bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A time-course evaluation of inflammatory and oxidative markers following high-intensity exercise in horses: a pilot study
Authors: MacNicol Jennifer L. , Lindinger Michael I. , Pearson Wendy
Published: October 2017

Exercise is a physiological stress resulting in reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators, the accumulation of which are thought to contribute to degenerative articular diseases. The horse is of particular interest in this regard as equine athletes are frequently exposed to repetitive bouts of high-intensity exercise. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed description of the response of articular and systemic oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers following high-intensity, exhaustive exercise in horses. A group of horses (Ex) underwent repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise, at a target heart rate of 180 beats/min, until voluntary exhaustion. Baseline plasma and synovial fluid (SF) samples were taken 24 h before exercise and then at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h following exercise cessation. This time course was repeated in a group of nonexercised control horses (Co). Plasma and SF samples were analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant status (TAS), and glycosaminoglycans (GAG). The Ex group had significantly higher plasma NO at 0.5, 1, and 2 h; and higher plasma PGE2 at 0.5 and 1 h compared with Co. SF PGE2 and GAG were also higher in Ex horses at 8 h compared with Co. It is concluded that high-intensity exercise in horses results in a rapid increase in systemic oxidative and inflammatory markers from 0.5 to 2 h after exercise, which is followed by local articular inflammation and cartilage turnover at 8 h postexercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In horses, the influence of exercise systemically and within the articular space remains unclear and requires further detailed characterization. In this study, we identify that an acute bout of high-intensity exercise in horses induces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress within 30 min of exercise cessation, which lasts for ~2 h. Articular inflammation and cartilage turnover were also be observed within the equine carpal joint 8 h following exercise completion.
Mechanical Property and Analysis of Asphalt Components Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Li Rui , Guo Qiqi , Du Hui , Pei Jianzhong
Published: October 2017

The asphalt-aggregate interface interaction plays a significant role in the overall performances of asphalt mixture. In order to analyze the chemical constitution of asphalt effects on the asphalt-aggregate interaction, the average structure C64H52S2 is selected to represent the asphalt, and the colloid, saturated phenol, and asphaltene are selected to represent the major constitutions in asphalt. The molecular models are established for the three compositions, respectively, and the Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted for the three kinds of asphaltene-aggregate system at different presses. Comparing the E value of Young modulus of these three polymers, the maximum modulus value of asphaltene was 2.80 GPa, the modulus value of colloid was secondary, and the minimum modulus of saturated phenol was 0.52 GPa. This result corresponds to conventional understanding.
The Internal Recycle Reactor Enhances Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrates to Recover Phosphorus from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Guan Wei , Tian Shichao
Published: October 2017

In this experiment, the porous calcium silicate hydrates (P-CSHs) were prepared via a hydrothermal method and then modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG). The modified P-CSHs combined with an internal recycle reactor could successfully recover the phosphorus from electroplating wastewater. The modified P-CSHs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). After compared with different samples, the modified P-CSHs-PEG2000 sample had larger specific surface area of 87.48 m2/g and higher pore volume of 0.33 cm3/g, indicating a high capacity for phosphorus recovery. In the process of phosphorus recovery, the pH value of solution was increased to 9.5, which would enhance the recovery efficiency of phosphorus. The dissolution rate of Ca2+ from P-CSH-PEG2000 was fast, which was favorable for phosphorus precipitation and phosphorus recovery. The effects of initial concentration of phosphorus, P-CSHs-PEG2000 dosage, and stirring speed on phosphorus recovery were analyzed, so the optimal operation conditions for phosphorus recovery were obtained. The deposition was analyzed by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, and SEM techniques; it was indicated that the pore volume and surface area of the P-CSHs-PEG2000 were significantly reduced, and the deposition on the surface of P-CSHs-PEG2000 was hydroxyapatite.
Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Using Composite Binders
Authors: Fediuk Roman , Smoliakov Aleksey , Muraviov Aleksandr
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the creation of high-density impermeable concrete. The effect of the “cement, fly ash, and limestone” composite binders obtained by joint grinding with superplasticizer in the varioplanetary mill on the process of structure formation was studied. Compaction of structure on micro- and nanoscale levels was characterized by different techniques: X-ray diffraction, DTA-TGA, and electron microscopy. Results showed that the grinding of active mineral supplements allows crystallization centers to be created by ash particles as a result of the binding of Ca(OH)2 during hardening alite, which intensifies the clinker minerals hydration process; the presence of fine grains limestone also leads to the hydrocarboaluminates calcium formation. The relation between cement stone neoplasms composition as well as fibrous concrete porosity and permeability of composite at nanoscale level for use of composite binders with polydispersed mineral supplements was revealed. The results are of potential importance in developing the wide range of fine-grained fiber-reinforced concrete with a compressive strength more than 100 MPa, with low permeability under actual operating conditions.
A Spectrum Sensing Method Based on Signal Feature and Clustering Algorithm in Cognitive Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Yongwei , Wan Pin , Zhang Shunchao , Wang Yonghua , Li Nan
Published: October 2017

In order to solve the problem of difficulty in determining the threshold in spectrum sensing technologies based on the random matrix theory, a spectrum sensing method based on clustering algorithm and signal feature is proposed for Cognitive Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks. Firstly, the wireless communication signal features are obtained according to the sampling signal covariance matrix. Then, the clustering algorithm is used to classify and test the signal features. Different signal features and clustering algorithms are compared in this paper. The experimental results show that the proposed method has better sensing performance.
Bone Resection for Isolated Ulnar Head Fracture
Authors: Akino Hiromasa , Hama Shunpei , Yasuda Masataka , Minato Kenta , Miyashita Masahiro
Published: October 2017

Distal ulnar fractures often occur with distal radius fractures (DRFs), and ulnar styloid fractures commonly occur in the setting of DRF. However, isolated ulnar head fractures are rare. We report a case of isolated ulnar head fracture in which we performed bone resection because the ulnar head bone fragment fractured when internal screw fixation was attempted. His outcome at 18 months postoperatively was considered excellent. However, we do not advocate bone resection other than failure of fixation and the difficult case to perform internal fixation. Longer follow-up would be needed because bone resection might lead to osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint in the future.
Outcome of Critically Ill Patients with Testicular Cancer
Authors: Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A. , Barragán-Dessavre Mireya , Bautista-Ocampo Andoreni R. , García-Guillén Francisco J. , Córdova-Sánchez Bertha M. , Constantino-Hérnandez Edgar , Correa-García Paulina , González-Chon Octavio , Herrera-Gómez Angel
Published: October 2017

Purpose.To evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with testicular cancer (TC) admitted to an oncological intensive care unit (ICU).Methods.This was a prospective observational study. There were no interventions.Results.During the study period, 1,402 patients with TC were admitted to the Department of Oncology, and 60 patients (4.3%) were admitted to the ICU. The most common histologic type was nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (55/91.7%). The ICU, hospital, and 6-month mortality rates were 38.3%, 45%, and 63.3%, respectively. The Cox multivariate analysis identified the white blood cells count (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01–1.11, andP=0.005), ionized calcium (iCa) level (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01–1.50, andP=0.037), and 2 or more organ failures during the first 24 hours after ICU admission (HR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.96–7.59, andP<0.001) as independent predictors of death for up to 6 months.Conclusion.The ICU, hospital, and 6-month mortality rates were 38.3%, 45%, and 63.3%, respectively. The factors associated with an increased 6-month mortality rate were white blood cells count, iCa level, and 2 or more organ failures during the first 24 hours after ICU admission.
End-to-End Data Rate Performance of Decode-and-Forward Relaying with Different Resource Allocation Schemes
Authors: Ullah Inam , Dowhuszko Alexis , Zheng Zhong , González González David , Hämäläinen Jyri
Published: October 2017

This paper studies the end-to-end (e2e) data rate of dual-hop Decode-and-Forward (DF) infrastructure relaying under different resource allocation schemes. In this context, we first provide a comparative analysis of the optimal resource allocation scheme with respect to several other approaches in order to provide insights into the system behavior and show the benefits of each alternative. Then, assuming the optimal resource allocation, a closed form expression for the distribution of the mean and outage data rates is derived. It turns out that the corresponding mean e2e data rate formula attains an expression in terms of an integral that does not admit a closed form solution. Therefore, a tight lower bound formula for the mean e2e data rate is presented. Results can be used to select the most convenient resource allocation scheme and perform link dimensioning in the network planning phase, showing the explicit relationships that exist between component link bandwidths, SNR values, and mean data rate.
A Novel Cyclophilin B Gene in the Red Tide DinoflagellateCochlodinium polykrikoides: Molecular Characterizations and Transcriptional Responses to Environmental Stresses
Authors: Abassi Sofia , Wang Hui , Park Bum Soo , Park Jong-Woo , Ki Jang-Seu
Published: October 2017

The marine dinoflagellateCochlodinium polykrikoidesis one of the most common ichthyotoxic species that causes harmful algal blooms (HABs), which leads to ecological damage and huge economic loss in aquaculture industries. Cyclophilins (CYPs) belong to the immunophilin superfamily, and they may play a role in the survival mechanisms of the dinoflagellate in stress environments. In the present study, we identified a novel cyclophilin gene fromC. polykrikoidesand examined physiological and gene transcriptional responses to biocides copper sulphate (CuSO4) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The full length ofCpCYPwas 903 bp, ranging from the dinoflagellate splice leader (DinoSL) sequence to the polyA tail, comprising a 639 bp ORF, a 117 bp 5′-UTR, and a 147 bp 3′-UTR. Motif and phylogenetic comparisons showed that CpCYP was affiliated to group B of CYP. In biocide stressors, cell counts, chlorophylla, and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) ofC. polykrikoideswere considerably decreased in both exposure time- and dose-dependent manners. In addition,CpCYPgene expression was significantly induced after 24 h exposure to the biocide-treated stress conditions. These results indicate an effect of the biocides on the cell physiology and expression profile ofCpCYP, suggesting that the gene may play a role in environmental stress responses.
Clinical Decision Support System for Diabetes Based on Ontology Reasoning and TOPSIS Analysis
Authors: Chen Rung-Ching , Jiang Hui Qin , Huang Chung-Yi , Bau Cho-Tsan
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Although a number of researchers have considered the positive potential of Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), they did not consider that patients’ attitude which leads to active treatment strategies or HbA1c targets. Materials and Methods. We adopted the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) published to propose an HbA1c target and antidiabetic medication recommendation system for patients. Based on the antidiabetic medication profiles, which were presented by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology (ACE), we use TOPSIS to calculate the ranking of antidiabetic medications. Results. The endocrinologist set up ten virtual patients’ medical data to evaluate a decision support system. The system indicates that the CDSS performs well and is useful to 87%, and the recommendation system is suitable for outpatients. The evaluation results of the antidiabetic medications show that the system has 85% satisfaction degree which can assist clinicians to manage T2DM while selecting antidiabetic medications. Conclusions. In addition to aiding doctors’ clinical diagnosis, the system not only can serve as a guide for specialty physicians but also can help nonspecialty doctors and young doctors with their drug prescriptions.
Systemic Treatment of Metastatic Conjunctival Melanoma
Authors: Pinto Torres Simão , André Teresa , Gouveia Emanuel , Costa Lívio , Passos Maria José
Published: October 2017

Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is an exceptionally rare tumor, with a propensity for local and distant recurrence, with the lungs, skin, liver, and brain being the most common sites of metastasis. Recent progress in systemic treatments, with checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies blocking BRAF and MEK, has redefined the standard of care of advanced unresectable and metastatic melanoma. Although most trials did not include patients with conjunctival melanoma, its close molecular and genetic relationship to cutaneous melanoma might suggest a similar response to these novel agents. The authors describe two uncommon cases of metastatic conjunctival melanomas with distinct genetic profiles and, as such, submitted to different systemic treatments.
Protective Effects of Moringa oleifera on HBV Genotypes C and H Transiently Transfected Huh7 Cells
Authors: Feustel Sina , Ayón-Pérez Fabiola , Sandoval-Rodriguez Ana , Rodríguez-Echevarría Roberto , Contreras-Salinas Homero , Armendáriz-Borunda Juan , Sánchez-Orozco L. V.
Published: October 2017

Chronic hepatitis B infection treatment implicates a long-lasting treatment. M. oleifera extracts contain compounds with antiviral, antioxidant, and antifibrotic properties. In this study, the effect of M. oleifera was evaluated in Huh7 cells expressing either HBV genotypes C or H for the antiviral, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative responses. Huh7 cells were treated with an aqueous extract of M. oleifera (leaves) at doses of 0, 30, 45, or 60 μg/mL. The replicative virus and TGF-β1, CTGF, CAT, IFN-β1, and pgRNA expressions were measured by real time. HBsAg and IL-6 titers were determined by ELISA. CTGF, TGF-β1, IFN-β1, and pgRNA expressions decreased with M. oleifera treatment irrespective of the HBV genotype. HBsAg secretion in the supernatant of transfected Huh7 cells with both HBV genotypes was decreased regardless of the dose of M. oleifera. Similar effect was observed in proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, which had a tendency to decrease at 24 hours of treatment. Transfection with both HBV genotypes strongly decreased CAT expression, which is retrieved with M. oleifera treatment. M. oleifera treatment reduced fibrosis markers, IL-6, and HBsAg secretion in HBV genotypes C and H. However, at the level of replication, only HBV-DNA genotype C was slightly reduced with this treatment.
Self-Conjugation of the EnteropathogenicEscherichia coliAdherence Factor Plasmid of Four Typical EPEC Isolates
Authors: Silva Claudia , Zavala-Alvarado Crispín , Puente José L.
Published: October 2017

The enteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EPEC) adherence factor plasmid (pEAF) encodes the proteins involved in the biogenesis of the bundle-forming pilus (BFP), a key virulence factor that mediates microcolony formation and the localized adherence phenotype on the surface of the host enterocytes. The presence or absence of this plasmid defines typical EPEC (tEPEC) and atypical EPEC (aEPEC), respectively. Although lateral transfer of pEAF has been evidenced by phylogenetic studies, conjugal transfer ability has been experimentally established only for two pEAF plasmids from strains isolated in the late 60s. In the present work, we tested the self-conjugation ability of four pEAF plasmids from tEPEC strains isolated between 2007 and 2008 from children in Peru and the potential of aEPEC to receive them. A kanamycin resistance cassette was inserted into donor pEAF plasmids in order to provide a selectable marker in the conjugation experiments. Two aEPEC isolated from the same geographic region were used as recipient strains along with the laboratoryE. coliDH5αstrain. Here we show that the four pEAF plasmids tested are self-conjugative, with transfer frequencies in the range of 10−6to 10−9. Moreover, the generation of aEPEC strains harboring pEAF plasmids provides valuable specimens to further perform functional studies.
A Molecular Basis for the Inhibition of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 by Gomisin A
Authors: Lee Sung Bae , Noh Shinhwa , Yeom Hye Duck , Jo Heejin , Eom Sanung , Kim Yoon Suh , Nam Sangsoo , Bae Hyunsu , Lee Jun-Ho
Published: October 2017

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel has critical actions as conditional sensors in primary afferent neurons. We studied the regulatory action of gomisin A on TRPV1 channel current in this report. Schisandra chinensis contains bioactive compounds such as the gomisin derivatives and their related compounds. Coapplication with gomisin A inhibited the capsaicin‐mediated inward peak current. This inhibitory effect of gomisin A on capsaicin‐induced inward current showed concentration‐dependence and was reversible. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of gomisin A was 62.7 ± 8.4 µM. In addition, this inhibition occurred in a noncompetition regulation mode and voltage insensitive manner. Furthermore, molecular docking studies of gomisin A on TRPV1 showed that it interacted predominantly with residues at cavities in the segments 1 and 2 of each subunit. Four potential binding sites for this ligand in the extracellular region at sensor domain of TRPV1 channel were identified. Point mutagenesis studies were undertaken, and gomisin A potency decreased for both the Y453A and N467A mutants. The double mutation of Y453 and N467 significantly attenuated inhibitory effects by gomisin A. In summary, this study revealed the molecular basis for the interaction between TRPV1 and gomisin A and provides a novel potent interaction ligand.
Spondias purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae): Antioxidant and Antiulcer Activities of the Leaf Hexane Extract
Authors: de Almeida Cynthia Layse Ferreira , Brito Samara Alves , de Santana Temístocles Italo , Costa Henrique Bandeira Alves , de Carvalho Júnior Carlson Helder Reis , da Silva Márcia Vanusa , de Almeida Lécio Leone , Rolim Larissa Araújo , dos Santos Vanda Lucia , Wanderley Almir Gonçalves , da Silva Teresinha Gonçalves
Published: October 2017

Spondias purpurea is used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea and diuresis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antiulcer activities of the hexane extract of the leaves of S. purpurea (SpHE). Phytochemical profile was evaluated via thin layer chromatography (TLC) and HPLC. SpHE was screened for antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum assays. To determine its antiulcer properties, animals were pretreated with injured control, lansoprazole, ranitidine, carbenoxolone, or SpHE (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) and were screened; acute ulcers were induced by HCl/ethanol, absolute ethanol, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID). TLC revealed the presence of flavonoids, whereas HPLC analysis showed the presence of caffeic acid and epigallocatechin. The phenolic compounds and in vitro assays showed antioxidant activity. After gastric ulcer induction by using HCl/ethanol, SpHE reduced the area of ulcerative lesions by 82, 91, and 88%, respectively. In ethanol, SpHE reduced the area of ulcerative lesions by 77, 93, and 92%, respectively. In the NSAID, the percentages of protection were 70, 76, and 78%, respectively. SpHE promoted the minimization of ulcers, increased the levels of reduced glutathione, and decreased tumor necrosis factor. S. purpurea has antioxidant and antiulcer properties.
Molecular Epidemiology of Rifampicin Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF Assay from a Rural Setting in India
Authors: Reddy Raghuprakash , Alvarez-Uria Gerardo
Published: October 2017

The Xpert MTB/RIF assay can detect mutations in rpoB gene that confer rifampicin resistance (RR) using five overlapping probes (A, B, C, D, and E). In this study, we described our experience with the Xpert assay in a rural setting in India. During the study period, 3250 samples were processed. The result was unsuccessful in 5.7% of cases. For extrapulmonary specimens, the risk of unsuccessful result was higher in tissue biopsy and stool samples. Among samples positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rifampicin resistance was indeterminate in 1.2% of them. Our results and a review of the literature showed that the most frequent mutations conferring RR were located in the region of Probe E (63.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 56.26–70.94), followed by Probe B (15.02%; 95% CI 11.94–18.10), Probe D (13.35%; 95% CI 10.01–16.69), Probe A (4.73%; 95% CI 1.92–7.54), and Probe C (1.61%; 95% CI 0.67–2.54). Although the high cost of the cartridges precluded using the Xpert assay for routine diagnosis of tuberculosis, our results demonstrate that the assay can be used to diagnose RR-tuberculosis in rural areas with limited laboratory infrastructure and could be a convenient tool to investigate the molecular epidemiology of RR in resource-limited settings.
Echinacoside Alleviates UVB Irradiation‐Mediated Skin Damage via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, and Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Di , Lu Chengtao , Yu Zhe , Wang Xiayin , Yan Li , Zhang Juanli , Li Hua , Wang Jianbo , Wen Aidong
Published: October 2017

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation has been known to cause skin damage, which is associated with oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Echinacoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside isolated from Herba Cistanches, which exhibits strong antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluate the photoprotective effect of echinacoside on UVB‐induced skin damage and explore the potential molecular mechanism. BALB/c mice and HaCaT cells were treated with echinacoside before UVB exposure. Histopathological examination was used to evaluate the skin damage. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA damage, and apoptosis were measured as well. Western blot was used to measure the expression of related proteins. The results revealed that pretreatment of echinacoside ameliorated the skin injury; attenuated oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis caused by UVB exposure; and normalized the protein levels of ATR, p53, PIAS3, hnRNP K, PARP, and XPA. To summarize, echinacoside is beneficial in the prevention of UVB‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis of the skin in vivo and in vitro.
Impact Analysis of Land Use on Traffic Congestion Using Real-Time Traffic and POI
Authors: Zhang Tianqi , Sun Lishan , Yao Liya , Rong Jian
Published: October 2017

This paper proposed a new method to describe, compare, and classify the traffic congestion points in Beijing, China, by using the online map data and further revealed the relationship between traffic congestion and land use. The data of the point of interest (POI) and the real-time traffic was extracted from an electronic map of the area in the fourth ring road of Beijing. The POIs were quantified based on the architectural area of the land use; the congestion points were identified based on real-time traffic. Then, the cluster analysis using the attributes of congestion time was conducted to identify the main traffic congestion areas. The result of a linear regression analysis between the congestion time and the land use showed that the influence of the high proportion of commercial land use on the traffic congestion was significant. Also, we considered five types of land use through performing a linear regression analysis between the congestion time and the ratio of four types of land use. The results showed that the reasonable ratio of land use types could efficiently reduce congestion time. This study makes contributions to the policy-making of urban land use.
Heparanase Inhibition Reduces Glucose Levels, Blood Pressure, and Oxidative Stress in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice
Authors: Hamoud Shadi , Shekh Muhammad Rabia , Abu-Saleh Niroz , Hassan Ahmad , Zohar Yaniv , Hayek Tony
Published: October 2017

Background.Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial process. Emerging evidence highlights a role of the enzyme heparanase in various disease states, including atherosclerosis formation and progression.Objective.The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of heparanase inhibition on blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and oxidative stress in apoE−/− mice.Methods.Male apoE−/− mice were divided into two groups: one treated by the heparanase inhibitor PG545, administered intraperitoneally weekly for seven weeks, and the other serving as control group (injected with saline). Blood pressure was measured a day before sacrificing the animals. Serum glucose levels and lipid profile were measured. Assessment of oxidative stress was performed as well.Results.PG545 significantly lowered blood pressure and serum glucose levels in treated mice. It also caused significant reduction of the serum oxidative stress. For safety concerns, liver enzymes were assessed, and PG545 caused significant elevation only of alanine aminotransferase, but not of the other hepatic enzymes.Conclusion.Heparanase inhibition by PG545 caused marked reduction of blood pressure, serum glucose levels, and oxidative stress in apolipoprotein E deficient mice, possibly via direct favorable metabolic and hemodynamic changes caused by the inhibitor. Possible hepatotoxic and weight wasting effects are subject for future investigation.
Pyroshock Acceleration Field Reconstruction in Temporal and Spectral Domains Based on Laser Shock Scanning and Iterative Decomposition and Synthesis Considering Stop Band Effects
Authors: Kim Yong-Woon , Jang Jae-Kyeong , Lee Jung-Ryul
Published: October 2017

Pyrotechnic devices are used to separate substructures from main structures. Pyroshock can cause failure in electronic components that are sensitive to high frequency shock. Most of the existing methods to analyze pyroshock have limitations for high frequency simulations and are only available for simulation of point explosive-induced pyroshock. To solve the problem of existing methods, we developed a laser shock-based pyroshock reconstruction algorithm covering high frequency range that can predict linear explosive-induced pyroshock, as well as point explosive-induced ones. The developed algorithm reconstructs pyroshock from laser shock test in both temporal and spectral domains using an iterative signal decomposition and synthesis method. In the signal decomposition and synthesis process, unremoved signals in the stopbands occurred and were compensated by iteration to improve the results. At the end of this paper, various types of pyroshock were processed through the proposed method. Pyroshock wave propagation images and shock response spectrum images were presented as a result. To verify the algorithm, we compared the obtained result with a real pyroshock. The time domain signal was reconstructed with an averaged peak to peak acceleration difference of 20.21%, and the shock response spectrum was reconstructed with an average mean acceleration difference of 25.86%.
Damage Identification of Unreinforced Masonry Panels Using Vibration-Based Techniques
Authors: Oyarzo-Vera Claudio , Chouw Nawawi
Published: October 2017

Several damage indicators based on changes in modal properties validated for homogeneous materials were applied to detect damage in an unreinforced masonry cantilever panel. Damage was created by a “clean diagonal cut” at the center of the specimen which length was progressively extended towards the specimen’s corners. Numerical simulations were employed to determine the modal response at several damage states and this data was used to calculate the damage indicators. Those indicators presenting a good performance were then applied to identify damage on a physical specimen tested in the laboratory. The outcomes of this study demonstrated that vibration-based damage detection in unreinforced masonry structures can be satisfactorily performed. However, the identification of the damage spatial distribution using vibration-based methods in unreinforced masonry structures is still difficult. To improve the prediction of damage distribution, a large number of measurement points need to be considered to obtain an acceptable level of resolution.
Administration of Protein Kinase D1 Induces a Protective Effect on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Inflammation in a Co-Culture Model of Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells and RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells
Authors: Nielsen Ditte Søvsø Gundelund , Fredborg Marlene , Andersen Vibeke , Purup Stig
Published: October 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory diseases involving all or part of the gastrointestinal tract. The stress-activated serine-threonine protein kinase D1 (PKD1) protein has previously been implicated in intestinal immune regulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of human PKD1 in relation to intestinal inflammation, using a co-culture model of intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. An inflammatory response was induced in the macrophages by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), upregulating the expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-6 besides increasing the secretion of TNF-αprotein. The effect of administering PKD1 to Caco-2 was evaluated in relation to both amelioration of inflammation and the ability to suppress inflammation initiation. Administration of PKD1 (10–100 ng/ml) following induction of inflammation induced downregulation of TNF-αexpression in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, PKD1 administered for 3 h prior to LPS stimulation reduced the subsequent inflammatory response through downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. These results demonstrate a potential role of PKD1 in the intercellular communication between intestinal epithelial and immune cells, proposing a protective effect of PKD1 on the induction of an inflammatory response in macrophages, an important aspect during the pathogenesis of IBD.
NFκB Promotes Ovarian Tumorigenesis via Classical Pathways That Support Proliferative Cancer Cells and Alternative Pathways That Support ALDH+ Cancer Stem–like Cells
Authors: House Carrie D. , Jordan Elizabeth , Hernandez Lidia , Ozaki Michelle , James Jana M. , Kim Marianne , Kruhlak Michael J. , Batchelor Eric , Elloumi Fathi , Cam Margaret C. , Annunziata Christina M.
Published: October 2017

Understanding the mechanisms supporting tumor-initiating cells (TIC) is vital to combat advanced-stage recurrent cancers. Here, we show that in advanced ovarian cancers NFκB signaling via the RelB transcription factor supports TIC populations by directly regulating the cancer stem-like associated enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Loss of RelB significantly inhibited spheroid formation, ALDH expression and activity, chemoresistance, and tumorigenesis in subcutaneous and intrabursal mouse xenograft models of human ovarian cancer. RelB also affected expression of the ALDH gene ALDH1A2. Interestingly, classical NFκB signaling through the RelA transcription factor was equally important for tumorigenesis in the intrabursal model, but had no effect on ALDH. In this case, classical signaling via RelA was essential for proliferating cells, whereas the alternative signaling pathway was not. Our results show how NFκB sustains diverse cancer phenotypes via distinct classical and alternative signaling pathways, with implications for improved understanding of disease recurrence and therapeutic response. Cancer Res; 77(24); 6927–40. ©2017 AACR.
Complex Immune Evasion Strategies in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Wein Frederik , Weniger Marc A. , Höing Benedikt , Arnolds Judith , Hüttmann Andreas , Hansmann Martin-Leo , Hartmann Sylvia , Küppers Ralf
Published: October 2017

The cellular microenvironment in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is dominated by a mixed infiltrate of inflammatory cells with typically only about 1% Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg (HRS) tumor cells. T cells are usually the largest population of cells in the cHL microenvironment, encompassing T helper (Th) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and cytotoxic T cells. Th cells and Tregs presumably provide essential survival signals for HRS cells. Tregs are also involved in rescuing HRS cells from antitumor immune responses. An understanding of the immune evasion strategies of HRS cells is not only relevant for a characterization of the pathophysiology of cHL but is also clinically relevant, given the current treatment approaches targeting checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we characterized the cHL-specific CD4+ T-cell infiltrate regarding its role in immune evasion. Global gene expression analysis of CD4+ Th cells and Tregs isolated from cHL lymph nodes and reactive tonsils revealed that Treg signatures were enriched in CD4+ Th cells of cHL. Hence, HRS cells may induce Treg differentiation in Th cells, a conclusion supported by in vitro studies with Th cells and cHL cell lines. We also found evidence for immune-suppressive purinergic signaling and a role of the inhibitory receptor-ligand pairs B- and T-cell lymphocyte attenuator–herpesvirus entry mediator and CD200R–CD200 in promoting immune evasion. Taken together, this study highlights the relevance of Treg induction and reveals new immune checkpoint-driven immune evasion strategies in cHL. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(12); 1122–32. ©2017 AACR.
Erfahrungen am Lebensende: Eine Umfrage bei Ärzten und Pflegenden eines Spitals für anthroposophisch erweiterte Medizin
Authors: Klein Sabine , Kohler Sara , Krüerke Daniel , Templeton Arnoud , Weibel Adrian , Haraldsson Erlendur , Nahm Michael , Wolf Ursula
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund: Wissenschaftliche Studien zum mentalen Zustand sterbender Personen in den Wochen und Tagen vor dem Tod liegen bisher nur vereinzelt vor. Bekannt ist, dass die Spiritualität zum Lebensende hin eine wichtigere Rolle einnimmt als zuvor. In der Anthroposophie wird davon ausgegangen, dass sich im Sterbeprozess die Seele und der Geist vom physischen Körper lösen und in die geistige Welt eingehen. Methode: Wir führten eine retrospektive Umfrage unter Ärzten und Pflegenden der Klinik Arlesheim durch. Der schriftliche Fragebogen bestand aus 60 geschlossenen und 5 offenen Fragen zu Beobachtungen und Wahrnehmungen von Erfahrungen am Lebensende (ELE). Ergebnisse: Der Rücklauf betrug 18% (21 Fragebögen). Folgende Phänomene wurden von den Befragten bei Patienten in deren letzten Lebenswochen am häufigsten beobachtet: Patienten verfügten plötzlich über viel Zuversicht und Energie; belastende Emotionen nahmen zu; Patienten nahmen phasenweise eine andere Realitätsebene wahr. ELE wurden von den Antwortenden als Quelle spirituellen Trosts für Sterbende und Angehörige empfunden. Schlussfolgerung: Ärzte und Pflegende in einem Spital für anthroposophisch erweiterte Medizin in der Schweiz berichteten von ähnlichen ELE ihrer Patientinnen und Patienten wie in zuvor in England durchgeführten Studien. Um sich im Umgang mit ELE sicherer zu fühlen, wünschten sich Ärzte und Pflegende mehr Informationen im Rahmen entsprechender Aus- oder Weiterbildungen.
Acoustic Realization and Inventory Size: Kannada and Malayalam Alveolar/Retroflex Laterals and /ɻ/
Authors: Tabain Marija , Kochetov Alexei
Published: October 2017

This study examines formant and spectral moment data for the apical and retroflex lateral sounds /l ɭ/ of the Dravidian languages Kannada and Malayalam, together with the rhotic /ɻ/ of Malayalam. Data are presented for 10 male speakers of each language. We find that the first spectral moment is lower for retroflex laterals than for alveolar laterals, and lower for the rhotic /ɻ/ of Malayalam than for the retroflex lateral in the same language. Differences emerge when the retroflex lateral of Kannada is compared with the same sound in Malayalam. For both languages, F1 is higher and F3 and F4 are lower for the retroflex /ɭ/ than for the alveolar /l/. However, F2 is higher for the retroflex than for the alveolar sound in Kannada, but lower in Malayalam. This difference is also reflected in differences in the second spectral moment between the languages. It is suggested that since proximity of F2 and F3 is known to be a defining feature of the rhotic /ɻ/ in Malayalam, principles of phonetic dispersion apply to keep F2 from becoming too close to F3 for the retroflex lateral /ɭ/ of Malayalam, but not for the same sound in Kannada.
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by the General Population in the Czech Republic: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Pokladnikova Jitka , Selke-Krulichova Iva
Published: October 2017

Background: The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) ranges between 0.3% and 86% in most highly developed countries. In the Czech Republic, CAM is used by 76% of the general population. Our aim was to examine patterns in CAM use among a representative sample of the general population in the Czech Republic, for 2011 and 2014. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A sex-, age- and region-stratified sample of citizens aged 15 years and older was randomly selected from the 2014 voter registration lists (n = 8,395,132). A comparative analysis of data collected in 2011 and 2014 was performed. Results: Overall, 76.0% (N = 1,365) versus 87.0% (N = 1,565) of the respondents reported use of 1 or more CAM modalities during the past 30 days, in 2011 and 2014, respectively (p < 0.001). In both years, the top 4 CAM modalities used were vitamins/minerals, herbal teas, massage, and relaxation. Yoga replaced dietary supplements excluding vitamins/minerals in the 5th position. Nevertheless, only herbal teas (48.0% vs. 53.0%, p = 0.002), massage (20.0% vs. 26.0%, p < 0.001), relaxation (10.0% vs. 19.0%, p < 0.001), and yoga (3.7% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001) showed a significant increase in use. Conclusions: The prevalence of CAM use in the Czech Republic is increasing, especially among people who use biological, body- and mind-based CAM therapies. There is a great need to educate students and health care professionals about the efficacy and safety of CAM in order to meet the patients' demands on CAM.
Oligometastatische Erkrankung in der Peritonealhöhle bei gastrointestinalen Karzinomen
Authors: Rau Beate , Brandl Andreas , Pascher Andreas , Raue Wieland , Sugarbaker Paul
Published: October 2017

Ziel: Die therapeutischen Optionen zur Behandlung von Pati- enten mit gastrointestinalen Karzinomen und oligometastatischer Erkrankung sind immer noch eine Domäne des internistischen Onkologen. In ausgewählten Fällen scheint es jedoch angebracht, einen Therapieversuch zur Entfernung oder Zerstörung der Tumorlast zu unternehmen. Hintergrund: In den vergangenen 10 Jahren hat sich die Behandlung lokalisierter und isolierter Tumorknoten, wie Lungen-, Leber- oder Peritonealmetastasen geändert. Früher erhielten Patienten mit Metastasen nur eine palliative Chemotherapie. Kombinierte Therapieansätze und neue Verfahren zeigen, dass die zusätzliche operative Zerstörung oder Entfernung der Metastasen mit einem erheblichen Benefit für die Patienten verbunden ist. Methoden: Wichtige Veröffentlichungen der jüngeren Vergangenheit zu Peritonealmetastasen und Oligometastasen bei gastrointestinalen Karzinomen wurden beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Der wichtigste Faktor in der Behandlung von Peritonealmetastasen und bei der zytoreduktiven Chirurgie ist die Patientenselektion. Die Resektion von Peritonealmetastasen sollte erwogen werden. Eine hypertherme intraperitoneale Chemotherapie ist durchführbar. Weitere Ergebnisse randomisierter Studien sind jedoch notwendig. Derzeit laufen verschiedene randomisierte Studien, deren Ergebnisse in 1 bis 2 Jahren vorliegen werden. Eine alleinige systemische Chemotherapie als entsprechende Behandlungsstrategie für alle Lokalisationen einer metastatischen Erkrankung ist nicht mit einem hohen Versorgungsstandard zu vereinbaren. Die Erstellung eines optimalen Therapieplans, der eine Re-Operation in Kombination mit einer regionalen und systemischen Chemotherapie umfasst, ist Aufgabe des multidisziplinären Teams. Schlussfolgerungen: Wichtigster Faktor für das Überleben bei oligometastatischer Erkrankung aufgrund eines gastrointestinalen Karzinoms ist die Patientenselektion. Weitere Studien sind erforderlich, um die optimalen therapeutischen Optionen zu ermitteln. Übersetzung aus Visc Med 2017;33:42-46 (DOI:10.1159/000454694).
Präoperativer zusammengesetzter physiologischer Index: Prognostische Aussagekraft bei Lungenkrebspatienten mit kombinierter Lungenfibrose und Emphysem
Authors: Reinmuth Niels
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund: Bis heute ist unklar, ob zwischen den präoperativen Lungenfunktionsparametern und prognostischen Indizes, die auf den Ernährungszustand und den Immunstatus schließen lassen, und der Prognose von Lungenkrebspatienten mit kombinierter pulmonaler Fibrose und Emphysem (CPFE), die operativ behandelt wurden, eine Assoziation besteht. Ziel: Mit dieser Studie sollten prognostische Determinanten bei diesen Patienten ermittelt werden. Methoden: Die Patientenakten aller Lungenkrebspatienten mit CPFE, die am Shinshu University Hospital operiert worden waren, wurden retrospektiv beurteilt, um klinische Daten, einschließlich der Ergebnisse von präoperativen Lungenfunktionstests und Laboruntersuchungen, hochauflösender Computertomographie (high-resolution computed tomography, HRCT) des Thorax und Daten zur Überlebensdauer zu gewinnen. Ergebnisse: Die univariate Cox-Regression mit proportionalen Hazards zeigte, dass ein fortgeschrittenes histopathologisches Lungenkrebsstadium, ein höherer präoperativer CEA(carcino- embryonales Antigen)-Serumspiegel und ein höherer präoperativer zusammengesetzter physiologischer Index (composite physiologic index, CPI) mit einem hohen Sterberisiko assoziiert waren. Die multivariate Analyse ergab, dass ein fortgeschrittenes histopathologisches Lungenkrebsstadium (HR: 1,579; p = 0,0305) und ein höherer präoperativer CPI (HR: 1,034; p = 0,0174) unabhängig voneinander mit einem hohen Sterberisiko assoziiert waren. Demgegenüber waren der Schweregrad der Fibrose oder des Emphysems im HRCT des Thorax, die einzelnen Lungenfunktionsparameter, der prognostische Ernährungsindex, der Neutrophilen-Lymphozyten-Quotient und der Thrombozyten-Lymphozyten-Quotient nicht mit der Prognose assoziiert. Die Kaplan-Meier-Analyse zeigte im Log-Rank-Test signifikante Unterschiede in der Überlebensdauer zwischen der Gruppe mit hohem CPI und der Gruppe mit niedrigem CPI (p = 0,0234). Schlussfolgerung: Der präoperative CPI ist bei Lungenkrebspatienten mit CPFE, die operativ behandelt wurden, ein Prädiktor für die Mortalität und hat eine höhere prognostische Aussagekraft als einzelne Lungenfunktionsparameter.
Lokal fortgeschrittenes Zervixkarzinom - Operatives oder radiologisches Staging?
Authors: Harter Philipp
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund: Bei Patientinnen mit lokal fortgeschrittenem Zervixkarzinom ist das operative Staging im Vergleich zum klinischen/radiologischen Staging mit einer hohen Upstaging-Rate verbunden. Ziel: Untersuchung der prozentualen stadienspezifischen Anteile von pelvinen und paraaortalen Lymphknotenmetastasen sowie der Upstaging-Raten im Rahmen einer prospektiven randomisierten Studie (Uterus-11). Methoden: Patientinnen mit Zervixkarzinom im FIGO-Stadium IIB-IVA wurden randomisiert einem operativen Staging (Arm A) oder einem klinischen Staging (Arm B) mit primärer Radiochemotherapie zugewiesen. Bei den Patientinnen in Arm B wurde eine CT-gestützte Biopsie suspekter paraaortaler Lymphknoten durchgeführt. Patientinnen mit nachgewiesenen paraaortalen Metastasen erhielten eine zusätzliche Extended-Field-Bestrahlung. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden 234 Patientinnen in die Studie aufgenommen, von denen 120 in Arm A und 114 in Arm B gemäß dem Studienprotokoll behandelt wurden. Beide Gruppen waren ausbalanciert. Pelvine und paraaortale Lymphknotenmetastasen waren bei 51% bzw. 24% der Patientinnen nachweisbar (p < 0,001). Bei 45% bzw. 20% der Patientinnen mit Stadium IIB und 71% bzw. 37% der Patientinnen mit Stadium IIIB wurden pelvine bzw. paraaortale Lymphknoten nachgewiesen. Ein Upstaging erfolgte bei 39/120 (33%) Patientinnen in Arm A und bei 9/114 (8%) Patientinnen in Arm B (p < 0,001). Schlussfolgerungen: In beiden Gruppen wurde in einer beträchtlichen Anzahl der Fälle ein Upstaging aufgrund der histologischen Ergebnisse vorgenommen. Die onkologischen Daten der Uterus-11-Studie werden zeigen, ob sich die modifizierte Therapie in einem Überlebensvorteil niederschlägt.
Betablocker - Derzeit keine Evidenz bei der Therapie von Brustkrebs
Authors: Reinhardt Florian , Fehm Tanja
Published: October 2017

Ziel: Präklinische Studien haben gezeigt, dass Betablocker verschiedene Wege der Progression und Metastasierung von Brustkrebs hemmen. Unser Ziel war es, die Assoziation zwischen der Anwendung von Betablockern und der Prognose bei Brustkrebs zu beurteilen. Methoden: Es wurde eine systematische Suche nach Studien in MEDLINE und EMBASE (Beginn bis März 2014) mit den Suchbegriffen «Brustkrebs» und «Betablocker» durchgeführt. Zwei Gruppen von Brustkrebspatientinnen (Anwenderinnen von Betablockern und Nicht-Anwenderinnen von Betablockern) wurden hinsichtlich Gesamtmortalität, krebsspezifischer Todesfälle und Auftreten von Rezidiven verglichen. Ergebnisse: Sechs Studien mit insgesamt 18 118 Patientinnen kamen für die Analyse infrage. In die Analyse der Gesamtmortalität wurden zwei Studien mit 3139 Patientinnen eingeschlossen. Im Modell mit Zufallseffekten zeigte sich kein signifikanter Unterschied in der Gesamtmortalität zwischen Anwenderinnen und Nicht-Anwenderinnen von Betablockern (Odds Ratio (OR) 0,87; 95%-Konfidenzintervall (KI) 0,50-1,52, p = 0,49). Vier Studien mit 13 782 Patientinnen wurden in die Untersuchung der krebsspezifischen Todesfälle eingeschlossen. Der Unterschied bei den krebsspezifischen Todesfällen zwischen Anwenderinnen und Nicht-Anwenderinnen von Betablockern war bei Untersuchung mit dem Modell mit fixierten Effekten nicht signifikant (OR 0,93; 95%-KI 0,82-1,06, p = 0,29). In die Berechnung der Rezidivinzidenz wurden drei Studien mit 3923 Patientinnen eingeschlossen. Insgesamt gesehen hatten Betablocker keinen Einfluss auf die Inzidenz von Rezidiven (OR 0,70; 95%-KI 0,25-1,95, p = 0,49). Schlussfolgerung: Betablocker waren in Hinblick auf die Gesamtmortalität, die krebsspezifischen Todesfälle oder das Auftreten von Rezidiven nicht mit einem klinischen Nutzen verbunden. Weitere Studien sind erforderlich, um die Assoziation zwischen den Effekten von Betablockern und verschiedenen Brustkrebs-Subtypen zu beurteilen.