bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Browning of white adipose tissue: lessons from experimental models
Authors: Bargut Thereza Cristina Lonzetti , Souza-Mello Vanessa , Aguila Marcia Barbosa , Mandarim-de-Lacerda Carlos Alberto
Published: January 2017

Beige or brite (brown-in-white) adipocytes are present in white adipose tissue (WAT) and have a white fat-like phenotype that when stimulated acquires a brown fat-like phenotype, leading to increased thermogenesis. This phenomenon is known as browning and is more likely to occur in subcutaneous fat depots. Browning involves the expression of many transcription factors, such as PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and of uncoupling protein (UCP)-1, which is the hallmark of thermogenesis. Recent papers pointed that browning can occur in the WAT of humans, with beneficial metabolic effects. This fact indicates that these cells can be targeted to treat a range of diseases, with both pharmacological and nutritional activators. Pharmacological approaches to induce browning include the use of PPAR-α agonist, adrenergic receptor stimulation, thyroid hormone administration, irisin and FGF21 induction. Most of them act through the induction of PPAR-γ coactivator (PGC) 1-α and the consequent mitochondrial biogenesis and UCP1 induction. About the nutritional inducers, several compounds have been described with multiple mechanisms of action. Some of these activators include specific amino acids restriction, capsaicin, bile acids, Resveratrol, and retinoic acid. Besides that, some classes of lipids, as well as many plant extracts, have also been implicated in the browning of WAT. In conclusion, the discovery of browning in human WAT opens the possibility to target the adipose tissue to fight a range of diseases. Studies have arisen showing promising results and bringing new opportunities in thermogenesis and obesity control.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine uptake and awareness among student freshers enrolled at Northern Ireland universities
Authors: Moore Peter J.A. , Millar B. Cherie , Moore John E.
Published: January 2017

A new MenACWY conjugate meningococcal vaccination programme was introduced in Northern Ireland (NI) in August 2015, for 13–18 year olds, as well as for first-time university entrants up to 25 years. This reflected the response made by Public Health England, due to the recent rapid increase of meningococcal group W (MenW) disease and on advice of the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The aims of this study were to evaluate (i) the uptake of the MenACWY vaccine among first-time university students, (ii) vaccine and meningitis awareness, (iii) optimal communication modalities via a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model and (iv) current international vaccination policies relating to non-UK students. A survey was completed by 1210 students, 868 first-time freshers and 342 non-freshers, from healthcare-related, non-healthcare-related and engineering/computing faculties. The survey included an anonymous questionnaire and consented students were aged 17–50 years with a 2:3 ratio of male:female. Vaccine uptake amongst 18-year-old students was 90.7% and 87.3% in female and male cohorts, respectively, falling to 72.1% and 67.7% (19-year cohort) and 32.7% and 39.6% (20- to 25-year cohort) in males and females, respectively. Students reported that posters, clinics and talks were the preferred methods of communication and not social media. There was general lack of awareness of the signs/symptoms of meningitis and approximately 30% of students falsely believed that administration of the MenACWY vaccine excluded the risk of contracting meningitis. Overall, there was a successful vaccination campaign; however, there was a lack of meningitis awareness. Due to differing international meningococcal vaccination schedules, international students enrolling at UK universities need to be informed about current UK policies. For the successful introduction of any vaccination programme amongst university students, it is fundamental that a MDT is established to inform and deliver such a programme in an efficient and timely manner.
Exploitation as code reuse: On the need of formalization
Authors: Bratus Sergey , Shubina Anna
Published: January 2017

This position paper discusses the need for modeling exploit computations
and discusses possible formal approaches to it.
Aminoguanidine pretreatment prevents methotrexate-induced small intestinal injury in the rat by attenuating nitrosative stress and restoring the activities of vital mitochondrial enzymes
Authors: Natarajan Kasthuri , Abraham Premila , Kota Rekha , Selvakumar Dhayakani
Published: January 2017

Background:

One of the major toxic side effects of methotrexate (MTX) is enterocolitis, for which there is no efficient standard treatment. Nitric oxide overproduction has been reported to play an important role in MTX-induced mucositis. This study was designed to investigate whether pretreatment with aminoguanidine (AG) – a selective iNOS inhibitor – prevents MTX-induced mucositis in rats.

Methods:

Rats were pretreated with AG (30 and 50 mg/kg body weight) i.p. daily 1 h before MTX (7 mg/kg body weight) administration for 3 consecutive days. After the final dose of MTX, the rats were killed, and the small intestines were used for analysis.

Results:

The small intestines of MTX-treated rats showed moderate to severe injury. Pretreatment with AG had a dose-dependent protective effect on MTX-induced mucositis. AG pretreatment reduced iNOS protein levels, mucosal nitric oxide levels, and protein tyrosine nitration. AG pretreatment also restored the activities of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, vital tricarboxylic acid (TCA cycle) enzymes, and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that AG is beneficial in ameliorating MTX-induced enteritis in rats.
Identification of the Joint Effect of a Dynamic Treatment Intervention and a Stochastic Monitoring Intervention Under the No Direct Effect Assumption
Authors: Neugebauer Romain , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Adams Alyce S. , Grant Richard W. , van der Laan Mark J.
Published: January 2017

The management of chronic conditions is characterized by frequent re-assessment of therapy decisions in response to the patient’s changing condition over the course of the illness. Evidence most suitable to inform care thus often concerns the contrast of adaptive treatment strategies that repeatedly personalize treatment decisions over time using the latest accumulated data available from the patient’s previous clinic visits such as laboratory exams (e.g., hemoglobin A1c measurements in diabetes care). The frequency at which such information is monitored implicitly defines the causal estimand that is typically evaluated in an observational or randomized study of such adaptive treatment strategies. Analytic control of monitoring with standard estimation approaches for time-varying interventions can therefore not only improve study generalizibility but also inform the optimal timing of clinical surveillance. Valid inference with these estimators requires the upholding of a positivity assumption that can hinder their applicability. To potentially weaken this requirement for monitoring control, we introduce identifiability results that will facilitate the derivation of alternate estimators of effects defined by general joint treatment and monitoring interventions in the context of time-to-event outcomes. These results are developed based on the nonparametric structural equation modeling framework using a no direct effect assumption originally introduced in a prior paper that inspired this work. The relevance and scope of the results presented here are illustrated with examples in diabetes comparative effectiveness research.
Turner syndrome and pituitary adenomas: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Yeh Tiffany , Soto Angela Ganan , Quintos Jose Bernardo , Topor Lisa Swartz
Published: January 2017

Background:

Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common sex chromosome abnormality in females, typically associated with primary amenorrhea and premature ovarian failure due to gonadal dysgenesis. The association of TS with hypopituitarism is an uncommon finding. The objective of the study was to describe an adolescent with TS with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and subsequent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Case presentation:

A 16-year-old female with primary amenorrhea was diagnosed with TS based on karyotype 45,XO. Other laboratory values included FSH 45.52 IU/L, LH 17.4 IU/L, undetectable estradiol, and prolactin 1.08 nmol/L. Two months later and before treatment, she presented with severe headache and a new left cranial nerve VI palsy. Brain MRI showed a 2.7-cm hemorrhagic pituitary macroadenoma expanding the sella. Laboratory evaluation showed FSH 5.9 IU/L, LH 0.9 IU/L, prolactin 0.09 nmol/L, and GH 1.03 ng/mL. She underwent transphenoidal hypophysectomy, and pathology revealed pituitary adenoma with immunohistochemical staining positive for growth hormone and prolactin. She subsequently developed multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Review of the literature identified eight case reports of women with TS who developed pituitary adenomas.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates an uncommon co-occurrence of TS and pituitary macroadenoma. Sequential gonadotropin measurements demonstrate the evolution of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism into hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to hemorrhagic pituitary macroadenoma.
Carboxyhemoglobin – the forgotten parameter of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Bailey Douggl G.N. , Fuchs Hans , Hentschel Roland
Published: January 2017

Background:

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is influenced by a wide variety of factors, one of which is hemolysis. Serious hyperbilirubinemia may lead to a kernicterus with detrimental neurologic sequelae. Patients suffering from hemolytic disease have a higher risk of developing kernicterus. Carbon monoxide (CO), a byproduct of hemolysis or heme degradation, was described by Sjöstrand in the 1960s. It is transported as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and exhaled through the lungs. We were interested in a potential correlation between COHb and total serum bilirubin (TSB) and the time course of both parameters.

Materials and methods:

We used a point of care (POC) blood gas analyzer and did a retrospective analysis of bilirubin and COHb data collected over a 60-day period.

Results:

An arbitrary cut-off point set at 2% COHb identified four patients with hemolytic disease of different origins who required phototherapy. In one patient with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), COHb preceded the rise in bilirubin by about 2 days. Despite this displacement, there was a moderately good correlation of COHb with TSB levels <15 mg/dL (257 μmol/L) (r

Conclusions:

COHb might be useful as a marker for high hemoglobin turnover to allow an earlier identification of newborns at risk to a rapid rise in bilirubin.
Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma infection in pregnancy: to screen or not to screen
Authors: Donders Gilbert G.G. , Ruban Kateryna , Bellen Gert , Petricevic Ljubomir
Published: January 2017

Mycoplasmata have been linked to pregnancy complications and neonatal risk. While formerly a limited number of species could be discovered by cultures, molecular biology nowadays discovers both lower quantities and more diverse species, making us realize that mycoplasmata are ubiquitous in the vaginal milieu and do not always pose a danger for pregnant women. As the meaning of mycoplasmata in pregnancy is not clear to many clinicians, we summarized the current knowledge about the meaning of different kinds of mycoplasmata in pregnancy and discuss the potential benefits and disadvantages of treatment. Currently, there is no general rule to screen and treat for mycoplasmata in pregnancy. New techniques seem to indicate that
Motion in Toposa: is Toposa a verb frame or satellite frame language?
Authors: Schröder Helga
Published: January 2017

The goal of this paper is to discuss motion events in Toposa, an Eastern Nilotic language of South Sudan in the light of
Crystal structure of 1,1′-(3,4-diphenylthieno[2,3-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl)bis[1-phenyl-methanone], C32H20O2S2
Authors: Altamimi Rashid , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Aldawsari Fahad , AlRuqi Obaid S. , Alqahtani Nasser
Published: January 2017

C32H20O2S2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 10.2763(8) Å, b = 19.9178(15) Å, c = 11.8597(10) Å, β = 92.828(3)°, V = 2424.3(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.069, wR(F
2) = 0.1782, T = 293(2).
Numerical simulation of Burgers’ equation using cubic B-splines
Authors: Lakshmi C. , Awasthi Ashish
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a numerical
Functional polyketones for the removal of calcium and magnesium from water (Part II): cross-linking and functional characterization
Authors: Figaroa Patrick A. , Miedema Henk , Euverink Gert-Jan , Picchioni Francesco
Published: January 2017

Functional polyketones were chemically cross-linked for the softening of hard water, i.e. for the removal of the divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+. Elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, solubility- and swelling-experiments were used to demonstrate the occurrence of the cross-link reaction. Testing the different compounds for their Ca2+ and Mg2+ removal capacity assessed the structure-functionality of the polymers. The corresponding water-insoluble resins were then tested for their Ca2+ and Mg2+ removal capacity-performance being explained in terms of their chemical structure. Ion adsorption of these polymers is not based on an ion exchange, the prevailing mechanism for most currently existing adsorption resins. Rather, the amino functionalized polymers synthesized here adsorb cations as well as their accompanying anionic counterparts, possibly through a chelating mechanism. The obtained results show that functional polyketones are promising in this context as they are easily tunable with the chemical nature of the N-containing groups determining the affinity of the polymer for Ca2+ and/or Mg2+.
Concentrating cesium-137 from seawater using resorcinol-formaldehyde resin for radioecological monitoring
Authors: Egorin Andrei , Palamarchuk Marina , Tokar Eduard , Tutov Mikhail , Marinin Dmitry , Avramenko Valentin
Published: January 2017

A method of preconcentrating cesium-137 from seawater using a resorcinol-formaldehyde resin, which enables one to optimize the ecological monitoring procedure, has been suggested. Studies of sorption of cesium-137 from seawater by resorcinol-formaldehyde resin have been performed, and it has been demonstrated that the cation exchanger is characterized by high selectivity with respect to cesium-137. It was found that the selectivity depended on the temperature of resin solidification and the seawater pH value. The maximal value of the cesium-137 distribution coefficient is equal to 4.1–4.5×103 cm3 g−1. Under dynamic conditions, the ion-exchange resin capacity is 310–910 bed volumes depending on the seawater pH, whereas the efficiency of cesium removal exceeds 95%. The removal of more than 95% of cesium-137 has been attained using 1–3 M solutions of nitric acid: here, the eluate volume was 8–8.4 bed volumes. Application of 3 M solution of nitric acid results in resin degradation with the release of gaseous products.
Ratings of Perceived Exertion During Acute Resistance Exercise Performed at Imposed and Self-Selected Loads in Recreationally Trained Women
Authors: Cotter Joshua A. , Garver Matthew J. , Dinyer Taylor K. , Fairman Ciaran M. , Focht Brian C.
Published: January 2017

Cotter, JA, Garver, MJ, Dinyer, TK, Fairman, CM, and Focht, BC. Ratings of perceived exertion during acute resistance exercise performed at imposed and self-selected loads in recreationally trained women. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2313–2318, 2017—Resistance exercise (RE) is commonly used to elicit skeletal muscle adaptation. Relative intensity of a training load links closely with the outcomes of regular RE. This study examined the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses to acute bouts of RE using imposed (40% and 70% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) and self-selected (SS) loads in recreationally trained women. Twenty physically active women (23.15 ± 2.92 years), who reported regular RE training of at least 3 weekly sessions for the past year, volunteered to participate. During the initial visit, participants completed 1RM testing on 4 exercises in the following order: leg extension, chest press, leg curl, and lat pull-down. On subsequent visits, the same exercises were completed at the SS or imposed loads. The RPE was assessed after the completion of each set of exercises during the 3 RE conditions using the Borg-15 category scale. Self-selected loads corresponded to an average of approximately 57%1RM (±7.62). Overall, RPE increased with load (40%1RM = 11.26 [±1.95]; SS 57%1RM = 13.94 [±1.58]; and, 70%1RM = 15.52 [±2.05]). Reflecting the linear pattern found between load and perceived effort, the present data provide evidence that RPE levels less than 15 likely equate to loads which are not consistent with contemporary American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for enhancing musculoskeletal health which includes strength and hypertrophy. Women desiring increases in strength and lean mass likely need to train at an exertion level at or surpassing a rating of 15 on the Borg-15 category. This article examined the modification of training load on perceived exertion, but other variables, such as the number of repetitions completed, may also be targeted to achieve a desired RPE. The primary understanding is that women who engage in RE may not self-select loads that are consistent with the ACSM recommendations for musculoskeletal health.
Acute Effects of Static Stretching of Hamstring on Performance and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk During Stop-Jump and Cutting Tasks in Female Athletes
Authors: Ruan Mianfang , Zhang Qiang , Wu Xie
Published: January 2017

Ruan, M, Zhang, Q, and Wu, X. Acute effects of static stretching of hamstring on performance and anterior cruciate ligament injury risk during stop-jump and cutting tasks in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1241–1250, 2017—There is limited research investigating antagonist stretch. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of static stretching of hamstrings (SSH) on performance and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk during stop-jump and 180° cutting tasks. Twelve female college athletes (age 20.8 ± 0.7 years; height 1.61 ± 0.05 m; mass 54.25 ± 4.22 kg) participated in this study. Subjects performed stop-jump and 180° cutting tasks under 2 conditions: after warm-up with 4 × 30 seconds SSH or after warm-up without SSH. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data as well as electromyography of biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and gastrocnemius medialis were collected during testing. Static stretching of hamstrings significantly enhanced jump height by 5.1% (p = 0.009) but did not change the takeoff speed of cutting. No significant changes in peak knee adduction moment or peak anterior tibia shear force were observed with SSH regardless of the task. The peak lateral tibia shear force during cutting was significantly (p = 0.036) reduced with SSH. The co-contraction of hamstring and quadriceps during the preactivation (stop-jump: p = 0.04; cutting: p = 0.05) and downward phases (stop-jump: p = 0.04; cutting: p = 0.05) was significantly reduced after SSH regardless of the task. The results suggest that SSH enhanced the performance of stop-jump because of decreased co-contraction of hamstring and quadriceps but did not change the performance of cutting. In addition, SSH did not increase ACL injury risk during stop-jump and cutting tasks and even reduced medial-lateral knee loading during cutting.
Effects of Different Relative Loads on Power Performance During the Ballistic Push-up
Authors: Wang Ran , Hoffman Jay R. , Sadres Eliahu , Bartolomei Sandro , Muddle Tyler W.D. , Fukuda David H. , Stout Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2017

Wang, R, Hoffman, JR, Sadres, E, Bartolomei, S, Muddle, TWD, Fukuda, DH, and Stout, JR. Effects of different relative loads on power performance during the ballistic push-up. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3411–3416, 2017—The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of load on force and power performance during a ballistic push-up. Sixty (24.5 ± 4.3 years, 1.75 ± 0.07 m, and 80.8 ± 13.5 kg) recreationally active men who participated in this investigation completed all testing and were included in the data analysis. All participants were required to perform a 1 repetition maximum bench press, and ballistic push-ups without external load (T1), with 10% (T2) and 20% (T3) of their body mass. Ballistic push-ups during T2 and T3 were performed using a weight loaded vest. Peak and mean force, power, as well as net impulse and flight time were determined for each ballistic push-up. Peak and mean force were both significantly greater (p < 0.01) during T3 (1,062 ± 202 and 901 ± 154 N, respectively), than both T2 (1,017 ± 202 and 842 ± 151 N, respectively) and T1 (960 ± 188 and 792 ± 140 N, respectively). Peak and mean power were significantly greater (p < 0.01) during T1 (950 ± 257 and 521 ± 148 W, respectively), than both T2 (872 ± 246 and 485 ± 143 W, respectively) and T3 (814 ± 275 and 485 ± 162 W, respectively). Peak and mean power were greatest during T1, regardless of participants' strength levels. Significant (p < 0.01) greater net impulse and smaller peak velocity and flight time were also noted from T1 to T3. Results of this investigation indicated that maximal power outputs were achieved without the use of an external load when performing the ballistic push-up, regardless of the participants' level of strength.
Possibilities of Physical Medicine in the Treatment of Median Nerve Paralysis – Case Report
Authors: Pasek Jarosław , Cieślar Grzegorz , Pasek Tomasz
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Post-traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves prove to be extremely difficult in treatment and planning rehabilitation. Most frequently, those lesions have been caused by accidents or other circumstances. The lesion severity degree and consequences may be very substantially. This execution usually operating intervention with following rehabilitation. The recent years this is the dynamic development of method from physical medicine which more and more often help led treatment.Case Report. The case study presents the result of treatment with use of spatial magnetic field in two patients (51 year-old and 31 year-old) after trauma injury-induced injury of the upper extremity with subsequent paralysis of median nerve.Discussion. In the course of therapy, provided in outpatient clinic, the patients underwent a 45-day cycle of procedures with the use of generator for spatial magnetic field therapy. Before admission to the Clinic, the patient had undergone outpatient treatment, without satisfactory results. The therapy applied using spatial magnetic field, created optimum conditions for regeneration and reinnervation of damaged nerves, leading to improved functional condition of treated patients.Conclusions. In the treatment of trauma injury of peripheral nerve important is introduction the proper treatment and the rehabilitation. Utilization of new apparatus, also the apparatus to spatial magnetic fields can in future supporttreatment and also accelerate their return to health. (JNNN 2015;4(3):117–120)
Impact of Handicapped Child Care for Family Functioning
Authors: Kadučáková Helena
Published: January 2017

Introduction. The birth of a child with a handicap is always the quality and cohesion test of family relationships. As reported in Matějček, the birth of a child with a handicap may ruin the family, or bind vice versa. Family cohesion is under the influence of this situation always threatened and especially when a child with a handicap comes to the family during the transition between different developmental phases.Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the preference for the use of coping strategies and their differences between mothers and fathers in the care of a child with a disability.Material and Methods. Research was conducted on a sample of fathers and mothers who care to provide their disabled child. To collect empirical data was used — COPE — coping questionnaire that identifies reactive strategies aimed at the problem.Results. Data analysis revealed that fathers cope with the burden of caring for a disabled child used more strategies aimed at the problem. For mothers prevails more emotion focused on social support, positive reinterpretation, acceptance and expression of emotions, behavioural and mental disengagement from the problem.Conclusions. Determination of risk factors is the first step of family assessment. Evaluation methods for identifying risk factors in the family provide immediate possibility of setting needs and focus on the appropriate intervention family support program. (JNNN 2015;4(4):158–161)
Nursing Problems of a Patient with ALS Syndrome — A Case Report
Authors: Karłowicz Anna , Ziejka Katarzyna
Published: January 2017

Introduction. The motor-neurone disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) includes slowly progressive disorders with a waveform which is the result of pathologies involving neurones in the cerebral cortex, brain stem and spinal cord. Its severe course is associated with damage to certain brain functions responsible for controlling important vital signs. ALS is an incurable disease that belongs to the neurodegenerative disorders. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, the nurse plays an important role in patient care — from the stage of diagnosis to palliative care. The main objective of the study is to present nursing problems and tasks undertaken by a nurse in the process of nurturing a patient with ALS.Case Report. A man, 42, admitted to the Rehabilitation Clinic of the University Clinic Centre in Gdansk, due to the massive para paresis, upper extremity paralysis more pronounced on the left side. On the basis of clinical picture, there was a suspicion of ALS.Discussion. The presented ALS case with laboratory abnormalities having uncertain meaning (ALS-LAUS syndrome) was characterised by an unusually fast progressing course.Conclusions. The importance of the role of a nurse in the care of the patient with ALS is confirmed by the conclusions reached in the presented case description:1) The patient was found to have limited physical fitness, communicationproblems, high risk of developing pressure ulcers and complications associated with immobility.2) Due to the significantly reduced efficiency of self-service, the patient required a holistic nursing care with regard to activities of daily living.3) After the hospitalisation the patient required continuity of comprehensive care ensured by the family and support institutions related to home respiratory care.(JNNN 2015;4(4):170–177)
The Importance of Stroke Rehabilitation to Improve the Functional Status of Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ziejka Katarzyna , Skrzypek-Czerko Marcelina , Karłowicz Anna
Published: January 2017

Stroke is still the leading cause of disability. Traveling stroke reduces the quality of life in the functional and psychological sphere. The European Stroke Initiative recommends that patients with stroke should be assured with rehabilitation as soon as possible. The most important goal of stroke rehabilitation is to restore all the functions lost by the patient as a result of the disease and also to compensate those which have been irretrievably lost. The latest data from the literature show that the best period in terms of potential for improvement of the functional status after stroke is the first three months of the onset of the stroke incident. To review the literature in the area of stroke rehabilitation and its importance for the improvement of the functional state.(JNNN 2015;4(4):178–183)
Resolving the Brainstem Contributions to Attentional Analgesia
Authors: Brooks Jonathan C.W. , Davies Wendy-Elizabeth , Pickering Anthony E.
Published: January 2017

Previous human imaging studies manipulating attention or expectancy have identified the periaqueductal gray (PAG) as a key brainstem structure implicated in endogenous analgesia. However, animal studies indicate that PAG analgesia is mediated largely via caudal brainstem structures, such as the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and locus coeruleus (LC). To identify their involvement in endogenous analgesia, we used brainstem optimized, whole-brain imaging to record responses to concurrent thermal stimulation (left forearm) and visual attention tasks of titrated difficulty in 20 healthy subjects. The PAG, LC, and RVM were anatomically discriminated using a probabilistic atlas. Pain ratings disclosed the anticipated analgesic interaction between task difficulty and pain intensity (p< 0.001). Main effects of noxious thermal stimulation were observed across several brain regions, including operculoinsular, primary somatosensory, and cingulate cortices, whereas hard task difficulty was represented in anterior insular, parietal, and prefrontal cortices. Permutation testing within the brainstem nuclei revealed the following: main effects of task in dorsal PAG and right LC; and main effect of temperature in RVM and a task × temperature interaction in right LC. Intrasubject regression revealed a distributed network of supratentorial brain regions and the RVM whose activity was linearly related to pain intensity. Intersubject analgesia scores correlated to activity within a distinct region of the RVM alone. These results identify distinct roles for a brainstem triumvirate in attentional analgesia: with the PAG activated by attentional load; specific RVM regions showing pronociceptive and antinociceptive processes (in line with previous animal studies); and the LC showing lateralized activity during conflicting attentional demands.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAttention modulates pain intensity, and human studies have identified roles for a network of forebrain structures plus the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Animal data indicate that the PAG acts via caudal brainstem structures to control nociception. We investigated this issue within an attentional analgesia paradigm with brainstem-optimized fMRI and analysis using a probabilistic brainstem atlas. We find pain intensity encoding in several forebrain structures, including the insula and attentional activation of the PAG. Discrete regions of the rostral ventromedial medulla bidirectionally influence pain perception, and locus coeruleus activity mirrors the interaction between attention and nociception. This approach has enabled the resolution of contributions from a hub of key brainstem structures to endogenous analgesia.
The modern role of transoesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of valvular pathologies
Authors: Wamil Malgorzata , Bull Sacha , Newton James
Published: January 2017

Despite significant advancements in the field of cardiovascular imaging, transoesophageal echocardiography remains the key imaging modality in the management of valvular pathologies. This paper provides echocardiographers with an overview of the modern role of TOE in the diagnosis and management of valvular disease. We describe how the introduction of 3D techniques has changed the detection and grading of valvular pathologies and concentrate on its role as a monitoring tool in interventional cardiology. In addition, we focus on the echocardiographic and Doppler techniques used in the assessment of prosthetic valves and provide guidance for the evaluation of prosthetic valves. Finally, we summarise quantitative methods used for the assessment of valvular stenosis and regurgitation and highlight the key areas where echocardiography remains superior over other novel imaging modalities.
Precocious glucocorticoid exposure reduces skeletal muscle satellite cells in the fetal rat
Authors: Gokulakrishnan Ganga , Chang Xiaoyan , Fleischmann Ryan , Fiorotto Marta L
Published: January 2017

Perinatal skeletal muscle growth rates are a function of protein and myonuclear accretion. Precocious exposure of the fetus to glucocorticoids (GLC)in uteroimpairs muscle growth. Reduced muscle protein synthesis rates contribute to this response, but the consequences for myonuclear hyperplasia are unknown. To test the hypothesis that blunting of Pax7+ muscle progenitor cell proliferative activity by GLCin vivoalso contributes to reduced fetal muscle growth, pregnant rats were administered dexamethasone (DEX: 1 mg/L drinking water) from embryonic day (ED) 13 to ED21. Their responses were compared to pair-fed (PF) andad libitum-fed controls (CON). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered before delivery to measure myonuclear accretion. Fetal hind limb and diaphragm muscles were collected at term and analyzed for myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA), total and BrdU+ myonuclei, Pax7+ nuclei, MyoD and myogenin protein and mRNA abundance and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform composition. Mean fiber CSA, myonuclei/myofiber and Pax7+ nuclei/myofiber ratios were reduced in DEX compared to those in CON and PF muscles; CSA/myonucleus, BrdU+/total myonuclei and BrdU+ myonuclei/Pax7+ nuclei were similar among groups. Myogenin abundance was reduced and MyHC-slow was increased in DEX fetuses. The data are consistent with GLC inhibition of muscle progenitor cell proliferation limiting satellite cell and myonuclear accretion. The response of PF-fed compared to CON muscles indicated that decreased food consumption by DEX dams contributed to the smaller myofiber CSA but did not affect Pax7+ nuclear accretion. Thus, the effect on satellite cell reserve and myonuclear number also contributes to the blunting of fetal muscle growth by GLC.
Daño Inflamatorio y Cambios Cariométricos en Tejido Cardiaco de Ratones Experimentalmente Infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Larenas Herrera Julio , Rámila Garrido Catalina , Zuñiga Marti Claudio , Paláu Castaño María Teresa , Vergara Castillo Ulises
Published: January 2017

En el presente trabajo se evaluaron las alteraciones cariométricas causadas por la infección con la cepa Munantá, la cepa Tulahuén y el clon Dm28c de Trypanosoma cruzi en el tejido cardiaco de ratones ACA experimentalmente infectados con 2000 tripomastigotes sanguíneos del parásito y su relación con el daño inflamatorio, número de seudoquistes y posible asociación con los niveles de parasitemia y mortalidad acumulada. Los resultados mostraron un aumento significativo del tamaño nuclear en el tejido cardiaco de los ratones infectados en comparación con los ratones controles no infectados con T. cruzi. Los ratones infectados con la cepa Tulahuén o con el clon Dm28c mostraron una prepatencia sanguínea de cinco días y nivel máximo de parasitemia de 16.23 x 105 ± 2.21 x 105 parásitos/ml a los 11 días post infección – p.i. – (cepa Tulahuén) y de 20.10 x 105 ± 2.25 x 105 parásitos/ml a los nueve días (clon Dm28c), en tanto que los ratones infectados con la cepa Munantá mostraron una prepatencia de siete días y un nivel máximo de parasitemia significativamente más elevado (42.57 x 105 ± 2.10 x 105 parásitos/ml; p<0.001) a los 17 días p.i. Los ratones infectados con Munantá presentaron un 75% de sobrevida más allá de los seis meses de infección, en tanto que los ratones infectados con la cepa Tulahuén y con el clon Dm28c mostraron 100% de mortalidad acumulada a los 21 y 23 días p.i., respectivamente. El análisis histopatológico sugiere (al menos al día 19 p.i.) una asociación entre el parasitismo intracelular (seudoquistes), la magnitud del infiltrado inflamatorio mononuclear, la severidad del daño en el tejido cardiaco y la mortalidad de los ratones infectados con la cepa Tulahuén y el clon Dm28c, a pesar del bajo nivel de parasitemia, de manera que no siempre existe una asociación entre los niveles de parasitemia y la resistencia o susceptibilidad a la infección con T. cruzi. Finalmente, el estudio cariométrico sugiere que no existe asociación entre el aumento del tamaño nuclear observado en el tejido cardiaco de los ratones infectados con T. cruzi y la virulencia o características biológicas de los aislados del parásito.
Caracterización de la Tenencia de Animales de Compañía en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Tortosa Analía , Zumpano Romina , Ardiles Inés , Berra Yanina , Faigenbaum Adriana N. , Guido Guillermo G. , Castro Jorge , Molina José L. , Marcos Edgardo R. , Degregorio Osvaldo J.
Published: January 2017

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer características demográficas y de la tenencia de animales de compañía, así como las motivaciones, actitudes y conductas de la población que tiene o no animales, especialmente caninos, en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se diseñó un estudio social explicativo de prevalencia en dos áreas de la ciudad con diferentes estructuras socioeconómicas. En el grupo 1 (San Cristóbal) se encuestaron 357 viviendas y en el grupo 2 (Barrio Mitre) se encuestaron 169 viviendas. Se observó una alta proporción de animales por vivienda en ambas áreas. Los índices de tenencia de caninos por habitante entre las áreas difieren significativamente lo que puede atribuirse al nivel socioeconómico. Las diferencias en las proporciones de caninos hembra, de talla pequeña y con tendencia a razas puras con indicadores de mortalidad, natalidad y supervivencia variables indicarían que las poblaciones de animales de compañía tienden a ser reflejo de las condiciones sociales y vida de la población humana. Se observó que la esterilización puede emplearse para el control reproductivo o para resolver necesidades de la estrecha convivencia en el área urbana. Mayoritariamente, los caninos son incorporados a través del regalo, la compra o la recolección en la vía pública. La adopción no fue considerada como opción para obtener un canino. Los mapas cognitivos de tenencia de caninos para caracterizar cualitativa y cuantitativamente el vínculo entre animales y sus tenedores demostraron ser una novedosa forma de analizar la interrelación de variables.
Efecto de Formulaciones Acuosas y Aceitosas de 13 Aislamientos Nativos de Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota) sobre Rhodnius prolixus (Triatominae) bajo Condiciones Experimentales
Authors: Cazorla Perfetti Dalmiro , Morales Moreno Pedro
Published: January 2017

El triatomino Rhodnius prolixus es el principal vector de la enfermedad de Chagas en Venezuela. En el presente estudio se evaluó el efecto de formulaciones de conidias con base acuosa y aceitosa (soya 50%) de 13 aislamientos nativos del hongo entomopatógeno Beauveria bassiana (Fungi: Ascomycota) en ninfas estadio IV del triatomino Rhodnius prolixus. Se utilizó una concentración de 1x107 conidias/ml bajo condiciones de laboratorio (26 °C, HR >90%). Las suspensiones se aplicaron por inmersión. La mortalidad y la conidiación se evaluaron diariamente durante 24 días. Los resultados mostraron que las suspensiones de conidias aceitosas fueron significativamente más eficientes que las acuosas al incrementar la mortalidad y eficacia y disminuir el TL50 de los aislamientos (p88%). Los aislamientos LF14 y LF13 mostraron los mayores porcentajes de mortalidad acumulada, eficacia y menores TL50, tanto en formulaciones acuosas como en las aceitosas. Estos aislamientos de B. bassiana aparecen como buenos candidatos para ser probados a nivel de campo en futuros programas de manejo biorracional de los vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas.
Helmintofauna Gastrointestinal de Importancia Zoonótica y sus Aspectos Patológicos en Roedores (Rattus spp) en Tres Medioambientes
Authors: Abad A. Deisy , Chávez V. Amanda , Pinedo V. Rosa , Tantaleán V. Manuel , Gonzáles-Viera Omar
Published: January 2017

El objetivo del estudio fue identificar y determinar la prevalencia de helmintos gastrointestinales de importancia zoonótica presentes en roedores (Rattus spp) en tres medioambientes (granjas porcinas, zoológico y mercados de abastos) de Lima, Perú, así como estimar la asociación entre presencia de helmintos y las variables lugar de procedencia, especie, edad y sexo. Se capturaron 245 (Rattus rattus y Rattus norvergicus) roedores mediante el uso de trampas de captura viva. Cráneos, piel, carta dentaria y parámetros morfométricos se utilizaron para la clasificación taxonómica de las especies. Se colectó el estómago e intestino delgado y grueso. Los helmintos se colocaron en alcohol 70% y los tejidos fueron preservados en formol 10%. La prevalencia de helmintos gastrointestinales fue de 72.2% en tanto que la prevalencia de helmintos zoonóticos fue de 46.5%. Se hallaron cuatro especies de importancia zoonótica: Raillietina demerariensis, Gongylonema neoplasticum, Hymenolepis diminuta y Moniliformis moniliformis; estos dos últimos de mayor frecuencia en los tres ecosistemas. Otros helmintos identificados fueron Mastophorus muris, Heterakis spumosa, Aspicularis tetrapera, Syphacia muris, Trichuris muris, Capillaria sp y Vampirolepis fraterna. Los hallazgos histopatológicos mostraron disminución del tamaño de las vellosidades intestinales, desprendimiento de células epiteliales, aumento del número de células caliciformes y enterocitos con presencia de eosinófilos, linfocitos, plasmocitos y macrófagos asociados a H. diminuta, M. moniliformis y R. demerariensis.
Efecto del Transporte de Cerdos de Ceba en la Incidencia de Cerdos Fatigados y Lesionados
Authors: Romero Marlyn Hellen , Sánchez Jorge Alberto , Acevedo-Giraldo Juan David
Published: January 2017

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto del transporte de cerdos de ceba en la incidencia de cerdos fatigados y lesionados. Se hizo un estudio observacional prospectivo que evaluó 18 437 cerdos (n=350 lotes) que fueron desembarcados en tres plantas de sacrificio comerciales en Colombia. La tasa de mortalidad fue de 0.0016% y la incidencia de cerdos fatigados y lesionados fue de 0.02%. El tiempo de transporte, densidad de carga, planta de sacrificio, mezcla de lotes, tipo de camión, velocidad y presencia de un ayudante en el viaje estuvieron asociados a la incidencia de cerdos no ambulatorios.
Combinación Xilacina, Tramadol, Diazepam y Ketamina como Protocolo Anestésico para Ovariohisterectomía Canina en Campañas de Esterilización y sus Efectos en las Constantes Vitales
Authors: Huayta Huanca Jhon David , Ureta Escobedo Alexander
Published: January 2017

El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar los cambios en la frecuencia respiratoria y cardiaca, pulso, saturación de oxígeno, temperatura y presión arterial provocados por la combinación xilacina, tramadol, diazepam y ketamina durante la ovariohisterectomía canina para su posible uso en campañas de esterilización. Diez perras entre 10 meses y 6 años de edad, de diferentes razas y tamaños, clínicamente sanas, con hemograma y leucograma normal y clasificados como ASA I y II, fueron sometidas a cirugía electiva de ovariohisterectomía canina con el mismo protocolo anestésico. Se recolectó información durante las seis etapas del proceso anestésico-quirúrgico. La frecuencia cardiaca y el pulso se mantuvieron dentro de los niveles normales. Tres pacientes presentaron taquipnea durante el mantenimiento. Se registraron episodios de hipoxia leve y la temperatura mostró un descenso gradual. Todos los pacientes presentaron hipertensión durante el mantenimiento y al término de la cirugía. No ocurrieron complicaciones en la recuperación anestésica. El protocolo anestésico tiene un bajo costo y, pese a los cuadros de hipertensión, puede emplearse para la realización de ovariohisterectomía canina en campañas de esterilización para pacientes ASA I y ASA II.
Evaluación de Diferentes Concentraciones de Tricaína (MS-222) en el Transporte de Chitas (Anisotremus scapularis) Juveniles
Authors: Rosado Maryandrea , Dionicio Jhon , Aguirre-Velarde Arturo
Published: January 2017

Se evaluó el uso de la tricaína (MS-222) como agente sedante para su uso en el transporte de juveniles Anisotremus scapularis. Para ello, se realizó un transporte simulado de 24 horas a dos temperaturas (15 y 19 °C) usando concentraciones del anestésico de 0, 15, 20 y 25 mg.L-1 en bolsas de polietileno (50% agua de mar - 50% oxígeno puro). Se monitoreó, tanto al inicio como al final de la simulación, la temperatura, saturación de oxígeno disuelto, pH y tasa de excreción individual de amonio. En los peces se evaluó la pérdida de equilibrio (%) y sobrevivencia (%) al término de la simulación y luego de un tiempo de recuperación de 24 horas adicionales. Los resultados muestran que el uso de tricaína favorece la disminución de la excreción de amonio; sin embargo, dosis superiores a 20 mg.L-1 de tricaína incrementan considerablemente la perdida de equilibrio. Además, el efecto de sedación es más intenso a temperaturas más bajas (15 °C). Por otro lado, el pH del agua se ve afectado mostrando una disminución promedio de 1.44 durante la simulación del transporte en todos los tratamientos. En base a los resultados se recomienda el transporte de juveniles de chita a 19 °C con uso de tricaína a 15 mg.L-1.
Efectividad de Dos Métodos de Aturdimiento de Cerdos: Electronarcosis de Tres Puntos y Narcosis con CO2
Authors: Acevedo-Giraldo Juan David , Romero Marlyn , Sánchez Jorge A.
Published: January 2017

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron evaluar y comparar la efectividad de los métodos de aturdimiento eléctrico de tres puntos (MA1) y de narcosis con dióxido de carbono (CO2) (MA2) , así como evaluar la infraestructura y manejo de los cerdos en dos plantas de sacrificio comercial de Colombia. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal que evaluó 520 cerdos (MA1=185; MA2=335). Se estudiaron indicadores conductuales en el cajón de aturdimiento e indicadores de consciencia antes y después del desangrado. Los movimientos oculares (39%) y el parpadeo espontáneo (36.7%) fueron signos frecuentes para MA1, mientras que en MA2 se evidenció la respiración rítmica (24.1%). La efectividad del aturdimiento fue baja en las dos plantas de sacrificio antes (48.7%, 50.5%) y después del desangrado (79.5%, 37.3%). Se recomienda instaurar indicadores para evaluar de manera rutinaria la efectividad del aturdimiento, así como un programa de mantenimiento preventivo de los equipos y de capacitación continua del personal.
Sinhala Buddhist Appropriations of Indic Cultural Forms
Authors: Berkwitz Stephen C.
Published: January 2017

The development of Sinhala literature and Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka between the tenth and sixteenth centuries ce reveals a complex negotiation of appropriating elements of Indic culture and distinguishing their Sinhala variants. Vernacular traditions of writing and worshipping emphasized the island’s differences from the mainland, despite (or perhaps because of) the invasions and cultural imports from South India. Examining the use of a literary vernacular, praise poetry, and messenger poetry in Sinhala, this article explores medieval Sri Lankan efforts to appropriate and ultimately rival the literary and religious cultures from the neighboring subcontinent.
Early Gaya
Authors: Sayers Matthew R.
Published: January 2017

This article describes the earliest recognition of tirtha in the dharmasastra literature, discusses the earliest associations between tirtha and sraddha, and traces the emergence of Gaya as a sacred place with a particular connection to sraddha as found in the Brahmanical religious literature. I argue that the references to tirthasraddha and Gaya found in the earliest Brahmanical dharma texts represent fledgling efforts by the educated class of brahmins to appropriate and legitimate the ritual practices associated with pilgrimage by incorporating them into their discourse on dharma.
Hindu Rituals at the Margins: Innovations, Transformations, Reconsiderations, edited by Linda Penkower and Tracy Pintchman
Authors: Ramey Steven
Published: January 2017

Hindu Rituals at the Margins: Innovations, Transformations, Reconsiderations, edited by Linda Penkower and Tracy Pintchman. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, 2014. xiv + 235 pp., $49.95 (hb). ISBN 1-61117-389-5 (hb).
The Oxford Handbook of Christianity in Asia, edited by Felix Wilfred
Authors: Jones Arun W.
Published: January 2017

The Oxford Handbook of Christianity in Asia, edited by Felix Wilfred. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014. xxi + 657 pp., $150.00 (hb). ISBN 978-0-19-932906-9 (hb).