bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Approximate Solutions of Three-Dimensional Diffusion and Wave Equations within Local Fractional Derivative Operator
Authors: Jassim Hassan Kamil
Published: October 2016

We used the local fractional variational iteration transform method (LFVITM) coupled by the local fractional Laplace transform and variational iteration method to solve three-dimensional diffusion and wave equations with local fractional derivative operator. This method has Lagrange multiplier equal to minus one, which makes the calculations more easily. The obtained results show that the presented method is efficient and yields a solution in a closed form. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the high accuracy and fast convergence of this new method.
A Collision Model for Protective Structure with Gradient Metallic Cellular Material under Low Velocity Impact
Authors: Xiao Dengbao , Zhao Guiping
Published: October 2016

During quasi-static compressive process, the gradient metallic cellular material can be divided into deformed region and undeformed region before the material is compressed compactly. The deformation mode of the gradient metallic cellular material is not the same as that of homogeneous metallic cellular material. Meanwhile, no plateau stress is observed in the crushing stress versus strain curve of the gradient metallic cellular material. A formula of calculating crushing stress of the gradient metallic cellular material is presented. Subsequently, a collision model for protective structures with gradient metallic cellular material is presented to investigate the vibration isolation of the large mass protection under low velocity impact based on Lagrange’s equation of the second kind. The effects of the gradient metallic cellular material on the acceleration peak of inner protected structure are theoretically discussed. And the results show that adopting gradient metallic cellular material instead of homogeneous metallic cellular material with equivalent mass can decrease the peak acceleration value of the inner protected structure.
Impacts of the Sahel-Sahara Interface Reforestation on West African Climate: Intraseasonal Variability and Extreme Precipitation Events
Authors: Diba Ibrahima , Camara Moctar , Sarr Alioune Badara
Published: October 2016

This study aims to evaluate the impacts of the Sahel-Sahara interface reforestation on spatiotemporal variability of the summer rainfall and extreme precipitation events over West Africa using the RegCM4 model. The land surface scheme of RegCM4 was modified to incorporate an East-West reforested zone (15°N and 20°N). Two runs were performed using the standard version of RegCM4 and the modified one of the same model taking into account the incorporated forest. The reforestation significantly modifies rainfall signal over West Africa by increasing it over the reforested zone and the Fouta Jallon highlands (FJH). This rainfall increase is associated with a strengthening of the atmospheric moisture over the reforested area. This atmospheric moisture content increase associated with the wind dynamic may explain the spatiotemporal change of the rainfall and extreme precipitation events. The analysis of the impacts of the reforestation on some rainfall indices shows an increase of the 90th, 95th, and 99th percentiles over the reforested zone and off the FJH. This reforestation also causes an increase of the maximum length of the consecutive wet days over and off FJH and a decrease of the maximum length of the consecutive dry days over the northern Sahel and the reforested zone.
A Systematic Review of Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Abubakar Amina , Ssewanyana Derrick , Newton Charles R.
Published: October 2016

The burden of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not well known. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to identify published work from SSA. We have systematically searched four databases, namely, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Child Development & Adolescent Studies, through EBSCO and identified studies from across SSA. Based on predefined inclusion criteria, 47 studies were included in this review. Most of the identified studies (74%) were conducted in only 2 African countries, that is, South Africa and Nigeria. Additionally, most of these studies (83%) were carried out in the last decade. These studies had four major themes: development of measurement tools of ASD in Africa, examining the prevalence of ASD, identifying risk factors and risk markers, and examining psychosocial issues. We identified only a single population level study aimed at documenting the prevalence of ASD and could not identify a single case-control study aimed at examining a comprehensive set of potential risk factors. All intervention studies were based on very small sample sizes. Put together, our findings suggest that current evidence base is too scanty to provide the required information to plan adequately for effective intervention strategies for children with ASD in Africa.
Response of Boron and Light on Morph-Physiology and Pod Yield of Two Peanut Varieties
Authors: Quamruzzaman Md. , Ullah Md. Jafar , Karim Md. Fazlul , Islam Nazrul , Rahman Md. Jahedur , Sarkar Md. Dulal
Published: October 2016

Boron is an important micronutrient that enhances vegetative growth and yield of crops, like peanut. Light also plays an important role in pegging of peanut. There has been little information regarding the application of boron and light in peanut in Bangladesh. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to study the response of boron and light on morph-physiology and pod yield of two peanut varieties. Treatments considered two peanut varieties,namely, Dhaka-1 and BARI Chinabadam-8, three levels of boron (B),namely, 0-kg B ha−1(B0), 1-kg B ha−1(B1), and 2-kg B ha−1(B2), and two levels of light,namely, normal day light (≈12 h light) and normal day light + 6 h extended red light at night (≈18 h light). Result revealed that days to first-last emergence and days to first-50% flowering took shorter times and vegetative growth, pods dry weight plant−1, pod yield, and germination were markedly increased with the application of boron. Vegetative growth and germinations were significantly increased in light, but the lowest leaf area, pods dry weight plant−1, and pod yield were found in light. Without germination, the highest vegetative growth, reproductive unit, and pod yield were observed from BARI Chinabadam-8. Days to first-last emergence, days to first-50% flowering, and number of branches plant−1were found linearly related to pod yield.
Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Utility in Prediction of 30-Day Readmission Rate in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Dai Shengchuan , Manoucheri Manoucher , Gui Junhong , Zhu Xiang , Malhotra Divyanshu , Li Shenjing , D’souza Jason , Virkram Fnu , Chada Aditya , Jiang Haibing
Published: October 2016

Background. Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common diagnoses associated with hospital readmission. We designed this prospective study to evaluate whether Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score is associated with 30-day readmission in patients hospitalized with decompensated HF.Methods and Results. We enrolled 240 patients who met the study criteria. Forty-eight (20%) patients were readmitted for decompensated HF within thirty days of hospital discharge, and 192 (80%) patients were not readmitted. Compared to readmitted patients, nonreadmitted patients had a higher average KCCQ score (40.8 versus 32.6,P= 0.019) before discharge. Multivariate analyses showed that a high KCCQ score was associated with low HF readmission rate (adjusted OR = 0.566,P= 0.022). Thec-statistic for the base model (age + gender) was 0.617. The combination of home medication and lab tests on the base model resulted in an integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) increase of 3.9%. On that basis, the KCQQ further increased IDI of 2.7%.Conclusions. The KCCQ score determined before hospital discharge was significantly associated with 30-day readmission rate in patients with HF, which may provide a clinically useful measure and could significantly improve readmission prediction reliability when combined with other clinical components.
Understanding the Functional Plasticity in Neural Networks of the Basal Ganglia in Cocaine Use Disorder: A Role for Allosteric Receptor-Receptor Interactions in A2A-D2 Heteroreceptor Complexes
Authors: Borroto-Escuela Dasiel O. , Wydra Karolina , Pintsuk Julia , Narvaez Manuel , Corrales Fidel , Zaniewska Magdalena , Agnati Luigi F. , Franco Rafael , Tanganelli Sergio , Ferraro Luca , Filip Malgorzata , Fuxe Kjell
Published: October 2016

Our hypothesis is that allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in homo- and heteroreceptor complexes may form the molecular basis of learning and memory. This principle is illustrated by showing how cocaine abuse can alter the adenosine A2AR-dopamine D2R heterocomplexes and their receptor-receptor interactions and hereby induce neural plasticity in the basal ganglia. Studies with A2AR ligands using cocaine self-administration procedures indicate that antagonistic allosteric A2AR-D2R heterocomplexes of the ventral striatopallidal GABA antireward pathway play a significant role in reducing cocaine induced reward, motivation, and cocaine seeking. Anticocaine actions of A2AR agonists can also be produced at A2AR homocomplexes in these antireward neurons, actions in which are independent of D2R signaling. At the A2AR-D2R heterocomplex, they are dependent on the strength of the antagonistic allosteric A2AR-D2R interaction and the number of A2AR-D2R and A2AR-D2R-sigma1R heterocomplexes present in the ventral striatopallidal GABA neurons. It involves a differential cocaine-induced increase in sigma1Rs in the ventral versus the dorsal striatum. In contrast, the allosteric brake on the D2R protomer signaling in the A2AR-D2R heterocomplex of the dorsal striatopallidal GABA neurons is lost upon cocaine self-administration. This is potentially due to differences in composition and allosteric plasticity of these complexes versus those in the ventral striatopallidal neurons.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Associated Risk Factors among 34,111 HAART Naïve HIV-Infected Adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Njelekela Marina , Muhihi Alfa , Aveika Akum , Spiegelman Donna , Hawkins Claudia , Armstrong Catharina , Liu Enju , Okuma James , Chalamila Guerino , Kaaya Sylvia , Mugusi Ferdinand , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: October 2016

Background. Elevated blood pressure has been reported among treatment naïve HIV-infected patients. We investigated prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in a HAART naïve HIV-infected population in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among HAART naïve HIV-infected patients. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) between 25.0–29.9 kg/m2and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. We used relative risks to examine factors associated with hypertension.Results. Prevalence of hypertension was found to be 12.5%. After adjusting for possible confounders, risk of hypertension was 10% more in male than female patients. Patients aged ≥50 years had more than 2-fold increased risk for hypertension compared to 30–39-years-old patients. Overweight and obesity were associated with 51% and 94% increased risk for hypertension compared to normal weight patients. Low CD4+ T-cell count, advanced WHO clinical disease stage, and history of TB were associated with 10%, 42%, and 14% decreased risk for hypertension.Conclusions. Older age, male gender, and overweight/obesity were associated with hypertension. Immune suppression and history of TB were associated with lower risk for hypertension. HIV treatment programs should screen and manage hypertension even in HAART naïve individuals.
Rainfall Variability and Trend Analysis of Annual Rainfall in North Africa
Authors: Nouaceur Zeineddine , Murărescu Ovidiu
Published: October 2016

The IPCC climate models predict, for the Maghreb countries, lower rainfall and increased aridity. Current observations in the three countries of central Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) are not consistent with these predictions. To demonstrate this new trend, a detailed regional analysis of rainfall evolution is conducted. This investigation is based on the calculation of the reduced centered index and the chronological graphical method of processing information (MGCTI) of “Bertin matrix” type. The results show extreme variability of this parameter and the severe past drought (more intense for Morocco, in which the drastic conditions from the seventies are observed). The results also show the beginning of a gradual return to wetter conditions since the early 2000s in Algeria and Tunisia and from 2008 for Morocco (this trend is confirmed by recent agricultural production data in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013).
Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer Mechanism in Interference Alignment Relay Networks
Authors: Wu Fahui , Xiao Lin , Yang Dingcheng , Cuthbert Laurie , Liu Xiaoping
Published: November 2016

This paper considers a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) mechanism in an interference alignment (IA) relay system, in which source nodes send wireless information and energy simultaneously to relay nodes, and relay nodes forward the received signal to destination nodes powered by harvested energy. To manage interference and utilize interference as energy source, two-SWIPT receiver is designed, namely, power splitting (PS), and antennas switching (AS) has been considered for relay system. The performance of AS- and PS-based IA relay systems is considered, as is a new energy cooperation (ECop) scheme that is proposed to improve system performance. Numerical results are provided to evaluate the performance of all schemes and it is shown from the simulations that the performance of proposed ECop outperformed both AS and PS.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia with Delayed Presentation
Authors: Malekzadegan Alireza , Sargazi Alireza
Published: October 2016

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is caused due to abnormal formation of the muscular parts of diaphragm. The incidence of CDH in common births ranges from 1/25000 to 1/30000. Pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension are factors that associate with the increase of mortality and morbidity due to CDH. We presented a 68-year-old Iranian woman with abdominal pain and tenderness in right upper quadrant who was diagnosed as having CDH. The disease was detected using chest X-ray and chest and abdomen sonography and confirmed with chest and abdomen CT scan with and without oral contrast. A defect was revealed in posterolateral right diaphragm with omentum and transverse colon herniated through it. Right posterolateral thoracotomy was performed to cure the disease. CT and CXR were the two useful methods in diagnosis of CDH in this patient, although CDH detection prior to surgery is too challenging because of rare cases and different types of CDH. In order to improve clinical cares in adult CDH patients, investigating more cases and long term follow-up are recommended.
Design of a New Nonlinear Stiffness Compliant Actuator and Its Error Compensation Method
Authors: Lan Shaobin , Song Zhibin
Published: October 2016

Compliant actuators are more advantageous than stiff actuators in some circumstances, for example, unstructured environment robots and rehabilitation robots. Compliant actuators are more adaptive and safe. Constant stiffness compliant actuators have some limitations in impedance and bandwidth. Variable stiffness actuators improve their performance owing to introducing an extra motor to tune the stiffness of the actuators. However, they also have some limitations such as the bulky structure and heavy weight. It was also found that there are some waste functions existing in the current variable stiffness actuators and that the fully decoupled position control and stiffness tune are not necessary, because there exist some regular phenomena during most circumstances of human interaction with the robots which are “low load, low stiffness and high load, high stiffness”. In this paper, a design method for nonlinear stiffness compliant actuator was proposed which performed the predefined deflection-torque trajectory of the regular phenomenon. A roller and a cantilever which has special curve profile constitute the basic mechanical structure of the nonlinear stiffness compliant actuators. An error compensation method was also proposed to analyze the stiffness of elastic structure. The simulation results proved that the proposed method was effective in designing a predefined nonlinear stiffness compliant actuator.
Protective Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Ageing Kidney
Authors: Hou Cui-Lan , Wang Ming-Jie , Sun Chen , Huang Yong , Jin Sheng , Mu Xue-Pan , Chen Ying , Zhu Yi-Chun
Published: November 2016

Aims. The study aimed to examine whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generation changed in the kidney of the ageing mouse and its relationship with impaired kidney function. Results. H2S levels in the plasma, urine, and kidney decreased significantly in ageing mice. The expression of two known H2S‐producing enzymes in kidney, cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) and cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS), decreased significantly during ageing. Chronic H2S donor (NaHS, 50 μmol/kg/day, 10 weeks) treatment could alleviate oxidative stress levels and renal tubular interstitial collagen deposition. These protective effects may relate to transcription factor Nrf2 activation and antioxidant proteins such as HO‐1, SIRT1, SOD1, and SOD2 expression upregulation in the ageing kidney after NaHS treatment. Furthermore, the expression of H2S‐producing enzymes changed with exogenous H2S administration and contributed to elevated H2S levels in the ageing kidney. Conclusions. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide production in the ageing kidney is insufficient. Exogenous H2S can partially rescue ageing‐related kidney dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, decreasing collagen deposition, and enhancing Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Recovery of endogenous hydrogen sulfide production may also contribute to the beneficial effects of NaHS treatment.
Comparison of Clinical and Radiologic Outcome of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated with Hybrid Hook-Screw Instrumentation versus Universal Clamp System
Authors: Ghayem Hassankhani Ebrahim , Omidi-Kashani Farzad , Moradkhani Shahram , Ghayem Hassankhani Golnaz , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi
Published: October 2016

Background. In surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), hybrid universal clamp system has been used by some authors. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiologic outcome of hybrid universal clamp with hybrid thoracic hook lumbar screw. Methods. A prospective study was performed on 56 consecutive patients with AIS, who had alternatively undergone a posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation with hybrid thoracic hook lumbar screw system (28 patients: group A) and hybrid universal clamp system (28 patients: group B) between June 2006 and January 2014 at Imam Reza University Hospital and had been followed up for more than two years. The comparison was according to radiographic changes, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) outcome scores. Results. The preoperative mean curve Cobb angle was 58°±7° (42°–74°) in group A and 60°±9° (46°–75°) in group B. The mean final coronal curve correction was 60.4% and 75.5% in groups A and B, respectively (P=0.001). Postoperative SRS outcome scores were also comparable. Conclusion. Universal clamp instrumentation had a significantly better curve correction and lower complication rate compared with hybrid thoracic hook lumbar screw. Both instrumentation methods had similar operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative SRS outcome scores.
The Zuo Jin Wan Formula Induces Mitochondrial Apoptosis of Cisplatin‐Resistant Gastric Cancer Cells via Cofilin‐1
Authors: Tang Qing-Feng , Sun Jian , Yu Hui , Shi Xiao-Jing , Lv Rong , Wei Hong-Chang , Yin Pei-Hao
Published: October 2016

Despite the status of cisplatin (DDP) as a classical chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer, the development of multidrug resistance often leads to a failure of DDP therapy. Here we found that phosphorylated cofilin‐1 (p‐cofilin‐1) was overexpressed in the DDP‐resistant human gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901/DDP and BGC823/DDP, relative to the respective parent cell lines (SGC7901 and BGC823), and that DDP induced the dephosphorylation of p‐cofilin‐1 in both parent lines but not in the DDP‐resistant lines. However, we noted that the traditional Chinese medicine formula Zuo Jin Wan (ZJW) could induce the dephosphorylation of p‐cofilin‐1 and promote cofilin‐1 translocation from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria in both SGC7901/DDP and BGC823/DDP cells. This mitochondrial translocation of cofilin‐1 was found to induce the conversion of filamentous actin to globular‐actin, activate mitochondrial damage and calcium overloading, and induce the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. We further observed that these effects of ZJW on DDP‐resistant human gastric cancer cell lines could be reversed via transfection with cofilin‐1‐specific siRNA, or treatment with a PP1 and PP2A inhibitor. These results suggest that ZJW is an effective drug therapy for patients with DDP‐resistant gastric cancer.
Herpes Simplex Virus Hepatitis in an Immunocompetent Host Resembling Hepatic Pyogenic Abscesses
Authors: Down Carrie , Mehta Amit , Salama Gayle , Hissong Erika , Rosenblatt Russell , Cantor Michael , Helfgott David , Marks Kristen
Published: October 2016

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis represents a rare complication of HSV infection, which can progress to acute liver failure and, in some cases, death. We describe an immunocompetent 67-year-old male who presented with one week of fever and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen showed multiple bilobar hepatic lesions, some with rim enhancement, compatible with liver abscesses. Subsequent liver biopsy, however, revealed hepatocellular necrosis, HSV-type intranuclear inclusions, and immunostaining positive for herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2). Though initially treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, following histologic diagnosis of HSV hepatitis, the patient was transitioned to intravenous acyclovir for four weeks and he achieved full clinical recovery. Given its high mortality and nonspecific presentation, one should consider HSV hepatitis in all patients with acute hepatitis with multifocal hepatic lesions of unknown etiology. Of special note, this is only the second reported case of HSV liver lesions mimicking pyogenic abscesses on CT and MRI.
Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Properties of Three Banana Cultivars (Musaspp.)
Authors: Adedayo Bukola C. , Oboh Ganiyu , Oyeleye Sunday I. , Olasehinde Tosin A.
Published: October 2016

Background. This study sought to investigate the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties ofMusa sapientum(Latundan banana) (MSL),Musa acuminata(Cavendish banana) (MAC), andMusa acuminate(Red Dacca) (MAR).Materials and Methods.The sugar, starch, amylose, and amylopectin contents and glycemic index (GI) of the three banana cultivars were determined. Furthermore, total phenol and vitamin C contents andα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibitory effects of banana samples were also determined.Results. MAC and MAR had the highest starch, amylose, and amylopectin contents and estimated glycemic index (eGI) with no significant different while MSL had the lowest. Furthermore, MAR (1.07 mg GAE/g) had a higher total phenol content than MAC (0.94 mg GAE/g) and MSL (0.96 mg GAE/g), while there was no significant difference in the vitamin C content. Furthermore, MAR had the highestα-amylase (IC50= 3.95 mg/mL) inhibitory activity while MAC had the least (IC50= 4.27 mg/mL). Moreover, MAC and MAR inhibited glucosidase activity better than MSL (IC503.47 mg/mL).Conclusion. The low sugar, GI, amylose, and amylopectin contents of the three banana cultivars as well as theirα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibitory activities could be possible mechanisms and justification for their recommendation in the management of type-2 diabetes.
Mantle Cell Hyperplasia of Peripheral Lymph Nodes as Initial Manifestation of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Monabbati Ahmad , Noori Sadat , Safaei Akbar , Ramzi Mani , Eghbali Seyedsajjad , Adib Ali
Published: October 2016

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a well known hemoglobinopathy with usual manifestations including anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and vasoocclusive complications. Despite presence of mild splenomegaly in early phase of the disease, lymphadenopathy is not an often finding of SCD. We introduce an undiagnosed case of SCD who presented in third decade of his life with multiple cervical lymphadenopathies and mild splenomegaly persistent for about five years. Histopathologic examination of the resected lymph nodes showed expansion of the mantle cell layers of secondary follicles as well as several monomorphic mantle cell nodules. To rule out possibility of a malignant process involving lymph nodes, an immunohistochemical panel was ordered which was in favor of benign mantle cell hyperplasia. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement study showed no clonal bands and confirmed benign nature of the process. Respecting mild abnormalities on Complete Blood Count, peripheral blood smear was reviewed revealing some typical sickle red blood cells as well as rare nucleated red blood cells. Solubility test for hemoglobin (HB) S was positive. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed diagnosis of homozygous HbS disease.
Intestinal Microbiota as an Alternative Therapeutic Target for Epilepsy
Authors: Wu Jiaying , Zhang Yuyu , Yang Hongyu , Rao Yuefeng , Miao Jing , Lu Xiaoyang
Published: November 2016

Epilepsy is one of the most widespread serious neurological disorders, and an aetiological explanation has not been fully identified. In recent decades, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the influential role of autoimmune mechanisms in the progression of epilepsy. The hygiene hypothesis draws people’s attention to the association between gut microbes and the onset of multiple immune disorders. It is also believed that, in addition to influencing digestive system function, symbiotic microbiota can bidirectionally and reversibly impact the programming of extraintestinal pathogenic immune responses during autoimmunity. Herein, we investigate the concept that the diversity of parasitifer sensitivity to commensal microbes and the specific constitution of the intestinal microbiota might impact host susceptibility to epilepsy through promotion of Th17 cell populations in the central nervous system (CNS).
Nicolau Syndrome due to Penicillin Injection: A Report of 3 Cases without Long-Term Complication
Authors: Memarian Sara , Gharib Behdad , Gharagozlou Mohammd , Alimadadi Hosein , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Ziaee Vahid
Published: November 2016

Nicolau syndrome (NS) or livedo-like dermatitis is a rare complication of injection of various medications such as penicillin. The pathophysiology of this events is not clear, but some hypotheses are suggested, such as sympathetic nerve stimulation, embolic occlusion, inflammation, or mechanical injury. In this paper we report 3 cases of NS following benzathine penicillin. Clinical symptoms improved in 2 cases during 2-month follow-up, but one of them had a residual necrosis in the distal phalanges of the toes.
End Point Results in Metric Spaces Endowed with a Graph
Authors: Choudhury Binayak S. , Metiya Nikhilesh , Debnath Pradip
Published: October 2016

We introduce the notion of end point of multivalued mappings in the setting of metric space endowed with a graph and prove some existence results in this context. The mappings are assumed to satisfy certain generalized multivalued almost G-contractive type inequalities. Further, the consequences of the corresponding results in the cases of single-valued mappings are also discussed with examples.
Effect of Intravenous High Dose Vitamin C on Postoperative Pain and Morphine Use after Laparoscopic Colectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jeon Younghoon , Park Jun Seok , Moon Suyoung , Yeo Jinseok
Published: October 2016

Background and Objective. Vitamin C has antioxidant, neuroprotective, and neuromodulating effects. Recently, it showed antinociceptive effect as a result of the antioxidant properties. Therefore, we designed this study to assess the effect of intravenous vitamin C on opiate consumption and pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy.Methods. A total of 100 patients were enrolled and allocated to receive 50 mg/kg vitamin C or placebo by intravenous infusion immediately after induction of anesthesia. Morphine consumption and scores of pain were assessed at 2, 6, and 24 h after completion of surgery.Results. There were 97 patients included in the analysis. Patients who received vitamin C had higher plasma concentrations of vitamin C at the end of surgery, significantly lower morphine consumption at the 2 h after end of surgery, and significantly lower pain scores at rest during first 24 h postoperatively. There was no significant difference between groups in side effects, fatigue score, or pain score during cough.Conclusion. This study shows high dose vitamin C infusion decreased postoperative pain during the first 24 h and reduced morphine consumption in the early postoperative period. Additional research needed to examine whether higher doses of vitamin C and longer infusion times can amplify these effects.
A Nonlinear Robust Controller Design for Ship Dynamic Positioning Based on L2-Gain Disturbance Rejection
Authors: Xia Guoqing , Xue Jingjing , Guo Ang , Liu Caiyun , Chen Xinghua
Published: November 2016

In ship motion control process, it is difficult to design ship controller due to the effects of environmental disturbances such as wind, waves, current, and unmodelled dynamics. In order to solve these problems, a nonlinear robust controller based on L2-gain disturbance rejection is proposed in this paper. To steer ships to the desired position, an error feedback control law on account of Lyapunov functions is designed. Then, to satisfy the L2-gain disturbance rejection, proper parameters are chosen based on the system dissipative property. In order to verify the performance of the proposed controller, the MATLAB simulation results in two situations which are without and with the effects of environmental disturbances are demonstrated.
Pulmonary Kaposi Sarcoma: An Uncommon Cause of Respiratory Failure in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy—Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nwabudike Stanley M. , Hemmings Stefan , Paul Yonette , Habtegebriel Yordanis , Polk Octavius , Mehari Alem
Published: October 2016

Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is the most common malignancy associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and is caused by Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV 8) or Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV). In about 90% of cases Kaposi Sarcoma is associated with cutaneous lesions; however visceral disease can occur in the absence of cutaneous involvement. In the era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), the incidence of KS has declined. Clinical features of pulmonary KS might be difficult to distinguish from pneumonia in the immunocompromised patients and could lead to diagnostic challenges. First-line treatment of KS is with HAART and the incidence has declined with its use. Systemic chemotherapy may play a role depending on the extent of the disease. We report the case of a young man who presented with pulmonary symptoms and was later found to have pulmonary KS. Interestingly this diagnosis was made in the absence of the classic skin lesions. His disease was complicated by progressive respiratory failure and he eventually died.
Traumatic Lung Herniation following Skateboard Fall
Authors: Davare Dafney L. , Kiffin Chauniqua , Sanchez Rafael , Lee Seong K. , Carrillo Eddy H. , Rosenthal Andrew A.
Published: October 2016

Lung herniation (LH) is a rare clinical entity involving the protrusion of lung outside the thoracic cage. It has a variety of etiologies and clinical presentations, making diagnosis difficult. We present a case of a 20-year-old male who reported pleuritic pain after falling from a skateboard. Evaluation through computed tomography (CT) scanning of the chest revealed an anterior lung hernia associated with rib fractures. This case emphasizes the need for clinicians to include lung herniation in the differential diagnosis of patients with trauma and inexplicable or persistent pulmonary issues.
Sensorimotor Piano System for People with Disabilities
Authors: Blumenstein Tobias , Turova Varvara , Alves-Pinto Ana , Lampe Renée
Published: November 2016

A sensorimotor training system that facilitates learning to play piano was developed and tested. The system consists of three communicating units. The first unit comprises two pianos: an E-piano with a MIDI output for the teacher and an acoustic or an E-piano for the pupil. The pupil’s piano is supplied with an LED bar that illuminates the key to be struck. The second unit is a controller providing the interface between the teacher’s piano and the LED bar. The third unit consists of two pairs of gloves: one for the teacher and one for the pupil. The teacher gloves have integrated pressure sensors at every fingertip. The pupil’s gloves have vibration motors and LEDs at every finger. The pressure sensed on the teacher’s glove is transmitted to the corresponding finger on the pupil’s glove via the vibration motors and LEDs, such that the pupil knows which finger should strike which key. Additionally, two OLED displays showing the notation of the note played by the teacher can be attached to the left and right pupil’s gloves. Initially developed for people with cerebral palsy the sensorimotor system can support the learning also to all those with sensory, cognitive, and space perception impairments.
Ultra-Wide-Field Fluorescein Angiography in Microscopic Polyangiitis
Authors: Storey Philip P. , Philander Shannon A. , Ter-Zakarian Anna , Rao Narsing A. , Rodger Damien C.
Published: October 2016

A 25-year-old Hispanic female presented with 5 months of dry eyes and 2 months of bilateral photophobia and decreased vision. On examination, she had bilateral anterior uveitis and mild disc edema of the left eye. A complete infectious and inflammatory work-up was positive for elevated antinuclear antibodies and p-ANCA, leading to a diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis. One year after initial treatment and steroid taper, an ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography revealed peripheral vasculitis, outside of the standard traditional field of view, leading to an increase in immunomodulatory therapy and illustrating the utility of wide-field angiography for managing patients with uveitis.
Proliferative Effects of Histamine on Primary Human Pterygium Fibroblasts
Authors: Qin Zhenwei , Fu Qiuli , Zhang Lifang , Yin Houfa , Jin Xiuming , Tang Qiaomei , Lyu Danni , Yao Ke
Published: October 2016

Purpose. It has been confirmed that inflammatory cytokines are involved in the progression of pterygium. Histamine can enhance proliferation and migration of many cells. Therefore, we intend to investigate the proliferative and migratory effects of histamine on primary culture of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs). Methods. Pterygium and conjunctiva samples were obtained from surgery, and toluidine blue staining was used to identify mast cells. 3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was performed to evaluate the proliferative rate of HPFs and human conjunctival fibroblasts (HCFs); ki67 expression was also measured by immunofluorescence analysis. Histamine receptor-1 (H1R) antagonist (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride) and histamine receptor-2 (H2R) antagonist (Nizatidine) were added to figure out which receptor was involved. Wound healing model was used to evaluate the migratory ability of HPFs. Results. The numbers of total mast cells and degranulated mast cells were both higher in pterygium than in conjunctiva. Histamine had a proliferative effect on both HPFs and HCFs, the effective concentration (10 μmol/L) on HPFs was lower than on HCFs (100 μmol/L), and the effect could be blocked by H1R antagonist. Histamine showed no migratory effect on HPFs. Conclusion. Histamine may play an important role in the proliferation of HPFs and act through H1R.
Theaflavin Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats Through Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Modulation of STAT-1
Authors: Cai Fei , Li Cai-Rong , Wu Ji-Liang , Chen Jian-Guo , Liu Chao , Min Qing , Yu Wei , Ouyang Chang-Han , Chen Jin-He
Published: November 2016

Theaflavin, a major constituent of black tea, possesses biological functions such as the antioxidative, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory ones. The purpose of this study was to verify whether theaflavin reduces focal cerebral ischemia injury in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed 24 hours reperfusion. Theaflavin administration (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, IV) ameliorated infarct and edema volume. Theaflavin inhibited leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, COX-2, and iNOS in injured brain. Phosphorylation of STAT-1, a protein which mediates intracellular signaling to the nucleus, was enhanced 2-fold over that of sham group and was inhibited by theaflavin. Our study demonstrated that theaflavin significantly protected neurons from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by limiting leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, and suppressing upregulation of inflammatory-related prooxidative enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) in ischemic brain via, at least in part, reducing the phosphorylation of STAT-1.
Trametinib Drives T-cell–Dependent Control of KRAS-Mutated Tumors by Inhibiting Pathological Myelopoiesis
Authors: Allegrezza Michael J. , Rutkowski Melanie R. , Stephen Tom L. , Svoronos Nikolaos , Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Nguyen Jenny M. , Payne Kyle K. , Singhal Sunil , Eruslanov Evgeniy B. , Tchou Julia , Conejo-Garcia Jose R.
Published: November 2016

Targeted therapies elicit seemingly paradoxical and poorly understood effects on tumor immunity. Here, we show that the MEK inhibitor trametinib abrogates cytokine-driven expansion of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (mMDSC) from human or mouse myeloid progenitors. MEK inhibition also reduced the production of the mMDSC chemotactic factor osteopontin by tumor cells. Together, these effects reduced mMDSC accumulation in tumor-bearing hosts, limiting the outgrowth of KRas–driven breast tumors, even though trametinib largely failed to directly inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Accordingly, trametinib impeded tumor progression in vivo through a mechanism requiring CD8+ T cells, which was paradoxical given the drug's reported ability to inhibit effector lymphocytes. Confirming our observations, adoptive transfer of tumor-derived mMDSC reversed the ability of trametinib to control tumor growth. Overall, our work showed how the effects of trametinib on immune cells could partly explain its effectiveness, distinct from its activity on tumor cells themselves. More broadly, by providing a more incisive view into how MEK inhibitors may act against tumors, our findings expand their potential uses to generally block mMDSC expansion, which occurs widely in cancers to drive their growth and progression. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6253–65. ©2016 AACR.
Structure and Function of a Prostate Cancer Dissemination–Permissive Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Penet Marie-France , Kakkad Samata , Pathak Arvind P. , Krishnamachary Balaji , Mironchik Yelena , Raman Venu , Solaiyappan Meiyappan , Bhujwalla Zaver M.
Published: November 2016

Purpose: The poor prognosis of metastatic prostate cancer continues to present a major challenge in prostate cancer treatment. The tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in facilitating metastasis. Here, we investigated the structure and function of an ECM that facilitates prostate cancer metastasis by comparing orthotopic tumors that frequently metastasize to poorly metastatic subcutaneous tumors.

Experimental Design: Both tumors were derived from a human prostate cancer PC3 cell line engineered to fluoresce under hypoxia. Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy was used to characterize collagen 1 (Col1) fiber patterns in the xenografts as well as in human samples. MRI was used to determine albumin-Gd-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetate (alb-GdDTPA) transport through the ECM using a saturation recovery MR method combined with fast T1 SNAPSHOT-FLASH imaging. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) were also quantified in these tumors.

Results: Significant structural and functional differences were identified in the prometastatic orthotopic tumor ECM compared to the less metastatic subcutaneous tumor ECM. The significantly higher number of CAFs in orthotopic tumors may explain the higher Col1 fiber volumes in these tumors. In vivo, alb-GdDTPA pooling was significantly elevated in metastatic orthotopic tumors, consistent with the increased Col1 fibers.

Conclusions: Developing noninvasive MRI indices of macromolecular transport, together with characterization of Col1 fiber patterns and CAFs can assist in stratifying prostate cancers for aggressive treatments or active surveillance. These results highlight the role of CAFs in supporting or creating aggressive cancers, and the importance of depleting CAFs to prevent metastatic dissemination in prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2245–54. ©2016 AACR.
Abstract A007: Intratumoral delivery of inactivated vaccinia virus is more efficacious than live oncolytic vaccinia virus in murine bilateral tumor implantation models
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Dai Peihong , Yang Ning , Shuman Stewart , Merghoub Taha , Wolchok Jedd D. , Deng Liang
Published: November 2016

Poxviruses are large cytoplasmic DNA viruses that have potentials as vaccine vectors and oncolytic agents. Although almost all of the oncolytic vaccinia viruses that are being investigated in clinical trials are replication competent, it is still unclear how these viruses exert antitumor immunologic effects, and whether viral replication is even necessary to achieve systemic antitumor efficacy. In this study, we compared therapeutic efficacy of the intratumoral delivery of the live, attenuated, replication competent oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing mGM-CSF (VC-TK−-mGM-CSF)vs. its heat-inactivated counterpart (iVC-TK−-mGM-CSF) in two bilateral tumor implantation models- B16-F10 murine melanoma and MC38 colon adenocarcinoma. We found that intratumoral injection of inactivated virus exerted stronger systemic antitumor effects than the live virus. FACS analyses of tumor infiltrating immune cells revealed that intratumoral injection of iVC-TK−-mGM-CSF lead to increased percentages and numbers of activating effector CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and reduced percentages and numbers of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the non-injected tumors compared with intratumoral delivery of the live virus. Infection of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) with iVC-TK−-mGM-CSF induced type I IFN and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and DC maturation, whereas the live virus did not. Taken together, our results demonstrate that intratumoral delivery of inactivated vaccina virus is safer and more efficacious than live oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing mGM-CSF in two murine bilateral tumor implantation models. Our findings have important implications for the design of poxviral-based immunotherapeutics for patients with metastatic cancers.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Weiyi Wang, Peihong Dai, Ning Yang, Stewart Shuman, Taha Merghoub, Jedd D. Wolchok, Liang Deng. Intratumoral delivery of inactivated vaccinia virus is more efficacious than live oncolytic vaccinia virus in murine bilateral tumor implantation models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A007.
Abstract A010: A novel DNA vaccine targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) breaks tolerance and synergizes with anticancer immune therapy in mice
Authors: Duperret Elizabeth , Ammons Dylan , Wise Megan C. , Yan Jian , Humeau Laurent M. , Weiner David B.
Published: November 2016

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a membrane-bound enzyme with gelatinase and peptidase activity that is up-regulated in cancer-associated fibroblasts in over 90% of human carcinomas. Previous studies have shown that ablation of FAP-expressing cells from transgenic mice attenuates tumor growth and synergizes with other immune therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade. Groups have additionally shown that T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors targeting FAP slow tumor progression; however, in some mouse strains these CARs cause lethal toxicity. There is therefore a need to develop safer therapies targeting FAP. In this study we designed a novel consensus-based FAP DNA vaccine to help break tolerance. We hypothesized that this FAP vaccine could break tolerance and synergize with other immunotherapies to induce anti-tumor immunity without causing overt toxicity. Upon delivery of our FAP DNA vaccine intramuscularly followed by electroporation (EP), we detected IFN-γ and TNF-α CD8 T cell responses (p<0.05), and TNF-α CD4 responses (p<0.05) against native mouse FAP peptides, indicating that our vaccine is capable of breaking tolerance. Furthermore, we detected cytotoxic CD107a/IFNγ/T-bet triple-positive CD8 T cells that are reactive to native FAP peptides (p<0.05). In a prostate cancer model, vaccination with FAP alone or the prostate cancer antigen PSMA alone did not significantly alter tumor growth. However, vaccination with a combination of FAP and PSMA significantly attenuated tumor growth (p<0.0005), with final tumor volumes that were approximately 9 times smaller than tumors in naïve mice. Thus, our results support the use of FAP vaccines to target the tumor microenvironment in combination with immune therapies targeting the tumor cells themselves. We are investigating additional combination therapies with our FAP vaccine to modulate tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and to broaden responses to additional tumor antigens.

Citation Format: Elizabeth Duperret, Dylan Ammons, Megan C. Wise, Jian Yan, Laurent M. Humeau, David B. Weiner. A novel DNA vaccine targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) breaks tolerance and synergizes with anticancer immune therapy in mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A010.