bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Histone Lysine Methylation in p21 Gene Expression in Rat KidneyIn Vivoand Rat Mesangial CellsIn Vitrounder Diabetic Conditions
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Li Chaoyuan , Li Xiaoxia , Cui Peihe , Li Qifeng , Guo Qiaoyan , Han Hongbo , Liu Shujun , Sun Guangdong
Published: August 2016

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common complication associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by glomerular mesangial expansion, inflammation, accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, and hypertrophy, is the major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Increasing evidence suggested that p21-dependent glomerular and mesangial cell (MC) hypertrophy play key roles in the pathogenesis of DN. Recently, posttranscriptional modifications (PTMs) have uncovered novel molecular mechanisms involved in DN. However, precise regulatory mechanism of histone lysine methylation (HKme) mediating p21 related hypertrophy associated with DN is not clear. We evaluated the roles of HKme and histone methyltransferase (HMT) SET7/9 in p21 gene expression in glomeruli of diabetic rats and in high glucose- (HG-) treated rat mesangial cells (RMCs). p21 gene expression was upregulated in diabetic rats glomeruli; chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed decreased histone H3-lysine9-dimethylation (H3K9me2) accompanied with enhanced histone H3-lysine4-methylation (H3K4me1/3) and SET7/9 occupancies at the p21 promoter. HG-treated RMCs exhibited increased p21 mRNA, H3K4me level, SET7/9 recruitment, and inverse H3K9me, which were reversed by TGF-β1 antibody. These data uncovered key roles of H3Kme and SET7/9 responsible for p21 gene expressionin vivoandin vitrounder diabetic conditions and confirmed preventive effect of TGF-β1 antibody on DN.
Immediate Adverse Reactions to Gadolinium-Based MR Contrast Media: A Retrospective Analysis on 10,608 Examinations
Authors: Granata Vincenza , Cascella Marco , Fusco Roberta , dell’Aprovitola Nicoletta , Catalano Orlando , Filice Salvatore , Schiavone Vincenzo , Izzo Francesco , Cuomo Arturo , Petrillo Antonella
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose. Contrast media (CM) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may determine the development of acute adverse reactions. Objective was to retrospectively assess the frequency and severity of adverse reactions associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) injection in patients who underwent MRI.Material and Methods. At our center 10608 MRI examinations with CM were performed using five different GBCAs: Gd-BOPTA (MultiHance), Gd-DTPA (Magnevist), Gd-EOBDTPA (Primovist), Gd-DOTA (Dotarem), and Gd-BTDO3A (Gadovist).Results. 32 acute adverse reactions occurred, accounting for 0.3% of all administration. Twelve reactions were associated with Gd-DOTA injection (0.11%), 9 with Gd-BOPTA injection (0.08%), 6 with Gd-BTDO3A (0.056%), 3 with Gd-EOB-DTPA (0.028%), and 2 with Gd-DTPA (0.018%). Twenty-four reactions (75.0%) were mild, four (12.5%) moderate, and four (12.5%) severe. The most severe reactions were seen associated with use of Gd-BOPTA, with 3 severe reactions in 32 total reactions.Conclusion. Acute adverse reactions are generally rare with the overall adverse reaction rate of 0.3%. The most common adverse reactions were not severe, consisting in skin rash and hives.
Primary Splenic Angiosarcoma Presenting as Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Frontario S. Christopher N. , Goldenberg-Sandau Anna , Roy Darshan , Sandau Roy
Published: August 2016

Angiosarcoma of the spleen is a rare malignancy that arises from vascular endothelial origin. This neoplasm is highly malignant and diagnosis is often delayed due to the vague presentation of clinical symptoms. A case report and concise review of the current diagnostic criteria and surgical treatment are provided to aid in the detection and treatment of this malignancy. We present a case of a 56-year-old female who presented with massive splenomegaly secondary to angiosarcoma of the spleen. The patient suffered from longstanding symptomatic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Diagnosis of a splenic angiosarcoma can be difficult due to the vague presentation and lack of concrete risk factors. Early identification and splenectomy are paramount. However, it is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. We reviewed the literature of the current diagnostic and surgical treatment of primary splenic angiosarcoma.
An Active Learning Classifier for Further Reducing Diabetic Retinopathy Screening System Cost
Authors: Zhang Yinan , An Mingqiang
Published: August 2016

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening system raises a financial problem. For further reducing DR screening cost, an active learning classifier is proposed in this paper. Our approach identifies retinal images based on features extracted by anatomical part recognition and lesion detection algorithms. Kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) is a rapid classifier for solving classification problems in high dimensional space. Both active learning and ensemble technique elevate performance of KELM when using small training dataset. The committee only proposes necessary manual work to doctor for saving cost. On the publicly available Messidor database, our classifier is trained with 20%–35% of labeled retinal images and comparative classifiers are trained with 80% of labeled retinal images. Results show that our classifier can achieve better classification accuracy than Classification and Regression Tree, radial basis function SVM, Multilayer Perceptron SVM, Linear SVM, andKNearest Neighbor. Empirical experiments suggest that our active learning classifier is efficient for further reducing DR screening cost.
Melanoma Disparities among US Hispanics: Use of the Social Ecological Model to Contextualize Reasons for Inequitable Outcomes and Frame a Research Agenda
Authors: Harvey Valerie M. , Oldfield Charlene W. , Chen Jarvis T. , Eschbach Karl
Published: August 2016

Cutaneous melanoma is a significant public health concern, accounting for thousands of deaths annually in the US. Early detection and diagnosis are critical given the poor prognosis and limited treatment options of advanced-stage disease. While non-Hispanic whites have higher incidence rates of melanoma, Hispanics are typically diagnosed at later disease stages and suffer higher morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a paucity of literature investigating the root causes underlying these trends among Hispanics. Given that Hispanics are the most rapidly expanding demographic segment in the US, it is essential for cancer control efforts to elucidate the major determinants of their poor melanoma outcomes. Herein, we use the social ecological model as a framework to explore the multitude of influences on melanoma disparities among Hispanics and provide recommendations for planning future studies and interventions.
Select and Cluster: A Method for Finding Functional Networks of Clustered Voxels in fMRI
Authors: DonGiovanni Danilo , Vaina Lucia Maria
Published: August 2016

Extracting functional connectivity patterns among cortical regions in fMRI datasets is a challenge stimulating the development of effective data-driven or model based techniques. Here, we present a novel data-driven method for the extraction of significantly connected functional ROIs directly from the preprocessed fMRI data without relying on a priori knowledge of the expected activations. This method finds spatially compact groups of voxels which show a homogeneous pattern of significant connectivity with other regions in the brain. The method, called Select and Cluster (S&C), consists of two steps: first, a dimensionality reduction step based on a blind multiresolution pairwise correlation by which the subset of all cortical voxels with significant mutual correlation is selected and the second step in which the selected voxels are grouped into spatially compact and functionally homogeneous ROIs by means of a Support Vector Clustering (SVC) algorithm. The S&C method is described in detail. Its performance assessed on simulated and experimental fMRI data is compared to other methods commonly used in functional connectivity analyses, such as Independent Component Analysis (ICA) or clustering. S&C method simplifies the extraction of functional networks in fMRI by identifying automatically spatially compact groups of voxels (ROIs) involved in whole brain scale activation networks.
Independent and Combined Effects of Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain on Offspring Growth at 0–3 Years of Age
Authors: Jin Wen-Yuan , Lv Yao , Bao Yu , Tang Li , Zhu Zhi-Wei , Shao Jie , Zhao Zheng-Yan
Published: August 2016

Background. The objective of this study was to investigate the independent and combined effects of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on offspring growth at 0–3 years old.Methods. A total of 826 pairs of nondiabetic mothers and their offspring were recruited in this study. Maternal information was abstracted from medical records and questionnaires. Offspring growth trajectories of weights and BMIs were depicted based on anthropometric measurements.Results. Offspring of mothers who were prepregnancy overweight/obese or obtained excessive GWGs continuously had greater weight and BMIZ-scores throughout the first 3 years of life. Children of prepregnancy overweight/obese mothers with excessive GWGs had a phenotype of higher weight and BMIZ-scores than those prepregnancy overweight/obese ones with nonexcessive GWGs from birth to 18 months. Maternal excessive GWGs increased offspring’s risk of overweight/obesity at 12 months (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.03–2.00) and 24 months (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.02–2.25). Combination of excessive prepregnancy BMIs and GWGs was significantly associated with offspring’s overweight/obesity at 30 months (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.36–6.53).Conclusions. Maternal prepregnancy overweight/obesity and excessive GWG are both significantly associated with rapid offspring growth from birth to 3 years old. Excessive GWGs strengthen the effects of high maternal prepregnancy BMIs on excessive offspring growth during their early life.
Factors Associated withKlebsiellaBacteremia and Its Outcome in Under-Five Children Admitted with Diarrhea
Authors: Akhter Shamima , Ahmed Tahmeed , Sarker Shafiqul Alam , Sarmin Monira , Shahid Abu S. M. S. B. , Shahunja K. M. , Islam Shoeb Bin , Shahrin Lubaba , Alam Tahmina , Alam Nur Haque , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: August 2016

AlthoughKlebsiellabacteremia in children is perceived to be associated with fatal consequences, data are scarce on those children presenting with diarrhea. We evaluated the factors associated withKlebsiellabacteremia in such children. In this retrospective chart analysis, data of all diarrheal children was retrieved from electronic medical record system (named as SHEBA) of Dhaka Hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012, who had their blood culture done. This was a study having a case-control design where comparison of clinical and laboratory characteristics was done among children withKlebsiellabacteremia (cases = 30) and those without any bacteraemia (controls = 90). Controls were selected randomly. The cases more often had fatal outcome (p<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders such as young age, severe dehydration, severe wasting, abnormal mentation, hypotension, and fast breathing, the cases were independently associated with hospital-acquired infection and positive stool growth (for all,p<0.05). The study highlights the importance of obtaining blood cultures in hospitalized children under five years old with diarrheal illness in the presence of either hospital-acquired infection or positive stool culture to have better outcome.
A Data-Driven Air Transportation Delay Propagation Model Using Epidemic Process Models
Authors: Baspinar B. , Koyuncu E.
Published: August 2016

In air transport network management, in addition to defining the performance behavior of the system’s components, identification of their interaction dynamics is a delicate issue in both strategic and tactical decision-making process so as to decide which elements of the system are “controlled” and how. This paper introduces a novel delay propagation model utilizing epidemic spreading process, which enables the definition of novel performance indicators and interaction rates of the elements of the air transportation network. In order to understand the behavior of the delay propagation over the network at different levels, we have constructed two different data-driven epidemic models approximating the dynamics of the system: (a) flight-based epidemic model and (b) airport-based epidemic model. The flight-based epidemic model utilizing SIS epidemic model focuses on the individual flights where each flight can be in susceptible or infected states. The airport-centric epidemic model, in addition to the flight-to-flight interactions, allows us to define the collective behavior of the airports, which are modeled as metapopulations. In network model construction, we have utilized historical flight-track data of Europe and performed analysis for certain days involving certain disturbances. Through this effort, we have validated the proposed delay propagation models under disruptive events.
ELM Meets Urban Big Data Analysis: Case Studies
Authors: Zhang Ningyu , Chen Huajun , Chen Xi , Chen Jiaoyan
Published: August 2016

In the latest years, the rapid progress of urban computing has engendered big issues, which creates both opportunities and challenges. The heterogeneous and big volume of data and the big difference between physical and virtual worlds have resulted in lots of problems in quickly solving practical problems in urban computing. In this paper, we propose a general application framework of ELM for urban computing. We present several real case studies of the framework like smog-related health hazard prediction and optimal retain store placement. Experiments involving urban data in China show the efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility of our proposed framework.
Kinematic and EMG Responses to Pelvis and Leg Assistance Force during Treadmill Walking in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Wu Ming , Kim Janis , Arora Pooja , Gaebler-Spira Deborah J. , Zhang Yunhui
Published: August 2016

Treadmill training has been used for improving locomotor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but the functional gains are relatively small, suggesting a need to improve current paradigms. The understanding of the kinematic and EMG responses to forces applied to the body of subjects during treadmill walking is crucial for improving current paradigms. The objective of this study was to determine the kinematics and EMG responses to the pelvis and/or leg assistance force. Ten children with spastic CP were recruited to participate in this study. A controlled assistance force was applied to the pelvis and/or legs during stance and swing phase of gait through a custom designed robotic system during walking. Muscle activities and spatial-temporal gait parameters were measured at different loading conditions during walking. In addition, the spatial-temporal gait parameters during overground walking before and after treadmill training were also collected. Applying pelvis assistance improved step height and applying leg assistance improved step length during walking, but applying leg assistance also reduced muscle activation of ankle flexor during the swing phase of gait. In addition, step length and self-selected walking speed significantly improved after one session of treadmill training with combined pelvis and leg assistance.
A Cartoon-Texture Decomposition Based Multiplicative Noise Removal Method
Authors: Zhao Chenping , Feng Xiangchu , Wang Weiwei , Chen Huazhu
Published: August 2016

We propose a new frame for multiplicative noise removal. To improve the multiplicative denoising performance, we add the regularization of texture component in the denoising model, designing a multiscale multiplicative noise removal model. The proposed model is jointly convex and can be easily solved by optimization algorithms. We introduce Douglas-Rachford splitting method to solve the proposed model. In the algorithm, we make full use of some important proximity operators, which have closed expression or can be executed in one time iteration. In particular, the proximity ofH-1norm is deduced, which is just the Fourier domain filtering. In the process of simulation experiments, we first analyze and select the needed parameters and then test the experiments on several images using the designed algorithm and the given parameters. Finally, we compare the denoising performance of the proposed model with the existing models, in which the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the peak signal to noise ratios (PSNRs) are applied to evaluate the noise suppressing effects. Experimental results demonstrate that the designed algorithms can solve the model perfectly and the recovery images of the proposed model have higher SNRs/PSNRs and better visual quality.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles byAspergillusSpecies
Authors: Zomorodian Kamiar , Pourshahid Seyedmohammad , Sadatsharifi Arman , Mehryar Pouyan , Pakshir Keyvan , Rahimi Mohammad Javad , Arabi Monfared Ali
Published: August 2016

Currently, researchers turn to natural processes such as using biological microorganisms in order to develop reliable and ecofriendly methods for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. In this study, we have investigated extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using fourAspergillusspecies includingA. fumigatus,A. clavatus,A. niger,andA. flavus. We have also analyzed nitrate reductase activity in the studied species in order to determine the probable role of this enzyme in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. The formation of silver nanoparticles in the cell filtrates was confirmed by the passage of laser light, change in the color of cell filtrates, absorption peak at 430 nm in UV-Vis spectra, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). There was a logical relationship between the efficiencies of studiedAspergillusspecies in the production of silver nanoparticles and their nitrate reductase activity.A. fumigatusas the most efficient species showed the highest nitrate reductase activity among the studied species whileA. flavusexhibited the lowest capacity in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles which was in accord with its low nitrate reductase activity. The present study showed thatAspergillusspecies had potential for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles depending on their nitrate reductase activity.
Curing Black Hole Singularities with Local Scale Invariance
Authors: Dominis Prester Predrag
Published: August 2016

We show that Weyl-invariant dilaton gravity provides a description of black holes without classical space-time singularities. Singularities appear due to the ill behaviour of gauge fixing conditions, one example being the gauge in which theory is classically equivalent to standard General Relativity. The main conclusions of our analysis are as follows: (1) singularities signal a phase transition from broken to unbroken phase of Weyl symmetry; (2) instead of a singularity, there is a “baby universe” or a white hole inside a black hole; (3) in the baby universe scenario, there is a critical mass after which reducing mass makes the black hole larger as viewed by outside observers; (4) if a black hole could be connected with white hole through the “singularity,” this would require breakdown of (classical) geometric description; (5) the singularity of Schwarzschild BH solution is nongeneric and so it is dangerous to rely on it in deriving general results. Our results may have important consequences for resolving issues related to information loss puzzle. Though quantum effects are still crucial and may change the proposed classical picture, a position of building quantum theory around essentially regular classical solutions normally provides a much better starting point.
ListeriaRhombencephalitis Complicating Anti-TNF Treatment during an Acute Flare of Crohn’s Colitis
Authors: Stratton L. , Caddy G. R.
Published: August 2016

Patients with Crohn’s disease often require the use of immunosuppressant drugs to control disease activity. Such medication includes steroids, azathioprine, and biologic therapy. These suppress the immune response, and the patient is more susceptible to infection. We present a case of a 69-year-old gentleman with a history of Crohn’s colitis who had ongoing symptoms of diarrhoea in spite of standard treatment. Biologic therapy was considered to be the next step, and screening for infection was undertaken prior to use. Three days following anti-TNF treatment, he became drowsy, and examination revealed pyrexia, slurred speech, and nystagmus. Investigation revealed presence ofListeriarhombencephalitis. He demonstrated poor neurological recovery.Listeria monocytogenesis an infection commonly associated with food sources. Some patients develop a self-limiting diarrhoeal illness, but in the immunosuppressed population, the clinical features may be more sinister. Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis is already recommended for those on triple immunosuppression. We propose the early initiation of this treatment, including where biologic use is anticipated. In those on multiple immunosuppressants, a diet similar to that followed in pregnancy may minimise risk of acquiring this infection. Clinicians must always have a high index of suspicion for opportunistic infection in such immunocompromised patients.
Dynamic Characteristics and Experimental Research of Dual-Rotor System with Rub-Impact Fault
Authors: Xu Hongzhi , Wang Nanfei , Jiang Dongxiang , Han Te , Li Dewang
Published: August 2016

Rub-impact fault model for dual-rotor system was further developed, in which rubbing board is regarded as elastic sheet. Sheet elastic deformation, contact penetration, and elastic damping support during rubbing of sheet and wheel disk were considered. Collision force and friction were calculated by utilizing Hertz contact theory and Coulomb model and introducing nonlinear spring damping model and friction coefficient. Then kinetic differential equations of rub-impact under dry rubbing condition were established. Based on one-dimensional finite element model of dual-rotor system, dynamic transient response of overall structure under rub-impact existing between rotor wheel and sheet was obtained. Meanwhile, fault dynamic characteristics and impact of rubbing clearance on rotor vibration were analyzed. The results show that, during the process of rub-impact, the spectrums of rotor vibration are complicated and multiple combined frequency components of inner and outer rotor fundamental frequencies are typical characteristic of rub-impact fault for dual-rotor system. It also can be seen from rotor vibration response that the rubbing rotor’s fundamental frequency is modulated by normal rotor double frequency.
Retention in Care among HIV-Infected Pregnant Women in Haiti with PMTCT Option B
Authors: Dionne-Odom Jodie , Massaro Courtney , Jogerst Kristen M. , Li Zhongze , Deschamps Marie-Marcelle , Destine Cleonas Junior , Senecharles Redouin , Aristhene Moleine Moles , Domercant Joseph Yves , Rouzier Vanessa , Wright Peter F.
Published: August 2016

Background. Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV relies on engagement in care during the prenatal, peripartum, and postpartum periods. Under PMTCT Option B, pregnant women with elevated CD4 counts are provided with antiretroviral prophylaxis until cessation of breastfeeding.Methods. Retrospective analysis of retention in care among HIV-infected pregnant women in Haiti was performed. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with loss to follow-up (LFU) defined as no medical visit for at least 6 months and Kaplan-Meier curves were created to show LFU timing.Results. Women in the cohort had 463 pregnancies between 2009 and 2012 with retention rates of 80% at delivery, 67% at one year, and 59% at 2 years. Among those who were LFU, the highest risk period was during pregnancy (60%) or shortly afterwards (24.4% by 12 months). Never starting on antiretroviral therapy (aRR 2.29, 95% CI 1.4–3.8) was associated with loss to follow-up.Conclusions. Loss to follow-up during and after pregnancy was common in HIV-infected women in Haiti under PMTCT Option B. Since sociodemographic factors and distance from home to facility did not predict LFU, future work should elicit and address barriers to retention at the initial prenatal care visit in all women. Better tracking systems to capture engagement in care in the wider network are needed.
Bilateral Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas: An Uncommon Cause of Pituitary Enlargement and Hypopituitarism
Authors: Liberatore Anthony , Lechan Ronald M.
Published: August 2016

Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are rare, pathologic communications of the carotid artery and the venous plexus of the cavernous sinus. They can develop spontaneously in certain at risk individuals or following traumatic head injury. Typical clinical manifestations include headache, proptosis, orbital pain, and diplopia. We report a case of bilateral carotid-cavernous fistulas associated with these symptoms and also with pituitary enlargement and hypopituitarism, which improved following surgical intervention. Arterialization of the cavernous sinus and elevated portal pressure may interfere with normal venous drainage and the conveyance of inhibiting and releasing hormones from the hypothalamus, resulting in pituitary enlargement and hypopituitarism. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypopituitarism associated with anterior pituitary enlargement.
Pattern, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcome of Meningitis among HIV-Infected Adults Admitted in a Tertiary Hospital in North Western Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Boaz Matobogolo M. , Kalluvya Samuel , Downs Jennifer A. , Mpondo Bonaventura C. T. , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: August 2016

Background.Limited information exists on the etiologies, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of meningitis among HIV-infected patients in Africa. We conducted a study to determine the etiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of meningitis among HIV-infected adults.Methods.A prospective cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted among HIV-infected patients aged ≥18 years admitted to the medical wards with symptoms and signs of meningitis. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected using a standardized data collection tool. Lumbar puncture was performed to all patients; cerebrospinal fluid samples were sent for analysis.Results.Among 60 HIV-infected adults clinically diagnosed to have meningitis, 55 had CSF profiles consistent with meningitis. Of these, 14 (25.5%) had a laboratory-confirmed etiology while 41 (74.5%) had no isolate identified.Cryptococcus neoformanswas the commonest cause of meningitis occurring in 11 (18.3%) of patients followed byMycobacterium tuberculosis(6.7%). The in-hospital mortality was 20/55 (36.4%). Independent predictors of mortality were low baseline CD4 count and turbid CSF appearance.Conclusion.Cryptococcal meningitis is the most prevalent laboratory-confirmed etiological agent among adult HIV-infected patients with suspected meningitis admitted to medical wards in Western Tanzania. Mortality rate in this population remains unacceptably high. Improving diagnostic capacity and early treatment may help to decrease the mortality rate.
Evaluating Bone Health in Egyptian Children with Forearm Fractures: A Case Control Study
Authors: El-Sakka Abeer , Penon Cristina , Hegazy Adham , Elbatrawy Salwa , Gobashy Amr , Moreira Alvaro
Published: August 2016

Objective. To determine the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency and low bone mineral density in Egyptian children with forearm fractures.Methods. A case control study of 46 children aged 3 to 10 years with or without forearm fractures. Validated questionnaires were used to assess calcium and vitamin D intake as well as sun exposure. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D were collected. Bone mineral density was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results. Compared to the Control group, calcium and vitamin D intake was lower in the Cases group (p=0.03). Cases had higher Body Mass Index than Controls,p=0.01. Children in the Cases group had lower mean serum calcium values8.3±1.4compared to9.3±1.1in Controls (p=0.01). Alkaline phosphatase was higher in Cases265±65.8than Controls226±54.6(p=0.03). Vitamin D and bone mineral density scores were significantly lower in the Cases group (p<0.05).Conclusion. Our data shows an increased rate of vitamin D deficiency and decreased bone mineral density in Egyptian children with forearm fractures.
Association between Toll-Like Receptor 4 Polymorphisms and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Weiping , Wu Senchao , Zhang Yanlin , Sigdel Keshav Raj , Lin Yong , Zhong Hongbin
Published: August 2016

Family aggregation was observed among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases, suggesting the genetic factor may contribute to the susceptibility. Toll-like receptors (TLR) play key role in human immune system; in order to gain better insight on the association between TLR4 polymorphisms and SLE risk, a meta-analysis was conducted. In total 4 case-control studies have been included, involving 503 SLE cases and 636 healthy controls. The association between TLR4 polymorphisms and SLE risk was evaluated by calculating pooled odd ratio (OR) and its 95% confidential interval (CI). TheQ-test andI2statistic were used to estimate the degree of heterogeneity. Publication bias among enrolled studies was examined by using Egger’s test and Begg’s test. Overall, there was no evidence of positive association between SLE risk and D299G and T399I polymorphisms in TLR4. The meta-analysis reported a null association between TLR4 polymorphisms and SLE risk in included study populations, but the role of TLR4 polymorphisms in developing SLE among other populations remains undetermined. Moreover, some laboratory studies still discovered the involvement of TLR4 in SLE process. Therefore, the association between TLR4 polymorphisms and SLE risk requires further investigation both in laboratory and in epidemiological efforts.
Synthesis of 14-Aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene Derivatives Using H-Zeolite A as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst under Solvent-Free Condition
Authors: Bhat Sami Ullah , Ahmad Naikoo Rawoof , Mir Muzzaffar Ahmad , Bhat Rayees Ahmad , Malla Manzoor Ahmad , Tomar Radha
Published: August 2016

H-Zeolite A is an efficient, excellent, and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene derivatives by one-pot synthesis of β-naphthol with various aromatic aldehyde derivatives under solvent-free condition. The synthesized zeolite H-Zeolite A was characterized by XRD, SEM, and FT-IR. The synthesized products were characterized by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectra. Simple workup procedure, short reaction time, high yield, and reusability of the catalyst are the characteristic features of these reactions.
Short-Term Load Forecasting Model Based on Quantum Elman Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Zhisheng , Gong Wenjie
Published: August 2016

Short-term load forecasting model based on quantum Elman neural networks was constructed in this paper. The quantum computation and Elman feedback mechanism were integrated into quantum Elman neural networks. Quantum computation can effectively improve the approximation capability and the information processing ability of the neural networks. Quantum Elman neural networks have not only the feedforward connection but also the feedback connection. The feedback connection between the hidden nodes and the context nodes belongs to the state feedback in the internal system, which has formed specific dynamic memory performance. Phase space reconstruction theory is the theoretical basis of constructing the forecasting model. The training samples are formed by means ofK-nearest neighbor approach. Through the example simulation, the testing results show that the model based on quantum Elman neural networks is better than the model based on the quantum feedforward neural network, the model based on the conventional Elman neural network, and the model based on the conventional feedforward neural network. So the proposed model can effectively improve the prediction accuracy. The research in the paper makes a theoretical foundation for the practical engineering application of the short-term load forecasting model based on quantum Elman neural networks.
Phenotypic and Cytogenetic Characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells inDe NovoMyelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Rathnayake A. J. I. S. , Goonasekera H. W. W. , Dissanayake V. H. W.
Published: August 2016

Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are vital in hematopoiesis. Whether BM-MSCs alter their characteristics in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) is still controversial. We characterized MSCs ofde novoMDS patients in Sri Lanka who have not been reported previously in the literature. We also analyzed MSCs derived from different MDS subtypes. MSCs were culture-expanded, characterized by flow cytometry, and induced towards osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Growth properties were determined using growth curves and population doubling times. Karyotyping and FISH were performed on MSCs. Cell morphology, differentiation potential, and CD marker expression of MDS-MSCs of all subtypes were comparable to those of control-MSCs. No significant growth differences were observed between control MSCs and MDS-MSCs of all subtypes (p>0.05). 31% of MDS-MSCs had chromosomal aberrations (der(3),del(6q),del(7p), loss of chromosomes) whose BM karyotypes were normal. Highest percentage of karyotypic abnormalities was observed in RCMD-MSCs. Patients with abnormal BM karyotypes had no aberrant MSC clones. Results show that in spite of presence of genetically abnormal clones in MDS-MSC populations,in vitrophenotypic and growth characteristics of MSCs in MDS remain unchanged. Further, the occurrence of genetic abnormalities in BM-MSCs in MDS could be considered as an autonomous event from that of their hematopoietic counterparts.
Thumb Reconstruction with Arthrodesis to the Second Metacarpal following Sarcoma Excision
Authors: Hein Christopher , Watkins Barry , Zuckerman Lee M.
Published: August 2016

Primary sarcomas of the thumb metacarpal are rare malignant lesions. Surgical treatment involves amputation versus tumor resection with thumb reconstruction. If complete tumor resection is possible, thumb preservation may be considered, as the thumb is vital to hand function. Following tumor resection, previous reports have described graft reconstruction with fusion to the trapezium or scaphoid. We present two cases of sarcoma necessitating resection of the thumb metacarpal that were reconstructed with an arthrodesis of the proximal phalanx to the second metacarpal shaft. Arthrodesis to the second metacarpal allows robust bony contact for fusion as well as improved resting position of the thumb. At 2- and 4-year follow-up, both patients have a stable, pain-free thumb without evidence of local recurrence.
Effect of Pharmaceutically Active Compound Nitroxoline on the Corrosion of Mild Steel in an Acidic Environment
Authors: Ganapathi Sundaram R. , Vengatesh G. , Sundaravadivelu M.
Published: August 2016

The effect of Nitroxoline, antibiotic drug, was tested as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel (MS) in an acidic environment by chemical method (mass loss measurement) and electrochemical methods such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. The surface morphology of mild steel was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques. From the chemical and electrochemical methods, the resistance of corrosion was increased with the addition of Nitroxoline concentration. Tafel curves indicate that the pharmaceutically active compound is a cathodic type inhibitor. An adsorption of Nitroxoline on the surface of mild steel was obeyed by Langmuir isotherm. SEM, EDX, and AFM techniques prove the adsorption process. All the obtained results confirmed that the investigated compound Nitroxoline acts as a good inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in an acidic environment.
Update on RAAS Modulation for the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bernardi Stella , Michelli Andrea , Zuolo Giulia , Candido Riccardo , Fabris Bruno
Published: August 2016

Since the advent of insulin, the improvements in diabetes detection and the therapies to treat hyperglycemia have reduced the mortality of acute metabolic emergencies, such that today chronic complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. More than half of the mortality that is seen in the diabetic population can be ascribed to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes not only myocardial infarction due to premature atherosclerosis but also diabetic cardiomyopathy. The importance of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonism in the prevention of diabetic CVD has demonstrated the key role that the RAAS plays in diabetic CVD onset and development. Today, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers represent the first line therapy for primary and secondary CVD prevention in patients with diabetes. Recent research has uncovered new dimensions of the RAAS and, therefore, new potential therapeutic targets against diabetic CVD. Here we describe the timeline of paradigm shifts in RAAS understanding, how diabetes modifies the RAAS, and what new parts of the RAAS pathway could be targeted in order to achieve RAAS modulation against diabetic CVD.
Fuzzy Logic for Incidence Geometry
Authors: Tserkovny Alex
Published: August 2016

The paper presents a mathematical framework for approximate geometric reasoning with extended objects in the context of Geography, in which all entities and their relationships are described by human language. These entities could be labelled by commonly used names of landmarks, water areas, and so forth. Unlike single points that are given in Cartesian coordinates, these geographic entities are extended in space and often loosely defined, but people easily perform spatial reasoning with extended geographic objects “as if they were points.” Unfortunately, up to date, geographic information systems (GIS) miss the capability of geometric reasoning with extended objects. The aim of the paper is to present a mathematical apparatus for approximate geometric reasoning with extended objects that is usable in GIS. In the paper we discuss the fuzzy logic (Aliev and Tserkovny, 2011) as a reasoning system for geometry of extended objects, as well as a basis for fuzzification of the axioms of incidence geometry. The same fuzzy logic was used for fuzzification of Euclid’s first postulate. Fuzzy equivalence relation “extended lines sameness” is introduced. For its approximation we also utilize a fuzzy conditional inference, which is based on proposed fuzzy “degree of indiscernibility” and “discernibility measure” of extended points.
Dynamic Characteristics of Mechanical Ventilation System of Double Lungs with Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure Model
Authors: Shen Dongkai , Zhang Qian , Shi Yan
Published: August 2016

In recent studies on the dynamic characteristics of ventilation system, it was considered that human had only one lung, and the coupling effect of double lungs on the air flow can not be illustrated, which has been in regard to be vital to life support of patients. In this article, to illustrate coupling effect of double lungs on flow dynamics of mechanical ventilation system, a mathematical model of a mechanical ventilation system, which consists of double lungs and a bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) controlled ventilator, was proposed. To verify the mathematical model, a prototype of BIPAP system with a double-lung simulators and a BIPAP ventilator was set up for experimental study. Lastly, the study on the influences of key parameters of BIPAP system on dynamic characteristics was carried out. The study can be referred to in the development of research on BIPAP ventilation treatment and real respiratory diagnostics.
Recent Advances of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Zhou Keren , Shi Ligen , Wang Yan , Chen Sheng , Zhang Jianmin
Published: August 2016

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that trigger the activation of caspases-1 and subsequently the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1βand interleukin-18. These cytokines play a critical role in mediating inflammation and innate immunity response. Among various inflammasome complexes, the NLRP3 inflammasome is the best characterized, which has been demonstrated as a crucial role in various diseases. Here, we review recently described mechanisms that are involved in the activation and regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, we summarize the recent researches on the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, brain tumor, neurodegenerative diseases, and other CNS diseases. In conclusion, the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a promising therapeutic target for these CNS diseases.
Varicella Infection Complicated by Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Retropharyngeal Abscess
Authors: Clark Christine M. , Huntley Colin , Carr Michele M.
Published: August 2016

An unimmunized 19-month-old child presented with a retropharyngeal abscess and coincident varicella infection. The abscess resolved with operative drainage. This is the first published report of this connection, although varicella is known to be associated with abscesses in general. Practitioners should be aware that cervical abscesses may complicate varicella infections.
Optimization of Allocation and Launch Conditions of Multiple Missiles for Three-Dimensional Collaborative Interception of Ballistic Targets
Authors: Yuksek Burak , Ure N. Kemal
Published: August 2016

We consider the integrated problem of allocation and control of surface-to-air-missiles for interception of ballistic targets. Previous work shows that using multiple missile and utilizing collaborative estimation and control laws for target interception can significantly decrease the mean miss distance. However, most of these methods are highly sensitive to initial launch conditions, such as the initial pitch and heading angles. In this work we develop a methodology for optimizing selection of multiple missiles to launch among a collection of missiles with prespecified launch coordinates, along with their launch conditions. For the interception we use 3-DoF models for missiles and the ballistic target. The trajectory of the missiles is controlled using three-dimensional extensions of existing algorithms for planar collaborative control and estimation laws. Because the dynamics of the missiles and nature of the allocation problem is highly nonlinear and involves both discrete and continuous variables, the optimization problem is cast as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem (MINP). The main contribution of this work is the development of a novel probabilistic search algorithm for efficiently solving the missile allocation problem. We verify the algorithm by performing extensive Monte-Carlo simulations on different interception scenarios and show that the developed approach yields significantly less average miss distance and more efficient use of resources compared to alternative methods.
Outlining a Population “at Risk” of Parkinson’s Disease: Evidence from a Case-Control Study
Authors: Schirinzi Tommaso , Martella Giuseppina , D’Elia Alessio , Di Lazzaro Giulia , Imbriani Paola , Madeo Graziella , Monaco Leonardo , Maltese Marta , Pisani Antonio
Published: August 2016

The multifactorial pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) requires a careful identification of populations “at risk” of developing the disease. In this case-control study we analyzed a large Italian population, in an attempt to outline general criteria to define a population “at risk” of PD. We enrolled 300 PD patients and 300 controls, gender and age matched, from the same urban geographical area. All subjects were interviewed on demographics, family history of PD, occupational and environmental toxicants exposure, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. A sample of 65 patients and 65 controls also underwent serum dosing of iron, copper, mercury, and manganese by means of Inductively Coupled-Plasma-Mass-Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Positive family history, toxicants exposure, non-current-smoker, and alcohol nonconsumer status occurred as significant risk factors in our population. The number of concurring risk factors overlapping in the same subject impressively increased the overall risk. No significant differences were measured in the metal serum levels. Our findings indicate that combination of three to four concurrent PD-risk factors defines a condition “at risk” of PD. A simple stratification, based on these questionnaires, might be of help in identifying subjects suitable for neuroprotective strategies.
High Gain Slot Array with Fabry-Perot Cavity Feeding Circuit
Authors: Boutayeb Halim , Nedil Mourad
Published: August 2016

A new approach for designing slot arrays using a Fabry-Perot cavity for the feeding circuit is presented. The proposed array has simpler and smaller feeding circuit compared to conventional feeding networks that have multiple dividers or combiners. The dividers and combiners are usually sources of losses. In addition, the profile of the proposed array is not limited by the half-wavelength resonance condition that exists for Fabry-Perot resonator antennas based on partially reflecting surfaces. The operating frequency is not sensitive to the profile of the antenna. A small profile can be achieved without the utilization of an artificial magnetic conductor or a substrate with high dielectric constant. To validate the proposed approach, full-wave numerical results are presented at 5.8 GHz showing good impedance matching, a high gain of about 22 dB, and an efficiency of 76%.
Umbilical Cord‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Relieve Hindlimb Ischemia through Enhancing Angiogenesis in Tree Shrews
Authors: Yin Cunping , Liang Yuan , Zhang Jian , Ruan Guangping , Li Zian , Pang Rongqing , Pan Xinghua
Published: August 2016

Hindlimb ischemia is still a clinical problem with high morbidity and mortality. Patients suffer from consequent rest pain, ulcers, cool limbs, and even amputation. Angiogenesis is a promising target for the treatment of ischemic limbs, providing extra blood for the ischemic region. In the present study, we investigated the role of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) in regulating angiogenesis and relieving hindlimb ischemia. UC‐MSCs were isolated from the umbilical cord of tree shrews. Angiography results showed that UC‐MSCs injection significantly promoted angiogenesis in tree shrews. Moreover, the ankle brachial index, transcutaneous oxygen pressure, blood perfusion, and capillary/muscle fiber ratio were all markedly increased by the application of UC‐MSCs. In addition, the conditioned culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells using medium collected from UC‐MSCs showed higher expression of angiogenic markers and improved migration ability. In short, the isolated UC‐MSCs notably contributed to restoring blood supply and alleviating the symptoms of limb ischemia through enhancing angiogenesis.