bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of supplemented microencapsulated zinc oxide and organic acids and pure botanicals on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, feces microflora, and zinc level of feces in weanling pigs
Authors: Cho Jin Ho , Liu Shu Dong , Yun Won , Kim Kwang Sik , Kim In Ho
Published: June 2018

A total of 125 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 7.66 ± 1.30 kg were randomly distributed into one of five dietary treatments. Each treatment had five replicate pens with five pigs per pen. Treatments were as followed: (1) CON, control diet; (2) zinc oxide (ZO), CON + 0.3% ZO; (3) ZOM, CON + 0.3% ZO + 0.1% microencapsulated organic acids and pure botanicals (MOP); (4) microencapsulated zinc oxide (MZO), CON + 0.03% MZO; and (5) MZOM, CON + 0.03% MZO + 0.1% MOP. The MZO group had higher (P = 0.03) final BW than ZO group and also had higher (P = 0.04, 0.01) average daily gain and gain/feed ratio compared with ZO group during days 15–34 and throughout the experimental period. The MZO and MZOM had higher (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and energy than ZO. Less (P < 0.05) feces Escherichia coli shedding was observed in the ZOM and MZOM diets compared with CON; the MZO had lowered (P = 0.001) zinc level in feces than ZO and CON. In conclusion, results indicated that supplementation with 0.3% MZO could improve the growth performance and ATTD of DM; inclusion of 0.1% MOP could decrease feces E. coli shedding and also decrease the zinc level in feces in weanling pigs.
Adsorption mechanism of CO molecule on Al(111) surface: periodic DFT investigation
Authors: Xu Chenhong , Zhou Suqin , Chen Jing , Wang Yuxiang , He Lei
Published: June 2018

The adsorption mechanism of the CO molecule on Al(111) surface has been investigated systematically at the atom-molecule level by the method of periodic density functional theory. The adsorption energies, adsorption structures, charge transfer, and density of states have been calculated in a wide range of coverage. It is found that the hcp-hollow site is the energetically favorable site. A significant positive correlation has been found between the adsorption energy (Eads) and coverage. The adsorbed CO molecules are almost perpendicular on the surface with the C atom facing the surface. There is an obvious charge transfer from Al atoms to the C atom; the Al atoms that have interaction with the C atom offer the most charge. The 4σ, 1π, and 5σ molecular orbitals of CO are found to contribute to bonding with the Al. The charges filling in the 2π molecular orbital contribute to C–O bond activation. In conclusion, the passivation of aluminum surface and the activation of CO molecule occur simultaneously in the adsorption of CO on Al surface.
Skew cyclic and skew constacyclic codes over the ring 𝔽p + u1𝔽p + ⋯ + u2m𝔽p
Authors: Bag Tushar , Upadhyay Ashish K.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we study skew cyclic and skew constacyclic codes over the ring [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We have introduced some new Gray maps and determined the relation between codes using the [Formula: see text]-Gray images of skew constacyclic codes.
Generalized cyclotomic numbers and cyclic codes of prime power length over Z4
Authors: Batra Sudhir , Jain Sonal
Published: June 2018

Generalized cyclotomic numbers of order [Formula: see text] with respect to an odd prime power are obtained. Hence, explicit expressions for primitive idempotents in the ring [Formula: see text] are obtained in two cases, when the multiplicative order of 2 modulo [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an odd prime. Orthogonality and self-duality of some [Formula: see text] cyclic codes are also discussed. Further, a method for obtaining cyclic self-dual/isodual codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] is given.
Structural properties of super strongly perfect graphs
Authors: Soorya T. E. , Mathew Sunil
Published: June 2018

A graph [Formula: see text] is super strongly perfect if every induced subgraph [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] possesses a minimal dominating set meeting all the maximal cliques of [Formula: see text]. Different structural properties of super strongly perfect graphs are studied in this paper. Some of the special categories of super strongly perfect graphs are identified and characterized. Certain operations of super strongly perfect graphs are also discussed towards the end.
Cholecystokinin induces esophageal longitudinal muscle contraction and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in healthy humans
Authors: Babaei Arash , Mittal Ravinder
Published: June 2018

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is known to cause lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation through the activation of inhibitory motor neurons. CCK receptor agonists increase the frequency of transient LES relaxation through a peripheral mechanism. Recent studies show that the longitudinal muscle contraction (LMC)-related axial stretch might play a role in the LES relaxation by activating the mechanosensitive inhibitory motor neurons. The aim of our study was to determine whether the CCK-induced LES relaxation and the characteristics of LMC resemble those seen with spontaneous transient LES relaxation in humans. Nine healthy volunteers (5 Fr, 40 ± 12 yr) received escalating doses of CCK-octapeptide (CCK-8) (5, 10, 20, and 40 ng/kg). All subjects demonstrated a monophasic response to 5 ng/kg of CCK-8. In the majority of subjects, this response consisted of partial LES relaxation. All subjects showed a biphasic response to 40 ng/kg of CCK-8. The latter in most subjects consisted of 1) a period of partial relaxation followed by 2) complete LES relaxation along with crural diaphragm inhibition. The length of the esophagus decreased by 0.9 ± 0.4 cm, and muscle thickness increased by 40 ± 14% to 1.4 ± 0.2 mm ( P < 0.05) during initial partial LES relaxation. During complete LES relaxation there was greater LMC, as demonstrated by an esophageal shortening of 1.9 ± 0.5 cm and an increase in muscle thickness of 100 ± 16% ( P < 0.01). The complete phase 2 LES relaxation typically terminated with a robust after-contraction. Atropine significantly attenuated the CCK-induced esophageal LMC, prevented crural diaphragm inhibition, and abolished the phase 2 complete LES relaxation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The phenotypic features of CCK-induced longitudinal muscle contraction (LMC), complete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, and crural diaphragm inhibition, followed by a robust after-contraction, resemble those seen during spontaneous transient LES relaxation. A strong temporal relationship between the LMC and complete transient LES relaxation supports our hypothesis that the LMC plays an important role in the LES relaxation and crural diaphragmatic inhibition.
Second-order modeling for the pulmonary oxygen uptake on-kinetics: a comprehensive solution for overshooting and nonovershooting responses to exercise
Authors: de Lima Luis A. P. , Raison Maxime , Achiche Sofiane , de Lucas Ricardo D.
Published: June 2018

The human oxygen uptake (V̇o2) response to step-like increases in work rate is currently modeled by a First Order System Multi-Exponential (FOME) arrangement. Because of their first-order nature, none of FOME model’s exponentials is able to model an overshoot in the oxygen uptake kinetics (OV̇o2K). Nevertheless, OV̇o2K phenomena are observed in the fundamental component of trained individuals’ step responses. We hypothesized that a Mixed Multi-Exponential (MiME) model, where the fundamental component is modeled with a second- instead of a first-order system, would present a better overall performance than that of the traditional FOME model in fitting V̇o2 on-kinetics at all work rates, either presenting or not OV̇o2K. Fourteen well-trained male cyclists performed three step on-transitions at each of three work rates below their individual lactate thresholds’ work rate (WRLT), and two step on-transitions at each of two exercise intensities above WRLT. Averaged responses for each work rate were fitted with MiME and FOME models. Root mean standard errors were used for comparisons between fitting performances. Additionally, a methodology for detecting and quantifying OV̇o2K phenomena is proposed. Second order solutions performed better ( P < 0.000) than the first-order exponential when the OV̇o2K was present, and did not differ statistically ( P = 0.973) in its absence. OV̇o2K occurrences were observed below and, for the first time, above WRLT (88 and 7%, respectively). We concluded that the MiME model is more adequate and comprehensive than the FOME model in explaining V̇o2 step on-transient responses, considering cases with or without OV̇o2K altogether.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study applying second-order system equations to model V̇o2 on-kinetics, which is useful for both mathematical representation and physiological understanding of the overshoot phenomenon manifesting in the fundamental components of some step responses. Moreover, an objective methodology for detecting and quantifying this overshoot that considers data from the whole response is proposed. Finally, this is the first work detecting overshoot occurrences outside the moderate domain of exercise.
Sex-dependent responses to exertional heat stroke in mice
Authors: Garcia Christian K. , Mattingly Alex J. , Robinson Gerard P. , Laitano Orlando , King Michelle A. , Dineen Shauna M. , Leon Lisa R. , Clanton Thomas L.
Published: June 2018

With increasing participation of females in endurance athletics and active military service, it is important to determine if there are inherent sex-dependent susceptibilities to exertional heat injury or heat stroke. In this study we compared responses of male and female adult mice to exertional heat stroke (EHS). All mice were instrumented for telemetry core temperature measurements and were exercise-trained for 3 wk before EHS. During EHS, environmental temperature was 37.5°C (35% RH) while the mice ran on a forced running wheel, using incremental increases in speed. The symptom-limited endpoint was loss of consciousness, occurring at ~42.2°C core temperature. Females ran greater distances (623 vs. 346 m, P < 0.0001), reached faster running speeds (7.2 vs. 5.1 m/min, P < 0.0001), exercised for longer times (177 vs. 124 min, P < 0.0001), and were exposed to greater internal heat loads (240 vs.160°C·min; P < 0.0001). Minimum Tc during hypothermic recovery was ~32.0°C in both sexes. Females lost 9.2% body weight vs. 7.5% in males ( P < 0.001). Females demonstrated higher circulating corticosterone (286 vs 183 ng/ml, P = 0.001, at 3 h), but most plasma cytokines were not different. A component of performance in females could be attributed to greater body surface area/mass and greater external power performance. However, there were significant and independent effects of sex alone and a crossed effect of “sex × power” on performance. These results demonstrate that female mice have greater resistance to EHS during exercise in hyperthermia and that these effects cannot be attributed solely to body size.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Female mice are surprisingly more resistant to exertional heat stroke than male mice. They run faster and longer and can withstand greater internal heat loads. These changes cannot be fully accounted for by increased body surface/mass ratio in females or on differences in aerobic performance. Although the stress-immune response in males and females was similar, females exhibited markedly higher plasma corticosteroid levels, which were sustained over 14 days of recovery.
A Young Male with Severe Myocarditis and Skeletal Muscle Myositis
Authors: Ibrahim Abdalla , Meagher Eoghan , Fraser Alexander , Kiernan Thomas J.
Published: June 2018

A 34-year-old male presented with retrosternal chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a history of a previous episode of myocarditis four years prior. He had elevated troponin T, normal skeletal muscle enzymes, and negative inflammatory markers. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed active myocarditis with extensive myocardial fibrosis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). His myocarditis symptoms resolved with steroids and anti-inflammatory treatment, but on closer questioning, he reported a vague history of long-standing calf discomfort associated with episodes of stiffness, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. MRI of the lower legs consequently demonstrated active myositis in the calf muscles. Immunomodulatory therapy was commenced with good effect. The patient is undergoing regular follow-up in both cardiology and rheumatology outpatient departments. Repeated MRI of the legs showed significant interval improvement in his skeletal muscle myositis, and repeat cardiac MRI demonstrated the resolution of myocarditis along with persistent stable extensive myocardial fibrosis and preserved LVEF. The patient has returned to full-time work.
Serum Folate Correlates with Severity of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Predicts Disease Progression
Authors: Gao Yang , Zhang Hong-Liang , Xin Meiying , Wang Dong , Zheng Nannan , Wang Shuang , Xu Jiancheng , Wang Ying , Zhu Jie , Feng Jiachun
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between serum folate level and the clinical course and severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). We retrospectively enrolled 112 pairs of GBS patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls with measured serum folate levels. On admission, 21 (18.9%) GBS patients had folate deficiency, of which only two were female patients. Patients with normal folate levels had a shorter disease progression than those with folate deficiency (median progression duration: 6 versus 13 days, p < 0.001). Serum folate levels on admission were correlated with progression duration and Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score in the upper limbs at nadir (r = -0.261, p = 0.005; r = -0.208, p = 0.03) but not with the duration of hospital stay or GBS disability score (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that normal folate levels on admission were an independent predictor of faster GBS progression, along with younger age, intact deep sensation, and a lower MRC sum score on admission. These results show that serum folate levels are correlated with the progression duration and severity of GBS. Further studies are required to confirm the potential of folate level as a biomarker for GBS prognosis.
The Construction of Sham Dry Needles and Their Validity
Authors: Mitchell Ulrike H. , Stoneman Paul , Larson Robert E. , Page Garritt L.
Published: June 2018

Appropriate control interventions are necessary to show the treatment effect of dry needling. Different control procedures, such as dry needling of the contralateral side, and sham treatments, such as random and superficial needle insertion, have been utilized in trials. However, those methods might elicit a physiological response and are subsequently not ideal for use as a control. This descriptive study illustrates the construction of low‐cost sham dry needles and evaluates their validity. Forty‐two healthy asymptomatic subjects received either sham or real dry needling intervention to their right gluteal muscles and reported if they felt that the needle pierced the skin. They also graded the severity and qualified (sharp or dull) the pain associated with the intervention. The results showed that most of the subjects in both groups believed the needle penetrated the skin. The quantity of pain associated with the treatment was similar in both groups, but the quality assigned was different. The authors conclude that sham dry needling can be accomplished and used as a valid control treatment in dry needling research using these low‐cost sham needles.
Structure Optimization for Large Gene Networks Based on Greedy Strategy
Authors: Gómez-Vela Francisco , Rodriguez-Baena Domingo S. , Vázquez-Noguera José Luis
Published: June 2018

In the last few years, gene networks have become one of most important tools to model biological processes. Among other utilities, these networks visually show biological relationships between genes. However, due to the large amount of the currently generated genetic data, their size has grown to the point of being unmanageable. To solve this problem, it is possible to use computational approaches, such as heuristics-based methods, to analyze and optimize gene network’s structure by pruning irrelevant relationships. In this paper we present a new method, called GeSOp, to optimize large gene network structures. The method is able to perform a considerably prune of the irrelevant relationships comprising the input network. To do so, the method is based on a greedy heuristic to obtain the most relevant subnetwork. The performance of our method was tested by means of two experiments on gene networks obtained from different organisms. The first experiment shows how GeSOp is able not only to carry out a significant reduction in the size of the network, but also to maintain the biological information ratio. In the second experiment, the ability to improve the biological indicators of the network is checked. Hence, the results presented show that GeSOp is a reliable method to optimize and improve the structure of large gene networks.
Robust Smooth Sliding-Mode-Based Controller with Fixed-Time Convergence for Missiles considering Aerodynamic Uncertainty
Authors: Yun Yuhang , Guo Jie , Tang Shengjing
Published: June 2018

This paper designed a smooth fixed-time-convergent sliding mode controller for a missile flight system considering aerodynamic uncertainties. Fixed-time convergence theory is incorporated with the sliding mode control technique to ensure that the system tracks desired commands within uniform bounded time under different initial conditions. Unlike previous terminal sliding mode approaches, not only is the bound of settling time independent of initial state, indicating that performance metrics like convergence rate can be predicted beforehand, but the control input is designed to be smooth based on adaptive estimations and some mathematical results without introducing any discontinuous items like the signum function, which avoids the problem of chattering consequently. A cascade control structure is employed with the derived control algorithm, and therein, the control input signal is obtained. Finally, a number of simulations are carried out and demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed controller.
Parents' Views on the Best and Worst Reasons for Guideline-Consistent HPV Vaccination
Authors: Gilkey Melissa B. , Zhou Mo , McRee Annie-Laurie , Kornides Melanie L. , Bridges John F.P.
Published: June 2018

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination could prevent most HPV-associated cancers, but few U.S. adolescents are vaccinated according to guidelines. To inform efforts to counsel parents more effectively, we sought to quantify their views on the best and worst reasons for guideline-consistent HPV vaccination. We hypothesized that parents' views would differ according to their vaccination confidence.

Methods: We developed a best–worst scaling experiment to evaluate 11 reasons healthcare providers commonly give for HPV vaccination. The instrument was administered in 2016 via a national online survey to 1,177 parents of adolescents. Parents completed 11 choice tasks of 5 reasons each, indicating the best and worst reason in each task. We used conditional logistic regression to rank reasons for the sample overall and by vaccination confidence (low/high).

Results: Parents viewed cancer prevention as the best reason for HPV vaccination (P < 0.001). Other commonly endorsed reasons were preventing a common infection, having lasting benefits, or being a safe vaccine (all P < 0.001). Reasons viewed as worst were: It is a scientific breakthrough; I got it for my own child; and your child is due (all P < 0.001). Stratified analyses indicated small differences in how often parents with low versus high vaccination confidence endorsed messages (P < 0.001), but the two groups ranked reasons similarly overall.

Conclusions: Parents prioritized cancer prevention as the best reason for guideline-consistent HPV vaccination. Several other common reasons, including having vaccinated one's own child, may warrant additional testing.

Impact: Providers should emphasize cancer prevention when discussing HPV vaccination, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the President's Cancer Panel, and others. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 762–7. ©2018 AACR.
YAP Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Nuclear Localization in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells Are Regulated by LCK and Independent of LATS Activity
Authors: Sugihara Takaaki , Werneburg Nathan W. , Hernandez Matthew C. , Yang Lin , Kabashima Ayano , Hirsova Petra , Yohanathan Lavanya , Sosa Carlos , Truty Mark J. , Vasmatzis George , Gores Gregory J. , Smoot Rory L.
Published: June 2018

The Hippo pathway effector, Yes-associated protein (YAP), is a transcriptional coactivator implicated in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) pathogenesis. YAP is known to be regulated by a serine/threonine kinase relay module (MST1/2–LATS1/2) culminating in phosphorylation of YAP at Serine 127 and cytoplasmic sequestration. However, YAP also undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation, and the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in YAP regulation remains unclear. Herein, YAP regulation by tyrosine phosphorylation was examined in human and mouse CCA cells, as well as patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. YAP was phosphorylated on tyrosine 357 (Y357) in CCA cell lines and PDX models. SRC family kinase (SFK) inhibition with dasatinib resulted in loss of YAPY357 phosphorylation, promoted its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and reduced YAP target gene expression, including cell lines expressing a LATS1/2-resistant YAP mutant in which all serine residues were mutated to alanine. Consistent with these observations, precluding YAPY357 phosphorylation by site-directed mutagenesis (YAPY357F) excluded YAP from the nucleus. Targeted siRNA experiments identified LCK as the SFK that most potently mediated YAPY357 phosphorylation. Likewise, inducible CRISPR/Cas9-targeted LCK deletion decreased YAPY357 phosphorylation and its nuclear localization. The importance of LCK in CCA biology was demonstrated by clinical observations suggesting LCK expression levels were associated with early tumor recurrence following resection of CCA. Finally, dasatinib displayed therapeutic efficacy in PDX models. Mol Cancer Res; 16(10); 1556–67. ©2018 AACR.
In Vivo Multimodal Optical Imaging: Improved Detection of Oral Dysplasia in Low-Risk Oral Mucosal Lesions
Authors: Yang Eric C. , Schwarz Richard A. , Lang Alexander K. , Bass Nancy , Badaoui Hawraa , Vohra Imran S. , Cherry Katelin D. , Williams Michelle D. , Gillenwater Ann M. , Vigneswaran Nadarajah , Richards-Kortum Rebecca R.
Published: June 2018

Early detection of oral cancer and oral premalignant lesions (OPL) containing dysplasia could improve oral cancer outcomes. However, general dental practitioners have difficulty distinguishing dysplastic OPLs from confounder oral mucosal lesions in low-risk populations. We evaluated the ability of two optical imaging technologies, autofluorescence imaging (AFI) and high-resolution microendoscopy (HRME), to diagnose moderate dysplasia or worse (ModDys+) in 56 oral mucosal lesions in a low-risk patient population, using histopathology as the gold standard, and in 46 clinically normal sites. AFI correctly diagnosed 91% of ModDys+ lesions, 89% of clinically normal sites, and 33% of benign lesions. Benign lesions with severe inflammation were less likely to be correctly diagnosed by AFI (13%) than those without (42%). Multimodal imaging (AFI+HRME) had higher accuracy than either modality alone; 91% of ModDys+ lesions, 93% of clinically normal sites, and 64% of benign lesions were correctly diagnosed. Photos of the 56 lesions were evaluated by 28 dentists of varied training levels, including 26 dental residents. We compared the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of clinical impression alone to clinical impression plus AFI and clinical impression plus multimodal imaging using k-Nearest Neighbors models. The mean AUC of the dental residents was 0.71 (range: 0.45–0.86). The addition of AFI alone to clinical impression slightly lowered the mean AUC (0.68; range: 0.40–0.82), whereas the addition of multimodal imaging to clinical impression increased the mean AUC (0.79; range: 0.61–0.90). On the basis of these findings, multimodal imaging could improve the evaluation of oral mucosal lesions in community dental settings. Cancer Prev Res; 11(8); 465–76. ©2018 AACR.
Surrogacy of Time to Progression for Overall Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Systemic Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Terashima Takeshi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Toyama Tadashi , Arai Kuniaki , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Kitamura Kazuya , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: June 2018

Time to progression (TTP) is widely used as the endpoint in early-phase trials of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relevance of using TTP as a surrogate marker for overall survival (OS) in pivotal trials remains uncertain. The PubMed database and ASCO Meeting Library were searched for reports of randomized controlled trials that investigated patients with advanced HCC, included data for both OS and TTP, and were launched between 2009 and 2016. The correlation between hazard ratios (HRs) for TTP and OS was determined using weighted linear regression. Correlations between median OS and TTP, and between median OS and postprogression survival (PPS), defined as the period obtained by subtracting the median TTP from the median OS, were also evaluated. The database search yielded 24 trials with 50 arms. Overall, TTP HR correlated with OS HR (R = 0.73); however, the coefficient in the regression equation was 0.48. The correlation between median OS and median TTP was not so strong (R = 0.50), whereas the correlation between median OS and median PPS was strong (R = 0.78). In advanced HCC, the OS HR can be predicted from the TTP HR, which is useful when considering whether to proceed to a pivotal trial based on the results of early-phase trials. TTP may be a better endpoint than OS for evaluating a novel agent in a pivotal trial, because an improvement in antitumor effect cannot fully reflect an improvement in OS due to the strong impact of PPS on OS.
Association of the Risk of Dental Caries and Polymorphism of MBL2 rs11003125 Gene in Iranian Adults
Authors: Mokhtari Mohammad Javad , Koohpeima Fatemeh , Hashemi-Gorji Feyzollah
Published: June 2018

This case-control study aimed to investigate the effect of rs11003125 in dental caries. For this purpose, a total number of 404 individuals – from Fars Province in Iran – were studied. The technique of this research was the tetra-primer amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR. Dental caries prevalence among the 404 individuals was assessed by counting the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth. In this research, individuals were divided into two groups: cases (n = 238) and controls (n = 166), and the peripheral blood samples were used to extract the genomic DNA. For genotyping of DNA, the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR method was conducted using specific primer pairs. While examining MBL2 rs11003125 polymorphism, we found significant differences in the genotype frequencies between the case and the control group. The pooled estimates indicated that the GG and GC genotypes of MBL2 rs11003125 polymorphism significantly increased, and therefore caries risk (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.31–4.40, p = 0.004) under the dominant model. These findings suggested that polymorphism in MBL2 gene was associated with dental caries in Iranian adults. Further verification is needed with more ethnic groups and larger sample sizes to determine whether rs11003125 polymorphism is related to dental caries in other regions or not.
Association between Elevated C-Reactive Protein and Manic Polarity in Acute Psychiatric Inpatients with Affective Symptomatology
Authors: Zohar Nitzan , Hochman Eldar , Katz Nachum , Krivoy Amir , Weizman Abraham , Barzilay Ran
Published: June 2018

The interplay between the immune system and behaviour is of increasing interest in psychiatry research. Specifically, accumulating data points to a link between inflammation and psychopathology, including affective symptomatology. We investigated the association between inflammation and affective polarity in psychiatric inpatients who were hospitalized due to an affective exacerbation. Data was collected retrospectively and comparisons were made between manic and depressed patients. C-reactive protein (CRP), a general laboratory marker of immune activation and inflammation, was used as a non-specific inflammatory biomarker. Age, smoking and body mass index were considered covariates. Manic polarity (n = 89) was associated with statistically significant elevated CRP levels compared to depressed polarity (n = 44, 56%; p = 0.036), after controlling for covariates. No differences were observed in CRP levels across Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV Edition-Text Revised psychiatric diagnoses. These findings suggest a transdiagnostic association between inflammation and manic polarity in affective inpatients.
XY (SRY-positive) Ovarian Disorder of Sex Development in Cattle
Authors: De Lorenzi Lisa , Arrighi Silvana , Rossi Elena , Grignani Pierangela , Previderè Carlo , Bonacina Stefania , Cremonesi Fausto , Parma Pietro
Published: June 2018

In mammals, the sex of the embryo depends on the SRY gene. In the presence of at least one intact and functional copy of this genetic factor (XY embryo) undifferentiated gonads will develop as testicles that subsequently determine the male phenotype. When this factor is not present, i.e., in subjects with 2 X chromosomes, an alternative pathway induces the development of ovaries, hence a female phenotype. In this case study, we describe a female cattle affected by a disorder of sex development (DSD). The subject, despite having a chromosomal XY constitution, did not develop testicles but ovaries, although they were underdeveloped. Moreover, genetic analysis highlighted the presence of the SRY gene with a normal coding region in both blood- and tissue-derived DNA. A chimeric condition was excluded in blood by sexing more than 350 cells and by allele profile investigation of 18 microsatellite markers. Array CGH analysis showed the presence of a not yet described 99-kb duplication (BTA18), but its relationship with the phenotype remains to be demonstrated. Gonadal histology demonstrated paired ovaries: the left one containing a large corpus luteum and the right one showing an underdeveloped aspect and very few early follicles. To our knowledge, we describe the first case of XY (SRY+) DSD in cattle with a normal SRY gene coding sequence.
Flavorings in Tobacco Products Induce Endothelial Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Fetterman Jessica L. , Weisbrod Robert M. , Feng Bihua , Bastin Reena , Tuttle Shawn T. , Holbrook Monica , Baker Gregory , Robertson Rose Marie , Conklin Daniel J. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Hamburg Naomi M.
Published: June 2018

Objective—

Use of alternative tobacco products including electronic cigarettes is rapidly rising. The wide variety of flavored tobacco products available is of great appeal to smokers and youth. The flavorings added to tobacco products have been deemed safe for ingestion, but the cardiovascular health effects are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 9 flavors on vascular endothelial cell function.

Approach and Results—

Freshly isolated endothelial cells from participants who use nonmenthol- or menthol-flavored tobacco cigarettes showed impaired A23187-stimulated nitric oxide production compared with endothelial cells from nonsmoking participants. Treatment of endothelial cells isolated from nonsmoking participants with either menthol (0.01 mmol/L) or eugenol (0.01 mmol/L) decreased A23187-stimulated nitric oxide production. To further evaluate the effects of flavoring compounds on endothelial cell phenotype, commercially available human aortic endothelial cells were incubated with vanillin, menthol, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, dimethylpyrazine, diacetyl, isoamyl acetate, eucalyptol, and acetylpyrazine (0.1–100 mmol/L) for 90 minutes. Cell death, reactive oxygen species production, expression of the proinflammatory marker IL-6 (interleukin-6), and nitric oxide production were measured. Cell death and reactive oxygen species production were induced only at high concentrations unlikely to be achieved in vivo. Lower concentrations of selected flavors (vanillin, menthol, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and acetylpyridine) induced both inflammation and impaired A23187-stimulated nitric oxide production consistent with endothelial dysfunction.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that short-term exposure of endothelial cells to flavoring compounds used in tobacco products have adverse effects on endothelial cell phenotype that may have relevance to cardiovascular toxicity.
Plasma Ceramides
Authors: Meeusen Jeffrey W. , Donato Leslie J. , Bryant Sandra C. , Baudhuin Linnea M. , Berger Peter B. , Jaffe Allan S.
Published: June 2018

Objective—

Ceramides are sphingolipids involved with cellular signaling. Synthesis of ceramides occurs in all tissues. Ceramides accumulate within tissues and the blood plasma during metabolic dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Elevations of ceramides are predictive of cardiovascular mortality. We sought to verify the utility of plasma concentrations of 4 ceramides: N-palmitoyl-sphingosine [Cer(16:0)], N-stearoyl-sphingosine [Cer(18:0)], N-nervonoyl-sphingosine [Cer(24:1)], and N-lignoceroyl-sphingosine [Cer(24:0)] in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in a diverse patient population referred for coronary angiography.

Approach and Results—

Plasma ceramides were measured in 495 participants before nonurgent coronary angiography. Coronary artery disease, defined as >50% stenosis in ≥1 coronary artery, was identified 265 (54%) cases. Ceramides were not significantly associated with coronary artery disease. Patients were followed for a combined primary end point of myocardial infarction, percutaneous intervention, coronary artery bypass, stroke, or death within 4 years. Ceramides were significantly predictive of outcomes after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, smoking, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, triglycerides, serum glucose, and family history of coronary artery disease. The fully adjusted per SD hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.50 (1.16–1.93) for Cer(16:0), 1.42 (1.11–1.83) for Cer(18:0), 1.43 (1.08–1.89) for Cer(24:1), and 1.58 (1.22–2.04) for the ceramide risk score.

Conclusions—

Elevated plasma concentrations of ceramides are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with and without coronary artery disease.
Impact of Gut Microbiota and Diet on the Development of Atherosclerosis in
Apoe
−/−
Mice
Authors: Lindskog Jonsson Annika , Caesar Robert , Akrami Rozita , Reinhardt Christoph , Fåk Hållenius Frida , Borén Jan , Bäckhed Fredrik
Published: June 2018

Objective—

To investigate the effect of gut microbiota and diet on atherogenesis.

Approach and Results—

Here, we investigated the interaction between the gut microbiota and diet on atherosclerosis by feeding germ-free or conventionally raised
Apoe
−/−
mice chow or Western diet alone or supplemented with choline (which is metabolized by the gut microbiota and host enzymes to trimethylamine N-oxide) for 12 weeks. We observed smaller aortic lesions and lower plasma cholesterol levels in conventionally raised mice compared with germ-free mice on a chow diet; these differences were not observed in mice on a Western diet. Choline supplementation increased plasma trimethylamine N-oxide levels in conventionally raised mice but not in germ-free mice. However, this treatment did not affect the size of aortic lesions or plasma cholesterol levels. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. As expected, the global community structure and relative abundance of many taxa differed between mice fed chow or a Western diet. Choline supplementation had minor effects on the community structure although the relative abundance of some taxa belonging to
Clostridiales
was altered.

Conclusions—

In conclusion, the impact of the gut microbiota on atherosclerosis is dietary dependent and is associated with plasma cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the microbiota was required for trimethylamine N-oxide production from dietary choline, but this process could not be linked to increased atherosclerosis in this model.
Unmasking Myocardial Bridge–Related Ischemia by Intracoronary Functional Evaluation
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Barioli Alberto , Nai Fovino Luca , Fraccaro Chiara , Masiero Giulia , Iliceto Sabino , Napodano Massimo
Published: June 2018

Background—

Invasive physiological assessment of myocardial bridges (MBs) is largely unsettled. Unlike fractional flow reserve (FFR), instantaneous wave–free ratio (iFR) is a diastole-specific index. As such, its value might not be hampered by systolic pressure overshooting and negative systolic pressure gradient caused by the compression of the tunneled coronary artery.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively enrolled 20 patients with angina and/or positive noninvasive stress test, absence of significant coronary artery stenosis, and angiographic suspicion/evidence of MB in the left anterior descending artery. According to a prespecified protocol, all patients underwent functional intracoronary evaluation with FFR at rest and after dobutamine (up to 20 μg kg
−1
min
−1
) and atropine (1 mg) intravenous infusion. iFR at baseline and dobutamine-induced hyperemic wave–free period pressure ratio were also recorded. FFR values ≤0.80 and iFR values ≤0.89 were considered indicative of hemodynamic significance of MB. At baseline, no MB was hemodynamically significant according to FFR, whereas iFR was below the cutoff value in all but 7 patients. During inotropic challenge, median FFR did not change significantly (0.87–0.86,
P
=0.59).

Conclusions—

Physiological evaluation of MBs with iFR seems to be more consistent with patients’ symptoms and noninvasive test results compared with FFR.
The ‘Alawī Shaykhs of Religion
Authors: Goldsmith Leon T.
Published: June 2018

Gaining insight into the past, present and potential future roles and functions of the ‘Alawī sect’s religious leadership is problematic amidst the ongoing Syrian conflict. The purpose of this short introduction is to shed some light on the subject of ‘Alawī religious leadership and highlight the historical importance of ‘Alawī religious shaykhs to the preservation of their community. The study applied an inductive, exploratory and qualitative approach based on the reliable secondary literature, field observation and interviews with some key personalities from within the sect. The main discovery highlighted in the article is that the traditional influence and capacity of ‘Alawī religious leaders to guide and preserve the community has been drastically impaired since the 1980s. This became a crucial factor in the dilemma ‘Alawīs faced at the onset of the Syrian crisis in 2011. This study hopes to contribute to the question of ‘Alawī religious and communal identity in the twenty-first century, a subject of importance to efforts to resolve the Syria crisis.
Sufi Religious Leaders and Sufi Orders in the Contemporary Middle East
Authors: Sedgwick Mark
Published: June 2018

This article examines the authority of the Sufi shaykh, which it divides between the esoteric and the exoteric (which includes the social implications of esoteric authority) and analyses with help from Weber. In principle Sufi shaykhs are among the most important leaders of the Sunni faithful. In practice, however, the Sufi shaykh now has much less power and authority than might be expected. This is partly because modern states have, in general, reduced the power of Sufi shaykhs, and because decline in the power of the ʿulamaʾ has included the decline of the power of Sufi shaykhs who are also ʿulamaʾ. It is also because there is an inverse relationship between the power of the shaykh and the size of his ṭarīqa (order). The most powerful shaykh is the one with primarily charismatic authority, but his ṭarīqa will be small. The largest ṭarīqa is led by a shaykh whose authority depends on tradition and heredity; his power is not so great. This paradox is not changed by the availability, for political reasons, of new sources of state support for the leadership role of Sufi shaykhs as an alternative to Salafi and ikhwāni Islam.
New names of fossil Cyperaceae of Northern Eurasia
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: June 2018

The fossil-species of Scirpus sensu lato are re-classified in currently recognized distinct genera, Amphiscirpus, Bolboschoenus, Schoenoplectiella and Schoenoplectus. New combinations are validated: Amphiscirpus tertiarius comb. nov., Bolboschoenus kreczetoviczii comb. nov., B. longispermus comb. nov., B. pliocenicus comb. nov., B. wieliczkeviczii comb. nov., Schoenoplectiella dravertii comb. nov., S. juliae comb. nov., S. khachlovii comb. nov., S. kipianiae comb. nov., S. lucens comb. nov., S. meotica comb. nov., S. nikitinii comb. nov., S. palaeobucharica comb. nov., S. palibinii comb. nov., S. ragozinii comb. nov., S. suchovii comb. nov., S. szaferi comb. nov., Schoenoplectus liratus comb. nov., S. lusaticus comb. nov. and S. odessanus comb. nov. A new fossil-species Schoenoplectiella isolepioides sp. nov. is validated instead of invalidly published ‘Scirpus (Schoenoplectus) isolepioides’ Mai & Walther. Fossil Scirpus leptocarpus Negru, being an illegitimate later homonym of extant Scirpus leptocarpus Mueller, is re-named Scirpus novorossicus nom. nov. Carex × notholimosioides nom. nov. (C. limosa × C. paleacea) is proposed to replace the later homonym C. × limosoides Cayouette (extant) non C. limosioides Negru (fossil). Cladium crassum Negru (fossil) is replaced by a new name Cladium transdnestrovicum nom. nov., on account of the earlier homonym, C. crassum (Thwaites) Kükenthal (extant). Fossil-species of the genus Dichostylis, a nomenclaturally superfluous name, and unrecognized genus Acorellus are re-classified and transferred to Cyperus: Cyperus distachyoformis comb. nov., C. germanicus comb. nov., C. maii nom. nov., C. pliocenicus comb. nov., C. protohamulosus comb. nov., C. pygmaeoides comb. nov. and C. waltheri nom. nov. Scirpus khachlovii and S. suchovii are lectotypified for the first time.
New species of Compsocidae (Insecta, Psocodea) from Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: SROKA PAVEL , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: June 2018

A new fossil species of the family Compsocidae, namely Burmacompsocus coniugans sp. nov. is described from Late Cretaceous Burmese amber. Diagnostic characters separating the new species from the previously known representatives of the genus are discussed. Details of mouthparts and genitalia are described for the genus for the first time. The discovery of the new species supports the hypothesis of higher Compsocidae diversity existing in the past compared with the present.
Hurricane Strikes and Migration: Evidence from Storms in Central America and the Caribbean
Authors: Spencer Nekeisha , Urquhart Mikhail-Ann
Published: June 2018

This study estimates the impact of hurricanes on migration from 30 Central American and Caribbean countries to the United States from 1989 to 2005. In contrast to previous studies, hurricane destruction indices are employed to study the relationship of hurricanes and migration. These indices measure geographical destruction, which gives a more comprehensive and accurate view of the damage and impact that hurricanes have on the movement of people to international destinations. Controlling for the host country’s migrant stock and the home country’s income, country fixed-effects estimation shows that hurricanes have a positive impact on the ratio of the number of migrants to the home country’s population. On average, hurricanes increase migration by roughly 6%, but the impact is greater for more damaging storms. Estimating the geographical effects reveals that the size of this impact varies across countries. The most damaging storms are related to an increase up to 540% in the ratio of migrants to the home country’s population.
Trait Emotion Regulation Predicts Individual Differences in Momentary Emotion and Experience
Authors: Maxwell Reed , Lynn Steven Jay , Strauss Gregory P.
Published: June 2018

A sizable literature has yet to establish a reliable empirical connection between the trait conceptualization of emotion regulation as habitual, cross-situation emotion regulation tendencies and its state conceptualization as real-time, fluid, momentary emotion–situation interactivity and dependency. Thus, an open question remains: Do self-reported differences in tendencies to use one or another emotion regulation strategy predict self-reported, momentary emotional states and experiences, and are differences in these emotional states consistent with differences in emotional reactivity observed in previous studies among individuals in experimental paradigms asked to make real-time use of the emotion regulation strategies represented by these trait measures? If trait measures of emotion regulation validly reflect actual uses of particular strategies (e.g., expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal), then these measures should predict individual differences in momentary emotions and experiences associated with habitual use of these strategies. Examining a sample of 177 participants, we found that differential endorsements of habitual strategy use on these measures were associated with individual differences in self-reported momentary emotion and experience that correspond to well-documented differences in reactivity reported among individuals instructed to apply these strategies in experimental settings. Limitations of these findings and suggestions for future directions are discussed.
Micro-endoscopic discectomy versus percutaneous endoscopic surgery for lumbar disk herniation
Authors: Abudurexiti Tuerhongjiang , Qi Ling , Muheremu Aikeremujiang , Amudong Aierken
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study was performed to compare the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) versus micro-endoscopic discectomy (MED) in the treatment of patients with lumbar disk herniation.

Methods

In total, 216 patients treated for lumbar disk herniation in our center from January 2016 to July 2017 were prospectively divided into two groups according to the treatment received. One group was treated with PELD and the other group was treated with MED. The surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, total hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score before and after the surgery were compared between the groups.

Results

The surgical duration was significantly longer in the PELD than MED group. The intraoperative blood loss volume was significantly larger in the MED than PELD group. The total hospital stay was significantly longer in the MED than PELD group. The decline in the VAS pain score and increase in the ODI score after surgery were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Although PELD is associated with a longer surgical duration than MED, it should still be considered superior to MED because of less intraoperative hemorrhage and a significantly shorter hospitalization time.