bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE RELATION OF DIETARY PROTEIN LEVEL TO LIVER ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN COLD-EXPOSED RATS
Authors: Beaton John R.
Published: October 2017

Male, albino rats were fed diets containing 5%, 20%, and 40% casein by weight for 7 days at environmental temperatures of 22 °C and 2–3 °C. In one experiment, food was provided ad libitum; in a second experiment, all groups were provided with equal amounts of food. At 22 °C, the activities in liver of alanine-glutamic transaminase, phosphate-activated glutaminase, and arginase increased with increasing dietary protein level. At 2–3 °C, activities of the last two enzymes increased with increasing dietary protein level from 5% to 20% but not from 20% to 40% whereas transaminase activities increased throughout the dietary protein range 5% to 40%. No relationship of glucose-6-phosphatase activity to dietary protein level was evident at either environmental temperature. Cold exposure per se increased the activities of alanine-glutamic transaminase and glucose-6-phosphatase in all dietary protein groups but increased the activities of arginase and phosphate-activated glutaminase only in rats fed the 5% and 20% protein diets. It is postulated that increased activities of these liver enzymes during cold exposure result from augmented catabolism of substrates to meet increased energy requirements. As previously observed with respect to other metabolic alterations, it is apparent that cold exposure modifies the response of liver enzymes to changing dietary protein levels.
PROTEINS IN FISH MUSCLE: 18. SEDIMENTATION PATTERNS OF MYOSIN-B EXTRACTS OF PRERIGOR COD MUSCLE
Authors: Dingle J. R. , Ellis D. G. , Hines J. A. , Lauder J. T.
Published: October 2017

Ultracentrifuge patterns (schlieren optics) of extracts of prerigor cod muscle, obtained by blending with 0.6 M salt solutions, showed only one major component together with a few very minor ones provided the concentration of adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) derived from the muscle was greater than 1.5 × 10−4 M in the extract. At lower ATP concentrations, caused by its enzymic decay in aged extracts or by exhaustion of the muscle either by exercise or electric shock, peaks of heavier components appeared at the expense of the original lighter one. Ultracentrifugation of extracts at the higher ATP level prevented to some extent this change upon aging. Amino acid analyses showed that the sediment from this operation and also the residue from the original extraction had the composition of actin.
FORMATION OF STEROID HORMONES IN THE ADRENAL ADENOMA AND ADJACENT ADRENAL TISSUE OF A PATIENT WITH PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM
Authors: MacArthur Elizabeth , O'Donnell V. J.
Published: October 2017

The in vitro steroidogenic capacity of an adrenal adenoma and adjacent adrenal tissue of a patient with primary aldosteronism was studied. The adenoma slices elaborated into the incubation medium 7.07 μg/g tissue of cortisol (78.2%), corticosterone (7.6%), and aldosterone (14.2%), while the slices of adjacent adrenal gland released 19.88 μg/g tissue of cortisol (79.1%), corticosterone (14.9%), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (3.9%), androstenedione (2.1%), and a trace of aldosterone. The steroid content of the adenoma and the adrenal slices after incubation was 4.22 and 3.19 μg/g tissue respectively. From the former, cortisol (51.1%), corticosterone (36.6%), and progesterone (12.4%) were isolated and from the latter cortisol (13.2%), corticosterone (56.1%), progesterone (17.2%), and androstenedione (13.5%). A sample of adrenal vein blood obtained prior to adrenalectomy exhibited a cortisol/corticosterone ratio of 2.45.
ANTIALLERGIC ACTIVITY AND SOME CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AN ANTIHISTAMINE PRINCIPLE IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL TISSUE EXTRACTS
Authors: Francis L. E. , Melville K. I. , Douglas D. E.
Published: October 2017

In continuation of earlier studies it has been observed that extracts prepared from animal and human tissues such as gingiva, colon, brain, lung, breast, rectum, stomach, placenta, exert antihistamine activity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments; gingiva and lung showed the highest potency. It has also been observed that these extracts can protect against both the in vitro anaphylactic reaction (Schultz-Dale reaction) and the in vivo anaphylactic reaction in guinea pigs previously sensitized to egg white. This antihistamine activity appears to be due to a relatively simple chemical compound containing hydroxyl and carbonyl groups with characteristic chromatographic and spectral properties, although its exact structure has not been established.In view of the widespread distribution of this antihistamine factor, it is suggested that it might be of physiological significance as an antiallergic substance and warrants further study as a potential new drug for allergic diseases. These and other aspects of the problem are being explored.
OCCURRENCE OF PARALBUMINEMIA IN MULE
Authors: Amin A. , Shamloo K. D.
Published: October 2017

One case of "double albuminemia" has been found among a total number of 70 mule sera tested. This condition was demonstrable by means of paper, agar gel, starch grain, and starch gel electrophoresis. Double albuminemia was shown to be present at pH's 8.6, 11.3, and 12.2. When tested immunochemically, however, these two albumins were alike, and were similar to normal mule serum albumin.
STUDIES ON THERMOGENESIS IN COLD-ACCLIMATED BIRDS
Authors: Chaffee R. R. J. , Mayhew W. W. , Drebin M. , Cassuto Y.
Published: October 2017

Effects on oxygen consumption of continuous intravenous injection of various doses of L-noradrenaline were measured in anesthetized chickens acclimated to 1 °C for 3 months, and in controls. No effects were produced in either and it is concluded that noradrenaline is not a calorigenic mediator in cold-acclimated chickens. Liver succinoxidase and liver microsomal pyridine nucleotide-cytochrome c reductases of cold-acclimated and control sparrows were assayed, and there were no cold-induced differences. Since small cold-acclimated mammals show elevation of these liver enzyme systems, the findings indicate that the chemical basis of non-shivering thermogenesis (if this phenomenon is present at all) may involve different mechanisms in birds and mammals. Organ weights were measured, and it was found that in the sparrow, as in small rodents, the kidney and heart become enlarged in response to cold, perhaps indicating a convergent adaptation in these two diverse homoeotherms. Changes in the thickness and changes in color of the pectoral muscles which were observed in the cold-acclimated sparrows are discussed in relation to their possible roles in shivering thermogenesis.
INFLUENCE OF DIET COMPOSITION AND CALORIC INTAKE ON BODY WEIGHT OF WARM- AND COLD-ACCLIMATED RATS
Authors: DesMarais A. , Lachance P. A.
Published: October 2017

The well known reduction in growth rate of cold-acclimated rats has been shown to depend on a decreased gain in total body fat, without change in the gain in lean body weight. This has been observed in rats fed Lab Chow or a high-fat diet ad libitum. In those groups fed a high-carbohydrate diet ad libitum or calorie-restricted high-fat or high-carbohydrate diets, exposure to cold had no effect on the gain in neither total body weight nor lean body weight, which were already reduced by the diet; in those animals, the significant decrease in the gain in total body fat upon exposure to cold was compensated by a slight but unsignificant increase in the gain in lean body weight, so that differences in gain in total body weight were not significant.
TOBACCO POLYPHENOLS: III. THE ROLE OF FERULIC ACID IN THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF CHLOROGENIC ACID
Authors: Runeckles V. C.
Published: October 2017

C14-labelled ferulic acid (3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) is actively metabolized by leaf tissues of Nicotiana tabacum with the formation of its glucoside and glucose ester, and the coumarin glucoside, scopolin (6-methoxy-7-O-β-D-glucosido-coumarin). There is considerably less utilization in quinic acid ester formation. The only quinic acid esters which become labelled following the administration of labelled ferulic acid in the light yield ferulic acid on hydrolysis. One of these is 3-O-feruloyl-quinic acid. In the dark, the principal quinic acid esters synthesized again contain ferulic acid, but a low incorporation of activity into chlorogenic acid (3-O-caffeoyl-quinic acid) can be demonstrated. These findings are discussed in relation to reports of the utilization of ferulic acid in chlorogenic acid biosynthesis in other higher plant tissues.
THE CONCENTRATION OF FIBRINOLYSIN SOLUTIONS CONTAINING GLYCEROL
Authors: Painter Robert H. , McVicar George A.
Published: October 2017

A simple technique is described for using dry Sephadex G25 to concentrate solutions of fibrinolysin dissolved in a solution containing 50% of glycerol as a stabilizer. It is shown that the percentage concentration of glycerol is not appreciably disturbed by this technique.
THE CHEMICAL ANATOMY OF RAT SKIN
Authors: Sweeny P. R. , Pearce R. H. , Vance H. G.
Published: October 2017

Lyophilization of finely minced rat skin removed the water, and subsequent extraction with light petroleum at 4° removed the fat. An extracellular, extrafibrillar phase ('ground substance') was extracted with isotonic saline, the cells were dispersed by treatment with trypsin, and the collagen was quantitatively converted to gelatin by autoclaving, leaving a negligible residue. The optimal conditions for each step were ascertained and the compositions of the fractions were examined. An appendix describes a device for the extraction of multiple tissue samples.
PROPERTIES OF BOVINE Ac-GLOBULIN CONCENTRATES AND METHODS OF PREPARATION
Authors: Aoki Nobuo , Harmison Charles R. , Seegers Walter H.
Published: October 2017

A procedure is described for retaining bovine plasma Ac-globulin activity as one part of the protein from plasma for every 1000 parts removed. The yields averaged 15%. The procedure involves removal of prothrombin with barium carbonate, isoelectric fractionation, fractionation with ammonium sulphate, chromatography on Amberlite IRC-50, and a second fractionation with ammonium sulphate. The procedure requires 2 days; however, the first day completes up to chromatography and the concentrate at that time is quite useful for many purposes. It is more stable than the product obtained after chromatography and the yields are higher. In absence of salts Ac-globulin is quite insoluble at pH 5.0. The final product usually contained some impurity. With the analytical ultra-centrifuge the S20in 0.1 M potassium chloride solution was found to be 4.2 at a protein concentration of 12.4 mg/ml. The specific activity was 1500 U./mg dry weight. Bovine plasma contains 120 U./ml or about 9 mg/100 ml. Assuming the same specific activity for human plasma the concentration is most likely near 1 mg/100 ml. The best stability conditions found were: 50% glycerol, pH 7.0, and 0.1 M calcium chloride. Under those conditions at room temperature all activity was retained 6 to 7 hours, at refrigerator temperature 24 hours, and at −60 °C for 1 month. In rabbits, antibodies were readily produced. Oxidizing agents destroyed the activity, while reducing agents did not, nor did they tend to stabilize. SH blocking agents destroyed the activity. The loss of activity in the presence of 0.0025 M parachloromercuribenzoate was recovered with 0.04 M cysteine. The molecule deteriorated while attempts were made to obtain physical chemical data; consequently, the molecular weight was calculated from an amino acid analysis and found to be 98,800. The reliability of this value is problematical. Human plasma was analyzed and found to contain 13 U./ml Ac-globulin. After 4 days storage, at room temperature, the prolonged prothrombin time of that plasma was completely restored with 13 units of Ac-globulin, which is equivalent to 8 μg.
FUNCTION OF Ac-GLOBULIN AND LIPID IN BLOOD CLOTTING
Authors: Seegers Walter H. , Cole Edmond R. , Aoki Nobuo
Published: October 2017

In this kinetic study of prothrombin activation prothrombin, thrombin, autoprothrombin C, autoprothrombin I, and Ac-globulin were used in purified form. The lipids used were protein-free sedimentable brain thromboplastin and crude "cephalin". Ac-globulin changed the substrate specificity of autoprothrombin C so that the latter really functions quite as another enzyme designated autoprothrombin C-AcG. The enzyme specificity of thrombin was also changed with Ac-globulin. The modified enzyme is designated thrombin-AcG. The two enzymes from prothrombin function in autocatalysis, and Ac-globulin is a co-autocatalyst. Thrombin-AcG is relatively a weaker enzyme than autoprothrombin C-AcG. With brain thromboplastin and Ac-globulin the two activation products are thrombin and autoprothrombin C. If the two procoagulants, brain thromboplastin and Ac-globulin, are in low concentration, autoprothrombin I compensates for the deficiency. In a typical prothrombin activation the microgram proportions of prothrombin, Ac-globulin, brain thromboplastin, and autoprothrombin I were respectively 500:26:20:400. Generally, lipid is present in lowest concentration and functions nonspecifically. Each lipid, such as brain thromboplastin, platelet factor 3, and crude cephalin, has its own peculiarities. The function of the lipids is in terms of the enzymes that originate from prothrombin itself. As soon as autoprothrombin C-AcG was constituted the full activity was there and was maintained. By contrast, when thrombin-AcG was constituted activity was there at once, tended to increase, and then subsided. Thrombin tends to activate Ac-globulin. The activity measured as Ac-globulin activity is nothing else than accelerated thrombin and (or) autoprothrombin C activity. When thrombin-AcG was used for activating prothrombin to thrombin there was no autoprothrombin C. Instead, there was another activation product called autoprothrombin III. This was isolated as a single component.
ABSORPTION OF INJECTED OXIMES
Authors: Duke E. E. , DeCandole C. A.
Published: October 2017

Concentrations in the blood of rabbits of 1,1′-trimethylene bis (4-formylpyridinium bromide) dioxime (TMB4), of 2-formyl-1-methylpyridinium chloride oxime (PAM Cl), and of 2-formyl-1-methylpyridinium methanesulphonate oxime (P2S) were measured at short intervals during the period immediately following intravenous or intramuscular injection. Dose for dose the concentration in the blood of TMB4 was found to be at least twofold higher than the concentration of either of the others. The rate of absorption from an intramuscular injection was the same for all three oximes, the peak concentration being reached in approximately 9 minutes.Other experiments, in which P2S was injected by the intrapulmonary route, showed no advantage in this species as regards speed of absorption over the intramuscular route.
COMPONENT FATTY ACIDS OF THE MILK OF THE GREY (ATLANTIC) SEAL
Authors: Ackman R. G. , Burgher R. D.
Published: October 2017

A gas–liquid chromatographic examination of the component fatty acids of the milk of the grey (Atlantic) seal confirms previous findings that in general composition the milk fats of marine mammals resemble the depot fat. An empirical correction system is suggested for argon ionization detectors.
THE EFFECT OF SIALIDASE ON PIG TRANSFERRINS
Authors: Kristjansson F. K. , Cipera J. D.
Published: October 2017

1. Sialidase digestion resulted in a decreased electrophoretic mobility of pig transferrins without destroying their ability to bind iron.2. The decrease in electrophoretic mobility occurred in two distinct steps.3. The migration rates of the final sialidase digestion products of TfA and TfB suggest that the difference in mobilities of TfA and TfB is not due to a difference in the amount of sialic acid which each contains.4. The mobility differences between the three zones observed for both TfA and TfB under high voltage Tris–citrate gel analyses do not appear to be due to the amount of sialic acid possessed by each.
Advances in insect physiology and endocrinology through genomics, peptidomics, and related technologies1Introduction to the virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era.
Authors: Orchard I. , Lange A.B.
Published: October 2017

This series of the Canadian Journal of Zoology brings together scientists actively working on insect physiology and endocrinology in this postgenomic era. This issue is timely and appropriate. Timely, because of the pace of change brought about by genome projects, functional genomics and genetics (omics technologies), including gene microarrays, mutations, RNAi, and sophisticated mass spectrometry techniques, which are helping to unravel complex regulatory processes. Appropriate, because Canada, and the Canadian Journal of Zoology, has a rich history and strong tradition of cutting-edge research in insect biology—with particular strengths in insect physiology and endocrinology. The first review illustrates how these very modern omics technologies can be embraced and applied to insect physiology and endocrinology, and the subsequent reviews illustrate this in practice, with regard to insect cold hardiness, insulin signaling and stress, peptidergic control of food intake and digestion, endocrine control of diuresis, and finally allatoregulatory peptides. These reviews set the scene and context for the exciting era that we find ourselves in, and the depth of understanding that has come from this postgenomic revolution.
Investigation of Axial Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Columns under Lateral Blast Loading
Authors: Esmaeilnia Omran Mohammad , Mollaei Somayeh
Published: October 2017

Different factors can affect blast response of structural components. Hence, experimental tests could be the best method for evaluating structures under blast loading. Therefore, an experimental explosion loading has been done on RC members by the authors. Four RC components, with identical geometry and material, with and without axial load were imposed to air blast. Observed data of the members’ response under blast loading was used for validation of finite element modeling process using ABAQUS software. With respect to complexity, limitations, and high costs of experimental tests, analytical studies and software modeling can be good alternatives. Accordingly, in this paper, the behavior of 6 different models of normal and strengthened RC columns under blast loading was evaluated using ABAQUS. Strengthening configurations considered here were designed for enhancing axial capacity of RC columns. Therefore, we can investigate the effectiveness of axial strengthening of column on its blast resistance capacity and residual axial strength. The considered strengthening methods were different steel jacket configurations including steel angle, channel, and plate sections. The results showed that retrofitting significantly improves blast performance of the columns. Moreover, residual strength capacity of the columns strengthened with steel channel is higher than the other models.
Decitabine-Induced Changes in Human Myelodysplastic Syndrome Cell Line SKM-1 Are Mediated by FOXO3A Activation
Authors: Zeng Wen , Dai Hanjun , Yan Ming , Cai Xiaojun , Luo Hong , Ke Min , Liu Zeming
Published: October 2017

The epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can potentially confer a growth advantage to individual cellular clones. Currently, the recommended treatment for patients with high-risk MDS is the methylation agent decitabine (DAC), a drug that can induce the reexpression of silenced tumor suppressor genes. We investigated the effects of DAC treatment on the myeloid MDS cell line SKM-1 and investigated the role of FOXO3A, a potentially tumor-suppressive transcription factor, by silencing its expression prior to DAC treatment. We found that FOXO3A exists in an inactive, hyperphosphorylated form in SKM-1 cells, but that DAC both induces FOXO3A expression and reactivates the protein by reducing its phosphorylation level. Furthermore, we show that this FOXO3A activation is responsible for the DAC-induced differentiation of SKM-1 cells into monocytes, as well as for SKM-1 cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. Collectively, these results suggest that FOXO3A reactivation may contribute to the therapeutic effects of DAC in MDS.
Exponential Synchronization of a Class of N-Coupled Complex Partial Differential Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Xia Wenhua , Luo Yiping , Zhou Bifeng , Liu Guanghui
Published: October 2017

This paper is concerned with the exponential synchronization for a class of N-coupled complex partial differential systems (PDSs) with time-varying delay. The synchronization error dynamic of the PDSs is defined in the q-dimensional spatial domain. To achieve synchronization, we added a linear feedback controller. A sufficient condition is derived to ensure the exponential synchronization of the proposed networks using the Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability approach and matrix inequality technology. The proposed system has broad applications. Two example applications are presented in the final section of this paper to verify the proposed theoretical result.
Modeling and Simulation for Effectiveness Evaluation of Dynamic Discrete Military Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Xiong Biao , Li Bixin , Fan Rong , Zhou Qingzhong , Li Wu
Published: October 2017

The effectiveness of military supply chain networks is an important reference for logistics decision-making, and it is crucial to evaluate it scientifically and accurately. This paper highlights the problem from the perspective of dynamic and discrete networks. A topological structure model with the characteristics of dynamic and discreteness is used to describe the structure of military supply chain networks (MSCNs). In order to provide a platform for evaluating the effectiveness, simulation algorithms based on topological structure models for MSCNs are presented. Considering military and economic factors, evaluation metrics including supply capability and supply efficiency are proposed. By applying the model and algorithms to a POL supply network in a theater, we obtain the values of supply capability and efficiency metrics in a dynamic environment. We also identify an optimal solution from multiple feasible solutions to help decision-makers to make scientific and rational decisions by using exploratory analysis method. The results show that new evaluation metrics can capture important effectiveness requirements for military supply networks positively. We also find the proposed method in this paper can solve the problem of evaluating the effectiveness of dynamic and discrete network effectiveness evaluation in a feasible and effective manner.
A Systematic Review of the Causes and Management of Ischaemic Stroke Caused by Nontissue Emboli
Authors: Judge Ciaran , Mello Sarah , Bradley David , Harbison Joseph
Published: October 2017

Introduction. The inadvertent or purposeful introduction of foreign bodies or substances can lead to cerebral infarction if they embolize to the brain. Individual reports of these events are uncommon but may increase with the increased occurrences of their risk factors, for example, intra-arterial procedures.Method. We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE for articles on embolic stroke of nontissue origin. 1889 articles were identified and screened and 216 articles were ultimately reviewed in full text and included in qualitative analysis. Articles deemed relevant were assessed by a second reviewer to confirm compatibility with the inclusion criteria. References of included articles were reviewed for relevant publications. We categorized the pathology of the emboli into the following groups: air embolism (141 reports), other arterial gas embolisms (49 reports), missiles and foreign bodies (16 reports), and others, including drug embolism, cotton wool, and vascular sclerosant agents.Conclusion. Air and gaseous embolism are becoming more common with increased use of interventional medical procedures and increased popularity of sports such as diving. There is increasing evidence for the use of hyperbaric oxygen for such events. Causes of solid emboli are diverse. More commonly reported causes include bullets, missiles, and substances used in medical procedures.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with an e6a2BCR-ABL1Fusion Transcript: Cooperating Mutations at Blast Crisis and Molecular Monitoring
Authors: Crampe Mireille , Haslam Karl , Groarke Emma , Kelleher Eileen , O’Shea Derville , Conneally Eibhlin , Langabeer Stephen E.
Published: October 2017

A minority of chronic myeloid leukemia patients (CML) express a variety of atypicalBCR-ABL1fusion variants and, of these, the e6a2BCR-ABL1fusion is generally associated with an aggressive disease course. Progression of CML to blast crisis is associated with acquisition of additional somatic mutations yet these events have not been elucidated in patients with the e6a2BCR-ABL1genotype. Moreover, molecular monitoring is only sporadically performed in CML patients with atypicalBCR-ABL1fusion transcripts due to lack of consensus approaches or standardization. A case of CML is described in which comprehensive molecular analysis, including targeted next-generation sequencing, revealed a singleASXL1mutation cooperating with an e6a2BCR-ABL1fusion transcript at blast crisis. A quantitative molecular monitoring approach was devised and adopted that reflected the disease response from initial treatment through allogeneic stem cell transplantation which resulted in undetectable e6a2BCR-ABL1transcripts. This case emphasizes the requirement for molecular monitoring in CML patients with atypicalBCR-ABL1fusion transcripts and emphasizes that comprehensive sequencing has the potential to identify targets for novel therapies in CML patients with advanced disease.
Resveratrol Ameliorates Contrast Induced Nephropathy Through the Activation of SIRT1-PGC-1α-Foxo1 Signaling in Mice
Authors: Hong Yu Ah , Bae So Yeon , Ahn Shin Young , Kim Jieun , Kwon Young Joo , Jung Woon Yong , Ko Gang Jee
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: SIRT1 activation promotes the resistance of renal tubular cells to oxidative stress, and resveratrol is known as a SIRT1 activator. Methods: Resveratrol was injected intraperitoneally with iohexol for 24 hours. NRK-52E cells were pretreated with resveratrol for 24 hours and then exposed to iohexol for 3 hours. Renal function was measured by serum creatinine and cell survival was assessed by MTT assay. We investigated whether resveratrol attenuates oxidative stress and apoptosis in contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Results: Serum creatinine and tubular injury increased significantly after iohexol treatment, and resveratrol co-treatment attenuated the renal injury. Cell survival decreased after iohexol exposure and resveratrol reduced cell death induced by iohexol. Resveratrol was accompanied with the activation of SIRT1 and PGC-1α and dephosphorylation of FoxO1 in mice with CIN. SIRT1 and PGC-1α expression were decreased by iohexol, and increased significantly in resveratrol-pretreated cells. These processes resulted in reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Resveratrol decreased inflammatory cell infiltration induced by iohexol in mice with CIN. SIRT1 inhibition using siRNA in tubular cells accentuated the decrease of cell viability by iohexol. Conclusion: Resveratrol attenuated CIN by modulating renal oxidative stress and apoptosis through activation of SIRT1-PGC-1α-FoxO1 signaling.
Inhibiting ROS-TFEB-Dependent Autophagy Enhances Salidroside-Induced Apoptosis in Human Chondrosarcoma Cells
Authors: Zeng Wei , Xiao Tao , Cai Anlie , Cai Weiliang , Liu Huanhuan , Liu Jingling , Li Jie , Tan Miduo , Xie Li , Liu Ying , Yang Xiangcheng , Long Yi
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Autophagy modulation has been considered a potential therapeutic strategy for human chondrosarcoma, and a previous study indicated that salidroside exhibits significant anti-carcinogenic activity. However, the ability of salidroside to induce autophagy and its role in human chondrosarcoma cell death remains unclear. Methods: We exposed SW1353 cells to different concentrations of salidroside (0.5, 1 and 2 mM) for 24 h. RT-PCR, Western-blotting, Immunocytofluorescence, and Luciferase Reporter Assays were used to evaluate whether salidroside activated the TFEB-dependent autophagy. Results: We show that salidroside induced significant apoptosis in the human chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353. In addition, we demonstrate that salidroside-induced an autophagic response in SW1353 cells, as evidenced by the upregulation of LC3-II and downregulation of P62. Moreover, pharmacological or genetic blocking of autophagy enhanced salidroside -induced apoptosis, indicating the cytoprotective role of autophagy in salidroside-treated SW1353 cells. Salidroside also induced TFEB (Ser142) dephosphorylation, subsequently to activated TFEB nuclear translocation and increase of TFEB reporter activity, which contributed to lysosomal biogenesis and the expression of autophagy-related genes. Importantly, we found that salidroside triggered the generation of ROS in SW1353 cells. Furthermore, NAC, a ROS scavenger, abrogated the effects of salidroside on TFEB-dependent autophagy. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that salidroside increased TFEB-dependent autophagy by activating ROS signaling pathways in human chondrosarcoma cells. These data also suggest that blocking ROS-TFEB-dependent autophagy to enhance the activity of salidroside warrants further attention in treatment of human chondrosarcoma cells.
Hydrogen Gas Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Independent of Postconditioning in Rats by Attenuating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Autophagy
Authors: Gao Yunan , Yang Hongxiao , Chi Jing , Xu Qiannan , Zhao Luqi , Yang Weijia , Liu Weifan , Yang Wei
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: To study the effect of inhaling hydrogen gas on myocardial ischemic/reperfusion(I/R) injury in rats. Methods: Seventy male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups at random as the sham group (Sham). The I/R group (I/R), The ischemic postconditioning group (IPo), The I/R plus hydrogen group (IH2) and the ischemic postconditioning plus hydrogen group (IPoH2). The Sham group was without coronary occlusion. In I/R group, Ischemic/reperfusion injury was induced by coronary occlusion for 1 hour. Followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. In the IPo and IPoH2 group, four cycles of 1 min reperfusion/1 min ischemia was given at the end of 1 hour coronary occlusion. While 2% hydrogen was administered by inhalation 5 min before reperfusion till 2 hours after reperfusion in both the IPoH2 and IH2 group. The heart and blood samples were harvested at the end of the surgical protocol. Then the myocardium cell endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress and autophagy was observed by electron microscope. In addition, the cardiac ER stress and autophagy related proteins expression were detected by Western blotting analysis. Results: Both inhaling 2% hydrogen and ischemic postconditioning treatment reduced the ischemic size and serum troponin I level in rats with I/R injury, and inhaling hydrogen showed a more curative effect compared with ischemic postconditioning treatment. Meanwhile inhaling hydrogen showed a better protective effect in attenuating tissue reactive oxygen species. Malondialdehyde levels and immunoreactivities against 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and inhibiting cardiac endoplasmic reticulum stress and down-regulating autophagy as compared with ischemic postconditioning treatment. Conclusion: These results revealed a better protective effect of hydrogen on myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury in rats by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress and down-regulating autophagy compared with ischemic postconditioning treatment.
Advanced Glycation End Products Impair Ca2+ Mobilization and Sensitization in Colonic Smooth Muscle Cells via the CAMP/PKA Pathway
Authors: Yu Ting , Wang Yun , Qian Dong , Sun Xiaomeng , Tang Yurong , Shen Xiaoxue , Lin Lin
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Excessive production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been implicated in diabetes-related complications. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which AGEs potentially contribute to diabetes-associated colonic dysmotility. Methods: Control and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic groups were treated with aminoguanidine (AG). The colonic transit time and contractility of circular muscle strips was measured. ELISA, immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to measure Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) levels. Primary cultured colonic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were used in complementary in vitro studies. Results: Diabetic rats showed prolonged colonic transit time, weak contractility of colonic smooth muscle strips, and elevated levels of AGEs in the serum and colon tissues. cAMP levels, protein kinase-A (PKA) activities, and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3 (IP3R3) phosphorylation were increased in the colon muscle tissues of diabetic rats, whereas RhoA/Rho kinase activity and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) phosphorylation were reduced. The inhibition of the production of AGEs (AG treatment) reduced these effects. In cultured colonic SMCs, AGE-BSA treatment increased IP3R3 phosphorylation and reduced intracellular Ca2+ concentration, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, RhoA/Rho kinase activity, and MYPT1 phosphorylation. The PKA inhibitor H-89 and anti-RAGE antibody inhibited the AGE-BSA–induced impairment of Ca2+ signaling and cAMP/PKA activation. Conclusion: AGEs/RAGE participate in diabetes-associated colonic dysmotility by interfering with Ca2+ signaling in colonic SMCs through targeting IP3R3-mediated Ca2+ mobilization and RhoA/Rho kinase-mediated Ca2+ sensitization via the cAMP/PKA pathway.
Explorando a espacialidade de um sítio Itararé-Taquara: estudo de caso do sítio Areia Branca 5, sudeste do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Araújo Astolfo G.M.
Published: October 2017

O sítio Areia Branca 5, filiado à Tradição Itararé-Taquara e localizado no sudeste do Estado de São Paulo, encontra-se em um terreno arado e foi sujeito a um método que visou a maximização da extração de informações espaciais. Mesmo estando em um contexto de terreno arado, que poderia levar o sítio a ser considerado “alterado” ou “destruído”, ficou claro que a espacialidade do sítio estava pouco comprometida. São discutidas as implicações do método utilizado e a inadequação de métodos de coleta de registro que não reconhecem o potencial existente em sítios arados.
Reflexões sobre a territorialidade Kaingang e a importância da intertrans- disciplinaridade.
Authors: Tommasino Kimiye
Published: October 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo – a partir de muitas experiências de pesquisa e extensão com os Kaingang – tecer algumas considerações sobre as limitações do paradigma cartesiano que ainda impera nas universidades e mostrar que uma das formas de superá-las é adotar abordagens inter-trans-disciplinares. Tento demonstrar que esse recurso permite avançar nas análises sobre a complexificação das realidades vividas pelos Kaingang ao longo da história recente. Para isso recorto como exemplo as pesquisas sobre territórios e territorialidades kaingang no Paraná e em Santa Catarina. Por fim, tento mostrar que existem ainda aspectos importantes da realidade sociocultural e histórica desse povo que não têm sido tema de pesquisas específicas.
Caminhos e Paradas: Perspectivas sobre o território Laklãnõ (Xokleng).
Authors: Machado Juliana Salles
Published: October 2017

Há 100 anos do primeiro aldeamento forçado dos Xokleng/Laklãnõ do Estado de Santa Catarina vemos um momento de intensa movimentação social e política entre esta população indígena. Empenhados em um projeto de fortalecimento de sua identidade étnica, os Laklãnõ (Xokleng) têm buscado na história, no passado e na memória um caminho para o seu futuro. Desde pelo menos a década de 1970, esta população indígena tem participado na produção de conhecimento científico como interlocutores em diversas pesquisas. Sua memória é tecida a partir de fios da história oral juntamente com discursos acadêmicos oriundos de diversas disciplinas ao longo desta trajetória de contato. Hoje inseridos no âmbito acadêmico eles vem construindo um projeto cultural para o seu povo baseado em um complexo emaranhado de saberes e conhecimentos que extrapolam as divisas entre local-global, êmico-ético, saber nativo - conhecimento científico. Neste trabalho pretendo refletir sobre nossas próprias construções e práticas na pesquisa arqueológica a partir dos trabalhos feitos por acadêmicosindígenas sobre o eixo do passado-presente.
Paisagens transformadas: a arqueologia de povos Jê no Paraná, sul do Brasil
Authors: Parellada Claudia Inês
Published: October 2017

No estudo foram analisados sítios Itararé-Taquara no Paraná, especialmente paleo-aldeias e abrigos-sob-rocha, em relação à estrutura e à transformação da paisagem, discutindo dados geoarqueológicos e cronológicos, de 4.000 a 600 anos atrás. A disposição espacial de aldeias, habitações e áreas sagradas em relação ao relevo, a mobilização de terra com a construção de aterros com formatos circulares a lineares, a escavação de estruturas semi-subterrâneas, com funções variadas, permitem refletir sobre aspectos simbólicos dos povos Jê pré-coloniais no Paraná, sul do Brasil. Além disso, o uso de monolitos para observação astronômica visava uma melhor compreensão dos ciclos da natureza que refletia numa agricultura mais produtiva. No alto Ribeira, houve uma concentração Jê, entre 1000 e 700 anos atrás, com paisagens ocupadas, na planície litorânea ou em relevo montanhoso, com grandes desníveis altimétricos, através de domínio dos diferentes tipos de solos e rochas. Alguns locais foram selecionados e transformados para marcar o controle e o domínio do território, e assim perpetuar uma memória mítica.
Arqueologia e Antropologia Laklãnõ: diálogo possível?
Authors: Namem Alexandro M.
Published: October 2017

O trabalho é uma reflexão sobre a importância do diálogo interdisciplinar e da correlação de diferentes dados (históricos, etnológicos e orais) para a produção do conhecimento sobre o povo Laklãnõ. O objetivo é chamar a atenção para a fragmentação do conhecimento produzido pela Arqueologia e Antropologia frente à multiplicidade de perspectivas a respeito da trajetória cultural deste povo indígena.
Influence of Soil Properties in Different Management Systems: Estimating Soybean Water Changes in the Agro-IBIS Model
Authors: Moreira Virnei Silva , Candido Luiz Antonio , Roberti Debora Regina , Webler Geovane , Diaz Marcelo Bortoluzzi , Gonçalves de Gonçalves Luis Gustavo , Pousa Raphael , Degrazia Gervásio Annes
Published: October 2017

The water balance in agricultural cropping systems is dependent on the physical and hydraulic characteristics of the soil and the type of farming, both of which are sensitive to the soil management. Most models that describe the interaction between the surface and the atmosphere do not efficiently represent the physical differences across different soil management areas. In this study, the authors analyzed the dynamics of the water exchange in the agricultural version of the Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS) model (Agro-IBIS) in the presence of different physical soil properties because of the different long-term soil management systems. The experimental soil properties were obtained from two management systems, no tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) in a long-term experiment in southern Brazil in the soybean growing season of 2009/10. To simulate NT management, this study modified the top soil layer in the model to represent the residual layer. Moreover, a mathematical adjustment to the computation of leaf area index (LAI) is suggested to obtain a better representation of the grain fill to the physiological maturity period. The water exchange dynamics simulated using Agro-IBIS were compared against experimental data collected from both tillage systems. The results show that the model well represented the water dynamics in the soil and the evapotranspiration (ET) in both management systems, in particular during the wet periods. Better results were found for the conventional tillage management system for the water balance. However, with the incorporation of a residual layer and soil properties in NT, the model improved the estimation of evapotranspiration by 6%. The ability of the Agro-IBIS model to estimate ET indicates its potential application in future climate scenarios.
Tracking of periodic reference signal: A parameterized finite dimensional repetitive control approach
Authors: Mondal Ujjwal , Sengupta Anindita , Dey Naiwrita
Published: October 2017

This paper is concerned with the development of a Modified Finite Dimensional Repetitive Control (MFDRC) system. Conventional FDRC is modified through parameterization of the controller using co-prime factorization. The proposed method of controller design specifies the input output characteristics beforehand, ensuring highly accurate tracking and disturbance rejection property of the system subjected to periodic reference input. Another problem is the stabilization issues in the input–output and the disturbance rejection characteristics of a conventional repetitive control system with respect to the periodic reference input owing to have infinite number of poles in the transfer function of it. It is desirable that the transfer functions from both the reference input and the disturbance to the output have a finite number of poles and that will be taken care of in the proposed scheme of MFDRC design depicted in this paper. The performance of designed controller has been validated in steps applied to a laboratory based servo system. Comparisons are done using conventional PID controller, FDRC-based PID controller and MFDRC to show advantage, disadvantage or limitation of applied control scheme.
Parameter identification of nonlinear multirate time-delay system with uncertain output delays
Authors: Yang Xianqiang , Xiong Weili , Wang Zeyuan , Liu Xin
Published: October 2017

The joint parameter and time-delay estimation problems for a class of nonlinear multirate time-delay system with uncertain output delays are addressed in this paper. The practical process typically has time-delay properties and the process data are often multirate, sampled with output data inevitably corrupted by uncertain delays. The linear parameter varying (LPV) finite impulse response (FIR) multirate time-delay model is initially built to describe the considered system. The problems of over-parameterization and the existence of both continuous model parameters and discrete time-delays have made the conventional maximum likelihood difficult to solve the considered problems. In order to handle these problems, the joint parameter and time-delay estimation for the LPV FIR multirate time-delay model are formulated in the expectation-maximization scheme, and the algorithm to estimate the model parameters and time-delays is derived, simultaneously based on multirate process data. The efficacy of the proposed method is verified through a numerical simulation and a practical chemical plant.
Overview of Home Parenteral Nutrition: An Update
Authors: Kirby Donald F. , Corrigan Mandy L. , Hendrickson Eileen , Emery D. Marie
Published: October 2017

The trend in modern medicine is to transition care from the hospital to home or other nonacute settings as soon as possible. Increasingly, nutrition support professionals are being asked to help facilitate discharge and/or manage patients who require prolonged intravenous fluid and/or nutrition after having been stabilized during a hospitalization. This updated tutorial reviews many of the concepts and challenges that must be considered for successful care that helps to focus on the patients and their quality of life.
The Comparative Epidemiology of Pediatric Severe Sepsis
Authors: Hartman Mary E. , Saeed Mohammed J. , Powell Kimberly N. , Olsen Margaret A.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To determine whether the coding strategies used to identify severe sepsis in administrative data sets could identify cases with comparable case mix, hospitalization characteristics, and outcomes as a cohort of children diagnosed with severe sepsis using strict clinical criteria.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from 2005 to 2011 from the New York and Florida State Inpatient Databases, available from the US Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We compared 4 coding strategies: the single International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification ( ICD-9-CM) codes for (1) severe sepsis or (2) septic shock, and the algorithms developed by (3) Angus et al or (4) Martin et al, which use a combination of ICD-9-CM codes for infection and organ dysfunction. We compared the cases identified by each strategy with each other and with children enrolled in the REsearching severe Sepsis and Organ dysfunction in children: a gLobal perspectiVE (RESOLVE) trial.

Results:

The Angus criteria was 9 times larger (n = 23 995) than the smallest cohort, identified by the “septic shock” code (n = 2 601). Cases identified by the Angus and Martin strategies had low mortality rates, while the cases identified by the “severe sepsis” and “septic shock” codes had much higher mortality at all time points (eg, 28-day mortality of 4.4% and 7.4% vs 15.4% and 16.0%, respectively). Mortality in the “severe sepsis” and “septic shock” code cohorts was similar to that presented in the RESOLVE trial.

Conclusions:

The ICD-9-CM codes for “severe sepsis” and “septic shock” identify smaller but higher acuity cohorts of patients that more closely resemble the children enrolled in the largest clinical trial of pediatric severe sepsis to date.
Examining the impacts of health literacy on healthcare costs. An evidence synthesis
Authors: Palumbo Rocco
Published: October 2017

Scholars and practitioners share a significant concern about rising healthcare costs. Health literacy is widely presented as a solution to this momentous issue, paving the way for a more appropriate access to care and therefore, for cost savings. However, to date little is still known about the ultimate effects of better health literacy on healthcare costs. Drawing from the findings of a systematic literature review which ultimately involved 29 papers retrieved from Scopus-Elsevier and PubMed. This manuscript is aimed at shedding light on the relationship between health literacy and healthcare costs. The inadequate ability of patients to understand health information and to navigate the healthcare system was found to be an important predictor of inappropriateness in the access to health care. In addition, people living with problematic health literacy are discouraged to be engaged in the provision of health services and are expected to show poor self-efficacy in dealing with their health-related conditions. From this point of view, poor health literate patients are assumed to be at high risk of exacerbation of their health problems, which in turn contributes in rising healthcare costs. In spite of these findings, both policy makers and practitioners seem to overlook the importance of health literacy. Eventually, the joint intervention on laws, policies, organizational strategies, and practices is crucial to handle the challenges related to limited health literacy.
Vaccine-preventable diseases: Compensating victims and deterring non-vaccinators?
Authors: Bromberger Nikki
Published: October 2017

Parents who do not vaccinate their children create risk of harm to those in society who are vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Current avenues of redress to those harmed, namely negligence law, present many hurdles. This article considers alternative avenues of redress such as user-pays no fault insurance or compensation schemes.