bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atlantoaxial Misalignment Causes High Blood Pressure in Rats: A Novel Hypertension Model
Authors: He Zong-Bao , Lv You-Kui , Li Hui , Yao Qiong , Wang Ke-Ming , Song Xiao-Ge , Wu Zi-Jian , Qin Ximing
Published: July 2017

Atlantoaxial disorders are often correlated with hypertension in practice. In order to study the relationship between atlantoaxial disorder and hypertension, we attempted to construct an animal model. In this work, we presented an animal model where their atlantoaxial joints were misaligned. We investigated the changes of blood pressure before and after treatments of the modeled rats. We had the following results. (1) SBP and DBP of each surgery group were significantly higher than those of control and sham groups. (2) After the second operation (the fixture was removed), SBP and DBP of both surgery groups decreased and got closer to the control and sham groups after 7 days. (3) Heart rates got significantly higher in both surgery groups, compared to control and sham groups. (4) The blood Ach levels of the surgery groups were significantly lower than those of control and sham groups. With these results, we concluded that we successfully constructed cervical atlantoaxial disorder models in rats that showed hypertension symptom. However, the underlying mechanism connecting atlantoaxial disorder and hypertension still requires further study.
Recovery following Thyroxine Treatment Withdrawal, but Not Propylthiouracil, Averts In Vivo and Ex Vivo Thyroxine-Provoked Cardiac Complications in Adult FVB/N Mice
Authors: Saad Nancy S. , Repas Steven J. , Floyd Kyle , Janssen Paul M. L. , Elnakish Mohammad T.
Published: July 2017

Persistent cardiovascular pathology has been described in hyperthyroid patients even with effective antithyroid treatment. Here, we studied the effect of a well-known antithyroid drug, propylthiouracil (PTU; 20 mg/kg/day), on thyroxine (T4; 500 µg/kg/day)-induced increase in blood pressure (BP), cardiac hypertrophy, and altered responses of the contractile myocardium both in vivo and ex vivo after 2 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, the potential recovery through 2 weeks of T4 treatment discontinuation was also investigated. PTU and T4 recovery partially reduced the T4-prompted increase in BP. Alternatively, PTU significantly improved the in vivo left ventricular (LV) function with no considerable effects on cardiac hypertrophy or ex vivo right ventricular (RV) contractile alterations subsequent to T4 treatment. Conversely, T4 recovery considerably enhanced the T4-provoked cardiac changes both in vivo and ex vivo. Altogether, our data is in agreement with the proposal that hyperthyroidism-induced cardiovascular pathology could persevere even with antithyroid treatments, such as PTU. However, this cannot be generalized and further investigation with different antithyroid treatments should be executed. Moreover, we reveal that recovery following experimental hyperthyroidism could potentially ameliorate cardiac function and decrease the risk for additional cardiac complications, yet, this appears to be model-dependent and should be cautiously construed.
Developmental Changes in Sleep Oscillations during Early Childhood
Authors: Olbrich Eckehard , Rusterholz Thomas , LeBourgeois Monique K. , Achermann Peter
Published: July 2017

Although quantitative analysis of the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) has uncovered important aspects of brain activity during sleep in adolescents and adults, similar findings from preschool-age children remain scarce. This study utilized our time-frequency method to examine sleep oscillations as characteristic features of human sleep EEG. Data were collected from a longitudinal sample of young children (n=8; 3 males) at ages 2, 3, and 5 years. Following sleep stage scoring, we detected and characterized oscillatory events across age and examined how their features corresponded to spectral changes in the sleep EEG. Results indicated a developmental decrease in the incidence of delta and theta oscillations. Spindle oscillations, however, were almost absent at 2 years but pronounced at 5 years. All oscillatory event changes were stronger during light sleep than slow-wave sleep. Large interindividual differences in sleep oscillations and their characteristics (e.g., “ultrafast” spindle-like oscillations, theta oscillation incidence/frequency) also existed. Changes in delta and spindle oscillations across early childhood may indicate early maturation of the thalamocortical system. Our analytic approach holds promise for revealing novel types of sleep oscillatory events that are specific to periods of rapid normal development across the lifespan and during other times of aberrant changes in neurobehavioral function.
Development and Characterisation of a Novel NF-κB Reporter Cell Line for Investigation of Neuroinflammation
Authors: Zeuner Marie-Theres , Vallance Thomas , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Cottrell Graeme S. , Widera Darius
Published: July 2017

Aberrant activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, as well as uncontrolled inflammation, has been linked to autoimmune diseases, development and progression of cancer, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Reporter cell lines are a valuable state-of-the art tool for comparative analysis of in vitro drug screening. However, a reporter cell line for the investigation of NF-κB-driven neuroinflammation has not been available. Thus, we developed a stable neural NF-κB-reporter cell line to assess the potency of proinflammatory molecules and peptides, as well as anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals. We used lentivirus to transduce the glioma cell line U251-MG with a tandem NF-κB reporter construct containing GFP and firefly luciferase allowing an assessment of NF-κB activity via fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and luminometry. We observed a robust activation of NF-κB after exposure of the reporter cell line to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and amyloid-β peptide [1-42] as well as to LPS derived from Salmonella minnesota and Escherichia coli. Finally, we demonstrate that the U251-NF-κB-GFP-Luc reporter cells can be used for assessing the anti-inflammatory potential of pharmaceutical compounds using Bay11-7082 and IMD0354. In summary, our newly generated cell line is a robust and cost-efficient tool to study pro- and anti-inflammatory potential of drugs and biologics in neural cells.
Differential Expression of Glycolysis-Related Proteins in Follicular Neoplasms versus Hürthle Cell Neoplasms: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kim Hye Min , Koo Ja Seung
Published: July 2017

Purpose. Although currently classified as variants of follicular neoplasms (FNs), Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCNs) exhibit distinct biological characteristics. Hence, the metabolism of both neoplasms may also be different. The aims of this study were to investigate and compare the expression of glycolysis-related proteins in HCNs and FNs and to determine the clinical implications of such expression. Methods. Tissue microarrays were constructed with 265 samples of FNs (112 follicular carcinomas (FCs) and 153 follicular adenomas (FAs)) as well as 108 samples of HCNs (27 Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCCs) and 81 Hürthle cell adenomas (HCAs)). Immunohistochemical staining for the glycolysis-related molecules Glut-1, hexokinase II, CAIX, and MCT4 was performed. Results. The expression levels of Glut-1, hexokinase II, CAIX, and MCT4 were significantly higher in HCNs than in FNs (p<0.001). Glut-1, hexokinase II, CAIX, and MCT4 expression levels were highest in HCC, followed by HCA, FC, and FA (all p<0.001). In HCC, hexokinase II positivity was associated with large tumor size (>4 cm) (p=0.046), CAIX positivity with vascular invasion (p=0.005), and MCT4 positivity with extrathyroidal extension (p=0.030). Conclusion. The expression levels of the glycolysis-related proteins Glut-1, hexokinase II, CAIX, and MCT4 were higher in HCNs than in FNs and in HCCs than in HCAs.
A Case of Male Osteoporosis: A 37-Year-Old Man with Multiple Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Radi Suhaib , Karaplis Andrew C.
Published: July 2017

While the contributing role of testosterone to bone health is rather modest compared to other factors such as estradiol levels, male hypogonadism is associated with low bone mass and fragility fractures. Along with stimulating physical puberty by achieving virilization and a normal muscle mass and improving psychosocial wellbeing, the goals of testosterone replacement therapy in male hypogonadism also include attainment of age-specific bone mineral density. We report on a 37-year-old man who presented with multiple vertebral compression fractures several years following termination of testosterone replacement therapy for presumed constitutional delay in growth and puberty. Here, we discuss the management of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with hyposmia (Kallmann syndrome), with which the patient was ultimately diagnosed, the role of androgens in the acquisition of bone mass during puberty and its maintenance thereafter, and outline specific management strategies for patients with hypogonadism and high risk for fragility fractures.
Laboratory and Genetic Biomarkers Associated with Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in Hemoglobin SC Disease
Authors: Santiago Rayra Pereira , Vieira Camilo , Adanho Corynne Stephanie Ahouefa , Santana Sanzio Silva , Guarda Caroline Conceição , Figueiredo Camylla Vilas Boas , Fiuza Luciana Magalhães , Pitanga Thassila Nogueira , Ferreira Junia Raquel Dutra , Aleluia Milena Magalhães , Oliveira Rodrigo Mota , Zanette Dalila Luciola , Lyra Isa Menezes , Goncalves Marilda Souza
Published: July 2017

Reference values for cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC) have not been established. We aimed to investigate associations between laboratory and genetic biomarkers associated with CBFV in HbSC children. Sixty-eight HbSC children were included; CBFV was analyzed by transcranial Doppler, and the time-averaged maximum mean velocity (TAMMV) was estimated. Hematological, biochemical, immunological, and genetic analyses were performed. TAMMV was negatively correlated with red blood cell count (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and direct bilirubin (DB), yet positively correlated with monocytes and ferritin. We found that children with TAMMV ≥ 128 cm/s had decreased red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and nitric oxide metabolite (NOx) concentration. Children with TAMMV ≥ 143.50 cm/s had decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, as well as increased ferritin levels. Decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, RDW, and NOx and increased ferritin were detected in children with TAMMV ≥ 125.75 cm/s. The CAR haplotype was associated with higher TAMMV. In association analyses, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, RDW, monocyte, DB, NOx, and ferritin, as well as the CAR haplotype, were found to be associated with higher TAMMV in HbSC children. Multivariate analysis suggested that high TAMMV was independently associated with hematocrit, RDW, and NOx. Additional studies are warranted to validate the establishment of a cutoff value of 125.75 cm/s associated with elevated TAMMV in HbSC children.
Results of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy under Local Anesthesia with Minimal Sedation
Authors: Choi Woong Chul , Paik Ji-Sun , Doh Sang Hee
Published: July 2017

Purpose. We evaluated the tolerability and efficacy of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (Endo-DCR) in patients treated in the leaning position and under local anesthesia with minimal sedation (LAS). Study Design. Questionnaire to determine subjective success of Endo-DCR. Methods. From May 2013 to August 2014, a total of 95 eyes with epiphora presented to the Myoung Eye Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul, Korea, and were treated with Endo-DCR under LAS. Three nerve blocks were administered to achieve local anesthesia. Postoperatively, the wound site was packed with Nasopore to control bleeding and promote wound healing. Outcome measures included a patient questionnaire completed on postoperative day 7 to evaluate intraoperative and postoperative pain based on the VAS (0 to 10). Results. Mean intraoperative and postoperative pain scores were 1.03 and 1.64, respectively, for 95 eyes. Of the 95 eyes treated, the patients in 82 eyes (86.31%) reported that they would prefer LAS over GA for a repeat Endo-DCR. The subjective and objective surgical success rates were 90.14% and 95.77%, respectively. Conclusions. Endo-DCR carried out under LAS with the patient in the leaning position is more useful, efficient, and feasible than Endo-DCR performed under GA with the patient in the supine position.
Alterations in Gene Expression of Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Its Related Enzymes in Lung Cancer
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin , Trivedi Malav , Speth Robert C.
Published: July 2017

Objectives. The study assessed the existence and significance of associations between the expression of fifteen renin-angiotensin system component genes and lung adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods. NCBI’s built-in statistical tool, GEO2R, was used to calculate Student’s t-tests for the associations found in a DNA expression study of adenocarcinoma and matched healthy lung tissue samples. The raw data was processed with GeneSpring™ and then used to generate figures with and without Sidak’s multiple comparison correction. Results. Ten genes were found to be significantly associated with adenocarcinoma. Seven of these associations remained statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Notably, AGTR2, which encodes the AT2 angiotensin II receptor subtype, was significantly underexpressed in adenocarcinoma tissue (p<0.01). AGTR1, ACE, ENPEP, MME, and PRCP, which encode the AT1 angiotensin II receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme, aminopeptidase N, neprilysin, and prolylcarboxypeptidase, respectively, were also underexpressed. AGT, which encodes angiotensinogen, the angiotensin peptide precursor, was overexpressed in adenocarcinoma tissue. Conclusion. The results suggest an association between the expression of the genes for renin-angiotensin system-related proteins and adenocarcinoma. While further research is necessary to conclusively demonstrate a link between the renin-angiotensin system and lung cancers, the results suggest that the renin-angiotensin system plays a role in the pathology of adenocarcinoma.
Study on Impact Behavior and Impact Force of Bridge Pier Subjected to Vehicle Collision
Authors: Zhou Deyuan , Li Ruiwen , Wang Juan , Guo Changtuan
Published: July 2017

The increasing occurrence of vehicle-pier collision accidents has significant influences on the safety of bridge structures. In order to study the impact behavior of bridge piers, a vehicle-double-pier collision numerical model was developed by LS-DYNA. Nonlinear material constitutive laws considering the strain-rate effect were used. The reliability of numerical analyses was validated. Parametric studies were carried out to investigate the effects of impact velocity, impact mass, and concrete and steel strength on the impact behaviors of piers and the impact forces. The relationship between failure modes of the impacted piers and impact energy was analyzed. Based on the numerical analysis results, the current impact design provisions of AASHTO, Eurocode, and JTG D60 were found to be unconservative, which could result in that piers designed with the current standard codes were vulnerable to the large impact energy. The recommended value of equivalent static force in the current standards is unreasonable.
Cumulative Ductility and Hysteretic Behavior of Small Buckling-Restrained Braces
Authors: Sugihardjo Hidajat , Tavio
Published: July 2017

Cumulative ductility is defined as a ratio of total energy to elastic energy which is dissipated by an element of the structural system during cyclic loading. An element of the structural system is categorized hysteretic if the cumulative ductility factor fulfills certain criteria. This study investigated both analytically and experimentally Small Buckling-Restrained Braces (SBRBs). The core of bracings was modeled using Menegotto-Pinto and bilinear functions. The restrained bracing members were in the shape of square hollow steel section. They were made of the assembly of two L-shaped steel sections. From the experimental study on four SBRB specimens, it was proven that the proposed SBRBs have performed relatively stable hysteretic curves up to two percent of strain and the cumulative ductility factor of 199–450. This value is sufficient for the Buckling-Restrained Brace (BRB) elements as elastoplastic structural components. The comparisons of the hysteretic behaviors resulted by SBRB specimens using the Menegotto-Pinto functions and experiments exhibited good agreements, while the amount of energy dissipated by the SBRB specimens using the bilinear model agreed well with the experimental results. Based on the behavior of the experimental hysteretic, implementing the proposed SBRBs as components in ductile truss system is recommended.
Tumorigenic and Differentiation Potentials of Embryonic Stem Cells Depend on TGFβFamily Signaling: Lessons from Teratocarcinoma Cells Stimulated to Differentiate with Retinoic Acid
Authors: Gordeeva Olga , Khaydukov Sergey
Published: July 2017

A significant challenge for the development of safe pluripotent stem cell-based therapies is the incomplete in vitro differentiation of the pluripotent stem cells and the presence of residual undifferentiated cells initiating teratoma development after transplantation in recipients. To understand the mechanisms of incomplete differentiation, a comparative study of retinoic acid-induced differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) and teratocarcinoma (EC) cells was conducted. The present study identified differences in proliferative activity, differentiation, and tumorigenic potentials between ES and EC cells. Higher expression of Nanog and Mvh, as well as Activin A and BMP4, was found in undifferentiated ES cells than in EC cells. However, the expression levels of Activin A and BMP4 increased more sharply in the EC cells during retinoic acid-induced differentiation. Stimulation of the Activin/Nodal and BMP signaling cascades and inhibition of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Act signaling pathways resulted in a significant decrease in the number of Oct4-expressing ES cells and a loss of tumorigenicity, similar to retinoic acid-stimulated EC cells. Thus, this study demonstrates that a differentiation strategy that modulates prodifferentiation and antiproliferative signaling in ES cells may be effective for eliminating tumorigenic cells and may represent a valuable tool for the development of safe stem cell therapeutics.
REGγ Contributes to Regulation of Hemoglobin and Hemoglobin δ Subunit
Authors: Zuo Qiuhong , Cheng Shanshan , Huang Wenxiang , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Xue Yanyan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Bianhong , Li Lei , Wu Lin , Fu Junjiang , Chen Jiwu , Li Xiaotao
Published: July 2017

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a family of proteins in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport and vulnerable for oxidative damage. Hemoglobin δ subunit (HBD), a member of Hb family, is normally expressed by cells of erythroid lineage. Expression of Hb genes has been previously reported in nonerythroid and hematopoietic stem cells. Here, we report that Hb and HBD can be degraded via REGγ proteasome in hemopoietic tissues and nonerythroid cells. For this purpose, bone marrow, liver, and spleen hemopoietic tissues from REGγ+/+ and REGγ−/− mice and stable REGγ knockdown cells were evaluated for the degradation of Hb and HBD via REGγ. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses exhibited downregulation of Hb in REGγ wild‐type mouse tissues. This was validated by dynamic analysis following blockade of de novo synthesis of proteins with CHX. Degradation of HBD only occurred in REGγ WT cells but not in REGγN151Y, a dominant‐negative REGγ mutant cell. Notably, downregulation of HBD was found in HeLa shN cells with stimulation of phenylhydrazine, an oxidation inducer, suggesting that the REGγ proteasome may target oxidatively damaged Hbs. In conclusion, our findings provide important implications for the degradation of Hb and HBD in hemopoietic tissues and nonerythroid cells via the REGγ proteasome.
Childhood Mortality: Trends and Determinants in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2015—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mehretie Adinew Yohannes , Feleke Senafikish Amsalu , Mengesha Zelalem Birhanu , Workie Shimelash Bitew
Published: July 2017

Background. Millennium Development Goal 4 calls for reducing under-five mortality rate by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. The aim of this review was to assess trend of childhood mortality and its determinants from 1990 to 2015 in Ethiopia. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed and Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, national medical journals, government websites, and Google Scholar. Original observational study designs and reports conducted entirely or in part in Ethiopia that included a primary outcome variable of childhood mortality and published between 1990 and 2015 were included. Ascertained relevant articles were appraised and the findings were integrated into a systematic review. Results. Childhood mortality has declined in Ethiopia with more pronounced reduction over the last 10 years. Under-five mortality is 72% lower now than it was 25 years ago, with the pace of decline in infant mortality (83%) somewhat faster than child mortality (76%). The corresponding decline in neonatal and postneonatal mortality over the same period was 64% and 68%, respectively. Parental sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables and nutritional, environmental, and sanitary factors have been identified to affect child survival. Conclusion. Ethiopia has successfully achieved the Millennium Development Goal 4 to reduce under-five mortality.
The Use of Optical Coherence Tomography in Dental Diagnostics: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Machoy Monika , Seeliger Julia , Szyszka-Sommerfeld Liliana , Koprowski Robert , Gedrange Tomasz , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: July 2017

Optical coherence tomography provides sections of tissues in a noncontact and noninvasive manner. The device measures the time delay and intensity of the light scattered or reflected from biological tissues, which results in tomographic imaging of their internal structure. This is achieved by scanning tissues at a resolution ranging from 1 to 15 μm. OCT enables real-time in situ imaging of tissues without the need for biopsy, histological procedures, or the use of X-rays, so it can be used in many fields of medicine. Its properties are not only particularly used in ophthalmology, in the diagnosis of all layers of the retina, but also increasingly in cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, oncology, and dermatology. The basic properties of OCT, that is, noninvasiveness and low wattage of the used light, have also been appreciated in analytical technology by conservators, who use it to identify the quality and age of paintings, ceramics, or glass. Recently, the OCT technique of visualization is being tested in different fields of dentistry, which is depicted in the article.
Evolution of Orofacial Symptoms and Disease Progression in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease: Longitudinal Data from the Jönköping Parkinson Registry
Authors: Fereshtehnejad Seyed-Mohammad , Skogar Örjan , Lökk Johan
Published: July 2017

Background. Orofacial symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) both as initial manifestations and late markers of disease complications. We aimed to investigate the evolution of orofacial manifestations and their prognostic value throughout PD progression. Methods. Data was obtained from “Jönköping Parkinson Registry” database on routine care visits of 314 people with idiopathic PD in southern Sweden. Information on baseline symptomatology, orofacial features, UPDRS, and medications was recorded at baseline and during each follow-up visit within an average of 4.2 (range: 1–12) years. Results. Hypomimia, affected speech, drooling, and impaired swallowing were present in 37.3%/91.6%, 14.1%/65.5%, 11.7%/55.3%, and 10.2%/34.5% at baseline/follow-up, respectively. Male sex [OR = 2.4 (95% CI: 1.0–5.9)], UPDRS motor scores [OR = 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1–1.3)], dominant rigidity [OR = 5.2 (95% CI: 1.4–19.1)], and autonomic disturbance [OR = 3.4 (95% CI: 1.1–10.9)] were risk factors for drooling. Individuals with more severe orofacial burden at baseline had shorter median time to develop UPDRS-Part III > 28 [3rd tertile = 4.7 yr, 2nd tertile = 6.2 yr, and 1st tertile = 7.8 yr; p = 0.014]. Conclusions. Majority of people with PD manifest orofacial manifestations at either early or late stages of the disease. PD severity, symmetry of motor disturbances, and autonomic disorders correlate with orofacial symptoms. Individuals with more severe orofacial burden at baseline progressed faster to more advanced stages.
Malignancy in Membranous Nephropathy: Evaluation of Incidence
Authors: Alnasrallah Basil , Collins John F. , Zwi L. Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Background. Membranous nephropathy (MN) can be associated with malignancy. However, the relative risk for malignancy remains unclear. It has been reported that higher numbers of inflammatory cells seen in the glomeruli at biopsy correlate with the occurrence of malignancy in patients with MN and might be used to direct screening. Methods. We examined the occurrence of malignancy in 201 MN patients in Auckland, New Zealand. We also examined the pathology of renal biopsies from 17 MN patients with malignancies and compared the number of inflammatory cells per glomerulus with matched control patients with MN but no malignancy. Results. 40 malignancies were identified in 37 patients, 28 of which occurred after the MN diagnosis. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 2.1 (95% CI, 1.3–2.85) which was similar between patients ≥ 60 years and those <60 years. The median number of inflammatory cells per glomerulus did not differ between MN patients with and without malignancy at 1.86 (IQR, 1.17–2.7) and 2.07 (IQR, 1.17–3.65), respectively (p value 0.56). Conclusions. The relative risk of malignancy in MN patients was similar across different age groups. The number of inflammatory cells per glomerulus did not differentiate between MN patients with and without malignancies.
Overexpression of Brg1 Alleviates Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion‐Induced Acute Lung Injury through Antioxidative Stress Effects
Authors: Ge Mian , Chen Chaojin , Yao Weifeng , Zhou Shaoli , Huang Fei , Cai Jun , Hei Ziqing
Published: July 2017

Aim. To investigate whether overexpression of Brahma‐related gene‐1 (Brg1) can alleviate lung injury induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (HIR) and its precise mechanism. Methods. Cytomegalovirus‐transgenic Brg1‐overexpressing (CMV‐Brg1) mice and wild‐type (WT) C57BL/6 mice underwent HIR. Lung histology, oxidative injury markers, and antioxidant enzyme concentrations in the lung were assessed. The protein expression levels of Brg1, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the lung were analyzed by Western blotting. Results. In the WT group, histopathological analysis revealed that lung damage peaked at 6 h after HIR. Meanwhile, the lung reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 8‐isoprostane levels were significantly increased. The protein expression of Brg1 in lung tissue decreased to a minimum at 6 h. Overexpression of Brg1 alleviated lung injury and decreased the amounts of oxidative products, including the levels of 8‐isoprostane and ROS, as well as the percentage of positive cells for 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) and 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). Brg1 overexpression increased the expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 as well as activated the antioxidases. In addition, it decreased the expression of inflammatory factors. Conclusion. Overexpression of Brg1 alleviates oxidative lung injury induced by HIR, likely through the Nrf2 pathway.
Investigating Cost Implications of Incorporating Level III At-Home Testing into a Polysomnography Based Sleep Medicine Program Using Administrative Data
Authors: Stewart Samuel Alan , Penz Erika , Fenton Mark , Skomro Robert
Published: July 2017

Objective. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common problem, requiring expensive in-lab polysomnography for proper diagnosis. Home monitoring can provide an alternative to in-lab testing for a subset of OSA patients. The objective of this project was to investigate the effect of incorporating home testing into an OSA program at a large, tertiary sleep disorders centre.Methods. The Sleep Disorders Centre in Saskatoon, Canada, has been incorporating at-home testing into their diagnostic pathways since 2006. Administrative data from 2007 to 2013 were extracted (10030 patients) and the flow of patients through the program was followed from diagnosis to treatment. Costs were estimated using 2014 pricing and were stratified by disease attributes and sensitivity analysis was applied.Results. The overall costs per patient were $627.40, with $419.20 for at-home testing and $746.20 for in-lab testing. The cost of home management would rise to $515 if all negative tests were required to be confirmed by an in-lab PSG.Discussion. Our review suggests that at-home testing can be cost-effective alternative to in-lab testing when applied to the correct population, specifically, those with a high pretest probability of obstructive sleep apnea and an absence of significant comorbidities.
Asymptotic Stability of Delay-Controlled Nonlinear Stochastic Systems with Actuator Failures
Authors: Zhou N. , Huan R. H.
Published: July 2017

The problem of asymptotic stability of delay-controlled nonlinear stochastic systems with actuator failures is investigated in this paper. Such a system is formulated as a continuous-discrete hybrid system based on the random switch model of failure-prone actuator. Time delay control force is converted into delay-free one by randomly periodic characteristic of the system. Using limit theorem and stochastic averaging, an approximate formula for the largest Lyapunov exponent of the original system is then derived, from which necessary and sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability are obtained. The validity and utility of the proposed procedure are demonstrated by using a stochastically driven nonlinear two-degree system with time delay feedback and actuator failure.
Observing Effects of Calcium/Magnesium Ions and pH Value on the Self-Assembly of Extracted Swine Tendon Collagen by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Song Xuan , Wang Zhiwei , Tao Shiyu , Li Guixia , Zhu Jie
Published: July 2017

Self-assembly of extracted collagen from swine trotter tendon under different conditions was firstly observed using atomic force microscopy; then the effects of collagen concentration, pH value, and metal ions to the topography of the collagen assembly were analyzed with the height images and section analysis data. Collagen assembly under 0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.3 M CaCl2, and MgCl2 solutions in different pH values showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the topographical properties including height, width, and roughness. With the concentration being increased, the width of collagen decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The width of collagen fibers was first increased significantly (P < 0.05) and then decreased with the increasing of pH. The collagen was assembled with network structure on the mica in solution with Ca2+ ions. However, it had shown uniformed fibrous structure with Mg2+ ions on the new cleaved mica sheet. In addition, the width of collagen fibrous was 31~58 nm in solution with Mg2+ but 21~50 nm in Ca2+ solution. The self-assembly collagen displayed various potential abilities to construct fibers or membrane on mica surfaces with Ca2+ ions and Mg2+ irons. Besides, the result of collagen self-assembly had shown more relations among solution pH value, metal ions, and collagen molecular concentration, which will provide useful information on the control of collagen self-assembly in tissue engineering and food packaging engineering.
The Statistical Properties of theq-Deformed Dirac Oscillator in One and Two Dimensions
Authors: Boumali Abdelmalek , Hassanabadi Hassan
Published: July 2017

We study the behavior of the eigenvalues of the one and two dimensions ofq-deformed Dirac oscillator. The eigensolutions have been obtained by using a method based on theq-deformed creation and annihilation operators in both dimensions. For a two-dimensional case, we have used the complex formalism which reduced the problem to a problem of one-dimensional case. The influence of theq-numbers on the eigenvalues has been well analyzed. Also, the connection between theq-oscillator and a quantum optics is well established. Finally, for very small deformationη, we (i) showed the existence of well-knownq-deformed version of Zitterbewegung in relativistic quantum dynamics and (ii) calculated the partition function and all thermal quantities such as the free energy, total energy, entropy, and specific heat. The extension to the case of Graphene has been discussed only in the case of a pure phase (q=eiη).
Ibrutinib Treatment of Mantle Cell Lymphoma Relapsing at Central Nervous System: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mannina Donato , Loteta Barbara
Published: July 2017

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) accounts for about 5% of all lymphomas. Its clinical and histological features are heterogeneous. After a frequently good initial response, the disease generally and repeatedly relapses and finally the outcome is poor. Particularly severe is the prognosis of the rare occurrence of CNSi (Central Nervous System involvement). Ibrutinib, an oral inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), has shown strong activity in relapsing patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and MCL. Few reports are available about treatment with ibrutinib of patients presenting CNSi by lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD). In all of them, ibrutinib, at the dosage between 420 and 560 mg/day, showed an impressive effectiveness. Here we describe a case of MCL with CNS relapse showing an excellent response to ibrutinib administered at the unusual dose of 280 mg/day because of concomitant treatment of cardiological disease.
Conservative Management of Spontaneous Isolated Dissection of the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Authors: Kwon Jae Hyun , Han Yoon Hee , Lee Jun Kyu
Published: July 2017

Purpose. We report the clinical outcomes of patients with spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SIDSMA) who were treated conservatively. Materials and Methods. A retrospective review was performed in 14 patients from 2006 to 2016 with SIDSMA. Their clinical features and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) characteristics, treatment methods, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. The mean age was 53.6 (range, 41–73) years, and the mean follow-up duration was 20.6 (range, 1–54) months. Conservative management was the primary treatment if no bowel ischemia or arterial rupture was noted. Results. The mean initial abdominal visual analog pain score was 7 (range, 5–9) in seven patients. The mean total duration of abdominal pain was 10.2 days (range, 2–42 days) in 10 patients. The mean percentage stenosis of the dissected SMA at the initial presentation was 78.8% in 14 patients. Complete obstruction of the SMA at the initial presentation was evident in 4 of the 14 patients (28.6%). Conservative management was successful in all 14 patients. None of the 14 patients developed bowel ischemia or an infarction. Abdominal pain did not recur in any patient during follow-up (mean, 20.6 months; range, 1–54 months). Conclusion. Conservative management was successful for all SIDSMA patients, even those with severe compression of the true lumen or complete obstruction of the dissected SMA.
Generalized Hölder’s and Minkowski’s Inequalities for Jackson’sq-Integral and Some Applications to the Incompleteq-Gamma Function
Authors: Nantomah Kwara
Published: July 2017

We establish some generalized Hölder’s and Minkowski’s inequalities for Jackson’sq-integral. As applications, we derive some inequalities involving the incompleteq-Gamma function.
Identification of apoB‐100 Peptide‐Specific CD8+ T Cells in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Dimayuga Paul C. , Zhao Xiaoning , Yano Juliana , Lio Wai Man , Zhou Jianchang , Mihailovic Peter M. , Cercek Bojan , Shah Prediman K. , Chyu Kuang‐Yuh
Published: July 2017

Background

T cells are found in atherosclerotic plaques, with evidence supporting a potential role for
CD
8+ T cells in atherogenesis. Prior studies provide evidence of low‐density lipoprotein and apoB‐100 reactive T cells, yet specific epitopes relevant to the disease remain to be defined. The current study was undertaken to identify and characterize endogenous, antigen‐specific
CD
8+ T cells in atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results

A peptide fragment of apoB‐100 that tested positive for binding to the mouse
MHC
‐I allele H2K
b
was used to generate a fluorescent‐labeled H2K
b
pentamer and tested in apoE
−/−
mice. H2K
b
pentamer(+)
CD
8+ T cells were higher in apoE
−/−
mice fed an atherogenic diet compared with those fed a normal chow. H2K
b
pentamer (+)
CD
8+ T cells in atherogenic diet–fed mice had significantly increased effector memory phenotype with a shift in Vβ profile. H2K
b
pentamer blocked lytic activity of
CD
8+ T cells from atherogenic diet–fed mice. Immunization of age‐matched apoE
−/−
mice with the apoB‐100 peptide altered the immune‐dominant epitope of
CD
8+ T cells and reduced atherosclerosis.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence of a self‐reactive, antigen‐specific
CD
8+ T‐cell population in apoE
−/−
mice. Immune modulation using the peptide antigen reduced atherosclerosis in apoE
−/−
mice.
High‐Intensity Statin Therapy Is Associated With Improved Survival in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Raymond Foley T. , Singh Gagan D. , Kokkinidis Damianos G. , Choy Ho‐Hin K. , Pham Tai H. , Amsterdam Ezra A. , Rutledge John C. , Waldo Stephen W. , Armstrong Ehrin J. , Laird John R.
Published: July 2017

Background

The relative benefit of higher statin dosing in patients with peripheral artery disease has not been reported previously. We compared the effectiveness of low‐ or moderate‐intensity (
LMI
) versus high‐intensity (
HI
) statin dose on clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Methods and Results

We reviewed patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease who underwent peripheral angiography and/or endovascular intervention from 2006 to 2013 who were not taking other lipid‐lowering medications. HI statin use was defined as atorvastatin 40–80 mg or rosuvastatin 20–40 mg. Baseline demographics, procedural data, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Among 909 patients, 629 (69%) were prescribed statins, and 124 (13.6%) were treated with
HI
statin therapy. Mean low‐density lipoprotein level was similar in patients on
LMI
versus
HI
(80±30 versus 87±44 mg/dL,
P
=0.14). Demographics including age (68±12 versus 67±10 years,
P
=0.25), smoking history (76% versus 80%,
P
=0.42), diabetes mellitus (54% versus 48%,
P
=0.17), and hypertension (88% versus 89%,
P
=0.78) were similar between groups (
LMI
versus
HI
). There was a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (56% versus 75%,
P
=0.0001) among patients on
HI
statin (versus
LMI
). After propensity weighting,
HI
statin therapy was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio for mortality: 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.81;
P
=0.004) and decreased major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.92,
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

In patients with peripheral artery disease who were referred for peripheral angiography or endovascular intervention,
HI
statin therapy was associated with improved survival and fewer major adverse cardiovascular events compared with
LMI
statin therapy.
Enhanced Mitochondrial Transient Receptor Potential Channel, Canonical Type 3–Mediated Calcium Handling in the Vasculature From Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Wang Bin , Xiong Shiqiang , Lin Shaoyang , Xia Weijie , Li Qiang , Zhao Zhigang , Wei Xing , Lu Zongshi , Wei Xiao , Gao Peng , Liu Daoyan , Zhu Zhiming
Published: July 2017

Background

Mitochondrial Ca
2+
homeostasis is fundamental to the regulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (
ROS
) generation and adenosine triphosphate production. Recently, transient receptor potential channel, canonical type 3 (
TRPC
3), has been shown to localize to the mitochondria and to play a role in maintaining mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. Inhibition of
TRPC
3 attenuates vascular calcium influx in spontaneously hypertensive rats (
SHR
s). However, it remains elusive whether mitochondrial
TRPC
3 participates in hypertension by increasing mitochondrial calcium handling and
ROS
production.

Methods and Results

In this study we demonstrated increased
TRPC
3 expression in purified mitochondria in the vasculature from
SHR
s, which facilitates enhanced mitochondrial calcium uptake and
ROS
generation compared with Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Furthermore, inhibition of
TRPC
3 by its specific inhibitor, Pyr3, significantly decreased the vascular mitochondrial
ROS
production and H
2
O
2
synthesis and increased adenosine triphosphate content. Administration of telmisartan can improve these abnormalities. This beneficial effect was associated with improvement of the mitochondrial respiratory function through recovering the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase in the vasculature of
SHR
s. In vivo, chronic administration of telmisartan suppressed
TRPC
3‐mediated excessive mitochondrial
ROS
generation and vasoconstriction in the vasculature of
SHR
s. More importantly,
TRPC
3 knockout mice exhibited significantly ameliorated hypertension through reduction of angiotensin
II
–induced mitochondrial
ROS
generation.

Conclusions

Together, we give experimental evidence for a potential mechanism by which enhanced
TRPC
3 activity at the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial levels contributes to redox signaling and calcium dysregulation in the vasculature from
SHR
s. Angiotensin
II
or telmisartan can regulate [Ca
2+
]
mito
,
ROS
production, and mitochondrial energy metabolism through targeting
TRPC
3.
On Lower Bounds for Variance And Moments of Unimodal Distributions
Authors: Sharma R. , Bhandari R. , Saini R.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT:

We provide an elementary proof of the lower bound for the variance of continuous unimodal distributions and obtain analogous bounds for the higher order central moments. A lower bound for the rth central moment of discrete distribution is given and compared favorably with a related bound for discrete unimodal distribution in literature.
Some Series of Row-Column Designs with Multiple Units Per Cell
Authors: Datta Anindita , Jaggi Seema , Varghese Cini , Varghese Eldho
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT:

Row-column designs with multiple units per cell are used when the number of treatments is substantially large with limited number of replicates controlling heterogeneity in two directions. Here, some methods of constructing row-column designs with multiple units per cell with equal/unequal cell sizes have been developed that are structurally complete, i.e. all the cells corresponding to the intersection of row and column receive at least two treatments. Properties of these classes of designs have been studied and all the methods result in designs in which the elementary contrasts of treatment effects are estimated with same variance. One series of row-column designs with unequal replications has also been obtained. Effciency of the designs obtained has also been worked out.
Journey and the Fourth Gospel: A Latino/a Exploration
Authors: Lozada Francisco
Published: July 2017

This essay explores the intersection of the reality of journey, present in the lives of so many recent immigrant Latinos/as, with the theme of journey as found in the Fourth Gospel. This exploration raises questions about what it means to live in the United States as a Latino/a as well as questions about the role of the plot of the Fourth Gospel in negotiating bicultural relations.
So What Does the Bible Say About This…?: Context, Questions, and Correspondence as a Means of Refracting a Cultural Lens for African American Biblical Interpretation
Authors: St. Clair Raquel A.
Published: July 2017

This article explores the dialogical engagement between text and interpreter, which is shaped by the particular socio-cultural location of African American readers/hearers. It identifies some of the key issues that help to shape an African American socio-cultural context and explores their implications for biblical interpretation
Reclaiming the World: Biblical Resources for the Ecological Crisis
Authors: Hiebert Theodore
Published: July 2017

The Bible believes this world is our home, the primary place we live and practice our faith. It provides us ways of reinventing our role in the world and gives us reasons for human faithfulness to it even when the crisis we have created for the world looks impossibly desperate.
New Wineskins
Authors: Rasmussen Larry
Published: July 2017

This essay explores the conversion of various Christianities to an “Earth-honoring” faith with a moral universe different from the one presently at home in most heads, hearts, and practices. Such reborn faith and morality would be new cloth, new wineskins.
Climate Change
Authors: Schlesinger William H.
Published: July 2017

Atmospheric physicists show us that rising concentrations of certain greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere should raise the temperature of the planet at rates, times, and places that are consistent with recent observations of ongoing climate change—that is, global warming. The unfolding impacts of this climate change will affect human habitation, health, and economics, and the persistence of various species in natural ecosystems during the course of this century. Much debate stems from what to do about these impacts, focusing on the cost of changing our energy infrastructure that is now dominated by fossil fuels. Alternative futures exist, but it will take great leadership to guide us to a sustainable future before we experience huge destructive impacts on the environment of our only planetary home.
“Outcry”
Authors: Kim Ee Kon
Published: July 2017

The outcry to God of every suffering people, like that of the Hebrews in Egypt, operates as the place where humanity meets God through the dialogical interaction of human lament and divine intervention.
“Fraught with Background”
Authors: Yee Gale A.
Published: July 2017

Narrative ambiguity is a deliberate stylistic device which engages the reader, seizes the imaginative processes, and creates an interaction with the characters of the story that a more explicitly detailed account does not allow to happen.
The Study of Scripture in the Congregation Old Problems and New Programs
Authors: Osmer Richard R.
Published: July 2017

The decline of the study of Scripture in the congregation, emanating from the twofold crisis of modern forms of inquiry into Scripture and various failures of the teaching office in contemporary Protestantism, has given rise to programs specifically designed to meet those problems.
Jeremiah
Authors: Brueggemann Walter
Published: July 2017

If we grant even the most general claim of the text that this is a live and authorizing word that continues to have power to liberate imagination for obedience and daring, then we are bound to ask not only what the text said but what it continues to say.
Open Cell Isocyanurate Foams for Vacuum Insulation Panels
Authors: Ashida Kaneyoshi , Kashiwame Josho
Published: July 2017

This paper describes the preparation, processing, properties and applications of open cell rigid isocyanurate foams. A mechanism for the formation of open cell rigid foams is discussed. The open cell foams were blown by using a blend of methylene chloride and n-pentane at specific ratios between 95/5 and 50/50 by weight. The resulting foams had open cell contents of about 50-95%, depending upon the reaction conditions employed at densities of 30-50 kg/M3. When pour-in-place foams were further exposed to vacuum after foaming, the resulting foams had an increased open cell content. This open cell foam technology suggests a variety of potential applications, not only for household refrigerators and deep freezers, but also for cryogenic liquid tank insulation, e.g., liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquefied natural gas.