bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menstrual cycle-associated modulations in neuromuscular function and fatigability of the knee extensors in eumenorrheic women
Authors: Ansdell Paul , Brownstein Callum G. , Škarabot Jakob , Hicks Kirsty M. , Simoes Davina C. M. , Thomas Kevin , Howatson Glyn , Hunter Sandra K. , Goodall Stuart
Published: March 2019

Sex hormone concentrations of eumenorrheic women typically fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and can affect neural function such that estrogen has neuroexcitatory effects, and progesterone induces inhibition. However, the effects of these changes on corticospinal and intracortical circuitry and the motor performance of the knee extensors are unknown. The present two-part investigation aimed to 1) determine the measurement error of an exercise task, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-, and motor nerve stimulation (MNS)-derived responses in women ingesting a monophasic oral contraceptive pill (hormonally-constant) and 2) investigate whether these measures were modulated by menstrual cycle phase (MCP), by examining them before and after an intermittent isometric fatiguing task (60% of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) with the knee extensors until task failure in eumenorrheic women on days 2, 14, and 21 of the menstrual cycle. The repeatability of neuromuscular measures at baseline and fatigability ranged between moderate and excellent in women taking the oral contraceptive pill. MVC was not affected by MCP ( P = 0.790). Voluntary activation (MNS and TMS) peaked on day 14 ( P = 0.007 and 0.008, respectively). Whereas corticospinal excitability was unchanged, short-interval intracortical inhibition was greatest on day 21 compared with days 14 and 2 ( P < 0.001). Additionally, time to task failure was longer on day 21 than on both days 14 and 2 (24 and 36%, respectively, P = 0.030). The observed changes were larger than the associated measurement errors. These data demonstrate that neuromuscular function and fatigability of the knee extensors vary across the menstrual cycle and may influence exercise performance involving locomotor muscles.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present two-part study first demonstrated the repeatability of transcranial magnetic stimulation- and electrical motor nerve stimulation-evoked variables in a hormonally constant female population. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that the eumenorrheic menstrual cycle affects neuromuscular function. Changing concentrations of neuroactive hormones corresponded to greater voluntary activation on day 14, greater intracortical inhibition on day 21, and lowest fatigability on day 21. These alterations of knee extensor neuromuscular function have implications for locomotor activities.
1-Trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo) Induces the Apoptosis of Dopaminergic Neurons via Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Yang Yihang , Pang Bo , Liu Zihao , Li Jie , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Rui , Hou Xianzeng , Guo Hua , Chi Lingyi , Pang Qi , Xin Tao
Published: March 2019

Several in vitro studies have revealed the neurotoxicity of 1-trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo). However, the underlying mechanism has not been completely elucidated, particularly in vivo. This study was designed to study the neurotoxicity of TaClo in vivo by stereotactically injecting TaClo into the striatum of Wistar rats. After the TaClo injections, rats were subjected to an open field test, and their distance travelled and tracks showed decreasing trends over time. The results of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the motor dysfunction of the TaClo-treated rats was accompanied by reduced dopamine levels in the striatum. Based on the diffusion tensor imaging data, the apparent diffusion coefficient of the nigrostriatal pathway was significantly increased, and subsequent histological staining revealed the demyelination of nigrostriatal fibres after the TaClo treatment. TaClo induced a loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra compacta. Regarding the underlying mechanism, TaClo caused oxidative stress in the nigrostriatal system by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species and reducing the mitochondria membrane potential. Meanwhile, the elevated expression of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-6, Cox-2, and iNOS indicated microglial activation and a strong innate immune response in the nigrostriatal system. In addition, activated caspase-3 levels were increased. Thus, both mitochondrial impairments and the innate immune response are involved in TaClo-induced neurotoxicity.
A New Electrochemical Sensor for Direct Detection of Purine Antimetabolites and DNA Degradation
Authors: Shpigun Liliya K. , Andryukhina Elena Yu.
Published: March 2019

The development of a reliable electrochemical sensor using a hybrid nanocomposite consisting of ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) functionalized graphene oxide (GrO-IL) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized by chitosan (Chit) was described. The new sensor, labelled as GrO-IL-AuNPs-Chit/CSE, exhibited an improved electrocatalytic response to cancer drugs such as purine antimetabolites (6-thioguanine, 6-mercaptopurine, and azathioprine) in a wide concentration range with a low detection limit (20–40 nmol·L−1, S/N = 3), and satisfactory recoveries (97.1–103.0%). The sensor has been also successfully used for cyclic voltammetric study of a salmon sperm double-stranded DNA degradation and DNA-6-mercaptopurine interaction in aqueous solutions (pH 7.4).
Successful Management of Complicated Uterine Displacement Caused by Unilateral Incarceration of the Bicornuate Uterus
Authors: Ouchi Nozomi , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Yonezawa Mirei , Kurashina Ryuhei , Ichikawa Tomoko , Sawa Rintaro , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: March 2019

Uterine incarceration is a serious complication of pregnancy, in which the gravid uterus becomes trapped in the posterior pelvis. When labor occurs, delivery does not progress, and the uterus may rupture. Therefore, preoperative diagnosis of uterine incarceration is important, and a caesarian section is indispensable except when the polarity of the uterus can be successfully restored. We report the case of a 35-year-old primipara with a complication of a bicornuate uterus who became pregnant after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. No abnormality was observed on regular checkups until the second trimester. At 28 weeks’ gestation, the uterine cervix revealed marked dislocation, and, at 31 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed uterine cervix elongation and left horn incarceration. At 37 weeks’ gestation, an elective cesarean section was performed. On laparotomy, the uterus was found to be markedly dislocated, and distended blood vessels were observed on the surface. Ultrasound examination was performed directly on the uterine wall to decide the incision site. After delivery of the baby, manual repositioning of the uterus revealed the unique concurrent clockwise rotation and retro-vertical deflection. Thus, we concluded that incarceration accompanied by a bicornuate uterus can cause complicated uterine displacement, and preoperative MRI and intraoperative ultrasound examination are useful for managing this condition.
Microarray Based Functional Analysis of Myricetin and Proteomic Study on Its Anti-Inflammatory Property
Authors: Li Tao , Zhu Jihe , Deng Fangming , Wu Weiguo , Zheng Zhibing , Lv Chenghao , Li Yong , Xiang Wei , Lu Xiangyang , Qin Si
Published: March 2019

Myricetin has been reported as a promising chemopreventive compound with multiple biofunctions. To evaluate its influence on gene expressions in genome-wide set and further investigate its anti-inflammatory property, the present study performed Gene Ontology and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to describe the basic gene expression characteristics by myricetin treatment in HepG2 cells, confirmed its multi-biofunction by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and further verified its anti-inflammatory property by Western blotting and bio-plex-based cytokines assay. The IPA data showed that 337 gene expressions (48% of the top molecules) are disturbed over 2-fold, and the most possible biofunctions of myricetin are the effect on “cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and lipid metabolism,” via regulation of 28 molecules with statistic score of 46. RT-qPCR data confirmed the accuracy of microarray data, and cytokines assay results indicated that 6 of the total 27 inflammatory cytokine secretions were significantly inhibited by myricetin pretreatment, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6. The present study is the first time to elucidate the multi-function of myricetin in genome-wide set by IPA analysis and verify its anti-inflammatory property by proteomics of cytokines assay. Therefore, these results enrich the comprehensive bioactivities of myricetin and reveal that myricetin has powerful anti-inflammatory property, which provides encouragement for in vivo studies to verify its possible health benefits.
Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in an Immunocompetent Japanese Man: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ide Hiromi , Yamaji Yoshikazu , Tobino Kazunori , Okahisa Masanobu , Murakami Kojin , Goto Yuki , Sueyasu Takuto , Nishizawa Saori , Yoshimine Kohei , Munechika Miyuki , Oya Masafumi , Hiraki Yuka
Published: March 2019

We herein report the case of a 37-year-old immunocompetent man who died from Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). He was initially treated for an acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia; however, the elevation of the patient’s serum (1-3) β-D glucan (BG) level suggested the possibility of PCP and sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim was added. A postmortem pathological examination and retrospective Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) staining of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), which was obtained on the day of admission, revealed PCP. The present case suggests that it is essential to perform a BG assay and GMS staining of BALF specimens when patients show diffuse ground-glass opacity on chest computed tomography, regardless of their immune status.
High Apelin Level Indicates a Poor Prognostic Factor in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Yang Long , Li Yan-Lei , Li Xiao-Qing , Zhang Zheng
Published: March 2019

Purpose. To compare the expression level of apelin in muscle-invasive bladder cancer and matched paracarcinoma tissues and investigate the relationship between apelin and clinical prognosis in the patients. Methods. To assess apelin expression by using immunohistochemical method compared with bladder tumors and matched paracarcinoma tissues. Subsequently, the correlation of apelin expression with the clinicopathological features of bladder cancer patients was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves method was used to analyze apelin prognostic significance for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients (including 404 muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients and 28 normal bladder tissues, in TCGA dataset). Results. Apelin protein level was overexpressed in bladder tumor tissues compared with paracarcinoma tissues. Furthermore, high apelin expression was associated with high tumor stage (P<0.05), distant metastasis (P<0.05), and vascular invasion (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier curve analyses showed that the overexpression of apelin was a potential predictor of overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion. Apelin was upregulated in bladder tumor tissues compared with matched adjacent noncancer tissues, especially in the high tumor stage, distant metastasis, and vascular invasion. What is more, high expression of apelin in muscle-invasive bladder cancer indicates the poor prognosis. These data suggested that apelin might be a therapeutic potential biomarker in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients.
Associations of Common Variants in HFE and TMPRSS6 Genes with Hepcidin-25 and Iron Status Parameters in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Dopsaj Violeta , Topić Aleksandra , Savković Miljan , Milinković Neda , Novaković Ivana , Ćujić Danica , Simić-Ogrizović Sanja
Published: March 2019

Background. Influence of TMPRSS6 A736V and HFE (C282Y and H63D) polymorphisms on serum hepcidin-25 levels and iron status parameters in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients stratified according to gender has not been previously investigated. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the parameters to separate iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia of chronic disease. Materials and Methods. Iron status parameters and genetic analysis were performed in 126 ESRD patients and in 31 IDA patients as the control group. Results. ESRD patients had significantly higher ferritin and hepcidin-25 (<0.001) relative to IDA patients. Cut-off values with the best diagnostic accuracy were found for hepcidin ≥9.32 ng/mL, ferritin ≥48.2 μg/L, transferrin saturation ≥16.8%, and MCV ≥81 fL. Interaction between gender and HFE haplotypes for the hepcidin-25 and ferritin levels in ESRD patients (p=0.005, partial eta squared=0.09; p=0.027, partial eta squared=0.06, respectively) was found. Serum transferrin was influenced by the combined effect of gender and TMPRSS6 A736V polymorphism in ESRD patients (p=0.002, partial eta squared=0.07). Conclusion. Our findings could contribute to the further investigation of mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology and important gender-related involvement of the TMPRSS6 and HFE polymorphisms on anemia in ESRD patients.
Complete Regression of Giant Inflammatory Polyp after Treatment with Adalimumab
Authors: Abou Rached Antoine , El Masri Leila , Nakhoul Mary
Published: March 2019

Giant inflammatory polyps (GIPs) are a rare complication of IBD resulting from chronic regenerative and healing processes leading to a polypoid formation on inflamed mucosa. We reported a case of GIP in a patient with long standing left-sided ulcerative colitis (UC); a well circumscribed sessile GIP was found during a colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening on a normal colonic mucosa in the cecum. After a severe flare of the left-sided colitis and due to partial response to steroids patient was treated with adalimumab; new colonoscopy after 6 months shows complete disappearance of the GIP previously described. It is the first case report of GIP in normal macroscopic mucosa with complete disappearance after biologic treatment.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 18F-Labeled Peptide for Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Imaging
Authors: Huang Shun , Li Hongsheng , Han Yanjiang , Fu Lilan , Ren Yunyan , Zhang Yin , Li Youcai , Sun Penghui , Wang Meng , Wu Hubing , Wang Quanshi , Hu Kongzhen
Published: March 2019

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor is overexpressed in the majority of tumors of the human reproductive system. The purpose of this study was to develop an 18F-labeled peptide for tumor GnRH receptor imaging. In this study, the GnRH (pGlu1-His2-Trp3-Ser4-Tyr5-Gly6-Leu7-Arg8-Pro9-Gly10-NH2) peptide analogues FP-D-Lys6-GnRH (FP = 2-fluoropropanoyl) and NOTA-P-D-Lys6-GnRH (P = ethylene glycol) were designed and synthesized. The IC50 values of FP-D-Lys6-GnRH and NOTA-P-D-Lys6-GnRH were 2.0 nM and 56.2 nM, respectively. 4-Nitrophenyl-2-[18F]fluoropropionate was conjugated to the ε-amino group of the D-lysine side chain of D-Lys6-GnRH to yield the new tracer [18F]FP-D-Lys6-GnRH with a decay-corrected yield of 8 ± 3% and a specific activity of 20−100 GBq/µmol (n=6). Cell uptake studies of [18F]FP-D-Lys6-GnRH in GnRH receptor-positive PC-3 cells and GnRH receptor-negative CHO-K1 cells indicated receptor-specific accumulation. Biodistribution and PET studies in nude mice bearing PC-3 xenografted tumors showed that [18F]FP-D-Lys6-GnRH was localized in tumors with a higher uptake than in surrounding muscle and heart tissues. Furthermore, the metabolic stability of [18F]FP-D-Lys6-GnRH was determined in mouse blood and PC-3 tumor homogenates at 1 h after tracer injection. The presented results indicated a potential of the novel tracer [18F]FP-D-Lys6-GnRH for tumor GnRH receptor imaging.
A Bearing Performance Degradation Modeling Method Based on EMD‐SVD and Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Gai Jingbo , Hu Yifan , Shen Junxian
Published: March 2019

Bearing performance degradation assessment has great significance to condition‐based maintenance (CBM). A novel degradation modeling method based on EMD‐SVD and fuzzy neural network (FNN) was proposed to identify and evaluate the degradation process of bearings in the whole life cycle accurately. Firstly, the vibration signals of bearings in known states were decomposed by empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to obtain the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) containing feature information. Then, the selected key IMFs which contain the main features were decomposed by singular value decomposition (SVD). And the decomposed results were used as the training samples of FNN. At last, the output results of the tested data were normalized to the health index (HI) through learning and training of FNN, and then the performance degradation degree could be described by the distance between the test sample and the normal one. According to the case study, this modeling method could evaluate the performance degradation of bearings effectively and identify the early fault features accurately. This method also provided an important maintenance strategy for the CBM of bearings.
A Practical Review of Cytomegalovirus in Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Authors: Fakhreddine Ali Y. , Frenette Catherine T. , Konijeti Gauree G.
Published: March 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitousHerpesviridaevirus with a wide spectrum of pathology in humans. Host immunity is a major determinant of the clinical manifestation of CMV and can vary widely in the gastroenterology and hepatology practice setting. Immunocompetent patients generally develop a benign, self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome whereas gastrointestinal tissue-invasive disease is more frequently seen in immunocompromised and inflammatory bowel disease patients. Additionally, liver allograft dysfunction is a significant consequence of CMV infection in liver transplant patients. While polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry techniques allow for the reliable and accurate detection of CMV in the human host, the diagnostic value of different serologic, endoscopic, and histologic tests depends on a variety of factors. Similarly, latent CMV, CMV infection, and CMV disease carry different significance depending on the patient population, and the decision to initiate antiviral therapy can be complex and patient-specific. This review will focus on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of CMV in patient populations relevant to the practice of gastroenterology and hepatology—liver transplant recipients, inflammatory bowel disease patients, and otherwise immunocompetent patients.
Direct Restorations, Endodontics, and Bleaching: Materials and Techniques Used by General Dentists of New Zealand
Authors: Loch Carolina , Ratnayake Jithendra , Veerasamy Arthi , Cathro Peter , Lee Robert , Brunton Paul A.
Published: March 2019

Background. To investigate the selection and use of direct restorative materials, endodontic techniques adopted, and approaches to bleaching by general dentists in New Zealand. Methods. A questionnaire comprising 19 sections and 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected, at random, from the Dental Council of New Zealand’s 2016 register. Results. A total of 204 questionnaires were returned, of which 188 were usable. Direct resin composite was the most commonly used material for occlusoproximal cavity restorations in premolars (93.7%) and permanent molars (85.2%). Resin-modified glass ionomer cements (34%) and resin composite materials (31.4%) were more commonly used in the restoration of deciduous molars. Home-based vital bleaching was provided by a significant number of dentists (86%), while only 18% provided practice-based bleaching. Cold lateral condensation was the most commonly used obturation technique (55.8%), and 83% of respondents reported using rubber dam for treatments. Conclusions. The findings from this study indicate that dentists in New Zealand are adapting to new materials and technologies to provide high quality care to their patients. Aesthetic treatments such as bleaching have become an integral part of general dental practice.
Relapsing Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Requiring Prolonged Steroid Therapy
Authors: Gerwig Ulrich , Weidmann Rolf Guenter , Lindner Gregor
Published: March 2019

We report the case of a 26-year-old woman with an eight-week history of painfully enlarged cervical lymph nodes, recurrent headache, and malaise. Her medical history was unremarkable. The physical examination showed multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Laboratory examination was unremarkable, and magnetic resonance tomographic imaging showed multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes with aspect of a lymphoma. Lymph node biopsy revealed Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, histologically characterized by histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. A therapeutic trial with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) showed no effect, so steroid therapy was started. Due to relapse of symptoms after steroid withdrawal the tapering regimen was prolonged for a total of seven months.
Model Predictive Control of Duplex Inlet and Outlet Ball Mill System Based on Parameter Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Feng Leihua , Yang Feng , Zhang Wei , Tian Hong
Published: March 2019

The direct‐fired system with duplex inlet and outlet ball mill has strong hysteresis and nonlinearity. The original control system is difficult to meet the requirements. Model predictive control (MPC) method is designed for delay problems, but, as the most commonly used rolling optimization method, particle swarm optimization (PSO) has the defects of easy to fall into local minimum and non‐adjustable parameters. Firstly, a LS‐SVM model of mill output is established and is verified by simulation in this paper. Then, a particle similarity function is proposed, and based on this function a parameter adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm (HPAPSO) is proposed. In this new method, the weights and acceleration coefficients of PSO are dynamically adjusted. It is verified by two common test functions through Matlab software that its convergence speed is faster and convergence accuracy is higher than standard PSO. Finally, this new optimization algorithm is combined with MPC for solving control problem of mill system. The MPC based on HPAPSO (HPAPSO‐MPC) algorithms is compared with MPC based on PAPSO (PAPSO‐MPC) and PID control method through simulation experiments. The results show that HPAPSO‐MPC method is more accurate and can achieve better regulation performance than PAPSO‐MPC and PID method.
Obtaining Silicon Oxide Nanoparticles Doped with Fluorine and Gold Particles by the Pulsed Plasma-Chemical Method
Authors: Kholodnaya Galina , Sazonov Roman , Ponomarev Denis , Zhirkov Igor
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a study on pulsed plasma-chemical synthesis of fluorine- and gold-doped silicon oxide nanopowder. The gold- and fluorine-containing precursors were gold chloride (AuCl3) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Pulsed plasma-chemical synthesis is realized on the laboratory stand, including a plasma-chemical reactor and TEA-500 electron accelerator. The parameters of the electron beam are as follows: 400–450 keV electron energy, 60 ns half-amplitude pulse duration, up to 200 J pulse energy, and 5 cm beam diameter. We confirmed the composite structure of SixOy@Au by using transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. We determined the chemical composition and morphology of synthesized SixOy@Au and SixOy@F nanocomposites. The material contained a SixOy@Au carrier with an average size of 50–150 nm and a shell of fine particles with an average size of 5–10 nm.
Rotational Failure Mechanism for Face Stability of Circular Shield Tunnels in Frictional Soils
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhu Yuming , Wang Shumao , Wang Hu , Wang Zhengxing
Published: March 2019

Face stability analyses of shield‐driven tunnels are often carried out to determine the required support pressure on the tunnel face. Although various three‐dimensional mechanisms have been proposed for circular faces of tunnels in frictional and/or cohesive soils to obtain the limit support pressure, the most critical one has not yet been found. Based on a rotational failure mechanism for the frictional soils, this paper modifies the circular cross section as an ellipse to make the generating collapse surface inscribe the entire circular tunnel face. Using the kinematical approach of limit analysis yields an upper bound to the limit support pressure. Through comparisons with the existing results in the literature, the improved mechanism can better estimate the upper bound and is very similar to the observed failures in the experimental tests. The influences of the pore water pressure are also included in the stability analysis of tunnel faces. Calculated upper‐bound solutions are presented in a condensed form of charts for convenient use in practice.
Burkitt Lymphoma of the Duodenum: An Uncommon Phenomenon
Authors: Malik Fahad , Gonzalez Manuel , Zafar Wahib
Published: March 2019

Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressively growing tumor commonly found in African children, involving the jaw and facial bones. Most non-Hodgkin lymphoma tumors involve extra nodal sites like the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. A rare variant of this type of lymphoma is found in immunocompromised patients specifically in the gastrointestinal tract with accompanying gastrointestinal symptoms. Burkitt lymphoma is a malignancy that has commonly presented in GI tract but rarely in the duodenum. This clinical variant can commonly involve stomach, ileum, and cecum. However, there is very limited data available regarding the duodenal growth of this tumor. Duodenal involvement of Burkitt lymphoma is extremely rare and accounts for < 1% of all lymphomas. We present a case report of an older patient with a duodenal Burkitt lymphoma diagnosed by biopsy. A high suspicion should be present while treating immunocompromised patients with chronic abdominal symptoms especially with complications such as bleeding or occult positive testing. Early endoscopy intervention with biopsy can help identity and treat these conditions with improved outcomes for the patients.
Hydrogen and Oxygen Mixture to Improve Cardiac Dysfunction and Myocardial Pathological Changes Induced by Intermittent Hypoxia in Rats
Authors: Zhao Ya-Shuo , An Ji-Ren , Yang Shengchang , Guan Peng , Yu Fu-Yang , Li Wenya , Li Jie-Ru , Guo Yajing , Sun Zhi-Min , Ji En-Sheng
Published: March 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause intermittent changes in blood oxygen saturation, resulting in the generation of many reactive oxygen species (ROS). To discover new antioxidants and clarify the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress involved in cardiac injury in OSA, we established a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) rat model with a fraction of inspired O2 (FiO2) ranging from 21% to 9%, 20 times/h for 8 h/day, and the rats were treated with H2-O2 mixture (67% hydrogen and 33% oxygen) for 2 h/day for 35 days. Our results showed that H2-O2 mixture remarkably improved cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis. We found that H2-O2 mixture inhalation declined ER stress-induced apoptosis via three major response pathways: PERK-eIF2α-ATF4, IRE 1-XBP1, and ATF 6. Furthermore, we revealed that H2-O2 mixture blocked c-Jun N-terminal kinase- (JNK-) MAPK activation, increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and inhibited caspase 3 cleavage to protect against CIH-induced cardiac apoptosis. In addition, H2-O2 mixture considerably decreased ROS levels via upregulating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) as well as downregulating NADPH oxidase (NOX 2) expression in the hearts of CIH rats. All the results demonstrated that H2-O2 mixture significantly reduced ER stress and apoptosis and that H2 might be an efficient antioxidant against the oxidative stress injury induced by CIH.
Case of Cardiac Arrest Treated with Extra-Corporeal Life Support after MDMA Intoxication
Authors: Voizeux Pierre , Lewandowski Romain , Daily Theresa , Ellouze Omar , Bouchot Olivier , Bouhemad Belaïd , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire
Published: March 2019

Objective. To describe the case of a patient who developed a serotonin syndrome due to a 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ingestion with electrical storm and refractory cardiac arrest. Design. Case report. Study Selection. ICU of a university hospital. Patient. A 22-year-old man transferred to the emergency room with hyperthermia, tremors, and mydriasis presented a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Interventions. We implemented extra-corporeal life support combined with vasoactive drugs. Later, he also benefited from renal replacement therapy and mechanical ventilation. Measurements and Main Results. We were able to rapidly regulate our patient’s temperature and we weaned all hemodynamic support in the first week of hospitalisation. Conclusion. Extracorporeal life support has several advantages as part of the management of hemodynamic instability induced by serotonin syndrome.
Hemangioma of the Atherosclerotic Changed Aortic Valve
Authors: van Broekhoven A. , Krijnen P. A. J. , Niessen H. W. M. , Vonk A. B. A.
Published: March 2019

The incidence of heart valve hemangioma is very low and is mostly observed in the mitral and tricuspid valve. In 2006, two cases of aortic valve hemangioma were reported for the first time, including one with calcifying aortic valve stenosis. We now present a case of aortic valve hemangioma in a patient suffering from aortic valve insufficiency combined with atherosclerotic thickening.
The Differential Expression of miRNAs and a Preliminary Study on the Mechanism of miR-194-3p in Keloids
Authors: Xu Zhishan , Guo Bingyu , Chang Peng , Hui Qiang , Li Wei , Tao Kai
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to detect abnormally expressed microRNA (miRNA) in keloids and to study their functions. The differential expression of miRNAs in keloids and normal tissue was detected by gene microarray. MiRNA expression was verified by real-time PCR. A luciferase reporter gene assay, western blot, and real-time PCR were used to detect the effect of miR-194-3p on RUNX2. An MTT assay and a transwell assay were used to detect the effect of miR-194-3p in both primary cultured fibroblasts and HKF cells. Related proteins were analysed by western blot and real-time PCR. The expression of miR-194-3p was lower in keloids, and MiR-194-3p was shown to target RUNX2 directly. MiR-194-3p inhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts through the inhibition of CDK4 and MMP2. MiR-194-3p and RUNX2 may become new targets for the prevention and treatment of keloids.
10-Year Results of Standard Cross-Linking in Patients with Progressive Keratoconus in Romania
Authors: Nicula Cristina , Pop Radu , Rednik Anca , Nicula Dorin
Published: March 2019

Purpose. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the long-term functional results based on keratometric measurements, spherical and cylinder equivalent in patients with progressive keratoconus treated with conventional “epi-off” corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL). Methods. We conducted a retrospective study in which 113 eyes from 90 keratoconus-treated patients with CXL between 2006 and 2008 in Oculens Eye Clinic from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, were included. The diagnosis of keratoconus was based on corneal topography and its clinical signs. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, and a follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months and every year from 1 to 10 years after conventional CXL. Results. All keratometry measurements improved significantly during the follow-up. Compared to preoperative values, the improvement of Kmax become statistically significant at 1 year after CXL (mean change compared to baseline −0.9 D, p<0.001) and remained statistically significant thereafter up to 10 years (mean change compared to baseline −2.3 D, p<0.001). As compared to preoperative values, mean spherical equivalent and mean cylinder improved during the follow-up, from a mean of −6.22 D before CXL to a mean value of −5.0 at 10 years, following CXL for spherical equivalent and from −4.4 D at baseline to −3.4 D at 10 years for cylinder (p<0.05 for both). Uncorrected visual acuity increased, remaining statistically significant, by 0.104 logMAR at 10 years after CXL (p=0.0015), and best-corrected visual acuity increased by 0.135 logMAR at 10 years after CXL (p=0.015). We did not observe any case of severe complication. Conclusion. Our results show that CXL has a favorable effect on the progression of KC. The reduced K values, cylinder and spherical equivalent, and increased visual acuity remained the same 10 years after the procedure.
Effects of Freeze Vacuum Drying Combined with Hot Air Drying on the Sensory Quality, Active Components, Moisture Mobility, Odors, and Microstructure of Kiwifruits
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Qiao Yu , Wang Chao , Liao Li , Liu Lu , Shi Defang , An Kejing , Hu Jianzhong , Xu Qing
Published: March 2019

In this study, freeze vacuum drying (FVD), hot air drying (AD), and FVD combined with AD (FVD-AD) were used to dry kiwifruits. Dried products were analyzed comprehensively on their sensory quality, active components, moisture mobility, odors, and microstructure. Results showed that the FVD-AD saved time by 38.22% compared with FVD while maintaining an acceptable product quality. The antioxidant properties of FVD-AD were lower than those of FVD but significantly higher than those of AD. Moreover, compared with FVD products, FVD-AD products were moderately hard (5252.71 ± 33.53 g) and improved in color, bound water, and microstructure. Additionally, FVD-AD consumed lesser drying time and energy than FD. According to cluster analysis, the odors of FVD-AD products were similar to those of the fresh ones. Principal component analysis of physicochemical and drying cost indicated that FVD-AD was a promising processing technique for functional kiwifruit snacks.
Charge Transport and Thermo-emf in TlFe1−xGaxS2 Solid Solutions
Authors: Mustafaeva Solmaz , Asadov Salim
Published: March 2019

TlFe1−xGaxS2 solid solutions have been prepared by direct elemental synthesis. The dependences of the thermoelectric properties and DC conductivity on temperature have been studied in TlFe1−xGaxS2 solid solutions. In terms of hopping mechanism of charge transfer, the parameters of localized states in the forbidden gap of TlFe1−xGaxS2 have been evaluated. The type of conductivity has been determined from the temperature dependences of thermoelectric power of TlFe1−xGaxS2 solid solutions.
Numerical Simulation Study on Aeroacoustic Characteristics within Deformable Cavities
Authors: Fangli Ning , Shunshan Ning , Changtong Zhang , Zhe Liu
Published: March 2019

Cavity flow phenomena are encountered in many kinds of aviation vehicles. The flow‐induced noise can easily cause structure resonance and fatigue damages. Therefore, the study on the mechanism and effective control methods of cavity noise are very important to engineering applications. A new active control method was proposed based on the deformable cavity in order to mitigate the cavity noise. Large eddy simulation (LES) and computational aeroacoustics (CAA) are combined to simulate a typical open cavity noise. The results show the first mode sound‐pressure level (SPL) of tonal noise decreases gradually while the first mode frequency sharply jumps within a small range of the slant angle of the trailing and bottom wall. In addition, with the increase in the slant angle, the decrease of the first mode SPL of tonal noise at Mach 0.6 is more significant than that at Mach 0.85, but the increase of the first mode frequency at Mach 0.85 is more dramatical than that at Mach 0.6. The proposed method can not only reduce the first mode SPL obviously but also increase the first mode frequency dramatically, which makes it different from the natural frequency of the cavity structure and sequentially helps the cavity avoid fatigue damages from resonance.
Overweight and Obesity in the Russian Population: Prevalence in Adults and Association with Socioeconomic Parameters and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Kontsevaya Anna , Shalnova Svetlana , Deev Alexandr , Breda Joao , Jewell Jo , Rakovac Ivo , Conrady Alexandra , Rotar Oxana , Zhernakova Yulia , Chazova Irina , Boytsov Sergey
Published: March 2019

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and geographic distribution of overweight and obesity in Russian adults aged 25–64 years as well as the association between chronic risk factors and obesity. Methods: Data were obtained from the survey “Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and Its Risk Factors in Some Regions of the Russian Federation” (ESSE-RF). This is a large cross-sectional multicenter population-based study that included interviews and medical examination (anthropometry, blood pressure [BP] measurement, and laboratory analysis) applied in 2012–2014. Results: The sample included 20,190 adults (response rate 79.4%) aged 25–64 years. Approximately one third of participants (30.3%) had obesity and another third (34.3%) were classified as overweight. BMI increased with age in both sexes. The prevalence of obesity between regions ranged from 24.4 to 35.5%. Overweight and obesity levels decreased with higher education (men only). Overall obesity rates were higher in rural than urban populations, but rates of overweight were similar in rural and urban populations. Participants with obesity were more likely to have BP > 160/100 mm Hg (odds ratio > 2.0) and also > 140/90 mm Hg, raised blood glucose, and high triglycerides. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Russian adults aged 25–64 years is not evenly distributed geographically, but it is comparable to that of other European countries. Individuals with obesity were also more likely to have indicators of poor cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Influence of Acute Physical Activity on Stress Reactivity in Obese and Normal Weight Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Messerli-Bürgy Nadine , Horsch Antje , Schindler Christian , Boichat Anaëlle , Kriemler Susi , Munsch Simone , Crottet Bertrand , Marquez-Vidal Pedro M. , Borghini Ayala , Puder Jardena J.
Published: March 2019

Objective: Physical activity (PA) may influence acute stress reactivity in children differently depending on their weight. This randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of acute PA and of BMI status (overweight/obese (OB/OW) and normal weight (NW) on stress reactivity. Method: 50 prepubertal children (24 OW/OB and 26 NW) were randomly assigned to the PA or sedentary arm (SED) for 30 min followed by a stress task. Salivary cortisol, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were measured. Results: An interaction effect between the randomization arms and weight status on salivary cortisol was found after the stress task (p = 0.04). Cortisol increased in the SED, but not in the PA arm (p = 0.004 for differences in time course) of NW children. Time course did not differ between both arms in OW/OB children (p = 0.7). OW/OB SED children had a flat cortisol course, and levels were reduced compared to the NW SED or the OW/OB PA children (p ≤ 0.03). Systolic BP increased only in the SED arm (p = 0.01). HR was higher in the PA than in the SED arm during stress (p < 0.001) and showed different time courses (p = 0.006). Conclusion: PA impacted on acute stress reactivity and influenced stress reactivity differently in NW and OW/OB children.
Cardiac Abnormalities in Children with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chinali Marcello , Lucchetti Laura , Ricotta Agnese , Esposito Claudia , D’Anna Carolina , Rinelli Gabriele , Emma Francesco , Massella Laura
Published: March 2019

Background: No previous study has defined the prevalence of cardiac geometric and mechanical function abnormalities through the analysis of advanced echocardiographic parameters in children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac geometry and function through advanced echocardiography in a well-characterized sample of pediatric patients with ARPKD. Methods: Standard echocardiograms were obtained in 27 children with ARPKD (0–18 years) and in 88 healthy children of similar age, gender distribution, and body build. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was defined as LV mass > 45g/(m2.16 + 0.09) and cardiac remodeling was defined by age-adjusted relative wall thickness (RWT). Systolic function was assessed by ejection fraction, midwall fractional shortening (mFS), and global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential strain (GCS). Results: Patients with ARPKD exhibited a higher LV mass index as compared to controls, and a more concentric LV geometry (both p < 0.001). Accordingly, the prevalence of abnormal LV geometry was significantly higher in ARPKD (33 vs. 0%; p < 0.005). No differences could be observed in the two groups for ejection fraction or GLS (both p = n.s.), while a significantly lower mFS (p < 0.05) as well as GCS (p < 0.001) could be observed. In the analysis of covariance, both LV mass index and RWT remained significantly higher in the ARPKD group, while mFS and GCS remained significantly lower (all p < 0.05). The prevalence of subclinical systolic dysfunction was significantly higher in patients with ARPKD as compared with control subjects (33 vs. 0%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Children with ARPKD show significantly impaired cardiac phenotype, characterized by high rates of LV abnormal geometry paired with systolic mechanical dysfunction.
Revision of Batrachospermum sections Acarposporophytum and Aristata (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) with the establishment of the new genera Acarposporophycos and Visia
Authors: NECCHI JR ORLANDO , GARCIA FILHO AURO , PAIANO MONICA O.
Published: March 2019

Sections of the paraphyletic genus Batrachospermum have been recently investigated using molecular (DNA sequence data) and morphological evidence. Some sections have been recognized as distinct genera in order to resolve paraphyly. Batrachospermum species of sections Acarposporophytum and Aristata are showed to form well-supported clades and, in this study, we propose to raise them to the generic level, Acarposporophycos gen. nov. and Visia gen. nov., respectively. In addition, we re-evaluated the characters used to circumscribe species by reexamining type specimens as well as new collections. Acarposporophycos, with the sole species A. brasiliensis, is characterized by the lack of carposporophytic stage, with the fertilized carpogonia germinating to form directly the filaments of the ‘Chantransia’ stage on the gametophyte. Of the five previously accepted species in the genus Visia, we recognize four species: V. cayennensis—type species (synonym Batrachospermum beraense), V. cylindrocellularis, V. longiarticulata and V. turgida. The species are circumscribed on the basis of morphological characteristics (shape and cell layers of primary fascicles, occurrence of secondary fascicles, post-fertilization development of carpogonia) and DNA sequence data (rbcL and COI-5P). Specimens described as Visia cayennensis from Australia and Brazil had a high sequence divergence in comparison to those from or near the type locality (French Guiana), and are here referred to as Visia spp. Further studies are recommended to better discriminate these morphologically similar species on a broad geographical scale and define their status at the species level. Descriptions, identification key and photomicrographs are presented for each recognized species.
Review of the genus Villa Lioy (Bombyliidae, Diptera) from Egypt, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: EL-HAWAGRY MAGDI S. , GREATHEAD DAVID J.
Published: March 2019

A review of the genus Villa Lioy in Egypt was carried out. Seven species were found, two of them are described as new, namely: V. efflatouni sp. nov. and V. stenozoides sp. nov.; V. aegyptiaca Engel is raised to species level (stat. nov.) and a lectotype designated; and V. bivirgata Austen and V. paniscoides Bezzi are recorded for the first time from Egypt. Another two species, V. cana (Meigen) and V. micrargyra (Walker) were previously recorded in Egypt. The study of type specimens showed that V. senecio (Loew), wrongly recorded from Egypt, is a synonym of V. ixion (Fabricius) syn. nov. A key, diagnoses, and illustrations of genitalia and wings of some species are provided.
Description of a new marine cyrtophorid ciliate, Brooklynella sinensis n. sp. from the China Sea with a new definition of the genus Brooklynella (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Cyrtophorida)
Authors: GONG JUN , SONG WEIBO B.
Published: March 2019

The morphology and infraciliature of the new marine ciliate, Brooklynella sinensis n. sp., collected from the coastal water off Qingdao, China, have been investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation method. The new species is characterized by: size 40–50 × 20–30 µm in vivo, body highly flattened, reniform to oval in outline; 15–17 ventral kineties, of which the rightmost three to four rows extend apically; five postoral kineties without cilia; about six nematodesmal rods; podite about 6 µm long; two contractile vacuoles diagonally positioned; freeliving, marine habitat. The new species can be distinguished from the type form B. hostilis Lom & Nigrelli, 1970 in having smaller body size, fewer somatic kineties and contractile vacuoles, and a distinct finger-like podite. Based on the present as well as previous work, an improved diagnosis for the genus Brooklynella is suggested: Hartmannulidae with a definitive podite, of which the base is located at posterior ventral portion of cell, but not surrounded by somatic kineties; postoral and left kineties considerably shorter than right ones, terminating at about the same level of post-equator rather than progressively posteriorly shortened. The characteristics of B. sinensis n. sp. namely the continuous ventral ciliature like hartmannulids and non-ciliated postoral kineties and the reduced number of nematodesmal rods like dysteriids, suggests it could be an intermediate form between families Hartmannulidae Poche, 1913 and Dysteriidae Claparède & Lachmann, 1859.
Reassessment of the taxonomic status of the genera Ischnocnema Reinhardt and Lütken, 1862 and Oreobates Jiménez-de-la-Espada, 1872, with notes on the synonymy of Leiuperus verrucosus Reinhardt and Lütken, 1862 (Anura: Leptodactylidae)
Authors: CARAMASCHI ULISSES , CANEDO CLARISSA
Published: March 2019

The taxonomic status of two leptodactylid frog genera is reevaluated. Ischnocnema Reinhardt and Lütken, 1862 is considered a junior synonym of Eleutherodactylus Duméril and Bibron, and the combination E. verrucosus (Reinhardt and Lütken, 1862) is proposed. Oreobates Jiménez-de-la-Espada, 1872 is revalidated, and the combinations Oreobates quixensis Jiménez-de-la-Espada, 1872, O. simmonsi (Lynch, 1974), O. saxatilis (Duellman, 1990), O. sanctaecrucis (Harvey and Keck, 1995), and O. sanderi (Padial, Reichle and De la Riva, 2005) are proposed. Epsophus verrucosus Miranda-Ribeiro, 1937 is synonymized with Eleutherodactylus verrucosus (Reinhardt and Lütken, 1862).
New species and new records of Tingidae (Insecta: Heteroptera) of New Guinea
Authors: GUILBERT ERIC
Published: March 2019

Nine new species of Tingidae (Heteroptera) are described from New Guinea, and new localities are recorded for 23 known species, with comments on their distribution and systematic affinities. An identification key to genera and species is provided for all the New Guinean species.
A revision of the genus Atypus in China (Araneae: Atypidae)
Authors: ZHU MING-SHENG , ZHANG FENG , SONG DAXIANG , QU PING
Published: March 2019

Thirteen species of Atypus known from China are described, including seven species new to science: Atypus flexus sp. nov., A. largosaccatus sp. nov., A. ledongensis sp. nov., A. pedicellatus sp. nov., A. sacculatus sp. nov., A. tibetensis sp. nov. and A. yajuni sp. nov. The zoogeography of Atypus is discussed.