bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroanatomical Alterations in Patients with Early Stage of Unilateral Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study
Authors: Liu Yawen , Lv Han , Zhao Pengfei , Liu Zhaohui , Chen Wenjing , Gong Shusheng , Wang Zhenchang , Zhu Jian-Ming
Published: February 2018

During the past several years, the rapid development of neuroimaging techniques has contributed greatly in the noninvasive imaging studies of tinnitus. The aim of the present study was to explore the brain anatomical alterations in patients with right-sided unilateral pulsatile tinnitus (PT) in the early stage of PT symptom using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis. Twenty-four patients with right-sided pulsatile tinnitus and 24 age- and gender-matched normal controls were recruited to this study. Structural image data preprocessing was performed using VBM8 toolbox. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was acquired in the tinnitus group to assess the severity of tinnitus and tinnitus-related distress. Two-sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used in statistical analysis. Patients with unilateral pulsatile tinnitus had significantly increased gray matter (GM) volume in bilateral superior temporal gyrus compared with the normal controls. However, the left cerebellum posterior lobe, left frontal superior orbital lobe (gyrus rectus), right middle occipital gyrus (MOG), and bilateral putamen showed significantly decreased brain volumes. This was the first study which demonstrated the features of neuroanatomical changes in patients with unilateral PT during their early stages of the symptom.
Displacement of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Patients with Recurrent Goiter Undergoing Redo Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Gurleyik Emin , Cetin Fuat , Dogan Sami , Yekenkurul Erman , Onsal Ufuk , Gursoy Fatih , Ipor Alper
Published: February 2018

Thyroid reoperations are surgically challenging because of scarring and disturbances in the anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). This study was conducted on 49 patients who underwent redo surgery. 61 RLNs were identified and completely exposed. Their functional integrity was evaluated using intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM). Indications for secondary surgery, anatomical changes secondary to recurrent goiter mass and prior surgery, and results of IONM were studied. Frequent indications for redo surgery were multinodular goiter (MNG) in 19 (38.8%) and results of cytology in 14 (28.5%) patients. The mean time interval between primary and redo thyroid surgery was 23.4 years. We laterally approached 41 (67.2%) thyroid lobes between the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles. 16 (26.2%) RLNs were found to be adherent to the lateral surface of the corresponding thyroid lobe. The functional integrity of all RLNs was confirmed by IONM. The remnant thyroid tissue can then lead to goiter recurrence requiring secondary surgery after a long period of time. The indications for redo surgery were similar to primary cases. Lateral displacement of the RLN which is adherent to the lateral surface of recurrent goiter mass is common anatomic variation. Thyroid reoperations based on awareness of anatomical disturbances can be performed safely by an experienced surgeon with support of ancillary electrophysiological technology.
A 3D-Printed PLCL Scaffold Coated with Collagen Type I and Its Biocompatibility
Authors: He Yong , Liu Wei , Guan Lianxiong , Chen Jielin , Duan Li , Jia Zhaofeng , Huang Jianghong , Li Wencui , Liu Jianquan , Xiong Jianyi , Liu Lijun , Wang Daping
Published: February 2018

Scaffolds play an important role in tissue engineering and their structure and biocompatibility have great influence on cell behaviors. In this study, poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) scaffolds were printed by a 3D printing technology, low-temperature deposition manufacturing (LDM), and then PLCL scaffolds were treated by alkali and coated with collagen type I (COLI). The scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity test, mechanical test, and infrared spectroscopy. The prepared PLCL and PLCL-COLI scaffolds had three-dimensional (3D) porous structure and they not only have macropores but also have micropores in the deposited lines. Although the mechanical property of PLCL-COLI was slightly lower than that of PLCL scaffold, the hydrophilicity of PLCL-COLI was significantly enhanced. Rabbit articular chondrocytes were extracted and were identified as chondrocytes by toluidine blue staining. To study the biocompatibility, the chondrocytes were seeded on scaffolds for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days. MTT assay showed that the proliferation of chondrocytes on PLCL-COLI scaffold was better than that on PLCL scaffold. And the morphology of cells on PLCL-COLI after 1-day culture was much better than that on PLCL. This 3D-printed PLCL scaffold coated with COLI shows a great potential application in tissue engineering.
Photoperiod-Induced Neuroplasticity in the Circadian System
Authors: Porcu Alessandra , Riddle Malini , Dulcis Davide , Welsh David K.
Published: February 2018

Seasonal changes in light exposure have profound effects on behavioral and physiological functions in many species, including effects on mood and cognitive function in humans. The mammalian brain’s master circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), transmits information about external light conditions to other brain regions, including some implicated in mood and cognition. Although the detailed mechanisms are not yet known, the SCN undergoes highly plastic changes at the cellular and network levels under different light conditions. We therefore propose that the SCN may be an essential mediator of the effects of seasonal changes of day length on mental health. In this review, we explore various forms of neuroplasticity that occur in the SCN and other brain regions to facilitate seasonal adaptation, particularly altered phase distribution of cellular circadian oscillators in the SCN and changes in hypothalamic neurotransmitter expression.
Biochemical Quality Indicators and Enzymatic Activity of Wheat Flour from the Aspect of Climatic Conditions
Authors: Tomić Jelena , Torbica Aleksandra , Belović Miona , Popović Ljiljana , Knežević Nada
Published: February 2018

The contents of free sulphydryl groups (SH), disulphide bonds (SS), and free amino groups (NH2) were determined in order to estimate the extent of climatic condition influence on gluten quality. The analysis included four bread wheat varieties grown in two production years (2011 and 2012) with different climatic conditions in different locations. According to our previously reported results, the working hypothesis was that enzyme activity for breadmaking purpose was insufficient. The aim of this paper was to study the influence of naturally present enzymes on the bread quality by the addition of previously extracted and freeze-dried albumins to the base flour as an additive. The selection of samples was made on the basis of different combinations of proteolytic and α-amylolytic enzymes activity levels. For samples from 2012 production year, the content of SH groups was significantly higher. Regarding the SS content, the obtained results exhibited the opposite trend. Variations in NH2 content were dominantly caused by temperature treatment of tested samples. The addition of freeze-dried albumins to bread improved its specific volume in a lesser extent, while bread crumb texture was significantly improved.
Early Detection of Aβ Deposition in the 5xFAD Mouse by Amyloid PET
Authors: Oh Se Jong , Lee Hae-June , Kang Kyung Jun , Han Sang Jin , Lee Yong Jin , Lee Kyo Chul , Lim Sang Moo , Chi Dae Yoon , Kim Kyeong Min , Park Ji-Ae , Choi Jae Yong
Published: February 2018

Purpose. 18F-FC119S is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for imaging β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 18F-FC119S in quantitating Aβ deposition in a mouse model of early amyloid deposition (5xFAD) by PET. Method. Dynamic 18F-FC119S PET images were obtained in 5xFAD (n=5) and wild-type (WT) mice (n=7). The brain PET images were spatially normalized to the M. Mirrione T2-weighted mouse brain MR template, and the volumes of interest were then automatically drawn on the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum. The specific binding of 18F-FC119S to Aβ was quantified as the distribution volume ratio using Logan graphical analysis with the cerebellum as a reference tissue. The Aβ levels in the brain were also confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Result. For the 5xFAD group, radioactivity levels in the cortex, the hippocampus, and the thalamus were higher than those for the WT group. In these regions, specific binding was approximately 1.2-fold higher in 5xFAD mice than in WT. Immunohistochemistry supported these findings; the 5xFAD showed severe Aβ deposition in the cortex and hippocampus in contrast to the WT group. Conclusion. These results demonstrated that 18F-FC119S PET can successfully distinguish Aβ depositions in 5xFAD mice from WT.
Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Markedly Low Intrathecal Antibody Response in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gamage S. M. K. , Wijeweera I. , Adikari S. B. , Fink Katharina , Hillert Jan , Fogdell-Hahn Anna , Sominanda H. M. A.
Published: February 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disease which is poorly studied in Asia, where the disease is known to be rare with significant differences in clinical and radiological presentations and intrathecal antibody response. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine clinical presentation, radiological and neurophysiological characteristics, and oligoclonal band status in Sri Lankan MS patients, following careful exclusion of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and other conditions mimicking multiple sclerosis. Sixty-nine MS patients were recruited to the study adhering to McDonald 2010 criteria. Their clinical presentation, characteristics of central nervous system lesions in magnetic resonance imaging, visual evoked potential (VEP) results, oligoclonal bands (OCB), and AQP4 antibody status were studied. Of 69 MS patients, 54%, 6%, and 1% were relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive, respectively, and 39% were patients with clinically isolated syndrome. The commonest clinical presentations were cerebral motor followed by cerebral sensory and optic neuritis. Majority had typical periventricular and infratentorial lesions in MRI. Though not clinically apparent, bilateral delay of P100 wave latency was present in 52%. OCB positivity was 42% and AQP4 antibody was positive in only one patient. In conclusion, this group of Sri Lankan MS patients shares most of the clinical and radiological features of Caucasian MS patients. However, the OCB positivity is lower in this group, when compared to the Caucasian MS populations.
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) in Drug Resistance and their Therapeutic Implications in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Phi Lan Thi Hanh , Sari Ita Novita , Yang Ying-Gui , Lee Sang-Hyun , Jun Nayoung , Kim Kwang Seock , Lee Yun Kyung , Kwon Hyog Young
Published: February 2018

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are suggested to be responsible for drug resistance and cancer relapse due in part to their ability to self-renew themselves and differentiate into heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells. Thus, it is important to understand the characteristics and mechanisms by which CSCs display resistance to therapeutic agents. In this review, we highlight the key features and mechanisms that regulate CSC function in drug resistance as well as recent breakthroughs of therapeutic approaches for targeting CSCs. This promises new insights of CSCs in drug resistance and provides better therapeutic rationales to accompany novel anticancer therapeutics.
Transvaginal Bilateral Sacrospinous Fixation after Second Recurrence of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: Efficacy and Impact on Quality of Life and Sexuality
Authors: Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Laganà Antonio Simone , Noventa Marco , Giampaolino Pierluigi , Zizolfi Brunella , Butticè Salvatore , La Rosa Valentina Lucia , Gullo Giuseppe , Rossetti Diego
Published: February 2018

Objective. Our aim was to study the efficacy of transvaginal bilateral sacrospinous fixation (TBSF) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and sexual functions in women affected by second recurrences of vaginal vault prolapse (VVP). Materials and Methods. We performed a prospective observational study on 20 sexually active patients affected by second recurrence of VVP, previously treated with monolateral sacrospinous fixation. TBSF was performed in all the patients. They had been evaluated before the surgery and at 12-month follow-up through pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system, Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Results. At 12-month follow-up, 18 out of 20 (90%) patients were cured of their recurrent VVP. No major intra- and postoperative complications occurred. We found a significant improvement in 4/5 POP-Q landmarks (excluding total vaginal length), SF-36, and PISQ-12 scores. Conclusion. According to our data analysis, TBSF appears to be safe, effective, and able to improve both QoL and sexual functions in patients affected by second recurrence of VVP after previous monolateral sacrospinous fixation.
A Hybrid Tabu Search Algorithm for a Real‐World Open Vehicle Routing Problem Involving Fuel Consumption Constraints
Authors: Niu Yunyun , Yang Zehua , Chen Ping , Xiao Jianhua
Published: February 2018

Outsourcing logistics operation to third‐party logistics has attracted more attention in the past several years. However, very few papers analyzed fuel consumption model in the context of outsourcing logistics. This problem involves more complexity than traditional open vehicle routing problem (OVRP), because the calculation of fuel emissions depends on many factors, such as the speed of vehicles, the road angle, the total load, the engine friction, and the engine displacement. Our paper proposed a green open vehicle routing problem (GOVRP) model with fuel consumption constraints for outsourcing logistics operations. Moreover, a hybrid tabu search algorithm was presented to deal with this problem. Experiments were conducted on instances based on realistic road data of Beijing, China, considering that outsourcing logistics plays an increasingly important role in China’s freight transportation. Open routes were compared with closed routes through statistical analysis of the cost components. Compared with closed routes, open routes reduce the total cost by 18.5% with the fuel emissions cost down by nearly 29.1% and the diver cost down by 13.8%. The effect of different vehicle types was also studied. Over all the 60‐ and 120‐node instances, the mean total cost by using the light‐duty vehicles is the lowest.
Multiobjective Optimization Design and Performance Prediction of Centrifugal Pump Based on Orthogonal Test
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Huo Xinwang
Published: February 2018

In order to improve the hydraulic performance of the centrifugal pump, based on the original model, the optimization mathematical model with the four indexes head, efficiency, shaft power, and pump net positive suction head as objective function was established, and the multiobjective optimization design of the centrifugal pump was carried out by orthogonal test. Based on the L16(44) orthogonal table, 16 sets of orthogonal test schemes were made by selecting the four parameters impeller outlet width, blade inlet angle, blade outlet angle, and cape angle; the flow field numerical simulation was carried out by computational fluid dynamics technique; and the influence order of geometric parameters on optimization indexes was obtained by range analysis. The weight of each test factor on the optimization index was calculated by weight matrix, and a set of optimal schemes was obtained. Based on the external characteristic experimental bench of the IH 65‐60‐190 chemical centrifugal pump, the simulation values and test values of the prototype pump and the optimization pump were obtained under different working conditions. Under the rated flow, the head was reduced by 17.00%, the efficiency was increased by 9.14%, the shaft power was reduced by 21.50%, the pump net positive suction head was reduced by 16.69%, the curve hump was eliminated, the performance of centrifugal pump was improved, and the feasibility of the weight matrix optimization method was verified. The particle image velocimetry measurement system was used to measure the relative velocity of the internal media in the centrifugal pump. The results showed that the optimization pump had no obvious “jet‐wake” flow structure, its maximum velocity was less than the prototype pump, the area of low‐speed zone was larger than the prototype pump, the efficiency of the centrifugal pump was improved, and the shaft power and pump net positive suction head were reduced. The reason of the head decrease was analyzed from the internal flow situation, and the accuracy of the design optimization process was proved.
Recovery of the 20 Hz Rebound to Tactile and Proprioceptive Stimulation after Stroke
Authors: Parkkonen Eeva , Laaksonen Kristina , Parkkonen Lauri , Forss Nina
Published: February 2018

Sensorimotor integration is closely linked to changes in motor-cortical excitability, observable in the modulation of the 20 Hz rhythm. After somatosensory stimulation, the rhythm transiently increases as a rebound that reflects motor-cortex inhibition. Stroke-induced alterations in afferent input likely affect motor-cortex excitability and motor recovery. To study the role of somatosensory afferents in motor-cortex excitability after stroke, we employed magnetoencephalographic recordings (MEG) at 1–7 days, one month, and 12 months in 23 patients with stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory and 22 healthy controls. The modulation of the 20 Hz motor-cortical rhythm was evaluated to two different somatosensory stimuli, tactile stimulation, and passive movement of the index fingers. The rebound strengths to both stimuli were diminished in the acute phase compared to the controls and increased significantly during the first month after stroke. However, only the rebound amplitudes to tactile stimuli fully recovered within the follow-up period. The rebound strengths in the affected hemisphere to both stimuli correlated strongly with the clinical scores across the follow-up. The results show that changes in the 20 Hz rebound to both stimuli behave similarly and occur predominantly during the first month. The 20 Hz rebound is a potential marker for predicting motor recovery after stroke.
Analytical Solutions of Fractional Walter’s B Fluid with Applications
Authors: Al-Mdallal Qasem , Abro Kashif Ali , Khan Ilyas
Published: February 2018

Fractional Walter’s Liquid Model‐B has been used in this work to study the combined analysis of heat and mass transfer together with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow over a vertically oscillating plate embedded in a porous medium. A newly defined approach of Caputo‐Fabrizio fractional derivative (CFFD) has been used in the mathematical formulation of the problem. By employing the dimensional analysis, the dimensional governing partial differential equations have been transformed into dimensionless form. The problem is solved analytically and solutions of mass concentration, temperature distribution, and velocity field are obtained in the presence and absence of porous and magnetic field impacts. The general solutions are expressed in the format of generalized Mittag‐Leffler function and Fox‐H function satisfying imposed conditions on the problem. These solutions have combined effects of heat and mass transfer; this is due to free convections differences between mass concentration and temperature distribution. Graphical illustration is depicted in order to bring out the effects of various physical parameters on flow. From investigated general solutions, the well‐known previously published results in the literature have been recovered. Graphs are plotted and discussed for rheological parameters.
Extensor Tendons Rupture after Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fracture Related to a Dorsal Radial Metaphyseal Bone Spur
Authors: Abrego M. O. , De Cicco F. L. , Boretto J. G. , Gallucci G. L. , De Carli P.
Published: February 2018

Extensor tendon ruptures due to volar plating in distal radius fractures have mostly been described in relation with technique failures such as screw prominence and drill penetration. We report the case of a 71-year-old female with a C2 distal radius fracture with severe dorsal metaphyseal comminution. The patient underwent surgical treatment with reduction of the large fragments and fixation with a volar locking plate; the small dorsal metaphyseal nonarticular fragments were not reduced. Six months later, the patient developed extensor digitorum communis (EDC) rupture and extensor indicis proprius (EIP) laceration in coincidence with the dorsal comminution turned into a bony spur. The possible association between the extensor tendon injury and the dorsal residual metaphyseal bony spur in the distal radius fractures is unusual but should be taken into account in fracture patterns presenting dorsal comminution.
Cognitive Load Assessment from EEG and Peripheral Biosignals for the Design of Visually Impaired Mobility Aids
Authors: Saitis Charalampos , Parvez Mohammad Zavid , Kalimeri Kyriaki
Published: February 2018

Reliable detection of cognitive load would benefit the design of intelligent assistive navigation aids for the visually impaired (VIP). Ten participants with various degrees of sight loss navigated in unfamiliar indoor and outdoor environments, while their electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) signals were being recorded. In this study, the cognitive load of the tasks was assessed in real time based on a modification of the well‐established event‐related (de)synchronization (ERD/ERS) index. We present an in‐depth analysis of the environments that mostly challenge people from certain categories of sight loss and we present an automatic classification of the perceived difficulty in each time instance, inferred from their biosignals. Given the limited size of our sample, our findings suggest that there are significant differences across the environments for the various categories of sight loss. Moreover, we exploit cross‐modal relations predicting the cognitive load in real time inferring on features extracted from the EDA. Such possibility paves the way for the design on less invasive, wearable assistive devices that take into consideration the well‐being of the VIP.
EZH2 Inhibition Ameliorates Transverse Aortic Constriction-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Mice
Authors: Shi Zhan-Li , Fang Kun , Li Zhi-Hui , Ren Dan-Hong , Zhang Jia-Ying , Sun Jing
Published: February 2018

Background. EPZ005687 is a selective inhibiter of methyltransferase EZH2. In this article, we investigated the protective role and mechanism of EPZ005687 in transverse aortic constriction-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice. Methods. We assigned 15 (6–8 weeks old) male balb/c mice to 3 groups randomly: Sham control + DMSO group, TAC + DMSO group, and TAC + EPZ005687 group (10 mg kg−1, once a week for 4 weeks). On day 28 following TAC operation, the right ventricular systolic blood pressure (RVSBP) was measured, and lung tissues were collected for laboratory examinations (DHE, Western blot, real-time PCR, and ChIP). Results. Murine PAH model was successfully created by TAC operation as evidenced by increased RVSBP and hypertrophic right ventricle. Compared with the sham control, TAC-induced PAH markedly upregulated the expression of EZH2 and ROS deposition in lungs in PAH mice. The inhibiter of methyltransferase EZH2, EPZ005687 significantly inhibits the development of TAC-induced PAH in an EZH2-SOD1-ROS dependent manner. Conclusion. Our data identified that EZH2 serves a fundamental role in TAC-induced PAH, and administration of EPZ005687 might represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of TAC-induced PAH.
Buyang Huanwu Decoction Ameliorates Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats via Downregulation of Related Protein and Gene Expression
Authors: Wang Xuan , Li Xia , Wang Li-na , Pan Jing-juan , Yang Xue , Wei Yang-lin
Published: February 2018

Little is known about the effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction on pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, 144 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank control group (B), model control group (M), positive medicine control group (Mp), and high‐, moderate‐, and low‐dose Buyang Huanwu decoction groups (Hd, Md, and Ld). A pulmonary fibrosis model was established by endotracheal injection of bleomycin. On the second day of modeling, the corresponding saline, methylprednisolone suspension, and the three doses of Buyang Huanwu decoction were used to treat the 6 groups of rats by intragastric administration for 7, 14, and 28 consecutive days. After 7, 14, and 28 days of treatment, the mRNA expression of CTGF and AKT, the protein level of CTGF, p‐AKT, and collagen types I and III were tested. Finally, we found that the serum collagen type I and III level in Hd, Md, and Ld rats on the 14th and 28th day and the collagen type I and III level in Hd rats on 7th day were significantly lower than in M rats (P < 0.01). The protein level of p‐AKT and CTGF in Hd and Md rats on the 7th and 14th days and the protein level of p‐AKT in Hd rats on the 28th day were lower than in M rats (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The level of CTGF mRNA in Hd, Md, and Ld rats and the level of AKT mRNA in Hd and Md rats on the 7th, 14th, and 28th days and the expression level of AKT mRNA in Ld rats on the 14th and 28th days were significantly lower than in M rats (P < 0.01). The study suggests that Buyang Huanwu decoction alleviated pulmonary fibrosis of rats by improvement of lung tissue morphology, low level of serum collagen types I and III, and the reduced expression of CTGF and p‐AKT protein, which might be a result of its downregulated expression of CTGF and AKT mRNA levels.
Transformation of T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma to Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Markow Michael , Mirza Abu-Sayeef , Perez Lia , Shao Haipeng , Horna Pedro , Anasetti Claudio , Sokol Lubomir , Hussaini Mohammad O.
Published: February 2018

Nonhepatosplenic/noncutaneous γδ peripheral T-cell lymphoma (NHNCγδ PTCL) represents a miscellaneous group of unrelated T-cell lymphomas of which only isolated cases have been reported. We describe two cases of transformation from T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma to NHNCγδ PTCL. Transformation into more aggressive disease is a rare event in T-cell lineage-derived hematologic malignancies compared to B-cell neoplasms. Nevertheless, both of our cases involved relapse as PTCL manifested with skin involvement and an overt shift from blastic morphology to large granular leukemia-like mature T cells. Among other notable molecular characteristics, expression of immature markers such as TdT was lost in both cases. Based on cytogenetics, phenotype, and morphology, both patients represent a novel phenomenon of clonal transformation from T-ALL to PTCL which has rarely been reported in the literature. Such transformation may carry important diagnostic and biological implications.
From the Kinematics of Precession Motion to Generalized Rabi Cycles
Authors: Brezov Danail S. , Mladenova Clementina D. , Mladenov Ivaïlo M.
Published: February 2018

We use both vector-parameter and quaternion techniques to provide a thorough description of several classes of rotations, starting with coaxial angular velocity Ω of varying magnitude. Then, we fix the magnitude and let Ω precess at constant rate about the z-axis, which yields a particular solution to the free Euler dynamical equations in the case of axially symmetric inertial ellipsoid. The latter appears also in the description of spin precessions in NMR and quantum computing. As we show below, this problem has analytic solutions for a much larger class of motions determined by a simple condition relating the polar angle and z-projection of Ω (expressed in cylindrical coordinates), which are both time-dependent in the generic case. Relevant physical examples are also provided.
Antibody-Mediated Osseous Regeneration for Bone Tissue Engineering in Canine Segmental Defects
Authors: Khojasteh A. , Hosseinpour S. , Dehghan M. M. , Mashhadiabbas F. , Rezai Rad M. , Ansari S. , Farzad Mohajeri S. , Zadeh H. H.
Published: February 2018

Among many applications of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), a unique approach for regenerative medicine has entailed antibody-mediated osseous regeneration (AMOR). In an effort to identify a clinically relevant model of craniofacial defect, the present study investigated the efficacy of mAb specific for bone morphogenetic protein- (BMP-) 2 to repair canine segmental mandibular continuity defect model. Accordingly, a 15 mm unilateral segmental defect was created in mandible and fixated with a titanium plate. Anorganic bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (ABBM-C) was functionalized with 25 μg/mL of either chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb or isotype-matched mAb (negative control). Recombinant human (rh) BMP-2 served as positive control. Morphometric analyses were performed on computed tomography (CT) and histologic images. Bone densities within healed defect sites at 12 weeks after surgery were 1360.81 ± 10.52 Hounsfield Unit (HU), 1044.27 ± 141.16 HU, and 839.45 ± 179.41 HU, in sites with implanted anti-BMP-2 mAb, rhBMP-2, and isotype mAb groups, respectively. Osteoid bone formation in anti-BMP-2 mAb (42.99% ± 8.67) and rhBMP-2 (48.97% ± 2.96) groups was not significantly different but was higher (p<0.05) than in sites with isotype control mAb (26.8% ± 5.35). In view of the long-term objective of translational application of AMOR in humans, the results of the present study demonstrated the feasibility of AMOR in a large clinically relevant animal model.
Detection Performance of Packet Arrival under Downclocking for Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Wang Zhimin , Zhao Qinglin , Xu Fangxin , Dai Hongning , Zhang Yujun
Published: February 2018

Mobile edge computing (MEC) enables battery‐powered mobile nodes to acquire information technology services at the network edge. These nodes desire to enjoy their service under power saving. The sampling rate invariant detection (SRID) is the first downclocking WiFi technique that can achieve this objective. With SRID, a node detects one packet arrival at a downclocked rate. Upon a successful detection, the node reverts to a full‐clocked rate to receive the packet immediately. To ensure that a node acquires its service immediately, the detection performance (namely, the miss‐detection probability and the false‐alarm probability) of SRID is of importance. This paper is the first one to theoretically study the crucial impact of SRID attributes (e.g., tolerance threshold, correlation threshold, and energy ratio threshold) on the packet detection performance. Extensive Monte Carlo experiments show that our theoretical model is very accurate. This study can help system developers set reasonable system parameters for WiFi downclocking.
Metabolic Determinants of Sensitivity to Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway Inhibitor in Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Makinoshima Hideki , Umemura Shigeki , Suzuki Ayako , Nakanishi Hiroki , Maruyama Ami , Udagawa Hibiki , Mimaki Sachiyo , Matsumoto Shingo , Niho Seiji , Ishii Genichiro , Tsuboi Masahiro , Ochiai Atsushi , Esumi Hiroyasu , Sasaki Takehiko , Goto Koichi , Tsuchihara Katsuya
Published: February 2018

Comprehensive genomic analysis has revealed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a feasible therapeutic target in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). However, biomarkers to identify patients likely to benefit from inhibitors of this pathway have not been identified. Here, we show that metabolic features determine sensitivity to the PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor gedatolisib in SCLC cells. Substantial phosphatidyl lipid analysis revealed that a specific phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) subspecies lipid product PIP3 (38:4) is predictive in assessing sensitivity to PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor. Notably, we found that higher amounts of purine-related aqueous metabolites such as hypoxanthine, which are characteristic of SCLC biology, lead to resistance to PI3K pathway inhibition. In addition, the levels of the mRNA encoding hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase 1, a key component of the purine salvage pathway, differed significantly between SCLC cells sensitive or resistant to gedatolisib. Moreover, complementation with purine metabolites could reverse the vulnerability to targeting of the PI3K pathway in SCLC cells normally sensitive to gedatolisib. These results indicate that the resistance mechanism of PI3K pathway inhibitors is mediated by the activation of the purine salvage pathway, supplying purine resource to nucleotide biosynthesis. Metabolomics is a powerful approach for finding novel therapeutic biomarkers in SCLC treatment.

Significance: These findings identify features that determine sensitivity of SCLC to PI3K pathway inhibition and support metabolomics as a tool for finding novel therapeutic biomarkers. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2179–90. ©2018 AACR.
YAP1-Mediated Suppression of USP31 Enhances NFκB Activity to Promote Sarcomagenesis
Authors: Ye Shuai , Lawlor Matthew A. , Rivera-Reyes Adrian , Egolf Shaun , Chor Susan , Pak Koreana , Ciotti Gabrielle E. , Lee Avery C. , Marino Gloria E. , Shah Jennifer , Niedzwicki David , Weber Kristy , Park Paul M.C. , Alam Md. Zahidul , Grazioli Alison , Haldar Malay , Xu Mousheng , Perry Jennifer A. , Qi Jun , Eisinger-Mathason T.S. Karin
Published: February 2018

To date, no consistent oncogenic driver mutations have been identified in most adult soft tissue sarcomas; these tumors are thus generally insensitive to existing targeted therapies. Here we investigated alternate mechanisms underlying sarcomagenesis to identify potential therapeutic interventions. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is an aggressive tumor frequently found in skeletal muscle where deregulation of the Hippo pathway and aberrant stabilization of its transcriptional effector yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) increases proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, the downstream mechanisms driving this deregulation are incompletely understood. Using autochthonous mouse models and whole genome analyses, we found that YAP1 was constitutively active in some sarcomas due to epigenetic silencing of its inhibitor angiomotin (AMOT). Epigenetic modulators vorinostat and JQ1 restored AMOT expression and wild-type Hippo pathway signaling, which induced a muscle differentiation program and inhibited sarcomagenesis. YAP1 promoted sarcomagenesis by inhibiting expression of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 31 (USP31), a newly identified upstream negative regulator of NFκB signaling. Combined treatment with epigenetic modulators effectively restored USP31 expression, resulting in decreased NFκB activity. Our findings highlight a key underlying molecular mechanism in UPS and demonstrate the potential impact of an epigenetic approach to sarcoma treatment.

Significance: A new link between Hippo pathway signaling, NFκB, and epigenetic reprogramming is highlighted and has the potential for therapeutic intervention in soft tissue sarcomas. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2705–20. ©2018 AACR.
Successful Surgical Resection following Bronchial Artery Embolization in a Case of Lung Cancer Complicated with Massive Hemoptysis
Authors: Sadamatsu Hironori , Takahashi Koichiro , Inoue Hiroshi , Umeguchi Hitomi , Koga Satoko , Kuroki Hideo , Akashi Michiaki  , Kato Masato , Sueoka-Aragane Naoko
Published: February 2018

Hemoptysis is sometimes observed in lung cancer patients and can be life-threatening. We present a case with severe hemoptysis that was resolved by bronchial artery embolization (BAE) followed by surgery. The presence of necrotic tissue in the majority of the resected tumor and only few cancer cells was presumed to be from loss of bronchial artery blood flow. Although BAE is not a standard therapy for lung cancer, it can be useful and may be considered by physicians as one of the treatment options prior to surgical resection in cases with hemoptysis.
Massive Proteinuria-Induced Injury of Tubular Epithelial Cells in Nephrotic Syndrome is Not Exacerbated by Furosemide
Authors: Wang Shujun , Pan Qingjun , Xu Chen , Li Jun-jia , Tang Hao-Xuan , Zou Ting , Jing Kai-peng , Ye Lin , Wu Hong-Luan , Liu Wei-jing , Liu Hua-feng
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Massive proteinuria, a significant sign of nephrotic syndrome (NS), has the potential to injure tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Furosemide is widely used for the treatment of edema, a common manifestation of NS. However, whether furosemide treatment affects massive proteinuria-induced TEC injury in patients with NS is unknown. Methods: The effect of furosemide on TEC damage was investigated in vitro. In addition, a clinical study was conducted to study whether the short-term treatment of nephrotic edema with furosemide could exacerbate TEC injury. Results: The proliferation of in vitro human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells exposed to massive urinary protein (8 mg/mL) significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the supernatants significantly increased (P<0.05). Importantly, furosemide treatment did not further increase the expression of Kim-1 and NGAL in HK-2 cells upregulated by massive proteinuria. For the clinical study, 26 patients with NS, all prescribed the recommended dosage of prednisone (1 mg/kg/day), were randomly assigned to two groups. One group (n=13) received furosemide (60-120 mg/day, intravenously) for 1 week; the remaining participants (control group) did not receive furosemide or any other diuretics. The results showed that the 24-h urine volume in the furosemide-treated group was slightly, but not significantly, higher than that in the control group (P>0.05). In addition, serum levels of BUN, Scr, Cys C, and urinary Kim-1 and NGAL were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Twenty-three patients underwent a renal biopsy. Of these, 22 patients exhibited vacuolar degeneration of the TECs; 8 patients showed brush border membrane shedding of the TECs; and 12 patients showed protein casts. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: In summary, massive proteinuria induced the injury of TECs in patients with NS, and furosemide treatment did not aggravate this injury.
Questão Ambiental: dimensão periférica em política pública de turismo?
Authors: Souza Cynthia Oliveira de , Emmendoerfer Magnus Luiz , Knupp Marcos Eduardo Carvalho Gonçalves
Published: February 2018

No século XX, o turismo foi objeto de atenção em políticas públicas de governos centrais de diferentes países. No século XXI, devido ao processo de descentralização, o turismo passou a ser também um setor de interesse de governos subnacionais em prol do desenvolvimento local e regional. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a questão ambiental na política pública de turismo planejada por um governo subnacional em um estado federativo. Para tanto, foram aplicados o método documental cujos dados coletados foram cotejados a luz da literatura especializada. Como resultados, identificou-se as prioridades e as questões consideradas importantes por um governo em uma política pública de turismo a partir de um esquema analítico de 15 tipos de objetivos e 22 formas de atuação governamental. Na situação analisada, observou-se que a questão ambiental não é algo central na política vigente, o que pode tornar preocupante a sustentabilidade do turismo para além da dimensão econômica. Por fim, o esquema analítico empregado possibilita compreender a intencionalidade e a abrangência de uma política pública de turismo.
Work of community health agents in the Family Health Strategy: meta-synthesis
Authors: Alonso Carolina Maria do Carmo , Béguin Pascal Daniel , Duarte Francisco José de Castro Moura
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE: To systematize and analyze the evidence from qualitative studies that address the perception of Brazilian Community Health Agents about their work. METHODS: This is a systematic review of the meta-synthesis type on the work of community health agents, carried out from the Virtual Health Library using the descriptors “Agente Comunitário de Saúde” and “Trabalho”, in Portuguese. The strategy was constructed by crossing descriptors, using the Boolean operator “AND”, and filtering Brazilian articles, published from 2004 to 2014, which resulted in 129 identified articles. We removed quantitative or quanti-qualitative research articles, essays, debates, literature reviews, reports of experiences, and research that did not include Brazilian Community Health Agents as subjects. Using these criteria, we selected and analyzed 33 studies that allowed us to identify common subjects and differences between them, to group the main conclusions, to classify subjects, and to interpret the content. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three thematic units: characteristics of the work of community health agents, problems related to the work of community health agents, and positive aspects of the work of community health agents. On the characteristics, we could see that the work of the community health agents is permeated by the political and social dimensions of the health work with predominant use of light technologies. The main input is the knowledge that this professional obtains with the contact with families, which is developed with home visits. On the problems in the work of community health agents, we could identify the lack of limits in their attributions, poor conditions, obstacles in the relationship with the community and teams, weak professional training, and bureaucracy. The positive aspects we identified were the recognition of the work by families, resolution, bonding, work with peers, and work close to home. CONCLUSIONS: This review provided an overview of the difficulties and positive aspects that are present in the daily work of community health agents. Given this, we have raised two challenges. The first one refers to how public policy makers need to appropriation the research results and the second one refers to the need to invest in studies that are designed to generate solutions for the difficulties faced by community health agents in their work.
Status and conservation issues of wetland birds in Komaranahalli Lake, Davanagere District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Harisha M. N. , Hosetti B. B.
Published: February 2018

This study was carried out to assess the status and conservation issues of migratory water birds in Komaranahalli Kere, a lake in Malebennur, Harihar Taluk, Davanagere District from November 2012 to October 2013. The dominant family was Ardeidae represented by 10 species, followed by the Scolopacidae with seven species.  The families with lowest representations of one species were Podicipididae, Anhingidae, Rostratulidae and Recurvirostridae. The study revealed that the lake harbors many resident and a few migratory bird species. Among the species recorded five species namely the Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala and River Tern Sterna aurantia are Near Threatened. The present study location is also facing tremendous conservation challenges by the impact of anthropogenic alteration of the habitats in and around the lake. Though the lake is highly disturbed, it still provides some potential habitats for a few migratory and several resident water bird species.
An annotated checklist of the herpetofauna of the Rashtrapati Bhawan Estates, New Delhi, India
Authors: Prasad Vishal Kumar , Verma Anjali , Shahabuddin Ghazala
Published: February 2018

Rashtrapati Bhavan Estates is a large semi-natural area comprising significant patches of secondary forest, cultivation, wetlands and parks in the heart of Delhi, the capital city of India.  An inventory of herpetofauna was undertaken from May 15 to July 31, 2015, which revealed four species of amphibians and eight of reptiles.  One reptilian species—Striped Keelback—was a new record for the Delhi region.  In addition, secondary records of the presence of five snake species were obtained.  Given the paucity of published data on natural history of the national capital, this annotated species checklist assumes importance and will be of use for urban planning and conservation.
Vascular Smooth Muscle–Specific Progerin Expression Accelerates Atherosclerosis and Death in a Mouse Model of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Authors: Hamczyk Magda R. , Villa-Bellosta Ricardo , Gonzalo Pilar , Andrés-Manzano María J. , Nogales Paula , Bentzon Jacob F. , López-Otín Carlos , Andrés Vicente
Published: February 2018

Background:

Progerin, an aberrant protein that accumulates with age, causes the rare genetic disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Patients who have HGPS exhibit ubiquitous progerin expression, accelerated aging and atherosclerosis, and die in their early teens, mainly of myocardial infarction or stroke. The mechanisms underlying progerin-induced atherosclerosis remain unexplored, in part, because of the lack of appropriate animal models.

Methods:

We generated an atherosclerosis-prone model of HGPS by crossing apolipoprotein E–deficient (
Apoe
–/–
) mice with
Lmna

G609G/G609G

mice ubiquitously expressing progerin. To induce progerin expression specifically in macrophages or vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), we crossed
Apoe
–/–
Lmna

LCS/LCS

mice with
LysMCre
and
SM22αCre
mice, respectively. Progerin expression was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Cardiovascular alterations were determined by immunofluorescence and histology in male mice fed normal chow or a high-fat diet. In vivo low-density lipoprotein retention was assessed by intravenous injection of fluorescently labeled human low-density lipoprotein. Cardiac electric defects were evaluated by electrocardiography.

Results:

Apoe
–/–
Lmna

G609G/G609G

mice with ubiquitous progerin expression exhibited a premature aging phenotype that included failure to thrive and shortened survival. In addition, high-fat diet–fed
Apoe
–/–
Lmna

G609G/G609G

mice developed a severe vascular pathology, including medial VSMC loss and lipid retention, adventitial fibrosis, and accelerated atherosclerosis, thus resembling most aspects of cardiovascular disease observed in patients with HGPS. The same vascular alterations were also observed in
Apoe
–/–
Lmna

LCS/LCS

SM22αCre
mice expressing progerin specifically in VSMCs, but not in
Apoe
–/–
Lmna

LCS/LCS

LysMCre
mice with macrophage-specific progerin expression. Moreover,
Apoe
–/–
Lmna

LCS/LCS

SM22αCre
mice had a shortened lifespan despite the lack of any overt aging phenotype. Aortas of ubiquitously and VSMC-specific progerin-expressing mice exhibited increased retention of fluorescently labeled human low-density lipoprotein, and atheromata in both models showed vulnerable plaque features. Immunohistopathological examination indicated that
Apoe
–/–
Lmna

LCS/LCS

SM22αCre
mice, unlike
Apoe
–/–
Lmna

G609G/G609G

mice, die of atherosclerosis-related causes.

Conclusions:

We have generated the first mouse model of progerin-induced atherosclerosis acceleration, and demonstrate that restricting progerin expression to VSMCs is sufficient to accelerate atherosclerosis, trigger plaque vulnerability, and reduce lifespan. Our results identify progerin-induced VSMC death as a major factor triggering atherosclerosis and premature death in HGPS.