bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amyloid-Beta 1-42 Cross-Reactive Antibody Prevalent in Human Sera May Contribute to Intraneuronal Deposition of A-Beta-P-42
Authors: Vojdani Aristo , Vojdani Elroy
Published: June 2018

Antibodies against many neural antigens are detected in the sera of both patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and some healthy individuals. Blood-brain barrier dysfunction could make it possible for brain-reactive autoantibodies to reach the brain, where they can react with amyloid ß peptide (AßP). The origin of these autoreactive antibodies in the blood is unclear. The goals of this study were as follows: (1) to examine the immune reactivity of anti-AßP-42 with 22 neuronal and other associated antigens, some of which are involved in the pathophysiology of AD; (2) to classify antibodies to these 22 different antigens into those that cross-react with AßP-42 and those that do not; (3) to determine whether these antibodies react with BBB proteins, nerve growth factors, and enteric neuronal antigens. Using monoclonal AßP-42 antibody and ELISA methodology, we found that the antibody was highly reactive with Aß protein, tau protein, presenilin, rabaptin-5,β-NGF, BDNF, mTG, and enteric nerve. The same antibody produced equivocal to moderate reactions with glutamate-R, S100B, AQP4, GFAP, MBP,α-synuclein, tTG-2, and tTG-3, and not with the rest. These antibodies were also measured in blood samples from 47 AD patients and 47 controls. IgG antibodies were found to be elevated against AßP-42 and many other antigens in a significant percentage of controls. Overall, the mean OD values were significantly higher against 9/23 tested antigens (p<0.001) in the samples with AD. We were indeed able to classify the detected neuronal antibodies into those that cross-react with AßP-42 and those that do not. Our main finding is that although these antibodies may be harmless in a subgroup of controls, in individuals with compromised BBBs these antibodies that cross-react with AßP-42 can reach the brain, where their cross-reactivity with AßP-42 may contribute to the onset and progression of AD, and perhaps other neurodegenerative disorders.
Quantitative Analysis of Parkinsonian Tremor in a Clinical Setting Using Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Lukšys Donatas , Jonaitis Gintaras , Griškevičius Julius
Published: June 2018

Background. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects human voluntary movements. Tremor is one of the most common symptoms of PD and is expressed as involuntary oscillation of the body. Tremors can be analysed in the frequency domain. Objective. The aim of the current study was to examine selected tremor parameters (frequency, root mean square, and approximated entropy) in order to quantify the characteristics of patients diagnosed with PD, compared to a healthy control group, and to compare the parameters by dividing the subjects according to UPDRS assessment. Methods. The subjects were divided into two groups: a group of people diagnosed with PD (n = 19) and a control group consisting of healthy volunteers (CO = 12). Each subject performed motor tasks specific to certain tremors: the finger-to-nose test. Each subject performed a motor task three times. A nine degree of freedom (DOF) wireless inertial measurement unit was used for the measurement of upper limb motor tasks. For the quantitative estimation of kinetic and postural tremors, dominant frequency, root means square, and approximation entropy were selected and calculated from the measured angular velocity and linear acceleration signals. A one-way ANOVA with a significance level of α = 0.05 was used to test the null hypothesis that the means of the tremor metrics were the same between the PD and CO groups. Results. Statistically significant differences between PD patients and control groups were observed in ApEn acceleration signal of kinetic tremor, ApEn angular velocity signal of kinetic tremor, ApEn angular velocity of postural tremor, frequency acceleration signal of postural tremor, and RMS angular speed kinetic tremor. Conclusion. Application of inertial measurement units for clinical research of patients and PD tremor evaluation allows providing quantitative information for diagnostic purposes, during screening in a clinical setting that differentiates between PD patients and controls.
The Preoperative Microbial Detection is No Prerequisite for the Indication of Septic Revision in Cases of Suspected Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Karczewski Daniel , Winkler Tobias , Perka Carsten , Müller Michael
Published: June 2018

Aim of This Study. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) require a special antimicrobial regimen, fundamentally different from an aseptic treatment, making a correct preoperative diagnosis essential. However, a successful preoperative microbe detection is not always possible. We wanted to find out (1) if a preoperative microbe detection is a prerequisite before starting a septic revision in suspected PJIs or if the preoperative diagnosis can solely be based on (para)clinical signs (persistent CRP >1 mg/dl, early X-ray loosening signs in the first 5 years, leucocytes joint aspiration >1700/µl, conspicuous history, and clinical signs like redness, pain, hyperthermia, swelling, and loss of function); (2) if patients with and without preoperative microbe detection have a different outcome; and (3) if the microbial growth is the most important criterion of a multifactorial PJI definition. Methods. We included all first-line two-stage hip (49) and knee (47) revisions, performed in our department from 06/2013 on, with an available 2-year follow-up. A PJI was defined as one of the following four criteria: fistula or purulence, Krenn Morawietz type 2 or 3, joint aspirate > 2000/μl leukocytes or >70% granulocytes, and microbial growth. This multifactorial PJI definition was based on the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS). The standardized diagnostic algorithm is described in detail. Results. (1) 24 hip and 16 knee cases were treated without preoperative microbe detection solely on the basis of a (para)clinical diagnosis (see above). In the hip 91.6% (22 of 24 cases) showed an intraoperative microbe detection. In the knee, in 68.7% (11 of 16 cases) a microbe was detected intraoperatively and in 93.7% (15 of 16) at least one secure PJI criterion could be confirmed intraoperatively. (2) No statistical significant (p .517) difference between patients with (n = 56, reinfection rate 8.9%) and without (n = 40, 15%) preoperative microbe detection was found in a 2-year follow-up. (3) Microbial growth remains the overall (pre- and intraoperatively) most important criterion (hip 95.9%; knee 89.3%), followed by Krenn Morawietz for the intraoperative diagnosis (hip 67.3%, knee 48.9%), and joint aspiration for the knee and fistula for the hip, respectively, as preoperative criteria. Conclusion. High rates of intraoperatively fulfilled EBJIS PJI criteria show that a preoperative microbe detection is not necessary before intervening in suspected PJIs. The indication for a septic revision can solely be based on (para)clinical signs. The new established diagnostic algorithm based on a multifactorial PJI definition showed high precision in finding PJIs.
Congenital Microphthalmic Syndrome in a Swine
Authors: Andrysikova Radka , Sydler Titus , Kümmerlen Dolf , Pendl Wolfgang , Graage Robert , Moutelikova Romana , Prodelalova Jana , Voelter Katrin
Published: June 2018

A 17-week-old crossbred finishing pig was presented for lameness of approximately one week. Clinical evaluation, including ophthalmologic examination, revealed ataxia, partial flaccid paresis of the pelvic limbs, skin lesions at feet and claws, and severely reduced vision/blindness. Both eyes had multiple persistent pupillary membranes (iris-to-iris and iris-to-lens) and hypermature cataracts. Histopathological examination of the eyes revealed microphthalmia, microphakia with cataract formation, myovascularised membrane in the vitreous, retinal detachment, and retinal dysplasia. Microscopic examination of tissues collected postmortem demonstrated nonsuppurative polioencephalomyelitis with the most prominent inflammatory lesions in the lumbar spinal cord. Subsequently, presumed Teschen/Talfan disease was confirmed by porcine teschovirus identification in the spinal cord using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report describing in detail histopathological changes in the porcine congenital microphthalmic syndrome.
An Intelligent Parkinson’s Disease Diagnostic System Based on a Chaotic Bacterial Foraging Optimization Enhanced Fuzzy KNN Approach
Authors: Cai Zhennao , Gu Jianhua , Wen Caiyun , Zhao Dong , Huang Chunyu , Huang Hui , Tong Changfei , Li Jun , Chen Huiling
Published: June 2018

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, which has attracted more and more attention. Many artificial intelligence methods have been used for the diagnosis of PD. In this study, an enhanced fuzzy k-nearest neighbor (FKNN) method for the early detection of PD based upon vocal measurements was developed. The proposed method, an evolutionary instance-based learning approach termed CBFO-FKNN, was developed by coupling the chaotic bacterial foraging optimization with Gauss mutation (CBFO) approach with FKNN. The integration of the CBFO technique efficiently resolved the parameter tuning issues of the FKNN. The effectiveness of the proposed CBFO-FKNN was rigorously compared to those of the PD datasets in terms of classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve). The simulation results indicated the proposed approach outperformed the other five FKNN models based on BFO, particle swarm optimization, Genetic algorithms, fruit fly optimization, and firefly algorithm, as well as three advanced machine learning methods including support vector machine (SVM), SVM with local learning-based feature selection, and kernel extreme learning machine in a 10-fold cross-validation scheme. The method presented in this paper has a very good prospect, which will bring great convenience to the clinicians to make a better decision in the clinical diagnosis.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Added Prognostic Value to Conventional Risk Profiling
Authors: Catalano Oronzo , Moro Guido , Mori Alessia , Perotti Mariarosa , Gualco Alessandra , Frascaroli Mauro , Pesarin Clara , Napolitano Carlo , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B. , Priori Silvia G.
Published: June 2018

Aims. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) permits a comprehensive evaluation of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to assess whether, in a large contemporaneous population receiving optimal medical therapy, CMR independently predicts prognosis beyond conventional cardiovascular risk factors (RF). Methods. We performed a single centre, observational prospective study that enrolled 465 CAD patients (80% males; 63±11 years), optimally treated with ACE-inhibitors/ARB, aspirin, and statins (76-85%). Assessments included conventional evaluation (clinical history, atherosclerosis RF, electrocardiography, and echocardiography) and a comprehensive CMR with LV dimensions/function, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and stress perfusion CMR (SPCMR). Results. During a median follow-up of 62 months (IQR 23-74) there were 50 deaths and 92 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). CMR variables improved multivariate model prediction power of mortality and MACE over traditional RF alone (F-test p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). LGE was an independent prognostic factor of mortality (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 3.4 [1.3−8.8]); moreover, LGE (3.3 [1.7−6.3]) and SPCMR (2.1 [1.4−3.2]) were the best predictors of MACE. Conclusion. LGE is an independent noninvasive marker of mortality in the long term in patients with stable CAD and optimized medical therapy. Furthermore, LGE and SPCMR independently predict MACE beyond conventional risk stratification.
Long-Term Provision of Acidified Drinking Water Fails to Influence Autoimmune Diabetes and Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Jayaraman Sundararajan , Jayaraman Arathi
Published: June 2018

Induction of autoimmune diseases is predisposed by background genetics and influenced by environmental factors including diet and infections. Since consumption of acidified drinking water leads to eradication of gastrointestinal pathogens in animals, we tested whether it may also influence the development of autoimmune diseases. The frequency of spontaneously occurring type 1 diabetes in female NOD mice that were maintained on acidified drinking water by the vendor did not alter after switching to neutral water in our facility. In addition, experimentally induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis was also unaffected by the pH of the drinking water. Interestingly, administration of complete Freund’s adjuvant alone or emulsified with a neuronal peptide to induce neurodegenerative disease during the prediabetic stage completely prevented the onset of diabetes regardless of the pH of the drinking water. However, exposure to microbial products later in life had only a partial blocking effect on diabetes induction, which was also not influenced by the ionic content of the drinking water. Taken together, these data indicate that the onset of autoimmune diseases is not influenced by the gastrointestinal pathogen-depleting treatment, acidified drinking water. Thus, administration of acidic drinking water does not appear to be an option for treating autoimmune diseases.
Combined Rosiglitazone and Forskolin Have Neuroprotective Effects in SD Rats after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Meng Qing-qi , Lei Wei , Chen Hao , Feng Zhen-cheng , Hu Li-qiong , Zhang Xing-liang , Li Siming
Published: June 2018

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist rosiglitazone inhibits NF-κB expression and endogenous neural stem cell differentiation into neurons and reduces the inflammatory cascade after spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying rosiglitazone-mediated neuroprotective effects and regulation of the balance between the inflammatory cascade and generation of endogenous spinal cord neurons by using a spinal cord-derived neural stem cell culture system as well as SD rat SCI model. Activation of PPAR-γ could promote neural stem cell proliferation and inhibit PKA expression and neuronal formation in vitro. In the SD rat SCI model, the rosiglitazone + forskolin group showed better locomotor recovery compared to the rosiglitazone and forskolin groups. MAP2 expression was higher in the rosiglitazone + forskolin group than in the rosiglitazone group, NF-κB expression was lower in the rosiglitazone + forskolin group than in the forskolin group, and NeuN expression was higher in the rosiglitazone + forskolin group than in the forskolin group. PPAR-γ activation likely inhibits NF-κB, thereby reducing the inflammatory cascade, and PKA activation likely promotes neuronal cell regeneration.
Dimensional Deviation Estimation for Parts with Free-Form Surfaces
Authors: Zhao Dezhong , Wang Wenhu , Zhou Jinhua , Cui Kang , Jin Qichao
Published: June 2018

Dimensional deviation is a prerequisite for improving the manufacturing process of parts with free-form surfaces, for example, the reverse adjustment of the die cavity of turbine blade. Influenced by random noise of the manufacturing process, dimensional variation is inevitable for batch parts. Therefore, it may cause unacceptable error to estimate batch parts dimensional deviation by a single sample. Meanwhile, the optimum sample size for estimating dimensional deviation is difficult to determine. To overcome this problem, a practical method for estimating of dimensional deviation of parts with free-form surface is proposed. Firstly, displacements of the discrete points on part surface are employed to represent dimensional error of the part. Estimating dimensional deviation of parts is actually to estimate the simultaneous confidence intervals of the discrete point displacements. Secondly, Bonferroni simultaneous confidence intervals are adopted to estimate the confidence intervals of the part dimensional deviation. Moreover, the accuracy of the estimation will be continuously improved by increasing samples. Consequently, a practical dimensional deviation estimation method is presented. Finally, a compressor blade is adopted to illustrate the proposed method. The percentage of estimation error of the blade dimensional deviation that is less than 0.05mm, which is the estimation error limit, of all the 100 times sampling experiments is 99%, exceeding the given confidence level of 95%, while the percentage of the existing method is below the confidence level, only 87%.
The Effect of Daily Walnut Consumption on Dyslipidemia
Authors: Bashan İbrahim , Bakman Mustafa
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of daily walnut consumption on dyslipidemia in dietary. Within a year, the patients who have been suggested taking walnut or not in their individual dietary were scanned retrospectively and randomized into 2 groups. The first group consists of 72 cases (only those taken on the diet program) and the second group consists of 73 cases (walnut consumption in regulated diet). Baseline blood lipid parameters and anthropometric measurements were assessed in both groups and compared with values at 3rd month. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. In addition, Maras 18 walnut cultivar was analyzed to determine the fatty acid profiles by chromatographic technique. When comparing lipid parameters at baseline and at the 3rd month, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels significantly decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly increased. As compared with the end of 3rd month values of the groups, the reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride levels of the subjects group (walnut consumption in regulated diet) were significantly higher than the control group (only regulated diet). Also, there was no significant difference in increase on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between the groups. The results showed that daily consumption of walnut improved blood lipid levels. However, more extensive studies are needed on therapeutic usage in dyslipidemia.
Psychological Factors Associated with Phantom Limb Pain: A Review of Recent Findings
Authors: Fuchs Xaver , Flor Herta , Bekrater-Bodmann Robin
Published: June 2018

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common phenomenon occurring after the amputation of a limb and can be accompanied by serious suffering. Psychological factors have been shown to play an important role in other types of chronic pain, where they are pivotal in the acquisition and maintenance of pain symptoms. For PLP, however, the interaction between pain and psychological variables is less well documented. In this review, we summarize research on the role of emotional, motivational, cognitive, and perceptual factors in PLP. The reported findings indicate that emotional factors modulate PLP but might be less important compared to other types of chronic pain. Additional factors such as the amount of disability and adjustment to the amputation appear to also play a role. Bidirectional relationships between stress and PLP have been shown quite consistently, and the potential of stress and tension reduction in PLP treatment could be further exploited. Little is known about the role of cognitive variables such as attention or expectation. Catastrophizing seems to aggravate PLP and could be targeted in treatment. Body perception is altered in PLP and poses a potential target for novel mechanistic treatments. More research on psychological factors and their interactions in PLP is needed.
Confidentiality-Preserving Publicly Verifiable Computation Schemes for Polynomial Evaluation and Matrix-Vector Multiplication
Authors: Sun Jiameng , Zhu Binrui , Qin Jing , Hu Jiankun , Ma Jixin
Published: June 2018

With the development of cloud services, outsourcing computation tasks to a commercial cloud server has drawn attention of various communities, especially in the Big Data era. Public verifiability offers a flexible functionality in real circumstance where the cloud service provider (CSP) may be untrusted or some malicious users may slander the CSP on purpose. However, sometimes the computational result is sensitive and is supposed to remain undisclosed in the public verification phase, while existing works on publicly verifiable computation (PVC) fail to achieve this requirement. In this paper, we highlight the property of result confidentiality in publicly verifiable computation and present confidentiality-preserving public verifiable computation (CP-PVC) schemes for multivariate polynomial evaluation and matrix-vector multiplication, respectively. The proposed schemes work efficiently under the amortized model and, compared with previous PVC schemes for these computations, achieve confidentiality of computational results, while maintaining the property of public verifiability. The proposed schemes proved to be secure, efficient, and result-confidential. In addition, we provide the algorithms and experimental simulation to show the performance of the proposed schemes, which indicates that our proposal is also acceptable in practice.
Mitochondrial Serine Protease HTRA2 p.G399S in a Female with Di George Syndrome and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gambardella Stefano , Ferese Rosangela , Scala Simona , Carboni Stefania , Biagioni Francesca , Emiliano Giardina , Zampatti Stefania , Modugno Nicola , Fabbiano Francesco , Fornai Francesco , Centonze Diego , Ruggieri Stefano
Published: June 2018

Deletion at 22q11.2 responsible for Di George syndrome (DGs) is a risk factor for early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD). To date, all patients reported with 22q11.2 deletions and parkinsonian features are negative for a family history of PD, and possible mutations in PD-related genes were not properly evaluated. The goal of this paper was to identify variants in PD genes that could contribute, together with 22q11.2 del, to the onset of parkinsonian features in patients affected by Di George syndrome. To this aim, sequencing analysis of 4800 genes including 17 PD-related genes was performed in a patient affected by DGs and EOPD. The analysis identified mutation p.Gly399Ser in OMI/HTRA2 (PARK13). To date, the mechanism that links DGs with parkinsonian features is poorly understood. The identification of a mutation in a PARK gene suggests that variants in PD-related genes, or in genes still not associated with PD, could contribute, together with deletion at 22q11.2, to the EOPD in patients affected by DGs. Further genetic analyses in a large number of patients are strongly required to understand this mechanism and to establish the pathogenetic role of p.Gly399Ser in OMI/HTRA2.
A Novel Weak Signal Detection Method of Electromagnetic LWD Based on a Duffing Oscillator
Authors: Wu Aiping , Mwachaka Saleh M. , Pei Yanliang , Fu Qingqing
Published: June 2018

The logging while drilling (LWD) electromagnetic weak signal detection model of a Duffing oscillator based on a one-dimensional nonlinear oscillator is established. The influences of noise on Duffing oscillator dynamic behavior of periodic driving force are discussed and evaluate the oscillator weak signal detection mechanism based on a phase change trajectory diagram. The improved Duffing oscillator is designed and applied to detect the electromagnetic logging signal resistivity at the drill bit using the time-scale transformation method. The simulation results show that the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the Duffing oscillator are very noticeable, the Duffing circuit is very sensitive to detect the tested signal, and it has a reasonable level of immunity to noise. The smaller the amplitude of the tested signal, the more sensitive the circuit is to the signal, the better the antinoise system performance, and the lower the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
CRMP2 and CRMP4 Are Differentially Required for Axon Guidance and Growth in Zebrafish Retinal Neurons
Authors: Liu Zhi-Zhi , Zhu Jian , Wang Chang-Ling , Wang Xin , Han Ying-Ying , Liu Ling-Yan , Xu Hong A.
Published: June 2018

Axons are directed to their correct targets by guidance cues during neurodevelopment. Many axon guidance cues have been discovered; however, much less known is about how the growth cones transduce the extracellular guidance cues to intracellular responses. Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) are a family of intracellular proteins that have been found to mediate growth cone behaviorin vitro; however, their rolesin vivoin axon development are much less explored. In zebrafish embryos, we find that CRMP2 and CRMP4 are expressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer when retinal axons are crossing the midline. Knocking down CRMP2 causes reduced elongation and premature termination of the retinal axons, while knocking down CRMP4 results in ipsilateral misprojections of retinal axons that would normally project to the contralateral brain. Furthermore, CRMP4 synchronizes with neuropilin 1 in retinal axon guidance, suggesting that CRMP4 might mediate the semaphorin/neuropilin signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that CRMP2 and CRMP4 function differentially in axon developmentin vivo.
Partial Mandibulectomy Rehabilitation of Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour Case in Neutral Zone
Authors: Halim Mohamad Syahrizal , Ariff Tengku Fazrina Tengku Mohd
Published: June 2018

Restoring the patient’s missing dentition secondary to partial mandibulectomy of KCOT is important to improve function and aesthetics. The patient presented with a significant loss of alveolar bone which makes the fabrication of rehabilitation prosthesis a significant challenge. A neutral-zone impression technique is helpful in determining the exact space to be restored without compromising aesthetics and it avoids functional muscle displacement that may displace the prosthesis. This article describes the neutral zone impression technique to record a patient's functional muscular movement in guiding the setting of acrylic teeth and denture flange in the neutral zone area. This technique is very useful for postsurgical cases with significant loss of alveolar bone.
Class III β-Tubulin Overexpression Induces Chemoresistance to Eribulin in a Leiomyosarcoma Cell Line
Authors: Yahiro Kenichiro , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Fukushi Jun-ichi , Kawaguchi Ken-ichi , Endo Makoto , Setsu Nokitaka , IIda Keiichiro , Fukushima Suguru , Nakagawa Makoto , Kimura Atsushi , Oda Yoshinao , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: June 2018

Eribulin is a new drug to treat soft tissue sarcoma (STS) that exerts antitumor activity by binding to microtubules. The prognosis of STS is poor, and eribulin is expected to improve the treatment outcome. We observed several cases that exhibited resistance to eribulin and developed an eribulin-resistant leiomyosarcoma cell line to investigate the mechanism of resistance. The IC50 of eribulin was 125 times higher in the resistant cell line than in the parental cell line, and eribulin did not induce G2/M arrest in resistant cells. The resistant cell line showed increased expression of MDR1 transcript, but protein levels and functional analysis results were similar to the parental cell line. We found that class III β-tubulin (TUBB3) was overexpressed in the resistant cell line, and siRNA knockdown of TUBB3 partially recovered sensitivity to eribulin. TUBB3 expression in clinical samples varied, suggesting that TUBB3 has the potential to be a biomarker for selection of anticancer drugs and may be a target for overcoming resistance to eribulin.
Differential Expression of TXNIP Isoforms in the Peripheral Leukocytes of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Zhong Peng , Xu Yingze , Wang Baokui , Zhu Tao , Zhang Wendi , Wang Haihua , Wei Zixiu , Huang Jian
Published: June 2018

Background. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most serious type of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD). The pathological changes are characterized by atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress plays an important role in atherosclerosis. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous inhibitor and regulator of thioredoxin, could bind thioredoxin to regulate its expression and antioxidant activity negatively. The NCBI data show that there are two isoforms in TXNIP gene, namely, TXNIP1 and TXNIP2. Our previous studies have shown that TXNIP expression levels in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) were increased compared with controls (CTR). However, no upregulation of TXNIP was detected in AMI patients. Methods. The leucocytes were isolated from peripheral venous blood, and total RNA of the leucocytes was extracted. Then, real-time quantitative PCR was performed. Results. mRNA levels of TXNIP2 in AMI were significantly increased compared with CTR (P<0.05). However, the expression of TXNIP1 was downregulated in AMI, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that TXNIP2 mRNA levels were significantly associated with AMI (OR = 2.207, P<0.05). Conclusions. The expression of TXNIP2, not TXNIP1, is upregulated in leukocytes of AMI patients, indicating that only TXNIP2 in circulating leucocytes may be involved in the pathogenesis of AMI.
Oscillation Conditions for Difference Equations with a Monotone or Nonmonotone Argument
Authors: Moremedi G. M. , Stavroulakis I. P.
Published: June 2018

Consider the first-order delay difference equation with a constant argument Δxn+pnxn-k=0,  n=0,1,2,…, and the delay difference equation with a variable argument Δxn+pnxτn=0,  n=0,1,2,…, where p(n) is a sequence of nonnegative real numbers, k is a positive integer, Δx(n)=x(n+1)-x(n), and τ(n) is a sequence of integers such that τ(n)≤n-1 for all n≥0 and limn→∞τ(n)=∞. A survey on the oscillation of all solutions to these equations is presented. Examples illustrating the results are given.
T-Synthase Deficiency Enhances Oncogenic Features in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells via Activation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Dong Xichen , Jiang Yuliang , Liu Jian , Liu Zhe , Gao Tianbo , An Guangyu , Wen Tao
Published: June 2018

Background. Immature truncated O-glycans such as Tn antigen are frequently detected in human colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the precise pathological consequences of Tn antigen expression on CRC are unknown. T-synthase is the key enzyme required for biosynthesis of mature O-glycans. Here we investigated the functional roles of Tn antigen expression mediated by T-synthase deficiency in CRC cells. Methods. To knock out T-synthase, we used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to target C1GALT1, the gene encoding T-synthase, in a CRC cell line (HCT116). Deletion of T-synthase was confirmed by western blotting, and expression of Tn antigen was determined by flow cytometry in HCT116 cells. We then assessed the biological effects of T-synthase deficiency on oncogenic behaviors in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, we analyzed the mechanistic role of T-synthase deficiency in cancer cells by determining the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Results. We showed that forced knockout of T-synthase in HCT116 cells significantly induced Tn antigen expression, which represented the occurrence of aberrant O-glycosylation. Loss of T-synthase significantly enhanced cell proliferation and adhesion, as well as migration and invasiveness in culture. More importantly, we demonstrated that T-synthase deficiency directly induced classical EMT characteristics in cancer cells. E-cadherin, a typical epithelial cell marker, was markedly decreased in T-synthase knockout HCT 116 cells, accompanied by an enhanced expression of mesenchymal markers including snail and fibronectin (FN). Conclusions. These findings indicate that T-synthase deficiency in CRC cells not only is responsible for aberrant O-glycosylation, but also triggers the molecular process of EMT pathway, which may translate to increased invasiveness and metastasis in cancers.
Modeling and Simulation of Transverse Free Vibration Analysis of a Rectangular Plate with Cutouts Using Energy Principles
Authors: Shi Shuangxia , Xiao Bin , Jin Guoyong , Gao Chao
Published: June 2018

A modeling method is proposed for the vibration characteristics of rectangular plates with cutouts having variable size. Different from the existing modeling method by considering the cutout as an extremely thin part of the plate, the energy principles in conjunction with Rayleigh‐Ritz solution technique are employed for the modeling of the structure. Under this theoretical framework, the effect of the cutout is taken into account by subtracting the energies of the cutout domains from the total energies of the whole plate with arbitrary boundary conditions. The displacement of the rectangular plate with nonuniform physic parameters is expressed as the combination of a two‐dimensional trigonometric cosine series and supplementary terms introduced to ensure the uniform convergence of the solution over the entire solution domain including the cutouts boundary. The effectiveness and reliability of the eigenmodes of the rectangular plate with cutouts are checked against the results obtained by the finite element method (FEM). The cutout number, position, and size are varied to illustrate the effect of the cutouts on the vibration characteristics of the rectangular plate with cutouts.
Plasma Translocator Protein Levels and Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chen Wen-Hung , Yeh Hsu-Ling , Tsao Chiung-Wen , Lien Li-Ming , Chiwaya Arthur , Alizargar Javad , Bai Chyi-Huey
Published: June 2018

Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been used as a biomarker of brain injury and inflammation in various neurological diseases. In this study, we measured the level of TSPO in acute ischemic stroke patients and determined its association with the degree of stroke severity and its ability to predict stroke functional outcomes. In total, 38 patients with moderate to severe acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. Demographic information, cerebral risk factors, and stroke severity were examined at the baseline. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, and Barthal Index were assessed at discharge as measures of poor functional outcomes and severe disability. The baseline fasting plasma TSPO level was assessed within 24 h after the incident stroke and during hospitalization (on days 8–10). The proportion of patients with poor functional outcomes was significantly higher in the higher-TSPO group (compared to the lower group) in terms of clinical worsening (odds ratio (OR) = 11.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.08–65.6), poor functional outcomes (OR = 10.5, 95% CI = 1.14–96.57), and severe disability (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.20–19.13). Plasma TSPO may be intimately linked with disease progression and worse functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins as Adjuvant Therapy for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Systematic Review Study
Authors: Ibrahim Iman , Zeitouni Anthony , da Silva Sabrina Daniela
Published: June 2018

Importance: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otological emergency of unknown etiology. Recent reports showed that antioxidant drugs can benefit patients with SSNHL. This study attempted to evaluate the effect of adding antioxidant vitamins as an adjuvant therapy alongside with corticosteroids. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the 3 major antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E) as an adjuvant therapy, administered with corticosteroids, for the treatment of SSNHL in adult patients (≥18 years). Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane electronic databases from January 1, 1995, through September 25, 2017. Study Selection: Published studies of adult patients who received antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E, or any combination of these vitamins) as an adjuvant therapy in addition to the regular treatment (corticosteroids) for SSNHL. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias. Data Extraction: Each study had a control group (conventional treatment + placebo) and a trial group (antioxidant vitamin(s) + conventional treatment). Results: From 446 manuscripts identified in the literature, 3 studies were included in the review with 279 patients. The most common vitamins used to treat SSNHL were the 3 major antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, combined sometimes with other antioxidants such as selenium. Conclusions and Relevance: The success of the treatment is increased in patients who received antioxidant vitamins in combination with conventional therapy.
Impact of the Sonas Programme on Communication over a Period of 24 Weeks in People with Moderate-to-Severe Dementia
Authors: Strøm Benedicte Sørensen , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Engedal Knut
Published: June 2018

Objectives: The primary aim was to examine how communication abilities changed over time among nursing home residents with moderate-to-severe dementia who were attending the Sonas programme and to explore whether changes in communication abilities were related to cognitive ability. Method: A longitudinal secondary descriptive study method was employed, where 56 people with moderate-to-severe dementia attended a 45-min Sonas group session twice a week for 24 weeks. The Threadgold Communication Tool (TCT) was completed every 4 weeks. Results: The impact of the Sonas programme on communication showed a significant non-linear trend in the TCT, with an increase in communication abilities during the first 16 weeks, regardless of the level of the residents’ cognitive abilities. Thereafter it levelled out. No interaction was found between time and the frequency of attendances at Sonas sessions. Both verbal and non-verbal communication increased from the baseline, with non-verbal communication increasing quickly and verbal communication increasing marginally. Conclusion: Communication abilities increased with the time of the intervention, but the peak was achieved after 16 weeks, after which the effect levelled out. This suggest that the Sonas programme should be used for a period of at least 16 weeks before evaluating its effect.
Statins and Thyroid Carcinoma: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Junyu , Xu Chunmei , Yao Jinming , Yu Changzhen , Liao Lin , Dong Jianjun
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Experimental studies have reported the antineoplastic effects of statins in thyroid carcinoma; however, observational studies suggested that statins might increase the risk of thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, this study evaluated the antineoplastic effects of statins in both in vitro studies and animal models, as well as the epidemiological evidence. Methods: Databases—PubMed, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and clinical trial registries— were searched. A meta-analysis was performed with sufficiently homogeneous studies. Eighteen articles were involved. Results: In in vitro studies, statins showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell line growth (weighted mean difference –34.68, 95% confidence interval –36.53 to –32.83). A significant efficacy of statin-induced apoptosis was observed (weighted mean difference [95% confidence interval]: 24 h, 57.50 [55.98–59.03]; 48 h, 23.43 [22.19–24.66]; 72 h, 51.29 [47.52–55.07]). Early apoptosis was increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In in vivo antitumor studies, lovastatin inhibited tumor growth, as shown by a reduction in tumor volume. However, two clinical studies showed discordant results from the experimental studies. Conclusion: Experimental studies revealed the antineoplastic efficacy of statins but statins were associated with thyroid carcinoma in clinical studies. This discrepancy may be due to the different concentrations of statins used and the effects of hyperlipidemia interventions, and thus further study is required.
Neuroanatomical Relationship of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Kisspeptin Neurons in Adult Female Sheep and Primates
Authors: Bedenbaugh Michelle N. , McCosh Richard B. , Lopez Justin A. , Connors John M. , Goodman Robert L. , Hileman Stanley M.
Published: June 2018

Background: Neuronal intermediates that communicate estrogen and progesterone feedback to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are essential for modulating reproductive cyclicity. Individually, kisspeptin and nitric oxide (NO) influence GnRH secretion. However, it is possible these 2 neuronal intermediates interact with one another to affect reproductive cyclicity. Methods: We investigated the neuroanatomical relationship of one isoform of the enzyme that synthesizes NO, neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), to kisspeptin and GnRH in adult female rhesus monkeys and sheep using dual-label immunofluorescence. Additionally, we evaluated if the phase of the reproductive cycle would affect these relationships. Results: Overall, no effect of the stage of cycle was observed for any variable in this study. In the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of sheep, 98.8 ± 3.5% of kisspeptin neurons colocalized with nNOS, and kisspeptin close-contacts were observed onto nNOS neurons. In contrast to ewes, no colocalization was observed between kisspeptin and nNOS in the infundibular ARC of primates, but kisspeptin fibers were apposed to nNOS neurons. In the preoptic area of ewes, 15.0 ± 4.2% of GnRH neurons colocalized with nNOS. In primates, 38.8 ± 10.1% of GnRH neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus colocalized with nNOS, and GnRH close-contacts were observed onto nNOS neurons in both sheep and primates. Conclusion: Although species differences were observed, this work establishes a neuroanatomical framework between nNOS and kisspeptin and nNOS and GnRH in adult female nonhuman primates and sheep.
АНАЛІЗ ПОВТОРНИХ ВИПАДКІВ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯ В ОЦІНЦІ ВАРТОСТІ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯ НА РОТАВІРУСНУ ІНФЕКЦІЮ
Authors: Soloviov S. O. , Mokhort G. A. , Leleka M. V. , Kursenko L. O.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи. Оцінка повторних випадків захворювання на ротавірусну інфекцію (РВІ) з використанням ретроспективних епідеміологічних даних та методів математичного та комп'ютерного моделювання.Матеріали і методи. Інформаційним підґрунтям аналізу стали ретроспективні епідеміологічні дані щомісячної захворюваності на РВІ в Україні з 2010 до 2016 р., надані Центром Громадського здоров’я МОЗ України. Використано методи математичного та комп'ютерного моделювання в середовищі Visual Studio 2017.Результати й обговорення. З використанням власного розробленого програмного забезпечення визначено ймовірність захворювання на РВІ для різних вікових груп та очікувану кількість первинного та наступних випадків захворювання для дітей перших п’яти років життя. Визначено, що найбільшою є ймовірність захворювання на РВІ у дітей віком від 1 до 2 років, що узгоджується із загальносвітовими тенденціями. Незважаючи на те, що у світі прийнято брати до уваги перші декілька випадків захворювання на РВІ, результати комп’ютерного моделювання показали, що кількість первинних випадків захворювання значно домінує над кількістю повторних випадків в структурі захворюваності на РВІ серед дітей віком до п’яти років в Україні. Висновки. Результати комп’ютерного моделювання з використанням ретроспективних даних захворюваності на РВІ показали, що при проведенні фармакоекономічних досліджень специфічної профілактики РВІ серед дітей України має бути врахована вартість першого випадку захворювання та можуть бути знехтувані наступні випадки як набагато менш ймовірні.
СПЕКТРОФОТОМЕТРИЧНЕ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ 1-[7-(2-ГІДРОКСІЕТИЛ-1)-3-МЕТИЛКСАНТИН-8-ІЛ]ПІПЕРАЗИНІЙ ХЛОРИДУ
Authors: Ivanchenko D. H. , Zhuk Y. M. , Vasyuk S. O. , Romanenko M. I.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи. Розробити та валідувати УФ-спектрофотометричну методику кількісного визначення 1-[7-(2-гідроксіетил-1)-3-метилксантин-8-іл]піперазиній хлориду.Матеріали і методи.  Об’єктом дослідження була субстанція 1-[7-(2-гідроксіетил-1)-3-метилксантин-8-іл]піперазиній хлориду. В якості розчинника застосовували воду дистильовану.Аналітичне обладнання: спектрофотометр Specord 200, ваги електронні АВТ-120-5DM, мірний посуд класу А.Результати й обговорення. Для розробки методики кількісного визначення обрано смугу, що спостерігається при 260–320 нм із максимумом поглинання при 289 нм. Згідно з ДФУ розроблену методику валідовано методом стандарту за такими валідаційними характеристиками, як лінійність, діапазон застосування, прецизійність, правильність та робасність. Розраховані числові показники лінійної залежності свідчать, що методика лінійна в усьому обраному діапазоні концентрацій (73–126 %). Прецизійність визначали на рівні збіжності. Встановлено, що однобічний інтервал окремого значення не перевищує максимально припустиму невизначеність аналізу, тому дана методика є точною. Встановлено, що абсорбція аналізованих розчинів залишається стабільною протягом щонайменше однієї години. Також розраховано прогнозовану повну невизначеність результатів для методики кількісного визначення, яка не перевищує критичного значення. Отже, методика буде давати коректні результати і в інших лабораторіях.Висновок. Розроблено та валідовано УФ-спектрофотометричну методику кількісного визначення 1-[7-(2-гідроксіетил-1)-3-метилксантин-8-іл]піперазиній хлориду.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ АСОРТИМЕНТУ ВІДХАРКУВАЛЬНИХ ФІТОПРЕПАРАТІВ ДЛЯ ЛІКУВАННЯ КАШЛЮ ПРИ ПРОСТУДНИХ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯХ
Authors: Beley S. Ya. , Hroshovyi T. A. , Beley N. M. , Darzuli N. P.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи. Провести аналіз асортименту відхаркувальних лікарських засобів (ЛЗ) рослинного походження, які зареєстровані в України і застосовуються для лікування кашлю при простудних захворюваннях.Матеріали і методи. Загальноприйняті статистичні та маркетингові дослідження паперових та електронних джерел інформації щодо ЛЗ даної фармакологічної групи.Результати й обговорення. Статтю присвячено аналізу асортименту відхаркувальних ЛЗ рослинного походження, зареєстрованих в Україні. Визначено основні закономірності асортиментної політики фармацевтичних виробників щодо ЛЗ для лікування кашлю при простудних захворюваннях.Висновки. Встановлено, що в Україні станом на січень 2018 р. група відхаркувальних ЛЗ рослинного походження налічує 90 зареєстрованих торгових назв (ТН), більшість з них – комбіновані ЛЗ, частка яких становить 37 %. Серед усіх ЛФ сиропи займають 36 %, частка зборів становить 26 %, і вони представлені лише вітчизняними виробниками. ЛЗ у формі таблеток займають третє місце серед вітчизняних ЛЗ та їх частка становить 12 %.
"Mujique Marei": Análise contextual e close reading
Authors: Kasatkina Tatyana Aleksandrovna
Published: June 2018

“Mujique Marei” é um texto único de F. M. Dostoiévski, em que ao longo de quatro páginas o escritor apresenta de modo evidente ao leitor a sua estrutura da imagem (a estrutura que reproduz cada coisa do mundo da forma como ela se revela ao olhar profundo do artista), seu método criativo e sua maneira de discutir temas teológicos. O método de close readinge contextual permitem analisar e descrever a estrutura da imagem, o método criativo e as formas de discussões teológicas, assim como enxergar o sentido e o objetivo da presença de textos artísticos no Diário de um escritor e analisar os profundos significados do conto propriamente dito, que descrevem o processo de transformação do olhar, o surgimento do “olhar do artista”, que é carregado de “lembranças trazidas da infância”, tão caras a Dostoiévski.
O monismo complexificado de Schelling
Authors: Coelho Humberto Schubert
Published: June 2018

Apresentaremos diferenças técnicas que ajudam a compreender e justificar a passagem de um modelo de monismo forte, no sistema da identidade de Schelling, a um monismo complexificado e de inspiração böhmiana na fase da Filosofia e Religião e dos Escritos sobre a liberdade. Como o segundo modelo inclui em si uma dimensão processual e conflitiva mais complexa, ele tem a vantagem de acomodar um conceito substantivo e concreto de liberdade no sentido almejado por Schelling, um poder capaz de fomentar o bem e o mal. Para que isso seja possível, contudo, é necessário que a moralidade e toda a diferença em geral sejam assumidas seriamente no novo esquema conceitual, pois a homogeneização de aparência espinosana tendia a tornar ilusórias as diferenças.
Sobre a teoria do Estado do socialismo e do bolchevismo
Authors: Kirchheimer Otto , Tavolari Bianca
Published: June 2018

Tradução de Bianca Tavolari