bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Urinary Tract Successfully Managed with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Ahsaini Mustapha , Riyach Omar , Tazi Mohammed Fadl , El Fassi Mohammed Jamal , Farih My Hassan , Elfatmi Hind , Amarti Afaf
Published: August 2013

Introduction. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the urinary tract is an extremely rare entity and very few cases have been reported in the literature. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary tract (SCC-UT) is the association between bladder and urinary upper tract-small cell carcinoma (UUT-SCC). It characterized by an aggressive clinical course. The prognosis is poor due to local or distant metastases, and usually the muscle of the bladder is invaded.Case Presentation. We report a rare case of a 54-year-old Arab male native of moroccan; he is a smoker and was referred to our institution for intermittent hematuria. Following a diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the ureter and the bladder, thoracoabdominal-pelvic CT was done, and the staging of the tumor was done in the bladder (T2N0M0) and (T1N0M0) in the ureter. Neoadjuvant alternating doublet chemotherapy with ifosfamide/doxorubicin and etoposide/cisplatin was realized, and nephroureterectomy associated to a cystoprostatectomy was carried out. After 24 months of followup, no local or distant metastasis was detected.Conclusion. The purpose of this review is to present a rare case of pure small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary tract and review the literature about the place of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in this rare tumors.
Comparison of Ultrasonic and Pneumatic Intracorporeal Lithotripsy Techniques during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Karakan Tolga , Diri Akif , Hascicek Ahmet Metin , Ozgur Berat Cem , Ozcan Serkan , Eroglu Muzaffer
Published: August 2013

Objectives. To compare the effectiveness and safety of ultrasonic and pneumatic lithotripters in the treatment of renal stone disease. Materials and Methods. A total of 227 consecutive percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures for renal calculi were performed. In 107 patients ultrasonic lithotriptors were used (group I) and in 83 patients pneumatic lithotriptors were used (group II). In the remaining 37 patients, stones were managed with both pneumatic and ultrasonic lithotripters. Follow‐up studies included intravenous urography (IVU) and/or computed tomography (CT). Results. The mean operative time and duration of hospitalization were similar between the groups. In the ultrasonic treatment group, 100 (96.9%) patients were stone‐free on postoperative day 1 and 5 (4.6%) went on to undergo an additional treatment modality, resulting in a total stone‐free rate of 97.2%. In the pneumatic lithotripsy group, 68 (81.9%) patients were stone‐free after the primary procedure on the first day and 15 (18.1%) went on to undergo an additional treatment modality, resulting in a stone‐free rate of 91.5%. The final stone‐free rates at 3 months postoperatively in groups I, II, and III were 97.2%, 91.5%, and 87.9%, respectively (P  =  0.826). Conclusions. We conclude that both ultrasonic and pneumatic lithotripters are effective and safe for intracorporeal lithotripsy. However, the ultrasonic lithotripter provides higher stone‐free rates with similar morbidity compared with pneumatic devices.
Real‐Time EEG‐Based Happiness Detection System
Authors: Jatupaiboon Noppadon , Pan-ngum Setha , Israsena Pasin
Published: August 2013

We propose to use real‐time EEG signal to classify happy and unhappy emotions elicited by pictures and classical music. We use PSD as a feature and SVM as a classifier. The average accuracies of subject‐dependent model and subject‐independent model are approximately 75.62% and 65.12%, respectively. Considering each pair of channels, temporal pair of channels (T7 and T8) gives a better result than the other area. Considering different frequency bands, high‐frequency bands (Beta and Gamma) give a better result than low‐frequency bands. Considering different time durations for emotion elicitation, that result from 30 seconds does not have significant difference compared with the result from 60 seconds. From all of these results, we implement real‐time EEG‐based happiness detection system using only one pair of channels. Furthermore, we develop games based on the happiness detection system to help user recognize and control the happiness.
Nonsyndromic Facial Asymmetry with Unilateral Condylar Aplasia
Authors: Nallamothu Ranganadh , Kodali Rama Mohan , Koteswara Rao N. , Guttikonda Leela krishna , Vijayalakshmi U.
Published: August 2013

Introduction.The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the most complex elegantly designed joint in the human body. Abnormal development and growth of TMJ may lead to condyle aplasia present in several syndromes expressions, but it is extremely rare when not connected to any underlying pathological disorder or in conjunction with any syndrome.Objective.A rare case of aplasia of the mandibular condyle is presented, along with 3D computed tomography (3D CT) findings.Conclusion.Based on clinical and radiological findings we suggest the abnormal development of the TMJ as the origin. The 3D CT has provided high-quality images, which made diagnosis and a prompt treatment plan possible.
The Automorphism Group of the Lie Ring of Real Skew-Symmetric Matrices
Authors: Xu Jinli , Zheng Baodong , Yang Li
Published: August 2013

Denote by𝔄nthe set of alln×nskew-symmetric matrices over the field of real numbers, which forms a Lie ring under the usual matrix addition and the Lie multiplication as[A,B]=AB-BA,A,B∈𝔄n. In this paper, we characterize the automorphism group of the Lie ring𝔄n.
Does the Inclusion of Virtual Reality Games within Conventional Rehabilitation Enhance Balance Retraining after a Recent Episode of Stroke?
Authors: Rajaratnam B. S. , Gui KaiEn J. , Lee JiaLin K. , SweeSin Kwek , Sim FenRu S. , Enting Lee , Ang YiHsia E. , KeatHwee Ng , Yunfeng Su , Woo YingHowe W. , Teo SiaoTing S.
Published: August 2013

This randomised controlled and double-blinded pilot study evaluated if interactive virtual reality balance related games integrated within conventional rehabilitation sessions resulted in more superior retraining of dynamic balance compared to CR after stroke. 19 subjects diagnosed with a recent episode of stroke were recruited from a local rehabilitation hospital and randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. Subjects in the control groups underwent 60 minutes of conventional rehabilitation while those in the experimental groups underwent 40 minutes of convention rehabilitation and 20 minutes of self-directed virtual reality balanced rehabilitation. Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, and Centre of Pressure of subjects in both groups were evaluated before and on completion of the rehabilitation sessions. Results indicate that the inclusion of interactive virtual reality balance related games within conventional rehabilitation can lead to improved functional mobility and balance after a recent episode of stroke without increasing treatment time that requires more health professional manpower.
Fuzzy Group Decision Making for Multiobjective Problems: Tradeoff between Consensus and Robustness
Authors: Xiong Jian , Tan Xu , Yang Ke-wei , Chen Ying-wu
Published: August 2013

Many decision making problems involve multiple decision makers and conflicting objectives. This paper refers to this kind of problems as group decision making for multiobjective problems (GDM-MOP). The task of GDM-MOP is to select final solution(s) from a set of nondominated solutions according to the decision makers' preferences. However, it is common that the preference could be imprecise. We study the GDM-MOP where preferences are expressed by fuzzy reference points, called as fuzzy GDMMOP (FGDM-MOP). This paper provides a decision support model to simultaneously consider two measures for FGDM-MOP: consensus measure and robustness measure. The former is used to reflect the acceptable degree of a solution by the decision making group, while the latter indicates a solution's ability to cope with any change on preferences. A multiobjective evolutionary approach is presented to solve the problem. Finally, a modified benchmark function is studied to illustrate the proposed approach.
Nonoscillatory Central Schemes for Hyperbolic Systems of Conservation Laws in Three‐Space Dimensions
Authors: Guarendi Andrew N. , Chandy Abhilash J.
Published: August 2013

We extend a family of high‐resolution, semidiscrete central schemes for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws to three‐space dimensions. Details of the schemes, their implementation, and properties are presented together with results from several prototypical applications of hyperbolic conservation laws including a nonlinear scalar equation, the Euler equations of gas dynamics, and the ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations. Parallel scaling analysis and grid‐independent results including contours and isosurfaces of density and velocity and magnetic field vectors are shown in this study, confirming the ability of these types of solvers to approximate the solutions of hyperbolic equations efficiently and accurately.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Bladder Tumor in a Patient with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
Authors: Marte Antonio , Indolfi Paolo , Ficociello Carmine , Russo Daniela , Oreste Matilde , Bottigliero Gaetano , Gualdiero Giovanna , Barone Ciro , Vigliar Elena , Indolfi Cristiana , Casale Fiorina
Published: August 2013

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare neoplasm described in several tissues and organs including genitourinary system, lung, head, and neck. The etiology of IMT is contentious, and whether it is a postinflammatory process or a true neoplasm remains controversial. To our knowledge, we report the first reported case of IMT of urinary bladder in a pediatric patient with Wolf-Hirschhorn (WHS). We also review the literature about patients with associated neoplasia.
Activity-DependentNPAS4Expression and the Regulation of Gene Programs Underlying Plasticity in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Maya-Vetencourt José Fernando
Published: August 2013

The capability of the brain to change functionally in response to sensory experience is most active during early stages of development but it decreases later in life when major alterations of neuronal network structures no longer take place in response to experience. This view has been recently challenged by experimental strategies based on the enhancement of environmental stimulation levels, genetic manipulations, and pharmacological treatments, which all have demonstrated that the adult brain retains a degree of plasticity that allows for a rewiring of neuronal circuitries over the entire life course. A hot spot in the field of neuronal plasticity centres on gene programs that underlie plastic phenomena in adulthood. Here, I discuss the role of the recently discovered neuronal-specific and activity-dependent transcription factor NPAS4 as a critical mediator of plasticity in the nervous system. A better understanding of how modifications in the connectivity of neuronal networks occur may shed light on the treatment of pathological conditions such as brain damage or disease in adult life, some of which were once considered untreatable.
Improvement Research Priorities: USA Survey and Expert Consensus
Authors: Stevens Kathleen R. , Ovretveit John
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to identify stakeholder views about national priorities for improvement science and build agreement for action in a national improvement and implementation research network in the USA. This was accomplished using three stages of identification and consensus. (1) Topics were identified through a multipronged environmental scan of the literature and initiatives. (2) Based on this scan, a survey was developed, and stakeholders (n=2,777) were invited to rate the resulting 33-topic, 9-category list, via an online survey. Data from 560 respondents (20% response) were analyzed. (3) An expert panel used survey results to further refine the research priorities through a Rand Delphi process. Priorities identified were within four categories: care coordination and transitions, high-performing clinical systems and microsystems improvement approaches, implementation of evidence-based improvements and best practices, and culture of quality and safety. The priorities identified were adopted by the improvement science research network as the research agenda to guide strategy. The process and conclusions may be of value to quality improvement research funding agencies, governments, and research units seeking to concentrate their resources on improvement topics where research is capable of yielding timely and actionable answers as well as contributing to the knowledge base for improvement.
Three Component Reaction: An Efficient Synthesis and Reactions of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-Ones and Thiones Using New Natural Catalyst
Authors: Elmaghraby A. M. , Mousa I. A. , Harb A. A. , Mahgoub M. Y.
Published: August 2013

Synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one and 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-thione derivatives from aldehydes, 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives and urea or thiourea using granite and quartz as new, natural and reusable catalysts. Some of the 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-thione derivatives were used to prepare new heterocyclic compounds. The antimicrobial activity of selected examples of the synthesized compounds was tested and showed moderate activity.
An Advanced Dynamic Framed-Slotted ALOHA Algorithm Based on Bayesian Estimation and Probability Response
Authors: Wang Chaowei , Li Menglong , Qiao Juyi , Wang Weidong , Li Xiuhua
Published: August 2013

This paper proposes an advanced dynamic framed-slotted ALOHA algorithm based on Bayesian estimation and probability response (BE-PDFSA) to improve the performance of radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The Bayesian estimation is introduced to improve the accuracy of the estimation algorithm for lacking a large number of observations in one query. The probability response is used to adjust responsive probability of the unrecognized tags to make the responsive tag number equal to the frame length. In this way, we can solve the problem of high collision rate with the increase of tag number and improve the throughput of the whole system. From the simulation results, we can see that the algorithm we proposed can greatly improve the stability of RFID system compared with DFSA and other commonly used algorithms.
Microglia and Spinal Cord Synaptic Plasticity in Persistent Pain
Authors: Taves Sarah , Berta Temugin , Chen Gang , Ji Ru-Rong
Published: August 2013

Microglia are regarded as macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in neuroinflammation in the CNS. Microglial activation has been strongly implicated in neurodegeneration in the brain. Increasing evidence also suggests an important role of spinal cord microglia in the genesis of persistent pain, by releasing the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), Interleukine-1beta (IL-1β), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In this review, we discuss the recent findings illustrating the importance of microglial mediators in regulating synaptic plasticity of the excitatory and inhibitory pain circuits in the spinal cord, leading to enhanced pain states. Insights into microglial-neuronal interactions in the spinal cord dorsal horn will not only further our understanding of neural plasticity but may also lead to novel therapeutics for chronic pain management.
Durability Evaluation in Concrete Using Cracked Permeability and Chloride Permeability Tests
Authors: Sounthararajan V. M. , Sivakumar A.
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study is to identify the possibilities of utilizing the quarry dust in concrete to obtain an improved strength and durability properties of concrete. In the present study, the addition of quarry dust as alternative for natural sand has been investigated, and the durability properties of concrete were evaluated systematically by means of cracked water permeability and rapid chloride permeability tests. The permeability of concrete was assessed with initial stress applied to the concrete specimen and later checked for water permeability. Concrete mixes were casted using ordinary river sand and compared with 100% quarry dust substituted concrete. The addition of quarry dust significantly improved the concrete matrix properties in terms of strength and permeability resistance. The addition of fine quarry dust in concrete resulted in improved matrix densification compared to conventional concrete. Matrix densification has been studied qualitatively through petrographical examination using digital optical microscopy.
Stagnation Point Flow of a Nanofluid toward an Exponentially Stretching Sheet with Nonuniform Heat Generation/Absorption
Authors: Malvandi A. , Hedayati F. , Domairry G.
Published: August 2013

This paper deals with the steady two-dimensional stagnation point flow of nanofluid toward an exponentially stretching sheet with nonuniform heat generation/absorption. The employed model for nanofluid includes two-component four-equation nonhomogeneous equilibrium model that incorporates the effects of Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis simultaneously. The basic partial boundary layer equations have been reduced to a two-point boundary value problem via similarity variables and solved analytically via HAM. Effects of governing parameters such as heat generation/absorption λ, stretching parameter ε, thermophoresis , Lewis number Le, Brownian motion , and Prandtl number Pr on heat transfer and concentration rates are investigated. The obtained results indicate that in contrast with heat transfer rate, concentration rate is very sensitive to the abovementioned parameters. Also, in the case of heat generation , despite concentration rate, heat transfer rate decreases. Moreover, increasing in stretching parameter leads to a gentle rise in both heat transfer and concentration rates.
Proanthocyanidin Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and NF-κB Protects Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice against Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Al-Malki Abdulrahman L. , Sayed Ahmed Amir Radwan , El Rabey Haddad A.
Published: August 2013

Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia result in oxidative stress and play a major role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We explored the effects of proanthocyanidin (PA) on the induction and progression of DN in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Diabetes Mellitus was induced in ten-week-old male apoE−/−mice using streptozotocin (STZ). Mice were fed with a high-fat diet in presence or absence of PA. PA treatment significantly reduced the high cholesterol levels, restored renal functions, and reduced albuminuria in the PA-treated diabetic mice compared with the diabetic untreated mice. In addition, the glomerular mesangial expansion in the diabetic mice was attenuated as a result of PA supplementation. Moreover, PA treatment restored the elevated levels of MDA and CML and the reduced activity of SOD and GSH in the diabetic mice. Furthermore, PA feeding reduced the activation and translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus compared with the diabetic untreated animals. Reduction of NF-κB activation resulted in the attenuation of the expression of IL-6, TGFβ, and RAGE which protected PA-treated mice against DN. The renoprotective effects of PA were found to be time independent regardless of whether the dietary feeding with PA was started pre-, co-, or post-STZ injection. In conclusion, part of the beneficial effects of PA includes the disruption of the detrimental AGE-RAGE-NFκB pathways.
Solutions of a Linearized Mathematical Model for Capillary Formation in Tumor Angiogenesis: An Initial Data Perturbation Approximation
Authors: Pamuk Serdal
Published: August 2013

We present a mathematical model for capillary formation in tumor angiogenesis and solve it by linearizing it using an initial data perturbation method. This method is highly effective to obtain solutions of nonlinear coupled differential equations. We also provide a specific example resulting, that even a few terms of the obtained series solutions are enough to have an idea for the endothelial cell movement in a capillary. MATLAB-generated figures are provided, and the stability criteria are determined for the steady-state solution of the cell equation.
Controlled Growth of ZnSe Nanocrystals by Tuning Reactivity and Amount of Zinc Precursor
Authors: Zhang Lai-Jun , Chen Fa-Yun , Tong Ji-Zao , Chen Guang-Da , Huang Hai-Jin , Shen Xing-Can
Published: August 2013

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanocrystals were synthesized via a phosphine‐free route using the highly reactive alkylamine‐H2Se complex as selenium precursor and zinc precursors with different reactivity. The reactivity of zinc precursor was tuned by using three kinds of zinc carboxylates with different alkyl chain lengths, including zinc acetate, zinc nonanoate, and zinc stearate. The effect of the reactivity and the amount of zinc precursor on nucleation and growth of ZnSe nanocrystals were investigated by ultraviolet‐visible absorption and photoluminescence spectra. Result indicates that the growth and optical property of the resulting ZnSe nanocrystals are strongly dependent on the alkyl chain length and the amount of the zinc carboxylates and both shorter alkyl chain length, and more amount of zinc carboxylate will lead to faster growth of ZnSe nanocrystals. This allows that the controlled growth and excellent optical property of high‐quality ZnSe nanocrystals can be achieved by combining the different reactivity and the used amount of zinc precursor, such as by using stoichiometric and reactive Zn precursor and Se precursor or by using larger amount of more unreactive Zn precursor relative to the highly reactive alkylamine‐H2Se complex precursor.
Double-Blind Acupuncture Needle: A Potential Tool to Investigate the Nature of Pain and Pleasure
Authors: Takakura Nobuari , Takayama Miho , Kawase Akiko , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Yajima Hiroyoshi
Published: August 2013

Background. Most of our knowledge about similarities in the neural processing of painful and pleasant sensations in the brain derives from studying each phenomenon separately. Patients often feel pain induced by acupuncture, which is noxious stimulation having the symbolic message of the cure, as pleasant. Objectives. We investigated whether the double-blind acupuncture needles are a potential tool to investigate coinciding pain and pleasant events. Methods. Participants were 109 healthy acupuncture students. An acupuncturist applied the double-blind placebo and the matching penetrating needle at bilateral forearm of each subject, one needle on each side of the arm. We asked the subjects to rate the pain associated with needle application and its unpleasantness or pleasantness on a visual analogue scale. Results. Of 65 penetrating needle applications that elicited pain, 29 (45%) subjects did not describe the pain as being unpleasant, and interestingly, 18 (28%) subjects described the needle insertion as pleasant. There was no significant difference in reported pain intensity between penetrating needles elicited pain that elicited a pleasant sensation and those that elicited an unpleasant sensation (P=0.34). Conclusions. The double-blind acupuncture needles can be a potential tool for investigating the concomitant hedonic (pleasure) experience of pain.
Proficient Node Scheduling Protocol for Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Saravanakumar R. , Mohankumar N. , Raja J.
Published: August 2013

Recent communications in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have much new energy-efficient protocols specifically designed, where energy awareness is an essential consideration. In WSNs, large numbers of tiny sensor nodes are used as an effective way of data gathering in various environments. Since the sensor nodes operate on battery of limited power, it is a great challenging aim to design an energy-efficient routing protocol, which can minimize the delay while offering high-energy efficiency and long span of network lifetime. Low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) is one of the clustering key routing techniques used to reduce energy consumption. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient node scheduling reclustering algorithm in clusters and rotating cluster-head positions to evenly distribute the energy load among all of the nodes by the node scheduling concept of node active and sleep system in both homogeneous and heterogeneous methods to get energy-saving result. Our proposed model is enhanced from LEACH protocol by adapting node scheduling scheme (active and sleep) in homogeneous and heterogeneous node topologies of WSNs, which yield better performance in energy saving and increased network lifetime. This node scheduling scheme is properly implemented, and simulation results show that our proposed model is giving improved energy efficiency and prolongs the lifetime of WSNs.
Transport Behavior of Engineered Nanosized Photocatalytic Materials in Water
Authors: He Guang’an , Liu Hong , Chen Rui , Wang Chuan
Published: August 2013

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) possess unique properties and are employed in many sectors, and thus their release into environment remains. The potential risks of ENPs have been confirmed by an increasing number of studies that necessitate a better knowledge to the fate and transport of ENPs. One important application of ENP is photocatalysis for production of H2 as energy and pollutant decomposition. Engineered photocatalytic nanoparticles (PCNPs) can also easily enter the environment with the rapid increase in its manufacture and use. This review focuses on the transport of PCNPs in water by addressing the important factors that determine the transport of PCNPs, such as particle size, pH value, ionic strength (IS), ionic valence, and organic matter. The transport of PCNPs in natural water systems and wastewater systems is also presented with an attempt to provide more abundant information. In addition, the state of the art of the detection technologies of PCNPs has been covered.
Bilateral Pleural Effusion in a Patient with an Extensive Extramedullary Hematopoietic Mass
Authors: Luo Yun , Zhang Ying , Lou Shi-feng
Published: August 2013

We present a 56-year-old woman with bilateral pleural effusions, widespread enlarged lymph nodes, and soft tissue masses located within the renal pelvis. The initially working diagnosis was tuberculosis and lymphoma. Further pathological examination of the lymph node biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of extramedullary hematopoiesis, and a bone marrow biopsy revealed myelofibrosis. Unlike common treatment options such as radiotherapy and/or surgery, intrathoracic cisplatin and dexamethasone for the treatment of pleural effusions secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis demonstrated an improvement in feasibility and efficacy in the present case.
Comparing Expert Driving Behavior in Real World and Simulator Contexts
Authors: Ekanayake Hiran B. , Backlund Per , Ziemke Tom , Ramberg Robert , Hewagamage Kamalanath P. , Lebram Mikael
Published: August 2013

Computer games are increasingly used for purposes beyond mere entertainment, and current hi-tech simulators can provide quite, naturalistic contexts for purposes such as traffic education. One of the critical concerns in this area is the validity or transferability of acquired skills from a simulator to the real world context. In this paper, we present our work in which we compared driving in the real world with that in the simulator at two levels, that is, by using performance measures alone, and by combining psychophysiological measures with performance measures. For our study, we gathered data using questionnaires as well as by logging vehicle dynamics, environmental conditions, video data, and users' psychophysiological measurements. For the analysis, we used several novel approaches such as scatter plots to visualize driving tasks of different contexts and to obtain vigilance estimators from electroencephalographic (EEG) data in order to obtain important results about the differences between the driving in the two contexts. Our belief is that both experimental procedures and findings of our experiment are very important to the field of serious games concerning how to evaluate the fitness of driving simulators and measure driving performance.
No Association ofIFNG+874T/ASNP andNOS2A-954G/CSNP Variants with Nitric Oxide Radical Serum Levels or Susceptibility to Tuberculosis in a Brazilian Population Subset
Authors: Leandro Ana Cristina C. S. , Rocha Márcia Andrade , Lamoglia-Souza Andreia , VandeBerg John L. , Cavalcanti Rolla Valeria , Bonecini-Almeida Maria da Gloria
Published: August 2013

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world.Mycobacterium tuberculosisinfection leads to pulmonary active disease in approximately 5–10% of exposed individuals. Both bacteria- and host-related characteristics influence latent infection and disease. Host genetic predisposition to develop TB may involve multiple genes and their polymorphisms. It was reported previously that interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) are expressed on alveolar macrophages from TB patients and are responsible for bacilli control; thus, we aimed this study at genotyping single nucleotide polymorphismsIFNG+874T/ASNP andNOS2A-954G/CSNP to estimate their role on TB susceptibility and determine whether these polymorphisms influence serum nitrite andNOx-production. This case-control study enrolled 172 TB patients and 179 healthy controls. Neither polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to TB.NOS2A-954G/CSNP was not associated with serum levels of nitrite andNOx-. These results indicate that variants ofIFNG+874T/ASNP andNOS2A-954G/CSNP do not influence TB susceptibility or the secretion of nitric oxide radicals in the study population.
Aberrant T Helper 17 Cells and Related Cytokines in Bone Marrow Microenvironment of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Tian Tian , Yu Shuang , Wang Min , Yuan Cunzhong , Zhang Hua , Ji Chunyan , Ma Daoxin
Published: August 2013

In this study, we mainly investigate the role of Th17 cells, Th1 cells, and their related cytokines in the pathophysiology of AML. BM and PB were extracted from ND, CR, and relapsed-refractory AML patients and controls. Th subsets frequencies were examined by flow cytometry. BM plasma Th-associated cytokines levels were determined by ELISA. The frequencies of Th17 and Th1, and IFN-γor TGF-βconcentrations were significantly decreased in ND compared with CR patients or controls. Th17 percentage was significantly lower in BM than in PB for ND patients but was higher in BM for CR patients. However, in CR or relapsed-refractory patients, Th1 percentage in BM was higher than that in PB. Moreover, BM IL-17A level showed a decreased trend in ND patients. A significant elevation of plasma IL-6 level was found in ND compared with CR patients or controls. IL-17A showed the positive correlation with IL-6 concentration. And Th17 cells frequencies and TGF-β1 concentration were increased in BM from AML patients achieving CR after chemotherapy. Moreover, a significant decrease of BM plasma TGF-β1 level was found in M3 patients compared with the other subtypes. Our findings suggest that Th17 and related cytokines may be implicated in AML pathogenesis.
Slip Effects on Pulsatile Flow of Blood through a Stenosed Arterial Segment under Periodic Body Acceleration
Authors: Sinha A. , Shit G. C. , Kundu P. K.
Published: August 2013

A theoretical investigation concerning the influence of externally imposed periodic body acceleration on the flow of blood through a time-dependent stenosed arterial segment by taking into account the slip velocity at the wall of the artery has been carried out. A mathematical model is developed by treating blood as a non-Newtonian fluid obeying the Casson fluid model. The pulsatile flow is analyzed by considering a periodic pressure
gradient and the inertial effects as negligibly small. A suitable generalized geometry for time-dependent stenosis is taken into account. Perturbation method is used to solve the coupled implicit system of nonlinear differential equations that govern the flow of blood. Analytical expressions for the velocity profile, volumetric flow rate, and wall shear stress are obtained. A thorough quantitative analysis has been made through numerical computations
of the variables involved in the analysis that are of special interest in this study.
The computational results are presented graphically. The results for different values of the parameters involved in the problem under consideration presented here show that the flow is appreciably influenced by slip velocity in the presence of periodic body acceleration.
Extinction and Decay Estimates of Solutions for thep-Laplacian Equations with Nonlinear Absorptions and Nonlocal Sources
Authors: Wu Xiulan , Fu Jun
Published: August 2013

We investigate the extinction and decay estimates of thep-Laplacian equations with nonlinear absorptions and nonlocal sources. By Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequality, we obtain the sufficient conditions of extinction solutions, and we also give the precise decay estimates of the extinction solutions.
A Proximity-Based Concurrent Access Strategy to Improve Throughput in VANETs
Authors: Chen Chen , Pei Qingqi , Jin Yanan , Ge Shengjin , Li Xiaoji , Dai Weizhi
Published: August 2013

Intervehicle communication gives vehicles opportunities to exchange packets within limited transmission ranges and self-organize with ad hoc manner into VANETs (vehicular ad hoc networks). However, due to shared spectrum and present collisions' resolution mechanism which reject new admissions when wireless medium is busy, communications between vehicles have experienced severe throughput degradation and been restrained for concurrent transmissions. In this paper, a PCM (proximity-based concurrent transmission MAC) protocol has been proposed to permit concurrent access in shared channel for improving goodput in VANETs. By introducing game theory to the concurrent transmission opportunities determination process, PCM could provide extra access chances between active nodes or vehicles based on our defined proximity. To make PCM practical, we further give a detailed implementation method on NS2 to evaluate its performance. Numerical results show that PCM is not only feasible and reasonable in theory, but also has great improvement on average transmission delay, delivery ratio, and throughput performance in test.
Emerging Metabolic Targets in the Therapy of Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Leni Zaira , Parakkal Geetha , Arcaro Alexandre
Published: August 2013

During the last decade, the development of anticancer therapies has focused on targeting neoplastic-related metabolism. Cancer cells display a variety of changes in their metabolism, which enable them to satisfy the high bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands for rapid cell division. One of the crucial alterations is referred to as the “Warburg effect”, which involves a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation towards the less efficient glycolysis, independent of the presence of oxygen. Although there are many examples of solid tumors having altered metabolism with high rates of glucose uptake and glycolysis, it was only recently reported that this phenomenon occurs in hematological malignancies. This review presents evidence that targeting the glycolytic pathway at different levels in hematological malignancies can inhibit cancer cell proliferation by restoring normal metabolic conditions. However, to achieve cancer regression, high concentrations of glycolytic inhibitors are used due to limited solubility and biodistribution, which may result in toxicity. Besides using these inhibitors as monotherapies, combinatorial approaches using standard chemotherapeutic agents could display enhanced efficacy at eradicating malignant cells. The identification of the metabolic enzymes critical for hematological cancer cell proliferation and survival appears to be an interesting new approach for the targeted therapy of hematological malignancies.
Mathematical Evaluation of Prediction Accuracy for Food Quality by Time Temperature Integrator of Intelligent Food Packaging through Virtual Experiments
Authors: Shim Soo Dong , Jung Seung Won , Lee Seung Ju
Published: August 2013

Prediction of the quality of packaged foods using a colorimetric time temperature integrator (TTI) is affected by the types of kinetic models for the TTIs and the associated food qualities. Several types of kinetic models were applied for the TTI color change (four types) and food microbial growth (three types). To evaluate the prediction, a virtual experiment data of the food microbial growth were mathematically created by using the relevant kinetic models. In addition to the kinetic models, two types of temperature-dependent models (Arrhenius and square root models) were used in the calculation. Among the four types of TTIs, M2-3510 or S type forPseudomonasspp. and M type forListeria monocytogenesandEscherichia colishowed the least erroneous results. Overall, a suitable TTI could be selected for each food microorganism, based on the prediction accuracy.
Anaesthesia for Tracheobronchial Stent Insertion Using an Laryngeal Mask Airway and High-Frequency Jet Ventilation
Authors: Dolan Anne M. , Moore Michael F.
Published: August 2013

An approach which promotes a rapid return to spontaneous respiration after tracheobronchial stent (TBS) insertion is considered the optimal one and is a belief shared by anaesthetists, respiratory physicians, and surgeons alike (Calvey and William (2008)). The value of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), followed by use of the Monsoon 111 Acutronic jet ventilator pressure limiting system of ventilation, for the deployment of stents in the three individual cases that of tracheoesophageal fistula, a bronchoesophageal fistula, and tracheal compression from an invading oesophageal malignant tumour are reported. The roles of target controlled anaesthesia, high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), and the laryngeal mask airway in optimising the surgical field and reducing the risk of bronchospasm at emergence are advantages of this technique.
CAM Use and Suggestions for Medical Care of Senior Citizens: A Qualitative Study Using the World Café Method
Authors: Stöckigt B. , Teut M. , Witt C. M.
Published: August 2013

Background. Little data exists concerning the reasons for using complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies by seniors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to learn about motives of German seniors for using CAM therapies and their wishes for health care in general.Methods. One focus group and one “World Café” following a semistructured interview guide were conducted. All discussions were recorded digitally, transcribed, and analyzed according to Qualitative Content Analysis using the software MAXQDA.Results. In total 21 seniors participated (eighteen female, three male, mean age 72.5 ± 4.3 years). Most of the participants had lifelong experiences with medicinal herbs and home remedies due to unavailable conventional care during childhood. Also important for them were nutrition and exercise. These methods were often used as self-care to enhance wellbeing, to prevent and to cure illnesses. The participants would welcome an integration of CAM in health care services. They asked especially for more empathic physicians who are better trained in CAM and respect their experiences.Conclusion. The importance of life experience in regard to health care by senior can be seen as a resource. Qualitative studies investigating physician-patient relationships and intergenerational aspects in CAM use could be of interest for further studies.
Natal and Neonatal Teeth: An Overview of the Literature
Authors: Mhaske Shubhangi , Yuwanati Monal B. , Mhaske Ashok , Ragavendra Raju , Kamath Kavitha , Saawarn Swati
Published: August 2013

The occurrence of natal and neonatal teeth is an uncommon anomaly, which for centuries has been associated with diverse superstitions among different ethnic groups. Natal teeth are more frequent than neonatal teeth, with the ratio being approximately 3 : 1. It must be considered that natal and neonatal teeth are conditions of fundamental importance not only for a dental surgeon but also for a paediatrician since their presence may lead to numerous complications. Early detection and treatment of these teeth are recommended because they may induce deformity or mutilation of tongue, dehydration, inadequate nutrients intake by the infant, and growth retardation, the pattern and time of eruption of teeth and its morphology. This paper presents a concise review of the literature about neonatal teeth.
Nonparametric Change Point Diagnosis Method of Concrete Dam Crack Behavior Abnormality
Authors: Li Zhanchao , Gu Chongshi , Wu Zhongru
Published: August 2013

The study on diagnosis method of concrete crack behavior abnormality has always been a hot spot and difficulty in the safety monitoring field of hydraulic structure. Based on the performance of concrete dam crack behavior abnormality in parametric statistical model and nonparametric statistical model, the internal relation between concrete dam crack behavior abnormality and statistical change point theory is deeply analyzed from the model structure instability of parametric statistical model and change of sequence distribution law of nonparametric statistical model. On this basis, through the reduction of change point problem, the establishment of basic nonparametric change point model, and asymptotic analysis on test method of basic change point problem, the nonparametric change point diagnosis method of concrete dam crack behavior abnormality is created in consideration of the situation that in practice concrete dam crack behavior may have more abnormality points. And the nonparametric change point diagnosis method of concrete dam crack behavior abnormality is used in the actual project, demonstrating the effectiveness and scientific reasonableness of the method established. Meanwhile, the nonparametric change point diagnosis method of concrete dam crack behavior abnormality has a complete theoretical basis and strong practicality with a broad application prospect in actual project.
Phosphatidylserine-Targeting Antibody Induces M1 Macrophage Polarization and Promotes Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Differentiation
Authors: Yin Yi , Huang Xianming , Lynn Kristi D. , Thorpe Philip E.
Published: August 2013

Multiple tumor-derived factors are responsible for the accumulation and expansion of immune-suppressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in tumors. Here, we show that treatment of tumor-bearing mice with docetaxel in combination with the phosphatidylserine-targeting antibody 2aG4 potently suppressed the growth and progression of prostate tumors, depleted M2-like TAMs, and MDSCs, and increased the presence of M1-like TAMs and mature dendritic cells in the tumors. In addition, the antibody markedly altered the cytokine balance in the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory. In vitro studies confirmed that 2aG4 repolarized TAMs from an M2- to an M1-like phenotype and drove the differentiation of MDSCs into M1-like TAMs and functional dendritic cells. These data suggest that phosphatidylserine is responsible for the expansion of MDSCs and M2-like TAMs in tumors, and that bavituximab, a phosphatidylserine-targeting antibody currently in clinical trials for cancer, could reverse this process and reactivate antitumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(4); 256–68. ©2013 AACR.
Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients with Gynecological Cancer
Authors: Palaia Innocenza , Loprete Elisa , Musella Angela , Marchetti Claudia , Di Donato Violante , Bellati Filippo , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi
Published: August 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the tolerability, safety and feasibility of chemotherapy in very elderly patients with gynecological cancers. Methods: We included all patients ≥75 years of age affected by endometrial, ovarian or cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant, adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy. Data regarding age, stage of the disease, comorbidities, performance status (PS), chemotherapy regimen and dosing, toxicity, treatment delay and dose adjustments were recorded. Results: Forty-nine patients were included in the study. Their median age was 77.5 years. The vast majority of patients (89.8%) presented with advanced neoplastic disease. Twenty-nine of the 49 patients were treated with full-dose chemotherapy; 41% were subjected to the weekly dose. One toxic death was recorded; grade 2 anemia was reported in 8 patients, and grade 2 and 3 neutropenia was recorded in 2 and 3 patients, respectively. Sixty-one percent of the patients completed the planned treatment. Conclusion: Chemotherapy in very elderly patients is feasible with an acceptable toxicity profile. Careful evaluation of PS and assessment of physical and psychological health are necessary to predict tolerability of chemotherapy. A weekly schedule is better tolerated in this setting.
Metastatic Volume: An Old Oncologic Concept and a New Prognostic Factor for Stage IV Melanoma Patients
Authors: Panasiti V. , Curzio M. , Roberti V. , Lieto P. , Devirgiliis V. , Gobbi S. , Naspi A. , Coppola R. , Lopez T. , di Meo N. , Gatti A. , Trevisan G. , Londei P. , Calvieri S.
Published: August 2013

Background: The last melanoma staging system of the 2009 American Joint Committee on Cancer takes into account, for stage IV disease, the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the site of distant metastases. Objective: Our aim was to compare the significance of metastatic volume, as evaluated at the time of stage IV melanoma diagnosis, with other clinical predictors of prognosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicentric study. To establish which variables were statistically correlated both with death and survival time, contingency tables were evaluated. The overall survival curves were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Metastatic volume and number of affected organs were statistically related to death. In detail, patients with a metastatic volume >15 cm3 had a worse prognosis than those with a volume lower than this value (survival probability at 60 months: 6.8 vs. 40.9%, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier method confirmed that survival time was significantly related to the site(s) of metastases, to elevated LDH serum levels and to melanoma stage according to the latest system. Conclusion: Our results suggest that metastatic volume may be considered as a useful prognostic factor for survival among melanoma patients.
Should Definitions for Mental Disorders Include Explicit Theoretical Elements?
Authors: Adan-Manes Jaime , Ramos-Gorostiza Pablo
Published: August 2013

In this article we argue that mental disorders have come to be defined according to a descriptive theory of meaning. In other words, mental disorders are defined according to superficial descriptive criteria that count as necessary and sufficient criteria for the inclusion of a particular instance under its corresponding class. These descriptive criteria are allegedly theory independent, leading to the assumption that psychiatric symptoms are directly identified in an object-like fashion. Against this view, we hold that a descriptive theory of meaning is unable to offer a proper account of the meaning of mental disorders both due to its own internal limitations and to the specific nature of psychiatric phenomena. Due to the hermeneutic structure of psychiatric practice, we argue that the identification and description of mental symptoms and disorders unavoidably depends on (frequently unacknowledged) theoretical assumptions. Since there is no global consensus regarding these theoretical commitments, and due to the fact that these significantly affect the final picture we hold with respect to each mental disorder, we believe that these commitments should be explicitly stated both in diagnostic argumentation and in theoretical discussions in order to maximise self- and mutual understanding.