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Issue 1, Volume 7, January
2010
Title
of the Paper:
Sensory Substitution for Visually Disabled People: Computer Solutions
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Authors:
Antonio Francisco Rodriguez-Hernandez, Carlos Merino, Oscar Casanova, Cristian
Modrono, Miguel Angel Torres, Raquel Montserrat, Gorka Navarrete, Enrique
Burunat, Jose Luis Gonzalez-Mora
Abstract: Sensory substitution can be defined as a technical-scientific
discipline which aims to provide sensory disabled people with information they
cannot acquire from the disabled sense through their intact senses. We present
here our team’s work in this R+D line for providing blind and severe visually
impaired people with real time spatial and text environmental information
through sounds. The objective is to model the real environment as a virtual
space where the object's surface appears as if covered by small sound sources,
which emit very locatable sounds in a continuous and near simultaneous way. It
is based on the hypothesis that the brain, when provided with this highly rich
spatial information, will generate a kind of visual-like perception of the
surrounding world. In this paper we describe our approach to this field and
the main results obtained, which have practical consequences in the field of
sensory rehabilitation as well as on the theory of perception.
Keywords: Sensory substitution, Blindness, Sonification, HRTF, Computer
vision, Brain plasticity
Title
of the Paper:
An Experimental Comparing Analysis Research on the Nano-Vectors for Drug
Delivery and for Gene Therapy
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Authors:
Tang Shao-Pu
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to explore the application of
nanotechnology to prepare optimal vectors for drug delivery and for gene
therapy. By reviewing relative literature, we found out that nano vectors can
be divided into four types: (1) organic high molecular, (2) inorganic mineral
clay moutmorillonite, (3) ultrasound, and (4) nanoparticulates. First we
review various types of drug delivery systems as vectors and then to compare
the differences between the nanovecotrs with other vectors. Finally an
experimental comparing analysis is conducted. The findings show that applying
nanotechnology will provide preparing nano vectors for both drug delivery and
gene therapy another promising implication.
Keywords: Nanotechnology, Nanovectors, Biomolecular, Drug delivery,
Gene therapy
Title
of the Paper:
Response of a Fractional Oscillator to Multiplicative Trichotomous Noise
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Authors:
Erkki Soika, Romi Mankin
Abstract: We explore the phenomenon of stochastic resonance occurring in a
fractional oscillator subjected to an external periodic force. The influence
of fluctuations of environmental parameters on the dynamics of the oscillator
is modeled as a multiplicative three-level Markovian noise. Using the Shapiro-Loginov
formula, exact expressions for the response to an external periodic field are
found. It is shown that there exists a critical memory exponent (a fractional
exponent) which marks a dynamical transition in the behavior of the system.
Particularly, it is demonstrated that the spectral amplification of the output
signal exhibits a resonance-like nonmonotonic dependence on noise parameters.
Influence of the memory exponent on friction-induced reentrant transitions
between different resonance regimes of the oscillator is also discussed.
Keywords: Stochastic oscillator, fractional oscillator, stochastic
resonance, trichotomous noise, hypersensitive response, viscoelastic friction
Issue 2, Volume 7,
April 2010
Title
of the Paper:
Mathematical Analysis of Some Models of Tumour Growth and Simulations
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Authors:
Akisato Kubo
Abstract: Our main interest is to characterize mathematical models of tumour
growth by clarifying the equivalence and difference between them
mathematically . We first discuss the solvability and the asymptotic profile
of the solution to some parabolic ODE systems described tumour
angiogenesis([12]-[15], [23], [24] ) . These models are proposed
independently, one arises from reinforced random walk, proposed by Othmer and
Stevens and another from a number of researches in biology and biomedicine,
proposed by Anderson and Chaplain. We show a rigorous relationship between
them and give a mathematical framework of the solvability and asymptotic
profiles of the solutions of them. Finally we study a mathematical model on
generic solid tumour growth at the avascular stage, proposed by Anderson and
Chaplain. The focus of their model is on an aspect of tissue invasion.
Although it is the different phenomenon from angiogenensis, we can find a
consistency in their mathematical structures. Then we will apply the approach
used in mathematical models of tumour angiogenesis to it and show the
solvability and the asymptotic profile of the solution of it. On the other
hand, we show some results of computer simulations of these models with the
help of our mathematical analysis.
Keywords: Tumour angiogenesis, Tumour invasion, Time global solution,
Collapse, Simulations
Title
of the Paper:
Chronodisruption Alter Expression of Tumorigenesis Associated Transcripts in
Mouse Brain
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Authors:
Rachel Ben-Shlomo, C. P. Kyriacou
Abstract: Disturbances in "natural" daily light regulation, as frequently
happen in modern life, may lead to the disruption of the circadian clock
organization. Such chronodisruption had been associated with disturbances in
cell cycle homeostasis and with malignancy. The International Agency for
Research in Cancer (IARC) classified "shift work that involves circadian
disruption" as possibly carcinogenic. Recently, I showed by microarray
analysis that light pulse during the dark phase promptly affects transcription
level of genes that directly control cell cycle progression in mouse brain.
Here I specifically assess the microarray results with respect to transcripts
that are associated with tumorigenesis. The analysis indicated that light
promptly affects transcription level of a substantial number of genes that are
associated with cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, as well as transcripts
that control cell cycle progression. A considerable assembly of affected
transcripts promotes cell proliferation. It includes tumor suppressors,
oncogenes and genes that are involved in tumor growth and metastasis. The
results suggest an association between light signal during the dark phase,
obstruction of the cell cycle homeostasis and tumorigenesis.
Keywords: Chronodisruption, Circadian rhythm, Light entrainment, Cell
cycle homeostasis, Tumorigenesis, microarray
Title
of the Paper:
Experimental and Theoretical Approaches to Enhance Anti Tubercular Activity of
Chalcones
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Authors:
P. M. Sivakumar, Vanaja Kumar, S. Prabu Seenivasan, J. Mohanapriya, Mukesh
Doble
Abstract: Twenty three chalcones are synthesized and evaluated for
antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv . Ortho chloro
substitutions at A and B-ring favor activity. Compound 12 with chloro and
hydroxyl substitution exhibits 98% reduction in relative light units at a
concentration of 100μg/ml. Methylsulfonyl chalcones also exhibit very good
activity. The requirements for the anti-infective activity are explored with
2D, 3D and group based QSAR studies. The 2D technique indicates the importance
of volume, refractivity and molecular weight of the compounds on the activity.
The 3DQSAR indicates less bulky (at R5) and more hydrophilic substituent
groups (at R3) can improve the Antitubercular activity. The GQSAR technique
indicates that hydrophilic groups in R3 or R5 positions can enhance activity.
The oral bioavailability of all the molecules are between 30-70%.Compound 12
is mildly acidic, soluble in water,stable at pH<2 and does not violate the
Lipinski’s rule of 5. Hence it appears to be a strong drug candidate.
Keywords: QSAR, chalcones, antimycobacterial activity, anti-infective,
hydrophilic groups, refractivity
Title
of the Paper:
ECG Signal Enhancement Using Wavelet Transform
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Authors:
Abdel-Rahman Al-Qawasmi, Khaled Daqrouq
Abstract: ECG is an important tool for the primary diagnosis of heart disease;
it shows the electrophysiology of the heart and the ischemic changes that may
occur like the myocardial infarction, conduction defects, and arrhythmia. The
ECG signal must be clearly represented and filtered to remove all noise and
artifacts from the signal. In this paper a new approach to filter the ECG
signal from noise is proposed using Wavelet Transform WT. Different ECG
signals are used and the method evaluated using MATLAB’ software. The aim of
this paper is to adapt the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to enhance the (ECG)
signal. The presented method showed good results comparing to conventional
methods particularly in ECG signal case. This method has better performance
than Donoho’s discrete wavelet thresholding coefficients and FIR filter.
Keywords: ECG signal, Filtration, Wavelet Transform, noise and
artifacts
Issue 3, Volume 7,
July 2010
Title
of the Paper:
Vertebrate MicroRNA Genes and CpG-Islands
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Authors:
Ka-Lok Ng, Chien-Hung Huang, Ming-Cheng Tsai
Abstract: A portion of five vertebrate species microRNA (miRNA) genes are
found to associate with CpGislands. It is calculated that 74 of 462 (16.0%),
37 of 373 (9.9%), 25 of 234 (10.7%), 25 of 149 (16.8%) and 11 of 177 (6.2%) of
the miRNA genes are located within 1000 bp of a CpG-island for human, mouse,
rat, chicken and frog respectively. A statistical test is proposed to quantify
the probability distribution of the relative distance between a miRNA gene and
a CpG-island, the results suggested that there could be some spatial
association between them. In the human and mouse samples the Fisher’s exact
test indicated that some of the promoter-related miRNA genes are
CpG-island-associated. These findings suggest that a potential role of these
miRNAs related to CpG-island methylation, which deserve further investigation.
A web-based interface has been implemented to facilitate data display, in
which the vertebrate CpG-associated miRNA genes results are publicly
available.
Keywords: MicroRNA, promoter regions, CpG-islands, methylation, gene
regulation
Title
of the Paper:
Survival Patients with Pulmonary Metastases in Testicular Cancer
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Authors:
Man Milena, Antigona Trofor, Dana Alexandrescu, Ovidiu Balanescu, Ioana
Neagoe, Monica Pop, Ruxandra Rajnoveanu
Abstract: Testicular cancer is a rare disease reaching only 1% of all cancer
types characteristic to men with ages between 15 and 34 years and has shown an
increasing worldwide incidence over the past 30 years. In contrast, the
mortality rate has decreased. Hematogen metastases are responsible for the
apparition of pulmonary nodules. Determining the pulmonary relapse model,
studying prognosis factors for defining risk groups and applying different
therapeutic strategies with the evaluation of survival represent the study’s
main objectives. We conducted a survey from January 2000 to December 2005 on
17 patients admitted in Cluj-Napoca Oncology Institute. We introduced in the
study patients diagnosed with testicular carcinoma and pulmonary metastases,
we analyzed risk factor and evolution of the diseases with survival function
calculated since cancer diagnosis, and the other calculated since pulmonary
metastases. We evaluated the risk factors correlated with survival: the
average age ,place of origin, histology tumor markers for our batch: Beta HCG,
AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), LDH ,types of pulmonary metastases, the presence of
other metastases, the number of metastatic locations, the time span between
the apparition of symptoms and diagnosis, the free interval the diagnosis of
the primary tumor and metastasis, and value of tumor markers at the time of
diagnosis. Based on these prognosis factors, the patients were divided into a
good prognosis category (good) and unfavorable (poor) . Because the risk
factors usually available are not sufficient to identify the subgroups of
patients with an unfavorable prognosis, we tried to evaluate new genetic
markers which could prove their prognosis value. We also sought to evaluate
the involvement of the hTERT gene in testicular pathology. Patients with
metastases will have a different prognosis depending on the relapse model and
will require individual strategies selected based on the risk factors by
combining available therapeutic modalities. Early diagnosis and treatment of
metastasis may lead to an improvement in the survival rate of cancer patients.
Keywords: Prognostic factor, survival, pulmonary metastases hTERT Gene,
testicular carcinomas, risk factor
Title
of the Paper:
IgG4-Related Sclerosing Disease
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Authors:
Terumi Kamisawa, Kensuke Takuma, Naoto Egawa
Abstract: Based on histological and immunohistochemical examination of various
organs of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) patients, we have found dense
infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells and T lymphocytes, as well as
fibrosis in the peripancreatic retroperitoneal tissue, bile duct wall,
gallbladder wall, periportal area of the liver, salivary glands, as well as
the pancreas. Furthermore, all of the extrapancreatic lesions associated with
AIP, such as sclerosing cholangitis, sclerosing sialadenitis, and
retroperitoneal fibrosis, show infiltration of abundant IgG4-positive plasma
cells. Both the pancreatic and the extrapancreatic lesions of AIP respond well
to steroid therapy. Therefore, we proposed the existence of a novel
clinicopathological entity, an “IgG4-related sclerosing disease”, and
suggested that AIP is a pancreatic lesion of this systemic disease. Some
inflammatory pseudotumors may be involved in this disease. In some cases, only
1 or 2 organs are clinically involved, while in others, 3 or 4 organs are
affected. The disease occurs predominantly in elderly males, is frequently
associated with lymphadenopathy, and responds well to steroid therapy. Serum
IgG4 levels and immunostaining with anti-IgG4 antibody are useful in making
the diagnosis. The precise pathogenesis and pathophysiology of IgG4-related
sclerosing disease remain unclear. Since malignant tumors are frequently
suspected on initial presentation, IgG4-related sclerosing disease should be
considered in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Keywords: IgG4-related sclerosing disease, autoimmune pancreatitis,
IgG4, sclerosing cholangitis, sclerosing sialadenitis, retroperitoneal
fibrosis
Title
of the Paper:
Multiple Functions of the Cholinesterase Inhibiting Polyalkylpyridinium Salts
Extracted from the Marine Sponge, Haliclona Sarai
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Authors:
F. Garaventa, V. Piazza, A. Zovko, T. Turk, E. Chelossi, C. Falugi, M. G.
Aluigi, C. Angelini, S. Trombino, L. Gallus, S. Ferrando, A. Albini, L.
Paleari, K. Sepcic, M. Faimali
Abstract: The interest on the Mediterranean sponge Haliclona sarai was raised
some years ago by the fact that this sponge appears free from parasites and
fouling organisms present in its environment. The study of such a feature was
at the beginning due to the interest in finding new and efficient anti-fouling
substances for applicative purposes. The characteristic was related to the
expression of poly-alkylpyridinium salts (poly- APs), a mixture of two of
3-octylpyridinium polymers, including 29 and 99 monomeric units. The main
effect of this compound was represented by the strong specific and non-toxic
acetylcholinesterase inhibition in vitro. The substance was first tested for
its effect on larval development and settling of incrusting organisms, such as
Amphibalanus amphitrite. The experiments confirmed the ability of Poly-APs to
prevent settlement of sessile organism, by impinging on the AChE activity.
Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme associated to the cholinergic signal system,
but is also involved in cell-to-cell communication driving embryonic
development and in the regulation of several cellular features, such as
apoptosis and cell movements, and is present in some tumour cells and
biopsies. Cytotoxicity tests on immortalized and primary cell lines derived
from lung tumour (NSCLC) showed a poly-APS dose-dependent selective reduction
of cell viability, statistically significant. The same cells, exposed to the
poly-APS salts exhibited a loss in the mitochondrial potential, and positive
response to apoptosis assays. What makes the poly-APS salts interesting as
anticancer therapy adjuvant is that they, at the concentrations inducing
apoptosis in tumour cells, seem to scarcely affect the viability of
lymphocytes isolated from healthy patients. In this promising frame, the need
emerges for the isolation of synthetic homologs of poly-APS molecules, in
order to start a study for the therapeutical application of the drug.
Keywords: Lung Cancer, Acetylcholinesterase, Apoptosis, Cell
Proliferation, Poly-APS
Title
of the Paper:
Embracing Laws for Developmental Successions
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Authors:
Lev V. Beloussov
Abstract: A model permitting to derive each next embryonic shape from a
preceded one is suggested. It implies that each embryonic shape is associated
with a definite pattern of mechanical stresses having a tendency to be
hyperrestored (restored with an overshoot) after any deviation from the
initial value. We describe several morphomechanical feedbacks deduced from the
model and apply them to gastrulation of amphibian embryos and to other
morphogenetic processes, including the main types of Metazoa development. We
relate this model to Van der Pol non-linear equations and discuss the role of
genetic and epigenetic parameters in modifying hyper-restoration responses.
Keywords: Self-organization, Morphogenesis, Mechanical stresses,
Gastrulation, Shape models
Title
of the Paper:
Antiapoptotic Activities of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and Vascular
Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Hypoxic Human Trophoblast Depend on
Gestational Age
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Authors:
Dariusz Szukiewicz, Michal Pyzlak, Aleksandra Stangret, Dariusz Bialoszewski,
Slawomir Maslinski
Abstract: Susceptibility of the human trophoblast to apoptosis is changing
throughout pregnancy. Invasiveness and differentiation of the trophoblastic
cells may be severely modulated by hypoxia, well-known apoptosis inducer. From
the other hand, local antiapoptotic activities of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
(LIF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) may affect the course of
hypoxia-induced programmed cell death. In this study, we examined
comparatively (first trimester vs. term pregnancy), whether gestational age as
well as LIF- and/or VEGF-dependent changes in functional status of the
cultured trophoblast cells influence apoptotic activity in hypoxic conditions.
Placental specimens were obtained after abortions in the first trimester
(Group I) and after deliveries at term (Group II). The cytotrophoblast cells
were isolated using Kliman’s method, based on enzymatic digestion and a
Percoll gradient centrifugation. Established cultures within both groups were
divided into 3 subgroups: LIF- (10ng/mL), VEGF- (100ng/mL) and
LIF+VEGF-treated, cultured under hypoxia (2% O2) for 48 hours. After this
period, quantitative determination of apoptosis was performed using ELISA,
with cytokeratin-18 as an apoptosis marker. LIF, VEGF and LIF+VEGF reduced
intensity hypoxia-related apoptosis. This effect was stronger in the
first-trimester trophoblasts. The differences in mean decrease of apoptosis
intensity between Group I and II were significant (p<0.05) and amounted to
76.09, 43.72 and 68.45 % (LIF-, VEGF- and LIF+VEGF-treated cultures,
respectively). Protective mechanisms induced by LIF- and VEGF within
trophoblast cells may be responsible for the relative resistance to hypoxia
and consequently apoptosis, especially in the first-trimester of pregnancy.
Keywords: Apoptosis, hypoxia, human trophoblast, leukemia inhibitory
factor, vascular endothelial growth factor
Title
of the Paper:
Immunological Characterization of Late Miscarriage
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Authors:
Carmen Aurora Bulucea, Nikos E. Mastorakis, Mariana Floricel Paun, Alina Delia
Neatu
Abstract: The immunophenotypation of circulating lymphocyte by flow cytometry
is a fast and efficient modern quantitative method and has been also used to
assess immune status in normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by
infection or with placental abnormalities or with preeclampsia. Since the
literature indicates controversy in the immune etiology of abortion and in the
levels of circulating lymphocyte subsets in normal pregnancy, this study aims
to extend current knowledge by quantification with flow cytometry sets and
subsets of circulating lymphocytes in the second trimester of normal pregnancy
and pregnancy complicated by miscarriage.
Keywords: Circulating lymphocyte, Immunophenotypation, Flow cytometry,
Second trimester pregnancy, Pregnancy complicated by miscarriage, Recurrent
abortion
Title
of the Paper:
Pleading for the Routine Introduction in the Investigation of the Late
Spontaneous Abortion Etiology of the Exploration of Resistance to Activated C
Protein Along With Histopathological Placentary Screening
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Authors:
Carmen Aurora Bulucea, Nikos E. Mastorakis, Mariana Floricel Paun, Alina Delia
Neatu, Adrian Gabriel Neatu
Abstract: This study is an evaluation based on placental screening, of the
importance of ascending intrauterine infection and placental vascular
pathology. The paper is as well a plea for the routine use of the modern
histopathological exam of the products of conception along with the
noninvasive screening of chorioamnionitis (by means of serum C-reactive
protein measurement) in the evaluation of late abortion (the recurrent one in
particular) since the ascending intrauterine infection and placental
vasculopathy seem to play an important part in the pathogenesis of this type
of miscarriage. The therapeutic measures against this particular type of
preterm labor should therefore focus on either bacterial vaginosis (the world
most frequent cause of recurrent abortion of infectious origin) or/and
thrombophilia even before the standard lab results are available.
Keywords: Placental screening, Ascending intrauterine infection,
Recurrent abortion, Vascular pathology of placenta, Late miscarriage
Title
of the Paper:
ESPVR and the Mechanics of Ventricular Contraction
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Authors:
Rachad M. Shoucri
Abstract: This study is written in a way to stress the importance of
introducing the active force generated by the myocardium in the formalism
describing the pressure-volume relation (PVR) in the left ventricle. Various
clinical applications of the end-systolic pressure-volume relation (ESPVR) are
also discussed. Attention is given to the calculation of the ejection fraction
(EF) and the myocardial longitudinal axis shortening, a subject that is
gaining importance in the study of heart disease and heart failure.
Keywords: Pressure-volume relation in the left ventricle, end-systolic
pressure-volume relation, active force of the myocardium, isovolumic pressure,
ejection fraction, myocardial longitudinal axis shortening, cardiac mechanics
Title
of the Paper:
Nipple Aspirate Fluid in Japanese Women
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Authors:
Tomoyuki Aruga, Katsumasa Kuroi, Makiko Hirose, Tsunehiro Ohtsuka, Chieko
Matsuura, Tamiko Yajima, Joji Utsunomiya
Abstract: Nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) is collected in the duct-lobular complex
and can be extracted by warmth, massage of the breast, and nipple suction. NAF
is available from non-lactating women without an invasive procedure and is
expected to be used for early detection and risk evaluation for breast cancer.
European and American reports on NAF sampling have been published, but there
are no data on Japanese women. In addition, there are few studies on the
protein peptide composition of NAF, and many unsolved problems regarding the
stability and characteristics of protein peptide composition remain. We tried
sampling NAF in 128 Japanese women and analyzed the sampling rate along with
characteristics of the protein composition using surface enhanced laser
desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry.
Keywords: Nipple aspirate fluid, Breast cancer, Japanese, Proteomic
analysis, SELDI-TOF-MS
Title
of the Paper:
Critical Engagement: Reflections on the Ad Hominem Fallacy and on Critical
Thinking Education
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Authors:
Michael Michael
Abstract: A number of critics have recently challenged the traditional view
that ad hominem arguments are always fallacious. They argue that we often find
ourselves in circumstances of limited time, expertise, and informational
resources, and in such it is rational to invoke a proposer’s personal
characteristics in deciding what to make of their argument. I argue that, as a
formal challenge to the traditional view, this misses the point. Arguments
against the person are necessarily fallacious not in the context of one
deciding what to believe in limited circumstances, but in the context of a
debate whose terms are set by the intentions of the participants.
Nevertheless, the critics still have a point from a practical point of view.
Since there are many contexts in which advancing an ad hominem argument may be
legitimate, excessive focus on those where it is not can be misleading and
confusing. This is a problem for critical thinking education and calls for a
clarification of its aims.
Keywords: Ad Hominem, Argument, Critical Thinking, Debate, Fallacy,
Rationality
Title
of the Paper:
Prevalence and Clinical Observations of Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases in
Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil City
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Authors:
Shahla Karim Al Alaf, Deman Ibrahim Omer
Abstract: Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases (GTDs) are uncommon chorionic
tumor of the placenta. It includes a spectrum of diseases from the usually
benign hydatidiform mole to the highly malignant choriocarcinoma. A
descriptive observational study carried out on 40 cases with GTDs to determine
the rate, epidemiological correlates, clinical behavior, and common
complications of the disease. The study done on pregnant women admitted to
Maternity teaching hospital, Erbil city, North of Iraq, Kurdistan region
during the period from 1st October 2008 to the 1st of April 2009. Demographic
data were collected from each patient, history of prior molar pregnancy,
socioeconomic state, presenting signs and symptoms, complete examination and
investigation done for all of them, elevated level of Human chorionic
gonadotrophin hormone was used to diagnose the condition also ultrasonography
with a special findings to GTDs done for every patient. The incidence of GTD
was 1 in every 318 pregnant women. The highest incidence was in 40 years old
women and more. The mean age of the study sample was 27.97±8.66 years, sixty
two percent of cases were in the age group of 20-39 years, the mean
gestational age was 11± 3.7 weeks, 65% of cases were presented in the first
trimester, while 35% of cases were in second trimester. 82.5% of cases were
complete mole, 10% were partial mole, and 7.5% were gestational trophoblastic
neoplasm. Majority of cases (87.5%) presented with vaginal bleeding, pregnancy
induced hypertension and preeclampsia was the presentation in 15%of cases,
67.5% had abdominal cramps, 50% presented with signs od dehydration due to
hyperemesis gravidarum, 25% had hyperthyroidism, there was a statistically
significant association between hyperemesis gravidarum and hyperthyroidism.
Theca lutein cysts presented in 25% of the cases. The uterine fundal level was
larger than the gestational age in 45% of the cases. There was a statistically
significant association between the Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia and
the presence of theca lutein cysts and history of molar pregnancy in the
antecedent pregnancy but there was no significant association between the
gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and the age groups. Ultrasound was
diagnostic in 38 cases (95%), while histopathological examination was
diagnostic in 100% of the cases. Complications of the GTD; such as infections,
trophoblasic embolism, and uterine perforation were not found in the current
study. The incidence of GTDs in Maternity teaching hospital (1 in 318) is
comparable to the incidence in some Middle East and Far Eastern countries.
Keywords: Gestational trophoblastic diseases, Hydatidiform mole,
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, Invasive mole, Choriocarcinoma
Title
of the Paper:
Web3D – A Tool for Modern Education in Biology
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Authors:
Tomaz Amon
Abstract: Web3D or virtual reality on the web used interactive, immersive
three-dimensional worlds, not to be mistaken with video clips. We write here
about our experiences and suggestions on this attractive technique, which we
use and develop for more than ten years. Our field of work is natural science
e.g. biology.
Keywords: Web3D, web virtual reality, biology, medicine, physics
Title
of the Paper:
Medical Images Classification for Skin Cancer Diagnosis based on Combined
Texture and Fractal Analysis
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Authors:
Radu Dobrescu, Matei Dobrescu, Stefan Mocanu, Dan Popescu
Abstract: Fractal and texture analysis are computer techniques which can
discriminate between the shapes of benign and malignant tumors. The goal of
present paper is to describe a method and an algorithm for automatic detection
of malignancy of skin lesions which is based on both local fractal features
(local fractal dimension) and texture features which derives from the medium
co-occurrence matrices (contrast, energy, entropy, homogeneity). The global
application was tested on a set of medical images obtained with a dermoscope
and a digital camera, all from cases with known diagnostic. The experimental
results confirm the efficiency of the proposed method.
Keywords: Image processing, texture analysis, fractal analysis,
box-counting algorithm, co-occurrence matrix, computer aided diagnosis, image
classification
Title
of the Paper:
Vascular Risk Factors in Women with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
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Authors:
Adriana Albu, Daniela Fodor, Cosmina Bondor, Milena Man
Abstract: Background. Diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension are two very
frequent diseases. Both of them have important effects on vascular system and
their major complications are caused by alterations of vasculature. Arterial
hypertension and type 2 diabetes are frequently associated. Beyond classical
risk factors implicated in both diseases, in recent years some novel markers
of vascular involvement have been studied, such as intima – media thickness
(IMT) and parameters of arterial stiffness. Women seem to have an increased
vascular risk associated with diabetes than do men but this is not clean from
the current literature. The aim of our study was to determine the consequences
of hypertension and of hypertension associated with diabetes on intima media
thickness and arterial stiffness in women. Patients and methods. We studied 30
women with hypertension (group 1), 33 with diabetes mellitus and hypertension
(group 2) and 21 healthy controls (HC), matched for age. We evaluated some
classical risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as age, body mass index,
smoking, lipid and glucose profile in all patients and controls. We determined
IMT of the common carotid artery using an ultrasound device (ALOKA prosound
?10) and parameters of aortic stiffness – pulse wave velocity (PWV) and
augmentation index (Aix) in all patients and controls using an oscillometric
device, Arteriograph (Tensio Med Ltd., Budapest, Hungary). We also determined
with the same device central aortic systolic blood pressure (SBPao) and aortic
pulse pressure (PPao). We compared data obtained between the three different
groups examined. Results. We found that PWV was increased in group 1 patients
compared HC (p<0.05) but those from group 2 had even higher values of PWV
compared to HC (p=0.001). IMT was increased in patients from group 1 compared
with HC and diabetic patients had a supplementary increase of this parameter
compared with hypertensive patients but the values were significantly higher
only when compared to controls. From the classical risk factors, BMI and also
fasting plasma glucose were significantly higher in diabetic patients.
Parameters of arterial stiffness were correlated with age. IMT was correlated
with age, fasting plasma glucose, values of brachial systolic, diastolic and
mean pressure and with aortic systolic blood pressure. IMT was also correlated
with parameters of arterial stiffness, PWV and AIx. Conclusion. Women with
hypertension had increased arterial stiffness compared to controls. Those with
hypertension and diabetes had more increased arterial stiffness and also
increased IMT compared to hypertensive women and to HC. In our patients age
was an important determinant of parameters of arterial stiffness. IMT was
correlated with age, values of peripheral and central arterial pressure and
with parameters of arterial stiffness. Coexistent diabetes and hypertension in
women is associated with increased markers of vascular disease that may be a
link to the important cardiovascular risk seen in these patients.
Keywords: Vascular risk, arterial stiffness, intima-media thickness,
hypertension, diabetes mellitus
Title
of the Paper:
Microbial Population Age Studing
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Authors:
J. B. Savkovic-Stevanovic
Abstract: This paper presented population modelling method in treating
microbial cells growth in time and cells age.A rigorous description of the
features of the of microorganism in biochemical process was derived. It is
assumed that two properties need to observed to desribe the state of a cell
the mass and cell age. Cells in vivo have various ages, masses and so on,
which need to be taken into account. This paper illustrates a complex
situation for various birth and death processes. The Hanseula polymorpha DL-1
growing up was investigated. The obtained results illustrates the microbial
population dynamic changes. This work is the first report in literature which
giving population time age function.
Keywords: Microbial culture, dynamic model, cell mass, cell age,
Hanseula Polymorpha, distribution function
Title
of the Paper:
Nucleotides Recombination States
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Authors:
J. B. Savkovic-Stevanovic
Abstract: DNA sequencing strands information were defined. The synthesis rates
of purine and pyrimidine oxyribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides
characterized DNA features. The most important regulator of de novo purine
biosynthesis is the intracellular concentration of the
phosphoribosyl-pyrophosphate-phosphoribosylamine. Mammalian liver is a major
site of purine nucleotide synthesis and provides purines in the form of bases
or nucleosides to be salvaged and utilized by those tissues incapable of
synthesizing purines de novo. In this paper DNA recombination was studied. The
information value of the fragment in genome was derived.
Keywords: Recombination, enzyme, nucleotide, DNA features, genomic
library, bioinformation
Title
of the Paper:
BaxΔC Induces Increased Membrane Lipid Order in Isolated Rat Liver
Mitochondria
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Authors:
Natalia Tsesin, Elai Davicioni, Rivka Cohen-Luria, Ilana Nathan, Abraham H.
Parola
Abstract: The interaction of the pro-apoptotic Bax?C with the excimer-forming
lipid, 12-(pyrene-1-yl)-dodecanoic acid (PDA) labeled isolated rat liver
mitochondria, caused a decrease in PDA excimer-to-monomer fluorescence
emission ratio (E/M). This suggested that BaxΔC caused mitochondrial membrane
lipid reorganization. These changes were dependent on the Bax?C
protein-to-mitochondrial lipid ratio. The changes in the fluorescence emission
spectra were not attributed to overall changes in the bulk properties of the
mitochondrial suspensions or to fluorescence resonance energy transfer between
the heme group of cytochrome c and pyrene. These data suggested that BaxΔC
increases mitochondrial membrane "microviscosity". Fluorescence anisotropy
studies with DPH and TMA-DPH labeled mitochondria independently show reduced
rotational dynamics, further supporting this presumed increased membrane
"microviscosity". The lifetimes of all probes did not change upon BaxΔC
interaction with the mitochondrial membrane, verifying the changes in the
dynamics of the probe mobility in the membrane. Another pro-apoptotic protein
tBid, a more potent inducer of cytochrome c release, also caused an increase
in DPH anisotropy, yet to a lesser extent as compare with equal concentration
of Bax?C. The observed increase in DPH anisotropy caused by BaxΔC-membrane
interaction was inhibited by the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2?TM. The effects
of Bax?C on the mitochondrial membranes were correlated to cytochrome c
release. These findings reflect BaxΔC interaction with the mitochondrial
membrane, where the binding of Bax?C lowers probe mobility and induces major
reorganization of mitochondria membrane lipids, possibly a phase transition
associated with non-lamellar bilayer structures.
Keywords: Apoptosis, tBid, Bcl-2?TM, cytochrome c, pyrene excimers,
fluorescence anisotropy & lifetime, lipid probes, "microviscosity", lipid
pores
Title
of the Paper:
Mechanical Behavior of Orthodontic TMA Wires
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Authors:
Camelia Szuhanek, T. Fleser, Florica Glavan
Abstract: Titanium based alloys are recently gaining increased popularity in
orthodontic treatment. Unlike the classic materials, these intelligent
materials have physical and mechanical characteristics which can be modified
via metallurgical factors. Designing and practical achievement of certain
cosmetic dentistry works with special advantages regarding the enhanced
biocompatibility, superelasticity, the effect of the shape memory, resistance
against corrosion and wear, etc., which leads to very favourable functional
and aesthetic effects. TMA materials fall into this category. The research
program is focused on four different TMA wire to highlight the characteristics
of strength, elasticity and hardness.
Keywords: TMA orthodontic wires, mechanical caracteristics,
orthodontics, biomechanics
Issue 4, Volume 7,
October 2010
Title
of the Paper:
Design and Pragmatic Studies of Bathroom for Elderly People in India
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Authors:
M. S. Nagananda, Amit Sengupta, Jayashree Santhosh, Sneh Anand, S. M. K.
Rehman, A. M. Khan, Priyarata Rautray, Devidutt Gharai, L. K. Das
Abstract: A very high morbidity and mortality due to fractures as a result of
fall is reported world over. Most of the falls are during toileting or
bathing, which are quite often cardiovascular syndrome (CVS) and myocardial
infarction (MI) leads to an emergency medical condition, are common in
vulnerable groups such as elderly or handicapped or pregnant mothers. Most
people who find bathroom as a quite retreat, never for a second consider this
room as a dangerous place. A recent study shows that one of the single biggest
gaps in most of the home safety plans is the bathroom; it is surrounded by
water, slippery tiles and hard ceramic surfaces. The conditions of toilet and
bathroom need to assess with a systematic design for the comfortable utility
as well as to minimize the accidental falls and other mishaps. This paper is
based on a pragmatic study on the toilet - bathroom design based on the
responses from elderly people with or without disability. Results of the study
will help to raise the awareness level among general population, health care
professionals and engineers who design the bathroom for the elderly people.
The study demonstrates the efficacy of new architectural design approaches
with pragmatic studies in reducing the accidents and enhancing the comforts to
the elderly people in India while bathing.
Keywords: Growth of elderly population, health issues, bathroom design,
bathing accidents
Title
of the Paper:
The Analysis of PPG Contour in the Assessment of Atherosclerosis for Erectile
Dysfunction Subjects
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Authors:
Y. K. Qawqzeh, M. B. I. Reaz, M. A. M. Ali
Abstract: The risk of cardiovascular diseases may damage the endothelium cells
which may cause atherosclerosis. Arterial stiffness can be measured
noninvasively by the use of photoplethysmogram (PPG) technique. This research
presents the variations of PPG morphology with age. Based on a sample of 65
subjects whom having established erectile dysfunction (ED), the study proposed
to assess the variations of PPG contour at two sites of measurements (right
and left index finger). The study concluded that PPG timing indices are equal
in both right and left hand. Parameters derived from the analysis of PPG
contour showed an association with age. The age is found to be an important
factor that affecting the contour of PPG signals, which accelerates the
disappearance of PPG dicrotic notch and PPG inflection point as well. Arterial
compliance found to be decreased with age due to the fall of arterial
elasticity. This study approaches the establishment of the usefulness of PPG
contour analysis in investigating the changes in the elastic properties of the
vascular system with age and the detection of early atherosclerosis. The study
approaches the establishment of the differences between PPG’s time indices and
PPG’s amplitude indices.
Keywords: PPG, RI, SI, CIMT, Age, Arterial Stiffness, Endothelial
Dysfunction, Contour analysis
Title
of the Paper:
Recent Applications of Analytical Techniques for Quantitative Pharmaceutical
Analysis: A Review
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Authors:
Rudy Bonfilio, Magali Benjamim De Araujo, Herida Regina Nunes Salgado
Abstract: The intension of this paper was to review and discuss some of the
current quantitative analytical procedures which are used for quality control
of pharmaceutical products. The selected papers were organized according to
the analytical technique employed. Several techniques like ultraviolet/visible
spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, titrimetry, electroanalytical techniques,
chromatographic methods (thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography and
high-performance liquid chromatography), capillary electrophoresis and
vibrational spectroscopies are the main techniques that have been used for the
quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical compounds. In conclusion, although
simple techniques such as UV/VIS spectrophotometry and TLC are still
extensively employed, HPLC is the most popular instrumental technique used for
the analysis of pharmaceuticals. Besides, a review of recent works in the area
of pharmaceutical analysis showed a trend in the application of techniques
increasingly rapid such as ultra performance liquid chromatography and the use
of sensitive and specific detectors as mass spectrometers.
Keywords: Pharmaceutical analysis; pharmaceutical quality control;
analytical techniques
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