bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral inflammatory biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Cen , Zhao Kangren , Xia Haiping , Xu Yaoming
Published: February 2019

Background

In the past few decades, it has been demonstrated with animal models and clinical studies that a chronic inflammatory process significantly contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis.

Methods

We systematically searched on PubMed and Web of Science for studies associated with peripheral inflammatory biomarkers in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) before July 2018. Meta‐analysis was conducted to summarise results of studies relative to peripheral cytokines and chemokines in AD and MCI.

Results

Mean (± SD) concentrations of peripheral inflammatory biomarkers for AD, MCI and healthy controls were extracted from these studies. Our meta‐analysis revealed consistently elevated concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers such as C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐18, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), MCP‐3, IL‐8 and interferon‐γ‐inducible protein 10 in AD patients, whereas no consistent results were obtained for elevated concentrations of cytokines or chemokines except MCP‐1 in MCI patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, these results provided evidence to support that systematic inflammation might be a biomarker for AD diagnosis, whereas it might be a later event during AD disease progression.
Sexual orientation at work: Documenting and understanding wage inequality
Authors: Denier Nicole , Waite Sean
Published: February 2019

A growing body of research focuses on the labor market experiences and outcomes of LGBTQ+ people. Yet sexual orientation has been incorporated unevenly into research on labor market inequality, developing in parallel across work in labor economics and the sociology of work and organizations. In this review, we describe research on sexual orientation andwage inequality, bridging insights from quantitative studies of wage gaps and qualitative work on the organizational and occupational experiences of sexual minorities. We further discuss theoretical developments in the sociology of sexuality to provide background to the concepts and measures both bodies of research employ in practice. We argue that future research should integrate these approaches to consider how local and diffuse cultural understandings of sexual orientation shape the valuation of workers.
The macrocyclizing protease butelase 1 remains autocatalytic and reveals the structural basis for ligase activity
Authors: James Amy M. , Haywood Joel , Leroux Julie , Ignasiak Katarzyna , Elliott Alysha G. , Schmidberger Jason W. , Fisher Mark F. , Nonis Samuel G. , Fenske Ricarda , Bond Charles S. , Mylne Joshua S.
Published: February 2019

Plant asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs) are expressed as inactive zymogens that perform maturation of seed storage protein upon cleavage‐dependent autoactivation in the low‐pH environment of storage vacuoles. The AEPs have attracted attention for their macrocyclization reactions, and have been classified as cleavage or ligation specialists. However, we have recently shown that the ability of AEPs to produce either cyclic or acyclic products can be altered by mutations to the active site region, and that several AEPs are capable of macrocyclization given favorable pH conditions. One AEP extracted from Clitoria ternatea seeds (butelase 1) is classified as a ligase rather than a protease, presenting an opportunity to test for loss of cleavage activity. Here, making recombinant butelase 1 and rescuing an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant lacking AEP, we show that butelase 1 retains cleavage functions in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo rescue was incomplete, consistent with some trade‐off for butelase 1 specialization toward macrocyclization. Its crystal structure showed an active site with only subtle differences from cleaving AEPs, suggesting the many differences in its peptide‐binding region are the source of its efficient macrocyclization. All considered, it seems that either butelase 1 has not fully specialized or a requirement for autocatalytic cleavage is an evolutionary constraint upon macrocyclizing AEPs.
Chronic fetal hypoxia disrupts the peri‐conceptual environment in next‐generation adult female rats
Authors: Aiken Catherine E. , Tarry‐Adkins Jane L. , Spiroski Ana‐Mishel , Nuzzo Anna M. , Ashmore Thomas J. , Rolfo Alessandro , Sutherland Megan J. , Camm Emily J. , Giussani Dino A. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: February 2019

Key points

Exposure to chronic hypoxia during gestation influences long‐term health and development, including reproductive capacity, across generations.

If the peri‐conceptual environment in the developing oviduct is affected by gestational hypoxia, then this could have implications for later fertility and the health of future generations.

In the present study, we show that the oviducts of female rats exposed to chronic hypoxia in utero have reduced telomere length, decreased mitochondrial DNA biogenesis and increased oxidative stress

The results of the present study show that exposure to chronic gestational hypoxia leads to accelerated ageing of the oviduct in early adulthood and they help us understand how exposure to hypoxia during development could influence reproductive health across generations.

Exposure to chronic hypoxia during fetal development has important effects on immediate and long‐term outcomes in offspring. Adverse impacts in adult offspring include impairment of cardiovascular function, metabolic derangement and accelerated ovarian ageing. However, it is not known whether other aspects of the female reproductive system may be similarly affected. In the present study, we examined the impact of chronic gestational hypoxia on the developing oviduct. Wistar rat dams were randomized to either normoxia (21%) or hypoxia (13%) from day 6 post‐mating until delivery. Post‐delivery female offspring were maintained in normoxia until 4 months of age. Oviductal gene expression was assayed at the RNA (quantitative RT‐PCR) and protein (western blotting) levels. Oviductal telomere length was assayed using Southern blotting. Oviductal telomere length was reduced in the gestational hypoxia‐exposed animals compared to normoxic controls (P < 0.01). This was associated with a specific post‐transcriptional reduction in the KU70 subunit of DNA‐pk in the gestational hypoxia‐exposed group (P < 0.05). Gestational hypoxia‐exposed oviducts also showed evidence of decreased mitochondrial DNA biogenesis, reduced mtDNA copy number (P < 0.05) and reduced gene expression of Tfam (P < 0.05) and Pgc1α (P < 0.05). In the hypoxia‐exposed oviducts, there was upregulation of mitochondrial‐specific anti‐oxidant defence enzymes (MnSOD; P < 0.01). Exposure to chronic gestational hypoxia leads to accelerated ageing of the oviduct in adulthood. The oviduct plays a central role in early development as the site of gamete transport, syngamy, and early development; hence, accelerated ageing of the oviductal environment could have important implications for fertility and the health of future generations.
A Generative Human-in-the-Loop Approach for Conceptual Design Exploration Using Flow Failure Frequency in Functional Models1
Authors: Arlitt Ryan M. , Van Bossuyt Douglas L.
Published: February 2019

A challenge systems engineers and designers face when applying system failure risk assessment methods such as probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) during conceptual design is their reliance on historical data and behavioral models. This paper presents a framework for exploring a space of functional models using graph rewriting rules and a qualitative failure simulation framework that presents information in an intuitive manner for human-in-the-loop decision-making and human-guided design. An example is presented wherein a functional model of an electrical power system testbed is iteratively perturbed to generate alternatives. The alternative functional models suggest different approaches to mitigating an emergent system failure vulnerability in the electrical power system's heat extraction capability. A preferred functional model configuration that has a desirable failure flow distribution can then be identified. The method presented here helps systems designers to better understand where failures propagate through systems and guides modification of systems functional models to adjust the way in which systems fail to have more desirable characteristics.
A new larval Lassenia Newell, 1957 (Trombidiformes: Tanaupodidae) from Japan
Authors: Haitlinger Ryszard , Negm Mohamed W. , Gotoh Tetsuo , Šundić Miloje
Published: February 2019

Lassenia japonica Haitlinger, Negm & Šundić sp. nov. with fnCx 1-1-2 is described and illustrated from larvae collected from Maesa japonica (Primulaceae) in Japan. It is the first species of Tanaupodidae found in Japan. A key to Lassenia (larvae) of the world is provided.
Kinetic Friction: Time Upward and Downward
Authors: Manrique Irany Vera , Gutiérrez Gabriela Rivadeneyra , González David Alejandro Martínez
Published: February 2019

This article describes an experiment that can be done in the classroom in a simple way, with the support of a “homemade” device or as a laboratory practice with the support of PASCO equipment. Through a theory-practice sequence, kinematic and dynamic equations were checked with qualitative and quantitative analysis, emphasizing the predictions and the experimental confrontation. This activity has been done in the second-semester introductory physics course for engineering undergraduate students.
A Variable-Mass Snowball Rolling Down a Snowy Slope
Authors: Rubin Scott
Published: February 2019

The stereotypical situation of a snowball picking up both mass and speed as it rolls without slipping down a hill provides an opportunity to explore the general form of both translational and rotational versions of Newton’s second law through multivariable differential equations. With a few reasonable assumptions, it can be shown that the snowball reaches a terminal acceleration. While the model may not be completely physically accurate, the exercise and the resulting equation are useful and accessible to students in a second year physics course, arguably.
Teaching Phenomena with NGSS – A Complete Unit
Authors: Like Christopher , Morgan Jeffrey , Escalada Lawrence , Burns Les
Published: February 2019

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) require teachers to think very carefully about the structure of lessons, which content must be taught to allow students to achieve NGSS expectations, and how content is delivered. With the standards’ focus on three-dimensional learning and the use of relevant phenomena, most teachers are urged to make genuine shifts in their classrooms. This paper gives an example of a lesson that accommodates these shifts centered around what some consider the most challenging of the physical science performance expectations.
A Variable Focal Length Lens Made from a Food Preservation Lid
Authors: Uchida Satoko
Published: February 2019

Practical hands-on experience is an effective component of science education. Lessons that involve demonstrations allow learners to explore and verify information learned from other sources (for example, reading a textbook). As a demonstration for use in a science educational setting, we developed a way to make a variable focal length lens using a lid for food preservation, and constructed a model of the human eye using this variable focal length lens.
3-D Optical Path Drawing Method
Authors: Chiang Chun-Ming , Ma Shih-Hsin , Wu Jyun-Yi , Hung Yao-Chen
Published: February 2019

This paper mainly proposes a simple method to record scattered light rays via photography, presenting a clearer and brighter representation of the optical path. This technique is applied to the double-slit interference experiment and single-slit diffraction experiment typically conducted in general physics courses, and shows the intuitive results concerning the relationship between light intensity and interference or diffraction angle through photographic images. Moreover, a photograph of the optical path presented by a converging lens is provided to better understand visually the phenomena of optical aberration and spherical aberration. The optical path drawing method can be applied to various fields of physics and engineering.
“Hang Time and March Madness”
Authors: Toepker Terrence P.
Published: February 2019

In March many announcers talk about a player’s “hang time,” T.
Ultraviolet photography and insect vision
Authors: Lincoln James , Davidhazy Andrew
Published: February 2019

Many of us teach that insects can see “invisible” ultraviolet light, but what demonstrations do we perform to illustrate this? Often UV can be used to cause fluorescence or phosphorescence, which can make its existence more visible. But, is it possible to create photographs or videos that convincingly illustrate the vision of insects? In this article we provide instruction on how to create such photographs with ultraviolet light and present an appropriate discussion of how and why insects and even some people can see beyond the visible color spectrum.
Copepods drive large-scale trait-mediated effects in marine plankton
Authors: Selander E. , Berglund E. C. , Engström P. , Berggren F. , Eklund J. , Harðardóttir S. , Lundholm N. , Grebner W. , Andersson M. X.
Published: February 2019

Alarm signals from marine zooplankton structure phytoplankton communities.
Most sleep does not serve a vital function: Evidence from
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Geissmann Quentin , Beckwith Esteban J. , Gilestro Giorgio F.
Published: February 2019

Sleepless fruit flies live, an unexpected finding that provides a new perspective on sleep for this and perhaps other species.
Transcriptional profiling at the
DLK1/MEG3
domain explains clinical overlap between imprinting disorders
Authors: Abi Habib Walid , Brioude Frédéric , Azzi Salah , Rossignol Sylvie , Linglart Agnès , Sobrier Marie-Laure , Giabicani Éloïse , Steunou Virginie , Harbison Madeleine D. , Le Bouc Yves , Netchine Irène
Published: February 2019

Temple or Silver-Russell syndrome? We reveal the molecular reasons for the clinical resemblance between these two syndromes.
Routine allomaternal nursing in a free-ranging Old World monkey
Authors: Xiang Zuofu , Fan Penglai , Chen Haochun , Liu Ruoshuang , Zhang Bo , Yang Wanji , Yao Hui , Grueter Cyril C. , Garber Paul A. , Li Ming
Published: February 2019

We found that most infant golden snub-nosed monkeys were nursed by females other than their mothers during the first 3 months.
Bottlebrush-architectured poly(ethylene glycol) as an efficient vector for RNA interference in vivo
Authors: Wang Dali , Lin Jiaqi , Jia Fei , Tan Xuyu , Wang Yuyan , Sun Xiaoya , Cao Xueyan , Che Fangyuan , Lu Hao , Gao Ximing , Shimkonis Jackson Christopher , Nyoni Zifiso , Lu Xueguang , Zhang Ke
Published: February 2019

Bottlebrush-structured PEG substantially enhances the pharmacokinetics of conjugated siRNA and RNAi activity in vivo.
When a robot teaches humans: Automated feedback selection accelerates motor learning
Authors: Rauter Georg , Gerig Nicolas , Sigrist Roland , Riener Robert , Wolf Peter
Published: February 2019

Automated feedback selection focusing on the dominant error accelerated motor learning in robot-assisted rowing training.
Symbiosis Comes of Age at the 10th Biennial Meeting of
Wolbachia
Researchers
Authors: Newton Irene L. G. , Slatko Barton E.
Published: February 2019

Wolbachia pipientis
is an alphaproteobacterial obligate intracellular microbe and arguably the most successful infection on our planet, colonizing 40% to 60% of insect species.
Wolbachia
spp.
Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay To Detect Antibodies Targeting Recombinant Envelope Protein 2 of Mayaro Virus
Authors: Fumagalli Marcílio Jorge , de Souza William Marciel , Romeiro Marília Farignoli , de Souza Costa Michell Charles , Slhessarenko Renata Dezengrini , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes
Published: February 2019

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is a neglected arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) antigenically clustered into the Semliki Forest complex group of
Alphavirus
genus (
Togaviridae
family), maintained in an unclear zoonotic cycle involving mosquitoes from
Haemagogus
genus as the main vector. The genome is composed of a positive single-stranded RNA of 11.5 kb in length, which contains two genes that encode four nonstructural (nsP1 to nsP4) and five structural (C, E3, E2, 6K, and E1) proteins.
Health-related quality of life and its associated factors among adult patients with type II diabetes attending Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Tadesse , Workicho Abdulhalik , Angaw Dessie Abebaw
Published: February 2019

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important measure for evaluating patient treatment with non-curable chronic disease. The aim of the study was to assess HRQOL and its associated factors among patients with type II diabetes.

Methods

This is an institution-based, cross-sectional study conducted from March 13 to May 9, 2018. A total of 267 patients with type II diabetes who visited the clinic for follow-up for at least 3 months and who were 18 years or older were included in the study. The WHO Quality of Life-BREF was used to assess quality of life. Multivariable linear regression was employed to identify associated factors with HRQOL among patients with type II diabetes.

Results

The mean score for overall HRQOL was 51.50±15.78. The mean scores for physical health, psychological, environmental and social relationship domains were 49.10±18.14, 53.51±19.82, 49.72±16.09 and 53.68±17.50, respectively. Age, disease duration and fasting blood glucose level were inversely associated with all domains of HRQOL (p<0.001). Body mass index was inversely related with all domains of HRQOL except with the physical health domain.

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicated that all dimensions of HRQOL of patients with diabetes in this study setting were compromised. The study also identified important predictors such as age, duration of disease and level of fasting blood sugar. This entails the need to intervene in improving the HRQOL of patients with diabetes beyond the provision of standard treatments.
Living alone and cardiovascular disease outcomes
Authors: Gandhi Sumeet , Goodman Shaun G , Greenlaw Nicola , Ford Ian , McSkimming Paula , Ferrari Roberto , Jang Yangsoo , Alcocer-Gamba Marco Antonio , Fox Kim , Tardif Jean-Claude , Tendera Michal , Dorian Paul , Steg Gabriel , Udell Jacob Allan
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in outpatients with coronary artery disease (CAD) living alone compared with those living with others.

Methods

The prospeCtive observational LongitudinAl RegIstry oF patients with stable coronarY artery disease (CLARIFY) included outpatients with stable CAD. CLARIFY enrolled participants in 45 countries from November 2009 to July 2010, with 5 years of follow-up. Living arrangement was documented at baseline. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) defined as CV death, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke.

Results

Among 32 367 patients, 3648 patients were living alone (11.3%). After multivariate adjustment, there were no residual differences in MACE among patients living alone compared with those living with others (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.18, p=0.52); however, there was significant heterogeneity in the exposure effect by sex (Pinteraction<0.01). Specifically, men living alone were at higher risk for MACE (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.36, p=0.047) as opposed to women living alone (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.04, p=0.1), predominantly driven by a heterogeneous effect by sex on MI (Pinteraction=0.006). There was no effect modification for MACE by age group (Pinteraction=0.3), although potential varying effects by age for MI (Pinteraction=0.046) and stroke (Pinteraction=0.05).

Conclusions

Living alone was not associated with an independent increase in MACE, although significant sex-based differences were apparent. Men living alone may have a worse prognosis from CV disease than women; further analyses are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this difference.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN43070564.
Epidemiology and long-term outcome in outpatients with chronic heart failure in Northwestern Europe
Authors: Fröhlich Hanna , Rosenfeld Niklas , Täger Tobias , Goode Kevin , Kazmi Syed , Hole Torstein , Katus Hugo A , Atar Dan , Cleland John G F , Agewall Stefan , Clark Andrew L , Frankenstein Lutz , Grundtvig Morten
Published: February 2019

Objective

To describe the epidemiology, long-term outcomes and temporal trends in mortality in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF), mid-range (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) from three European countries.

Methods

We identified 10 312 patients from the Norwegian HF Registry and the HF registries of the universities of Heidelberg, Germany, and Hull, UK. Patients were classified according to baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and time of enrolment (period 1: 1995–2005 vs period 2: 2006–2015). Predictors of mortality were analysed by use of univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

Results

Among 10 312 patients with stable HF, 7080 (68.7%), 2086 (20.2%) and 1146 (11.1%) were classified as having HFrEF, HFmrEF or HFpEF, respectively. A total of 4617 (44.8%) patients were included in period 1, and 5695 (55.2%) patients were included in period 2. Baseline characteristics significantly differed with respect to type of HF and time of enrolment. During a median follow-up of 66 (33–105) months, 5297 patients (51.4%) died. In multivariable analyses, survival was independent of LVEF category (p>0.05), while mortality was lower in period 2 as compared with period 1 (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.91, p<0.001). Significant predictors of all-cause mortality regardless of HF category were increasing age, New York Heart Association functional class, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and use of loop diuretics.

Conclusion

Ambulatory patients with HF stratified by LVEF represent different phenotypes. However, after adjusting for a wide range of covariates, long-term survival is independent of LVEF category. Outcome significantly improved during the last two decades irrespective from type of HF.
Pregnancy in women with pre-existent ischaemic heart disease: a systematic review with individualised patient data
Authors: Lameijer Heleen , Burchill Luke J , Baris Lucia , Ruys Titia PE , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Mulder Barbara J M , Silversides Candice K , van Veldhuisen Dirk J , Pieper Petronella G
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Studies on pregnancy risk in women with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) have mainly excluded pregnancies in women with pre-existent IHD. There is a need for better information about the pregnancy risks in these women and their offspring.

Methods

We performed a systematic review searching the PubMed/MEDLINE public database for pregnancy in women with pre-existent IHD analysing the cardiac, obstetric and fetal/neonatal outcome of pregnancy in women with pre-existing IHD. Individual patient data were requested from large series. The primary outcome endpoints was a composite of ischaemic complications including maternal death, acute coronary syndrome and ventricular tachycardia.

Results

116 women with pre-existent IHD had 124 pregnancies including one twin pregnancy. They had a 21% chance of having an uncomplicated pregnancy (completed pregnancy without cardiovascular, obstetric or fetal/neonatal complications, n=26). Primary (ischaemic) endpoints occurred in 9% (n=11). Women with atherosclerosis had more cardiovascular complications compared with pregnancies in women with other underlying pathology for IHD (50%vs23%, P=0.02) but no significant difference in occurrence of primary endpoints (13% vs 9%, P=0.53). There were two maternal cardiac deaths (2%), one of which occurred in the 18th week of pregnancy and the other postpartum. Obstetric complications occurred in 58% (n=65) of pregnancies and fetal/neonatal complications in 42% (n=47).

Conclusion

Pregnancies in women with pre-existing IHD are high-risk pregnancies. These women have a high risk of ischaemic cardiovascular complications including 2% maternal mortality. The risk of ischaemic complications is especially high among women with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.
Developmental vulnerabilities in children of chronically ill parents: a population-based linked data study
Authors: Bell Megan F , Bayliss Donna M , Glauert Rebecca , Ohan Jeneva L
Published: February 2019

Background

Currently, there is mixed evidence regarding the effects on children when a parent is chronically ill. Research has also primarily been conducted with adolescent samples. This study investigated developmental vulnerabilities in young children of parents with chronic illness.

Methods

This study used linked administrative data. The study population included children born in Western Australia during 2003–2004 (n=19 071; mean age 5.5 years). The outcome measure was a score in the bottom 25% on any of the five developmental domains (physical, social, emotional, communicative and cognitive) of the Australian Early Development Census (2009 collection). Parental chronic illnesses were identified from hospital and cancer registry records, during the period from 1 year prior to the child’s birth and until the end of 2009.

Results

Higher odds of developmental vulnerabilities in physical, social, emotional and communication domains were observed for daughters of chronically ill mothers. Sons of chronically ill mothers had increased odds of language and cognitive difficulties. Risk level increased with each additional year of exposure to maternal chronic illness. Results also indicated increased odds of developmental vulnerabilities for children of mothers experiencing multiple compared with single chronic conditions; however, results were not statistically significant (all p>0.05). No association between fathers’ chronic illness and children’s developmental outcomes was found.

Conclusions

Maternal chronic illness is associated with an increased risk of poor developmental outcomes for children, particularly daughters. Healthcare services have an important role to play in linking families into appropriate family-centred services to best support the needs of chronically ill mothers.
A new developed semi-empirical formula for the (α,p) reaction cross-section at 19±1 MeV
Authors: Özdoğan Hasan , Şekerci Mert , Kaplan Abdullah
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study is to obtain a new semi-empirical formula for [Formula: see text] reactions concerning the possible usage areas of this reaction type, where the fusion reactor studies could be pointed as one of them. The formula development studies have been performed by considering the existing semi-empirical formula modification studies in the literature where an absence of [Formula: see text] reaction has been realized. The suitable experimental data, existing on the EXFOR database, have been used to generate the [Formula: see text] reaction cross-section systematics in the energy range of 19 [Formula: see text]1 MeV. Also, statistical analyses have been performed and the correlation coefficients [Formula: see text] generated by fit parameters have been given.
GLOBAL DYNAMICS OF A SEASONAL MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS TRANSMISSION WITH GENERAL INCIDENCE FUNCTION
Authors: TRAORÉ BAKARY , KOUTOU OUSMANE , SANGARÉ BOUREIMA
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we investigate a nonautonomous and an autonomous model of schistosomiasis transmission with a general incidence function. Firstly, we formulate the nonautonomous model by taking into account the effect of climate change on the transmission. Through rigorous analysis via theories and methods of dynamical systems, we show that the nonautonomous model has a globally asymptotically stable disease-free periodic equilibrium when the associated basic reproduction ratio [Formula: see text] is less than unity. Otherwise, the system admits at least one positive periodic solutions if [Formula: see text] is greater than unity. Secondly, using the average of periodic functions, we further derive the autonomous model associated with the nonautonomous model. Therefore, we show that the disease-free equilibrium of the autonomous model is locally and globally asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction ratio [Formula: see text] is less than unity. When [Formula: see text] is greater than unity, the existence and global asymptotic stability of the endemic equilibrium is established under certain conditions. Finally, using linear and nonlinear specific incidence function, we perform some numerical simulations to illustrate our theoretical results.
Toxicity Evaluation ofAnacardium occidentale, the Potential Aphrodisiac Herb
Authors: Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Wannanon Panakaporn , Muchimapura Supaporn , Thukham-Mee Wipawee , Tong-Un Terdthai , Polyiam Pontapan
Published: February 2019

Anacardium occidentaleL. leaf demonstrates sexual enhancement effect. Therefore, it can be used as the potential supplement and functional ingredient. However, the ethanolic leaf extract of this plant is a modified form of traditional application and the toxicity evaluation is required. To assess cytotoxicity of the extract, RAW 264.7 cells were treated withA. occidentaleleaf extract in the concentration range between 0.625 and 10 mg/mL. Our results showed that the extract showed more than 90% cell viability at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL after 24-hour exposure. To assure the consumption safety, the acute and subchronic toxicity must be studied. Acute toxicity showed that the extract is safe even at the highest dose of 2 g/kg in both sexes of Wistar rats. No changes in behavior, physiology, gross pathology, and histology were observed. To determine the subchronic toxicity of extract, both sexes of Wistar rats were orally given the extract at doses of 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg once daily for 90 days. No changes in body weight, food, and water intake, motor coordination, behavior, and mental alertness were observed. The significant reduction of white blood cell, platelet, and cholesterol together with increase in MCHC was observed in male rats. The reductions of white blood cell and platelet together with the elevations of hemoglobin and hematocrit were also observed in female rats. However, all changes were in normal range. The current results revealed that an ethanolic extract ofA. occidentaleleaf was well tolerated via oral consumption up to dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 90 days and did not produce any toxicity. Ourin vitrocytotoxicity test also confirmed this safety.
Biochemical and Biological Profile of Parotoid Secretion of the AmazonianRhinella marina(Anura: Bufonidae)
Authors: Medeiros Daniel S. S. de , Rego Tiago B. , Santos Ana P. de A. dos , Pontes Adriana S. , Moreira-Dill Leandro S. , Matos Najla B. , Zuliani Juliana P. , Stábeli Rodrigo G. , Teles Carolina B. G. , Soares Andreimar M. , Sperotto Angelo R. de M. , Moura Dinara J. , Saffi Jenifer , Caldeira Cleópatra Alves da Silva , Pimenta Daniel Carvalho , Calderon Leonardo A.
Published: February 2019

Skin secretions of frogs have a high chemical complexity. They have diverse types of biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, biogenic amines, and alkaloids. These compounds protect amphibians’ skin against growth of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa and participate in defense system against attack from predators. Therewith, this work performed biochemical and biological profile of macroglands parotoid secretion from cane toad. For poison analysis, we performed molecular exclusion and reverse phase chromatography, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, leishmanicidal, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammatory activity of crude and/or fractions ofR. marinasecretion were also evaluated. Fractionation prior to filtration from poison showed separation of low mass content (steroids and alkaloids) and high molecular mass (protein). Material below 10 kDa two steroids, marinobufagin and desacetylcinobufagin, was detected. Crude extract and fractions were active againstStaphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli,Plasmodium falciparum,Leishmania guyanensis, andLeishmania braziliensis. Crude extract was also active against cancer cells although it was not cytotoxic for normal cells. This extract did not show significant DNA damage but it showed an important inflammatory effect in vivo. The information obtained in this work contributes to the understanding of the constituents ofR.marinasecretion as well as the bioactive potential of these molecules.
Two Cases of Spontaneous Recurrent Hemarthrosis of the Shoulder with Acromial Erosion Associated with Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Fukuta Shoji , Miyatake Katsutoshli , Matsuura Tetsuya , Sairyo Koichi
Published: February 2019

Spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis of the shoulder is rare. Most previously reported cases were associated with massive rotator cuff tear and degenerative glenohumeral arthritis. We described two cases of recurrent hemarthrosis without osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Both cases had bony erosion of the acromion, which was confirmed arthroscopically as the origin of bleeding. Arthroscopic coagulation, acromioplasty, and drainage were successful and there was no recurrence of hemorrhage.
Lycopus lucidus Turcz Inhibits the Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 Cells and Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rat Model
Authors: Jeong Da-Won , Kim Eun-Young , Kim Jae-Hyun , Lee Bina , Hong SooYeon , Park Jae Ho , Jung Hyuk-Sang , Sohn Youngjoo
Published: February 2019

Lycopus lucidus (LL) is a perennial herb that is traditionally used in Asia to treat edema, wound healing, and gynecological diseases such as irregular menstruation and menstrual pain. We hypothesized that LL would decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis, which is a condition related to gynecological diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of a water extract of LL on osteoclastogenesis in vitro and osteoporosis in vivo. In vitro study, we used RAW 264.7 cells as osteoclast precursor cell. Osteoclast differentiation was induced by receptor activator nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). We investigated the effect of LL on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, and osteoclast-related genes. In vivo study, we used ovariectomized- (OVX-) induced osteoporosis rat model. OVX-induced Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into sham, OVX, 17β-estradiol (100 μg/kg), wLL-L (15.2 mg/kg), and wLL-H (152 mg/kg) groups. Drugs were administered orally once daily for 9 weeks. wLL inhibited the formation of TRAP-positive osteoclasts; TRAP activity; pit formation; transcription factors (the nuclear factor of activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 and c-fos); and osteoclast-related genes such as TRAP, carbonic anhydrase II, cathepsin K, osteoclast-associated receptor, and the d2 isoform of the vacuolar ATPase Vo domain. Also, wLL prevented loss of the trabecular area in the OVX femur without change of estrogen level. These results indicate that wLL is able to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and protect bone loss in the OVX-induced osteoporosis model without the influence of hormones like estrogen.
Reduced Liver Lipid Peroxidation in Subcellular Fractions Is Associated with a Hypometabolic State in Rats with Portacaval Anastomosis
Authors: Vázquez-Martínez Olivia , Valente-Godínez Héctor , Quintanar-Stephano Andrés , Gasca-Martínez Deisy , López-Cervantes Mayra L. , Palma-Tirado Lourdes , de Jesús Guerrero-Carrillo María , Pérez-Solís Mariela , Díaz-Muñoz Mauricio
Published: February 2019

A surgical connection between portal and inferior cava veins was performed to generate an experimental model of high circulating ammonium and hepatic hypofunctioning. After 13 weeks of portacaval anastomosis (PCA), hyperammonemia and shrinkage in the liver were observed. Low glycemic levels accompanied by elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase were recorded. However, the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase was reduced, without change in circulating urea. Histological and ultrastructural observations revealed ongoing vascularization and alterations in the hepatocyte nucleus (reduced diameter with indentations), fewer mitochondria, and numerous ribosomes in the endoplasmic reticulum. High activity of hepatic caspase-3 suggested apoptosis. PCA promoted a marked reduction in lipid peroxidation determined by TBARs in liver homogenate but specially in the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. The reduced lipoperoxidative activity was also detected in assays supplemented with Fe2+. Only discreet changes were observed in conjugated dienes. Fluorescent probes showed significant attenuation in mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and calcium content. Rats with PCA also showed reduced food intake and decreased energy expenditure through indirect calorimetry by measuring oxygen consumption with an open-flow respirometric system. We conclude that experimental PCA promotes an angiogenic state in the liver to confront the altered blood flow by reducing the prooxidant reactions associated with lower metabolic rate, along with significant reduction of mitochondrial content, but without a clear hepatic dysfunction.
Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Young Offspring of Female Rats with Hypothyroidism
Authors: Liu Zhoujun , Chen Yu , Chen Guofang , Mao Xiaodong , Wei Xiao , Li Xingjia , Xu Yijiao , Jiang Fan , Wang Kun , Liu Chao
Published: February 2019

Purpose. Because thyroid hormones from the maternal thyroid glands are known to influence the growth, development, and metabolic functioning of offspring, we used a rat model to preliminarily investigate the effects of maternal hypothyroidism on glucose metabolism, pancreas cell proliferation, and insulin production in young male offspring and the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods. Female rats were divided into a maternal hypothyroidism (MH) group, which received water containing 0.02% 6-propyl-2-thiouracil before and during pregnancy to induce hypothyroidism, and a control group which consumed tap water. Results. Our results showed that there were no differences of islets structure between the offspring from the two groups, but glucose metabolism was impaired with higher plasma glucose concentrations at 0 and 15 min in the OGTT in 8-week-old offspring of the MH group. From birth to 8 weeks, pancreatic TRβ1 and TRβ2 mRNA level declined significantly in MH offspring, accompanied by decreased Ki67 and insulin mRNA expression. Conclusions. Maternal hypothyroidism results in impaired pancreatic insulin synthesis and pancreatic cell proliferation in neonatal offspring and subsequent glucose intolerance in young offspring, which may be related to TRβ gene downregulation in the pancreas.
Acute Right Lower Abdomen in a Patient with a History of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Dabanjan , Bonatti Hugo J. R.
Published: February 2019

Background. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is an uncommon tumor of the GI tract usually seen in elderly patients, often difficult to diagnose because of the unspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain and fullness. Recurrent GIST may have an even more obscure clinical presentation. Case Report. A 44-year-old female with a history of surgically treated GIST presented to the emergency room complaining of acute onset sharp RLQ pain, nausea, and vomiting. Clinically, she had RLQ tenderness with rebound, her WBC was elevated, and CT scan showed signs of appendicitis and also soft tissue masses suspicious for malignancy. After contemplating treatment options including antibiotics and further workup, it was recommended to proceed with surgery. Laparoscopy showed a thickened appendix with nodular infiltration and multiple mass-like lesions in the RLQ not amendable to minimal invasive resection. From a lower midline incision, an open appendectomy and excision of multiple masses in the terminal ileum and in the abdominal wall were done. Narrow-based Meckel’s diverticulum with multiple nodular lesions was also removed. Pathology identified appendicitis and serosal involvement of GIST in all specimens staining positive for CD68, CD117, and vimentin. The patient was started on imatinib and remained recurrence-free after 6 months. Conclusions. This case illustrates a rare presentation of acute symptomatic recurrent metastatic GIST. Our patient was unusually young, and GIST recurrence presented with acute RLQ pain suggestive for acute appendicitis and also involved Meckel’s diverticulum. Surgical debulking followed by imatinib seems to be a reasonable approach in such cases.
The Biguanides Metformin and Buformin in Combination with 2-Deoxy-glucose or WZB-117 Inhibit the Viability of Highly Resistant Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Yakisich Juan Sebastian , Azad Neelam , Kaushik Vivek , Iyer Anand K. V.
Published: February 2019

The biguanides metformin (MET) and to a lesser extent buformin (BUF) have recently been shown to exert anticancer effects. In particular, MET targets cancer stem cells (CSCs) in a variety of cancer types but these compounds have not been extensively tested for combination therapy. In this study, we investigated in vitro the anticancer activity of MET and BUF alone or in combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and WZB-117 (WZB), which are a glycolysis and a GLUT-1 inhibitor, respectively, in H460 human lung cancer cells growing under three different culture conditions with varying degrees of stemness: (1) routine culture conditions (RCCs), (2) floating lung tumorspheres (LTSs) that are enriched for stem-like cancer cells, and (3) adherent cells under prolonged periods (8-12 days) of serum starvation (PPSS). These cells are highly resistant to conventional anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel, hydroxyurea, and colchicine and display an increased level of stemness markers. As single agents, MET, BUF, 2-DG, and WZB-117 potently inhibited the viability of cells growing under RCCs. Both MET and BUF showed a strong synergistic effect when used in combination with 2-DG. A weak potentiation was observed when used with WZB-117. Under RCCs, H460 cells were more sensitive to MET and BUF and WZB-117 compared to nontumorigenic Beas-2B cells. While LTSs were less sensitive to each single drug, both MET and BUF in combination with 2-DG showed a strong synergistic effect and reduced cell viability to similar levels compared to the parental H460 cells. Adherent cells growing under PPSS were also less sensitive to each single drug, and MET and BUF showed a strong synergistic effect on cell viability in combination with 2-DG. Overall, our data demonstrates that the combination of BGs with either 2-DG or WZB-117 has “broad-spectrum” anticancer activities targeting cells growing under a variety of cell culture conditions with varying degrees of stemness. These properties may be useful to overcome the chemoresistance due to intratumoral heterogeneity found in lung cancer.
Verification of Imaging Algorithm for Signal Processing Software within Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) System
Authors: Zeng Le-tian , Yang Chun-hui , Huang Mao-sheng , Zhao Yue-long
Published: February 2019

In the signal processing software testing for synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the verification for algorithms is professional and has a very high proportion. However, existing methods can only perform a degree of validation for algorithms, exerting an adverse effect on the effectiveness of the software testing. This paper proposes a procedure-based approach for algorithm validation. Firstly, it describes the processing procedures of polar format algorithm (PFA) under the motion-error circumstance, based on which it analyzes the possible questions that may exist in the actual situation. By data simulation, the SAR echoes are generated flexibly and efficiently. Then, algorithm simulation is utilized to focus on the demonstrations for the approximations adopted in the algorithm. Combined with real data processing, the bugs concealed are excavated further, implementing a comprehensive validation for PFA. Simulated experiments and real data processing validate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Minimum Cost Multiobjective Programming Model for Target Efficiency in Sample Selection
Authors: Muhammad Yousaf Shad , Khan Saima , Hussain Ijaz , Shoukry Alaa Mohamd , Shamsuddin Sadaf , Gani Showkat
Published: February 2019

In this study, we developed a model which elaborates relationship among efficiency of an estimator and survey cost. This model is based on a multiobjective optimization programming structure. Survey cost and efficiency of related estimator(s) lie in different directions, i.e., if one increases, the other decreases. The model presented in this study computes cost for a desired level of efficiency on various characteristics (goals). The calibrated model minimizes the cost for the compromise optimal sample selection from different strata when characteristic j is subject to achieve at least 1−αj level of efficiency of its estimator. In the first step, the proposed model minimizes the variance for a fixed cost, and it then finds the rise in cost for an αj percent rise in efficiency of any characteristic j. The resultant model is a multiobjective compromise allocation goal programming model.
Dynamic Control of Product Innovation, Advertising Effort, and Strategic Transfer‐Pricing in a Marketing‐Operations Interface
Authors: Fu Chunyan , Cheng Susu , Yi Yongxi
Published: February 2019

We develop a dynamic control model of a monopolist composed of two profit centers, e.g., an operations department in charge of the product innovation and a marketing department controlling advertising effort as well as the retail price. Meanwhile, knowledge accumulating in product innovation and advertising effort which lead to reducing the corresponding investment cost is considered. The customer inverse demand function depends jointly on the quality level as well as the product goodwill which can be improved by product innovation and advertising efforts. Our results show that the learning rates of product innovation and advertising effort affect the product innovation and advertising effort investments level. In addition, compared with the administered transfer‐pricing, the negotiation between the two departments results in a lower transfer price as well as a higher retail price. In the meantime, the advertising effort is lower while the quality improvement effort is higher. What is more, higher profits to both departments and the firm can be brought about by the negotiation means.
Methodology for Building Information Modeling (BIM) Implementation in Structural Engineering Companies (SECs)
Authors: Muñoz-La Rivera Felipe , Vielma Juan Carlos , Herrera Rodrigo F. , Carvallo Jorge
Published: February 2019

Structural engineering companies (SECs) currently have a series of deficiencies that hinder their processes and interactions, decreasing their productivity, lacking collaborative and interconnected processes, not including current work methodologies such as building information modeling (BIM). The BIM methodology seeks to integrate processes and professionals involved in engineering tasks by working on platforms with coordinated and intelligent 3D virtual models. BIM has great potential for structural engineering companies (SEC) and solves their most salient problems. This paper defines a methodology to implement BIM in the SEC, focused on solving the complexities of the design phase, those that make the implementation of BIM in these offices a nontrivial task. Characterized by the optimization of resources, flexibility, and adaptability, the methodology proposed for BIM implementation within SEC clearly and objectively identifies the resources and expectations of the organizations, sets out the requirements necessary to develop the BIM methodology, and provides practical and technical recommendations for planning and monitoring the implementation.