bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red cell distribution width predicts out of hospital outcomes in critically ill emergency general surgery patients
Authors: Havens Joaquim Michael , Seshadri Anupamaa J , Salim Ali , Christopher Kenneth B
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with mortality and bloodstream infection risk in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that an increase in RDW at hospital discharge in critically ill patients who received emergency general surgery (EGS) would be associated with increased mortality after hospital discharge.

Methods

We performed a two-center observational study of patients treated in medical and surgical intensive care units. We studied 1567 patients, who received critical care between 1998 and 2012 who underwent EGS and survived hospitalization. The exposure of interest was RDW within 24 hours of hospital discharge and categorized a priori in quintiles as ≤13.3%, 13.3% to 14.0%, 14.0% to 14.7%, 14.7% to 15.8%, 15.8% to 17.0% and >17.0%. The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality. Adjusted ORs were estimated by multivariable logistic regression models with inclusion of covariate terms for age, race, gender, Deyo-Charlson Index, sepsis and number of organs with acute failure.

Results

The cohort patients were 51.4% male and 23.2% non-white. 23.9% had sepsis and the mean age was 58 years. 90-day postdischarge mortality was 6.8%. Patients with a discharge RDW 15.8% to 17.0% or RDW >17.0% have an adjusted OR of 90-day postdischarge mortality of 3.64 (95% CI 1.04 to 12.68; p=0.043) or 4.58 (95% CI 1.32 to 15.93; p=0.02), respectively, relative to patients with a discharge RDW ≤13.3%. Further, patients with a discharge RDW ≥15.8 have an adjusted OR of 30-day hospital readmission of 2.12 (95% CI 1.17 to 3.83; p=0.013) relative to patients with a discharge RDW ≤13.3%.

Conclusions

In EGS patients requiring critical care who survive hospitalization, an elevated RDW at the time of discharge is a robust predictor of all-cause patient mortality and hospital readmission after discharge.

Level of evidence

Level II, prognostic retrospective study.
Extraskeletal osteosarcoma in an Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
Authors: Olds June E , Derscheid Rachel J
Published: April 2018

Extraskeletal osteosarcomas (EOS) are extremely rare mesenchymal tumours arising in various soft tissue locations. They have been documented in humans and companion animal species. Reports of neoplasia in Chiroptera were previously thought to be rare. However, recent publications have reported a variety of neoplastic tumours in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus). This report describes the clinical presentation and histopathological findings associated with the diagnosis of EOS in a 15‐year‐old Egyptian fruit bat housed within a zoo. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of EOS in a Rousettus.
Diagnosis and treatment of a novel papillomavirus in a North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
Authors: Schwartz Stephanne , Lockwood Samantha Lynn , Sledge Dodd , Maes Roger K , Wise Annabel G
Published: April 2018

A nine‐year‐old sexually entire male North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) was evaluated for multiple cutaneous masses that had progressively worsened over a seven‐year period. Clinical examination revealed multiple exophytic pigmented papules, nodules and plaques on the muzzle, pinnae, limbs, palpebrae and periocular regions. Skin biopsies were consistent with papillomavirus‐associated proliferative epithelial lesions. Using PCR primers specific for papillomaviruses, a partial fragment of the papillomavirus L1 gene was successfully amplified from the porcupine skin samples. Sequencing of the PCR product yielded a sequence with only 69% homology to the closest previously reported papillomavirus sequence, indicating this was a novel papillomavirus. Treatment was multimodal. A partial eyelid resection was performed, and a carbon dioxide laser and cryosurgery were used to treat focal lesions. Interferon‐α 2A was also administered orally. These therapies resulted in a mild decrease in the size of the lesions followed by subsequent stabilisation over a period of 12 months.
Ceasing the use of the highest priority critically important antimicrobials does not adversely affect production, health or welfare parameters in dairy cows
Authors: Turner Andrea , Tisdall David , Barrett David C , Wood Sarah , Dowsey Andrew , Reyher Kristen K
Published: April 2018

Due to scientific, public and political concern regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR), several EU countries have already taken steps to reduce antimicrobial (AM) usage in production animal medicine, particularly that of the highest priority critically important AMs (HP‐CIAs). While veterinarians are aware of issues surrounding AMR, potential barriers to change such as concerns of reduced animal health, welfare or production may inhibit progress towards more responsible AM prescribing. Farmers from seven dairy farms in South West England engaged in changing AM use through an active process of education and herd health planning meetings. Prescribing data were collected from veterinary sales records; production and health data were accessed via milk recording and farm‐recorded data. This study demonstrates that cattle health and welfare—as measured by production parameters, fertility, udder health and mobility data and culling rates—can be maintained and even improved alongside a complete cessation in the use of HP‐CIAs as well as an overall reduction of AM use on dairy farms. This study also identified a need to consider different metrics when analysing AM use data, including dose‐based metrics as well as those of total quantities to allow better representation of the direction and magnitude of changes in AM use.
Substitute foods are more likely than their traditional food counterparts to display front-of-package references
Authors: Christoforou Anthea , Dachner Naomi , Mendelson Rena , Tarasuk Valerie
Published: April 2018

Innovative, highly processed foods are often designed to “substitute” for traditional, less-processed items in the diet. Yet, concerns about the unhealthfulness of diets high in highly processed foods are growing. Their dominance in the diet has been hypothesized to relate, in part, to the strategic use of on-package nutrition promotion. Our goal was to compare front-of-package (FOP) labelling on highly processed products that appear to have been explicitly designed as substitutes for traditional foods with the FOP labelling on their traditional counterparts. FOP references were recorded from packaged foods in three major Toronto grocery stores ( N = 20520). Foods were categorized as substitute or traditional counterparts if these had (1) immediate interchangeability within the diet, (2) inherently different formulation, and (3) the substitute was more heavily processed than its traditional counterpart. Eight substitute–traditional pairs were identified, comprising 18% of products in the data set. Substitute foods were more likely than traditional products to bear FOP nutrition, “organic”, and “natural” references. Substitute foods bore 1.21 times more FOP references, the majority of which highlighted nutrients inherent to the traditional counterpart. Our findings support the contention that highly processed foods may be displacing less-processed foods at least in part through the use of strategic on-package marketing.
Distribution Channel Strategies and Retailer Collusion in a Supply Chain with Multiple Retailers
Authors: Zheng Xiaona , Sun Luping , Tsay Andy A.
Published: April 2018

Previous literature suggests that without regulations firms have incentives to collude by fixing price or reducing quantity. This paper sets up an infinitely repeated game to examine the interplay between the manufacturer’s channel strategy and the downstream retailers’ collusive behavior. The results show that the manufacturer can deter retailer collusion by strategically changing its channel strategy. This effect occurs when the discount rate (used to calculate the present value of future profits) is relatively large and the manufacturer’s direct selling efficiency is relatively high (i.e., the variable cost of direct selling is relatively low). With the deterrence of direct selling, retailers abandon collusion and “no collusion” is a win-win strategy for both levels in the supply chain. However, when the manufacturer is not efficient in direct selling or the discount rate is small, direct selling is not effective in deterring retailer collusion and the manufacturer is worse off. These findings provide insights into channel strategies and supply chain management.
Convergence and approximate calculation of average degree under different network sizes for decreasing random birth-and-death networks
Authors: Long Yin , Zhang Xiao-Jun , Wang Kui
Published: April 2018

In this paper, convergence and approximate calculation of average degree under different network sizes for decreasing random birth-and-death networks (RBDNs) are studied. First, we find and demonstrate that the average degree is convergent in the form of power law. Meanwhile, we discover that the ratios of the back items to front items of convergent reminder are independent of network link number for large network size, and we theoretically prove that the limit of the ratio is a constant. Moreover, since it is difficult to calculate the analytical solution of the average degree for large network sizes, we adopt numerical method to obtain approximate expression of the average degree to approximate its analytical solution. Finally, simulations are presented to verify our theoretical results.
Research on low-frequency band gap property of a hybrid phononic crystal
Authors: Dong Yake , Yao Hong , Du Jun , Zhao Jingbo , Chao Ding , Wang Benchi
Published: April 2018

A hybrid phononic crystal has been investigated. The characteristic frequency of XY mode, transmission loss and displacement vector have been calculated by the finite element method. There are Bragg scattering band gap and local resonance band gap in the band structures. We studied the influence factors of band gap. There are many flat bands in the eigenfrequencies curve. There are many flat bands in the curve. The band gap covers a large range in low frequency. The band gaps cover more than 95% below 3000 Hz.
DETRENDED CROSS-CORRELATION ANALYSIS BETWEEN MULTIVARIATE TIME SERIES
Authors: MAO XUEGENG , SHANG PENGJIAN
Published: April 2018

It is a crucial topic to identify the cross-correlations between time series in multivariate systems. In this paper, we extend the detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) into the multivariate systems, assigned multivariate detrended cross-correlation analysis (MVDCCA). Numerical simulations of synthetic multivariate time series generated by two-exponent and mix-correlated ARFIMA processes are applied to illustrate the validity of the proposed MVDCCA. Results show that the external coupling parameter determines the strength of cross-correlation no matter that it is inter-independent or correlated among channels in a certain multivariate time series. The MVDCCA method is robust enough to detect the scale properties of time series by estimating the Hurst exponent. And we use cross-correlation coefficient to quantify the level of cross-correlations clearly. Furthermore, the MVDCCA method performs well when applied to the stock markets combining the stock daily price returns and trading volume of stock indices. By comparing results only using stock daily price returns in published literatures, we find that the higher recognizability between the pair stock indices can be observed whatever from the same regions or different regions in multivariate situations and the conclusions are more comprehensive.
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF CASHEW NUT SHELL LIQUID-BASED COMPOSITE REINFORCED BY COCONUT SHELL PARTICLES
Authors: UDHAYASANKAR R. , KATHIKEYAN B.
Published: April 2018

This study concentrates more on biocomposite as a matrix, a derivative of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), and its development of Cardanol Resin (CR), along with coconut shell Particle (CSP) as a filler, obliging the environmental concerns as a mandatory one due to the pressure from the consumer, which forces manufacturing sector to seek some other alternative, as lucrative one is for betterment of the humanity also, thereby such sophistication of “green” composite with much potential application can easily thrive on. In this mix, the particle size (25, 50 and 75[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m) and particle loading (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) on the CR were reinforced with CSP polymer matrix through compression molding. This is the assessed impact of morphological Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while particles load on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and the hardness. They can also see the absorption of water. While doing so, it has been clearly observed that the tensile strength and flexural strength values expanded up to 30% of particle content, for all particle sizes of the particles and afterward, we could note that it diminished for higher particle content. Experimental results indicated that the maximum tensile strength and flexural strength of 30% of CSP/CR composite increase for 25, 50 and 75[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m by 31, 25 and 19% with that of 46, 37 and 27%, respectively, as compared with those of neat CR. The expansion of CSP in composite expanded the hardness and the % of water absorption. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the composite surfaces demonstrates that there are genuinely better interfacial connection and appropriation between coconut shell particles and CR matrix.
CORROSION PROCESS OF MULTILAYER ALUMINUM-BRAZED SHEET BY EIS AND EN TECHNIQUES
Authors: GUO LONGJUN , WANG JIHUI , HU WENBIN , ZHOU DEJING
Published: April 2018

The microstructures of AA4045/AA3003Mod./AA4045 aluminum-brazed sheet were observed and determined by stereoscopic digital microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The corrosion process of the brazed sheet in the exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) solution was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical noise (EN) techniques. The results showed that the brazed sheet was composed of the Al-Si eutectic zone, the precipitates-free zone (PFZ), the band of dense precipitates zone (BDP) and the core material. With the immersion time increased, the capacitive time constant in EIS plot changed from one time constant through two unclear time constants to two clear time constants, and then went back to two unclear time constants again. The maximum relative energy in energy distribution plot (EDP) changed from small scales through middle scales to large scales, and then went back to middle scales. The corrosion process could be divided into four stages: the dissolution of the eutectic [Formula: see text]-Al in the resolidified clad in the form of pitting corrosion; the corrosion of the primary [Formula: see text]-Al grain boundaries in the form of intergranular corrosion (IGC); the corrosion of the BDP zone in the form of exfoliation corrosion; and the corrosion of the core material in the form of IGC.
Modified vitamin B12 derivatives with a peptide backbone for biomimetic studies and medicinal applications
Authors: Zelder Felix
Published: April 2018

This short review highlights the author’s group research on modified vitamin B[Formula: see text] derivatives with a peptide backbone as (1) inhibitors of B[Formula: see text]-dependent enzymes and as (2) models of cofactor B[Formula: see text]-protein complexes.
Investor Relations Role in Merger and Acquisition Activity
Authors: Upton Kate
Published: April 2018

Managers are increasingly likely to use investor relations (IR) specialists to communicate to their investors during takeover contests. This paper is the first to study the use of external IR firms and their relation to merger and acquisition (M&A) deal characteristics. Targets that employ IR exhibit increased deal premiums, increases in the time to resolution, and a lower likelihood of deal completion, which may be associated with an IR firm’s media campaign and efforts to delay or prevent a deal. Bidders who utilize IR resources have deals that are more likely to be completed, which likely reflects their ability to educate investors.
A mixed-integer optimization approach for homogeneous magnet design
Authors: Dayarian Iman , Chan Timothy C.Y. , Jaffray David , Stanescu Teo
Published: April 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool that has become the imaging modality of choice for soft-tissue visualization in radiation therapy. Emerging technologies aim to integrate MRI with a medical linear accelerator to form novel cancer therapy systems (MR-linac), but the design of these systems to date relies on heuristic procedures. This paper develops an exact, optimization-based approach for magnet design that 1) incorporates the most accurate physics calculations to date, 2) determines precisely the relative spatial location, size, and current magnitude of the magnetic coils, 3) guarantees field homogeneity inside the imaging volume, 4) produces configurations that satisfy, for the first time, small-footprint feasibility constraints required for MR-linacs. Our approach leverages modern mixed-integer programming (MIP), enabling significant flexibility in magnet design generation, e.g., controlling the number of coils and enforcing symmetry between magnet poles. Our numerical results demonstrate the superiority of our method versus current mainstream methods.
The Muc2 mucin coats murine Paneth cell granules and facilitates their content release and dispersion
Authors: Stahl Martin , Tremblay Sarah , Montero Marinieve , Vogl Wayne , Xia Lijun , Jacobson Kevan , Menendez Alfredo , Vallance Bruce A.
Published: April 2018

Paneth cells are a key subset of secretory epithelial cells found at the base of small intestinal crypts. Unlike intestinal goblet cells, which secrete the mucin Muc2, Paneth cells are best known for producing an array of antimicrobial factors. We unexpectedly identified Muc2 staining localized around Paneth cell granules. Electron microscopy (EM) confirmed an electron lucent halo around these granules, which was lost in Paneth cells from Muc2-deficient (−/−) mice. EM and immunostaining for lysozyme revealed that Muc2−/− Paneth cells contained larger, more densely packed granules within their cytoplasm, and we detected defects in the transcription of key antimicrobial genes in the ileal tissues of Muc2−/− mice. Enteroids derived from the small intestine of wild-type and Muc2−/− mice revealed phenotypic differences in Paneth cells similar to those seen in vivo. Moreover, lysozyme-containing granule release from Muc2−/− enteroid Paneth cells was shown to be impaired. Surprisingly, Paneth cells within human ileal and duodenal tissues were found to be Muc2 negative. Thus Muc2 plays an important role in murine Paneth cells, suggesting links in function with goblet cells; however human Paneth cells lack Muc2, highlighting that caution should be applied when linking murine to human Paneth cell functions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate for the first time that murine Paneth cell granules possess a halo comprised of the mucin Muc2. The presence of Muc2 exerts an impact on Paneth cell granule size and number and facilitates the release and dispersal of antimicrobials into the mucus layer. Interestingly, despite the importance of Muc2 in murine Paneth cell function, our analysis of Muc2 in human intestinal tissues revealed no trace of Muc2 expression by human Paneth cells.
FABP4 regulates eosinophil recruitment and activation in allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Ge Xiao Na , Bastan Idil , Dileepan Mythili , Greenberg Yana , Ha Sung Gil , Steen Kaylee A. , Bernlohr David A. , Rao Savita P. , Sriramarao P.
Published: April 2018

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), a member of a family of lipid-binding proteins, is known to play a role in inflammation by virtue of its ability to regulate intracellular events such as lipid fluxes and signaling. Studies have indicated a proinflammatory role for FABP4 in allergic asthma although its expression and function in eosinophils, the predominant inflammatory cells recruited to allergic airways, were not investigated. We examined expression of FABP4 in murine eosinophils and its role in regulating cell recruitment in vitro as well as in cockroach antigen (CRA)-induced allergic airway inflammation. CRA exposure led to airway recruitment of FABP4-expressing inflammatory cells, specifically eosinophils, in wild-type (WT) mice. FABP4 expression in eosinophils was induced by TNF-α as well as IL-4 and IL-13. FABP4-deficient eosinophils exhibited markedly decreased cell spreading/formation of leading edges on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and significantly decreased adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 associated with reduced β2-integrin expression relative to WT cells. Furthermore, FABP4-deficient eosinophils exhibited decreased migration, F-actin polymerization, calcium flux, and ERK(1/2) phosphorylation in response to eotaxin-1. In vivo, CRA-challenged FABP4-deficient mice exhibited attenuated eosinophilia and significantly reduced airway inflammation (improved airway reactivity, lower IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, and cysteinyl leukotriene C4 levels, decreased airway structural changes) compared with WT mice. In conclusion, expression of FABP4 in eosinophils is induced during conditions of inflammation and plays a proinflammatory role in the development of allergic asthma by promoting eosinophil adhesion and migration and contributing to the development of various aspects of airway inflammation.
A noninterfering system to measure in-cage spontaneous physical activity in mice
Authors: Poffé Chiel , Dalle Sebastiaan , Kainz Hans , Berardi Emanuele , Hespel Peter
Published: April 2018

Due to lack of low-cost and convenient measurement procedures, uncontrolled changes in spontaneous physical activity (SPA) level often are insufficiently considered as a confounding factor in rodent studies. Nonetheless, alterations in SPA can significantly impact on a wide range of physiological measurements. Therefore, we developed an accurate, low-cost video tracking procedure to allow routine assessment of SPA in the home cage of experimental animals (i.e., mice) and in the absence of any distress that might cause alterations in SPA. SPA parameters acquired (movement distance, movement time, and movement speed) with the novel tracking system were identical to those simultaneously obtained with a high-end and well-validated movement-tracking device (mean error = 0.15 ± 0.07%, r = 0.99, P < 0.001). To further validate the setup, we also demonstrated caffeine-induced stimulation of SPA (195% more activity compared with vehicle, P < 0.01), we adequately reproduced typical SPA fluctuations inherent to day/night cycles (146 and 702% more active during nocturnal compared with diurnal cycle for Balb/c and C57BL/6J mice, respectively, P < 0.001), and we confirmed previously documented SPA differences between animal strains (24% less activity in C57BL/6J mice compared with Balb/c mice, P < 0.05). Taken together, we provide data to prove that this novel low-cost methodology can be conveniently used in any mouse experiment where uncontrolled changes in SPA due to experimental interventions might confound data interpretation. By analogy, the system can be used to document a beneficial impact of therapeutic interventions on SPA in any disease mouse model.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We developed a low-cost procedure to routinely measure SPA in mice. The procedure maintains normal SPA because the animals continue to stay in their home cage in the absence of any external manipulation by the investigators and under habitual dark/light ambient conditions. This novel methodology can be conveniently used in any mouse experiment to quantify experimentally induced alterations in SPA or to assess natural variations in SPA that might confound data interpretation.
Soil Quality and Water Redistribution Influences on Plant Production over Low Hillslopes on Reclaimed Mined Land
Authors: Merrill Stephen D. , Liebig Mark A. , Hendrickson John D. , Wick Abbey F.
Published: April 2018

Coal surface mining in northern Great Plains USA led to reclamation experiments with soil respreading. Respread soil depth (RSD) and runoff of water redistribution (WR) effects interacted in original North Dakota studies, complicating interpretations. We determined WR and soil depth/soil quality (SQ) effects on hillslope production patterns for sites with soil wedges (2%–5% slope, 50-m length) over sodic mine spoils. At Zap, cool-season forages crested wheatgrass (CWG: Agropyron cristatum) and Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea) generally decreased as RSD increased upslope. At Stanton, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), native grasses (Bouteloua spp.), and CWG responded to RSD, increasing 70% to midslope and decreasing further. A SQ index (SQI) based on six indicator properties was highly correlated (r > 0.7) with RSD. Yield regressions with RSD or SQI were generally significant for Stanton forages and for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) at both sites. Yield regressions with WR index (catchment area-based) indicated dominance of WR effects at Zap. Cool-season forages at Zap evidently responded to springtime runoff, while Stanton forages and spring wheat at both sites used water later in the season and responded to soil depth/SQ effects. Results suggest models for interaction of SQ and landform WR affecting productivity should include plant community composition and water-use information.
N‐Acetylcysteine Reduces ROS‐Mediated Oxidative DNA Damage and PI3K/Akt Pathway Activation Induced by Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Xie Chuan , Yi Jian , Lu Jing , Nie Muwen , Huang Meifang , Rong Jianfang , Zhu Zhenhua , Chen Jiang , Zhou Xiaoliang , Li Bimin , Chen Haiming , Lu Nonghua , Shu Xu
Published: April 2018

Background. H. pylori infection induces reactive oxygen species‐ (ROS‐) related DNA damage and activates the PI3K/Akt pathway in gastric epithelial cells. N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC) is known as an inhibitor of ROS; the role of NAC in H. pylori‐related diseases is unclear. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ROS and the protective role of NAC in the pathogenesis of H. pylori‐related diseases. Method. An in vitro coculture system and an in vivo Balb/c mouse model of H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells were established. The effects of H. pylori infection on DNA damage and ROS were assessed by the comet assay and fluorescent dichlorofluorescein assay. The level of PI3K/Akt pathway‐related proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. The protective role of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) was also evaluated with in vitro and in vivo H. pylori infection models. Results. The results revealed that, in vitro and in vivo, H. pylori infection increased the ROS level and induced DNA damage in gastric epithelial cells. NAC treatment effectively reduced the ROS level and inhibited DNA damage in GES‐1 cells and the gastric mucosa of Balb/c mice. H. pylori infection induced ROS‐mediated PI3K/Akt pathway activation, and NAC treatment inhibited this effect. However, the gastric mucosa pathological score of the NAC‐treated group was not significantly different from that of the untreated group. Furthermore, chronic H. pylori infection decreased APE‐1 expression in the gastric mucosa of Balb/c mice. Conclusions. An increased ROS level is a critical mechanism in H. pylori pathogenesis, and NAC may be beneficial for the treatment of H. pylori‐related gastric diseases linked to oxidative DNA damage.
Ballroom Dancing Promotes Neural Activity in the Sensorimotor System: A Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Lu Yingzhi , Zhao Qi , Wang Yingying , Zhou Chenglin
Published: April 2018

Objective. This study aims at investigating differences in the spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity in the sensorimotor system between ballroom dancers and nondancers, to further support the functional alteration in people with expertise. Materials and Methods. Twenty-three ballroom dancers and twenty-one matched novices with no dance experience were recruited in this study. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity, as methods for assessing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data, were used to reveal the resting-state brain function in these participants. Results. Compared to the novices, ballroom dancers showed increased ALFF in the left middle temporal gyrus, bilateral precentral gyrus, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus. The ballroom dancers also demonstrated lower ALFF in the left lingual gyrus and altered functional connectivity between the inferior frontal gyrus and temporal, parietal regions. Conclusions. Our results indicated that ballroom dancers showed elevated neural activity in sensorimotor regions relative to novices and functional alterations in frontal-temporal and frontal-parietal connectivity, which may reflect specific training experience related to ballroom dancing, including high-capacity action perception, attentional control, and movement adjustment.
Comparison of Oral Microbe Quantities from Tongue Samples and Subgingival Pockets
Authors: Göhler André , Samietz Stefanie , Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Kocher Thomas , Steinmetz Ivo , Holtfreter Birte
Published: April 2018

Objectives. To improve understanding of periodontitis pathology, we need more profound knowledge of relative abundances of single prokaryotic species and colonization dynamics between habitats. Thus, we quantified oral microbes from two oral habitats to gain insights into colonization variability and correlation to the clinical periodontal status.Methods. We analyzed tongue scrapings and subgingival pocket samples from 237 subjects (35–54 years) with at least 10 teeth and no recent periodontal treatment from the 11-year follow-up of the Study of Health in Pomerania. Relative abundances ofPorphyromonas gingivalis,Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,Fusobacterium nucleatum,Streptococcus sanguinis, total bacteria, andArchaeawere correlated to clinically assessed pocket depths (PD) and clinical attachment levels (CAL).Results. Increased relative abundances ofP. gingivalis,A. actinomycetemcomitans, andF. nucleatumwere linked to increased levels of PD and CAL (i) on the subject level (mean PD, mean CAL) and (ii) in subgingival pockets. Relative abundances ofArchaeafrom tongue samples correlated negatively with mean PD or mean CAL. Detection and quantity of bacterial species correlated weakly to moderately between the tongue and subgingival pocket, except forArchaea.Conclusions. Relative abundances of specific oral species correlated weakly to moderately between habitats. Single species, total bacteria, andArchaeawere linked to clinically assessed severity of periodontitis in a habitat-dependent manner.
The Role of Periostin in Capsule Formation on Silicone Implants
Authors: Bae Hahn-Sol , Son Hye-Youn , Lee Jung Pyo , Chang Hak , Park Ji-Ung
Published: April 2018

Although silicone implants are widely used in breast and other reconstructive surgeries, the limited biocompatibility of these materials leads to severe complications, including capsular contracture. Here, we aimed to clarify the relationship between periostin and the process of capsule formation after in vivo implantation. Seven-week-old wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and periostin-deficient mice were used. Round silicone implants were inserted into a subcutaneous pocket on the dorsum of the mice. After 8 weeks, the fibrous capsule around the implant was harvested and histologically examined to estimate capsular thickness and the number of inflammatory cells. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis (periostin, α-SMA, and collagen type I) and western blotting (CTGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and MPO) were performed for a more detailed analysis of capsule formation. The capsules in periostin-knockout mice (PN-KO) were significantly thinner than those in WT mice. PN-KO mice showed significantly lower numbers of inflammatory cells than WT mice. Fibrous tissue formation markers (α-SMA, periostin, collagen type I, and CTGF) were significantly reduced in PN-KO mice. We also confirmed that inflammatory reaction and angiogenesis indicators (TGF-β, MPO, and VEGF) had lower expression in PN-KO mice. Inhibition of periostin could be important for suppressing capsule formation on silicone implants after in vivo implantation.
Early Growth Response 1 (Egr1) Is a Transcriptional Activator of NOX4 in Oxidative Stress of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hu Fang , Xue Meng , Li Yang , Jia Yi-Jie , Zheng Zong-Ji , Yang Yan-Lin , Guan Mei-Ping , Sun Liao , Xue Yao-Ming
Published: April 2018

Background. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) plays a major role in renal oxidative stress of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). NOX4 was significantly increased in Egr1-expressing fibroblasts, but the relationship between Egr1 and NOX4 in DKD is unclear. Methods. For the evaluation of the potential relationship between Egr1 and NOX4, both were detected in HFD/STZ-induced mice and HK-2 cells treated with TGF-β1. Then, changes in NOX4 expression were detected in HK-2 cells and mice with overexpression and knockdown of Egr1. The direct relationship between Egr1 and NOX4 was explored via chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Results. We found increased levels of Egr1, NOX4, and α-SMA in the kidney cortices of diabetic mice and in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. Overexpression or silencing of Egr1 in HK-2 cells could upregulate or downregulate NOX4 and α-SMA. ChIP assays revealed that TGF-β1 induced Egr1 to bind to the NOX4 promoter. Finally, Egr1 overexpression or knockdown in diabetic mice could upregulate or downregulate the expression of NOX4 and ROS, and α-SMA was also changed. Conclusion. Our study provides strong evidence that Egr1 is a transcriptional activator of NOX4 in oxidative stress of DKD. Egr1 contributes to DKD by enhancing EMT, in part by targeting NOX4.
Oscillatory Corticospinal Activity during Static Contraction of Ankle Muscles Is Reduced in Healthy Old versus Young Adults
Authors: Spedden Meaghan Elizabeth , Nielsen Jens Bo , Geertsen Svend Sparre
Published: April 2018

Aging is accompanied by impaired motor function, but age-related changes in neural networks responsible for generating movement are not well understood. We aimed to investigate the functional oscillatory coupling between activity in the sensorimotor cortex and ankle muscles during static contraction. Fifteen young (20–26 yr) and fifteen older (65–73 yr) subjects were instructed to match a target force by performing static ankle dorsi- or plantar flexion, while electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded from the cortex and electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from dorsi- (proximal and distal anterior tibia) and plantar (soleus and medial gastrocnemius) flexor muscles. EEG-EMG and EMG-EMG beta band (15–35 Hz) coherence was analyzed as an index of corticospinal activity. Our results demonstrated that beta cortico-, intra-, and intermuscular coherence was reduced in old versus young subjects during static contractions. Old subjects demonstrated significantly greater error than young subjects while matching target forces, but force precision was not related to beta coherence. We interpret this as an age-related decrease in effective oscillatory corticospinal activity during steady-state motor output. Additionally, our data indicate a potential effect of alpha coherence and tremor on performance. These results may be instrumental in developing new interventions to strengthen sensorimotor control in elderly subjects.
Simulation Study on Clustering Approaches for Short‐Term Electricity Forecasting
Authors: Gajowniczek Krzysztof , Ząbkowski Tomasz
Published: April 2018

Advanced metering infrastructures such as smart metering have begun to attract increasing attention; a considerable body of research is currently focusing on load profiling and forecasting at different scales on the grid. Electricity time series clustering is an effective tool for identifying useful information in various practical applications, including the forecasting of electricity usage, which is important for providing more data to smart meters. This paper presents a comprehensive study of clustering methods for residential electricity demand profiles and further applications focused on the creation of more accurate electricity forecasts for residential customers. The contributions of this paper are threefold: (1) using data from 46 homes in Austin, Texas, the similarity measures from different time series are analyzed; (2) the optimal number of clusters for representing residential electricity use profiles is determined; and (3) an extensive load forecasting study using different segmentation‐enhanced forecasting algorithms is undertaken. Finally, from the operator’s perspective, the implications of the results are discussed in terms of the use of clustering methods for grouping electrical load patterns.
Models for Strength Prediction of High‐Porosity Cast‐In‐Situ Foamed Concrete
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Huang Junjie , Su Qian , Liu Ting
Published: April 2018

A study was undertaken to develop a prediction model of compressive strength for three types of high‐porosity cast‐in‐situ foamed concrete (cement mix, cement‐fly ash mix, and cement‐sand mix) with dry densities of less than 700 kg/m3. The model is an extension of Balshin’s model and takes into account the hydration ratio of the raw materials, in which the water/cement ratio was a constant for the entire construction period for a certain casting density. The results show that the measured porosity is slightly lower than the theoretical porosity due to few inaccessible pores. The compressive strength increases exponentially with the increase in the ratio of the dry density to the solid density and increases with the curing time following the composite function for all three types of foamed concrete. Based on the results that the compressive strength changes with the porosity and the curing time, a prediction model taking into account the mix constitution, curing time, and porosity is developed. A simple prediction model is put forward when no experimental data are available.
Electroacupuncture at ST‐36 Protects Interstitial Cells of Cajal via Sustaining Heme Oxygenase‐1 Positive M2 Macrophages in the Stomach of Diabetic Mice
Authors: Tian Lugao , Song Shuangning , Zhu Beibei , Liu Shi
Published: April 2018

Background. Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST‐36 has been reported to improve delayed gastric emptying and protect the networks of ICC in diabetic models. However, the mechanisms of the effects of EA are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the HO‐1 positive M2 macrophages participate in the protective effects of EA for the ICC networks. Methods. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: the normal control group, diabetic group (DM), diabetic mice with sham EA group (SEA), diabetic mice with low frequency EA group (LEA), and diabetic mice with high frequency EA group (HEA). ICC network changes were detected by Ano1 immunostaining. F4/80 and HO‐1 costaining was used to measure HO‐1 positive macrophage expression. Western blot and PCR methods were applied to monitor HO‐1, IL‐10, and macrophage markers, respectively. The serum MDA levels were detected by a commercial kit. Results. This study presents the following results: (1) Compared with the control group, ICC networks were severely disrupted in the DM group, but no obvious changes were found in the LEA and HEA groups. (2) Many HO‐1 positive macrophages could be observed in the LEA and HEA groups, and the expression of HO‐1 was also markedly upregulated. (3) The IL‐10 expression was obviously upregulated in the LEA and HEA groups. (4) The serum MDA levels were decreased in the real EA group. (5) When compared to the DM group, the expression of CD163 and Arg‐1 was increased in the LEA and HEA groups, but the iNOS expression was decreased. Conclusion. The protective effects of EA on the networks of ICC may rely on the HO‐1 positive macrophages to mediate anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects.
Beneficial or Harmful Role of Macrophages in Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis
Authors: Shen Donghui , Chu Fengna , Lang Yue , Geng Yunlong , Zheng Xiangyu , Zhu Jie , Liu Kangding
Published: April 2018

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an immune-mediated demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, is characterized by acute weakness of the extremities and areflexia or hyporeflexia. Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is a common animal model for GBS, which represents a CD4+T cell-mediated inflammatory autoimmune demyelination of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and is used to investigate the pathogenic mechanism of GBS. It has been found that macrophages play a critical role in the pathogenesis of both GBS and EAN. Macrophages have been primarily classified into two major phenotypes: proinflammatory macrophages (M1) and anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2). The two different macrophage subsets M1 and M2 may play a decisive role in initiation and development of GBS and EAN. However, recently, it has been indicated that the roles of macrophages in immune regulation and autoimmune diseases are more complex than those suggested by a simple M1-M2 dichotomy. Macrophages might exert either inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effect by secreting pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines, and either inducing the activation of T cells to mediate immune response, resulting in inflammation and demyelination in the PNS, or promoting disease recovery. In this review, we summarize the dual roles of macrophages in GBS and EAN and explore the mechanism of macrophage polarization to provide a potential therapeutic approach for GBS in the future.
A Pilot Study Providing Evidence for a Relationship between a Composite Lifestyle Score and Risk of Higher Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness: Is There a Link to Oxidative Stress?
Authors: Seyedsadjadi Neda , Berg Jade , Bilgin Ayse A. , Grant Ross
Published: April 2018

Lifestyle behaviours have been closely linked to the progressive cell damage associated with oxidative stress (OS) and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early detection of lifestyle‐linked OS may therefore be useful in the early identification of prodromal disease. To test this hypothesis, this study assessed the relationship between a comprehensive redox balance lifestyle score (RBLS) and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), a recognized marker for CVD, and plasma biomarkers of OS. In a cross‐sectional study design, 100 apparently healthy middle‐aged participants were asked to complete a comprehensive lifestyle questionnaire, followed by DXA scanning, CIMT ultrasonography, and blood collection. The RBLS was composed of lifestyle components with pro‐ and antioxidant properties with a higher score indicative of lower oxidative activity. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression analysis were performed for statistical analysis. The RBLS was significantly associated with the risk for increased CIMT that was independent of conventional CVD risk factors (χ2(9) = 35.60, P ≤ 0.001). The adjusted model explained 42.4% of the variance in CIMT. Participants with RBLS below the median were at significantly increased risk of higher CIMT compared to participants with RBLS above the median (OR = 3.60, 95% CI: 1.19–10.88, P = 0.023). Significant associations were also observed between the RBLS, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (r(99) = 0.28, P = 0.006), hydroperoxide (HPX) (rs(99) = −0.28, P = 0.005), TAC/HPX ratio (r(98) = 0.41, P ≤ 0.001), γ‐glutamyltransferase (r(97) = −0.23, P = 0.024), uric acid (r(98) = −0.20, P = 0.045), and inflammatory C‐reactive protein (rs(97) = −0.25, P = 0.012) and interleukin‐1β (r(97) = −0.21, P = 0.040). These findings highlight the importance of identifying the collective influence of lifestyle behaviours on OS activity and its potential to remodel the vascular endothelium.
Comparative Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation and Fracture Strength of Different Ceramic Inlays Produced by CEREC Omnicam and Heat-Pressed Technique
Authors: Oz F. D. , Bolay S.
Published: April 2018

Objective. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate marginal adaptation and fracture strength of inlays produced by CEREC Omnicam using different types of blocs and heat-pressed technique. Methods: Seventy-five extracted human mandibular molars were divided randomly into 5 groups (n=15). 60 molars in four groups received MOD inlay preparations. Experimental groups were CO: Intact teeth, EC: IPS e.max CAD and CEREC, LU: Lava Ultimate and CEREC, EL: IPS Empress CAD and CEREC, EP: IPS Empress Esthetic ingots and heat-pressed technique. Marginal gap measurements were taken with a stereomicroscope. Restorations were cemented with Variolink N and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. All samples were subjected to thermocycling. The fracture strength of specimens was determined at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until fracture. Fracture modes were determined. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance for fracture strength data and Kruskal–Wallis for marginal gap data (p=0.05). Results. The mean marginal gap size of EC, LU, EL, and EP were 33.54 µm, 33.77 µm, 34.23 µm, and 85.34 µm, respectively. EP had statistically higher values than other groups. The fracture strength values were significantly higher in the intact teeth group (3959,00 ± 1279,79 N) than those of restored groups EC (2408,00 ± 607,97 N), LU (2206,73 ± 675,16), EL (2573.27 ± 644,73) ve EP (2879,53 ± 897,30). Conclusion. Inlays fabricated using CEREC Omnicam demonstrated better marginal adaptation than inlays produced with heat-pressed technique, whereas fracture strength values of inlays fabricated with different type of blocks using CEREC Omnicam exhibited similarity to those fabricated with heat-pressed technique.
Regulated Cell Death as a Therapeutic Target for Novel Antifungal Peptides and Biologics
Authors: Yeaman Michael R. , Büttner Sabrina , Thevissen Karin
Published: April 2018

The rise of microbial pathogens refractory to conventional antibiotics represents one of the most urgent and global public health concerns for the 21st century. Emergence of Candida auris isolates and the persistence of invasive mold infections that resist existing treatment and cause severe illness has underscored the threat of drug‐resistant fungal infections. To meet these growing challenges, mechanistically novel agents and strategies are needed that surpass the conventional fungistatic or fungicidal drug actions. Host defense peptides have long been misunderstood as indiscriminant membrane detergents. However, evidence gathered over the past decade clearly points to their sophisticated and selective mechanisms of action, including exploiting regulated cell death pathways of their target pathogens. Such peptides perturb transmembrane potential and mitochondrial energetics, inducing phosphatidylserine accessibility and metacaspase activation in fungi. These mechanisms are often multimodal, affording target pathogens fewer resistance options as compared to traditional small molecule drugs. Here, recent advances in the field are examined regarding regulated cell death subroutines as potential therapeutic targets for innovative anti‐infective peptides against pathogenic fungi. Furthering knowledge of protective host defense peptide interactions with target pathogens is key to advancing and applying novel prophylactic and therapeutic countermeasures to fungal resistance and pathogenesis.