bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paracrine and endocrine modes of myostatin action
Authors: Lee Yun-Sil , Huynh Thanh V. , Lee Se-Jin
Published: January 2016

Myostatin (MSTN) is a secreted signaling molecule that normally acts to limit muscle mass. In adult animals, MSTN is made almost exclusively by skeletal muscle and circulates in the blood. A critical question is whether this circulating MSTN protein can enter the active pool to regulate muscle growth or whether all of the activity of MSTN results from locally produced protein. Here, we addressed this question in mice by using a Cdx2-Cre transgene in conjunction with a conditional Mstn-flox allele to generate mice in which Mstn was targeted in a regionally restricted manner. Specifically, we generated mosaic mice in which MSTN production was eliminated in posteriorly located muscles but not in anteriorly located muscles, resulting in mice in which circulating levels of MSTN were reduced roughly by half. Analysis of posteriorly located vs. anteriorly located muscles of these mice revealed clear differential effects indicative of an important paracrine role for MSTN in regulating muscle mass. Significant, albeit more subtle, effects consistent with an endocrine mode of MSTN action were also seen in these mice. These findings have important implications not only for the understanding of the physiological control of muscle mass but also for therapeutic strategies to target MSTN to treat patients with muscle loss.
Active Magnetic Bearings Stiffness and Damping Identification from Frequency Characteristics of Control System
Authors: Jin Chaowu , Xu Yuanping , Zhou Jin , Cheng Changli
Published: January 2016

At present, the stiffness and damping identification for active magnetic bearings (AMBs) are still in the stage of theoretical analysis. The theoretical analysis indicates that if the mechanical structure and system parameters are determined, AMBs stiffness and damping are only related to frequency characteristic of control system, ignoring operating condition. More importantly, few verification methods are proposed. Considering the shortcomings of the theoretical identification, this paper obtains these coefficients from the experiment by using the magnetic bearing as a sine exciter. The identification results show that AMBs stiffness and damping have a great relationship with the control system and rotating speed. Specifically, at low rotating speed, the stiffness and damping can be obtained from the rotor static suspension by adding the same excitation frequency. However, at high speed, different from the static suspension situation, the AMBs supporting coefficients are not only related to the frequency characteristics of control system, but also related to the system operating conditions.
Longitudinal Cell Tracking and Simultaneous Monitoring of Tissue Regeneration after Cell Treatment of Natural Tendon Disease by Low‐Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Berner Dagmar , Brehm Walter , Gerlach Kerstin , Gittel Claudia , Offhaus Julia , Paebst Felicitas , Scharner Doreen , Burk Janina
Published: January 2016

Treatment of tendon disease with multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) is a promising option to improve tissue regeneration. To elucidate the mechanisms by which MSC support regeneration, longitudinal tracking of MSC labelled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide important insight. Nine equine patients suffering from tendon disease were treated with SPIO‐labelled or nonlabelled allogeneic umbilical cord‐derived MSC by local injection. Labelling of MSC was confirmed by microscopy and MRI. All animals were subjected to clinical, ultrasonographical, and low‐field MRI examinations before and directly after MSC application as well as 2, 4, and 8 weeks after MSC application. Hypointense artefacts with characteristically low signal intensity were identified at the site of injection of SPIO‐MSC in T1‐ and T2∗‐weighted gradient echo MRI sequences. They were visible in all 7 cases treated with SPIO‐MSC directly after injection, but not in the control cases treated with nonlabelled MSC. Furthermore, hypointense artefacts remained traceable within the damaged tendon tissue during the whole follow‐up period in 5 out of 7 cases. Tendon healing could be monitored at the same time. Clinical and ultrasonographical findings as well as T2‐weighted MRI series indicated a gradual improvement of tendon function and structure.
Dexamethasone Regulates EphA5, a Potential Inhibitory Factor with Osteogenic Capability of Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Yamada Tsuyoshi , Yoshii Toshitaka , Yasuda Hiroaki , Okawa Atsushi , Sotome Shinichi
Published: January 2016

We previously demonstrated the importance of quality management procedures for the handling of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) and provided evidence for the existence of osteogenic inhibitor molecules in BMSCs. One candidate inhibitor is the ephrin type‐A receptor 5 (EphA5), which is expressed in hBMSCs and upregulated during long‐term culture. In this study, forced expression of EphA5 diminished the expression of osteoblast phenotypic markers. Downregulation of endogenous EphA5 by dexamethasone treatment promoted osteoblast marker expression. EphA5 could be involved in the normal growth regulation of BMSCs and could be a potential marker for replicative senescence. Although Eph forward signaling stimulated by ephrin‐B‐Fc promoted the expression of ALP mRNA in BMSCs, exogenous addition of EphA5‐Fc did not affect the ALP level. The mechanism underlying the silencing of EphA5 in early cultures remains unclear. EphA5 promoter was barely methylated in hBMSCs while histone deacetylation could partially suppress EphA5 expression in early‐passage cultures. In repeatedly passaged cultures, the upregulation of EphA5 independent of methylation could competitively inhibit osteogenic signal transduction pathways such as EphB forward signaling. Elucidation of the potential inhibitory function of EphA5 in hBMSCs may provide an alternative approach for lineage differentiation in cell therapy strategies and regenerative medicine.
P300 Detection Based on EEG Shape Features
Authors: Alvarado-González Montserrat , Garduño Edgar , Bribiesca Ernesto , Yáñez-Suárez Oscar , Medina-Bañuelos Verónica
Published: January 2016

We present a novel approach to describe a P300 by a shape-feature vector, which offers several advantages over the feature vector used by the BCI2000 system. Additionally, we present a calibration algorithm that reduces the dimensionality of the shape-feature vector, the number of trials, and the electrodes needed by a Brain Computer Interface to accurately detect P300s; we also define a method to find a template that best represents, for a given electrode, the subject’s P300 based on his/her own acquired signals. Our experiments with 21 subjects showed that the SWLDA’s performance using our shape-feature vector was93%, that is,10%higher than the one obtained with BCI2000-feature’s vector. The shape-feature vector is 34-dimensional for every electrode; however, it is possible to significantly reduce its dimensionality while keeping a high sensitivity. The validation of the calibration algorithm showed an averaged area under the ROC (AUROC) curve of0.88. Also, most of the subjects needed less than15trials to have an AUROC superior to0.8. Finally, we found that the electrode C4 also leads to better classification.
Molecular Epidemiology of Enteric Adenovirus Gastroenteritis in under-Five-Year-Old Children in Iran
Authors: Sanaei Dashti Anahita , Ghahremani Pedram , Hashempoor Tayebeh , Karimi Abdollah
Published: January 2016

Background. Acute gastroenteritis is one of the major sources of morbidity and mortality among young children in developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of human adenovirus- (HAdV-) 40 and HAdV-41 in children hospitalized with gastroenteritis in five different health centers of Iran.Methods. In a cross-sectional epidemiological study, we studied 2682 fecal specimens that were collected from children under the age of 5 years in five educational and therapeutic pediatric centers in Iran from February 2012 to February 2013. Samples were tested for HAdV-40 and HAdV-41, using a specific pair of primers in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.Results. HAdV-40 and HAdV-41 were detected in 132 (5.18%) of the patients with diarrhea. A significantly higher prevalence of HAdV-40 and HAdV-41 (58.3%) was observed in children under 12 months of age, compared to other age groups. The male to female ratio was 1.7.Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated that HAdV-40 and HAdV-41 could be considered etiological agents for acute gastroenteritis among children in Iran. The PCR as a rapid test may increase the chance for a relatively mild course of the disease followed by a complete recovery and avoiding administration of unnecessary antibiotics.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms as Prognostic and Predictive Factors of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer of Stages I and II
Authors: Horvat Matej , Potočnik Uroš , Repnik Katja , Kavalar Rajko , Štabuc Borut
Published: January 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous disease regarding the stage at time of diagnosis and there is special attention regarding adjuvant chemotherapy in unselected patients with stage I and stage II. The clinicohistologically based TNM staging system with emphasis on histological evaluation of primary tumor and resected regional lymph nodes remains the standard of staging, but it has restricted sensitivity resulting in false downward stage migration. Molecular characteristics might predispose tumors to a worse prognosis and identification of those enables identifying patients with high risk of disease recurrence. Suitable predictive markers also enable choosing the most appropriate therapy. The current challenge facing adjuvant chemotherapy in stages I and II CRC is choosing patients with the highest risk of disease recurrence who are going to derive most benefit without facing unnecessary adverse effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one of the potential molecular markers that might help us identify patients with unfavorable prognostic factors regarding disease initiation and recurrence and could determine selection of an appropriate chemotherapy regimen in the adjuvant and metastatic setting. In this paper, we discuss SNPs of genes involved in the multistep processes of cancerogenesis, metastasis, and the metabolism of chemotherapy that might prove clinically significant.
Motivation Classification and Grade Prediction for MOOCs Learners
Authors: Xu Bin , Yang Dan
Published: January 2016

While MOOCs offer educational data on a new scale, many educators find great potential of the big data including detailed activity records of every learner. A learner’s behavior such as if a learner will drop out from the course can be predicted. How to provide an effective, economical, and scalable method to detect cheating on tests such as surrogate exam-taker is a challenging problem. In this paper, we present a grade predicting method that uses student activity features to predict whether a learner may get a certification if he/she takes a test. The method consists of two-step classifications: motivation classification (MC) and grade classification (GC). The MC divides all learners into three groups including certification earning, video watching, and course sampling. The GC then predicts a certification earning learner may or may not obtain a certification. Our experiment shows that the proposed method can fit the classification model at a fine scale and it is possible to find a surrogate exam-taker.
On the Finite Element Free Vibration Analysis of Delaminated Layered Beams: A New Assembly Technique
Authors: Erdelyi Nicholas H. , Hashemi Seyed M.
Published: January 2016

The dynamic analysis of flexible delaminated layered beams is revisited. Exploiting Boolean vectors, a novel assembly scheme is developed which can be used to enforce the continuity requirements at the edges of delamination region, leading to a delamination stiffness term. The proposed assembly technique can be used to form various beam configurations with through-width delaminations, irrespective of the formulation used to model each beam segment. The proposed assembly system and the Galerkin Finite Element Method (FEM) formulation are subsequently used to investigate the natural frequencies and modes of 2- and 3-layer beam configurations. Using the Euler-Bernoulli bending beam theory and free mode delamination, the governing differential equations are exploited and two beam finite elements are developed. The free bending vibration of three illustrative example problems, characterized by delamination zones of variable length, is investigated. The intact and defective beam natural frequencies and modes obtained from the proposed assembly/FEM beam formulations are presented along with the analytical results and those available in the literature.
Transcriptome Profile of the Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) Using Illumina HiSeq 4000 Sequencing:De NovoAssembly, Functional Annotation, and Discovery of SSR Markers
Authors: Patnaik Bharat Bhusan , Park So Young , Kang Se Won , Hwang Hee-Ju , Wang Tae Hun , Park Eun Bi , Chung Jong Min , Song Dae Kwon , Kim Changmu , Kim Soonok , Lee Jae Bong , Jeong Heon Cheon , Park Hong Seog , Han Yeon Soo , Lee Yong Seok
Published: January 2016

Vespa mandariniafound in the forests of East Asia, including Korea, occupies the highest rank in the arthropod food web within its geographical range. It serves as a source of nutrition in the form of Vespa amino acid mixture and is listed as a threatened species, although no conservation measures have been implemented. Here, we performedde novoassembly of theV. mandariniatranscriptome by Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing. Over 60 million raw reads and 59,184,811 clean reads were obtained. After assembly, a total of 66,837 unigenes were clustered, 40,887, 44,455, and 22,390 of which showed homologous matches against the PANM, Unigene, and KOG databases, respectively. A total of 15,675 unigenes were assigned to Gene Ontology terms, and 5,132 unigenes were mapped to 115 KEGG pathways. The zinc finger domain (C2H2-like), serine/threonine/dual specificity protein kinase domain, and RNA recognition motif domain were among the top InterProScan domains predicted forV. mandariniasequences. Among the unigenes, we identified 534,922 cDNA simple sequence repeats as potential markers. This is the first transcriptomic analysis of the waspV. mandariniausing Illumina HiSeq 4000. The obtained datasets should promote the search for new genes to understand the physiological attributes of this wasp.
On Matrix Projective Synchronization and Inverse Matrix Projective Synchronization for Different and Identical Dimensional Discrete-Time Chaotic Systems
Authors: Ouannas Adel , Abu-Saris Raghib
Published: January 2016

The problem of matrix projective synchronization (MPS) in discrete-time chaotic systems is investigated, and a new type of discrete chaos synchronization called inverse matrix projective synchronization (IMPS) is introduced. Sufficient conditions are derived for achieving MPS and IMPS between chaotic dynamical systems in discrete-time of different and identical dimensions. Based on new control schemes, Lyapunov stability theory, and stability theory of linear dynamical systems in discrete-time, some synchronization criteria are obtained. Numerical examples and simulations are used to illustrate the use of the proposed schemes.
Community-Acquired Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Compared with Adenovirus and Norovirus Gastroenteritis in Italian Children: A Pedianet Study
Authors: Donà D. , Mozzo E. , Scamarcia A. , Picelli G. , Villa M. , Cantarutti L. , Giaquinto C.
Published: January 2016

Background. Rotavirus (RV) is the commonest pathogen in the hospital and primary care settings, followed by Adenovirus (AV) and Norovirus (NV). Only few studies that assess the burden of RV gastroenteritis at the community level have been carried out.Objectives. To estimate incidence, disease characteristics, seasonal distribution, and working days lost by parents of RV, AV, and NV gastroenteritis leading to a family pediatrician (FP) visit among children < 5 years.Methods. 12-month, observational, prospective, FP-based study has been carried out using Pedianet database.Results. RVGE incidence was 1.04 per 100 person-years with the highest incidence in the first 2 years of life. Incidences of AVGEs (1.74) and NVGEs (1.51) were slightly higher with similar characteristics regarding age distribution and symptoms. Risk of hospitalisation, access to emergency room (ER), and workdays lost from parents were not significantly different in RVGEs compared to the other viral infections.Conclusions. Features of RVGE in terms of hospitalisation length and indirect cost are lower than those reported in previous studies. Results of the present study reflect the large variability of data present in the literature. This observation underlines the utility of primary care networks for AGE surveillance and further studies on community-acquired gastroenteritis in children.
A Dual-Band Antenna for RF Energy Harvesting Systems in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bakkali A. , Pelegri-Sebastia J. , Sogorb T. , Llario V. , Bou-Escriva A.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we focus on ambient radio frequency energy available from commercial broadcasting stations in order to provide a system based on RF energy harvesting using a new design of receiving antenna. Several antenna designs have been proposed for use in RF energy harvesting systems, as a pertinent receiving antenna design is highly required since the antenna features can affect the amount of energy harvested. The proposed antenna is aimed at greatly increasing the energy harvesting efficiency over Wi-Fi bands: 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz. This provides a promising alternative energy source in order to power sensors located in harsh environments or remote places, where other energy sources are impracticable. The dual-band antenna can be easily integrated with RF energy harvesting system on the same circuit board. Simulations and measurements were carried out to evaluate the antenna performances and investigate the effects of different design parameters on the antenna performance. The receiving antenna meets the required bandwidth specification and provides peak gain of more than 4 dBi across the operating band.
Dynamic Gust Load Analysis for Rotors
Authors: Dai Yuting , Wang Linpeng , Yang Chao , Zhang Xintan
Published: January 2016

Dynamic load of helicopter rotors due to gust directly affects the structural stress and flight performance for helicopters. Based on a large deflection beam theory, an aeroelastic model for isolated helicopter rotors in the time domain is constructed. The dynamic response and structural load for a rotor under the impulse gust and slope-shape gust are calculated, respectively. First, a nonlinear Euler beam model with 36 degrees-of-freedoms per element is applied to depict the structural dynamics for an isolated rotor. The generalized dynamic wake model and Leishman-Beddoes dynamic stall model are applied to calculate the nonlinear unsteady aerodynamic forces on rotors. Then, we transformed the differential aeroelastic governing equation to an algebraic one. Hence, the widely used Newton-Raphson iteration algorithm is employed to simulate the dynamic gust load. An isolated helicopter rotor with four blades is studied to validate the structural model and the aeroelastic model. The modal frequencies based on the Euler beam model agree well with published ones by CAMRAD. The flap deflection due to impulse gust with the speed of 2m/s increases twice to the one without gust. In this numerical example, results indicate that the bending moment at the blade root is alleviated due to elastic effect.
Multisession Anodal tDCS Protocol Improves Motor System Function in an Aging Population
Authors: Dumel G. , Bourassa M.-E. , Desjardins M. , Voarino N. , Charlebois-Plante C. , Doyon J. , De Beaumont Louis
Published: January 2016

Objectives. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of five consecutive, daily 20-minute sessions of M1 a-tDCS on motor learning in healthy, cognitively intact, aging adults.Design. A total of 23 participants (51 to 69 years old) performed five consecutive, daily 20-minute sessions of a serial reaction time task (SRT task) concomitant with either anodal (n=12) or sham (n=11) M1 a-tDCS.Results. We found a significant group×training sessions interaction, indicating that whereas aging adults in the sham group exhibited little-to-no sequence-specific learning improvements beyond the first day of training, reproducible improvements in the ability to learn new motor sequences over 5 consecutive sessions were the net result in age-equivalent participants from the M1 a-tDCS group. A significant main effect of group on sequence-specific learning revealed greater motor learning for the M1 a-tDCS group when the five learning sessions were averaged.Conclusion. These findings raise into prominence the utility of multisession anodal TDCS protocols in combination with motor training to help prevent/alleviate age-associated motor function decline.
Experienced versus Inexperienced Interexaminer Reliability on Location and Classification of Myofascial Trigger Point Palpation to Diagnose Lateral Epicondylalgia: An Observational Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Mora-Relucio Raquel , Núñez-Nagy Susana , Gallego-Izquierdo Tomás , Rus Alma , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Romero-Franco Natalia , Ferragut-Garcías Alejandro , Pecos-Martín Daniel
Published: January 2016

The purpose was to evaluate the interexaminer reliability of experienced and inexperienced examiners on location and classification of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in two epicondylar muscles and the association between the MTrP found and the diagnosis of lateral epicondylalgia (LE). Fifty‐two pianists (some suffered LE) voluntarily participated in the study. Three physiotherapists (one inexperienced in myofascial pain) examined, located, and marked MTrPs in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscles. Forearms were photographed and analyzed to establish the degree of agreement on MTrPs diagnosis. Data showed 81.73% and 77.88% of agreement on MTrP classification and 85.58% and 72.12% on MTrP location between the expert evaluators for ECRB and EDC, respectively. The agreement on MTrP classification between experienced and inexperienced examiners was 54.81% and 51.92% for ECRB and 50.00% and 55.77% for EDC. Also, agreement on MTrP location was 54.81% and 60.58% for ECRB and 48.08% and 48.08% for EDC. A strong association was found between presence of relevant MTrPs, LE diagnosis, and forearm pain when the examiners were experts. The analysis of location and classification of MTrPs in the epicondylar muscles through physical examination by experienced evaluators is reliable, reproducible, and suitable for diagnosing LE.
A Mechanistic Study on the Amiodarone‐Induced Pulmonary Toxicity
Authors: Al-Shammari Bader , Khalifa Mohamed , Bakheet Saleh A. , Yasser Moustafa
Published: January 2016

Amiodarone‐ (AM‐) induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT) is still a matter of research and is poorly understood. In attempting to resolve this issue, we treated Sprague‐Dawley rats with AM doses of 80 mg/kg/day/i.p. for one, two, three, and four weeks. The rats were weighed at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 and bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) were obtained to determine total leukocyte count (TLC). For each group, lung weighing, histopathology, and homogenization were performed. Fresh homogenates were used for determination of ATP content, lipid peroxides, GSH, catalase, SOD, GPx, GR activities, NO, and hydroxyproline levels. The results showed a significant decrease in body weight and GSH depletion together with an increase in both lung weight and lung/body weight coefficient in the first week. Considerable increases in lung hydroxyproline level with some histopathological alterations were apparent. Treatment for two weeks produced a significant increase in BAL fluid, TLC, GR activity, and NO level in lung homogenate. The loss of cellular ATP and inhibition of most antioxidative protective enzymatic system appeared along with alteration in SOD activity following daily treatment for three weeks, while, in rats treated with AM for four weeks, more severe toxicity was apparent. Histopathological diagnosis was mostly granulomatous inflammation and interstitial pneumonitis in rats treated for three and four weeks, respectively. As shown, it is obvious that slow oedema formation is the only initiating factor of AIPT; all other mechanisms may occur as a consequence.
Investigation of Influence Factors of Wind-Induced Buffeting Response of a Six-Tower Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Ding You-Liang , Geng Fang-Fang
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an investigation of the wind-induced buffeting responses of the Jiashao Bridge, the longest multispan cable-stayed bridge in the world. A three-dimensional finite element model for the Jiashao Bridge is established using the commercial software package ANSYS and a 3D fluctuating wind field is simulated for both bridge deck and towers. A time-domain procedure for analyzing buffeting responses of the bridge is implemented in ANSYS with the aeroelastic effect included. The characteristics of buffeting responses of the six-tower cable-stayed bridge are studied in some detail, focusing on the effects including the difference in the longitudinal stiffness between the side towers and central towers, partially longitudinal constraints between the bridge deck and part of bridge towers, self-excited aerodynamic forces, and the rigid hinge installed in the middle of the bridge deck. The analytical results can provide valuable references for wind-resistant design of multispan cable-stayed bridges in the future.
Prediction of Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Programming
Authors: Chopra Palika , Sharma Rajendra Kumar , Kumar Maneek
Published: January 2016

An effort has been made to develop concrete compressive strength prediction models with the help of two emerging data mining techniques, namely, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Genetic Programming (GP). The data for analysis and model development was collected at 28-, 56-, and 91-day curing periods through experiments conducted in the laboratory under standard controlled conditions. The developed models have also been tested on in situ concrete data taken from literature. A comparison of the prediction results obtained using both the models is presented and it can be inferred that the ANN model with the training function Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) for the prediction of concrete compressive strength is the best prediction tool.
Diversity of Mushrooms and Their Metabolites of Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Significance
Authors: Rahi Deepak K. , Malik Deepika
Published: January 2016

Mushrooms are well known for their nutritional as well as therapeutic values worldwide. Interest in mushrooms has peaked because immunity and cellular protection are important issues for health conscious consumers and for those individuals who are dealing with serious health issues. Mushrooms generally belong to Basidiomycetes which harbors numerous mushroom species with diversity of metabolites of nutraceutical and therapeutic significance. They have been reported to be the most valuable ones for humans. Investigations on the therapeutic and nutritional properties of mushrooms are underway throughout the world. Researchers are providing crucial data on the array of bioactive compounds found within these fascinating fungi. People are now accepting mushrooms more as food and food supplements. Various academic and research institutes are all involved actively in research on bioactive metabolites of mushrooms. The present paper aims at reviewing the diversity of mushrooms and the types of metabolites especially of nutraceutical and therapeutic importance present in these mushrooms and their role as bioactive agents.
Characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes with Ketosis in Baoshan, Yunnan of China
Authors: Du Shichun , Yang Xia , Shi Degang , Su Qing
Published: January 2016

Objectives. The study provided data to demonstrate the characteristics of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with ketosis in rural parts of south-west border of China in order to help health professionals with optimizing diabetic care.Methods. All hospitalized adult diabetic patients consecutively between January 2011 and July 2015 in Baoshan People’s Hospital, Yunnan province of China, were evaluated. T2D with ketosis, ordinary T2D (without ketosis), and type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients were analyzed according to the clinical and biochemical parameters and chronic complications in these subjects.Results. The prevalence of T2D with ketosis was 12% in the whole study subjects. Overweight and obese patients were predominant (49.1%) in T2D patients with ketosis. The mean HbA1c (13.3±3.1%,P=0.01), fasting plasma glucose (16.9±6 mmol/L,P<0.0001), and plasma triglyceride (4.0±4.0 mmol/L,P<0.0001) in T2D patients with ketosis were significantly higher than ordinary T2D patients without ketosis. Infections were the most common inducements in T2D patients with ketosis. Chronic complications including peripheral neuropathy (34.9%), retinopathy (12.7%), diabetic foot (18.1%), and persistent microalbuminuria (11.7%) were common in T2D patients with ketosis.Conclusions. This study indicated the poor glycemic control in diabetic patients in rural areas of south-west part of China. More efforts were urgently required to popularize public health education and improve medical quality in diabetic treatment in these regions.
Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single Center Resume Overlooking Four Decades of Experience
Authors: Emmanouilidis Nikos , Peters Rickmer , Ringe Bastian P. , Güner Zeynep , Ramackers Wolf , Bektas Hüseyin , Lehner Frank , Manns Michael , Klempnauer Jürgen , Schrem Harald
Published: January 2016

Background.This is a single center oncological resume overlooking four decades of experience with liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods.All 319 LT for HCC that were performed between 1975 and 2011 were included. Predictors for HCC recurrence (HCCR) and survival were identified by Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log Rank, andχ2-tests where appropriate.Results.HCCR was the single strongest hazard for survival (exp⁡B=10.156). Hazards for HCCR were tumor staging beyond the histologic MILAN (exp⁡B=3.645), bilateral tumor spreading (exp⁡B=14.505), tumor grading beyond G2 (exp⁡B=8.668), and vascular infiltration of small or large vessels (exp⁡B=11.612,exp⁡B=18.324, resp.). Grading beyond G2 (exp⁡B=10.498) as well as small and large vascular infiltrations (exp⁡B=13.337,exp⁡B=16.737, resp.) was associated with higher hazard ratios for long-term survival as compared to liver transplantation beyond histological MILAN (exp⁡B=4.533). Tumor dedifferentiation significantly correlated with vascular infiltration (χ2p=0.006) and intrahepatic tumor spreading (χ2p=0.016).Conclusion.LT enables survival from HCC. HCC dedifferentiation is associated with vascular infiltration and intrahepatic tumor spreading and is a strong hazard for HCCR and survival. Pretransplant tumor staging should include grading by biopsy, because grading is a reliable and easily accessible predictor of HCCR and survival. Detection of dedifferentiation should speed up the allocation process.
The Sensitivity of Heavy Precipitation to Horizontal Resolution, Domain Size, and Rain Rate Assimilation: Case Studies with a Convection-Permitting Model
Authors: Wang Xingbao , Steinle Peter , Seed Alan , Xiao Yi
Published: January 2016

The Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator (ACCESS) is used to test the sensitivity of heavy precipitation to various model configurations: horizontal resolution, domain size, rain rate assimilation, perturbed physics, and initial condition uncertainties, through a series of convection-permitting simulations of three heavy precipitation (greater than 200 mm day−1) cases in different synoptic backgrounds. The larger disparity of intensity histograms and rainfall fluctuation caused by different model configurations from their mean and/or control run indicates that heavier precipitation forecasts have larger uncertainty. A cross-verification exercise is used to quantify the impacts of different model parameters on heavy precipitation. The dispersion of skill scores with control run used as “truth” shows thatthe impacts of the model resolution and domain size on the quantitative precipitation forecast are not less than those of perturbed physics and initial field uncertainties in these not intentionally selected heavy precipitation cases. The result indicates that model resolution and domain size should be considered as part of probabilistic precipitation forecasts and ensemble prediction system design besides the model initial field uncertainty.
Antibacterial Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract ofPunica granatumLinn. Petal on Common Oral Microorganisms
Authors: Hajifattahi Farnaz , Moravej-Salehi Elham , Taheri Maryam , Mahboubi Arash , Kamalinejad Mohammad
Published: January 2016

Objectives. This study aimed to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract ofPunica granatumLinn. (P. granatum) petal onStreptococcus sanguinis,Streptococcus mutans,Streptococcus salivarius,Streptococcus sobrinus,andEnterococcus faecalis.Materials and Methods. In this in vitro study,P. granatumextract was prepared using powdered petals and water-ethanol solvent. Antibacterial effect of the extract, chlorhexidine (CHX), and ampicillin was evaluated on brain heart infusion agar (BHIA) using the cup-plate method. By assessing the diameter of the growth inhibition zone, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract were determined for the above-mentioned bacteria.Results. Hydroalcoholic extract ofP. granatumpetal had inhibitory effects on the proliferation of all five bacterial strains with maximum effect onS. mutanswith MIC and MBC of 3.9 mg/mL. The largest growth inhibition zone diameter belonged toS. sanguinisand the smallest toE. faecalis. Ampicillin and CHX had the greatest inhibitory effect onS. sanguinis.Conclusions. Hydroalcoholic extract ofP. granatumhad a significant antibacterial effect on common oral bacterial pathogens with maximum effect onS. mutans, which is the main microorganism responsible for dental plaque and caries.
Usefulness of Surgical Media Center as a Cataract Surgery Educational Tool
Authors: Ogawa Tomoichiro , Shiba Takuya , Tsuneoka Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Purpose.This study retrospectively analyzed cataract surgeries to examine the usefulness of Surgical Media Center (SMC) (Abbott Medical Optics Inc.), a new cataract surgery recording device, for training of cataract surgery.Methods.We studied five hundred cataract surgeries conducted with a phacoemulsification system connected to the SMC. After surgery, the surgical procedures were reviewed, with changes in aspiration rate, vacuum level, and phaco power displayed as graphs superimposed on the surgical video. We examined whether use of SMC is able to demonstrate the differences in technique between experienced and trainee operators, to identify inappropriate phacoemulsification techniques from analyzing the graphs, and to elucidate the cause of intraoperative complications.Results. Significant differences in the time taken to reach maximum vacuum and the speed of increase in vacuum during irrigation and aspiration were observed between experienced and trainee operators. Analysis of the graphs displayed by SMC detected inappropriate phacoemulsification techniques mostly in cases operated by trainee operators.Conclusions. Using SMC, it was possible to capture details of cataract surgery objectively. This recording device allows surgeons to review cataract surgery techniques and identify the cause of intraoperative complication and is a useful education tool for cataract surgery.
The Function of Naringin in Inducing Secretion of Osteoprotegerin and Inhibiting Formation of Osteoclasts
Authors: Xu Tong , Wang Lu , Tao You , Ji Yan , Deng Feng , Wu Xiao-Hong
Published: January 2016

Osteoporosis has become one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in the world. It is a metabolic disease characterized by reduction in bone mass due to an imbalance between bone formation and resorption. Osteoporosis causes fractures, prolongs bone healing, and impedes osseointegration of dental implants. Its pathological features include osteopenia, degradation of bone tissue microstructure, and increase of bone fragility. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb Rhizoma Drynariae has been commonly used to treat osteoporosis and bone nonunion. However, the precise underlying mechanism is as yet unclear. Osteoprotegerin is a cytokine receptor shown to play an important role in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Hence, activators and ligands of osteoprotegerin are promising drug targets and have been the focus of studies on the development of therapeutics against osteoporosis. In the current study, we found that naringin could synergistically enhance the action of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 in promoting the secretion of osteoprotegerin by osteoblasts in vitro. In addition, naringin can also influence the generation of osteoclasts and subsequently bone loss during organ culture. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that natural compounds such as naringin have the potential to be used as alternative medicines for the prevention and treatment of osteolysis.
The Clinical Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Reducing Pain for the Cancer Patients: Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Ting-Hao , Tung Tao-Hsin , Chen Pei-Shih , Wang Shu-Hui , Chao Chuang-Min , Hsiung Nan-Hsing , Chi Ching-Chi
Published: January 2016

Purpose. Aromatherapy massage is an alternative treatment in reducing the pain of the cancer patients. This study was to investigate whether aromatherapy massage could improve the pain of the cancer patients. Methods. We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library for relevant randomized controlled trials without language limitations between 1 January 1990 and 31 July 2015 with a priori defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search terms included aromatherapy, essential oil, pain, ache, cancer, tumor, and carcinoma. There were 7 studies which met the selection criteria and 3 studies were eventually included among 63 eligible publications. Results. This meta‐analysis included three randomized controlled trials with a total of 278 participants (135 participants in the massage with essential oil group and 143 participants in the control (usual care) group). Compared with the control group, the massage with essential oil group had nonsignificant effect on reducing the pain (standardized mean difference = 0.01; 95% CI [−0.23,0.24]). Conclusion. Aromatherapy massage does not appear to reduce pain of the cancer patients. Further rigorous studies should be conducted with more objective measures.
Knowledge and Lifestyle-Associated Prevalence of Obesity among Newly Diagnosed Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Diabetic Clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Obirikorang Yaa , Obirikorang Christian , Odame Anto Enoch , Acheampong Emmanuel , Dzah Nyalako , Akosah Caroline Nkrumah , Nsenbah Emmanuella Batu
Published: January 2016

This study aimed to determine the knowledge and prevalence of obesity among Ghanaian newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics. This cross-sectional study was conducted among diagnosed type 2 diabetics. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood sugar levels were also assessed. Participants had adequate knowledge about the general concept of obesity (72.0%) and method of weight measurement (98.6%) but were less knowledgeable of ideal body weight (4.2%). The commonly known cause, complication, and management of obesity were poor diet (76.9%), hypertension (81.8%), and diet modification (86.7%), respectively. The anthropometric measures were higher among females compared to males. Prevalence of obesity was 61.3% according to WHR classification, 40.8% according to WHtR classification, 26.1% according to WC, and 14.8% according to BMI classification. Being female was significantly associated with high prevalence of obesity irrespective of the anthropometric measure used (p<0.05). Taking of snacks in meals, eating meals late at night, physical inactivity, excessive fast food intake, and alcoholic beverage intake were associated with increased prevalence of obesity (p<0.05). Prevalence of obesity is high among diabetic patient and thus increasing effort towards developing and making education programs by focusing on adjusting to lifestyle modifications is required.
An Endothelial Gene Signature Score Predicts Poor Outcome in Patients with Endocrine-Treated, Low Genomic Grade Breast Tumors
Authors: Tobin Nicholas P. , Wennmalm Kristian , Lindström Linda S. , Foukakis Theodoros , He Liqun , Genové Guillem , Östman Arne , Landberg Göran , Betsholtz Christer , Bergh Jonas
Published: January 2016

Purpose: The ability of vascular genes to provide treatment predictive information in breast cancer patients remains unclear. As such, we assessed the expression of genes representative of normal endothelial microvasculature (MV) in relation to treatment-specific patient subgroups.

Experimental Design: We used expression data from 993 breast tumors to assess 57 MV genes (summarized to yield an MV score) as well as the genomic grade index (GGI) and PAM50 signatures. MV score was compared with CD31 staining by correlation and gene ontology (GO) analysis, along with clinicopathologic characteristics and PAM50 subtypes. Uni-, multivariate, and/or t-test analyses were performed in all and treatment-specific subgroups, along with a clinical trial cohort of patients with metastatic breast cancer, seven of whom received antiangiogenic therapy.

Results: MV score did not correlate with microvessel density (correlation = 0.096), but displayed enrichment for angiogenic GO terms, and was lower in Luminal B tumors. In endocrine-treated patients, a high MV score was associated with decreased risk of metastasis [HR 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.89], even after adjusting for histologic grade, but not GGI or PAM50. Subgroup analysis showed the prognostic strength of the MV score resided in low genomic grade tumors and MV score was significantly increased in metastatic breast tumors after treatment with sunitinib + docetaxel (P = 0.031).

Conclusions: MV score identifies two groups of better and worse survival in low-risk endocrine-treated breast cancer patients. We also show normalization of tumor vasculature on a transcriptional level in response to an angiogenic inhibitor in human breast cancer samples. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2417–26. ©2016 AACR.
Not all NOTCH Is Created Equal: The Oncogenic Role of NOTCH2 in Bladder Cancer and Its Implications for Targeted Therapy
Authors: Hayashi Tetsutaro , Gust Kilian M. , Wyatt Alexander W. , Goriki Akihiro , Jäger Wolfgang , Awrey Shannon , Li Na , Oo Htoo Zarni , Altamirano-Dimas Manuel , Buttyan Ralph , Fazli Ladan , Matsubara Akio , Black Peter C.
Published: January 2016

Purpose: Recent molecular analyses of bladder cancer open the door to significant advances in targeted therapies. NOTCH has been identified as a tumor suppressor in bladder cancer, but prior reports have focused on NOTCH1. Here we hypothesized that NOTCH2 is an oncogene suitable for therapeutic targeting in bladder cancer.

Experimental design: We studied genomic aberrations of NOTCH, compared survival and tumor progression according to NOTCH2 expression levels, and studied NOTCH2 function in vitro and vivo.

Results: We report a high rate of NOTCH2 copy number gain in bladder cancer. High NOTCH2 expression was identified especially in the basal subtype and in mesenchymal tumors. NOTCH2 activation correlated with adverse disease parameters and worse prognosis by immunohistochemistry. Forced overexpression of the intracellular domain of NOTCH2 (N2ICD) induced cell growth and invasion by cell-cycle progression, maintenance of stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These effects were abrogated by silencing of CSL, indicating that the effects were mediated through the canonical NOTCH signaling pathway. In an orthotopic xenograft model, forced overexpression of N2ICD increased growth, invasion, and metastasis. To explore the potential for therapeutic targeting of NOTCH2, we first silenced the receptor with shRNA and subsequently treated with a specific inhibitory antibody. Both interventions decreased cell growth, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in the orthotopic xenograft model.

Conclusions: We have demonstrated that NOTCH2 acts as an oncogene that promotes bladder cancer growth and metastasis through EMT, cell-cycle progression, and maintenance of stemness. Inhibition of NOTCH2 is a rational novel treatment strategy for invasive bladder cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 2981–92. ©2016 AACR.
Choline Kinase Alpha (CHKα) as a Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Expression, Predictive Value, and Sensitivity to Inhibitors
Authors: Mazarico José M. , Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo Victor J. , Favicchio Rosy , Greenhalf William , Costello Eithne , Carrillo-de Santa Pau Enrique , Marqués Miriam , Lacal Juan C. , Aboagye Eric , Real Francisco X.
Published: January 2016

Choline kinase α (CHKα) plays a crucial role in the regulation of membrane phospholipid synthesis and has oncogenic properties in vitro. We have analyzed the expression of CHKα in cell lines derived from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and have found increased CHKα expression, associated with differentiation. CHKα protein expression was directly correlated with sensitivity to MN58b, a CHKα inhibitor that reduced cell growth through the induction of apoptosis. Accordingly, CHKα knockdown led to reduced drug sensitivity. In addition, we found that gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells displayed enhanced sensitivity to CHKα inhibition and, in vitro, MN58b had additive or synergistic effects with gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin, three active drugs in the treatment of PDAC. Using tissue microarrays, CHKα was found to be overexpressed in 90% of pancreatic tumors. While cytoplasmic CHKα did not relate to survival, nuclear CHKα distribution was observed in 43% of samples and was associated with longer survival, especially among patients with well/moderately differentiated tumors. To identify the mechanisms involved in resistance to CHKα inhibitors, we cultured IMIM-PC-2 cells with increasingly higher concentrations of MN58b and isolated a subline with a 30-fold higher IC50. RNA-Seq analysis identified upregulation of ABCB1 and ABCB4 multidrug resistance transporters, and functional studies confirmed that their upregulation is the main mechanism involved in resistance. Overall, our findings support the notion that CHKα inhibition merits further attention as a therapeutic option in patients with PDAC and that expression levels may predict response. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(2); 323–33. ©2016 AACR.