bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic effects of prazosin on skeletal muscle insulin resistance in glucocorticoid-treated male rats
Authors: Dunford Emily C. , Mandel Erin R. , Mohajeri Sepideh , Haas Tara L. , Riddell Michael C.
Published: November 2016

High-dose glucocorticoids (GC) induce skeletal muscle atrophy, insulin resistance, and reduced muscle capillarization. Identification of treatments to prevent or reverse capillary rarefaction and metabolic deterioration caused by prolonged elevations in GCs would be therapeutically beneficial. Chronic administration of prazosin, an α1-adrenergic antagonist, increases skeletal muscle capillarization in healthy rodents and, recently, in a rodent model of elevated GCs and hyperglycemia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prazosin administration would improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, through prazosin-mediated sparing of capillary rarefaction, in this rodent model of increased GC exposure. Prazosin was provided in drinking water (50 mg/l) to GC-treated or control rats (400 mg implants of either corticosterone or a wax pellet) for 7 or 14 days ( n = 5–14/group). Whole body measures of glucose metabolism were correlated with skeletal muscle capillarization (C:F) at 7 and 14 days in the four groups of rats. Individual C:F was found to be predictive of insulin sensitivity ( r2= 0.4781), but not of glucose tolerance ( r2= 0.1601) and compared with water only, prazosin treatment decreased insulin values during oral glucose challenge by approximately one-third in corticosterone (Cort)-treated animals. Cort treatment, regardless of duration, induced significant glycolytic skeletal muscle atrophy ( P < 0.05), decreased IRS-1 protein content ( P < 0.05), and caused elevations in FOXO1 protein expression ( P < 0.05), which were unaffected with prazosin administration. In summary, it appears that α1-adrenergic antagonism improves Cort-induced skeletal muscle vascular impairments and reduces insulin secretion during an oral glucose tolerance test, but is unable to improve the negative alterations directly affecting the myocyte, including muscle size and muscle signaling protein expression.
Kidney-specific genetic deletion of both AMPK α-subunits causes salt and water wasting
Authors: Lazo-Fernández Yoskaly , Baile Goretti , Meade Patricia , Torcal Pilar , Martínez Laura , Ibañez Carmen , Bernal Maria Luisa , Viollet Benoit , Giménez Ignacio
Published: November 2016

AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) controls cell energy homeostasis by modulating ATP synthesis and expenditure. In vitro studies have suggested AMPK may also control key elements of renal epithelial electrolyte transport but in vivo physiological confirmation is still insufficient. We studied sodium renal handling and extracellular volume regulation in mice with genetic deletion of AMPK catalytic subunits. AMPKα1 knockout (KO) mice exhibit normal renal sodium handling and a moderate antidiuretic state. This is accompanied by higher urinary aldosterone excretion rates and reduced blood pressure. Plasma volume, however, was found to be increased compared with wild-type mice. Thus blood volume is preserved despite a significantly lower hematocrit. The lack of a defect in renal function in AMPKα1 KO mice could be explained by a compensatory upregulation in AMPK α2-subunit. Therefore, we used the Cre-loxP system to knock down AMPKα2 expression in renal epithelial cells. Combining this approach with the systemic deletion of AMPKα1 we achieved reduced renal AMPK activity, accompanied by a shift to a moderate water- and salt-wasting phenotype. Thus we confirm the physiologically relevant role of AMPK in the kidney. Furthermore, our results indicate that in vivo AMPK activity stimulates renal sodium and water reabsorption.
A new mouse model of hemorrhagic shock-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Wang Lei , Song Jiangping , Buggs Jacentha , Wei Jin , Wang Shaohui , Zhang Jie , Zhang Gensheng , Lu Yan , Yip Kay-Pong , Liu Ruisheng
Published: November 2016

Current animal models of hemorrhagic shock-induced acute kidney injury (HS-induced AKI) require extensive surgical procedures and constant monitoring of hemodynamic parameters. Application of these HS-induced AKI models in mice to produce consistent kidney injury is challenging. In the present study, we developed a simple and highly reproducible mouse model of HS-induced AKI by combining moderate bleeding and renal pedicle clamping, which was abbreviated as HS-AKI. HS was induced by retroorbital bleeding of 0.4 ml blood in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were left in HS stage for 30 min, followed by renal pedicle clamping for 18 min at 36.8–37.0°C. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were monitored with preimplanted radio transmitters throughout the experiment. The acute response in renal blood flow (RBF) triggered by HS was measured with transonic flow probe. Mice received sham operation; bleeding alone and renal pedicle clamping alone served as respective controls. MAP was reduced from 77 ± 4 to 35 ± 3 mmHg after bleeding. RBF was reduced by 65% in the HS period. Plasma creatinine and kidney injury molecule-1 levels were increased by more than 22-fold 24 h after reperfusion. GFR was declined by 78% of baseline 3 days after reperfusion. Histological examination revealed a moderate-to-severe acute tubular damage, mostly at the cortex-medulla junction area, followed by the medullar and cortex regions. HS alone did not induce significant kidney injury, but synergistically enhanced pedicle clamping-induced AKI. This is a well-controlled, simple, and reliable mouse model of HS-AKI.
Long- but not short-term estradiol treatment induces renal damage in midlife ovariectomized Long-Evans rats
Authors: Zimmerman Margaret A. , Hutson Dillion D. , Trimmer Emma H. , Kashyap Shreya N. , Duong Jennifer L. , Murphy Brennah , Grissom Elin M. , Daniel Jill M. , Lindsey Sarah H.
Published: November 2016

Clinical recommendations limit menopausal hormone therapy to a few years, yet the impact of a shorter treatment duration on cardiovascular health is unknown. We hypothesized that both short- and long-term estradiol (E2) treatment exerts positive and lasting effects on blood pressure, vascular reactivity, and renal health. This study was designed to mimic midlife menopause, followed by E2 treatment, that either followed or exceeded the current clinical recommendations. Female Long-Evans retired breeders were ovariectomized (OVX) at 11 mo of age and randomized into three groups: 80-day (80d) vehicle (Veh>Veh), 40-day (40d) E2 + 40d vehicle (E2>Veh), and 80d E2 (E2>E2). In comparison to Veh>Veh, both the E2>Veh and E2>E2 groups had lower systolic blood pressure and enhanced mesenteric relaxation in response to estrogen receptor-α stimulation. Despite the reduced blood pressure, E2>E2 induced renal and cardiac hypertrophy, reduced glomerular filtration, and increased proteinuria. Interestingly, kidneys from E2>Veh rats had significantly fewer tubular casts than both of the other groups. In conclusion, long-term E2 lowered blood pressure but exerted detrimental effects on kidney health in midlife OVX Long-Evans rats, whereas short-term E2 lowered blood pressure and reduced renal damage. These findings highlight that the duration of hormone therapy may be an important factor for renal health in aging postmenopausal women.
Ventilator-induced lung injury increases expression of endothelial inflammatory mediators in the kidney
Authors: Hepokoski Mark , Englert Joshua A. , Baron Rebecca M. , Crotty-Alexander Laura E. , Fuster Mark M. , Beitler Jeremy R. , Malhotra Atul , Singh Prabhleen
Published: November 2016

In critical illness, such as sepsis or the acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Mechanical ventilation in critical illnesses is also a risk factor for AKI, but it is potentially modifiable. Injurious ventilation strategies may lead to the systemic release of inflammatory mediators from the lung due to ventilator induced lung injury (VILI). The systemic consequences of VILI are difficult to differentiate clinically from other systemic inflammatory syndromes, such as sepsis. The purpose of this study was to identify unique changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators in kidney tissue in response to VILI compared with systemic sepsis to gain insight into direct effects of VILI on the kidney. Four groups of mice were compared—mice with sepsis from cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), mice subjected to injurious mechanical ventilation with high tidal volumes (VILI), mice exposed to CLP followed by VILI (CLP+VILI), and sham controls. Protein expression of common inflammatory mediators in kidneys was analyzed using a proteome array and confirmed by Western blot analysis or ELISA. VEGF and VCAM-1 were found to be significantly elevated in kidneys from VILI mice compared with sham and CLP. Angiopoietin-2 was significantly increased in CLP+VILI compared with CLP alone and was also correlated with higher levels of AKI biomarker, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. These results suggest that VILI alters the renal expression of VEGF, VCAM-1, and angiopoietin-2, and these proteins warrant further investigation as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
High-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation modulates interhemispheric inhibition in healthy humans
Authors: Gueugneau Nicolas , Grosprêtre Sidney , Stapley Paul , Lepers Romuald
Published: November 2016

High-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (HF NMES) induces muscular contractions through neural mechanisms that partially match physiological motor control. Indeed, a portion of the contraction arises from central mechanisms, whereby spinal motoneurons are recruited through the evoked sensory volley. However, the involvement of supraspinal centers of motor control during such stimulation remains poorly understood. Therefore, we tested whether a single HF NMES session applied to the upper limb influences interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) from left to right motor cortex (M1). Using noninvasive electrophysiology and transcranial magnetic stimulation, we evaluated the effects of a 10-min HF NMES session applied to a right wrist flexor on spinal and corticospinal excitability of both arms, as well as IHI, in healthy subjects. HF NMES induced a rapid decline in spinal excitability on the right stimulated side that closely matched the modulation of evoked force during the protocol. More importantly, IHI was significantly increased by HF NMES, and this increase was correlated to the electromyographic activity within the contralateral homologous muscle. Our study highlights a new neurophysiological mechanism, suggesting that HF NMES has an effect on the excitability of the transcallosal pathway probably to regulate the lateralization of the motor output. The data suggest that HF NMES can modify the hemispheric balance between both M1 areas. These findings provide important novel perspectives for the implementation of HF NMES in sport training and neurorehabilitation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY High-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (HF NMES) induces muscular contractions that partially match physiological motor control. Here, we tested whether HF NMES applied to the upper limb influences interhemispheric inhibition. Our results show that interhemispheric inhibition was increased after HF NMES and that this increase was correlated to the electromyographic activity within the contralateral homologous muscle. This opens up original perspectives for the implementation of HF NMES in sport training and neurorehabilitation.
Intra- and interregional cortical interactions related to sharp-wave ripples and dentate spikes
Authors: Headley Drew B. , Kanta Vasiliki , Paré Denis
Published: November 2016

The hippocampus generates population events termed sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) and dentate spikes (DSs). While little is known about DSs, SWR-related hippocampal discharges during sleep are thought to replay prior waking activity, reactivating the cortical networks that encoded the initial experience. During slow-wave sleep, such reactivations likely occur during up-states, when most cortical neurons are depolarized. However, most studies have examined the relationship between SWRs and up-states measured in single neocortical regions. As a result, it is currently unclear whether SWRs are associated with particular patterns of widely distributed cortical activity. Additionally, no such investigation has been carried out for DSs. The present study addressed these questions by recording SWRs and DSs from the dorsal hippocampus simultaneously with prefrontal, sensory (visual and auditory), perirhinal, and entorhinal cortices in naturally sleeping rats. We found that SWRs and DSs were associated with up-states in all cortical regions. Up-states coinciding with DSs and SWRs exhibited increased unit activity, power in the gamma band, and intraregional gamma coherence. Unexpectedly, interregional gamma coherence rose much more strongly in relation to DSs than to SWRs. Whereas the increase in gamma coherence was time locked to DSs, that seen in relation to SWRs was not. These observations suggest that SWRs are related to the strength of up-state activation within individual regions throughout the neocortex but not so much to gamma coherence between different regions. Perhaps more importantly, DSs coincided with stronger periods of interregional gamma coherence, suggesting that they play a more important role than previously assumed.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Off-line cortico-hippocampal interactions are thought to support memory consolidation. We surveyed the relationship between hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) and dentate spikes (DSs) with up-states across multiple cortical regions. SWRs and DSs were associated with increased cortical gamma oscillations. Interregional gamma coherence rose much more strongly in relation to DSs than to SWRs. Moreover, it was time locked to DSs but not SWRs. These results have important implications for current theories of systems memory consolidation during sleep.
Diaphragm electromyographic activity following unilateral midcervical contusion injury in rats
Authors: Rana Sabhya , Sieck Gary C. , Mantilla Carlos B.
Published: November 2016

Contusion-type injuries to the spinal cord are characterized by tissue loss and disruption of spinal pathways. Midcervical spinal cord injuries impair the function of respiratory muscles and may contribute to significant respiratory complications. This study systematically assessed the impact of a 100-kDy unilateral C4 contusion injury on diaphragm muscle activity across a range of motor behaviors in rats. Chronic diaphragm electromyography (EMG) was recorded before injury and at 1 and 7 days postinjury (DPI). Histological analyses assessed the extent of perineuronal net formation, white-matter sparing, and phrenic motoneuron loss. At 7 DPI, ∼45% of phrenic motoneurons were lost ipsilaterally. Relative diaphragm root mean square (RMS) EMG activity increased bilaterally across a range of motor behaviors by 7 DPI. The increase in diaphragm RMS EMG activity was associated with an increase in neural drive (RMS value at 75 ms after the onset of diaphragm activity) and was more pronounced during higher force, nonventilatory motor behaviors. Animals in the contusion group displayed a transient decrease in respiratory rate and an increase in burst duration at 1 DPI. By 7 days, following midcervical contusion, there was significant perineuronal net formation and white-matter loss that spanned 1 mm around the injury epicenter. Taken together, these findings are consistent with increased recruitment of remaining motor units, including more fatigable, high-threshold motor units, during higher force, nonventilatory behaviors. Changes in diaphragm EMG activity following midcervical contusion injury reflect complex adaptations in neuromotor control that may increase the risk of motor-unit fatigue and compromise the ability to sustain higher force diaphragm efforts.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study shows that unilateral contusion injury at C4 results in substantial loss of phrenic motoneurons but increased diaphragm muscle activity across a range of ventilatory and higher force, nonventilatory behaviors. Measures of neural drive indicate increased descending input to phrenic motoneurons that was more pronounced during higher force, nonventilatory behaviors. These findings reveal novel, complex adaptations in neuromotor control following injury, suggestive of increased recruitment of more fatigable, high-threshold motor units.
Leveraging Physiology for Precision Drug Delivery
Authors: Sun Wujin , Hu Quanyin , Ji Wenyan , Wright Grace , Gu Zhen
Published: November 2016

Physiological characteristics of diseases bring about both challenges and opportunities for targeted drug delivery. Various drug delivery platforms have been devised ranging from macro- to micro- and further into the nanoscopic scale in the past decades. Recently, the favorable physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, including long circulation, robust tissue and cell penetration attract broad interest, leading to extensive studies for therapeutic benefits. Accumulated knowledge about the physiological barriers that affect the in vivo fate of nanomedicine has led to more rational guidelines for tailoring the nanocarriers, such as size, shape, charge, and surface ligands. Meanwhile, progresses in material chemistry and molecular pharmaceutics generate a panel of physiological stimuli-responsive modules that are equipped into the formulations to prepare “smart” drug delivery systems. The capability of harnessing physiological traits of diseased tissues to control the accumulation of or drug release from nanomedicine has further improved the controlled drug release profiles with a precise manner. Successful clinical translation of a few nano-formulations has excited the collaborative efforts from the research community, pharmaceutical industry, and the public towards a promising future of smart drug delivery.
Quantitative Estimating Salt Content of Saline Soil Using Laboratory Hyperspectral Data Treated by Fractional Derivative
Authors: Zhang Dong , Tiyip Tashpolat , Ding Jianli , Zhang Fei , Nurmemet Ilyas , Kelimu Ardak , Wang Jingzhe
Published: November 2016

Most present researches on estimation of soil salinity by hyperspectral data have focused on the spectral reflectance or their integer derivatives but ignored the fractional derivative information of hyperspectral data. Motivated by this situation, the selected study area is the Ebinur Lake basin located in the southwest border in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, with severe salinization. The field work was conducted from 15 to 25 October, 2014, and a total of 180 soil samples were collected from 45 sampling sites; after measuring the soil salt content and spectral reflectance in the laboratory, the range from 0 to 2 was divided into 11 orders (interval 0.2) and then the hyperspectral data were treated by 4 kinds of mathematical transformations and 11 orders of fractional derivatives. Combined with the soil salt content, partial least square regression method was applied for model calibrations and predictions and some indexes were used to evaluate the performance of models. The results showed that the retrieval model built up by 250 bands based on 1.2-order derivative of 1/lg⁡Rhad excellent capacity of estimating soil salt content in the study area (RMSEC=14.685 g/kg,RMSEP=14.713 g/kg,R2C=0.782,R2P=0.768, and RPD = 2.080). This study provides an application reference for quantitative estimations of other land surface parameters and some other applications on hyperspectral technology.
Neural Network Based Fault Detection and Diagnosis System for Three-Phase Inverter in Variable Speed Drive with Induction Motor
Authors: Asghar Furqan , Talha Muhammad , Kim Sung Ho
Published: November 2016

Recently, electrical drives generally associate inverter and induction machine. Therefore, inverter must be taken into consideration along with induction motor in order to provide a relevant and efficient diagnosis of these systems. Various faults in inverter may influence the system operation by unexpected maintenance, which increases the cost factor and reduces overall efficiency. In this paper, fault detection and diagnosis based on features extraction and neural network technique for three-phase inverter is presented. Basic purpose of this fault detection and diagnosis system is to detect single or multiple faults efficiently. Several features are extracted from the Clarke transformed output current and used in neural network as input for fault detection and diagnosis. Hence, some simulation study as well as hardware implementation and experimentation is carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme. Results show that the designed system not only detects faults easily, but also can effectively differentiate between multiple faults. These results prove the credibility and show the satisfactory performance of designed system. Results prove the supremacy of designed system over previous feature extraction fault systems as it can detect and diagnose faults in a single cycle as compared to previous multicycles detection with high accuracy.
Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia Presenting as Leukemia Cutis
Authors: Narayanan Geetha , Sugeeth M. T. , Soman Lali V.
Published: November 2016

Leukemia cutis (LC) is defined as infiltration of the skin by leukemic cells resulting in clinically recognizable cutaneous lesions. It is common in congenital leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. However, LC has rarely been reported with mixed phenotypic acute leukemia (MPAL). We report the case of a lady who presented with erythematous papular and nodular lesions all over the body. Skin biopsy showed leukemic infiltration and bone marrow aspiration showed MPAL of the T/myeloid with monocytic differentiation lineage. This is the first report of an adult patient with MPAL of the T/myeloid with monocytic differentiation type presenting with leukemia cutis. She was started on chemotherapy with Hyper-CVAD. There is complete resolution of the skin lesions and she has achieved bone marrow remission after the first cycle of chemotherapy.
Palpable Mass on the Head after Minor Trauma
Authors: Nikolakopoulos K. M. , Papageorgopoulou C. P. , Ntouvas I. G. , Kakkos S. , Tsolakis I.
Published: November 2016

Temporal artery is superficially exhibited and easily traumatized. Rarely, a minor and blunt trauma, especially in elderly who are under anticoagulants, can cause a pseudoaneurysm. Diagnosis should be based, primarily, on history and physical examination and secondarily on duplex ultrasound scanning which will lead to confirmation and preoperative planning. The therapeutical plan consists of surgical ligation and excision of the aneurysm. Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with no postoperative major or minor complications. Endovascular approach consists of catheter embolization and remains a second option due to the risk of complications and the inconclusive results. On this review, authors present a case of an 80-year-old male with a pseudoaneurysm of superficial temporal artery.
Study of the Antioxidant Property Variation of Cornelian Cherry Fruits during Storage Using HPTLC and Spectrophotometric Assays
Authors: Hosu Anamaria , Cimpoiu Claudia , David Luminita , Moldovan Bianca
Published: November 2016

Cornus species fruits are well known as a rich source of antioxidant compounds responsible for their diverse health benefits. The present study aims to investigate the variation of the total antioxidant capacity of Cornelian cherry (Cornus masL.) fruits during storage, using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and two spectrophotometric assays based on different mechanisms: the 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazolyne-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS+∙) assay and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The fruit extract was stored at room temperature (22°C) for 19 days. No major differences in the total antioxidant capacity were observed during this period, indicating that storage does not have any deleterious effect on the antioxidant properties of the investigated fruits extract. The antioxidant capacity varied between 12.91 and 12.83 µmol Trolox/g fruit as determined by the HPTLC method and from 36.13 to 33.93 µmol Trolox/g fruit as determined by the ABTS assay.
On Couple-Group Consensus of Multiagent Networks with Communication and Input Time Delays
Authors: Ji Liang-hao , Zhao Xin-yue
Published: November 2016

This paper investigated the couple-group consensus problems of the multiagent networks with the influence of communication and input time delays. Based on the frequency-domain theory, some algebraic criteria are addressed analytically. From the results, it is found that the input time delays and the coupling strengths between agents of the systems play a crucial role in reaching group consensus. The convergence of the system is independent of the communication delays, but it will affect the convergence rate of the system. Finally, several simulated examples are provided to verify the validity and correctness of our theoretical results.
Effect of Dynamic Interaction between microRNA and Transcription Factor on Gene Expression
Authors: Zhao Qi , Liu Hongsheng , Yao Chenggui , Shuai Jianwei , Sun Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs which participate in diverse biological processes in animals and plants. They are known to join together with transcription factors and downstream gene, forming a complex and highly interconnected regulatory network. To recognize a few overrepresented motifs which are expected to perform important elementary regulatory functions, we constructed a computational model of miRNA-mediated feedforward loops (FFLs) in which a transcription factor (TF) regulates miRNA and targets gene. Based on the different dynamic interactions between miRNA and TF on gene expression, four possible structural topologies of FFLs with two gate functions (AND gate and OR gate) are introduced. We studied the dynamic behaviors of these different motifs. Furthermore, the relationship between the response time and maximal activation velocity of miRNA was investigated. We found that the curve of response time shows nonmonotonic behavior in Co1 loop with OR gate. This may help us to infer the mechanism of miRNA binding to the promoter region. At last we investigated the influence of important parameters on the dynamic response of system. We identified that the stationary levels of target gene in all loops were insensitive to the initial value of miRNA.
Congestion Control in Wireless Software Defined Networks with Propagation Delay and External Interference: A Robust Control Approach
Authors: Hu Xi , Guo Wei
Published: November 2016

Wireless Software Defined Network (WSDN) presents a new network architecture where the control plane of forwarding devices is shifted to a centralized controller. It is critical to maximize network throughput and keep the network stable during congestion control. However, stability control is insufficient to achieve these aims in the presence of delay and interference. In this paper, we adopt robust control to tackle these problems. Firstly, an efficient weighted scheduling scheme is proposed to maximize the network throughput. Secondly, a robust control model is presented, which is analyzed by Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals. The sufficient conditions are formulated by Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical simulation is conducted to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The Applications and Features of Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry in the Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Pang Bingyao , Zhu Ying , Lu Longqing , Gu Fangbing , Chen Hailong
Published: November 2016

With increasingly improved separation of complex samples and detection of unknown material capabilities, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. This article describes the principles of liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) and their advantages and disadvantages in qualitative and quantitative analysis of TCM. We retrieved research literatures about the application of LC‐MS in TCM published during the past five years at home and abroad. To better guide the analysis of TCM, this review mainly focuses on the applications category of LC‐MS, how often different kinds of LC‐MS are used, and the qualitative and quantitative ability of various LC‐MS in the study of TCM.
Protective Effect of Edaravone on Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity in Spiral Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Bai Xiaohui , Zhang Chi , Chen Aiping , Liu Wenwen , Li Jianfeng , Sun Qian , Wang Haibo
Published: November 2016

Glutamate is an important excitatory neurotransmitter in mammalian brains, but excessive amount of glutamate can cause “excitotoxicity” and lead to neuronal death. As bipolar neurons, spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) function as a “bridge” in transmitting auditory information from the ear to the brain and can be damaged by excessive glutamate which results in sensorineural hearing loss. In this study, edaravone, a free radical scavenger, elicited both preventative and therapeutic effects on SGNs against glutamate-induced cell damage that was tested by MTT assay and trypan blue staining. Ho.33342 and PI double staining revealed that apoptosis as well as necrosis took place during glutamate treatment, and apoptosis was the main type of cell death. Oxidative stress played an important role in glutamate-induced cell damage but pretreatment with edaravone alleviated cell death. Results of western blot demonstrated that mechanisms underlying the toxicity of glutamate and the protection of edaravone were related to the PI3K pathway and Bcl-2 protein family.
Laparoscopic Repair of Morgagni Hernia: Three-Case Presentation and the Literature
Authors: Godazandeh Gholamali , Mokhtari-esbuie Farzad
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Morgagni hernia is a rare form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.Case Presentation. We present three cases of Morgagni hernia with GI symptoms treated by laparoscopic surgery.Discussion. Hernial sac was excised in two cases and left in situ in one case. There was no recurrence in symptoms after 30 months from surgery.
The Utility of Infliximab Therapeutic Drug Monitoring among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Concerns for Loss of Response: A Retrospective Analysis of a Real-World Experience
Authors: Mitchell Robert A. , Shuster Constantin , Shahidi Neal , Galorport Cherry , DeMarco Mari L. , Rosenfeld Gregory , Enns Robert A. , Bressler Brian
Published: November 2016

Background. Infliximab (IFX) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) allows for objective decision making in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and loss of response. Questions remain about whether IFX TDM improves outcomes. Methods. Patients with IBD who had IFX TDM due to concerns for loss of response were considered for inclusion. Serum IFX trough concentration and anti-drug antibody (ADA) concentrations were measured. Patients were grouped by TDM results: group 1, low IFX/high ADA; group 2, low IFX/low ADA; group 3, therapeutic IFX. Changes in management were analyzed according to groupings; remission rates were assessed at 6 months. Results. 71 patients were included of whom 37% underwent an appropriate change in therapy. Groups 1 (67%) and 2 (83%) had high adherence compared to only 9% in group 3. At 6 months, 57% had achieved remission. More patients who underwent an appropriate change in therapy achieved remission, though this did not reach statistical significance (69% versus 49%; P=0.098). Conclusions. A trend towards increased remission rates was associated with appropriate changes in management following TDM results. Many patients with therapeutic IFX concentrations did not undergo an appropriate change in management, potentially reflecting a lack of available out-of-class options at the time of TDM or due to uncertainty of the meaning of the reported therapeutic range.
Multifocus Image Fusion in Q-Shift DTCWT Domain Using Various Fusion Rules
Authors: Tian Yingzhong , Luo Jie , Zhang Wenjun , Jia Tinggang , Wang Aiguo , Li Long
Published: November 2016

Multifocus image fusion is a process that integrates partially focused image sequence into a fused image which is focused everywhere, with multiple methods proposed in the past decades. The Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DTCWT) is one of the most precise ones eliminating two main defects caused by the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Q-shift DTCWT was proposed afterwards to simplify the construction of filters in DTCWT, producing better fusion effects. A different image fusion strategy based on Q-shift DTCWT is presented in this work. According to the strategy, firstly, each image is decomposed into low and high frequency coefficients, which are, respectively, fused by using different rules, and then various fusion rules are innovatively combined in Q-shift DTCWT, such as the Neighborhood Variant Maximum Selectivity (NVMS) and the Sum Modified Laplacian (SML). Finally, the fused coefficients could be well extracted from the source images and reconstructed to produce one fully focused image. This strategy is verified visually and quantitatively with several existing fusion methods based on a plenty of experiments and yields good results both on standard images and on microscopic images. Hence, we can draw the conclusion that the rule of NVMS is better than others after Q-shift DTCWT.
Predictors for Moderate to Severe Acute Postoperative Pain after Cesarean Section
Authors: Borges Natalia de Carvalho , Pereira Lilian Varanda , Moura Louise Amália de , Silva Thuany Cavalcante , Pedroso Charlise Fortunato
Published: November 2016

Background. Moderate to severe postoperative pain affects performance of daily activities and it contributes to persistent postoperative pain. In patients submitted to cesarean section, this pain can also interfere with women’s ability to care for their babies, to effectively breastfeed, and to satisfactorily interact with their children. Factors influencing the pain perception during the immediate postoperative period have not been widely pursued. Objective. To investigate the incidence and predicting factors of postoperative pain after cesarean section. Methods. A prospective longitudinal study with 1,062 women submitted to cesarean section. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, surgical, and health behavior data. We used the 11-point Numerical Pain and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales. We performed logistic analysis to identify predictors of moderate to severe postoperative pain. Results. The incidence of moderate-severe postoperative pain was 78.4% (CI: 95%: 75.9%–80.8%). The preoperative anxiety (OR = 1.60; CI 95%: 1.22–2.30) and intrathecal morphine with fentanyl (OR = 0,23; CI 95%: 0.08–0.66) were significantly associated with moderate-severe postoperative pain report. Conclusion. The preoperative anxiety increases the risk of moderate-severe postoperative pain in women submitted to cesarean section. The intrathecal morphine with fentanyl added to bupivacaine was a protective factor against this pain.
Interaction of Two Water Soluble Heterocyclic Hydrazones on Copper in Nitric Acid: Electrochemical, Surface Morphological, and Quantum Chemical Investigations
Authors: Raphael Vinod P. , Kakkassery Joby Thomas , Shanmughan Shaju K. , Varghese Sini
Published: November 2016

Two novel heterocyclic compounds (E)-2-(1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (3APTSC) and (E)-3-(1-(2-phenylhydrazono)ethyl)pyridine (3APPH) derived from 1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethanone were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The corrosion inhibition efficacies of these compounds on copper in 0.1 M HNO3were screened by electrochemical corrosion monitoring techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization studies and impedance spectroscopy. Investigations clearly established that 3APPH displayed higher corrosion inhibition efficiency on Cu than 3APTSC at all concentrations. The mechanism of inhibition was verified with the help of adsorption isotherms. 3APTSC and 3APPH obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm on Cu surface. Thermodynamic parameters such as adsorption equilibrium constant (Kads) and free energy of adsorption (ΔGads) were also evaluated. Potentiodynamic polarization investigations confirmed that the 3APTSC and 3APPH act as mixed type inhibitors. Surface analysis of the metal specimens was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Energy of HOMO and LUMO, their difference, number of electrons transferred, electronegativity, chemical hardness, and so forth were evaluated by quantum chemical studies. Agreeable correlation was observed between the results of quantum chemical calculations and other corrosion monitoring techniques.
Measuring the Biodegradability of Plastic Polymers in Olive-Mill Waste Compost with an Experimental Apparatus
Authors: Castellani Francesco , Esposito Alessandro , Stanzione Vitale , Altieri Roberto
Published: November 2016

The use of biodegradable polymers is spreading in agriculture to replace those materials derived from petroleum, thus reducing the environmental concerns. However, to issue a significant assessment, biodegradation rate must be measured in case-specific standardized conditions. In accordance with ISO 14855-1, we designed and used an experimental apparatus to evaluate the biodegradation rate of three biopolymers based on renewable resources, two poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) composites, and a compatibilized polylactic acid and polybutyrate (PLA/PBAT) blend. Biodegradation tests were carried out under composting condition using mature olive-mill waste (OMW) compost as inoculum. Carbon dioxide emissions were automatically recorded by infrared gas detectors and also trapped in saturated Ba(OH)2 solution and evaluated via a standard titration method to check the results. Some of the samples reached more than 80% biodegradation in less than 20 days. Both the experimental apparatus and the OMW compost showed to be suitable for the cases studied.
Properties of the Free-Standing Two-Dimensional Copper Monolayer
Authors: Yang Li-Ming , Frauenheim Thomas , Ganz Eric
Published: November 2016

We use density functional theory to study a free-standing 2D copper monolayer. We find that the Cu monolayer is stable in 15 ps ab initio molecular dynamics simulations up to 1200 K. Due to the smaller number of bonds per atom in the 2D layer compared to the 3D bulk, we observe a significantly enhanced energy per bond (0.92 versus 0.58 eV/bond). This is similar to the increase in bond strength going from 3D diamond to 2D graphene. We predict various properties of this material, including band structure and density of states. The free-standing 2D Cu monolayer is hexagonal close packed and is the global minimum structure. One valence electron from each atom is delocalized and is donated into a 2D nearly free electron gas.
Facile Synthesis Polyethylene Glycol Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles for High Colloidal Stability
Authors: Tai Mun Foong , Lai Chin Wei , Abdul Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: November 2016

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is one of the most frequently used synthetic polymers for surface modifications of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to provide a new opportunity for constructing high colloidal stability. Herein, a facile in situ coprecipitation technique is described for the synthesis of PEG coated MNPs using ammonium hydroxide as the precipitating agent. The structure and morphology of the prepared PEG coated MNPs samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). In this study, all samples demonstrated hydrodynamic size in the range of 32 to 43 nm with narrow size distribution. In addition, the magnetic properties of resultant samples were investigated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) to reveal the superparamagnetic behaviour with saturation magnetization. The saturation magnetization of PEG coated MNPs samples was in the range of 63 to 66 emu/g at 300 K. Interestingly, it was found that 1.0 g of PEG coated MNPs exhibited high colloidal stability in a basic solution (pH = 10) and nitrile (NBR) latex up to 21 days as compared to the unmodified MNPs during the sedimentation test.
The Effect of Immunonutrition on the Postoperative Complications in Thymoma with Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Xin Yanzhong , Cai Hongfei , Wu Lihui , Cui Youbin
Published: November 2016

Object. To test whether preoperative immunonutrition is efficacious in reducing postoperative complications in patients of thymoma with myasthenia gravis (MG).Material and Methods. A total of 244 patients operated on for thymoma with myasthenia gravis were prospectively assigned to two groups, each receiving seven-day preoperative and seven-day postoperative nutrition. The patients in immunonutrition group were given oral immunonutrition (IN). The patients in control group received oral standard nutrition. Immunonutritional and inflammatory biomarkers (IgA, IgG, IgM, CD3t, CD4t, CD8t, CD4t/CD8t ratio, NK-cell, prealbumin, albumin, white blood cells counts, and C-reactive protein) and clinical variables (age, gender, BMI, performance status, type of thymoma, type of MG, operative time, pathology, operative approach, postoperative complications, quantity of drainage, hospital stays) were examined.Results. A significant reduction in the length of hospital stay, quantity of drainage, and postoperative complications was observed in the IN group (p<0.05). An increase in the level of IgA, IgG, IgM, CD3+T, CD4+T, CD4+T/CD8+T, WBC, CRP, and NK-cell in the IN group was observed after thymectomy, while a decrease was seen with regard to prealbumin and albumin (p<0.05).Conclusion. Preoperative immunonutrition support is effective in reducing postoperative complications in patients of thymoma with MG. It helps to lower the risk of postoperative infectious complications and hospital stays.
NADP-Dependent Aldehyde Dehydrogenase from ArchaeonPyrobaculum sp.1860: Structural and Functional Features
Authors: Bezsudnova Ekaterina Yu. , Petrova Tatiana E. , Artemova Natalia V. , Boyko Konstantin M. , Shabalin Ivan G. , Rakitina Tatiana V. , Polyakov Konstantin M. , Popov Vladimir O.
Published: November 2016

We present the functional and structural characterization of the first archaeal thermostable NADP-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase AlDHPyr1147.In vitro, AlDHPyr1147 catalyzes the irreversible oxidation of short aliphatic aldehydes at 60–85°С, and the affinity of AlDHPyr1147 to the NADP+ at 60°С is comparable to that for mesophilic analogues at 25°С. We determined the structures of the apo form of AlDHPyr1147 (3.04 Å resolution), three binary complexes with the coenzyme (1.90, 2.06, and 2.19 Å), and the ternary complex with the coenzyme and isobutyraldehyde as a substrate (2.66 Å). The nicotinamide moiety of the coenzyme is disordered in two binary complexes, while it is ordered in the ternary complex, as well as in the binary complex obtained after additional soaking with the substrate. AlDHPyr1147 structures demonstrate the strengthening of the dimeric contact (as compared with the analogues) and the concerted conformational flexibility of catalytic Cys287 and Glu253, as well as Leu254 and the nicotinamide moiety of the coenzyme. A comparison of the active sites of AlDHPyr1147 and dehydrogenases characterized earlier suggests that proton relay systems, which were previously proposed for dehydrogenases of this family, are blocked in AlDHPyr1147, and the proton release in the latter can occur through the substrate channel.
The Application of Nonordinary, State-Based Peridynamic Theory on the Damage Process of the Rock-Like Materials
Authors: Gu X. B. , Wu Q. H.
Published: November 2016

Peridynamics has a great advantage over modeling the damage process of rock-like materials, which is assumed to be in a continuum interaction with each other across a finite distance. In the paper, an approach to incorporate classical elastic damage model in the nonordinary, state-based peridynamics is introduced. This method can model the dynamic damage process and stress change of rock-like materials. Then two instances about three-point bend experiment are simulated in the rock-like materials. Finally the conclusions are drawn that numerical results are close to the experimental results. So the method has a great predictable value in the geotechnical engineering.
The Prognostic Role of Androgen Receptor in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Clinical and Gene Expression Data
Authors: Bozovic-Spasojevic Ivana , Zardavas Dimitrios , Brohée Sylvain , Ameye Lieveke , Fumagalli Debora , Ades Felipe , de Azambuja Evandro , Bareche Yacine , Piccart Martine , Paesmans Marianne , Sotiriou Christos
Published: November 2016

Purpose: Androgen receptor (AR) expression has been observed in about 70% of patients with breast cancer, but its prognostic role remains uncertain.

Experimental Design: To assess the prognostic role of AR expression in early-stage breast cancer, we performed a meta-analysis of studies that evaluated the impact of AR at the protein and gene expression level on disease-free survival (DFS) and/or overall survival (OS). Eligible studies were identified by systematic review of electronic databases using the MeSH-terms “breast neoplasm” and “androgen receptor” and were selected after a qualitative assessment based on the REMARK criteria. A pooled gene expression analysis of 35 publicly available microarray data sets was also performed from patients with early-stage breast cancer with available gene expression and clinical outcome data.

Results: Twenty-two of 33 eligible studies for the clinical meta-analysis, including 10,004 patients, were considered as evaluable for the current study after the qualitative assessment. AR positivity defined by IHC was associated with improved DFS in all patients with breast cancer [multivariate (M) analysis, HR 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.58, P < 0.001] and better OS [M-HR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.38–0.73, P < 0.001]. Thirty-five datasets including 7,220 patients were eligible for the pooled gene expression analysis. High AR mRNA levels were found to confer positive prognosis overall in terms of DFS (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.72–0.92;P = 0.0007) and OS (HR 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75–0.94; P = 0.02) only in univariate analysis.

Conclusions: Our analysis, conducted among more than 17,000 women with early-stage breast cancer included in clinical and gene expression analysis, demonstrates that AR positivity is associated with favorable clinical outcome. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); 2702–12. ©2016 AACR.