bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Pharmacokinetics of Geniposide in Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia Orally Administered with or without Baicalin and/or Berberine
Authors: Pan Linmei , Wang Wenzhe , Shi Feiyan , Zhou Jing , Zhang Meng , Zhu Huaxu , Zeng Mingfei
Published: December 2013

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), a classical Chinese prescription, has been clinically employed to treat cerebral ischemia for thousands of years. Geniposide is the major active ingredient in HLJDT. The aim is to investigate the comparative evaluations on pharmacokinetics of geniposide in MCAO rats in pure geniposide, geniposide : berberine, and geniposide : berberine : baicalin. Obviously, the proportions of geniposide : berberine, geniposide : baicalin, and geniposide : berberine : baicalin were determined according to HLJDT. In our study, the cerebral ischemia model was reproduced by suture method in rats. The MCAO rats were randomly assigned to four therapy groups and orally administered with different prescription proportions of pure geniposide, geniposide : berberine, geniposide : baicalin, and geniposide : berberine : baicalin, respectively. The concentrations of geniposide in rat serum were determined using HPLC, and main pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated. The results indicated that the pharmacokinetics of geniposide in rat serum was nonlinear and there were significant differences between different groups. Berberine might hardly affect the absorption of geniposide, and baicalin could increase the absorption ability of geniposide. Meanwhile, berberine could decrease the absorption increase of baicalin on geniposide.
Allergological and Toxicological Aspects in a Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Cohort
Authors: Pigatto Paolo D. , Minoia Claudio , Ronchi Anna , Brambilla Lucia , Ferrucci Silvia M. , Spadari Francesco , Passoni Manuela , Somalvico Francesco , Bombeccari Gian Paolo , Guzzi Gianpaolo
Published: December 2013

Background. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by an exaggerated response to toxicants. We ascertained the prevalence of allergy to metals and toxicological aspects in MCS patients.Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of 41 patients with MCS. We performed patch testing (n=21) for dental series and did lymphocyte transformation test (n=18) for metals. We measured mercury in samples of blood (n=19), urine (n=19), saliva (n=20), and scalp hair (n=17) to investigate the association between mercury levels and cases of MCS.Results. The prevalence of metal immune hypersensitivity in a subset of 26 patients was 92.3 percent. Elevations of mercury occurred in 81.2 percent (26 of 32). The mean (±SD) in blood concentrations of mercury was7.6±13.6 μg/L; mean in urine was1.9±2.5 μg/L; mean in scalp hair was2.2±2.5 μg/g; mean in saliva was38.1±52.1 μg/L. Subgroup analyses showed that elevation of mercury levels in biological matrices were associated with mercury amalgams in patients with MCS (22 patients), compared with controls (8 patients) (odds ratio 11 : 95 percent confidence interval 1.5 to 81.6;P=0.023).Conclusions. Our data show an increased prevalence of metal allergy and elevation of mercury levels in bioindicators among patients with MCS.
Antiobesity Effects of an Edible HalophyteNitraria retusaForssk in 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Differentiation and in C57B6J/L Mice Fed a High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Zar Kalai Feten , Han Junkyu , Ksouri Riadh , El Omri Abdelfatteh , Abdelly Chedly , Isoda Hiroko
Published: December 2013

Nitraria retusais an edible halophyte, used in Tunisia for several traditional medicine purposes. The present study investigated the antiobesity effects ofNitraria retusaethanol extract (NRE) in 3T3-L1 cells using different doses and in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Male C57B6J/L mice were separately fed a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) and daily administrated with NRE (50, 100 mg/kg) or one for 2 days with Naringenin (10 mg/kg). NRE administration significantly decreased body weight gain, fat pad weight, serum glucose, and lipid levels in HFD-induced obese mice. To elucidate the mechanism of action of NRE, the expression of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were measured in liver. Results showed that mice treated with NRE demonstrated a significant decrease in cumulative body weight and fat pad weight, a significant lowering in glucose and triglycerides serum levels, and an increase in the HDL-cholesterol serum level. Moreover mRNA expression results showed an enhancement of the expression of genes related to liver metabolism. Our findings suggest that NRE treatment had a protective or controlling effect against a high fat diet-induced obesity in C57B6J/L mice through the regulation of expression of genes involved in lipolysis and lipogenesis and thus the enhancement of the lipid metabolism in liver.
Modification of Poly(ether ether ketone) Polymer for Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Shukla Devesh , Negi Yuvraj Singh , Kumar Vijai
Published: December 2013

Polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM) is an important part of PEM fuel cell. Nafion is a commercially known membrane which gives the satisfactory result in PEM fuel cell operating at low temperature. Present research paper includes functionalization of Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) polymer with phosphonic acid group. The functionalization was done with the help of nickel-based catalyst. Further, the polymer was characterized by the FTIR, EDAX, DSC, TGA, and 1H NMR, and it was found that PEEK polymer was functionalized with phosphonic acid group with good thermal stability in comparison to virgin PEEK. Finally, the thin films of functionalized polymer were prepared by solution casting method, and proton conductivity of film samples was measured by impedance spectra whose value was found satisfactory with good thermal stability in comparison to commercially available Nafion membrane.
Numerical Analysis of Indoor Sound Quality Evaluation Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Chou Yu-Tuan , Hsia Shao-Yi
Published: December 2013

Indoors sound field distribution is important to Room Acoustics, but the field suffers numerous problems, for example, multipath propagation and scattering owing to sound absorption by furniture and other aspects of décor. Generally, an ideal interior space must have a sound field with clear quality. This provides both the speaker and the listener with a pleasant conversational environment. This investigation uses the Finite Element Method to assess the acoustic distribution based on the indoor space and chamber volume. In this situation, a fixed sound source at different frequencies is used to simulate the acoustic characteristics of the indoor space. This method considers the furniture and decoration sound absorbing material and thus different sound absorption coefficients and configurations. The preliminary numerical simulation provides a method that can forecast the distribution of sound in an indoor room in complex situations. Consequently, it is possible to arrange interior furnishings and appliances to optimize acoustic distribution and environmental friendliness. Additionally, the analytical results can also be used to calculate the Reverberation Time and speech intelligibility for specified indoor space.
TSP-1-1223 A/G Polymorphism as a Potential Predictor of the Recurrence Risk of Bladder Cancer in a Chinese Population
Authors: Yang Xiao , Li Pengchao , Yang Xuejian , Qin Chao , Cao Qiang , Zhang Zhengdong , Wang Meilin , Cai Hongzhou , Gu Jinbao , Tao Jun , Gu Min , Lu Qiang , Yin Changjun
Published: December 2013

Backgrounds. TSP-1 is a glycoprotein that functions in the biology of bladder cancer. We investigated the relationship between the distribution ofTSP-1-1223 A/G polymorphism (rs2169830) and the clinical characteristics of bladder cancer.Materials and Methods. TaqMan assay was performed to determine the genotype of 609 cases and 670 control subjects in a Chinese population. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between the polymorphism and the risk of bladder cancer. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determineTSP-1mRNA expression. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results. No significant differences were detected in the genotype frequencies of healthy control subjects and patients with bladder cancer. By contrast, the time until the first recurrence differed significantly between genotypes (P=0.017). The expression ofTSP-1mRNA in bladder cancer tissues was lower in patients with an AG genotype than in those with an AA genotype. The lowest expression was observed in patients with a GG genotype.Conclusions. In conclusion,TSP-1-1223 A/G polymorphism may contribute to the recurrence of bladder cancer in Chinese population.
A Data Transmission Technique for Personal Health Systems
Authors: Tu Jih-Fu , Chen Chih-yung
Published: December 2013

We used the modular technique to design a personal health data transmitter (PHDT) that is composed of the following components: (1) the core is an embedded signal chip, (2) three kinds of transmutation modules such as USB, RF, and UART, (3) an I2C interface is used to acquire the users data, and (4) through Internet it links to the cloud server to store the personal-health data. By the experiment, we find that the modular manner is feasible, stable of functional, integral, and accurate, while it is exploited to design the PHDT. For the experiment, we present each module algorithm to find that our system is very helpful to people.
Link-Disjoint Broadcasting Algorithm in Wormhole-Routed 3D Petersen-Torus Networks
Authors: Seo Jung-hyun , Lee HyeongOk
Published: December 2013

In a network, one-to-all broadcasting is the process of disseminating messages from a source node to all the nodes existing in the network through successive data transmissions between pairs of nodes. Broadcasting is the most primary communication process in a network. A 3D Petersen-Torus (3D PT) network has been proposed recently. the three-dimensionally magnified Petersen-Torus topology, 3D PT, is suitable for establishing a wireless sensor network (WSN) in 3D rectangular or cylindrical structures such as buildings. We propose a link-disjoint broadcasting algorithm for half-duplex 3D PT networks with wormhole routing and prove that the broadcasting algorithm is link-disjoint and the broadcasting step is [Formula: see text] in 3D PT[Formula: see text].
Some Results on Preconditioned Mixed-Type Splitting Iterative Method
Authors: Wang Guangbin , Tan Fuping
Published: December 2013

We present a preconditioned mixed-type splitting iterative method for solving the linear system Ax=b, where A is a Z-matrix. And we give some comparison theorems to show that the rate of convergence of the preconditioned mixed-type splitting iterative method is faster than that of the mixed-type splitting iterative method. Finally, we give one numerical example to illustrate our results.
Combining rTMS and Task-Oriented Training in the Rehabilitation of the Arm after Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Higgins Johanne , Koski Lisa , Xie Haiqun
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising technique for promoting rehabilitation of arm function after stroke. The feasibility and impact of rTMS as an adjunct to traditional task-oriented training to improve arm function have not yet been demonstrated.Objective. Evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial aimed at determining the efficacy of rTMS as an adjunct to task-oriented therapy in facilitating restoration of arm function after stroke.Methods. Stratified block-randomized controlled trial set in the general community. Eleven stroke persons with mild to severe arm deficits were recruited and randomized to receive 8 sessions ofreal-rTMS orsham-rTMS followed by ninety minutes of arm tasks designed to improve function.Results. Medium to large, statistically significant effect sizes (0.49 to 1.63) were observed in both groups on several measures of arm function at the postintervention evaluation. Three out of four subjects in thereal-TMS condition showed increased levels of corticomotor excitability after the first stimulation session.Conclusions. Preliminary evidence suggests that an rTMS protocol potent enough to induce transient increases in cortical excitability of the lesioned hemisphere is feasible but did not show promising results as an adjunct to task-specific training. This trial is registration with Clinical Trials.govNCT00850408.
Genetic Algorithm Optimization for Determining Fuzzy Measures from Fuzzy Data
Authors: Li Chen , Zeng-tai Gong , Gang Duan
Published: December 2013

Fuzzy measures and fuzzy integrals have been successfully used in many real applications. How to determine fuzzy measures is a very difficult problem in these applications. Though there have existed some methodologies for solving this problem, such as genetic algorithms, gradient descent algorithms, neural networks, and particle swarm algorithm, it is hard to say which one is more appropriate and more feasible. Each method has its advantages. Most of the existed works can only deal with the data consisting of classic numbers which may arise limitations in practical applications. It is not reasonable to assume that all data are real data before we elicit them from practical data. Sometimes, fuzzy data may exist, such as in pharmacological, financial and sociological applications. Thus, we make an attempt to determine a more generalized type of general fuzzy measures from fuzzy data by means of genetic algorithms and Choquet integrals. In this paper, we make the first effort to define theσ-λrules. Furthermore we define and characterize the Choquet integrals of interval-valued functions and fuzzy-number-valued functions based onσ-λrules. In addition, we design a special genetic algorithm to determine a type of general fuzzy measures from fuzzy data.
Sonographic Identification of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Cakiroglu Yigit , Doğer Emek , Yildirim Kopuk Sule , Dogan Yasemin , Calıskan Eray , Yucesoy Gülseren
Published: December 2013

Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome is a rare cutaneous vascular disorder characterized by the presence of multiple hemangiomata, arteriovenous fistulas, and limb hypertrophy. We report the prenatal sonographic findings in a case of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome including fetal limb hypertrophy and large subcutaneous cystic lesions. Prenatal diagnosis is possible by ultrasound examination and recognition important for prevention of complications and future management.
A Simplified Approach to Estimate the Urban Expressway Capacity after Traffic Accidents Using a Micro-Simulation Model
Authors: Chen Hong , You Yue-sheng , Zhou Ji-biao , Wang Lu , Shang Zhen-hua
Published: December 2013

Based on the decomposition of the evolution processes of the urban expressway capacity after traffic accidents and the influence factors analysis, an approach for estimating the capacity has been proposed. Firstly, the approach introduces the Decision Tree ID algorithm, solves the accident delay time of different accident types by the Information Gain Value, and determines congestion dissipation time by the Traffic Flow Wave Theory. Secondly, taking the accident delay time as the observation cycle, the maximum number of the vehicles through the accident road per unit time was considered as its capacity. Finally, the attenuation simulation of the capacity for different accident types was calculated by the VISSIM software. The simulation results suggest that capacity attenuation of vehicle anchor is minimal and the rate is 30.074%; the next is vehicles fire, rear-end, and roll-over, and the rate is 38.389%, 40.204%, and 43.130%, respectively; the capacity attenuation of vehicle collision is the largest, and the rate is 50.037%. Moreover, the further research shows that the accident delay time is proportional to congestion dissipation time, time difference, and the ratio between them, but it is an inverse relationship with the residual capacity of urban expressway.
Post‐Dilution on Line Haemodiafiltration with Citrate Dialysate: First Clinical Experience in Chronic Dialysis Patients
Authors: Panichi Vincenzo , Fiaccadori Enrico , Rosati Alberto , Fanelli Roberto , Bernabini Giada , Scatena Alessia , Pizzarelli Francesco
Published: December 2013

Background. Citrate has anticoagulative properties and favorable effects on inflammation, but it has the potential hazards of inducing hypocalcemia. Bicarbonate dialysate (BHD) replacing citrate for acetate is now used in chronic haemodialysis but has never been tested in postdilution online haemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF). Methods. Thirteen chronic stable dialysis patients were enrolled in a pilot, short‐term study. Patients underwent one week (3 dialysis sessions) of BHD with 0.8 mmol/L citrate dialysate, followed by one week of postdilution high volume OL‐HDF with standard bicarbonate dialysate, and one week of high volume OL‐HDF with 0.8 mmol/L citrate dialysate. Results. In citrate OL‐HDF pretreatment plasma levels of C‐reactive protein and β2‐microglobulin were significantly reduced; intra‐treatment plasma acetate levels increased in the former technique and decreased in the latter. During both citrate techniques (OL‐HDF and HD) ionized calcium levels remained stable within the normal range. Conclusions. Should our promising results be confirmed in a long‐term study on a wider population, then OL‐HDF with citrate dialysate may represent a further step in improving dialysis biocompatibility.
Sign Inference for Dynamic Signed Networks via Dictionary Learning
Authors: Cen Yi , Gu Rentao , Ji Yuefeng
Published: December 2013

Mobile online social network (mOSN) is a burgeoning research area. However, most existing works referring to mOSNs deal with static network structures and simply encode whether relationships among entities exist or not. In contrast, relationships in signed mOSNs can be positive or negative and may be changed with time and locations. Applying certain global characteristics of social balance, in this paper, we aim to infer the unknown relationships in dynamic signed mOSNs and formulate this sign inference problem as a low-rank matrix estimation problem. Specifically, motivated by the Singular Value Thresholding (SVT) algorithm, a compact dictionary is selected from the observed dataset. Based on this compact dictionary, the relationships in the dynamic signed mOSNs are estimated via solving the formulated problem. Furthermore, the estimation accuracy is improved by employing a dictionary self-updating mechanism.
Existence of Multiple Solutions for a Class of Biharmonic Equations
Authors: Liu Chunhan , Wang Jianguo
Published: December 2013

By a symmetric Mountain Pass Theorem, a class of biharmonic equations with Navier type boundary value at the resonant and nonresonant case are discussed, and infinitely many solutions of the equations are obtained.
Electrical Transport Properties of (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10)/Ag Tapes with Different Nanosized MgO
Authors: Yahya Nabil A. A. , Abd-Shukor R.
Published: December 2013

MgO nanopowders with average size 20 and 40 nm were introduced into (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10)(MgO)x(x=0–0.15 wt.%) in the pellet form. The optimum amounts for the highest transport critical current densityJcwerex=0.10and 0.01 wt.% for 20 and 40 nm MgO, respectively. These results were used to fabricate MgO added (Bi, Pb)-2223/Ag sheathed tapes using the powder-in-tube method. The tapes were sintered at 845°C for 50 h and 100 h. The structure, microstructure, andJcof the tapes were determined. The temperature and magnetic field dependence ofJcfor the MgO added tapes exhibited a significant enhancement compared with the nonadded tapes.Jcof 20 nm MgO added tape was higher compared with the 40 nm MgO added tape. A higherJcwas obtained when the tapes were sintered for 100 h. The increase inJccan be explained as the increase of the flux pinning strength by nanosized MgO. The nanoparticle with size closer to the coherence length was more effective in enhancingJc.
The Inversion-Free Iterative Methods for Solving the Nonlinear Matrix EquationX+AHX-1A+BHX-1B=I
Authors: Huang Na , Ma Changfeng
Published: December 2013

We present two inversion-free iterative methods for computing the maximal positive definite solution of the equationX+AHX-1A+BHX-1B=I. We prove that the sequences generated by the two iterative schemes are monotonically increasing and bounded above. We also present some numerical results to compare our proposed methods with some previously developed inversion-free techniques for solving the same matrix equation.
A Note on Block-Sparse Signal Recovery with Coherent Tight Frames
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Jianjun , Xu Zongben
Published: December 2013

This note discusses the recovery of signals from undersampled data in the situation that such signals are nearly block sparse in terms of an overcomplete and coherent tight frameD. By introducing the notion of blockD-restricted isometry property (D-RIP), we establish several sufficient conditions for the proposed mixedl2/l1-analysis method to guarantee stable recovery of nearly block-sparse signals in terms ofD. One of the main results of this note shows that if the measurement matrix satisfies the blockD-RIP with constantsδk<0.307, then the signals which are nearly blockk-sparse in terms ofDcan be stably recovered via mixedl2/l1-analysis in the presence of noise.
Modified Logistic Regression Models Using Gene Coexpression and Clinical Features to Predict Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhao Hongya , Logothetis Christopher J. , Gorlov Ivan P. , Zeng Jia , Dai Jianguo
Published: December 2013

Predicting disease progression is one of the most challenging problems in prostate cancer research. Adding gene expression data to prediction models that are based on clinical features has been proposed to improve accuracy. In the current study, we applied a logistic regression (LR) model combining clinical features and gene co-expression data to improve the accuracy of the prediction of prostate cancer progression. The top-scoring pair (TSP) method was used to select genes for the model. The proposed models not only preserved the basic properties of the TSP algorithm but also incorporated the clinical features into the prognostic models. Based on the statistical inference with the iterative cross validation, we demonstrated that prediction LR models that included genes selected by the TSP method provided better predictions of prostate cancer progression than those using clinical variables only and/or those that included genes selected by the one-gene-at-a-time approach. Thus, we conclude that TSP selection is a useful tool for feature (and/or gene) selection to use in prognostic models and our model also provides an alternative for predicting prostate cancer progression.
Another Class of Perfect Nonlinear Polynomial Functions
Authors: Su Menglong , Zha Zhengbang , Xu Zhonghai
Published: December 2013

Perfect nonlinear (PN) functions have been an interesting subject of study for a long time and have applications in coding theory, cryptography, combinatorial designs, and so on. In this paper, the planarity of the trinomialsxpk+1+ux2+vx2pkover GF(p2k) are presented. This class of PN functions are all EA-equivalent tox2.
Protective Effect of Free and Bound Polyphenol Extracts from Ginger (Zingiber officinaleRoscoe) on the Hepatic Antioxidant and Some Carbohydrate Metabolizing Enzymes of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Kazeem Mutiu Idowu , Akanji Musbau Adewunmi , Yakubu Musa Toyin , Ashafa Anofi Omotayo Tom
Published: December 2013

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of polyphenols fromZingiber officinaleon streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by assessing liver antioxidant enzymes, carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes and liver function indices. Initial oral glucose tolerance test was conducted using 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight of both free and bound polyphenols fromZ. officinale. 28 day daily oral administration of 500 mg/kg body weight of free and bound polyphenols fromZ. officinaleto streptozotocin-induced (50 mg/kg) diabetic rats significantly reduced (P<0.05) the fasting blood glucose compared to control groups. There was significant increase (P<0.05) in the antioxidant enzymes activities in the animals treated with both polyphenols. Similarly, the polyphenols normalised the activities of some carbohydrate metabolic enzymes (hexokinase and phosphofructokinase) in the liver of the rats treated with it and significantly reduced (P<0.05) the activities of liver function enzymes. The results from the present study have shown that both free and bound polyphenols fromZ. officinaleespecially the free polyphenol could ameliorate liver disorders caused by diabetes mellitus in rats. This further validates the use of this species as medicinal herb and spice by the larger population of Nigerians.
A New Trigonometrically Fitted Two-Derivative Runge-Kutta Method for the Numerical Solution of the Schrödinger Equation and Related Problems
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Che Haitao , Fang Yonglei , You Xiong
Published: December 2013

A new trigonometrically fitted fifth-order two-derivative Runge-Kutta method with variable nodes is developed for the numerical solution of the radial Schrödinger equation and related oscillatory problems. Linear stability and phase properties of the new method are examined. Numerical results are reported to show the robustness and competence of the new method compared with some highly efficient methods in the recent literature.
Cerebroprotective Effect ofMoringa oleiferaagainst Focal Ischemic Stroke Induced by Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Kirisattayakul Woranan , Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Tong-Un Terdthai , Muchimapura Supaporn , Wannanon Panakaporn , Jittiwat Jinatta
Published: December 2013

The protection against ischemic stroke is still required due to the limitation of therapeutic efficacy. Based on the role of oxidative stress in stroke pathophysiology, we determined whetherMoringa oleifera, a plant possessing potent antioxidant activity, protected against brain damage and oxidative stress in animal model of focal stroke.M. oleiferaleaves extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg·kg−1was orally given to male Wistar rats (300–350 g) once daily at a period of 2 weeks before the occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (Rt.MCAO) and 3 weeks after Rt.MCAO. The determinations of neurological score and temperature sensation were performed every 7 days throughout the study period, while the determinations of brain infarction volume, MDA level, and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were performed 24 hr after Rt.MCAO. The results showed that all doses of extract decreased infarction volume in both cortex and subcortex. The protective effect of medium and low doses of extract in all areas occurred mainly via the decreased oxidative stress. The protective effect of the high dose extract in striatum and hippocampus occurred via the same mechanism, whereas other mechanisms might play a crucial role in cortex. The detailed mechanism required further exploration.
Risk Factors for Early Childhood Infection of Human Herpesvirus-8 in Zambian Children: The Role of Early Childhood Feeding Practices
Authors: Crabtree Kay L. , Wojcicki Janet M. , Minhas Veenu , Smith David R. , Kankasa Chipepo , Mitchell Charles D. , Wood Charles
Published: December 2013

Background: Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection in early childhood is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa with prevalence increasing throughout childhood. Specific routes of transmission have not been clearly delineated, though HHV-8 is present in high concentrations in saliva.

Methods: To understand the horizontal transmission of HHV-8 within households to children, we enrolled for cross-sectional analysis, 251 households including 254 children, age two and under, in Lusaka, Zambia. For all children, plasma was screened for HHV-8 and HIV type I (HIV-1) and health and behavioral questionnaires were completed. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess independent factors for HHV-8 infection in children.

Results: Risk factors for HHV-8 infection included increasing number of HHV-8–positive household members [OR = 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9–3.3; P < 0.01] and having a primary caregiver who tested the temperature of food with their tongue before feeding the child (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.93–3.30; P = 0.01). Breastfeeding was protective against infection with HHV-8 for children (OR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.16–0.72; P < 0.01).

Conclusions: These results indicate that exposure to HHV-8 in the household increases risk for early childhood infection, with specific feeding behaviors likely playing a role in transmission.

Impact: Interventions to protect children from infection should emphasize the possibility of infection through sharing of foods. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(2); 300–8. ©2013 AACR.
Reducing TNF Receptor 2+ Regulatory T Cells via the Combined Action of Azacitidine and the HDAC Inhibitor, Panobinostat for Clinical Benefit in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Govindaraj Chindu , Tan Peter , Walker Patricia , Wei Andrew , Spencer Andrew , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: December 2013

Purpose: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) provides an environment that enables immune suppression, resulting in functionally defective effector T cells; regulatory T cells (Treg) are significant contributors to the impaired antitumor immune response. As TNF is present at high levels in AML and TNF receptor-2 (TNFR2)–expressing Tregs identify highly functional Tregs, we examine the hypothesis that TNFR2+ Tregs are a relevant Treg subset in this cancer. We also determine the effect of the novel combinatorial therapy of the demethylating agent, azacitidine with the histone deacetylase inhibitor, panobinostat on Tregs, particularly TNFR2+ Tregs.

Experimental Design: Thirty healthy donors and 14 patients with AML were enrolled in this study. Patients were treated with azacitidine and panobinostat for 28-day cycles. The frequency and functional relevance of TNFR2+ Tregs were analyzed subsequently.

Results: We report that TNFR2+ Tregs are increased in AML and have a high migration potential toward the bone marrow. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the level of TNFR2+ Tregs in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow of patients are decreased in vivo after exposure to panobinostat and azacitidine. Reductions in TNFR2+ Tregs were associated with increases in Interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-2 production by effector T cells within the bone marrow and beneficial clinical responses. In vitro mechanistic studies indicated panobinostat as the primary driver for the reduction of Tregs.

Conclusions: Our study provides for the first time, in vivo validation of the ability of panobinostat in combination with azacitidine to suppress prevalent TNFR2+ Tregs, resulting in clinical benefits within patients with AML. Clin Cancer Res; 20(3); 724–35. ©2013 AACR.
Acquired Resistance to Dasatinib in Lung Cancer Cell Lines Conferred byDDR2Gatekeeper Mutation andNF1Loss
Authors: Beauchamp Ellen M. , Woods Brittany A. , Dulak Austin M. , Tan Li , Xu Chunxiao , Gray Nathanael S. , Bass Adam J. , Wong Kwok-kin , Meyerson Matthew , Hammerman Peter S.
Published: December 2013

The treatment of non–small cell lung cancer has evolved dramatically over the past decade with the adoption of widespread use of effective targeted therapies in patients with distinct molecular alterations. In lung squamous cell carcinoma (lung SqCC), recent studies have suggested that DDR2 mutations are a biomarker for therapeutic response to dasatinib and clinical trials are underway testing this hypothesis. Although targeted therapeutics are typically quite effective as initial therapy for patients with lung cancer, nearly all patients develop resistance with long-term exposure to targeted drugs. Here, we use DDR2-dependent lung cancer cell lines to model acquired resistance to dasatinib therapy. We perform targeted exome sequencing to identify two distinct mechanisms of acquired resistance: acquisition of the T654I gatekeeper mutation in DDR2 and loss of NF1. We show that NF1 loss activates a bypass pathway, which confers ERK dependency downstream of RAS activation. These results indicate that acquired resistance to dasatinib can occur via both second-site mutations in DDR2 and by activation of bypass pathways. These data may help to anticipate mechanisms of resistance that may be identified in upcoming clinical trials of anti-DDR2 therapy in lung cancer and suggest strategies to overcome resistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(2); 475–82. ©2013 AACR.
Zoledronic Acid Induces a Significant Decrease of Circulating Endothelial Cells and Circulating Endothelial Precursor Cells in the Early Prostate Cancer Neoadjuvant Setting
Authors: Santini Daniele , Zoccoli Alice , Gregorj Chiara , Di Cerbo Melania , Iuliani Michele , Pantano Francesco , Zamarchi Rita , Sergi Federico , Flammia Gerardo , Buscarini Maurizio , Rizzo Sergio , Cicero Giuseppe , Russo Antonio , Vincenzi Bruno , Avvisati Giuseppe , Tonini Giuseppe
Published: December 2013

Purpose: Published data demonstrated that zoledronic acid (ZOL) exhibits antiangiogenetic effects. A promising tool for monitoring antiangiogenic therapies is the measurement of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs) in the peripheral blood of patients. Our aim was to investigate the effects of ZOL on levels of CECs and CEPs in localized prostate cancer. Methods: Ten consecutive patients with a histologic diagnosis of low-risk prostate adenocarcinoma were enrolled and received an intravenous infusion of ZOL at baseline (T0), 28 days (T28) and 56 days (T56). Blood samples were collected at the following times: T0 (before the first infusion of ZOL), T3 (72 h after the first dose), T28, T56 (both just before the ZOL infusion) and T84 (28 days after the last infusion of ZOL) and CEC/CEP levels were directly quantified by flow cytometry at all these time points. Results: Our analyses highlighted a significant reduction of mean percentage of CECs and CEPs after initiation of ZOL treatment [p = 0.014 (at day 3) and p = 0.012 (at day 84), respectively]. Conclusion: These preliminary results demonstrate that ZOL could exert an antiangiogenic effect in early prostate cancer through CEP and CEC modulation.
The Multitasking Role of Macrophages in Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Del Porto Flavia , di Gioia Cira , Tritapepe Luigi , Ferri Livia , Leopizzi Martina , Nofroni Italo , De Santis Vincenzo , Della Rocca Carlo , Mitterhofer Anna Paola , Bruno Guglielmo , Taurino Maurizio , Proietta Maria
Published: December 2013

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether the release by macrophages of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - leading to inflammation, matrix degradation and neoangiogenesis - represents an effective pathway that underlies aortic wall remodeling in Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with no genetic predisposition, with Stanford type A AAD were selected. In each patient, the levels of serum VEGF, MMP-12, serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ascending aortic specimens were collected for immunohistochemical identification of any presence of inflammatory infiltrate, VEGF and CD31 expression. Results: A significant increase in serum VEGF (p = 0.044), MMP-12 (p = 0.007), IL-6 (p = 0.0001), IL-8 (p = 0.0001) and MCP-1 (p = 0.0001) levels was observed in the AAD group compared to the control group. Furthermore, all AAD samples were positive for VEGF in the tunica media and showed vessel growth and immune-inflammatory infiltrate. A large number of cases (62.79%) showed inflammation at the edge of the dissection and approximately half (51.42%) showed neovessels growing at the edge of the dissection. Conclusions: The results suggest that VEGF-mediated angiogenesis and matrix degradation play a role in AAD. Finally, we believe that MMP-12 should be considered a marker of AAD.
Physical Activity and Cognition in the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Willey Joshua Z. , Park Moon Yeseon , Ruder Rachel , Cheung Yuen K. , Sacco Ralph L. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Wright Clinton B.
Published: December 2013

Background: To test the hypothesis that leisure time physical activity (PA) is associated with cognitive status. Methods: We assessed cognition using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) at enrollment and using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) administered annually since 2001 in the Northern Manhattan Study. Baseline measures of leisure time PA were collected via in-person questionnaires. Total PA was categorized into 3 groups based on the metabolic equivalent (MET) score, a composite of total reported intensity and time. We used linear regression models to examine the association of PA with MMSE, and generalized estimating equations for change in TICS-m over time. Results: There were 3,298 stroke-free participants with MMSE data (mean MMSE 26.0 ± 3.8) and 2,279 with TICS-m scores available. Compared to no PA, those with the upper quartile of MET scores had greater baseline MMSE scores (adjusted β = 0.4, p = 0.01) but no association with change in TICS-m over time. There were interactions (p < 0.05) between PA and both insurance and education; compared to no PA, those in the upper quartile of MET scores had a greater MMSE score only among those with Medicaid/no insurance (adjusted β = 0.83, p = 0.0005) and those who did not complete high school (adjusted β = 0.68, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Increased levels of PA were associated with better baseline MMSE, particularly among those with socioeconomic disadvantages, but not with cognitive decline.
Multiple Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Cutaneous Disease: What Differentiates Patients with and without Underlying Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria?
Authors: Asero Riccardo
Published: December 2013

Background: Multiple nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) cutaneous reactors may be otherwise normal or have underlying chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). This study compared these two phenotypes of NSAID-hypersensitive subjects. Methods: A total of 97 multiple NSAID reactors underwent oral challenges with paracetamol, etoricoxib and tramadol. Atopic status was investigated in all patients, and autoreactivity was ascertained in some cases as well. Otherwise normal multiple NSAID reactors were reevaluated after 1-5 years in order to detect their proneness to CSU. Results: At the first visit, 41 patients had CSU and 56 had multiple NSAID intolerance without any underlying cutaneous disease. Altogether, 22, 10 and 6% of patients did not tolerate paracetamol, etoricoxib and tramadol, respectively, on oral challenge. Intolerance to these alternative drugs showed a strong association (p < 0.01 with all combinations). The two subgroups of patients did not show any difference in terms of mean age, gender distribution, prevalence of atopic diseases, prevalence of single offending NSAIDs and prevalence of intolerance to paracetamol, etoricoxib or tramadol on oral challenge. In all, 20% of multiple NSAID reactors without CSU at presentation developed CSU between 6 months and 5 years after the initial clinical evaluation. Conclusions: Multiple NSAID cutaneous reactors with or without CSU seem identical from a clinical point of view, and some of the latter group show a propensity to acquire the former phenotype over time. A subset of patients apparently identical to the general population of multiple NSAID reactors also react to drugs exerting little or no cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme inhibition and might represent a distinct phenotype of NSAID-hypersensitive patients possibly characterized by a different underlying pathogenesis.
A Case of Functional (Psychogenic) Monocular Hemianopia Analyzed by Measurement of Hemifield Visual Evoked Potentials
Authors: Yoneda Tsuyoshi , Fukuda Ken , Nishimura Mayu , Fukushima Atsuki
Published: December 2013

Purpose: Functional monocular hemianopia is an extremely rare condition, for which measurement of hemifield visual evoked potentials (VEPs) has not been previously described. Methods: A 14-year-old boy with functional monocular hemianopia was followed up with Goldmann perimetry and measurement of hemifield and full-field VEPs. Results: The patient had a history of monocular temporal hemianopia of the right eye following headache, nausea and ague. There was no relative afferent pupillary defect, and a color perception test was normal. Goldmann perimetry revealed a vertical monocular temporal hemianopia of the right eye; the hemianopia on the right was also detected with a binocular visual field test. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR angiography of the brain including the optic chiasm as well as orbital MRI revealed no abnormalities. On the basis of these results, we diagnosed the patient's condition as functional monocular hemianopia. Pattern VEPs according to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standard were within the normal range. The hemifield pattern VEPs for the right eye showed a symmetrical latency and amplitude for nasal and temporal hemifield stimulation. One month later, the visual field defect of the patient spontaneously disappeared. Conclusions: The latency and amplitude of hemifield VEPs for a patient with functional monocular hemianopia were normal. Measurement of hemifield VEPs may thus provide an objective tool for distinguishing functional hemianopia from hemifield loss caused by an organic lesion.
Sombras da Escuta - Guimarães Rosa criador de livros e textos
Authors: Gama Mônica
Published: December 2013

Esboçaremos aqui uma leitura da historicidade da prática de leitura proposta por João Guimarães Rosa, pois mesmo sendo um autor conhecido por sua capacidade de fabulação, é também notável por deixar aparecer em sua ficção sua preocupação com a materialidade do livro e com os processos de apreensão da leitura.
Association of Heart Rate at Hospital Discharge With Mortality and Hospitalizations in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Habal Marlena V. , Liu Peter P. , Austin Peter C. , Ross Heather J. , Newton Gary E. , Wang Xuesong , Tu Jack V. , Lee Douglas S.
Published: December 2013

Background—

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Hospital discharge is an opportunity for identification of modifiable prognostic factors in the transition to chronic HF.

Methods and Results—

We examined the association of discharge heart rate with 30-day and 1-year mortality and hospitalization outcomes in a cohort of 9097 patients with HF discharged from hospital. Discharge heart rate was categorized into predefined groups: 40 to 60 (n=1333), 61 to 70 (n=2170), 71 to 80 (n=2631), 81 to 90 (n=1700), and >90 bpm (n=1263). There was a significant increase in all-cause 30-day mortality with adjusted odds ratios of 1.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–2.14;
P
=0.003) for discharge heart rates 81 to 90 bpm and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.13–2.16;
P
=0.007) for heart rates >90 bpm when compared with the reference group (heart rates, 61–70 bpm). Cardiovascular death risk at 30 days was also higher with adjusted odds ratio 1.59 (discharge heart rates, 81–90 bpm; 95% CI, 1.09–2.33;
P
=0.017) and 1.65 (discharge heart rates, >90 bpm; 95% CI, 1.09–2.48;
P
=0.017). One-year all-cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16–1.72;
P
<0.001) and cardiovascular death (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.12–1.92;
P
=0.005) were higher with discharge heart rates >90 bpm when compared with the reference group (heart rates, 40–60 bpm). Readmissions for HF (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04–1.54;
P
=0.021) and cardiovascular disease (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08–1.54;
P
=0.004) within 30 days were also higher with discharge heart rates >90 bpm.

Conclusions—

Higher discharge heart rates were associated with greater risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality ≤1-year follow-up and an elevated risk of 30-day readmission for HF and cardiovascular disease.
High Prevalence of Occult Pulmonary Venous Hypertension Revealed by Fluid Challenge in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Robbins Ivan M. , Hemnes Anna R. , Pugh Meredith E. , Brittain Evan L. , Zhao David X. , Piana Robert N. , Fong Pete P. , Newman John H.
Published: December 2013

Background—

Determining the cause for pulmonary hypertension is difficult in many patients. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is differentiated from pulmonary venous hypertension (PVH) by a wedge pressure (PWP) >15 mm Hg in PVH. Patients undergoing right heart catheterization for evaluation of pulmonary hypertension may be dehydrated and have reduced intravascular volume, potentially leading to a falsely low measurement of PWP and an erroneous diagnosis of PAH. We hypothesized that a fluid challenge during right heart catheterization would identify occult pulmonary venous hypertension (OPVH).

Methods and Results—

We reviewed the results of patients undergoing fluid challenge in our pulmonary hypertension database from 2004 to 2011. Baseline hemodynamics were obtained and repeated after infusion of 0.5 L of normal saline for 5 to 10 minutes. Patients were categorized as OPVH if PWP increased to >15 mm Hg after fluid challenge. Baseline hemodynamics in 207 patients met criteria for PAH. After fluid challenge, 46 patients (22.2%) developed a PWP >15 mm Hg and were reclassified as OPVH. Patients with OPVH had a greater increase in PWP compared with patients with PAH,
P
<0.001, and their demographics and comorbid illnesses were similar to patients with PVH. There were no adverse events related to fluid challenge.

Conclusions—

Fluid challenge at the time of right heart catheterization is easily performed, safe, and identifies a large group of patients diagnosed initially with PAH, but for whom OPVH contributes to pulmonary hypertension. These results have implications for therapeutic trials in PAH and support the routine use of fluid challenge during right heart catheterization in patients with risk factors for PVH.