bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multithreaded test synthesis for deadlock detection
Authors: Samak Malavika , Ramanathan Murali Krishna
Published: January 2015

Designing and implementing
thread-safe
multithreaded libraries can be a daunting task as developers of these libraries need to ensure that their implementations are free from concurrency bugs, including deadlocks. The usual practice involves employing software testing and/or dynamic analysis to detect deadlocks. Their effectiveness is dependent on
well-designed
multithreaded test cases. Unsurprisingly, developing multithreaded tests is significantly harder than developing sequential tests for obvious reasons.

In this paper, we address the problem of automatically synthesizing multithreaded tests that can induce deadlocks. The key insight to our approach is that a subset of the properties observed when a deadlock manifests in a concurrent execution can also be observed in a single threaded execution. We design a novel, automatic, scalable and
directed
approach that identifies these properties and synthesizes a deadlock revealing multithreaded test. The input to our approach is the library implementation under consideration and the output is a set of deadlock revealing multithreaded tests.

We have implemented our approach as part of a tool, named OMEN
1
. OMEN is able to synthesize multithreaded tests on many multithreaded Java libraries. Applying a dynamic deadlock detector on the execution of the synthesized tests results in the detection of a number of deadlocks, including 35 real deadlocks in classes
documented
as thread-safe. Moreover, our experimental results show that dynamic analysis on multithreaded tests that are either synthesized randomly or developed by third-party programmers are ineffective in detecting the deadlocks.
The Evolutionary Roots of Human Decision Making
Authors: Santos Laurie R. , Rosati Alexandra G.
Published: January 2015

Humans exhibit a suite of biases when making economic decisions. We review recent research on the origins of human decision making by examining whether similar choice biases are seen in nonhuman primates, our closest phylogenetic relatives. We propose that comparative studies can provide insight into four major questions about the nature of human choice biases that cannot be addressed by studies of our species alone. First, research with other primates can address the evolution of human choice biases and identify shared versus human-unique tendencies in decision making. Second, primate studies can constrain hypotheses about the psychological mechanisms underlying such biases. Third, comparisons of closely related species can identify when distinct mechanisms underlie related biases by examining evolutionary dissociations in choice strategies. Finally, comparative work can provide insight into the biological rationality of economically irrational preferences.
Digestive Adaptations of Aerial Lifestyles
Authors: Price Edwin R. , Brun Antonio , Caviedes-Vidal Enrique , Karasov William H.
Published: January 2015

Flying vertebrates (birds and bats) are under selective pressure to reduce the size of the gut and the mass of the digesta it carries. Compared with similar-sized nonflying mammals, birds and bats have smaller intestines and shorter retention times. We review evidence that birds and bats have lower spare digestive capacity and partially compensate for smaller intestines with increased paracellular nutrient absorption.
Evolutionary Physiology of Bone: Bone Metabolism in Changing Environments
Authors: Doherty Alison H. , Ghalambor Cameron K. , Donahue Seth W.
Published: January 2015

Bone evolved to serve many mechanical and physiological functions. Osteocytes and bone remodeling first appeared in the dermal skeleton of fish, and subsequently adapted to various challenges in terrestrial animals occupying diverse environments. This review discusses the physiology of bone and its role in mechanical and calcium homeostases from an evolutionary perspective. We review how bone physiology responds to changing environments and the adaptations to unique and extreme physiological conditions.
GLP-1: A Mediator of the Beneficial Metabolic Effects of Bariatric Surgery?
Authors: Manning Sean , Pucci Andrea , Batterham Rachel L.
Published: January 2015

There has been increasing interest in the role that gut hormones may play in contributing to the physiological changes produced by certain bariatric procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Here, we review the evidence implicating one such gut hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, as a mediator of the metabolic benefits of these two procedures.
An Alternative Technique for Fabrication of Frameworks in an Immediate Loading Implant Fixed Mandibular Prosthesis
Authors: Paleari André Gustavo , Presoto Cristina Dupim , Vasconcelos Juliano Alencar , Nunes Reis José Maurício dos Santos , Pinelli Lígia Antunes Pereira , Tavares da Silva Regina Helena Barbosa , Quishida Cristiane Campos Costa
Published: January 2015

The oral rehabilitation of edentulous patients with immediate loading has become a safe procedure with high predictability. The success is related to immediate fabrication of a passive fit framework to attach the implants. Based on these considerations, this case report shows an alternative technique for mandibular rehabilitation using implants immediately loaded, where the framework was fabricated using cylinders with internal reinforcement and precast pieces, electrowelding, and conventional welding providing esthetics and function to the patient in a short period of time.
New Antioxidant Drugs for Neonatal Brain Injury
Authors: Tataranno Maria Luisa , Perrone Serafina , Longini Mariangela , Buonocore Giuseppe
Published: January 2015

The brain injury concept covers a lot of heterogeneity in terms of aetiology involving multiple factors, genetic, hemodynamic, metabolic, nutritional, endocrinological, toxic, and infectious mechanisms, acting in antenatal or postnatal period. Increased vulnerability of the immature brain to oxidative stress is documented because of the limited capacity of antioxidant enzymes and the high free radicals (FRs) generation in rapidly growing tissue. FRs impair transmembrane enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase activity resulting in persistent membrane depolarization and excessive release of FR and excitatory aminoacid glutamate. Besides being neurotoxic, glutamate is also toxic to oligodendroglia, via FR effects. Neuronal cells die of oxidative stress. Excess of free iron and deficient iron/binding metabolising capacity are additional features favouring oxidative stress in newborn. Each step in the oxidative injury cascade has become a potential target for neuroprotective intervention. The administration of antioxidants for suspected or proven brain injury is still not accepted for clinical use due to uncertain beneficial effects when treatments are started after resuscitation of an asphyxiated newborn. The challenge for the future is the early identification of high-risk babies to target a safe and not toxic antioxidant therapy in combination with standard therapies to prevent brain injury and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment.
Molecular Characterization of a New Alkaline-Tolerant Xylanase fromHumicola insolensY1
Authors: Shi Pengjun , Du Yanlong , Yang Hong , Huang Huoqing , Zhang Xiu , Wang Yaru , Yao Bin
Published: January 2015

An endo-1,4-β-xylanase-encoding gene,xyn11B, was cloned from the thermophilic fungusHumicola insolensY1. The gene encodes a multimodular xylanase that consists of a typical hydrophobic signal sequence, a catalytic domain of glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 11, a glycine-rich linker, and a family 1 carbohydrate binding module (CBM1). Deduced Xyn11B shares the highest identity of 74% with a putative xylanase fromPodospora anserinaS mat+. Recombinant Xyn11B was successfully expressed inPichia pastorisand purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. Xyn11B had a high specific activity of 382.0 U mg−1towards beechwood xylan and showed optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 50°C. Distinct from most reported acidic fungal xylanases, Xyn11B was alkaline-tolerant, retaining 30.7% of the maximal activity at pH 9.0. TheKmandVmaxvalues for beechwood xylan were 2.2 mg mL−1and 462.8 μmol min−1 mg−1, respectively. The enzyme exhibited a wider substrate specificity and produced a mixture of xylooligosaccharides. All these favorable enzymatic properties make Xyn11B attractive for potential applications in various industries.
The Availability of Advanced Airway Equipment and Experience with Videolaryngoscopy in the UK: Two UK Surveys
Authors: Gill Rachel L. , Jeffrey Audrey S. Y. , McNarry Alistair F. , Liew Geoffrey H. C.
Published: January 2015

Fibreoptic intubation, high frequency jet ventilation, and videolaryngoscopy form part of the Royal College of Anaesthetists compulsory higher airway training module. Curriculum delivery requires equipment availability and competent trainers. We sought to establish (1) availability of advanced airway equipment in UK hospitals (Survey I) and (2) if those interested in airway management (Difficult Airway Society (DAS) members) had access to videolaryngoscopes, their basic skill levels and teaching competence with these devices and if they believed that videolaryngoscopy was replacing conventional or fibreoptic laryngoscopy (Survey II). Data was obtained from 212 hospitals (73.1%) and 554 DAS members (27.6%). Most hospitals (202, 99%) owned a fiberscope, 119 (57.5%) had a videolaryngoscope, yet only 62 (29.5%) had high frequency jet ventilators. DAS members had variable access to videolaryngoscopes with Airtraq 319 (59.6%) and Glidescope 176 (32.9%) being the most common. More DAS members were happy to teach or use videolaryngoscopes in a difficult airway than those who had used them more than ten times. The majority rated Macintosh laryngoscopy as the most important airway skill. Members rated fibreoptic intubation and videolaryngoscopy skills equally. Our surveys demonstrate widespread availability of fibreoptic scopes, limited availability of videolaryngoscopes, and limited numbers of experienced videolaryngoscope tutors.
Urban Rural Comparisons of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Burden among Adolescent Girls in a Hospital Setting in India
Authors: Balaji Swetha , Amadi Chioma , Prasad Satish , Bala Kasav Jyoti , Upadhyay Vandana , Singh Awnish K. , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan , Joshi Ashish
Published: January 2015

Background. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted disorder characterized by varying clinical presentations.Objective. The aim of this study was to determine urban and rural differences in the burden of polycystic ovarian syndrome among Indian adolescent females aged 12 to 19 years.Methods. A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of one month (August-September 2013) at Balaji Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. The final sample included 126 study participants located in various urban (50%,n=63) and rural (50%,n=63) settings. Information was gathered on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, clinical history, occurrence of acne and hirsutism, serum testosterone levels, obstetric history, family history of chronic diseases, menstrual history, physical activity, and dietary intake.Results. Eighteen percent of the participants were confirmed of having PCOS by recent guidelines of Rotterdam Consensus for adolescent diagnosis of PCOS (presence of all three elements). Majority of the individuals with PCOS had an average age of 16 (SD = 2) (P=.02) years with an average age of menarche 12 years (SD = 1).Conclusion. The proportion of participants diagnosed with PCOS was higher among urban participants in comparison to rural participants.
Acute Infectious Morbidity in Multiple Gestation
Authors: Dotters-Katz Sarah K. , Patel Emily , Grotegut Chad A. , Heine R. Phillips
Published: January 2015

Objectives. Physiologic and immunologic changes in pregnancy result in increased susceptibility to infection. These shifts are more pronounced in pregnancies complicated by multiple gestation. The objective of this study was to determine the association between multiple gestation and risk of infectious morbidity.Study Design. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2008–2010 was used to identify pregnant women during admission for delivery with International Classification of Diseases codes. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for demographic data, preexisting medical conditions, and acute medical and infectious complications for women with multiple versus singleton gestations.Results. Among women with multiple gestation, 38.4 per 1,000 women had an infectious complication compared to 12.8 per 1,000 women with singletons. The most significant infectious morbidity associated with multiple gestation was intestinal infections, pyelonephritis, influenza, and pneumonia. After controlling for confounding variables, infectious complications at delivery persisted for women with multiples, though the association was dependent on mode of delivery.Conclusions. Women with multiple gestations are at increased risk for infectious morbidity identified at the time of delivery. This association was diminished among women who had a cesarean suggesting that operative delivery is not responsible for this association.
An Improved Animal Migration Optimization Algorithm for Clustering Analysis
Authors: Ma Mingzhi , Luo Qifang , Zhou Yongquan , Chen Xin , Li Liangliang
Published: January 2015

Animal migration optimization (AMO) is one of the most recently introduced algorithms based on the behavior of animal swarm migration. This paper presents an improved AMO algorithm (IAMO), which significantly improves the original AMO in solving complex optimization problems. Clustering is a popular data analysis and data mining technique and it is used in many fields. The well-known method in solving clustering problems isk-means clustering algorithm; however, it highly depends on the initial solution and is easy to fall into local optimum. To improve the defects of thek-means method, this paper used IAMO for the clustering problem and experiment on synthetic and real life data sets. The simulation results show that the algorithm has a better performance than that of thek-means, PSO, CPSO, ABC, CABC, and AMO algorithm for solving the clustering problem.
A Coincidence Best Proximity Point Problem inG-Metric Spaces
Authors: Abbas M. , Hussain A. , Kumam P.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this paper is to initiate the study of coincidence best proximity point problem in the setup of generalized metric spaces. Some results dealing with existence and uniqueness of a coincidence best proximity point of mappings satisfying certain contractive conditions in such spaces are obtained. An example is provided to support the result proved herein. Our results generalize, extend, and unify various results in the existing literature.
Suction/Injection Effects on the Swirling Flow of a Reiner-Rivlin Fluid near a Rough Surface
Authors: Sahoo Bikash , Poncet Sébastien , Labropulu Fotini
Published: January 2015

The similarity equations for the Bödewadt flow of a non-Newtonian Reiner-Rivlin fluid, subject to uniform suction/injection, are solved numerically. The conventional no-slip boundary conditions are replaced by corresponding partial slip boundary conditions, owing to the roughness of the infinite stationary disk. The combined effects of surface slip (λ), suction/injection velocity (W), and cross-viscous parameter (L) on the momentum boundary layer are studied in detail. It is interesting to find that suction dominates the oscillations in the velocity profiles and decreases the boundary layer thickness significantly. On the other hand, injection has opposite effects on the velocity profiles and the boundary layer thickness.
Cystatin C and Its Role in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bashier Alaaeldin M. , Fadlallah Ayman Aly Seddik , Alhashemi Nada , Thadani Puja Murli , Abdelgadir Elamin , Rashid Fauzia
Published: January 2015

Diabetes mellitus is the commonest cause of CKD. It is the leading cause of new patients requiring renal replacement therapy, accounting for 40%, 34%, and 30% of cases in United States, Germany, and Australia, respectively. Recent studies have shown that a low-molecular weight protein, cystatin C, freely filtered by the kidneys is a novel biomarker that may be used for detection of early renal dysfunction in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Cystatin C has also been shown to detect cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes and it may also be linked with incident type 2 diabetes in obese patients. We aim to review current evidence based literature on use of cystatin C for early detection of diabetic nephropathy due to type 1 and type 2 diabetes in comparison to conventional methods and explore its association with other comorbidities.
A High-Isolation Dual-Polarization Substrate-Integrated Fabry-Pérot Cavity Antenna
Authors: Chen Chang , Liu Bo-Liang , Ji Ling , Chen Wei-Dong
Published: January 2015

A dual-polarization substrate-integrated Fabry-Pérot cavity (SI-FPC) antenna is presented in this paper. The patch embedded in SI-FPC is excited with a near-field coupled feeding structure for V-polarization and with a slot-coupled feeding structure for H-polarization. The feeding structures are separated by a ground plane to improve the isolation between the ports. As a design example, an antenna operating at 10.0 GHz is fabricated and measured. A high degree of port isolation (<−40 dB) over the whole operating bandwidth (9.5–10.2 GHz) and good cross-polarization level (>25 dB) can be achieved.
Prokineticin 2 Upregulation in the Peripheral Nervous System Has a Major Role in Triggering and Maintaining Neuropathic Pain in the Chronic Constriction Injury Model
Authors: Lattanzi Roberta , Maftei Daniela , Marconi Veronica , Florenzano Fulvio , Franchi Silvia , Borsani Elisa , Rodella Luigi Fabrizio , Balboni Gianfranco , Salvadori Severo , Sacerdote Paola , Negri Lucia
Published: January 2015

The new chemokine Prokineticin 2 (PROK2) and its receptors (PKR1and PKR2) have a role in inflammatory pain and immunomodulation. Here we identified PROK2 as a critical mediator of neuropathic pain in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in mice and demonstrated that blocking the prokineticin receptors with two PKR1-preferring antagonists (PC1 and PC7) reduces pain and nerve damage. PROK2 mRNA expression was upregulated in the injured nerve since day 3 post injury (dpi) and in the ipsilateral DRG since 6 dpi. PROK2 protein overexpression was evident in Schwann Cells, infiltrating macrophages and axons in the peripheral nerve and in the neuronal bodies and some satellite cells in the DRG. Therapeutic treatment of neuropathic mice with the PKR-antagonist, PC1, impaired the PROK2 upregulation and signalling. This fact, besides alleviating pain, brought down the burden of proinflammatory cytokines in the damaged nerve and prompted an anti-inflammatory repair program. Such a treatment also reduced intraneural oedema and axon degeneration as demonstrated by the physiological skin innervation and thickness conserved in CCI-PC1 mice. These findings suggest that PROK2 plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain and might represent a novel target of treatment for this disease.
Pharmacokinetics Interaction between Imatinib and Genistein in Rats
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Li , Xia Meng-ming , Sun Wei , Huang Cheng-ke , Cui Xiao , Hu Guo-xin , Lian Qing-quan , Wang Zeng-shou
Published: January 2015

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of orally administered genistein on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib in rats. Twenty-five healthy male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats were randomly divided into five groups: A group (control group), B group (multiple dose of 100 mg/kg genistein for consecutive 15 days), C group (multiple dose of 50 mg/kg genistein for consecutive 15 days), D group (a single dose of 100 mg/kg genistein), and E group (a single dose of 50 mg/kg genistein). A single dose of imatinib is administered orally 30 min after administration of genistein (100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg). The pharmacokinetic parameters of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib were calculated by DAS 3.0 software. The multiple dose of 100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg genistein significantly (P<0.05) decreased theAUC0-tandCmaxof imatinib.AUC0-tand theCmaxof N-desmethyl imatinib were also increased, but without any significant difference. However, the single dose of 100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg genistein has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib. Those results indicated that multiple dose of genistein (100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) induces the metabolism of imatinib, while single dose of genistein has no effect.
Small Bowel Dissemination of Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Zhou Shengmei , Ma Yanling , Chandrasoma Parakrama
Published: January 2015

Gastrointestinal coccidioidomycosis is extremely rare, with less than 10 cases reported in the literature. We report a case of small bowel dissemination of coccidioidomycosis in a 21-year-old African American male with a history of living in San Joaquin Valley. The patient presented with one week of abdominal pain, nausea, shortness of breath, intermittent fever, and sweat, and one month of abdominal distention. A chest radiograph revealed complete effusion of left lung. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed diffuse small bowel thickening and enhancement, as well as omental and peritoneal nodules, and ascites. The coccidioidal complement fixation titer was 1 : 256. The duodenal biopsy revealed many spherules filled with round fungal endospores. Later, blood fungal culture showed positivity forCoccidioides immitis. The final diagnosis is disseminated coccidioidomycosis involving lungs, blood, and duodenum. Despite aggressive antifungal therapy, the patient’s clinical situation deteriorated and he succumbed to multisystem organ failure one and half months later. A high index of suspicion for gastrointestinal coccidioidomycosis should be maintained in patients from an endemic area presenting as abdominal distention and pain.
The Herbal Compound “Diwu Yanggan” Modulates Liver Regeneration by Affecting the Hepatic Stem Cell Microenvironment in 2-Acetylaminofluorene/Partial Hepatectomy Rats
Authors: Zhao Bin-Bin , Li Han-Min , Gao Xiang , Ye Zhi-Hua , Cheng Si-Si
Published: January 2015

Ethnopharmacological Relevance.“Diwu Yanggan” (DWYG) has been reported to regulate liver regeneration, modulate the immune response, ameliorate liver injury, kill virus, ameliorate liver fibrosis, and suppress hepatic cancer. However, its mechanisms are still unknown.Objectives.To investigate the effects of DWYG on oval cell proliferation in 2-AAF/PH rats and determine its mechanism.Methods.Wistar rats were randomly distributed into normal group, sham group, vehicle group, and DWYG group. Hepatic pathological changes were examined by H&E staining. The oval cell markers CD34, AFP, CK-19 and hematopoietic cell markers CD45, Thy1.1, and hepatocyte marker ALB were examined with immunohistochemistry. The percentage of CD34/CD45 double-positive cells in bone marrow was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokine levels were measured with the Bio-plex suspension array system.Results. DWYG significantly increased the survival rates of 2-AAF/PH rats and promoted liver regeneration. Furthermore, DWYG increased the ratio of CD34/CD45 double-positive cells on days 10 and 14. In addition, DWYG gradually restored IL-1, GRO/KC, and VEGF levels to those of the normal group.Conclusions.DWYG increases 2-AAF/PH rat survival rates, suppresses hepatic precarcinoma changes, and restores hepatic tissue structure and function. DWYG may act by modulating the hepatic microenvironment to support liver regeneration.
Identification and Characterization of Ectomycorrhizal Cortinarius Species (Agaricales, Basidiomycetes) from Temperate Kashmir Himalaya, India, by ITS Barcoding
Authors: Itoo Zahoor Ahmad , Reshi Zafar A. , Basharat Qussin , Majeed Sheikh Tahir , Andrabi Khurshid Iqbal
Published: January 2015

The coniferous forests of Kashmir Himalayas provide a sustainable habitat for wide varieties of ectomycorrhizal fungi. The identification and characterization of many of these fungi however largely involves morphological descriptions of sporocarps alone, thus sometimes raising questions about the authenticity of these studies. The present study was carried out to identify and characterize ectomycorrhizal fungi from the coniferous forests of Kashmir Himalaya using both morphological and molecular methods. Herein we report on the identification and characterization of three potential ectomycorrhizal Cortinarius fungal species, namely, Cortinarius flexipes (Pers. Ex Fr.), Cortinarius fulvoconicus M. M. Moser, and Cortinarius infractus (Pers.) Fr., from Kashmir Himalaya, India, on the basis of their morphological and molecular characterization. Morphological characteristics of all species were measured and compared with standard taxonomic literature. ITS-rDNA (the fungal molecular marker) was used for molecular analysis. The target region of rDNA (ITS1 5.8s ITS2) of these species was amplified using universal fungal primers (ITS1 and ITS4). The sequencing of amplified products and their subsequent blast analysis confirmed the identification of species by comparing the sequences of these species with respective species sequences present in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis also confirmed the identification of species.
Haemophilia A: Pharmacoeconomic Review of Prophylaxis Treatment versus On‐Demand
Authors: Unim Brigid , Veneziano Maria Assunta , Boccia Antonio , Ricciardi Walter , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: January 2015

Objectives. Haemophilia A is a congenital disorder of coagulation that mainly affects males and causes a considerable use of resources, especially when hemophilic patients are treated with prophylaxis. The aim of the present review was to discuss and appraise the methodological aspects and results of published economic evaluations of haemophilia A treatments in the last decade. Methods. The literature search, performed by consulting four engines, covered studies published between 2002 and 2014. Full economic evaluations published in English language were identified and included in the review. A quality assessment of the studies was also carried out based on Drummond’s checklist. Results. After careful evaluations of the identified records, 5 studies were reviewed. Primary and secondary prophylaxis resulted cost‐effective compared to on‐demand therapy: the ICER of primary prophylaxis ranged from €40.236 to €59.315/QALY gained, while the ICER of secondary prophylaxis was €40.229/QALY gained. Furthermore, 60% were high quality and 40% were medium quality studies. Conclusions. The review underlines the cost‐effectiveness of prophylaxis versus on‐demand treatment and the different methodological approaches applied. Further economic evaluations are required with models that reflect the clinical reality and consumption of resources in each country.
Moderate Exercise Training Attenuates the Severity of Experimental Rodent Colitis: The Importance of Crosstalk between Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Bilski Jan , Mazur-Bialy Agnieszka I. , Brzozowski Bartosz , Magierowski Marcin , Jasnos Katarzyna , Krzysiek-Maczka Gracjana , Urbanczyk Katarzyna , Ptak-Belowska Agata , Zwolinska-Wcislo Malgorzata , Mach Tomasz , Brzozowski Tomasz
Published: January 2015

Although progress has been recently made in understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), their etiology is unknown apart from several factors from adipose tissue and skeletal muscles such as cytokines, adipokines, and myokines were implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. We studied the effect high‐fat diet (HFD; cholesterol up to 70%), low‐fat diet (LFD; cholesterol up to 10%), and the normal diet (total fat up to 5%) in rats with TNBS colitis forced to treadmill running exercise (5 days/week) for 6 weeks. In nonexercising HFD rats, the area of colonic damage, colonic tissue weight, the plasma IL‐1β, TNF‐α, TWEAK, and leptin levels, and the expression of IL‐1β‐, TNF‐α‐, and Hif1α mRNAs were significantly increased and a significant fall in plasma adiponectin and irisin levels was observed as compared to LFD rats. In HFD animals, the exercise significantly accelerated the healing of colitis, raised the plasma levels of IL‐6 and irisin, downregulated the expression of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and Hif1α, and significantly decreased the plasma IL‐1β, TNF α, TWEAK, and leptin levels. We conclude that HFD delays the healing of colitis in trained rats via decrease in CBF and plasma IL‐1β, TNF‐α, TWEAK, and leptin levels and the release of protective irisin.
Levels of Anti-HBs Antibody in HBV-Vaccinated Students Enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Professions of a Large Italian University
Authors: Sernia Sabina , Ortis Marina , Antoniozzi Tranquillo , Maffongelli Emanuele , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: January 2015

Background. Prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus (HBV) addressed to students of the faculties of health professions has received great attention.Objectives. The present study aims to assess vaccination coverage against hepatitis B in healthcare professionals in training.Materials and Methods. A retrospective study was carried out using data from the students of medicine, dentistry, and health professions.Results. 4180 vaccination certifications were examined through the internal database. Significant differences (<0.0001) emerge between the number of doses applied and the antibody level. 50.4% of the students have nonprotective antibody levels (<10 IU). The age of the first dose significantly influences the level of coverage, resulting in more coverage in those vaccinated with earlier onset (1–10 years). Antibody levels are not significantly different by type of course; the levels of noncoverage are present in 44.4% of the students of medicine and dentistry and in 50.6% among those belonging to the health professions.Conclusions. This study represents one of the first experiences in Italy on vaccination against HBV and the relationship between doses of vaccination and antibody titer in the biomedical students that can configure a step forward in the real-time monitoring in order to establish a register of vaccination.
Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto Aquatic Stages Development Comparison between Insectary and Semifield Structure
Authors: Kweka Eliningaya J. , Tenu Filemoni , Magogo Frank , Mboera Leonard E. G.
Published: January 2015

Effective malaria vector control initiatives need a clear understanding of mosquito behaviour and its ecology. This study compared larvae development to adult emergence in insectary and malaria-sphere (SFS). This is the preliminary study which gives an insight to forthcoming studies. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto eggs were hatched in insectary and transferred in densities of 20 and 50 per microhabitat with twenty replicates of each density. Both densities of larvae were reared in semifield structure and in insectary from the same batch of eggs. They were provided with tetramin fish food. In both densities of 20 and 50, pupation rate and time were found to be similar in SFS and insectary, but, in survivorship from larvae to pupae at density of 50, more larvae survived significantly to pupae stage in SFS than in insectary (P=0.002). The adult emergence rates were similar for densities of 20 and 50 between SFS and Insectary. There was a significant difference between SFS and insectary in light intensity (P=0.001) and temperatures (P=0.001), with SFS having higher rates than insectary. The findings of this study have shown that larvae development rates are encouraging having semifield structures for malaria vector rearing for behavioural studies toward malaria control.
Evaluation of Four Genetic Variants in Han Chinese Subjects with High Myopia
Authors: Ye Zimeng , Luo Huaichao , Gong Bo , Lin Ying , Shuai Ping , Wang Pu , Ye Changning , Yang Zhenglin , Wang Wanjun , Shi Yi
Published: January 2015

High myopia is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. However, the exact etiology of high myopia remains unraveled despite numerous attempts of elucidation. Previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) has revealed that four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs2969180, rs1652333, rs9307551, and rs7837791, were associated with high myopia in Caucasians. The present study was conducted to investigate whether these genetic variants were associated with high myopia in Han Chinese. These four SNPs were genotyped by SNaPshot method in a Han Chinese cohort composed of 827 patients with high myopia and 988 healthy controls. Among the SNPs genotyped, only rs9307551 was found to be significantly associated with high myopia in this study. Carriers of rs9307551A allele, AA, and AC genotypes had an increased risk of high myopia (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.14–1.54; OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.28–2.38; OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.24–2.01, resp.). Interestingly, when split by gender, the association between rs9307551 and high myopia proved to be gender-specific with significance observed only in females but not males. These findings suggested that the SNP of rs9307551 showed a gender-specific association with high myopia in the Han Chinese population. In addition,LOC100506035, a lincRNA gene, might play a crucial role in the susceptibility to high myopia.
Imperative Remarks for “On Common Coupled Fixed Point Theorems for Comparable Mappings in Ordered Partially Metric Spaces” and an Answer to the Question: How to Smooth It Away
Authors: Alsulami Hamed H. , Karapınar Erdal , Roldán Lόpez de Hierro Antonio Francisco
Published: January 2015

We show that the main result in the work by Mutlu et al. is not true. We explain point by point some of its main mistakes and we propose an alternative version to smooth away the defects of it.
Management of Six Root Canals in Mandibular First Molar
Authors: Maniglia-Ferreira Claudio , Gomes Fabio de Almeida , Sousa Bruno Carvalho
Published: January 2015

Success in root canal treatment is achieved after thorough cleaning, shaping, and obturation of the root canal system. This clinical case describes conventional root canal treatment of an unusual mandibular first molar with six root canals. The prognosis for endodontic treatment in teeth with abnormal morphology is unfavorable if the clinician fails to recognize extra root canals.
Midkine: A Novel and Early Biomarker of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Malyszko Jolanta , Bachorzewska-Gajewska Hanna , Koc-Zorawska Ewa , Malyszko Jacek S. , Kobus Grazyna , Dobrzycki Slawomir
Published: January 2015

We tested the hypothesis whether midkine could represent an early biomarker of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) in 89 patients with normal serum creatinine undergoing PCI. Midkine, serum and urinary NGAL, and cystatin C were evaluated before and 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours after PCI using commercially available kits. Serum creatinine was assessed before and 24 and 48 hours after PCI. We found a significant rise in serum midkine as early as after 2 hours (P<0.001) when compared to the baseline values. It was also significantly higher 4 hours after PCI and then returned to the baseline values after 24 hours and started to decrease after 48 hours. When contrast nephropathy was defined as an increase in serum creatinine by >25% of the baseline level 48 hours after PCI, the prevalence of CIN was 10%. Patients with CIN received significantly more contrast agent (P<0.05), but durations of PCI were similar. Midkine was significantly higher 2, 4, and 8 hours after PCI in patients with CIN. Since the “window of opportunity” is narrow in CIAKI and time is limited to introduce proper treatment after initiating insult, particularly when patients are discharged within 24 hours after the procedure, midkine needs to be investigated as a potential early marker for renal ischemia and/or nephrotoxicity.
Preparedness and Practice Management Skills of Graduating Dental Students Entering the Work Force
Authors: Manakil Jane , Rihani Selwa , George Roy
Published: January 2015

Dental education aims to produce competent graduates with the ability to provide quality care to the patients and facilitate the smooth integration into professional practice. The objective of this study was to explore the overall preparedness of graduands for integrating into professional practice. The survey was tested for reliability and analysed the career paths, learning preferences, overall knowledge, and confidence amongst graduating dentists in integrating and managing a dental practice on graduation. Sixty-nine students (89.6%) in age group of 20–50 years participated in the study. Students indicated a high level of confidence in their skills and ability to work in a team in a practice or collaboratively with other colleagues and specialists but expressed some reservation on their practice management skills (73.1%). Challenges in gaining employment and pressures to repay educational debts are amongst the reasons for graduands preferring a paid job immediately on graduation regardless of demographics. Students indicated that an increase in speciality training and clinical/outreach placements could enhance employability. This study explores the students’ perception of their confidences, knowledge, learning preferences, and practice management skills as a method of evaluating their preparedness to practice on graduation and provides a base line for curriculum structuring to prepare graduands to enter the competitive dental work force.
MRA Study on Variation of the Circle of Willis in Healthy Chinese Male Adults
Authors: Qiu Chuanya , Zhang Yong , Xue Caixia , Jiang Shanshan , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2015

Aim. To investigate the morphology and variation of the circle of Willis (COW) in healthy Chinese male adults.Materials and Methods. We analyzed cerebral magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images of 2,246 healthy subjects using typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRA. 3D-time of flight (TOF) MRA method was applied to all subjects and the classification was therefore achieved according to the integrity level of COW and the developmental situation of vessels.Results. The overall incidence of COW integrity was 12.24%, with 7.57% nonvariation integral COW. The incidences of partial integrity and nonintegrity were 70.17% and 17.59%, respectively. The integrity rate of anterior circulation was 78.58%, with a close correlation with A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA-A1) developmental condition. The developmental variation rate of ACA-A1 was 28.23% and the variation of the right side was higher than that of the left side. The nonintegrity rate of posterior circulation was 83.93% as the hypoplasia of P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA-P1) with an incidence rate of 15.85% for PCA-P1 variation.Conclusions. The COW variation is a common phenomenon among the healthy subjects. MRA could enable reflecting the physiological morphology of COW in a comprehensive manner.
Magnetic Bead-Based Salivary Peptidome Profiling Analysis for Severe Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Si Yan , Ao Shuang , Wang Weijian , Chen Feng , Zheng Shuguo
Published: January 2015

Objective: To investigate the differential salivary protein expression profiles between children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and caries-free (CF) children at the age of 3 years. Methods: We used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with weak cation exchange magnetic beads, and peptide mass fingerprints were created by scanning mass spectrometry signals. Salivary samples from 20 children were analyzed (10 for each group). Results: Eleven protein peaks were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Eight of these peaks were higher in the S-ECC group and three were higher in the CF group. To establish a diagnostic model for discrimination between the two groups, we chose three peptides (3,186.2, 3,195.8 and 3,324.8 Da) that exhibited the best fitted curve, by which the two groups were better separated when compared with other combinations. Conclusions: The salivary biomarkers identified revealed significant differences between the CF and the S-ECC group. Our results provide novel insight into the salivary protein profile of preschool-age children with dental caries and may lead to the development of a new strategy for screening high-risk populations.
Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions on Psychological and Physical Health Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Farver-Vestergaard Ingeborg , Jacobsen Dorte , Zachariae Robert
Published: January 2015

Background: Psychosocial intervention has been suggested as a potentially effective supplement to medical treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but no reviews so far have quantified the existing research in terms of both psychological and physical health outcomes. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials evaluating the effects of psychosocial interventions on psychological and physical health outcomes in COPD. Methods: Two independent raters screened 1,491 references for eligibility. Twenty independent studies investigating a total of 1,361 patients were included, assessed for their methodological quality, and subjected to meta-analytic evaluation. Results: After adjusting for potential publication bias, a statistically significant overall effect was found for psychological (Hedges' g = 0.38, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.19-0.58; p < 0.001) outcomes. When analyzing individual intervention types, cognitive behavioral therapy appeared to be effective (g = 0.39, CI = 0.15-0.62; p = 0.001) for improving psychological outcomes. In contrast, for physical outcomes, only mind-body interventions (e.g. mindfulness-based therapy, yoga, and relaxation) revealed a statistically significant effect (g = 0.40; CI = 0.01-0.79; p = 0.042). Conclusions: Taken together, the results lend support to psychosocial intervention as a tool in the management of COPD. However, due to indications of possible publication bias towards positive findings, the results should be interpreted with some caution, and more high quality research is needed.
Mood and Anxiety Disorders as Early Manifestations of Medical Illness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cosci Fiammetta , Fava Giovanni A. , Sonino Nicoletta
Published: January 2015

Background: Affective disturbances involving alterations of mood, anxiety and irritability may be early symptoms of medical illnesses. The aim of this paper was to provide a systematic review of the literature with qualitative data synthesis. Methods: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ISI Web of Science were systematically searched from inception to February 2014. Search terms were ‘prodrome/early symptom', combined using the Boolean ‘AND' operator with ‘anxiety/depression/mania/hypomania/irritability/irritable mood/hostility', combined with the Boolean ‘AND' operator with ‘medical illness/medical disorder'. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results: A total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Depression was found to be the most common affective prodrome of medical disorders and was consistently reported in Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic and lung cancer, myocardial infarction, Wilson's disease, and AIDS. Mania, anxiety and irritability were less frequent. Conclusions: Physicians may not pursue medical workup of cases that appear to be psychiatric in nature. They should be alerted that disturbances in mood, anxiety and irritability may antedate the appearance of a medical disorder.
Superior Predictive Value for NTproBNP Compared with High Sensitivity cTnT in Dialysis Patients: A Pilot Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Voroneanu Luminita , Siriopol Dimitrie , Nistor Ionut , Apetrii Mugurel , Hogas Simona , Onofriescu Mihai , Covic Adrian
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: The clinical utility of the new biomarker, high sensitivity cardiac T troponin (hs-cTnT) is still unclear in dialysis patients. Furthermore, the prognostic value of combining N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) and hs-cTnT has not been explored so far. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the utility of hs-cTnT alone versus hs-cTnT in combination with NT-proBNP for predicting death in a stable hemodialysis cohort. Methods: A prospective observational pilot study including 98 chronic asymptomatic hemodialysis patients with a follow up period of 24 months was designed. The cut-off values for NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, using mortality as an end-point. Based on the cut-off values, the cohort was divided into four groups. Group 1 - NT-proBNP < 14275 pg/ml and hs-cTnT < 69.48 ng/l; group 2 - NT-proBNP < 14275 pg/ml and hs-cTnT > 69.48 ng/l; group 3 - NT-proBNP > 14275 pg/ml and hs-cTnT < 69.48 ng/l; group 4 - NT-proBNP > 14275 pg/ml and hs-cTnT > 69.48 ng/l. Survival for each group was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Results: During the follow-up period 16 patients died. According to the ROC curves analysis, the cut-off point for hs-cTnT and for NT-proBNP were 69.43 ng/l (AUC = 0.618; p = 0.04) and 14275 pg/ml (AUC = 0.722; p = 0.003), respectively. In univariate Cox analysis, both hs-cTnT (HR = 3.34; p = 0.016) and NT-proBNP (HR = 5.94; p = 0.01) were predictors of death. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, only NT-pro-BNP levels above the cut-off value remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality. The combined elevation of both biomarkers did not improve significantly the prognostic value compared with NT-proBNP alone (HR = 6.15 versus HR =4 .78; p = 0.338). Conclusion: NT-pro-BNP is a strong predictor of overall mortality in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients. The addition of hs-cTnT did not improve the prognostic accuracy compared with NT proBNP alone.
Regulation of the Voltage Gated K+ Channel Kv1.3 by Recombinant Human Klotho Protein
Authors: Almilaji Ahmad , Honisch Sabina , Liu Guilai , Elvira Bernat , Ajay Sumant Singh , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , Ahmed Musaab , Munoz Carlos , Sopjani Mentor , Lang Florian
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Klotho, a protein mainly produced in the kidney and released into circulating blood, contributes to the negative regulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 formation and is thus a powerful regulator of mineral metabolism. As β-glucuronidase, alpha Klotho protein further regulates the stability of several carriers and channels in the plasma membrane and thus regulates channel and transporter activity. Accordingly, alpha Klotho protein participates in the regulation of diverse functions seemingly unrelated to mineral metabolism including lymphocyte function. The present study explored the impact of alpha Klotho protein on the voltage gated K+ channel Kv1.3. Methods: cRNA encoding Kv1.3 (KCNA3) was injected into Xenopus oocytes and depolarization induced outward current in Kv1.3 expressing Xenopus oocytes determined utilizing dual electrode voltage clamp. Experiments were performed without or with prior treatment with recombinant human Klotho protein (50 ng/ml, 24 hours) in the absence or presence of a β-glucuronidase inhibitor D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (DSAL, 10 µM). Moreover, the voltage gated K+ current was determined in Jcam lymphoma cells by whole cell patch clamp following 24 hours incubation without or with recombinant human Klotho protein (50 ng/ml, 24 hours). Kv1.3 protein abundance in Jcam cells was determined utilising fluorescent antibodies in flow cytometry. Results: In Kv1.3 expressing Xenopus oocytes the Kv1.3 currents and the protein abundance of Kv1.3 were both significantly enhanced after treatment with recombinant human Klotho protein (50 ng/ml, 24 hours), an effect reversed by presence of DSAL. Moreover, treatment with recombinant human Klotho protein increased Kv currents and Kv1.3 protein abundance in Jcam cells. Conclusion: Alpha Klotho protein enhances Kv1.3 channel abundance and Kv1.3 currents in the plasma membrane, an effect depending on its β-glucuronidase activity.