bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and HCV core antigen testing are predictors for reaching sustained virologic response in liver transplant recipients undergoing sofosbuvir treatment in a real‐life setting
Authors: Pischke S. , Polywka S. , Proske V.M. , Lang M. , Jordan S. , Nashan B. , Lohse A.W. , Sterneck M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with reduced graft survival in orthotopic liver transplant recipients. Treatment with the new direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) is safe and efficient, but no reliable predictive factors for sustained virologic response (SVR) have been identified so far. The HCV core antigen assay (HCV‐core‐Ag) is a new, inexpensive, and efficient method to detect viral antigens, but the value of this technique to predict treatment response in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients is still unclear.

Methods

All OLT patients who were treated with a sofosbuvir‐based antiviral regimen at our center between March 2014 and August 2014 were included in the analysis (n = 20). HCV‐core‐Ag and HCV RNA (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) were determined at each visit. Primary endpoints of this study were SVR at 4 or 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR 4 and SVR 12).

Results

HCV‐core‐Ag tested negative after a median of 2 weeks (range 1–16 weeks) while PCR tests became negative after a median of 4 weeks (range 2–12 weeks). Time until PCR negativity and until HCV‐core‐Ag negativity showed a good correlation (R = 0.711, P < 0.001, Fig. ). Seventeen of 20 patients (85%) achieved SVR 12. SVR 12 was associated with a short time interval between treatment start and HCV PCR negativity (P = 0.005) or HCV‐core‐Ag negativity (P = 0.003, Mann–Whitney test). No severe side effects were observed.

Conclusions

DAA treatment is safe and well tolerated in OLT. The time points of HCV‐core‐Ag loss and PCR negativity were predictors of SVR 12.
Cartilage Strain Distributions Are Different Under the Same Load in the Central and Peripheral Tibial Plateau Regions
Authors: Briant Paul , Bevill Scott , Andriacchi Thomas
Published: October 2015

There is increasing evidence that the regional spatial variations in the biological and mechanical properties of articular cartilage are an important consideration in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (OA) following kinematic changes at the knee due to joint destabilizing events (such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury). Thus, given the sensitivity of chondrocytes to the mechanical environment, understanding the internal mechanical strains in knee articular cartilage under macroscopic loads is an important element in understanding knee OA. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that cartilage from the central and peripheral regions of the tibial plateau has different internal strain distributions under the same applied load. The internal matrix strain distribution for each specimen was measured on osteochondral blocks from the tibial plateau of mature ovine stifle joints. Each specimen was loaded cyclically for 20 min, after which the specimen was cryofixed in its deformed position and freeze fractured. The internal matrix was viewed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and internal strains were measured by quantifying the deformation of the collagen fiber network. The peak surface tensile strain, maximum principal strain, and maximum shear strain were compared between the regions. The results demonstrated significantly different internal mechanical strain distributions between the central and peripheral regions of tibial plateau articular cartilage under both the same applied load and same applied nominal strain. These differences in the above strain measures were due to differences in the deformation patterns of the collagen network between the central and peripheral regions. Taken together with previous studies demonstrating differences in the biochemical response of chondrocytes from the central and peripheral regions of the tibial plateau to mechanical load, the differences in collagen network deformation observed in this study help to provide a fundamental basis for understanding the association between altered knee joint kinematics and premature knee OA.
Computer‐aided breast MR image feature analysis for prediction of tumor response to chemotherapy
Authors: Aghaei Faranak , Tan Maxine , Hollingsworth Alan B. , Qian Wei , Liu Hong , Zheng Bin
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

To identify a new clinical marker based on quantitative kinetic image features analysis and assess its feasibility to predict tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods:

The authors assembled a dataset involving breast MR images acquired from 68 cancer patients before undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among them, 25 patients had complete response (CR) and 43 had partial and nonresponse (NR) to chemotherapy based on the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. The authors developed a computer‐aided detection scheme to segment breast areas and tumors depicted on the breast MR images and computed a total of 39 kinetic image features from both tumor and background parenchymal enhancement regions. The authors then applied and tested two approaches to classify between CR and NR cases. The first one analyzed each individual feature and applied a simple feature fusion method that combines classification results from multiple features. The second approach tested an attribute selected classifier that integrates an artificial neural network (ANN) with a wrapper subset evaluator, which was optimized using a leave‐one‐case‐out validation method.

Results:

In the pool of 39 features, 10 yielded relatively higher classification performance with the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) ranging from 0.61 to 0.78 to classify between CR and NR cases. Using a feature fusion method, the maximum AUC = 0.85 ± 0.05. Using the ANN‐based classifier, AUC value significantly increased to 0.96 ± 0.03 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that quantitative analysis of kinetic image features computed from breast MR images acquired prechemotherapy has potential to generate a useful clinical marker in predicting tumor response to chemotherapy.
High-Dose Probiotic Supplementation Containing Lactobacillus casei for 7 Days Does Not Enhance Salivary Antimicrobial Protein Responses to Exertional Heat Stress Compared With Placebo
Authors: Gill Samantha Kirsty , Teixeira Ana Maria , Rosado Fatima , Cox Martin , Costa Ricardo Jose Soares
Published: October 2015

The study aimed to determine whether high-dose probiotic supplementation containing Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) for 7 consecutive days enhances salivary antimicrobial protein (S-AMP) responses to exertional–heat stress (EHS). Eight endurance-trained male volunteers (age 26 ± 6 years, nude body mass 70.2 ± 8.8 kg, height 1.75 ± 0.05 m, VO2max 59 ± 5 ml·kg-1·min-1 [M ± SD]) completed a blinded randomized and counterbalanced crossover design. Oral supplementation of the probiotic beverage (PRO; L. casei × 1011 colony-forming units·day-1) or placebo (PLA) was consumed for 7 consecutive days before 2 hr running exercise at 60% VO2max in hot ambient conditions (34.0 °C and 32% RH). Body mass and unstimulated saliva and venous blood samples were collected at baseline (7 days before EHS), pre-EHS, post-EHS (1 hr, 2 hr, and 4 hr), and at 24 hr. Saliva samples were analyzed for salivary (S) IgA, α-amylase, lysozyme, and cortisol. Plasma samples were analyzed for plasma osmolality. Body mass and plasma osmolality did not differ between trials. Saliva flow rate remained relatively constant throughout the experimental design in PRO (overall M ± SD = 601 ± 284 μ1/min) and PLA (557 ± 296 μl/min). PRO did not induce significant changes in resting S-AMP responses compared with PLA (p > .05). Increases in S-IgA, S-α-amylase, and S-cortisol responses, but not S-lysozyme responses, were observed after EHS (p < .05). No main effects of trial or Time × Trial interaction were observed for S-AMP and S-cortisol responses. Supplementation of a probiotic beverage containing L. casei for 7 days before EHS does not provide any further oral–respiratory mucosal immune protection, with respect to S-AMP, over PLA.
Case Study: The Role of Milk in a Dietary Strategy to Increase Muscle Mass and Improve Recovery in an Elite Sprint Kayaker
Authors: Reid Karen
Published: October 2015

Flatwater kayaking requires upper-body muscle strength and a lean body composition. This case study describes a nutrition intervention with a 19-year-old male elite sprint kayaker to increase muscle mass and improve recovery posttraining. Before the intervention, average daily energy intake was 13.6 ± 2.5 MJ (M ± SD; protein, 1.8 g/kg; carbohydrate, 3.6 g/kg), and the athlete was unable to eat sufficient food to meet the energy demands of training. During the 18-month intervention period, the athlete’s daily energy intake increased to 22.1 ± 3.8 MJ (protein, 3.2 g/kg; carbohydrate, 7.7 g/kg) by including milk-based drinks pre- and posttraining and before bed and an additional carbohydrate-based snack midmorning. This simple dietary intervention, along with a structured strength and conditioning program, resulted in an increase of 10 kg body mass with minimal change in body fat percentage. Adequate vitamin D status was maintained without the need for supplementation during the intervention period. In addition, the athlete reported the milk-based drinks and carbohydrate snacks were easy to consume, and no adverse side effects were experienced. This was the first time the athlete was able to maintain weight during intensive phases of the training cycle.
Innovating to improve primary care in less developed countries: towards a global model
Authors: Fairall Lara , Bateman Eric , Cornick Ruth , Faris Gill , Timmerman Venessa , Folb Naomi , Bachmann Max , Zwarenstein Merrick , Smith Richard
Published: October 2015

One of the biggest problems in global health is the lack of well trained and supported health workers in less developed settings. In many rural areas there are no physicians, and it is important to find ways to support and empower nurses and other health workers. The Knowledge Translation Unit of the University of Cape Town Lung Institute has spent 14 years developing a series of innovative packages to support and empower nurses and other health workers. PACK (Practical Approach to Care Kit) Adult comprises policy-based and evidence-informed guidelines; onsite, team and case-based training; non-physician prescribing; and a cascade system of scaling up. A series of randomised trials has shown the effectiveness of the packages, and methods are now being developed to respond cost-effectively and sustainably to global demand for implementing PACK Adult. Global health would probably benefit from less time and money spent developing new innovations and more spent on finding ways to spread those we already have.
A cross-sectional study on the relationship of age, gestational age and HIV infection to bacterial vaginosis and genital mycoplasma infection
Authors: Redelinghuys Mathys J , Ehlers Marthie M , Dreyer Andries W , Lombaard Hennie , Olorunju Steve A S , Kock Marleen M
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Pregnant women are especially at risk of developing complications when infected with reproductive tract infections (RTIs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and genital mycoplasmas in pregnant women and investigate the associations between BV, genital mycoplasmas, HIV infection, age and gestational age.

Design

Cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical components.

Setting

Antenatal clinic of a tertiary academic hospital in South Africa.

Participants

220 pregnant women older than 18 were included in the study and provided self-collected vaginal swabs.

Primary and secondary outcomes

BV and genital mycoplasma colonisation and/or infection in women of differing age, gestational period and HIV status.

Results

The prevalence of BV was 17.7% (39/220) (95% CI 12.9 to 23.4), intermediate vaginal flora (IVF) 15% (33/220) (95% CI 10.56 to 20.42), and the overall prevalence of genital mycoplasmas was 84% (185/220) (95% CI 78.47 to 88.58). BV was significantly associated with HIV infection with an OR of 2.84 (95% CI 1.08 to 7.46 and p value=0.034). However, BV was inversely associated with gestational age with an OR of 0.08 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.42 and p value=0.003) for second trimester pregnancies and an OR of 0.03 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.17 and p value<0.001) for third trimester pregnancies using the first trimester as reference. IVF was significantly associated with HIV infection with an OR of 2.7 (95% CI 1.07 to 6.79 and p value=0.035) but not with age or gestational age. Genital mycoplasmas were not significantly associated with age, gestational age, HIV status, BV flora or IVF.

Conclusions

The high infection rate of genital mycoplasmas and the association of BV with HIV found in this study reiterate the importance of screening for these RTIs in high-risk groups such as pregnant women.
MRI and serum high-sensitivity C reactive protein predict long-term mortality in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sadahiro Taketaro , Kohsaka Shun , Okuda Shigeo , Inohara Taku , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Kohno Takashi , Yoshikawa Tsutomu , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: October 2015

Objective

Myocardial fibrosis related to non-specific inflammation can be detected using late gadolinium-enhancement cardiovascular MR (LGE-CMR), which is an important prognostic indicator for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The aims of this study were to define the prognostic factors for DCM with LGE-CMR, and to evaluate the impact of the prognostic factors on adverse effects.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained single centre registry. We analysed the data from 76 patients with DCM who had been admitted for acute heart failure. The primary combined end point was defined as all-cause mortality and rehospitalisation.

Results

LGE-CMR was present in 39 patients (51%), and the mean follow-up period was 813±54 days. The primary end point occurred in 20 patients (5 (13.5%) patients without LGE-CMR and 15 (38.5%) patients with LGE-CMR, p=0.006). Sixteen of 39 patients with LGE-CMR exhibited elevated high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP >0.3 mg/dL). Patients with elevated hs-CRP and LGE-CMR had a significantly higher incidence of the primary end point compared with patients with normal hs-CRP and LGE-CMR (62.5%; 10 patients, 22.7%; 5 patients, respectively, p=0.001). Elevated hs-CRP was significantly associated with the primary end point (HR: 4.04; 95% CI 1.67 to 9.76; p=0.002). After elevated hs-CRP was adjusted for known predictors of DCM, it was still associated with the primary end point (HR: 2.91; 95% CI 1.19 to 7.15; p=0.02).

Conclusions

Among patients with DCM, LGE-CMR and elevated hs-CRP are associated with a higher incidence of the long-term combined end point of all-cause mortality and hospitalisation.

Trial registration number:

UMIN000001171.
Interactive effects of sex and body size on the movement ecology of adfluvial bull trout (Salvelinusconfluentus)
Authors: Gutowsky L.F.G. , Harrison P.M. , Martins E.G. , Leake A. , Patterson D.A. , Power M. , Cooke S.J.
Published: October 2015

Animal movement occurs as a function of many factors including changing environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality) and the internal state (e.g., phenotypic traits) of the focal organism. Identifying how these factors interact can reveal behavioral patterns that would otherwise go undiscovered. Given a large sample size of individuals (n = 187), we used acoustic biotelemetry to examine the spatial ecology of adfluvial bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus (Suckley, 1859)) in a large hydropower reservoir in British Columbia, Canada. Dependent variables, including home-range size and lateral movement, were analysed as a function of interactive relationships among seasons (over a 2-year period) and phenotypic traits. Mixed models indicated relationships between home-range size and season, whereas variation in lateral movement was explained by month and a two-way interaction between sex and body size. Large females (765 mm total length) were estimated to move laterally up to five times greater than females half their length, whereas movements between large and small males were not significantly different. This study shows how body size and sex can have a profound and possible interactive effect on animal movement. In addition, the results offer new information on the spatial ecology and conservation of adfluvial bull trout.
The interaction between dark energy and dark matter and its connection to the modified gravity
Authors: He Jian-Hua , Wang Bin
Published: October 2015

We review the conformal equivalence in describing the background expansion of the universe by [Formula: see text] gravity both in the Jordan frame and the Einstein frame. In the Jordan frame, we present the general analytic expression for [Formula: see text] models that have the same expansion history as the [Formula: see text]CDM model. This analytic form can provide further insights on how cosmology can be used to test the [Formula: see text] gravity at the largest scales. Moreover we present a systematic and self-consistent way to construct the viable [Formula: see text] model in Jordan frame using the mass dilation rate function from the Einstein frame through the conformal transformation. In addition, we extend our study to the linear perturbation theories and we further exhibit the equivalence of the [Formula: see text] gravity presented in the Jordan frame and Einstein frame in the perturbed space–time. We argue that this equivalence has solid physics root.
Spectral energy distributions and some correlations for Fermi blazars
Authors: Fan J. H. , Yang J. H. , Liu Y. , Cai W. , Lin C.
Published: October 2015

In this work, spectral energy distribution has been calculated for a sample of 597 Fermi blazars. Based on the calculation, we proposed a classification for subclasses of blazars as lower synchrotron peak sources (LSPs) if [Formula: see text], intermediate synchrotron peak sources (ISPs) if [Formula: see text], higher synchrotron peak sources (HSPs) if [Formula: see text], ultra higher synchrotron peak sources (UHSPs) if [Formula: see text]. [Formula: see text]-ray luminosity is found correlated with lower energetic wavebands (radio, optical and X-rays). When redshift effect is removed, correlations are still strong for FSRQs; As for BL lacertaes, correlation between [Formula: see text]-ray and radio or between [Formula: see text]-ray and optical band is strong, but that between [Formula: see text]-ray and X-ray is only marginal.
Argument Extraction from News, Blogs, and the Social Web
Authors: Goudas Theodosis , Louizos Christos , Petasis Georgios , Karkaletsis Vangelis
Published: October 2015

Argument extraction is the task of identifying arguments, along with their components in text. Arguments can be usually decomposed into a claim and one or more premises justifying it. Among the novel aspects of this work is the thematic domain itself which relates to Social Media, in contrast to traditional research in the area, which concentrates mainly on law documents and scientific publications. The huge increase of social media communities, along with their user tendency to debate, makes the identification of arguments in these texts a necessity. Argument extraction from Social Media is more challenging because texts may not always contain arguments, as is the case of legal documents or scientific publications usually studied. In addition, being less formal in nature, texts in Social Media may not even have proper syntax or spelling. This paper presents a two-step approach for argument extraction from social media texts. During the first step, the proposed approach tries to classify the sentences into “sentences that contain arguments” and “sentences that don’t contain arguments”. In the second step, it tries to identify the exact fragments that contain the premises from the sentences that contain arguments, by utilizing conditional random fields. The results exceed significantly the base line approach, and according to literature, are quite promising.
A Logical Approach to Deciding Semantic Subtyping
Authors: Gesbert Nils , Genevès Pierre , Layaïda Nabil
Published: October 2015

We consider a type algebra equipped with recursive, product, function, intersection, union, and complement types, together with type variables. We consider the subtyping relation defined by Castagna and Xu [2011] over such type expressions and show how this relation can be decided in EXPTIME, answering an open question. The novelty, originality and strength of our solution reside in introducing a logical modeling for the semantic subtyping framework. We model semantic subtyping in a tree logic and use a satisfiability-testing algorithm in order to decide subtyping. We report on practical experiments made with a full implementation of the system. This provides a powerful polymorphic type system aiming at maintaining full static type-safety of functional programs that manipulate trees, even with higher-order functions, which is particularly useful in the context of XML.
Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Myopic Eyes Measured by a Dynamic Scheimpflug Analyzer
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Li Ying , Jin Yumei , Yang Xue , Zhao Chan , Long Qin
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the corneal biomechanical parameters in myopic and emmetropic eyes using Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (CorVis ST).Methods.103 myopic and emmetropic eyes of 103 patients were examined. Corneal biomechanical parameters, axial length, and mean keratometry were measured using CorVis ST, IOL Master, and topography, respectively. Corneal biomechanical properties were compared within four groups. Bivariate correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between corneal biomechanical parameters and ocular characteristics.Results.Four of ten corneal biomechanical parameters, namely, deformation amplitude (DA), first- and second-applanation time (A1-time, A2-time), and radius at highest concavity (HC radius), were significantly different within the four groups (P<0.05). In correlation analysis, DA was positively correlated with axial length (r=0.20,P=0.04); A2-time was positively correlated with spherical equivalent (SE) (r=0.24,P=0.02); HC radius was positively correlated with SE (r=0.24,P=0.02) and was negatively correlated with mean keratometry (r=-0.20,P=0.046) and axial length (r=-0.21,P=0.03).Conclusions.The corneal refraction-related biomechanical alterations were associated with ocular characteristics. Highly myopic eyes exhibited longer DA and smaller HC radius than do moderately myopic eyes; the eyes with longer axial length tend to have less corneal stiffness and are easier to deform under stress.
Modified Hybrid Freeman/Eigenvalue Decomposition for Polarimetric SAR Data
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Wang Shuang , Chen Bo
Published: October 2015

Because of the rapid advancement of the airborne sensors and spaceborne sensors, large volumes of fully polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) data are available, but they are too complex to interpret difficultly. In this paper, a modified hybrid Freeman/eigenvalue decomposition method for the coherency matrix derived from the fully PolSAR sensors is proposed. The proposed modified hybrid Freeman/eigenvalue decomposition uses a real unitary transformation on the coherency matrix to release correlations between the copolarized term and cross polarized term, and the scattering models are derived from eigenvectors of the coherency matrix with reflection symmetry condition. The anisotropy and entropy are used to determine whether the volume scattering component is derived from the man-made structures or not. Moreover, the scattering powers from the proposed hybrid Freeman/eigenvalue decomposition are all nonnegative values. Fully PolSAR data on San Francisco acquired by AIRSAR sensor are used in the experiments to prove the efficacy of the proposed decomposition.
The Association between the PR Interval and Left Ventricular Measurements in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Husby Michael P. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Liu Kiang , Lloyd-Jones Don , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon , Kramer Holly
Published: October 2015

Introduction.Few studies have examined the association between the PR interval (PRi) and subclinical cardiovascular disease measures.Methods and Results. The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a population-based study of 6814 men and women aged 45–84 years without clinical cardiovascular disease and 4962 had complete baseline data on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging measures of LV dimension and ejection fraction and surface electrocardiogram. Linear regression models were constructed to determine the adjusted association between the PRi and measures of LV stroke volume, LV mass, LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, and ejection fraction. Overall, mean age was 61.5 years, and 47.6% were male and race/ethnicity was white in 39.1%, Chinese in 13.1%, African-American in 25.7%, and Hispanic in 22.2%. The PRi ranged from 88 to 308 ms with a median value of 162 ms. As a continuous variable, every standard deviation unit (25 ms) increment in PRi was associated with a 2.00 mL (95% CI 1.52, 2.48) higher stroke volume, a 3.08 g (95% CI 2.30, 3.86) higher LV mass, a 1.36 g/m2(95% CI 0.96, 1.76) higher LV mass index, and 1.31 mL (95% CI 0.88, 1.73) higher end-systolic and 3.31 mL (95% CI 2.58, 4.03) higher end-diastolic volumes after adjustment for all covariates. No significant association was noted between the PRi and LV ejection fraction.Conclusions.A prolonged PRi is associated with LV measures and may in part explain the link between a prolonged PRi and cardiovascular outcomes.
Personality, Gender, and Age as Predictors of Media Richness Preference
Authors: Dunaetz David R. , Lisk Timothy C. , Shin Matthew Minsuk
Published: October 2015

Media richness, the degree to which a specific media transmits information in multiple channels, is an important concept as the number of available multimedia communication methods increases regularly. Individuals differ in their preferences for media richness which may influence their choice of communication multimedia in a given situation. These preferences can influence how successful their communication efforts will be. This exploratory study of 299 adults (ages 16–84) with at least a basic ability to compute examines the relationship between multimedia preference and age, gender, and personality traits. Males and people with higher levels of extraversion and agreeableness were found to have a higher preference for media richness. Age was not a significant predictor of media richness preference.
Design of UWB Planar Monopole Antennas with Etched Spiral Slot on the Patch for Multiple Band-Notched Characteristics
Authors: Das Swarup , Mitra Debasis , Chaudhuri Sekhar Ranjan Bhadra
Published: October 2015

Three types of Ultrawideband (UWB) antennas with single, double, and triple notched bands are proposed and investigated for UWB communication applications. The proposed antennas consist of CPW fed monopole with spiral slot etched on the patch. In this paper single, double, and also triple band notches with central frequency of 3.57, 5.12, and 8.21 GHz have been generated by varying the length of a single spiral slot. The proposed antenna is low-profile and of compact size. A stable gain is obtained throughout the operation band except the three notched frequencies. The antennas have omnidirectional and stable radiation patterns across all the relevant bands. Moreover, relatively consistent group delays across the UWB frequencies are noticed for the triple notched band antenna. A prototype of the UWB antenna with triple notched bands is fabricated and the measured results of the antenna are compared with the simulated results.
pCramoll and rCramoll as New Preventive Agents against the Oxidative Dysfunction Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Nascimento da Silva Luís Cláudio , Alves Neyla Maria Pereira , de Castro Maria Carolina Accioly Brelaz , Higino Taciana Mirely Maciel , da Cunha Cássia Regina Albuquerque , Pereira Valéria Rêgo Alves , da Paz Nathalia Varejão Nogueira , Coelho Luana Cassandra Breitenbach Barroso , Correia Maria Tereza dos Santos , de Figueiredo Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz
Published: October 2015

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the induction of cell death and is associated with various pathologic disorders; therefore, the search for natural products that attenuate the effects produced by oxidant agents is greatly increased. Here, the protective effects of native lectin fromCratylia mollisseeds (pCramoll) and recombinant Cramoll 1 (rCramoll) against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in Vero cells were evaluated. Both lectins significantly attenuated the H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent way. The maximum protective effects were96.85±15.59%(rCramoll) and59.48±23.44%(pCramoll). The Live/Dead analysis showed a reduction in the percentage of dead cells from65.04±3.29% (H2O2) to39.77±2.93%(pCramoll) and13.90±9.01%(rCramoll). The deleterious effects of H2O2on cell proliferation were reduced to 10.83% (pCramoll) and 24.17% (rCramoll). Lectins treatment attenuated the excessive superoxide production, the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the lysosomal and DNA damage in H2O2-treated cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that pCramoll and rCramoll blocked H2O2-induced cytotoxicity through decreasing reactive oxygen species, restoring the mitochondrial potential, preventing the lysosomal damage and DNA fragmentation, and thus promoting cell survival and proliferation.
Applying Genetic Algorithm to Generation of High-Dimensional Item Response Data
Authors: Kim ByoungWook , Kim JaMee , Lee WonGyu
Published: October 2015

The item response data is thenm-dimensional data based on the responses made bymexaminees to the questionnaire consisting ofnitems. It is used to estimate the ability of examinees and item parameters in educational evaluation. For estimates to be valid, the simulation input data must reflect reality. This paper presents the effective combination of the genetic algorithm (GA) and Monte Carlo methods for the generation of item response data as simulation input data similar to real data. To this end, we generated four types of item response data using Monte Carlo and the GA and evaluated how similarly the generated item response data represents the real item response data with the item parameters (item difficulty and discrimination). We adopt two types of measurement, which are root mean square error and Kullback-Leibler divergence, for comparison of item parameters between real data and four types of generated data. The results show that applying the GA to initial population generated by Monte Carlo is the most effective in generating item response data that is most similar to real item response data. This study is meaningful in that we found that the GA contributes to the generation of more realistic simulation input data.
Cavernostomy for Pulmonary Aspergillosis Associated with Destroyed Lung after Surgery for Lung Cancer: Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Fujiwara Taiki , Yamakawa Hisami
Published: October 2015

Slow, progressive, and destructive changes in the residual lung after surgery for lung cancer, known as “destroyed lung,” are delayed nonrecurrent complications. Destroyed lung can be a difficult condition to treat due to repeated infections and is therefore a complication that should not be ignored. We had three cases of intractable pulmonary aspergillosis difficult to treat associated with destroyed lung, after lung cancer surgery. Two of these patients followed a characteristic clinical course, which started with a cystic change just below the pleura and subsequently led to respiratory failure and death due to repeated infections. The third patient followed a similar clinical course and is currently under regular follow-up. Our cases suggest that concomitant occurrence of severe complications following surgery for lung cancer, such as destroyed lung and pulmonary aspergillosis, should be monitored because these complications can lead to respiratory failure and fatal clinical course. Radical surgery is not possible, especially when medical treatment is ineffective in controlling repeated infections and the patient’s general condition is worsened due to prolonged chronic inflammation. Therefore, aggressive surgical intervention should be considered before patients worsen.
Impacts of Two-Type ENSO on Rainfall over Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chen-Chih , Liou Yi-Jiun , Huang Shih-Jen
Published: October 2015

Impacts of two-type ENSO (El Niño/Southern Oscillation), canonical ENSO and ENSO Modoki, on rainfall over Taiwan are investigated by the monthly mean rainfall data accessed from Taiwan Central Weather Bureau. The periods of the two-type ENSO are distinguished by Niño 3.4 index and ENSO Modoki index (EMI). The rainfall data in variously geographical regions are analyzed with the values of Niño 3.4 and EMI by correlation method. Results show that the seasonal rainfalls over Taiwan are different depending on the effects of two-type ENSO. In canonical El Niño episode, the rainfall increases in winter and spring while it reduces in summer and autumn. On the contrary, the rainfall increases in summer and autumn but reduces in winter and spring in El Niño Modoki episode. Nevertheless, two types of La Niña cause similar effects on the rainfall over Taiwan. It increases in autumn only. The rainfall variations in different types of ENSO are mainly caused by the monsoon and topography.
Regulation of MUTYH, a DNA Repair Enzyme, in Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lu Jianping , Li Xinxiu , Zhang Mingcao , Chen Zhaohong , Wang Yaping , Zeng Caihong , Liu Zhihong , Chen Huimei
Published: October 2015

MUTYH is a DNA repair enzyme that initiates a base excision repair (BER) by recognizing and removing 8-Oxoguanine (8-oxoG) and its paired adenine. We demonstrated that both TGF-β1 and H2O2treatment led to an increased 8-oxoG in cultured human proximal tubule epithelial (HK-2) cells, while the former induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the latter caused cell apoptosis. Without stimulation, HK-2 cells showed MUTYH expression in mitochondria. TGF-β1 triggered a transient upregulation of mitochondrial MUTYH and induced the expression of nuclear isoforms, while H2O2showed no role on MUTYH expression. Ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice exhibited high 8-oxoG reactivity with tubulointerstitial lesions. After obstruction, the MUTYH expression was increased only in tubules at day 3 and decreased with obvious tubular atrophy at day 10. Particularly, MUTYH was primarily located in normal tubular cytoplasm with a dominant mitochondrial form. A few cells with nuclear MUTYH expression were observed in the fibrotic interstitium. We confirmed that increased MUTYH expression was upregulated and positively correlated with the severity of kidney fibrosis. Thus, renal fibrosis caused a cell-type-specific and time-dependent response of oxidative DNA repairs, even within the same tissues. It suggests that intervention of MUTYH might be effective for therapies.
Frequencies of Transverse and Longitudinal Oscillations in Supersonic Cavity Flows
Authors: Handa Taro , Tanigawa Kazuya , Kihara Yusuke , Miyachi Hiroaki , Kakuno Hatsuki
Published: October 2015

A supersonic flow over a rectangular cavity is known to oscillate at certain predominant frequencies. The present study focuses on the effect of the cavity length-to-depth (L/D) ratio on the frequency for a free-stream Mach number of 1.7. The pressure oscillations are measured by changing theL/Dratio from 0.5 to 3.0, and the power spectral density is calculated from the temporal pressure signals for eachL/Dratio. The results demonstrate that the spectral peaks for anL/Dratio of less than ~1 and greater than ~2 are accounted for by the feedback mechanisms of the transverse and longitudinal oscillations, respectively. The results also demonstrate that the spectral peaks in the transition (1 <~L/D<~ 2) are accounted for by either of the two feedback mechanisms of transverse and longitudinal oscillations; that is, the flows under the transition regime oscillate both transversely and longitudinally.
Crossing the Vascular Wall: Common and Unique Mechanisms Exploited by Different Leukocyte Subsets during Extravasation
Authors: Schnoor Michael , Alcaide Pilar , Voisin Mathieu-Benoit , van Buul Jaap D.
Published: October 2015

Leukocyte extravasation is one of the essential and first steps during the initiation of inflammation. Therefore, a better understanding of the key molecules that regulate this process may help to develop novel therapeutics for treatment of inflammation‐based diseases such as atherosclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. The endothelial adhesion molecules ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 are known as the central mediators of leukocyte adhesion to and transmigration across the endothelium. Engagement of these molecules by their leukocyte integrin receptors initiates the activation of several signaling pathways within both leukocytes and endothelium. Several of such events have been described to occur during transendothelial migration of all leukocyte subsets, whereas other mechanisms are known only for a single leukocyte subset. Here, we summarize current knowledge on regulatory mechanisms of leukocyte extravasation from a leukocyte and endothelial point of view, respectively. Specifically, we will focus on highlighting common and unique mechanisms that specific leukocyte subsets exploit to succeed in crossing endothelial monolayers.
A Review on Pineapple Leaves Fibre and Its Composites
Authors: Asim M. , Abdan Khalina , Jawaid M. , Nasir M. , Dashtizadeh Zahra , Ishak M. R. , Hoque M. Enamul
Published: October 2015

Natural fibre based composites are under intensive study due to their ecofriendly nature and peculiar properties. The advantage of natural fibres is their continuous supply, easy and safe handling, and biodegradable nature. Although natural fibres exhibit admirable physical and mechanical properties, it varies with the plant source, species, geography, and so forth. Pineapple leave fibre (PALF) is one of the abundantly available wastes materials of Malaysia and has not been studied yet as it is required. A detailed study of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties will bring out logical and reasonable utilization of PALF for various applications. From the socioeconomic prospective, PALF can be a new source of raw material to the industries and can be potential replacement of the expensive and nonrenewable synthetic fibre. However, few studies on PALF have been done describing the interfacial adhesion between fibres and reinforcement compatibility of fibre but a detailed study on PALF properties is not available. In this review, author covered the basic information of PALF and compared the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties with other natural fibres. Furthermore, it summarizes the recent work reported on physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PALF reinforced polymer composites with its potential applications.
Mechanisms of Neuronal Protection against Excitotoxicity, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Stroke and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Prentice Howard , Modi Jigar Pravinchandra , Wu Jang-Yen
Published: October 2015

In stroke and neurodegenerative disease, neuronal excitotoxicity, caused by increased extracellular glutamate levels, is known to result in calcium overload and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial deficits may involve a deficiency in energy supply as well as generation of high levels of oxidants which are key contributors to neuronal cell death through necrotic and apoptotic mechanisms. Excessive glutamate receptor stimulation also results in increased nitric oxide generation which can be detrimental to cells as nitric oxide interacts with superoxide to form the toxic molecule peroxynitrite. High level oxidant production elicits neuronal apoptosis through the actions of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members resulting in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. In addition to apoptotic responses to severe stress, accumulation of misfolded proteins and high levels of oxidants can elicit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways which may also contribute to induction of apoptosis. Two categories of therapeutics are discussed that impact major pro-death events that include induction of oxidants, calcium overload, and ER stress. The first category of therapeutic agent includes the amino acid taurine which prevents calcium overload and is also capable of preventing ER stress by inhibiting specific ER stress pathways. The second category involves N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA receptor) partial antagonists illustrated by S-Methyl-N, N-diethyldithiocarbamate sulfoxide (DETC-MeSO), and memantine. DETC-MeSO is protective through preventing excitotoxicity and calcium overload and by blocking specific ER stress pathways. Another NMDA receptor partial antagonist is memantine which prevents excessive glutamate excitation but also remarkably allows maintenance of physiological neurotransmission. Targeting of these major sites of neuronal damage using pharmacological agents is discussed in terms of potential therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders.
Neonatal Hyperglycemia due to Transient Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus in Puerto Rico
Authors: Fargas-Berríos N. , García-Fragoso L. , García-García I. , Valcárcel M.
Published: October 2015

Neonatal hyperglycemia is a metabolic disorder found in the neonatal intensive care units. Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a very uncommon cause of hyperglycemia in the newborn, occurring in 1 in every 400,000 births. There are two subtypes of neonatal diabetes mellitus: permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM) and transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM). We describe a term, small for gestational age, female neonate with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus who presented with poor feeding tolerance and vomiting associated with hyperglycemia (385 mg/dL), glycosuria, and metabolic acidosis within the first 12 hours of life. The neonate was treated with intravenous insulin, obtaining a slight control of hyperglycemia. An adequate glycemia was achieved at 5 weeks of life. The molecular studies showed complete loss of maternal methylation at the TND differentially methylated region on chromosome 6q24. The etiology of this neonate’s hyperglycemia was a hypomethylation of the maternal TND locus. A rare cause of neonatal diabetes mellitus must be considered if a neonate presents refractory hyperglycemia. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in Puerto Rico of transient neonatal mellitus due to the uncommon mechanism of maternal hypomethylation of the TND locus. Its prevalence in Puerto Rico is unknown.
Adaptive Evolution Coupled with Retrotransposon Exaptation Allowed for the Generation of a Human-Protein-Specific Coding Gene That Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Both Haematological Malignancies and Solid Tumours: The Extraordinary Case ofMYEOVGene
Authors: Papamichos Spyros I. , Margaritis Dimitrios , Kotsianidis Ioannis
Published: October 2015

The incidence of cancer in human is high as compared to chimpanzee. However previous analysis has documented that numerous human cancer-related genes are highly conserved in chimpanzee. Till date whether human genome includes species-specific cancer-related genes that could potentially contribute to a higher cancer susceptibility remains obscure. This study focuses onMYEOV, an oncogene encoding for two protein isoforms, reported as causally involved in promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in both haematological malignancies and solid tumours. First we document, via stringentin silicoanalysis, thatMYEOVarosede novoin Catarrhini. We show that MYEOV short-isoform start codon was evolutionarily acquired after Catarrhini/Platyrrhini divergence. Throughout the course of Catarrhini evolutionMYEOVacquired a gradually elongated translatable open reading frame (ORF), a gradually shortened translation-regulatory upstream ORF, and alternatively spliced mRNA variants. A point mutation introduced in human allowed for the acquisition of MYEOV long-isoform start codon. Second, we demonstrate the precious impact of exonized transposable elements on the creation ofMYEOVgene structure. Third, we highlight that the initial part of MYEOV long-isoform coding DNA sequence was under positive selection pressure during Catarrhini evolution.MYEOVrepresents a Primate Orphan Gene that acquired, via ORF expansion, a human-protein-specific coding potential.
Abstract A30: In vitro transformation of human primary epithelial cells by Myc
Authors: Dakic Aleksandra , Fang Shuang , Choudhury Sujata , Palechor-Ceron Nancy , Yu Songtao , Schlegel Richard , Liu Xuefeng
Published: October 2015

The Myc/Max/Mad network plays a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Our previous data have shown that c-Myc is overexpressed in cervical cancer cell lines and that the HPV E6 oncoprotein in these cancer cells interacts with Myc both in vitro and in vivo. The consequence of these E6/Myc interactions results in the activation of telomerase and cell immortalization. Since the HPV E6/E7 genes cooperate to immortalize genital keratinocytes (both foreskin and cervical cells), we questioned whether Myc activation might be sufficient to replace E6 in cell immortalization. Our studies indicate that indeed Myc and E7 are sufficient to immortalize human genital keratinocytes. Surprisingly, the solitary transduction of Myc into cervical cells induced rapid cell death. These dying cells exhibited increased p53 expression and morphologic and biochemical characteristics of apoptosis. These results were also observed in human foreskin keratinocytes (when grown in commercially available, serum free medium) and suggest that the E7 protein counteracts the strong apoptotic activity of Myc. Myc-induced apoptosis in the genital keratinoctyes was observable as dramatic membrane blebbing. Since the Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632, has previously been shown to inhibit apoptosis in dissociated, detached stem cells, we tested whether it would inhibit membrane blebbing in Myc-expressing keratinoctyes and whether this might permit the establishment of Myc-driven keratinocyte cell lines. Within minutes, Y-27632 inhibited blebbing of Myc-expressing keratinocytes and reduced cell detachment. This activity is independent of expression of p53, pRB, and hTERT. More important, the use of Y-27632 allowed us to generate keratainocyte cell lines that were driven by overexpression of Myc. Our data suggest that immortalization and cell proliferation by Myc and Y-27632 are largely due to inhibition of apoptosis. An outgrowth of these studies is that we have screened for inhibitors of Myc-driven immortalization and found that two different HDAC inhibitors were able to induce cell death, including in established cervical carcinoma cell lines, and that cell death is paralleled by the down-regulation of Myc.

Citation Format: Aleksandra Dakic, Shuang Fang, Sujata Choudhury, Nancy Palechor-Ceron, Songtao Yu, Richard Schlegel, Xuefeng Liu. In vitro transformation of human primary epithelial cells by Myc. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Myc: From Biology to Therapy; Jan 7-10, 2015; La Jolla, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2015;13(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A30.