bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for reduced susceptibility to cardiac bradycardias in South Asians compared with Caucasians
Authors: Yuyun Matthew F , Squire Iain B , Ng G André , Samani Nilesh J
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To investigate ethnic differences in susceptibility to bradycardias in South Asian and white European patients in the UK by determining rates of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation for sinus node dysfunction (SND) and atrioventricular block (AVB) in each ethnic group.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study into new PPM implantation during the period from 1 May 2006 to 31 March 2014, in patients of South Asian and Caucasian ethnicity resident in Leicestershire, UK. Numbers of individuals at risk in each ethnic group were derived from UK National Census data of 2011. Crude, and age-standardised incidence rates and risk ratios per 1000 population of PPM implantation were calculated for Caucasians and South Asians.

Results

During the study period, 4883 individuals from the Leicestershire population of 980 328 underwent PPM implantation, a cumulative implantation rate of 4.98/1000 population. The population cumulative PPM implantation rate for SND was 1.74/1000, AVB 2.83/1000 and other indications 0.38/1000 population. The crude incidence in Caucasians (6.15/1000 population) was higher than in South Asians (1.07/1000 population) and remained higher after age standardisation (5.60/1000 vs 2.03/1000, P<0.001). The age-standardised cumulative PPM implantation rates were lower in South Asians for both SND (0.53/1000 in South Asians; 1.97/1000 in Caucasians, P<0.001) and AVB (1.30/1000 in South Asians; 3.17/1000 in Caucasians, P<0.001). Standardised risk ratios (95% CI) for PPM implantation in South Asians compared with Caucasians for all pacing indications, SND and AVB were 0.36 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.37), 0.27 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.28) and 0.41 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.42), respectively.

Conclusions

Rates of PPM implantation are lower in South Asians residing in the UK, compared with Caucasians. This observation raises the possibility of lower inherent susceptibility to bradycardias in South Asians compared with Caucasians. Studies aimed at identifying underlying mechanisms, including possible genetic differences, are warranted.
Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria ameliorate memory and learning deficits and oxidative stress in β-amyloid (1–42) injected rats
Authors: Athari Nik Azm Somayeh , Djazayeri Abolghassem , Safa Majid , Azami Kian , Ahmadvand Behzad , Sabbaghziarani Fatemeh , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Vafa Mohammadreza
Published: February 2018

The gastrointestinal microbiota affects brain function, including memory and learning. In this study we investigated the effects of probiotics on memory and oxidative stress biomarkers in an experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease. Sixty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control; control-probiotics, which received probiotics for 8 weeks; sham operation, which received an intrahippocampal injection of phosphate-buffered saline; Alzheimer, which received an intrahippocampal injection of β-amyloid (Aβ1–42); and Alzheimer-probiotics, which in addition to being injected with Aβ1–42, received 2 g (1 × 1010 CFU/g) of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. fermentum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and B. longum) for 8 weeks. Memory and learning were measured using the Morris water maze, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the hippocampus were measured using ELISA kits. Morris water maze results indicated that compared with the Alzheimer group, the Alzheimer-probiotics group had significantly improved spatial memory, including shorter escape latency and travelled distance and greater time spent in the target quadrant. There was also improvement in oxidative stress biomarkers such as increased malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activity following the β-amyloid injection. Overall, it seems that probiotics play a role in improving memory deficit and inhibiting the pathological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease by modifying microbiota.
An experimental comparison of germination ecology and its implication for conservation of selected rare and endangered species of Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Kołodziejek Jeremi , Patykowski Jacek , Wala Mateusz
Published: February 2018

The germination requirements of four taxonomically related taxa of Dianthus (D. arenarius L. subsp. borussicus Vierh., D. carthusianorum L., D. gratianopolitanus Vill., and D. deltoides L.) were studied under controlled conditions in a laboratory. A set of experiments were conducted to evaluate seed germination responses to storage period and cold stratification, different hydrogen ion concentrations (pH), potassium nitrate ([Formula: see text]), temperatures, and light conditions. Experiments were also performed to study the effects of sowing depth and water supply on seedling emergence. There were no differences in germination between seeds incubated under light or dark conditions for any of the taxa we studied. Germination percentages increased significantly with increases in temperature. The taxa of Dianthus we studied showed similar responses to sand burial, i.e., seeds placed on or near the soil surface had maximum emergence, and emergence declined with increasing depth of seed burial. In the studied taxa, germination was reduced by declining osmotic potentials. Cold stratification increased the germination rate, but did not affect final germination percentage of Dianthus seeds. A higher concentration of nutritious solutions (KNO3) negatively affected the germination percentage. The results show that seeds of the studied taxa are potentially germinable in the species’ habitat at any time between April and October.
Momordica charantia Inhibits Inflammatory Responses in Murine Macrophages via Suppression of TAK1
Authors: Yang Woo Seok , Yang Eunju , Kim Min-Jeong , Jeong Deok , Yoon Deok Hyo , Sung Gi-Ho , Lee Seungihm , Yoo Byong Chul , Yeo Seung-Gu , Cho Jae Youl
Published: February 2018

Momordica charantia known as bitter melon is a representative medicinal plant reported to exhibit numerous pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antitumor, and hypoglycemic actions. Although this plant has high ethnopharmacological value for treating inflammatory diseases, the molecular mechanisms by which it inhibits the inflammatory response are not fully understood. In this study, we aim to identify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of this plant. To this end, we studied the effects of its methanol extract (Mc-ME) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Specifically, we evaluated nitric oxide (NO) production, mRNA expression of inflammatory genes, luciferase reporter gene activity, and putative molecular targets. Mc-ME blocked NO production in a dose-dependent manner in RAW264.7 cells; importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were decreased by Mc-ME treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Luciferase assays and nuclear lysate immunoblotting analyses strongly indicated that Mc-ME decreases the levels of p65 [a nuclear factor (NF)-[Formula: see text]B subunit] and c-Fos [an activator protein (AP)-1 subunit]. Whole lysate immunoblotting assays, luciferase assays, and overexpression experiments suggested that transforming growth factor [Formula: see text]-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is targeted by Mc-ME, thereby suppressing NF-[Formula: see text]B and AP-1 activity via downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and AKT. These results strongly suggest that Mc-ME exerts its anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the action of TAK1, which also affects the activation of NF-[Formula: see text]B and AP-1.
Finding Points in General Position
Authors: Froese Vincent , Kanj Iyad , Nichterlein André , Niedermeier Rolf
Published: February 2018

We study the General Position Subset Selection problem: Given a set of points in the plane, find a maximum-cardinality subset of points in general position. We prove that General Position Subset Selection is NP-hard, APX-hard, and present several fixed-parameter tractability results for the problem as well as a subexponential running time lower bound based on the Exponential Time Hypothesis.
A CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCRAMBLED SET WITH FULL HAUSDORFF DIMENSION FOR BETA-TRANSFORMATIONS
Authors: LIU WEI-BIN , HUANG CHENG , LI MEI-HUA , WANG SHUAILING
Published: February 2018

For beta-transformations, we prove that the Lebesgue measure of any measurable scrambled set is zero, and there exists a scrambled set with full Hausdorff dimension.
Marked length rigidity for one-dimensional spaces
Authors: Constantine David , Lafont Jean-François
Published: February 2018

In a compact geodesic metric space of topological dimension one, the minimal length of a loop in a free homotopy class is well-defined, and provides a function [Formula: see text] (the value [Formula: see text] being assigned to loops which are not freely homotopic to any rectifiable loops). This function is the marked length spectrum. We introduce a subset [Formula: see text], which is the union of all non-constant minimal loops of finite length. We show that if [Formula: see text] is a compact, non-contractible, geodesic space of topological dimension one, then [Formula: see text] deformation retracts to [Formula: see text]. Moreover, [Formula: see text] can be characterized as the minimal subset of [Formula: see text] to which [Formula: see text] deformation retracts. Let [Formula: see text] be a pair of compact, non-contractible, geodesic metric spaces of topological dimension one, and set [Formula: see text]. We prove that any isomorphism [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text], forces the existence of an isometry [Formula: see text] which induces the map [Formula: see text] on the level of fundamental groups. Thus, for compact, non-contractible, geodesic spaces of topological dimension one, the marked length spectrum completely determines the subset [Formula: see text] up to isometry.
The subduction initiation stage of the Wilson cycle
Authors: Hall Robert
Published: February 2018

In the Wilson cycle, there is a change from an opening to a closing ocean when subduction begins. Subduction initiation is commonly identified as a major problem in plate tectonics and is said to be nowhere observable, yet there are many young subduction zones at the west Pacific margins and in eastern Indonesia. Few studies have considered these examples. Banda subduction developed by the eastwards propagation of the Java trench into an oceanic embayment by tearing along a former ocean–continent boundary. The earlier subducted slab provided the driving force to drag down unsubducted oceanic lithosphere. Although this process may be common, it does not account for young subduction zones near Sulawesi at different stages of development. Subduction began there at the edges of ocean basins, not at former spreading centres or transforms. It initiated at a point where there were major differences in elevation between the ocean floor and the adjacent hot, weak and thickened arc/continental crust. The age of the ocean crust appears to be unimportant. A close relationship with extension is marked by the dramatic elevation of land, the exhumation of deep crust and the spectacular subsidence of basins, raising questions about the time required to move from no subduction to active subduction, and how initiation can be identified in the geological record.
Configuring Software Product Lines by Combining Many-Objective Optimization and SAT Solvers
Authors: Xiang Yi , Zhou Yuren , Zheng Zibin , Li Miqing
Published: February 2018

A feature model (FM) is a compact representation of the information of all possible products from software product lines. The optimal feature selection involves the simultaneous optimization of multiple (usually more than three) objectives in a large and highly constrained search space. By combining our previous work on many-objective evolutionary algorithm (i.e., VaEA) with two different satisfiability (SAT) solvers, this article proposes a new approach named
SATVaEA
for handling the optimal feature selection problem. In SATVaEA, an FM is simplified with the number of both features and constraints being reduced greatly. We enhance the search of VaEA by using two SAT solvers: one is a stochastic local search--based SAT solver that can quickly repair infeasible configurations, whereas the other is a conflict-driven clause-learning SAT solver that is introduced to generate diversified products. We evaluate SATVaEA on 21 FMs with up to 62,482 features, including two models with realistic values for feature attributes. The experimental results are promising, with SATVaEA returning 100% valid products on almost all FMs. For models with more than 10,000 features, the search in SATVaEA takes only a few minutes. Concerning both effectiveness and efficiency, SATVaEA significantly outperforms other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Framework negotiation and UX design
Authors: Mara Andrew
Published: February 2018

Framework negotiation is a mixed-methods research approach to help a UXD researchers uncover the relationship between cross-cultural identity and location. In this study, surveys initially located connections between conceptions of the self and symbolic pathways. Then, community-based research and usability testing verified root metaphors for website navigation. This mixed-methods research uncovered how Kenyans ported navigational strategies from other institutional settings. The article outlines the creation of the research instrument, describes how early data collection guided later data collection, and finally details how the methods uncovered user significance through metaphor.
Designing for global mobile
Authors: Verhulsdonck Gustav
Published: February 2018

An important element for global design is an approach that can be used for international (e.g., non-US) users. Such a design approach has to factor in how the user's culture influences how they perceive a design while using their mobile devices across a different culture. As mobile use is expected to grow globally, more mobile interactions will require increasingly robust tools for measuring user experiences across different online and physical channels. This article focuses on how experience mapping, a common user experience (UX) design technique that tells stories about how a user experiences a design as a seamless whole across such channels, can help address global mobile design contexts. To further address such global contexts, this article proposes extending experience mapping by considering the factors of existing infrastructures, global openness to innovation, local user contexts, and local beliefs on the function of technology so that designers of communication can better conceptualize sequences of events of interactions across cultures.
Engaging with online design
Authors: Bartolotta Joseph , Newmark Julianne , Bourelle Tiffany
Published: February 2018

As usability research and user-centered design become more prevalent areas of study within technical and professional communication (TPC), it has become important to examine the best practices in designing courses and programs that help students better understand these concepts. This article reports on a case study about how usability research and user-centered design were introduced to TPC students. The article examines how students responded to and articulated new concepts and looks forward to ways TPC programs can develop comprehensive curricula that introduces students to these topics.
Review of "
Fundamentals of User-Centered Design: A Practical Approach
," by Still, B., & Crane, K. (2017). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Authors: Cosgrove Samantha
Published: February 2018

Over the past 100 years, user-centered design (UCD) has evolved from an idea to a developed area of research in design communication for academics and practitioners. Since UCD was coined by Donald Norman in 1986, it has slowly become a guiding theory behind many design practices, pushing user needs over technological desires. In
Fundamentals of User-Centered Design: A Practical Approach
, Brian Still and Kate Crane illustrate the history, implementation, and best and worst practices in UCD. This book pulls from expertise in both academia and industry to create a handbook on UCD in both a print and eBook edition. Using their combined experiences, Still and Crane provide thoughtful commentary on the current state of UCD by establishing theory and applying it to their own work and the work of others within the field of design.
Menstrual Hygiene, Management, and Waste Disposal: Practices and Challenges Faced by Girls/Women of Developing Countries
Authors: Kaur Rajanbir , Kaur Kanwaljit , Kaur Rajinder
Published: February 2018

Menstruation and menstrual practices still face many social, cultural, and religious restrictions which are a big barrier in the path of menstrual hygiene management. In many parts of the country especially in rural areas girls are not prepared and aware about menstruation so they face many difficulties and challenges at home, schools, and work places. While reviewing literature, we found that little, inaccurate, or incomplete knowledge about menstruation is a great hindrance in the path of personal and menstrual hygiene management. Girls and women have very less or no knowledge about reproductive tract infections caused due to ignorance of personal hygiene during menstruation time. In rural areas, women do not have access to sanitary products or they know very little about the types and method of using them or are unable to afford such products due to high cost. So, they mostly rely on reusable cloth pads which they wash and use again. Needs and requirements of the adolescent girls and women are ignored despite the fact that there are major developments in the area of water and sanitation. Women manage menstruation differently when they are at home or outside; at homes, they dispose of menstrual products in domestic wastes and in public toilets and they flush them in the toilets without knowing the consequences of choking. So, there should be a need to educate and make them aware about the environmental pollution and health hazards associated with them. Implementation of modern techniques like incineration can help to reduce the waste. Also, awareness should be created to emphasize the use of reusable sanitary products or the natural sanitary products made from materials like banana fibre, bamboo fibre, sea sponges, water hyacinth, and so on.
Maresins: Specialized Proresolving Lipid Mediators and Their Potential Role in Inflammatory-Related Diseases
Authors: Tang Shi , Wan Ming , Huang Wei , Stanton R. C. , Xu Yong
Published: February 2018

Acute inflammatory responses are host-protective and normally self-limited; these responses can maintain cell homeostasis and promote defense against various infections and damage factors. However, when improperly managed or inappropriately activated, acute inflammation can lead to persistent and uncontrolled chronic inflammation, which is associated with many other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease. Recently, studies have shown that resolution of acute inflammation is a biosynthetically active process. Specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) known as resolvins and protectins are autacoids that resolve inflammation. A new family of anti-inflammatory and proresolving lipid mediators have recently been reported, known as maresins, which are biosynthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by macrophages, have a conjugated double-bond system, and display strong anti-inflammatory and proresolving activity. Here, we review the biological actions, pathways, and mechanisms of maresins, which may play pivotal roles in the resolution of inflammation.
Reviewing Clinical Effectiveness of Active Training Strategies of Platform-Based Ankle Rehabilitation Robots
Authors: Zeng Xiangfeng , Zhu Guoli , Zhang Mingming , Xie Sheng Q.
Published: February 2018

Objective. This review aims to provide a systematical investigation of clinical effectiveness of active training strategies applied in platform-based ankle robots. Method. English-language studies published from Jan 1980 to Aug 2017 were searched from four databases using key words of “Ankle∗” AND “Robot∗” AND “Effect∗ OR Improv∗ OR Increas∗.” Following an initial screening, three rounds of discrimination were successively conducted based on the title, the abstract, and the full paper. Result. A total of 21 studies were selected with 311 patients involved; of them, 13 studies applied a single group while another eight studies used different groups for comparison to verify the therapeutic effect. Virtual-reality (VR) game training was applied in 19 studies, while two studies used proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training. Conclusion. Active training techniques delivered by platform ankle rehabilitation robots have been demonstrated with great potential for clinical applications. Training strategies are mostly combined with one another by considering rehabilitation schemes and motion ability of ankle joints. VR game environment has been commonly used with active ankle training. Bioelectrical signals integrated with VR game training can implement intelligent identification of movement intention and assessment. These further provide the foundation for advanced interactive training strategies that can lead to enhanced training safety and confidence for patients and better treatment efficacy.
Improving the Recording of Diagnoses in Primary Care with Team Incentives: A Controlled Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
Authors: Lehtovuori Tuomo , Kauppila Timo , Kallio Jouko , Heikkinen Anna M. , Raina Marko , Suominen Lasse , Sund Reijo
Published: February 2018

Introduction. We studied whether primary care teams respond to financial group bonuses by improving the recording of diagnoses, whether this intervention leads to diagnoses reflecting the anticipated distribution of diseases, and how the recording of a significant chronic disease, diabetes, alters after the application of these bonuses. Methods. We performed an observational register-based retrospective quasi-experimental follow-up study with before-and-after setting and two control groups in primary healthcare of a Finnish town. We studied the rate of recorded diagnoses in visits to general practitioners with interrupted time series analysis. The distribution of these diagnoses was also recorded. Results. After group bonuses, the rate of recording diagnoses increased by 17.9% (95% CI: 13.6–22.3) but not in either of the controls (−2.0 to −0.3%). The increase in the rate of recorded diagnoses in the care teams varied between 14.9% (4.7–25.2) and 33.7% (26.6–41.3). The distribution of recorded diagnoses resembled the respective distribution of diagnoses in the former studies of diagnoses made in primary care. The rate of recorded diagnoses of diabetes did not increase just after the intervention. Conclusions. In primary care, the completeness of diagnosis recording can be, to varying degrees, influenced by group bonuses without guarantee that recording of clinically significant chronic diseases is improved.
Dunye Guanxinning Improves Acute Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Neutrophil Infiltration and Caspase-1 Activity
Authors: Zhang Q. G. , Wang S. R. , Chen X. M. , Guo H. N. , Ling S. , Xu J. W.
Published: February 2018

Acute myocardial infarction is the most serious manifestation of cardiovascular disease, and it is a life-threatening condition. Dunye Guanxinning (DG) is a protective traditional Chinese patent herbal medicine with high clinical efficacy and suitable for the treatment of myocardial infarction. However, the mechanism through which it is beneficial is unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that DG improves acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and caspase-1 activity. We found that DG administration decreased infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improved left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, end-systolic volume index, end-systolic diameter, and carotid arterial blood flow output in rats. DG administration also improved hemorheological parameters, myocardial damage biomarkers, and oxidative stress indexes. The findings showed that DG administration inhibited neutrophil infiltration and reduced the serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) level and myocardial IL-1β maturation. Moreover, DG administration inhibited caspase-1 activity and activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in rat hearts. These results suggested that DG administration inhibits inflammasome activity and IL-1β release through the AMPK pathway. Our findings support the clinical efficacy of DG and partially reveal its mechanism, which is beneficial for understanding the therapeutic effects of this protective traditional Chinese patent drug.
Benefit of Oleuropein Aglycone for Alzheimer’s Disease by Promoting Autophagy
Authors: Cordero Joaquín G. , García-Escudero Ramón , Avila Jesús , Gargini Ricardo , García-Escudero Vega
Published: February 2018

Alzheimer’s disease is a proteinopathy characterized by accumulation of hyperphosphorylated Tau and β‐amyloid. Autophagy is a physiological process by which aggregated proteins and damaged organelles are eliminated through lysosomal digestion. Autophagy deficiency has been demonstrated in Alzheimer’s patients impairing effective elimination of aggregates and damaged mitochondria, leading to their accumulation, increasing their toxicity and oxidative stress. In the present study, we demonstrated by microarray analysis the downregulation of fundamental autophagy and mitophagy pathways in Alzheimer’s patients. The benefits of the Mediterranean diet on Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment are well known, attributing this effect to several polyphenols, such as oleuropein aglycone (OLE), present in extra virgin olive oil. OLE is able to induce autophagy, achieving a decrease of aggregated proteins and a reduction of cognitive impairment in vivo. This effect is caused by the modulation of several pathways including the AMPK/mTOR axis and the activation of autophagy gene expression mediated by sirtuins and histone acetylation or EB transcription factor. We propose that supplementation of diet with extra virgin olive oil might have potential benefits for Alzheimer’s patients by the induction of autophagy by OLE.
A Method to Incorporate Floor Plan Constraints into Indoor Location Tracking: A Voronoi Approach
Authors: Hobby John D. , Dashti Marzieh
Published: February 2018

Indoor localization has attracted a lot of research effort in recent years due to the explosion of indoor location-based service (LBS) applications. Incorporating map constraints into localization algorithms reduces the uncertainty of walking trajectories and enhances location accuracy. Suitable maps for computer-aided localization algorithms are not readily available, and hence most researchers working on localization solutions manually create maps for their specific localization scenarios. This paper presents a method of generating indoor maps suitable for localization algorithms from CAD floor plans. Our solution is scalable for mass-market LBS deployment. We also propose an adapted map-filtering algorithm that utilizes map information extracted from CAD floor plans. We evaluate the performance of our solution via real-world Wi-Fi RF measurements.
PS-FW: A Hybrid Algorithm Based on Particle Swarm and Fireworks for Global Optimization
Authors: Chen Shuangqing , Liu Yang , Wei Lixin , Guan Bing
Published: February 2018

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and fireworks algorithm (FWA) are two recently developed optimization methods which have been applied in various areas due to their simplicity and efficiency. However, when being applied to high-dimensional optimization problems, PSO algorithm may be trapped in the local optima owing to the lack of powerful global exploration capability, and fireworks algorithm is difficult to converge in some cases because of its relatively low local exploitation efficiency for noncore fireworks. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm called PS-FW is presented, in which the modified operators of FWA are embedded into the solving process of PSO. In the iteration process, the abandonment and supplement mechanism is adopted to balance the exploration and exploitation ability of PS-FW, and the modified explosion operator and the novel mutation operator are proposed to speed up the global convergence and to avoid prematurity. To verify the performance of the proposed PS-FW algorithm, 22 high-dimensional benchmark functions have been employed, and it is compared with PSO, FWA, stdPSO, CPSO, CLPSO, FIPS, Frankenstein, and ALWPSO algorithms. Results show that the PS-FW algorithm is an efficient, robust, and fast converging optimization method for solving global optimization problems.
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis Using Chinese Medicinal Plants: Special Emphasis on Mechanisms of Immune Modulation
Authors: Zhao Hongyan , Zhao Ning , Zheng Peng , Xu Xiaohong , Liu Meijie , Luo Dan , Xu Huihui , Ju Dahong
Published: February 2018

Numerous studies have examined the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. The causes of osteoporosis include endocrine factors, nutritional status, genetic factors, physical factors, and immune factors. Recent osteoimmunology studies demonstrated that the immune system and immune factors play important regulatory roles in the occurrence of osteoporosis, and people should pay more attention to the relationship between immunity and osteoporosis. Immune and bone cells are located in the bone marrow and share numerous regulatory molecules, signaling molecules, and transcription factors. Abnormal activation of the immune system alters the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which results in an imbalance of bone remodeling and osteoporosis. The incidence of osteoporosis is also increasing with the aging of China’s population, and traditional Chinese medicine has played a vital role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis for centuries. Chinese medicinal plants possess unique advantages in the regulation of the immune system and the relationships between osteoporosis and the immune system. In this review, we provide a general overview of Chinese medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, focusing on immunological aspects.
Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Eastern and Southeastern Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Cong Luat , Pham Ngoc Minh , Binns Colin W. , Duong Dat Van , Lee Andy H.
Published: February 2018

Aim. To review the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Eastern and Southeastern Asia.Methods. We systematically searched for observational studies on GDM prevalence from January 2000 to December 2016. Inclusion criteria were original English papers, with full texts published in peer-reviewed journals. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia. Fixed effects and random effects models were used to estimate the summary prevalence of GDM and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results.A total of 4415 papers were screened, and 48 studies with 63 GDM prevalence observations were included in the final review. The pooled prevalence of GDM was 10.1% (95% CI: 6.5%–15.7%), despite substantial variations across nations. The prevalence of GDM in lower- or upper-middle income countries was about 64% higher than in their high-income counterparts. Moreover, the one-step screening method was twice more likely to be used in diagnosing GDM when compared to the two-step screening procedure.Conclusions.The prevalence of GDM in Eastern and Southeastern Asia was high and varied among and within countries. There is a need for international uniformity in screening strategies and diagnostic criteria for GDM.
An Improved Genetic Algorithm to Optimize Spatial Locations for Double-Wishbone Type Suspension System with Time Delay
Authors: Li Qiang , Yu Xiaoli , Wu Jian
Published: February 2018

By taking account of double-wishbone independent suspension with two unequal-length arms, the coordinate values of articulated geometry are based on structural limitations and constraint equations of alignment parameters. The sensitivities of front wheel alignment parameters are analyzed using the space analytic geometry method with insight module in ADAMS® software. The multiobjective optimization functions are designed to calculate the coordinate values of hardpoints with front suspension since the effect of time delay due to wheelbase can be easily obtained by vehicle speed. The K&C characteristics have been investigated using GA solutions in the simulation environment. The camber angle decreases from 1.152° to 1.05° and toe-in angle reduces from 1.036° to 0.944°. The simulation results demonstrate that the suggested optimization method is able to satisfy the suspension motion to enhance ride comfort. Experimental results, obtained by K&C test bench, also indicate that the optimized suspension can track the desired trajectory while keeping the vehicle performance in various road conditions.
Genetic Variability in eIF2α Gene Is Associated with Islet β-Cell Function in the Development of Diabetes in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Gu Nan , Ma Xiaowei , Zhang Jianwei , Jin Mengmeng , Feng Nan , Deng Ruifen , Bai Ge , Zhang Hong , Guo Xiaohui
Published: February 2018

Aims. Protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) pathway mutations lead to failure of β-cell function. The aim of this article was to assess the association between eIF2α and the risk of glucose metabolism abnormalities. Methods. Two eIF2α SNPs (rs9840992 T>C and rs13072593 A>G) were selected based on CHB data from HapMap, and 1466 unrelated nondiabetes individuals were genotyped. All subjects were examined by the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, and 733 participated in a subsequent insulin release test. Various indicators of insulin resistance and islet β-cell function were examined. Results. There were no significant differences in genotype distribution and allele frequency between the prediabetes and controls. CC genotype carriers at rs9840992 showed higher insulin levels at 120 min after a 75 g glucose load than noncarriers. Also, CC homozygotes had higher ΔI30/ΔG30 and ΔI120/ΔG120 than noncarriers, even after adjusting for insulin resistance. CC homozygotes had greater AUCi values than noncarriers. Subjects aged ≥ 65 yrs, those with a BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 and those carrying the rs9840992 risk allele, had a 2.5-fold higher risk of glucose abnormalities than subjects who had none of these risk factors. Conclusion. The eIF2α polymorphism is associated with islet β-cell function in a Chinese population.
A Kind of Stochastic Eigenvalue Complementarity Problems
Authors: Wang Ying-xiao , Du Shou-qiang
Published: February 2018

With the development of computer science, computational electromagnetics have also been widely used. Electromagnetic phenomena are closely related to eigenvalue problems. On the other hand, in order to solve the uncertainty of input data, the stochastic eigenvalue complementarity problem, which is a general formulation for the eigenvalue complementarity problem, has aroused interest in research. So, in this paper, we propose a new kind of stochastic eigenvalue complementarity problem. We reformulate the given stochastic eigenvalue complementarity problem as a system of nonsmooth equations with nonnegative constraints. Then, a projected smoothing Newton method is presented to solve it. The global and local convergence properties of the given method for solving the proposed stochastic eigenvalue complementarity problem are also given. Finally, the related numerical results show that the proposed method is efficient.
Adherence to International Guidelines for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Lebanon
Authors: Kabbara Wissam K. , Meski Mohamad M. , Ramadan Wijdan H. , Maaliki Dina S. , Salameh Pascale
Published: February 2018

Objective. The purpose of this study is to evaluate antibiotic-prescribing practices and adherence to IDSA guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in Lebanon. Methods. This observational prospective study was conducted in 15 community pharmacies in Lebanon over 1 year in adult females. A regimen of nitrofurantoin 100 mg bid for 5 days or fosfomycin 3 grams single dose were considered appropriate. For the bivariate analysis, the chi-square test was used. Results. A total of 376 patients were included in this study. The prescribed antibiotic was appropriate in 35 percent of the patients. Age (more than 50 years) did not significantly affect the appropriateness of the prescribed antibiotic (p=0.508). The frequency of attacks per year (more than 3) negatively affected the choice of antibiotic (p=0.025). The dose and duration of the prescribed antibiotic was appropriate in 73 and 58 percent of the patients, respectively, with a significant inappropriate dose and duration with fluoroquinolones as compared to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin (p<0.001 for the dose and p=0.014 for the duration of therapy). Conclusions. In an era of increasing bacterial resistance, interventions that improve physicians’ prescribing practices for uncomplicated urinary tract infections are needed.
Analysis and Numerical Simulations of a Stochastic SEIQR Epidemic System with Quarantine-Adjusted Incidence and Imperfect Vaccination
Authors: Li Fei , Meng Xinzhu , Wang Xinzeng
Published: February 2018

This paper considers a high-dimensional stochastic SEIQR (susceptible-exposed-infected-quarantined-recovered) epidemic model with quarantine-adjusted incidence and the imperfect vaccination. The main aim of this study is to investigate stochastic effects on the SEIQR epidemic model and obtain its thresholds. We first obtain the sufficient condition for extinction of the disease of the stochastic system. Then, by using the theory of Hasminskii and the Lyapunov analysis methods, we show there is a unique stationary distribution of the stochastic system and it has an ergodic property, which means the infectious disease is prevalent. This implies that the stochastic disturbance is conducive to epidemic diseases control. At last, computer numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate our theoretical results.
Modeling and Simulation of Gas Emission Based on Recursive Modified Elman Neural Network
Authors: Wei Lin , Wu Yongqing , Fu Hua , Yin Yuping
Published: February 2018

For the purpose of achieving more effective prediction of the absolute gas emission quantity, this paper puts forward a new model based on the hidden recurrent feedback Elman. The recursive part of classic Elman cannot be adjusted because it is fixed. To a certain extent, this drawback affects the approximation ability of the Elman, so this paper adds the correction factors in recursive part and uses the error feedback to determine the parameters. The stability of the recursive modified Elman neural network is proved in the sense of Lyapunov stability theory, and the optimal learning rate is given. With the historical data of mine actual monitoring to experiment and analysis, the results show that the recursive modified Elman neural network model can effectively predict the gas emission and improve the accuracy and efficiency of prediction compared with the classic Elman prediction model.
Effect of Altered Retinal Cones/Opsins on Refractive Development under Monochromatic Lights in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Zou Leilei , Zhu Xiaoyu , Liu Rui , Ma Fei , Yu Manrong , Liu Hong , Dai Jinhui
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To analyze the changes of refraction and metabolism of the retinal cones under monochromatic lights in guinea pigs. Methods. Sixty guinea pigs were randomly divided into a short-wavelength light (SL) group, a middle-wavelength light (ML) group, and a white light (WL) group. Refraction and axial length were measured before and after 10-week illumination. The densities of S-cones and M-cones were determined by retinal cone immunocytochemistry, and the expressions of S-opsins and M-opsins were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. Results. After 10-week illumination, the guinea pigs developed relative hyperopia in the SL group and relative myopia in the ML group. Compared with the WL group, the density of S-cones and S-opsins increased while M-cones and M-opsins decreased in the SL group (all, p<0.05); conversely, the density of S-cones and S-opsins decreased while M-cones and M-opsins increased in the ML group (all, p<0.05). Increased S-cones/opsins and decreased M-cones/opsins were induced by short-wavelength lights. Decreased S-cones/opsins and increased M-cones/opsins were induced by middle-wavelength lights. Conclusions. Altered retinal cones/opsins induced by monochromatic lights might be involved in the refractive development in guinea pigs.
Concurrent Inhibition of Neurosphere and Monolayer Cells of Pediatric Glioblastoma by Aurora A Inhibitor MLN8237 Predicted Survival Extension in PDOX Models
Authors: Kogiso Mari , Qi Lin , Braun Frank K. , Injac Sarah G. , Zhang Linna , Du Yuchen , Zhang Huiyuan , Lin Frank Y. , Zhao Sibo , Lindsay Holly , Su Jack M. , Baxter Patricia A. , Adesina Adekunle M. , Liao Debra , Qian Mark G. , Berg Stacey , Muscal Jodi A. , Li Xiao-Nan
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Pediatric glioblastoma multiforme (pGBM) is a highly aggressive tumor in need of novel therapies. Our objective was to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of MLN8237 (alisertib), an orally available selective inhibitor of Aurora A kinase (AURKA), and to evaluate which in vitro model system (monolayer or neurosphere) can predict therapeutic efficacy in vivo.

Experimental Design: AURKA mRNA expressions were screened with qRT-PCR. In vitro antitumor effects were examined in three matching pairs of monolayer and neurosphere lines established from patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models of the untreated (IC-4687GBM), recurrent (IC-3752GBM), and terminal (IC-R0315GBM) tumors, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy through log rank analysis of survival times in two models (IC-4687GBM and IC-R0315GBM) following MLN8237 treatment (30 mg/kg/day, orally, 12 days). Drug concentrations in vivo and mechanism of action and resistance were also investigated.

Results: AURKA mRNA overexpression was detected in 14 pGBM tumors, 10 PDOX models, and 6 cultured pGBM lines as compared with 11 low-grade gliomas and normal brains. MLN8237 penetrated into pGBM xenografts in mouse brains. Significant extension of survival times were achieved in IC-4687GBM of which both neurosphere and monolayer were inhibited in vitro, but not in IC-R0315GBM of which only neurosphere cells responded (similar to IC-3752GBM). Apoptosis-mediated MLN8237 induced cell death, and the presence of AURKA-negative and CD133+ cells appears to have contributed to in vivo therapy resistance.

Conclusions: MLN8237 successfully targeted AURKA in a subset of pGBMs. Our data suggest that combination therapy should aim at AURKA-negative and/or CD133+ pGBM cells to prevent tumor recurrence. Clin Cancer Res; 24(9); 2159–70. ©2018 AACR.
Capecitabine Efficacy Is Correlated with TYMP and RB1 Expression in PDX Established from Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Marangoni Elisabetta , Laurent Cécile , Coussy Florence , El-Botty Rania , Château-Joubert Sophie , Servely Jean-Luc , de Plater Ludmilla , Assayag Franck , Dahmani Ahmed , Montaudon Elodie , Nemati Fariba , Fleury Justine , Vacher Sophie , Gentien David , Rapinat Audrey , Foidart Pierre , Sounni Nor Eddine , Noel Agnès , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Lae Marick , Decaudin Didier , Roman-Roman Sergio , Bièche Ivan , Piccart Martine , Reyal Fabien
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy have a poor outcome. We developed patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from residual tumors to identify efficient chemotherapies and predictive biomarkers in a context of resistance to anthracyclines- and taxanes-based treatments.

Experimental Design: PDX were established from residual tumors of primary breast cancer patients treated in neoadjuvant setting. TNBC PDX were treated by anthracyclines, taxanes, platins, and capecitabine. Predictive biomarkers were identified by transcriptomic and immunohistologic analysis. Downregulation of RB1 was performed by siRNA in a cell line established from a PDX.

Results: Residual TNBC PDX were characterized by a high tumor take, a short latency, and a poor prognosis of the corresponding patients. With the exception of BRCA1/2-mutated models, residual PDX were resistant to anthracyclines, taxanes, and platins. Capecitabine, the oral prodrug of 5-FU, was highly efficient in 60% of PDX, with two models showing complete responses. Prior treatment of a responder PDX with 5-FU increased expression of thymidylate synthase and decreased efficacy of capecitabine. Transcriptomic and IHC analyses of 32 TNBC PDX, including both residual tumors and treatment-naïve derived tumors, identified RB1 and TYMP proteins as predictive biomarkers for capecitabine response. Finally, RB1 knockdown in a cell line established from a capecitabine-responder PDX decreased sensitivity to 5-FU treatment.

Conclusions: We identified capecitabine as efficient chemotherapy in TNBC PDX models established from residual disease and resistant to anthracyclines, taxanes, and platins. RB1 positivity and high expression of TYMP were significantly associated with capecitabine response. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2605–15. ©2018 AACR.
Combination Approach for Detecting Different Types of Alterations in Circulating Tumor DNA in Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Przybyl Joanna , Chabon Jacob J. , Spans Lien , Ganjoo Kristen N. , Vennam Sujay , Newman Aaron M. , Forgó Erna , Varma Sushama , Zhu Shirley , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Alizadeh Ash A. , Diehn Maximilian , van de Rijn Matt
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring has been shown in tumors that harbor highly recurrent mutations. Leiomyosarcoma represents a type of tumor with a wide spectrum of heterogeneous genomic abnormalities; thus, targeting hotspot mutations or a narrow genomic region for ctDNA detection may not be practical. Here, we demonstrate a combinatorial approach that integrates different sequencing protocols for the orthogonal detection of single-nucleotide variants (SNV), small indels, and copy-number alterations (CNA) in ctDNA.

Experimental Design: We employed Cancer Personalized Profiling by deep Sequencing (CAPP-Seq) for the analysis of SNVs and indels, together with a genome-wide interrogation of CNAs by Genome Representation Profiling (GRP). We profiled 28 longitudinal plasma samples and 25 tumor specimens from 7 patients with leiomyosarcoma.

Results: We detected ctDNA in 6 of 7 of these patients with >98% specificity for mutant allele fractions down to a level of 0.01%. We show that results from CAPP-Seq and GRP are highly concordant, and the combination of these methods allows for more comprehensive monitoring of ctDNA by profiling a wide spectrum of tumor-specific markers. By analyzing multiple tumor specimens in individual patients obtained from different sites and at different times during treatment, we observed clonal evolution of these tumors that was reflected by ctDNA profiles.

Conclusions: Our strategy allows for the comprehensive monitoring of a broad spectrum of tumor-specific markers in plasma. Our approach may be clinically useful not only in leiomyosarcoma but also in other tumor types that lack recurrent genomic alterations. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2688–99. ©2018 AACR.