bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cistanches Herba Fraction/β-Sitosterol Causes a Redox-Sensitive Induction of Mitochondrial Uncoupling and Activation of Adenosine Monophosphate-Dependent Protein Kinase/Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorγCoactivator-1 in C2C12 Myotubes: A Possible Mechanism Underlying the Weight Reduction Effect
Authors: Wong Hoi Shan , Chen Jihang , Leong Pou Kuan , Leung Hoi Yan , Chan Wing Man , Ko Kam Ming
Published: February 2015

Previous studies have demonstrated that HCF1, a semipurified fraction of Cistanches Herba, causes weight reduction in normal diet- and high fat diet-fed mice. The weight reduction was associated with the induction of mitochondrial uncoupling and changes in metabolic enzyme activities in mouse skeletal muscle. To further investigate the biochemical mechanism underlying the HCF1-induced weight reduction, the effect of HCF1 and its active component,β-sitosterol (BSS), on C2C12 myotubes was examined. Incubation with HCF1/BSS caused a transient increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), possibly by fluidizing the mitochondrial inner membrane. The increase in MMP was paralleled to an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Mitochondrial ROS, in turn, triggered a redox-sensitive induction of mitochondrial uncoupling by uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3). Biochemical analysis indicated that HCF1 was capable of activating an adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1 pathway and thereby increased the expression of cytochrome c oxidase and UCP3. Animal studies using mitochondrial recoupler also confirmed the role of mitochondrial uncoupling in the HCF1-induced weight reduction. In conclusion, a HCF1/BSS causes the redox-sensitive induction of mitochondrial uncoupling and activation of AMPK/PGC-1 in C2C12 myotubes, with resultant reductions in body weight and adiposity by increased energy consumption.
Role of COX‐2/mPGES‐1/Prostaglandin E2 Cascade in Kidney Injury
Authors: Jia Zhanjun , Zhang Yue , Ding Guixia , Heiney Kristina Marie , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua
Published: February 2015

COX‐2/mPGES‐1/PGE2 cascade plays critical roles in modulating many physiological and pathological actions in different organs. In the kidney, this cascade is of high importance in regulating fluid metabolism, blood pressure, and renal hemodynamics. Under some disease conditions, this cascade displays various actions in response to the different pathological insults. In the present review, the roles of this cascade in the pathogenesis of kidney injuries including diabetic and nondiabetic kidney diseases and acute kidney injuries were introduced and discussed. The new insights from this review not only increase the understanding of the pathological role of the COX‐2/mPGES‐1/PGE2 pathway in kidney injuries, but also shed new light on the innovation of the strategies for the treatment of kidney diseases.
Water-Solubilization of P(V) and Sb(V) Porphyrins and Their Photobiological Application
Authors: Matsumoto Jin , Shiragami Tsutomu , Hirakawa Kazutaka , Yasuda Masahide
Published: February 2015

Porphyrins have been widely utilized as biochemical and biological functional chromophores which can operate under visible-light irradiation. Water-soluble porphyrins have been used as the drug for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic inactivation (PDI). Although usual water-solubilization of porphyrins has been achieved by an introduction of an ionic group such as ammonium, pyridinium, sulfonate, phosphonium, or carboxyl to porphyrin ring, we proposed the preparation of water-soluble P and Sb porphyrins by modification of axial ligands. Alkyl (type A), ethylenedioxy (type E), pyridinium (type P), and glucosyl groups (type G) were introduced to axial ligands of Sb and P porphyrins to achieve water-solubilization of Sb porphyrin and P porphyrins. Here, we review their water-soluble P and Sb porphyrins from the standpoints of preparation, bioaffinity, and photosensitized inactivation.
A Potential Epigenetic Marker Mediating Serum Folate and Vitamin B12Levels Contributes to the Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Keat Wei Loo , Sutherland Heidi , Au Anthony , Camilleri Emily , Haupt Larisa M. , Gan Siew Hua , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: February 2015

Stroke is a multifactorial disease that may be associated with aberrant DNA methylation profiles. We investigated epigenetic dysregulation for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene among ischemic stroke patients. Cases and controls were recruited after obtaining signed written informed consents following a screening process against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Serum vitamin profiles (folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine) were determined using immunoassays. Methylation profiles for CpGs A and B in theMTHFRgene were determined using a bisulfite-pyrosequencing method. Methylation ofMTHFRsignificantly increased the susceptibility risk for ischemic stroke. In particular, CpG A outperformed CpG B in mediating serum folate and vitamin B12levels to increase ischemic stroke susceptibility risks by 4.73-fold. However, both CpGs A and B were not associated with serum homocysteine levels or ischemic stroke severity. CpG A is a potential epigenetic marker in mediating serum folate and vitamin B12to contribute to ischemic stroke.
A New Approach to Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Signaling during Labour in Healthy Mothers and Neonates
Authors: Díaz-Castro Javier , Florido Jesus , Kajarabille Naroa , Prados Sonia , de Paco Catalina , Ocon Olga , Pulido-Moran Mario , Ochoa Julio J.
Published: February 2015

The objective of the current study was to investigate for the first time and simultaneously the oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling induced during the delivery in healthy mothers and their neonates. 56 mothers with normal gestational course and spontaneous delivery were selected. Blood samples were taken from mother (before and after delivery) both from vein and artery of umbilical cord. Lower antioxidant enzymes activities were observed in neonates compared with their mothers and lower oxidative stress in umbilical cord artery with respect to vein. There was an overexpression of inflammatory cytokines in the mother, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and, in addition, PGE2was also increased. Neonates showed lower levels of IL-6 and TNF-αand higher values of sTNF-RII and PGE2in comparison with their mothers. Parturition increases oxidative damage in the mother, although the indicators of oxidative damage were lower in umbilical cord artery with respect to umbilical vein. The overexpression of inflammatory cytokines reveals that fetus suffers its own inflammatory process during parturition.
Experimental Research for the Application of Mining Waste in the Trench Cutting Remixing Deep Wall Method
Authors: Chao Yan , Songyu Liu , Yongfeng Deng
Published: February 2015

This paper focuses on the use of fly ash (FA) or ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) and reactive lime blends for cement-stabilized Nanjing clay, comparing them with Portland cement (PC) for enhanced technical performance. A range of tests were conducted to investigate the properties of stabilized soils, including macrostrength (UCS), permeability, and microstructure analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of PC : (FA + lime) ratio, PC : (GGBS + lime) ratio and curing time was addressed. The UCS and permeability results revealed that PC-FA-lime was more efficient than PC-GGBS-lime as a binder for soil stabilization, with an optimum proportion of PC : (FA + lime) = 3 : 7 at 25% binder content, varying with curing time. The microstructure analysis reveals that fly ash mainly changes the pore volume distribution, which ranges between 0.01 μm and 1 μm, and produces more CSH/CASH bonding and fissures due to the secondary hydration and pozzolanic reactions. Based on the favourable results obtained, it can be concluded that the soft soils can be successfully stabilized by the combined action of cement, fly ash, and lime. Since fly ash is much cheaper than cement, the addition of fly ash and lime in cement-soil mix may particularly become attractive and can result in cost reduction of construction.
Predictive Contribution of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Diagnosis of Brucellosis
Authors: Olt Serdar , Ergenç Hasan , Açıkgöz Seyyid Bilal
Published: February 2015

Here we wanted to investigate predictive value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the diagnosis of brucellosis. Thirty-two brucellosis patients diagnosed with positive serum agglutination test and thirty-two randomized healthy subjects were enrolled in this study retrospectively. Result with ROC analyzes the baseline NLR and hemoglobin values were found to be significantly associated with brucellosis (P=0.01,P=0.01, resp.). Herein we demonstrated for the first time that NLR values were significantly associated with brucellosis. This situation can help clinicians during diagnosis of brucellosis.
Effect of Co Distribution on Plastic Deformation of Nanocrystalline Al‐10.2 at.% Co Alloy
Authors: Babicheva Rita I. , Dmitriev Sergey V. , Zhang Ying , Kok Shaw Wei , Zhou Kun
Published: February 2015

Molecular dynamics is employed to study stress‐strain curves obtained during high strain rate deformation of nanocrystalline Al‐10.2 at.% Co alloy with (i) randomly distributed Co atoms (Al‐Co substitutional solid solution) and (ii) Co atoms segregated in grain boundaries (GBs) of the alloy. The effect of Co distribution, deformation temperature, and the presence of hydrostatic pressure on the stress‐strain relation is analyzed. The results are compared to that for nanocrystalline pure Al. It is found that the strength of the Al‐Co solid solution is lower than that of the pure Al, while GB segregations of Co increase its strength. The alloys, regardless of the type of Co distribution, under shear loading with no hydrostatic pressure demonstrate higher ductility in comparison with the pure Al. The shear modulus of the Al‐Co alloy with the GB segregations is noticeably larger than that of the pure Al and the Al‐Co solid solution in a wide range of temperatures. The results of the study show that the GB segregations of Co can have a positive effect on the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline Al.
Environmental and Economic Optimization Model for Electric System Planning in Ningxia, China: Inexact Stochastic Risk-Aversion Programming Approach
Authors: Ji L. , Niu D. X. , Huang G. H. , Li W. , Liu Z. P.
Published: February 2015

The main goal of this paper is to provide a novel risk aversion model for long-term electric power system planning from the manager’s perspective with the consideration of various uncertainties. In the proposed method, interval parameter programming and two-stage stochastic programming are integrated to deal with the technical, economics, and policy uncertainties. Moreover, downside risk theory is introduced to balance the trade-off between the profit and risk according to the decision-maker’s risk aversion attitude. To verify the effectiveness and practical application of this approach, an inexact stochastic risk aversion model is developed for regional electric system planning and management in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. The series of solutions provide the decision-maker with the optimal investment strategy and operation management under different future emission reduction scenarios and risk-aversion levels. The results indicated that pollution control devices are still the main measures to achieve the current mitigation goal and the adjustment of generation structure would play an important role in the future cleaner electricity system with the stricter environmental policy. In addition, the model can be used for generating decision alternatives and helping decision-makers identify desired energy structure adjustment and pollutants/carbon mitigation abatement policies under various economic and system-reliability constraints.
Cerebral Abscess Potentially of Odontogenic Origin
Authors: Ben Hadj Hassine Marouene , Oualha Lamia , Derbel Amine , Douki Nabiha
Published: February 2015

Odontogenic origins are rarely implicated in the formation of brain abscesses. The relative paucity of this kind of infection and the difficulty in matching the causative microorganisms of a brain abscess to an odontogenic source can explain the late management of patients. We herein describe a case of a 46-year-old man with a cerebellar abscess that was probably due to an odontogenic infection. The diagnosis supported by imaging and microscopic identification, mini craniectomy for abscess drainage followed by eradication of all potential dental infectious foci, and an antibiotic regimen based on cephalosporins, metronidazole, and vancomycine contributed to a successful outcome.
Placental Oxidative Status throughout Normal Gestation in Women with Uncomplicated Pregnancies
Authors: Basu Jayasri , Bendek Bolek , Agamasu Enyonam , Salafia Carolyn M. , Mishra Aruna , Benfield Nerys , Patel Ronak , Mikhail Magdy
Published: February 2015

The effects of gestational age on placental oxidative balance throughout gestation were investigated in women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Placental tissues were obtained from normal pregnant women who delivered at term or underwent elective pregnancy termination at 6 to 23 + 6 weeks of pregnancy. Placental tissues were analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde, MDA) levels using commercially available kits. Two hundred and one placental tissues were analyzed and the mean ± SD MDA (pmol/mg tissue) and TAC (µmol Trolox equivalent/mg tissue) levels for first, second, and third trimester groups were 277.01 ± 204.66, 202.66 ± 185.05, and 176.97 ± 141.61,P< 0.004 and 498.62 ± 400.74, 454.90 ± 374.44, and 912.19 ± 586.21,P< 0.0001 by ANOVA, respectively. Our data reflects an increased oxidative stress in the placenta in the early phase of normal pregnancy. As pregnancy progressed, placental antioxidant protective mechanisms increased and lipid peroxidation markers decreased resulting in diminution in oxidative stress. Our findings provide a biochemical support to the concept of a hypoxic environment in early pregnancy. A decrease in placental oxidative stress in the second and third trimesters appears to be a physiological phenomenon of normal pregnancy. Deviations from this physiological phenomenon may result in placental-mediated disorders.
Effects of Berberine on Amelioration of Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress in High Glucose and High Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Hamsters In Vivo
Authors: Liu Cong , Wang Zhuo , Song Yulong , Wu Dan , Zheng Xuan , Li Ping , Jin Jin , Xu Nannan , Li Ling
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the effects of berberine on amelioration of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and the mechanism involved in high glucose and high fat diet-induced diabetic hamsters. Golden hamsters fed with high glucose and high fat diet were medicated with metformin, simvastatin, and low or high dose of berberine (50 and 100 mg·kg−1) for 6 weeks. The results showed that the body weights were significantly lower in berberine-treated groups than control group. Histological analyses revealed that the treatment of berberine inhibited hepatic fat accumulation. Berberine significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, and 8-isoprostane level but significantly increased plasma superoxide dismutase activity. Glucose and insulin levels were significantly reduced in metformin and berberine-treated groups. Glucose tolerance tests documented that berberine-treated mice were more glucose tolerant. Berberine treatment increased expression of skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 mRNA and significantly decreased liver low density lipoprotein receptor mRNA expression. The study suggested that berberine was effective in lowering blood glucose and lipids levels, reducing the body weight, and alleviating the oxidative stress in diabetic hamsters, which might be beneficial in reducing the cardiovascular risk factors in diabetes.
Effect of Pore Size on the Biodegradation Rate of Silk Fibroin Scaffolds
Authors: Luo Zuwei , Zhang Qin , Shi Meijing , Zhang Yang , Tao Wei , Li Mingzhong
Published: February 2015

Controlling the degradation rate of silk fibroin-based biomaterial is an important capability for the fabrication of silk-based tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, scaffolds with different pore sizes were prepared by controlling the freezing temperature and the silk fibroin concentration.In vitrodegradation results showed that the internal pore walls of the scaffolds with a larger pore size collapsed upon exposure to collagenase IA for times ranging from 6 to 12 days, and the silk scaffolds exhibited a faster rate of weight loss. The morphological and structural features of the silk scaffolds with a smaller pore size maintained structural integrity after incubation in the protease solution for 18 days, and the rate of weight loss was relatively slow. Scaffolds with a smaller pore size or a higher pore density degraded more slowly than scaffolds with a larger pore size or lower pore density. These results demonstrate that the pore size of silk biomaterials is crucial in controlling the degradation rate of tissue engineering scaffolds.
The Natural History of Depression in Parkinson’s Disease within 30-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Xu Yuan-Yuan , Kuo Sheng-Han , Liang Zheng , Xu Hui , Feng Wu-Ruo , Yu Cui-Yu , Liu Wei-Guo
Published: February 2015

Depression is one of the most common and persistent nonmotor syndromes occurring in 35% of patients diagnosed with PD. However, little information is known about the longitudinal study of its natural history of depression in PD. In this study, we identified 110 patients who are diagnosed with idiopathic PD and recruited them for assessing information about their PD related motor and nonmotor symptoms and rating scales. A follow-up evaluation was performed in 103 patients 30 months later. About 66.7% depressed patients at baseline were still depressed at follow-up, and 24.4% had incident depression among subjects without depression at baseline. Greater decline on MMSE (P=0.029), higher baseline UPDRS-II (P<0.001) score, change of UPDRS-II (P=0.026), and female (P<0.001) were associated with the worsening of HDRS scores. Higher baseline HDRS score (P<0.001) and greater decline on MMSE (P=0.001) were related to the occurrence of depression. In conclusion, cognitive decline is a disease related factor of worsening and the occurrence of depression. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) symptoms in PD and female gender may be crucial factors of increasing depressive symptoms.
On Synergistic Integration of Adaptive Dithering Based Internal Model Control for Hysteresis Compensation in Piezoactuated Nanopositioner
Authors: Shome Saikat Kumar , Prakash Mangal , Pradhan Sourav , Mukherjee Arpita
Published: February 2015

Piezoelectric-stack actuated platforms are very popular in the parlance of nanopositioning with myriad applications like micro/nanofactory, atomic force microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, wafer design, biological cell manipulation, and so forth. Motivated by the necessity to improve trajectory tracking in such applications, this paper addresses the problem of rate dependent hysteretic nonlinearity in piezoelectric actuators (PEA). The classical second order Dahl model for hysteresis encapsulation is introduced first, followed by the identification of parameters through particle swarm optimization. A novel inversion based feedforward mechanism in combination with a feedback compensator is proposed to achieve high-precision tracking wherein the paradoxical concept of noise as a performance enhancer is introduced in the realm of PZAs. Having observed that dither induced stochastic resonance in the presence of periodic forcing reduces tracking error, dither capability is further explored in conjunction with a novel output harmonics based adaptive control scheme. The proposed adaptive controller is then augmented with an internal model control based approach to impart robustness against parametric variations and external disturbances. The proposed control law has been employed to track multifrequency signals with consistent compensation of rate dependent hysteresis of the PEA. The results indicate a greatly improved positioning accuracy along with considerable robustness achieved with the proposed integrated approach even for dual axis tracking applications.
Low Infection Rate after Tumor Hip Arthroplasty for Metastatic Bone Disease in a Cohort Treated with Extended Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Authors: Hettwer Werner H. , Horstmann Peter Frederik , Hovgaard Thea Bechmann , Grum-Scwensen Tomas Andreas , Petersen Michael M.
Published: February 2015

Background. Compared to conventional hip arthroplasty, endoprosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection is associated with a substantially increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), with reported rates of around 10% in a recent systematic review. The optimal duration of antibiotic prophylaxis for this patient population remains unknown.Material and Methods. To establish the infection rate associated with prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in our department, we performed a retrospective review of all adult patients who underwent endoprosthetic reconstruction of the proximal femur after tumor resection for metastatic bone disease during a 4-year period from 2010 to 2013(n=105patients).Results. Intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis was administrated for an extended duration of a mean of 7.4 days. The overall infection rate was 3.6% (4/111 implants), infection free survival was 96% at 2 years, and the risk of amputation associated with infection was 25% (1/4 patients).Discussion. Preemptive eradication of bacterial contamination may be of value in certain clinical situations, where the risk level and consequences of implant-associated infection are unacceptable. Our findings suggest that extended postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis may reduce the risk of PJI in patients undergoing tumor resection and endoprosthetic replacement for metastatic bone disease associated impending or de facto pathologic fractures of the proximal femur.
ACO-Based Sweep Coverage Scheme in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Huang Peng , Lin Feng , Liu Chang , Gao Jian , Zhou Ji-liu
Published: February 2015

Coverage problem is one of the major issues in wireless sensor networks (WSN). In order to optimize the network coverage, different coverage formulations have been proposed. Recently, a newly emerging coverage scheme in wireless sensor networks, sweep coverage, which uses mobile sensors to monitor certain points of interest (POIs), is proposed. However, the data delivery to sink, an important problem in WSN, is not considered in original sweep coverage and many of the existing works did not consider it yet. In this work, a novel algorithm named ACOSC (ACO-based sweep coverage) to solve the sweep coverage problem considering periodical coverage of POIs and delivery of data simultaneously is proposed. The evaluation results show that our algorithm has better performance than existing schemes.
Disturbance of Oligodendrocyte Function Plays a Key Role in the Pathogenesis of Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Miyata Shingo , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Shoko , Ito Akira , Tohyama Masaya
Published: February 2015

The major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are thought to be multifactorial diseases related to both genetic and environmental factors. However, the genes responsible and the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of SZ and MDD remain unclear. We previously reported that abnormalities of disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) and DISC1 binding zinc finger (DBZ) might cause major psychiatric disorders such as SZ. Interestingly, both DISC and DBZ have been further detected in oligodendrocytes and implicated in regulating oligodendrocyte differentiation. DISC1 negatively regulates the differentiation of oligodendrocytes, whereas DBZ plays a positive regulatory role in oligodendrocyte differentiation. We have reported that repeated stressful events, one of the major risk factors of MDD, can induce sustained upregulation of plasma corticosterone levels and serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (Sgk1) mRNA expression in oligodendrocytes. Repeated stressful events can also activate the SGK1 cascade and cause excess arborization of oligodendrocyte processes, which is thought to be related to depressive-like symptoms. In this review, we discuss the expression of DISC1, DBZ, and SGK1 in oligodendrocytes, their roles in the regulation of oligodendrocyte function, possible interactions of DISC1 and DBZ in relation to SZ, and the activation of the SGK1 signaling cascade in relation to MDD.
Carcinosarcoma of the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Ekici Mehmet Fatih , Kocak Cengiz , Bayhan Zülfü , Zeren Sezgin , Yaylak Faik , Metineren Mehmet Hüseyin , Kocak Fatma Emel
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Surgeon has significant role in the management of such rare and controversial clinical entities related to thyroid gland. In this case report we have presented an elderly patient with rapid enlargement in thyroid that was related to carcinosarcoma.Case Presentation. A 60-year-old lady was presented with rapid enlargement of the thyroid gland. A fine needle aspiration of the nodule in right lobe was performed several weeks before presentation to our clinic. End diagnosis was a papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with spindle cell component. Thus the nodule was recognized to be a carcinosarcoma.Conclusion. Thyroid surgery merits a multidisciplinary approach. Indeed the surgeon should make a conclusive decision in some controversial and rare clinical entities such as carcinosarcoma.
Engineering Isoprenoid Biosynthesis inArtemisia annuaL. for the Production of Taxadiene: A Key Intermediate of Taxol
Authors: Li Meiya , Jiang Fusheng , Yu Xiangli , Miao Zhiqi
Published: February 2015

Taxadiene is the first committed precursor to paclitaxel, marketed as Taxol, arguably the most important anticancer agent against ovarian and breast cancer. InTaxus, taxadiene is directly synthesized from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) that is the common precursor for diterpenoids and is found in most plants and microbes. In this study,Artemisia annuaL., a Chinese medicinal herb that grows fast and is rich in terpenoids, was used as a genetic engineering host to produce taxadiene. TheTXS(taxadiene synthase) gene, cloned fromTaxusand inserted into pCAMBIA1304, was transformed intoArtemisia annuaL. using theAgrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method. Thirty independent transgenic plants were obtained, and GC-MS analysis was used to confirm that taxadiene was produced and accumulated up to 129.7 μg/g dry mass. However, the high expression ofTXSdid not affect plant growth or photosynthesis in transgenicArtemisia annuaL. It is notable that artemisinin is produced and stored in leaves and most taxadiene accumulated in the stem of transgenicArtemisia annuaL., suggesting a new way to produce two important compounds in one transgenic plant: leaves for artemisinin and stem for taxadiene. Overall, this study demonstrates that genetic engineering of the taxane biosynthetic pathway inArtemisia annuaL. for the production of taxadiene is feasible.
Frequency-Dependent Amplitude Alterations of Resting-State Spontaneous Fluctuations in Late-Onset Depression
Authors: Yue Yingying , Jia Xize , Hou Zhenghua , Zang Yufeng , Yuan Yonggui
Published: February 2015

There is limited amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in late-onset depression (LOD) but reported different results. This may be due to the impact of different frequency bands. In this study, we examined the ALFF in five different frequency bands (slow-6: 0–0.01 Hz; slow-5: 0.01–0.027 Hz; slow-4: 0.027–0.073 Hz; slow-3: 0.073–0.167 Hz, and slow-2: 0.167–0.25 Hz) within the whole brain during resting-state fMRI in 16 LOD patients and 16 normal control (NC) subjects. The ALFF of primary effect of disease was widely distributed over left cerebellum anterior lobe, left cerebellum posterior lobe, left middle orbitofrontal gyrus, left superior occipital, and right superior parietal, while the interaction effect of disease and frequency was distributed over right superior frontal gyrus. Further relationship analysis findings suggest these abnormal ALFF may relate to cognitive dysfunction of LOD. Therefore, our data show that LOD patients have widespread abnormalities in intrinsic brain activity, which is dependent on the frequency band, and suggest that future studies should take the frequency bands into account when measuring intrinsic brain activity.
The Use of an IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Peptide to Control Inflammation in the Treatment of Corneal Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Fok E. , Sandeman S. R. , Guildford A. L. , Martin Y. H.
Published: February 2015

Corneal limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) may be treated usingex vivolimbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) derived from cadaveric donor tissue. However, continuing challenges exist around tissue availability, inflammation, and transplant rejection. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or recombinant human IL-1βstimulated primary human keratocyte and LESC models were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of a short chain, IL-1 receptor antagonist peptide for use in LESC sheet growth to control inflammation. The peptide was characterized using mass spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography. Peptide cytotoxicity, patterns of cell cytokine expression in response to LPS or IL-1βstimulation, and peptide suppression of this response were investigated by MTS/LDH assays, ELISA, and q-PCR. Cell differences in LPS stimulated toll-like receptor 4 expression were investigated using immunocytochemistry. A significant reduction in rIL-1βstimulated inflammatory cytokine production occurred following LESC and keratocyte incubation with anti-inflammatory peptide and in LPS stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 production following keratocyte incubation with peptide (1 mg/mL)P<0.05. LESCs produced no cytokine response to LPS stimulation and showed no TLR4 expression. The peptide supported LESC growth when adhered to a silicone hydrogel contact lens indicating potential use in improved LESC grafting through suppression of inflammation.
Removal of an Upper Third Molar from the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Amorim Klinger de Souza , Silva Vanessa Tavares da , Cunha Rafael Soares da , Souto Maria Luisa Silveira , São Mateus Carla Rocha , Souza Liane Maciel de Almeida
Published: February 2015

The maxillary sinus or antrum is the largest of the paranasal sinuses. It is located in the maxillary bone and has a proximity to the apexes of upper molars and premolars, which allows it to form a direct link between the sinus and the oral cavity. Dislocation of a foreign body or tooth to the interior of a paranasal sinus is a situation that can occur as a result of car accidents, firearm attacks, or iatrogenic in surgical procedures. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to treat this kind of situation. This study’s objective is to report the case of a 23-year-old female patient, leucoderma, who sought treatment from the Surgical Unit at the Dental Faculty of the Federal University of Sergipe. She had a history of pain and edema in the right side of the genian region and two failed attempts at removing dental unit (DU) 18. The extraoral clinical exam revealed intense edema of the left hemiface with signs of infection, excoriation of the labial commissure, hematoma, a body temperature of 39°C, and a limited ability to open her mouth. The patient was medicated and treated surgically. The tooth was removed from the maxillary sinus with caution, as should have been done initially.
The Shadow of Silence on the Sexual Rights of Married Iranian Women
Authors: Janghorban Roksana , Latifnejad Roudsari Robab , Taghipour Ali , Abbasi Mahmoud , Lottes Ilsa
Published: February 2015

There has been a recent shift in the field of sexual health, representing a move away from biomedical concerns to sexual rights frameworks. However, few studies on sexuality are based on a rights framework. The unspoken nature of sexuality in Iranian culture has led to a lack of national studies on the topic. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of married Iranian women on sexual rights in their sexual relationships. In this grounded theory study, 37 participants (25 married women, 5 husbands, and 7 midwives) were selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding using MAXQDA software version 2007. The analysis revealed the core category of “sexual interaction in the shadow of silence.” The interrelated categories subsumed under the core category included adopting a strategy of silence, trying to negotiate sex, seeking help, and sexual adjustment. The silence originating from women’s interactions with their families and society, from girlhood to womanhood, was identified as the core concept in Iranian women’s experiences of sexual rights. A focus on husbands’ roles seems salient because they can direct or alter some learned feminine roles, especially silence regarding sexual matters, which then affects the realization of women’s sexual rights.
Salvianolic Acids Attenuate Rat Hippocampal Injury after Acute CO Poisoning by Improving Blood Flow Properties
Authors: Guan Li , Zhang Yan-Lin , Li Zong-Yang , Zhu Ming-Xia , Yao Wei-Juan , Zhao Jin-Yuan
Published: February 2015

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes the major injury and death due to poisoning worldwide. The most severe damage via CO poisoning is brain injury and mortality. Delayed encephalopathy after acute CO poisoning (DEACMP) occurs in forty percent of the survivors of acute CO exposure. But the pathological cause for DEACMP is not well understood. And the corresponding therapy is not well developed. In order to investigate the effects of salvianolic acid (SA) on brain injury caused by CO exposure from the view point of hemorheology, we employed a rat model and studied the dynamic of blood changes in the hemorheological and coagulative properties over acute CO exposure. Compared with the groups of CO and 20% mannitol + CO treatments, the severe hippocampal injury caused by acute CO exposure was prevented by SA treatment. These protective effects were associated with the retaining level of hematocrit (Hct), plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, whole blood viscosities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). These results indicated that SA treatment could significantly improve the deformation of erythrocytes and prevent the damage caused by CO poisoning. Meanwhile, hemorheological indexes are good indicators for monitoring the pathological dynamic after acute CO poisoning.
Reduction of Silver Ions by Cell Free Extracts ofWestiellopsissp.
Authors: Lakshmi P. T. V. , Priyanka Devi , Annamalai A.
Published: February 2015

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles usingWestiellopsissp. (A15), a filamentous cyanobacterium belonging to the family Fischerellaceae, has been demonstrated. Aqueous silver ions (Ag+) when exposed to the culture filtrate ofWestiellopsiswere reduced in the solution, which were characterized by biophysical measures utilizing the UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR. The nanoparticles exhibited the maximum absorbance at 420 nm in UV-Vis spectroscopy, while the SEM micrograph revealed that the aggregated nanoparticles vary in size between 20 nm and 5 µm. However, the FTIR analysis provided evidence for presence of proteins in the filtrate to be involved in the reduction of silver ions.
Analysis of Filter and Waveguide Effect Based on the MIM Nanodisk with a Metallic Block
Authors: Zhai Xiang , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Hongju , Wujiaihemaiti Rexidaiguli , Zhu Yanhua , Wang Lingling
Published: February 2015

A novel and meaningful plasmonic filter based on the metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) waveguides directly connected to a nanocavity with a metallic block is proposed and demonstrated numerically. By the effective index method and the resonant theory of disk‐shaped nanocavity, we reveal that the resonant wavelengths can be simply tuned by adjusting the height of the block, which is in accordance with the results calculated by finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations. We also rotate the metallic block to achieve two resonant modes. One mode shows a blue shift, and the other mode shows a red shift. It is shown that the proposed structure performs as a bend waveguide not a filter when the width of the block increases to hundreds of nanometers. The proposed structure will have significant potential applications in nanointegrated circuits for optical filtering and processing.
An Experimental Research Study on the Solution of a Private Small Hydropower Plant Investments Selection Problem by ELECTRE III/IV, Shannon’s Entropy, and Saaty’s Subjective Criteria Weighting
Authors: Saracoglu Burak Omer
Published: February 2015

Almost all of the today’s modern daily life conditions of humankind depend on the electricity. The countries either by only themselves or sometimes with some international intuitions and/or organizations have been trying to find the best methods, ways, and projects to supply the electricity to their societies. One of the important tools for the countries to increase the amount and quality of the electricity generation is to activate/ignite/initiate the private investment capabilities/opportunities. The electricity generation market in Turkey is a free/open market for both the foreign and domestic private investors. Hence, both the foreign and domestic private investors have been looking for the most suitable electricity generation plant projects. Small hydropower plant (SHPP) investments (SHPPIs) are one of the alternatives in the Turkish electricity generation market especially for the private investors searching for the renewable energy investments. This experimental research study investigates the possibility of using the ELECTRE III/IV, Shannon’s Entropy, and Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) subjective weighting (for criteria) methods for the solution of this problem. In the experimental case study, the most appropriate SHPPIs amongst five alternative SHPPIs at the SHPPIs’ predevelopment investment stages in Turkey were evaluated and ranked in order.
Is There a Persistent Dysfunction of Neurovascular Coupling in Migraine?
Authors: Fabjan Andrej , Zaletel Marjan , Žvan Bojana
Published: February 2015

Changes in cerebral blood flow are one of the main features of migraine attack and have inspired the vascular theory of migraine. This traditional view has been reshaped with recent experimental data, which gave rise to the neural theory of migraine. In this review, we speculate that there might be an important link between the two theories, that is, the dysfunction of neurovascular coupling.
Community Structure of Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea and Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria in Soil Treated with the Insecticide Imidacloprid
Authors: Cycoń Mariusz , Piotrowska-Seget Zofia
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this experiment was to assess the effect of imidacloprid on the community structure of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in soil using the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) approach. Analysis showed that AOA and AOB community members were affected by the insecticide treatment. However, the calculation of the richness (S) and the Shannon-Wiener index (H) values for soil treated with the field rate (FR) dosage of imidacloprid (1 mg/kg soil) showed no changes in measured indices for the AOA and AOB community members. In turn, the10*FRdosage of insecticide (10 mg/kg soil) negatively affected the AOA community, which was confirmed by the decrease of theSandHvalues in comparison with the values obtained for the control soil. In the case of AOB community, an initial decline followed by the increase of theSandHvalues was obtained. Imidacloprid decreased the nitrification rate while the ammonification process was stimulated by the addition of imidacloprid. Changes in the community structure of AOA and AOB could be due to an increase in the concentration of N-NH4+, known as the most important factor which determines the contribution of these microorganisms to soil nitrification.
Status, Alert System, and Prediction of Cyanobacterial Bloom in South Korea
Authors: Srivastava Ankita , Ahn Chi-Yong , Asthana Ravi Kumar , Lee Hyung-Gwan , Oh Hee-Mock
Published: February 2015

Bloom-forming freshwater cyanobacterial genera pose a major ecological problem due to their ability to produce toxins and other bioactive compounds, which can have important implications in illnesses of humans and livestock. Cyanobacteria such asMicrocystis, Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Phormidium, andAphanizomenonspecies producing microcystins and anatoxin-a have been predominantly documented from most South Korean lakes and reservoirs. With the increase in frequency of such blooms, various monitoring approaches, treatment processes, and prediction models have been developed in due course. In this paper we review the field studies and current knowledge on toxin producing cyanobacterial species and ecological variables that regulate toxin production and bloom formation in major rivers (Han, Geum, Nakdong, and Yeongsan) and reservoirs in South Korea. In addition, development of new, fast, and high-throughput techniques for effective monitoring is also discussed with cyanobacterial bloom advisory practices, current management strategies, and their implications in South Korean freshwater bodies.
Differential Regulation of MicroRNAs in End-Stage Failing Hearts Is Associated with Left Ventricular Assist Device Unloading
Authors: Barsanti Cristina , Trivella Maria Giovanna , D’Aurizio Romina , El Baroudi Mariama , Baumgart Mario , Groth Marco , Caruso Raffaele , Verde Alessandro , Botta Luca , Cozzi Lorena , Pitto Letizia
Published: February 2015

Mechanical unloading by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in advanced heart failure (HF), in addition to improving symptoms and end-organ perfusion, is supposed to stimulate cellular and molecular responses which can reverse maladaptive cardiac remodeling. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in remodeling processes, a comparative miRNA profiling in transplanted hearts of HF patients with/without LVAD assistance could aid to comprehend underlying molecular mechanisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze miRNA differential expression in left ventricles of HF patients who underwent heart transplantation directly (n=9) or following a period of LVAD support (n=8). After data validation by quantitative real-time PCR, association with functional clinical parameters was investigated. Bioinformatics’ tools were then used for prediction of putative targets of modulated miRNAs and relative pathway enrichment. The analysis revealed 13 upregulated and 10 downregulated miRNAs in failing hearts subjected to LVAD assistance. In particular, the expression level of some of them (miR-338-3p, miR-142-5p and -3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-27a-5p, and miR-378g) showed correlation with off-pump cardiac index values. Predicted targets of these miRNAs were involved in focal adhesion/integrin pathway and in actin cytoskeleton regulation. The identified miRNAs might contribute to molecular regulation of reverse remodeling and heart recovery mechanisms.
Estimation of Radiofrequency Power Leakage from Microwave Ovens for Dosimetric Assessment at Nonionizing Radiation Exposure Levels
Authors: Lopez-Iturri Peio , de Miguel-Bilbao Silvia , Aguirre Erik , Azpilicueta Leire , Falcone Francisco , Ramos Victoria
Published: February 2015

The electromagnetic field leakage levels of nonionizing radiation from a microwave oven have been estimated within a complex indoor scenario. By employing a hybrid simulation technique, based on coupling full wave simulation with an in-house developed deterministic 3D ray launching code, estimations of the observed electric field values can be obtained for the complete indoor scenario. The microwave oven can be modeled as a time- and frequency-dependent radiating source, in which leakage, basically from the microwave oven door, is propagated along the complete indoor scenario interacting with all of the elements present in it. This method can be of aid in order to assess the impact of such devices on expected exposure levels, allowing adequate minimization strategies such as optimal location to be applied.
High Pressure Air Jet in the Endoscopic Preparation Room: Risk of Noise Exposure on Occupational Health
Authors: Chiu King-Wah , Lu Lung-Sheng , Wu Cheng-Kun
Published: February 2015

After high-level disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes, they are hung to dry in order to prevent residual water droplets impact on patient health. To allow for quick drying and clinical reuse, some endoscopic units use a high pressure air jet (HPAJ) to remove the water droplets on the endoscopes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the excessive noise exposure with the use of HPAJ in endoscopic preparation room and to investigate the risk to occupational health. Noise assessment was taken during 7 automatic endoscopic reprocessors (AERs) and combined with/without HPAJ use over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Analytical procedures of the NIOSH and the ISO for noise-induced hearing loss were estimated to develop analytic models. The peak of the noise spectrum of combined HPAJ and 7 AERs was significantly higher than that of the 7 AERs alone (108.3±1.36versus69.3±3.93 dBA,P<0.0001). The risk of hearing loss (HL > 2.5 dB) was 2.15% at 90 dBA, 11.6% at 95 dBA, and 51.3% at 100 dBA. The odds ratio was 49.1 (95% CI: 11.9 to 203.6). The noise generated by the HPAJ to work over TWA seriously affected the occupational health and safety of those working in an endoscopic preparation room.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Forward Electroencephalographic Problem Depending on Head Shape Variations
Authors: Doschoris Michael , Dassios George , Fragoyiannis George
Published: February 2015

A crucial aspect in clinical practice is the knowledge of whether Electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements can be assigned to the functioning of the brain or to geometrical deviations of the human cranium. The present work is focused on continuing to advance understanding on how sensitive the solution of the forward EEG problem is in regard to the geometry of the head. This has been achieved by developing a novel analytic algorithm by performing a perturbation analysis in the linear regime using a homogenous spherical model. Notably, the suggested procedure provides a criterion which recognizes whether surface deformations will have an impact on EEG recordings. The presented deformations represent two major cases: (1) acquired alterations of the surface inflicted by external forces and (2) deformations of the upper part of the human head where EEG signals are recorded. Our results illustrate that neglecting geometric variations present on the heads surface leads to errors in the recorded EEG measurements less than 2%. However, for severe instances of deformations combined with cortical brain activity in the vicinity of the distortion site, the errors rise to almost 25%. Therefore, the accurate description of the head shape plays an important role in understanding the forward EEG problem only in these cases.