bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome in advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with tracheostomy‐invasive ventilation
Authors: Nishiyama Yutaka , Abe Kazuhiro , Tokunaga Jun , Numayama Takaya
Published: March 2019

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients have an energy imbalance. Little is known regarding the association between ALS and metabolic syndrome.

Aim

We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with ALS and the association with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) diagnostic criteria and analyzed its association with clinical characteristics, including subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness, in 66 patients with ALS who underwent tracheostomy‐invasive ventilation.

Results

Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 29 patients (43.9% of all participants). Metabolic syndrome was more common in women and in those with a longer ALS disease duration, higher body mass index, and higher total serum cholesterol levels. Subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome is prevalent among patients with advanced ALS. The hypometabolism in patients receiving mechanical ventilation may be the underlying cause.
Gut microbe–generated metabolite trimethylamine N‐oxide and the risk of diabetes: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhuang Rulin , Ge Xinyu , Han Lu , Yu Ping , Gong Xin , Meng Qingshu , Zhang Yuzhen , Fan Huimin , Zheng Liang , Liu Zhongmin , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: March 2019

Elevated circulating concentrations of the gut bacteria choline metabolite trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) were found in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether a high level of TMAO is related to the risk of diabetes has not been studied. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on the relation between TMAO levels and the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) and to investigate the association further in a dose‐response meta‐analysis. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for studies from inception to June 2018. A total of 12 clinical studies were included in this study, and 15 314 enrolled subjects were included. A meta‐analysis of two‐class variables and continuous variables were used to obtain pooled effects. Dose‐response meta‐analysis was used to investigate the dose‐response relationship between TMAO concentrations and the risk of DM. Meta‐regression and subgroup analyses were applied to identify the source of heterogeneity in this study. High levels of circulating TMAO were associated with an increased risk of DM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89) using the two‐class meta‐analysis. Plasma levels of TMAO in patients with diabetes were higher than in subjects without diabetes (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.36) using a meta‐analysis of continuous variables. The OR for DM prevalence increased by 54% per 5 μmol L−1 increment of plasma TMAO (OR = 1.54) according to the dose‐response meta‐analysis. This is the first systematic review and meta‐analysis to demonstrate a positive dose‐dependent association between circulating TMAO levels and increased diabetes risk.
Alterations in monocyte subsets and cytokine production after TLR activation in American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Quixabeira Valéria Bernadete Leite , Pereira Ledice Inacia de Araújo , Veras Poliana Ribeiro Valadares , da Costa Ana Carolina Vieira , Fonseca Larissa Gomides , Galdino Jr. Hélio , da Silva Jr. Ildefonso Alves , Morato Camila Imai , Pinto Sebastião Alves , Pereira Ana Joaquina Cohen Serique , Dorta Miriam Leandro , Oliveira Milton Adriano Pelli de , Gomes Rodrigo Saar , Ribeiro‐Dias Fátima
Published: March 2019

Phenotypic and functional aspects of monocytes from Localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (LCL) patients were evaluated. The frequencies of monocyte subsets and TLR2/TLR4 expression were evaluated in fresh peripheral blood whereas cytokine production was evaluated in whole blood cell cultures stimulated with TLR agonists or Leishmania braziliensis antigen (Ag). CD16+ monocytes frequency was increased in patients compared with controls. A TLR4 agonist (LPS) induced expression of TNF and IL‐10 in monocyte subsets of patients and controls. The CD14+CD16+ monocytes expressed higher levels of these cytokines than CD14+CD16− cells. The levels of secreted TNF were higher in whole blood cell cultures from patients than controls after LPS/TLR4 or Ag stimulation. Whereas in controls there was a positive correlation between TNF and IL‐10 levels, this was not observed in stimulated cell cultures from patients. The high levels of LPS‐induced TNF were associated with the number of lesions and the percentages of CD14hiCD16+ monocytes. The levels of TLR2‐induced TNF were also associated with number of lesions. All monocyte subsets from patients expressed higher levels of TLR2 and TLR4 than controls. Data suggest that systemically activated monocytes contribute for an imbalance in pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine production during LCL, participating in the immunopathogenesis of the disease.
Motivating Political Participation Among Youth: An Analysis of Factors Related to Adolescents’ Political Engagement
Authors: Levy Brett L. M. , Akiva Thomas
Published: March 2019

Prior research has identified political efficacy and political interest as strong predictors of political participation, but few studies have examined these two attitudes in tandem or compared their relative importance vis‐à‐vis political participation. Drawing on the expectancy‐value model of motivation, we begin to address this research gap while also considering several related issues. Our sample includes a diverse group of high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 (N = 422) from the midwestern United States. Through quantitative analyses of participants’ survey data, we found that political interest (a central aspect of value) and political efficacy (closely related to expectancy) predicted participants’ expected future political participation, controlling for background characteristics—and that political interest was a particularly strong predictor. In addition, we identified political‐engagement differences on various demographic measures, such as grade level. We also found a significant interaction between political interest and internal political efficacy, suggesting that high levels of both attitudes can have an especially positive effect on adolescents’ political participation. We discuss the implications of these findings for researchers and educators interested in fostering political engagement among youth.
Mineralogy, Fluid Inclusions, and Sulfur Isotopes of the Huanzala Deposits, Peru: Early Skarn and Late Polymetallic Replacement Style Mineralizations
Authors: Suzuki Yuki , Hayashi Ken‐ichiro
Published: March 2019

Carbonate‐replacement polymetallic mineralization at the Huanzala deposits (9°51′S, 77°00′W) was conducted in two contrasting stages that occurred in almost the same location. Early‐stage mineralization has a relation with a granodiorite porphyry stock, whereas the late‐stage mineralization is genetically associated with quartz porphyry sills. The early stage involved low to intermediate sulfidation Cu–Zn–(Pb) mineralization associated with metasomatic skarn, and the late stage involved high to intermediate sulfidation Cu–Zn–Pb–(Mn) mineralization associated with hydrothermal alteration characterized by paragonitic sericitization. The orebodies are hosted by steeply dipping (approximately 60°NE) Lower Cretaceous carbonate rocks in a relatively narrow range of approximately 4 km in horizontal extent and less than 1 km in depth. The pathway of the early‐stage brine‐derived fluids (300–>400°C, >33 wt% NaCl equivalent) along a plot of log against 1000/T is best explained by the progressive dual decline of the value and the temperature under rock‐buffering conditions; this decline saw the pathway progress through the stability field of pyrrhotite to reach that of pyrite and promoted a decrease in FeS from 14.5 to 1.6 mol% in the sphalerite. In contrast, an explanation for the pathway of the late‐stage fluids (140–290°C, 3–13 wt% NaCl equivalent) is given by an almost isothermal decline at approximately 270°C, with passing through the stability field of pyrite–bornite to reach that of chalcopyrite, promoting an increase in FeS from 0.1 to 1.6 mol% in the sphalerite, suggesting gas‐buffering conditions. The ore formation pressure records in the fluid inclusions illustrate an approximately 2‐km erosion during the roughly 2‐Myr total lifetime of the hydrothermal system.
A general quantile residual life model for length‐biased right‐censored data
Authors: Bai Fangfang , Chen Xuerong , Chen Yan , Huang Tao
Published: March 2019

The quantile residual lifetime function provides comprehensive quantitative measures for residual life, especially when the distribution of the latter is skewed or heavy‐tailed and/or when the data contain outliers. In this paper, we propose a general class of semiparametric quantile residual life models for length‐biased right‐censored data. We use the inverse probability weighted method to correct the bias due to length‐biased sampling and informative censoring. Two estimating equations corresponding to the quantile regressions are constructed in two separate steps to obtain an efficient estimator. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator are established. The main difficulty in implementing our proposed method is that the estimating equations associated with the quantiles are nondifferentiable, and we apply the majorize–minimize algorithm and estimate the asymptotic covariance using an efficient resampling method. We use simulation studies to evaluate the proposed method and illustrate its application by a real‐data example.
Interpretation and management of positive anti‐hepatitis B core antibody tests in immunocompromised pediatric patients
Authors: Kitt Eimear , Hayes Molly , Cárdenas Ana María , Green Abby M.
Published: March 2019

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy is increasingly used in the pediatric population, in particular among children with immune‐compromising conditions. Pooled immunoglobulin products are routinely tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and nucleic acid; however, screening for hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) is not commonly performed. Thus, the administration of IVIg containing anti‐HBc to children with immune‐compromising conditions may complicate the interpretation of hepatitis B serologic testing in that a positive anti‐HBc test may represent passive transfer of antibody from IVIg or may indicate resolved or chronic hepatitis B infection. Due to the risk of hepatitis B reactivation in immunocompromised patients, a positive anti‐HBc test must be carefully considered. As part of a quality improvement initiative, we identified and reviewed the records of all pediatric patients at our institution who tested positive for anti‐HBc over an 18‐month period. Of 44 total patients with positive anti‐HBc tests, we found that 22 (50%) had previously received IVIg in the preceding 4 months. All but one of these, 21/22 (95%), went on to receive immunosuppressive therapy (IS). Among the patients who received IS, 19 (86%) had not undergone hepatitis B serologic testing prior to IVIg administration and 16 (73%) did not have subsequent testing to distinguish between passive acquisition of anti‐HBc from IVIg and chronic hepatitis B infection. Our single‐center experience reveals that a high proportion of positive anti‐HBc tests in children are presumed to be because of the passive antibody transfer from IVIg. However, a low proportion of patients undergo confirmatory testing, despite the risk of hepatitis B reactivation during IS. We thus propose a risk‐based algorithm for interpretation and monitoring of hepatitis B testing in immunocompromised children.
Cardiomyopathy in obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes
Authors: Nakamura Michinari , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: March 2019

The prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes is increasing rapidly. Most patients with these disorders have hypertriglyceridaemia and increased plasma levels of fatty acids, which are taken up and stored in lipid droplets in the heart. Intramyocardial lipids that exceed the capacity for storage and oxidation can be lipotoxic and induce non‐ischaemic and non‐hypertensive cardiomyopathy, termed diabetic or lipotoxic cardiomyopathy. The clinical features of diabetic cardiomyopathy are cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, which lead to heart failure, especially heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Although the pathogenesis of the cardiomyopathy is multifactorial, diabetic dyslipidaemia and intramyocardial lipid accumulation are the key pathological features, triggering cellular signalling and modifications of proteins and lipids via generation of toxic metabolic intermediates. Most clinical studies have shown no beneficial effect of anti‐diabetic agents and statins on outcomes in heart failure patients without atherosclerotic diseases, indicating the importance of identifying underlying mechanisms and early interventions for diabetic cardiomyopathy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy, with a special emphasis on cardiac lipotoxicity, and discuss the role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and dysregulated fatty acid metabolism as potential therapeutic targets.
Television Sport Journalism at the UEFA Euro 2016 Championships: A Comparison of Live Commentary From Four Countries
Authors: Horky Thomas , Baranovskaa Marianna , Grimmer Christoph G. , Jakubowska Honorata , Stelzner Barbara
Published: March 2019

Football’s (soccer’s) EURO 2016 in France marked a high point for sport journalism and broadcasting. Due to the implementation of a uniform multilateral image feed by the European Football Association (UEFA), differences in the verbal live commentary became significant. This study investigated commentary of the live television broadcasts of 4 matches in a specific country. Using social identity and self-categorization, a mixed-methods analysis was employed to quantitatively analyze the commentary and qualitatively assess content for notions of nationalism, patriotism, or globalization. Instead of notions of ideological nationalism, coverage emphasized sporting action and Europeanization of the event. Excluding forms of “banal nationalism” like introducing the teams and playing national anthems, live commentary presented fair or positive patriotism, together with remarks of transnational friendship and comradeship of the players. Based on the increasing frequency of sport organizations using similar image feeds in the future, a decreasing relevance for live commentary by national broadcasters is discussed.
Arc-continent collisions in the tropics set Earth’s climate state
Authors: Macdonald Francis A. , Swanson-Hysell Nicholas L. , Park Yuem , Lisiecki Lorraine , Jagoutz Oliver
Published: March 2019

Controlling cooling

On million-year time scales, Earth's climate state is determined by sources and sinks of carbon to the ocean-atmosphere system. But which specific mechanisms are important in controlling the timing of glacial intervals? Macdonald
et al.
identify arc-continent collisions in the tropics as a primary control (see the Perspective by Hartmann). They compiled a database of Phanerozoic arc-continent collisions and the latitudinal distribution of ice sheets, showing that ice coverage was greatest when those collisions were most widespread, maximizing global weatherability.

Science
, this issue p.
181
; see also p.
126
Amino Sugars Modify Antagonistic Interactions between Commensal Oral Streptococci and
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Chen Lulu , Chakraborty Brinta , Zou Jing , Burne Robert A. , Zeng Lin
Published: March 2019

Dental caries is driven by dysbiosis of oral biofilms in which dominance by acid-producing and acid-tolerant bacteria results in loss of tooth mineral. Our previous work demonstrated the beneficial effects of amino sugars GlcNAc and GlcN in promoting the antagonistic properties of a health-associated oral bacterium,
Streptococcus gordonii
, in competition with the major caries pathogen
Streptococcus mutans
. Here, we investigated 5 low-passage-number clinical isolates of the most common streptococcal species to establish how amino sugars may influence the ecology and virulence of oral biofilms. Using multiple
in vitro
models, including a human saliva-derived microcosm biofilm, experiments showed significant enhancement by at least one amino sugar in the ability of most of these bacteria to suppress the caries pathogen. Therefore, our findings demonstrated the mechanism of action by which amino sugars may affect human oral biofilms to promote health.
Influence of Ammonium on Formation of Mineral-Associated Organic Carbon by an Ectomycorrhizal Fungus
Authors: Wang Tao , Tian Zhaomo , Tunlid Anders , Persson Per
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen (N) availability plays a critical role in the cycling and storage of soil organic matter (SOM). However, large uncertainties remain in predicting the net effect of N addition on soil organic carbon (C) storage due to the complex interactions between organic matter, microbial activity, and mineral particles that determine the formation of stable SOM. Here, we attempted to disentangle the effects of ammonium on these interactions in controlled microcosm experiments including the ectomycorrhizal fungus
P.
involutus
and dissolved organic matter extracted from forest soils. Increased ammonium levels affected the fungal processing of the organic material as well as the secretion of extracellular metabolites. Although ammonium additions did not increase the net production of mineral-adsorbed C, changes in the decomposition and secretion pathways altered the composition of the adsorbed organic matter. These changes may influence the properties of the organic matter-mineral associations and, thus, the stabilization of SOM.
Candida auris
Isolates of the Southern Asian and South African Lineages Exhibit Different Phenotypic and Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles
In Vitro
Authors: Szekely Adrien , Borman Andrew M. , Johnson Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2019

Candida auris
is a serious nosocomial health risk, with widespread outbreaks occurring in hospitals worldwide. Sequence analyses of outbreak isolates revealed that
C. auris
has simultaneously emerged as four distinct continentally restricted clonal lineages.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis in a patient with biopsy-proven IgG4-related pulmonary disease and coincident small cell lung cancer
Authors: Abbass Khurram , Krug Hollis
Published: March 2019

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was diagnosed in a patient with a 16-month history of IgG4-related lung disease that spontaneously became asymptomatic. Cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was positive at the time of diagnosis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), but there was no vasculitis or kidney disease. Sixteen months later he developed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis that responded to cyclophosphamide treatment. While undergoing treatment for GPA, he was found to have a lung mass identified as small cell lung cancer. This mass was present at the time of the IgG4-RD diagnosis. GPA can be confused with IgG4-RD histologically and they rarely coexist. ANCA antibodies are primarily IgG4 subclass. IgG4-RD has been associated with cancer and may improve prognosis. We speculate that this patient may have had small cell lung cancer that incited an IgG4 predominant immune response with coexistent ANCA antibodies that eventually resulted in GPA. Immunosuppressive treatment of GPA likely accelerated the progression of the lung cancer.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus-associated sepsis presenting as acute abdomen: do we need to think outside the box?
Authors: Ahmad Soban , Yousaf Amman , Inayat Faisal , Anjum Shahzad
Published: March 2019

Capnocytophaga canimorsusis a commensal bacterium commonly found in the oral cavity of dogs and cats. Although this organism rarely causes infection, prompt diagnosis is crucial for survival of these patients. Several unusual clinical presentations of this infection have been reported in the published medical literature. The present report represents the first case ofC. canimorsus-related sepsis presenting with symptoms of acute abdomen in a patient with no known history of immunodeficiency. Prompt aggressive care and appropriate antibiotic therapy resulted in a successful clinical outcome with no long-term morbidity. This paper illustrates that clinicians should include this infectious aetiology among the differentials of patients presenting with acute abdomen, regardless of their immune status. Additionally, this paper outlines our current understanding of the epidemiology of and risk factors forC. canimorsus-associated sepsis, the pathophysiology of this disorder, and currently available approaches to diagnosis and management.
Isolated myxoid degeneration of aortic valve: diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kyi Htay Htay , Hamid Kewan , Alkotob Luay , Dawood Thair
Published: March 2019

Myxoid degeneration of the aortic valve as a cause of acute aortic valve regurgitation in young age is uncommon. We report a 39-year-old African-American man with a history of epilepsy and hypertension who presented with a 1-month history of worsening shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with acute pulmonary oedema. Transoesophageal echocardiogram showed normal ejection fraction but severe aortic valve insufficiency with small masses on the ventricular side of the right and non-coronary cusps, small vegetations cannot be ruled out but other valves were normal. Subsequent cultures were negative for endocarditis. Myocardial positron emission tomography (PET) scan was strongly suggestive of cardiac sarcoidosis. However, this diagnosis was ruled out as well when he underwent aortic valve replacement with bioprosthetic valve as he did not want to take long-term anticoagulation. Histological examination of the aortic valve showed myxoid degeneration. The patient was doing very well 1 year after the surgery.
The need for feasible compromises on conscientious objection: response to Card
Authors: Ancell Aaron J , Sinnott-Armstrong Walter
Published: March 2019

Robert Card criticises our proposal for managing some conscientious objections in medicine. Unfortunately, he severely mischaracterises the nature of our proposal, its scope and its implications. He also overlooks the fact that our proposal is a compromise designed for a particular political context. We correct Card’s mischaracterisations, explain why we believe compromise is necessary and explain how we think proposed compromises should be evaluated.
Registration of HS-182 and HS-183 food-grade soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm
Authors: Yu K. , Woodrow L. , Shi M. Chun , Anderson D.
Published: March 2019

HS-182 and HS-183 are food-grade soybean lines [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with distinct seed protein profiles and food processing quality. HS-182 is a 7S β-conglycinin α’ and 11S glycinin A4 null with a high protein concentration of 45.7% and good processing quality. HS-183 is a 7S β-conglycinin α’ and 11S glycinin null with a protein concentration of 42.7% and poor tofu processing quality. They are adapted to areas of southwestern Ontario with 3100 or more crop heat units and have relative maturity groups of 2.5 and 2.4, respectively.
Defect formula for nodal complete intersection threefolds
Authors: Cynk Sławomir
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we give formulas for the Hodge numbers of a nodal complete intersection in a complex projective space. We apply these formulas to construct examples of Calabi–Yau threefolds with [Formula: see text].
Dynamics of localized waves in a (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear evolution equation
Authors: Yue Yunfei , Chen Yong
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional nonlinear evolution equation is studied via the Hirota method. Soliton, lump, breather and rogue wave, as four types of localized waves, are derived. The obtained N-soliton solutions are dark solitons with some constrained parameters. General breathers, line breathers, two-order breathers, interaction solutions between the dark soliton and general breather or line breather are constructed by choosing suitable parameters on the soliton solution. By the long wave limit method on the soliton solution, some new lump and rogue wave solutions are obtained. In particular, dark lumps, interaction solutions between dark soliton and dark lump, two dark lumps are exhibited. In addition, three types of solutions related with rogue waves are also exhibited including line rogue wave, two-order line rogue waves, interaction solutions between dark soliton and dark lump or line rogue wave.
An Axiomatization for Two Power Indices for (3,2)-Simple Games
Authors: Bernardi Giulia , Freixas Josep
Published: March 2019

The aim of this work is to give a characterization of the Shapley–Shubik and the Banzhaf power indices for (3,2)-simple games. We generalize to the set of (3,2)-simple games the classical axioms for power indices on simple games: transfer, anonymity, null player property and efficiency. However, these four axioms are not enough to uniquely characterize the Shapley–Shubik index for (3,2)-simple games. Thus, we introduce a new axiom to prove the uniqueness of the extension of the Shapley–Shubik power index in this context. Moreover, we provide an analogous characterization for the Banzhaf index for (3,2)-simple games, generalizing the four axioms for simple games and adding another property.
WindowWall
Authors: Bader Patrick , Voit Alexandra , Le Huy Viet , Woźniak Paweł W. , Henze Niels , Schmidt Albrecht
Published: March 2019

As architects usually decide on the shape and look of windows during the design of buildings, opportunities for interactive windows have not been systematically explored yet. In this work, we extend the vision of sustainable and comfortable adaptive buildings using interactive smart windows. We systematically explore the design space of interactive windows to chart requirements, constraints, and challenges. To that end, we built proof-of-concept prototypes of smart windows with fine-grained control of transparency. In two studies, we explored user attitudes towards interactive windows and elicited control methods. We found that users understand and see potential for interactive windows at home. We provide specific usage contexts and specify interactions that may facilitate domestic applications. Our work illustrates the concept of interactive smart windows and provides insights regarding their design, development, and user controls for adaptive walls. We identify design dimensions and challenges to stimulate further development in the domain of adaptive buildings.
Guest Column
Authors: Gasarch William I.
Published: March 2019

In 2001 I (innocently!) asked Lane if I could write an article for his SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column that would be a poll of what computer scientists (and others) thought about P=?NP and related issues. It was to be an objective record of subjective opinions. I asked (by telegraph in those days) over 100 theorists. Exactly 100 responded, which made taking percentages very easy. That poll appeared in the SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column in 2002 (I call it the 2002 poll even though people answered it in 2001). The Wikipedia page on P=?NP links to it. That poll's readership and popularity have exceeded my wildest dreams.
Cardiac perfusion and function after high-intensity exercise training in late premenopausal and recent postmenopausal women: an MRI study
Authors: Egelund Jon , Nyberg Michael , Mandrup Camilla M. , Abdulla Jawdat , Stallknecht Bente , Bangsbo Jens , Hellsten Ylva , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg
Published: March 2019

We examined the influence of recent menopause and aerobic exercise training in women on myocardial perfusion, left ventricular (LV) dimension, and function. Two groups ( n = 14 each) of healthy late premenopausal (50.2 ± 2.1 yr) and recent postmenopausal (54.2 ± 2.8 yr) women underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) at baseline and after 12 wk of high-intensity aerobic training. Measurements included LV morphology, systolic function, and myocardial perfusion at rest and during an adenosine stress test. At baseline, resting myocardial perfusion was lower in the postmenopausal than the premenopausal group (77 ± 3 vs. 89 ± 3 ml·100 g−1·min−1; P = 0.01), while adenosine-induced myocardial perfusion was not different ( P = 0.81). After exercise training, resting myocardial perfusion was lower in both groups (66 ± 2; P = 0.002 vs. 81 ± 3 ml·100 g−1·min−1; P = 0.03). The adenosine-induced change in myocardial perfusion was lower in the groups combined (by 402 ± 17 ml·100 g−1·min−1; P = 0.02), and the adenosine-induced increase in heart rate was 10 ± 2 beats/min lower ( P < 0.0001) in both groups after training. Normalization of myocardial perfusion using an estimate of cardiac work eliminated the differences in perfusion between the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups and the effect of training. Left ventricle mass was higher in both groups ( P = 0.03; P = 0.006), whereas LV end-diastolic ( P = 0.02) and stroke ( P = 0.045) volumes were higher in the postmenopausal group after training. Twelve weeks of exercise training increased left ventricle mass and lowered resting and adenosine-induced myocardial perfusion, an effect that was likely related to cardiac work. The current data also suggest that the early menopausal transition has limited impact on cardiac function and structure.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides for the first time estimates of myocardial perfusion in late premenopausal and recent postmenopausal women before and after a period of intense aerobic training. Resting myocardial perfusion was lower in postmenopausal than premenopausal women. Training lowered myocardial resting and stress perfusion in both groups, an effect that was likely influenced by the lower heart rate.
Aerial Infrared Target Tracking in Complex Background Based on Combined Tracking and Detecting
Authors: Hu Yangguang , Xiao Mingqing , Zhang Kai , Wang Xiaotian
Published: March 2019

Aerial infrared target tracking is the basis of many weapon systems, especially the air‐to‐air missile. Till now, it is still challenging research to track the aircraft in the event of complex background. In this paper, we focus on developing an algorithm that could track the aircraft fast and accurately based on infrared image sequence. We proposed a framework composed of a tracker T based on correlation filter and a detector D based on deep learning, which we call combined tracking and detecting (CTAD). With such collaboration, the algorithm enjoys both the high efficiency provided by correlation filter and the strong discriminative power provided by deep learning. Finally, we performed experiments on three representative infrared image sequences and two sequences from VOT‐TIR2016 dataset to quantitatively evaluate the performance of our algorithm. To evaluate our algorithm scientifically, we present the experiments performed on two sequences from AMCOM FLIR dataset of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm could track the infrared target reliably, which shows comparable performance with the deep tracker, while running at a fast speed of about 18.1 fps.
A Novel Wirtinger‐Based Inequality to H∞ Filtering for Discrete‐Time Systems with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Ma Kaifan , Wang Zhangang , Shi Fengdong , Sun Liankun
Published: March 2019

This article is committed to H∞ filtering for linear discrete‐time systems with time‐varying delay. The novelty of the paper comes from the consideration of the new Wirtinger‐based inequality with double accumulation terms and the idea of delay‐partitioning, which guarantees a better asymptotic stability and is less conservative than the celebrated free‐weighting matrix or Jensen’s inequality methods. In combination with the improved Wirtinger‐based inequality to handle the modified Lyapunov‐Krasovskii (L‐K) functionals, a new delay‐dependent bound real lemma (BRL) is gained. In the light of the derived H∞ performance analysis results, the H∞ filter will be designed in response to linear matrix inequality (LMI). The validness of the proposed methods will be expressed via some numerical examples by the comparison of existing results.
Preparation of Polymer Membranes by In Situ Interfacial Polymerization
Authors: Adamczak Michał , Kamińska Gabriela , Bohdziewicz Jolanta
Published: March 2019

Membranes currently have a wide application in sewage treatment and water purification processes, in seawater desalination, and in various technological processes where high product purity is required. Deposition of an ultrathin skin layer of TFC (thin-film composite) and TFN (thin-film nanocomposite) onto the surface of membranes is discussed in this article. Their presence improves membrane properties such as retention of impurities and permeability. The aim of this paper is to present the current state of knowledge about the methods of preparing composite and nanocomposite membranes. The properties of the prepared TFC membranes can be modified by changing the type and concentration of the reacting monomers, and the physical conditions in which the membrane preparation process itself is carried out are also significant. Additionally, the properties of TFN membranes can be further modified with nanocomposites. The membranes are characterized by different properties not only because they have nanoparticles in their structure but also because their concentration and the way they are blended into the membrane structure were changed. This paper provides information on modifications of TFN membranes with nanoparticles, as well as modification by changes in polymerization reaction conditions and monomer concentration. Examples of the use of TFN and TFC membranes are also presented.
Qiliqiangxin Capsule Improves Cardiac Function and Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling by Upregulating miR-133a after Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Chen Huiyang , Lou Lixia , Zhang Dongmei , Zhao Yizhou , Zhao Jing , Li Chunhong , Huang Ya , Liu Keke , Zhao Mingjing , Wu Aiming
Published: March 2019

Qiliqiangxin capsule (QLC), a natural herb recipe with therapeutic effect from China, has been widely used in clinical practice for attenuating cardiac remodeling induced by myocardial infarction (MI). However, the pharmacological mechanism of QLC on cardiac remodeling after MI is not entirely clear. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms of QLC on cardiac remodeling induced by MI in rats. The animal model was established by permanently ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. Subsequently, rats with successful ligation were randomly divided into model group, captopril group, and QLC group. And the control group was operated upon in parallel except ligation, namely, the sham group. All rats were treated through the intragastric administration once a day for 4 weeks. Cardiac hemodynamics was measured after treatment. Then, the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was examined. The pathological changes were observed by HE staining. The collagen volume fraction (CVF) was detected by Masson trichrome staining. The apoptosis index was obtained by TUNEL fluorescent staining. The miR-133a and mRNA of TGF-β1, CTGF, Caspase9, and Caspase3 were examined by real-time PCR. The protein expressions of TGF-β1, CTGF, Caspase9, Caspase3, and cleaved-Caspase3 were tested by Western blot. Compared with the model group, QLC partially improved cardiac hemodynamics and decreased LVMI. miR-133a was significantly increased in QLC group. In addition, QLC declined CVF by downregulating TGF-β1 rather than CTGF. Meanwhile, QLC decreased the apoptosis index by attenuating Caspase9, Caspase3, and cleaved-Caspase3. This study suggested that QLC could improve cardiac function and partially attenuate cardiac remodeling by attenuating fibrosis and decreasing apoptosis, which might be partially related to miR-133a, TGF-β1, Caspase9, and Caspase3.
Inappropriate Use of the “Rosowski Criteria” and “Modified Rosowski Criteria” for Assessing the Normal Function of Human Temporal Bones
Authors: Morse Robert P. , Mitchell-Innes Alistair , Prokopiou Andreas N. , Irving Richard M. , Begg Philip A.
Published: March 2019

Important research by Rosowski et al. [Twenty-Seventh Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, 2004, p. 275] has led to a standard practice by the American Society for Testing Materials [West Conshohocken: ASTM International; 2014] to assess normal function of temporal bones used in the development of novel middle ear actuators and sensors. Rosowki et al. [Audiol Neurotol. 2007; 12(4): 265–76] have since suggested that the original criteria are too restrictive and have proposed modified criteria. We show that both the original and modified criteria are inappropriate for assessing individual temporal bones. Moreover, we suggest that both the original and modified Rosowski criteria should be applied with caution when assessing whether mean data from a study are within physiological norms because the multiple comparisons resulting from verification at each frequency will lead to very liberal rejection. The standard practice, however, has led to the collection of more extensive and consistent data. We suggest that it is now opportune to use these data to further modify the Rosowski criteria.
Is the Metronome-Paced Tachypnea Test (MPT) Ready for Clinical Use? Accuracy of the MPT in a Prospective and Clinical Study
Authors: Mannée Denise , Vis Esther , Hoekstra-Kuik Aranka , van der Maten Jan , van ‘t Hul Alex Jan , van Helvoort Hanneke
Published: March 2019

Background: A simple technique to measure dynamic hyperinflation (DH) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the metronome-paced tachypnea test (MPT). Earlier studies show conflicting results about the accuracy of the MPT compared to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Objectives: The focus was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of MPT to detect DH in a prospective and clinical study. Methods: COPD patients were included; all underwent spirometry, CPET, and MPT. DH (ΔIC) was calculated as the difference in % between inspiratory capacity (IC) at the start and end of the test divided by IC at the start. A subject was identified as a hyperinflator, if ΔIC (% of ICrest) was smaller than –10.2 and –11.1% in CPET and MPT, respectively. With these values, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Bland-Altman plots were made of ΔIC (% of ICrest). Results: In the prospective and clinical study, 107 and 48 patients were included, respectively. Sensitivity of the MPT was 85% in both studies. The specificities were 33 and 27%, respectively. In the prospective study, B = +2.6%, L = 30.6, and –25.6%. In the clinical study, B = +0.8%, L = 31.0, and –29.1%. Conclusion: MPT seems to be a good replacement for CPET in group studies. The mean amount of DH was not different between CPET and MPT. On an individual level, MPT cannot be used to identify hyperinflators; it should be kept in mind that MPT overdiagnoses DH. The amount of DH should not be interchanged between CPET and MPT.
An Unusual Tooth Shedding with Internal Resorption: A Case Report
Authors: Ngoc Vo Truong Nhu , Son Tong Minh , Linh Le Thi Thuy , Anh Le Quynh , Duc Nguyen Minh , Chu Dinh-Toi
Published: March 2019

Humans have two sets of teeth, deciduous teeth and permanent teeth. When primary teeth fall out, permanent teeth erupt to maintain the chewing function and jaw development. Shedding occurs with increasing level of mobility in primary teeth as a result of root resorption. This report describes an uncommon clinical case that occurred in primary molars with internal resorption and pinkish discoloration. Pink tooth is worrisome for children and parents. Children should have their teeth examined on a regular basis to detect any problems in the process of tooth shedding and eruption.
The Added Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cisternography and Ventriculography as a Diagnostic Aid in Pediatric Hydrocephalus
Authors: Roth Jonathan , Constantini Shlomi , Ben-Sira Liat , Shiran Shelly I.
Published: March 2019

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the “gold standard” method for the evaluation of hydrocephalus. However, diagnosing an obstruction in the ventricular or subarachnoid spaces may pose a challenge for standard diagnostic sequences. In this study, we describe our experience with MRI cisternography (MRIC) or ventriculography (MRIV) for diagnosing or excluding intra- and extraventricular obstructions. Such a differentiation may have a significant impact on choosing the optimal surgical solution. Methods: We retrospectively collected data on patients undergoing MRIC/MRIV for diagnosing or excluding obstructions in patients with ventriculomegaly. All patients had MRI suggesting an obstruction, but without a clear cause. Results: Five children aged 1–17 years were included (3 females). Four underwent an MRIV, and 1 underwent an MRIC. Three children presented with headaches and had a suspected prior endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) failure, and 2 presented with macrocephalus and increasing head circumferences. MRIV showed a patent ETV stoma in 2 cases, one of which had a T2 SPACE MRI showing no flow void through the stoma, and a closed stoma in 1 case with a flow void above and below the stoma on T2 SPACE MRI. MRIV and MRIC differentiated between two cases with panventriculomegaly, one of which had an obstruction at the level of the Liliequist membrane, and another with no identifiable obstruction. Conclusions: MRIC and MRIV have a complementary role to MRI in assessing selected patients with hydrocephalus suspected of being secondary to an obstruction, but with no clear obstruction location.
Dysregulated Expression of Tim-3 and NKp30 Receptors on NK Cells of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Hadadi Leila , Hafezi Morteza , Amirzargar Ali Akbar  , Sharifian Ramazan Ali  , Abediankenari Saeid , Asgarian-Omran Hossein
Published: March 2019

Background: In this study, the expression pattern of NKp30 and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3), as candidates for activating and inhibitory receptors of NK cells, were evaluated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients and Methods: 24 CLL patients and 19 healthy controls were enrolled. Fresh peripheral blood was collected from all subjects and stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies. The frequency of CD56+/CD3–/NKp30+ and CD56+/CD3–/Tim-3+ cells was determined by multicolor flow cytometry. Results: Our results revealed that Tim-3 is significantly upregulated on natural killer (NK) cells of CLL patients in comparison to healthy controls. NK cells of CLL patients showed lower expression of NKp30-activating receptor compared to controls. Tim-3 expression pattern on NK cells of CLL patients was correlated with poor prognostic factors including low hemoglobin level, high absolute lymphocyte count, and high serum C-reactive protein level. Conclusion: Dysregulated expression of Tim-3 and NKp30 receptors confirms the exhaustion state of NK cells in CLL. Our data introduce Tim-3 as a promising biomarker and potential target for immunotherapy of CLL.
Circulating Iron Levels Interaction with Central Obesity on the Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Case–Control Study in Southeast China
Authors: Pan Xinting , Chen Bingbing , Liu Wenjuan , Li Yangfan , Hu Zhijian , Lin Xu , Xu Shanghua , Peng Xian-E.
Published: March 2019

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the associations between body iron stores and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a Chinese population and explore whether this effect may be modified by other factors. Methods: A 1: 1 frequency-matched case–control study was conducted, including 482 NAFLD cases and 490 gender- and age-matched controls. Serum levels of ferritin, hepcidin, and C-reactive protein were measured. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hepcidin was not associated with NAFLD risk; however, elevated serum ferritin was significantly associated with increased risk of NAFLD (adjusted OR 1.619, 95% CI 1.158–2.267), and hepcidin:ferritin ratio was significantly associated with decreased risk of NAFLD ­(OR­adjusted 0.702, 95% CI 0.501–0.984). When stratified by gender, a significant association was found between elevated serum ferritin and hepcidin:ferritin ratio and NAFLD only for women (ORadjusted 2.131, 95% CI 1.151–3.944 and ORadjusted 0.414, 95% CI 0.219–0.781, respectively). A significant multiplicative interaction between central obesity and elevated serum hepcidin was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Elevated serum ferritin and hepcidin:ferritin ratio are associated with NAFLD in a Chinese population. Although serum hepcidin is not associated with NAFLD, it may augment the risk effect of central obesity on NAFLD.
Is Homoarginine a Protective Cardiovascular Risk Factor?
Authors: Karetnikova Ekaterina S. , Jarzebska Natalia , Markov Alexander G. , Weiss Norbert , Lentz Steven R. , Rodionov Roman N.
Published: March 2019

A series of recent epidemiological studies have implicated the endogenous nonproteinogenic amino acid
l
-homoarginine as a novel candidate cardiovascular risk factor. The association between homoarginine levels and the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes is inverse (ie, high cardiovascular risk is predicted by low rather than high homoarginine levels), which makes it plausible to normalize systemic homoarginine levels via oral supplementation. The emergence of homoarginine as a potentially treatable protective cardiovascular risk factor has generated a wave of hope in the field of cardiovascular prevention. Herein, we review the biochemistry, physiology, and metabolism of homoarginine, summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the epidemiological evidence linking homoarginine to cardiovascular disease and its potential protective cardiovascular effects, and identify priorities for future research needed to define the clinical utility of homoarginine as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease.
Dietary Restrictions and Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Brandhorst Sebastian , Longo Valter D.
Published: March 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in many developed countries and remains one of the major diseases strongly affected by the diet. Nutrition can affect CVD directly by contributing to the accumulation of vascular plaques and also indirectly by regulating the rate of aging. This review summarizes research on nutrition and CVD incidence based on a multipillar system that includes basic research focused on aging, epidemiological studies, clinical studies, and studies of centenarians. The relevant research linking nutrition and CVD with focus on macronutrients and aging will be highlighted. We will review some of the most relevant studies on nutrition and CVD treatment, also focusing on interventions known to delay aging. We will discuss both everyday dietary compositions, as well as intermittent and periodic fasting interventions with the potential to prevent and treat CVD.