bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mosGCTL-7, a C-Type Lectin Protein, Mediates Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection in Mosquitoes
Authors: Liu Ke , Qian Yingjuan , Jung Yong-Sam , Zhou Bin , Cao Ruibing , Shen Ting , Shao Donghua , Wei Jianchao , Ma Zhiyong , Chen Puyan , Zhu Huaimin , Qiu Yafeng
Published: March 2017

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus prevalent in Asia and the Western Pacific and is the leading cause of viral encephalitis. JEV is maintained in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts, but the molecular mechanisms by which the mosquito vector participates in transmission are unclear. We investigated the expression of all C-type lectins during JEV infection in
Aedes aegypti
. The C-type lectin mosquito galactose-specific C-type lectin 7 (mosGCTL-7) (VectorBase accession no. AAEL002524) was significantly upregulated by JEV infection and facilitated infection
in vivo
and
in vitro
. mosGCTL-7 bound to the N-glycan at N154 on the JEV envelope protein. This recognition of viral N-glycan by mosGCTL-7 is required for JEV infection, and we found that this interaction was Ca
2+
dependent. After mosGCTL-7 bound to the glycan, mosPTP-1 bound to mosGCTL-7, promoting JEV entry. The viral burden
in vivo
and
in vitro
was significantly decreased by mosPTP-1 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment, and infection was abolished by anti-mosGCTL-7 antibodies. Our results indicate that the mosGCTL-7/mosPTP-1 pathway plays a key role in JEV infection in mosquitoes. An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying flavivirus infection in mosquitoes will provide further opportunities for developing new strategies to control viral dissemination in nature.

IMPORTANCE
Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and is the primary cause of viral encephalitis in the Asia-Pacific region. Twenty-four countries in the WHO Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions have endemic JEV transmission, which exposes >3 billion people to the risks of infection, although JEV primarily affects children. C-type lectins are host factors that play a role in flavivirus infection in humans, swine, and other mammals. In this study, we investigated C-type lectin functions in JEV-infected
Aedes aegypti
and
Culex pipiens pallens
mosquitoes and cultured cells. JEV infection changed the expression of almost all C-type lectins
in vivo
and
in vitro
, and mosGCTL-7 bound to the JEV envelope protein via an N-glycan at N154. Cell surface mosPTP-1 interacted with the mosGCTL-7–JEV complex to facilitate virus infection
in vivo
and
in vitro
. Our findings provide further opportunities for developing new strategies to control arbovirus dissemination in nature.
Dramatic resuscitation with Intralipid in an epinephrine unresponsive cardiac arrest following overdose of amitriptyline and propranolol
Authors: Le Fevre Philippe , Gosling Mark , Acharya Keyur , Georgiou Andrew
Published: March 2017

Amitriptyline and propranolol are life threatening in overdose. The efficacy of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) in tricyclic antidepressant and propranolol overdose is unclear. We report a dramatic response to ILE following pulseless electrical activity arrest due to mixed amitriptyline and propranolol overdose.
Physical examination of the elbow, what is the evidence? A systematic literature review
Authors: Zwerus Elisa L , Somford Matthijs P , Maissan François , Heisen Jelle , Eygendaal Denise , van den Bekerom Michel PJ
Published: March 2017

Objective

Primary to provide an overview of diagnostic accuracy for clinical tests for common elbow (sport) injuries, secondary accompanied by reproducible instructions to perform these tests.

Design

A systematic literature review according to the PRISMA statement.

Data sources

A comprehensive literature search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies reporting diagnostic accuracy and a description on the performance for elbow tests, targeting the following conditions: distal biceps rupture, triceps rupture, posteromedial impingement, medial collateral ligament (MCL) insufficiency, posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI), lateral epicondylitis and medial epicondylitis. After identifying the articles, the methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 checklist.

Results

Our primary literature search yielded 1144 hits. After assessment 10 articles were included: six for distal biceps rupture, one for MCL insufficiency, two for PLRI and one for lateral epicondylitis. No articles were selected for triceps rupture, posteromedial impingement and medial epicondylitis. Quality assessment showed high or unclear risk of bias in nine studies. We described 24 test procedures of which 14 tests contained data on diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

Numerous clinical tests for the elbow were described in literature, seldom accompanied with data on diagnostic accuracy. None of the described tests can provide adequate certainty to rule in or rule out a disease based on sufficient diagnostic accuracy.
Systematic review of the methodological quality of controlled trials evaluating Chinese herbal medicine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pan Xin , Lopez-Olivo Maria A , Song Juhee , Pratt Gregory , Suarez-Almazor Maria E
Published: March 2017

Objectives

We appraised the methodological and reporting quality of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Design

For this systematic review, electronic databases were searched from inception until June 2015. The search was limited to humans and non-case report studies, but was not limited by language, year of publication or type of publication. Two independent reviewers selected RCTs, evaluating CHM in RA (herbals and decoctions). Descriptive statistics were used to report on risk of bias and their adherence to reporting standards. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine study characteristics associated with high or unclear risk of bias.

Results

Out of 2342 unique citations, we selected 119 RCTs including 18 919 patients: 10 108 patients received CHM alone and 6550 received one of 11 treatment combinations. A high risk of bias was observed across all domains: 21% had a high risk for selection bias (11% from sequence generation and 30% from allocation concealment), 85% for performance bias, 89% for detection bias, 4% for attrition bias and 40% for reporting bias. In multivariable analysis, fewer authors were associated with selection bias (allocation concealment), performance bias and attrition bias, and earlier year of publication and funding source not reported or disclosed were associated with selection bias (sequence generation). Studies published in non-English language were associated with reporting bias. Poor adherence to recommended reporting standards (<60% of the studies not providing sufficient information) was observed in 11 of the 23 sections evaluated.

Limitations

Study quality and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and cross-checked by a second reviewer. Translation to English was performed by one reviewer in 85% of the included studies.

Conclusions

Studies evaluating CHM often fail to meet expected methodological criteria, and high-quality evidence is lacking.
Quantifying tumour vascularity in non-luminal breast cancers
Authors: Kraby Maria Ryssdal , Opdahl Signe , Akslen Lars A , Bofin Anna M
Published: March 2017

Aims

Microvessel density (MVD), proliferating MVD (pMVD) and vascular proliferation index (VPI) are methods used to quantify tumour vascularity in histopathological sections. In this study, we assessed MVD, pMVD and VPI in non-luminal subtypes of breast cancer. Differences between subtypes were studied, and the prognostic value of each method was assessed.

Methods

All non-luminal subtypes (61 basal phenotype (BP), 60 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) type and 30 five negative phenotype (5NP)) were selected from a series comprising 909 cases of breast cancer. Sections were stained for Ki67 and von Willebrand factor. Associations between MVD, pMVD and VPI, molecular subtypes and prognosis were studied.

Results

MVD was highest in 5NP (Δ54.3 microvessels/mm2compared with BP, 95% CI 30.3 to 78.3), whereas no clear difference was found between HER2 type and BP (Δ8.8 microvessels/mm2, 95% CI −9.6 to 27.1). pMVD and VPI did not differ between subtypes. For MVD, HR was 1.07 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.11) per 10 vessel increase and 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.1) if MVD was greater than median value. High MVD was associated with poor prognosis in the HER2 type (HR 1.07 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.12)) and 5NP (HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.23)), but not in BP (HR 1.04 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.14) per 10 vessel increase). pMVD and VPI were not associated with prognosis.

Conclusions

MVD appears to be an independent prognostic factor in HER2 and 5NP subtypes of breast cancer, where high MVD is associated with poor survival. MVD was higher in the 5NP compared with both BP and HER2 type.
Associations between specific autoimmune diseases and subsequent dementia: retrospective record-linkage cohort study, UK
Authors: Wotton Clare J , Goldacre Michael J
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine whether hospital admission for autoimmune disease is associated with an elevated risk of future admission for dementia.

Methods

Retrospective, record-linkage cohort study using national hospital care and mortality administrative data, 1999–2012. Cohorts of people admitted to hospital with a range of autoimmune diseases were constructed, along with a control cohort, and followed forward in time to see if they developed dementia. 1 833 827 people were admitted to hospital with an autoimmune disease; the number of people in cohorts for each autoimmune disease ranged from 1019 people in the Goodpasture's syndrome cohort, to 316 043 people in the rheumatoid arthritis cohort.

Results

The rate ratio for dementia after admission for an autoimmune disease, compared with the control cohort, was 1.20 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.21). Where dementia type was specified, the rate ratio was 1.06 (1.04 to 1.08) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.28 (1.26 to 1.31) for vascular dementia. Of 25 autoimmune diseases studied, 18 showed significant positive associations with dementia at p<0.05 (with 14 significant at p<0.001) including Addison's disease (1.48, 1.34 to 1.64), multiple sclerosis (1.97, 1.88 to 2.07), psoriasis (1.29, 1.25 to 1.34) and systemic lupus erythematosus (1.46, 1.32 to 1.61).

Conclusions

The associations with vascular dementia may be one component of a broader association between autoimmune diseases and vascular damage. Though findings were significant, effect sizes were small. Clinicians should be aware of the possible coexistence of autoimmune disease and dementia in individuals. Further studies are needed to confirm or refute our findings and to explore possible mechanisms mediating any elevation of risk.
Inequalities in tobacco outlet density by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, 2012, USA: results from the ASPiRE Study
Authors: Lee Joseph G L , Sun Dennis L , Schleicher Nina M , Ribisl Kurt M , Luke Douglas A , Henriksen Lisa
Published: March 2017

Background

Evidence of racial/ethnic inequalities in tobacco outlet density is limited by: (1) reliance on studies from single counties or states, (2) limited attention to spatial dependence, and (3) an unclear theory-based relationship between neighbourhood composition and tobacco outlet density.

Methods

In 97 counties from the contiguous USA, we calculated the 2012 density of likely tobacco outlets (N=90 407), defined as tobacco outlets per 1000 population in census tracts (n=17 667). We used 2 spatial regression techniques, (1) a spatial errors approach in GeoDa software and (2) fitting a covariance function to the errors using a distance matrix of all tract centroids. We examined density as a function of race, ethnicity, income and 2 indicators identified from city planning literature to indicate neighbourhood stability (vacant housing, renter-occupied housing).

Results

The average density was 1.3 tobacco outlets per 1000 persons. Both spatial regression approaches yielded similar results. In unadjusted models, tobacco outlet density was positively associated with the proportion of black residents and negatively associated with the proportion of Asian residents, white residents and median household income. There was no association with the proportion of Hispanic residents. Indicators of neighbourhood stability explained the disproportionate density associated with black residential composition, but inequalities by income persisted in multivariable models.

Conclusions

Data from a large sample of US counties and results from 2 techniques to address spatial dependence strengthen evidence of inequalities in tobacco outlet density by race and income. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms in order to strengthen interventions.
Adults with repaired tetralogy: low mortality but high morbidity up to middle age
Authors: Dennis Mark , Moore Ben , Kotchetkova Irina , Pressley Lynne , Cordina Rachael , Celermajer David S
Published: March 2017

Objective

Survival of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) into young adulthood is very good. Concerns exist, however, over long-term morbidity and mortality as these subjects reach middle age. We aimed to assess survival and the prevalence of complications in patients with rToF seen in our Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) service.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive patients with ‘simple rToF’, aged over 16 years, followed up at our tertiary-level ACHD service in Sydney, Australia since 2000, were included. We documented mortality and analysed the prospectively defined composite end points of (a) ‘Serious adverse events’, including death, heart failure hospitalisation and/or documented ventricular arrhythmia and (b) ‘Adverse events’ inclusive of the above and endocarditis, atrial arrhythmia, defibrillator and/or pacemaker implantation.

Results

Mean age at the last follow-up was 34±12 years, and 55% were men. There were 10 (6%) deaths, and 26 patients (16%) experienced a ‘serious adverse event’. Fifty-one patients (30%) experienced an ‘adverse event’ and 29 patients had atrial arrhythmias. One hundred and one (61%) patients had at least one pulmonary valve replacement. By age 40 years, 93% were free of serious adverse events, and 83% were free of any adverse event. By age 50 years, only 56% had not had an adverse event. Older age and history of atrial arrhythmia were predictive of serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Survival into mid-adulthood in patients with rToF is very good; however, a substantial number of survivors have adverse events by the age of 50 years.
Common dyes used to determine bacterial polysaccharides on agar are affected by medium acidification
Authors: Hawkins Justin P. , Geddes Barney A. , Oresnik Ivan J.
Published: March 2017

In this work, we highlight effects of pH on bacterial phenotypes when using the bacteriological dyes Aniline blue, Congo red, and Calcofluor white to analyze polysaccharide production. A study of galactose catabolism in Sinorhizobium meliloti led to the isolation of a mutation in dgoK1, which was observed to overproduce exopolysaccharides when grown in the presence of galactose. When this mutant strain was spotted onto plates containing Aniline blue, Congo red, or Calcofluor white, the intensity of the associated staining was strikingly different from that of the wild type. Additionally, a Calcofluor dull phenotype was observed, suggesting production of a polysaccharide other than succinoglycan. Further investigation of this phenotype revealed that these results were dependent on medium acidification, as buffering at pH 6 had no effect on these phenotypes, while medium buffered at pH 6.5 resulted in a reversal of the phenotypes. Screening for mutants of the dgoK1 strain that were negative for the Aniline blue phenotype yielded a strain carrying a mutation in tkt2, which is annotated as a putative transketolase. Consistent with the plate phenotypes, when this mutant was grown in broth cultures, it did not acidify its growth medium. Overall, this work shows that caution should be exercised in evaluating polysaccharide phenotypes based strictly on the use of dyes.
Cautions on using the Before-After-Control-Impact design in environmental effects monitoring programs
Authors: Smokorowski K.E. , Randall R.G.
Published: March 2017

Often the Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design is suggested as being a statistically powerful experimental design in environmental impact studies. If the timing and location of the impact are known and adequate pre-data are collected, the BACI design is considered optimal to help isolate the effect of the development from natural variability. This paper presents 9 years of results from a long-term BACI experiment tested using a range of statistical models and post-impact monitoring designs. To explore suboptimal designs that are often utilized in environmental effects monitoring, the same data were also explored assuming either no control system was available (Before-After only), or that no pre-impact data were available (Control-Impact only). The results of the BACI design were robust to the statistical model used, and the BACI design was able to detect effects from the impact that the two suboptimal designs failed to detect. However, the BACI design demonstrated different conclusions depending on the number and configuration of post-impact years included in the analysis. Our results reinforce the idea that caution should be employed when using, or interpreting results from, a BACI design in an environmental impact study, but demonstrate that a well-designed BACI remains one of the best models for environmental effects monitoring programs.
Greatest lower bounds on Ricci curvature of homogeneous toric bundles
Authors: Yao Yi
Published: March 2017

We derive a formula of the greatest lower bounds on Ricci curvature of Fano homogeneous toric bundles. A criteria for the ampleness of line bundles over general homogeneous toric bundles is also obtained.
Consensus formation simulation in a social network modeling controversial opinion dynamics with pairwise interactions
Authors: Medina-Guevara María G. , Macías-Díaz Jorge E. , Gallegos Armando , Vargas-Rodríguez Héctor
Published: March 2017

In this work, we consider a system of coupled finite-difference equations which incorporates a variety of opinion formation models, and use it to describe the dynamics of opinions on controversial subjects. The social network consists of a finite number of agents with pairwise interactions at discrete times. Meanwhile, the opinion of each agent is updated following a general nonlinear law which considers parameters identified as the personal constants of each of the members. We establish conditions that guarantee the existence of global attracting points (strong consensus) and intervals (weak consensus). Moreover, we note that these conditions are independent of the weight matrix and the number of agents of the network. Two particular scenarios are investigated numerically in order to confirm the validity of the analytical results.
CONIC TRADING IN A MARKOVIAN STEADY STATE
Authors: MADAN DILIP B. , PISTORIUS MARTIJN , SCHOUTENS WIM
Published: March 2017

Trading strategies are valued using nonlinear conditional expectations based on concave probability distortions. They are also referred to as expectation with respect to a nonadditive probability. The nonadditive probability attains conservatism by exaggerating upwards the probabilities of tail loss events and simultaneously deflating the probabilities of tail gain events. Fixed points for value and policy iterations are obtained when probabilities are distorted and they fail to exist for classical linear or additive expectations. Illustrations are provided for Markovian systems in one, two and five dimensions. Trading positions are seen to balance prediction rewards against the demands for hedging value functions.
Theoretical study of the structure and dehydrogenation mechanism of sodium hydrazinidoborane
Authors: Li Tong , Wang Kun , Zhang Jian-Guo
Published: March 2017

Alkali-metal hydrazinidoboranes have been recently investigated as a new stable high-capacity material for hydrogen storage, necessitating an exploration of the dehydrogenation mechanism for further developments in this field. Herein, we present a first systematic study of the structure and dehydrogenation mechanism of sodium hydrazinidoborane (NaHB) with three possible pathways considered: pathway A, corresponding to unimolecular dehydrogenation; pathway B, featuring dehydrogenation of the (NaHB)2 dimer via two different sub-pathways, and pathway C, corresponding to direct dehydrogenation (as compared to B). The calculated rate of the most probable dehydrogenation pathway (B, 3.28[Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] is similar to that obtained experimentally (12.26[Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text], supporting the validity of our findings.
Two-party quantum key agreement with five-particle entangled states
Authors: He Ye-Feng , Ma Wen-Ping
Published: March 2017

A two-party quantum key agreement protocol is proposed with five-particle entangled states and the delayed measurement technique. According to the measurement correlation property of five-particle entangled states, two participants can deduce the measurement results of each other’s initial quantum states. As a result, two parties can extract the secret keys of each other by using the publicly announced value or by performing the delayed measurement, respectively. Thus, a shared key is fairly established. Since each particle is transmitted only once in quantum channel, the protocol is congenitally free from the Trojan horse attacks. It is shown that the protocol not only is secure against both participant and outsider attacks but also has no information leakage problem. Moreover, it has high qubit efficiency.
A local converse theorem for U(1,1)
Authors: Zhang Qing
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we define a [Formula: see text]-factor for generic representations of [Formula: see text] and prove a local converse theorem for [Formula: see text] using the [Formula: see text]-factor we defined. We also give a new proof of the local converse theorem for [Formula: see text] using a [Formula: see text]-factor of [Formula: see text] type which was originally defined by Jacquet in [Automorphic Forms on [Formula: see text], Part 2, Springer Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Vol. 278 (Springer, 1972)].
Products of distinct integers being high powers
Authors: Skałba M.
Published: March 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be defined as the biggest natural number [Formula: see text] such that there exist [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text]. We prove that [Formula: see text]
The Mahler measure of a Weierstrass form
Authors: Lalín Matilde N. , Ramamonjisoa Frank
Published: March 2017

We prove an identity between Mahler measures of polynomials that was originally conjectured by Boyd. The combination of this identity with a result of Zudilin leads to a formula involving a Mahler measure of a Weierstrass form of conductor 17 given in terms of [Formula: see text]. Our proof involves a non-trivial identity between regulators which leads to the elliptic curve [Formula: see text]-function being expressed in terms of the regulator evaluated in a non-rational non-torsion point.
Association between central obesity and executive function as assessed by stroop task performance: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Deng Zhangyan , Huang Qin , Huang Jiaai , Zhang Weixia , Qi Changzhu , Xu Xia
Published: March 2017

Recent studies have suggested a link between executive function (EF) and obesity. Studies often adopt body mass index (BMI), which reflects the distribution of subcutaneous fat, as the sole marker of obesity; however, BMI is inappropriate to distinguish central obesity, which indicates the centralized distribution of visceral fat. Visceral fat compared with subcutaneous fat represents greater relative lipid turnover and may increase the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. However, the relationship between EF and central obesity is largely unknown, particularly in young adults. Therefore, we used waist circumference (WC) as a marker of central obesity and investigated different sensitivities between BMI and WC in the brain function. A total of 26 healthy young adults (aged 18–25 years; 42% female) underwent functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessments. EF was assessed using the Stroop task, which is a classical measurement of EF. A significant Stroop effect was observed in the behavioral and hemodynamic data. In addition, we observed that behavioral interference on the Stroop task varied much more in subjects with higher BMI and WC than those subjects with lower. Elevated BMI and WC were associated with a decreased hemodynamic response during the Stroop task specifically in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Compared to BMI, WC was more closely connected with inhibitory control and revealed right lateralized PFC activation. Our findings suggest that WC is a reliable indicator of brain function in young adults and propose a relationship between EF and central obesity.
TRPV4 ion channel is a novel regulator of dermal myofibroblast differentiation
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Goswami Rishov , Merth Michael , Cohen Jonathan , Lei Kai Y. , Zhang David X. , Rahaman Shaik O.
Published: March 2017

Scleroderma is a multisystem fibroproliferative disease with no effective medical treatment. Myofibroblasts are critical to the fibrogenic tissue repair process in the skin and many internal organs. Emerging data support a role for both matrix stiffness, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), in myofibroblast differentiation. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a mechanosensitive ion channel activated by both mechanical and biochemical stimuli. The objective of this study was to determine the role of TRPV4 in TGFβ1- and matrix stiffness-induced differentiation of dermal fibroblasts. We found that TRPV4 channels are expressed and functional in both human (HDF) and mouse (MDF) dermal fibroblasts. TRPV4 activity (agonist-induced Ca2+ influx) was induced by both matrix stiffness and TGFβ1 in dermal fibroblasts. TGFβ1 induced expression of TRPV4 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Genetic ablation or pharmacological antagonism of TRPV4 channel abrogated Ca2+ influx and both TGFβ1-induced and matrix stiffness-induced myofibroblast differentiation as assessed by 1) α-smooth muscle actin expression/incorporation into stress fibers, 2) generation of polymerized actin, and 3) expression of collagen-1. We found that TRPV4 inhibition abrogated TGFβ1-induced activation of AKT but not of Smad2/3, suggesting that the mechanism by which profibrotic TGFβ1 signaling in dermal fibroblasts is modified by TRPV4 may be through non-Smad pathways. Altogether, these data identify a novel reciprocal functional link between TRPV4 activation and TGFβ1 signals regulating dermal myofibroblast differentiation. These findings suggest that therapeutic inhibition of TRPV4 activity may provide a targeted approach to the treatment of scleroderma.
Curcumin improves intestinal barrier function: modulation of intracellular signaling, and organization of tight junctions
Authors: Wang Jing , Ghosh Siddhartha S. , Ghosh Shobha
Published: March 2017

Association between circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and metabolic diseases (such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis) has shifted the focus from high-fat high-cholesterol containing Western-type diet (WD)-induced changes in gut microbiota per se to release of gut bacteria-derived products (e.g., LPS) into circulation due to intestinal barrier dysfunction as the possible mechanism for the chronic inflammatory state underlying the development of these diseases. We demonstrated earlier that oral supplementation with curcumin attenuates WD-induced development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Poor bioavailability of curcumin has precluded the establishment of a causal relationship between oral supplementation and it is in vivo effects. We hypothesized that curcumin attenuates WD-induced chronic inflammation and associated metabolic diseases by modulating the function of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and the intestinal barrier function. The objective of the present study was to delineate the underlying mechanisms. The human IEC lines Caco-2 and HT-29 were used for these studies and modulation of direct as well as indirect effects of LPS on intracellular signaling as well as tight junctions were examined. Pretreatment with curcumin significantly attenuated LPS-induced secretion of master cytokine IL-1β from IECs and macrophages. Furthermore, curcumin also reduced IL-1β-induced activation of p38 MAPK in IECs and subsequent increase in expression of myosin light chain kinase involved in the phosphorylation of tight junction proteins and ensuing disruption of their normal arrangement. The major site of action of curcumin is, therefore, likely the IECs and the intestinal barrier, and by reducing intestinal barrier dysfunction, curcumin modulates chronic inflammatory diseases despite poor bioavailability.
Pharyngeal peristaltic pressure variability, operational range, and functional reserve
Authors: Kern Mark K. , Balasubramanian Gokulakrishnan , Sanvanson Patrick , Agrawal Dilpesh , Wuerl Ashley , Shaker Reza
Published: March 2017

The present understanding of pharyngeal motor function remains incomplete. Among the remaining gaps of knowledge in this regard is the magnitude of variability of pharyngeal peristaltic pressure amplitude. Although variability can pose difficulty in interpretation of manometric findings, its magnitude can inform the operational range and reserve of the pharyngeal contractile function. We aimed to define the intra- and intersubject and intersession variability of select pharyngeal manometric parameters and, using this information, determine the number of swallow repetitions for acquiring reliable pharyngeal manometric data. We recorded pharyngeal peristalsis in 10 healthy subjects (age: 50 ± 25 yr, 5 women) by high-resolution manometry during two separate sessions of 20 sequences of 0.5-ml water swallows. Two-way ANOVA showed significant variation in the mean peak peristaltic pressure value across sites ( P < 0.0001) as well as within the data at each site ( P < 0.0001). Similarly, the pharyngeal contractile integral exhibited significant inter- ( P = 0.003) and intrasubject ( P < 0.001) variability. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test showed mixed results, in that some sites showed normally distributed data, whereas others did not. A robust Monte Carlo simulation showed that the nominal sample size was different for various tested metrics. For a power of 0.8, commonly accepted as an adequate threshold for acceptable statistical power, the optimal sample size for various peristaltic parameters ranged between 3 and 15. There is significant intra- and intersubject variability in site-specific and integrated parameters of pharyngeal peristalsis. The observed variance indicates a significant operational range and reserve in pharyngeal contractile function while necessitating parameter-specific sample size for reliable results.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intra- and intersubject variability are significant and different at various sites within the contractile pharynx. In addition, significant swallow-to-swallow and subject-to-subject variability exists in pharyngeal contractile integral. The range of intrasubject variability indicates the existence of broad operational range and reserve. Lastly, our variability studies informed Monte Carlo and power analyses, yielding estimates of sample size that would ensure accurate representation of pressure metric variability.
U-shaped relationship between serum uric acid levels and intrarenal hemodynamic parameters in healthy subjects
Authors: Uedono Hideki , Tsuda Akihiro , Ishimura Eiji , Nakatani Shinya , Kurajoh Masafumi , Mori Katsuhito , Uchida Junji , Emoto Masanori , Nakatani Tatsuya , Inaba Masaaki
Published: March 2017

Hyperuricemia has been reported to affect renal hemodynamics. In a recent study, both low and high levels of serum uric acid (SUA) were found to be associated with loss of kidney function. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between SUA levels and intrarenal hemodynamic parameters in healthy subjects, using plasma clearance of para-aminohippurate (CPAH) and inulin (Cin). Renal and glomerular hemodynamics were evaluated by simultaneous measurements of CPAHand Cinin 48 healthy subjects (54.6 ± 13.4 yr). Intrarenal hemodynamic parameters, including efferent and afferent (Ra) arteriolar resistance, were calculated using Gómez’s formulas. Relationships of SUA levels with these intrarenal hemodynamic parameters were examined. In quadratic regression analysis, SUA levels had a significant inverse U-shaped relationship with Cin( P < 0.0001, R2= 0.350) and CPAH( P = 0.0093, R2= 0.188) and a U-shaped relationship with Ra( P = 0.0011, R2= 0.262). In multiple regression analysis with normal (3.5–6.0 mg/dl) and mildly low or high (<3.5 or >6.0 mg/dl) SUA levels entered as dummy variables of zero and one, respectively, mildly low or high SUA levels were significantly and independently associated with Ra(β = 0.230, P = 0.0403) after adjustment for several factors ( R2= 0.597, P < 0.0001). Both mild hyperuricemia and mild hypouricemia are significantly associated with increased Ra, although weakly. The increase in Rain subjects with mild hyperuricemia or hypouricemia may be related to renal hemodynamic abnormalities, possibly leading to a decline in renal function.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle electromyography and dyspnea during exercise in healthy men
Authors: Ramsook Andrew H. , Molgat-Seon Yannick , Schaeffer Michele R. , Wilkie Sabrina S. , Camp Pat G. , Reid W. Darlene , Romer Lee M. , Guenette Jordan A.
Published: March 2017

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has consistently been shown to reduce exertional dyspnea in health and disease; however, the physiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. A growing body of literature suggests that dyspnea intensity can be explained largely by an awareness of increased neural respiratory drive, as measured indirectly using diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi). Accordingly, we sought to determine whether improvements in dyspnea following IMT can be explained by decreases in inspiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty-five young, healthy, recreationally active men completed a detailed familiarization visit followed by two maximal incremental cycle exercise tests separated by 5 wk of randomly assigned pressure threshold IMT or sham control (SC) training. The IMT group ( n = 12) performed 30 inspiratory efforts twice daily against a 30-repetition maximum intensity. The SC group ( n = 13) performed a daily bout of 60 inspiratory efforts against 10% maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with no weekly adjustments. Dyspnea intensity was measured throughout exercise using the modified 0–10 Borg scale. Sternocleidomastoid and scalene EMG was measured using surface electrodes, whereas EMGdi was measured using a multipair esophageal electrode catheter. IMT significantly improved MIP (pre: −138 ± 45 vs. post: −160 ± 43 cmH2O, P < 0.01), whereas the SC intervention did not. Dyspnea was significantly reduced at the highest equivalent work rate (pre: 7.6 ± 2.5 vs. post: 6.8 ± 2.9 Borg units, P < 0.05), but not in the SC group, with no between-group interaction effects. There were no significant differences in respiratory muscle EMG during exercise in either group. Improvements in dyspnea intensity ratings following IMT in healthy humans cannot be explained by changes in the electrical activity of the inspiratory muscles.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exertional dyspnea intensity is thought to reflect an increased awareness of neural respiratory drive, which is measured indirectly using diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi). We examined the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on dyspnea, EMGdi, and EMG of accessory inspiratory muscles. IMT significantly reduced submaximal dyspnea intensity ratings but did not change EMG of any inspiratory muscles. Improvements in exertional dyspnea following IMT may be the result of nonphysiological factors or physiological adaptations unrelated to neural respiratory drive.
Cough physiology in elderly women with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections
Authors: Tsai Hsiu-Wen , Fennelly Kevin , Wheeler-Hegland Karen , Adams Sherry , Condrey Jillian , Hosford Jennifer L , Davenport Paul W.
Published: March 2017

Elderly white, thin, nonsmoking women appear to be more susceptible to lung infections with Mycobacterium avium complex and other nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). It has been postulated that such disease in women is related to suppression of their cough. We hypothesized that patients with pulmonary NTM (pNTM) infections may have altered cough physiology compared with unaffected control subjects. We used capsaicin-induced cough to assess the cough reflex in pNTM subjects. Eight elderly white women with stable chronic pNTM infections and six unaffected age-matched control subjects were recruited. There was no significant difference between groups in capsaicin-elicited cough motor response, airflow pattern, or cough frequency. The urge-to-cough (UTC) score at the lowest capsaicin concentration was significantly lower in pNTM than control subjects ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the UTC score between pNTM and control subjects at >50 μM capsaicin. These results suggest lower UTC sensitivity to the lowest concentration of capsaicin in pNTM than control subjects. In other words, the pNTM subjects do not sense a UTC when the stimulus is relatively small.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigates the cough motor response and cough sensitivity in patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. In elderly white female pulmonary NTM subjects, we demonstrated a capacity to produce coughs similar to that of age-matched control subjects but decreased cough sensitivity in response to a low dose of capsaicin compared with control subjects. These findings are important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in NTM disease in elderly white women and/or the syndrome developing in elderly white female NTM patients.
Modeling for the Calcination Process of Industry Rotary Kiln Using ANFIS Coupled with a Novel Hybrid Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Cai Yongchang
Published: March 2017

Rotary kiln is important equipment in heavy industries and its calcination process is the key impact to the product quality. Due to the difficulty in obtaining the accurate algebraic model of the calcination process, an intelligent modeling method based on ANFIS and clustering algorithms is studied. In the model, ANFIS is employed as the core structure, and aiming to improve both its performance in reduced computation and accuracy, a novel hybrid clustering algorithm is proposed by combining FCM and Subtractive methods. A quasi‐random data set is then hired to test the new hybrid clustering algorithm and results indicate its superiority to FCM and Subtractive methods. Further, a set of data from the successful control activity of sophisticated workers in manufacturing field is used to train the model, and the model demonstrates its advantages in both fast convergence and more accuracy approaching.
Intramyocardial Injection of Recombinant Adeno‐Associated Viral Vector Coexpressing PR39/Adrenomedullin Enhances Angiogenesis and Reduces Apoptosis in a Rat Myocardial Infarction Model
Authors: An Rui , Xi Cong , Xu Jian , Liu Ying , Zhang Shumiao , Wang Yuemin , Hao Yuewen , Sun Lijun
Published: March 2017

Cotransfer of angiogenic and antiapoptotic genes could be the basis of new gene therapy strategies for myocardial infarction. In this study, rAAV‐PR39‐ADM, coexpressing antimicrobial peptide (PR39) and adrenomedullin (ADM), was designed with the mediation of recombinant adeno‐associated virus. In vitro, CRL‐1730 cells were divided into four groups, namely, the sham group, the AAV‐null group, the NS (normal saline) group, and the PR39‐ADM group. Immunocytochemistry analysis, CCK‐8 assays, Matrigel assays, and apoptotic analysis were performed; in vivo, myocardial infarction model was established through ligation of the left coronary artery on rats, and treatment groups corresponded to those used in vitro. Myocardial injury, cardiac performance, and the extent of myocardial apoptosis were assessed. Results suggested that rAAV‐PR39‐ADM administration after myocardial infarction improved cell viability and cardiac function, attenuated apoptosis and myocardial injury, and promoted angiogenesis. Subsequently, levels of 6×His, HIF‐1α, VEGF, p‐Akt, Akt, ADM, Bcl‐2, and Bax were measured by western blot. rAAV‐PR39‐ADM increased p‐Akt, HIF‐1α, and VEGF levels and induced higher Bcl‐2 expression and lower Bax expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that rAAV‐PR39‐ADM mitigates myocardial injury by promoting angiogenesis and reducing apoptosis. This study suggests a potential novel gene therapy‐based method that could be used clinically for myocardial infarction.
Involvement of Normalized Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Expression in the Hippocampi in Antidepressant‐Like Effects of Xiaoyaosan on Chronically Stressed Mice
Authors: Ding Xiu-Fang , Liu Yan , Yan Zhi-Yi , Li Xiao-Juan , Ma Qing-Yu , Jin Zhong-Ye , Liu Yan , Li Yue-Hua , Liu Yue-Yun , Xue Zhe , Chen Jia-Xu , Lv Zhi-Ping
Published: March 2017

The research has only yielded a partial comprehension of MDD and the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant‐like effects of XYS. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the effects of XYS on chronic unpredictable mild stress‐ (CUMS‐) induced changes in the neuronal and the astrocytic markers in the mouse hippocampus. The physical states and depressive‐like behaviors in mice with CUMS were recorded. The serum contents of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were measured. The protein and mRNA expressions and the immunoreactivities of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in mouse hippocampus were detected using a Western blot, qRT‐PCR, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. XYS treatment markedly improved the physical state and depressive‐like behaviors in mice subjected to CUMS compared with the model group, and the serum contents of BDNF and GDNF were significantly upregulated. XYS treatment also elevated the protein and mRNA levels, as well as the immunoreactivity of GFAP in the hippocampus. However, CUMS did not influence NeuN expression. In conclusion, these results reveal that chronic administration of XYS elicits antidepressant‐like effects in a mouse model of depression and may normalize glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the hippocampi of mice with CUMS.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in an Extremely Tortuous S-Shaped Aorta
Authors: Liu Shuangbo , Toleva Olga , Ravandi Amir , Pozeg Zlatko , Menkis Alan , Kass Malek
Published: March 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an alternative technique to treating aortic stenosis in patients with high surgical risk. We present a case of a successful transfemoral TAVI in a high-risk patient with an extremely tortuous iliofemoral system and a significant S-type bend in the descending aorta. With careful preprocedure planning and using all the techniques available, TAVI can be performed in the most challenging patients.
Methotrexate Reduced TNF Bioactivity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Infliximab
Authors: Dénarié Delphine , Rinaudo-Gaujous Mélanie , Thomas Thierry , Paul Stéphane , Marotte Hubert
Published: March 2017

Objectives. To evaluate methotrexate effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha bioactivity during infliximab (IFX) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to correlate TNF bioactivity with antibody towards IFX (ATI) development and RA clinical response. Materials and Methods. Thirty-nine active women RA patients despite conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) requiring IFX therapy were enrolled, and clinical data and blood samples were recorded at baseline (W0) and at 6 weeks (W6), W22, and W54 of IFX treatment. TNF bioactivity as well as IFX trough and ATI concentrations were assessed on blood samples. Results. TNF bioactivity decreased from W0 to W54 with a large range from W22 at the time of ATI detection. From W22, TNF bioactivity was lower in presence of methotrexate as csDMARD compared to other csDMARDs. IFX trough concentration increased from W0 to W54 with a large range from W22, similarly to TNF bioactivity. Methotrexate therapy prevented ATI presence at W22 and reduced TNF bioactivity compared to other csDMARDs (p=0.002). Conclusion. This suggests that methotrexate plays a key role in TNF bioactivity and against ATI development.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Determinants in Adults: A Sample from Community-Based Settings in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Bani-issa Wegdan , Eldeirawi Kamal , Harfil Sondos , Fakhry Randa
Published: March 2017

Background.Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a public health concern in adults worldwide. This study aims to explore the extent of VDD and its associated factors among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Subjects and Methods.Quantitative, cross-sectional research was used to assess VDD and its associated factors in 216 adults recruited from randomly selected community-based healthcare settings over a six-month period. Recent values of vitamin D and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were abstracted from medical records, followed by interviews with participants to obtain information on factors related to VDD and other covariates and to measure their heights and weights.Results.A total of 74% of participants demonstrated VDD (vitamin D serumlevel≤30 nmol/L). Emirati participants had higher odds of having VDD compared to non-Emiratis (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.58–5.52), with also significantly increased odds of the condition appearing in older, less educated, and employed adults. Diabetes type 2 (HbA1c≥6.5%), depression, and obesity were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of VDD after accounting for other covariates.Conclusion.VDD is a significant problem for UAE adults and requires attention by public health policy makers. Diabetes, obesity, and depression need to be considered when screening for vitamin D.
Giant Perineal Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Melo Petronio Augusto de Souza , Yoshino Bonifaci Ana Maria , Crochik Fabio da Silva , Murta Claudio Bovolenta , Claro Joaquim Francisco de Almeida , Manzano Joao Padua
Published: March 2017

Background. Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a fibroblastic mesenchymal tumor that was initially described from the pleura but currently arises at almost every anatomic site. It is usually benign, and surgical resection is curative. SFT involving the perineum is extremely rare. This is the third case report of a perineal SFT in the literature.Case Presentation. We reported an uncommon case of a 64-year-old man presenting with a huge perineal mass that started growing 3 years before his arrival in our service. He was asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a heterogeneous well-circumscribed perineal mass with soft-tissue density. Invasion of the surrounding organs, distal metastasis, and lymph node swelling were absent. The complete resection of mass was done successfully. The specimen was a 23.0×14.0×8.0 cm encapsulated tumor. Mass weight was 1,170 g. After pathological analysis, we confirmed that the mass was a solitary fibrous tumor. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings and histological morphology and immunohistochemistry study.Conclusion. SFTs are usually indolent tumors with a favorable prognosis. The perineal location is extremely rare. Complete resection of the mass is the treatment of choice.