bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical procedures in patients with thyroid autoimmune disease
Authors: Diklic Aleksandar , Zivaljevic Vladan , Paunovic Ivan , Kalezic Nevena , Tatic Svetislav
Published: July 2015

Autoimmune thyroid disease is a serious medical problem in which various
operative procedures are performed. The objective of the study is to explore
the type of applied surgical procedures in autoimmune thyroid disease,
advantages and disadvantages of various procedures, and criteria they have to
meet. This is retrospective clinical study on 1478 patients, operated for
Graves? toxic goiter (117 males and 795 females mean age 37.7) and Hashimoto
thyroiditis (27 males and 539 females mean age 50.6) from 1995 to April 2005.
Cancer in Graves? disease was found in 61 patients (6.7%), papillary in 60
(occult in 53 or 6.6%) and metastatic in 1, Hashimoto thyroiditis and thyroid
cancer was found in 141 patients (24.9%), papillary in 116 or 20.5% (occult
in 55 or 9.7%), follicular in 2 (0.3%), Hurthle in 11 (1.9%), medullary in 8
(1.4%), anaplastic in 2 (0.3%) and lymphoma in 3 (0.5%). We performed
subtotal bilateral lobectomy in 344 (312 in Graves and 32 in Hashimoto),
total lobectomy on one side with subtotal on the oposite in 307 (228 in
Graves and 79 in Hashimoto); out of them, in 59 patients, the remnant was
left in the region of the upper pole which we called atypic lobectomy. The
most common procedure, total or near by total thyroidectomy, performed in 719
(371 in Graves and 349 in Hashimoto). One side lobectomy was performed in 103
patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Lymph node dissection was performed in
21 ( 1 in Graves and 20 in Hashimoto), in all central, in 10 lateral
functional and in 6 mediastinal, in 15 patients with cancer and in 6 patients
with benign disease. There was no operative mortality. In Graves? disease,
there was postoperative bleeding in 4 (0.4%), wound infection in 2 (0.2%)
recurrent pulsy in 18 (2%) and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 13 (1.4%). In
Hashimoto thyroiditis, there was postoperative bleeding in 2 (0.4%),
recurrent nerve pulsy in 11 (1.9%) and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 6
(1.1%). The most common surgical procedure in autoimmune thyroid disease is
total thyroidectomy which is followed by low complication rate in specialised
centers. Cancer is more frequent in Hashimoto than in Graves? disease.
Significance of determining concentrations of subclasses of IgG and IgA: Our experience
Authors: Jaglicic Ivana , Savic Olivera , Rodic Bojana
Published: July 2015

Selective IgG and IgA subclass (IgGsc and IgAsc) deficiencies may be either
partial or complete, yet, combined subclass deficiencies are common. The
serums of 65 patients with various clinical symptoms were investigated for
quantitative and qualitative immunoglobulin levels. A high correlation
(r=0.93) between the two methods used for measuring total IgG concentration
(nephelometry) and IgGsc concentration (RID measurement) was demonstrated.
Patients were divided into groups according to IgG and IgA class and subclass
concentrations. The serums of 51 patients were investigated for IgGsc
deficiencies. Three groups were set up and studied: a group with decreased
IgG concentrations (5 patients), a group with elevated IgG concentrations (6
patients), and a group with normal IgG concentrations (40 patients). Within
these groups, a total of 14 patients with decreased IgGsc levels and 14
patients with elevated IgGsc levels were discovered. Analyses of gender and
age frequency within these groups showed that there were significantly
(p<0.025) more children and females in the group with the elevated IgGsc
concentrations, IgG2 being the most frequent. IgG1 deficiency was found to be
more frequent in the group with decreased total IgG compared to the group
with normal total IgG. We found IgGsc deficiency to be significantly
associated (43%) with IgAsc deficiency within our population, therefore we
recommend IgAsc concentration measurement in all patients with IgGsc
deficiency. We confirmed that IgGsc concentrations should be measured in all
patients with clinical symptoms and decreased total IgG concentrations and
even more so in patients with normal total IgG concentrations. So far, we
have not investigated our healthy population, and have not obtained our own
reference ranges of IgGsc concentrations for children and adults. Therefore,
the results we gained are yet to be explained, since, preliminary analysis
shows elevated IgG2sc concentrations, and others to a lesser extent, in our
population of children.
Seven-Day Caloric and Saturated Fat Restriction Increases Myocardial Dietary Fatty Acid Partitioning in Impaired Glucose-Tolerant Subjects
Authors: Noll Christophe , Kunach Margaret , Frisch Frédérique , Bouffard Lucie , Dubreuil Stéphanie , Jean-Denis Farrah , Phoenix Serge , Cunnane Stephen C. , Guérin Brigitte , Turcotte Eric E. , Carpentier André C.
Published: July 2015

Subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have increased myocardial partitioning of dietary fatty acids (DFAs) with left ventricular dysfunction, both of which are improved by modest weight loss over 1 year induced by lifestyle changes. Here, we determined the effects of a 7-day hypocaloric diet (−500 kcal/day) low in saturated fat (<7% of energy) (LOWCAL study) versus isocaloric with the usual amount saturated fat (∼10% of energy) diet (ISOCAL) on DFA metabolism in subjects with IGT. Organ-specific DFA partitioning and cardiac and hepatic DFA fractional uptake rates were measured in 15 IGT subjects (7 males/8 females) using the oral 14(R,S)-[18F]-fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid positron emission tomography method after 7 days of an ISOCAL diet versus a LOWCAL diet using a randomized crossover design. The LOWCAL diet led to reductions in weight and postprandial insulin area under the curve. Myocardial DFA partitioning over 6 h was increased after the LOWCAL diet (2.3 ± 0.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2 mean standard uptake value, P < 0.04). However, the early (90–120 min) myocardial DFA fractional uptake was unchanged after the LOWCAL diet (0.055 ± 0.025 vs. 0.046 ± 0.009 min−1, P = 0.7). Liver DFA partitioning was unchanged, but liver fractional uptake of DFA tended to be increased. Very short-term caloric and saturated fat dietary restrictions do not lead to the same changes in organ-specific DFA metabolism as those associated with weight loss in subjects with IGT.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Can Be Prevented by Lifestyle Intervention: The Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study (RADIEL)
Authors: Koivusalo Saila B. , Rönö Kristiina , Klemetti Miira M. , Roine Risto P. , Lindström Jaana , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Kaaja Risto J. , Pöyhönen-Alho Maritta , Tiitinen Aila , Huvinen Emilia , Andersson Sture , Laivuori Hannele , Valkama Anita , Meinilä Jelena , Kautiainen Hannu , Eriksson Johan G. , Stach-Lempinen Beata
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be prevented by a moderate lifestyle intervention in pregnant women who are at high risk for the disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Two hundred ninety-three women with a history of GDM and/or a prepregnancy BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 were enrolled in the study at <20 weeks of gestation and were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n = 155) or the control group (n = 138). Each subject in the intervention group received individualized counseling on diet, physical activity, and weight control from trained study nurses, and had one group meeting with a dietitian. The control group received standard antenatal care. The diagnosis of GDM was based on a 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

A total of 269 women were included in the analyses. The incidence of GDM was 13.9% in the intervention group and 21.6% in the control group ([95% CI 0.40–0.98%]; P = 0.044, after adjustment for age, prepregnancy BMI, previous GDM status, and the number of weeks of gestation). Gestational weight gain was lower in the intervention group (−0.58 kg [95% CI −1.12 to −0.04 kg]; adjusted P = 0.037). Women in the intervention group increased their leisure time physical activity more and improved their dietary quality compared with women in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

A moderate individualized lifestyle intervention reduced the incidence of GDM by 39% in high-risk pregnant women. These findings may have major health consequences for both the mother and the child.
Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in cats
Authors: Floerchinger Amanda M. , Jackson Matthew I. , Jewell Dennis E. , MacLeay Jennifer M. , Hahn Kevin A. , Paetau-Robinson Inke
Published: July 2015

Objective—To determine the effect of feeding a food with coconut oil and supplemental l-carnitine, lysine, leucine, and fiber on weight loss and maintenance in cats.

Design—Prospective clinical study.

Animals—50 overweight cats.

Procedures—The study consisted of 2 trials. During trial 1, 30 cats were allocated to 3 groups (10 cats/group) to be fed a dry maintenance cat food to maintain body weight (group 1) or a dry test food at the same amount on a mass (group 2) or energy (group 3) basis as group 1. During trial 2, each of 20 cats was fed the test food and caloric intake was adjusted to maintain a weight loss rate of 1%/wk (weight loss phase). Next, each cat was fed the test food in an amount calculated to maintain the body weight achieved at the end of the weight loss phase (weight maintenance phase). Cats were weighed and underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry monthly. Metabolomic data were determined before (baseline) and after each phase.

Results—During trial 1, cats in groups 2 and 3 lost significantly more weight than did those in group 1. During trial 2, cats lost a significant amount of body weight and fat mass but retained lean body mass during the weight loss phase and continued to lose body weight and fat mass but gained lean body mass during the weight maintenance phase. Evaluation of metabolomic data suggested that fat metabolism was improved from baseline for cats fed the test food.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that feeding overweight cats the test food caused weight loss and improvements in body condition during the weight maintenance phase, possibly because the food composition improved energy metabolism.
Assessment of protein and amino acid concentrations and labeling adequacy of commercial vegetarian diets formulated for dogs and cats
Authors: Kanakubo Kayo , Fascetti Andrea J. , Larsen Jennifer A.
Published: July 2015

Objective—To determine measured crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) concentrations and assess labeling adequacy of vegetarian diets formulated for dogs and cats.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample—13 dry and 11 canned vegetarian diets for dogs and cats.

Procedures—Concentrations of CP and AAs were determined for each diet. Values were compared with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. Product labels were assessed for compliance with AAFCO regulations.

Results—CP concentration (dry-matter basis) ranged from 19.2% to 40.3% (median, 29.8%). Minimum CP concentrations for the specified species and life stage were met by 23 diets; the remaining diet passed appropriate AAFCO feeding trials. Six diets did not meet all AA minimums, compared with the AAFCO nutrient profiles. Of these 6 diets, 1 was below AAFCO minimum requirements in 4 AAs (leucine, methionine, methionine-cystine, and taurine), 2 were below in 3 AAs (methionine, methionine-cystine, and taurine), 2 were below in 2 AAs (lysine and tryptophan), and 1 was below in 1 AA (tryptophan). Only 3 and 8 diets (with and without a statement of calorie content as a requirement, respectively) were compliant with all pet food label regulations established by the AAFCO.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Most diets assessed in this study were not compliant with AAFCO labeling regulations, and there were concerns regarding adequacy of AA content. Manufacturers should ensure regulatory compliance and nutritional adequacy of all diets, and pets fed commercially available vegetarian diets should be monitored and assessed routinely.
Preliminary Development of a Scale to Measure Leadership Potential
Authors: Lee Sookjeong , Kim Hyeyoung , Park Soyeun , Lee Soojung , Yu Jihyun
Published: July 2015

Based on the assumption that leadership can be developed and college students possess leadership potential before becoming adult leaders, a Leadership Potential Scale was developed for Korean college students. Factors of leadership were extracted and preliminary items were developed through a literature review and semi-structured interviews. The items were assessed by experts for face validity, and the 12 factors and 78 items of the Leadership Potential Scale were derived from a factor analysis of data from 305 college students. The results of a subsequent study ( N=320) indicate the scale is ready to be further validated in a known-groups design.
School Violence among Arab Adolescents in Israel and its Relation to Self-Control Skills and Social Support
Authors: Agbaria Qutaiba , Daher Wajeeh
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the author used a cross-sectional design to assess the association between the tendency toward school violence, on the one hand, and self-control, social support, and sex, on the other, among 148 Arab-Israeli adolescents in schools in northern Israel. Standard questionnaires on violence, self-control, and social support were administered. In line with expectations, self-reported violence was significantly associated with males, as well as low scores on self-control and social support.
The Cultural and the Universal in Nonbelievers: Comment on Jing (2014)
Authors: Beit-Hallahmi Benjamin
Published: July 2015

The study by Jing (2014) is examined and analyzed within a broader theoretical framework. A general definition of religion is presented, together with a brief description of what makes religion a universal product of human cognition. What we have been observing is a general decrease in religiosity as well as an increase in the number of individuals who describe themselves as nonbelievers. Secularization does not mean that religious ideas disappear, but that there is a significant decline in the allocation of material and psychological resources to supernaturalism. Chinese nonbelievers studied by Jing are not very different than nonbelievers in other cultures.
Effective Indices for Monitoring Mental Workload While Performing Multiple Tasks
Authors: Hsu Bin-Wei , Wang Mao-Jiun J. , Chen Chi-Yuan , Chen Fang
Published: July 2015

This study identified several physiological indices that can accurately monitor mental workload while participants performed multiple tasks with the strategy of maintaining stable performance and maximizing accuracy. Thirty male participants completed three 10-min. simulated multitasks: MATB (Multi-Attribute Task Battery) with three workload levels. Twenty-five commonly used mental workload measures were collected, including heart rate, 12 HRV (heart rate variability), 10 EEG (electroencephalography) indices (α, β, θ, α/θ, θ/β from O1-O2 and F4-C4), and two subjective measures. Analyses of index sensitivity showed that two EEG indices, θ and α/θ (F4-C4), one time-domain HRV-SDNN (standard deviation of inter-beat intervals), and four frequency-domain HRV: VLF (very low frequency), LF (low frequency), %HF (percentage of high frequency), and LF/HF were sensitive to differentiate high workload. EEG α/θ (F4-C4) and LF/HF were most effective for monitoring high mental workload. LF/HF showed the highest correlations with other physiological indices. EEG α/θ (F4-C4) showed strong correlations with subjective measures across diff erent mental workload levels. Operation strategy would affect the sensitivity of EEG α (F4-C4) and HF.
Photographs of Falling Bodies and the Ethics of Vulnerability in Jonathan Safran Foer’sExtremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Authors: Vanderwees Chris
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

The article explores the ethical and political relationship between Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and the photographs of those who fell (or leapt) from the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001. Drawing on Judith Butler’s theorization of the ethics of vulnerability, the article briefly outlines ongoing debates around the photography of atrocity in order to suggest that rather than reaffirm tropes of American exceptionalism and victory culture in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Foer’s novel and its engagement with the falling body may prompt readers to consider ethical recognition and responsibility to others.
Chemical composition of the leaves of tea bush (Ocimum gratissium L.)
Authors: Adeyeye EI , Oyarekua MA
Published: July 2015

Tea bush leaves are important in the preparation of soups. Crude fat was 5.20g/100g. High value results (g/100g): protein (28.9), carbohydrate (36.2), ash (9.40), fibre (14.1); fatty acid (4.16g/100g) with energy value (154kJ/100g). High major minerals were: Ca, Mg, K and P, high trace minerals were: Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn. Mineral ratios within nutritional standards: Na/K, Ca/P and [K/(Ca + Mg)]. In amino acid composition, highest concentrated amino acid was Glu (11.0g/100g), second was Leu (7.65g/100g), total amino acid (87.2g/100g). Essential amino acid (with His) was 42.5g/100g (48.7%). Quality parameters obtained in the results: Leu/Ile (1.59), % Cys/TSAA (42.3), P-PER (2.49) and EAAI (1.18). On quality criteria, Lys was limiting in the three criteria used. Fatty acid had values of SFA (30.9%), MUFA (5.60%), PUFA (63.5%), PUFA/SFA (2.06), n-6/n-3 (1.52), EPA/DHA (1.39). Total phospholipids (44.1mg/100g) with phosphatidylcholine (15.9), phosphatidylinostitol (14.9) predominating. Cholesterol was 0.00mg/100g, sitosterol was 26.3mg/100g (61.5%).Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 93-108, 2015
Correlation and path coefficient analysis in Giant Taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza L.)
Authors: Paul KK , Bari MA , Debnath SC
Published: July 2015

Genotypic and phenotypic character associations as well as direct and indirect effects were estimated for eleven characters such as plant height, petiole length, petiole breadth, leaf area index, inflorescence length, spathe length, spathe breadth, corm length, corm breadth, corm weight and yield per plant, in giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza L). The results revealed that plant height, LAI, corm length, corm breadth, had positive correlation with yield per plant both at genotypic and phenotypic level. Relatively higher positive and direct effect was found through petiole length, LAI and corm length and yield per plant in genotypic level. The residual effect 0.4762 represent in genotypic level about 53 % of the variability observed for yield per plant was represented by these traits. In the phenotypic level highest and positive direct effect was observed with petiole length and yield per plant. Positive direct effect was also found on yield per plant by plant height, petiole length, inflorescence length, inflorescence number, spathe length and spathe breadth, corm length, corm breadth. The residual effect 0.4235 means that characters included in the present study explained about 58 % variability in yield per plant at phenotypic level.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 117-122, 2015
Study of hydrochemistry and pollution status of the Buriganga river, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar M , Rahman AKM L , Islam JB , Ahmed KS , Uddin MN , Bhoumik NC
Published: July 2015

The hydrochemistry and pollution status of tannery effluent as well as the Buriganga River were studied. The water quality parameters namely temperature, pH, salinity, TDS, EC, DO, COD, Cr, Cd, Ni, Cu and Zn of tannery effluent were 22.8-31.5 oC, 7.4-10.6, 3920-6280 mg/l, 4680-7220 mg/l, 7070-10810 ?s, 0.3-1.1 mg/l, 1020-3800 mg/l, 7.7656 mg/l, 0.0198 mg/l, 0.2070 mg/l, 0.0304 mg/l and 0.3021 mg/l, respectively whereas in water of the Buriganga River were 22.0-31.6 oC, 6.2-7.8, 69-642 mg/l, 97-871 mg/l, 146-1309 ?s, 1.1-4.1 mg/l, 140-800 mg/l, 0.0306-0.2163 mg/l, 0.0018-0.0162 mg/l, 0.0663-0.2486 mg/l, 0.0112-0.0238 mg/l and 0.0878-0.2948 mg/l, respectively. According to the statistical analysis Salinity, EC, TDS, COD, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn show positive correlations with each other and negative correlations with Temp. and DO. Ecological risk factor shows that Cr is the highest risk metal for ecosystem. The hydrochemistry has been revealed that the water is not safe for aquatic lives.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 123-134, 2015
A Robust Planning Algorithm for Groups of Entities in Discrete Spaces
Authors: Wojnicki Igor , Ernst Sebastian , Turek Wojciech
Published: July 2015

Automated planning is a well-established field of artificial intelligence (AI), with applications in route finding, robotics and operational research, among others. The task of developing a plan is often solved by finding a path in a graph representing the search domain; a robust plan consists of numerous paths that can be chosen if the execution of the best (optimal) one fails. While robust planning for a single entity is rather simple, development of a robust plan for multiple entities in a common environment can lead to combinatorial explosion. This paper proposes a novel hybrid approach, joining heuristic search and the wavefront algorithm to provide a plan featuring robustness in areas where it is needed, while maintaining a low level of computational complexity.
Enhancement of Oxygen Reduction and Mitigation of Ionomer Dry-Out Using Insoluble Heteropoly Acids in Intermediate Temperature Polymer-Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Stassi Alessandro , Gatto Irene , Saccà Ada , Baglio Vincenzo , Aricò Antonino
Published: July 2015

The use of Cs0.5H0.5PW12O40 insoluble salt as a superacid promoter in the catalyst layer of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been investigated. An increase of performance has been recorded at intermediate temperatures (110–130 °C) and under low relative humidity (R.H.). The promoter appears to mitigate the ionomer dry-out effects in the catalytic layer and produces an increase of the extent of the catalyst-electrolyte interface as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry analysis. These effects are also corroborated by a significant decrease of polarization resistance at intermediate temperatures. Such characteristics have been demonstrated for a conventional membrane-electrode assembly based on a Pt-Co alloy and a Nafion 115 membrane.
State-of-Charge Estimation for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using a Kalman Filter Based on Local Linearization
Authors: Yu Zhihao , Huai Ruituo , Xiao Linjing
Published: July 2015

State of charge (SOC) estimation is of great significance for the safe operation of lithium-ion battery (LIB) packs. Improving the accuracy of SOC estimation results and reducing the algorithm complexity are important for the state estimation. In this paper, a zeroaxial straight line, whose slope changes along with SOC, is used to map the predictive SOC to the predictive open circuit voltage (OCV), and thus only one parameter is used to linearize the SOC-OCV curve near the present working point. An equivalent circuit model is used to simulate the dynamic behavior of a LIB, updating the linearization parameter in the measurement equation according to the present value of the state variables, and then a standard Kalman filter is used to estimate the SOC based on the local linearization. This estimation method makes the output equation of the nonlinear battery model contain only one parameter related to its dynamic variables. This is beneficial to simplify the algorithm structure and to reduce the computation cost. The linearization method do not essentially lose the main information of the dynamic model, and its effectiveness is verified experimentally. Fully and a partially charged battery experiments indicate that the estimation error of SOC is better than 0.5%.
Lignin-Furfural Based Adhesives
Authors: Dongre Prajakta , Driscoll Mark , Amidon Thomas , Bujanovic Biljana
Published: July 2015

Lignin recovered from the hot-water extract of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is used in this study to synthesize adhesive blends to replace phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin. Untreated lignin is characterized by lignin content and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. The molecular weight distribution of the lignin and the blends are characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The effect of pH (0.3, 0.65 and 1), ex situ furfural, and curing conditions on the tensile properties of adhesive reinforced glass fibers is determined and compared to the reinforcement level of commercially available PF resin. The adhesive blend prepared at pH = 0.65 with no added furfural exhibits the highest tensile properties and meets 90% of the PF tensile strength.
Effects of Individual and School-Level Characteristics on a Child’s Gross Motor Coordination Development
Authors: Chaves Raquel , Baxter-Jones Adam , Gomes Thayse , Souza Michele , Pereira Sara , Maia José
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to identify child and school-level characteristics that explained inter-individual differences in gross motor coordination (GMC). Participants (n = 390), recruited from 18 Portuguese primary schools, were aged 6 to 10 years of age. Birth weight, body fat (BF), physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF) and GMC were assessed. School size, setting, infrastructure and physical education classes were considered as school context markers. A multilevel modeling approach was used to identify hierarchical effects (child and school levels). It was found that children-level variables (sex, PF, and BF) significantly explained 63% of the 90% variance fraction at the individual level; boys outperformed girls (p < 0.05), individuals with higher BF were less coordinated (p < 0.05), and those with higher PF were more coordinated (p < 0.05). School-variables (e.g. school size and playing surface) explained 84% of the 10% variation fraction. These findings confirm the roles of sex, PFS and BF. Interestingly they also suggest that the school environment plays a minor but significant role in GMC development. However, it is important to stress that the school context and conditions can also play an important role in a child’s motor development, providing adequate and enriching motor opportunities.
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism near the CYP17A1 Gene Is Associated with Left Ventricular Mass in Hypertensive Patients under Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Huber Matthias , Lezius Susanne , Reibis Rona , Treszl Andras , Kujawinska Dorota , Jakob Stefanie , Wegscheider Karl , Völler Heinz , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: July 2015

Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) catalyses the formation and metabolism of steroid hormones. They are involved in blood pressure (BP) regulation and in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy. Therefore, altered function of CYP17A1 due to genetic variants may influence BP and left ventricular mass. Notably, genome wide association studies supported the role of this enzyme in BP control. Against this background, we investigated associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in or nearby the CYP17A1 gene with BP and left ventricular mass in patients with arterial hypertension and associated cardiovascular organ damage treated according to guidelines. Patients (n = 1007, mean age 58.0 ± 9.8 years, 83% men) with arterial hypertension and cardiac left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40% were enrolled in the study. Cardiac parameters of left ventricular mass, geometry and function were determined by echocardiography. The cohort comprised patients with coronary heart disease (n = 823; 81.7%) and myocardial infarction (n = 545; 54.1%) with a mean LVEF of 59.9% ± 9.3%. The mean left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was 52.1 ± 21.2 g/m2.7 and 485 (48.2%) patients had left ventricular hypertrophy. There was no significant association of any investigated SNP (rs619824, rs743572, rs1004467, rs11191548, rs17115100) with mean 24 h systolic or diastolic BP. However, carriers of the rs11191548 C allele demonstrated a 7% increase in LVMI (95% CI: 1%–12%, p = 0.017) compared to non-carriers. The CYP17A1 polymorphism rs11191548 demonstrated a significant association with LVMI in patients with arterial hypertension and preserved LVEF. Thus, CYP17A1 may contribute to cardiac hypertrophy in this clinical condition.
Interleukin-17A Gene Expression in Morbidly Obese Women
Authors: Zapata-Gonzalez Fernando , Auguet Teresa , Aragonès Gemma , Guiu-Jurado Esther , Berlanga Alba , Martinez Salomé , Martí Andreu , Sabench Fátima , Hernandez Mercé , Aguilar Carmen , Sirvent Joan , Jorba Rosa , Del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristóbal
Published: July 2015

Data from recent studies conducted in rodent models and humans suggest that interleukin-17A (IL-17A) plays a role in the induction of inflammation in adipose tissue during obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the gene expression of IL-17A in adipose tissue of morbidly obese patients. We used RT-PCR to evaluate the expression of IL-17A and several adipo/cytokines in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of 10 normal-weight control women (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and 30 morbidly obese women (MO, BMI > 40 kg/m2). We measured serum levels of IL-17A and adipo/cytokines in MO and normal weight women. IL-17A expression was significantly higher in VAT than in SAT in MO patients (p = 0.0127). It was very low in normal-weight controls in both VAT and SAT tissues. We found positive correlations between IL-17A and IL-6, lipocalin-2 and resistin in VAT of MO patients. The circulating level of IL-17A was higher in the normal-weight group than the MO patients (p = 0.032), and it was significantly related to adiponectin and TNFRII levels. In conclusion, IL-17A expression in VAT is increased in morbidly obese women, which suggests a link between obesity and innate immunity in low-grade chronic inflammation in morbidly obese women.
Development of Ophiocordyceps sinensis through Plant-Mediated Interkingdom Host Colonization
Authors: Lei Wei , Zhang Guren , Peng Qingyun , Liu Xin
Published: July 2015

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a well-known entomogenous and medicinal fungus. After its anamorphs parasitize the larvae of the genus Thitarodes, fruit-bodies may form to be used as medicine. However, its developmental mechanisms remain unknown. The distribution of O. sinensis was determined in different tissues of the Thitarodes larvae and the dominant plant species using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, respectively. We found that more fungal material was located in plants than in larvae, especially in Ranunculus tanguticus. A considerable amount was detected in larval intestinal-wall and plant roots. It is suggested that plants are the potential hosts of O. sinensis, which modifies our understanding of the life cycle of O. sinensis and indicates that the phytophagous larvae may become infected as they feed. Our research may contribute to the study of systematic evolution and population ecology of O. sinensis, elucidate its developmental mechanism and promote sustainable harvesting.
Features in the Lipid Status of Two Generations of Fingerlings (0+) of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Inhabiting the Arenga River (Kola Peninsula)
Authors: Nemova Nina , Murzina Svetlana , Nefedova Zinaida , Veselov Alexey
Published: July 2015

The present research focused on determining the lipid status of salmon fingerlings (0+) in early development after dispersal form groups of spawning nests in biotopes of different hydrological conditions. The revealed qualitative and quantitative differences in the levels of phospholipids and fatty acids among two generations of Atlantic salmon fingerlings (0+) living in different biotopes of the Arenga River (a tributary of the Varzuga River) may be associated with the peculiarities of their genetically determined processes of the biosynthesis and modification of individual lipid classes and trophoecological factors (food spectrum, quality and availability of food objects, and hydrological regime). The research was organized to observe the dynamics of these developmental changes from ages 0+ to 2+.
Bone Augmentation in Rabbit Tibia Using Microfixed Cobalt-Chromium Membranes with Whole Blood and Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Decco Oscar , Beltrán Víctor , Zuchuat Jésica , Cura Andrea , Lezcano María , Engelke Wilfried
Published: July 2015

Background: Bone augmentation is a subject of intensive investigation in regenerative bone medicine and constitutes a clinical situation in which autogenous bone grafts or synthetic materials are used to aid new bone formation. Method: Based on a non-critical defect, Co-Cr barrier membranes were placed on six adult Fauve de Bourgogne rabbits, divided into two groups: whole blood and PRP. Three densitometric controls were performed during the experiment. The animals were euthanized at 30, 45, 60, and 110 days. The presence of newly formed bone was observed. Samples for histological studies were taken from the augmentation center. Results: External and internal bone tissue augmentation was observed in almost all cases. Significant differences between PRP- and whole blood–stimulated bone augmentation were not observed. At 60 days, bones with PRP presented higher angiogenesis, which may indicate more proliferation and cellular activity. Conclusion: PRP activates the bone regeneration process under optimized conditions by stimulation of osteoblast proliferation after six weeks, when a significant difference in cellular activity was observed. Membranes could stimulate bone augmentation at the site of placement and in the surrounding areas.
Antibacterial Modification of Kirschner Wires with Polyluteolin toward Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Zhu Jialiang , Zhao Yantao , Yang Lin , Hou Shuxun , Su Yanli , Yang Rungong
Published: July 2015

In this study we report antibacterial modification of Kirschner wires (K-wires) with polyluteolin (PL) toward methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). K-wires were modified by immersing them in the luteolin-containing aqueous solution for 24 h. Characterizations using scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical methods confirmed the presence of the PL coatings on the K-wires. The PL-coated K-wires were further found to show antibacterial activity toward MRSA and remained unimpaired antibacterial activity even after the steam sterilization treatment.
Antiproliferative and Structure Activity Relationships of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids
Authors: Cedrón Juan , Ravelo Ángel , León Leticia , Padrón José , Estévez-Braun Ana
Published: July 2015

The antiproliferative activity of a set of seven natural Amaryllidaceae alkaloids and 32 derivatives against four cancer cell lines (A2780, SW1573, T47-D and WiDr) was determined. The best antiproliferative activities were achieved with alkaloids derived from pancracine (2), haemanthamine (6) and haemantidine (7). For each skeleton, some structure-activity relationships were outlined.
VKORC1 and VKORC1L1: Why do Vertebrates Have Two Vitamin K 2,3-Epoxide Reductases?
Authors: Oldenburg Johannes , Watzka Matthias , Bevans Carville
Published: July 2015

Among all cellular life on earth, with the exception of yeasts, fungi, and some prokaryotes, VKOR family homologs are ubiquitously encoded in nuclear genomes, suggesting ancient and important biological roles for these enzymes. Despite single gene and whole genome duplications on the largest evolutionary timescales, and the fact that most gene duplications eventually result in loss of one copy, it is surprising that all jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) have retained two paralogous VKOR genes. Both VKOR paralogs function as entry points for nutritionally acquired and recycled K vitamers in the vitamin K cycle. Here we present phylogenetic evidence that the human paralogs likely arose earlier than gnathostomes, possibly in the ancestor of crown chordates. We ask why gnathostomes have maintained these paralogs throughout evolution and present a current summary of what we know. In particular, we look to published studies about tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression, enzymatic function, phylogeny, biological roles and associated pathways that together suggest subfunctionalization as a major influence in evolutionary fixation of both paralogs. Additionally, we investigate on what evolutionary timescale the paralogs arose and under what circumstances in order to gain insight into the biological raison d’être for both VKOR paralogs in gnathostomes.
Images of Reality: Iris Murdoch’s Five Ways from Art to Religion
Authors: Burns Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Art plays a significant role in Iris Murdoch’s moral philosophy, a major part of which may be interpreted as a proposal for the revision of religious belief. In this paper, I identify within Murdoch’s philosophical writings five distinct but related ways in which great art can assist moral/religious belief and practice: art can reveal to us “the world as we were never able so clearly to see it before”; this revelatory capacity provides us with evidence for the existence of the Good, a metaphor for a transcendent reality of which God was also a symbol; art is a “hall of reflection” in which “everything under the sun can be examined and considered”; art provides us with an analogue for the way in which we should try to perceive our world; and art enables us to transcend our selfish concerns. I consider three possible objections: that Murdoch’s theory is not applicable to all forms of art; that the meaning of works of art is often ambiguous; and that there is disagreement about what constitutes a great work of art. I argue that none of these objections are decisive, and that all forms of art have at least the potential to furnish us with important tools for developing the insight required to live a moral/religious life.
Redefining Religious Nones: Lessons from Chinese and Japanese American Young Adults
Authors: Jeung Russell , Esaki Brett , Liu Alice
Published: July 2015

This analysis of Chinese and Japanese American young adults, based on the Pew Research Center 2012 Asian American Survey, examines the religious nones of these ethnic groups. Rather than focusing on their beliefs and belonging to religious denominations, it highlights their spiritual practices and ethical relations using an Asian-centric liyi (ritual and righteousness) discourse. Despite being religious nones, these groups have high rates of ancestor veneration and participation in ethnic religious festivals, as well as strong familial and reciprocal obligations. These findings indicate that, similar to other American Millennials, these groups may be better understood by how they do religion than in what they believe.
An Ultrasonic Multiple-Access Ranging Core Based on Frequency Shift Keying Towards Indoor Localization
Authors: Segers Laurent , Van Bavegem David , De Winne Sam , Braeken An , Touhafi Abdellah , Steenhaut Kris
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a new approach and implementation methodology for indoor ranging based on the time difference of arrival using code division multiple access with ultrasound signals. A novel implementation based on a field programmable gate array using finite impulse response filters and an optimized correlation demodulator implementation for ultrasound orthogonal signals is developed. Orthogonal codes are modulated onto ultrasound signals using frequency shift keying with carrier frequencies of 24.5 kHz and 26 kHz. This implementation enhances the possibilities for real-time, embedded and low-power tracking of several simultaneous transmitters. Due to the high degree of parallelism offered by field programmable gate arrays, up to four transmitters can be tracked simultaneously. The implementation requires at most 30% of the available logic gates of a Spartan-6 XC6SLX45 device and is evaluated on accuracy and precision through several ranging topologies. In the first topology, the distance between one transmitter and one receiver is evaluated. Afterwards, ranging analyses are applied between two simultaneous transmitters and one receiver. Ultimately, the position of the receiver against four transmitters using trilateration is also demonstrated. Results show enhanced distance measurements with distances ranging from a few centimeters up to 17 m, while keeping a centimeter-level accuracy.
Comparison of the Physical Properties of Showers that the Satisfaction of Shower Feeling among Users in Three Asian Countries
Authors: Okamoto Minami , Yaita Ryohei , Sato Minoru , Kamijo Masayoshi , Toyosada Kanako , Shimizu Yasutoshi , Sakaue Kyosuke , Liao Wan-Ju , Lee Meng-Chieh , Cheng Cheng-Li
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to construct a scheme that makes it possible to compare the relationship between water usage, satisfaction, and physical properties in three countries. The physical properties of the shower were measured using physical properties testing apparatus of water-saving standard or scheme for showerheads issued in several water-saving countries and data for users satisfaction evaluation was acquired through bathing experiments. In this paper, we analyzed the result from Taiwanese and Vietnamese individuals to compare them to of Japanese subjects analyzed in the previous study. We compared the physical properties of showers assessed low in satisfaction by Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Japanese subjects. It was assumed that spray pattern tends to decrease satisfaction when the water volume ratio within 100 mm and 150 mm of a measuring device is located a 450 mm distance from the showerhead is low, and that, because all three countries showed the same value, it was imagined that there were no differences in the water volume ratio of high-satisfaction showerheads among three countries. On the other hand, the values of Spray Force-per-Hole, Temperature Drop, and Spray Angle were different among three countries. We speculated that these differences are affected respectively by ethnic differences in pain tolerance, thermoregulatory response and bathing habit.
Tourism Impacts in a Multiethnic Society: The Case of Baluchis in Iran
Authors: Sheikhi Ahmad Reza
Published: July 2015

This study is set in the context of Iran's Baluchistan, an area where an exotic ethnic culture is threatened. The present study investigated how Baluchistan's ethnic and cultural uniqueness may be preserved and, indeed, integrated with the planned introduction and development of ethnic tourism. In light of this information, the research focuses on opportunities that ethnic diversity provides in multiethnic societies. The government, tourism entrepreneurs, Baluch ethnic group, religious leaders, and tourists have been identified as the stakeholders with greatest interest in ethnic tourism. A conceptual framework is presented for ethnic tourism development in the Baluchistan area of Iran. Five key stakeholder groups have been identified in order to understand their distinguishing features with a view to achieving constructive relations and to increase unity in the context of a multiethnic society through the development of ethnic tourism.
The Role of Cultural Activities in Tourism Development: An Urban–Rural Perspective
Authors: Pechlaner Harald , Bialk-Wolf Anna , Zacher Daniel
Published: July 2015

Drawing on a main tenet of attraction systems theory, the article describes and explains the importance of cultural activities for tourism development in the context of the urban–rural relationship. The impact of culture on regional and tourism development has been an important
research focus in recent years. However, the role of cultural activity in tourism development and its impacts on the urban–rural relationship have received little attention from academics. This article contributes to research by identifying problems associated with tourism development
and the potential of cultural activities to overcome such challenges. The study draws upon the theory of the tourist attraction system that was developed by Leiper in 1990. Qualitative inquiry was used to ensure depth and richness in our case analysis. The results show that cultural activities
in the small town setting have substantial importance for tourism development in both the city and in surrounding areas. However, it was found that awareness of the offer is limited to the immediate region. It is proposed that tourism service providers should identify more closely with the
available cultural activities in order to create a valuable tourist offer that has potential to reach new target groups.
Making Slums Into Attractions: The Role of Tour Guiding in the Slum Tourism Development in Kibera and Dharavi
Authors: Frenzel Fabian , Blakeman Stephanie
Published: July 2015

This article investigates how slums are made into a tourism attraction. We focus in particular on the role of tour guides and tour guiding operations in this process. In the tourism literature in general tour guiding has been subject to much reflection and debate. However, tour guides'
role in enabling tourism in new places, in the making of attractions, has not been discussed much. Also, in the emerging research on slum tourism little attention has been given to tour guides and their roles. This article addresses both research gaps in providing insights into tour guiding
in slum tourism, and by addressing the roles of tour guides in attraction making through a comparative analysis of tourism in two slums: Dharavi, in Mumbai, India, and Kibera, in Nairobi, Kenya. Based on empirical research of tour guiding operations we found that different levels of formality
in tour guiding coexist across destinations. Formal tour guiding operations are more successful in establishing a slum as an attraction as they enable significant growth in tourist numbers. However, formal tour guiding operations and strong international participation in their foundation are
factors that seem to undermine to some extent the creation of intimate and authentic encounters in tour guiding, preferred by some tourists. This leaves space for more informal tour guiding, with strong local ties, which are better placed to produce intimate experiences.
Wildlife Conservation Through Tourism Microentrepreneurship Among Namibian Communities
Authors: Morais Duarte B. , Birendra K. C. , Mao Yuchen , Mosimane Alfons
Published: July 2015

Wildlife conservation has often focused on protecting charismatic wildlife from native communities and allowing multinational companies to profit from showing those resources to foreign tourists. This has contributed to local poverty and fueled poaching and concomitant policing of resources
by governments, foreign conservationists, and private industry. An alternative receiving increasing scholarly attention consists on enabling eco-dependent tourism microentrepreneurship as a way to foster local conservation behaviors. In the case of wildlife tourism in Namibia, this might entail
the provision of wildlife tours and camping services by indigenous communities. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which wildlife tourism microentrepreneurship leads to intrinsically motivated wildlife conservation. A controlled comparison case study design
was used to test this research question. The findings reveal that males in conservancy communities have internalized proconservation behaviors and both males and females in those communities report richer and more complex wildlife value orientations.