bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel clonal t(1;4)(p36.1;q31) translocation in acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Authors: Zhang Xueya , Pan Jingxin
Published: March 2015

The majority of patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) carry the hallmark t(15;17)(q22;q21) translocation, involving the promyelocytic leukaemia/retinoic acid receptor-α (PML/RARα) fusion gene, and by sensitivity of blast cells to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and/or arsenic trioxide therapy. The incidence and prognostic significance of additional chromosomal abnormalities in APL are still obscure. We reported a patient with APL with PML/RARα and clonal t(1;4)(p36.1;q31) positive, but t(15;17)(q22;q21) negative. She was initially treated with ATRA and idarubicin and got complete remission. Our report supports the suggestion that there are no differences in the clinical outcome between APL cases with classical t(15;17)(q22;q21) and those with additional chromosomal abnormality t(1;4)(p36.1;q31). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with APL without classical t(15;17)(q22;q21), showing an additional clonal t(1;4)(p36.1;q31) and involving PML/RARα fusion gene. It will help us to understand the role of the clonal t(1;4)(p36.1;q31) translocation in the pathogenesis of APL when relevant genes involved in the clonal translocation have been identified.
Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) alleviate the pain experienced during bone marrow sampling in addition to standard techniques? A randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial
Authors: Tucker David L , Rockett Mark , Hasan Mehedi , Poplar Sarah , Rule Simon A
Published: March 2015

Aims

Bone marrow aspiration and trephine (BMAT) biopsies remain important tests in haematology. However, the procedures can be moderately to severely painful despite standard methods of pain relief. To test the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in alleviating the pain from BMAT in addition to standard analgesia using a numerical pain rating scale (NRS).

Methods

70 patients requiring BMAT were randomised (1:1) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. –35 patients received TENS impulses at a strong but comfortable amplitude (intervention group) and 35 patients received TENS impulses just above the sensory threshold (control group) (median pulse amplitude 20 and 7 mA, respectively). Patients and operators were blinded to group allocation. Pain assessments were made using a numerical pain scale completed after the procedure.

Results

No significant difference in NRS pain recalled after the procedure was detected (median pain score 5.7 (95% CI 4.8 to 6.6) in control vs 5.6 (95% CI 4.8 to 6.4) in the intervention group). However, 100% of patients who had previous experience of BMAT and >94% of participants overall felt they benefited from using TENS and would recommend it to others for this procedure. There were no side effects from the TENS device, and it was well tolerated.

Conclusions

TENS is a safe, non-invasive adjunct to analgesia for reducing pain during bone marrow biopsy and provides a subjective benefit to most users; however, no objective difference in pain scores was detected when using TENS in this randomised controlled study.

Clinical registration number

NCT02005354.
Lidocaine 10% spray to the cervix reduces pain during intrauterine device insertion: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Aksoy Hüseyin , Aksoy Ülkü , Ozyurt Sezin , Açmaz Gökhan , Babayigit Mustafa
Published: March 2015

Objective

Fear of pain during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion can be a barrier to widespread use of this safe and highly effective contraceptive method. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of topical 10% lidocaine spray for pain control during IUD insertion.

Methods

A total of 200 subjects with the request for IUD insertion were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: lidocaine spray (n=100) and placebo (n=100). The pain experienced during the procedure was measured immediately after insertion by a standard Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) administered by a separate researcher with maintenance of allocation concealment.

Results

The mean pain score during the procedure was 1.01±1.20 in the lidocaine spray group and 3.23±1.60 in the placebo spray group (p<0.001). Lidocaine spray treatment significantly lowered the overall procedural pain score compared with placebo.

Conclusions

Significant pain reduction during IUD insertion can be achieved by using 10% lidocaine spray alone. Lidocaine spray can be accepted as a non-invasive, easy to apply and more comfortable local anaesthetic method for IUD insertion.

Trial registration number

NCT02020551.
Endocarditis and ventricular wall abscessation in a vasectomised Herdwick ram
Authors: Crilly James Patrick , Morrison Linda R , Scott Philip R
Published: March 2015

A four‐year‐old vasectomised Herdwick ram presented with a two‐day history of inappetence, lethargy, weakness and exercise intolerance. Clinical examination revealed mild tachypnoea and hyperpnoea and marked tachycardia and pallor. No anaemia was present. Thoracic ultrasonography revealed thickening of the right ventricular wall and increased pericardial and peritoneal fluid. A diagnosis of congestive heart failure was made and the animal was euthanased. Necropsy revealed a subendocardial abscess adjacent to the right atrioventricular valve, the leaflets of which were distorted. The gross appearance of this lesion is similar to that described for valvular ring abscesses in human beings.
Evaluation of methods for assessing physiological biomarkers of stress in freshwater mussels
Authors: Fritts Andrea K. , Peterson James T. , Hazelton Peter D. , Bringolf Robert B.
Published: March 2015

Freshwater mussel populations are highly susceptible to environmental alterations because of their diminished numbers and primarily sessile behaviors; nonlethal biomonitoring programs are needed to evaluate the health of populations prior to mass mortality events. Our objectives were to determine (i) which biochemical parameters in freshwater mussel hemolymph could be consistently quantified, (ii) how hemolymph parameters and tissue glycogen respond to a thermal stress gradient (25, 30, and 35 °C), and (iii) the effects of tissue and hemolymph extraction on long-term growth and survival of smaller- and larger-bodied mussel species. Glucose exhibited elevated expression in both species with increasing water temperature. Two transaminase enzymes had elevated expression in the 30 °C treatment. The effects of hemolymph extraction and tissue biopsies were evaluated with a large-bodied species, Elliptio crassidens, and a smaller species, Villosa vibex. Individuals were monitored for 820 to 945 days after one of four treatments: hemolymph extraction, tissue biopsy, tissue and hemolymph extraction, and control. Hemolymph extraction and tissue biopsy adversely affected survival of V. vibex, suggesting that these extraction methods may add some risk of reduced survival to smaller-bodied species. Survival of E. crassidens was not impaired by any of the treatments, supporting the use of these techniques in nonlethal biomonitoring programs for larger-bodied mussel species.
Measuring foliar moisture content with a moisture analyzer
Authors: Rossa Carlos G. , Fernandes Paulo M. , Pinto Anita
Published: March 2015

Near-instantaneous estimation of the moisture content of live fuels is complicated because of the large control exerted by physiological mechanisms. The commonly accepted reference method for measuring fuel moisture content is oven drying, which is time consuming. This study evaluates the use of a moisture analyzer (ML-50, A&D Company, Limited, Tokyo, Japan) for measuring the foliar moisture content of two common European species. The moisture of live leaves of Arbutus unedo L. (strawberry tree) and Quercus robur L. (pedunculate oak) was measured within a period of 15 min using two drying temperatures and compared with the oven-dried value. Correction factors were determined for estimating the oven-dried moisture content based on the measurement by the moisture analyzer. The power delivered during the drying process plays an important role in the moisture measured by the analyzer in relation to the oven-dried value. Increasing the drying time beyond the minimum period necessary for obtaining a reliable prediction of the oven-dried moisture does not significantly change the moisture measured at lower temperatures. The moisture analyzer is able to estimate the live foliage moisture content with high accuracy.
Automated Seizure Onset Zone Approximation Based on Nonharmonic High-Frequency Oscillations in Human Interictal Intracranial EEGs
Authors: Geertsema Evelien E. , Visser Gerhard H. , Velis Demetrios N. , Claus Steven P. , Zijlmans Maeike , Kalitzin Stiliyan N.
Published: March 2015

A novel automated algorithm is proposed to approximate the seizure onset zone (SOZ), while providing reproducible output. The SOZ, a surrogate marker for the epileptogenic zone (EZ), was approximated from intracranial electroencephalograms (iEEG) of nine people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), using three methods: (1) Total ripple length (TRL): Manually segmented high-frequency oscillations, (2) Rippleness (R): Area under the curve (AUC) of the autocorrelation functions envelope, and (3) Autoregressive model residual variation (ARR, novel algorithm): Time-variation of residuals from autoregressive models of iEEG windows. TRL, R, and ARR results were compared in terms of separability, using Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests, and performance, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, to the gold standard for SOZ delineation: visual observation of ictal video-iEEGs. TRL, R, and ARR can distinguish signals from iEEG channels located within the SOZ from those outside it (p < 0.01). The ROC AUC was 0.82 for ARR, while it was 0.79 for TRL, and 0.64 for R. ARR outperforms TRL and R, and may be applied to identify channels in the SOZ automatically in interictal iEEGs of people with TLE. ARR, interpreted as evidence for nonharmonicity of high-frequency EEG components, could provide a new way to delineate the EZ, thus contributing to presurgical workup.
Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of (N, C)-codoped ZnO nanotube: First principles study
Authors: Esmailian Amirhosein , Shahrokhi Masoud , Kanjouri Faramarz
Published: March 2015

We have studied the electronic structure and magnetic properties of Nitrogen and Carbon codoped ZnO (5,0) single-walled zigzag nanotube using first-principle calculations based on the density functional theory. We performed our calculations for N - and C - codoping ZnO nanotube in two different configurations. For the first configuration in which the two impurity atoms ( N or C ) are on first nearest-neighbor sites in the plane of codoping, our calculation predicts that the N - and C -codoped ZnO nanotubes are antiferromagnetic material with no net magnetization. On the other hand, it is found that for the configuration in which the two impurity atoms are next nearest-neighbors, a spin polarization results in a magnetic moment in the N - and C -codoped ZnO nanotubes.
A generalized Swanson Hamiltonian in a second-derivative pseudo-supersymmetric framework
Authors: Bagchi Bijan , Banerjee Abhijit , Mandal Partha
Published: March 2015

We study a generalized scheme of Swanson Hamiltonian from a second-derivative pseudo-supersymmetric approach. We discuss plausible choices of the underlying quasi-Hamiltonian and consider the viability of applications to systems like the isotonic oscillator and CPRS potential.
COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF RECIRCULATING LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: Naeimifard Alireza , Ghaffari Ali
Published: March 2015

Lymphocyte recirculation plays an important role in controlling the spread of both pathogenic infections and tumor-producing cancer cells in the human body. We present a mathematical and computational framework that allows investigation of recirculating lymphocytes and estimation of model parameters using a genetic algorithm. The framework allows estimating parameters using data obtained from experiments performed in laboratory studies of rats as well as clinical studies of human subjects. Our computational model allows improved understanding of these data. Mathematical models enable investigators to obtain a quantitative picture of immune system kinetics and diversity in human health and disease outcomes. Our data-driven systems biology and immunological modeling approach contributes to a growing understanding of the dynamics of lymphocyte recirculation.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL TO ASSESS THE IMMUNE RESPONSE AGAINSTTRYPANOSOMA CRUZIINFECTION
Authors: YANG HYUN MO
Published: March 2015

A mathematical model is developed to assess humoral and cellular immune responses against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Analysis of the model shows a unique non-trivial equilibrium, which is locally asymptotically stable, except in the case of a strong cellular response. When the proliferation of the activated CD8 T cells is increased, this equilibrium becomes unstable and a limit cycle appears. However, this behavior can be avoided by increasing the action of the humoral response. Therefore, unbalanced humoral and cellular responses can be responsible for long asymptomatic period, and the control of Trypanosoma cruzi infection is a consequence of well coordinated action of both humoral and cellular responses.
CORROSION RESISTANCE OF Fe–Al/Al2O3 DUPLEX COATING ON PIPELINE STEEL X80 IN SIMULATED OIL AND GAS WELL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: HUANG MIN , WANG YU , WANG PING-GU , SHI QIN-YI , ZHANG MENG-XIAN
Published: March 2015

Corrosion resistant Fe – Al / Al 2 O 3 duplex coating for pipeline steel X80 was prepared by a combined treatment of low-temperature aluminizing and micro-arc oxidation (MAO). Phase composition and microstructure of mono-layer Fe – Al coating and Fe – Al / Al 2 O 3 duplex coating were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Corrosion resistance of the coated pipeline steel X80 in a simulated oil and gas well condition was also investigated. Mono-layer Fe – Al coating consists of Fe 2 Al 5 and FeAl , which is a suitable transitional layer for the preparation of ceramic coating by MAO on the surface of pipeline steel X80. Under the same corrosion condition at 373 K for 168 h with 1 MPa CO 2 and 0.1 MPa H 2 S , corrosion weight loss rate of pipeline steel X80 with Fe – Al / Al 2 O 3 duplex coating decreased to 23% of original pipeline steel X80, which improved by 10% than that of pipeline steel X80 with mono-layer Fe – Al coating. It cannot find obvious cracks and pits on the corrosion surface of pipeline steel X80 with Fe – Al / Al 2 O 3 duplex coating.
Diurnal Variability of Ambient Noise in Shallow Tropical Waters, South Western Bay of Bengal
Authors: Sanjana M. C. , Latha G. , Ashokan M. , Rao R. R.
Published: March 2015

Ambient noise recorded at shallow southwestern Bay of Bengal during September 2010 has been analyzed for spectral characteristics in the band 0.1–5.0 kHz. The noise level (NL) exhibits diurnal periodicity in the band 0.5–2.0 kHz, during most of the day. The in situ wind data at the site correlates well with the NL, which also shows a diurnal cycle. Wavelet analysis further carried out establishes of the diurnal periodicity in wind/NL pattern during fair weather conditions under the influence of local wind effects. Wavelet coherence shows wind and noise to be in phase or wind leading noise. Diurnal variation in wind is more frequently observed along the coast in tropical regions due to differential heating of land and sea, and this has attributed to the NL pattern at the site. The period of measurement is also favorable for the formation of such localized circulation since it is the sunny unclouded period prior to the Bay of Bengal cyclone season and the northeast monsoon.
The geometry of fourth-order differential operator
Authors: Bakhshandeh-Chamazkoti Rohollah
Published: March 2015

In the present paper, the equivalence problem for fourth-order differential operators with one variable under general fiber-preserving transformation using the Cartan method of equivalence is applied. Two versions of equivalence problems are considered. First, the direct equivalence problem and second equivalence problem is to determine the sufficient and necessary conditions on two fourth-order differential operators such that there exists a fiber-preserving transformation mapping one to the other according to gauge equivalence.
Molecular assemblies based on strong axial coordination in metal complexes of saddle-distorted dodecaphenylporphyrins
Authors: Ishizuka Tomoya , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Kojima Takahiko
Published: March 2015

In this mini-review, we have highlighted our works on metal complexes having saddle-distorted dodecaphenylporphyrin (DPP) and its derivative as ligands in the light of enhancement of the Lewis acidity of a metal center coordinated by the porphyrin. The important point through this mini-review is ill-overlap of the out-of-plane lone pairs of pyrrole nitrogen atoms with σ-orbitals of the metal center bound to the saddle-distorted porphyrin core. The enhanced Lewis acidity of the central metal ions enabled us to construct stable molecular complexes through axial coordination using metal–DPP (M(DPP)) moieties ( M = Mo V or Sn IV ) and molecular or ionic entities with Lewis-basic coordination sites, including Keggin-type polyoxometallates (POM), which are known to have weak Lewis basicity and thus hard to coordinate to metal ions. A discrete 1:2 complex with a Ru -substituted POM performs catalytic substrate oxidation reactions in organic solvents. A 1:1 complex between Sn IV ( DPP ) and a Keggin-type POM exhibited photoinduced electron transfer, in which the Sn IV ( DPP ) moiety acts as an electron donor and the POM as an electron acceptor. Besides POM, other electron acceptors, including μ3-oxo trinuclear Ru III clusters and anthraquinone, having carboxyl groups as a linker unit also formed stable complexes with DPP-metal complexes as axial ligands to perform photoinduced electron transfer. Successful photoreactions of the M(DPP)-acceptor complexes are mainly enabled by the enhanced Lewis acidity of the DPP-metal complexes for the stabilization of the assemblies and also by lowering the oxidation potential of the porphyrin ligand to gain larger driving force of electron transfer to form an electron-transfer state with avoiding intersystem crossing. The stability and photochemical behavior are in sharp contrast to those for metal complexes with planar porphyrins as ligands.
A Review on Working Pair Used in Adsorption Cooling System
Authors: Ugale Vinayak D. , Pitale Amol D.
Published: March 2015

Adsorption cooling system find its application in refrigeration, air conditioning, chiller, Ice making, etc. It uses thermal energy as driving force. Adsorption systems are environmental friendly (zero global warming potential and ozone depleting potential) and also eliminates use of compressor and minimize vibration problem. So it can be used as substitute for conventional vapor compression refrigeration system or vapor absorption system. The adsorption generally classified in two types as physical adsorption (due to weak van der waal forces) and chemical adsorption (chemical reaction between adsorbent and adsorbate form new molecules). The working pair of adsorber and adsorbate play vital role in the performance of adsorption system. Activated carbon, zeolite, silica gel are commonly used adsorber and water, ammonia, methanol and ethanol can be used as adsorbate. The poor heat and mass transfer performance of adsorption is major challenge for researchers. The heat transfer performance of adsorption system can be increased by increasing heat transfer area of adsorber bed i.e., design of new adsorber bed, while mass transfer performance is improved by use of new adsorbent with higher sorption rate. Composite adsorber solve the problem of heat and mass transfer performance of chemical adsorbents and adsorption quantity of physical adsorbents by combination of chemical and physical adsorbent but it can add some limitation with it. In this paper, various adsorption pair, their selection, design of adsorber bed, methods to improve thermal performance of adsorber bed is reviewed with their properties, advantages and limitations.
Chronic hyperleptinemia results in the development of hypertension in pregnant rats
Authors: Palei Ana C. , Spradley Frank T. , Granger Joey P.
Published: March 2015

Despite the fact that obesity is a major risk factor for preeclampsia (PE), the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby obesity and metabolic factors such as leptin increase this risk are unclear. While human data have shown that hyperleptinemia is associated with PE, the long-term effect of hyperleptinemia on blood pressure during pregnancy is unknown. Thus we tested the hypothesis whether chronic circulating leptin elevations in pregnant rats increase blood pressure and placental factors known to play a role in PE. On gestational day (GD)14, rats were assigned to the normal pregnant group with food intake ad libitum (control), leptin-treated (0.5 μg·kg−1·min−1 ip) pregnant group with food intake ad libitum (pregnant+LEP), and normal pregnant group with food intake adjusted to the food intake of pregnant+LEP rats (pregnant-FR). On GD19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was assessed and tissues were collected. Serum leptin concentration was elevated in pregnant+LEP compared with control and pregnant-FR (18.0 ± 2.8 vs. 0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 ng/ml; P < 0.05), which was associated with increased MAP (121.3 ± 8.1 vs. 102.4 ± 2.4 vs. 101.3 ± 1.8 mmHg; P < 0.05). Food intake and body weight were reduced in pregnant+LEP and pregnant-FR by the end of gestation. Additionally, placentas and fetuses of these groups were lighter than those of control. However, placental expression of tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly greater in pregnant+LEP compared with controls (1.6 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 pg/mg; P < 0.05). In conclusion, leptin increases blood pressure and placental tumor necrosis factor-α during pregnancy despite its effect of reducing food intake and body weight, and represents a mechanism whereby obesity can promote the development of hypertension in PE.
Resveratrol restored Nrf2 function, reduced renal inflammation, and mitigated hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Javkhedkar Apurva A. , Quiroz Yasmir , Rodriguez-Iturbe Bernardo , Vaziri Nosratola D. , Lokhandwala Mustafa F. , Banday Anees A.
Published: March 2015

Compelling evidence supports the role of oxidative stress and renal interstitial inflammation in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic stilbene, which can lower oxidative stress by activating the transcription factor nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), the master regulator of numerous genes encoding antioxidant and phase II-detoxifying enzymes and molecules. Given the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of hypertension, we conducted this study to test the hypothesis that long-term administration of resveratrol will attenuate renal inflammation and oxidative stress and, hence, progression of hypertension in the young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR and control [Wistar-Kyoto (WKY)] rats were treated for 9 wk with resveratrol or vehicle in their drinking water. Vehicle-treated SHR exhibited renal inflammatory injury and oxidative stress, as evidenced by glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial injury, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and increased levels of renal 8-isoprostane and protein carbonylation. This was associated with reduced antioxidant capacity and downregulations of Nrf2 and phase II antioxidant enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Resveratrol treatment mitigated renal inflammation and injury, reduced oxidative stress, normalized antioxidant capacity, restored Nrf2 and GST activity, and attenuated the progression of hypertension in SHR. However, resveratrol had no effect on these parameters in WKY rats. In conclusion, development and progression of hypertension in the SHR are associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired Nrf2-GST activity in the kidney. Long-term administration of resveratrol restores Nrf2 expression, ameliorates inflammation, and attenuates development of hypertension in SHR. Clinical studies are needed to explore efficacy of resveratrol in human hypertension.
Modelling the Environmental Effects of Railway Vibrations from Different Types of Rolling Stock: A Numerical Study
Authors: Kouroussis Georges , Connolly David P. , Vogiatzis Konstantinos , Verlinden Olivier
Published: March 2015

This paper analyses the influence of rolling stock dynamics on ground-borne vibration levels. Four vehicle types (Thalys, German ICE, Eurostar, and Belgian freight trains) are investigated using a multibody approach. First, a numerical model is constructed using a flexible track on which the vehicles traverse at constant speed. A two-step approach is used to simulate ground wave propagation which is analysed at various distances from the track. This approach offers a new insight because the train and track are fully coupled. Therefore rail unevenness or other irregularity on the rail/wheel surface can be accurately modelled. Vehicle speed is analysed and the frequency spectrums of track and soil responses are also assessed to investigate different excitation mechanisms, such as carriage periodicities. To efficiently quantify train effects, a new (normalised) metric, defined as the ratio between the peak particle velocity and the nominal axle load, is introduced for a comparison of dynamic excitation. It is concluded that rolling stock dynamics have a significant influence on the free field vibrations at low frequencies, whereas high frequencies are dominated by the presence of track unevenness.
DNA-Encoded Chromatin Structural Intron Boundary Signals Identify Conserved Genes with Common Function
Authors: Fincher Justin A. , Tyson Gary S. , Dennis Jonathan H.
Published: March 2015

The regulation of metazoan gene expression occurs in part by pre-mRNA splicing into mature RNAs. Signals affecting the efficiency and specificity with which introns are removed have not been completely elucidated. Splicing likely occurs cotranscriptionally, with chromatin structure playing a key regulatory role. We calculated DNA encoded nucleosome occupancy likelihood (NOL) scores at the boundaries between introns and exons across five metazoan species. We found that (i) NOL scores reveal a sequence-based feature at the introns on both sides of the intron-exon boundary; (ii) this feature is not part of any recognizable consensus sequence; (iii) this feature is conserved throughout metazoa; (iv) this feature is enriched in genes sharing similar functions: ATPase activity, ATP binding, helicase activity, and motor activity; (v) genes with these functions exhibit different genomic characteristics; (vi)in vivonucleosome positioning data confirm ontological enrichment at this feature; and (vii) genes with this feature exhibit unique dinucleotide distributions at the intron-exon boundary. The NOL scores point toward a physical property of DNA that may play a role in the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing. These results provide a foundation for identification of a new set of regulatory DNA elements involved in splicing regulation.
The Time of the Insult/Triggering Event in Primary Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s Sarcoma of Bone as Determined by Incubation Period Modeling and Age Distribution of Such Malignancies
Authors: Loder Randall T. , Sabatino Meagan
Published: March 2015

The time for the triggering event in neoplasms can be estimated using incubation period modeling techniques. We applied these techniques to primary osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma of bone using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database for all cases of osteosarcoma or Ewing’s sarcoma of bone from 1993 through 2010. Secondary neoplasms were excluded. The age at diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, and anatomic location were collected. The time (xt) of the insult/triggering event was calculated using the best fit frequency distribution of age at diagnosis. There were 4,356 patients with osteosarcoma and 1,832 patients with Ewing’s sarcoma. The Pearson IV distribution was the best fit for both osteosarcoma (r2=0.987) and Ewing’s sarcoma (r2=0.99). For these distributions xt is −0.7 years of age (4 weeks after conception) for Ewing’s sarcoma, 0.45 years for long bone osteosarcoma, and 10.4 years for parosteal osteosarcoma. This confirms the genetic etiology of Ewing’s sarcoma since an xt is 4 weeks after conception. Long bone osteosarcoma is not entirely genetic, as xt was 0.4 years for conventional osteosarcoma and 10.4 years for parosteal osteosarcoma. The etiologies for those two different types of osteosarcoma are thus different.
Antioxidant and Chelating Activity of NontoxicJatropha curcasL. Protein Hydrolysates Produced byIn VitroDigestion Using Pepsin and Pancreatin
Authors: Gallegos Tintoré Santiago , Torres Fuentes Cristina , Solorza Feria Javier , Alaiz Manuel , Girón Calle Julio , Martínez Ayala Alma Leticia , Chel Guerrero Luis , Vioque Javier
Published: March 2015

The antioxidant and metal chelating activities inJ. curcasprotein hydrolysates have been determined. The hydrolysates were produced by treatment of a nontoxic genotype with the digestive enzymes pepsin and pancreatin and then were characterized by fast protein liquid chromatography and reverse phase chromatography. Peptidic fractions with higher radical scavenging activity were analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring inhibition of the oxidative degradation ofβ-carotene and by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Caco-2 cell cultures. Cu2+and Fe2+chelating activities were also determined. The hydrolysates inhibited the degradation ofβ-carotene and the formation of ROS in Caco-2 cells. The lower molecular weight peptidic fractions from FPLC had stronger antioxidant activity in cell cultures compared with the hydrolysates, which correlated with a higher content in antioxidant and chelating amino acids. These fractions were characterized by a large presence of peptides with different molecular masses. The hydrolysates exhibited both Cu2+and Fe2+chelating activity. It was concluded thatJ. curcasis a good source of antioxidant and metal chelating peptides, which may have a positive impact on the economic value of this crop, as a potential source of food functional components.
A Symptomatic Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cyst with Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Kadono Yoshinori , Yuguchi Takamichi , Ohnishi Yu-ichiro , Iwatsuki Koichi , Yoshimine Toshiki
Published: March 2015

Spinal epidural arachnoid cyst (EAC) is a rare, usually asymptomatic condition of unknown origin, which typically involves the lower thoracic spine. We report a case of posttraumatic symptomatic EAC with lumbar disc herniation. A 22-year-old man experienced back pain and sciatica after a traffic accident. Neurological examination revealed a right L5 radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a cystic lesion at the L3 to L5 level and an L4-5 disc herniation; computed tomography myelography showed that the right L5 root was sandwiched between the cyst and the herniation. A dural defect was identified during surgery. The cyst was excised completely and the defect was repaired. A herniation was excised beside the dural sac. Histology showed that the cyst wall consisted of collagen and meningothelial cells. Postoperatively the symptoms resolved. Lumbar spinal EACs are rare; such cysts may arise from a congenital dural crack and grow gradually. The 6 cases of symptomatic lumbar EAC reported in the literature were not associated with disc herniation or trauma. In this case, the comorbid disc herniation was involved in symptom progression. Although many EACs are asymptomatic, comorbid spinal disorders such as disc herniation or trauma can result in symptom progression.
Complete Heart Block with Diastolic Heart Failure and Pulmonary Edema Secondary to Enlarging Previously Diagnosed Thrombosed Aneurysm of Sinus of Valsalva in a Patient with History of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Eltawansy Sherif Ali , Amor Martin Miguel , Thomas Maria Joana , Daniels Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is associated with vascular aneurysms that can affect any part of the vascular tree, like ascending aorta or coronary arteries. Sinus of Valsalva is known as an anatomical dilation at the root of aorta above the aortic valve and very few cases show aneurysm at that site in patients with ADPKD. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) can present with rupture and acute heart failure and infective endocarditis or could be asymptomatic accidentally discovered during cardiac catheterization. We report a case of a 76-year-old male with a unique constellation of cardiovascular anomalies associated with ADPKD. Patient was previously diagnosed with aneurysms affecting ascending aorta, sinus of Valsalva, and coronary arteries. Several years later, he came with complete heart block which was discovered later to be secondary to enlargement of his previously diagnosed thrombosed SVA. His case was complicated with acute heart failure and pulmonary edema.Conclusion. Patients with ADPKD can present with extrarenal manifestations. In our case, aneurysm at sinus of Valsalva was progressively enlarging and presented with complete heart block.
In VitroAntimicrobial and Modulatory Activity of the Natural Products Silymarin and Silibinin
Authors: Rakelly de Oliveira Dayanne , Relison Tintino Saulo , Morais Braga Maria Flaviana Bezerra , Boligon Aline Augusti , Linde Athayde Margareth , Douglas Melo Coutinho Henrique , de Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar , Fachinetto Roselei
Published: March 2015

Silymarin is a standardized extract from the dried seeds of the milk thistle (Silybum marianumL. Gaertn.) clinically used as an antihepatotoxic agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of silymarin and its major constituent (silibinin) against different microbial strains and their modulatory effect on drugs utilized in clinical practice. Silymarin demonstrated antimicrobial activity of little significance against the bacterial strains tested, with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of 512 µg/mL. Meanwhile, silibinin showed significant activity againstEscherichia coliwith a MIC of 64 µg/mL. The results for the antifungal activity of silymarin and silibinin demonstrated a MIC of 1024 µg/mL for all strains. Silymarin and silibinin appear to have promising potential, showing synergistic properties when combined with antibacterial drugs, which should prompt further studies along this line.
Antiviral Action of Hydromethanolic Extract of Geopropolis fromScaptotrigona posticaagainst Antiherpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1)
Authors: Coelho Guilherme Rabelo , Mendonça Ronaldo Zucatelli , Vilar Karina de Senna , Figueiredo Cristina Adelaide , Badari Juliana Cuoco , Taniwaki Noemi , Namiyama Gisleine , Oliveira Maria Isabel de , Curti Suely Pires , Evelyn Silva Patricia , Negri Giuseppina
Published: March 2015

The studies on chemical composition and biological activity of propolis had focused mainly on speciesApis melliferaL. (Hymenoptera: Apidae). There are few studies about the uncommon propolis collected by stingless bees of the Meliponini tribe known as geopropolis. The geopropolis fromScaptotrigona posticawas collected in the region of Barra do Corda, Maranhão state, Brazil. The chemical analysis of hydromethanolic extract of this geopropolis (HMG) was carried out through HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and the main constituents found were pyrrolizidine alkaloids and C-glycosyl flavones. The presence of alkaloids in extracts of propolis is detected for the first time in this sample. The antiviral activity of HMG was evaluated through viral DNA quantification experiments and electron microscopy experiments. Quantification of viral DNA from herpes virus showed reduction of about 98% in all conditions and concentration tested of the HMG extract. The results obtained were corroborated by transmission electron microscopy, in which the images did not show particle or viral replication complex. The antiviral activity of C-glycosyl flavones was reported for a variety of viruses, being observed at different points in the viral replication. This work is the first report about the antiviral activity of geopropolis fromScaptotrigona postica, in vitro, against antiherpes simplex virus (HSV).
Toeplitz Operators on the Weighted Bergman Space over the Two-Dimensional Unit Ball
Authors: García Alma , Vasilevski Nikolai
Published: March 2015

We extend the known results on commutative Banach algebras generated by Toeplitz operators with radial quasi-homogeneous symbols on the two-dimensional unit ball. Spherical coordinates previously used hid a possibility to detect an essentially wider class of symbols that can generate commutative Banach Toeplitz operator algebras. We characterize these new algebras describing their properties and, under a certain extra condition, construct the corresponding Gelfand theory.
A Study of Fitting a Swamp Meadow Ecosystem Evapotranspiration to a Model Based on the Penman-Monteith Equation
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Bin
Published: March 2015

To accurately estimate the magnitude and seasonal dynamics of evapotranspiration (ET) over an important a swamp meadow in the Fenghuoshan permafrost region, we employed the Food and Agriculture Organization- (FAO-) Penman-Monteith (P-M) model. The model was also used to investigate changes in the crop coefficient (kc), which was calculated as the ratio of the measured actual ET (ETafrom the eddy covariance (EC) system) to the reference ET (ET0from the P-M model). The results indicated a reference ET of 900 mm/year from the swamp meadow ecosystem, which was significantly higher than the actual ET (426 mm/year). The reference ET peaked from April to July, while the actual ET was primarily in growing season. The value ofkcexhibited significant seasonal variations within the range 0.3–1.0 with a meankcof 0.55 during the growing season. The dailykcshowed a linear increase withRnandTaand a linear decrease with the VPD. With respect to the biotic factors, the biomass exhibited a significant positive correlation withkc. Thus, a dailykcmodel is developed as a function of the VPD,Rn,Ta, and biomass.
Effect of QiShenYiQi Pill on Myocardial Collagen Metabolism in Rats with Partial Abdominal Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Lv Shichao , Wu Meifang , Li Meng , Wang Qiang , Wang Xiaojing , Xu Ling , Zhang Junping
Published: March 2015

This study investigated the effect of QiShenYiQi pill (QSYQ) on myocardial collagen metabolism in rats with partial abdominal aortic coarctation and explored its mechanism of action. A series of assays were used to detect the effect and mechanism of QSYQ on systolic blood pressure, heart mass index, left ventricle mass index, HYP, expression of PICP, PIIINT, and CTX-I in serum, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 expression in myocardium. We observed that QSYQ can reduce the rate of myocardial collagen synthesis and increase the rate of myocardial collagen degradation. It also effectively improved the degree of myocardial fibrosis in partial abdominal aortic rats and it had a tendency to have a greater effect with longer treatment duration, which is related to the mechanism of regulation of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression in the myocardial rat.
PTEN Plays an Important Role in Thrombin-Mediated Lung Cancer Cell Functions
Authors: Xu Zhishan , Zhu Lingyun , Yao Min , Zhong Genshen , Dong Qiaoyan , Yu Aiping
Published: March 2015

Thrombin and its membrane receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), have been reported to promote the development of lung cancerin vitroandin vivo. However, the intracellular molecular mechanism or signaling pathway that mediates the cytological effects after the thrombin-receptor interaction is poorly understood. Our previous study observed that the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was downregulated in thrombin-stimulated lung cancer. In this study, the role of PTEN in thrombin-mediated cell function and the corresponding cell signaling pathway were studied in lung cancer cell Glc-82. The results indicated that thrombin downregulates the PTEN expression level and that PTEN plays an important role in thrombin-mediated Glc-82 functions, including cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis, and cell migration. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its related proteins, including p27 and S phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2), are involved in the effects induced by PTEN downregulation. PAR1 plays a role in thrombin-mediated reduction of PTEN expression. This study suggested that the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays an important role in thrombin/PAR1-mediated lung cancer cell growth and migration.
Impact of Depression, Fatigue, and Global Measure of Cortical Volume on Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Nunnari Domenica , De Cola Maria Cristina , D’Aleo Giangaetano , Rifici Carmela , Russo Margherita , Sessa Edoardo , Bramanti Placido , Marino Silvia
Published: March 2015

Objective. To investigate the influence of demographic and clinical variables, such as depression, fatigue, and quantitative MRI marker on cognitive performances in a sample of patients affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods. 60 MS patients (52 relapsing remitting and 8 primary progressive) underwent neuropsychological assessments using Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N), the Beck Depression Inventory-second edition (BDI-II), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). We performed magnetic resonance imaging to all subjects using a 3 T scanner and obtained tissue-specific volumes (normalized brain volume and cortical brain volume). We used Student’st-test to compare depressed and nondepressed MS patients. Finally, we performed a multivariate regression analysis in order to assess possible predictors of patients’ cognitive outcome among demographic and clinical variables.Results. 27.12% of the sample (16/59) was cognitively impaired, especially in tasks requiring attention and information processing speed. From between group comparison, we find that depressed patients had worse performances on BRB-N score, greater disability and disease duration, and brain volume decrease. According to multiple regression analysis, the BDI-II score was a significant predictor for most of the neuropsychological tests.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that the presence of depressive symptoms is an important determinant of cognitive performance in MS patients.
The Impact of Sleep and Circadian Disturbance on Hormones and Metabolism
Authors: Kim Tae Won , Jeong Jong-Hyun , Hong Seung-Chul
Published: March 2015

The levels of several hormones fluctuate according to the light and dark cycle and are also affected by sleep, feeding, and general behavior. The regulation and metabolism of several hormones are influenced by interactions between the effects of sleep and the intrinsic circadian system; growth hormone, melatonin, cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin levels are highly correlated with sleep and circadian rhythmicity. There are also endogenous circadian mechanisms that serve to regulate glucose metabolism and similar rhythms pertaining to lipid metabolism, regulated through the actions of various clock genes. Sleep disturbance, which negatively impacts hormonal rhythms and metabolism, is also associated with obesity, insulin insensitivity, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, and appetite dysregulation. Circadian disruption, typically induced by shift work, may negatively impact health due to impaired glucose and lipid homeostasis, reversed melatonin and cortisol rhythms, and loss of clock gene rhythmicity.
SPRINT-SELF: Social-Based Routing and Selfish Node Detection in Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Ciobanu Radu Ioan , Dobre Ciprian , Cristea Valentin , Pop Florin , Xhafa Fatos
Published: March 2015

Since mobile devices nowadays have become ubiquitous, several types of networks formed over such devices have been proposed. One such approach is represented by opportunistic networking, which is based on a store-carry-and-forward paradigm, where nodes store data and carry it until they reach a suitable node for forwarding. The problem in such networks is how to decide what the next hop will be, since nodes do not have a global view of the network. We propose using the social network information of a node when performing routing, since a node is more likely to encounter members of its own social community than other nodes. In addition, we approximate a node’s contact as a Poisson distribution and show that we can predict its future behavior based on the contact history. Furthermore, since opportunistic network nodes may be selfish, we improve our solution by adding a selfish node detection and avoidance mechanism, which can help reduce the number of unnecessary messages sent in the network, and thus avoid congestion and decrease battery consumption. We show that our algorithm outperforms existing solutions such as BUBBLE Rap and Epidemic in terms of delivery cost and hit rate, as well as the rate of congestion introduced in the network, by testing in various realistic scenarios.
Recombinant Human Thrombopoietin Treatment Promotes Hematopoiesis Recovery in Patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia Receiving Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Wang Huaquan , Dong Qi’e , Fu Rong , Qu Wen , Ruan Erbao , Wang Guojin , Liu Hong , Wu Yuhong , Song Jia , Xing Limin , Guan Jing , Li Lijuan , Shao Zonghong
Published: March 2015

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy (IST).Methods. Eighty-eight SAA patients receiving IST from January 2007 to December 2012 were included in this retrospective analysis. Of these, 40 subjects received rhTPO treatment (15000 U, subcutaneously, three times a week). rhTPO treatment was discontinued when the platelet count returned to normal range. Hematologic response, bone marrow megakaryocyte recovery, and time to transfusion independence were compared.Results. Hematologic response was achieved in 42.5%, 62.5%, and 67.5% of patients receiving rhTPO and 22.9%, 41.6%, and 47.9% of patients not receiving rhTPO at 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment, respectively (P= 0.0665,P= 0.0579, andP= 0.0847, resp.). Subjects receiving rhTPO presented an elevated number of megakaryocytes at 3, 6, and 9 months when compared with those without treatment (P= 0.025,P= 0.021, andP= 0.011, resp.). The time to platelet and red blood cell transfusion independence was shorter in patients who received rhTPO than in those without rhTPO treatment. Overall survival rate presented no differences between the two groups.Conclusion. rhTPO could improve hematologic response and promote bone marrow recovery in SAA patients receiving IST.