bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total plasma heme concentration increases after red blood cell transfusion and predicts mortality in critically ill medical patients
Authors: Pietropaoli Anthony P. , Henrichs Kelly F. , Cholette Jill M. , Spinelli Sherry L. , Phipps Richard P. , Refaai Majed A. , Blumberg Neil
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Relationships between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, circulating cell‐free heme, and clinical outcomes in critically ill transfusion recipients are incompletely understood. The goal of this study was to determine whether total plasma heme increases after RBC transfusion and predicts mortality in critically ill patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of 111 consecutive medical intensive care patients requiring RBC transfusion. Cell‐free heme was measured in RBC units before transfusion and in the patients' plasma before and after transfusion.

RESULTS

Total plasma heme levels increased in response to transfusion, from a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 35 (26–76) μmol/L to 47 (35–73) μmol/L (p < 0.001). Posttransfusion total plasma heme was higher in nonsurvivors (54 [35–136] μmol/L) versus survivors (44 [31–65] μmol/L, p = 0.03). Posttransfusion total plasma heme predicted hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per quartile increase in posttransfusion plasma heme, 1.76 [1.17–2.66]; p = 0.007). Posttransfusion total plasma heme was not correlated with RBC unit storage duration and weakly correlated with RBC unit cell‐free heme concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Total plasma heme concentration increases in critically ill patients after RBC transfusion and is independently associated with mortality. This transfusion‐associated increase in total plasma heme is not fully explained by RBC unit storage age or cell‐free heme content. Additional studies are warranted to define mechanisms of transfusion‐related plasma heme accumulation and test prevention strategies.
Detection of endotoxin in plasma of hospitalized diarrheic calves
Authors: Gomez Diego E. , Rodriguez‐Lecompte Juan C. , Lofstedt Jeanne , Arroyo Luis G. , Nino‐Fong Rodolfo , McClure J. Trenton
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To investigate whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is present in plasma of calves with naturally occurring diarrhea. The second objective was to determine whether plasma [LPS] correlates with clinical, hematological, biochemical, and acid‐base variables, and whether [LPS] differs between surviving and nonsurviving diarrheic calves.

Design

Prospective observational study (January 2012–May 2014).

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Thirty‐four calves <28 days old admitted for diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea and 30 healthy control calves.

Measurements and Main Results

Admission demographics, physical examination, blood gas, biochemistry analysis, and outcome data were recorded. Plasma concentration of LPS was determined using a bovine LPS ELISA assay. Plasma [LPS] was detected in both healthy and diarrheic calves. Plasma [LPS] was significantly higher in diarrheic than healthy calves (median: 0.99 ng/mL; Interquartile range (IQR): 0.068, vs 0.88 ng/mL; 0.065 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma [LPS] was higher in nonsurviving (1.04 ng/mL; 0.07 ng/mL) than in surviving calves (0.98 ng/mL; 0.022 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Plasma [LPS] was higher in beef (1.07 ng/mL; 0.182 ng/mL) than in dairy diarrheic calves (0.99 ng/mL; 0.022 ng/mL; P < 0.001).

In diarrheic calves, plasma [LPS] correlated with [l‐lactate] (r2 = 0.496; P = 0.002); hypoglycemia (r2 = −0.453; P = 0.007); increased unmeasured strong ions (r2 = 0.332; P = 0.050), [Mg2+] (r2 = 0.475; P = 0.004), and [phosphate] (r2 = 0.468; P = 0.005), and increased aspartate aminotransferase activity (r2 = 0.348; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

This study highlights a potential role of LPS in the pathogenesis of metabolic derangements such as hyperlactatemia, hypoglycemia, and increased concentration of unmeasured strong anions in diarrheic calves. Further investigation evaluating the effect of LPS on l‐lactate and glucose metabolism in diarrheic calves is warranted.
Radiographic and CT features of colonic entrapment due to an omental rent in a dog
Authors: Brand Kenneth J. , Lim Chee Kin , Cichocki Brandy N.
Published: February 2019

A 2‐year‐old female spayed Great Dane presented for inappetence and lethargy. Abdominal radiographs revealed a severely gas‐distended segment of colon. Computed tomography was performed and characterized a 180° anticlockwise colonic torsion with entrapment in a mesenteric/omental rent without vascular compromise. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed entrapment, but not colonic torsion. Computed tomography provided important information to assist clinical management decisions for this dog with colonic entrapment.
Design of microstrip hairpin bandpass filter for 2.9 GHz – 3.1 GHz s-band radar with defected ground structure
Authors: Ismail Nanang , Surya Gunawan Teddy , Kartika S Santi , Praludi Teguh , A.Z. Hamidi Eki
Published: February 2019

Radar has been widely used in many fields, such as telecommunication, military applications, and navigation. The filter is one of the most important parts of a radar system, in which it selects the necessary frequency and blocks others. This paper presents a novel yet simple filter design for S-band radar in the frequency range of 2.9 to 3.1 GHz. The center frequency of the filter was designed at 3 GHz with a bandwidth of 200 MHz, insertion loss larger than -3 dB and return loss less than -20 dB. Fifth order microstrip hairpin bandpass filter (BPF) was designed and implemented on Rogers 4350B substrate which has a dielectric relative constant value of (εr)= 3.48 and substrate thickness of (h) =1.524 mm. One element of the square groove was added as Defected Ground Structure (DGS) which can decrease the filter size, reduce harmonization, and increase return loss. Two scenarios were used in the measurement, i.e. with and without enclosed aluminum casing. Results showed that BPF without casing obtained the insertion loss of -1.748 dB at 2.785 GHz and return loss of -21.257 dB in the frequency range between 2.785 to 2.932 GHz. On the other hand, BPF with casing shows a better performance, in which it obtained the insertion loss of -1.643 dB at 2.921 GHz and return loss of -19.529 in the frequency range between 2.820 to 3.021 GHz. Although there is small displacement of frequency and response value between the simulation and implementation, our BPF has the ability to work on S-band radar with a frequency range of 2 to 4 GHz.
Evaluation of Swietenia mahagoni Jacq seed extracts in promoting wound healing properties
Authors: Hartati Hartati , Mohd-Nasir Hasmida , Md Salleh Liza , Idris Irma Suryani , Abd Aziz Azila
Published: February 2019

Swietenia mahagoni or known as tunjuk langit is a widely known plant to possess good properties in treating diseases as well as a wound treatment. The purpose of this work was to examine the wound healing ability of the seed extracts in term of its ability to promote cell proliferation and migration. The extracts from two extraction methods, i.e. supercritical carbon dioxide and Soxhlet, were evaluate using cytotoxicity and scratch assays on human skin fibroblast cells. The findings showed that the extraction yield using supercritical fluid extraction was lower than Soxhlet method with 48.9% yield recovery.  In addition, the seed extracts were able to stimulate cell growth and migratory effect. This information can be used as a basis to performed subsequent study to report wound healing activity of this plant material.
Tensile behaviour for mercerization of single kenaf fiber
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamad Ikhwan , Hassan Mohamad Zaki , Dolah Rozzeta , Yusoff Mohd Zuhri Mohamed , Salit Mohd Sapuan
Published: February 2019

A natural fiber including kenaf fibers that reinforce with polymeric composite has increased attention in the manufacturing industries. However, the poor adhesion between fiber and matrix are commonly encountered respectively to their compatibility nature namely hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Therefore, alkaline treatment has introduced to reduce the hydrophilic effect of natural fiber. This paper presents the treatment of single kenaf fibers following tensile test and predicted using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Here, the kenaf fibers were modified using NaOH at different solutions. Then, the single kenaf fiber was performed under ASTM D3379-89 standard. The results showed that kenaf fiber which treats with NaOH solution of 6% significantly offered the outstanding performance of the tensile behaviour.
Greater effect of contrast polarities on visual acuity measurements using chart with shorter wavelength background
Authors: Ai Hong Chen , Muhamad Nurulain
Published: February 2019

Our study aimed to explore the effect of positive and negative polarities on visual acuity measurements by utilizing black and white as a text against background with three distinct colours. Visual acuity was recorded as logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) using the detection of the gap in a four-position Landolt-C. The 2x3 (polarity x background color) two way repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction between polarity and colour background on visual resolution [F (2, 16) = 23.704, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.744]. Among the three primary background colour, shorter-wavelength (blue background) showed statistically significant findings between both positive and negative polarity [F (1, 9) = 39.875, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.818].  Visual acuity measurements improved with negative polarity but decreased with positive polarity with blue colour background. However, visual acuity was not statistically significantly different with the green (medium-wavelength) [F (1, 11) = 0.625, p = 0.446, η2 = 0.053] and the red (long-wavelength) backgrounds [F (1, 9) = 4.021, p = 0.856, η2 = 0.000]. In conclusion, black text against shorter-wavelength (blue) background apparently more difficult to be resolved by human eyes compared with white text. These findings suggest colour element might be an advantage for negative polarity colour combinations.
Comparison of Emotional Intelligence Levels of Students Studying in Summer School of Physical Education and Sports with Their Life Satisfaction
Authors: Özdayi Nahit , Yücel Ali Serdar , Demir Mehmet Burak
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study is to compare emotional intelligence levels of students studying in 2017-2018 summer school of Balıkesir University School of Physical Education and Sports with their life satisfaction by some demographic characteristics. This is a descriptive study. The research population is composed of 865 students studying in 2017-2018 summer school of Balıkesir University School of Physical Education and Sports and the sample is composed of randomly selected 292 students. In the study, “Emotional Intelligence Inventory in Sports” developed by Shutte et al. (1998), revised and adapted by Lane et al. (2009) for use in sports with Turkish reliability and validity performed by Adiloğulları and Görgülü (2015) and 5-point Likert type scale “The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)” developed by Diener et al. (1985) with the purpose of determining the life satisfaction of people and adapted into Turkish by Durak et al. (2010) were used. General reliability value of emotional intelligence scale was found as α=0.927 and the same value of life satisfaction scale was determined as α=0.819, indicating a high level of reliability. Anova, Kruskal Wallis test, Jonckheere-Terpstra test were used in data analysis. All analyses were conducted with SPSS v17.0 (SPSS Science, Chicago, IL, USA).In conclusion, it has been determined that emotional intelligence levels of the participants differ by the variable of age in the dimension of use of emotions, by the variable of department in the dimensions of evaluation of one’s own feelings and social skills and there is a difference by the variable of age regarding life satisfaction. It has also been established that there isn’t any relation between the emotional intelligence levels and life satisfaction of individuals.
Using of Network Motifs on Basketball Tactical Analysis
Authors: Çobanoğlu Halil Orbay
Published: February 2019

In the specific case of team sports there are a particular interest to recognize the cooperation tendencies between team-members. There are several ways to extend the investigation of pass motifs to reveal finergrained details of teams and players. The aim of this study was to solve the game strategies of basketball teams by using network science through motifs. The study sample consists of 6 matches of Turkish National Basketball Team in the EuroBasket2015 tournament. 6 matches were analyzed with e-analysis basketball program, the pass actions obtained from the analysis were transferred into Excel files. The Excel pass files were processed with the open-source program Gephi to obtain the network of the matches and the measurements of networks’ motifs. And then using R and R package igraph 3-nodes and 4-nodes pass motifs were found. As a result, for 3-nodes Type 9 has been seen as mode 2 times. With the help of network science approach and by using motifs the most influential players can be found, the most compatible squad for future games can be selected and the opponent's key players can be analyzed. If coaches want to disrupt the opponent's game format, they must first be aware of the pass motifs that the team often uses. Determining how to break these motifs will make an important contribution to the success of a team.
Therapeutic effect of oligomeric proanthocyanidin in cuprizone‐induced demyelination
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Jing , Yang Zhichao , Sui Ruoxuan , Miao Qiang , Li Yanhua , Yu Jiezhong , Liu Chunyun , Zhang Guangxian , Xiao Baoguo , Ma Cungen
Published: February 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Oligomeric proanthocyanidin has the capacity to alleviate abnormalities in neurological functioning. However, whether oligomeric proanthocyanidin can reduce the progression of demyelination or promote remyelination in demyelinating diseases remains unknown.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Oligomeric proanthocyanidin can improve cuprizone‐induced demyelination by inhibiting immune cell infiltration, reversing overactivated microglia, decreasing the inflammatory cytokines secreted by inflammatory cells and decreasing the production of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35–55‐specific antibody in the brain.

Demyelinating diseases of the CNS, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and acute disseminated encephalomylitis, are characterized by recurrent primary demyelination–remyelination and progressive neurodegeneration. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), the most effective component of grape seed extract, in cuprizone‐fed C57BL/6 mice, a classic demyelination–remyelination model. Our results showed that OPC attenuated abnormal behaviour, reduced demyelination and increased expression of myelin basic protein and expression of O4+ oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. Oligomeric proanthocyanidin also reduced the numbers of B and T cells, activated microglia in the corpus callosum and inhibited secretion of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, concentrations of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐specific antibodies were significantly reduced in serum and brain homogenates after OPC treatment. Together, these results demonstrate a potent therapeutic effect for OPC in cuprizone‐mediated demyelination and clearly highlight multiple effects of this natural product in attenuating myelin‐specific autoantibodies and the inflammatory microenvironment in the brain.
Potentials for innovative restructuring of industry in Northwestern Russia
Authors: Tykkyläinen Markku , Jussila Heikki
Published: February 2019

This paper examines the innovative restructuring of industry in Northwestern Russia, an area that includes St. Petersburg and its hinterlands and extends to the Barents Sea and the Ural Mountains. Profound restructuring of resource-based industries is taking place there although at a slow rate. The paper elaborates upon the reasons for the slow recovery of industry and searches for ways to explain the innovative restructuring of the Northwestern Russian economy. This research explicates that restructuring is partly regulated by inherited institutional and organizational structures and restricted by the flaws of the service sector. The importance of political choices in development is also discussed. The region's role in the division of labor within Europe is considered and viewed as an incentive for restructuring. In concluding, the elements of theories of innovative restructuring of industry and selective spatial modernization are presented.
Conducta de ayuda en ratas: ¿acción o hábito?
Authors: Bernal Gamboa Rodolfo
Published: February 2019

En los últimos años, se han reportado varios estudios sobre la empatía en roedores. En particular, las tareas que evalúan los comportamientos de ayuda en ratas han propuesto que el mecanismo que subyace a dichas conductas es la empatía. Aunque varios autores apoyan dicha propuesta, existe evidencia inconsistente con el mecanismo empático. Por ejemplo, si se asume que la conducta de ayuda es motivada por la empatía, dicha conducta únicamente debería ejecutarse cuando sea necesaria (eliminar el distrés en otra rata). Sin embargo, recientemente se ha reportado que las ratas continúan realizando la conducta de ayuda incluso en situaciones en que dicho comportamiento no funciona. Se diseñó un experimento con ratas para evaluar si la cantidad de entrenamiento afecta la sensibilidad de la conducta de ayuda a la consecuencia (reducción del distrés). Se utilizó una tarea que implicó que una rata liberase a otra de un contenedor tubular. El Grupo Corto realizó dicha conducta durante pocas sesiones, mientras que el grupo Extenso ejecutó la conducta de ayuda por un periodo más largo. Finalmente, ambos grupos recibieron una prueba de generalización en la que el contenedor estuvo vacío. Los resultados mostraron que en las sesiones de prueba las ratas del Grupo Corto no abrieron el contenedor, mientras que el grupo Extenso sí lo abrió. Se discute el papel de los hábitos en la ejecución de conductas pro-sociales.
An Investigation on the Factor Structure of Hindi Version of Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ)
Authors: Arunachalam Thiruchelvi
Published: February 2019

This study examines the factor structure of the Hindi version of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) (Hills & Argyle, 2002) in a sample of 1000 Indian university students. OHQ is a widely used in positive psychology research. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA)has resulted in six factors. Another study has been carried to test the results of EFA and other reported models with a sample of 800 students. Confirmatory factor analysis has resulted in the six-factor model showing a better fit against the other tested models. The study results support the multi-dimensional structure of OHQ. The factor structure of OHQ in India has some common factors and many differences when compared to the Euro-American studies.
Sensitivity of coda wave interferometry to fluid migration through rock
Authors: Desmond Kenneth W. , Valenza John J.
Published: February 2019

The sound speed of a porous medium changes with fluid substitution when the fluids have different acoustic properties. The authors demonstrate that coda wave interferometry is capable of sensing subtle local sound speed changes associated with minute fluid displacements, Δh. In fact the resolution on fluid motion is given by a simple scaling relationship, Δhmin/λ∼t−γe2αt, where t is the waveform time, λ is the wavelength, γ is a constant that varies based on the nature of the acoustic propagation, and α is a system specific acoustic attenuation coefficient. In contrast to the conventional notion that later arrivals (further into the coda) give greater sensitivity to fluid movement, this scaling relationship suggests that there is a temporal optimum in sensitivity to Δh. This is the case even though later arrivals exhibit signal intensities well above the noise floor. The authors elucidate the physical basis for determining the waveform time at which the sensitivity is optimal.
Specificity, versatility, and control of TGF-β family signaling
Authors: Derynck Rik , Budi Erine H.
Published: February 2019

Molecular function and pathway cross-talk in TGF-β signaling reveal its complexity and open questions.
Complete Genome Sequences of Streptococcus pneumoniae Strains HU-OH (Serotype 3, Sequence Type 183 [ST183]), NU83127 (Serotype 4, ST246), and ATCC 49619 (Serotype 19F, ST1203)
Authors: Nagaoka Kentaro , Konno Satoshi , Murase Kazunori , Kikuchi Taisei , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Yanagihara Katsunori , Nakagawa Ichiro
Published: February 2019

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a pathogenic bacterium frequently found in the respiratory tract of humans and commonly causes pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. Here, the complete circular genome sequences of three
S. pneumoniae
strains with different serotypes and sequence types have been reported.
Genome Sequence of
Rhizobium jaguaris
CCGE525
T
, a Strain Isolated from
Calliandra grandiflora
Nodules from a Rain Forest in Mexico
Authors: Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E. , Guerrero Gabriela , Rogel-Hernández Marco A. , Martínez-Romero Esperanza
Published: February 2019

We present the genome sequence of
Rhizobium jaguaris
CCGE525
T
, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from nodules of
Calliandra grandiflora
. CCGE525
T
belongs to
Rhizobium tropici
group A, represents the symbiovar calliandrae, and forms nitrogen-fixing nodules in
Phaseolus vulgaris
.
High-Quality Complete Genome Sequences of Three Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Retrieved from Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Magalhães Bárbara , Senn Laurence , Blanc Dominique S.
Published: February 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is one of the major Gram-negative pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Here, we present high-quality genome sequences of isolates from three
P. aeruginosa
genotypes retrieved from patients hospitalized in intensive care units.
Draft Genome Sequence of Thermosipho globiformans Strain MN14
Authors: Igarashi Kensuke
Published: February 2019

Thermosipho globiformans
strain MN14, a Gram-negative, heterotrophic, thermophilic bacterium, was isolated from a hydrothermal vent in the western Pacific Ocean. Here, I present the 1.9-Mb draft genome sequence of the strain, which consists of 75 contigs with 30.8% GC content and 1,900 predicted protein-coding genes.
Endoscopic control of gastric emptying after administration of intravenous erythromycin in an awake patient scheduled for urgent rigid bronchoscopy
Authors: Nawabi Sultan , Frossard Jean-Louis , Plojoux Jerome , Czarnetzki Christoph
Published: February 2019

Certain interventional pulmonology procedures such as the placement of a tracheal stent or resection of stenosing tracheal tumours require rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia. Unlike an endotracheal tube with a cuff, the rigid bronchoscope only partially protects the airway from bronchoaspiration. For this reason, this procedure is performed on an elective basis in fasted patients. We describe the case of a 60-year-old man with acute respiratory distress requiring emergent rigid bronchoscopy following distal migration of a tracheal stent. One hour before the procedure, the patient had eaten a full meal. Gastric emptying was accelerated by perfusion of intravenous erythromycin and verified by endoscopy with a small diameter gastric endoscope under local anaesthesia. This 1 min procedure was very well tolerated by the patient and allowed to verify with certainty that the stomach was empty. The urgent rigid bronchoscopy for stent retrieval could then be performed safely without any risk of bronchoaspiration.
Temporal bone involvement of IgG4-related disease: a rare condition misleading to petrous apicitis causing lateral rectus palsy
Authors: Chowsilpa Sanathorn , Chowsilpa Sayanan , Teeranoraseth Tanyathorn , Roongrotwattanasiri Kannika
Published: February 2019

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) of temporal bone is rare and clinical manifestation mimics infection. A 19-year-old female presented with progressive left earache and intermittent left nasal obstruction. Then, she rapidly developed left lateral rectus palsy. The physical examination revealed mild redness of left tympanic membrane and a small nasal polyp from the left middle meatus. CT scan showed left petrous apicitis and enhancing sinonasal mucosa. Therefore, Gradenigo’s syndrome was first considered. The empirical intravenous antibiotic was immediately prescribed and surgery was performed. The intraoperative pale soft tissue mass in middle ear and polyp in the left nasal cavity were sent for pathological examination and found positive immunohistochemical stains for IgG4 in plasma cells. Systemic corticosteroid, the first-line treatment, was started and her symptoms were finally recovery.
Striving towards integrated people-centred health services: reflections on the Australian experience
Authors: Legge David G
Published: February 2019

Health systems around the world are under continuing pressure for reform. Health system reform involves both content and process. Content deals with changes to the structures of the health system; process deals with the strategies of change. In this paper, we reflect on the development of the Australian healthcare system and draw out lessons regarding both structural and developmental principles. We review the historical development and functional performance of a range of ‘programmes’ which comprise the Australian health system. We use WHO’s 2016 ‘framework on integrated people‐centred health services’ as a standard against which to evaluate the performance of the different programmes. A model of health system development featuring incremental change, windows of opportunity and policy coherence is used to frame some lessons from the Australian experience regarding reform strategy. Several of the programmes reviewed can be shown to have contributed positively to integrated and people-centred services. However, there have also been significant shortfalls in performance. The successes and the shortfalls of the programmes reviewed reflect both their histories and their contemporary context. Structural principles emerging from this review include the policy leverage available under single payer purchasing and on the other hand the fragmenting effects of privatisation and marketisation. Lessons regarding strategies of reform include cultivating ‘reform readiness’ across all of the locations and levels where opportunities for change may emerge while cultivating system wide coherence through a shared vision of how the system as a whole should develop.
Multi-phase reactivations and inversions of Paleozoic–Mesozoic extensional basins during the Wilson cycle: case studies from the North Sea (UK) and the Northern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Scisciani Vittorio , Patruno Stefano , Tavarnelli Enrico , Calamita Fernando , Pace Paolo , Iacopini David
Published: February 2019

The Caledonian and Variscan orogens in northern Europe and the Alpine-age Apennine range in Italy are classic examples of thrust belts that were developed at the expense of formerly rifted, passive continental margins that subsequently experienced various degrees of post-orogenic collapse and extension. The outer zones of orogenic belts, and their adjoining foreland domains and regions, where the effects of superposed deformations are mild to very mild make it possible to recognize and separate structures produced at different times and to correctly establish their chronology and relationships. In this paper we integrate subsurface data (2D and 3D seismic reflection and well logs), mainly from the North Sea, and structural field evidence, mainly from the Apennines, with the aim of reconstructing and refining the structural evolution of these two provinces which, in spite of their different ages and present-day structural framework, share repeated pulses of alternating extension and compression. The main outcome of this investigation is that in both scenarios, during repeated episodes of inversion that are a characteristic feature of the Wilson cycle, inherited basement structures were effective in controlling stress localization along faults affecting younger sedimentary cover rocks.
Giant Vesicles and Their Use in Assays for Assessing Membrane Phase State, Curvature, Mechanics, and Electrical Properties
Authors: Dimova Rumiana
Published: February 2019

Giant unilamellar vesicles represent a promising and extremely useful model biomembrane system for systematic measurements of mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, and rheological properties of lipid bilayers as a function of membrane composition, surrounding media, and temperature. The most important advantage of giant vesicles over other model membrane systems is that the membrane responses to external factors such as ions, (macro)molecules, hydrodynamic flows, or electromagnetic fields can be directly observed under the microscope. Here, we briefly review approaches for giant vesicle preparation and describe several assays used for deducing the membrane phase state and measuring a number of material properties, with further emphasis on membrane reshaping and curvature.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma-derived exosomes promote M2 subtype macrophage polarization mediated by exosome-enclosed miR-29a-3p
Authors: Cai Jinghua , Qiao Bin , Gao Ning , Lin Nan , He Wei
Published: February 2019

This study aims to explore the mechanism of the signal transmission between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and unpolarized stromal immune macrophages mediated by OSCC-derived exosomes (OSCC-Exo). Polarization of macrophages was found by detection of the level of protein markers or specific components for M1 subtype or M2 subtype macrophages, respectively. Exosomes extracted from two OSCC cell lines, which might have been transfected with micro-RNA (miR)-29a-3p inhibitor or mimic, were cocultured with macrophages to ensure the effect of exosome-enclosed miR-29a-3p on the polarization of macrophages. miR-29a-3p is highly expressed, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is low expressed and phosphorylated signal transduction and transcriptional activator 6 (p-STAT6) is highly expressed in OSCC tissues. Upregulation of miR-29a-3p is observed in OSCC-derived exosomes. When cocultured, OSCC-derived exosomes promote M2 subtype macrophage polarization and the medium of the coculture promotes the proliferation and invasion of SCC-9 and CAL-27 cells. After interfered silencing miR-29a-3p of OSCCs, SCC-9- and CAL-27 cell-derived exosomes inhibit M2 subtype macrophage polarization. On the other hand, cellular highly expressed miR-29a-3p of macrophages enhances M2 subtype macrophage polarization. Moreover, such macrophages promote the proliferation and invasion of SCC-9 and CAL-27. SOCS1 is a direct target for miR-29a-3p and could be negatively regulated by miR-29a-3p. Moreover, SOCS1 overexpression reverses the activity of SOCS1/STAT6 signals of macrophages and cell proliferation and invasion of OSCCs induced by miR-29a-3p overexpression. Also, overexpressed SOCS1 in macrophages counteracts the impact of OSCC-derived exosomes in M2 subtype macrophage polarization. Exosome-enclosed miR-29a-3p promotes tumor growth in nude mice with xenograft. OSCC-derived exosomes promote M2 subtype macrophage polarization mediated by exosome-enclosed miR-29a-3p, and the mechanism by miR-29a-3p is the activity of SOCS1/STAT6 signals in macrophages.
Early treatment with GLP-1 after severe trauma preserves renal function in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Xiang Lusha , Thompson Michael S. , Clemmer John S. , Mittwede Peter N. , Khan Tazim , Hester Robert L.
Published: February 2019

Early posttrauma hyperglycemia (EPTH) is correlated with later adverse outcomes, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Controlling EPTH in the prehospital setting is difficult because of the variability in the ideal insulin dosage and the potential risk of hypoglycemia, especially in those with confounding medical comorbidities of obesity and insulin resistance. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) controls glucose levels in a glucose-dependent manner and is a current target in antidiabetic therapy. We have shown that after orthopedic trauma, obese Zucker rats exhibit EPTH and a later development of AKI (within 24 h). We hypothesized that GLP-1 treatment after trauma decreases EPTH and protects renal function in obese Zucker rats. Obese Zucker rats (~12 wk old) were fasted for 4 h before trauma. Soft tissue injury, fibula fracture, and homogenized bone component injection were then performed in both hind limbs to induce severe extremity trauma. Plasma glucose levels were measured before and 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min after trauma. GLP-1 (3 μg·kg−1·h−1, 1.5 ml/kg total) or saline was continuously infused from 30 min to 5 h after trauma. Afterwards, rats were placed in metabolic cages overnight for urine collection. The following day, plasma interleukin (IL)-6 levels, renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and renal oxygen delivery (Do2) and consumption (V̇o2) were measured. EPTH was evident within 15 min after trauma but was significantly ameliorated during the 5 h of GLP-1 infusion. One day after trauma, plasma IL-6 was markedly increased in the trauma group and decreased in GLP-1-treated animals. RBF, GFR, and Do2all significantly decreased with trauma, but renal V̇o2was unchanged. GLP-1 treatment normalized RBF, GFR, and Do2without affecting V̇o2. These results suggest that GLP-1 decreases EPTH and protects against a later development of AKI. Early treatment with GLP-1 (or its analogs) to rapidly, effectively, and safely control EPTH may be beneficial in the prehospital care of obese patients after trauma.
Comparison of diabetic nephropathy between male and female eNOS−/− db/db mice
Authors: Ma Yuhong , Li Weizu , Yazdizadeh Shotorbani Parisa , Dubansky Brooke Hopkins , Huang Linjing , Chaudhari Sarika , Wu Peiwen , Wang Lei A. , Ryou Myoung-Gwi , Zhou Zhengyang , Ma Rong
Published: February 2019

Sex is an important biological variable that impacts diverse physiological and pathological processes, including the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient (eNOS−/−) db/ db mouse is an appropriate and valuable model to study mechanisms in the development of diabetic nephropathy because of the similarities of the features of diabetic kidney disease in this model to those in humans. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there was a sex difference in renal injury in eNOS−/− db/ db mice. Both male and female eNOS−/− db/ db mice showed hyperglycemia, obesity, and renal hypertrophy. However, there was no significant difference in those variables between male and female mice. Furthermore, both male and female diabetic mice showed progressive albuminuria and significantly greater levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen compared with the same sex of wild-type mice (nondiabetic controls). Although all three variables in female eNOS−/− db/ db mice had a tendency to be greater than those in male eNOS−/− db/ db mice, those sex differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, both male and female eNOS−/− db/ db mice showed significant mesangial expansion, higher glomerular injury scores, profound renal fibrosis, and substantial accumulation of fibronectin and collagen type IV proteins. However, sex differences in those structural changes were not observed. Similarly, survival rates of male and female eNOS−/− db/ db mice were comparable. Taken together, the results from the present study suggest no sex difference in renal structural and functional damage in eNOS−/− db/ db mice.
Effects of aerobic exercise on vascular function in nondialysis chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kirkman Danielle L. , Ramick Meghan G. , Muth Bryce J. , Stock Joseph M. , Pohlig Ryan T. , Townsend Raymond R. , Edwards David G.
Published: February 2019

Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are nontraditional risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) that could be targeted with exercise. This study investigated the effect of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise on vascular function in nondialysis CKD. In this randomized, controlled trial, 36 nondialysis patients with CKD (means ± SE, age: 58 ± 2 yr, estimated glomerular filtration rate: 44 ± 2 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2) were allocated to an exercise training (EXT) or control (CON) arm. The EXT group performed 3 × 45 min of supervised exercise per week at 60–85% heart rate reserve for 12 wk, whereas the CON group received routine care. Outcomes were assessed at 0 and 12 wk. The primary outcome, microvascular function, was assessed via cutaneous vasodilation during local heating measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry coupled with microdialysis. Participants were instrumented with two microdialysis fibers for the delivery of 1) Ringer solution and 2) the superoxide scavenger tempol. Conduit artery function was assessed via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Aortic pressure waveforms and pulse wave velocity were acquired with tonometry and oscillometry. Microvascular function improved after EXT ( week 0 vs . week 12, EXT: 87 ± 2% vs. 91 ± 2% and CON: 86 ± 2% vs. 84 ± 3%, P = 0.03). At baseline, pharmacological delivery of tempol improved microvascular function (Ringer solution vs. tempol: 86 ± 1% vs. 90 ± 1%, P = 0.02) but was no longer effective after EXT (91 ± 2% vs. 87 ± 1%, P = 0.2), suggesting that an improved redox balance plays a role in EXT-related improvements. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was maintained after EXT (EXT: 2.6 ± 0.4% vs. 3.8 ± 0.8% and CON: 3.5 ± 0.6% vs. 2.3 ± 0.4%, P = 0.02). Central arterial hemodynamics and arterial stiffness were unchanged after EXT. Aerobic exercise improved microvascular function and maintained conduit artery function and should be considered as an adjunct therapy to reduce CVD risk in CKD.
Complementary spatial and timing control in rhythmic arm movements
Authors: Nickl Robert W. , Ankarali M. Mert , Cowan Noah J.
Published: February 2019

Volitional rhythmic motor behaviors such as limb cycling and locomotion exhibit spatial and timing regularity. Such rhythmic movements are executed in the presence of exogenous visual and nonvisual cues, and previous studies have shown the pivotal role that vision plays in guiding spatial and temporal regulation. However, the influence of nonvisual information conveyed through auditory or touch sensory pathways, and its effect on control, remains poorly understood. To characterize the function of nonvisual feedback in rhythmic arm control, we designed a paddle juggling task in which volunteers bounced a ball off a rigid elastic surface to a target height in virtual reality by moving a physical handle with the right hand. Feedback was delivered at two key phases of movement: visual feedback at ball peaks only and simultaneous audio and haptic feedback at ball-paddle collisions. In contrast to previous work, we limited visual feedback to the minimum required for jugglers to assess spatial accuracy, and we independently perturbed the spatial dimensions and the timing of feedback. By separately perturbing this information, we evoked dissociable effects on spatial accuracy and timing, confirming that juggling, and potentially other rhythmic tasks, involves two complementary processes with distinct dynamics: spatial error correction and feedback timing synchronization. Moreover, we show evidence that audio and haptic feedback provide sufficient information for the brain to control the timing synchronization process by acting as a metronome-like cue that triggers hand movement.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Vision contains rich information for control of rhythmic arm movements; less is known, however, about the role of nonvisual feedback (touch and sound). Using a virtual ball bouncing task allowing independent real-time manipulation of spatial location and timing of cues, we show their dissociable roles in regulating motor behavior. We confirm that visual feedback is used to correct spatial error and provide new evidence that nonvisual event cues act to reset the timing of arm movements.
Comparative Study on the Influence of Some Medicinal Plants on Diabetes Induced by Streptozotocin in Male Rats
Authors: Almalki Daklallah A. , Alghamdi Sameera A. , Al-Attar Atef M.
Published: February 2019

Medicinal plants have played an important role in the treatment of many diseases. Medicinal plants are believed to be well appropriate with the human body and to produce less side influences than the pharmaceuticals. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has abundant and wide variety of medicinal plants whose therapeutic effects have not been adequately studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic activities of the extracts of three plant species collected from Albaha region of Saudi Arabia includingOlea oleaster(Oleaceae family) leaves (OLE),Juniperus procera(Cupressaceae family) leaves (JLE), andOpuntia ficus-indica(Cactaceae family) stems (OSE) on streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic male rats. The animals were distributed into eight groups. The first group was used as normal control. The second group was diabetic control. Diabetic rats of the third, fourth, and fifth groups were supplemented with OLE, JLE, and OSE, respectively. Normal rats of the sixth, seventh, and eighth groups were treated with OLE, JLE, and OSE, respectively. As expected, the mean of body weight was significantly decreased in rats of the second group. Significant increase in the value of serum glucose and decline of insulin value were observed in rats of the second group. Several alterations of lipid and protein profile and oxidative stress markers were noted in diabetic control rats. Severe histopathological alterations of pancreatic tissues were observed in untreated diabetic rats. The obtained results showed that OLE, JLE, and OSE attenuated the physiological and histopathological alterations. These new data indicate that the attenuation influences of OLE, JLE, and OSE attributed to their antioxidant properties confirmed by oxidative stress markers evaluation.
A pH-Responsive Multifunctional Nanocarrier in the Application of Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Gao Ziyu , Tan Huaping , Zhang Long
Published: February 2019

In cancer therapy, combined utilization of anticancer drug and photosensitizer attracts increasing interest due to enhanced curative effects and reduced side effects. Since the drug delivery system is an effective method to enhance curative effects, drug carriers for codelivery of the two abovementioned molecules are essentially important for chemophotodynamic therapy. Based on the foundation, a nanocarrier with pH-responsive and targeted properties was designed, prepared, and researched in the work. A pH-sensitive nanoparticle was fabricated by acetylated β-cyclodextrin (Ac-β-CD) using oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion technique. During the fabrication processing, a functional emulgator (gelation-folic acid ester (G-FA)) with a biorecognition domain was absorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle, which endowed a nanoparticle-targeted property. The nanoparticle exhibited a coarse surface, pH-responsive property, and similar fluorescence characteristic as G-FA. The cell endocytosis profile revealed that equilibrium endocytosis could be reached after being cocultured with 1.0 mg/mL nanoparticle for 8 h. Furthermore, camptothecin (CPT) as an anticancer drug and phthalocyanine (PcZn) as a photosensitizer were encapsulated into the nanoparticle during the fabrication processing. The nanoparticle enhanced the fluorescence effects of PcZn on water solution, and CPT encapsulation proportion was slightly influenced by initial CPT concentration. The pH value influenced the PcZn fluorescence behavior and CPT release behavior of the nanoparticle. In vitro cytoviability evaluation confirmed the therapeutic effect of the nanocarrier on HEP2 cells. Finally, the results of preliminary in vivo evaluation revealed that the reported nanocarrier in the research could inhibit cancer development with little effects on the body weight of mice.
Enhancing Biocompatibility without Compromising Material Properties: An Optimised NaOH Treatment for Electrospun Polycaprolactone Fibres
Authors: Bosworth Lucy A. , Hu Wanxiao , Shi Yingnan , Cartmell Sarah H.
Published: February 2019

This research presents the first optimised protocol for submersion of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibres in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to improve surface hydrophilicity, and hence biocompatibility, without compromising material properties. The study comprised two aims: (1) identify the leading NaOH concentration (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 M) and submersion time (0, 1, 4, and 24 h) to improve hydrophilicity with minimal impact on tensile properties and (2) once identified, undertake material characterisation and in vitro testing for validation. 1 M 4 h (NaOH concentration: 1 M, submersion time: 4 h) improved hydrophilicity (aligned fibres at 0 M NaOH and 0 h submersion time reduced from 97±3° to 6±2°; and random fibres at 0 M 0 h reduced from 105±4° to 15±7°) with minimal impact on tensile strength (9% and 6% loss aligned and random, respectively). 1 M 4 h-treated scaffolds demonstrated no significant change in material properties, yet notably improved protein adsorption and attachment, viability and elongation of 3T3 fibroblasts 4 h postseeding. Thus, 1 M 4 h is optimal for successful wet chemical treatment of electrospun PCL and presents a simple and economical method to easily enhance biocompatibility without compromising scaffold integrity.
Atypical Causes of Urinary Tract Obstruction
Authors: Yap Ernie , Salifu Moro , Ahmad Tahir , Sanusi A. , Joseph Anthony , Mallappallil Mary
Published: February 2019

Acute kidney injury due to urinary tract obstruction invariably suggests lower urinary tract obstruction or bilateral ureteric obstruction since obstruction of a single kidney while the contralateral kidney is normal and not obstructed would not cause a perceptible rise in creatinine. Assuming a total body volume of 42 L, 70 kg male that generates approximately 1400 mg of creatinine daily (20 mg/kg/day) who has complete urinary tract obstruction would experience a 3.33 mg/dL per day increase in serum creatinine. Thus, for an individual who had prior normal renal function and who presents with a creatinine of 30 mg/dL, one could surmise that the obstructive pathology had lasted at least 10 days. However, the rise in serum creatinine is a poor marker of renal injury and subsequent prognosis. Urinary tract obstruction leading to AKI can be due to a variety of causes, and its management is tailored to the underlying etiology. This case series describes the varied clinical course of four patients at our center who experienced AKI from atypical causes of obstructive uropathy. Current and future diagnostic modalities and caveats in the treatment of this disease entity are also discussed.