the last 2 years. The aim was to treat decayed teeth and set good oral hygiene in the patient’s mouth. Still, there is a probability for epilepsy seizures. If epileptic seizures stop permanently, we can apply an oral appliance to block tongue thrust. The patient is now under control. In cases of systemic and oral findings such as PKS, conducting medical and dental approaches together will increase the life quality of patients.
Describing Urban Evolution with the Fractal Parameters Based on Area-Perimeter Allometry
Authors: Chen Yanguang , Wang Jiejing
Published: February 2016

The area-perimeter allometric scaling is an important approach for researching fractal cities, and the basic ideas and models have been researched for a long time. However, the fractal parameters based on this scaling relation have not been efficiently utilized in urban studies. This paper is devoted to developing a description method of urban evolution using the fractal parameter sets based on the area-perimeter measure relation. The novelty of this methodology is as follows: first, the form dimension and boundary dimension are integrated to characterize the urban structure and texture; second, the global and local parameters are combined to characterize an urban system and individual cities; third, an entire analytical process based on the area-perimeter scaling is illustrated. Two discoveries are made in this work: first, a dynamic proportionality factor can be employed to estimate the local boundary dimension; second, the average values of the local fractal parameters are approximately equal to the corresponding global fractal parameters of cities. By illustrating how to carry out the area-perimeter scaling analysis of Chinese cities in Yangtze River Delta in the case of remote sensing images with low resolution, we propose a possible new approach to exploring fractal systems of cities.
Attachment, Growth, and Detachment of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Chemically Defined Medium
Authors: Salzig Denise , Leber Jasmin , Merkewitz Katharina , Lange Michaela C. , Köster Natascha , Czermak Peter
Published: February 2016

The manufacture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for clinical applications requires an appropriate growth surface and an optimized, preferably chemically defined medium (CDM) for expansion. We investigated a new protein/peptide‐free CDM that supports the adhesion, growth, and detachment of an immortalized hMSC line (hMSC‐TERT) as well as primary cells derived from bone marrow (bm‐hMSCs) and adipose tissue (ad‐hMSCs). We observed the rapid attachment and spreading of hMSC‐TERT cells and ad‐hMSCs in CDM concomitant with the expression of integrin and actin fibers. Cell spreading was promoted by coating the growth surface with collagen type IV and fibronectin. The growth of hMSC‐TERT cells was similar in CDM and serum‐containing medium whereas the lag phase of bm‐hMSCs was prolonged in CDM. FGF‐2 or surface coating with collagen type IV promoted the growth of bm‐hMSCs, but laminin had no effect. All three cell types retained their trilineage differentiation capability in CDM and were detached by several enzymes (but not collagenase in the case of hMSC‐TERT cells). The medium and coating did not affect detachment efficiency but influenced cell survival after detachment. CDM combined with cell‐specific surface coatings and/or FGF‐2 supplements is therefore as effective as serum‐containing medium for the manufacture of different hMSC types.
Synergistic Interaction of Methanol Extract fromCanarium odontophyllumMiq. Leaf in Combination with Oxacillin against Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) ATCC 33591
Authors: Basri Dayang Fredalina , Sandra Vimashiinee
Published: February 2016

Canarium odontophyllum(CO) Miq. has been considered as one of the most sought-after plant species in Sarawak, Malaysia, due to its nutritional and pharmacological benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacodynamic interaction of crude methanol and acetone extracts from CO leaves in combination with oxacillin, vancomycin, and linezolid, respectively, against MRSA ATCC 33591 as preliminary study has reported its potential antistaphylococcal activity. The broth microdilution assay revealed that both methanol and acetone extracts were bactericidal with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 312.5 μg/mL and 156.25 μg/mL and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 625 μg/mL and 312.5 μg/mL, respectively. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) indices were obtained via the chequerboard dilution assay where methanol extract-oxacillin, acetone extract-oxacillin, methanol extract-linezolid, and acetone extract-linezolid combinations exhibited synergism (FIC index ≤ 0.5). The synergistic action of the methanol extract-oxacillin combination was verified by time-kill analysis where bactericidal effect was observed at concentration of 1/8 × MIC of both compounds at 9.6 h compared to oxacillin alone. As such, these findings postulated that both extracts exert their anti-MRSA mechanism of action similar to that of vancomycin and provide evidence that the leaves ofC. odontophyllumhave the potential to be developed into antistaphylococcal agents.
Effect of Sodium Salicylate on the Viscoelastic Properties and Stability of Polyacrylate-Based Hydrogels for Medical Applications
Authors: Kolarova Raskova Zuzana , Hrabalikova Martina , Sedlarik Vladimir
Published: February 2016

Investigation was made into the effect exerted by the presence of sodium salicylate (0–2 wt.%), in Carbomer-based hydrogel systems, on processing conditions, rheological and antimicrobial properties in tests against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains, and examples of yeast (Candida albicans) and mould (Aspergillus niger). In addition, the work presents an examination of long-term stability by means of aging over one year the given hydrogels at 8°C and 25°C. The results show that 0.5 wt.% NaSal demonstrated a noticeable effect on the hydrogel neutralization process, viscosity, and antimicrobial properties against all of the tested microorganisms. The long-term stability studies revealed that hydrogels can maintain antimicrobial activity as well as viscosity to a degree that would be sufficient for practical use.
Improved Chiral Separation of (R,S)-Goitrin by SFC: An Application in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Nie Lixing , Dai Zhong , Ma Shuangcheng
Published: February 2016

Like chemical drugs, research and development of herbal medicine also have a need to resolve enantiomers. To help illustrating the antiviral bioactivity of Isatidis Radix, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was used for analytical and preparative separation of (R,S)-goitrin, which was reported as the active ingredient of the herbal. Improved resolution was achieved on Chiralpak IC column, using acetonitrile as the organic modifier, representing a tenfold increase in speed, compared to the previous normal phase HPLC (NPLC) method. The newly developed chromatographic method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ). Scale-up purification of (R)-goitrin and (S)-goitrin was performed on a preparative column with >90% total recovery. The absolute stereochemical assignment of the purified isomers was determined through optical rotation study. This attempt explored SFC’s application in chiral research of traditional Chinese medicine.