bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated factors of smoking in middle and high school students: a school-based cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhong Jie-Ming , Fang Le , Wang Hao
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of smoking in a Chinese adolescent population.

Setting

A multistage, stratified cluster sampling technique was used in the present cross-sectional study conducted in Zhejiang Province of China. Based on socioeconomic status, school levels and geographical positions, 253 middle school classes, 122 academic school classes and 115 vocational high school classes located in 12 urban areas and 18 rural areas were chosen.

Participants

A total of 9617 middle school students, 5495 academic high school students and 4430 vocational high school students were recruited in this survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Ever, current smoking status and associated factors were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between current smoking and the associated factors. ORs with their 95% CIs were reported.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of ever-smokers and current smokers was 33.83% and 7.93%, respectively. Focused on current smokers, significantly higher risks of adolescent smoking were observed in an older age group, boys, rural areas and vocational high school. Other significant factors were parents smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, parental divorce or separation, living with family, school performance and belief that smoking is harmful.

Conclusions

The prevalence of smoking was relatively high among Chinese adolescents in Zhejiang Province. Factors related to personal characteristics, family and school were associated with adolescent smoking.
Safety of pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: integrated analysis of cumulative data from 5 clinical trials
Authors: Lancaster Lisa , Albera Carlo , Bradford Williamson Z , Costabel Ulrich , du Bois Roland M , Fagan Elizabeth A , Fishman Robert S , Glaspole Ian , Glassberg Marilyn K , King Talmadge E , Lederer David J , Lin Zhengning , Nathan Steven D , Pereira Carlos A , Swigris Jeffrey J , Valeyre Dominique , Noble Paul W
Published: January 2016

Background

Pirfenidone is an oral antifibrotic agent that has been shown to reduce the decline in lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We performed an integrated analysis of safety data from five clinical trials evaluating pirfenidone in patients with IPF.

Methods

All patients treated with pirfenidone in the three multinational Phase 3 studies (CAPACITY (studies 004 and 006), ASCEND (study 016)) and two ongoing open-label studies (study 002 and study 012 (RECAP)) were included in the analysis. Safety outcomes were assessed during the period from the first dose until 28 days after the last dose of study drug.

Results

A total of 1299 patients were included in the analysis. The cumulative total exposure to pirfenidone was 3160 person exposure years (PEY). The median duration of exposure was 1.7 years (range 1 week to 9.9 years), and the mean (±SD) daily dose was 2053.8 (±484.9) mg. Gastrointestinal events (nausea (37.6%), diarrhoea (28.1%), dyspepsia (18.4%), vomiting (15.9%)) and rash (25.0%) were the most common adverse events; these were generally mild to moderate in severity and without significant clinical consequence. Elevations in alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase greater than three times the upper limit of normal occurred in 40/1299 (3.1%) patients (adjusted incidence, 2.3 per 100 PEY). Elevations were generally transient and reversible with dose modification or discontinuation.

Conclusions

A comprehensive analysis of safety outcomes in a large and well-defined cohort of 1299 patients with IPF who were followed prospectively for up to 9.9 years demonstrated that long-term treatment with pirfenidone is safe and generally well tolerated.

Trial registration numbers

NCT00287716,NCT00287729,NCT00662038,NCT01366209.
What is known about heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of the English literature
Authors: Kimani Kellen , Namukwaya Elizabeth , Grant Liz , Murray Scott A
Published: January 2016

We systematically reviewed and summarised existing knowledge on heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We searched the following databases Web of Science, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Global Health, CINAHL and African Journals Online using a combination of key words: heart failure or congestive heart failure or cardiac failure. We limited our search to studies conducted in SSA and articles published 2000–2014. Twenty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria and all were quantitative studies. Existing knowledge is focused on 3 key areas: (1) epidemiology of heart failure, (2) psychological burden of heart failure, and (3) patient knowledge and compliance to treatment. SSA would benefit from longitudinal qualitative research on the experience of living with heart failure.
How do patients feel about taking part in clinical trials in emergency care?
Authors: Buckley Joseph M , Irving Andy D , Goodacre Steve
Published: January 2016

Background

There is little in-depth research into how patients feel about emergency medical trials, and what influences these feelings.

Objectives

To investigate patients’ feelings on taking part in emergency medical research, particularly trials conducted without prospective consent.

Methods

Seventeen inpatients, all recently admitted with a medical emergency, were interviewed. Questions focused on feelings on taking part in hypothetical trials, particularly trials conducted with deferred consent.

Results

Five main themes were identified.Level of trust in the medical profession—high levels of trust tended to correlate with willingness to participate in trials. Previous bad healthcare experiences tended to diminish trust.Concerns for personal well-being—patients identified a conflict between aversion to unknown side effects and desire for access to newer and potentially better treatments. Some would be less inclined to participate in research if they were severely unwell, some more so.Altruism—many cited the importance of helping to advance medical knowledge and of ‘giving back to the health service’.Concerns over autonomy—some felt that deferred consent was a violation of personal autonomy.Uncertainty—many patients seemed to struggle to understand the more complex concepts discussed.

Conclusions

Patients are broadly trusting, and open to participating in emergency medical trials, but want to be kept as informed as possible throughout the process. Willingness may be improved by providing more complete explanations, although this may be limited by the complexity of relevant concepts. Good communication and improved public understanding of clinical trials would likely increase acceptance of emergency care research.
Adult and adolescent exposure to tobacco and alcohol content in contemporary YouTube music videos in Great Britain: a population estimate
Authors: Cranwell Jo , Opazo-Breton Magdalena , Britton John
Published: January 2016

Background

We estimate exposure of British adults and adolescents to tobacco and alcohol content from a sample of popular YouTube music videos.

Methods

British viewing figures were generated from 2 representative online national surveys of adult and adolescent viewing of the 32 most popular videos containing content. 2068 adolescents aged 11–18 years (1010 boys, 1058 girls), and 2232 adults aged 19+years (1052 male, 1180 female) completed the surveys. We used the number of 10 s intervals in the 32 most popular videos containing content to estimate the number of impressions. We extrapolated gross and per capita impressions for the British population from census data and estimated numbers of adults and adolescents who had ever watched the sampled videos.

Results

From video release to the point of survey, the videos delivered an estimated 1006 million gross impressions of alcohol (95% CI 748 to 1264 million), and 203 million of tobacco (95% CI 151 to 255 million), to the British population. Per capita exposure was around 5 times higher for alcohol than for tobacco, and nearly 4 times higher in adolescents, who were exposed to an average of 52.1 (95% CI 43.4 to 60.9) and 10.5 (95% CI 8.8 to 12.3) alcohol and tobacco impressions, respectively, than in adults (14.1 (95% CI 10.2 to 18.1) and 2.9 (95% CI 2.1 to 3.6)). Exposure rates were higher in girls than in boys.

Conclusions

YouTubemusic videos deliver millions of gross impressions of alcohol and tobacco content. Adolescents are exposed much more than adults. Music videos are a major global medium of exposure to such content.
Vessel wall imaging for intracranial vascular disease evaluation
Authors: Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Alexander Matthew , Gaddikeri Santhosh , Yuan Chun , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: January 2016

Accurate and timely diagnosis of intracranial vasculopathies is important owing to the significant risk of morbidity with delayed and/or incorrect diagnosis both from the disease process and inappropriate therapies. Conventional luminal imaging techniques for analysis of intracranial vasculopathies are limited to evaluation of changes in the vessel lumen. Vessel wall MRI techniques can allow direct characterization of pathologic changes of the vessel wall. These techniques may improve diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. Extracranial carotid vessel wall imaging has been extensively investigated in patients with atherosclerotic disease and has been shown to accurately assess plaque composition and identify vulnerable plaque characteristics that may predict stroke risk beyond luminal stenosis alone. This review provides a brief history of vessel wall MRI, an overview of the intracranial vessel wall MRI techniques, its applications, and imaging findings of various intracranial vasculopathies pertinent to the neurointerventionalist, neurologist, and neuroradiologist. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google for English publications containing any of the following terms: ‘intracranial vessel wall imaging’, ‘intracranial vessel wall’, and ‘intracranial vessel wall MRI’.
Higher milk fat content is associated with higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in early childhood
Authors: Vanderhout Shelley M. , Birken Catherine S. , Parkin Patricia C. , Lebovic Gerald , Chen Yang , O’Connor Deborah L. , Maguire Jonathon L. ,   the TARGetKids! Collaboration
Published: January 2016

Current guidelines for cow’s milk consumption in children older than age 2 years suggest 1% or 2% milk to reduce the risk of obesity. Given that milk is the main dietary source of vitamin D for North American children and that vitamin D is fat soluble, we hypothesized 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration to be positively associated with the fat content of milk. The objective was to determine the relationship between the fat content of milk consumed and the serum 25(OH)D concentration; our secondary objective was to explore the role that the volume of milk consumed played in this relationship. We completed a cross-sectional study of children aged 12–72 months in the TARGetKids! research network. Multivariable linear regression was used to test the association between milk fat content and child 25(OH)D, adjusted for clinically relevant covariates. The interaction between volume of milk and fat content was examined. Two thousand eight hundred fifty-seven children were included in the analysis. The fat content of milk was positively associated with 25(OH)D (p = 0.03), and the interaction between the volume of milk consumed and the milk fat content was statistically significant (p = 0.005). Children who drank 1% milk needed 2.46 cups (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.38–2.54) of milk to have a 25(OH)D concentration similar to that of children who drank 1 cup of homogenized milk (3.25% fat). Children who consumed 1% milk had 2.05 (95% CI 1.73–2.42) times higher odds of having a 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L compared with children who consumed homogenized milk. In conclusion, recommendations for children to drink lower-fat milk (1% or 2%) may compromise serum 25(OH)D levels and may require study to ensure optimal childhood health.
Modelling moss-derived carbon in upland black spruce forests
Authors: Bona Kelly Ann , Shaw Cindy H. , Fyles James W. , Kurz Werner A.
Published: January 2016

Mosses play a key role in the carbon (C) cycle of upland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) forests; however, national reporting models such as the Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3) do not include mosses. This study examined whether widely available plot-level merchantable tree volume could predict, for black spruce ecosystems in Canada’s boreal forest, the relative proportions of sphagnum and feather moss ground cover and moss net primary productivity (NPP). A field study found that merchantable tree volume was significantly related to tree canopy openness (R2 = 0.61, P < 0.001), which could then be used to model the relative ground cover of feather moss (R2 = 0.5, P < 0.001) and sphagnum (R2 = 0.45, P < 0.001) and NPP of feather moss (R2 = 0.41, P < 0.001) and sphagnum (R2 = 0.28, P < 0.001). The resulting MOSS-C submodel increased the accuracy of the CBM-CFS3’s prediction of organic-horizon C five-fold and could explain large-scale variation in sites dominated by sphagnum with large organic-layer C pools but not fine-scale variation in dryer sites. To improve MOSS-C accuracy, future studies should focus on varying decomposition and fire regime parameters based on regional climate or plot-level vegetation parameters.
PT symmetry and a dynamical realization of the SU(1, 1) algebra
Authors: Banerjee Rabin , Mukherjee Pradip
Published: January 2016

We show that the elementary modes of the planar harmonic oscillator can be quantized in the framework of quantum mechanics based on pseudo-hermitian Hamiltonians. These quantized modes are demonstrated to act as dynamical structures behind a new Jordan–Schwinger realization of the SU(1, 1) algebra. This analysis complements the conventional Jordan–Schwinger construction of the SU(2) algebra based on hermitian Hamiltonians of a doublet of oscillators.
Dynamic recrystallization and microstructure evolution of AZ31 magnesium alloy produced by extrusion through rotating container
Authors: Li Feng , Bian Nan , Xu Yongchao , Zeng Xiang
Published: January 2016

In order to research the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and grain refinement mechanisms in the process of extrusion through the rotating container, hot compression experiment of AZ31 magnesium alloy was carried out. Through the combination of experimental data and Yada empirical model, the DRX model of AZ31 magnesium alloy was established. Based on this DRX model, the numerical simulation of AZ31 magnesium alloy extrusion through the rotating container process was performed. The research results indicated, with the same process parameters of conventional extrusion, the shear stress increased significantly at the same position during the process of extrusion through the rotating container. This stress change promoted the occurrence of DRX and the increased recrystallization volume fraction. The average grain size obviously decreased. The equiaxed grains increased and the distribution uniformity was improved. These characteristics provided a theoretical basis for a better understanding of the enhanced comprehensive mechanical properties during the extrusion through the rotating container.
Investigation on penetration model of shaped charge jet in water
Authors: Shi Jinwei , Luo Xingbai , Li Jinming , Jiang Jianwei
Published: January 2016

To analyze the process of jet penetration in water medium quantitatively, the properties of jet penetration spaced target with water interlayer were studied through test and numerical simulation. Two theoretical models of jet penetration in water were proposed. The theoretical model 1 was established considering the impact of the shock wave, combined with the shock equation Rankine–Hugoniot and the virtual origin calculation method. The theoretical model 2 was obtained by fitting theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results. The effectiveness and universality of the two theoretical models were compared through the numerical simulation results. Both the models can reflect the relationship between the penetration velocity and the penetration distance in water well, and both the deviation and stability of theoretical model 1 are better than 2, the lower penetration velocity, and the larger deviation of the theoretical model 2. Therefore, the theoretical model 1 can reflect the properties of jet penetration in water effectively, and provide the reference of model simulation and theoretical research.
Dielectric relaxation behavior in co-precipitation derived ferrite (Zn1−xNix)Fe2O4 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics
Authors: Jiang Y. P. , Li R. , Tang X. G. , Liu Q. X. , Chen D. G.
Published: January 2016

The influence of nickel doping on the electrical properties and dielectric relaxation in Zn[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Fe2O4 (ZNFO, [Formula: see text]) ceramics has been investigated via the dielectric and complex impedance spectra measurements. According to the modified Curie–Weiss law, the diffusivity factor of the ZNFO ceramics from 1.69 to 2.02 with [Formula: see text] increasing from 0.2 to 0.5, respectively. Two relaxation peaks are observed in the nickel doped samples, by employing the modified Arrhenius equation, two activation energy values of different sintering temperatures were calculated and analyzed in combination with oxygen vacancy. The Cole–Cole plots showed that the semicircular arcs which are nonideal Debye type, and the grain boundaries resistance increases with increasing Ni concentration.
Therapeutic Delivery of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 for Injury Repair
Authors: Yeboah Agnes , Yarmush Martin L. , Berthiaume Francois
Published: January 2016

Stromal cell-derived growth factor-1 (SDF1) is a chemokine that is over-expressed at sites of injury and is believed to play an important role in wound repair. At the cellular level, SDF1 regulates the mobilization and trafficking of endothelial progenitors that originate in the bone marrow and functionally contribute to neovascularization and angiogenesis in the wound. Consequently, SDF1 is a potentially interesting therapeutic with the potential to enhance these processes in acute and chronic injuries that otherwise tend to heal poorly, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, myocardial infarction, diabetic skin wounds and acute burns. However, the therapeutic usefulness of SDF1, as many other similar peptide-based growth factors and chemokines, is severely limited due to its short in vivo half-life, as it is rapidly degraded by proteases, which are typically very abundant at the wound site. Several studies have reported methodologies to increase SDF1 in vivo stability by mutating the protease cleavage sites of the molecule. Another approach has been to incorporate the chemokine into biomaterials that shield it from degradation. Yet another approach would be to develop a system that is inherently stable and could be combined with these aforementioned strategies. For example, self-assembled nanoparticles could shield SDF1 (or one of its forms engineered to be more resistant to proteolysis) from proteolysis and then be incorporated into suitable biomaterials. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have however been used to a very limited extent for SDF1. This paper aims to provide a summary of the various stabilization and delivery methods available for SDF1, some of which have been already used, as well as others that have been used with other bioactive peptides, but would be potentially applicable to SDF1.
Resonant X-Ray Scattering Studies of Charge Order in Cuprates
Authors: Comin Riccardo , Damascelli Andrea
Published: January 2016

X-ray techniques have been used for more than a century to study the atomic and electronic structure in practically any type of material. The advent of correlated electron systems, in particular complex oxides, brought about new scientific challenges and opportunities for the advancement of conventional X-ray methods. In this context, the need for new approaches capable of selectively sensing new forms of orders involving all degrees of freedom—charge, orbital, spin, and lattice—paved the way for the emergence and success of resonant X-ray scattering, which has become an increasingly popular and powerful tool for the study of electronic ordering phenomena in solids. We review the recent resonant X-ray scattering breakthroughs in the copper oxide high-temperature superconductors, in particular regarding the phenomenon of charge order, a broken-symmetry state occurring when valence electrons self-organize into periodic structures. After a brief historical perspective on charge order, we outline the milestones in the development of resonant X-ray scattering as well as the basic theoretical formalism underlying its unique capabilities. The rest of the review focuses on the recent contributions of resonant scattering to the advancements in our description and understanding of charge order. To conclude, we propose a series of present and upcoming challenges and discuss the future outlook for this technique.
Negation and Negative Dependencies
Authors: Zeijlstra Hedde
Published: January 2016

Languages may vary greatly in the way they express negation. Most languages exploit specifically designated negative markers, such as English not. Many languages may also use negative indefinites (such as English nobody or nothing) to express negation. The behavior of these negative indefinites is subject to crosslinguistic variation: In some languages, negative markers and negative indefinites cannot express a single semantic negation (nobody didn't come means that everybody came and not that nobody came), but in other languages they can. Languages with these properties, such as Italian, are called Negative Concord languages. In this review, I discuss the difference between negative indefinites in languages that exhibit Negative Concord and languages that do not. I also compare the behaviors of negative indefinites in languages that exhibit Negative Concord and so-called Negative Polarity Items. This article provides an accurate overview of recent developments in the study of negation and negative dependencies.
Epigenetic Therapeutics: A New Weapon in the War Against Cancer
Authors: Ahuja Nita , Sharma Anup R. , Baylin Stephen B.
Published: January 2016

The past 15 years have seen an explosion of discoveries related to the cellular regulation of phenotypes through epigenetic mechanisms. This regulation provides a software that packages DNA, without changing the primary base sequence, to establish heritable patterns of gene expression. In cancer, many aspects of the epigenome, controlled by DNA methylation, chromatin, and nucleosome positioning, are altered as one means by which tumor cells maintain abnormal states of self-renewal at the expense of normal maturation. Epigenetic and genetic abnormalities thus collaborate in cancer initiation and progression, as exemplified by frequent mutations in genes encoding proteins that control the epigenome. There is growing emphasis on using epigenetic therapies to reprogram neoplastic cells toward a normal state. Many agents targeting epigenetic regulation are under development and entering clinical trials. This review highlights the promise that epigenetic therapy, often in combination with other therapies, will become a potent tool for cancer management over the next decade.
Influence of AQP1 on cell adhesion, migration, and tumor sphere formation in malignant pleural mesothelioma is substratum- and histological-type dependent
Authors: Jagirdar Rajesh M. , Apostolidou Eleni , Molyvdas Paschalis Adam , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Hatzoglou Chrissi , Zarogiannis Sotirios G.
Published: January 2016

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer. MPM cells express aquaporin-1 (AQP1) that in other cancers has been shown to participate in the tumor metastasis processes. However, in MPM patients AQP1 overexpression is an independent prognostic factor favoring survival. In this study we aimed at evaluating the role of AQP1 in cell adhesion, migration, and tumor sphere formation in nonmalignant mesothelial cells (MeT-5A) and in epithelioid (M14K) and sarcomatoid (ZL34) MPM cell lines. We used fibronectin (FN) or homologous cell-derived extracellular martrix (ECM) substratum to investigate the role of AQP1 in these experimental phenotypes, inhibiting AQP1 by 10−5 M mercury chloride (MC). Deposited ECM during cell culture exhibited significant concentration differences among cell types. ZL34 cell adhesion was significantly higher than MeT-5A or M14K cells on FN and ECM. MeT-5A and M14K cell adhesion on FN was sensitive to AQP1 inhibition, whereas AQP1 inhibition on ECM was limited to M14K cells. Wound healing in ZL34 cells was significantly higher than MeT-5A and M14K cells on FN and ECM. AQP1 inhibition significantly lowered cell migration in ZL34 cells on FN and ECM. Sphere formation was not dependent on FN or ECM in the media. AQP1 inhibition in FN media reduced sphere formation in M14K cells, whereas, in ECM, all three cell types were sensitive to AQP1 inhibition.
Peptide affinity analysis of proteins that bind to an unstructured NH2-terminal region of the osmoprotective transcription factor NFAT5
Authors: DuMond Jenna F. , Ramkissoon Kevin , Zhang Xue , Izumi Yuichiro , Wang Xujing , Eguchi Koji , Gao Shouguo , Mukoyama Masashi , Burg Maurice B. , Ferraris Joan D.
Published: January 2016

NFAT5 is an osmoregulated transcription factor that particularly increases expression of genes involved in protection against hypertonicity. Transcription factors often contain unstructured regions that bind co-regulatory proteins that are crucial for their function. The NH2-terminal region of NFAT5 contains regions predicted to be intrinsically disordered. We used peptide aptamer-based affinity chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to identify protein preys pulled down by one or more overlapping 20 amino acid peptide baits within a predicted NH2-terminal unstructured region of NFAT5. We identify a total of 467 unique protein preys that associate with at least one NH2-terminal peptide bait from NFAT5 in either cytoplasmic or nuclear extracts from HEK293 cells treated with elevated, normal, or reduced NaCl concentrations. Different sets of proteins are pulled down from nuclear vs. cytoplasmic extracts. We used GeneCards to ascertain known functions of the protein preys. The protein preys include many that were previously known, but also many novel ones. Consideration of the novel ones suggests many aspects of NFAT5 regulation, interaction and function that were not previously appreciated, for example, hypertonicity inhibits NFAT5 by sumoylating it and the NFAT5 protein preys include components of the CHTOP complex that desumoylate proteins, an action that should contribute to activation of NFAT5.
Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluation Studies
Authors: Alouki Koffi , Delisle Hélène , Bermúdez-Tamayo Clara , Johri Mira
Published: January 2016

Objective. To summarize key findings of economic evaluations of lifestyle interventions for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in high-risk subjects.Methods. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed original studies published since January 2009 in English, French, and Spanish. Eligible studies were identified through relevant databases including PubMed, Medline, National Health Services Economic Evaluation, CINHAL, EconLit, Web of sciences, EMBASE, and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature. Studies targeting obesity were also included. Data were extracted using a standardized method. The BMJ checklist was used to assess study quality. The heterogeneity of lifestyle interventions precluded a meta-analysis.Results. Overall, 20 studies were retained, including six focusing on obesity control. Seven were conducted within trials and 13 using modeling techniques. T2D prevention by physical activity or diet or both proved cost-effective according to accepted thresholds, except for five inconclusive studies, three on diabetes prevention and two on obesity control. Most studies exhibited limitations in reporting results, primarily with regard to generalizability and justification of selected sensitivity parameters.Conclusion. This confirms that lifestyle interventions for the primary prevention of diabetes are cost-effective. Such interventions should be further promoted as sound investment in the fight against diabetes.
Differential Use of Human Neutrophil FcγReceptors for Inducing Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation
Authors: Alemán Omar Rafael , Mora Nancy , Cortes-Vieyra Ricarda , Uribe-Querol Eileen , Rosales Carlos
Published: January 2016

Neutrophils (PMN) are the most abundant leukocytes in the blood. PMN migrate from the circulation to sites of infection, where they are responsible for antimicrobial functions. PMN use phagocytosis, degranulation, and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to kill microbes. NETs are fibers composed of chromatin and neutrophil-granule proteins. Several pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and also some pharmacological stimuli such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) are efficient inducers of NETs. Antigen-antibody complexes are also capable of inducing NET formation. However the particular Fcγreceptor involved in triggering this function is a matter of controversy. In order to provide some insight into what Fcγreceptor is responsible for NET formation, each of the two human Fcγreceptors was stimulated individually by specific monoclonal antibodies and NET formation was evaluated. FcγRIIa cross-linking did not promote NET formation. Cross-linking other receptors such as integrins also did not promote NET formation. In contrast FcγRIIIb cross-linking induced NET formation similarly to PMA stimulation. NET formation was dependent on NADPH-oxidase, PKC, and ERK activation. These data show that cross-linking FcγRIIIb is responsible for NET formation by the human neutrophil.
Blood Genome-Wide Transcriptional Profiles of HER2 Negative Breast Cancers Patients
Authors: Balacescu Ovidiu , Balacescu Loredana , Virtic Oana , Visan Simona , Gherman Claudia , Drigla Flaviu , Pop Laura , Bolba-Morar Gabriela , Lisencu Carmen , Fetica Bogdan , Tudoran Oana , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: January 2016

Tumors act systemically to sustain cancer progression, affecting the physiological processes in the host and triggering responses in the blood circulating cells. In this study, we explored blood transcriptional patterns of patients with two subtypes of HER2 negative breast cancers, with different prognosis and therapeutic outcome. Peripheral blood samples from seven healthy female donors and 29 women with breast cancer including 14 triple-negative breast cancers and 15 hormone-dependent breast cancers were evaluated by microarray. We also evaluated the stroma in primary tumors. Transcriptional analysis revealed distinct molecular signatures in the blood of HER2− breast cancer patients according to ER/PR status. Our data showed the implication of immune signaling in both breast cancer subtypes with an enrichment of these processes in the blood of TNBC patients. We observed a significant alteration of “chemokine signaling,” “IL-8 signaling,” and “communication between innate and adaptive immune cells” pathways in the blood of TNBC patients correlated with an increased inflammation and necrosis in their primary tumors. Overall, our data indicate that the presence of triple-negative breast cancer is associated with an enrichment of altered systemic immune-related pathways, suggesting that immunotherapy could possibly be synergistic to the chemotherapy, to improve the clinical outcome of these patients.
Zeaxanthin: Review of Toxicological Data and Acceptable Daily Intake
Authors: Edwards James A.
Published: January 2016

Zeaxanthin is a nutritional carotenoid with a considerable amount of safety data based on regulatory studies, which form the basis of its safety evaluation. Subchronic OECD guideline studies with mice and rats receiving beadlet formulations of high purity synthetic zeaxanthin in the diet at dosages up to 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day, and in dogs at over 400 mg/kg bw/day, produced no adverse effects or histopathological changes. In developmental toxicity studies, there was no evidence of fetal toxicity or teratogenicity in rats or rabbits at dosages up to 1000 or 400 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. Formulated zeaxanthin was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a series ofin vitroandin vivotests for genotoxicity. A 52-week chronic oral study in Cynomolgus monkeys at doses of 0.2 and 20 mg/kg bw/day, mainly designed to assess accumulation and effects in primate eyes, showed no adverse effects. In a rat two-generation study, the NOAEL was 150 mg/kg bw/day. In 2012, this dosage was used by EFSA (NDA Panel), in association with a 200-fold safety factor, to propose an Acceptable Daily Intake equivalent to 53 mg/day for a 70 kg adult. The requested use level of 2 mg/day was ratified by the EU Commission.
EucalyptusTree: A Potential Source ofCryptococcus neoformansin Egyptian Environment
Authors: Elhariri Mahmoud , Hamza Dalia , Elhelw Rehab , Refai Mohamed
Published: January 2016

In Egypt, the River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is a well-known tree and is highly appreciated by the rural and urban dwellers. The role ofEucalyptustrees in the ecology ofCryptococcus neoformansis documented worldwide. The aim of this survey was to show the prevalence ofC. neoformansduring the flowering season ofE. camaldulensisat the Delta region in Egypt. Three hundred and eleven samples out of two hundredEucalyptustrees, including leaves, flowers, and woody trunks, were collected from four governorates in the Delta region. Thirteen isolates ofC. neoformanswere recovered fromEucalyptustree samples (4.2%). Molecular identification ofC. neoformanswas done by capsular gene specific primerCAP64and serotype identification was done depending onLAC1gene. This study represents an update on the ecology ofC. neoformansassociated withEucalyptustree in Egyptian environment.
The Status of Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Medicinal Plants and the Impacts of Resettlement in Delanta, Northwestern Wello, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Meragiaw Misganaw , Asfaw Zemede , Argaw Mekuria
Published: January 2016

The present study was conducted in Delanta (Ethiopia) to examine the use of medicinal plants and investigate the impacts of the 1984/85 resettlement program on the local people’s knowledge on herbal medicine and its uses. The research was conducted with 72 informants in six study sites through semistructured interviews, group discussion, and market survey. In this study, 133 species belonging to 116 genera and 57 families were documented. These plants were mentioned for uses in the treatment of about 76 human and livestock ailments. The family Asteraceae was represented by the highest number with 14 species. Herbs accounted for 52.6% of the total species and leaves (32.6%) were the most frequently used parts. The analysis showed that the resettlement program has both positive and negative impacts on nature rehabilitation and local knowledge along with many human induced threats. Most of the plant knowledge is held by traditional healers and permanent residents. The people’s preference for some medicinal plants gave indications of continuity of the ethnomedicinal information among the inhabitants. The findings inform that efforts need to be directed to in situ conservation in two of the plant community types which could protect a good proportion (about 50%) of the medicinal plant species.
Collaborative Optimization of Stop Schedule Plan and Ticket Allotment for the Intercity Train
Authors: Chen Xichun , Wang Junli
Published: January 2016

As regards the ticket allotment issue of the intercity passenger corridor designed for different train grades, the matching relationship between the ticket allotment and the passenger flow demand is studied. The passenger flow conversion equation which is based on the collaborative optimization of the intercity train stop schedule plan and ticket allotment is established. Then the mathematical model aiming at the maximum revenue of intercity train system and the highest satisfaction from the passengers is established. The particle swarm harmony search algorithm is designed to solve the model. The example verifies the effectiveness of the model and algorithm, which indicates that, through the collaborative optimization of the stop schedule plan and ticket allotment for different grades intercity trains, the sectional utilization rate of the train can be improved; meanwhile, the optimum matching between the intercity train revenue and the passenger satisfaction can be realized.
Another Report of Acalculous Cholecystitis in a Greek Patient with Infectious Mononucleosis: A Matter of Luck or Genetic Predisposition?
Authors: Koufakis Theocharis , Gabranis Ioannis
Published: January 2016

We here report a case of a young, male patient who presented with jaundice and was diagnosed with acalculous cholecystitis during the course of a primary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. The coexistence of cholestatic hepatitis and acalculous cholecystitis in patients with infectious mononucleosis is extremely uncommon and only few cases can be found in the literature. Moreover, almost one-fourth of the total reports of this rare entity are coming from Greece. Whether this is a result of physicians’ high index of suspicion due to previous reports or a consequence of genetic predisposition is an issue that deserves further investigation in the future. More studies are required in order to clarify the pathophysiological and genetic backgrounds that connect acalculous cholecystitis and EBV infection.
A 70% Ethanol Extract of Mistletoe Rich in Betulin, Betulinic Acid, and Oleanolic Acid Potentiated β‐Cell Function and Mass and Enhanced Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Ko Byoung-Seob , Kang Suna , Moon Bo Reum , Ryuk Jin Ah , Park Sunmin
Published: January 2016

We investigated that the long‐term consumption of the water (KME‐W) and 70% ethanol (KME‐E) mistletoe extracts had antidiabetic activities in partial pancreatectomized (Px) rats. Px rats were provided with a high‐fat diet containing 0.6% KME‐E, 0.6% KME‐W, and 0.6% dextrin (control) for 8 weeks. As normal‐control, Sham‐operated rats were provided with 0.6% dextrin. In cell‐based studies, the effects of its main terpenoids (betulin, betulinic acid, and oleanolic acid) on glucose metabolism were measured. Both KME‐W and KME‐E decreased epididymal fat mass by increasing fat oxidation in diabetic rats. KME‐E but not KME‐W exhibited greater potentiation of first‐phase insulin secretion than the Px‐control in a hyperglycemic clamp. KME‐E also made β‐cell mass greater than the control by increasing β‐cell proliferation and decreasing its apoptosis. In a euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp, whole‐body glucose infusion rate and hepatic glucose output increased with potentiating hepatic insulin signaling in the following order: Px‐control, KME‐W, KME‐E, and normal‐control. Betulin potentiated insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake via increased PPAR‐γ activity and insulin signaling in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, whereas oleanolic acid enhanced glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and cell proliferation in insulinoma cells. In conclusion, KME‐E prevented the deterioration of glucose metabolism in diabetic rats more effectively than KME‐W and KME‐E can be a better therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes than KME‐W.
Decomposition of Data Mining Algorithms into Unified Functional Blocks
Authors: Kholod Ivan , Kupriyanov Mikhail , Shorov Andrey
Published: January 2016

The present paper describes the method of creating data mining algorithms from unified functional blocks. This method splits algorithms into independently functioning blocks. These blocks must have unified interfaces and implement pure functions. The method allows us to create new data mining algorithms from existing blocks and improves the existing algorithms by optimizing single blocks or the whole structure of the algorithms. This becomes possible due to a number of important properties inherent in pure functions and hence functional blocks.
A Damage Detection Algorithm Utilizing Dynamic Displacement of Bridge under Moving Vehicle
Authors: Sun Zhen , Nagayama Tomonori , Su Di , Fujino Yozo
Published: January 2016

A damage detection method is proposed, which utilizes dynamic displacement of bridge structures under moving vehicle. The problem is first elaborated with closed-form solution of dynamic displacement, which is decomposed into quasi-static component and dynamic component. Dynamic curvature is defined as second derivative of the dynamic displacement for detecting damage location and estimating damage extent. Damage is modeled by local reduction of stiffness in this paper. Numerical study was conducted on a simply supported beam to verify the proposed method. Vehicle model is analyzed with Newmark’s method using Matlab to obtain the contact force acting on the bridge. Beam model is established in commercial finite element software ABAQUS. The effects of road surface roughness and vehicle-bridge interaction are both considered in the analysis. In order to identify damage location and extent, dynamic curvature was calculated with midspan displacement. Parametric study on measurement noise level, damage location, damage extent, and multiple damage cases is performed, and the analysis results show both reliability and efficacy of this method in damage detection of bridge structures. At last, conclusions are drawn for its application to bridges in engineering practice.
ET-1 Promotes Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells into Osteoblasts through ETR, MAPK, and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways under Inflammatory Microenvironment
Authors: Liang Li , Zhou Wei , Yang Nan , Yu Jifeng , Liu Hongchen
Published: January 2016

Periodontitis is a kind of chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tooth-supporting tissues. ET-1 is related to periodontitis and involved in the regulation of cytokines, but the mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate how ET-1 affects proinflammatory cytokine expression and differentiation in human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). PDLSCs were isolated from the periodontal ligament tissues of periodontitis patients and then treated with ET-1 (1, 10, or 100 nM) for 12 h, 24 h, or 72 h. The osteogenic potential of PDLSCs was tested using ALP staining. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were evaluated by ELISA and western blot. Runx2, OCN, and COL1 mRNA and western levels were detected by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. To examine the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in ET-1-mediated cytokine expression and osteogenic differentiation, ETR pathway, MAPKs pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and Wnt/Ca2+pathway were detected by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. ET-1 promoted differentiation of PDLSCs into osteoblasts by increasing secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. ET-1 also increased expression of Runx2, OCN, and COL1. ET-1 promotes differentiation of PDLSCs into osteoblasts through ETR, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways under inflammatory microenvironment.
Influence of Hydrocolloids on the Quality of Major Flat Breads: A Review
Authors: Pahwa Akanksha , Kaur Amarjeet , Puri Ritika
Published: January 2016

Flat breads are popular all over the world. There are several forms of flat bread, which differ in their methods of preparation. In comparison to pan breads, the leavened flat breads have shorter fermentation period. Nowadays, the use of additives has become a common practice in the baking industry. In this paper, supplementation of several hydrocolloids having different chemical structure and diverse origin to the flatbread making process is presented. Hydrocolloids comprise a number of water-soluble polysaccharides providing a range of functional properties that make them suitable to this application. They provide proper texture, control moisture, improve overall product quality and stability, reduce cost, and facilitate processing in the flat breads. Various gluten-free formulations have applied hydrocolloids to mimic the viscoelastic properties of gluten. Hydrocolloids have been used for retarding the staling and for improving the quality of the fresh products. In addition to this, good sensory properties for visual appearance, aroma, flavor, crunchiness, and overall acceptability were obtained.
The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma
Authors: Cairns Elizabeth A. , Baldridge William H. , Kelly Melanie E. M.
Published: January 2016

Glaucoma is an irreversible blinding eye disease which produces progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor, and lowering IOP results in reduced risk of progression of the disorder. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has attracted considerable attention as a potential target for the treatment of glaucoma, largely due to the observed IOP lowering effects seen after administration of exogenous cannabinoids. However, recent evidence has suggested that modulation of the ECS may also be neuroprotective. This paper will review the use of cannabinoids in glaucoma, presenting pertinent information regarding the pathophysiology of glaucoma and how alterations in cannabinoid signalling may contribute to glaucoma pathology. Additionally, the mechanisms and potential for the use of cannabinoids and other novel agents that target the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of glaucoma will be discussed.
Woven Glass Fiber Composites with Aligned Carbon Nanotube Sheet Interlayers
Authors: Bhanushali Hardik , Bradford Philip D.
Published: January 2016

This investigation describes the design, fabrication, and testing of woven glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix laminates with aligned CNT sheets integrated between plies in order to improve the matrix dominated through thickness properties such as the interlaminar fracture toughness at ply interfaces. Using aligned CNT sheets allows for a concentration of millimeter long CNTs at the most likely point of laminate failure. Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of various CNT modified samples were investigated using double cantilever beam (DCB) and end notched flexure (ENF) experiments, respectively. Short beam strength (SBS) and in-plane tensile properties of the CNT modified samples were also investigated. Moderate improvement was observed in Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness at crack initiation when aligned CNT sheets with a basis weight of 0.354 g/m2were used to modify the ply interface. No compromise in the in-plane mechanical properties of the laminate was observed and very little improvement was observed in the shear related short beam strength of the CNT modified laminates as compared to the control samples. Integration of aligned CNT sheets into the composite laminate imparted in-plane and through thickness electrical properties into the nonconductive glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminates.