bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of the quasi-static and impact tests on the energy absorption characteristics of coupler rubber buffers used in railway vehicles
Authors: Yao Shuguang , Li Zhixiang , Ma Wen , Xu Ping , Che Quanwei
Published: December 2018

Coupler rubber buffers are widely used in high-speed trains, to dissipate the impact energy between vehicles. The rubber buffer consists of two groups of rubbers, which are pre-compressed and then installed into the frame body. This paper specifically focuses on the energy absorption characteristics of the rubber buffers. Firstly, quasi-static compression tests were carried out for one and three pairs of rubber sheets, and the relationship between the energy absorption responses, i.e. Eabn  =  n ×  Eab1, Edissn =  n ×  Ediss1, and Ean =  Ea1, was obtained. Next, a series of quasi-static tests were performed for one pair of rubber sheet to investigate the energy absorption performance with different compression ratios of the rubber buffers. Then, impact tests with five impact velocities were conducted, and the coupler knuckle was destroyed when the impact velocity was 10.807 km/h. The results of the impact tests showed that with the increase of the impact velocity, the Eab, Ediss, and Ea of the rear buffer increased significantly, but the three responses of the front buffer did not increase much. Finally, the results of the impact tests and quasi-static tests were contrastively analyzed, which showed that with the increase of the stroke, the values of Eab, Ediss, and Ea increased. However, the increasing rates of the impact tests were higher than that of the quasi-static tests. The maximum value of Ea was 68.76% in the impact tests, which was relatively a high value for the vehicle coupler buffer. The energy capacity of the rear buffer for dynamic loading was determined as 22.98 kJ.
Clinical and radiological outcomes of acetabular revision with the Delta Revision TT cup
Authors: Munegato Daniele , Bigoni Marco , Sotiri Romeo , Bruschetta Antongiulio , Omeljaniuk Robert J , Turati Marco , Andrea Rossi , Zatti Giovanni
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

This study evaluates mid-term results of acetabular revision using a hemispherical acetabular cup in Trabecular Titanium with a cage construct.

Methods:

We reviewed 36 acetabular revisions performed with the Delta Revision TT cup in 34 patients (mean age = 75, range: 45–92 years). Acetabular defect types (Paprosky classification) included (1) 2B ( n = 5), (2) 2C ( n = 7), (3) 3A ( n = 15), and (4) 3B ( n = 9). Morcellised bone allografts were used in 24 cases, and synthetic bone used in 11. Outcomes were evaluated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) for pain measurement. X-ray visualisation of cup position was used to discern signs of mobilisation and bone graft incorporation. Survivorship at post-revision follow-up (mean = 39.8; range 12–91.5 months) was calculated.

Results:

HHS increased from 40.5 to 87 ( p < 0.01). 68% of cases were pain free; by comparison, 32% had an average VRS score of 1.9 (range 1–3). The average cup inclination angle was 40.8° (30–52°) postoperatively, compared with 41.2° (30–52°) at follow-up; there were no signs of loosening or mobilisation. Centre of rotation was fully restored in 21 (58.3%) hips. According to Gie classification; bone graft incorporation grades were (1) 3 ( n = 21), (2) 2 ( n = 12) and (3) 1 ( n = 2). The survival rate was 100% for aseptic loosening and 91.7% for any cause of revision.

Conclusions:

The Delta Revision TT cup promises good clinical and radiographic results at short- to mid-term follow-up, with high rates of survival rate and bone integration.
Mathematical skills and working memory profile of children with borderline intellectual functioning
Authors: Stefanelli Silvia , Alloway Tracy Packiam
Published: December 2018

Borderline intellectual functioning is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by an intelligence quotient (IQ) in the range of 70–85. The present study aimed to investigate the mathematical abilities and the working memory of students with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). The sample group included 10 year-old students with BIF ( n = 85) and with average non-verbal IQ ( n = 45). The children were assessed in non-verbal intelligence, numerical ability and working memory. Our results showed an impairment of mathematical skills, especially in the operation tasks, and working memory in children with BIF, compared to typically developing peers. Generally, their skills seemed to be consistent with intelligence scores (WOND and AWMA scores ≥ 70). In some cases, children with BIF could have mathematical difficulties (WOND < 70). In general, they showed visuospatial short-term memory and central executive subsystem more damaged than non-verbal intelligence while the verbal short-term memory was similar to the IQ.
Isolated Meniscal Suture. Follow Up and Return to Sports. Our experience
Authors: Jalil Andrés M. , Ferreyra Cristian A. , Balla Mauricio , Mancini Pablo S. , Borsani Gino
Published: December 2018

The meniscal rupture is the lesion with the most frequent surgical indication of the knee. The meniscus intervenes in joint physiology in different ways: transmitting and distributing loads, joint lubrication, proprioception and, participating in joint stability. Meniscal resection has deleterious effects on the joint, rapidly causing degenerative changes and poor long-term results. You should try to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible, either with partial meniscectomies, or if the injury allows it, repair.

Objectives:

evaluate, in the short and medium term, athletes with meniscal injury, young adults, who underwent meniscal suture. The results were analyzed, trying to identify the linked variables.

Methods:

Retrospective, observational, descriptive study. In this case series, we evaluated 14 meniscal sutures. The Tegner Score and the Lysholm Test, both pre- and postsurgical, were used to assess the evolution of the patient and his return to sports activity at the time of medical discharge.

Results:

Meniscal suture: average number of points that was made in each meniscus was 3.5 stitches. The failure rate of 7%. The rest all returned to their pre-injury physical activity without pain. Improvement of the scores of Tegner and Lysholm.

Conclusion:

We can affirm that the meniscal suture presents a high percentage of healing with a minimum failure rate, and that the good results of the technique allow the patient to resume their competitive and recreational sports activities at the same pre-occupational level, with a high degree of satisfaction.
Plasma Agouti-Related Protein and Cortisol Levels in Cushing Disease: Evidence for the Regulation of Agouti-Related Protein by Glucocorticoids in Humans
Authors: Page-Wilson Gabrielle , Peters Jane B , Panigrahi Sunil K , Jacobs Thomas P , Korner Judith , Otten Marc , Bruce Jeffrey N , Wardlaw Sharon L
Published: December 2018

Context

Glucocorticoids regulate energy balance, in part by stimulating the orexigenic neuropeptide agouti-related protein (AgRP). AgRP neurons express glucocorticoid receptors, and glucocorticoids have been shown to stimulate AgRP gene expression in rodents.

Objective

We sought to determine whether there is a relationship between plasma AgRP and hypothalamic AgRP in rats and to evaluate the relationship between cortisol and plasma AgRP in humans.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated plasma AgRP levels prior to transsphenoidal surgery in 31 patients with Cushing disease (CD) vs 31 sex- and body mass index–matched controls from a separate study. We then prospectively measured plasma AgRP, before and 6 to 12 months after surgery, in a subgroup of 13 patients with CD. Plasma and hypothalamic AgRP were measured in adrenalectomized rats with and without corticosterone replacement.

Results

Plasma AgRP was stimulated by corticosterone in rats and correlated with hypothalamic AgRP expression. Plasma AgRP levels were higher in patients with CD than in controls (139 ± 12.3 vs 54.2 ± 3.1 pg/mL; P < 0.0001). Among patients with CD, mean 24-hour urine free cortisol (UFC) levels were 257 ± 39 μg/24 hours. Strong positive correlations were observed between plasma AgRP and UFC (r = 0.76; P < 0.0001). In 11 of 13 patients demonstrating surgical cure, AgRP decreased from 126 ± 20.6 to 62.5 ± 8.0 pg/mL (P < 0.05) postoperatively, in parallel with a decline in UFC.

Conclusions

Plasma AgRP levels are elevated in CD, are tightly correlated with cortisol concentrations, and decline with surgical cure. These data support the regulation of AgRP by glucocorticoids in humans. AgRP’s role as a potential biomarker and as a mediator of the adverse metabolic consequences of CD deserves further study.
Recent insights into the structure and function of Mitofusins in mitochondrial fusion
Authors: Cohen Mickael M , Tareste David
Published: December 2018

Mitochondria undergo frequent fusion and fission events to adapt their morphology to cellular needs. Homotypic docking and fusion of outer mitochondrial membranes are controlled by Mitofusins, a set of large membrane-anchored GTPase proteins belonging to the dynamin superfamily. Mitofusins include, in addition to their GTPase and transmembrane domains, two heptad repeat domains, HR1 and HR2. All four regions are crucial for Mitofusin function, but their precise contribution to mitochondrial docking and fusion events has remained elusive until very recently. In this commentary, we first give an overview of the established strategies employed by various protein machineries distinct from Mitofusins to mediate membrane fusion. We then present recent structure–function data on Mitofusins that provide important novel insights into their mode of action in mitochondrial fusion.
Additive manufacturing
Authors: Тарасова Татьяна , Tarasova Tat'yana
Published: December 2018

The manual outlines the basics of additive manufacturing and describes the basic principles of additive technologies; theoretical and technological bases of production of products from polymer and metal materials using additive technologies; shows the stages of development of technological processes of additive manufacturing and examples of modern equipment for the manufacture of products using additive technologies.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standard of higher education of the last generation.
The book is intended for training students of higher educational institutions of machine-building specialties.
Understanding risk and informed decision-making
Authors: Linden Belinda
Published: December 2018

Being informed and involved in decision-making can give people control over their health and their overall prognosis. Although many treatments are associated with a degree of harm, any adverse effects from a procedure or medication need to be weighed against the evidence of benefit for each individual. Are patients armed with sufficient information to make decisions on their treatment? Are health professionals adequately trained in risk communication? Why do some people ignore professional advice in the face of clear evidence of benefit? This article explores these questions by discussing various methods of communicating risk, and the influences of emotion, age and gender on making decisions. The importance of mutual respect, honesty and trust between health professionals and patients is needed for successful shared decision-making to be achieved.
Management of cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: O'Donovan Kate
Published: December 2018

Cardiogenic shock associated with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a potentially devastating complication. This type of shock consists of left ventricular dysfunction causing haemodynamic instability and end-organ hypoperfusion resulting in multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Despite advances in management of STEMI, especially in the realm of reperfusion strategies, mortality rates remain high. The pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, resulting in a clinical presentation of hypotension and signs of hypoperfusion. Patient assessment comprises a targeted history and a thorough physical examination, with echocardiography playing a pivotal role in identifying the cause.
Diagnosis and management of children and young people with familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Priestley-Barnham Lorraine , Breen Jane , Neves Emma , Khan Tina Z , Barbir Mahmoud
Published: December 2018

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia is a common genetic condition characterised by the impaired clearance of low density lipoprotein cholesterol from the bloodstream. Incidence rates can be as high as 1/250 and those confirmed with familial hypercholesterolaemia are predisposed to progressive atherosclerosis throughout childhood, increasing their risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Early identification and initiation of risk factor management and lipid-lowering therapy are fundamental if this risk and its associated comorbidities are to be reduced and a life expectancy similar to that of the general population restored. This article discusses several aspects of familial hypercholesterolaemia including identification, diagnosis through genetic testing and treatment protocols in a tertiary cardiac centre. It aims to share key learning points with other institutions either already established in the care of paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia or those contemplating forming a service to meet the needs of this growing cohort.
Research Roundup
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: December 2018

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail.
My condition doesn't define me—my journey with HOCM
Authors: Moore Steffi
Published: December 2018

In our monthly feature, Patient Stories, the people on the receiving end of the care you deliver share their experiences, challenges and lessons of diagnosis, treatment, care and life with various cardiac conditions. This month, 22-year-old Steffi Moore reflects on her journey with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, and how she arrived at the full, albeit challenging, life she lives today.
Evaluation of Biological Activity Exerted by an Aza-bicyclocarboxylic acid Derivative using Anischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model
Authors: Lauro Figueroa-Valverde , Marcela Rosas-Nexticapa , Virginia Mateu-Armand , Socorro Herrera-Meza , Francisco Díaz-Cedillo , Elodia García-Cervera , Eduardo Pool-Gómez , Rolando García-Martínez , Regina Cauich-Carrillo , Saidy Euan-Hau , Perla Parra-Galindo
Published: December 2018

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of a new compound (derived from aza-bicyclo-carboxylic acid) against heart failure caused by the ischemia- reperfusion phenomenon. In addition, to characterize de molecular mechanism involved in the effect exerted by aza-bicyclo-carboxylic acid against infarction area, some drugs such as prazosin, metoprolol, propanolol, tamoxifen, flutamide, finasteride, nifedipine, levosimedan, adenosine, rolofylline, isoproterenol and the compound ZM-241385 were used as pharmacological tools. The data found indicated that biological activity induced by compound 3 on infarction area only was similar at effect exerted by adenosine; however, the effect produced by compound 3 was blocked with of rolofylline. Other data showed that the biological activity of compound 3 decreases the cAMP levels in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, the results indicate that compound 3 can produce a cardioprotective effect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury translated as a decrease on infarction area; this phenomenon involves A1-adenosine receptor activation and, as a result may cause changes in cAMP levels.
An Artificial Niche for Circulating Endothelial Cells During Tumor Angiogenesis Mediated by Prostate Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Babu Pydi Chinna , Rentala Satyanarayana
Published: December 2018

Angiogenesis research investigates the formation of new blood vessels in wound healing, tumour growth and embryonic development. The present paper describes the application of circulating endothelial progenitor (CEP) cells expressing CD133 and VEGFR2. To do so, the CEPs were isolated from human peripheral blood and expanded in an artificial niche using in a transwell plate. The migration, adhesion, homing and differentiation of CEPs towards prostate cancer stem cells were studied. This model is more suitable to study tumor metastasis for the development of novel therapeutics.
Mortality Rate and Its Associated Factors in Patients with Non ST-Elevation-Acute Coronary Syndrome in Bali: Results from A Single Center Registry
Authors: Rina Artha I Made Junior , Pande Dwipayana I Made
Published: December 2018

Non-ST elevation – acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) consisted of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) diagnoses, which are common cardiac events in Indonesia, including Bali. To evaluate in-hospital mortality and its associated factors in patients with NSTE-ACS patients in the Province of Bali. This was a cross-sectional study using data from ACS 2016 registry in Bali. Subjects were adult ACS patients who were hospitalized in Sanglah General Hospital (SGH), Denpasar, Bali Island. Diagnosis of ACS was grouped into NSTEMI and UAP. Demography, clinical data, and anticoagulant treatment were analyzed. Clinical outcome was in-hospital mortality. A total of 421 NSTE-ACS patients were diagnosed; 300 (71.3%) among them were men. Patients’ mean age was 59 + 12.0 years. Diagnoses were UAP in 260 (61.8%) and non-STEMI in 161 (38.2%) cases. Heparin treatment was given to 409 (97.1%) patients, consisted of 96 (22.8%) unfractionated heparin (UFH), 177 (42.0%) fondaparinux, and 136 (32.3%) enoxaparin. There were 8 (1.9%) patients who underwent early PCI. The overall mortality rate of NSTE-ACS patients was 6.4%; it was higher in NSTEMI than UAP patients (13.0% vs. 2.3%; p<0.001; OR = 6.350; 95% CI = 2.504 – 16.101). Components of GRACE risk score and a score of >140 were risk factor for in-hospital death. Mortality rate was 12.5% with heparin therapy, 6.6% in patients treated with enoxaparin, and 2.3% in patients receiving fondaparinux. GRACE risk score is the only independent risk factor of death. Mortality of NSTE-ACS patients is still high (6.4%). High GRACE score is a significant risk factor of in-hospital death. The use of fondaparinux as anticoagulant agent may improve survival. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Prevalence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Gram Negative Bacilli in Egypt
Authors: Abd ElSalam Mohamed , Gamal Doaa , El Said Manal , Salem Dalia , Abu Aitta Aisha , S El Gamal Mamdouh
Published: December 2018

Resistance to quinolone has increased significantly and one of the most reasons is plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR). The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence of PMQR in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram negative bacilli and to characterize these resistance genes. A total of 420 Gram negative bacilli clinical isolates were collected from patients attending Misr children hospital. Isolates were identified by biochemical reactions, while antimicrobial susceptibility testingwas done by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ciprofloxacin were detected by E-test, whereas combined test method was used to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production. QnrA, qnrB, and qnrS genes were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MDRGram negative bacilli represented 68% (268/420); most of them were recovered from blood culture specimens (21%).Among these MDR isolates21%(60/268) were ciprofloxacin resistant; with MICs >32µg/ml in 95% of the isolates.ESBL production was detected in 11.7% of the studied isolates. The qnr genes were detected in 60%. QnrS and qnrB were the detected genes in 77.8% and 16.7% of the isolates respectively. Both qnrB and qnrS genes were determined simultaneously in 5.5%.QnrB gene was found alone in only one isolate (14.3%) that was ESBL-producer. The most MDR isolates were recovered from blood culture; this confirms the occurrence of these superbugs and their ability to cause life threatening infections. The prevalence of quinolone resistant Gram negative bacilli clinical isolates is high. The mostly prevalent PMQR gene is qnrS followed by qnrB.
A Comparative Study On Viability Of Mcf-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines Using Piperine And Tamoxifen – An In Vitro Study With A Novel Mishmash
Authors: Gokul Thulasi , Anusha D. , David Darling Chellathai
Published: December 2018

This breast cancer is the one which is common in people across the country with mortality incidence ratio of 66 in rural and 8 in urban according to statistics in India. Breast cancer can be cured once it is diagnosed appropriately and when treatment is started at right time with right drug in proper dosage. But chemotherapy itself have many adverse events, to come over these problems, we can always have a help of natural products in hand like Piperine for the safety in future. To evaluate Anti-Cancer activity of Piperine and Tamoxifen and in both as Combination on the MCF 7 human breast cancer cell lines. Breast cancer cells (MCF) have been treated with piperine and incubated at 37 c, the drug samples are added and incubated for 3 hours then followed by MTT dye is added and incubated.1 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide is added and incubated. Absorbance at 537nm was measured with UV spectrophotometer using DMSO as the blank. Then IC50 was determined in graphical representation according to percentage of cell viability and concentration of sample. The anti-cancer effect of Piperine and Tamoxifen and in Combination, when treated with MCF 7 human breast cancer cell lines, starting from minimum to maximum dose concentration (μg/ml), the percentage of cell viability is 51.49 at the dose of 62.5 μg/ml, 51.09 at 125 μg/ml, 52 at the dose of 32.5 for Piperine, tamoxifen and combination respectively. From this study, the drug Piperine on combining with Tamoxifen have significant anti-cancer activity, which would probably play a role as cytotoxic agent in tumour cells.
A Cross-Sectional Study To Evaluate age and Gender Related Differences in Drug Utilization in Ischemic Heart Disease at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Panchaksharimath Praveen , Praveen A. N. , Manjunath R.
Published: December 2018

Drug utilization study is a powerful exploratory tool to evaluate the present trends of drug prescribing and appropriateness of prescription. To analyse the age and gender related differences in utilization of different classes of drugs in patients for Ischemic heart disease (IHD) management. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from August 2017 to March 2018 in Cardiology department, PMSSY, BMC&RI, Bengaluru. The demographic, and drug prescription data of IHD patients were analyzed according to age group (18–59 years versus ≥ 60 years) and gender wise. Out of 520 patients diagnosed with IHD, 68% were male patients and 60% were aged ≥ 60 years. The most common co-morbid condition was Hypertension (66%) and was significant in patients aged ≥ 60 years (P= 0.0033). Anti-platelet drugs (100%) followed by Lipid lowering drugs (96%) were most commonly prescribed. The average number of drugs per prescription was found to be 6.44. Prescription of Dual anti-platelet therapy was found to be significant among men (<0.0001). Prescription of Diuretics (p = 0.045) and Pregabalin (p = 0.031) were significantly higher among females and Prescription of Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was significantly higher among those aged 18–59 years. Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus were the most common co-morbidities observed with IHD. ARBs, Diuretics, Proton pump inhibitors, Anti Diabetic Agents and Pregabalin showed significant differences in the drug utilization with respect to age and gender. Dual anti-platelet therapy was observed to be significantly higher among males. This study has been registered in CTRI (CTRI/2018/05/013949).
Effect of Ozonated Water on Ochratoxin A levels in Locally Broiler Meat in Baghdad Province
Authors: D. Taher Dunya , Abdul-Shaheed Dalia A.
Published: December 2018

The main objectives of the present research were to determination of Ochratoxin A in locally broiler meat sold in markets of Baghdad province by ELISA, effect of ozonated water treatment (0.5ppm/15 min.) on the level of Ochratoxin A in positive samples and finally determination of Ochratoxin A after ozonated water treatment. A total of 50 samples were collected randomly from various markets located in different locations of Baghdad province from each sector Al-Kirkh and Al-Rusafa during November 2017 to March 2018. All meat samples were positive for Ochratoxin A and the result showed that there were a significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the residual levels (ppm) of Ochratoxin A between Al-Kirkh and Al-Rusafa before and after ozonated water treatment. The highest Mean ± SE values were recorded in Al-Rusafa (0.648 ± 0.0020), followed by Al-Kirkh (0.636 ± 0.0025) before ozonated water treatment, while the highest Mean ± SE values after ozonated water treatment were recorded in Al-Rusafa (0.346 ± 0.0025), followed by Al-Kirkh (0.332 ± 0.0049). The lowest Mean ± SE values of Ochratoxin A before ozonated water treatment were recorded in Al-Rusafa (0.502 ± 0.0040), followed by Al-Kirkh (0.504 ± 0.0058), while the lowest Mean ± SE values of Ochratoxin A after ozonated water treatment were recorded in Al-Rusafa, followed by Al-Kirkh also at (0.264 ± 0.0040), and (0.266 ± 0.0025) respectively. This research indicated that the poultry meat treated with ozonated water has the advantages methods that it did not affect the colour and texture characteristics of the meat, can be used to eliminate or reduce Ochratoxin A residues at the same time, and can be used in any slaughter house without the need to modify the design of the buildings.
Pathological Risk Factor Profile for Enucleated Retinoblastoma at Sanglah General Hospital
Authors: Yuliawati Putu , Ekawati Ni Putu
Published: December 2018

Retinoblastoma is a primary intraocular tumor on childhood. It has a good prognosis with early detection. Aim of this study is to know Pathological Risk Factors (PRF) profile of enucleated retinoblastoma at Sanglah General Hospital. This study is an observational retrospective study based on patient’s medical record and pathological examination. Twenty patients were included in this study, 50% were female and 50% male within age ranging from 7 month – 12 years old. Unilateral retinoblastoma was found in 18 patients (90.5%), bilateral retinoblastoma was found in 2 patients (9.5%). Majority PRF profile found that cancer cell invasions was 60% choroid infiltration and 45% of anterior segment invasion, 60% of optic nerve infiltration, and 50.1% scleral invasion. Tumor cell aggregation showed 61.9% poorly differentiated malignant cells. None of the patients had family history of retinoblastoma. This study revealed optic nerve and choroid invasion were the major PRF found in retinoblastoma, but there is a significant association between scleral infiltration and tumor cell differentiation (p = 0.025). There was no statistical difference of PRF based on age, gender, and laterality.
Assessment of Myeloperoxidase Levels In Relation to the Nature and Duration of Orthodontic Forces – An In vivo, Split Mouth Study
Authors: Sharma Vineet , Nambiar Supriya , Manjrekar Poornima , Desai Asavari , Philip Pramod
Published: December 2018

To assess the change in the myeloperoxidase levels(MPO)in the gingival crevicular fluid(GCF) at different time intervals during the course of orthodontic treatment with the application of intermittent and continuous forces. It was an interventional, split mouth study done on twenty patients scheduled to undergo fixed orthodontic treatment with therapeutic extractions of the first premolars.Mini implant assisted enmasse retraction was done after leveling and aligning of the arch.Continuous force with the help of Niti coil spring was used in the first quadrant and intermittent force with an elastomeric chain was used in the second quadrant. MPO was collected from the GCF using What man’s paper at baseline,1 week and 2 weeks after the application of retraction forces.The levels were assessed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Mean MPO activity was increased in the GCF of all the patients at 1 and 2 weeks after retraction,in both quadrants.At 2 weeks, MPO levels at the intermittent force application site were found to be significantly higher than those at the site of continuous force application. Myeloperoxidase is a useful marker to assess inflammation associated with orthodontic tooth movement.Intermittent forces cause a higher degree of inflammation as compared to continuous forces.
Probabilistic Identification and Estimation of Noise: Application to MR Images
Authors: Anjanappa C. , Sheshadri H.S.
Published: December 2018

For proper modelling of signal and noise in MR data requires proper interpretation and analysis of data, the different approaches with this degradation due to random fluctuations in the MR data, probabilistic modeling is power solution, which needs correctness in the computation of noise is challenging task and various stastical approaches can be utilized. After modelling the noise it can be integrated to denoising pipeline, in this research work, the recognition of noise only pixels and the evaluation of standard deviation of noise using median, mean or other optimal sample quantiles are combined in to single frame work for noise assement and uses fixed point iterative procedure to obtain standard deviation of noise. We tested the effectiveness of the algorithm to the MR clinical and synthetic data base.
Combined Extraskeletal Chondrosarcoma of Left Orbit : A Rare Second Primary Tumor of Retinoblastoma Survivor A Case Report
Authors: Winarti Ni Wayan , Susantio Rosalina , Yuliawati Ni Putu
Published: December 2018

Retinoblastoma, a rare eye malignant tumor of childhood, is generally responsive to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but the survivors have high risk to development of second primary tumors (SPTs) due to genetic susceptibility and/or prior radiation therapy. The SPTs predominantly occured among heritable form of Retinoblastoma and show worse prognosis than Retinoblastoma itself. A 13 years old girl underwent enucleation to remove tumor mass within her left orbit. This tumor initially appeared 4 years after the patient undergoing right bulbar enucleation and receiving chemotherapy due to Retinoblastoma in her right eye. Clinical and radiologic examination suspected the left one as a late presentation of bilateral Retinoblastoma, but microscopic examination revealed a combined Extraskeletal Chondrosarcoma. The histologic type of this SPT is rare, so does it occurance at younger age and in a survivor with unilateral Retinoblastoma wihout a history of radiation therapy. The treatment of choice is combine surgery and chemo/radiation therapy, and the prognosis is poor.
Genetic Diversity and Dendrogram of Cardiospermum Halicacabum- An In vitro Study
Authors: Thiruvengadam S. , Shreenidhi K.S. , Kumar Mohan B.S.
Published: December 2018

Cardiospermum halicacabum commonly known as Balloon plant or Love in a puff, a climbing plant often found in tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia. It is widely used in homeopathic medicine for the treatment of arthritis, purulent discharge and others. This particular plant species is becoming endangered due to their extensive use for commercial purposes and genetic diversity at inter-species level arises due to geographical distribution, climate changes and environmental stress. As an initiative for conservation of this species, the present contemplation was done by collecting DNA samples from leaves of the above mentioned plant which were grown in five different locations in and around Chennai and the investigation of their diversity was done using genetically reliable DNA markers like OPA 5, OPA 9, OPA 10, OPB 18, OPC 7, OPN 7 and OPN 12. RAPD PCR was performed. It provided providing information at molecular level and the total number of bands formed, designate the presence of genetic variations among species in different location. Dendrogram was constructed using scoring methods found the differences among the same species arising from evolution, it could be environmental change and technological developmental impacts.
Effect of Final Irrigation Protocol on Dentin Microhardness
Authors: Abbas Farah Salahalden , Abdulredah Nadeen Jamal , Hassan Amer Salman
Published: December 2018

Endodontic therapy is essentially a debridement procedure that requires the removal of the irritants of the canal and periapical tissue if success is to be gained. The debridement may include instrumentation of the canal, placement of medicament and irrigants. Complete cleaning of the root-canal system requires the use of irrigants that dissolve organic and inorganic material. The study aimed to evaluate changes in dentin microhardness after canal irrigation with different solutions. Twenty four freshly extracted human mandibular molars (distal roots with single canals) were used. 10mm root length was taken as standard length. The roots were embedded into auto polymerizing acrylic resin using plastic molds before the canals preparation and micro hardness test. The distal roots were prepared with one shape rotary file. Before the preparation each root was irrigated with 1ml distilled water. Then the roots were divided into four groups according to the final irrigation protocol: Group A: NaOCl 2.5%, Group B: EDTA 17%, Group C: Citric Acid 40%, Group D: Distilled Water. For (Vicker microhardness test) the same load and time 500 g test load for 20 seconds, will be conducted three times at distance 0.5mm from canal lumen ; thus there will be 9 indentations on each specimen surface. An average of the three readings for each test condition will be recorded as the VHN value of a specimen. Comparing all four groups statistically there was no significant difference among them. The mean values were found more reduced in EDTA group followed by NaOCL group, and then Control and Citric Acid groups. All the groups showed reduction in dentin microhardness. EDTA group showed the maximum reduction followed by NaOCL group, and least with Citric Acid group.
Noise Effect of Gamelan Jegog to the Risk of Hearing Loss among Jegog Players in Sangkaragung Village, Negara, Jembrana
Authors: Setiawan Eka Putra , Riska Maryati Made
Published: December 2018

Jegog is a traditional Balinese music from the region of Jembrana. It consists of several sets of instruments made of big size bamboo tubes. When being played together, the instrument produce high intensity noise. This study examine the effect of this noise to the risk of hearing loss among the players. This study was conducted in the village of Sangkaragung, Negara, Jembrana. This study used a cross sectional method, being conducted in May-June 2016. The target population is all players of Jegog. The reachable target is Jegog players in the village of Sangkaragung. The sample group is the Jegog Players, who are residents of the Sangkaragung village those have been exposed to the noise of Jegog. The control group is Sangkaragung villagers who are not Jegog players and those have not been exposed to the noise of Jegog. Samples were chosen by total random sampling, while controls were taken by simple random sampling according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion rules. Jegog produces noise in the range of 86 – 105 dB. The players have been exposed to the Jegog noise for an average of 2 hours per day or 10 hours per week. Among the 37 players in the sample group, there were 13 (35.1%) players found to have noise induced hearing loss seen in their audiogram. In the control group consisting of 37 villagers, there were only 2 (5,4%) persons found to have noise induced hearing loss. This resulted in a 7 adjusted prevalence ratio, which means that Jegog players have risk of having noise induced hearing loss 7 times higher than the control group. Statistic test gives a confidence interval 95%(1.6-31.1) with p= 0.011 (p<5). Statistically, there is a significant correlation between the noise of Jegog with the hearing loss among the players.
Evolution of the activation domain in a Hox transcription factor
Authors: Liu Ying , Huang Annie , Booth Rebecca M. , Mendes Gabriela Geraldo , Merchant Zabeena , Matthews Kathleen S. , Bondos Sarah E.
Published: December 2018

Linking changes in amino acid sequences to the evolution of transcription regulatory domains is often complicated by the low sequence complexity and high mutation rates of intrinsically disordered protein regions. For the Hox transcription factor Ultrabithorax (Ubx), conserved motifs distributed throughout the protein sequence enable direct comparison of specific protein regions, despite variations in the length and composition of the intervening sequences. In cell culture, the strength of transcription activation by Drosophila melanogaster Ubx correlates with the presence of a predicted helix within its activation domain. Curiously, this helix is not preserved in species more divergent than flies, suggesting the nature of transcription activation may have evolved. To determine whether this helix contributes to Drosophila Ubx function in vivo, wild-type and mutant proteins were ectopically expressed in the developing wing and the phenotypes evaluated. Helix mutations alter Drosophila Ubx activity in the developing wing, demonstrating its functional importance in vivo. The locations of activation domains in Ubx orthologues were identified by testing the ability of truncation mutants to activate transcription in yeast one-hybrid assays. In Ubx orthologues representing 540 million years of evolution, the ability to activate transcription varies substantially. The sequence and the location of the activation domains also differ. Consequently, analogous regions of Ubx orthologues change function over time, and may activate transcription in one species, but have no activity, or even inhibit transcription activation in another species. Unlike homeodomain-DNA binding, the nature of transcription activation by Ubx has substantially evolved.
Hox cluster genes and collinearities throughout the tree of animal life
Authors: Gaunt Stephen J.
Published: December 2018

The discovery of Hox gene clusters, first in Drosophila (a protostome) and then as homologues in vertebrates (deuterostomes), was a major step in our understanding of both developmental and evolutionary biology. Hox genes in both species perform the same overall function: that is, organization of the body along its head-tail axis. The conclusion is that the protostome-deuterostome ancestor, founder of 99% of all described animal species, must already have had this same basic Hox cluster, and that it probably used it in the same way to establish its body plan. A striking feature of Hox genes is the spatial collinearity rule: that order of the genes along the chromosome corresponds with the order of their expression domains along the embryo. For vertebrates, though not Drosophila, there is also the temporal collinearity rule: that order of genes along the chromosome corresponds with timing of Hox expressions in the embryo. Although Hox genes are clearly recognized in pre-bilaterians (Cnidaria), it is only in bilaterians that the characteristic clustered Hox arrangement and function is commonly found. Spatial collinearity in expression is conserved widely throughout Bilateria but temporal collinearity is so far limited to vertebrates, cephalochordates, and some arthropods and annelids. In addition to conserved use of Hox genes to pattern the head-tail axis, some animal groups, particularly lophotrochozoans, have extensively co-opted Hox genes, outside collinearity rules, to regulate development of novel structures. Satisfactory understanding of Hox cluster function requires better understanding of the bilaterian last common ancestor (Urbilateria). Xenacoelomorpha may provide useful living models of the ancestral bilaterian condition.
Post-translational modifications of HOX proteins, an underestimated issue
Authors: Draime Amandine , Bridoux Laure , Graba Yacine , Rezsohazy René
Published: December 2018

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are important determinants which contribute to modulating the turn-over, intracellular localisation, molecular interactions and activity of most eukaryotic proteins. Such modifications and their consequences have been extensively examined for some proteins or classes of proteins. This is not the case for the HOX transcription factors which are crucial regulators of animal development. In this review, we provide a survey of the literature and data repositories pertaining to HOX-associated PTMs. This highlights that HOX proteins are also likely widely post-translationally modified, and defines HOX PTMs as an under-valued facet of their biology.
Hox and Tale transcription factors in heart development and disease
Authors: Lescroart Fabienne , Zaffran Stephane
Published: December 2018

Hox genes are highly conserved transcription factors with critical functions during development, in particular for patterning the antero-posterior axis of the embryo. Their action is very often associated with cofactors including the TALE family transcription factors. From Drosophila to vertebrates, Hox genes have been shown to have a major role in heart development. In this review, we focus on the increasing evidence implicating the anterior Hox genes and the Tale family members during heart development both in the cardiac mesoderm and in neural crest cells. Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life and a better understanding of the role of Hox and Tale factors is highly relevant to human pathologies and will provide novel mechanistic insights into the underlying defects.
Prep1 (pKnox1) transcription factor contributes to pubertal mammary gland branching morphogenesis
Authors: Sicouri Lara , Pisati Federica , Pece Salvatore , Blasi Francesco , Longobardi Elena
Published: December 2018

Prep1 (pKnox1) is a homeodomain transcription factor essential for in utero and post-natal development and an oncosuppressor gene in human and adult mice. We have analyzed its role in the development of the mouse mammary gland. We used Prep1i/i hypomorphic and Prep1F/F-Ker5CRE crosses to analyze the role of Prep1 in vivo in adult mouse mammary gland development. We also cultured mammary gland stem/progenitor cells in mammospheres to perform biochemical studies. Prep1 was expressed in mammary gland progenitors and fully differentiated mammary gland cells. Using different Prep1-deficient mouse models we show that in vivo Prep1 contributes to mammary gland branching since the branching efficiency of the mammary gland in Prep1-deleted or Prep1 hypomorphic mice was largely reduced. In-vitro, Prep1 sustained functions of the mammary stem/progenitor compartment. Prep1-deficient mammary stem/progenitor cells showed reduced ability to form mammospheres; they were not able to branch in a 3D assay, and exhibited reduced expression of Snail1, Snail2 and vimentin. The branching phenotype associated with increased Tp53-dependent apoptosis and inability to properly activate signals involved in branching morphogenesis. Finally, Prep1 formed complexes with Snail2, a transcription factor essential in branching morphogenesis, and its absence destabilizes and promotes Snail2 proteasome-mediated degradation. We conclude that Prep1 is required for normal adult mammary gland development, in particular at its branching morphogenesis step. By binding Snail2, Prep1 protects it from the proteasomal degradation.
A systematic survey of HOX and TALE expression profiling in human cancers
Authors: Jia Yunlong , Bleicher Françoise , Merabet Samir
Published: December 2018

HOX and TALE genes encode homeodomain (HD)-containing transcription factors that act in concert in different tissues to coordinate cell fates and morphogenesis throughout embryonic development. These two evolutionary conserved families contain several members that form different types of protein complexes on DNA. Mutations affecting the expression of HOX or TALE genes have been reported in a number of cancers, but whether and how the two gene families could be perturbed together has never been explored systematically. As a consequence, the putative collaborative role between HOX and TALE members for promoting or inhibiting oncogenesis remains to be established in most cancer contexts. Here, we address this issue by considering HOX and TALE expression profiling in normal and cancer adult tissues, using normalized RNA-sequencing expression data deriving from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) research projects. Information was extracted from 28 cancer types originating from 21 different tissues, constituting a unique comparative analysis of HOX and TALE expression profiles between normal and cancer contexts in human. We present the general and specific rules that could be deduced from this large-scale comparative analysis. Overall this work provides a precious annotated support to better understand the role of specific HOX/TALE combinatorial codes in human cancers.
Hox transcription factors: an overview of multi-step regulators of gene expression
Authors: Carnesecchi Julie , Pinto Pedro B. , Lohmann Ingrid
Published: December 2018

Hox transcription factors (TFs) function as key determinants in the specification of cell fates during development. They do so by triggering entire morphogenetic cascades through the activation of specific target genes. In contrast to their fundamental role in development, the molecular mechanisms employed by Hox TFs are still poorly understood. In recent years, a new picture has emerged regarding the function of Hox proteins in gene regulation. Initial studies have primarily focused on understanding how Hox TFs recognize and bind specific enhancers to activate defined Hox targets. However, genome-wide studies on the interactions and dynamics of Hox proteins have revealed a more elaborate function of the Hox factors. It is now known that Hox proteins are involved in several steps of gene expression with potential regulatory functions in the modification of the chromatin landscape and its accessibility, recognition and activation of specific cis-regulatory modules, assembly and activation of promoter transcription complexes and mRNA processing. In the coming years, the characterization of the molecular activity of Hox TFs in these mechanisms will greatly contribute to our general understanding of Hox activity.
Emerging roles for HOX proteins in synaptogenesis
Authors: Gofflot Françoise , Lizen Benoit
Published: December 2018

Neural circuit formation requires the intricate orchestration of multiple developmental events including cell fate specification, cell migration, axon guidance, dendritic growth, synaptic target selection, and synaptogenesis. The HOX proteins are well-known transcriptional regulators that control embryonic development. Investigations into their action in the vertebrate central nervous system have demonstrated pivotal roles in specifying neural subpopulations, but also in several successive steps required for the assembly of neuronal circuitry, such as neuron migration, axon growth and pathfinding and synaptic target selection. Several lines of evidence suggest that the HOX transcription factors could also regulate synaptogenesis processes even after the process of axonal and dendritic guidance has concluded. Here we will review the current data on HOX proteins in neural circuit formation in order to evaluate their potential roles in establishing neuronal connectivity with specific emphasis on synapse formation and maturation.