bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Xpert MTB/RIF, Xpert Ultra, and Abbott RealTi
m
e MTB for Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in a High-HIV-Burden Setting
Authors: Berhanu Rebecca H. , David Anura , da Silva Pedro , Shearer Kate , Sanne Ian , Stevens Wendy , Scott Lesley
Published: October 2018

More sensitive tests are needed for the diagnosis of smear-negative and HIV-associated tuberculosis. This study compares the sensitivities and specificities of three molecular tests, namely, the Xpert MTB/RIF test, the Xpert Ultra (Ultra), and RealTi
m
e MTB (RT-MTB), in a high HIV prevalence setting.
Designing Studies Acceptable for Abstraction and Inclusion in Evidence-Based Laboratory Practice Guidelines
Authors: Saubolle Michael A. , Weissfeld Alice S. , Kraft Colleen S.
Published: October 2018

Expansion of technologies, changing infrastructure, and dwindling resources have produced the need for health care reform and changes in clinical laboratories. The health care model will have to shift increasingly from a fee-for-service model to a value-based model.
Risk Assessment of Fifth-Wave H7N9 Influenza A Viruses in Mammalian Models
Authors: Sun Xiangjie , Belser Jessica A. , Pappas Claudia , Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A. , Brock Nicole , Zeng Hui , Creager Hannah M. , Le Shoshona , Wilson Malania , Lewis Amanda , Stark Thomas J. , Shieh Wun-Ju , Barnes John , Tumpey Terrence M. , Maines Taronna R.
Published: October 2018

The potential pandemic risk posed by avian influenza H7N9 viruses was heightened during the fifth epidemic wave in China due to the sudden increase in the number of human infections and the emergence of antigenically distinct LPAI and HPAI H7N9 viruses. In this study, a group of fifth-wave HPAI and LPAI viruses was evaluated for its ability to infect, cause disease, and transmit in small-animal models. The ability of HPAI H7N9 viruses to cause more severe disease and to replicate in brain tissues in animal models as well as their ability to fuse at a lower pH threshold than LPAI H7N9 viruses suggests that the fifth-wave H7N9 viruses have evolved to acquire novel traits with the potential to pose a higher risk to humans. Although the fifth-wave H7N9 viruses have not yet gained the ability to transmit efficiently by air, continuous surveillance and risk assessment remain essential parts of our pandemic preparedness efforts.
Elevation of serum anti–glucose-regulated protein 78 antibodies in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Matsueda Yu , Arinuma Yoshiyuki , Nagai Tatsuo , Hirohata Shunsei
Published: October 2018

Objective

Recent studies have demonstrated that autoantibodies directed against glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) on endothelial cells promote blood–brain barrier (BBB) damages. The present study examined whether serum anti-GRP78 antibodies might be involved in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE).

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 129 patients with SLE (58 patients with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes of NPSLE (diffuse NPSLE), 30 with neurological syndromes (focal NPSLE), 21 with lupus nephritis (LN), 20 without NPSLE or LN (SLE alone)), from 35 patients with non-SLE rheumatic diseases (non-SLE RD) and from 24 healthy controls (HC). Anti-GRP78 levels were measured with an ELISA, using recombinant GRP78 as antigens. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were also obtained from 88 patients with NPSLE. The BBB function was evaluated by Q albumin ((CSF albumin/serum albumin)×103).

Results

Serum anti-GRP78 levels were significantly elevated in SLE compared with non-SLE RD or HC. There were no significant differences in serum anti-GRP78 levels among NPSLE, LN and SLE alone. Of note, serum anti-GRP78 levels were significantly higher in acute confusional state (ACS) than in non-ACS diffuse NPSLE (p=0.0001) or in focal NPSLE (p=0.0002). Finally, serum anti-GRP78 levels were significantly correlated with Q albumin (r=0.294, p=0.0054) in NPSLE.

Conclusion

These results indicate that anti-GRP78 antibodies are associated with the development of diffuse NPSLE, especially ACS. Thus, the data suggest that anti-GRP78 antibodies might contribute to the development of ACS through the damages of BBB.
Changes in arterial stiffness after eccentric versus concentric cycling
Authors: Okamoto Takanobu , Kobayashi Ryota , Hashimoto Yuto , Nosaka Kazunori
Published: October 2018

This study compared changes in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) after concentric (CON) versus eccentric (ECC) cycling. It was hypothesized that baPWV would increase after the first ECC bout (ECC1) because of muscle damage, but not after the second ECC bout (ECC2), and would decrease after CON. Fifteen young (aged 20–30 years) men performed 2 bouts of 30-min ECC (ECC1 and ECC2) at 60% of maximal CON power output and 2 bouts of 30-min CON at the same intensity as that of ECC (CON1), and at the same oxygen consumption as that of ECC (CON2) every 2 weeks. Oxygen uptake during the cycling was recorded, and baPWV was measured before and at 0.5, 1, 24, and 48 h after each cycling bout. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and muscle soreness of the knee extensors were assessed before and at 24 and 48 h after each cycling bout. Changes in these variables over time were compared among the 4 cycling bouts by 2-way repeated-measured ANOVA. baPWV decreased (P < 0.05) 8% from the baseline (1119 ± 116 cm/s) at 0.5 h after CON1 (1028 ± 126 cm/s), but no significant changes were evident after ECC1, ECC2, and CON2. MVC torque decreased 10% from the baseline at 24 h after ECC1, but no significant changes were evident after CON1, CON2, and ECC2. These results did not support the hypothesis, and suggest that minor muscle damage induced by eccentric cycling does not affect arterial stiffness.
Modulatory effects of Viola odorata flower and leaf extracts upon oxidative stress-related damage in an experimental model of ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Habibi Emran , Arab-Nozari Milad , Elahi Pedram , Ghasemi Maryam , Shaki Fatemeh
Published: October 2018

Ethanol is the most widely abused drug in the world and its long-term use induces oxidative stress in the liver tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate protective effect of Viola odorata against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rat. Animals were divided into 9 groups as follows: control (normal saline), ethanol (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), ethanol with 3 doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) of ethyl acetate flower and leaf extracts, and positive control (vitamin E 80 mg/kg). Animals were gavaged 30 min before ethanol injection for 28 days. Then, animals were killed and the livers were separated. Oxidative stress parameters, including reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonyl as well as glutathione content, were evaluated. Also, histopathological examination was performed and assessment of blood alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Ethanol significantly increased oxidative stress markers in liver. Interestingly, administration of both extracts significantly decreased oxidative stress markers in liver tissue and biochemical parameters in the plasma. In addition, abnormal pathological features were improved after treatment with flower and leaf extracts. These results suggested that V. odorata can be considered a candidate for improving conditions due to ethanol-induced tissue oxidative damage because of its antioxidant activity.
Preparation of fluoropolymer with gem-bis-fluoroalkylated side-chain and its application on cotton fabric finishing
Authors: Chen Lei , Yuan Yanhua , Li Zhanxiong
Published: October 2018

In this study, three types of fluorinated polyacrylates (PBFB, PBFS, and PMFA) were synthesized by 4-gem-bis(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentyl)-1-butene, 4-gem-bis(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentyl)-methine-1-styrene, and 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluorohexyl acrylate, respectively, as monomers via emulsion polymerization. Particle size, particle size distribution, and zeta potential were tested to assess the emulsion stability. Afterwards, the latexes were coated onto fabrics to obtain gem-bis(fluoroalkyl)-cotton. The surface properties of the treated cotton fabrics were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle. It was found that, when controlling the fluorine content level to be similar, the water contact angles of gem-bis(fluoroalkyl)-cottons were 127° ± 0.5° and 134.9° ± 0.7°, respectively, which were both higher than that of mono-fluoroalkyl-cotton (PMFA-cotton of 125.2° ± 0.2°). This showed that gem-bis-fluoroalkyl groups could provide better hydrophobic performance than the mono-fluoroalkyl group, especially when the rigid benzene was used as a side-chain bridged group.
Nonstandard Hamiltonian structures of the Liénard equation and contact geometry
Authors: Cariñena José F. , Guha Partha
Published: October 2018

The construction of nonstandard Lagrangians and Hamiltonian structures for Liénard equations satisfying Chiellini condition is presented and their connection to time-dependent Hamiltonian formalism is shown. We also show that such nonstandard Lagrangians are deformations of simpler standard Lagrangians. We also exhibit their connection with contact Hamiltonian mechanics.
Multifractional spacetimes from the Standard Model to cosmology
Authors: Calcagni Gianluca
Published: October 2018

We review recent theoretical progress and observational constraints on multifractional spacetimes, geometries that change with the probed scale. On the theoretical side, the basic structure of the Standard Model and of the gravitational action is discussed. On the experimental side, we recall the bounds on the scales of the geometry coming from particle physics, astrophysics and the cosmic microwave background.
Forensics: Assessing model goodness: A machine learning view
Authors: Barr Joseph R. , Cavanaugh Joseph
Published: October 2018

It is not unusual that efforts to validate a statistical model exceed those used to build the model. Multiple techniques are used to validate, compare and contrast among competing statistical models: Some are concerned with a model’s ability to predict new data while others are concerned with model descriptiveness of the data. Without claiming to provide a comprehensive view of the landscape, in this paper we will touch on both aspects of model validation. There is much more to the subject and the reader is referred to any of the many classical statistical texts including the revised two volumes of Bickel and Docksum (2016), the one by Hastie, Tibshirani, and Friedman [The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining, Inference, and Predication, 2nd edn. (Springer, 2009)], and several others listed in the bibliography.
Infrastructural Inaccessibility
Authors: Bjørn Pernille , Boulus-Rødje Nina
Published: October 2018

In this article, we examine the fundamental and taken-for-granted infrastructures that make tech entrepreneurship possible. We report from a longitudinal ethnographic study of tech entrepreneurs situated in occupied Palestine. By investigating this polar case of tech entrepreneurship, we identify critical infrastructures that are otherwise invisible and go unnoticed. We propose
infrastructural accessibility
as a method to identify available and absent infrastructures in concrete trans-local situations. Infrastructural accessibility leads us to identify multiple dimensions of critical infrastructures necessary for the success of tech startups. This includes infrastructures related to location, community, funding, digital platforms, politics, and history. Our study shows how these multiple dimensions of infrastructural accessibility shape the everyday practices of tech entrepreneurs. Furthermore, our study reveals how Palestinian tech entrepreneurship is characterized by infrastructural inaccessibility due to missing infrastructures related to mobility, legal frameworks, payment gateways, and mobile Internet. Infrastructural inaccessibility seriously limits tech entrepreneurs’ potential to succeed in creating a long-term sustainable tech industry.
Effects of esophageal acidification on esophageal reflexes controlling the upper esophageal sphincter
Authors: Lang Ivan M. , Medda Bidyut K. , Shaker Reza
Published: October 2018

Esophageal acid exposure can alter upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function, but the mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of esophageal acid exposure on esophago-UES relaxation (EURR) and contractile (EUCR) reflexes. Cats, decrebrate ( n = 27) or chronic ( n = 4), were implanted with electromyographic electrodes on pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. The esophagus was infused with either NaCl (0.9%) or HCl (0.1 N). The EUCR was activated by balloon distension in acute cats and slow air injection in chronic cats, and the EURR was activated by rapid air injection in both sets of cats. We found that NaCl infused for 15 or 30 min had no effect on EUCR or EURR in acute cats. HCl infused for 15, 30, or 45 min significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased the sensitivity to activate EUCR. HCl infused for 15 min significantly ( P < 0.05) increased and for 45 min significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased sensitivity to activate EURR. In chronic cats, HCl infused for 15 min/day increased sensitivity to activate EURR and decreased ( P < 0.05) sensitivity to activate EUCR after 4 days of infusion. EURR occurred spontaneously during HCl infusions on the 3rd and 4th ( P < 0.05) days of HCl infusion. We conclude that esophageal acid exposure initially sensitizes the esophagus to activation of EURR and desensitizes to activation of EUCR, but with longer exposure desensitizes to both. The alteration in sensitivity to activate EURR and EUCR caused by gastroesophageal reflux may play a role in the generation of supraesophageal reflux.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In acute studies, short-term esophageal acid exposure sensitizes esophagus to activation of esophago-upper esophageal sphincter relaxation response (EURR), whereas longer-term exposure inhibits EURR. Short- or long-term esophageal acid exposure decreases sensitivity to activation of esophago-upper esophageal sphincter contractile response (EUCR). In chronic studies, short-term esophageal acid exposure has the same effects on EURR and EUCR as occur acutely, but these effects take days to develop. Alteration in EURR and EUCR caused by gastroesophageal reflux may play a role in reflux disease.
Inhaled combination of sildenafil and rosiglitazone improves pulmonary hemodynamics, cardiac function, and arterial remodeling
Authors: Rashid Jahidur , Nozik-Grayck Eva , McMurtry Ivan F. , Stenmark Kurt R. , Ahsan Fakhrul
Published: October 2018

Currently, dual- or triple-drug combinations comprising different vasodilators are the mainstay for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the patient outcome continues to be disappointing because the existing combination therapy cannot restrain progression of the disease. Previously, we have shown that when given as a monotherapy, long-acting inhaled formulations of sildenafil (a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor) and rosiglitazone (a peroxisome proliferator receptor-γ agonist) ameliorate PAH in rats. Thus, with a goal to develop a new combination therapy, we prepared and characterized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based long-acting inhalable particles of sildenafil and rosiglitazone. We then assessed the efficacy of the combinations of sildenafil and rosiglitazone, given in plain forms or as PLGA particles, in reducing mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and improving pulmonary arterial remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) in Sugen 5416 plus hypoxia-induced PAH rats. After intratracheal administration of the formulations, we catheterized the rats and measured mPAP, cardiac output, total pulmonary resistance, and RVH. We also conducted morphometric studies using lung tissue samples and assessed the degree of muscularization, the arterial medial wall thickening, and the extent of collagen deposition. Compared with the plain drugs, given via the pulmonary or oral route as a single or dual combination, PLGA particles of the drugs, although given at a longer dosing interval compared with the plain drugs, caused more pronounced reduction in mPAP without affecting mean systemic pressure, improved cardiac function, slowed down right heart remodeling, and reduced arterial muscularization. Overall, PLGA particles of sildenafil and rosiglitazone, given as an inhaled combination, could be a viable alternative to currently available vasodilator-based combination therapy for PAH.
CT-measured lung air-trapping is associated with higher carotid artery stiffness in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Luehrs Rachel E. , Newell John D. , Comellas Alejandro P. , Hoffman Eric A. , Warner Kelsey , Croghan Anna , DuBose Lyndsey E. , Nopoulos Peggy , Magnotta Vincent , Arndt Stephan , Pierce Gary L. , Hoth Karin F.
Published: October 2018

Early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are characterized by the loss and narrowing of terminal bronchioles in the lung, resulting in “air-trapping,” often occurring before overt emphysema manifests. Individuals with an airway-predominant phenotype of COPD display extensive lung air-trapping and are at greater cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk than COPD patients with an emphysema-predominant phenotype. We hypothesized that the degree of computed tomography (CT)-quantified lung air-trapping would be associated with greater aortic and carotid artery stiffness and lower endothelial function, known biomarkers of CVD risk. Lung air-trapping was associated with greater aortic stiffness (carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, CFPWV) ( r = 0.60, P = 0.007) and carotid β-stiffness ( r = 0.75, P = 0.0001) among adults with ( n = 10) and without ( n = 9) a clinical diagnosis of COPD and remained significant after adjusting for blood pressure (BP) and smoking history (pack-years) (carotid β-stiffness: r = 0.68, P < 0.01; CFPWV r = 0.53, P = 0.03). The association between lung air-trapping and carotid β-stiffness remained significant after additionally adjusting for age and forced expiratory volume 1(FEV1) ( r = 0.64, P = 0.01). In the COPD group only ( n = 10), lung air-trapping remained associated with carotid β-stiffness ( r = 0.82, P = 0.05) after adjustment for age, pack-years, and FEV1. In contrast, no association was observed between CFPWV and lung air-trapping after adjustment for BP, pack-years, age, and FEV1 ( r = 0.12, P = 0.83). Lung air-trapping was not associated with endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) in the entire cohort ( P = 0.80) or in patients with COPD only ( P = 0.71). These data suggest that carotid artery stiffness may be a mechanism explaining the link between airway-predominant phenotypes of COPD and high CVD risk.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Previous cross-sectional studies have demonstrated greater large elastic artery stiffness and lower endothelium-dependent dilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients compared with controls. Furthermore, COPD patients with emphysema have greater aortic stiffness than non-COPD controls, and the degree of stiffness is associated with emphysema severity. The present study is the first to demonstrate that even before overt emphysema manifests, lung air-trapping is associated with carotid artery stiffness in COPD patients independent of blood pressure, age, or smoking history.
Effect of diaphragm fatigue on subsequent exercise tolerance in healthy men and women
Authors: Welch Joseph F. , Archiza Bruno , Guenette Jordan A. , West Christopher R. , Sheel A. William
Published: October 2018

Women are more resistant to diaphragmatic fatigue (DF) and experience an attenuated inspiratory muscle metaboreflex relative to men. The effects of such sex-based differences on whole body exercise tolerance are yet to be examined. It was hypothesized that DF induced prior to exercise would cause less of a reduction in subsequent exercise time in women compared to men. Healthy men ( n = 9, age = 24 ± 3 yr) and women ( n = 9, age = 24 ± 3 yr) completed a maximal incremental cycle test on day 1. On day 2, subjects performed isocapnic inspiratory pressure-threshold loading (PTL) to task failure followed by a constant load submaximal time-to-exhaustion (TTE) exercise test at 85% of the predetermined peak work rate. On day 3, subjects performed the same exercise test without prior induced DF. Days 2 and 3 were randomized and counterbalanced. Magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve roots was used to nonvolitionally assess DF by measurement of transdiaphragmatic twitch pressure ( Pdi,tw). A similar degree of DF was produced in both sexes following PTL [ Pdi,tw (% change from baseline): M = −24.6 ± 7.8%, W = −23.1 ± 5.4%; P = 0.54)]. There was a significant reduction in TTE with prior induced DF compared with the control condition in both men (10.9 ± 3.5 min vs. 13.0 ± 3.2 min, P = 0.05) and women (10.1 ± 2.4 min vs. 12.2 ± 3.3 min, P = 0.03) that did not differ in magnitude between the sexes (M = −15.8 ± 19.5%, W = −14.5 ± 19.2%, P = 0.89). In conclusion, DF negatively and equally impairs exercise tolerance independent of sex.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Women are more resistant to diaphragmatic fatigue (DF) relative to men. The effect of DF on exercise tolerance is currently being debated. Our findings show that DF negatively and equally affects exercise tolerance in healthy men and women. Mechanisms beyond the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex (e.g., dyspnea, central fatigue, breathing pattern) may explain the absence of a sex-based difference.
Microparticles from Wheat-Gluten Proteins Soluble in Ethanol by Nanoprecipitation: Preparation, Characterization, and Their Study as a Prolonged-Release Fertilizer
Authors: Barreras-Urbina Carlos G. , Rodríguez-Félix Francisco , López-Ahumada Guadalupe A. , Burruel-Ibarra Silvia E. , Tapia-Hernández José A. , Castro-Enríquez Daniela D. , Rueda-Puente Edgar O.
Published: October 2018

At present, the development of natural polymeric microparticles is carried out to obtain release systems. Prolonged-release systems are a potential solution to avoid nitrogen (N) losses in agricultural fields. The aim of this study was to develop microspheres from wheat-gluten proteins soluble in ethanol 70% (v/v), to ascertain their characterization, and to study their potential application in agricultural fields. Soluble-protein extraction was performed with 1600 mL of ethanol 70% (v/v). Likewise, ethanolic solutions with protein concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/v) are classified as non-Newtonian fluids with pseudoplastic behavior. Using the nanoprecipitation method, it was possible to develop urea-loaded microspheres with a diameter ranging from 900 nm–1.7 μm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test exhibited interaction through hydrogen bonds between carbonyls and amino groups from the urea and proteins. Also, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test demonstrated thermal stability at 130°C. The release experiment showed that the microspheres achieved equilibrium when 88% of the urea was released. Finally, according to the empirical model of Ritger and Peppas, urea release is carried out through Fickian diffusion. We conclude that the microspheres could be applied in the fields and with this improve agricultural practices. Also, they could reduce the potential environmental pollution and developing a sustainable agriculture.
Study on Microstructure Effect of Carbon Black Particles in Filled Rubber Composites
Authors: Huang Li Hong , Yang Xiaoxiang , Gao Jianhong
Published: October 2018

The cross sections of blended natural/styrene-butadiene (NSBR) composites filled with different volume fractions of carbon particles were observed using a Quanta 250 scanning electron microscope. In addition, the sizes and distributions of the carbon particles were analyzed using Nano Measurer. A two-dimensional representative volume element model (RVE) for a rubber composite reinforced with circular carbon particles was established, and the uniaxial tensile behaviors of polymer nanocomposites with different particle size distribution patterns were simulated using the ABAQUS software. The results showed the following. (1) For the random models, if the difference of particle size was larger and particle distance was closer, stress distribution would be denser as well as the stress concentration would become greater. However, if the difference of particle size was small, for the case of same particle volume fraction, the particle size has little influence on the macromechanical properties whether the average size is large or small. (2) The correlation between the volume fraction and distribution of the carbon particles revealed that when the volume fraction of carbon black particles was larger than 12%, clusters between carbon particles in the polymer nanocomposites could not be avoided and the modulus of the composites increased with an increase in the cluster number.
Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on a Novel Adaptive High‐Order Local Projection Denoising Method
Authors: Yuan Rui , Lv Yong , Song Gangbing
Published: October 2018

Rolling bearings are vital components in rotary machinery, and their operating condition affects the entire mechanical systems. As one of the most important denoising methods for nonlinear systems, local projection (LP) denoising method can be used to reduce noise effectively. Afterwards, high‐order polynomials are utilized to estimate the centroid of the neighborhood to better preserve complete geometry of attractors; thus, high‐order local projection (HLP) can improve noise reduction performance. This paper proposed an adaptive high‐order local projection (AHLP) denoising method in the field of fault diagnosis of rolling bearings to deal with different kinds of vibration signals of faulty rolling bearings. Optimal orders can be selected corresponding to vibration signals of outer ring fault (ORF) and inner ring fault (IRF) rolling bearings, because they have different nonlinear geometric structures. The vibration signal model of faulty rolling bearing is adopted in numerical simulations, and the characteristic frequencies of simulated signals can be well extracted by the proposed method. Furthermore, two kinds of experimental data have been processed in application researches, and fault frequencies of ORF and IRF rolling bearings can be both clearly extracted by the proposed method. The theoretical derivation, numerical simulations, and application research can indicate that the proposed novel approach is promising in the field of fault diagnosis of rolling bearing.
Plant‐Derived Products for Treatment of Vascular Intima Hyperplasia Selectively Inhibit Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Functions
Authors: Xu Kang , Al-ani Mohanad Kh , Pan Xin , Chi Qingjia , Dong Nianguo , Qiu Xuefeng
Published: October 2018

Natural products are used widely for preventing intimal hyperplasia (IH), a common cardiovascular disease. Four different cells initiate and progress IH, namely, vascular smooth muscle, adventitial and endothelial cells, and circulation or bone marrow‐derived cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a critical role in initiation and development of intimal thickening and formation of neointimal hyperplasia. In this review, we describe the different originating cells involved in vascular IH and emphasize the effect of different natural products on inhibiting abnormal cellular functions, such as VSMC proliferation and migration. We further present a classification for the different natural products like phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids that suppress VSMC growth. Abnormal VSMC physiology involves disturbance in MAPKs, PI3K/AKT, JAK‐STAT, FAK, and NF‐κB signal pathways. Most of the natural isolate studies have revealed G1/S phase of cell cycle arrest, decreased ROS production, induced cell apoptosis, restrained migration, and downregulated collagen deposition. It is necessary to screen optimal drugs from natural sources that preferentially inhibit VSMC rather than vascular endothelial cell growth to prevent early IH, restenosis following graft implantation, and atherosclerotic diseases.
Obtaining Hydrophobic Aerogels of Unbleached Cellulose Nanofibers of the Species Eucalyptus sp. and Pinus elliottii
Authors: Zanini Márcia , Lavoratti Alessandra , Lazzari Lídia Kunz , Galiotto Deise , Baldasso Camila , Zattera Ademir José
Published: October 2018

The use of natural fibers from renewable and biodegradable sources in oleophilic sorbents, such as cellulose, has become an interesting alternative due to their excellent properties and sustainability. In addition to that, the low density of the aerogels obtained from cellulose is favorable for their use as sorbents. In this context, the objective of this study is to develop hydrophobic aerogels of unbleached cellulose nanofibers of the Eucalyptus sp. and Pinus elliottii. Cellulose samples were submitted to mechanical fibrillation to obtain cellulose nanofiber suspensions, followed by a chemical treatment with methyltrimethoxysilane and dried by freeze-drying to prepare the aerogels. The aerogels presented hydrophobic and oleophilic characteristics, including a water contact angle of 134°, sorption capacities in a heterogeneous medium of above 21.0 g·g−1, and oil removal efficiency greater than 88.5%. The Pinus elliottii nanofiber aerogels showed higher compressive strength when compared to the nanofiber aerogels of Eucalyptus sp.
The Association between Deliberate Self-Harm and School Bullying Victimization and the Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms and Self-Stigma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karanikola Maria N. K. , Lyberg Anne , Holm Anne-Lise , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: October 2018

Background. Identifying deliberate self-harm in the young and its relationship with bullying victimization is an important public health issue. Methods. A systematic review was performed to explore evidence of the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in young people, as well as the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and self-stigma on this association. An advanced search in the following electronic databases was conducted in January 2018: PubMed/Medline; CINAHL; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES; Science Direct; Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further assessed for their methodological integrity. The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for Health Services tool was applied for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme instrument for the cohort studies. Only empirical quantitative studies published in the English language in peer reviewed journals during the last decade (2007-2018) aimed at exploring the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in community-based schoolchildren with a mean age of under 20 years were included. Results. The reviewed cross-sectional and cohort studies (22) revealed a positive association between school bullying victimization and deliberate self-harm, including nonsuicidal self-injury, which remained statistically significant when controlled for the main confounders. The mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization was confirmed. A dose-response effect was shown in the association between nonsuicidal self-injury and school bullying victimization, whilst the mediating effect of depressive symptoms needs to be further explored. No studies were found directly exploring the mediating effect of self-stigma in the association between deliberate self-harm and bullying victimization. Conclusion. Targeted interventions aimed at eliminating victimization behaviours within the school context are therefore proposed, as well as interventions to promote healthy parenting styles for the parents of schoolchildren. Moreover, school healthcare professionals should screen students involved in bullying for self-injury, and vice versa.
Inoculation with Efficient Nitrogen Fixing and Indoleacetic Acid Producing Bacterial Microsymbiont Enhance Tolerance of the Model LegumeMedicago truncatulato Iron Deficiency
Authors: Kallala Nadia , M’sehli Wissal , Jelali Karima , Kais Zribi , Mhadhbi Haythem
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of symbiotic bacteria inoculation on the response ofMedicago truncatulagenotypes to iron deficiency. The present work was conducted on threeMedicago truncatulagenotypes: A17, TN8.20, and TN1.11. Three treatments were performed: control (C), direct Fe deficiency (DD), and induced Fe deficiency by bicarbonate (ID). Plants were nitrogen-fertilized (T) or inoculated with two bacterial strains:Sinorhizobium melilotiTII7 andSinorhizobium medicaeSII4. Biometric, physiological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Iron deficiency had a significant lowering effect on plant biomass and chlorophyll content in allMedicago truncatulagenotypes. TN1.11 showed the highest lipid peroxidation and leakage of electrolyte under iron deficiency conditions, which suggest that TN1.11 was more affected than A17 and TN8.20 by Fe starvation. Iron deficiency affected symbiotic performance indices of allMedicago truncatulagenotypes inoculated with bothSinorhizobiumstrains, mainly nodules number and biomass as well as nitrogen-fixing capacity. Nevertheless, inoculation withSinorhizobiumstrains mitigates the negative effect of Fe deficiency on plant growth and oxidative stress compared to nitrogen-fertilized plants. The highest auxin producing strain, TII7, preserves relatively high growth and root biomass and length when inoculated to TN8.20 and A17. On the other hand, both TII7 and SII4 strains improve the performance of sensitive genotype TN1.11 through reduction of the negative effect of iron deficiency on chlorophyll and plant Fe content. The bacterial inoculation improved Fe-deficient plant response to oxidative stress via the induction of the activities of antioxidant enzymes.
Breast Tumours Resembling the Tall Cell Variant of Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma: Are They Part of the Papillary Carcinoma Spectrum or a Distinct Entity?
Authors: Toss Michael S. , Billingham Kim , Egbuniwe Isioma U. , Moreno Filipa , Abass Areeg , Rakha Emad A.
Published: October 2018

Background: Papillary tumours of the breast are diagnostically challenging lesions and represent a wide spectrum of diseases from papilloma to invasive papillary carcinoma. A rare subtype of breast papillary tumour resembling the tall cell variant of thyroid papillary carcinoma (BTRTPC) has been described. The nomenclature of this entity, its relationship to other papillary tumours, and its nature, whether in situ or invasive, remain unclear. Methods: Seventy-five papillary carcinomas (PCs) of the breast previously diagnosed in routine practice were reviewed and the presence of features (n = 10) characteristic of BTRTPC were assessed to determine whether BTRTPC comprises a distinct entity or is part of the spectrum of the previously defined PC variants. Results: Nuclear overlapping and eosinophilic granular cytoplasm were seen in 81 and 75% of the cases, whereas nuclear grooves, nuclear clearing, and tall cells were noticed in 51, 42, and 38% of the cases, respectively; 27% of the cases showed macro- and micro-follicular architecture filled with colloid-like material. Five cases (7%) lacked oestrogen receptor (ER) expression. Co-existing invasive carcinoma was seen in 25 cases (33%). Two cases displayed several features characteristic of BTRTPC, and both were ER-negative. Conclusion: Features characteristic of BTRTPC overlap with other PCs of the breast. Molecular and immunohistochemical biomarkers are needed to provide objective diagnostic criteria for the characterisation of such lesions in routine practice.
Breast Ultrasound during Lactation: Benign and Malignant Lesions
Authors: Haliloglu Nuray , Ustuner Evren , Ozkavukcu Esra
Published: October 2018

Background: Structural changes during lactation make breast physical examination difficult. When breast problems occur, patients are often referred for an ultrasound (US) scan. Most breast lesions diagnosed in these patients are benign, but the diagnosis of breast cancer is a challenge. We aim to demonstrate the spectrum of US imaging findings in lactating women. Methods: 77 breastfeeding patients who underwent breast US in our department between February 2012 and March 2017 were evaluated. Patients' electronic medical records were reviewed for the presenting complaint, US reports, pathology results if available, and clinical/radiologic follow-up. All examinations were performed by 2 radiologists. Results: 28 of the 77 patients had normal US findings. Cysts were seen in 16 patients. 4 patients had stable fibroadenomas. 6 patients had US imaging findings suggestive of mastitis, 5 patients had galactoceles, 1 patient had an abscess, and 1 patient had unilateral hypertrophy without any accompanying lesion. In 13 patients, BI-RADS 3 solid masses were diagnosed. Invasive breast cancer was diagnosed in 3 patients. Conclusion: US can demonstrate or exclude a true mass against the background of a nodular breast parenchyma. Radiologists must be aware of malignant US features to avoid delays in the diagnosis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer.
The Relationship between Macular Pigment and Vessel Density in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cennamo Gilda , Lanni Vittoria , Abbate Rosa , Velotti Nunzio , Fossataro Federica , Sparnelli Federica , Romano Mario R. , de Crecchio Giuseppe , Cennamo Giovanni
Published: October 2018

Aim: Macular pigment density and microvascular density on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were measured in a cohort of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients with retinopathy in the attempt to shed light on the pathophysiology of this condition. Methods: Eighty-two consecutive eyes of 59 patients with diabetic retinopathy examined at the Eye Clinic of the University of Naples Federico II from November 2016 to April 2017 were enrolled in this prospective study. Eighty normal eyes of 40 age-matched subjects without diabetes mellitus, without a history of glaucoma or evidence of intraocular surgery, and without retinal pathologic features constituted the control group. All patients and controls underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, best corrected visual acuity evaluation according to the ETDRS visual logMAR scale, measurement of intraocular pressure, OCTA, and evaluation of macular pigment. Results: There were no significant age differences between patients and controls. Both macular pigment measurements and vessel density measured by OCTA were significantly lower in patients than in controls. A moderate correlation was found between vessel density in all ETDRS sectors and macular pigment parameters. Conclusions: There was a reduction in macular pigment and in OCTA vessel density in T1DM patients with retinopathy, which may have prognostic value in determining disease progression.
Reduced Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Are Related to Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sun Zhi-chun , Yu Jing , Liu Yi-Lan , Hong Zhen-zhen , Ling Lin , Li Guo-qian , Zhuo Ya-fen , Wang Wan-ru , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2018

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cognitive dysfunction. The present study sought to assess the role of serum levels of BDNF in the pathophysiological process of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a preclinical phase of dementia in 715 Chinese patients with T2DM. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 715 patients with T2DM recruited from a Chinese diabetes center. Serum levels of BDNF were measured with sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The influence of BDNF on MCI was examined using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. Results: In univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, for each one-unit increase of BDNF, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of MCI decreased by 9% (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.88–0.93, p < 0.001) and 6% (0.94; 0.87–0.98, p < 0.001) respectively. In multivariate models comparing the first (Q1), second and third quartiles against the fourth quartile of BDNF, BDNF in Q1 and Q2 were associated with MCI, and increased risk of MCI by 275% (OR 3.75; 95% CI 2.38–6.03) and 155% (2.55; 1.32–4.02). These results suggested that for each 1 ng/mL increase of serum level of BDNF, the association became stronger among obese diabetic patients (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.96; p < 0.001) versus nonobese diabetic patients (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.86–0.98; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present data demonstrated that reduced serum levels of BDNF were associated with increased risk of MCI and might be useful for identifying diabetic patients at risk of dementia for early prevention strategies.
Characterization of New Wheat-Dasypyrum breviaristatum Introgression Lines with Superior Gene(s) for Spike Length and Stripe Rust Resistance
Authors: Wang Hongjin , Yu Zhihui , Li Bin , Lang Tao , Li Guangrong , Yang Zujun
Published: October 2018

Dasypyrum breviaristatum (genome VbVb) contains potentially important traits for commercial wheat production. Chromosome 2Vb of D. breviaristatum carries several desirable agronomic characters, including long spike length as well as enhanced resistance to stripe rust, which are expressed in a common wheat background. In this study, wheat-D. breviaristatum 2Vb deletion lines were produced and identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and 74 molecular markers specific to D. breviaristatum chromosome 2Vb were physically localized in 4 distinct chromosomal regions. New wheat-D. breviaristatum 2Vb translocation lines were also characterized by FISH. The breakpoint of the translocation T3AS.3AL-2VbS was determined by physically mapped molecular markers. Field evaluation revealed that genes affecting plant height and spike length are located on fraction length (FL) 0.65-1.00 of 2VbS, while the stripe rust resistance gene(s) are located on FL 0.40-1.00 of D. breviaristatum chromosome 2VbL. The newly characterized wheat-Dasypyrum chromosomal introgressions are of potential value for the improvement of the yield and disease resistance of wheat.
High Glucose Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Uterus Endometrial Cancer Cells by Increasing ER/GLUT4-Mediated VEGF Secretion
Authors: Gu Chun-Jie , Xie Feng , Zhang Bing , Yang Hui-Li , Cheng Jiao , He Yin-Yan , Zhu Xiao-Yong , Li Da-Jin , Li Ming-Qing
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Uterus endometrial cancer (UEC) is the common malignancy among gynecologic cancers, and most of them are type I estrogen-dependent UEC. Diabetes is well-known risk factor for the development of UEC. However, the underlying link between high glucose (HG) and the estrogen receptor in UEC remains unclear. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has also been shown to occur during the initiation of metastasis in cancer progression. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships and roles of HG, estrogen receptor and EMT in the growth and migration of UEC. Methods: The expression of glucose transport protein 4 (GLUT4) in the control endometrium and UEC tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC); the cell viability and invasion were analyzed through CCK-8 and Matrigel invasion assays; the transcriptional level of EMT-related genes was evaluated through real-time PCR; and the effect of HG and / or GLUT4 on estrogen receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR was analyzed through western blotting, ELISA and flow cytometry (FCM) assay, respectively. In addition, Ishikawa-xenografted nude mice were constructed and were used to analyze the effect of estrogen and GLUT4 on the growth of UEC in vivo. Results: Here, we found that exposure to HG led to a high level of viability and invasion of UEC cell lines (UECC, Ishikawa and RL95-2 cells). Compared with the normal endometrium, a higher level of GLUT4 was observed in UEC tissues. Silencing GLUT4 obviously inhibited the HG-promoted viability, invasion and expression of EMT-related genes (TWIST, SNAIL and CTNNB1) of UECC promoted by HG. Further analysis showed that HG and GLUT4 promoted the secretion of VEGF and expression of VEGFR in UECC. Treatment with HG led to the increase of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ) in UECC, blocking ERα or ERβ resulted in the decreases in GLUT4 expression, TWIST, SNAIL and CTNNB1 transcription, and VEGF and VEGFR expression in UECC. Treatment with anti-human VEGF neutralizing antibody restricted the viability and invasion of UECC that was induced by HG and estrogen. Exposure to estrogen accelerated growth, VEGF production, and TWIST and CTNNB1 expression in UEC in Ishikawa-xenografted nude mice, and silencing GLUT4 restricted these effects. Conclusion: These data suggest that HG increases GLUT4 and VEGF/VEGFR expression, further promotes EMT process and accelerates the development of UEC by up-regulating ER
Radiation Enhances the Epithelial– Mesenchymal Transition of A549 Cells via miR3591-5p/USP33/PPM1A
Authors: Lu Jinhua , Zhong Yazhen , Chen Jian , Lin Xianlei , Lin Zechen , Wang Nan , Lin Shengyou
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Radiotherapy plays a critical role in lung cancer treatment. Radiation can activate transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and induce the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which may lead to distant metastases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested to affect radiotherapy in lung cancer. Methods: miRNA Next-Generation Sequencing was performed to investigate the effects of irradiation on the miRNA profile of lung cancer A549 cells. The functions of identified miRNA on the radiation induced EMT and TGF-β activation in A549 cells were then explored. Protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the localization of Snail. Luciferase Assay was used to determine the target gene regulated by the identified miRNA. Results: Radiation time-dependently induced EMT in A549 lung cancer cells as indicated by the changes of morphology, the expression of EMT marker proteins (E-cadherin, α-SMA and Vimentin) and the nuclear localization of Snail. Moreover, miR-3591-5p was identified as the most significant increased miRNA in response to radiation, and further experiments indicated that miR-3591-5p was required for radiation induced EMT and TGF-β/ Smad2/3 activation. Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 33 (USP33) was a downstream target of miR-3591-5p as predicted by TargetScan and validated by 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs) Luciferase Assay. USP33 could deubiquitinate PPM1A (protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2 + dependent 1A), a phosphatase for Smad2/3. Ectopic expression of USP33 or PPM1A partially abolished the effects of miR-3591-5p on EMT and TGF-β/ Smad2/3 activation. Conclusion: The present study revealed the critical role of miR-3591-5p/USP33/PPM1A in radiation-induced EMT via TGF-β signaling and may suggest novel radiation sensitise strategies for lung cancer.
Ética, política e religião nas conversações on-line sobre laicidade e diversidade em demandas morais por justiça
Authors: Guimarães Bruno Menezes Andrade , Marques Ângela Cristina Salgueiro
Published: October 2018

O artigo se propõe a analisar as interações de pessoas comuns no Facebook a partir de uma notícia acerca de reivindicações de pessoas LGBTQ por respeito à diversidade e à laicidade do Estado, isto é, contra os projetos de lei e as imposições de alguns parlamentares religiosos. A questão que se coloca, muito ligada ao campo da comunicação, é entender em que medida a relação entre religião e política se constitui nas trocas conversacionais, ou seja, observar como os modos de operação da política são postos em disputa e são midiática e discursivamente tensionados. Nosso objetivo é, portanto, captar os sentidos evocados pelo tema da laicidade e compreender quais são as concepções (argumentos, perspectivas) trazidas à tona por esses públicos que oferecem contornos éticos aos embates na internet ao se engajarem em disputas de sentido em torno da relação entre religião e política nos meandros da sociedade brasileira.
Os profissionais de relações públicas e seu crescente impacto na sociedade espanhola
Authors: Corella María Antonieta Rebeil
Published: October 2018

Entrevista com Antonio Castillo Esparcia.