bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Recurrent Case of Pentalogy of Cantrell: A Rare Case with Sonological Findings and Review of Literature
Authors: M. Naren Satya Srinivas , Mayilvaganan Kamala Retnam , Prathyusha Ivvala Sai , Gautam Munnangi Satya , Raidu Deepthi , V.N. Amogh
Published: January 2017

Background: Pentalogy of Cantrell (POC) is an extremely rare and complex congenital anomaly. Ultrasound is a valuable, safe, nonionizing, cost effective, widely available, and easily reproducible imaging tool and is indispensible in the diagnosis of POC. Despite the rarity of POC, it is imperative for a radiologist to be aware of its wide spectrum of presentation on ultrasound in first trimester of gestation. Most reported cases in literature till now have been sporadic. In this paper, we aimed to report for the first time in literature, a recurrent case of POC detected in the first trimester in a mother whose previous pregnancy also was terminated in the second trimester medically due to the ultrasound diagnosis of POC. We also discuss the role of ultrasound and other imaging modalities in a case of POC as well as the differential diagnoses which can mimic POC.
 Case Report: A 23-year-old G2P0A1 (Gravida2, para0, abortion1) woman with a gestational age of around 12 weeks was referred for a routine first trimester ultrasound scan. The antenatal ultrasound scan showed a single, live, intrauterine gestation corresponding to a gestational age of 11 weeks and 5 days. The fetal heart was visualized outside the chest through a defect in the lower sternum in association with anterior diaphragmatic and ventral abdominal wall defects suggestive of thoraco-abdominal variety of ectopia cardis. There was a membrane covered, midline, abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord insertion containing the herniated abdominal organs including the liver, bowel loops and the ectopic cardia. There was a breach in the normal outline of the lower sternum indicating a sternal deficiency. The fetal pericardium was absent. The nuchal translucency was grossly increased. Pentalogy of Cantrell was diagnosed on ultrasound and the patient was explained about the poor prognosis of this condition. An informed consent was obtained after she opted for medical termination of pregnancy. The autopsy confirmed all the above mentioned ultrasound features.
 Conclusions: Pentalogy of Cantrell (POC) is an extremely rare and complex syndrome of numerous fetal anomalies but should always be borne in the mind during the ultrasound evaluation of either of an omphalocele, ectopia cordis, distal sternal defect, pericardial defect, anterior diaphragmatic defect or intracardiac anomalies. Ultrasound is a valuable, safe, nonionizing, cost effective, widely available, and easily reproducible imaging tool for diagnosis of POC. Ultrasound should always be the primary mode of diagnosis in POC because although Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help in better delineation of fetal anomalies, it does not significantly alter the course of the pregnancy or the management of POC.
Editorial Information 2015
Authors: Editorial Office JOSCM
Published: January 2017

Editorial Information 2015
The Dockstore: enabling modular, community-focused sharing of Docker-based genomics tools and workflows
Authors: O'Connor Brian D. , Yuen Denis , Chung Vincent , Duncan Andrew G. , Liu Xiang Kun , Patricia Janice , Paten Benedict , Stein Lincoln , Ferretti Vincent
Published: January 2017

As genomic datasets continue to grow, the feasibility of downloading data to a local organization and running analysis on a traditional compute environment is becoming increasingly problematic. Current large-scale projects, such as the ICGC PanCancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG), the Data Platform for the U.S. Precision Medicine Initiative, and the NIH Big Data to Knowledge Center for Translational Genomics, are using cloud-based infrastructure to both host and perform analysis across large data sets. In PCAWG, over 5,800 whole human genomes were aligned and variant called across 14 cloud and HPC environments; the processed data was then made available on the cloud for further analysis and sharing. If run locally, an operation at this scale would have monopolized a typical academic data centre for many months, and would have presented major challenges for data storage and distribution. However, this scale is increasingly typical for genomics projects and necessitates a rethink of how analytical tools are packaged and moved to the data. For PCAWG, we embraced the use of highly portable Docker images for encapsulating and sharing complex alignment and variant calling workflows across highly variable environments. While successful, this endeavor revealed a limitation in Docker containers, namely the lack of a standardized way to describe and execute the tools encapsulated inside the container. As a result, we created the Dockstore (https://dockstore.org), a project that brings together Docker images with standardized, machine-readable ways of describing and running the tools contained within. This service greatly improves the sharing and reuse of genomics tools and promotes interoperability with similar projects through emerging web service standards developed by the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH).
Open or Closed? Technology Sharing, Supplier Investment, and Competition
Authors: Hu Bin , Hu Ming , Yang Yi
Published: January 2017

Competing technologies in emerging industries create uncertainties that discourage supplier investments. Open technology can induce supplier investments, but may also lead to intensified future competition. In this paper, we study competing manufacturers’ open-technology strategies. We show that despite the risk of intensifying future competition, open technologies by competing manufacturers may constitute an equilibrium and can indeed induce supplier investments. In addition, we identify a technology-risk-pooling benefit; namely, by opening technologies, competing manufacturers can induce supplier investments in both technologies and later adopt the one preferred by the market. However, manufacturers may also exhibit the prisoner’s dilemma and close their technologies despite the risk-pooling benefit. In this case, there is potential for collaborative technology sharing through cross licensing. Finally, we show that manufacturers may sometimes close their technologies to force supplier investments.
Ensaios MSCR segundo as normas ASTM D7405-10a e AASHTO T350-14: um estudo de caso envolvendo ligantes asfálticos modificados
Authors: Inocente Domingos Matheus David , Faxina Adalberto Leandro
Published: January 2017

Este trabalho tem por objetivo comparar os resultados dos ensaios de fluência e recuperação sob tensão múltipla (MSCR) segundo os protocolos da ASTM D7405-10a e da AASHTO T350-14. A comparação foi feita com base em ensaios realizados com ligantes asfálticos modificados com ácido polifosfórico, borracha moída de pneus e uma combinação de ambos. Os percentuais de recuperação (R) e as compliâncias não-recuperáveis (Jnr) foram calculados e as variações foram quantificadas estatisticamente. O protocolo da ASTM subestimou os valores de R e superestimou os valores de Jnr para todas as formulações, em especial o CAP+borracha e o CAP+borracha+PPA. O CAP+PPA apresentou baixa sensibilidade à tensão e os melhores resultados para R e Jnr a 3.200 Pa, em ambos os protocolos, o que justifica a sua escolha como a melhor formulação. Os resultados obtidos com os ligantes asfálticos modificados serviram para ilustrar a importância de se migrar do protocolo da ASTM para o da AASHTO.
Parent’s Perception on Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Students with Severe Disability
Authors: Shin Jeong-Mi , Lee Suhyang ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the perception (awareness, comprehension, expectation) of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) among parents of students with severe disabilities. Method: Questionnaires were developed utilizing previous research. They were composed of questions asking for general information and about perceptions of AAC. The survey was conducted in person, by mail, or online. A total of 112 questionnaires were chosen for analysis. Results: First, regarding the questions related to the awareness level of AAC among parents of students with severe disabilities, 57 (51%) answered that they were aware of ACC, while 55 (49%) answered they were not. Second, parents were asked about their comprehension of ACC. Many parents answered negatively about AAC, saying “Yes” to statements such as ‘AAC should be applied in case of an absolute absence of verbal communication,’ and ‘AAC should be used on subjects beyond the minimum level of cognitive development.’ Third, from questions regarding the expectations of AAC, the largest number of parents pointed to the capability of communication as the expected benefit of using AAC. Most of the participants expected that AAC would be effective in communication development. The largest number of parents pointed to the basic knowledge of AAC as an essential element of the parental education. Conclusion: This study objectively showed that a number of parents were lacking understanding and information on AAC, while their children with severe disabilities, could have benefited from the use of the program. The results of this study suggest that parental education about AAC must be conducted more frequently.
Effectiveness of A Bluetooth Based Mobile Application for Hard-of-Hearing Persons in Communication with Hearing Ones
Authors: Hong Ki-Hyung ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives: For deaf and hard-of-hearing people, the effective communication with hearing people is important for their independent living. As smart mobile devices have become very popular, lots of mobile applications are available for hard-of-hearing people to communicate with hearing people. Currently available such applications are ineffective. Some applications require extra cost for data communication, while others lack text typing aids for convenient and fast input by hard-of-hearing people. The purpose of this study was to develop a bluetooth-based mobile application for hard-of-hearing persons to communicate with hearing ones, and to verify the effectiveness of the application. Method: We identified the requirements of mobile applications for effective communication between hard-of-hearing and hearing people, and then developed a bluetooth-based mobile application. Bluetooth needs no extra cost in data communication. The application supports text typing aids for hard-of-hearing people, such as auto-completion of words, text reuse and built-in dialogs, and supports speech recognition for hearing people. Using speech recognition and synthesis makes hearing people more comfortable than using key pad in communication. In order to verify the effectiveness of our application, we conducted a usability test of the application with 20 hard-of-hearing persons. In the usability test, we measured the overall satisfaction, learnability and effectiveness of the application by using 5-point Likert scale. Results: The mean scores of overall satisfaction, learnability and effectiveness were 4.25, 4.31 and 4.45, respectively. Conclusion: The usability test showed that the application was very effective for hard-of-hearing persons. Some subjects pointed out a visibility problem of the user interface. The developed application focused on face-to-face conversation. Further studies are required to develop one-to-many communication applications that enable hard-of-hearing people to talk with many other persons in meetings and conferences.
Development of Application Using the Voice Recognition Technology for Improving Speech Production Skills of Children with Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Lee Youngmee , Kim Yongwun ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: January 2017

Smart devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs have been rapidly becoming mainstream in Korea, and the supply and demand of applications has been increasing. Speech-language pathologists and their parents have been communicating an increased need for applications for children with communication difficulties. We developed an application using voice recognition technology to help improving speech production skills in children with speech sound disorders. The contents of the application were developed based on the knowledge and experiences o experienced speech-language pathologists. This study expands the body of knowledge related to developing applications for speech-language therapy that helps children with communication disorders.
CASZ1 loss-of-function mutation contributes to familial dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Qiu Xing-Biao , Qu Xin-Kai , Li Ruo-Gu , Liu Hua , Xu Ying-Jia , Zhang Min , Shi Hong-Yu , Hou Xu-Min , Liu Xu , Yuan Fang , Sun Yu-Min , Wang Jun , Huang Ri-Tai , Xue Song , Yang Yi-Qing
Published: January 2017

Background:

The zinc finger transcription factor CASZ1 plays a key role in cardiac development and postnatal adaptation, and in mice, deletion of the

Methods:

The coding exons and splicing junction sites of the

Results:

A novel heterozygous CASZ1 mutation, p.K351X, was identified in an index patient with DCM. Genetic analysis of the mutation carrier’s family showed that the mutation co-segregated with DCM, which was transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern with complete penetrance. The nonsense mutation, which was absent in 400 referential chromosomes, altered the amino acid that was highly conserved evolutionarily. Biological investigations revealed that the mutant CASZ1 had no transcriptional activity.

Conclusions:

The current study reveals
Assessment of autoantibodies to interferon-ω in patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1: using a new immunoprecipitation assay
Authors: Larosa Maria del Pilar , Mackenzie Rachel , Burne Peter , Garelli Silvia , Barollo Susi , Masiero Stefano , Rubin Beatrice , Chen Shu , Furmaniak Jadwiga , Betterle Corrado , Smith Bernard Rees
Published: January 2017

Background:

Measurements of autoantibodies to interferon-ω (IFN-ω) in patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1) were performed using a new immunoprecipitation assay (IPA) based on

Methods:

We have developed and validated a new IPA based on

Results:

Sixty-six (84.6%) of 78 APS-1 patients were positive for IFN-ω Ab using

Conclusions:

We have developed a novel, highly sensitive and specific assay for measurement of IFN-ω Ab. It provides a simple and convenient method for the assessment of patients with APS-1 and selecting patients suspected of having APS-1 for
The clinical significance of platelet microparticle-associated microRNAs
Authors: Provost Patrick
Published: January 2017

Circulating blood platelets play a central role in the maintenance of hemostasis. They adhere to subendothelial extracellular matrix proteins that become exposed upon vessel wall damage, which is followed by platelet activation, further platelet recruitment, platelet aggregation and formation of an occlusive, or non-occlusive, platelet thrombus. Platelets host a surprisingly diverse transcriptome, which is comprised of ~9500 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and different classes of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, as well as a significant repertoire of proteins that contribute to their primary (adhesion, aggregation, granule secretion) and alternative (RNA transfer, mRNA translation, immune regulation) functions. Platelets have the propensity to release microparticles (MPs; 0.1–1 μm in diameter) upon activation, which may mediate inflammatory responses and contribute to exacerbate inflammatory diseases and conditions. Carrying components of the platelets’ cytoplasm, platelet MPs may exert their effects on recipient cells by transferring their content in platelet-derived bioactive lipid mediators, cytokines, mRNAs and microRNAs. Platelet MP-associated microRNAs may thus function also outside of platelets and play an important role in intercellular signaling and gene expression programming across the entire circulatory system. The role and importance of platelet MP-associated microRNAs in various aspects of biology and pathophysiology are increasingly recognized, and now provide the scientific basis and rationale to support further translational research and clinical studies. The clinical significance, pathophysiological role as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of platelet MP-associated microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases, platelet transfusion and cancer will be discussed.
Recalibrating the Spatiality of the State: The Normality of Abnormal Transgressions in the Third World
Authors: Menon Parvathi
Published: January 2017

The paper argues that the opposing ideas of order/disorder, peace/war and normality/abnormality exist within each other, making a discernible boundary between them a fallacy created by the language of law. Therefore, even when a resistance to the order is carried out, it is with the aspiration of assimilation into this phantom world community. I analyze how the concept of nation-state is reinforced through territorial identities, best portrayed through liberation struggles, thus demonstrating how these transgressions, though projected by the international order to exist separate from the order (normality) as an ‘abnormality’, is in fact facilitated through (the normality of) law.
Experimental optimization of microwave drying zinc oxide leach residues by response surface methodology
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Chen Junruo , Lin Guo , Zhang Libo
Published: January 2017

Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design (BBD) were applied to experiment optimization of microwave drying zinc oxide leach residues (ZOLR). The effects of different factors involving temperature, drying time, material mass, material thickness and their interaction on moisture content and dehydration rate of ZOLR were investigated. Two second-order polynomial models for moisture content and dehydration rate of ZOLR were established by multivariate regression analysis. Analysis of variance shows that all independent variable and quadratic terms of the four factors have significant influence on moisture content and dehydration rate of ZOLR. The optimum drying conditions are as follows: temperature is 93.41°C, drying time is 15.9 min, sample mass is 77.91 g and material thickness is 17 mm. The predicted values of moisture content and dehydration rate were 10.98% and 1 g/min, which were close to experimental values 11±0.03% and 1±0.01 g/min under the optimal conditions. Infrared spectra analysis show that no chemical reactions took place in the process of microwave dying ZOLR and only a part of the absorbed water was removed in the sample.
Synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyrimidines with immobilized urease: effect of method immobilization on magnetic supports
Authors: Vargas Annie Y. , Rojas Hugo A. , Romanelli Gustavo P. , Martínez José J.
Published: January 2017

The effect of the urease immobilization method was studied on magnetic supports for the Biginelli/Hantzsch reaction. For this purpose, Fe
Bone health assessment of food allergic children on restrictive diets: a practical guide
Authors: Doulgeraki Artemis E. , Manousakis Emmanouel M. , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Food allergy in childhood is on the rise globally and is managed with avoidance diets; recent case reports of food allergic children with nutritional rickets in the literature highlight the importance of close monitoring of bone health in this population.

Methods:

There is no consensus as yet with regard to bone health evaluation in food allergic children; therefore, extensive literature search was performed and the existing evidence is presented, along with a relevant algorithm.

Results:

Children allergic to cow’s milk protein or presenting with allergy in more than three food items, as well as patients with severe allergic phenotypes or comorbidities known to affect the skeleton, seem to be at risk of metabolic bone disorders. As a practical guide, suspicious cases can be investigated with basic bone profile, whereas more severe cases (persistent bone pain and fractures) may undergo advanced bone health assessment, with bone mineral density (BMD) and metabolic bone markers’ evaluation. Of note, these diagnostic steps call for further studies in the field of food allergy, as they are not performed as a routine. Evidence is accumulating with regard to vitamin D deficiency, osteopenia and imbalanced bone metabolism in those food allergic children who show poor dietary compliance or have inadequate medical supervision.

Conclusions:

Ensuring optimal bone accrual in a food allergic child is an important task for the clinician and requires close monitoring of the restrictive diet and prompt therapeutic intervention, in an effort to avoid rickets or osteopenia.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involvement in successful growth hormone (GH) signaling in GH transduction defect
Authors: Kostopoulou Eirini , Rojas-Gil Andrea Paola , Karvela Alexia , Spiliotis Bessie E.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Growth hormone (GH) transduction defect (GHTD) is a growth disorder with impaired signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation mediated by overexpression of cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS), which causes increased growth hormone receptor (GHR) degradation. This study investigated the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the restoration of normal GH signaling in GHTD.

Methods:

Protein expression, cellular localization and physical contact of proteins of the GH and EGF signaling pathways were studied by Western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation, respectively. These were performed in fibroblasts of one GHTD patient (P) and one control child (C) at the basal state and after induction with human GH (hGH) 200 μg/L (GH200), either with or without silencing of CIS mRNA, and after induction with hGH 1000 μg/L (GH1000) or 50 ng/mL EGF.

Results:

The membrane availability of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and the activated EGFR (pEGFR) was increased in P only after simultaneous GH200 and silencing of CIS mRNA or with GH1000, whereas this occurred in C after GH200 alone. After EGF induction, the membrane localization of GHR, STAT3 and that of EGFR were increased in P more than in C.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, in GHTD, the EGFR seems to participate in successful GH signaling, but induction of GHTD fibroblasts with a higher dose of hGH is needed. The EGF/EGFR pathway, in contrast to the GH/GHR pathway, seems to function normally in P and is more primed compared to C. The involvement of the EGFR in successful GH signaling may explain the catch-up growth seen in the Ps when exogenous hGH is administered.
Efficacy of long-term growth hormone therapy in short non-growth hormone-deficient children
Authors: Schena Lucia , Meazza Cristina , Pagani Sara , Paganelli Valeria , Bozzola Elena , Tinelli Carmine , Buzi Fabio , Bozzola Mauro
Published: January 2017

Background:

In recent years, several studies have been published showing different responses to growth hormone (GH) treatment in idiopathic short stature children. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether non-growth-hormone-deficient (non-GHD) short children could benefit from long-term GH treatment as GHD patients.

Methods:

We enrolled 22 prepubertal children and 22 age- and sex-matched GHD patients, with comparable height, body mass index (BMI), bone age, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) circulating levels. The patients were treated with recombinant human GH (rhGH) and followed until they reach adult height.

Results:

During GH treatment, the two groups grew in parallel, reaching the same final height-standard deviation score (SDS) and the same height gain. On the contrary, we found significantly lower IGF-I serum concentrations in non-GHD patients than in GHD ones, at the end of therapy (p=0.0055).

Conclusions:

In our study, the response to GH treatment in short non-GHD patients proved to be similar to that in GHD ones. However, a careful selection of short non-GHD children to be treated with GH would better justify the cost of long-term GH therapy.
Association between screen time and snack consumption in children and adolescents: The CASPIAN-IV study
Authors: Kelishadi Roya , Mozafarian Nafiseh , Qorbani Mostafa , Maracy Mohammad Reza , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeil , Safiri Saeid , Ardalan Gelayol , Asayesh Hamid , Rezaei Fatemeh , Heshmat Ramin
Published: January 2017

Background:

The relationship between screen time (ST) and the frequency of snack consumption in a national sample of Iranian children and adolescents was assessed. The present nationwide survey was conducted on 14,880 school students living in urban and rural areas of 30 provinces in Iran. Trained healthcare providers conducted the physical examination and completed the questionnaire of the World Health Organization – Global School-Based Student Health Survey (WHO-GSHS).

Methods:

The association between ST (total time spent watching TV and using a computer in leisure time) and the frequency of snack consumption was determined using ordinal logistic regression analysis. The subjects were 13,486 students out of the 14,880 invited including 50.8% boys. The mean (SD) age of participants was 12.47 (3.36) years.

Results:

In multivariate models, for students who had prolonged ST (more than 4 h/day), the odds of daily consumption of sweets (odds ratio, OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.14–1.4), salty snacks (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.5–1.76), soft drinks (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.4–1.7), canned fruit juice (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.2–1.4), and fast food (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.4–1.7) were higher compared to those with low ST. Furthermore, the odds of daily consumption of milk in students who had prolonged ST (more than 4 h/day) were lower compared to those with low ST (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8–0.99).

Conclusions:

Prolonged time spent watching TV and using a computer during leisure time might be associated with unhealthy dietary habits. Moreover, inactivity induced by prolonged ST may also lead to unhealthy dietary habits and in turn excess weight in children and adolescents.
Prologemon: How I Discovered the Meaning of “Traveling East”
Authors: Raw Laurence
Published: January 2017

This essay exposes the constructed nature of the east/west binary as a means by which westerners (especially) can reinforce their sense of superiority, while easterners can use it as an intellectual stick to criticize their western counterparts. In its place I advocate a more measured approach based on listening to and understanding alternative perspectives, not only in terms of interpersonal relationships but in terms of personal psychology. The importance of mesearch as a concept, uniting scholarly and personal approaches, is proposed as a means to achieve this aim.
3D printing of hydroxyapatite polymer-based composites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Esposito Corcione Carola , Gervaso Francesca , Scalera Francesca , Montagna Francesco , Maiullaro Tommaso , Sannino Alessandro , Maffezzoli Alfonso
Published: January 2017

Skeletal defects reconstruction, using custom-made substitutes, represents a valid solution to replacing lost and damaged anatomical bone structures, renew their original function, and at the same time, restore the original aesthetic aspect. Rapid prototyping (RP) techniques allow the construction of complex physical models based on 3D clinical images. However, RP machines usually work with synthetic polymers; therefore, producing custom-made scaffolds using a biocompatible material directly by RP is an exciting challenge. The aim of the present work is to investigate the potentiality of 3D printing as a manufacturing method to produce an osteogenic hydroxyapatite-polylactic acid bone graft substitute.
Epilepsy-associated alterations in hippocampal excitability
Authors: Navidhamidi Mojdeh , Ghasemi Maedeh , Mehranfard Nasrin
Published: January 2017

The hippocampus exhibits a wide range of epilepsy-related abnormalities and is situated in the mesial temporal lobe, where limbic seizures begin. These abnormalities could affect membrane excitability and lead to overstimulation of neurons. Multiple overlapping processes refer to neural homeostatic responses develop in neurons that work together to restore neuronal firing rates to control levels. Nevertheless, homeostatic mechanisms are unable to restore normal neuronal excitability, and the epileptic hippocampus becomes hyperexcitable or hypoexcitable. Studies show that there is hyperexcitability even before starting recurrent spontaneous seizures, suggesting although hippocampal hyperexcitability may contribute to epileptogenesis, it alone is insufficient to produce epileptic seizures. This supports the concept that the hippocampus is not the only substrate for limbic seizure onset, and a broader hyperexcitable limbic structure may contribute to temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) seizures. Nevertheless, seizures also occur in conditions where the hippocampus shows a hypoexcitable phenotype. Since TLE seizures most often originate in the hippocampus, it could therefore be assumed that both hippocampal hypoexcitability and hyperexcitability are undesirable states that make the epileptic hippocampal network less stable and may, under certain conditions, trigger seizures.
Role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorders
Authors: Tsybko Anton S. , Ilchibaeva Tatiana V. , Popova Nina K.
Published: January 2017

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is widely recognized as a survival factor for dopaminergic neurons, but GDNF has also been shown to promote development, differentiation, and protection of other central nervous system neurons and was thought to play an important role in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Severe mood disorders, such as primarily major depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder, attract particular attention. These psychopathologies are characterized by structural alterations accompanied by the dysregulation of neuroprotective and neurotrophic signaling mechanisms required for the maturation, growth, and survival of neurons and glia. The main objective of this review is to summarize the recent findings and evaluate the potential role of GDNF in the pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorders. Specifically, it describes (1) the implication of GDNF in the mechanism of depression and in the effect of antidepressant drugs and mood stabilizers and (2) the interrelation between GDNF and brain neurotransmitters, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of depression. This review provides converging lines of evidence that (1) brain GDNF contributes to the mechanism underlying depressive disorders and the effect of antidepressants and mood stabilizers and (2) there is a cross-talk between GDNF and neurotransmitters representing a feedback system: GDNF-neurotransmitters and neurotransmitters-GDNF.
Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Adaptations in Response to High-Intensity Interval Power Training
Authors: Romero-Arenas Salvador , Ruiz Rubén , Vera-Ibáñez Antonio , Colomer-Poveda David , Guadalupe-Grau Amelia , Márquez Gonzalo
Published: January 2017

Romero-Arenas, S, Ruiz, R, Vera-Ibáñez, A, Colomer-Poveda, D, Guadalupe-Grau, A, and Márquez, G. Neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations in response to high-intensity interval power training. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 130–138, 2018—The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a high-intensity power training (HIPT) program, and to compare the effects of HIPT to traditional power training (TPT) on the aerobic and power performance. For this purpose, 29 healthy men (23.1 ± 2.7 years) were recruited and randomly distributed into 3 different groups. One group performed TPT (n = 10), the second group performed power training organized as a circuit (HIPT; n = 10), and the third group served as control group (CG; n = 9). Training consisted of weightlifting thrice per week for 6 weeks. The TPT subjects performed 3 to 5 sets of each exercises with interset rest of 90 seconds, and HIPT subjects executed the training in a short circuit (15 seconds of rest between exercises). To know the effects in aerobic performance, maximal aerobic speed (MAS) was measured. To identify the effects on power performance, subjects performed a Wingate test, a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, and a power-load curve in bench press. The main results showed that after both power training protocols, subjects increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the power production during the Wingate Test, the height and power reached during the CMJ test, and the peak power produced during the power-load curve. However, only the HIPT group improved significantly MAS (p ≤ 0.05). There were no changes in any variables in CG. Hence, our results suggest that HIPT may be as effective as TPT for improving power performance in young adults. In addition, only HIPT elicited improvements in MAS.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Perceived Exertion After Blood Flow Restriction Exercise
Authors: Brandner Christopher R. , Warmington Stuart A.
Published: January 2017

Brandner, CR, and Warmington, SA. Delayed onset muscle soreness and perceived exertion after blood flow restriction exercise. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3101–3108, 2017—The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptual responses to resistance exercise with heavy loads (80% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), light loads (20% 1RM), or light loads in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR). Despite the use of light loads, it has been suggested that the adoption of BFR resistance exercise may be limited because of increases in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and perceived exertion. Seventeen healthy untrained males participated in this balanced, randomized cross-over study. After 4 sets of elbow-flexion exercise, participants reported ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), with DOMS also recorded for 7 days after each trial. Delayed onset muscle soreness was significantly greater for low-pressure continuous BFR (until 48 hours postexercise) and high-pressure intermittent BFR (until 72 hours postexercise) than for traditional heavy-load resistance exercise and light-load resistance exercise. In addition, RPE was higher for heavy-load resistance exercise and high-pressure intermittent BFR than for low-pressure continuous BFR, with all trials greater than light-load resistance exercise. For practitioners working with untrained participants, this study provides evidence to suggest that to minimize the perception of effort and postexercise muscle soreness associated with BFR resistance exercise, continuous low-pressure application may be more preferential than intermittent high-pressure application. Importantly, these perceptual responses are relatively short-lived (∼2 days) and have previously been shown to subside after a few exercise sessions. Combined with smaller initial training volumes (set × repetitions), this may limit RPE and DOMS to strengthen uptake and adherence and assist in program progression for muscle hypertrophy and gains in strength.
Maturation-Related Differences in Adaptations to Resistance Training in Young Male Swimmers
Authors: Moran Jason , Sandercock Gavin R.H. , Ramírez-Campillo Rodrigo , Wooller John-James , Logothetis Spiros , Schoenmakers Patrick P.J.M. , Parry Dave A.
Published: January 2017

Moran, J, Sandercock, GRH, Ramírez-Campillo, R, Wooller, J-J, Logothetis, S, Schoenmakers, PPJM, and Parry, DA. Maturation-related differences in adaptations to resistance training in young male swimmers. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 139–149, 2018—This study examined the effects of resistance training on muscular strength and jump performances in young male swimmers. It was hypothesized that adaptations would be of a lower magnitude in less mature (prepeak height velocity [PHV]) than in more mature (post-PHV) subjects. Fourteen pre-PHV (−1.8 ± 1.0 years) and 8 post-PHV (1.6 ± 0.5 years) swimmers undertook a 30 minutes, twice-weekly resistance training program for 8 weeks. They were compared with matched control groups (pre-PHV: −2.0 ± 1.1, n = 15; post-PHV: 1.2 ± 1.0, n = 7). The effects on lower-body isometric strength (LBS), measured with midthigh pull, and vertical jump (VJ) height in the post-PHV group were large (effect size: 1.3 [0.4 to 2.2]) and small (0.4 [−0.4 to 1.2]), respectively. Effects on LBS and VJ height in the pre-PHV group were moderate (0.8 [0.1 to 1.4]) and trivial (0.2 [−0.5 to 0.8]), respectively. Estimates in the post-PHV control group (LBS: 0.7 [−0.2 to 1.6]; VJ: 0.2 [−0.7 to 1.0]) and the pre-PHV control group (LBS: 0.1 [−0.5 to 0.7]; VJ: −0.3 [−0.9 to 0.3]) may indicate the extent to which maturation could contribute to the performance changes seen in the respective training groups. Lower-body isometric strength and VJ are trainable, but to different magnitudes, in pre- and post-PHV swimmers. After appropriate foundational training to establish technical competency, twice-weekly resistance training sessions of 30 minutes duration, comprising 3 sets of 4 exercises can be effective in pre- and post-PHV youth.
The Influence of Age Advancement and of Comorbidities on the Functional Capacity of Patients After the Incident of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Haor Beata , Głowacka Mariola , Kalinowska Agnieszka
Published: January 2017

Introduction. The occurrence of ischemic strokes, particularly with people over 65 years of age, results from the presence of comorbidities that may adversely affect both the early and late prognosis as well as functional capacities of patients.Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency regarding basic daily activities performed by patients after the incident of the ischemic stroke, depending on the advancement of their age and the on the presence of comorbidities.Material and Methods. The study was carried out among 65 patients hospitalised due to the ischemic stroke in the neurology ward of the Provincial Hospital in Plock. The analysis of the functional capacity of patients, with the use of the Barthel Scale Questionnaire, was performed twice: on the first day of their hospitalisation and on the day of discharge from the hospital ward.Results. The functional capacity of the patients within the period of hospitalization after the incident of ischemic stroke was improving as a result of treatment, rehabilitation and care. However, both on the day of admission to the ward, as well as at discharge, the patients aged over 65 had the lowest scores on the Barthel Scale Questionnaire. The presence of comorbidities, particularly among older respondents, contributed to the deterioration of patients’ functional capacity.Conclusions.1). Patients after the incident of ischemic stroke, despite the improvement regarding their functional capacity, require assistance in the performance of daily activities.2). Age advancement contributes to the reduction of the functional capacity of respondents after the incident of ischemic stroke.3). Comorbidities of the incident of ischemic stroke as well as the prior episode of stroke significantly contribute to the decrease the functional capacity of respondents.(JNNN 2015;4(3):102–108)
Course of Care of a Multiple Sclerosis Patient in the Context of Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Smelkowska Anna , Wilkiewicz Maria , Grabowska-Fudala Barbara , Jaracz Krystyna
Published: January 2017

Multiple sclerosis (SM) is an incurable, advancing, demyelinating illness with inflammatory background. It constitutes the most frequent cause of disability among young people, between 20 and 40 years of age. Despite the identification of multiple factors causing the disease, its pathomechanism has not been yet completely discovered. For this reason, finding an effective cure for multiple sclerosis continues to present a challenge (for modern scientists). The currently available treatment for SM aims to halt its progress and to minimalize complications related to the disease. The goal of the work was to provide an overview of the therapies currently available to those suffering from SM. Selecting an appropriate form of treatment and medication as well as preparing the patient and continuation of monitoring during the therapy constitute important elements of conducting an effective SM therapy.(JNNN 2015;4(3):130–137)
Analysis of the Causes of Lumbar Disc Herniation in Patients Treated Neurosurgical Due to it
Authors: Rosińczuk Joanna , Owsikowska Kamila , Kołtuniuk Aleksandra
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Discopathy is a serious social problem because it affects professionally active people and often at a very young age (usually discopathy occurs in 3rd–4th decade of life). The etiology and pathogenesis of lumbar disc disease is not known in detail. Studies say about many factors predisposing to disease of the intervertebral disc.Understanding the causes of discopathy can contribute to better prevention of this disease.Aim. Study the causes of lumbar disc herniation and to evaluate the respondents’ knowledge about them.Material and Methods. The study was conducted among 67 patients with lumbar discopathy hospitalized in the Department of Neurosurgery or treated in the neurosurgical practice of Lower Silesia Specialized Hospital name Tadeusz Marciniak in Wroclaw. The study was performed with the use of diagnostic questionnaire using the survey technique. The obtained data were processed with statistical analysis software Statistica 10 underwent statistical analysis.Results. Analysis of the research material has shown that: over 55% respondents think that the cause of lumbar disc herniation is their work; over 40% of respondents in the course of work lift weights exceeding acceptable standards; the vast majority of respondents feel pain of the spine (located on the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) in the range of7 to 10; almost half of respondents are overweight (25  30).Conclusions.1) Patients with lumbar disc herniation suffer from severe back pain.2) Patients suffering from disc herniation often at work take forced sitting position or in the wrong way lift weights.3) Patients with disc herniation do not have knowledge about the prevention of this disease. (JNNN 2015;4(4):152–157)
Sleep to Remember
Authors: Sara Susan J.
Published: January 2017

Scientific investigation into the possible role of sleep in memory consolidation began with the early studies of Jenkins and Dallenbach (1924). Despite nearly a century of investigation with a waxing and waning of interest, the role of sleep in memory processing remains controversial and elusive. This review provides the historical background for current views and considers the relative contribution of two sleep states, rapid eye movement sleep and slow-wave sleep, to offline memory processing. The sequential hypothesis, until now largely ignored, is discussed, and recent literature supporting this view is reviewed.
Sleep Is for Forgetting
Authors: Poe Gina R.
Published: January 2017

It is possible that one of the essential functions of sleep is to take out the garbage, as it were, erasing and “forgetting” information built up throughout the day that would clutter the synaptic network that defines us. It may also be that this cleanup function of sleep is a general principle of neuroscience, applicable to every creature with a nervous system.
Susceptibilidad del Cuerpo Lúteo a la Prostaglandina F2a en Alpacas Inducidas a Ovulación con Plasma Seminal y GnRH
Authors: Mamani M. Camilo , Huanca L. Wilfredo , Echevarría C. Luisa , Cordero R. Aída , Huanca M. Willian Fahrid , Limache C. Tito
Published: January 2017

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la susceptibilidad del cuerpo lúteo al cloprostenol sódico (análogo sintético de la PGF2a) durante el desarrollo de la fase luteal en alpacas inducidas a ovulación con plasma seminal o con GnRH. El plasma seminal se obtuvo de muestras de semen de alpaca colectadas mediante vagina artificial, y diluido en proporción 1:1 en buffer fosfato salino (PBS), centrifugado y conservado a -20 °C. Se utilizaron 96 alpacas hembras con folículo >7 mm que fueron inducidas a ovulación mediante la inyección de plasma seminal (n=48) y GnRH (n=48). Las alpacas que ovularon fueron distribuidas en forma aleatoria en 6 grupos: un grupo control y 5 grupos tratados con PGF2a los días 4, 5, 6, 7 y 8 posinducción de ovulación. Se colectaron muestras de sangre para determinar los perfiles de progesterona sérica al inicio y 24 horas del tratamiento. No hubo efecto luteolítico en animales tratados el día 4 o 5, mientras que en los animales tratados al día 6, 7 u 8 respondieron con una luteólisis efectiva a las 24 horas de la aplicación de PGF2a, mostrando disminución del diámetro del cuerpo lúteo y niveles de progesterona cercanos o inferiores a 1 ng/ml. Se concluye que el cuerpo lúteo en alpacas inducidas a ovulación con plasma seminal o GnRH es susceptible a la luteólisis a partir del dia 6 posestímulo de ovulación.
Determinación del Balance Catión Anión Dietario en Vacas de Preparto en Establos Lecheros de Lima y Trujillo, Perú, y su Relación con el pH Urinario
Authors: Guzmán Ángel , Montoya Belén , Gómez Carlos A.
Published: January 2017

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el balance catión anión dietario (DCAD) en vacas Holstein multíparas en etapa de preparto de nueve establos de Lima y Trujillo, Perú. Se analizaron muestras de concentrado y forraje para determinar la concentración de sodio, potasio, cloro y azufre a fin de calcular el valor de DCAD mediante fórmula matemática. De manera similar, se realizó la colección de orina en 76 vacas durante la etapa de preparto para evaluar la relación del pH urinario con el DCAD. El valor promedio de DCAD para las dietas de los establos de Lima fue de 6.62 ± 2.99 mEq/100 g MS y de 13.09 ± 5.36 mEq/100 g MS para los establos de Trujillo. El valor de pH urinario promedio fue 7.7, con un rango de 6.0 a 8.4. Se encontró una correlación positiva de 0.331 entre los valores de DCAD y pH urinario.
Parámetros Productivos de Cuyes Criados con Dietas Suplementadas con Aceite de Pescado y Semillas de Sacha Inchi
Authors: Guevara V. Jorge , Rojas M. Sergio , Carcelén C. Fernando , Bezada Q. Sandra , Arbaiza F. Teresa
Published: January 2017

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los parámetros productivos de cuyes con el uso de dietas suplementadas con aceite de pescado y semilla de sacha inchi. Se utilizaron 48 cuyes machos de 42 días de edad, con un peso inicial de 615 g. Los cuyes fueron asignados al azar a 4 tratamientos con 3 repeticiones (pozas) de 4 cuyes cada una. Los tratamientos dietéticos fueron: T0: Control, T1: Dieta suplementada con 1.0% de aceite de pescado; T2: Dieta suplementada con 4.0% de semilla de sacha inchi; y T3: Dieta suplementada con 1.0% de aceite de pescado + 4.0% de semilla de sacha inchi. La fase experimental tuvo una duración de 28 días. Se evaluó la ganancia de peso, consumo de alimento, conversión alimenticia y rendimiento de carcasa. El promedio de ganancia de peso individual en las 4 semanas varió entre 315 y 353 g por tratamiento, el consumo varió entre 1172 y 1224 g de materia seca, la conversión alimenticia varió entre 3.53 y 3.73 y el rendimiento de carcasa varió entre 69.4 y 71.7%, sin diferencia estadística entre tratamientos.