bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The biology and treatment of plasmablastic lymphoma
Authors: Castillo Jorge J. , Bibas Michele , Miranda Roberto N. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPlasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive lymphoma commonly associated with HIV infection. However, PBL can also be seen in patients with other immunodeficiencies as well as in immunocompetent individuals. Because of its distinct clinical and pathological features, such as lack of expression of CD20, plasmablastic morphology, and clinical course characterized by early relapses and subsequent chemotherapy resistance, PBL can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for pathologists and clinicians alike. Despite the recent advances in the therapy of HIV-associated and aggressive lymphomas, patients with PBL for the most part have poor outcomes. The objectives of this review are to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology, biology, clinical and pathological characteristics, differential diagnosis, therapy, prognostic factors, outcomes, and potential novel therapeutic approaches in patients with PBL and also to increase the awareness toward PBL in the medical community.
Unilateral acute maculopathy associated with adult onset hand, foot and mouth disease: case report and review of literature
Authors: Agrawal Rupesh , Bhan Kanchan , Balaggan Kam , Lee Richard WJ , Pavesio Carlos E , Addison Peter KF 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
Acute maculopathy is a rare condition of unknown aetiology and Coxsackie virus is known to be associated with this macular chorioretinitis.

Findings
We report a case of acute unilateral maculopathy in a 35-year-old woman with concurrent hand foot and mouth disease. Furthermore, we display multimodal imaging (colour fundus photographs, autofluorescence, spectral domain ocular coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography) charting the course of the disease. The source of the virus was thought to be the patient's child. Empirical treatment with oral corticosteroids was commenced and the inflammation resolved, leaving a residual macular scar.

Conclusions
We present this case combined with the review of literature of adult onset Coxsackie-virus-associated retinitis. This case reiterates the fact that Coxsackie virus is an uncommon but important consideration in the differential diagnosis of chorioretinitis and posterior uveitis with atypical retinopathy.
Platelet mitochondrial dysfunction in critically ill patients: comparison between sepsis and cardiogenic shock
Authors: Protti Alessandro , Fortunato Francesco , Artoni Andrea , Lecchi Anna , Motta Giovanna , Mistraletti Giovanni , Novembrino Cristina , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Gattinoni Luciano 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntroductionPlatelet mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes (that produce energy) are variably inhibited during human sepsis. Whether these changes occur even during other acute critical illness or are associated with impaired platelet aggregation and secretion (that consume energy) is not known. The aims of this study were firstly to compare platelet mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes activity between patients with sepsis and those with cardiogenic shock, and secondly to study the relationship between platelet mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes activity and platelet responsiveness to (exogenous) agonists in patients with sepsis.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational, case–control study. Platelets were isolated from venous blood of 16 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock (free from antiplatelet drugs) and 16 others with cardiogenic shock, within 48 hours from admission to Intensive Care. Platelet mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes activity was measured with spectrophotometry and expressed relative to citrate synthase activity, a marker of mitochondrial density. Platelet aggregation and secretion in response to adenosine di-phosphate (ADP), collagen, U46619 and thrombin receptor activating peptide were measured with lumiaggregometry only in patients with sepsis. In total, 16 healthy volunteers acted as controls for both spectrophotometry and lumiaggregometry.ResultsPlatelets of patients with sepsis or cardiogenic shock similarly had lower mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase (NADH) (P < 0.001), complex I (P = 0.006), complex I and III (P < 0.001) and complex IV (P < 0.001) activity than those of controls. Platelets of patients with sepsis were generally hypo-responsive to exogenous agonists, both in terms of maximal aggregation (P < 0.001) and secretion (P < 0.05). Lower mitochondrial NADH (R20.36;P < 0.001), complex I (R20.38;P < 0.001), complex I and III (R20.27;P = 0.002) and complex IV (R20.43;P < 0.001) activity was associated with lower first wave of aggregation with ADP.ConclusionsSeveral platelet mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes are similarly inhibited during human sepsis and cardiogenic shock. In patients with sepsis, mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with general platelet hypo-responsiveness to exogenous agonists.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT00541827. Registered 8 October 2007.
Propofol, midazolam, vancomycin and cyclosporine therapeutic drug monitoring in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits primed with whole human blood
Authors: Lemaitre Florian , Hasni Nesrine , Leprince Pascal , Corvol Emmanuel , Belhabib Ghassen , Fillâtre Pierre , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Leven Cyril , Farinotti Robert , Fernandez Christine , Combes Alain 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Introduction
As a result of drug sequestration and increased volume of distribution, the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) procedure might lead to a decrease in drug concentrations during a patient’s treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate sedative, antibiotic and immunosuppressive drug loss in ECMO circuit using ex-vivo and in-vitro experiments.

Methods
Blood concentrations of propofol, midazolam, cyclosporine and vancomycin were measured in an ex-vivo ECMO circuit primed with whole human blood, and compared to controls stored in polypropylene tubes. In vitro experiments were also conducted to further explore the role of temperature, oxygen exposure and polyvinylchloride surfaces on propofol loss in the ECMO circuit.

Results
Propofol concentration decreased rapidly; 70% of its baseline concentration was lost after only 30 minutes, and only 11% remained after five hours (P <0.001 for the comparison with control polypropylene tube propofol concentration). Further experiments demonstrated that oxygen exposure and contact with polyvinylchloride tubing were respectively responsible for 70% and 85% of propofol loss after 45 minutes. Midazolam concentration also rapidly decreased in the ECMO circuit, with only 54% and 11% of baseline concentration being detected at 30 minutes and 24 hours respectively (P = 0.01 versus control). Alternatively, cyclosporine concentration remained stable for the five first hours, then decreased to 78% and 73% of the baseline value after 24 hours and 48 hours, (P = 0.35 versus control). Lastly, vancomycin concentration remained stable in the ECMO circuit for the 48-hour experimental protocol.

Conclusions
We observed important losses of propofol and midazolam, while cyclosporine concentration decreased slowly and moderately, and vancomycin concentration remained unchanged in the ex-vivo ECMO circuit primed with whole human blood. These data might help intensive care unit physicians planning clinical trials with a final objective to better adapt doses of these drugs while treating critically ill ECMO patients.
Cytotoxic activity of triazole-containing alkyl β-D-glucopyranosides on a human T-cell leukemia cell line
Authors: Oldham Edward Davis , Nunes Larissa M , Varela-Ramirez Armando , Rankin Stephen E , Knutson Barbara L , Aguilera Renato J , Lehmler Hans-Joachim 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
Simple glycoside surfactants represent a class of chemicals that are produced from renewable raw materials. They are considered to be environmentally safe and, therefore, are increasingly used as pharmaceuticals, detergents, and personal care products. Although they display low to moderate toxicity in cells in culture, the underlying mechanisms of surfactant-mediated cytotoxicity are poorly investigated.

Results
We synthesized a series of triazole-linked (fluoro)alkyl β-glucopyranosides using the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne reaction, one of many popular “click” reactions that enable efficient preparation of structurally diverse compounds, and investigate the toxicity of this novel class of surfactant in the Jurkat cell line. Similar to other carbohydrate surfactants, the cytotoxicity of the triazole-linked alkyl β-glucopyranosides was low, with IC50 values decreasing from 1198 to 24 μM as the hydrophobic tail length increased from 8 to 16 carbons. The two alkyl β-glucopyranosides with the longest hydrophobic tails caused apoptosis by mechanisms involving mitochondrial depolarization and caspase-3 activation.

Conclusions
Triazole-linked, glucose-based surfactants 4a-g and other carbohydrate surfactants may cause apoptosis, and not necrosis, at low micromolar concentrations via induction of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade; however, additional studies are needed to fully explore the molecular mechanisms of their toxicity.
A concise synthesis of Fingolimod: an orally available drug for treating multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yan Ning , Chen Kai , Bai Xinfa , Bi Lei , Yao Lei 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
A concise route for the synthesis of Fingolimod is reported. Starting from n-octylbenzene and 3-nitropropionic acid, a sequence of reactions consisting of Friedel-Crafts acylation, reduction, and double Henry reaction, followed by hydrogenation were applied to prepare Fingolimod with a yield of 31%, and an overall atom economy of 82.7%.
An iterative enhanced super-resolution system with edge-dominated interpolation and adaptive enhancements
Authors: Lin Chi-Kun , Wu Yi-Hsien , Yang Jar-Ferr , Liu Bin-Da 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
For super-resolution (4K × 2K) displays, super-resolution technologies, which can upsample videos to higher resolution and achieve better visual quality, become more and more important currently. In this paper, an iterative enhanced super-resolution (IESR) system which is based on two-pass edge-dominated interpolation, adaptive enhancement, and adaptive dithering techniques is proposed. The two-pass edge-dominated interpolation with a simple and regular kernel can sharpen visual quality while the adaptive enhancement can provide high-frequency perfection and the adaptive dithering conveys naturalization enhancement such that the proposed IESR system achieves better peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and exhibits better visual quality. Experimental results indicate that the proposed IESR system, which improves PSNR up to 28.748 dB and promotes structural similarity index measurement (SSIM) up to 0.917611 in averages, is better than the other existing methods. Simulations also exhibit that the proposed IESR system acquires lower computational complexity than the methods which achieve similar visual quality.
Evaluation of nonlinear filtering for radar data tracking
Authors: Liu Yanan , Wang Sese , Sun Zhuo , Shen Jihong 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Radar tracking plays an important role in the area of early warning and detection system, whose precision is closely connected with filtering algorithm. With the development of noise jamming technology in radar echo signal, linear filtering becomes more and more difficult to satisfy the demands of radar tracking, while nonlinear filtering can solve problems such as non-Gaussian noises. There exist a lot of nonlinear filtering algorithms at present, owning their particular characteristics. With this in mind, we provide a comprehensive overview of different nonlinear filtering algorithms in radar tracking, including basic ideas and concrete steps of them. For a more clear presentation, we also make comparisons of them from all sides. Through the analyses of different nonlinear data filters, we find that the unscented Kalman data filter (UKF) can achieve better performance than others. Therefore, we will simulate and show the performance of UKF, and performance of the extended Kalman data filter (EKF) under the same condition will be taken as comparison, whose accuracy was not ideal for radar tracking data filtering.
A proof of the Mazur-Orlicz theorem via the Markov-Kakutani common fixed point theorem, and vice versa
Authors: Przebieracz Barbara 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we present a new proof of the Mazur-Orlicz theorem, which uses the Markov-Kakutani common fixed point theorem, and a new proof of the Markov-Kakutani common fixed point theorem, which uses the Mazur-Orlicz theorem.
Regularized gradient-projection methods for the constrained convex minimization problem and the zero points of maximal monotone operator
Authors: Tian Ming , Jiao Si-Wen 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this paper, based on the viscosity approximation method and the regularized gradient-projection algorithm, we find a common element of the solution set of a constrained convex minimization problem and the set of zero points of the maximal monotone operator problem. In particular, the set of zero points of the maximal monotone operator problem can be transformed into the equilibrium problem. Under suitable conditions, new strong convergence theorems are obtained, which are useful in nonlinear analysis and optimization. As an application, we apply our algorithm to solving the split feasibility problem and the constrained convex minimization problem in Hilbert spaces.
Fixed point results for set-contractions on metric spaces with a directed graph
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Alfuraidan Monther Rashed , Khan Abdul Rahim , Nazir Talat 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we establish the existence of fixed points for set-valued mappings satisfying certain graph contractions with set-valued domain endowed with a graph. These results unify, generalize, and complement various known comparable results in the literature.
Approximation of common solutions for variational inequalities and fixed point of strict pseudo-contractions in q-uniformly smooth Banach spaces
Authors: Nazari Esmaeil , Askari Saeid , Ramezani Mehdi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn the present paper, we introduce a general iterative algorithm for finding a common element of the set of common fixed points of an infinite family of strict pseudo-contractions and the set of solutions of the variational inequalities for finite family of strongly accretive mappings in a q-uniformly smooth Banach space. Furthermore, we prove strong convergence of the iterative sequence under suitable conditions. Our results generalize some recent results.
Detection of hepatitis B virus isolates with mutations associated with immune escape mutants among pregnant women in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Faleye Temitope Oluwasegun Cephas , Adewumi Moses Olubusuyi , Ifeorah Ijeoma Maryjoy , Omoruyi Ewean Chukwuma , Bakarey Solomon Adeleye , Akere Adegboyega , Awokunle Funmilola , Ajibola Hannah Opeyemi , Makanjuola Deborah Oluwaseyi , Adeniji Johnson Adekunle 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its associated immune escape mutants (IEMs), is the major vehicle through which a population of chronically infected people who serve as infectious HBV reservoirs is maintained in communities. Therefore, to assess the risk of perinatal transmission, 272 pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics in Ibadan metropolis, southwestern, Nigeria, were screened for HBsAg using ELISA technique. Samples positive for HBsAg were subjected to HBV DNA detection by PCR amplification of the S-gene and amplicon sequencing. Isolates were genotyped and subtyped using a combination of molecular techniques.
Fifteen (5.5%) of the pregnant women were positive for HBsAg of which HBV DNA was detected in seven. Five of the isolates were typed as genotype E subtype ayw4 using amino acid residues at positions 122, 127, 134 and 160. Another could only be typed as genotype E subtype ayw4 by further phylogenetic analysis. The remaining one isolate did not belong to any of genotypes A – H. Three of the HBV isolates including the untypable, had mutations in the ‘a’ determinant associated with IEMs.
This study confirms the endemicity of HBV, the risk of perinatal transmission and the circulation of genotype E subtype ayw4 in Nigeria. It further demonstrates the presence of IEMs in Nigeria.
Amino acids inhibit kynurenic acid formation via suppression of kynurenine uptake or kynurenic acid synthesis in rat brain in vitro
Authors: Sekine Airi , Okamoto Misaki , Kanatani Yuka , Sano Mitsue , Shibata Katsumi , Fukuwatari Tsutomu 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The tryptophan metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA), is a preferential antagonist of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at endogenous brain concentrations. Recent studies have suggested that increase of brain KYNA levels is involved in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. KYNA-producing enzymes have broad substrate specificity for amino acids, and brain uptake of kynurenine (KYN), the immediate precursor of KYNA, is via large neutral amino acid transporters (LAT). In the present study, to find out amino acids with the potential to suppress KYNA production, we comprehensively investigated the effects of proteinogenic amino acids on KYNA formation and KYN uptake in rat brain in vitro. Cortical slices of rat brain were incubated for 2 h in Krebs-Ringer buffer containing a physiological concentration of KYN with individual amino acids. Ten out of 19 amino acids (specifically, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, methionine, tyrosine, alanine, cysteine, glutamine, glutamate, and aspartate) significantly reduced KYNA formation at 1 mmol/L. These amino acids showed inhibitory effects in a dose-dependent manner, and partially inhibited KYNA production at physiological concentrations. Leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, all LAT substrates, also reduced tissue KYN concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, with their inhibitory rates for KYN uptake significantly correlated with KYNA formation. These results suggest that five LAT substrates inhibit KYNA formation via blockade of KYN transport, while the other amino acids act via blockade of the KYNA synthesis reaction in brain. Amino acids can be a good tool to modulate brain function by manipulation of KYNA formation in the brain. This approach may be useful in the treatment and prevention of neurological and psychiatric diseases associated with increased KYNA levels.
Effects of early and late-onset treatment with carvedilol in an experimental model of aortic regurgitation
Authors: Eskesen Kristian , Olsen Niels Thue , Dimaano Veronica L , Fritz-Hansen Thomas , Sogaard Peter , Abraham Theodore P 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
Beta-blockade is contraindicated in severe aortic regurgitation (AR) due to the fear of prolonging diastole and thus aggravate regurgitation. However, this has never been scientifically proven and positive effects of targeting the sympathetic system in AR has been demonstrated in several studies.

Method
Thirty-nine Sprague–Dawley rats with AR were randomized to ten weeks of medical treatment with carvedilol or no treatment. Treatment was initiated either early or late after AR induction. The effect of carvedilol was assessed by serial echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic measurements.

Results
AR resulted in eccentric hypertrophy and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. LV remodeling and function as measured by echocardiography was unaffected by treatment. LV dimensions were similar between treated and untreated groups and measures of LV performance (including strain and strain rate) were also unaltered. This result was confirmed by invasive measurements showing maximal and minimal pressure–time development, LV volumes, and LV pressures, to be unaltered by treatment. On the contrary, despite relative bradycardia carvedilol did not reflect any negative impact on the heart.

Conclusion
Carvedilol did not improve left ventricular remodeling or function in rats with surgically induced AR. Despite relative bradycardia, we did not find carvedilol to negatively impact the heart, either when treatment was initiated early or late in the course of disease.
Jasmonates elicit different sets of stilbenes in Vitis vinifera cv. Negramaro cell cultures
Authors: Taurino Marco , Ingrosso Ilaria , D’amico Leone , De Domenico Stefania , Nicoletti Isabella , Corradini Danilo , Santino Angelo , Giovinazzo Giovanna 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The plant phenol trans-resveratrol, which is mainly found in grape, displays a wide range of biological effects. A cell suspension culture was developed from calli of grape leaves of Vitis vinifera cv. Negramaro in order to study the bioproduction of resveratrol. The effects of a number of secondary plant metabolism elicitors, namely chitosan, methyl jasmonate, jasmonic acid, coronatine, and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, were tested on this cell suspension culture. The identification and quantification of stilbenes was achieved with high performance liquid chromatography, with both spectrophotometric and mass spectrometric detection. Of the tested elicitors, methyl jasmonate was the most effective in inducing the biosynthesis of approximately 4 mg g−1 dry weight (about 60 mg L−1) of resveratrol. Conversely, 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, jasmonic acid, and coronatine were able to trigger the synthesis of approximately 20 mg g−1 dry weight (200–210 mg L−1) of viniferins. Taken together, our results show for the first time different modulatory effects of closely-related jasmonates on stilbene biosynthesis.
A cross-cultural re-evaluation of the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) in five countries
Authors: Griffiths Mark D , Urbán Robert , Demetrovics Zsolt , Lichtenstein Mia B , de la Vega Ricardo , Kun Bernadette , Ruiz-Barquín Roberto , Youngman Jason , Szabo Attila 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Research into the detrimental effects of excessive exercise has been conceptualized in a number of similar ways, including ‘exercise addiction’, ‘exercise dependence’, ‘obligatory exercising’, ‘exercise abuse’, and ‘compulsive exercise’. Among the most currently used (and psychometrically valid and reliable) instruments is the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). The present study aimed to further explore the psychometric properties of the EAI by combining the datasets of a number of surveys carried out in five different countries (Denmark, Hungary, Spain, UK, and US) that have used the EAI with a total sample size of 6,031 participants. A series of multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were carried out examining configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance. The CFAs using the combined dataset supported the configural invariance and metric invariance but not scalar invariance. Therefore, EAI factor scores from five countries are not comparable because the use or interpretation of the scale was different in the five nations. However, the covariates of exercise addiction can be studied from a cross-cultural perspective because of the metric invariance of the scale. Gender differences among exercisers in the interpretation of the scale also emerged. The implications of the results are discussed, and it is concluded that the study’s findings will facilitate a more robust and reliable use of the EAI in future research.