bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENaC inhibition stimulates HCl secretion in the mouse cortical collecting duct. II. Bafilomycin-sensitive H+secretion
Authors: Nanami Masayoshi , Pech Vladimir , Lazo-Fernandez Yoskaly , Weinstein Alan M. , Wall Susan M.
Published: May 2015

Epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) blockade stimulates stilbene-sensitive conductive Cl−secretion in the mouse cortical collecting duct (CCD). This study's purpose was to determine the co-ion that accompanies benzamil- and DIDS-sensitive Cl−flux. Thus transepithelial voltage, VT, as well as total CO2(tCO2) and Cl−flux were measured in CCDs from aldosterone-treated mice consuming a NaCl-replete diet. We reasoned that if stilbene inhibitors (DIDS) reduce conductive anion secretion they should reduce the lumen-negative VT. However, during ENaC blockade (benzamil, 3 μM), DIDS (100 μM) application to the perfusate reduced net H+secretion, which increased the lumen-negative VT. Conversely, ENaC blockade alone stimulated H+secretion, which reduced the lumen-negative VT. Application of an ENaC inhibitor to the perfusate reduced the lumen-negative VT, increased intercalated cell intracellular pH, and reduced net tCO2secretion. However, benzamil did not change tCO2flux during apical H+-ATPase blockade (bafilomycin, 5 nM). The increment in H+secretion observed with benzamil application contributes to the fall in VTobserved with application of this diuretic. As such, ENaC blockade reduces the lumen-negative VTby inhibiting conductive Na+absorption and by stimulating H+secretion by type A intercalated cells. In conclusion, 1) in CCDs from aldosterone-treated mice, benzamil application stimulates HCl secretion mediated by the apical H+-ATPase and a yet to be identified conductive Cl−transport pathway; 2) benzamil-induced HCl secretion is reversed with the application of stilbene inhibitors or H+-ATPase inhibitors to the perfusate; and 3) benzamil reduces VTnot only by inhibiting conductive Na+absorption, but also by stimulating H+secretion.
The perturbation paradigm modulates error-based learning in a highly automated task: outcomes in swallowing kinematics
Authors: Anderson C. , Macrae P. , Taylor-Kamara I. , Serel S. , Vose A. , Humbert I. A.
Published: May 2015

Traditional motor learning studies focus on highly goal-oriented, volitional tasks that often do not readily generalize to real-world movements. The goal of this study was to investigate how different perturbation paradigms alter error-based learning outcomes in a highly automated task. Swallowing was perturbed with neck surface electrical stimulation that opposes hyo-laryngeal elevation in 25 healthy adults (30 swallows: 10 preperturbation, 10 perturbation, and 10 postperturbation). The four study conditions were gradual-masked, gradual-unmasked, abrupt-masked, and abrupt-unmasked. Gradual perturbations increasingly intensified overtime, while abrupt perturbations were sustained at the same high intensity. The masked conditions reduced cues about the presence/absence of the perturbation (pre- and postperturbation periods had low stimulation), but unmasked conditions did not (pre- and postperturbation periods had no stimulation). Only hyo-laryngeal range of motion measures had significant outcomes; no timing measure demonstrated learning. Systematic-error reduction occurred only during the abrupt-masked and abrupt-unmasked perturbations. Only the abrupt-masked perturbation caused aftereffects. In this highly automated task, gradual perturbations did not induce learning similarly to findings of some volitional, goal-oriented adaptation task studies. Furthermore, our subtle and brief adjustment of the stimulation paradigm (masked vs. unmasked) determined whether aftereffects were present. This suggests that, in the unmasked group, sensory predictions of a motor plan were quickly and efficiently modified to disengage error-based learning behaviors.
Aging is associated with altered vasodilator kinetics in dynamically contracting muscle: role of nitric oxide
Authors: Casey Darren P. , Ranadive Sushant M. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: May 2015

We tested the hypothesis that aging would be associated with slowed vasodilator kinetics in contracting muscle in part due to a reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Young ( n = 10; 24 ± 2 yr) and older ( n = 10; 67 ± 2 yr) adults performed rhythmic forearm exercise (4 min each) at 10, 20, and 30% of max during saline infusion (control) and NO synthase (NOS) inhibition. Brachial artery diameter and velocities were measured using Doppler ultrasound. Forearm vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated for each duty cycle (1 s contraction/2 s relaxation) from forearm blood flow (FBF; ml/min) and blood pressure (mmHg) and fit with a monoexponential model. The main parameters derived from the model were the amplitude of the FBF and FVC response and the number of duty cycles for FBF and FVC to change 63% of the steady-state amplitude (τFBF and τFVC). Under control conditions 1) the amplitude of the FVC response at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was lower in older compared with young adults (319 ± 33 vs. 462 ± 52 ml·min−1·100 mmHg−1; P < 0.05) and 2) τFVC was slower in older (10 ± 1, 13 ± 1, and 15 ± 1 duty cycles) compared with young (6 ± 1, 9 ± 1, and 11 ± 1 duty cycles) adults at all intensities ( P < 0.05). In young adults, NOS inhibition blunted the amplitude of the FVC response at 30% MVC and prolonged the τFVC at all intensities (10 ± 2, 12 ± 1, and 16 ± 2 duty cycles; P < 0.05), whereas it did not change in older adults. Our data indicate that the blood flow and vasodilator kinetics in exercising muscle are altered with aging possibly due to blunted NO signaling.
Opioids potentiate electrical transmission at mixed synapses on the Mauthner cell
Authors: Cachope Roger , Pereda Alberto E.
Published: May 2015

Opioid receptors were shown to modulate a variety of cellular processes in the vertebrate central nervous system, including synaptic transmission. While the effects of opioid receptors on chemically mediated transmission have been extensively investigated, little is known of their actions on gap junction-mediated electrical synapses. Here we report that pharmacological activation of mu-opioid receptors led to a long-term enhancement of electrical (and glutamatergic) transmission at identifiable mixed synapses on the goldfish Mauthner cells. The effect also required activation of both dopamine D1/5 receptors and postsynaptic cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, suggesting that opioid-evoked actions are mediated indirectly via the release of dopamine from varicosities known to be located in the vicinity of the synaptic contacts. Moreover, inhibitory inputs situated in the immediate vicinity of these excitatory synapses on the lateral dendrite of the Mauthner cell were not affected by activation of mu-opioid receptors, indicating that their actions are restricted to electrical and glutamatergic transmissions co-existing at mixed contacts. Thus, as their chemical counterparts, electrical synapses can be a target for the modulatory actions of the opioid system. Because gap junctions at these mixed synapses are formed by fish homologs of the neuronal connexin 36, which is widespread in mammalian brain, it is likely that this regulatory property applies to electrical synapses elsewhere as well.
Smooth pursuit preparation modulates neuronal responses in visual areas MT and MST
Authors: Ferrera Vincent P.
Published: May 2015

Primates are able to track small moving visual targets using smooth pursuit eye movements. Target motion for smooth pursuit is signaled by neurons in visual cortical areas MT and MST. In this study, we trained monkeys to either initiate or withhold smooth pursuit in the presence of a moving target to test whether this decision was reflected in the relative strength of “go” and “no-go” processes. We found that the gain of the motor response depended strongly on whether monkeys were instructed to initiate or withhold pursuit, thus demonstrating voluntary control of pursuit initiation. We found that the amplitude of the neuronal response to moving targets in areas MT and MST was also significantly lower on no-go trials (by 2.1 spikes/s on average). The magnitude of the neural response reduction was small compared with the behavioral gain reduction. There were no significant differences in neuronal direction selectivity, spatial selectivity, or response reliability related to pursuit initiation or the absence thereof. Variability in eye speed was negatively correlated with firing rate variability after target motion onset during go trials but not during no-go trials, suggesting that MT and MST activity represents an error signal for a negative feedback controller. We speculate that modulation of the visual motion signals in areas MT and MST may be one of the first visual cortical events in the initiation of smooth pursuit and that the small early response modulation may be amplified to produce an all-or-none motor response by downstream areas.
A Continuous Characterization of Triebel-Lizorkin Spaces Associated with Hermite Expansions
Authors: Gong Shuli , Ma Bolin , Fu Zunwei
Published: May 2015

We study the properties of the Triebel-Lizorkin spaces associated with the multidimensional Hermite expansions onRd(d≥1). In addition to the endpoint estimates, we give the continuous characterizations of these spaces via harmonic and thermic extensions fromRdintoR+d+1. Based on this result, we obtain the boundedness of Riesz transform associated with the Hermite expansions.
iNOS Activity Modulates Inflammation, Angiogenesis, and Tissue Fibrosis in Polyether‐Polyurethane Synthetic Implants
Authors: Cassini-Vieira Puebla , Araújo Fernanda Assis , da Costa Dias Filipi Leles , Russo Remo Castro , Andrade Silvia Passos , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Barcelos Luciola Silva
Published: May 2015

There is considerable interest in implantation techniques and scaffolds for tissue engineering and, for safety and biocompatibility reasons, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis need to be determined. The contribution of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the regulation of the foreign body reaction induced by subcutaneous implantation of a synthetic matrix was never investigated. Here, we examined the role of iNOS in angiogenesis, inflammation, and collagen deposition induced by polyether‐polyurethane synthetic implants, using mice with targeted disruption of the iNOS gene (iNOS−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice. The hemoglobin content and number of vessels were decreased in the implants of iNOS−/− mice compared to WT mice 14 days after implantation. VEGF levels were also reduced in the implants of iNOS−/− mice. In contrast, the iNOS−/− implants exhibited an increased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. However, no alterations were observed in levels of CXCL1 and CCL2, chemokines related to neutrophil and macrophage migration, respectively. Furthermore, the implants of iNOS−/− mice showed boosted collagen deposition. These data suggest that iNOS activity controls inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis in polyether‐polyurethane synthetic implants and that lack of iNOS expression increases foreign body reaction to implants in mice.
Rapid Formation of 1D Titanate Nanotubes Using Alkaline Hydrothermal Treatment and Its Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Lai Chin Wei , Bee Abd Hamid Sharifah , Tan Tong Ling , Lee Wai Hong
Published: May 2015

One‐dimensional (1D) titanate nanotubes (TNT) were successfully synthesized using alkaline hydrothermal treatment of commercial TiO2 nanopowders in a Teflon lined stainless steel autoclave at 150°C. The minimum time required for the formation of the titanate nanotubes was 9 h significantly. After the hydrothermal processing, the layered titanate was washed with acid and water in order to control the amount of Na+ ions remaining in the sample solutions. In this study, the effect of different reaction durations in a range of 3 h to 24 h on the formation of nanotubes was carried out. As the reaction duration is extended, the changes in structure from particle to tubular shapes of alkaline treated TiO2 were obtained via scanning electron microscope (SEM). Also, the significant impact on the phase transformation and crystal structure of TNT was characterized through XRD and Raman analysis. Indeed, the photocatalytic activity of TNT was investigated through the degradation of methyl orange aqueous solution under the ultraviolet light irradiation. As a result, TNT with reaction duration at 6 h has a better photocatalytic performance than other samples which was correlated to the higher crystallinity of the samples as shown in XRD patterns.
Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma to Urinary Bladder: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Meunier Rashna , Pareek Gyan , Amin Ali
Published: May 2015

Aims. Metastatic malignant melanoma of the urinary bladder is a rare clinical entity, with only twenty-three published cases to date. We present a case of this rare entity, a thorough review of the literature, and differential diagnosis of melanoma in the bladder.Methods and Results. A 55-year-old woman with a history of malignant melanoma of the right thigh, excised eight years ago, presented with back pain, fatigue, and hematuria. She underwent computed tomography (CT) scan and was found to have metastases within the liver, spleen, lungs, and urinary bladder. She underwent cystoscopy and transurethral resection of three polypoid lesions. Histologic and immunohistochemical examination revealed metastatic malignant melanoma involving bladder mucosa.Conclusions. This case illustrates the importance of including malignant melanoma in the differential diagnosis of high grade neoplasms of bladder, especially in cases where the relevant clinical history is not available.
Neural Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Involves Activation of the Wnt5a/JNK Signalling
Authors: Jang Sujeong , Park Jong-Seong , Jeong Han-Seong
Published: May 2015

Stem cells are a powerful resource for cell-based transplantation therapies, but understanding of stem cell differentiation at the molecular level is not clear yet. We hypothesized that the Wnt pathway controls stem cell maintenance and neural differentiation. We have characterized the transcriptional expression of Wnt during the neural differentiation of hADSCs. After neural induction, the expressions of Wnt2, Wnt4, and Wnt11 were decreased, but the expression of Wnt5a was increased compared with primary hADSCs in RT-PCR analysis. In addition, the expression levels of most Fzds and LRP5/6 ligand were decreased, but not Fzd3 and Fzd5. Furthermore, Dvl1 and RYK expression levels were downregulated in NI-hADSCs. There were no changes in the expression of ß-catenin and GSK3ß. Interestingly, Wnt5a expression was highly increased in NI-hADSCs by real time RT-PCR analysis and western blot. Wnt5a level was upregulated after neural differentiation and Wnt3, Dvl2, and Naked1 levels were downregulated. Finally, we found that the JNK expression was increased after neural induction and ERK level was decreased. Thus, this study shows for the first time how a single Wnt5a ligand can activate the neural differentiation pathway through the activation of Wnt5a/JNK pathway by binding Fzd3 and Fzd5 and directing Axin/GSK-3ß in hADSCs.
Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activation during a Time Production Task: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Morita Asato , Morishima Yasunori , Rackham David W.
Published: May 2015

Accurate time estimation is crucial for many human activities and necessitates the use of working memory, in which the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a critical role. We tested the hypothesis that the DLPFC is activated in participants attempting time estimations that require working memory. Specifically, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate prefrontal cortical activity in the brains of individuals performing a prospective time production task. We measured cerebral hemodynamic responses in 26 healthy right-handed university students while they marked the passage of specified time intervals (3, 6, 9, 12, or 15 s) or performed a button-pressing (control) task. The behavioral results indicated that participants’ time estimations were accurate with minimal variability. The fNIRS data showed that activity was significantly higher in the right DLPFC during the time estimation task compared to the control task. Theoretical considerations and the results of this study suggest that DLPFC activation resulting from time estimation indicates that the working memory system is in use.
Adherence to Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yakasai Ahmad M. , Hamza Muhammad , Dalhat Mahmood M. , Bello Musa , Gadanya Muktar A. , Yaqub Zuwaira M. , Ibrahim Daiyabu A. , Hassan-Hanga Fatimah
Published: May 2015

Adherence to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is not clearly defined. This meta-analysis determines the prevalence and predictors of adherence to ACT. Twenty-five studies and six substudies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of ACT adherence in the public sector was significantly higher compared to retail sector (76% and 45%, resp.,P<0.0001). However, ACT adherence was similar across different ACT dosing regimens and formulations. In metaregression analysis prevalence estimates of adherence significantly decrease with increasing year of study publicationP=0.046. Factors found to be significant predictors of ACT adherence were years of education ≥ 7{odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 1.63 (1.05–2.53)}, higher income{2.0 (1.35–2.98)}, fatty food{4.6 (2.49–8.50)}, exact number of pills dispensed{4.09 (1.60–10.7)}, and belief in traditional medication for malaria{0.09 (0.01–0.78)}. The accuracy of pooled estimates could be limited by publication bias, and differing methods and thresholds of assessing adherence. To improve ACT adherence, educational programs to increase awareness and understanding of ACT dosing regimen are interventions urgently needed. Patients and caregivers should be provided with an adequate explanation at the time of prescribing and/or dispensing ACT.
Time Dependent Development of Aluminium Pitting Corrosion
Authors: Melchers Robert E.
Published: May 2015

Aluminium alloys have excellent corrosion resistance to a wide variety of exposure conditions. Usually they corrode by pitting rather than by uniform corrosion. For infrastructure applications long-term corrosion behaviour is of interest. The relatively limited long-term pitting data that is available shows that maximum and average pit depths do not follow the power law function as conventionally assumed but tend to follow a bimodal trend with exposure time. This is consistent with the bimodal trends observed previously for corrosion mass loss of aluminium alloys. Most likely it is the result of the accumulation of corrosion products over the pit mouths, leading to the gradual development of localised anoxic conditions within pits. In turn this permits the development within the pits of anoxic autocatalytic conditions, consistent with established theory for pitting corrosion of aluminium. It also is consistent with observations of hydrogen evolution from pits. The implications of this for practical applications are discussed.
Corneal Segmentation Analysis Increases Glaucoma Diagnostic Ability of Optic Nerve Head Examination, Heidelberg Retina Tomograph’s Moorfield’s Regression Analysis, and Glaucoma Probability Score
Authors: Saenz-Frances F. , Jañez L. , Berrozpe-Villabona C. , Borrego-Sanz L. , Morales-Fernández L. , Acebal-Montero A. , Mendez-Hernandez C. D. , Martinez-de-la-Casa J. M. , Santos-Bueso E. , Garcia-Sanchez J. , Garcia-Feijoo J.
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To study whether a corneal thickness segmentation model, consisting in a central circular zone of 1 mm radius centered at the corneal apex (zone I) and five concentric rings of 1 mm width (moving outwards: zones II to VI), could boost the diagnostic accuracy of Heidelberg Retina Tomograph’s (HRT’s) MRA and GPS.Material and Methods. Cross-sectional study. 121 healthy volunteers and 125 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Six binary multivariate logistic regression models were constructed (MOD-A1, MOD-A2, MOD-B1, MOD-B2, MOD-C1, and MOD-C2). The dependent variable was the presence of glaucoma. In MOD-A1, the predictor was the result (presence of glaucoma) of the analysis of the stereophotography of the optic nerve head (ONH). In MOD-B1 and MOD-C1, the predictor was the result of the MRA and GPS, respectively. In MOD-B2 and MOD-C2, the predictors were the same along with corneal variables: central, overall, and zones I to VI thicknesses. This scheme was reproduced for model MOD-A2 (stereophotography along with corneal variables). Models were compared using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC).Results. MOD-A1-AUC: 0.771; MOD-A2-AUC: 0.88; MOD-B1-AUC: 0.736; MOD-B2-AUC: 0.845; MOD-C1-AUC: 0.712; MOD-C2-AUC: 0.838.Conclusion. Corneal thickness variables enhance ONH assessment and HRT’s MRA and GPS diagnostic capacity.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolation from Clinical and Environmental Samples in Iran: Twenty Years of Surveillance
Authors: Velayati Ali Akbar , Farnia Parissa , Mozafari Mohadese , Mirsaeidi Mehdi
Published: May 2015

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens that are widely distributed in the environment. There is a lack of data on species distribution of these organisms from Iran. This study consists of a review of NTM articles published in Iran between the years 1992 and 2014. In this review, 20 articles and 14 case reports were identified. Among the 20 articles, 13 (65%) studies focused on NTM isolates from clinical specimens, 6 (30%) studies examined NTM isolates from environmental samples, and one (5%) article included both clinical and environmental isolates.M. fortuitum(229/997; 23%) was recorded as the most prevalent and rapid growing mycobacteria (RGM) species in both clinical (28%) and environmental (19%) isolated samples (P< 0.05). Among slow growing mycobacteria (SGM),M. simiae(103/494; 21%) demonstrated a higher frequency in clinical samples whereas in environmental samples it wasM. flavescens(44/503; 9%). These data represent information from 14 provinces out of 31 provinces of Iran. No information is available in current published data on clinical or environmental NTM from the remaining 17 provinces in Iran. These results emphasize the potential importance of NTM as well as the underestimation of NTM frequency in Iran. NTM is an important clinical problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality in Iran. Continued research is needed from both clinical and environmental sources to help clinicians and researchers better understand and address NTM treatment and prevention.
Three Cases of West Nile Encephalitis over an Eight-Day Period at a Downtown Los Angeles Community Hospital
Authors: Puchalski Adam , Liu Antonio K. , Williams Byron
Published: May 2015

Since its introduction in New York City in 1999, the virus has spread throughout the entire North American continent and continues to spread into Central and Latin America. Our report discusses the signs and symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment of West Nile disease. It is important to recognize the disease quickly and initiate appropriate treatment. We present three cases of West Nile encephalitis at White Memorial Medical Center in East Los Angeles that occurred over the span of eight days. All three patients live within four to six miles from the hospital and do not live or work in an environment favorable to mosquitoes including shallow bodies of standing water, abandoned tires, or mud ruts. All the patients were Hispanic. Physicians and other health care providers should consider West Nile infection in the differential diagnosis of causes of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis, obtain appropriate laboratory studies, and promptly report cases to public health authorities. State governments should establish abatement programs that will eliminate sources that allow for mosquito reproduction and harboring. The public needs to be given resources that educate them on what entails the disease caused by the West Nile virus, what the symptoms are, and, most importantly, what they can do to prevent themselves from becoming infected.
In Pursuit of New Imprinting Syndromes by Epimutation Screening in Idiopathic Neurodevelopmental Disorder Patients
Authors: Mayo Sonia , Monfort Sandra , Roselló Mónica , Oltra Silvestre , Orellana Carmen , Martínez Francisco
Published: May 2015

Alterations of epigenetic mechanisms, and more specifically imprinting modifications, could be responsible of neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability (ID) or autism together with other associated clinical features in many cases. Currently only eight imprinting syndromes are defined in spite of the fact that more than 200 genes are known or predicted to be imprinted. Recent publications point out that some epimutations which cause imprinting disorders may affect simultaneously different imprintedloci, suggesting that DNA-methylation may have been altered more globally. Therefore, we hypothesised that the detection of altered methylation patterns in known imprintinglociwill indirectly allow identifying new syndromes due to epimutations among patients with unexplained ID. In a screening for imprinting alterations in 412 patients with syndromic ID/autism we found five patients with altered methylation in the four genes studied:MEG3, H19, KCNQ1OT1, andSNRPN. Remarkably, the cases with partial loss of methylation inKCNQ1OT1andSNRPNpresent clinical features different to those associated with the corresponding imprinting syndromes, suggesting a multilocus methylation defect in accordance with our initial hypothesis. Consequently, our results are a proof of concept that the identification of epimutations in knownlociin patients with clinical features different from those associated with known syndromes will eventually lead to the definition of new imprinting disorders.
Serum Levels of Progranulin Are Closely Associated with Microvascular Complication in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Xu Lin , Zhou Bo , Li Huixia , Liu Jiali , Du Junhui , Zang Weijin , Wu Shufang , Sun Hongzhi
Published: May 2015

Objective. Progranulin (PGRN) was recently introduced as a novel marker of chronic inflammatory response in obesity and type 2 diabetes capable of directly affecting the insulin signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between PGRN and type 2 diabetics with microvascular complications.Methods. PGRN serum levels and glucose metabolism related substance were measured in 84 type 2 diabetic patients with or without microangiopathies and 12 health persons. Further analyses of serum PGRN in different stages of diabetic microangiopathies were conducted.Results. Serum levels of PGRN were markedly higher in type 2 diabetic patients with microangiopathies. PGRN serum levels increased with the progress of diabetic microangiopathies with significantly highest values detectable in clinical diabetic nephropathy (CDN) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) groups. Serum PGRN concentrations in all individuals positively and markedly correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), white blood cell (WBC), disease duration, IL-6, and TNF-α, while correlating negatively and significantly with eGFR. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only UAER and CRE were independently associated with serum PGRN.Conclusion. PGRN might be considered as a marker for diabetic microangiopathy and its severity.
Over-the-Counter Drugs and Complementary Medications Use among Children in Southern Italy
Authors: Pileggi Claudia , Mascaro Valentina , Bianco Aida , Pavia Maria
Published: May 2015

The use of nonprescription medicines (NPDs) for children illnesses without a doctor’s suggestion can lead to unnecessary medication use and is not free of risks. The aim of our study was to examine attitudes and practice of parents towards NPDs use for their children. We also investigated the conditions that may predict NPDs use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on parents of children attending Community Based Pediatrician (CBP) consultation and data were collected through structured interviews. Positive attitude on NPDs use was reported by 71.4% of parents, and 61.5% of them had administered NPDs in the previous 6 months. Antipyretic drugs were the most frequently used medication class without the supervision of the CBP. A positive attitude towards NPDs was significantly more frequent in parents who did not use the CBP as the sole source of information about drugs. The study demonstrated a widespread use of NPDs in children in our context, supported by a substantial positive attitude towards their safety. However, considering potential harms related to some NPDs and the finding that most parents rely on CBP advice, role of CBP on appropriate use of NPDs by parents should be emphasized.
Sliding Motility, Biofilm Formation, and Glycopeptidolipid Production inMycobacterium colombienseStrains
Authors: Maya-Hoyos Milena , Leguizamón John , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Soto Carlos Y.
Published: May 2015

Mycobacterium colombienseis a novel member of theMycobacterium aviumcomplex, which produces respiratory and disseminated infections in immunosuppressed patients. Currently, the morphological and genetic bases underlying the phenotypic features ofM. colombiensestrains remain unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated thatM. colombiensestrains displaying smooth morphology show increased biofilm formation on hydrophobic surfaces and sliding on motility plates. Thin-layer chromatography experiments showed thatM. colombiensestrains displaying smooth colonies produce large amounts of glycolipids with a chromatographic behaviour similar to that of the glycopeptidolipids (GPLs) ofM. avium. Conversely, we observed a natural rough variant ofM. colombiense(57B strain) lacking pigmentation and exhibiting impaired sliding, biofilm formation, and GPL production. Bioinformatics analyses revealed a gene cluster that is likely involved in GPL biosynthesis inM. colombienseCECT 3035. RT-qPCR experiments showed that motile culture conditions activate the transcription of genes possibly involved in key enzymatic activities of GPL biosynthesis.
An ELM-Based Approach for Estimating Train Dwell Time in Urban Rail Traffic
Authors: Chu Wen-jun , Zhang Xing-chen , Chen Jun-hua , Xu Bin
Published: May 2015

Dwell time estimation plays an important role in the operation of urban rail system. On this specific problem, a range of models based on either polynomial regression or microsimulation have been proposed. However, the generalization performance of polynomial regression models is limited and the accuracy of existing microsimulation models is unstable. In this paper, a new dwell time estimation model based on extreme learning machine (ELM) is proposed. The underlying factors that may affect urban rail dwell time are analyzed first. Then, the relationships among different factors are extracted and modeled by ELM neural networks, on basis of which an overall estimation model is proposed. At last, a set of observed data from Beijing subway is used to illustrate the proposed method and verify its overall performance.
Regulatory T Cells in Autoimmune and Viral Chronic Hepatitis
Authors: Lapierre Pascal , Lamarre Alain
Published: May 2015

In both autoimmune liver disease and chronic viral hepatitis, the injury results from an immune-mediated cytotoxic T cell response to liver cells. As such, it is not surprising that CD4+regulatory T cells, a key regulatory population of T cells able to curb immune responses, could be involved in both autoimmune hepatitis and chronic viral hepatitis. The liver can induce the conversion of naïve CD4+T cells to CD4+regulatory T cells and induce tolerance to locally expressed antigens. This tolerance mechanism is carefully regulated in physiological conditions but any imbalance could be pathological. An overly tolerant immune response can lead to chronic infections while an overreactive and unbridled immune response can lead to autoimmune hepatitis. With the recent advent of monoclonal antibodies able to target regulatory T cells (daclizumab) and improve immune responses and several ongoing clinical trials analysing the impact of regulatory T cell infusion on autoimmune liver disease or liver transplant tolerance, modulation of immunological tolerance through CD4+regulatory T cells could be a key element of future immunotherapies for several liver diseases allowing restoring the balance between proper immune responses and tolerance.
Effectiveness of Two Self‐Etchings Bonded Clinically in Caries Affected Dentin with Homogeneous Smear Layer
Authors: Pinna Roberto , Usai Paolo , Arrica Mariantonietta , Milia Egle
Published: May 2015

Aim. To examine the interface of two self‐etchings in carious affected dentin (CAD), under clinical conditions. Materials and Methods. Class I cavities were prepared in 21 carious premolars, refining them by the use of a fine diamond bur in order to create similar smear layer interference. The mild self‐etching Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), pH = 2.0, and the strong Tyrian SPE‐One Step Plus (TSO), pH = 0.5, were applied followed by a composite. Teeth were extracted and processed for TEM. The primer’s osmolarity of the self‐etchings was also calculated using a microosmometer. Results. CSE hybrid layer retained smear layer residues and scattered crystallites as an effect of the mild acidity. A high presence of hydroxyapatite still protected the affected fibres within the hybrid layer. CSE primer demonstrated values of 3220 mOsm/kg. TSO interdiffusion showed strong demineralization. Resin tags were not formed in the dentinal tubules which remained obstructed by crystals. However, dissolution of peritubular dentin and porosities were observed in the intertubular regions. The osmolarity of TSO was 8200 mOsm/kg. Conclusion. Increasing the acidity and osmolarity of the self‐etchings increases interference in the homogeneous reinforcement of CAD, which may predispose the hybrid layer to instability and hydrolytic degradation overtime.
Relationship between Zinc (Zn2+) and Glutamate Receptors in the Processes Underlying Neurodegeneration
Authors: Pochwat Bartłomiej , Nowak Gabriel , Szewczyk Bernadeta
Published: May 2015

The results from numerous studies have shown that an imbalance between particular neurotransmitters may lead to brain circuit dysfunction and development of many pathological states. The significance of glutamate pathways for the functioning of the nervous system is equivocal. On the one hand, glutamate transmission is necessary for neuroplasticity, synaptogenesis, or cell survival, but on the other hand an excessive and long-lasting increased level of glutamate in the synapse may lead to cell death. Under clinical conditions, hyperactivity of the glutamate system is associated with ischemia, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and many others. The achievement of glutamate activity in the physiological range requires efficient control by endogenous regulatory factors. Due to the fact that the free pool of ion Zn2+is a cotransmitter in some glutamate neurons; the role of this element in the pathophysiology of a neurodegenerative diseases has been intensively studied. There is a lot of evidence for Zn2+dyshomeostasis and glutamate system abnormalities in ischemic and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the precise interaction between Zn2+regulative function and the glutamate system is still not fully understood. This review describes the relationship between Zn2+and glutamate dependent signaling pathways under selected pathological central nervous system (CNS) conditions.
Formulas for Rational-Valued Separability Probabilities of Random Induced Generalized Two-Qubit States
Authors: Slater Paul B. , Dunkl Charles F.
Published: May 2015

Previously, a formula, incorporating a5F4hypergeometric function, for the Hilbert-Schmidt-averaged determinantal momentsρPTnρk/ρkof4×4density-matrices (ρ) and their partial transposes (|ρPT|), was applied withk=0to the generalized two-qubit separability probability question. The formula can, furthermore, be viewed, as we note here, as an averaging over “induced measures in the space of mixed quantum states.” The associated induced-measure separability probabilities (k=1,2,…) are found—viaa high-precision density approximation procedure—to assume interesting, relatively simple rational values in the two-re[al]bit (α=1/2), (standard) two-qubit (α=1), and two-quater[nionic]bit (α=2) cases. We deduce rather simple companion (rebit, qubit, quaterbit, …) formulas that successfully reproduce the rational values assumed forgeneral  k. These formulas are observed to share certain features, possibly allowing them to be incorporated into a single master formula.
Effects of Organized Physical Activity on Selected Health Indices among Women Older than 55 Years
Authors: Zmijewski Piotr , Mazurek Krzysztof , Kozdron Ewa , Szczypiorski Piotr , Frysztak Agata
Published: May 2015

The main aim of this study was to determine health benefits among women older than 55 years who participated in organized, group‐based physical activity (OPA). Thirty‐five women aged 65.0 ± 7.3 years volunteered for this study. The classical and nonclassical cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors were measured before and after a 2‐week OPA camp in a remote location and 3 months of OPA. Self‐guided physical activity was analyzed 18 months after OPA. Two‐week effects included significant decreases in body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and resting heart rate, improved exercise capacity (EC), improved low‐density lipoprotein and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐C), cholesterol, and other atherogenic lipid indices (ALI), and a reduction in 10‐year estimated risk of death from CVD. Three‐month effects included a further decrease in systolic BP, improvements in EC and HDL‐C, and maintenance of lower levels of ALI, as well as lower CVD risk.
The implementation of the OPA programme had a positive impact on somatic features, exercise capacity, biochemical indices, and risk for death from CVD. The presented programme can be regarded as an effective element of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases among women older than 55 years.
Glucose Metabolism Effects of Vitamin D in Prediabetes: The VitDmet Randomized Placebo-Controlled Supplementation Study
Authors: Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Virtanen Jyrki K. , Voutilainen Sari , Nurmi Tarja , Mursu Jaakko , de Mello Vanessa D. F. , Schwab Ursula , Hakumäki Martti , Pulkki Kari , Uusitupa Matti
Published: May 2015

Epidemiological evidence suggests a role for vitamin D in type 2 diabetes prevention. We investigated the effects of vitamin D3supplementation on glucose metabolism and inflammation in subjects with prediabetes. A 5-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention with three arms (placebo, 40 μg/d, or 80 μg/d vitamin D3) was carried out among sixty-eight overweight (BMI 25–35) and aging (≥60 years) subjects from Finland, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3[25(OH)D3] < 75 nmol/L and either impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. Analyses included 66 subjects who completed the trial. Glucose metabolism was evaluated by fasting and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test-derived indices and glycated hemoglobin. Inflammation was evaluated by high-sensitive C-reactive protein and five cytokines. Although a dose-dependent increase in serum 25(OH)D3over the supplementation period was observed (Ptrend < 0.001), there were no other statistically significant differences in changes in the 13 glucose homeostasis indicators between the study groups other than increase in the 120 min glucose concentration (Ptrend = 0.021) and a decreasing trend both in 30 min plasma insulin (Ptrend = 0.030) and glycated hemoglobin (Ptrend = 0.024) concentrations. A borderline statistically significant decreasing trend in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration was observed (P= 0.070). Vitamin D3supplementation does not improve glucose metabolism in ageing subjects with prediabetes but may have modest anti-inflammatory effects.
Molecular Profiling-Selected Therapy for Treatment of Advanced Pancreaticobiliary Cancer: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Epelbaum Ron , Shacham-Shmueli Einat , Klein Baruch , Agbarya Abed , Brenner Baruch , Brenner Ronen , Gez Eliahu , Golan Talia , Hubert Ayala , Purim Ofer , Temper Mark , Tepper Ella , Voss Andreas , Russell Kenneth , Dvir Addie , Soussan-Gutman Lior , Stemmer Salomon M. , Geva Ravit
Published: May 2015

This multicenter cohort study assessed the impact of molecular profiling (MP) on advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer (PBC). The study included 30 patients treated with MP-guided therapy after failing ≥1 therapy for advanced PBC. Treatment was considered as having benefit for the patient if the ratio between the longest progression-free survival (PFS) on MP-guided therapy and the PFS on the last therapy before MP was ≥1.3. The null hypothesis was that ≤15% of patients gain such benefit. Overall, ≥1 actionable (i.e., predictive of response to specific therapies) biomarker was identified/patient. Immunohistochemistry (the most commonly used method for guiding treatment decisions) identified 1–6 (median: 4) actionable biomarkers per patient. After MP, patients received 1–4 (median: 1) regimens/patient (most commonly, FOLFIRI/XELIRI). In a decision-impact analysis, of the 27 patients for whom treatment decisions before MP were available, 74.1% experienced a treatment decision change in the first line after MP. Twenty-four patients were evaluable for clinical outcome analysis; in 37.5%, the PFS ratio was ≥1.3. In one-sided exact binomial test versus the null hypothesis,P= 0.0015; therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. In conclusion, our analysis demonstrated the feasibility, clinical decision impact, and potential clinical benefits of MP-guided therapy in advanced PBC.
Optimization and Corroboration of the Regulatory Pathway of p42.3 Protein in the Pathogenesis of Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Hao Yibin , Fan Tianli , Nan Kejun
Published: May 2015

Aims. To optimize and verify the regulatory pathway of p42.3 in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma (GC) by intelligent algorithm.Methods. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the features of structural domain in p42.3 protein. Proteins with the same domains and similar functions to p42.3 were screened out for reference. The possible regulatory pathway of p42.3 was established by integrating the acting pathways of these proteins. Then, the similarity between the reference proteins and p42.3 protein was figured out by multiparameter weighted summation method. The calculation result was taken as the prior probability of the initial node in Bayesian network. Besides, the probability of occurrence in different pathways was calculated by conditional probability formula, and the one with the maximum probability was regarded as the most possible pathway of p42.3. Finally, molecular biological experiments were conducted to prove it.Results. In Bayesian network of p42.3, probability of the acting pathway “S100A11→RAGE→P38→MAPK→Microtubule-associated protein→Spindle protein→Centromere protein→Cell proliferation” was the biggest, and it was also validated by biological experiments.Conclusions. The possibly important role of p42.3 in the occurrence of gastric carcinoma was verified by theoretical analysis and preliminary test, helping in studying the relationship between p42.3 and gastric carcinoma.
Detecting Migraine in Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Three Different Headache Measures
Authors: Anderson Kirsten , Tinawi Simon , Lamoureux Julie , Feyz Mitra , de Guise Elaine
Published: May 2015

Posttraumatic migraine may represent an important subtype of headache among the traumatic brain injury (TBI) population and is associated with increased recovery times. However, it is underdiagnosed in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This study examined the effectiveness of the self-administered Nine-Item Screener (Nine-Item Screener-SA), the Headache Impact Test- 6 (HIT-6), the 3-Item Migraine Screener, and the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ) at discriminating between mTBI patients with (n= 23) and without (n= 20) migraines. The Nine-Item Screener demonstrated significant differences between migraine patients with and without migraine on nearly every question, especially on Question 9 (disability), sensitivity: 0.95 and specificity: 0.65 (95% CI, 0.64–0.90). The HIT-6 demonstrated significant differences between migraine and no-migraine patients on disability and pain severity, with disability having a sensitivity of 0.70 and specificity of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.54–0.83). Only Question 3 of the 3-Item ID Migraine Screener (photosensitivity) showed significant differences between migraine and no-migraine patients, sensitivity: 0.84 and specificity: 0.55 (CI, 0.52–0.82). The RPQ did not reveal greater symptoms in migraine patients compared with those without. Among headache measures, the Nine-Item Screener-SA best differentiated between mTBI patients with and without migraine. Disability may best identify migraine sufferers among the TBI population.
Effects of Artificial Ligaments with Different Porous Structures on the Migration of BMSCs
Authors: Wang Chun-Hui , Hou Wei , Yan Ming , Guo Zhong-shang , Wu Qi , Bi Long , Han Yi-Sheng
Published: May 2015

Polyethylene terephthalate- (PET-) based artificial ligaments (PET-ALs) are commonly used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. The effects of different porous structures on the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on artificial ligaments and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, a cell migration model was utilized to observe the migration of BMSCs on PET-ALs with different porous structures. A rabbit extra-articular graft-to-bone healing model was applied to investigate thein vivoeffects of four types of PET-ALs, and a mechanical test and histological observation were performed at 4 weeks and 12 weeks. The BMSC migration area of the 5A group was significantly larger than that of the other three groups. The migration of BMSCs in the 5A group was abolished by blocking the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway with Y27632. Thein vivostudy demonstrated that implantation of 5A significantly improved osseointegration. Our study explicitly demonstrates that the migration ability of BMSCs can be regulated by varying the porous structures of the artificial ligaments and suggests that this regulation is related to the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Artificial ligaments prepared using a proper knitting method and line density may exhibit improved biocompatibility and clinical performance.
Enhancement of ELM by Clustering Discrimination Manifold Regularization and Multiobjective FOA for Semisupervised Classification
Authors: Ye Qing , Pan Hao , Liu Changhua
Published: May 2015

A novel semisupervised extreme learning machine (ELM) with clustering discrimination manifold regularization (CDMR) framework named CDMR-ELM is proposed for semisupervised classification. By using unsupervised fuzzy clustering method, CDMR framework integrates clustering discrimination of both labeled and unlabeled data with twinning constraints regularization. Aiming at further improving the classification accuracy and efficiency, a new multiobjective fruit fly optimization algorithm (MOFOA) is developed to optimize crucial parameters of CDME-ELM. The proposed MOFOA is implemented with two objectives: simultaneously minimizing the number of hidden nodes and mean square error (MSE). The results of experiments on actual datasets show that the proposed semisupervised classifier can obtain better accuracy and efficiency with relatively few hidden nodes compared with other state-of-the-art classifiers.