bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Guohua , Huang Maomao , Li Shuzhen , Li Moyi , Xia Rui , Zhou Wenji , Tao Jing , Chen Lidian
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between the cognitive changes of normal aging and dementia characterised by a reduction in memory and/or other cognitive processes. An increasing number of studies have indicated that regular physical activity/exercise may have beneficial association with cognitive function of older adults with or without cognitive impairment. As a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise, Baduanjin may be even more beneficial in promoting cognitive ability in older adults with MCI, but the evidence is still insufficient. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Baduanjin exercise on neuropsychological outcomes of community-dwelling older adults with MCI, and to explore its mechanism of action from neuroimaging based on functional MRI (fMRI) and cerebrovascular function.

Methods and analysis

The design of this study is a randomised, controlled trial with three parallel groups in a 1:1:1 allocation ratio with allocation concealment and assessor blinding. A total of 135 participants will be enrolled and randomised to the 24-week Baduanjin exercise intervention, 24-week brisk walking intervention and 24-week usual physical activity control group. Global cognitive function and the specific domains of cognition (memory, processing speed, executive function, attention and verbal learning and memory) will be assessed at baseline and 9, 17, 25 and 37 weeks after randomisation, while the structure and function of brain regions related to cognitive function and haemodynamic variables of the brain will be measured by fMRI and transcranial Doppler, respectively, at baseline and 25 and 37 weeks after randomisation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was given by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second People's Hospital of Fujian Province (approval number 2014-KL045-02). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-ICR-15005795; Pre-results.
Lung-protective ventilation initiated in the emergency department (LOV-ED): a study protocol for a quasi-experimental, before-after trial aimed at reducing pulmonary complications
Authors: Fuller Brian M , Ferguson Ian , Mohr Nicholas M , Stephens Robert J , Briscoe Cristopher C , Kolomiets Angelina A , Hotchkiss Richard S , Kollef Marin H
Published: April 2016

Introduction

In critically ill patients, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and ventilator-associated conditions (VACs) are associated with increased mortality, survivor morbidity and healthcare resource utilisation. Studies conclusively demonstrate that initial ventilator settings in patients with ARDS, and at risk for it, impact outcome. No studies have been conducted in the emergency department (ED) to determine if lung-protective ventilation in patients at risk for ARDS can reduce its incidence. Since the ED is the entry point to the intensive care unit for hundreds of thousands of mechanically ventilated patients annually in the USA, this represents a knowledge gap in this arena. A lung-protective ventilation strategy was instituted in our ED in 2014. It aims to address the parameters in need of quality improvement, as demonstrated by our previous research: (1) prevention of volutrauma; (2) appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure setting; (3) prevention of hyperoxia; and (4) aspiration precautions.

Methods and analysis

The lung-protective ventilation initiated in the emergency department (LOV-ED) trial is a single-centre, quasi-experimental before-after study testing the hypothesis that lung-protective ventilation, initiated in the ED, is associated with reduced pulmonary complications. An intervention cohort of 513 mechanically ventilated adult ED patients will be compared with over 1000 preintervention control patients. The primary outcome is a composite outcome of pulmonary complications after admission (ARDS and VACs). Multivariable logistic regression with propensity score adjustment will test the hypothesis that ED lung-protective ventilation decreases the incidence of pulmonary complications.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval of the study was obtained prior to data collection on the first patient. As the study is a before-after observational study, examining the effect of treatment changes over time, it is being conducted with waiver of informed consent. This work will be disseminated by publication of full-length manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at major scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators through academically established means.

Trial registration number

NCT02543554.
Increasing Healthy Start food and vitamin voucher uptake for low income pregnant women (Early Years Collaborative Leith Pioneer Site)
Authors: Mackenzie Graham , Dougall Angela
Published: April 2016

Poverty has a detrimental impact on health and wellbeing. Healthy Start food and vitamin vouchers provide support for low income families across the UK, but at least 25% of eligible women and children miss out. We set out to increase uptake, with an aim of 90% of eligible women and children (n~540 eligible, varying over time) receiving vouchers in the initial team's catchment area by December 2015.

Starting with one midwife and one pregnant woman in March 2014 we used the model for improvement to identify ways to improve documentation, sign up, and referral. Weekly data on process measures and monthly data on voucher receipt were plotted on run charts.

Comparing medians for January-June 2014 and March-August 2015 there was a 13.3% rise in voucher receipt in Lothian (increase from 313 to 355 women), versus an 8.4% decline for the rest of Scotland (fall from 1688 to 1546 women). Figures varied by team, influenced by staff, family, and area factors. The initial aim proved unrealistic, as signing up a woman for vouchers increases both the numerator and denominator. Accordingly, the percentage uptake has not increased at a regional level (remains at 75%), though the figure for the initiating team (“team 3” in graphs) has increased from 73.0% (January 2014) to 79.0% (November 2015). We have continued testing, achieving recent increases in the number of women referred for welfare rights advice on benefits, tax credits, employment rights, childcare, and debt, securing on average £4,500 per client during 2015/16 (£404k for 89 clients by mid September 2015).

This improvement project, part of the Early Years Collaborative in Scotland, has had a measureable impact on pregnant women across Lothian. Success has relied on testing, an electronic maternity record, rapid dissemination of findings through direct engagement with clinical teams, and persistence. Our findings have relevance across the UK, particularly at a time of worsening finances for many families.
Work-family life courses and metabolic markers in mid-life: evidence from the British National Child Development Study
Authors: McMunn Anne , Lacey Rebecca E , Kumari Meena , Worts Diana , McDonough Peggy , Sacker Amanda
Published: April 2016

Background

Previous studies have found generally better health among those who combine employment and family responsibilities; however, most research excludes men, and relies on subjective measures of health and information on work and family activities from only 1 or 2 time points in the life course. This study investigated associations between work-family life course types (LCTs) and markers of metabolic risk in a British birth cohort study.

Methods

Multichannel sequence analysis was used to generate work-family LCTs, combining annual information on work, partnership and parenthood between 16 and 42 years for men and women in the British National Child Development Study (NCDS, followed since their birth in 1958). Associations between work-family LCTs and metabolic risk factors in mid-life (age 44–45) were tested using multivariate linear regression in multiply imputed data.

Results

Life courses characterised by earlier transitions into parenthood were associated with significantly increased metabolic risk, regardless of attachment to paid work or marital stability over the life course. These associations were only partially attenuated by educational qualifications, early life circumstances and adult mediators. The positive association between weak labour markets ties and metabolic risk was weaker than might be expected from previous studies. Associations between work-family LCTs and metabolic risk factors did not differ significantly by gender.

Conclusions

Earlier transitions to parenthood are linked to metabolic risk in mid-life.
Damage Assessment in Bridges Based on Measured Natural Frequencies
Authors: Mekjavić Ivana , Damjanović Domagoj
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an identification technique for damage assessment of structures where only the information about the changes of measured natural frequencies can be directly utilized. The structural damage is characterized by a local decrease in the stiffness as represented by a scalar reduction of the material modulus. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using such a technique for identifying the structural damage in a real steel girder bridge. Numerical examples involving damaged reinforced concrete beams are first used to demonstrate the capability of the proposed computational technique, based on the nonlinear perturbation theory, to predict the exact location and severity of the damage. To experimentally validate the theory, laboratory damage detection experiments were performed on a simply supported reinforced concrete beam with various damage scenarios as the example. The results of the damage identification procedure based on the measurement of structure’s frequencies before and after occurrence of the damage show that this method can accurately locate the damage and predict the extent of damage. The method performs well even for a structure with a very serious damage as demonstrated by application of the proposed direct iteration technique to a six-span steel girder bridge. Using a limited number of measured natural frequencies, significant reduction in the stiffness of the bridge at multi-sites is detected.
Numerical Simulation of Three-Fluid Stratified Flow Using the Level-Set Method
Authors: Li H. Y. , Yap Y. F. , Lou J. , Shang Z.
Published: April 2016

Laminar three-fluid stratified flow which involves two different moving interfaces is numerically investigated in a two-dimensional domain in this paper. These interfaces are captured using the level-set method via two level-set functions. The effects of various parameters including Froude number Fr and Weber number We as well as the initial locations of the two interfaces on the evolution of the two interfaces are investigated. It is found that the decrease of We number increases the entry length. For a given volumetric flow rate ratio, the interfacial location at fully developed flow is identical irrespective of the Froude and Weber numbers as well as the initial interfacial location at the inlet. The interfacial locations for fully developed flow show distinct behaviors under different flow rate ratios and viscosity ratios. Increase of volumetric flow rate and viscosity for any one of the fluids increases the pressure drop in the channel. The study of pressure gradient reduction factor (PGRF) shows that it is possible to achieve pressure gradient reduction by introducing less viscous fluids in the transportation of a more viscous fluid.
WHEN A SMILE DOES NO GOOD: CREATIVITY REDUCTION AMONG AVOIDANCE- VERSUS APPROACH-ORIENTED INDIVIDUALS IN DYADIC INTERACTIONS
Authors: FUJIWARA KEN , TAKEMURA KOSUKE , SUZUKI SATOKO
Published: April 2016

This study examined the influence of others’ smiles on individuals’ creativity. According to popular belief, individuals get motivated to be more creative when others smile at them. In contrast, we hypothesised that smiles would make avoidance-oriented (versus approach-oriented) individuals less creative, as they may lose the motivation to pursue further novelty once they gain social approval, as implied by a smile. Forty-two participants were paired with a same-sex stranger and randomly assigned to the role of either an “illustrator” or a “commentator.” The illustrators performed the Alien Drawing Task and the commentators gave feedbacks regarding the drawing, which were repeated six times and video-recorded. As expected, the results showed significant interaction effects between others’ smiles and avoidance orientation on creativity: participants high in avoidance orientation showed less creativity when others smiled at them. In addition, nodding had the same effect as a smile did, confirming that social approval decreases the creativity of avoidance-oriented individuals.
FOREIGN MARKET KNOWLEDGE, COUNTRY SALES BREADTH AND INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE OF EMERGING ECONOMY FIRMS
Authors: WILLIAMS CHRISTOPHER , COLOVIC ANA , ZHU JIQING
Published: April 2016

We examine the impact of foreign market knowledge on innovative performance in emerging economy firms. We also study how this relationship is moderated by country sales breadth, i.e., the diversity of countries in which the firm derives sales. We test two competing theoretical perspectives on this relationship: diversity logic suggesting country sales breadth is beneficial to innovative performance, and time compression diseconomies logic suggesting the opposite. Drawing from a sample of 92 Chinese firms, we show that foreign market knowledge has a positive impact on innovative performance, and that this relationship is positively moderated by country sales breadth. Our study suggests that managers in Chinese firms develop effective capabilities in accessing, integrating and utilising foreign market knowledge from a breadth of international sources in their quest for innovation.
REVISITING THE MODULARITY-PERFORMANCE NEXUS: BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION AS A MISSING MECHANISM
Authors: NAJMAEI ARASH
Published: April 2016

Prior research on the modularity–performance nexus is heavily biased towards product innovation, leaving the impact of modularity on other types of innovation such as business model innovation unknown. This study seeks to address this gap. To do so, we develop and test a parsimonious model which examines whether a firm’s pursuit of business model innovation serves as a salient conduit through which modular product and process translate to firm performance. In addition, we examine environmental dynamism as a contingency that to further illuminate these associations. Using data from 87 manufacturing SMEs in Australia we find partial support for our model. Specifically, we find that pursuit of BMI is a missing mechanism only in the process modularity-performance nexus not the product modularity. In addition, contrary to predictions, we observe that environmental dynamism negatively moderates this relationship. These findings have important implication for theory and practice of innovation management. We discuss these implications and suggest several directions for future research.
Covalent modification of graphite oxide with acetic anhydride to enhance dispersibility in organic solvents
Authors: Li Jingjing , Yang Anwei , Zhang Chen , Zhang Lei , Sun Feifei , Ma Ning
Published: April 2016

Graphite oxide (GO) was modified by acetic anhydride via a catalyzed ring-opening reaction of the attached epoxy groups at very mild condition. The dispersion of the modified GO is thus largely imporved in many organic solvents and the highest GO concentration reaches 2.0[Formula: see text]mg/mL in alkyl(aryl) chlorides, ethers, alcohols and cyclohexane, which is amongst the highest value for GO in organics.
An equivalent dipole analysis of PZT ceramics and lead-free piezoelectric single crystals
Authors: Bell Andrew J.
Published: April 2016

The recently proposed Equivalent Dipole Model for describing the electromechanical properties of ionic solids in terms of 3 ions and 2 bonds has been applied to PZT ceramics and lead-free single crystal piezoelectric materials, providing analysis in terms of an effective ionic charge and the asymmetry of the interatomic force constants. For PZT it is shown that, as a function of composition across the morphotropic phase boundary, the dominant bond compliance peaks at 52% ZrO2. The stiffer of the two bonds shows little composition dependence with no anomaly at the phase boundary. The effective charge has a maximum value at 50% ZrO2, decreasing across the phase boundary region, but becoming constant in the rhombohedral phase. The single crystals confirm that both the asymmetry in the force constants and the magnitude of effective charge are equally important in determining the values of the piezoelectric charge coefficient and the electromechanical coupling coefficient. Both are apparently temperature dependent, increasing markedly on approaching the Curie temperature.
Reagentless, Structure-Switching, Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sensors
Authors: Schoukroun-Barnes Lauren R. , Macazo Florika C. , Gutierrez Brenda , Lottermoser Justine , Liu Juan , White Ryan J.
Published: April 2016

The development of structure-switching, electrochemical, aptamer-based sensors over the past ∼10 years has led to a variety of reagentless sensors capable of analytical detection in a range of sample matrices. The crux of this methodology is the coupling of target-induced conformation changes of a redox-labeled aptamer with electrochemical detection of the resulting altered charge transfer rate between the redox molecule and electrode surface. Using aptamer recognition expands the highly sensitive detection ability of electrochemistry to a range of previously inaccessible analytes. In this review, we focus on the methods of sensor fabrication and how sensor signaling is affected by fabrication parameters. We then discuss recent studies addressing the fundamentals of sensor signaling as well as quantitative characterization of the analytical performance of electrochemical aptamer-based sensors. Although the limits of detection of reported electrochemical aptamer-based sensors do not often reach that of gold-standard methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, the operational convenience of the sensor platform enables exciting analytical applications that we address. Using illustrative examples, we highlight recent advances in the field that impact important areas of analytical chemistry. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects for this class of sensors.
Variation in the Ability to Taste Bitter Thiourea Compounds: Implications for Food Acceptance, Dietary Intake, and Obesity Risk in Children
Authors: Keller Kathleen L. , Adise Shana
Published: April 2016

The ability to taste bitter thiourea compounds, such as phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), is inherited. Polymorphisms in the bitter-taste receptor TAS2R38 explain the majority of phenotypic variation in the PROP phenotype. It has been hypothesized that the PROP phenotype is a marker for perception of a variety of chemosensory experiences. In this review, we discuss studies that have investigated the relationship between bitter-taste response and dietary behaviors and chronic health in children. Investigators have hypothesized that children who are PROP tasters have lower liking and consumption of bitter foods, such as cruciferous vegetables. Additionally, several studies suggest that children who are unable to taste PROP (i.e., nontasters) like and consume more dietary fat and are prone to obesity. The relationship between the PROP phenotype and obesity is influenced by multiple confounders, including sex, food access, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Future studies that adjust for these variables are needed.
Transcriptional regulation of FoxO3 gene by glucocorticoids in murine myotubes
Authors: Kuo Taiyi , Liu Patty H. , Chen Tzu-Chieh , Lee Rebecca A. , New Jenny , Zhang Danyun , Lei Cassandra , Chau Andy , Tang Yicheng , Cheung Edna , Wang Jen-Chywan
Published: April 2016

Glucocorticoids and FoxO3 exert similar metabolic effects in skeletal muscle. FoxO3 gene expression was increased by dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, both in vitro and in vivo. In C2C12 myotubes the increased expression is due to, at least in part, the elevated rate of FoxO3 gene transcription. In the mouse FoxO3 gene, we identified three glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding regions (GBRs): one being upstream of the transcription start site, −17kbGBR; and two in introns, +45kbGBR and +71kbGBR. Together, these three GBRs contain four 15-bp glucocorticoid response elements (GREs). Micrococcal nuclease (MNase) assay revealed that Dex treatment increased the sensitivity to MNase in the GRE of +45kbGBR and +71kbGBR upon 30- and 60-min Dex treatment, respectively. Conversely, Dex treatment did not affect the chromatin structure near the −17kbGBR, in which the GRE is located in the linker region. Dex treatment also increased histone H3 and/or H4 acetylation in genomic regions near all three GBRs. Moreover, using chromatin conformation capture (3C) assay, we showed that Dex treatment increased the interaction between the −17kbGBR and two genomic regions: one located around +500 bp and the other around +73 kb. Finally, the transcriptional coregulator p300 was recruited to all three GBRs upon Dex treatment. The reduction of p300 expression decreased FoxO3 gene expression and Dex-stimulated interaction between distinct genomic regions of FoxO3 gene identified by 3C. Overall, our results demonstrate that glucocorticoids activated FoxO3 gene transcription through multiple GREs by chromatin structural change and DNA looping.
Glucose uptake and lipid metabolism are impaired in epicardial adipose tissue from heart failure patients with or without diabetes
Authors: Burgeiro Ana , Fuhrmann Amelia , Cherian Sam , Espinoza Daniel , Jarak Ivana , Carvalho Rui A. , Loureiro Marisa , Patrício Miguel , Antunes Manuel , Carvalho Eugénia
Published: April 2016

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease is a leading complication of diabetes. Epicardial adipose tissue surrounding the heart displays biochemical, thermogenic, and cardioprotective properties. However, the metabolic cross-talk between epicardial fat and the myocardium is largely unknown. This study sought to understand epicardial adipose tissue metabolism from heart failure patients with or without diabetes. We aimed to unravel possible differences in glucose and lipid metabolism between human epicardial and subcutaneous adipocytes and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms involved in heart failure. Insulin-stimulated [14C]glucose uptake and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis were measured in isolated epicardial and subcutaneous adipocytes. The expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in adipocytes. In addition, epicardial and subcutaneous fatty acid composition was analyzed by high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The difference between basal and insulin conditions in glucose uptake was significantly decreased ( P = 0.006) in epicardial compared with subcutaneous adipocytes. Moreover, a significant ( P < 0.001) decrease in the isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis was also observed when the two fat depots were compared, and it was strongly correlated with lipolysis, lipid storage, and inflammation-related gene expression. Moreover, the fatty acid composition of these tissues was significantly altered by diabetes. These results emphasize potential metabolic differences between both fat depots in the presence of heart failure and highlight epicardial fat as a possible therapeutic target in situ in the cardiac microenvironment.
On the Initial Value Problem of Stochastic Evolution Equations in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Zhang Xuping , Li Yongxiang , Chen Pengyu
Published: April 2016

The present paper studies the initial value problem of stochastic evolution equations with compact semigroup in real separable Hilbert spaces. The existence of saturated mild solution and global mild solution is obtained under the situation that the nonlinear term satisfies some appropriate growth conditions. The results obtained in this paper improve and extend some related conclusions on this topic. An example is also given to illustrate that our results are valuable.
Automatic Extraction of Appendix from Ultrasonography with Self-Organizing Map and Shape-Brightness Pattern Learning
Authors: Kim Kwang Baek , Song Doo Heon , Park Hyun Jun
Published: April 2016

Accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis is a difficult problem in practice especially when the patient is too young or women in pregnancy. In this paper, we propose a fully automatic appendix extractor from ultrasonography by applying a series of image processing algorithms and an unsupervised neural learning algorithm, self-organizing map. From the suggestions of clinical practitioners, we define four shape patterns of appendix and self-organizing map learns those patterns in pixel clustering phase. In the experiment designed to test the performance for those four frequently found shape patterns, our method is successful in 3 types (1 failure out of 45 cases) but leaves a question for one shape pattern (80% correct).
Rat Bite Fever Resembling Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Akter Ripa , Boland Paul , Daley Peter , Rahman Proton , Al Ghanim Nayef
Published: April 2016

Rat bite fever is rare in Western countries. It can be very difficult to diagnose as blood cultures are typically negative and a history of rodent exposure is often missed. Unless a high index of suspicion is maintained, the associated polyarthritis can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis. We report a case of culture-positive rat bite fever in a 46-year-old female presenting with fever and polyarthritis. The clinical presentation mimicked rheumatoid arthritis. Infection was complicated by discitis, a rare manifestation. We discuss the diagnosis and management of this rare zoonotic infection. We also review nine reported cases of rat bite fever, all of which had an initial presumptive diagnosis of a rheumatological disorder. Rat bite fever is a potentially curable infection but can have a lethal course if left untreated.
Prediction Approach of Critical Node Based on Multiple Attribute Decision Making for Opportunistic Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Qifan , Liu Linlan , Yang Zhiyong , Guo Kai
Published: April 2016

Predicting critical nodes of Opportunistic Sensor Network (OSN) can help us not only to improve network performance but also to decrease the cost in network maintenance. However, existing ways of predicting critical nodes in static network are not suitable for OSN. In this paper, the conceptions of critical nodes, region contribution, and cut-vertex in multiregion OSN are defined. We propose an approach to predict critical node for OSN, which is based on multiple attribute decision making (MADM). It takes RC to present the dependence of regions on Ferry nodes. TOPSIS algorithm is employed to find out Ferry node with maximum comprehensive contribution, which is a critical node. The experimental results show that, in different scenarios, this approach can predict the critical nodes of OSN better.
Cloud Multidomain Access Control Model Based on Role and Trust-Degree
Authors: Xie Lixia , Wang Chong
Published: April 2016

In order to solve the problem of access control among different security domains in cloud networks, this paper presents an access control model based on role and trust-degree. The model combines role-based access control and trust-based access control. The role assessment weights are defined based on the user’s role classes, and the trust-degree is calculated according to the role assessment weights and the role’s behavior. In order to increase the accuracy of access control, the model gives the concept and calculation methods of feedback trust-degree. To achieve fine-grained access control, the model introduces direct trust-degree, recommendation trust-degree, and feedback trust-degree, all of which participate in comprehensive trust-degree by adjusting their weights. A simulation experiment was conducted in the LAN environment, and a web system was used to construct an access control model with multisecurity domains in the experiment. The experimental results demonstrate that our model has higher security, expansibility, and flexibility.
Prenatal and Postnatal Management of Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation
Authors: David Mafalda , Lamas-Pinheiro Ruben , Henriques-Coelho Tiago
Published: April 2016

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is one of the most common lung lesions detected prenatally. Despite the research efforts made in the past few years, controversy and lack of clarity in the literature still exist regarding nomenclature, classification, pathogenesis and the management of CPAM. Therefore, it is of greatest importance to delineate the natural history of CPAMs and to create a consensus to guide the management and follow-up of these lesions. This review will focus on classification systems, highlighting the most recent advancements in pathogenesis, and current practice in the prenatal diagnosis of CPAM. Strategies of prenatal management and postnatal management will be reviewed. Long-term follow-up, including lung cancer risk, is discussed and an outcome perspective is presented.
ING4 Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Melanoma A375 Cells via the Fas/Caspase-8 Apoptosis Pathway
Authors: Ma Yanli , Cheng Xue , Wang Fei , Pan Jisheng , Liu Jing , Chen Hongxiao , Wang Yongchen , Cai Limin
Published: April 2016

Background: Inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) plays a role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, cell invasion and migration, but the mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. Objective: To explore how ING4 affects human malignant melanoma A375 cells. Methods: Recombinant lentiviral vectors (A375/pLenO-GTP-ING4) were constructed and transfected into A375 cells (experimental group). The impact of ING4 on the proliferation and apoptosis of A375 cells was investigated in in vitro and in vivo experiments in mice using the MTT assay and flow cytometry. Results: In the experimental group, optical density was lower and apoptotic cells were more frequent from days 2-5 (p = 0.000 and p < 0.01); there were smaller xenografts and more apoptotic cells in mice (all p < 0.05); moreover, increased levels of Fas, cleaved caspase-8 and caspase-3, and decreased levels of FasL and procyclic acidic repetitive protein were observed in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: ING4 might suppress proliferation and enhance apoptosis in human malignant melanoma cells by activating Fas-induced apoptosis in a caspase-8-dependent pathway.
Urachal Carcinoma with Choroidal, Lung, Lymph Node, Adrenal, Mammary, and Bone Metastases and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Showing Partial Response after Chemotherapy Treatment with a Modified Docetaxel, Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil Regimen
Authors: Dekeister Kathleen , Viguier Jean Louis , Martin Xavier , Nguyen Anh Minh , Boyle Helen , Flechon Aude
Published: April 2016

Urachal carcinoma (UC) is a rare tumor mainly affecting middle-aged males. Metastases occur most frequently in lymph nodes and the lungs. There are no standard adjuvant and metastatic treatments. We report the case of a 36-year-old female with UC treated with partial cystectomy who relapsed 3 years after surgery with left choroidal, lung, mediastinal lymph node, right adrenal, mammary, and bone metastases as well as peritoneal carcinomatosis. She obtained a partial response after 10 cycles of chemotherapy with a modified docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (mTPF) regimen. This is the first report on the use of the mTPF regimen in UC and on the existence of choroidal, adrenal, and mammary metastases.
Comparison of Aerobic Preservation by Venous Systemic Oxygen Persufflation or Oxygenated Machine Perfusion of Warm-Ischemia-Damaged Porcine Kidneys
Authors: Kalenski Julia , Mancina Elina , Paschenda Pascal , Beckers Christian , Bleilevens Christian , Tóthová Ľubomíra , Boor Peter , Gross Dominik , Tolba René H. , Doorschodt Benedict M.
Published: April 2016

Background/Aim: The global shortage of donor organs for transplantation has necessitated the expansion of the organ pool through increased use of organs from less ideal donors. Venous systemic oxygen persufflation (VSOP) and oxygenated machine perfusion (OMP) have previously demonstrated beneficial results compared to cold storage (CS) in the preservation of warm-ischemia-damaged kidney grafts. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of VSOP and OMP for the preservation of warm-ischemia-damaged porcine kidneys using the recently introduced Ecosol preservation solution compared to CS using Ecosol or histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (HTK). Materials and Methods: Kidneys from German Landrace pigs (n = 5/group) were retrieved and washed out with either Ecosol or HTK after 45 min of clamping of the renal pedicle. As controls, kidneys without warm ischemia, cold stored for 24 h in HTK, were employed. Following 24 h of preservation by VSOP, OMP, CS-Ecosol, or CS-HTK, renal function and damage were assessed during 1 h using the isolated perfused porcine kidney model. Results: During reperfusion, urine production was significantly higher in the VSOP and OMP groups than in the CS-HTK group; however, only VSOP could demonstrate lower urine protein concentrations and fractional excretion of sodium, which did not differ from the non-warm-ischemia-damaged control group. VSOP, CS-Ecosol, and controls showed better maintenance of the acid-base balance than CS-HTK. Reduced lipid peroxidation, as reflected in postreperfusion tissue thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels, was observed in the VSOP group compared to the OMP group, and the VSOP and CS-Ecosol groups had concentrations similar to the controls. The ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione was higher in the VSOP, OMP, and CS-Ecosol groups than in the CS-HTK group and controls, with a higher ratio in the VSOP than in the OMP group. Conclusion: VSOP was associated with mitigation of oxidative stress in comparison to OMP and CS. Preservation of warm-ischemia-damaged porcine kidneys by VSOP was improved compared to OMP and CS, and was comparable to preservation of non-warm-ischemia-damaged cold-stored kidneys.
Multiple Silent Lacunes Are Associated with Recurrent Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Andersen Søren Due , Skjøth Flemming , Yavarian Yousef , Bach Flemming W. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard
Published: April 2016

Background: Silent lacunes are a common finding on brain imaging in ischemic stroke patients, but the prognostic significance of these lesions is uncertain. We aimed at investigating the association of silent lacunes and the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence, death, and cardiovascular events in a cohort of patients with incident ischemic stroke and no atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We included 786 patients (mean age 59.5 (SD 14.0); 42.9% females) in a registry-based, observational cohort study on patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. On brain MRI we assessed the number of silent lacunes as none, single, or multiple and we calculated stratified incidence rates of the outcomes. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for age, gender, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and vascular disease were calculated with no silent lacunes as reference. In additional analyses, we further adjusted for white matter hyperintensities. Patients were followed up until death or recurrence of ischemic stroke. Results: In 81 (10.3%) patients, a single silent lacune was present, and in 87 (11.1%) patients, multiple silent lacunes were present. Patients with at least one silent lacune were older (mean age 66.1 vs. 57.7, p < 0.001) and were more often hypertensive (60.1 vs. 43.4%, p < 0.001) compared to patients with no silent lacunes. During a median follow-up time of 2.9 (interquartile range 3.1) years, we observed 53 recurrent ischemic strokes, 76 deaths, and 96 cardiovascular events. Incidence rates per 100 person-years of ischemic stroke recurrence were 1.6, 2.5, and 5.0 for none, single, and multiple silent lacunes respectively. Corresponding incidence rates were 2.6, 2.4, and 4.4 for death, and 3.4, 4.0, and 6.6 for cardiovascular events respectively. Adjusted HRs of ischemic stroke recurrence were 1.53 (0.67-3.49) and 2.52 (1.25-5.09) for a single and multiple silent lacunes, respectively. Further adjustment for white matter hyperintensities maintained positive association although not significant. Corresponding adjusted HRs were 0.56 (0.25-1.25) and 0.65 (0.33-1.25) for death and 1.16 (0.61-2.22) and 1.51 (0.86-2.66) for cardiovascular events. Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with incident ischemic stroke and no AF, an increasing number of silent lacunes was associated with increasing incidence rates of ischemic stroke recurrence. In the adjusted Cox proportional hazard analyses, the presence of multiple silent lacunes was significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke recurrence. The risk of death or cardiovascular events was not significantly influenced by the presence of silent lacunes.
Frequency and Detection of Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection in Hyperacute Stroke Management
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Koga Masatoshi , Ohara Tomoyuki , Ohyama Satoshi , Matsubara Soichiro , Minatoya Kenji , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose: Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) is a devastating aortic disease, and prompt diagnosis is sometimes difficult to make. Identification of AAD in suspected acute stroke patients is especially challenging. Nevertheless, the frequencies and predictive factors of AAD in suspected acute stroke patients have not been well investigated. The aim of this study was to elucidate the prevalence of and predictors for AAD in patients with suspected acute stroke. Methods: From January 2012 through January 2013, consecutive patients who visited our emergency department (ED) due to suspected acute (<24 h from onset) stroke were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical parameters including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and laboratory data were collected. Frequency of AAD in suspected acute stroke patients and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) subjects were assessed, and factors associated with AAD among AIS patients were investigated. Results: A total of 1,637 patients were included in this study. Five patients (0.31%, 95% CI 0.04-0.57) were diagnosed as having AAD. The prevalence of AAD in all AIS individuals during the study period was 1.09% (95% CI 0.14-2.05), and AAD accounted for 1.70% (95% CI 0.05-3.36) of AIS patients who appeared at the hospital within 4 h from onset. Most AAD patients presented with disturbed consciousness, and none of the AAD patients complained of chest pain. Neck ultrasonography detected an intimal flap in AAD patients. Two AAD cases died soon after ED arrival. The remaining 3 were promptly diagnosed as having AAD in the ED and underwent emergency surgery; all were discharged with only mild neurological symptoms. Low SBP in the right arm (cut-off value ≤110 mm Hg, sensitivity 100%, specificity 94.4%) and high D-dimer level (cut-off value ≥5.0 μg/ml, sensitivity 100%, specificity 91.7%) had high predictive values for detecting AAD in patients with AIS presenting within 4 h from onset. Conclusions: AAD was seen in 0.31% of suspected acute stroke patients and 1.70% of AIS patients presenting within 4 h from onset. AAD patients who were initially suspected as having acute stroke had severe neurological symptoms, including disturbance of consciousness, did not complain of typical chest pain, and when emergency surgery was performed, favorable neurological and survival outcomes were achieved. Low SBP in the right arm and high D-dimer level could predict AAD.
Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) as ectoparasites of Brazilian wild birds and their association with rickettsial diseases
Authors: Ogrzewalska Maria , Pinter Adriano
Published: April 2016

Os carrapatos (Acari: Ixodoidea) são ectoparasitas obrigatórias de uma variedade de hospedeiros vertebrados e têm um papel importante na ecologia e transmissão de diversos patógenos causadores de doenças em humanos e animais no mundo todo. No Brasil existem 68 espécies de carrapatos e pelo menos 23 espécies são encontradas parasitando aves silvestres. Esse número tem crescido com o advento de novos estudos ressaltando o papel das aves nos ciclos de vida desses artrópodes. Na América do Sul alguns desses carrapatos estão envolvidos na epidemiologia de doenças graves para o ser humano, como a febre maculosa, causada por bactérias do gênero Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). O alvo desse artigo é apresentar o estado atual de conhecimento sobre a fauna de carrapatos encontrados em aves no Brasil e as associações estabelecidas com as riquetsioses. A literatura disponível sobre carrapatos em aves e ocorrência de riquétsias foi revisada e pôde ser concluído que aves têm um papel importante nos ciclos de vida de várias espécies de carrapatos, sendo especialmente importantes para os estágios imaturos (larvas e ninfas). A maior parte do conhecimento sabrecai na fauna de carrapatos de aves dos biomas Mata Atlântica e Cerrado no sudeste e centro-oeste do Brasil. Já o conhecimento sobre o parasitismo por carrapatos em aves dos outros biomas: Amazônia, Caatinga, Pantanal e Pampas é muito limitado. Além disso, não há estudos sobre o papel de aves como disseminadores de carrapatos entre áreas e também o papel de aves no ciclo de Rickettsia não está totalmente esclarecido.
Laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernioplasty in a dog
Authors: Feranti João Pedro Scussel Feranti , Oliveira Marília Teresa de , Hartmann Hellen Fialho , Corrêa Luis Felipe Dutra , Pinto Filho Saulo Tadeu Lemos , Linhares Marcella Teixeira , Chaves Rafael Oliveira , Silva Marco Augusto Machado , Brun Maurício Veloso
Published: April 2016

A hérnia diafragmática é caracterizada pela passagem das vísceras abdominais para a cavidade torácica, podendo ser de origem congênita ou adquirida, que exige o tratamento cirúrgico. Quando houver ausência de tecido ou em casos de herniação com evolução crônica, recomenda-se a utilização de implantes biológicos ou sintéticos. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a técnica de herniorrafia diafragmática laparoscópica com o uso de pericárdio bovino conservado em um canino, a partir do acesso laparoscópico com três portais. Devido ao grande defeito diafragmático, optou-se pela sua redução com o auxílio de implante de pericárdio bovino conservado em formaldeído a 4%, este fixado a musculatura diafragmática com sutura intracorpórea, utilizando para isso duas camadas de sutura ambas com náilon 0, a primeira contínua simples seguida de pontos isolados simples, em toda extensão da membrana conservada. Apesar do animal vir a óbito nas primeiras 24 horas do pós-operatório, a técnica adotada se mostrou viável.
Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum in wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Soares Herbert Souza , Ramos Vanessa Do Nascimento , Osava Carolina Fonseca , Oliveira Solange , Szabó Matias Pablo Juan , Piovezan Ubiratan , Castro Bruno Bellopede , Gennari Solange Maria
Published: April 2016

Amostras de soro de 83 porcos-monteiro (Sus scrofa) selvagens, oriundos da região de Nhecolândia, Pantanal do Mato Grosso, Brasil, foram examinadas para a presença de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) com ponto de corte de 50. A ocorrência de anticorpos foi de 10,8%, com um animal apresentando título de 1:200, quatro com 1:400 e quatro com 1:800. Quando analisados pelo teste do χ2, foi observada a existência de associação entre sexo e presença de anticorpos, com as fêmeas apresentando ocorrência de 20,5% e os machos 2,3% (p = 0,017). Não houve associação entre idade e ocorrência de anticorpos contra este parasito. Esta é a primeira observação de porcos-monteiro da região do Pantanal, apresentando anticorpos contra N. caninum.
Aeromonas hydrophila and Campylobacter jejuni isolated in fresh tuna (Thunnus spp.) sold in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Costa Andréa Moura , Carvalho Aline Feola , Fredrigo Rodrigo César , Kobayashi Patrícia Freitas , Pinheiro Eliana Scarcelli
Published: April 2016

Aeromonas hydrophila e Campylobacter jejuni são bactérias de importância emergente em saúde pública, porém com escassos trabalhos publicados na área de pescado. O presente estudo investigou a presença de Aeromonas hydrophila e Campylobacter jejuni em amostras de atum (Thunnus spp.) fresco, capturados no litoral de Santa Catarina e distribuídos no comércio atacadista de São Paulo, SP. Foram colhidas 85 amostras de filé de atum e processadas por análises bacteriológicas e PCR. Do total, 11/85 (13%) amostras foram positivas para Aeromonas spp., sendo 10/11 (90,9%) confirmadas como Aeromonas hydrophila pela PCR. Para Campylobacter spp., 10/85 (11,7%) foram positivas, sendo 10/10 (100%) identificadas como Campylobacter jejuni pelas provas bioquímicas tradicionais e PCR ressaltando-se que duas (2/85 - 2,3%) amostras de atum albergavam ambos os patógenos. Trata-se do primeiro relato no Brasil de contaminação de atum fresco por Campylobacter jejuni e Aeromonas hydrophila, indicando que este alimento ingerido in natura pode ser um veículo de transmissão de agentes patogênicos, ressaltando-se a importância de estudos adicionais que deem suporte ao controle desses microrganismos em pescado consumido cru.
Effect of dietary nitrogen source and crude protein content on nitrogen balance and lactating performance of dairy cows
Authors: Migliano Marina Elena Diniz Amaral , Silano Camila , Martins Cristian Marlon De Magalhães Rodrigues , Arcari Marcos André , Dos Santos Marcos Veiga
Published: April 2016

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de dois teores proteicos (PB) e duas fontes nitrogenadas na dieta de vacas leiteiras, utilizando cana-de-açúcar como forragem, sobre o consumo, digestibilidade aparente total, produção e composição do leite, e o balanço de nitrogênio. Doze vacas leiteiras Holandesas em estágio intermediário de lactação foram distribuídas em três quadrados contemporâneos, em um delineamento em quadrado latino 4 × 4, com arranjo fatorial de tratamentos 2 × 2, em períodos de 21 dias, onde os primeiros 14 dias foram destinados para a adaptação às dietas e os últimos sete para as coletas de dados e análises. As vacas foram alocadas em baias individuais em um sistema free-stall, e alimentadas com dietas totalmente misturada (TMR) “ad libitum” compostas por duas fontes nitrogenadas principais (farelo de algodão ou grão de soja crú integral) e dois níveis de proteína (130 g ou 148 g/kg de matéria seca- MS). No presente estudo, houve efeito de interação entre a fonte nitrogenada e o teor de PB sobre o consumo de MS (CMS). As vacas alimentadas com grão de soja crú integral tiveram maior CMS quando o teor de PB da dieta foi de 130 g CP/kg MS, enquanto que as vacas alimentadas com farelo de algodão apresentaram maior CMS quando o teor de PB da dieta foi de 148 g PB/kg MS. Resultado semelhante ao CMS foi observado para o consumo de matéria orgânica, enquanto que não houve efeito de interação entre fonte nitrogenada e teor de PB sobre o consumo dos demais nutrientes dietéticos. A digestibilidade aparente total da FDN foi maior quando grão de soja crú integral foi utilizado como principal fonte nitrogenada da dieta; enquanto que a digestibilidade da PB não foi alterada pelas fontes nitrogenadas. Apesar de haver alterações no CMS e na digestibilidade aparente total, no presente estudo, não houve efeito de teor de PB e fonte nitrogenada sobre a produção de leite. Como conclusão, o uso de baixo teor dietético de PB (130 g PB/kg de MS) não altera o desempenho produtivo de vacas leiteiras e pode reduzir os custos da dieta, enquanto que a escolha entre grão de soja cru integral e farelo de algodão como principais fontes nitrogenadas da dieta pode depender apenas da disponibilidade e custo, uma vez que ambos ingredientes apresentam desempenhos semelhantes.