bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Genomics of
Escherichia coli
Isolated from Skin and Soft Tissue and Other Extraintestinal Infections
Authors: Ranjan Amit , Shaik Sabiha , Nandanwar Nishant , Hussain Arif , Tiwari Sumeet K. , Semmler Torsten , Jadhav Savita , Wieler Lothar H. , Alam Munirul , Colwell Rita R. , Ahmed Niyaz
Published: August 2017

Escherichia coli
, an intestinal Gram-negative bacterium, has been shown to be associated with a variety of diseases in addition to intestinal infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), meningitis in neonates, septicemia, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), and colisepticemia. Thus, for nonintestinal infections, it is categorized as extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC). It is also an opportunistic pathogen, causing cross infections, notably as an agent of zoonotic diseases. However, comparative genomic data providing functional and genetic coordinates for ExPEC strains associated with these different types of infections have not proven conclusive. In the study reported here, ExPEC
E. coli
isolated from SSTIs was characterized, including virulence and drug resistance profiles, and compared with isolates from patients suffering either pyelonephritis or septicemia. Results revealed that the majority of the isolates belonged to two pathogenic phylogroups, B2 and D. Approximately 67% of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with 85% producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and 6% producing metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL). The
bla
CTX-M-15
genotype was observed in at least 70% of the
E. coli
isolates in each category, conferring resistance to an extended range of beta-lactam antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics of the ExPEC isolates revealed that two of the four isolates from SSTIs, NA633 and NA643, belong to pandemic sequence type ST131, whereas functional characteristics of three of the ExPEC pathotypes revealed that they had equal capabilities to form biofilm and were resistant to human serum. Overall, the isolates from a variety of ExPEC infections demonstrated similar resistomes and virulomes and did not display any disease-specific functional or genetic coordinates.

IMPORTANCE
Infections caused by extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC) are of global concern as they result in significant costs to health care facilities management. The recent emergence of a multidrug-resistant pandemic clone,
Escherichia coli
ST131, is of primary concern as a global threat. In developing countries, such as India, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) associated with
E. coli
are marginally addressed. In this study, we employed both genomic analysis and phenotypic assays to determine relationships, if any, among the ExPEC pathotypes. Similarity between antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles was observed, ST131 isolates from SSTIs were reported, and genomic similarities among strains isolated from different disease conditions were detected. This study provides functional molecular infection epidemiology insight into SSTI-associated
E. coli
compared with ExPEC pathotypes.
Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis: playing hide-and-seek with an elusive parasite
Authors: Baekby Martin , Glerup Henning , Stribolt Katrine , Tarp Britta
Published: August 2017

A 27-year-old man of Eritrean origin presented with persistent left-sided abdominal pain. Initial investigation showed signs of liver fibrosis, portal hypertension and splenomegaly. A diagnosis of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis was suspected on grounds of elevated total IgE, grey area antischistosomiasis antibodies and the high endemic status of his native country. However, repeated microscopy of faecal and urine samples, as well as rectal biopsies, failed to demonstrate schistosomal eggs. Finally, the diagnosis of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis was established through demonstration of aSchistosoma mansoniegg in a liver biopsy taken in an attempt to clarify the cause of the above findings. The patient had recently been treated for uncomplicated malaria. Lowered schistosomiasis worm/egg burden and hence reduced sensitivity of classic microscopy-based schistosomiasis testing was attributed to the antischistosomal activity of the antimalarial chemotherapy.
Spleno-renal artery transposition in a solitary functioning kidney for treatment-resistant hypertension and acute kidney injury
Authors: Somalanka Subash , Harris Fiona E , Chemla Eric , Suckling Rebecca Jo , Swift Pauline A
Published: August 2017

Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) is an important cause of treatment-resistant hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension with RAS can cause progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to end-stage kidney disease. Therapeutic revascularisation can be helpful in appropriate circumstances where pharmaceutical intervention has failed and significant renovascular disease contributes to resistant hypertension. We present an interesting case of a Caucasian male with peripheral vasculopathy, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), single functioning kidney and ostial RAS caused by stent struts from an endovascular AAA stent graft. He had escalating medications requirement, with repeated failed attempts at percutaneous radiological intervention that led to an episode of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), before undergoing successful surgical revascularisation by a splenic artery transposition graft to the left renal artery that was performed to improve kidney function and the blood pressure. This report highlights the challenges faced with regard to the management of severe hypertension and progressive CKD.
Unique case of herniated small bowel infarction within a colonic stomal prolapse
Authors: Miller Robert Lloyd , Yeung Derek , McCluney Simon , Warren Oliver J
Published: August 2017

The number of permanent colostomies carried out in the United Kingdom is approximately 6400 per year1. Stomal prolapse is a known complication of colostomy formation. We presented the first case of small bowel herniation into a healthy stomal prolapse with subsequent ischaemia of the herniated bowel in a 102-year-old patient. This rare sequela of a relatively common stomal complication highlights an important consideration when faced with a large prolapse presenting acutely. It also raises an important discussion point for the management of our ever-ageing patient population.
Concomitant carotid aplasia and basilar artery occlusion in a child with PHACES syndrome
Authors: Delgado Noel , Carroll Jason J , Meyers Philip M
Published: August 2017

We report a case of an 8-year-old girl with posterior fossa abnormalities, haemangioma, arterial lesions, cardiac abnormalities or coarctation of the aorta and eye abnormalities syndrome with right carotid aplasia and complete basilar occlusion. The patient initially presented at 2.5 weeks of age with a growing right facial haemangioma involving segments 1, 3 and 4. Initial MRI at 2.5 weeks of age revealed an extraconal right orbital haemangioma without posterior fossa abnormalities and MR angiography (MRA) 3 weeks later showed right internal carotid aplasia. A follow-up MRA and cerebral angiography at 8 years of age revealed a complete occlusion of the basilar artery that was not appreciated on previous imaging. Neurological function remains normal, meeting all age-appropriate milestones.
Intrauterine growth-restricted Yucatan miniature pigs experience early catch-up growth, leading to greater adiposity and impaired lipid metabolism as young adults
Authors: Myrie Semone B. , McKnight Leslie L. , King J. Christopher , McGuire John J. , Van Vliet Bruce N. , Cheema Sukhinder K. , Bertolo Robert F.
Published: August 2017

Early nutrition has critical influences on cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood. The study objectives were to evaluate the impact of low birth weight on fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism and endothelium function in Yucatan miniature pigs. Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) piglets (n = 6; 3 days old, 0.73 ± 0.04 kg) were paired with normal-weight (NW) same-sex littermates (n = 6; 1.11 ± 0.05 kg) and fed milk replacer ad libitum for 4 weeks. Thereafter, all pigs were fed a standard diet ad libitum for 5 h/day with growth, intakes, and blood samples collected for 8 months. At 9 months old, pigs were surgically fitted with venous catheters and an oral fat tolerance test was performed. At 10 months old, pigs were killed and endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilations of isolated coronary arteries were measured using wire-myographs. IUGR pigs demonstrated catch-up growth (P < 0.05) in body weight and abdominal circumference prior to sexual maturity (<7 months old) and had more (P < 0.05) subcutaneous fat at 10 months old compared with NW pigs. IUGR pigs had consistently higher fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations from 5 to 10 months old and higher liver triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations at 10 months old (P < 0.05). The fat tolerance test revealed delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance in IUGR pigs, but no differences in plaque formation or vascular reactivity. To conclude, IUGR and early postnatal catch-up growth are associated with increased overall body fat deposition and altered triglyceride metabolism in adult Yucatan miniature swine.
Localisation of furanocoumarins in the tissues and on the surface of shoots of Heracleum sosnowskyi
Authors: Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Chwil Mirosława
Published: August 2017

Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. was introduced in Poland as a fodder plant. Currently, it is regarded as an invasive plant posing a health hazard to humans and animals and a threat to native flora. The aim of the study was to localise furanocoumarins in the stem and leaf tissues. The investigations were carried out using light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy as well as histochemical assays. The epidermis of the analysed organs bears live, non-capitate hairs with variable length, which contain lipids, essential oils, polysaccharides, tannins, and furanocoumarins. The observations performed with scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of a foamy substance and furanocoumarin crystals on the surface of the trichomes and other epidermal cells, as well as in the parenchyma cells. Characteristic furanocoumarin autofluorescence was present in the epidermis and on its surface, as well as in the subepidermal parenchyma. Secondary fluorescence was emitted by furanocoumarins in different leaf petiole tissues: psoralen, bergapten, and xanthotoxin. We have detected for the first time the presence of furanocoumarins in different tissues of leaves in H. sosnowskyi. Furanocoumarins were also abundantly present on the epidermal surface of cells. This explains why the contact with the plant is dangerous to humans and results in development of photodermatoses.
Application of Fe3O4@SiO2/(CH2)3-[imidazolium-SO3H]Cl as a robust, magnetically recoverable solid acid catalyst for the facile preparation of arylbispyranylmethanes
Authors: Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Navazeni Mahdiyeh , Yarie Meysam , Ayazi-Nasrabadi Roya
Published: August 2017

In this study, Fe3O4@SiO2/(CH2)3-[imidazolium-SO3H]Cl shows robust promoting capability in the synthesis of arylbispyranylmethane derivatives under mild and green conditions. Arylbispyranylmethanes were synthesized via efficient three-component reaction of various aromatic aldehydes with 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one. The nanomagnetic core-shell catalyst presented effective potential of at least eight times recycling applicability in the described synthetic procedure.
Using portable XRF to infer adularia halos within the Waihi Au-Ag system, New Zealand
Authors: Hughes Rosie , Barker Shaun L. L.
Published: August 2017

Waihi Au-Ag mineralization is vein hosted within a relatively homogeneous andesite body. Geochemical exploration targets adularia and pathfinder (As, Sb, Hg etc.) anomalies. Adularia is formed as an alteration product of feldspars during hydrothermal alteration and occurs in anomalous concentrations near Au-Ag mineralization. This paper aims to test the potential of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to infer and map adularia and As anomalies. The pXRF was first tested on standards (CRM and ILD), it yielded accurate and precise data for most of the elements of interest (r
2
 > 0.9 and APD < 10%). The second stage applied the pXRF directly on core, most elements were negatively affected, but still to a usable degree of accuracy. As was particularly effected due to its heterogeneous distribution (APD 46%). Lastly, we applied the pXRF to a suite of 300 Favona samples, their K/Al value were used as a proxy for adularia presence. XRD analysis carried out on 60 samples was used to validate adularias presence or absence. When combined with pXRF data we found a K/Al value above 0.4 generally indicated a sample contained adularia. Therefore, with further work, the pXRF could be independently used to infer adularia alteration in the Waihi setting.
Centriole Biogenesis: From Identifying the Characters to Understanding the Plot
Authors: Banterle Niccolò , Gönczy Pierre
Published: August 2017

The centriole is a beautiful microtubule-based organelle that is critical for the proper execution of many fundamental cellular processes, including polarity, motility, and division. Centriole biogenesis, the making of this miniature architectural wonder, has emerged as an exemplary model to dissect the mechanisms governing the assembly of a eukaryotic organelle. Centriole biogenesis relies on a set of core proteins whose contributions to the assembly process have begun to be elucidated. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which these core characters function in an orderly fashion to assemble the centriole. In particular, we discuss how having the correct proteins at the right place and at the right time is critical to first scaffold, then initiate, and finally execute the centriole assembly process, thus underscoring fundamental principles governing organelle biogenesis.
Dihydrocapsiate improved age-associated impairments in mice by increasing energy expenditure
Authors: Ohyama Kana , Suzuki Katsuya
Published: August 2017

Metabolic dysfunction is associated with aging and results in age-associated chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Hence, there has been a focus on increasing energy expenditure in aged populations to protect them from age-associated diseases. Dihydrocapsiate (DCT) is a compound that belongs to the capsinoid family. Capsinoids are capsaicin analogs that are found in nonpungent peppers and increase whole body energy expenditure. However, their effect on energy expenditure has been reported only in young populations, and to date the effectiveness of DCT in increasing energy expenditure in aged populations has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated whether DCT supplementation in aged mice improves age-associated impairments. We obtained 5-wk-old and 1-yr-old male C57BL/6J mice and randomly assigned the aged mice to two groups, resulting in a total of three groups: 1) young mice, 2) old mice, and 3) old mice supplemented with 0.3% DCT. After 12 wk of supplementation, blood and tissue samples were collected and analyzed. DCT significantly suppressed age-associated fat accumulation, adipocyte hypertrophy, and liver steatosis. In addition, the DCT treatment dramatically suppressed age-associated increases in hepatic inflammation, immune cell infiltration, and oxidative stress. DCT exerted these suppression effects by increasing energy expenditure linked to upregulation of both the oxidative phosphorylation gene program and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. These results indicate that DCT efficiently improves age-associated impairments, including liver steatosis and inflammation, in part by increasing energy expenditure via activation of the fat oxidation pathway in skeletal muscle.
A novel D2O tracer method to quantify RNA turnover as a biomarker of de novo ribosomal biogenesis, in vitro, in animal models, and in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Brook M. S. , Wilkinson D. J. , Mitchell W. K. , Lund J. L. , Phillips B. E. , Szewczyk N. J. , Kainulainen H. , Lensu S. , Koch L. G. , Britton S. L. , Greenhaff P. L. , Smith K. , Atherton P. J.
Published: August 2017

Current methods to quantify in vivo RNA dynamics are limited. Here, we developed a novel stable isotope (D2O) methodology to quantify RNA synthesis (i.e., ribosomal biogenesis) in cells, animal models, and humans. First, proliferating C2C12 cells were incubated in D2O-enriched media and myotubes ±50 ng/ml IGF-I. Second, rat quadriceps (untrained, n = 9; 7-wk interval-“like” training, n = 13) were collected after ~3-wk D2O (70 atom %) administration, with body-water enrichment monitored via blood sampling. Finally, 10 (23 ± 1 yr) men consumed 150-ml D2O followed by 50 ml/wk and undertook 6-wk resistance exercise (6 × 8 repetitions, 75% 1-repetition maximum 3/wk) with body-water enrichment monitored by saliva sampling and muscle biopsies (for determination of RNA synthesis) at 0, 3, and 6 wk. Ribose mole percent excess (r-MPE) from purine nucleotides was analyzed via GC-MS/MS. Proliferating C2C12 cell r-MPE exhibited a rise to plateau, whereas IGF-I increased myotube RNA from 76 ± 3 to 123 ± 3 ng/μl and r-MPE by 0.39 ± 0.1% (both P < 0.01). After 3 wk, rat quadriceps r-MPE had increased to 0.25 ± 0.01% ( P < 0.01) and was greater with running exercise (0.36 ± 0.02%; P < 0.01). Human muscle r-MPE increased to 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.13 ± 0.02% at 3/6 wk, respectively, equating to synthesis rates of ~0.8%/day, increasing with resistance exercise to 1.7 ± 0.3%/day ( P < 0.01) and 1.2 ± 0.1%/day ( P < 0.05) at 3/6 wk, respectively. Therefore, we have developed and physiologically validated a novel technique to explore ribosomal biogenesis in a multimodal fashion.
Face percept formation in human ventral temporal cortex
Authors: Miller Kai J. , Hermes Dora , Pestilli Franco , Wig Gagan S. , Ojemann Jeffrey G.
Published: August 2017

Loci in ventral temporal cortex are selectively active during viewing of faces and other objects, but it remains unclear whether these areas represent accumulation of simple visual information or processing of intact percept. We measured broadband electrocorticographic changes from implanted electrodes on the ventral temporal brain surface while showing patients noise-degraded images of faces and houses. In a subset of posterior fusiform gyrus face-selective regions, cortical activity decreased parametrically with noise increase, until the perceptual threshold was surpassed. At noise levels higher than the perceptual threshold, and for house stimuli, activity remained at baseline. We propose that this convergence of proportional and thresholded response may identify active areas where face percepts are extracted from simple visual features. These loci exist within a topological structure of face percept formation in the human ventral visual stream, preceded by category-nonselective activity in pericalcarine early visual areas and in concert with all-or-nothing activity in postperceptual subregions of the ventral temporal lobe. This topological organization suggests a physiological basis for the anatomy of face perception, explaining different perceptual deficits following temporal lobe injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Philosophers have puzzled for millennia about how humans build abstract conceptual objects (house/face/tool) from the simple features of the world they see around them (line/patch/lighting). Understanding the biological foundation of this process requires detailed knowledge of the spatial-temporal characteristics of cerebral cortex. By examining the physiology of the human temporal lobe via implanted electrodes while showing subjects noise-degraded images, we find that face percept formation happens in specific subregions within known face-processing areas.
Field repetition and local mapping in the hippocampus and the medial entorhinal cortex
Authors: Grieves Roddy M. , Duvelle Éléonore , Wood Emma R. , Dudchenko Paul A.
Published: August 2017

Hippocampal place cells support spatial cognition and are thought to form the neural substrate of a global “cognitive map.” A widely held view is that parts of the hippocampus also underlie the ability to separate patterns or to provide different neural codes for distinct environments. However, a number of studies have shown that in environments composed of multiple, repeating compartments, place cells and other spatially modulated neurons show the same activity in each local area. This repetition of firing fields may reflect pattern completion and may make it difficult for animals to distinguish similar local environments. In this review we 1) highlight some of the navigation difficulties encountered by humans in repetitive environments, 2) summarize literature demonstrating that place and grid cells represent local and not global space, and 3) attempt to explain the origin of these phenomena. We argue that the repetition of firing fields can be a useful tool for understanding the relationship between grid cells in the entorhinal cortex and place cells in the hippocampus, the spatial inputs shared by these cells, and the propagation of spatially related signals through these structures.
Role of Inactivity in Chronic Diseases: Evolutionary Insight and Pathophysiological Mechanisms
Authors: Booth Frank W. , Roberts Christian K. , Thyfault John P. , Ruegsegger Gregory N. , Toedebusch Ryan G.
Published: August 2017

This review proposes that physical inactivity could be considered a behavior selected by evolution for resting, and also selected to be reinforcing in life-threatening situations in which exercise would be dangerous. Underlying the notion are human twin studies and animal selective breeding studies, both of which provide indirect evidence for the existence of genes for physical inactivity. Approximately 86% of the 325 million in the United States (U.S.) population achieve less than the U.S. Government and World Health Organization guidelines for daily physical activity for health. Although underappreciated, physical inactivity is an actual contributing cause to at least 35 unhealthy conditions, including the majority of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. First, we introduce nine physical inactivity-related themes. Next, characteristics and models of physical inactivity are presented. Following next are individual examples of phenotypes, organ systems, and diseases that are impacted by physical inactivity, including behavior, central nervous system, cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolism, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, bone, immunity, digestion, and cancer. Importantly, physical inactivity, itself, often plays an independent role as a direct cause of speeding the losses of cardiovascular and strength fitness, shortening of healthspan, and lowering of the age for the onset of the first chronic disease, which in turn decreases quality of life, increases health care costs, and accelerates mortality risk.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of an Exercise-Based Patient Education Programme in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lutz Christina , Kersten Stephanie , Haas Christian T.
Published: August 2017

Background.Although people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) benefit from physical exercise, they still show reduced physical activity and exercise behaviour. This study aimed to investigate short- and long-term effects of an exercise-based patient education programme (ePEP) that focuses on empowering pwMS to a sustainable and self-regulated exercise training management.Methods.Fourteen pwMS were randomly assigned to immediate experimental group (EG-I:n=8) and waitlist-control group (EG-W:n=6) and attended biweekly in a six-week ePEP. All participants were measured for walking ability, quality of life, fatigue, and self-efficacy towards physical exercise before and after the ePEP, after 12 weeks, and one year after baseline. Short-term effects were analysed in a randomised control trial and long-term effects of all ePEP participants (EG-I + EG-W = EG-all) in a quasi-experimental design.Results.Only functional gait significantly improved in EG-I compared to EG-W (p=0.008,r=-0.67). Moderate to large effects were found in EG-all for walking ability. Not significant, however, relevant changes were detected for quality of life and fatigue. Self-efficacy showed no changes.Conclusion.The ePEP seems to be a feasible option to empower pwMS to a self-regulated and sustainable exercise training management shown in long-term walking improvements.
Lattice Boltzmann Method of a Flooding Accident at Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Shafiai Siti Habibah , Shahruzzaman Diana Bazila , Xien Goh Juin , Latheef Mohamed
Published: August 2017

The extraordinary flood had hit the residential area at Taman Raia Mesra, Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia, in November 2016. The event illustrated how the river basin had been fully inundated due to the heavy rainfall and caused the overflow to this affected area. It was reported that the occurrence became worst as the outlet of retention pond which connects to the river is unsuitable for the water outflow. Henceforth, this paper attempts to evaluate the causal factor of this recent disaster by using a model developed from Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). The model also incorporated with the rainfall and stormwater in LABSWE™. The simulation was commenced with the basic tests for model validation comprising turbulent and jet‐forced flow in a circular channel, which resulted in a good agreement for both models. The simulation continued by using LABSWE model to reveal the water depth and velocity profile at the study site. These results had proven the incompatibility size of the outlet pond which is too small for the water to flow out to the river. The study is capable of providing the authorities with a sustainable design of proper drainage system, especially in Malaysia which is constantly receiving the outrageous heavy rainfall.
An Efficient Image Watermarking Method Based on Fast Discrete Cosine Transform Algorithm
Authors: Tsai S. E. , Liu K. C. , Yang S. M.
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes an image watermarking method based on the fast discrete cosine transform (DCT) algorithm for implementation in digital signal processor. A digital watermark can be effectively embedded and efficiently extracted without the host image. The keys in watermarking process include four frequency coefficients in DCT, two random permutation vectors, and a quantization matrix for normalizing the watermark and the host image. The fast DCT algorithm has been shown to reduce the complexity of two‐dimensional image transformation so that embedding/decoding an image watermark can be completed in real time within 0.33 seconds. The quality of both watermarked image and extracted (retrieved) watermark remains excellent. It is shown that the watermarking method is efficient in and robust to data cropping, transmission loss, and compression/decompression.
Seabuckthorn Paste Protects Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice through Attenuation of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Du Leilei , Hu Xiaoxin , Chen Chu , Kuang Tingting , Yin Hengfu , Wan Li
Published: August 2017

Oxidative stress is one of the major mechanisms implicated in endotoxin‐induced acute lung injury. Seabuckthorn paste (SP), a traditional Tibetan medicine with high content of polyphenols and remarkable antioxidant activity, is commonly used in treating pulmonary diseases. In the present study, the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of SP on lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) induced acute lung injury in mice were investigated. It was found that body weight loss, lung tissue microstructure lesions, transvascular leakage increase, malondialdehyde augmentation, and the reduction of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels caused by LPS challenge were all consistently relieved by SP treatment in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) in lung nuclei caused by SP treatment was observed. Our study demonstrated that SP can provide significant protection against LPS‐induced acute lung injury through maintaining redox homeostasis, and its mechanism involves Nrf2 nuclear translocation and activation.
Serotonin-Related Gene Variants in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Depressive or Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Grzesiak Magdalena , Beszłej Jan Aleksander , Waszczuk Ewa , Szechiński Marcin , Szewczuk-Bogusławska Monika , Frydecka Dorota , Dobosz Tadeusz , Jonkisz Anna , Lebioda Arleta , Małodobra Małgorzata , Mulak Agata
Published: August 2017

Aim. To assess the association of six polymorphisms in serotonin-related genes with depressive or anxiety disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Methods. The lifetime prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders was assessed in 95 IBS patients (85% women) using the Munich version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). IBS was diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria.SCL6A4HTTLPR polymorphism (rs4795541) was determined using PCR-based method. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms inHTR1A(rs6295),HTR2A(rs6313 and rs6311),HTR2C(rs6318), andTPH1(rs1800532) were detected by minisequencing method.Results. IBS patients with depressive disorders were characterized by higher frequency of 5-HTTLPR L allele in comparison to IBS patients with anxiety disorders. The lower frequency of 1438 A allele inHTR2Awas found in IBS patients with depressive disorders in comparison to IBS patients without mental disorders. The lower G allele frequency inHTR2Crs6318 polymorphism among IBS patients with anxiety disorders was also observed.Conclusions. Our results provide further evidence for the involvement ofSLC6A4rs4795541 andHTR2Ars6311 polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders in IBS patients. The new findings indicate thatHTR2Crs6318 polymorphism may be associated with the susceptibility to anxiety disorders in IBS patients.
Protective Effects of Bogijetong Decoction and Its Selected Formula on Neuropathic Insults in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Animals
Authors: Kim Ki-Joong , Namgung Uk , Cho Chung Sik
Published: August 2017

Bogijetong decoction (BGJTD) is a mixture of herbal formulation which is used in the traditional Korean medicine for the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by diabetes. Here, we investigated the regulatory effects of BGJTD and its reconstituted decoction subgroups on the neuropathic responses in streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced diabetic animals. Be decoction (BeD) was formulated by selecting individual herbal components that induced neurite outgrowth most efficiently in each subgroup. BeD induced the neurite outgrowth in DRG neurons most efficiently among decoction subgroups and downregulated the production of TNF‐α from the sciatic nerves in STZ‐diabetic animals. While the levels of phospho‐Erk1/2 were elevated in the sciatic nerves of STZ‐diabetic animals by BGJTD and BeD treatments, p38 level was downregulated by BGJTD and BeD. A single herbal component of BeD induced neurite outgrowth comparable to BeD and was involved in the regulation of Erk1/2 activation and TNF‐α production in DRG neurons. Oral administration of BGJTD and BeD in STZ‐diabetic animals reduced the latency time responding to thermal stimulation. Our results suggest that the reconstituted formulation is as effective as conventional BGJTD in inducing biochemical and behavioral recoveries from the neuropathy in peripheral nerves and thus the experimental reductionism may be applied to develop the methodology for compositional analysis of herbal decoctions.
Baicalin Ameliorates Liver Injury Induced by Chronic plus Binge Ethanol Feeding by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via CYP2E1 and NRF2 in Mice
Authors: He Ping , Wu Yafeng , Shun Jianchao , Liang Yaodong , Cheng Mingliang , Wang Yuping
Published: August 2017

Alcoholic liver injury leads to serious complication including death. The potential role of baicalin at the transcription level in mice model of alcohol injury is not known yet. In this study, we examined the effect of baicalin against chronic plus binge ethanol model in mice and understanding the mechanism of protection. Liver function, histology, steatosis, inflammation, NF‐κB activity, oxidative stress sources, nuclear translocation of NRF2 transcription factor, and cell death were assessed. Treatment with baicalin ameliorated ethanol‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. Baicalin attenuated ethanol‐induced proinflammatory molecules such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, MIP‐2, and MCP‐1 and reversed redox‐sensitive transcription factor NF‐κB activation. Baicalin also modulated Kupffer cell activation in vitro. Baicalin inhibited ethanol‐induced expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating enzymes NOX2, p67phox, xanthine oxidase, and iNOS in addition to CYP2E1 activities. Baicalin also enhanced ethanol‐induced NRF2 nuclear translocation and increased downstream target gene HO‐1 as antioxidant defense. Finally, baicalin reduced significant apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Our study suggests that baicalin ameliorates chronic plus binge ethanol‐induced liver injury involving molecular crosstalk of multiple pathways at the transcriptional level and through upregulation of antioxidant defense mechanism.
Effects of Wannachawee Recipe with Antipsoriatic Activity on Suppressing Inflammatory Cytokine Production in HaCaT Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Na Takuathung Mingkwan , Wongnoppavich Ariyaphong , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Panthong Ampai , Khonsung Parirat , Chiranthanut Natthakarn , Soonthornchareonnon Noppamas , Sireeratawong Seewaboon
Published: August 2017

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and immune‐mediated skin disease. The pathogenesis involves T cells activation via the IL‐23/Th17 axis. Conventional treatments of psoriasis have adverse events influencing patients’ adherence. Wannachawee Recipe (WCR) has been effectively used as Thai folk remedy for psoriasis patients; however, preclinical evidence defining how WCR works is still lacking. This study defined mechanisms for its antiproliferation and anti‐inflammatory effects in HaCaT cells. The cytotoxicity and antiproliferation results from SRB and CCK‐8 assays showed that WCR inhibited the growth and viability of HaCaT cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. The distribution of cell cycle phases determined by flow cytometry showed that WCR did not interrupt cell cycle progression. Interestingly, RT‐qPCR revealed that WCR significantly decreased the mRNA expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17A, IL‐22, IL‐23, and TNF‐α but induced IL‐10 expression in TNF‐α‐ and IFN‐γ‐induced HaCaT cells. At the protein level determined by ELISA, WCR significantly reduced the secretion of IL‐17A, IL‐22, and IL‐23. The WCR at low concentrations was proved to possess anti‐inflammatory effect without cytotoxicity and it did not interfere with cell cycle of keratinocytes. This is the first study to provide convincing evidence that WCR is a potential candidate for development of effective psoriasis therapies.
Anaphylactoid Purpura Associated with Streptococcal Cellulitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Saito Yuko , Ookawara Susumu , Uchima Hisataka , Ishida Takeshi , Kakei Masafumi , Sugawara Hitoshi
Published: August 2017

A 54-year-old Japanese man noticed painful swelling and redness of his left leg. He was admitted for treatment of cellulitis, which was accompanied with increased anti-streptolysin O and anti-streptokinase titers in his clinical course. After Piperacillin/Tazobactam administration, the skin lesion resolved. However, the patient then developed arthritis, palpable purpura, and intermittent abdominal pain, later found to be secondary to a severe duodenal ulcer. He was diagnosed with cellulitis-associated anaphylactoid purpura and was given prednisolone, which dramatically improved his symptoms. The anaphylactoid purpura was likely caused by Streptococcus-induced cellulitis, which was successfully treated with prednisolone. Association between these diseases is rare.
Improving Usefulness of Automated Driving by Lowering Primary Task Interference through HMI Design
Authors: Naujoks Frederik , Forster Yannick , Wiedemann Katharina , Neukum Alexandra
Published: August 2017

During conditionally automated driving (CAD), driving time can be used for non-driving-related tasks (NDRTs). To increase safety and comfort of an automated ride, upcoming automated manoeuvres such as lane changes or speed adaptations may be communicated to the driver. However, as the driver’s primary task consists of performing NDRTs, they might prefer to be informed in a nondistracting way. In this paper, the potential of using speech output to improve human-automation interaction is explored. A sample of 17 participants completed different situations which involved communication between the automation and the driver in a motion-based driving simulator. The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) of the automated driving system consisted of a visual-auditory HMI with either generic auditory feedback (i.e., standard information tones) or additional speech output. The drivers were asked to perform a common NDRT during the drive. Compared to generic auditory output, communicating upcoming automated manoeuvres additionally by speech led to a decrease in self-reported visual workload and decreased monitoring of the visual HMI. However, interruptions of the NDRT were not affected by additional speech output. Participants clearly favoured the HMI with additional speech-based output, demonstrating the potential of speech to enhance usefulness and acceptance of automated vehicles.
Impact of Plastic Hinge Properties on Capacity Curve of Reinforced Concrete Bridges
Authors: Shatarat Nasim , Shehadeh Mutasem , Naser Mohammad
Published: August 2017

Pushover analysis is becoming recently the most practical tool for nonlinear analysis of regular and irregular highway bridges. The nonlinear behaviour of structural elements in this type of analysis can be modeled through automated-hinge or user-defined hinge models. The nonlinear properties of the user-defined hinge model for existing highway bridges can be determined in accordance with the recommendations of the Seismic Retrofit Manual by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA-SRM). Finite element software such as the software SAP2000 offers a simpler and easier approach to determine the nonlinear hinge properties through the automated-hinge model which are determined automatically from the member material and cross section properties. However, the uncertainties in using the automated-hinge model in place of user-defined hinge model have never been addressed, especially for existing and widened bridges. In response to this need, pushover analysis was carried out for four old highway bridges, of which two were widened using the same superstructure but with more attention to seismic detailing requirements. The results of the analyses showed noticeable differences in the capacity curves obtained utilizing the user-defined and automated-hinge models. The study recommends that bridge design manuals clearly ask bridge designers to evaluate the deformation capacities of existing bridges and widened bridges using user-defined hinge model that is determined in accordance with the provisions of the FHWA-SRM.
Fragmentation of Millimeter-Size Hypervelocity Projectiles on Combined Mesh-Plate Bumpers
Authors: Cherniaev Aleksandr , Telichev Igor
Published: August 2017

This numerical study evaluates the concept of a combined mesh-plate bumper as a shielding system protecting unmanned spacecraft from small (1 mm) orbital debris impacts. Two-component bumpers consisting of an external layer of woven mesh (aluminum or steel) directly applied to a surface of the aluminum plate are considered. Results of numerical modeling with a projectile velocity of 7 km/s indicate that, in comparison to the steel mesh-combined bumper, the combination of aluminum mesh and aluminum plate provides better fragmentation of small hypervelocity projectiles. At the same time, none of the combined mesh/plate bumpers provide a significant increase of ballistic properties as compared to an aluminum plate bumper. This indicates that the positive results reported in the literature for bumpers with metallic meshes and large projectiles are not scalable down to millimeter-sized particles. Based on this investigation’s results, a possible modification of the combined mesh/plate bumper is proposed for the future study.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Improved Locality‐Constrained Linear Coding and Adaptive PSO‐Optimized SVM
Authors: Yuan Haodong , Chen Jin , Dong Guangming
Published: August 2017

A novel bearing fault diagnosis method based on improved locality‐constrained linear coding (LLC) and adaptive PSO‐optimized support vector machine (SVM) is proposed. In traditional LLC, each feature is encoded by using a fixed number of bases without considering the distribution of the features and the weight of the bases. To address these problems, an improved LLC algorithm based on adaptive and weighted bases is proposed. Firstly, preliminary features are obtained by wavelet packet node energy. Then, dictionary learning with class‐wise K‐SVD algorithm is implemented. Subsequently, based on the learned dictionary the LLC codes can be solved using the improved LLC algorithm. Finally, SVM optimized by adaptive particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized to classify the discriminative LLC codes and thus bearing fault diagnosis is realized. In the dictionary leaning stage, other methods such as selecting the samples themselves as dictionary and K‐means are also conducted for comparison. The experiment results show that the LLC codes can effectively extract the bearing fault characteristics and the improved LLC outperforms traditional LLC. The dictionary learned by class‐wise K‐SVD achieves the best performance. Additionally, adaptive PSO‐optimized SVM can greatly enhance the classification accuracy comparing with SVM using default parameters and linear SVM.
Researches on Transcriptome Sequencing in the Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Xin Jie , Zhang Rong-chao , Wang Lei , Zhang Yong-qing
Published: August 2017

Due to its incomparable advantages, the application of transcriptome sequencing in the study of traditional Chinese medicine attracts more and more attention of researchers, which greatly promote the development of traditional Chinese medicine. In this paper, the applications of transcriptome sequencing in traditional Chinese medicine were summarized by reviewing recent related papers.
Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water and Evaluation of Potential Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure in Nigeria
Authors: Benson Nsikak U. , Akintokun Oyeronke A. , Adedapo Adebusayo E.
Published: August 2017

Levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water from water treatment plants (WTPs) in Nigeria were studied using a gas chromatograph (GC Agilent 7890A with autosampler Agilent 7683B) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). The mean concentrations of the trihalomethanes ranged from zero in raw water samples to 950 μg/L in treated water samples. Average concentration values of THMs in primary and secondary disinfection samples exceeded the standard maximum contaminant levels. Results for the average THMs concentrations followed the order TCM > BDCM > DBCM > TBM. EPA-developed models were adopted for the estimation of chronic daily intakes (CDI) and excess cancer incidence through ingestion pathway. Higher average intake was observed in adults (4.52×10-2 mg/kg-day), while the ingestion in children (3.99×10-2 mg/kg-day) showed comparable values. The total lifetime cancer incidence rate was relatively higher in adults than children with median values 244 and 199 times the negligible risk level.
Switching to Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Edema Not Responding to Ranibizumab and/or Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant
Authors: Herbaut Antoine , Fajnkuchen Franck , Qu-Knafo Lise , Nghiem-Buffet Sylvia , Bodaghi Bahram , Giocanti-Auregan Audrey
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To assess short-term functional and anatomical outcomes of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) following a switch from ranibizumab or dexamethasone to aflibercept. Methods. We included retrospectively eyes with persistent DME after at least 3 ranibizumab and/or one dexamethasone implant intravitreal injections (IVI). The primary endpoint was the mean change in visual acuity (VA) at month 6 (M6) after switching. Results. Twenty-five eyes were included. Before switching to aflibercept, 23 eyes received a median of 9.5 ranibizumab, and among them, 6 eyes received one dexamethasone implant after ranibizumab and 2 eyes received only one dexamethasone implant. Baseline VA, before any IVI, was 52.9 ± 16.5 letters, and preswitch VA was 57.1 ± 19.6 letters. The mean VA gain was +8 letters (p=0.01) between preswitch and M6. The mean central retinal thickness was 470.8 ± 129.9 μm before the switch and 303.3 ± 59.1 μm at M6 (p=0.001). Conclusion. Switching to aflibercept in refractory DME results in significant functional and anatomical improvement. The study was approved by the France Macula Federation ethical committee (FMF 2017-138).
An Iterative Method for Solving of Coupled Equations for Conductive-Radiative Heat Transfer in Dielectric Layers
Authors: Chekurin Vasyl , Boychuk Yurij
Published: August 2017

The mathematical model for describing combined conductive-radiative heat transfer in a dielectric layer, which emits, absorbs, and scatters IR radiation both in its volume and on the boundary, has been considered. A nonlinear stationary boundary-value problem for coupled heat and radiation transfer equations for the layer, which exchanges by energy with external medium by convection and radiation, has been formulated. In the case of optically thick layer, when its thickness is much more of photon-free path, the problem becomes a singularly perturbed one. In the inverse case of optically thin layer, the problem is regularly perturbed, and it becomes a regular (unperturbed) one, when the layer’s thickness is of order of several photon-free paths. An iterative method for solving of the unperturbed problem has been developed and its convergence has been tested numerically. With the use of the method, the temperature field and radiation fluxes have been studied. The model and method can be used for development of noncontact methods for temperature testing in dielectrics and for nondestructive determination of its radiation properties on the base of the data obtained by remote measuring of IR radiation emitted by the layer.
A Multiobjective Robust Scheduling Optimization Mode for Multienergy Hybrid System Integrated by Wind Power, Solar Photovoltaic Power, and Pumped Storage Power
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Xin He , Wu Jing , Ju Liwei , Tan Zhongfu
Published: August 2017

Wind power plant (WPP), photovoltaic generators (PV), cell‐gas turbine (CGT), and pumped storage power station (PHSP) are integrated into multienergy hybrid system (MEHS). Firstly, this paper presents MEHS structure and constructs a scheduling model with the objective functions of maximum economic benefit and minimum power output fluctuation. Secondly, in order to relieve the uncertainty influence of WPP and PV on system, robust stochastic theory is introduced to describe uncertainty and propose a multiobjective stochastic scheduling optimization mode by transforming constraint conditions with uncertain variables. Finally, a 9.6 MW WPP, a 6.5 MW PV, three CGT units, and an upper reservoir with 10 MW·h equivalent capacity are chosen as simulation system. The results show MEHS system can achieve the best operation result by using the multienergy hybrid generation characteristic. PHSP could shave peak and fill valley of load curve by optimizing pumping storage and inflowing generating behaviors based on the load supply and demand status and the available power of WPP and PV. Robust coefficients can relieve the uncertainty of WPP and PV and provide flexible scheduling decision tools for decision‐makers with different risk attitudes by setting different robust coefficients, which could maximize economic benefits and minimize operation risks at the same time.