bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing lung liquid volume increases biventricular outputs and systemic arterial blood flows despite decreased cardiac filling pressures in fetal lambs
Authors: Smolich Joseph J. , Mynard Jonathan P.
Published: January 2019

As prior work has shown that reducing lung liquid volume 1) increases pulmonary arterial (PA) blood flow, 2) augments right ventricular (RV) output/power, and 3) decreases left atrial (LA) pressure, we tested the hypothesis that this perturbation has global cardiovascular effects. Ten anesthetized, open-chest fetal lambs (128 ± 2 days gestation, full term = 147 days) were acutely instrumented with 1) LA and right atrial (RA) catheters, 2) aortic and pulmonary trunk catheters, 3) brachiocephalic trunk, aortic isthmus, ductal, and left PA flow probes to obtain left ventricular (LV) and RV outputs and hydraulic power and flow in the descending thoracic aorta, and 4) an endotracheal tube to remove lung liquid. A 17 ± 7 ml/kg reduction of lung liquid volume 1) decreased LA and RA pressures similarly (1.5–1.6 mmHg, P < 0.001), 2) augmented LV and RV outputs (21–24%, P < 0.001) and total power (27–28%, P < 0.005), 3) increased systolic flows in the brachiocephalic trunk (18%, P < 0.001), aortic isthmus (29%, P < 0.005), ductus (12%, P < 0.005), and descending thoracic aorta (16%, P < 0.001), 4) increased mean PA flow via a higher systolic inflow (37%, P < 0.001) and lower diastolic backflow (−16%, P < 0.05), and 5) did not change systemic vascular conductance or arterial compliance but increased both pulmonary vascular conductance and arterial compliance (1.8-fold, P < 0.001). These data suggest that hemodynamic effects of lung liquid volume reduction are not confined to the lungs but extend to all cardiac chambers via rises in LV and RV outputs and power, despite falls in cardiac filling pressures, as well as the systemic circulation, via downstream increases in systolic flows of major central arteries.
Biases in tactile localization by pointing: compression for weak stimuli and centering for distributions of stimuli
Authors: Brooks Jack , Seizova-Cajic Tatjana , Taylor Janet L.
Published: January 2019

Weak electrocutaneous stimuli applied to the forearm are erroneously localized toward its middle (Steenbergen P, Buitenweg JR, Trojan J, Veltink PH. Exp Brain Res 232: 597–607, 2014). We asked whether mechanical touch stimuli exhibit a similar bias and whether the bias is toward the middle of the forearm or toward the middle of the recent stimulus distribution. In experiments 1 and 2, participants ( n = 12 and n = 10) localized by pointing von Frey filaments applied to four locations on the dorsal forearm. Individually adjusted weak and strong stimuli ( experiment 1) or two levels of strong stimuli ( experiment 2) were presented in single sessions in random order. Weaker stimuli were localized with greater variability than the strong, with compression toward the middle of the forearm. Responses to the two levels of strong stimuli did not differ. In experiment 3, participants ( n = 16) were presented two spatially offset stimulus distributions (8 cm center-to-center), each offset from the forearm middle, on 2 different days. Out of four target locations comprising each distribution, two were shared. Responses to weak stimuli were compressed compared with responses to strong stimuli. Importantly, biases for the common targets had opposite directions, each being toward the middle of the distribution within which targets were presented. Responses to strong stimuli also exhibited a distribution-dependent bias, a 2-cm overall shift across the forearm midpoint. We conclude that touch localization is subject to intensity-dependent biases determined by the recent history of stimulation and possibly also by the available or perceived response space.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recent findings show that weak electrical stimuli applied to the forearm are mislocalized toward the forearm middle, relative to strong stimuli. We found that weak mechanical stimuli are similarly mislocalized. The bias changed if, as a group, stimuli were not centered on the forearm middle: weak stimuli gravitated toward the center of prior stimulation. Localization of strong stimuli was also biased, consistent with the tendency to center responses within the available response space.
Rubber hand illusion modulates the influences of somatosensory and parietal inputs to the motor cortex
Authors: Isayama Reina , Vesia Michael , Jegatheeswaran Gaayathiri , Elahi Behzad , Gunraj Carolyn A. , Cardinali Lucilla , Farnè Alessandro , Chen Robert
Published: January 2019

The rubber hand illusion (RHI) paradigm experimentally produces an illusion of rubber hand ownership and arm shift by simultaneously stroking a rubber hand in view and a participant’s visually occluded hand. It involves visual, tactile, and proprioceptive multisensory integration and activates multisensory areas in the brain, including the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Multisensory inputs are transformed into outputs for motor control in association areas such as PPC. A behavioral study reported decreased motor performance after RHI. However, it remains unclear whether RHI modifies the interactions between sensory and motor systems and between PPC and the primary motor cortex (M1). We used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and examined the functional connections from the primary somatosensory and association cortices to M1 and from PPC to M1 during RHI. In experiment 1, short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long-latency afferent inhibition (LAI) were measured before and immediately after a synchronous (RHI) or an asynchronous (control) condition. In experiment 2, PPC-M1 interaction was measured using two coils. We found that SAI and LAI were reduced in the synchronous condition compared with baseline, suggesting that RHI decreased somatosensory processing in the primary sensory and the association cortices projecting to M1. We also found that greater inhibitory PPC-M1 interaction was associated with stronger RHI assessed by questionnaire. Our findings suggest that RHI modulates both the early and late stages of processing of tactile afferent, which leads to altered M1 excitability by reducing the gain of somatosensory afferents to resolve conflicts among multisensory inputs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Perception of one’s own body parts involves integrating different sensory information and is important for motor control. We found decreased effects of cutaneous stimulation on motor cortical excitability during rubber hand illusion (RHI), which may reflect decreased gain of tactile input to resolve multisensory conflicts. RHI strength correlated with the degree of inhibitory posterior parietal cortex-motor cortex interaction, indicating that parietal-motor connection is involved in resolving sensory conflicts and body ownership during RHI.
Separate motor memories are formed when controlling different implicitly specified locations on a tool
Authors: Proud Keaton , Heald James B. , Ingram James N. , Gallivan Jason P. , Wolpert Daniel M. , Flanagan J. Randall
Published: January 2019

Skillful manipulation requires forming and recalling memories of the dynamics of objects linking applied force to motion. It has been assumed that such memories are associated with entire objects. However, we often control different locations on an object, and these locations may be associated with different dynamics. We have previously demonstrated that multiple memories can be formed when participants are explicitly instructed to control different visual points marked on an object. A key question is whether this novel finding generalizes to more natural situations in which control points are implicitly defined by the task. To answer this question, we used objects with no explicit control points and tasks designed to encourage the use of distinct implicit control points. Participants moved a handle, attached to a robotic interface, to control the position of a rectangular object (“eraser”) in the horizontal plane. Participants were required to move the eraser straight ahead to wipe away a column of dots (“dust”), located to either the left or right. We found that participants adapted to opposing dynamics when linked to the left and right dust locations, even though the movements required for these two contexts were the same. Control conditions showed this learning could not be accounted for by contextual cues or the fact that the task goal required moving in a straight line. These results suggest that people naturally control different locations on manipulated objects depending on the task context and that doing so affords the formation of separate motor memories.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Skilled manipulation requires forming motor memories of object dynamics, which have been assumed to be associated with entire objects. However, we recently demonstrated that people can form multiple memories when explicitly instructed to control different visual points on an object. In this article we show that this novel finding generalizes to more natural situations in which control points are implicitly defined by the task.
Locomotor-related V3 interneurons initiate and coordinate muscles spasms after spinal cord injury
Authors: Lin Shihao , Li Yaqing , Lucas-Osma Ana M. , Hari Krishnapriya , Stephens Marilee J. , Singla Rahul , Heckman C. J. , Zhang Ying , Fouad Karim , Fenrich Keith K. , Bennett David J.
Published: January 2019

Spinal cord injury leads to a devastating loss of motor function and yet is accompanied by a paradoxical emergence of muscle spasms, which often involve complex muscle activation patterns across multiple joints, reciprocal muscle timing, and rhythmic clonus. We investigated the hypothesis that spasms are a manifestation of partially recovered function in spinal central pattern-generating (CPG) circuits that normally coordinate complex postural and locomotor functions. We focused on the commissural propriospinal V3 neurons that coordinate interlimb movements during locomotion and examined mice with a chronic spinal transection. When the V3 neurons were optogenetically activated with a light pulse, a complex coordinated pattern of motoneuron activity was evoked with reciprocal, crossed, and intersegmental activity. In these same mice, brief sensory stimulation evoked spasms with a complex pattern of activity very similar to that evoked by light, and the timing of these spasms was readily reset by activation of V3 neurons. Given that V3 neurons receive abundant sensory input, these results suggest that sensory activation of V3 neurons is alone sufficient to generate spasms. Indeed, when we silenced V3 neurons optogenetically, sensory evoked spasms were inhibited. Also, inhibiting general CPG activity by blocking N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors inhibited V3 evoked activity and associated spasms, whereas NMDA application did the opposite. Furthermore, overwhelming the V3 neurons with repeated optogenetic stimulation inhibited subsequent sensory evoked spasms, both in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, these results demonstrate that spasms are generated in part by sensory activation of V3 neurons and associated CPG circuits.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated whether locomotor-related excitatory interneurons (V3) play a role in coordinating muscle spasm activity after spinal cord injury (SCI). Unexpectedly, we found that these neurons not only coordinate reciprocal motor activity but are critical for initiating spasms, as well. More generally, these results suggest that V3 neurons are important in initiating and coordinating motor output after SCI and thus provide a promising target for restoring residual motor function.
5-HT1Dreceptors inhibit the monosynaptic stretch reflex by modulating C-fiber activity
Authors: Lucas-Osma Ana M. , Li Yaqing , Murray Katie , Lin Shihao , Black Sophie , Stephens Marilee J. , Ahn Andrew H. , Heckman C. J. , Fenrich Keith K. , Fouad Karim , Bennett David J.
Published: January 2019

The monosynaptic stretch reflex (MSR) plays an important role in feedback control of movement and posture but can also lead to unstable oscillations associated with tremor and clonus, especially when increased with spinal cord injury (SCI). To control the MSR and clonus after SCI, we examined how serotonin regulates the MSR in the sacrocaudal spinal cord of rats with and without a chronic spinal transection. In chronic spinal rats, numerous 5-HT receptor agonists, including zolmitriptan, methylergonovine, and 5-HT, inhibited the MSR with a potency highly correlated to their binding affinity to 5-HT1Dreceptors and not other 5-HT receptors. Selective 5-HT1Dreceptor antagonists blocked this agonist-induced inhibition, although antagonists alone had no action, indicating a lack of endogenous or constitutive receptor activity. In normal uninjured rats, the MSR was likewise inhibited by 5-HT, but at much higher doses, indicating a supersensitivity after SCI. This supersensitivity resulted from the loss of the serotonin transporter SERT with spinal transection, because normal and injured rats were equally sensitive to 5-HT after SERT was blocked or to agonists not transported by SERT (zolmitriptan). Immunolabeling revealed that the 5-HT1Dreceptor was confined to superficial lamina of the dorsal horn, colocalized with CGRP-positive C-fibers, and eliminated by dorsal rhizotomy. 5-HT1Dreceptor labeling was not found on large proprioceptive afferents or α-motoneurons of the MSR. Thus serotonergic inhibition of the MSR acts indirectly by modulating C-fiber activity, opening up new possibilities for modulating reflex function and clonus via pain-related pathways.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Brain stem-derived serotonin potently inhibits afferent transmission in the monosynaptic stretch reflex. We show that serotonin produces this inhibition exclusively via 5-HT1Dreceptors, and yet these receptors are paradoxically mostly confined to C-fibers. This suggests that serotonin acts by gating of C-fiber activity, which in turn modulates afferent transmission to motoneurons. We also show that the classic supersensitivity to 5-HT after spinal cord injury results from a loss of SERT, and not 5-HT1Dreceptor plasticity.
A Differential Privacy Framework for Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Xiaoye , Sun Zhenlong , Zhang Jianpei
Published: January 2019

Focusing on the privacy issues in recommender systems, we propose a framework containing two perturbation methods for differentially private collaborative filtering to prevent the threat of inference attacks against users. To conceal individual ratings and provide valuable predictions, we consider some representative algorithms to calculate the predicted scores and provide specific solutions for adding Laplace noise. The DPI (Differentially Private Input) method perturbs the original ratings, which can be followed by any recommendation algorithms. By contrast, the DPM (Differentially Private Manner) method is based on the original ratings, which perturbs the measurements during implementation of the algorithms and releases the predicted scores. The experimental results showed that both methods can provide valuable prediction results while guaranteeing DP, which suggests it is a feasible solution and can be competent to make private recommendations.
Antibacterial Effect of Black Pepper Petroleum Ether Extract against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Chen Wenxue , Tang Hui , Jiang Ningxin , Zhong Qiuping , Hu Yueying , Chen Haiming , Chen Weijun
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of black pepper petroleum ether extract (BPPE) against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028. The results showed that the BPPE had a strong antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium, and 2-methylene-4,8,8-trimethyl-4-vinyl-bicyclo[5.2.0]nonane (9.36%) and caryophyllene oxide (4.85%) were identified as the two primary components of BPPE. The ability of cells to break down hyperoxide was decreased, and the activities of POD and CAT were inhibited. The activities of key metabolic enzymes shed some light on the biochemical mechanism of aglycon cell growth inhibition, indicating that the energetic metabolism of L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium was markedly influenced by the BPPE. The contents of key organic acids varied significantly, resulting in remarkable abnormalities in the energetic metabolism of L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium. Thus, the consecution of energetic metabolism was destroyed by the BPPE, which contributed to metabolic dysfunction, the suppression of gene transcription, and cell death.
The Emerging Role of Estrogens in Thyroid Redox Homeostasis and Carcinogenesis
Authors: Faria Caroline C. , Peixoto Milena S. , Carvalho Denise P. , Fortunato Rodrigo S.
Published: January 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the most critical class of free radicals or reactive metabolites produced by all living organisms. ROS regulate several cellular functions through redox-dependent mechanisms, including proliferation, differentiation, hormone synthesis, and stress defense response. However, ROS overproduction or lack of appropriate detoxification is harmful to cells and can be linked to the development of several diseases, such as cancer. Oxidative damage in cellular components, especially in DNA, can promote the malignant transformation that has already been described in thyroid tissue. In thyrocyte physiology, NADPH oxidase enzymes produce large amounts of ROS that are necessary for hormone biosynthesis and might contribute to the high spontaneous mutation rate found in this tissue. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, and its incidence is significantly higher in women than in men. Several lines of evidence suggest the sex hormone estrogen as a risk factor for thyroid cancer development. Estrogen in turn, besides being a potent growth factor for both normal and tumor thyroid cells, regulates different mechanisms of ROS generation. Our group demonstrated that the thyroid gland of adult female rats exhibits higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and lower enzymatic antioxidant defense in comparison with male glands. In this review, we discuss the possible involvement of thyroid redox homeostasis and estrogen in the development of thyroid carcinogenesis.
Self-Reported Physical Activity and Relations to Growth and Neurotrophic Factors in Diabetes Mellitus: The Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Spartano Nicole L. , Davis-Plourde Kendra L. , Himali Jayandra J. , Murabito Joanne M. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha
Published: January 2019

Aims. Circulating insulin-like growth factor- (IGF-) 1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are often lower in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and are important for repairing vascular and neuronal dysfunction. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the cross-sectional relations of physical activity to circulating concentrations of IGF-1, VEGF, and BDNF in individuals with and without DM.Methods. In 1730 participants from the Framingham Offspring Study examination cycle 7, including those with DM (n=179, mean age 64 years, 39% women) and without DM (n=1551, mean age 60 years, 46% women), we related self-reported physical activity variables to circulating concentrations of IGF-1, VEGF, and BDNF using linear multivariable regression models. We also tested for interactions by age. Participants with prevalent cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia or taking hormone replacement therapy were excluded.Results. In participants with DM, more ambulatory physical activity was associated with higher IGF-1 levels (β±standarderrorSE=0.22±0.08,p=0.009), and more total physical activity was related to higher BDNF levels (β±SE=0.18±0.08,p=0.035), but physical activity was not significantly related to circulating VEGF. In participants without DM, no associations were observed. Moreover, in the examination of interactions by age, the association of ambulatory physical activity with IGF-1 levels was only observed in older adults with DM (age≥60years,β±SE=0.23±0.11,p=0.042) but not in middle-aged adults with DM (age<60years,β±SE=0.06±0.13,p=0.645).Conclusion. Our results suggest that more physical activity is associated with higher circulating IGF-1 and BDNF in participants with DM. These results, dissecting interactions by both age and DM status, may also help to explain some of the inconsistent results in studies relating physical activity to growth and neurotrophic factors.
A Semantic Community Detection Algorithm Based on Quantizing Progress
Authors: Han Xu , Chen Deyun , Yang Hailu
Published: January 2019

The semantic social network is a kind of network that contains enormous nodes and complex semantic information, and the traditional community detection algorithms could not give the ideal cogent communities instead. To solve the issue of detecting semantic social network, we present a clustering community detection algorithm based on the PSO‐LDA model. As the semantic model is LDA model, we use the Gibbs sampling method that can make quantitative parameters map from semantic information to semantic space. Then, we present a PSO strategy with the semantic relation to solve the overlapping community detection. Finally, we establish semantic modularity (SimQ) for evaluating the detected semantic communities. The validity and feasibility of the PSO‐LDA model and the semantic modularity are verified by experimental analysis.
Periampullary Metastases from Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lin Yi , Wong Sio In , Wang Yuzhou , Lam Chileong , Peng Xianghong
Published: January 2019

We presented a metastatic breast cancer case who was afflicted with obstructive jaundice caused by an ampullary neoplasm. Since jaundice due to periampullary metastasis from breast cancer was a rare entity, a literature review of similar cases through the PubMed database was done. A total of 23 additional cases were found. Among these 24 cases, 5 presented with periampullary metastasis synchronously with the diagnosis of breast cancer, while 19 had metachronous periampullary metastasis with an interval ranging between 1.3 and 23 years from the initial diagnosis of breast cancer to the emergence of jaundice. It is intriguing to establish a differential diagnosis for common bile tract stricture prior to tissue biopsy, even with diagnostic workups including serum tumor markers, MRI plus MRCP, ERCP with intraductal brushing, and endoscopic ultrasound, in that the clinical, radiological, and endoscopic findings of metastatic lesions overlapped extensively with those found with primary periampullary malignancies. An immunohistochemical portfolio including cytokeratin7/20 (CK7/20), homeobox protein CDX2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), estrogen receptor alfa (ERα), progesterone receptor (PgR), mammaglobin, gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDFP-15), and transacting T-cell-specific transcription factor (GATA-3) was helpful for differential diagnosis among cases with ambiguous microscopic features.
Chromatographic Fingerprint and Quantitative Analysis of CommercialPheretima aspergillum(Guang Dilong) and Its Adulterants by UPLC-DAD
Authors: Sun Jie , Tian Fang , Zhang Ying , Wu Menghua , Mao Runqian , Le Zhiyong , Xu Dongjin , Cao Hui , Ma Zhiguo
Published: January 2019

Guang Dilong is a Traditional Chinese Medicine prepared from the dried body ofPheretima aspergillum(E. Perrier), a species of earthworm. However, preparations of Guang Dilong may be adulterated by other species and a method of quality control is needed. A method was developed to analyze and authenticate commercial Guang Dilong, utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with diode array detection (DAD). Equipment included an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.01% formic acid, pumped at 0.3 mL/min. Wavelength detection was at 260 nm. Twenty-two batches of confirmedP. aspergillumsamples (reference) from different sources and 20 batches of adulterated samples were analyzed to establish a reference fingerprint for commercial Guang Dilong. Five peaks in the fingerprints of the reference batches were identified as characteristic; six characteristic peaks in the fingerprints of the adulterants were identified by comparing their retention time with those of the references. The total 42 batches of samples were compared with the reference fingerprint, and the fingerprints of theP. aspergillumsamples were similar. The UHPLC-DAD method can simultaneously determine the contents of six compounds (hypoxanthine, xanthine, uridine, inosine, guanosine, and adenosine) in the reference and adulterated batches. The six compounds showed good regression (r> 0.9999) within test ranges. The recovery (accuracy) was 98.25 to 101.68%, with relative standard deviation <2.67%. In summary, this UHPLC-DAD method combines chromatographic fingerprint with quantification analysis and could be readily used as an efficient quality control method for Guang Dilong.
Early-Onset Neonatal Meningitis Caused by an Unusual Pathogen‐Moraxella catarrhalis
Authors: Siwakoti Shraddha , Bajracharya Sohani , Adhikaree Neetu , Sah Rinku , Rajbhandari Rupa Singh , Khanal Basudha
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Moraxella catarrhalis are part of the normal flora of the human respiratory tract and are known to have low pathogenic potential. The organism is rarely reported in the literature as the causative agent of meningitis. We report the first case of early-onset neonatal meningitis associated with M. catarrhalis from Nepal. Case Report. A 3-day-old baby with fever and yellowish discolouration of the body since 48 hrs was admitted to the neonatal ward. The baby developed 3 episodes of seizures in the form of uprolling of eyes on the first day of admission during phototherapy course for raised serum bilirubin. Sepsis screen was positive, and meningitis was confirmed as the cerebrospinal fluid culture grew M. catarrhalis. Cranial ultrasound scan was normal. The baby received a 21-day course of intravenous cefotaxime and amikacin. Recovery has been uneventful to date. Conclusion. Neonatal meningitis is a life-threatening infection. This case report presents an uncommon aetiology of neonatal meningitis which can be misidentified in the diagnostic bacteriology laboratory in resource constraints area like ours.
Kisspeptin Protein in Seminal Plasma Is Positively Associated with Semen Quality: Results from the MARHCS Study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zou Peng , Wang Xiaogang , Chen Qing , Yang Huan , Zhou Niya , Sun Lei , Chen Hongqiang , Liu Jinyi , Ao Lin , Cui Zhihong , Cao Jia
Published: January 2019

Objectives. To study the associations between kisspeptin levels in seminal plasma and blood plasma and semen quality. Materials and Methods. We conducted a male reproductive health survey in June 2014. A total of 666 volunteers were recruited from colleges in Chongqing, China. All volunteers completed a questionnaire including information on domestic characteristics and some potential confounders. We tested the kisspeptin levels in both blood and seminal plasma. Total seminal kisspeptin was calculated as the concentration of kisspeptin in seminal plasma multiplied by semen volume. Semen samples were tested according to the 2010 World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines. Spearman correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to explore the association between kisspeptin concentrations in seminal plasma and blood plasma and semen quality. Potential confounders that were adjusted for included age, abstinence time, body mass index (BMI), grade, and smoking. Results. The median of kisspeptin levels in seminal plasma was 60,000 times higher than kisspeptin in blood plasma (28.0 × 106 pg/ml versus 448.9 pg/ml). Each interquartile range (IQR) of kisspeptin in seminal plasma was associated with a 4.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6%–7.6%) increase in sperm concentration. Each IQR of total kisspeptin was associated with a 7.7% (95% CI: 4.4%–11.0%) increase in total sperm number and a 7.8% (95% CI: 4.0%–11.7%) increase in total motile sperm count. Kisspeptin levels were further classified into quartiles and Q1 was set as the reference level. Subjects in the high total kisspeptin group had 57.5% (95% CI: 33.2%–86.2%) higher total sperm number than the reference group. Conclusion. The positive association between kisspeptin levels in seminal plasma and semen quality supported an important role for the KISS1/GPR54 system in male reproductive health. Kisspeptin may be a potential marker of male reproductive health and an alternative strategy for treating infertility.
A New Flow Line Function for Modeling Material Trajectory and Textures in Nonequal-Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Hasani A. , Toth L. S. , Mardokh Rouhani Sh.
Published: January 2019

One of the most applied severe plastic deformation processes is ECAP (equal-channel angular pressing) which is suitable to produce ultrafine-grained metallic materials with high mechanical performance. A variant of the ECAP process was proposed in 2009, which consists in reducing the diameter of the exit channel of the die; it is named the nonequal-channel angular pressing (NECAP) process. A flow line function was also proposed to describe the material flow and the deformation field during NECAP. In the present work, an improved version of that flow function is presented containing two additional parameters compared to the previously proposed function. The new parameters permit to control precisely the shapes and the positions of the flow lines. The new flow function was applied to 90° NECAP of commercially pure aluminum to characterize the deformation field and the extent of the plastic deformation zone. The crystallographic texture evolution is also simulated using the new function. Excellent agreements with experiments were obtained for both the flow line trajectories and the crystallographic texture.
The Effect of Trichoderma spp. on the Composition of Volatile Secondary Metabolites and Biometric Parameters of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
Authors: Gębarowska E. , Pytlarz-Kozicka M. , Nöfer J. , Łyczko J. , Adamski M. , Szumny A.
Published: January 2019

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of Trichoderma spp. on volatile secondary metabolites and biometric parameters obtained from coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The fruits of coriander treated with liquid suspension spores of T. harzianum strain T22 and of T. asperellum strain B35 increased the yield of essential oil (by ∼36%); however, it was unaffected in its composition. Moreover, Trichoderma spp. influenced the yield and increased the number of seeds of coriander by ∼60%. Inoculation seeds with T. asperelleum strain B35 caused about 2-fold increase in the biomass of the aerial parts of coriander. There was also an increased root colonization by the fungus Trichoderma spp., limiting the number of phytopathogenic fungi from genus Fusarium observed.
Existence of Neural Stem Cells in Mouse Spleen
Authors: Tomita Koichi , Ishikawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

Pluripotent stem cells are used in regenerative medicine and exist in various internal organs. However, there are a small number of reports of neural cells or neural stem cells existing in the spleen. In this study, we sought to identify possible neural stem cells in the mouse spleen. The spleens of ICR mice were removed and small specimens were incubated in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium with Nutrient Mixture F-12 containing either 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 20% FBS, 10% neonate bovine serum, or 10% fetal calf serum. Neural cell medium was also used. The cultured cells were investigated for expression of the neural cell markers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and neurofilament 150 kDa (NF-150) by immunocytochemistry. Mouse spleens were also examined by immunohistochemistry for NSE, NF-150, NF-200, peripherin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Cells morphologically resembling neural cells were obtained and were positive for neural cell markers. Some of the cells generated sphere-like formations, which may have been neurospheres. Cell proliferation was best in medium containing 10% FBS. Cells positive for neural markers were observed in the subcapsular and perivascular regions of the spleen. The cells were round and present in much lower numbers than in cell culture. These cells are suspected neural stem cells and would be expected to differentiate into neural cells in cell culture. This report suggests the existence of neural stem cells in the mouse spleen.
Frequently Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome in COPD
Authors: Vaz Juan , Berggren Rikard , Eriksson Berne
Published: January 2019

Cardiovascular disease is common among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient cardiac disorder that, in its typical form, involves left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning and mimics acute coronary syndrome (ACS). “Bronchogenic TTS” has been proposed as a specific form of TTS (during severe acute dyspnea in asthma or COPD) with atypical presentation. Recurrent TTS in COPD seems to be exceptionally rare since only a handful of clinical cases have previously been reported in the literature. Here, we present a unique case of a frequently recurrent TTS during COPD exacerbation in a 70-year-old woman, with at least 4 different episodes of TTS within 5 years. This case report exemplifies the difficulties of the diagnosis of TTS at the onset of acute COPD exacerbation. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies are also briefly discussed.
Cardiac Tamponade as an Initial Manifestation of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Rodríguez-Rosales Yuridia Evangelina , Salazar-Mejía Carlos Eduardo , Soto-Martínez Blanca Angélica , Hernández-Barajas David , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , Gómez-Macías Gabriela Sofia
Published: January 2019

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy worldwide in women and the third most common cause of cancer death in developing countries. This type of cancer spreads mainly to the lung, the bone, and the brain; however, the pericardium is an unusual site of invasion, which is associated with a poor prognosis. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with six months of leg edema and abnormal uterine bleeding. During the initial evaluation, cardiac tamponade and a bilateral pleural effusion were found. A left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was identified on physical examination, while gynecological examination and MRI were irrelevant. Initial cytology of the pericardial fluid showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma, and a cervical biopsy revealed a squamous cell invasive carcinoma. Chemotherapy was started with carboplatin and paclitaxel, but no clinical improvement was noted and the patient died 46 days after arrival. Cardiac tamponade in a young female patient is a harbinger to widen the differential diagnosis to include not only infectious, cardiac, or metabolic etiology but also oncological causes since this will allow appropriate treatment.
Assessment of Patients’ Future Outlook after Bowel Resection in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Tang Shasha , Ge Xiaolong , Qi Weilin , Liu Wei , Cao Qian , Zhou Wei
Published: January 2019

Background. Many patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) require surgery in their life. Their future outlook is crucial to psychological and mental health after surgery. This study is aimed at assessing CD patient’s outlook after experiencing bowel resection and determining factors associated with patient’s outlook. Methods. We used an ad hoc questionnaire (modified WHOQOL-BREF) to assess patients’ outlook for the future after bowel resection in CD. All patients who experienced bowel resection for CD from 2015 to 2017 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the questionnaire. Patients who had a positive outlook were compared with those who had a negative outlook. The patients’ view on timing of surgery was also recorded. Results. Of 114 eligible patients surveyed, 103 (90.4%) responded. 65 (63.1%) reported that the timing of surgery was appropriate, and 26 patients felt it should have been performed earlier, while remaining 12 preferred a later surgery. 61 (59.2%) patients had a positive outlook of their future lives, while 42 patients had a negative outlook. Factors as the financial burden, employment status, patients’ view on timing of surgery, and clinical recurrence were associated with patients’ outlook. In the multivariate analysis, only clinical recurrence was an independent risk factor for patient’s future outlook. Conclusion. From this survey, it is clear that most patients who underwent an elective bowel resection for CD are satisfied with their timing of surgery. Patients who have clinical recurrence carry a significant negative outlook for their future life. Postoperative management which focuses on preventing clinical recurrence may enhance patients’ outlook for the future.
Threshold Dynamics in a Periodic Three‐Patch Rift Valley Fever Virus Transmission Model
Authors: Wen Buyu , Teng Zhidong , Liu Wenlin
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates a three‐patch Rift Valley fever virus transmission model with periodic coefficients. The basic reproduction number Ri0(i = 1,2,3) is calculated for the model by using the next infection operator method. The threshold conditions on the extinction and permanence in the mean of the disease with probability one. The Rift Valley fever disease will be permanent in the j‐th (j = 1,2,3) patch if j ≥ i, Ri0 > 1 and dies out in the j‐th patch if j < i. The numerical simulations are given to confirm the theoretical results.
Study on Impact of Turbine Location on Hydrodynamics in Tidal Farm
Authors: Zhang Hongqiang , Li Daming , Li Yanqing , Yang Ting , Luo Shan , Tian Shunfa , Bu Shilong
Published: January 2019

This work aims at investigating the impact of different tidal turbine locations on hydrodynamics in near-field and far-field flow; thus, three- and two-dimensional (3- & 2-D) models were exploited in combination and applied in a case study of Putuo-Hulu Islands’ tidal farm. We present a method for the simplification of tidal turbine which, based on the energy equation, determines turbine’s equivalent roughness by calculating resistance loss in flow passage. A 3-D turbine model of near-field flow in the frame of Computational Fluid Dynamics was constructed, and the flow velocity distributions in 7 combinations of “impeller rotating speed - inflow velocity” were simulated. Also a 2-D tidal model of far-field flow was established, and Finite Element Method was adopted to solve the 2-D shallow water circulation equations; thus, the impact of tidal turbine could be simulated by utilizing different location’s compositive roughness. The results show that the impact of turbine location on hydrodynamics is depending on the open degree of sea area, channel trend, and bathymetric and geographic features and that the farther distance from the turbine, the less impact on the flow field. Overall, the impact of turbine location on far-field flow is not significant, and the flow velocity varies below 8% relative to the velocity prior to turbine installation.
Liquidity Hoarding in Financial Networks: The Role of Structural Uncertainty
Authors: Davidovic Stojan , Kothiyal Amit , Galesic Mirta , Katsikopoulos Konstantinos , Arinaminpathy Nimalan
Published: January 2019

The dynamics of confidence affect a plethora of financial phenomena including liquidity hoarding. We present a multiagent model of a financial network in which confidence dynamics are shaped by structural uncertainty—that is, the lack of knowledge about the network of interbank cross‐exposures. During a financial crisis, structural uncertainty makes it difficult for banks to assess the risk of financial contagion and their own health. Under such conditions, banks are more likely to behave conservatively and quickly act on information they receive from their local environment. A sudden financial shock, therefore, can be characterized by high‐intensity local impact on confidence. We find that such local impacts quickly spread throughout the network, causing more damage than a shock that evenly affects all localities in the system; for example, a complete breakdown of the system occurs with a higher probability. The results are explained analytically by linking system performance to the speed of decrease in confidence.
Silicone-Induced Granulomatous Reaction Causing Severe Hypercalcemia: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dangol Gulshan Man Singh , Negrete Hilmer
Published: January 2019

A 67-year-old woman presented to the hospital with complaints of abdominal pain. Physical exam was significant for signs of severe dehydration, mild epigastric tenderness and multiple non-tender hard nodules over her arms and thighs. Incidental finding of severe hypercalcemia led to negative workups for hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication, and malignancy. However, elevated levels of 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D raised the possibility of granulomatous diseases. Imaging and patient report revealed silicone-induced foreign body granulomatous reaction as the cause of hypercalcemia. Use of silicone for cosmetic enhancement of body contours can result in siliconomas, severe hypercalcemia, and complications. Treatment is unestablished for this condition. Increasing prevalence of cosmetic enhancement should prompt vigilance for this rare disease entity. Providers should counsel and educate individuals undergoing such procedures.
Guidelines for Colonic Diverticular Bleeding and Colonic Diverticulitis: Japan Gastroenterological Association
Authors: Nagata Naoyoshi , Ishii Naoki , Manabe Noriaki , Tomizawa Kenji , Urita Yoshihisa , Funabiki Tomohiro , Fujimori Shunji , Kaise Mitsuru
Published: January 2019

Colonic diverticular disease has been increasing in prevalence in Japan due to the rapidly aging population. Colonic diverticular bleeding can result in hemorrhagic shock requiring blood transfusion, and it carries a high risk of recurrence within 1 year. Colonic diverticulitis can cause abscess, fistula formation, and perforation of the colon that may require surgery, and it often recurs. As a result, patients with colonic diverticular disease are often bothered by required frequent examinations, re-hospitalization, and a consequent decrease in quality of life. However, the management of diverticular disease differs between Japan and Western countries. For example, computed tomography (CT) is readily accessible at Japanese hospitals, so urgent CT may be selected as the first diagnostic procedure for suspected diverticular disease. Endoscopic clipping or band ligation may be preferred as the first endoscopic procedure for diverticular bleeding. Administration of antibiotics and complete bowel rest may be considered as first-line therapy for colonic diverticulitis. In addition, diverticula occur mainly in the sigmoid colon in Western countries, whereas the right side or bilateral of the colon is more commonly involved in Japan. As such, diverticular disease in the right-side colon is more prevalent in Japan than in Western countries. Against this background, concern is growing about the management of colonic diverticular disease in Japan and there is currently no practice guideline available. To address this situation, the Japanese Gastroenterological Association decided to create a clinical guideline for colonic diverticular bleeding and colonic diverticulitis in collaboration with the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology, Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society, and Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology. The steps taken to establish this guideline involved incorporating the concept of the GRADE system for rating clinical guidelines, developing clinical questions (CQs), accumulating evidence through a literature search and review, and developing the Statement and Explanation sections. This guideline includes 2CQs for colonic diverticulosis, 24 CQs for colonic diverticular bleeding, and 17 CQs for diverticulitis.
The miR-183/96/182 Cluster Regulates Macrophage Functions in Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Muraleedharan Chithra K. , McClellan Sharon A. , Ekanayaka Sandamali A. , Francis Rebecca , Zmejkoski Alex , Hazlett Linda D. , Xu Shunbin
Published: January 2019

Macrophages (Mϕ) are an important component of the innate immune system; they play critical roles in the first line of defense to pathogen invasion and modulate adaptive immunity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a newly recognized, important level of gene expression regulation. However, their roles in the regulation of Mϕ and the immune system are still not fully understood. In this report, we provide evidence that the conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183/96/182) modulates Mϕ function in their production of reactive nitrogen (RNS) and oxygen species (ROS) and their inflammatory response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. We show that knockdown of miR-183/96/182 results in decreased production of multiple proinflammatory cytokines in response to PA or LPS treatment in Mϕ-like Raw264.7 cells. Consistently, peritoneal Mϕ from miR-183/96/182-knockout versus wild-type mice are less responsive to PA or LPS, although their basal levels of proinflammatory cytokines are increased. In addition, overexpression of miR-183/96/182 results in decreased production of nitrite and ROS in Raw264.7 cells. We also provide evidence that DAP12 and Nox2 are downstream target genes of miR-183/96/182. These data suggest that miR-183/96/182 imposes global regulation on various aspects of Mϕ function through different downstream target genes.
Diagnóstico de percepciones internas de la red iberoamericana de empresas agroalimentarias innovadoras
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Carrer Celso da Costa , Raga Esteve Juan Antonio ,   Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Císcar Vicent Clemente ,   Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Iranzo-Cabrera María ,   Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, Ribeiro Marcelo Machado De Luca de Oliveira ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos
Published: January 2019

El presente trabajo resultó de una investigación aplicada originada en el interés em retractarse un estudio de caso con la Red Iberoamericana de Incubadoras y Parques Científicos / Tecnológicos del Sistema Agroalimentario denominada AGROINNCUBA. Esta red, apoyada por el Programa CTYED, reúne incubadoras de empresas y parques científicos / tecnológicos que se proponen actuar, aunque no de forma exclusiva, en la incubación de spin-offs y startups en el sector de empresas ligadas al agronegocio, de una manera general. La investigación fue desarrollada sobre todo en informaciones pasadas por los miembros responsables durante el 2º. Encuentro Internacional de la Red AGROINNCUBA, realizado en el PCUV - Valencia, del 2 al 4 de mayo de 2018.