bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The MIRIAM Robot: A Novel Robotic System for MR-Guided Needle Insertion in the Prostate
Authors: Moreira Pedro , van de Steeg Gert , Krabben Thijs , Zandman Jonathan , Hekman Edsko E. G. , van der Heijden Ferdinand , Borra Ronald , Misra Sarthak
Published: October 2016

Early prostate cancer detection and treatment are of major importance to reduce mortality rate. magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides images of the prostate where an early stage lesion can be visualized. The use of robotic systems for MR-guided interventions in the prostate allows us to improve the clinical outcomes of procedures such as biopsy and brachytherapy. This work presents a novel MR-conditional robot for prostate interventions. The minimally invasive robotics in an magnetic resonance imaging environment (MIRIAM) robot has 9 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) used to steer and fire a biopsy needle. The needle guide is positioned against the perineum by a 5 DoF parallel robot driven by piezoelectric motors. A 4 DoF needle driver inserts, rotates and fires the needle during the procedure. Piezoelectric motors are used to insert and rotate the needle, while pneumatic actuation is used to fire the needle. The MR-conditional design of the robot and the needle insertion controller are presented. MR compatibility tests using T2 imaging protocol are performed showing a SNR reduction of 25% when the robot is operational within the MR scanner. Experiments inserting a biopsy needle toward a physical target resulted in an average targeting error of 1.84[Formula: see text]mm. Our study presents a novel MR-conditional robot and demonstrated the ability to perform MR-guided needle-based interventions in soft-tissue phantoms. Moreover, the image distortion analysis indicates that no visible image deterioration is induced by the robot.
ATP Induces IL-1βSecretion inNeisseria gonorrhoeae-Infected Human Macrophages by a Mechanism Not Related to the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 Axis
Authors: García Killen , Escobar Gisselle , Mendoza Pablo , Beltran Caroll , Perez Claudio , Arancibia Sergio , Vernal Rolando , Rodas Paula I. , Acuña-Castillo Claudio , Escobar Alejandro
Published: October 2016

Neisseria gonorrhoeae(Ngo) has developed multiple immune evasion mechanisms involving the innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent findings have reported that Ngo reduces the IL-1βsecretion of infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Here, we investigate the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in production and release of IL-1βin Ngo-infected MDM. We found that the exposure of Ngo-infected MDM to ATP increases IL-1βlevels about ten times compared with unexposed Ngo-infected MDM (P<0.01). However, we did not observe any changes in inflammasome transcriptional activation of speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) (ASC,P>0.05) and caspase-1 (CASP1,P>0.05). In addition, ATP was not able to modify caspase-1 activity in Ngo-infected MDM but was able to increase pyroptosis (P>0.01). Notably ATP treatment defined an increase of positive staining for IL-1βwith a distinctive intracellular pattern of distribution. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ATP induces IL-1βsecretion by a mechanism not related to the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis and likely is acting at the level of vesicle trafficking or pore formation.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Improve the Diclofenac Availability in Vitreous after Intraocular Injection
Authors: Abrishami Mojtaba , Abrishami Majid , Mahmoudi Asma , Mosallaei Navid , Vakili Ahrari Roodi Mohammad , Malaekeh-Nikouei Bizhan
Published: October 2016

Purpose. In order to improve the drug availability after intravitreal administration, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing diclofenac were prepared. Methods. In this experimental study, 18 albino rabbits were included. In right and left eyes of all rabbits, SLNs containing diclofenac and commercial form of diclofenac (0.3 mg drug) were intravitreally injected, respectively. One, four, twelve, twenty-four, and forty-eight hours after injection, vitreous and aqueous humor samples were obtained in all cases. Then, the concentration of diclofenac sodium was evaluated in all samples. Results. Size of nanoparticles was around 170 nm after preparation. Drug concentration in eyes injected with SLNs was significantly higher than left eyes injected with commercial formulation up to 4 hours after intravitreal injection (p<0.05). Diclofenac was quantified in samples up to 48 hours after intraocular injection. Four hours after intravitreal injection, the concentration of diclofenac in vitreous and aqueous humor of eyes receiving SLNs was, respectively, 2.5 and 6.5 times higher than eyes injected with commercial form of drug. Conclusions. Here, we demonstrate the potential of SLNs as a carrier of diclofenac for intraocular injection in order to prevent the systemic effects of the drug, increase the injection intervals, and improve the patient compliance.
Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma of the Urachus
Authors: Gallego Daniel Fernando , Muñoz Carlos , Jimenez Carlos Andrés , Carrascal Edwin
Published: October 2016

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the urachus is a rare condition. We present the case of a 51-year-old female who developed abdominal pain and hematuria. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported an urachal mass with invasion to the bladder that was resected by partial cystectomy. On light microscopy the tumor resembled liver architecture, with polygonal atypical cells in nest formation and trabecular structures. Immunochemistry was positive for alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) and serum AFP was elevated. Hepatoid adenocarcinomas have been reported in multiple organs, being most commonly found in the stomach and the ovaries. Bladder compromise has been rarely described in the literature, and it has been associated with poor prognosis, low remission rates, and early metastasis.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient with Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Hyun G. , Robbins K. J. , Wilgus N. , Grosso L. , Goyal S. D.
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome that can be associated with inherited genetic mutations, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. Though the pathogenesis is not fully known, HLH is understood to be a reactive process in the setting of uncontrolled activation of macrophages, CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes, and other immune cells. Hallmark clinicopathological features of HLH include fevers, cytopenias, hepatosplenomegaly, and hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow.Case Presentation. A previously healthy 28-year-old Caucasian male presented with a one-month history of persistent fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. He was diagnosed with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) by core-needle biopsy of an axillary lymph node. Both bone marrow involvement by HL and hemophagocytosis were seen on subsequent bone marrow biopsy. Other findings included pancytopenia, splenomegaly, and elevated serum ferritin. Extensive work-up for autoimmune and infectious etiologies was unremarkable. The patient had a complete response after chemotherapy with Adriamycin, bleomycin, vincristine, and dacarbazine.Conclusion. This report documents the exceedingly uncommon association between HLH and HL. HLH is a hyperinflammatory syndrome with high mortality, so it is imperative to identify and treat the underlying cause for secondary HLH. Malignancy-associated HLH should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cancer patients who present with fever, cytopenias, and splenomegaly.
Abnormalities of Thyroid Hormone Metabolism during Systemic Illness: The Low T3 Syndrome in Different Clinical Settings
Authors: Moura Neto Arnaldo , Zantut-Wittmann Denise Engelbrecht
Published: October 2016

Thyroid hormone abnormalities are common in critically ill patients. For over three decades, a mild form of these abnormalities has been described in patients with several diseases under outpatient care. These alterations in thyroid hormone economy are a part of the nonthyroidal illness and keep an important relationship with prognosis in most cases. The main feature of this syndrome is a fall in free triiodothyronine (T3) levels with normal thyrotropin (TSH). Free thyroxin (T4) and reverse T3 levels vary according to the underlying disease. The importance of recognizing this condition in such patients is evident to physicians practicing in a variety of specialties, especially general medicine, to avoid misdiagnosing the much more common primary thyroid dysfunctions and indicating treatments that are often not beneficial. This review focuses on the most common chronic diseases already known to present with alterations in serum thyroid hormone levels. A short review of the common pathophysiology of the nonthyroidal illness is followed by the clinical and laboratorial presentation in each condition. Finally, a clinical case vignette and a brief summary on the evidence about treatment of the nonthyroidal illness and on the future research topics to be addressed are presented.
Preparation of Cathode-Anode Integrated Ceramic Filler and Application in a Coupled ME-EGSB-SBR System for Chlortetracycline Industrial Wastewater Systematic Treatment
Authors: Qi Yuanfeng , Wu Suqing , Xi Fei , He Shengbing , Fan Chunzhen , Dai Bibo , Huang Jungchen , Meng Meng , Zhu Xiangguo , Wang Lei
Published: October 2016

Chlortetracycline (CTC) contamination of aquatic systems has seriously threatened the environmental and human health throughout the world. Conventional biological treatments could not effectively treat the CTC industrial wastewater and few studies have been focused on the wastewater systematic treatment. Firstly, 40.0 wt% of clay, 30.0 wt% of dewatered sewage sludge (DSS), and 30.0 wt% of scrap iron (SI) were added to sinter the new media (cathode-anode integrated ceramic filler, CAICF). Subsequently, the nontoxic CAICF with rough surface and porous interior packed into ME reactor, severing as a pretreatment step, was effective in removing CTC residue and improving the wastewater biodegradability. Secondly, expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) and sequencing batch reactor (SBR), serving as the secondary biological treatment, were mainly focusing on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) removal. The coupled ME-EGSB-SBR system removed about 98.0% of CODcr and 95.0% of NH3-N and the final effluent met the national discharged standard (C standard of CJ 343-2010, China). Therefore, the CTC industrial wastewater could be effectively treated by the coupled ME-EGSB-SBR system, which has significant implications for a cost-efficient system in CTC industrial systematic treatment and solid wastes (DSS and SI) treatment.
Synthesis and Study in Solution of a New Dansyl-Modified Azacryptand
Authors: Bergamaschi Greta , Miljkovic Ana , Marcheggiani Stefania , Poggi Antonio
Published: October 2016

We report the synthesis of a new asymmetric azacryptand (L1), characterized by three p-xylyl spacers, one of which carries a dansyl side arm. The fluorescent sensor has been studied by potentiometric, UV-Vis, and emission studies in MeOH : water 3 : 2 mixture (0.07 M NaNO3), determining, in particular, the protonation constants of the free ligand and metal ion complexation equilibria. Interestingly, the obtained results revealed that the new receptor is fluorescent at neutral pH with a typical emission band of the dansyl group. Metal addition induced a partial quenching of the dansyl emission band; this behavior is more pronounced with Cu(II) that reduces the receptor’s emission by 60%. With all the studied cations, quenching follows the formation of a dimetallic complex. Similar studies on the model compound L2 confirmed that fluorescence quenching is mainly driven by a static mechanism, attributable to the formation of the inclusion dicopper complex [L1Cu2]4+. In order to test the stability of copper complexes under physiological conditions, spectrofluorimetric titrations with Cu(II) were performed in water buffered at pH = 8 (HEPES 0.07 M) and the values of binding constants, K11 and K12, were determined.
Autorefraction, Retinoscopy, Javal’s Rule, and Grosvenor’s Modified Javal’s Rule: The Best Predictor of Refractive Astigmatism
Authors: Asiedu Kofi , Kyei Samuel , Ampiah Emmanuel Ekow
Published: October 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the level of agreement between Javal’s rule, autorefraction, retinoscopy, and refractive astigmatism and to determine which technique is the most suitable substitute when subjective refraction is not applicable using a clinical sample. A total of 36 subjects, 14 males and 22 females, were involved in this study. The intraclass correlation coefficients between subjective refraction, autorefraction, and retinoscopy were 0.895 and 0.989, respectively, for the spherical equivalent. The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; and autorefraction and retinoscopy were −2.84 to 3.58, −0.88 to 1.12, and −3.01 to 3.53, respectively, for the spherical equivalent. The intraclass correlation coefficients between spectacle total astigmatism and the following techniques were as follows: retinoscopy (0.85); autorefraction (0.92); Javal’s rule (0.82); and Grosvenor et al. version (0.85). The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; subjective refraction and Javal’s rule; and subjective refraction and Grosvenor et al. version were −0.87 to 1.25, −1.49 to 1.99, −0.73 to 1.93, and −0.89 to 1.7, respectively, for the total astigmatism. The study showed that autorefraction and Javal’s rule may provide a starting point for subjective refraction cylinder power determination but only retinoscopy may satisfactorily replace subjective refraction total astigmatism when subjective refraction is not applicable.
Distributed Control of Networked Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Valley Area Coverage
Authors: Shi Mengji , Qin Kaiyu
Published: October 2016

The paper provides a novel cooperative motion scheme for networked Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to fully sweep-cover a priori unknown elongated areas with curved borders, which are termed “valley areas.” The UAVs’ motion is confined between the borders. Different from former research on straight-corridor-sweep-coverage, in each valley area, the width of different portions varies dramatically: the UAVs need to line up across the valley area to achieve full coverage of the widest portions while they can only pass through the narrowest parts one by one in a queue. The UAVs are provided with barrier detection and inter-UAV communication. According to the scheme, a distributed control law has been offered for discrete-time multi-UAV systems, guaranteeing crash avoidance and full coverage while considering the constrained mobility of the UAVs. Regular and extreme simulations are carried out to verify the efficacy and stability of the proposed algorithm. Solutions to U-shaped valley coverage and the case of insufficient UAVs available are discussed with validation simulations. Comparison simulations are conducted with respect to a line-sweep-coverage algorithm developed by a closely related work, and differences in performance are revealed subsequently. Conclusions are drawn with possible directions of future research.
Efficacy of Standardized Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six‐Week, Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Kumar Navneet , Abichandani L. G. , Thawani Vijay , Gharpure K. J. , Naidu M. U. R. , Venkat Ramana G.
Published: October 2016

Rationale. Bacopa monnieri, popularly known as Brahmi, has been traditionally used in Ayurveda since ages for its memory enhancing properties. However, data on placebo‐controlled trial of Bacopa monnieri on intellectual sample is scarce. Hence this study was planned to evaluate the effect of Bacopa monnieri on memory of medical students for six weeks. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of Bacopa monnieri on memory of medical students with six weeks’ administration. Method and Material. This was a randomized double blind placebo‐controlled noncrossover, parallel trial. Sixty medical students of either gender from second year of medical school, third term, regular batch, were enrolled from Government Medical College, Nagpur, India. Baseline biochemical and memory tests were done. The participants were randomly divided in two groups to receive either 150 mg of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize) or matching placebo twice daily for six weeks. All baseline investigations were repeated at the end of the trial. Students were followed up for 15 days after the intervention. Results. Statistically significant improvement was seen in the tests relating to the cognitive functions with use of Bacopa monnieri. Blood biochemistry also showed a significant increase in serum calcium levels (still within normal range).
Esophageal Perforation with Unilateral Fluidothorax Caused by Nasogastric Tube
Authors: Mileder Lukas P. , Müller Martin , Reiterer Friedrich , Pilhatsch Alexander , Gürtl-Lackner Barbara , Urlesberger Berndt , Raith Wolfgang
Published: October 2016

Preterm infants are highly susceptible to injuries following necessary and often life-saving medical interventions. Esophageal perforation is a rare, yet serious complication that can be caused by aerodigestive tract suction, endotracheal intubation, or nasogastric tube placement. We present the case of a neonate born at 23 weeks plus three days of gestation with chest radiography showing malposition of the nasogastric feeding tube and massive right-sided effusion of Iopamidol in the pleural cavity due to esophageal perforation. In addition, the article summarizes common signs and symptoms associated with esophageal perforation in infants and discusses diagnostic approaches.
In Vitro Anti‐AChE, Anti‐BuChE, and Antioxidant Activity of 12 Extracts of Eleutherococcus Species
Authors: Załuski Daniel , Kuźniewski Rafał
Published: October 2016

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the most occurring diseases in developed and developing countries. The aim of this work focused on the screening of the natural inhibitors of AChE and BuChE and antioxidants in Eleutherococcus species. We found that the ethanol extracts of E. setchuenensis and E. sessiliflorus showed the strongest inhibition towards AChE (IC50: 0.3 and 0.3 mg/mL, resp.). Among chloroform extracts, the most active appeared to be E. gracilistylus (IC50: 0.37 mg/mL). In turn, the ethanol extract of E. henryi inhibited the strongest BuChE with IC50 value of 0.13 mg/mL. Among chloroform extracts, E. gracilistylus, E. setchuenensis, and E. sessiliflorus appeared to be the strongest with IC50 values of 0.12, 0.18, and 0.19 mg/mL. HPTLC screening confirmed the presence of inhibitors in extracts. All extracts exhibited anti‐DPPH⁎ activity and single antioxidants have been identified. To the best of our knowledge, no information was available on this activity of compounds in Eleutherococcus. These studies provide a biochemical basis for the regulation of AChE and BuChE and encourage us to continue isolation of active compounds.
A Corticobasal Syndrome Variant of Familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease with Stroke-Like Onset
Authors: Necpál Ján , Stelzer Martin , Koščová Silvia , Patarák Michal
Published: October 2016

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is an untreatable rare human prion disease characterized by rapidly progressive dementia along with various neurological features, including myoclonus and sometimes other movement disorders. The clinical course is typically insidious and rapid, leading to an early death. In general, the most common form is sporadic CJD; however, Slovakia is typical for a high percentage of genetic cases. We present an unusual case report of a 65-year-old man with a sudden, stroke-like onset of motor aphasia with right-sided levodopa unresponsive parkinsonism, alien hand, and other characteristic features of corticobasal syndrome (CBS), with rapid deterioration and death on the 32nd day of the disease. Various neurodegenerative disorders are manifested with CBS as a clinical phenotype, including corticobasal degeneration (CBD), progressive supranuclear palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and CJD. In our patient, mutation E200K and M129M polymorphism of the PRNP gene and typical immunohistochemical findings pointed to a diagnosis of CJD. The patient’s mother died of CJD many years ago. Several CBS-CJD cases were described, but the atypical stroke-like onset of CBS-CJD, an extremely rare presentation of CJD, makes our case unique worldwide.
Combining Donor Characteristics with Immunohistological Data Improves the Prediction of Islet Isolation Success
Authors: Berkova Zuzana , Saudek Frantisek , Girman Peter , Zacharovova Klara , Kriz Jan , Fabryova Eva , Leontovyc Ivan , Koblas Tomas , Kosinova Lucie , Neskudla Tomas , Vavrova Ema , Habart David , Loukotova Sarka , Zahradnicka Martina , Lipar Kvetoslav , Voska Ludek , Skibova Jelena
Published: October 2016

Variability of pancreatic donors may significantly impact the success of islet isolation. The aim of this study was to evaluate donor factors associated with isolation failure and to investigate whether immunohistology could contribute to organ selection. Donor characteristics were evaluated for both successful (n=61) and failed (n=98) islet isolations. Samples of donor pancreatic tissue (n=78) were taken for immunohistochemical examination. Islet isolations with 250000 islet equivalents were considered successful. We confirmed that BMI of less than 25 kg/m2(P<0.001), cold ischemia time more than 8 hours (P<0.01), hospitalization longer than 96 hours (P<0.05), higher catecholamine doses (P<0.05), and edematous pancreases (P<0.01) all unfavorably affected isolation outcome. Subsequent immunohistochemical examination of donor pancreases confirmed significant differences in insulin-positive areas (P<0.001). ROC analyses then established that the insulin-positive area in the pancreas could be used to predict the likely success of islet isolation (P<0.001). At the optimal cutoff point (>1.02%), sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 76%, respectively. To conclude, while the insulin-positive area, determined preislet isolation, as a single variable, is sufficient to predict isolation outcome and helps to improve the success of this procedure, its combination with the established donor scoring system might further improve organ selection.
A Case of Type 2 Youssef’s Syndrome following Caesarean Section for Placenta Previa Totalis
Authors: Kurt Sefa , Obuz Funda
Published: October 2016

Vesicouterine fistula is a rare type of urogenital fistulas. It is most commonly observed after cesarean section (C/S) due to iatrogenic reasons. In this article, a case of a vesicouterine fistula which developed after C/S operation is presented. This was the patient’s second C/S and this time placenta previa totalis was the primary pathology. Since it is a rare complication, we found it interesting, and, in this article, this clinical problem was discussed with details about diagnosis and treatment in light of the literature.
Evaluation of Early Cholecystectomy versus Delayed Cholecystectomy in the Treatment of Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Sánchez-Carrasco Miguel , Rodríguez-Sanjuán Juan C. , Martín-Acebes Fernando , Llorca-Díaz Francisco J. , Gómez-Fleitas Manuel , Zambrano Muñoz Rocío , Sánchez-Manuel F. Javier
Published: October 2016

Objective. To evaluate if early cholecystectomy (EC) is the most appropriate treatment for acute cholecystitis compared to delayed cholecystectomy (DC).Patients and Methods. A retrospective cohort study of 1043 patients was carried out, with a group of 531 EC cases and a group of 512 DC patients. The following parameters were recorded: (1) postoperative hospital morbidity, (2) hospital mortality, (3) days of hospital stay, (4) readmissions, (5) admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), (6) type of surgery, (7) operating time, and (8) reoperations. In addition, we estimated the direct cost savings of implementing an EC program.Results. The overall morbidity of the EC group (29.9%) was significantly lower than the DC group (38.7%). EC demonstrated significantly better results than DC in days of hospital stay (8.9 versus 15.8 days), readmission percentage (6.8% versus 21.9%), and percentage of ICU admission (2.3% versus 7.8%), which can result in reducing the direct costs. The patients who benefited most from an EC were those with a Charlson index > 3.Conclusions. EC is safe in patients with acute cholecystitis and could lead to a reduction in the direct costs of treatment.
Manganese Fractionation in Soils after Application of Municipal Solid Wastes Compost in Two Consecutive Years
Authors: Samiei Molod , Bostani Abdolamir
Published: October 2016

In order to study the effect of Tehran municipal solid wastes compost on manganese accumulation in soil and to determine its concentration in any readily available plant forms (exchangeable and carbonates-bonded), Mn-oxides bonded fraction, organic matter bonded fraction, and residual fraction in a calcareous soil, a factorial experiment based on completely randomized block design (RCBD) was conducted in research field of Shahed university at different levels of municipal solid wastes compost (0, 15, 30, and 60 ton/ha) as first factor and application times (one- or two-year compost application) as second factor in three replications. Results showed that, by increasing compost level, total Mn concentration, DTPA-extractable concentration, and amounts existing in all five fractions were increased, so lowest and highest amounts of Mn were observed in control and 60 ton/ha compost application. Based on results from Mn fractionation using Tessier consecutive extraction method, Mn fractions in all samples were in the following order: residual > Fe-Mn oxides > carbonates-bonded > organic matter-bonded ≫ exchangeable fractions in which residual fraction (RE) at first and second year was dominant rather than other fractions by 34.28–43.04 and 34.28–49.48 percent, respectively. Mn concentration in Fe-Mn oxides-bonded fraction at both years was considerable. Mn amounts in Fe-Mn oxides- bonded, application times were decreased.
Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation
Authors: Arulselvan Palanisamy , Fard Masoumeh Tangestani , Tan Woan Sean , Gothai Sivapragasam , Fakurazi Sharida , Norhaizan Mohd Esa , Kumar S. Suresh
Published: October 2016

Inflammation is a comprehensive array of physiological response to a foreign organism, including human pathogens, dust particles, and viruses. Inflammations are mainly divided into acute and chronic inflammation depending on various inflammatory processes and cellular mechanisms. Recent investigations have clarified that inflammation is a major factor for the progression of various chronic diseases/disorders, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, eye disorders, arthritis, obesity, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Free radical productions from different biological and environmental sources are due to an imbalance of natural antioxidants which further leads to various inflammatory associated diseases. In this review article, we have outlined the inflammatory process and its cellular mechanisms involved in the progression of various chronic modern human diseases. In addition, we have discussed the role of free radicals‐induced tissue damage, antioxidant defence, and molecular mechanisms in chronic inflammatory diseases/disorders. The systematic knowledge regarding the role of inflammation and its associated adverse effects can provide a clear understanding in the development of innovative therapeutic targets from natural sources that are intended for suppression of various chronic inflammations associated diseases.
miR‐21 Reduces Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Apoptosis in c‐kit+ Cardiac Stem Cells In Vitro through PTEN/PI3K/Akt Signaling
Authors: Deng Wenwen , Wang Yan , Long Xianping , Zhao Ranzun , Wang Zhenglong , Liu Zhijiang , Cao Song , Shi Bei
Published: October 2016

The low survival rate of cardiac stem cells (CSCs) in the infarcted myocardium hampers cell therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy. MicroRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and one of its target proteins, PTEN, contribute to the survival and proliferation of many cell types, but their prosurvival effects in c‐kit+ CSC remain unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that miR‐21 reduces hydrogen peroxide‐ (H2O2‐) induced apoptosis in c‐kit+ CSC and estimated the contribution of PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling to this oxidative circumstance. miR‐21 mimics efficiently reduced H2O2‐induced apoptosis in c‐kit+ CSC, as evidenced by the downregulation of the proapoptosis proteins caspase‐3 and Bax and upregulation of the antiapoptotic Bcl‐2. In addition, the gain of function of miR‐21 in c‐kit+ CSC downregulated the protein level of PTEN although its mRNA level changed slightly; in the meantime, miR‐21 overexpression also increased phospho‐Akt (p‐Akt). The antiapoptotic effects of miR‐21 were comparable with Phen (bpV), the selective inhibitor of PTEN, while miR‐21 inhibitor or PI3K’s inhibitor LY294002 efficiently attenuated the antiapoptotic effect of miR‐21. Taken together, these results indicate that the anti‐H2O2‐induced apoptosis effect of miR‐21 in c‐kit+ CSC is contributed by PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling. miR‐21 could be a potential molecule to facilitate the c‐kit+ CSC therapy in ischemic myocardium.
Coexistent Pseudogout andMycobacterium avium-intracellulareSeptic Arthritis in a Patient with HIV and ESRD
Authors: Afzal Wais , Wali Omer M. , Cervellione Kelly L. , Singh Bhupinder B. , Bagheri Farshad
Published: October 2016

Pseudogout is a crystal-induced arthropathy characterized by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in synovial fluid, menisci, or articular cartilage. Although not very common, this entity can be seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Septic arthritis due toMycobacterium avium-intracellulare(MAI) is a rare entity that can affect immunocompromised patients such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or those who are on immunosuppressive drugs. Here, we describe a 51-year-old female who presented with fever, right knee pain, swelling, warmth, and decreased range of motion for several days. The initial assessment was consistent with pseudogout, with negative bacterial and fungal cultures. However, due to high white blood cell (WBC) count in the synovial fluid analysis, she was empirically started on intravenous (IV) vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and discharged on IV vancomycin and cefepime, while acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture was still in process. Seventeen days later, AFB culture grewMycobacterium avium-intracellulare(MAI), and she was readmitted for relevant management. This case illustrates that septic arthritis due to MAI should be considered in the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients.
Venture Investment Incentive Mechanisms and Simulation with Venture Entrepreneurs Having Multistage Efforts Based on Fairness Preference Theory
Authors: Wang Kaihong , Ding Chuan , Chen Jiacheng , Li Aimin
Published: October 2016

When venture capital has been invested into venture companies, venture capitalists and venture entrepreneurs form a principal-agent relationship. Take into account the fact that the venture entrepreneur’s effort is a long process, because the effort is not the same at different stage. Therefore, efforts variables are seen as the multistage dynamic variable, and venture investment principal-agent model with venture entrepreneurs having multistage efforts is constructed on the basis of the classic principal-agent theory in the paper. Further, in the later stage effort of venture entrepreneurs is affected by the size of prestage benefit with venture capitalists and venture entrepreneurs; thus the fairness preference model is improved, and venture investment principal-agent model with venture entrepreneurs having multistage efforts is constructed on the basis of fairness preference theory. Both theoretical derivation and simulation have demonstrated that, under the condition of information asymmetry, if the fairness preference of venture entrepreneurs holds, then(1)venture capitalists provide venture entrepreneurs with level higher than that without fairness preference,(2)in every single stage venture entrepreneurs make efforts higher than those without fairness preference, and(3)in two periods both venture investors and venture entrepreneurs gain total real gains higher than those in two periods without fair preference.
Fabrication and Microhardness Analysis of MWCNT/MnO2Nanocomposite
Authors: Hussain Md. Zakir , Khan Sabah , Nagarajan Rajamani , Khan Urfi , Vats Vishnu
Published: October 2016

Recent research has shown that carbon nanotube (CNT) acts as a model reinforcement material for fabricating nanocomposites. The addition of CNT as a reinforcing material into the matrix improves the mechanical, thermal, tribological, and electrical properties. In this research paper multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), with different weight percentage (5%, 10%, and 15%), was reinforced into manganese dioxide (MnO2) matrix using solution method. The different weight % of MWCNT/MnO2nanocomposite powders was compacted and then sintered. The phase analysis, morphology, and chemical composition of the nanocomposites were examined by X-ray diffractometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), respectively. The XRD analysis indicates the formation of MWCNT/MnO2nanocomposites. The FESEM surface morphology analysis shows that MnO2nanotube is densely grown on the surface of MWCNT. Further, microhardness of MWCNT/MnO2nanocomposite was measured and it was found that 10 wt% has higher microhardness in comparison to 5 and 15 wt%. The microhardness of the composites is influenced by mass density, nanotube weight fraction, arrangement of tubes, and dispersion of MWCNT in H2SO4(aq) solution.
A Long-Chain Alkylation of Dialdehyde Starch to Improve Its Thermal Stability and Hydrophobicity
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Wang Zhaodong , Ni Haitao , Liu Xiang , Ma Jian , Du Jianxin
Published: October 2016

Hydrophobic dialdehyde starch (HDAS) was synthesized by dialdehyde starch (DAS) and eighteen-alkyl primary amine as the raw material in DMSO. The effect of the reaction conditions on the yield of HDAS was investigated such as catalyst content, reaction temperature, reaction time, and the in-feed molar ratio of -CHO/-NH2. Moreover, the optimized test parameters were obtained by conducting orthogonal experiment. The molecular structure and the morphology of HDAS were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). And the thermal stability and the hydrophobic properties of HDAS were investigated by thermal gravimetric analyzer (TG) and the hydrophobic testing. The results indicate that the yield of HDAS is the highest up to 44.21%, with feed composition 1 : 0.9, reaction temperature 40°C, reaction time 8 h, and acetic acid content 3%. And the introduction of the long-chain alkyl groups into the DAS backbones will ameliorate efficaciously the thermal stability and the hydrophobic properties of DAS, which almost has no effect on the DAS particle size.
Seronegative Intestinal Villous Atrophy: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Martins Cláudio , Teixeira Cristina , Ribeiro Suzane , Trabulo Daniel , Cardoso Cláudia , Mangualde João , Freire Ricardo , Alves Ana Luísa , Gamito Élia , Cremers Isabelle , Oliveira Ana Paula
Published: October 2016

Celiac disease is the most important cause of intestinal villous atrophy. Seronegative intestinal villous atrophy, including those that are nonresponsive to a gluten-free diet, is a diagnostic challenge. In these cases, before establishing the diagnosis of seronegative celiac disease, alternative etiologies of atrophic enteropathy should be considered. Recently, a new clinical entity responsible for seronegative villous atrophy was described—olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy. Herein, we report two uncommon cases of atrophic enteropathy in patients with arterial hypertension under olmesartan, who presented with severe chronic diarrhea and significant involuntary weight loss. Further investigation revealed intestinal villous atrophy and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Celiac disease and other causes of villous atrophy were ruled out. Drug-induced enteropathy was suspected and clinical improvement and histologic recovery were verified after olmesartan withdrawal. These cases highlight the importance for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for olmesartan as a precipitant of sprue-like enteropathy.
Weatherability of Polypropylene by Accelerated Weathering Tests and Outdoor Exposure Tests in Japan
Authors: Shimizu Kenichi , Tokuta Yuuki , Oishi Akihiro , Kuriyama Takashi , Kunioka Masao
Published: October 2016

As a joint study of the Polymer Subcommittee in the Industrial Technology Cooperative Promotion Committee, in which members are Japanese local governmental research institutes and National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, Japan), carried out from 2010 to 2012, polyethylene reference sample (PE-RS) pieces and six types of polypropylene (PP) were subjected to accelerated weathering tests and outdoor exposure tests, resulting in the following findings. (1) The PE-RS was subjected to eight 100 h exposure tests in the same test machine. The accelerated weathering test machines of the participating institutes had high reproducibility. (2) The PE-RS CI values were greater when the temperature in the chamber was greater during accelerated weathering tests, and there was a high correlation with the average temperature in the outdoor exposure tests at 20 places in Japan. (3) By comparing the change in PP strength by normalizing the degradation environment using the PE-RS CI values, the accelerated weathering test with results showing the highest correlation with the outdoor exposure test results was the one with the xenon arc lamp at an irradiance of 60 W/m2 and a BPT of 63°C.
Case Report of Ectopic Liver on Gallbladder Serosa with a Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Mani Vishnu R. , Farooq Mohammad S. , Soni Utsav , Kalabin Aleksandr , Rajabalan Ajai S. , Ahmed Leaque
Published: October 2016

This case describes an intraoperative incidental finding and surgical removal of ectopic liver tissue attached to the gallbladder during a standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. These anomalies are rare, with interesting associations and possible clinically relevant complications. The details of the case, along with a brief literature review of embryology, common ectopic sites, and associations/complications, are presented in this paper. Since laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very common procedure, it is important to increase vigilance of ectopic liver tissues during surgeries to minimize complications and provide optimal management.
A Historic Case of Cardiac Surgery in Pregnancy
Authors: Benlamkaddem Said , Berdai Adnane , Labib Smael , Harandou Mustapha
Published: October 2016

Background. Heart disease is the leading cause of nonobstetric mortality in pregnant women. Because of high risk, medical management represents the first line of treatment. However, when medical treatment fails, cardiac surgery becomes necessary.Case Presentation. A 27-year-old female who underwent successfully cardiac surgery three times within 3 years. At the first time, she had an aortic valve replacement at 25 weeks of gestation after an infectious endocarditis complicated with an ischemic stroke. At 39 weeks of gestation, she had delivered, vaginally, a healthy baby boy weighing 2800 g. In the second time, pregnant again at 30 weeks of gestation, she had a mitral valve replacement with an aortic prosthesis reinforcement after a paraprosthetic regurgitation and a mitral vegetation. A fetal death in utero had occurred; the extraction of the fetus by cesarean section with a tubal ligation was performed after stabilization of the mother. In the third time, she underwent successfully a mitral prosthesis replacement with Bentall’s procedure after a mitral prosthesis disinsertion with an abscess of aortic annulus due to new episode of infectious endocarditis.Conclusion. Our patient has assembled almost all poor prognosis factors, which makes her a real historic case, probably never described in the literature.
Advances in Understanding How Heavy Metal Pollution Triggers Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yuan Wenzhen , Yang Ning , Li Xiangkai
Published: October 2016

With the development of industrialization and urbanization, heavy metals contamination has become a major environmental problem. Numerous investigations have revealed an association between heavy metal exposure and the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer. The mechanisms of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and arsenic) contamination leading to gastric cancer are concluded in this review. There are four main potential mechanisms: (1) Heavy metals disrupt the gastric mucosal barrier by decreasing mucosal thickness, mucus content, and basal acid output, thereby affecting the function of E-cadherin and inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. (2) Heavy metals directly or indirectly induce ROS generation and cause gastric mucosal and DNA lesions, which subsequently alter gene regulation, signal transduction, and cell growth, ultimately leading to carcinogenesis. Exposure to heavy metals also enhances gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis. (3) Heavy metals inhibit DNA damage repair or cause inefficient lesion repair. (4) Heavy metals may induce other gene abnormalities. In addition, heavy metals can induce the expression of proinflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) and microRNAs, which promotes tumorigenesis. The present review is an effort to underline the human health problem caused by heavy metal with recent development in order to garner a broader perspective.
Objects Classification by Learning-Based Visual Saliency Model and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Na , Zhao Xinbo , Yang Yongjia , Zou Xiaochun
Published: October 2016

Humans can easily classify different kinds of objects whereas it is quite difficult for computers. As a hot and difficult problem, objects classification has been receiving extensive interests with broad prospects. Inspired by neuroscience, deep learning concept is proposed. Convolutional neural network (CNN) as one of the methods of deep learning can be used to solve classification problem. But most of deep learning methods, including CNN, all ignore the human visual information processing mechanism when a person is classifying objects. Therefore, in this paper, inspiring the completed processing that humans classify different kinds of objects, we bring forth a new classification method which combines visual attention model and CNN. Firstly, we use the visual attention model to simulate the processing of human visual selection mechanism. Secondly, we use CNN to simulate the processing of how humans select features and extract the local features of those selected areas. Finally, not only does our classification method depend on those local features, but also it adds the human semantic features to classify objects. Our classification method has apparently advantages in biology. Experimental results demonstrated that our method made the efficiency of classification improve significantly.
Potential Role of the Last Half Repeat in TAL Effectors Revealed by a Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Wan Hua , Chang Shan , Hu Jian-ping , Tian Xu-hong , Wang Mei-hua
Published: October 2016

TAL effectors (TALEs) contain a modular DNA-binding domain that is composed of tandem repeats. In all naturally occurring TALEs, the end of tandem repeats is invariantly a truncated half repeat. To investigate the potential role of the last half repeat in TALEs, we performed comparative molecular dynamics simulations for the crystal structure of DNA-bound TALE AvrBs3 lacking the last half repeat and its modeled structure having the last half repeat. The structural stability analysis indicates that the modeled system is more stable than the nonmodeled system. Based on the principle component analysis, it is found that the AvrBs3 increases its structural compactness in the presence of the last half repeat. The comparison of DNA groove parameters of the two systems implies that the last half repeat also causes the change of DNA major groove binding efficiency. The following calculation of hydrogen bond reveals that, by stabilizing the phosphate binding with DNA at the C-terminus, the last half repeat helps to adopt a compact conformation at the protein-DNA interface. It further mediates more contacts between TAL repeats and DNA nucleotide bases. Finally, we suggest that the last half repeat is required for the high-efficient recognition of DNA by TALE.
Brassinolide Increases Potato Root GrowthIn Vitroin a Dose-Dependent Way and Alleviates Salinity Stress
Authors: Hu Yueqing , Xia Shitou , Su Yi , Wang Huiqun , Luo Weigui , Su Shengying , Xiao Langtao
Published: October 2016

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroidal phytohormones that regulate various physiological processes, such as root development and stress tolerance. In the present study, we showed that brassinolide (BL) affects potato rootin vitrogrowth in a dose-dependent manner. Low BL concentrations (0.1 and 0.01 μg/L) promoted root elongation and lateral root development, whereas high BL concentrations (1–100 μg/L) inhibited root elongation. There was a significant (P<0.05) positive correlation between root activity and BL concentrations within a range from 0.01 to 100 μg/L, with the peak activity of 8.238 mg TTC·g−1FW·h−1at a BL concentration of 100 μg/L. Furthermore, plants treated with 50 μg/L BL showed enhanced salt stress tolerance throughin vitrogrowth. Under this scenario, BL treatment enhanced the proline content and antioxidant enzymes’ (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) activity and reduced malondialdehyde content in potato shoots. Application of BL maintain K+and Na+homeostasis by improving tissue K+/Na+ratio. Therefore, we suggested that the effects of BL on root development from stem fragments explants as well as on primary root development are dose-dependent and that BL application alleviates salt stress on potato by improving root activity, root/shoot ratio, and antioxidative capacity in shoots and maintaining K+/Na+homeostasis in potato shoots and roots.
A Case of Lacrimo-Auriculo-Dento-Digital Syndrome with Multiple Congenitally Missing Teeth
Authors: Pathivada Lumbini , Krishna Munagala Karthik , Rallan Mandeep
Published: October 2016

Lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital (LADD) syndrome is an extremely rare disorder which may occur sporadically or inheritably as an autosomal dominant condition. It is characterized by defects in the lacrimal apparatus, ear problems, and dental and digital abnormalities. However, specific symptoms vary greatly among the cases with a high degree of overlap with other similar genetic disorders. Here, we describe a 7-year-old boy with LADD syndrome, clinical and radiological findings, dental treatment undertaken, and its differential diagnosis.