bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serology of Viral Infections and Tuberculosis Screening in an IBD Population Referred to a Tertiary Centre of Southern Italy
Authors: Ardesia Marco , Costantino Giuseppe , Mondello Placido , Alibrandi Angela , Fries Walter
Published: September 2017

Background. With the introduction of more potent immunosuppressive agents in inflammatory bowel disease, prevention of opportunistic infections has become necessary by introducing screening programs. Prevalence of the most important infectious agents may vary in different geographical areas. The aim of our study was to assess the immune status for hepatitis B, varicella, mononucleosis, and cytomegalovirus infection together with the determination of the hepatitis C and tuberculosis status in Southern Italy. Methods. Prevalence of latent tuberculosis, together with serology of hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster, and cytomegalovirus were collected by analysing retrospectively the clinical charts of IBD patients. Data were integrated with demographic and clinical features. Results. Data from 509 IBD patients divided in two age groups showed a prevalence of HBV infection in nonvaccinated patients of 9%. Seroprotection (HBsAb) in vaccinated IBD patients was lower (p<0.0001) compared with that in controls. Prevalences of herpesvirus infections fluctuate between 51% (CMV) and 85% (EBV) and 84% (VZV) in younger patients. Latent tuberculosis and hepatitis C infection were found only in patients > 37 years of age. Conclusions. In younger patients, high susceptibility rates for primary herpesvirus infections should determine the choice of treatment. Loss of HBV seroprotection in already vaccinated patients should be considered for booster vaccination programs.
Comparative Analysis of AGE and RAGE Levels in Human Somatic and Embryonic Stem Cells under H2O2‐Induced Noncytotoxic Oxidative Stress Conditions
Authors: Barandalla Maria , Haucke Elisa , Fischer Bernd , Navarrete Santos Alexander , Colleoni Silvia , Galli Cesare , Navarrete Santos Anne , Lazzari Giovanna
Published: September 2017

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) occurs in ageing and in many degenerative diseases as a final outcome of persistent oxidative stress on cells and organs. Environmental alterations taking place during early embryonic development can also lead to oxidative damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and AGE accumulation. Whether similar mechanisms act on somatic and embryonic stem cells (ESC) exposed to oxidative stress is not known; and therefore, the modelling of oxidative stress in vitro on human ESC has been the focus of this study. We compared changes in Nε‐carboxymethyl‐lysine (CML) advanced glycation end products and RAGE levels in hESC versus differentiated somatic cells exposed to H2O2 within the noncytotoxic range. Our data revealed that hESC accumulates CML and RAGE under oxidative stress conditions in different ways than somatic cells, being the accumulation of CML statistically significant only in somatic cells and, conversely, the RAGE increase exclusively appreciated in hESC. Then, following cardiac and neural differentiation, we observed a progressive removal of AGEs and at the same time an elevated activity of the 20S proteasome. We conclude that human ESCs constitute a unique model to study the consequence of an oxidative environment in the pluripotent cells of the embryo during the human preimplantation period.
Incremental Value of Plaque Enhancement in Patients with Moderate or Severe Basilar Artery Stenosis: 3.0 T High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Wang Wanqian , Yang Qi , Li Debiao , Fan Zhaoyang , Bi Xiaoming , Du Xiangying , Wu Fang , Wu Ye , Li Kuncheng
Published: September 2017

Aim. To investigate the clinical relevance of plaque’s morphological characteristics and distribution pattern using 3.0 T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in patients with moderate or severe basilar artery (BA) atherosclerosis stenosis. Materials and Methods. Fifty-seven patients (33 symptomatic patients and 24 asymptomatic patients) were recruited for 3.0 T HRMRI scan; all of them had >50% stenosis on the BA. The intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), contrast-enhancement pattern, and distribution of BA plaques were compared between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Factors potentially associated with posterior ischemic stroke were calculated by multivariate analyses. Results. Enhancement of BA plaque was more frequently observed in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients (27/33, 81.8% versus 11/24, 45.8%; p<0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, plaque enhancement (OR = 7.193; 95% CI: 1.880–27.517; p=0.004) and smoking (OR = 4.402; 95% CI: 2.218–15.909; p=0.024) were found to be independent risk factors of posterior ischemic events in patients with BA stenosis >50%. Plaques were mainly distributed at the ventral site (39.3%) or involved more than two arcs (21.2%) in the symptomatic group but were mainly distributed at left (33.3%) and right (25.0%) sites in the asymptomatic group.
Effects of Land Fragmentation on Productivity in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Gashaw Tenna , Berhanie Ayele Zewdu , Abelieneh Berhanu Assefa
Published: September 2017

Generally, land fragmentation is a universal trait of all agricultural systems which affects farmland productivity and no one had documented a rural society where there was no land fragmentation. Hence, this study sought to ascertain the effects of land fragmentation on farmland productivity in the highland districts of Northwestern Ethiopia by using cross-sectional data collected from 240 respondents during 2015/16 production seasons and analyzed by using linear and Cobb-Douglass production functions. In land productivity model, 38% of variations in farmland productivity are explained by variations in independent variables including land fragmentation parameters. Average farmland size of 1.25 ha was obtained as minimum size that can generate minimum food and cash requirement of an average family of five adult equivalents. Hence, the government should come up with land use policy and population growth controlling program, which enables determining minimum economic farmland size, improving land productivity, and finding ways to strengthen off-farm activities and livestock sector to absorb more labor and enhance means of generating more income so as to decrease minimum farmland size required.
Guanxintai Exerts Protective Effects on Ischemic Cardiomyocytes by Mitigating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yang Jing , Sun Weiju , Sun Junfeng , Wang Fengyue , Hou Yuling , Guo Haiyan , Chen Hongyan , Fu Lu
Published: September 2017

Oxidative stress participates in numerous myocardial pathophysiological processes and is considered a therapeutic target for myocardial ischemia and heart failure. Guanxintai (GXT), a traditional Chinese medicine, is commonly used to treat cardiovascular disease on account of its numerous beneficial physiological activities, such as dilating coronary arteries, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and reducing the serum lipid content. However, the antioxidative properties of GXT and potential underlying mechanisms remain to be established. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of GXT on ischemic cardiomyocytes and the associated antioxidative mechanisms, both in vivo and in vitro. Notably, GXT treatment reduced the degree of cardiomyocyte injury, myocardial apoptosis, and fibrosis and partially improved cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Furthermore, GXT suppressed the level of ROS as well as expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) and phospho‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins. Our results collectively suggest that the protective effects of GXT on ischemic cardiomyocytes are exerted through its antioxidative activity of NOX inhibition.
Influence of Personal Preferences on Link Dynamics in Social Networks
Authors: Bahulkar Ashwin , Szymanski Boleslaw K. , Chawla Nitesh , Lizardo Omar , Chan Kevin
Published: September 2017

We study a unique network dataset including periodic surveys and electronic logs of dyadic contacts via smartphones. The participants were a sample of freshmen entering university in the Fall 2011. Their opinions on a variety of political and social issues and lists of activities on campus were regularly recorded at the beginning and end of each semester for the first three years of study. We identify a behavioral network defined by call and text data, and a cognitive network based on friendship nominations in ego-network surveys. Both networks are limited to study participants. Since a wide range of attributes on each node were collected in self-reports, we refer to these networks as attribute-rich networks. We study whether student preferences for certain attributes of friends can predict formation and dissolution of edges in both networks. We introduce a method for computing student preferences for different attributes which we use to predict link formation and dissolution. We then rank these attributes according to their importance for making predictions. We find that personal preferences, in particular political views, and preferences for common activities help predict link formation and dissolution in both the behavioral and cognitive networks.
HIV Case Management Support Service Is Associated with Improved CD4 Counts of Patients Receiving Care at the Antiretroviral Clinic of Pantang Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Sarfo Bismark , Vanderpuye Naa Ashiley , Addison Abigail , Nyasulu Peter
Published: September 2017

Background. Factors associated with individual patient-level management of HIV have received minimal attention in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the association between support services and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) counts among HIV patients attending ART clinic in Ghana. Methodology. This was a cross-sectional study involving adults with HIV recruited between 1 August 2014 and 31 January 2015. Data on support services were obtained through a closed-ended personal interview while the CD4 counts data were collected from their medical records. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using Stata software. Results. Of the 201 patients who participated in the study, 67% (129/191) received case management support service. Counseling about how to prevent the spread of HIV (crude odds ratio (cOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) (2.79 (1.17–6.68)), mental health services (0.2 (0.04–1.00)), and case management support service (2.80 (1.34–5.82))) was associated with improved CD4 counts of 350 cells/mm3 or more. After adjusting for counseling about how to prevent the spread of HIV and mental health services, case management support service was significantly associated with CD4 counts of 350 cells/mm3 or more (aOR = 2.36 (CI = 1.01–5.49)). Conclusion. Case management support service for HIV patients receiving ART improves their CD4 counts above 350 cells/mm3. Incorporating HIV case management services in ART regimen should be a priority in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sex Differences of Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells in the Biological Response to TNF-α Treatment
Authors: Straface Elisabetta , Gambardella Lucrezia , Pagano Francesca , Angelini Francesco , Ascione Barbara , Vona Rosa , De Falco Elena , Cavarretta Elena , Russa Raffaele La , Malorni Walter , Frati Giacomo , Chimenti Isotta
Published: September 2017

Adult cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), isolated as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), represent promising candidates for cardiac regenerative therapy. CDCs can be expanded in vitro manyfolds without losing their differentiation potential, reaching numbers that are appropriate for clinical applications. Since mechanisms of successful CDC survival and engraftment in the damaged myocardium are still critical and unresolved issues, we aimed at deciphering possible key factors capable of bolstering CDC function. In particular, the response and the phenotype of CDCs exposed to low concentrations of the multifunctional cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), known to be capable of activating cell survival pathways, have been investigated. Furthermore, differential biological responses of CDCs from male and female donors, in terms of cell cycle progression and cell spreading, have also been assessed. The results obtained indicate that (i) the intracellular signaling activated in our experimental conditions is most likely due to the prosurvival and proliferative signaling of TNF-α receptor 2 and that (ii) cells from female patients appear more responsive to TNF-α treatment in terms of cell cycle progression and migration ability. In conclusion, the present report highlights the hypothesis that TNF-stimulated CDCs isolated from females may represent a promising candidate for cardiac regenerative therapy applications.
A Rare Report of Infectious Emphysematous Aortitis Secondary to Clostridium septicum without Prior Vascular Intervention
Authors: Harris Ciel , Geffen Joseph , Rizg Keyrillos , Shah Stuart , Richardson Aaron , Baldeo Cherisse , Ramdass Avinash
Published: September 2017

The term “mycotic aneurysm” was first used by Osler in 1882 to describe a mushroom-shaped aneurysm in subacute bacterial endocarditis. Mycotic aneurysms account for only 2.6% of all aneurysms of the aorta. Rarer still are anaerobic infections secondary to organisms such as Clostridium septicum, which results in emphysematous aortitis. The vast majority of emphysematous aortic infections occur as a result of instrumentation; however, in this case we present an infection de novo. A 75-year-old male presented with a 2-week history of progressive fatigue and chest pain that then developed into constitutional symptoms. Chest radiograph demonstrated an obvious widened mediastinum. CT angiogram of his chest then confirmed this finding as well as significant periaortic gas and focal outpouching. Numerous diverticuli with inflammatory changes consistent with diverticulitis was observed on CT abdomen. Blood cultures returned positive for Clostridium septicum. Definitive treatment was discussed including debridement and graft insertion; however, patient decided on conservative management and was discharged on intravenous antibiotics. Unfortunately, as in most cases of emphysematous aortitis that do not undergo surgical management, the patient succumbed to his illness. The lesson provided will be the epidemiology of emphysematous aortitis, presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis through a case report.
Desired Turbulence? Gut-Lung Axis, Immunity, and Lung Cancer
Authors: Bingula Rea , Filaire Marc , Radosevic-Robin Nina , Bey Mathieu , Berthon Jean-Yves , Bernalier-Donadille Annick , Vasson Marie-Paule , Filaire Edith
Published: September 2017

The microbiota includes different microorganisms consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa distributed over many human body surfaces including the skin, vagina, gut, and airways, with the highest density found in the intestine. The gut microbiota strongly influences our metabolic, endocrine, and immune systems, as well as both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Recently, a dialogue between the gut and lung microbiota has been discovered, suggesting that changes in one compartment could impact the other compartment, whether in relation to microbial composition or function. Further, this bidirectional axis is evidenced in an, either beneficial or malignant, altered immune response in one compartment following changes in the other compartment. Stimulation of the immune system arises from the microbial cells themselves, but also from their metabolites. It can be either direct or mediated by stimulated immune cells in one site impacting the other site. Additionally, this interaction may lead to immunological boost, assisting the innate immune system in its antitumour response. Thus, this review offers an insight into the composition of these sites, the gut and the lung, their role in shaping the immune system, and, finally, their role in the response to lung cancer.
Structure and Functions of Blood Vessels and Vascular Niches in Bone
Authors: Ramasamy Saravana K.
Published: September 2017

Bone provides nurturing microenvironments for an array of cell types that coordinate important physiological functions of the skeleton, such as energy metabolism, mineral homeostasis, osteogenesis, and haematopoiesis. Endothelial cells form an intricate network of blood vessels that organises and sustains various microenvironments in bone. The recent identification of heterogeneity in the bone vasculature supports the existence of multiple vascular niches within the bone marrow compartment. A unique combination of cells and factors defining a particular microenvironment, supply regulatory signals to mediate a specific function. This review discusses recent developments in our understanding of vascular niches in bone that play a critical role in regulating the behaviour of multipotent haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells during development and homeostasis.
Undetected Severe Fetal Myelosuppression following Administration of High-Dose Cytarabine for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Is More Frequent Surveillance Necessary?
Authors: Parrott Jessica , Holland Marium
Published: September 2017

Background. Cytarabine use during pregnancy carries a 5–7% risk of neonatal cytopenia. We report two cases of fetal myelosuppression following high-dose cytarabine administration for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Case 1. A 36-year-old G9P6 diagnosed with AML at 21 weeks was monitored for fetal anemia weekly and growth monthly. At 33 weeks (after 2 cycles), BPP was 2/10 and MCA PSV was elevated at 1.51 MoM. Urgent cesarean section was performed. The infant had an initial pH of 6.78 and pancytopenia (hematocrit 13.3%, platelets 3 K/UL, and white blood cell count 2.0 K/UL). Initially transfusion dependent, the neonate had count recovery by 3 weeks. Case 2. A 30-year-old G4P3 with AML at 26 weeks was monitored for fetal anemia twice weekly and growth monthly. At 34 weeks (after cycle 1), she was admitted with neutropenic fever. The fetal MCA PSV was borderline at 1.48 MoM. It improved to 1.38 MoM at 35 weeks but the fetal tracing worsened. At delivery the fetus was found to have a hematocrit of 30%, but with normal platelet and WBC. The fetus did not require any transfusions. Conclusion. Cytarabine use during pregnancy may cause neonatal myelosuppression. We recommend monitoring for fetal anemia with MCA Dopplers twice weekly.
Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Oxidative Stress in Muscle Injury Animal Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: dos Santos Solange Almeida , Serra Andrey Jorge , Stancker Tatiane Garcia , Simões Maíra Cecília Brandão , dos Santos Vieira Marcia Ataíze , Leal-Junior Ernesto Cesar , Prokic Marko , Vasconsuelo Andrea , Santos Simone Silva , de Carvalho Paulo de Tarso Camillo
Published: September 2017

This systematic review was performed to identify the role of photobiomodulation therapy on experimental muscle injury models linked to induce oxidative stress. EMBASE, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched for studies published from January 2006 to January 2016 in the areas of laser and oxidative stress. Any animal model using photobiomodulation therapy to modulate oxidative stress was included in analysis. Eight studies were selected from 68 original articles targeted on laser irradiation and oxidative stress. Articles were critically assessed by two independent raters with a structured tool for rating the research quality. Although the small number of studies limits conclusions, the current literature indicates that photobiomodulation therapy can be an effective short‐term approach to reduce oxidative stress markers (e.g., thiobarbituric acid‐reactive) and to increase antioxidant substances (e.g., catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase). However, there is a nonuniformity in the terminology used to describe the parameters and dose for low‐level laser treatment.
Inastemp: A Novel Intrinsics-as-Template Library for Portable SIMD-Vectorization
Authors: Bramas Berenger
Published: September 2017

The development of scientific applications requires highly optimized computational kernels to benefit from modern hardware. In recent years, vectorization has gained key importance in exploiting the processing capabilities of modern CPUs, whose evolution is characterized by increasing register-widths and core numbers, but stagnating clock frequencies. In particular, vectorization allows floating point operations to be performed at a higher rate than the processor’s frequency. However, compilers often fail to vectorize complex codes and pure assembly/intrinsic implementations often suffer from software engineering issues, such as readability and maintainability. Moreover, it is difficult for domain scientists to write optimized code without technical support. To address these issues, we propose Inastemp, a lightweight open-source C++ library. Inastemp offers a solution to develop hardware-independent computational kernels for the CPU. These kernels are portable across compilers and floating point precision and vectorized targeting SSE(3,4.1,4.2), AVX(2), AVX512, or ALTIVEC/VMX instructions. Inastemp provides advanced features, such as an if-else statement that vectorizes branches that cannot be removed. Our performance study shows that Inastemp has the same efficiency as pure intrinsic approaches on modern architectures. As side-results, this study provides micro benchmarks on the latest HPC architectures for three different computational kernels, emphasizing comparisons between scalar and intrinsic-based codes.
Enavatuzumab, a Humanized Anti-TWEAK Receptor Monoclonal Antibody, Exerts Antitumor Activity through Attracting and Activating Innate Immune Effector Cells
Authors: Ye Shiming , Fox Melvin I. , Belmar Nicole A. , Sho Mien , Chao Debra T. , Choi Donghee , Fang Yuni , Zhao Vivian , Keller Stephen F. , Starling Gary C. , Culp Patricia A.
Published: September 2017

Enavatuzumab is a humanized IgG1 anti-TWEAK receptor monoclonal antibody that was evaluated in a phase I clinical study for the treatment of solid malignancies. The current study was to determine whether and how myeloid effector cells were involved in postulated mechanisms for its potent antitumor activity in xenograft models. The initial evidence for a role of effector cells was obtained in a subset of tumor xenograft mouse models whose response to enavatuzumab relied on the binding of Fc of the antibody to Fcγ receptor. The involvement of effector cells was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry, which revealed strong infiltration of CD45+ effector cells into tumor xenografts in responding models, but minimal infiltration in nonresponders. Consistent with the xenograft studies, human effector cells preferentially migrated toward in vivo-responsive tumor cells treated by enavatuzumab in vitro, with the majority of migratory cells being monocytes. Conditioned media from enavatuzumab-treated tumor cells contained elevated levels of chemokines, which might be responsible for enavatuzumab-triggered effector cell migration. These preclinical studies demonstrate that enavatuzumab can exert its potent antitumor activity by actively recruiting and activating myeloid effectors to kill tumor cells. Enavatuzumab-induced chemokines warrant further evaluation in clinical studies as potential biomarkers for such activity.
Pretreatment BMI Is Associated with Aggressive Clinicopathological Features of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Yu Shi-tong , Chen Wanzhi , Cai Qian , Liang Faya , Xu Debin , Han Ping , Yu Jichun , Huang Xiaoming
Published: September 2017

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and the aggressiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) along with its clinical outcomes in a Chinese population with BMI classification for Asians. Methods. A retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients from two teaching hospitals in China. 1622 classical PTC patients were categorized into four groups according to BMI. Results. We found that increased BMI was associated with extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, the presence of lymph node (LN) metastasis, and advancing TNM stage in PTC patients. Furthermore, compared to patients with normal weight, those in the overweight and obese group exhibited a significantly increased risk of extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, cervical LN metastasis, and advanced TNM stage. 40 and 37 patients experienced persistent and recurrent disease, respectively. No differences regarding persistent disease or recurrence were observed among the BMI groups. Conclusion. A higher pretreatment BMI has been strongly associated with aggressive features of PTC according to the BMI classification for Asians. Obesity was not found to be associated with a greater risk of recurrence.
Social Skills Intervention Participation and Associated Improvements in Executive Function Performance
Authors: Christ Shawn E. , Stichter Janine P. , O’Connor Karen V. , Bodner Kimberly , Moffitt Amanda J. , Herzog Melissa J.
Published: September 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication. It has been postulated that such difficulties are related to disruptions in underlying cognitive processes such as executive function. The present study examined potential changes in executive function performance associated with participation in the Social Competence Intervention (SCI) program, a short-term intervention designed to improve social competence in adolescents with ASD. Laboratory behavioral performance measures were used to separately evaluate potential intervention-related changes in individual executive function component processes (i.e., working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility) in a sample of 22 adolescents with ASD both before and after intervention. For comparison purposes, a demographically matched sample of 14 individuals without ASD was assessed at identical time intervals. Intervention-related improvements were observed on the working memory task, with gains evident in spatial working memory and, to a slightly lesser degree, verbal working memory. Significant improvements were also found for a working memory-related aspect of the task switching test (i.e., mixing costs). Taken together, these findings provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that participation in the SCI program is accompanied by changes in underlying neurocognitive processes such as working memory.
Comparative Agreement Analysis of Differences in 1,5-Anhydroglucitol, Glycated Albumin, and Glycated Hemoglobin A1c Levels between Fasting and Postprandial States in Steamed Bread Meal Test
Authors: Su Hang , Wang Yufei , Ma Xiaojing , He Xingxing , Ying Lingwen , Tang Junling , Dong Lu , Bao Yuqian , Zhou Jian , Jia Weiping
Published: September 2017

Background. Our previous study indicated that serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) levels slightly increased after a glucose load; therefore, this study was conducted to explore short-term changes in 1,5-AG levels after a steamed bread meal test (SBMT) and compare the agreement of 1,5-AG, glycated albumin (GA), and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels between fasting and postprandial states after an SBMT. Methods. 104 participants were recruited and underwent a 100 g SBMT. Fasting, 30 min, and 120 min of 1,5-AG, GA, and HbA1c were measured. Results. Levels of 1,5-AG slightly increased from 30 to 120 min after an SBMT (P<0.01), and HbA1c and GA levels showed stability at 30 and 120 min. The Passing-Bablok regression linear equation showed that postprandial 1,5-AG, GA, and HbA1c levels were well fitted (all P>0.05), and Bland-Altman difference plot showed that 100% of data points for HbA1c30 and HbA1c120 fell within the limits of agreement; 94.2%, 96.2%, 95.2%, and 95.2% of data points for 1,5-AG30, 1,5-AG120, GA30, and GA120 fell within the limits of agreement, respectively. Conclusion. Agreement analyses indicated good stability of 1,5-AG, GA, and HbA1c levels after the SBMT. HbA1c had an optimal stability, which was superior to that of GA or 1,5-AG.
Antioxidant and Antifibrotic Effect of a Herbal Formulation In Vitro and in the Experimental Andropause via Nrf2/HO‐1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Bae Woong Jin , Zhu Guan Qun , Choi Sae Woong , Jeong Hyun Cheol , Bashraheel Fahad , Kim Kang Sup , Kim Su Jin , Cho Hyuk Jin , Ha U Syn , Hong Sung Hoo , Lee Ji Youl , Oh Hyun-A , Koo Hye Cheong , Kim Do Ram , Hwang Sung Yeoun , Kim Sae Woong
Published: September 2017

The Korean herbal formulation Ojayeonjonghwan is used for improving late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) symptoms such as erectile dysfunction (ED). A previous research suggested that a modified Ojayeonjonghwan (KH‐204) could be used as an alternative to the treatment for ED. The pharmacological effects were examined in different conditions, including in vitro and in vivo. We measured the survival rate of TM3 Leydig cells under the oxidative stress condition. The s.c. injection of leuprorelin was used to induce androgen deprivation. We measured serum testosterone levels, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The results of the treatment by KH‐204 (1) preserved TM3 cells from oxidative stress by improving the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1); (2) lowered the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) 1/SMAD; (3) increased the average of serum testosterone in androgen‐deprived male rats; (4) kept the activation of spermatogenesis; (5) upgraded the contents of 8‐hydroxy‐20‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and degraded the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD); and (6) reduced apoptosis. We studied that KH‐204 improved testicular dysfunction in LOH. It is likely, at least in part, to degrade oxidative stress through the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. These findings may offer credible evidences for the use of new alternative therapies to treat LOH.
Identification and Characterization of Oleaginous Yeast Isolated from Kefir and Its Ability to Accumulate Intracellular Fats in Deproteinated Potato Wastewater with Different Carbon Sources
Authors: Gientka Iwona , Kieliszek Marek , Jermacz Karolina , Błażejak Stanisław
Published: September 2017

The search for efficient oleaginous microorganisms, which can be an alternative to fossil fuels and biofuels obtained from oilseed crops, has been going on for many years. The suitability of microorganisms in this regard is determined by their ability to biosynthesize lipids with preferred fatty acid profile along with the concurrent utilization of energy-rich industrial waste. In this study, we isolated, characterized, and identified kefir yeast strains using molecular biology techniques. The yeast isolates identified wereCandida inconspicua,Debaryomyces hansenii,Kluyveromyces marxianus,Kazachstania unispora, andZygotorulaspora florentina. We showed that deproteinated potato wastewater, a starch processing industry waste, supplemented with various carbon sources, including lactose and glycerol, is a suitable medium for the growth of yeast, which allows an accumulation of over 20% of lipid substances in its cells. Fatty acid composition primarily depended on the yeast strain and the carbon source used, and, based on our results, most of the strains met the criteria required for the production of biodiesel. In particular, this concerns a significant share of saturated fatty acids, such as C16:0 and C18:0, and unsaturated fatty acids, such as C18:1 and C18:2. The highest efficiency in lipid biosynthesis exceeded 6.3 g L−1.Kazachstania unisporawas able to accumulate the high amount of palmitoleic acid.
Electrospun Polyaniline-Based Composite Nanofibers: Tuning the Electrical Conductivity by Tailoring the Structure of Thiol-Protected Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Pierini Filippo , Lanzi Massimiliano , Nakielski Paweł , Kowalewski Tomasz Aleksander
Published: September 2017

Composite nanofibers made of a polyaniline-based polymer blend and different thiol-capped metal nanoparticles were prepared using ex situ synthesis and electrospinning technique. The effects of the nanoparticle composition and chemical structure on the electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. This study confirmed that Brust’s procedure is an effective method for the synthesis of sub-10 nm silver, gold, and silver-gold alloy nanoparticles protected with different types of thiols. Electron microscopy results demonstrated that electrospinning is a valuable technique for the production of composite nanofibers with similar morphology and revealed that nanofillers are well-dispersed into the polymer matrix. X-ray diffraction tests proved the lack of a significant influence of the nanoparticle chemical structure on the polyaniline chain arrangement. However, the introduction of conductive nanofillers in the polymer matrix influences the charge transport noticeably improving electrical conductivity. The enhancement of electrical properties is mediated by the nanoparticle capping layer structure. The metal nanoparticle core composition is a key parameter, which exerted a significant influence on the conductivity of the nanocomposites. These results prove that the proposed method can be used to tune the electrical properties of nanocomposites.
Comparison between Central and Brachial Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Elderly Women and Men
Authors: Bordin Pelazza Bruno , Filho Sebastião Rodrigues Ferreira
Published: September 2017

Aim. To compare the values of central and brachial systemic blood pressure (SBP) between women and men over 60 years of age with systemic arterial hypertension. Methods. This study was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with elderly patients admitted to and selected from spontaneous and scheduled demand at basic health units in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between March 2013 and March 2014. We included 69 study participants and compared central and brachial SBP using a Sphygmocor® XCEL device (AtCor Medical, Sydney, Australia). Results. Significant differences were found in the blood pressure values of the whole population in the central versus brachial systolic blood pressure (SP) [140(21) versus 153(23) mmHg] and in the central versus brachial pulse pressure (PP) [55(18) versus 70(18) mmHg]. Additionally, females exhibited higher blood pressure levels than males [central SP 144(23) versus 134(16) mmHg and brachial SP 161(26) versus 148(18) mmHg and central PP 62(17) versus 45(14) mmHg and brachial PP 80(21) versus 63(15) mmHg, resp.]. Conclusion. Elderly women exhibited higher blood pressure values than elderly hypertensive men.
A Survey of the Use of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms in Electron Microscopy
Authors: Sorzano C. O. S. , Vargas J. , Otón J. , de la Rosa-Trevín J. M. , Vilas J. L. , Kazemi M. , Melero R. , del Caño L. , Cuenca J. , Conesa P. , Gómez-Blanco J. , Marabini R. , Carazo J. M.
Published: September 2017

One of the key steps in Electron Microscopy is the tomographic reconstruction of a three-dimensional (3D) map of the specimen being studied from a set of two-dimensional (2D) projections acquired at the microscope. This tomographic reconstruction may be performed with different reconstruction algorithms that can be grouped into several large families: direct Fourier inversion methods, back-projection methods, Radon methods, or iterative algorithms. In this review, we focus on the latter family of algorithms, explaining the mathematical rationale behind the different algorithms in this family as they have been introduced in the field of Electron Microscopy. We cover their use in Single Particle Analysis (SPA) as well as in Electron Tomography (ET).
Detection of Stress Hormone in the Milk for Animal Welfare Using QCM Method
Authors: Ito Takeshi , Aoki Nobuyoshi , Tsuchiya Akihisa , Kaneko Satoru , Akiyama Kiyoshi , Uetake Katsuji , Suzuki Koji
Published: September 2017

We developed a rapid and sequential analysis system to determine stress marker in the milk. One of the famous stress markers, cortisol, was detected using our method. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method with a twin sensor was used in this study. One channel detected stress marker corresponding to antigen-antibody interaction and the other channel was used as a reference to remove environmental influences. Although nonspecific adsorption was monitored on each channel, frequency difference between them was within a few Hz on the injection of sample solution. One determination cycle including regeneration step could be performed within 10 minutes. The system could detect the cortisol level from 0.1 pg/mL to 100 pg/mL. These results show that our system has a potential to check the daily feeding condition for cows in terms of animal welfare.
A Feasibility Study of SSVEP-Based Passive Training on an Ankle Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Zeng Xiangfeng , Zhu Guoli , Yue Lan , Zhang Mingming , Xie Shane
Published: September 2017

Objective. This study aims to establish a steady-state visual evoked potential- (SSVEP-) based passive training protocol on an ankle rehabilitation robot and validate its feasibility. Method. This paper combines SSVEP signals and the virtual reality circumstance through constructing information transmission loops between brains and ankle robots. The robot can judge motion intentions of subjects and trigger the training when subjects pay their attention on one of the four flickering circles. The virtual reality training circumstance provides real-time visual feedback of ankle rotation. Result. All five subjects succeeded in conducting ankle training based on the SSVEP-triggered training strategy following their motion intentions. The lowest success rate is 80%, and the highest one is 100%. The lowest information transfer rate (ITR) is 11.5 bits/min when the biggest one of the robots for this proposed training is set as 24 bits/min. Conclusion. The proposed training strategy is feasible and promising to be combined with a robot for ankle rehabilitation. Future work will focus on adopting more advanced data process techniques to improve the reliability of intention detection and investigating how patients respond to such a training strategy.
A Multiorgan Segmentation Model for CT Volumes via Full Convolution-Deconvolution Network
Authors: Yang Yangzi , Jiang Huiyan , Sun Qingjiao
Published: September 2017

We propose a model with two-stage process for abdominal segmentation on CT volumes. First, in order to capture the details of organs, a full convolution-deconvolution network (FCN-DecNet) is constructed with multiple new unpooling, deconvolutional, and fusion layers. Then, we optimize the coarse segmentation results of FCN-DecNet by multiscale weights probabilistic atlas (MS-PA), which uses spatial and intensity characteristic of atlases. Our coarse-fine model takes advantage of intersubject variability, spatial location, and gray information of CT volumes to minimize the error of segmentation. Finally, using our model, we extract liver, spleen, and kidney with Dice index of 90.1 ± 1%, 89.0 ± 1.6%, and 89.0 ± 1.3%, respectively.
Multiple Sclerosis Presenting with Facial Twitching (Myokymia and Hemifacial Spasms)
Authors: Hertz Risha , Espinosa James , Lucerna Alan , Stranges Doug
Published: September 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The etiology is insufficiently understood. Autoimmune, genetic, viral, and environmental factors have been hypothesized. MS is twice as common in women as in men between the ages of 20 and 50 years. There is no known cure for MS. Current medical treatment helps to prevent new attacks and improve function after an attack. MS is diagnosed by physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and examination of cerebral spinal fluid. The most common physical signs and symptoms of MS include constitutional symptoms, muscle weakness, motor and autonomic spinal cord symptoms, paresthesias, and vision changes. Here we present a case of MS diagnosed in a 33-year-old male with facial myokymia of left eyelid, which progressed to left hemifacial spasm. This is an unusual presentation for multiple sclerosis. An awareness of this presentation not only may lead to an earlier diagnosis in some patients but can be a sign of relapse in patients with established multiple sclerosis.
Light Hydrocarbon Geochemistry of Oils in the Alpine Foreland Basin: Impact of Geothermal Fluids on the Petroleum System
Authors: Pytlak Ł. , Leis A. , Prochaska W. , Sachsenhofer R. F. , Gross D. , Linzer H.-G.
Published: September 2017

Oil is produced in the Austrian sector of the Alpine Foreland Basin from Eocene and Cenomanian reservoirs. Apart from petroleum, the basin hosts a significant geothermal potential, which is based on the regional flow of meteoric water through Malmian (Upper Jurassic) carbonate rocks. Oils are predominantly composed of n-alkanes, while some samples are progressively depleted in light aromatic components. The depletion in aromatic components relative to abundant n-alkanes is an effect of water washing. Waters coproduced with oils that are affected by water washing show a progressive reduction in salinity and depletion in 2H and 18O isotopes, indicating that the degree of water washing is mainly controlled by the inflow of meteoric water from the Malmian aquifer. In some fields with Cenomanian reservoir rocks, a hydraulic connectivity with the Malmian aquifer is evident. However, water washing is also recognized in Eocene reservoirs and in areas where the Malmian aquifer is missing. This shows that existing flow models for the regional Malmian aquifer have to be modified. Therefore, the results emphasize the importance of combining data from the petroleum and geothermal industry, which are often handled separately.
Molecular Dynamics Modeling of the Effect of Nanotwins on the Superelasticity of Single-Crystalline NiTi Alloys
Authors: Guo Yang , Zeng Xiangguo , Chen Huayan , Han Tixin , Tian Heyi , Wang Fang
Published: September 2017

The objective of this work is to simulate the superelasticity and shape-memory effect in a single-crystalline nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy through a molecular dynamics (MD) study. Cooling and heating processes for this material are reproduced to investigate the temperature-induced phase transformation in its microstructure. It is found that the martensitic transformation and its reverse process occur accompanied by an abrupt volume change, and the transformed variants lead to the appearance of the (001) type compound twin. In addition, the transform temperatures for martensite start (Ms) and austenite finish (Af) are determined, respectively. The results indicate that when the temperature is beyond Af during the compressive loading-unloading, the superelastic behavior becomes pronounced, which is attributed to the role of nanotwins on the transformation from the austenitic phase (B2) to martensitic phase (B19′). Compared to existing experimental data, a reasonable agreement is achieved through the modeling results, highlighting the importance of the compound twins for dominating the superelasticity of nanostructured NiTi alloys.
Cardiac Progenitor Cells and the Interplay with Their Microenvironment
Authors: Mauretti Arianna , Spaans Sergio , Bax Noortje A. M. , Sahlgren Cecilia , Bouten Carlijn V. C.
Published: September 2017

The microenvironment plays a crucial role in the behavior of stem and progenitor cells. In the heart, cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) reside in specific niches, characterized by key components that are altered in response to a myocardial infarction. To date, there is a lack of knowledge on these niches and on the CPC interplay with the niche components. Insight into these complex interactions and into the influence of microenvironmental factors on CPCs can be used to promote the regenerative potential of these cells. In this review, we discuss cardiac resident progenitor cells and their regenerative potential and provide an overview of the interactions of CPCs with the key elements of their niche. We focus on the interaction between CPCs and supporting cells, extracellular matrix, mechanical stimuli, and soluble factors. Finally, we describe novel approaches to modulate the CPC niche that can represent the next step in recreating an optimal CPC microenvironment and thereby improve their regeneration capacity.
Event-Driven Control for NCSs with Logarithmic Quantization and Packet Losses
Authors: Yan Jingjing
Published: September 2017

The stabilization problem of the networked control systems (NCSs) affected by data quantization, packet losses, and event-driven communication is studied in this paper. By proposing two event-driven schemes and the extended forms of them relying on quantized states, zoom strategy is adopted here to study the system stability with time-varying logarithmic quantization and independent identically distributed (IID) packet losses process. On the basis of that, some sufficient conditions ensuring the mean square stability of the system are obtained here. Although zoom strategy has been utilized by many literatures to study the quantized stabilization problem of NCSs, it has not been adopted to analyze the stability of NCSs with data quantization, IID packet losses, and event-driven communication. Furthermore, the existing literatures relating to zoom strategy employ the quantizer with quantization regions holding arbitrary shapes, but here we use the logarithmic quantizer which holds better performance near the origin. In addition, the detailed comparisons of the system performance under different event-driven schemes are given here, which can guide the strategy selection according to the different design goals. The above three points are the main innovations of this paper. At last, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is illustrated by a benchmark example.
Baseline Renal Function Predicts Hyponatremia in Liver Cirrhosis Patients Treated with Terlipressin for Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Jung Dong Min , Park Ji Won , Ju Yeonmi , Lee Bohyun , Kim Hyoung Su , Suk Ki Tae , Jang Myoung Kuk , Park Sang Hoon , Kang Jun Goo , Soh Jae Seung , Lim Hyun , Kang Ho Suk , Moon Sung Hoon , Kim ChulSik , Lee SeongJin , Kim Jong Hyeok , Lee Myung Seok , Kim Dong Joon , Ihm Sung-Hee , Park ChoongKee
Published: September 2017

Objectives. Terlipressin is safely used for acute variceal bleeding. However, side effects, such as hyponatremia, although very rare, can occur. We investigated the development of hyponatremia in cirrhotic patients who had acute variceal bleeding treated with terlipressin and the identification of the risk factors associated with the development of hyponatremia. Design and Methods. This retrospective, case-control study investigated 88 cirrhotic patients who developed hyponatremia and 176 controls that did not develop hyponatremia and were matched in terms of age and gender during the same period following terlipressin administration. Results. The overall change in serum sodium concentration and the mean lowest serum sodium concentration were 3.44 ± 9.55 and 132.44 ± 8.78 mEq/L during treatment, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline serum sodium was an independent positive predictor, and the presence of baseline serum creatinine, HBV, DM, creatinine, and shock on admission was independent negative predictors of hyponatremia (P<0.05). Conclusion. The presence of HBV, DM, the baseline serum sodium, shock on admission, and especially baseline creatinine may be predictive of the development of hyponatremia after terlipressin treatment. Therefore, physicians conduct vigilant monitoring associated with severe hyponatremia when cirrhotic patients with preserved renal function are treated with terlipressin for variceal bleeding.