bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibodies Damage the Resilience of Fimbriae, Causing Them To Be Stiff and Tangled
Authors: Singh Bhupender , Mortezaei Narges , Savarino Stephen J. , Uhlin Bernt Eric , Bullitt Esther , Andersson Magnus
Published: October 2016

As adhesion fimbriae are a major virulence factor for many pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, they are also potential targets for antibodies. Fimbriae are commonly required for initiating the colonization that leads to disease, and their success as adhesion organelles lies in their ability to both initiate and sustain bacterial attachment to epithelial cells. The ability of fimbriae to unwind and rewind their helical filaments presumably reduces their detachment from tissue surfaces with the shear forces that accompany significant fluid flow. Therefore, the disruption of functional fimbriae by inhibiting this resilience should have high potential for use as a vaccine to prevent disease. In this study, we show that two characteristic biomechanical features of fimbrial resilience, namely, the extension force and the extension length, are significantly altered by the binding of antibodies to fimbriae. The fimbriae that were studied are normally expressed on enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
, which are a major cause of diarrheal disease. This alteration in biomechanical properties was observed with bivalent polyclonal antifimbrial antibodies that recognize major pilin subunits but not with the Fab fragments of these antibodies. Thus, we propose that the mechanism by which bound antibodies disrupt the uncoiling of natural fimbria under force is by clamping together layers of the helical filament, thereby increasing their stiffness and reducing their resilience during fluid flow. In addition, we propose that antibodies tangle fimbriae via bivalent binding, i.e., by binding to two individual fimbriae and linking them together. Use of antibodies to disrupt physical properties of fimbriae may be generally applicable to the large number of Gram-negative bacteria that rely on these surface-adhesion molecules as an essential virulence factor.

IMPORTANCE
Our study shows that the resiliency of colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) and coli surface antigen 2 (CS2) fimbriae, which are current targets for vaccine development, can be compromised significantly in the presence of antifimbrial antibodies. It is unclear how the humoral immune system specifically interrupts infection after the attachment of enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) to the epithelial surface. Our study indicates that immunoglobulins, in addition to their well-documented role in adaptive immunity, can mechanically damage the resilience of fimbriae of surface-attached ETEC, thereby revealing a new mode of action. Our data suggest a mechanism whereby antibodies coat adherent and free-floating bacteria to impede fimbrial resilience. Further elucidation of this possible mechanism is likely to inform the development and refinement of preventive vaccines against ETEC diarrhea.
Development and Characterization of Recombinant Virus Generated from a New World Zika Virus Infectious Clone
Authors: Weger-Lucarelli James , Duggal Nisha K. , Bullard-Feibelman Kristen , Veselinovic Milena , Romo Hannah , Nguyen Chilinh , Rückert Claudia , Brault Aaron C. , Bowen Richard A. , Stenglein Mark , Geiss Brian J. , Ebel Gregory D.
Published: October 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV; family
Flaviviridae
, genus
Flavivirus
) is a rapidly expanding global pathogen that has been associated with severe clinical manifestations, including devastating neurological disease in infants. There are currently no molecular clones of a New World ZIKV available that lack significant attenuation, hindering progress toward understanding determinants of transmission and pathogenesis. Here we report the development and characterization of a novel ZIKV reverse genetics system based on a 2015 isolate from Puerto Rico (PRVABC59). We generated a two-plasmid infectious clone system from which infectious virus was rescued that replicates in human and mosquito cells with growth kinetics representative of wild-type ZIKV. Infectious clone-derived virus initiated infection and transmission rates in
Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes comparable to those of the primary isolate and displayed similar pathogenesis in AG129 mice. This infectious clone system provides a valuable resource to the research community to explore ZIKV molecular biology, vaccine development, antiviral development, diagnostics, vector competence, and disease pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
ZIKV is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne pathogen that has been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults and congenital microcephaly in developing fetuses and infants. ZIKV can also be sexually transmitted. The viral molecular determinants of any of these phenotypes are not well understood. There is no reverse genetics system available for the current epidemic virus that will allow researchers to study ZIKV immunity, develop novel vaccines, or develop antiviral drugs. Here we provide a novel infectious clone system generated from a recent ZIKV isolated from a patient infected in Puerto Rico. This infectious clone produces virus with
in vitro
and
in vivo
characteristics similar to those of the primary isolate, providing a critical tool to study ZIKV infection and disease.
Integrated care for childhood epilepsy: ongoing challenges and lessons for other long-term conditions
Authors: Bali Amit , Hargreaves Dougal S , Cowman John , Lakhanpaul Monica , Dunkley Colin , Power Millie , Cross J Helen
Published: October 2016

Epilepsy care has been identified as a major global issue—and there are many recognised concerns in the UK for children and young people with the condition. A proposed new model could help to increase multisector integration, facilitate better outcomes and offer lessons for improving care of other long-term conditions.
Blended foods for tube-fed children: a safe and realistic option? A rapid review of the evidence
Authors: Coad Jane , Toft Alex , Lapwood Susie , Manning Joseph , Hunter Mark , Jenkins Huw , Sadlier Clare , Hammonds Julie , Kennedy Ailsa , Murch Simon , Widdas David
Published: October 2016

With the growing number of children and young people with complex care needs or life-limiting conditions, alternative routes for nutrition have been established (such as gastrostomy feeding). The conditions of children and young people who require such feeding are diverse but could relate to problems with swallowing (dysphagia), digestive disorders or neurological/muscular disorders. However, the use of a blended diet as an alternative to prescribed formula feeds for children fed via a gastrostomy is a contentious issue for clinicians and researchers. From a rapid review of the literature, we identify that current evidence falls into three categories: (1) those who feel that the use of a blended diet is unsafe and substandard; (2) those who see benefits of such a diet as an alternative in particular circumstances (eg, to reduce constipation) and (3) those who see merit in the blended diet but are cautious to proclaim potential benefits due to the lack of clinical research. There may be some benefits to using blended diets, although concerns around safety, nutrition and practical issues remain.
Leukaemic infiltration of the optic nerve head: a rare site of initial relapse
Authors: Shenoy Shailaja Bhat , Karam Thoiba , Udupa Karthik , Nayal Bhavna
Published: October 2016

A 24-year-old male patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), in complete remission, presented with the symptoms of gradual onset painless diminution of vision in the right eye (OD) of 2-month duration. On examination, best-corrected visual acuity in OD was finger-counting at 1 m and near vision was less than N36. Anterior segment examination was normal, except for the presence of relative afferent pupillary defect in OD. Fundus examination showed optic disc oedema, peripapillary and vitreous haemorrhage, dilated and tortuous veins over the disc and presence of subretinal infiltrates and subretinal fluid around the optic disc. Clinical picture was suggestive of leukaemic infiltration of the optic nerve head. Cytological analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid did not show any abnormal cells or blasts .Vitreous biopsy from OD was suggestive of leukaemic infiltration. After radiotherapy, the leukaemic infiltrates regressed and visual acuity improved to 6/6, N6in OD.
The reliability of the American Community Survey for injury surveillance
Authors: Bell Nathaniel , Cai Bo
Published: October 2016

Background

To evaluate the reliability and predictability of 49 socioeconomic indicators constructed from the annual and multiyear American Community Survey (ACS) data cycles for monitoring injury inequalities across the USA.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of the 2006–2013 annual and multiyear county-level ACS data cycles. Indicator reliability was assessed using the margin of error and coefficient of variation (CV). Overlapping multiyear data cycles were assessed for statistical dependence in the estimates. Negative binomial regression models were constructed from a selection of the most reliable indicators over time and across all data cycles using all-cause unintentional and homicide-related mortality records from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Results

Fewer than half of all indicators for each data cycle generated ‘high reliability’ CV estimates for at least 95% of all census counties. Indicator reliability did not linearly improve with increasing sample size afforded from the multiyear surveys. On average, changes in socioeconomic conditions for the same geographic areas were statistically significantly different (p<0.05) in 14% (rage 0–99%) to 16% (rage 0–93%) of all overlapping multiyear data cycles. ACS indicators that were among the most reliable across data cycles corroborated variable relationships derived using estimates from the 2000 decennial census and corresponding NCHS records for that year.

Conclusions

Few of the socioeconomic indicators previously used to measure injury disparities are consistently reliable across all ACS data cycles. Researchers should be judicious when selecting consecutive multiyear data cycles to approximate changes in annual socioeconomic conditions. Among the indicators that are reliable, it is advisable to use estimates from the annual ACS data cycle as a crude barometer of injury inequalities and the multiyear files to confirm and add precedence to national trends every three and five years.
Association of Passive and Active Smoking with Pre-Diabetes Risk in a Predominantly Hispanic Population
Authors: Bucheli Jose R , Manshad Ahmad , Ehrhart Mark D , Camacho Jenny , Burge Mark R
Published: October 2016

Smoking is the leading cause of avoidable death and is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. Previous studies on the impact of passive smoking have not been applied to a Hispanic-majority population. We investigated the association between active smoking, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and pre-diabetes risk in a New Mexico population. We hypothesized that pre-diabetes risk increases with increasing smoking status after adjustment for important covariates. We screened 219 adults from an ongoing study who were categorized according to their smoking status (never smoker, current smoker, previous smoker) and their exposure to ETS (exposed or unexposed). Glucose homeostasis status was assigned using A1c: no diabetes (A1c <5.7%), pre-diabetes (A1c 5.7–6.4%), and T2D (A1c >6.4%). Among 160 patients with complete data, 51.6% had no diabetes and 48.4% had pre-diabetes. The mean age was 44.8±13.5 years. The study population was predominantly female (64.4%), and the ethnic composition was 44.4% Hispanic, 39.4% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 10.6% American Indian, 2.5% African-American, and 3.1% other. Using a logistic model with 2-way interactions, all predicted probabilities for being at risk for pre-diabetes were significant at the 0.001 level for smoking status and ETS exposure after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, family history of diabetes, alcohol consumption, BMI, and blood pressure. Active or passive smoking is independently associated with pre-diabetes risk.
Exercise restrictions trigger psychological difficulty in active and athletic adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Luiten Rebecca C , Ormond Kelly , Post Lisa , Asif Irfan M , Wheeler Matthew T , Caleshu Colleen
Published: October 2016

Objective

We examined the extent and nature of the psychological difficulty experienced by athletic adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), correlates of that difficulty and coping mechanisms.

Methods

A survey assessed athletic history and psychological impact of exercise restrictions. LASSO penalised linear regression identified factors associated with psychological difficulty. Semistructured interviews provided deeper insight into the nature and origins of psychological difficulty.

Results

54 individuals (33% female, mean age 55.9) completed the survey. The majority were recreational athletes at the time of restriction (67%). There was a drop in athleticism after diagnosis, including time spent exercising (p=0.04) and identification as an athlete (p=0.0005). Most respondents (54%) found it stressful and/or difficult to adjust to exercise restrictions. Greater psychological morbidity was associated with history of elite or competitive athletics, athletic identity and decrease in time spent exercising. 16 individuals (44% female, mean age 52.4) were interviewed. Long-term effects included weight gain and uncertainty about exercising safely. The role of exercise in interviewees' lives contracted significantly after restriction, from multiple functions (eg, social, stress relief, fitness) to solely health maintenance. Interviewees reported a unique form of social support: having family and friends participate with them in lower intensity exercise. Lack of understanding from family or friends and avoiding exercise completely were detrimental to coping.

Conclusions

Athletic adults with HCM experience multifaceted, lasting difficulty adjusting to exercise recommendations. These data can guide clinicians in identifying patients at highest risk for distress and in helping to bolster coping and adaptation.
He seemed permanently inspired
Authors: Orlov Yuri F.
Published: October 2016

Note from Publisher: This article contains the abstract only.
Gribov’s role
Authors: Anisovich Vladimir V.
Published: October 2016

Note from Publisher: This article contains the abstract only.
He has been with us…
Authors: Drukarev E. G.
Published: October 2016

Note from Publisher: This article contains the abstract only.
The Gribov legacy, gauge theories and the physical S-matrix
Authors: White Alan R.
Published: October 2016

Reggeon unitarity and non-Abelian gauge field copies are focused on as two Gribov discoveries that, it is suggested, may ultimately be seen as the most significant and that could, in the far distant future, form the cornerstones of his legacy. The crucial role played by the Gribov ambiguity in the construction of gauge theory bound-state amplitudes via reggeon unitarity is described. It is suggested that the existence of a physical, unitary, S-Matrix in a gauge theory is a major requirement that could even determine the theory.
Color fluctuations in high energy hadron- and photon-nucleus collisions
Authors: Frankfurt Leonid , Strikman Mark
Published: October 2016

We explain that coherence of high energy QED and QCD processes implies existence of new kind of phenomena which are beyond a framework based on Regge poles (cuts). New phenomena emerge as the consequence of compositeness of the bound states and the Lorentz slowing down of interaction. We focus on the color fluctuations phenomena predicted earlier for [Formula: see text] collisions within QCD and recent evidence for this phenomenon from [Formula: see text] LHC run, significant modification of nuclear shadowing phenomenon in the diffractive photoproduction of vector mesons observed recently in the ultra peripheral collisions at LHC. We outlined briefly general properties of color fluctuations phenomena and perspectives of future studies of this phenomenon in electron (photon) collisions with nuclei.
Time evolution of the anisotropies of the hydrodynamically expanding SQGP
Authors: Bagoly A. , Csanád M.
Published: October 2016

In high energy heavy ion collisions of RHIC and LHC, a strongly interacting quark gluon plasma (sQGP) is created. This medium undergoes a hydrodynamic evolution, before it freezes out to form a hadronic matter. The initial state of the sQGP is determined by the initial distribution of the participating nucleons and their interactions. Due to the finite number of nucleons, the initial distribution fluctuates on an event-by-event basis. The transverse plane anisotropy of the initial state can be translated into a series of anisotropy coefficients or eccentricities: second, third, fourth-order anisotropy etc. These anisotropies then evolve in time, and result in measurable momentum-space anisotropies, to be measured with respect to their respective symmetry planes. In this paper we investigate the time evolution of the anisotropies. With a numerical hydrodynamic code, we analyze how the speed of sound and viscosity influence this evolution.
On the nonlocality of the Coulomb gauge external field problem
Authors: Hraskó Péter
Published: October 2016

The apparent nonlocality of the Coulomb gauge external field problem in electrodynamics is illustrated with an example in which nonlocality is especially striking. Explanation of this apparent nonlocal behaviour based on a purely local picture is given. A gauge invariant decomposition of the Lorentz-force into two terms with clear physical meanings is pointed out. Based on this decomposition derivation of the Aharonov–Bohm effect in terms of field strengths alone is given.
Renormalisation group determination of scalar mass bounds in a simple Yukawa-model
Authors: Jakovác A. , Kaposvári I. , Patkós A.
Published: October 2016

The scalar mass is determined in the simplest cut-off regularized Yukawa-model in the whole range of stability of the scalar potential. Two versions of the Functional Renormalisation Group (FRG) equations are solved in the Local Potential Approximation (LPA), where also the possible existence of a composite fermionic background is taken into account. The close agreement of the results with previous studies taking into account exclusively the effect of the scalar condensate, supports a rather small systematic truncation error of FRG due to the omission of higher dimensional operators.
Meson and diquark condensates in the NJL model and the Fermi momentum
Authors: Bhattacharya A. , Ghosh R. , Chakrabarti B.
Published: October 2016

Quark–anti quark and diquark condensation have been investigated in the framework of the NJL model. The Pauli–Villars regularization scheme have been used for the investigation of meson condensation in three dimension whereas the four dimensional case has been studied using the Schwinger–Dyson equation considering the Hartree approximation. Diquark condensation in three and four dimension have also been studied considering the Pauli–Villars regularization scheme. Using the Fermi momentum [Formula: see text] of the particle as cut-off parameter, the gap energy/coherence length for meson condensation [Formula: see text] have been investigated whereas for diquark [Formula: see text] the critical gap energy/critical coherence length (the distance over which there would be no diquark condensation) have been extracted. The variation of the coherence length/gap energy with [Formula: see text] have also been investigated. The results are compared with exciting data. Some interesting observations are made.
Finite-dimensional Leibniz algebras and combinatorial structures
Authors: Ceballos M. , Núñez J. , Tenorio Á. F.
Published: October 2016

Given a finite-dimensional Leibniz algebra with certain basis, we show how to associate such algebra with a combinatorial structure of dimension 2. In some particular cases, this structure can be reduced to a digraph or a pseudodigraph. In this paper, we study some theoretical properties about this association and we determine the type of Leibniz algebra associated to each of them.
Lipschitz metric for the modified two-component Camassa–Holm system
Authors: Guan Chunxia , Yan Kai , Wei Xuemei
Published: October 2016

This paper is devoted to the existence and Lipschitz continuity of global conservative weak solutions in time for the modified two-component Camassa–Holm system on the real line. We obtain the global weak solutions via a coordinate transformation into the Lagrangian coordinates. The key ingredients in our analysis are the energy density given by the positive Radon measure and the proposed new distance functions as well.
Stable, low-melting trans-A2B-corroles
Authors: Nowak-Król Agnieszka , Fourie Eleanor , Joubert Chris C. , Gryko Dorota , Gryko Daniel T. , Swarts Jannie C.
Published: October 2016

The liquid or low-melting free base corroles (A2Bcor)H3 with cor [Formula: see text] trianionic macrocyclic core without any protons, A [Formula: see text] 4-(OC[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]C6F4 and B [Formula: see text] 3,4,5-(OC[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]C6H2 for 4 or [Formula: see text] 3,4,5-(OC[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]C6H2 for 5, were prepared in a straightforward manner from 3,4,5-trialkoxybenzaldehydes and a suitable dipyrrane possessing four fluorine atoms. This synthetic result paved the way to stable and at the same time liquid or low melting meso-substituted corroles. The presence of altogether eight fluorine atoms in the trans-A2B-corroles was essential to maintain corrole stability. An electrochemical study of 4 in CH2Cl showed that the behavior of this corrole is dominated by three different species in an acid base equilibrium with each other: [(A2Bcor)H2][Formula: see text], 4[Formula: see text], (A2Bcor)H3, 4 and [(A2Bcor)H4][Formula: see text], 4[Formula: see text]. Four different redox states for each of these three components could be identified in 12 separate one-electron transfer redox processes. A mechanism explaining the observed twelve redox and four chemical steps is proposed. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements have proven that if alkyl chains are long enough (C18), the corrole melts at record low temperature (63.7 [Formula: see text]C) and it is stable throughout multiple temperature variation cycles up to 300 [Formula: see text]C. Upon crystallization an initial kinetic driven crystal packing for the product is obtained that melts at 20 [Formula: see text]C, but after sufficient time has elapsed (20 h), it converts into the thermodynamically stable crystal packing form with melting point of 63.7 [Formula: see text]C, probably because of rearrangements in the alignment of the five OCH[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] chains in 5.
The Proton as Seen by the HERA Collider
Authors: Abt Iris
Published: October 2016

Deep-inelastic electron–proton (ep) scattering at the HERA collider has been very important in the investigation of the partonic structure of the proton. The neutral- and charged-current cross sections, measured over a large kinematic range, are one of the legacies of the first and so far only ep collider. Here I discuss the combination of H1 and ZEUS data. The HERA data alone can provide parton distribution functions (PDFs) within the framework of perturbative QCD. I also discuss the family of sets of PDFs called HERAPDF2.0 as well as the interpretation of such proton PDFs that characterize proton interactions in momentum space. I then introduce other possible applications of the precision cross sections. In addition, some measurements at HERA provide hints about spatial aspects of the proton. Finally, I present a brief discussion of the connection to nuclear physics.
Physics Goals and Experimental Challenges of the Proton–Proton High-Luminosity Operation of the LHC
Authors: Campana P. , Klute M. , Wells P.S.
Published: October 2016

The completion of Run 1 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN has seen the discovery of the Higgs boson and an unprecedented number of precise measurements of the Standard Model, and Run 2 has begun to provide the first data at higher energy. The high-luminosity upgrade of the LHC (HL-LHC) and the four experiments (ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb) will exploit the full potential of the collider to discover and explore new physics beyond the Standard Model. We review the experimental challenges and the physics opportunities in proton–proton collisions at the HL-LHC.
BNP, troponin I, and YKL-40 as screening markers in extremely preterm infants at risk for pulmonary hypertension associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: König Kai , Guy Katelyn J. , Nold-Petry Claudia A. , Barfield Charles P. , Walsh Geraldine , Drew Sandra M. , Veldman Alex , Nold Marcel F. , Casalaz Dan M.
Published: October 2016

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is often complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). We investigated three biomarkers potentially suitable as screening markers for extremely preterm infants at risk of BPD-associated PH. In this prospective observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, 83 preterm infants with BPD born <28-wk gestation and still inpatients at 36-wk corrected age received an echocardiogram and blood tests of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin I, and YKL-40. Infants were analyzed according to echocardiographic evidence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Thirty infants had evidence of TR on echocardiogram at 36-wk corrected age. Infants with or without TR had similar baseline demographics: mean ± SD gestational age 261 ± 12 vs. 261 ± 11 wk and birth weight 830 ± 206 vs. 815 ± 187 g, respectively. There was no difference in duration of respiratory support. The right ventricular systolic pressure of infants with evidence of TR was 40 ± 16 mmHg. BNP was the only biomarker that proved to be significantly higher in infants with evidence of TR: median (interquartile range) serum level 54.5 (35–105) vs. 41.5 (30–59) pg/ml, P = 0.043. Subgroup analysis of infants with severe BPD requiring discharge on home oxygen or BPD-related mortality revealed similar results. There was no difference between groups for troponin I and YKL-40. In conclusion, increased serum levels of BNP were associated with evidence of TR at 36-wk corrected gestational age in extremely preterm infants, suggesting a potential role as a screening biomarker for BPD-associated PH.
Beat-to-beat control of human optokinetic nystagmus slow phase durations
Authors: Balaban Carey D. , Furman Joseph M.
Published: October 2016

This study provides the first clear evidence that the generation of optokinetic nystagmus fast phases (FPs) is a decision process that is influenced by performance of a concurrent disjunctive reaction time task (DRT). Ten subjects performed an auditory DRT during constant velocity optokinetic stimulation. Eye movements were measured in three dimensions with a magnetic search coil. Slow phase (SP) durations were defined as the interval between FPs. There were three main findings. Firstly, human optokinetic nystagmus SP durations are consistent with a model of a Gaussian basic interval generator (a type of biological clock), such that FPs can be triggered randomly at the end of a clock cycle (mean duration: 200–250 ms). Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests could not reject the modeled cumulative distribution for any data trials. Secondly, the FP need not be triggered at the end of a clock cycle, so that individual SP durations represent single or multiple clock cycles. Thirdly, the probability of generating a FP at the end of each interval generator cycle decreases significantly during performance of a DRT. These findings indicate that the alternation between SPs and FPs of optokinetic nystagmus is not purely reflexive. Rather, the triggering of the next FP is postponed more frequently if a recently presented DRT trial is pending action when the timing cycle expires. Hence, optokinetic nystagmus FPs show dual-task interference in a manner usually attributed to voluntary movements, including saccades.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides the first clear evidence that the generation of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) fast phases is a decision process that is influenced by performance of a concurrent disjunctive reaction time task (DRT). The slow phase (SP) durations are consistent with a Gaussian basic interval generator and multiple interval SP durations occur more frequently in the presence of the DRT. Hence, OKN shows dual-task interference in a manner observed in voluntary movements, such as saccades.
Administration of Traditional Chinese Blood Circulation Activating Drugs for Microvascular Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: He Lisha , Wang Han , Gu Chengjuan , He Xinhui , Zhao Linhua , Tong Xiaolin
Published: October 2016

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important complementary strategy for treating diabetes mellitus (DM) in China. Traditional Chinese blood circulation activating drugs are intended to guide an overall approach to the prevention and treatment of microvascular complications of DM. The core mechanism is related to the protection of the vascular endothelium and the basement membrane. Here, we reviewed the scientific evidence underpinning the use of blood circulation activating drugs to prevent and treat DM-induced microvascular complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Furthermore, we summarized the effects and mechanism of TCM on improving blood rheology, inhibiting aggregation of platelet, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs), regulating oxidative stress, reducing blood fat, and improving lipid metabolism. The paper provides a new theoretical basis for the clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of DM and its microvascular complications.
Synthesis and Spectral Studies of Ni(II) Dithiocarbamate Complexes and Their Use as Precursors for Nickel Sulphides Nanocrystals
Authors: Nqombolo Azile , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: October 2016

Ni(II) dithiocarbamate complexes have been synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Electronic spectra measurements indicate that the complexes are four-coordinate square planar geometry while the FTIR confirmed that the dithiocarbamates act as bidentate chelating ligands. The compounds were used as single source precursors and thermolysed at 220°C to prepare HDA-capped NiS nanocrystals which were characterized by absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra measurements, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Absorption spectra studies showed that the synthesized NiS nanoparticles are blue-shifted relative to the bulk material and PL studies showed emission maxima that are red-shifted compared to the absorption band edges. The XRD patterns of the as-prepared NiS nanoparticles revealed cubic crystalline phases. TEM images showed spherical and close-to-spherical nanocrystals with the size in the range 12–38 nm for NiS1, 8–11 nm for NiS2, and 9–16 nm for NiS3. SEM images showed homogeneous surface morphology and EDS confirmed the presence of Ni and S and the formation of NiS nanoparticles.
New Indices of Endothelial Function Measured by Digital Thermal Monitoring of Vascular Reactivity: Data from 6084 Patients Registry
Authors: Naghavi Morteza , Yen Albert A. , Lin Alex W. H. , Tanaka Hirofumi , Kleis Stanley
Published: October 2016

Background. Endothelial function is viewed as a barometer of cardiovascular health and plays a central role in vascular reactivity. Several studies showed digital thermal monitoring (DTM) as a simple noninvasive method to measure vascular reactivity that is correlated with atherosclerosis risk factors and coronary artery disease. Objectives. To further evaluate the relations between patient characteristics and DTM indices in a large patient registry. Methods. DTM measures were correlated with age, sex, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 6084 patients from 18 clinics. Results. DTM vascular reactivity index (VRI) was normally distributed and inversely correlated with age (r=-0.21, p<0.0001). Thirteen percent of VRI tests were categorized as poor vascular reactivity (VRI < 1.0), 70 percent as intermediate (1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0), and 17 percent as good (VRI ≥ 2.0). Poor VRI (<1.0) was noted in 6% of <50 y, 10% of 50–70 y, and 18% of ≥70 y. In multiple linear regression analyses, age, sex, and diastolic blood pressure were significant but weak predictors of VRI. Conclusions. As the largest database of finger-based vascular reactivity measurement, this report adds to prior findings that VRI is a meaningful physiological marker and reflects a high level of residual risk found in patients currently under care.
Histoplasmosis-Induced Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in an Adult Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Untanu Ramona Vesna , Akbar Syed , Graziano Stephen , Vajpayee Neerja
Published: October 2016

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive and life-threating immune dysregulation syndrome characterized by persistent activation of the mononuclear phagocytic system leading to uncontrolled systemic hyperinflammatory response. The proliferation and activation of histiocytes and lymphocytes lead to production of large amounts of cytokines, also called cytokine storm. Hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues are directly involved while other organs are damaged by circulating cytokines. Primary HLH is attributed to genetic defects of the immune system and secondary HLH is usually seen in adults secondary to malignancy, infection, or autoimmune diseases. Zoonotic diseases including fungal infections are an important cause of HLH. Secondary HLH can delay the recognition of the underlying zoonoses. We report the case of a 61-year-old female with history of rheumatoid arthritis with histoplasmosis associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Design and Test of Dual Actuator Nose Wheel Steering System for Large Civil Aircraft
Authors: Zhang Ming , Jiang Rongmin , Nie Hong
Published: October 2016

In order to improve aircraft ground handling characteristics and airport working efficiency, large handling angle and torque are requested for the nose wheel steering system of large civil aircraft. A following swivel selector valve is firstly designed to meet the demand for the hydraulic pressure commutating as soon as the dual actuator nose wheel steering mechanism passes through its dead center position. Considering the multiple objective functions of nose wheel steering mechanisms, those core design parameters are multiobjective optimized. A nose wheel steering electrohydraulic servo system with handling and antishimmy functions is designed for the steering mechanism. Then the prototypes of the steering mechanism and electrohydraulic servo system are researched to validate the design. Using the swing actuator to provide the load torque and ground excitation, the steering test bench is prepared to test the system working. The steering test and the antishimmy test are conducted to verify the functions of the system. The test results, such as steer angle, steer torque hydraulic pressure, and antishimmy torque, are analyzed in detail and compared with the theoretical results. The results show that the property of the prototype achieves the design objectives, such as work mode, steer angle, and steer torque.
New Insights into the Role of Oxidative Stress Mechanisms in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Adamczyk Bożena , Adamczyk-Sowa Monika
Published: October 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by an inflammatory process and demyelination. The etiology of the disease is still not fully understood. Therefore, finding new etiological factors is of such crucial importance. It is suspected that the development of MS may be affected by oxidative stress (OS). In the acute phase OS initiates inflammatory processes and in the chronic phase it sustains neurodegeneration. Redox processes in MS are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of axonal bioenergetics, iron accumulation in the brain, impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance, and OS memory. The present paper is a review of the current literature about the role of OS in MS and it focuses on all major aspects. The article explains the mechanisms of OS, reports unique biomarkers with regard to their clinical significance, and presents a poorly understood relationship between OS and neurodegeneration. It also provides novel methods of treatment, including the use of antioxidants and the role of antioxidants in neuroprotection. Furthermore, adding new drugs in the treatment of relapse may be useful. The article considers the significance of OS in the current treatment of MS patients.
On the Impact of Tsallis Statistics on Cosmic Ray Showers
Authors: Abrahão M. , Dantas W. G. , Almeida R. M. de , Gratieri D. R. , Penna T. J. P.
Published: October 2016

We investigate the impact of the Tsallis nonextensive statistics introduced by intrinsic temperature fluctuations inp-Air ultrahigh energy interactions on observables of cosmic ray showers, such as the slant depth of the maximumXmaxand the muon number on the groundNμ. The results show that these observables are significantly affected by temperature fluctuations and agree qualitatively with the predictions of Heitler model.
Detection of Melamine in Soybean Meal Using Near-Infrared Microscopy Imaging with Pure Component Spectra as the Evaluation Criteria
Authors: Yang Zengling , Han Lujia , Wang Chengte , Li Jing , Fernández Pierna Juan A. , Dardenne Pierre , Baeten Vincent
Published: October 2016

Soybean meal was adulterated with melamine with the purpose of boosting the protein content for unlawful interests. In recent years, the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique has been widely used for guaranteeing food and feed security for its fast, nondestructive, and pollution-free characteristics. However, there are problems with using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for detecting samples with low contaminant concentration because of instrument noise and sampling issues. In addition, methods based on NIR are indirect and depend on calibration models. NIR microscopy imaging offers the opportunity to investigate the chemical species present in food and feed at the microscale level (the minimum spot size is a few micrometers), thus avoiding the problem of the spectral features of contaminants being diluted by scanning. The aim of this work was to investigate the feasibility of using NIR microscopy imaging to identify melamine particles in soybean meal using only the pure component spectrum. The results presented indicate that using the classical least squares (CLS) algorithm with the nonnegative least squares (NNLS) algorithm, without needing first to develop a calibration model, could identify soybean meal that is both uncontaminated and contaminated with melamine particles at as low a level as 50 mg kg−1.
Application of CMC as Thickener on Nanoemulsions Based on Olive Oil: Physical Properties and Stability
Authors: Arancibia C. , Navarro-Lisboa R. , Zúñiga R. N. , Matiacevich S.
Published: October 2016

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a hydrocolloid with surface activity that could act as emulsifiers in oil-in-water emulsions; however the principal role is that it acts as structuring, thickening, or gelling agent in the aqueous phase. This study aims to evaluate the application of CMC as thickener into nanoemulsions based on olive oil and their influence on particle characteristics, flow behavior, and color. Four nanoemulsions with different oil (5% and 15% w/w olive oil) and CMC (0.5% and 0.75% w/w) concentration and two control samples without CMC added were prepared using Tween 80 as emulsifier. All physical properties studied on nanoemulsions were depending on both oil and CMC concentration. In general, z-average particle size varied among 107–121 nm and those samples with 5% oil and CMC were the most polydisperse. The addition of CMC increased anionic charge of nanoemulsions obtaining zeta potential values among −41 and −55 mV. The oil concentration increased both consistency and pseudoplasticity of samples, although samples were more stable to gravitational separation at the highest CMC concentration. Color of nanoemulsions was affected principally by the oil concentration. Finally, the results showed that CMC could be applied in nanoemulsions as thickener increasing their physical stability although modifying their physical properties.
Polylactic Acid Based Nanocomposites: Promising Safe and Biodegradable Materials in Biomedical Field
Authors: Sha Lili , Chen Zhaofeng , Chen Zhou , Zhang Aili , Yang Zhaogang
Published: October 2016

Polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in biological areas due to its excellent compatibility, bioabsorbability, and degradation behavior in human bodies. Pure polylactic acid has difficulty in meeting all the requirements that specific field may demand. Therefore, PLA based nanocomposites are extensively investigated over the past few decades. PLA based nanocomposites include PLA based copolymers in nanometer size and nanocomposites with PLA or PLA copolymers as matrix and nanofillers as annexing agent. The small scale effect and surface effect of nanomaterials help improve the properties of PLA and make PLA based nanocomposites more popular compared with pure PLA materials. This review mainly introduces different kinds of PLA based nanocomposites in recent researches that have great potential to be used in biomedical fields including bone substitute and repair, tissue engineering, and drug delivery system.
A Case of De Novo Anterior Condylar Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Long after Curative Transvenous Embolization of Contralateral Anterior Condylar Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Hagiwara Shinya , Miyazaki Takeshi , Tsuji Masahiro , Kambara Mizuki , Yoshikane Tsutomu , Nagai Hidemasa , Akiyama Yasuhiko
Published: October 2016

We report on a 55-year-old man who developed a de novo DAVF in left ACC 5 years after curative transvenous embolization for DAVF in right ACC. Angiography revealed that the de novo lesion demonstrated more aggressive arteriovenous shunt flow than the initial lesion. Successful transvenous embolization was performed for also the second lesion. The authors describe the possible pathophysiological mechanisms and management strategies for this rare occurrence.
Meeting the Vitamin A Requirement: The Efficacy and Importance ofβ-Carotene in Animal Species
Authors: Green Alice S. , Fascetti Andrea J.
Published: October 2016

Vitamin A is essential for life in all vertebrate animals. Vitamin A requirement can be met from dietary preformed vitamin A or provitamin A carotenoids, the most important of which isβ-carotene. The metabolism ofβ-carotene, including its intestinal absorption, accumulation in tissues, and conversion to vitamin A, varies widely across animal species and determines the role thatβ-carotene plays in meeting vitamin A requirement. This review begins with a brief discussion of vitamin A, with an emphasis on species differences in metabolism. A more detailed discussion ofβ-carotene follows, with a focus on factors impacting bioavailability and its conversion to vitamin A. Finally, the literature on how animals utilizeβ-carotene is reviewed individually for several species and classes of animals. We conclude thatβ-carotene conversion to vitamin A is variable and dependent on a number of factors, which are important to consider in the formulation and assessment of diets. Omnivores and herbivores are more efficient at convertingβ-carotene to vitamin A than carnivores. Absorption and accumulation ofβ-carotene in tissues vary with species and are poorly understood. More comparative and mechanistic studies are required in this area to improve the understanding ofβ-carotene metabolism.
Deformation of a Capsule in a Power-Law Shear Flow
Authors: Tian Fang-Bao
Published: October 2016

An immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method is developed for fluid-structure interactions involving non-Newtonian fluids (e.g., power-law fluid). In this method, the flexible structure (e.g., capsule) dynamics and the fluid dynamics are coupled by using the immersed boundary method. The incompressible viscous power-law fluid motion is obtained by solving the lattice Boltzmann equation. The non-Newtonian rheology is achieved by using a shear rate-dependant relaxation time in the lattice Boltzmann method. The non-Newtonian flow solver is then validated by considering a power-law flow in a straight channel which is one of the benchmark problems to validate an in-house solver. The numerical results present a good agreement with the analytical solutions for various values of power-law index. Finally, we apply this method to study the deformation of a capsule in a power-law shear flow by varying the Reynolds number from 0.025 to 0.1, dimensionless shear rate from 0.004 to 0.1, and power-law index from 0.2 to 1.8. It is found that the deformation of the capsule increases with the power-law index for different Reynolds numbers and nondimensional shear rates. In addition, the Reynolds number does not have significant effect on the capsule deformation in the flow regime considered. Moreover, the power-law index effect is stronger for larger dimensionless shear rate compared to smaller values.
Vibrational Interaction of Two Rotors with Friction Coupling
Authors: Larsson H. , Farhang K.
Published: October 2016

A lumped parameter model is presented for studying the dynamic interaction between two disks in relative rotational motion and in friction contact. The contact elastic and dissipative characteristics are represented by equivalent stiffness and damping coefficient in the axial as well as torsional direction. The formulation accounts for the coupling between the axial and angular motions by viewing the contact normal force a result of axial behavior of the system. The model is used to investigate stick-slip behavior of a two-disk friction system. In this effort the friction coefficient is represented as an exponentially decaying function of relative angular velocity, varying from its static value at zero relative velocity to its kinetic value at very high velocities. This investigation results in the establishment of critical curve defining two-parameter regions: one in which stick-slip occurs and that in which stick-slip does not occur. Moreover, the onset and termination of stick-slip, when it occurs, are related to the highest component frequency in the system. It is found that stick-slip starts at a period nearly equal to that of the highest component frequency and terminates at a period almost three times that of the highest component frequency.
Effects of FTY720 (Fingolimod) on Proliferation, Differentiation, and Migration of Brain‐Derived Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Tan Botao , Luo Zeruxin , Yue Yan , Liu Yuan , Pan Li , Yu Lehua , Yin Ying
Published: October 2016

Insufficient proliferation, differentiation, and migration are the main pitfalls of neural stem cells (NSCs) in reparative therapeutics for the central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The potent lipid mediator sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) regulates cells’ biological behavior broadly in the CNS. However, the effects of activating S1P on NSCs are not quite clear. In the current study, FTY720 (Fingolimod), an analog of S1P, was employed to induce the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of cultured brain‐derived NSCs. The results indicated that proliferation and migration ability of NSCs were promoted by FTY720. Though we observed no obvious neuron prefers differentiation of NSCs, there were more protoplasmic astrocytes developed in the presence of certain concentration of FTY720. This work gives more comprehensive understanding of how FTY720 affects NSCs.