bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transdiagnostic multimodal neuroimaging in psychosis: structural, resting-state, and task MRI correlates of cognitive control
Authors: Lerman-Sinkoff Dov B. , Kandala Sridhar , Calhoun Vince D. , Barch Deanna M. , Mamah Daniel T.
Published: March 2018

Background

Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are associated with impairments in regulation of goal-directed behavior, termed cognitive control. Cognitive control related neural alterations have been studied in psychosis. However, studies are typically unimodal and relationships across modalities of brain function and structure remain unclear. Thus, we performed transdiagnostic multimodal analyses to examine cognitive control related neural variation in psychosis.

Methods

Structural, resting, and working memory task imaging and behavioral data for 31 controls, 27 bipolar, and 23 schizophrenia patients were collected and processed identically to the Human Connectome Project (HCP), enabling identification of relationships with prior multimodal work. Two cognitive control related independent components (ICs) derived from the HCP using multiset canonical correlation analysis + joint independent component analysis (mCCA+jICA) were used to predict performance in psychosis. de novo mCCA+jICA was performed, and resultant IC weights were correlated with cognitive control.

Results

A priori ICs significantly predicted cognitive control in psychosis (3/5 modalities significant). De novo mCCA+jICA identified an IC correlated with cognitive control that also discriminated groups. Structural contributions included insular, somatomotor, cingulate, and visual regions; task contributions included precentral, posterior parietal, cingulate, and visual regions; and resting-state contributions highlighted canonical network organization. Follow-up analyses suggested de novo correlations with cognitive control were primarily influenced by schizophrenia patients.

Conclusions

A priori components partially predicted performance in transdiagnostic psychosis and de novo analyses identified novel contributions in somatomotor and visual regions in schizophrenia. Together, results suggest joint contributions across modalities related to cognitive control across the healthy-to-psychosis spectrum.
Human sensory Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) predicts visual memory performance and is modulated by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism
Authors: Spriggs M.J. , Thompson C.S. , Moreau D , McNair N.A. , Wu C.C. , Lamb Y.N. , McKay N.S. , King R.O.C. , Antia U. , Shelling A.N. , Hamm J.P. , Teyler T.J. , Russell B.R. , Waldie K.W. , Kirk I.J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) is recognised as a core neuronal process underlying long-term memory. However, a direct relationship between LTP and human memory performance is yet to be demonstrated. The first aim of the current study was thus to assess the relationship between LTP and human long-term memory performance. With this also comes an opportunity to explore factors thought to mediate the relationship between LTP and long-term memory, and to gain additional insight into variations in memory function and memory decline. The second aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between LTP and memory in groups differing with respect to BDNF Val66Met; a single nucleotide polymorphism implicated in memory function.

Methods

28 participants (15 female) were split into three genotype groups (Val/Val, Val/Met, Met/Met) and were presented with both an EEG paradigm for inducing LTP-like enhancements of the visually-evoked response, and a test of visual memory.

Results

The magnitude of LTP 40 minutes after induction was predictive of long-term memory performance. Additionally, the BDNF Met allele was associated with both reduced LTP and reduced memory performance.

Conclusions

The current study not only presents the first evidence for a relationship between sensory LTP and human memory performance, but also demonstrates how targeting this relationship can provide insight into factors implicated in variation in human memory performance. It is anticipated that this will be of utility to future clinical studies of disrupted memory function.
Structural view on the role of WT1’s zinc finger 1 in DNA binding
Authors: Yengo Raymond K. , Nurmemmedov Elmar , Thunnissen Marjolein M
Published: March 2018

The WT1 protein is a transcription factor that controls genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. It has become increasing apparent that WT1 can act both as a tumor suppressor and oncogene in a tissue specific manner. This opposing role of WT1 is linked to its underlying transcriptional regulatory function, which involves the specific binding to its regulatory elements on gene promoters. WT1 binds DNA using it C-terminal domain made up of 4 C2H2-typ zinc fingers. This same zinc finger domain is used to bind RNA and proteins and it is still not clear how each zinc finger contributes to this promiscuous binding behavior. The molecular details of DNA binding by zinc finger 2 to 4 have been described but it remains to be determined whether or not zinc finger 1 binds DNA and if so whether it exhibits any DNA binding specificity. We present the X-ray structures of zinc finger 1 to 3 bound to a 9 bp and an 8 bp DNA. The two structures refined to 1.7 Å, show no DNA binding specificity for zinc finger 1. The only DNA interactions involving zinc finger 1 are crystal-packing interactions with a symmetry related molecule. In the structure of zinc finger 1 to 3 bound to the 9 bp DNA we observe a shift in the DNA binding positions for zinc fingers 2 and 3. These structures provide molecular detail into the WT1-DNA interaction showing that zinc finger 1 only modestly contributes to DNA binding affinity through transient interactions. The dislocation of zinc finger 2 and 3 emphasizes the importance of zinc finger 4 for maintaining gene transcriptional specificity.
The interval transfer of a frozen‐thawed embryo is more successful than a fresh embryo transfer for women undergoing IVF with recurrent implantation failure after cleavage stage embryo biopsy
Authors: Pontré Jennifer C. , Ryan John P. , Tan Andy , Hart Roger J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is repeated unsuccessful embryo transfers (ETs).

Aims

To identify predictive embryonic markers of implantation in RIF, following pre‐implantation genetic screening (PGS) of cleavage stage embryos, after accounting for male and female factors.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of RIF patients undergoing PGS after correction of modifiable causes.

Results

Eighty‐four patients underwent 140 in vitro ferilisation cycles. Forty‐one cycles were excluded: 12 (no embryo for transfer), four (double ETs) and 25 (no biopsy). Sixty‐three patients underwent 99 single euploid ETs (48 fresh, 51 frozen) resulting in 11 biochemical pregnancies, 36 clinical pregnancies (CP), and six miscarriages and 30 live births (LB). Frozen ET was more successful than fresh; respective live birth rate (LBR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), 39.2% versus 20.8%, (P = 0.02), 45.1% versus 27.1% (P = 0.04).

LBR and CPR were lower when 5–6 blastomeres were present at embryo biopsy, compared to embryos with ≥7 blastomeres: 15.4% versus 32.6% (P = 0.185) and 15.4% versus 39.5% (P = 0.074) respectively. Serum β human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) concentration was greater when a more developed embryo was biopsied (r = 0.448, P = 0.017 and r = 0.476, P = 0.118, fresh and frozen transfers, respectively).

Embryo morphokinetic analysis demonstrated faster development to blastocyst stage when more cells were present at biopsy: mean 103.3, 102.2 and 96.0 h for biopsy at the 5–6, 7–8 or ≥9 cell stage respectively (P = 0.040 for difference between 7–8 cells vs ≥9).

Conclusions

After cleavage stage biopsy, frozen ET was more successful than fresh ET. Chance of conception and serum βhCG concentration correlated with number of cells present at time of biopsy.
Determination and Comparison of Physical and Physiological Characteristics of Football Players in the U10-17 Categories
Authors: Göksu Ömercan , Yüksek Selami
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted to determine some motoric characteristics of children football players in the 10-17 age group and to compare them according to their playing positions.The study was carried out with voluntary participation of a total of 190 licensed athletes in Turkey Football Federation "U" category playing in Çeliktepe, Aslantepe and Seyrantepe sports club (U10-U17).The athletes participated in the study were divided into the 10-13 and 14-17 age categories, and further divided into three groups, namely defensive, midfield and forward player groups according to their playing positions. Demographic information about the age, football sports age and playing positions of the athletes were recorded. The research measurements were made during the first week of the preparatory period at the start of the season. All participants were subjected to motoric tests that measure speed, agility, horizontal jump, endurance and balance parameters, which are considered important for football branch. In the analysis of the data, the SPSS 23.0 statistical program was used. The Kolmogorov Smirmov test was used to determine whether the data showed normal distribution, and "One-Way ANOVA", followed by "Tukey HSD" were used for the parameters with normal distribution, whereas "Kruskal-Wallis" and "Mann-Whitney U" test were used for the data with non-normal distribution; and p<0.05 was accepted as the level of significance.As a result of the analysis of the data, there were statistically significant differences between motoric test results in term of the playing positions of football players (p<0.05).As a result, it was determined that some of the motoric performance differences, prominent in early periods among football players playing in different positions, decrease in the following years due to age, training and experience factors and that all football players in all positions have similar motoric performances in today's football. Thus, it can be said that it is important for players to have similar motoric parameters in the sense that they can compete with each other, considering that the players playing in different positions (forward-defense, etc.) come across during competitions.
Effect of Spinning Cycling Training on Body Composition in Women
Authors: Kaya Fatih , Nar Dilek , Erzeybek Mustafa Said
Published: March 2018

In this study the effects of a 6 week spinning cycling training on the body composition of women were investigated. Twelve sedentary women (32-47 years old) voluntarily participated in this study. The 6-week training program consisted of exercise sessions on 3 days per week. The intensity of the training program that was kept low in the beginning was increased in the subsequent weeks. The training sessions including the warm-up and cool down lasted for 30-60 minutes. The analyses on the body compositions were measured regularly every week with bioelectrical impedance method. In data analysis descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used. In the end of the 6-week spinning workouts positive changes were observed in many parameters related to body composition. Particularly after the 3rd week the significant changes recorded were noteworthy. At the end of the 6th week those who were overweight by World Health Organization (WHO) standards moved onto normal weight category and those who were obese became overweight. In conclusion it was seen that the spinning cycling workouts were seen as as effective method to lose weight and reduce the body fat ratio among women in this age group. This exercise method may be recommended for getting good results among obese and overweight women in a short period of time.
Examining Social Studies Teachers’ Views on Branch Teachers’ Committee Meetings
Authors: Kılcan Bahadır , Çepni Osman , Kılınç Ali Çağatay
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine the views of social studies teachers on branch teachers’ committee meetings (BTCM). This study utilized a qualitative method, phenomenological design. The sample of the research is composed of 16 teachers working in public secondary schools in the central district of Karabük province during the spring school term of 2016-2017and the participants were selected by convenient sampling method under purposeful sampling methods. The data of the study were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. Content analysis was used to analyze the data obtained from the participants. The results revealed that social studies teachers’ views on BTCMs were collected under four main themes entitled “things planned in BTCMs”, “decisions made in BTCMs”, “BTCMs in terms of the quality of social sciences teaching in school” and “The effectiveness of BTCMs”. Results of the study were discussed in line with the relevant literature and a number of suggestions were presented.
Estimating the Return of Higher Education in Algeria: Evidence From Adrar University
Authors: Houcine Benlaria , Sofiane Mostéfaoui
Published: March 2018

This study aims to measure the individual rate of return for investment in higher education at Adrar University by using both basic and extended Mincerian Earnings Function. In addition to this, the comparison had been established between the results obtained and those of other researches in the same domain.We adopted in the research the model of Mincer in evaluating the rate of the economic returns according to previous classifications and the effective experience got by the individual in the work (measured by years). The result of the model application states that the economic return of university education in Algeria has been improved by 8.49% based on the benchmark of Psacharopoulos International Return measured by 9.8%.We conclude that there is no general trend by which we can interpret the results but this lack of interpretation refers to the typical situation of the Algerian economy and its impact on the human capital (education specifically) as it is known that the relationship between the economic development and the human development is positive.
Routing in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: Main Characteristics and Tendencies
Authors: Alves Junior Joilson , Wille Emilio C. G.
Published: March 2018

The message routing in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is an attractive and promising area for research. These networks do not have a central coordination, the nodes are mobile, and the topology is highly dynamic, making the routing process a big challenge, since it is responsible for ensuring message delivery with small overhead and delay. In the literature, there are several routing protocols that can be used in VANETs; in this way, the main objective of this work is to classify, discuss, and compare such protocols through a review of research in this field. The protocol classification is based on the following criteria: type of architecture and mode of operation. Moreover, this work emphasizes the potential of the application of bioinspired and bus-based techniques in the routing problem solutions, which has been revealed as a main tendency nowadays. Bioinspired routing protocols are based on the behavior of entities in the nature, and they are meant to work in a distributed mode, using mobile agents to find routes with specific features. In a parallel line of research, the differentiated behavior of urban transport vehicles suggests that a system that makes use of buses to create a communication infrastructure can perform better when compared to a system that does not distinguish between vehicles.
Skull Base Osteomyelitis from Otitis Media Presenting as the Collet-Sicard Syndrome
Authors: Low Wong-Kein , Lhu Hui-Ling
Published: March 2018

Skull base osteomyelitis can involve the jugular foramen and its associated cranial nerves resulting in specific clinical syndromes. The Collet-Sicard syndrome describes the clinical manifestations of palsies involving cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII. We present a rare atypical case of skull base osteomyelitis originating from infection of the middle ear and causing the Collet-Sicard syndrome. Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, this occurred in an elderly diabetic man subsequent to retention of a cotton swab in an ear with chronic suppurative otitis media. This case report illustrates the possibility of retained cotton swabs contributing to the development of otitis media, skull base osteomyelitis, and ultimately the Collet-Sicard syndrome in the ears of immune-compromised patients with chronically perforated eardrums.
Effect of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response
Authors: Cardia Gabriel Fernando Esteves , Silva-Filho Saulo Euclides , Silva Expedito Leite , Uchida Nancy Sayuri , Cavalcante Heitor Augusto Otaviano , Cassarotti Larissa Laila , Salvadego Valter Eduardo Cocco , Spironello Ricardo Alexandre , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida , Cuman Roberto Kenji Nakamura
Published: March 2018

Lavandula angustifolia is a plant of Lamiaceae family, with many therapeutic properties and biological activities, such as anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on acute inflammatory response. LEO was analyzed using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) methods and showed predominance of 1,8‐cineole (39.83%), borneol (22.63%), and camphor (22.12%). LEO at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 3, and 10 μg/ml did not present in vitro cytotoxicity. Additionally, LEO did not stimulate the leukocyte chemotaxis in vitro. The LEO topical application at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ear reduced edema formation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and nitric oxide (NO) production in croton oil‐induced ear edema model. In carrageenan‐induced paw edema model, LEO treatment at doses of 75, 100, and 250 mg/kg reduced edema formation, MPO activity, and NO production. In dextran‐induced paw edema model, LEO at doses of 75 and 100 mg/kg reduced paw edema and MPO activity. In conclusion, LEO presented anti‐inflammatory activity, and the mechanism proposed of LEO seems to be, at least in part, involving the participation of prostanoids, NO, proinflammatory cytokines, and histamine.
Low Autophagy (ATG) Gene Expression Is Associated with an Immature AML Blast Cell Phenotype and Can Be Restored during AML Differentiation Therapy
Authors: Jin Jing , Britschgi Adrian , Schläfli Anna M. , Humbert Magali , Shan-Krauer Deborah , Batliner Jasmin , Federzoni Elena A. , Ernst Marion , Torbett Bruce E. , Yousefi Shida , Simon Hans-Uwe , Tschan Mario P.
Published: March 2018

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system that ensures a dynamic recycling of a variety of building blocks required for self‐renewal, homeostasis, and cell survival under stress. We used primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples and human AML cell lines to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy and its role in AML differentiation. We found a significantly lower expression of key autophagy‐ (ATG‐) related genes in primary AML as compared to healthy granulocytes, an increased autophagic activity during all‐trans retinoic acid‐ (ATRA‐) induced neutrophil differentiation, and an impaired AML differentiation upon inhibition of ATG3, ATG4D, and ATG5. Supporting the notion of noncanonical autophagy, we found that ATRA‐induced autophagy was Beclin1‐independent compared to starvation‐ or arsenic trioxide‐ (ATO‐) induced autophagy. Furthermore, we identified PU.1 as positive transcriptional regulator of ATG3, ATG4D, and ATG5. Low PU.1 expression in AML may account for low ATG gene expression in this disease. Low expression of the autophagy initiator ULK1 in AML can partially be attributed to high expression of the ULK1‐targeting microRNA‐106a. Our data clearly suggest that granulocytic AML differentiation relies on noncanonical autophagy pathways and that restoring autophagic activity might be beneficial in differentiation therapies.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer to Radiotherapy through Downregulation of Proliferative and Angiogenic Biomarkers
Authors: Liu Taiguo , Duo Lina , Duan Ping
Published: March 2018

Background. Radiation therapy is an important mode of colorectal cancer treatment. However, most people die of local recurrence after tumors become resistant to radiotherapy, and little progress has been made in treating radiotherapy‐resistant colorectal cancer. Hence, novel agents that are nontoxic and can sensitize colorectal cancer to radiotherapy are urgently needed. Ginsenoside Rg3, a saponin extracted from ginseng, shows cytotoxicity against a variety of cancer cells through suppression of pathways linked to oncogenesis, including cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. In this article, we investigated whether Rg3 can sensitize colorectal cancer to radiation in vivo. Methods and Materials. We established CT‐26 xenografts in BALB/c mice and treated them with vehicle, Rg3, radiation, and combined Rg3 + radiation. Mouse quality of life, survival, tumor volumes, and inhibitive rates were estimated. NF‐κB activation was ascertained using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunohistochemistry. We also tested for markers of proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Results. Rg3 significantly enhanced the efficacy of fractionated radiotherapy by improving the quality of life of mice. Moreover, tumors from mice xenografted with CT‐26 cells and treated with combined Rg3 + radiotherapy showed significantly lower tumor volumes (P < 0.01 versus controls; P < 0.05 versus radiation alone), NF‐κB activation, and expression of NF‐κB‐regulated gene products (cyclin D1, survivin, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) compared with controls. The combination treatment was also effective in suppressing angiogenesis, as indicated by lower CD31+ microvessel density compared with controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Our results suggest that Rg3 enhances the antitumor effects of radiotherapy for colorectal cancer by suppressing NF‐κB and NF‐κB‐regulated gene products, leading to inhibition of tumors and prolongation of the lifespan of CT‐26 xenograft BALB/c mice.
Methane Medicine: A Rising Star Gas with Powerful Anti‐Inflammation, Antioxidant, and Antiapoptosis Properties
Authors: Jia Yifan , Li Zeyu , Liu Chang , Zhang Jingyao
Published: March 2018

Methane, the simplest organic compound, was deemed to have little physiological action for decades. However, recently, many basic studies have discovered that methane has several important biological effects that can protect cells and organs from inflammation, oxidant, and apoptosis. Heretofore, there are two delivery methods that have been applied to researches and have been proved to be feasible, including the inhalation of methane gas and injection with the methane‐rich saline. This review studies on the clinical development of methane and discusses about the mechanism behind these protective effects. As a new field in gas medicine, this study also comes up with some problems and prospects on methane and further studies.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of ROS: New Insights on Aging and Aging‐Related Diseases from Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Model Organisms
Authors: Santos Ana L. , Sinha Sanchari , Lindner Ariel B.
Published: March 2018

Aging is associated with the accumulation of cellular damage over the course of a lifetime. This process is promoted in large part by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated via cellular metabolic and respiratory pathways. Pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and genetic interventions have been used to target cellular and mitochondrial networks in an effort to decipher aging and age‐related disorders. While ROS historically have been viewed as a detrimental byproduct of normal metabolism and associated with several pathologies, recent research has revealed a more complex and beneficial role of ROS in regulating metabolism, development, and lifespan. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in ROS research, focusing on both the beneficial and harmful roles of ROS, many of which are conserved across species from bacteria to humans, in various aspects of cellular physiology. These studies provide a new context for our understanding of the parts ROS play in health and disease. Moreover, we highlight the utility of bacterial models to elucidate the molecular pathways by which ROS mediate aging and aging‐related diseases.
Identification of Gastric Cancer-Related Circular RNA through Microarray Analysis and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Gu Wei , Sun Ying , Zheng Xiong , Ma Jin , Hu Xiao-Ying , Gao Tian , Hu Mei-Jie
Published: March 2018

Gastric cancer is one of the common malignant tumors worldwide. Increasing studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the cancer progression and have shown great potential as useful markers and therapeutic targets. However, the precise mechanism and functions of most circRNAs are still unknown in gastric cancer. In the present study, we performed a microarray analysis to detect circRNA expression changes between tumor samples and adjacent nontumor samples. The miRNA expression profiles were obtained from the National Center of Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The differentially expressed circRNAs and miRNAs were identified through fold change filtering. The interactions between circRNAs and miRNAs were predicted by Arraystar’s home-made miRNA target prediction software. After circRNA-related miRNAs and dysregulated miRNAs were intersected, 23 miRNAs were selected. The target mRNAs of miRNAs were predicted by TarBase v7.0. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and pathway analysis were performed using standard enrichment computational methods for the target mRNAs. The results of pathway analysis showed that p53 signaling pathway and hippo signal pathway were significantly enriched and CCND2 was a cross-talk gene associated with them. Finally, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulation network was constructed based on the gene expression profiles and bioinformatics analysis results to identify hub genes and hsa_circRNA_101504 played a central role in the network.
Fast and Accurate Genome-Wide Association Test of Multiple Quantitative Traits
Authors: Wu Baolin , Pankow James S.
Published: March 2018

Multiple correlated traits are often collected in genetic studies. By jointly analyzing multiple traits, we can increase power by aggregating multiple weak effects and reveal additional insights into the genetic architecture of complex human diseases. In this article, we propose a multivariate linear regression-based method to test the joint association of multiple quantitative traits. It is flexible to accommodate any covariates, has very accurate control of type I errors, and offers very competitive performance. We also discuss fast and accurate significancepvalue computation especially for genome-wide association studies with small-to-medium sample sizes. We demonstrate through extensive numerical studies that the proposed method has competitive performance. Its usefulness is further illustrated with application to genome-wide association analysis of diabetes-related traits in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. We found some very interesting associations with diabetes traits which have not been reported before. We implemented the proposed methods in a publicly available R package.
Underwater Acoustic Communication Quality Evaluation Model Based on USV
Authors: Lv Zhichao , Zhang Jie , Jin Jiucai , Li Qi , Liu Lanjun , Zhang Pengcheng , Gao Baoru
Published: March 2018

The unmanned surface vehicle (USV) integrated with acoustic modems has some advantages such as easy integration, rapid placement, and low cost, which becomes a kind of selective novel node in the underwater acoustic (UWA) communication network and a kind of underwater or overwater communication relay as well. However, it is difficult to ensure the communication quality among the nodes on the network due to the random underwater acoustic channel, the severe marine environment, and the complex mobile node system. Aiming to model the communication characteristics of the USV, the multipath effect and Doppler effect are main concerns for the UWA communication in this paper, so that the ray beam method is utilized, the channel transmission function and the channel gain are obtained, and the mobile communication quality evaluation model is built. The simulation and lake experiments verify that the built mobile UWA communication quality evaluation model on USV can provide preference and technique support for USV applications.
Formyl Peptide Receptor 1 Modulates Endothelial Cell Functions by NADPH Oxidase‐Dependent VEGFR2 Transactivation
Authors: Cattaneo Fabio , Castaldo Martina , Parisi Melania , Faraonio Raffaella , Esposito Gabriella , Ammendola Rosario
Published: March 2018

In the vasculature, NADPH oxidase is the main contributor of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which play a key role in endothelial signalling and functions. We demonstrate that ECV304 cells express p47phox, p67phox, and p22phox subunits of NADPH oxidase, as well as formyl peptide receptors 1 and 3 (FPR1/3), which are members of the GPCR family. By RT‐PCR, we also detected Flt‐1 and Flk‐1/KDR in these cells. Stimulation of FPR1 by N‐fMLP induces p47phox phosphorylation, which is the crucial event for NADPH oxidase‐dependent superoxide production. Transphosphorylation of RTKs by GPCRs is a biological mechanism through which the information exchange is amplified throughout the cell. ROS act as signalling intermediates in the transactivation mechanism. We show that N‐fMLP stimulation induces the phosphorylation of cytosolic Y951, Y996, and Y1175 residues of VEGFR2, which constitute the anchoring sites for signalling molecules. These, in turn, activate PI3K/Akt and PLC‐γ1/PKC intracellular pathways. FPR1‐induced ROS production plays a critical role in this cross‐talk mechanism. In fact, inhibition of FPR1 and/or NADPH oxidase functions prevents VEGFR2 transactivation and the triggering of the downstream signalling cascades. N‐fMLP stimulation also ameliorates cellular migration and capillary‐like network formation ability of ECV304 cells.
Oral Health Status of Syrian Children in the Refugee Center of Melilla, Spain
Authors: Riatto Sabrina Gonçalves , Montero Javier , Pérez David Ribas , Castaño-Séiquer Antonio , Dib Abraham
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Little is known about the state of oral health among immigrants from conflict zones, such as the refugee children from the Syrian Civil War. Aim. To determine the oral health status of Syrian immigrant children refugee at the Center for Temporary Stay of Immigrants in Melilla to plan prevention and care programs. Design. Using the criteria set by the World Health Organization, an exploration of the oral cavity of all Syrian children aged 5–13 living at that center was conducted in May 2015. All subjects were clinically evaluated by a calibrated and standardized examiner, accompanied by a dentist who registered the clinical variables, and translators. The sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed through a descriptive and analytical study, respectively. Results. The prevalence of caries in both the permanent and deciduous dentition was 75% and 50% in 6- and 12-year-olds, respectively. The dft was 3.2 ± 2.9 in 6-year-old children. At 12 years old, the DMFT was 1.6 ± 2.6 teeth, the DMFM was 1.1 ± 1.7 teeth, the SiC was 3.2, and the IR was 5%. Eighty-six percent of the examined sextants were periodontally healthy. Conclusions. The prevalence of caries was high in the sample population studied, confirming the need for a comprehensive primary oral health care program.
Straightforward Probing of Polarization and Spin-Resolved Transmission through Potential Barriers in Silicene
Authors: Meneses-Gustin Diana , Tavares Marcos R. S.
Published: March 2018

The low-energy physics of silicene is described by Dirac electrons with a strong spin-orbit interaction and its band structure can be controlled by an external electric field Ez. We evaluate the electronic transmission through single and double barriers in silicene as a function of the angle of incidence θ, the electron energy E, and the strength of the field Ez. We find a spin-resolved transmission, reflected in the polarization P, and a conductance qualitatively different in some ranges of E than that in graphene. P exhibits quasiperiodic resonances versus θ in double-barrier structures.
Cerebral Pathophysiology in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Pitfalls in Daily Clinical Management
Authors: Kazmi Syed Omar , Sivakumar Sanjeev , Karakitsos Dimitrios , Alharthy Abdulrahman , Lazaridis Christos
Published: March 2018

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving technique that is widely being used in centers throughout the world. However, there is a paucity of literature surrounding the mechanisms affecting cerebral physiology while on ECMO. Studies have shown alterations in cerebral blood flow characteristics and subsequently autoregulation. Furthermore, the mechanical aspects of the ECMO circuit itself may affect cerebral circulation. The nature of these physiological/pathophysiological changes can lead to profound neurological complications. This review aims at describing the changes to normal cerebral autoregulation during ECMO, illustrating the various neuromonitoring tools available to assess markers of cerebral autoregulation, and finally discussing potential neurological complications that are associated with ECMO.
Recurrent Pneumonia due to Fibrosing Mediastinitis in a Teenage Girl: A Case Report with Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Hevroni Avigdor , Springer Chaim , Wasser Oren , Avital Avraham , Koplewitz Benjamin Z.
Published: March 2018

A teenage girl was evaluated for recurrent right pneumonia. The evaluation revealed a calcified mediastinal mass that compressed the right intermediate and middle lobar bronchi, as well as the right pulmonary artery and veins. The clinical picture together with imaging studies and borderline positive serology testing suggested a diagnosis of fibrosing mediastinitis associated with histoplasmosis. This rare condition is characterized by the local proliferation of invasive fibrous tissue within the mediastinum due to a hyperimmune reaction to Histoplasma capsulatum. Antifungal and anti-inflammatory therapies are usually ineffective, and surgical intervention contains a high morbidity risk. Palliative surgery and stenting of the compressed airway have been suggested. In the past, the prognosis was thought to be poor, but recent studies demonstrate a more positive outcome. Our patient had been radiologically and functionally stable under follow-up for over thirteen years and has married and delivered two healthy children, both following an uneventful pregnancy.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Traffic Light Assistance System Based on V2I Communication in a Simulation Framework
Authors: Olaverri-Monreal Cristina , Errea-Moreno Javier , Díaz-Álvarez Alberto
Published: March 2018

Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) make the exchange of information possible through cooperative systems that broadcast traffic data to enhance road safety. Traffic light assistance (TLA) systems in particular utilize real-time traffic light timing data by accessing the information directly from the traffic management center. To test the reliability of a TLA system based on networked intervehicular interaction with infrastructure, we present in this paper an approach to perform theoretical studies in a lab-controlled scenario. The proposed system retrieves the traffic light timing program within a range in order to calculate the optimal speed while approaching an intersection and shows a recommended velocity based on the vehicle’s current acceleration and speed, phase state of the traffic light, and remaining phase duration. Results show an increase in driving efficiency in the form of improvement of traffic flow, reduced gas emissions, and waiting time at traffic lights after the drivers adjusted their velocity to the speed calculated by the system.
Use of Global Risk Score for Cardiovascular Evaluation of Rural Workers in Southern Brazil
Authors: Cezar-Vaz Marta Regina , Bonow Clarice Alves , de Mello Marlise Capa Verde Almeida , Xavier Daiani Modernel , Vaz Jordana Cezar , Schimith Maria Denise
Published: March 2018

The objectives of the present study were to classify the cardiovascular evaluation of rural workers through the Global Risk Score and analyze the intensity of the relationship between the classification and the variables of the score. A descriptive study was developed with 38 rural workers from the extreme southern Brazil. Data collection was performed through an interview and verification of anthropometric measurements and arterial blood pressure. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the Spearman correlation test. The overall 10-year cardiovascular risk classification using the Framingham global score showed a predominance of low risk (n=22; 57.9%); however, 11 rural workers (28.9%) had a high cardiovascular risk. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed significance between the Global Risk Score and gender (rho = 0.623, p≤0.001), age (rho = 0.783, p≤0.001), systolic blood pressure (rho = 0.545, p≤0.001), and smoking (rho = 0.483, p=0.002). These results show that rural workers need attention with regard to components that may put them at risk for cardiovascular disease. This study may help in the early diagnosis and more effective actions on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Proteomic Identification of Heat Shock-Induced Danger Signals in a Melanoma Cell Lysate Used in Dendritic Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: González Fermín E. , Chernobrovkin Alexey , Pereda Cristián , García-Salum Tamara , Tittarelli Andrés , López Mercedes N. , Salazar-Onfray Flavio , Zubarev Roman A.
Published: March 2018

Autologous dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with cancer cell-derived lysates have become a promising tool in cancer immunotherapy. During the last decade, we demonstrated that vaccination of advanced melanoma patients with autologous tumor antigen presenting cells (TAPCells) loaded with an allogeneic heat shock- (HS-) conditioned melanoma cell-derived lysate (called TRIMEL) is able to induce an antitumor immune response associated with a prolonged patient survival. TRIMEL provides not only a broad spectrum of potential melanoma-associated antigens but also danger signals that are crucial in the induction of a committed mature DC phenotype. However, potential changes induced by heat conditioning on the proteome of TRIMEL are still unknown. The identification of newly or differentially expressed proteins under defined stress conditions is relevant for understanding the lysate immunogenicity. Here, we characterized the proteomic profile of TRIMEL in response to HS treatment. A quantitative label-free proteome analysis of over 2800 proteins was performed, with 91 proteins that were found to be regulated by HS treatment: 18 proteins were overexpressed and 73 underexpressed. Additionally, 32 proteins were only identified in the HS-treated TRIMEL and 26 in non HS-conditioned samples. One protein from the overexpressed group and two proteins from the HS-exclusive group were previously described as potential damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Some of the HS-induced proteins, such as haptoglobin, could be also considered as DAMPs and candidates for further immunological analysis in the establishment of new putative danger signals with immunostimulatory functions.
Cell Fragmentation and Permeabilization by a 1 ns Pulse Driven Triple-Point Electrode
Authors: Yang Enbo , Li Joy , Cho Michael , Xiao Shu
Published: March 2018

Ultrashort electric pulses (ns-ps) are useful in gaining understanding as to how pulsed electric fields act upon biological cells, but the electric field intensity to induce biological responses is typically higher than longer pulses and therefore a high voltage ultrashort pulse generator is required. To deliver 1 ns pulses with sufficient electric field but at a relatively low voltage, we used a glass-encapsulated tungsten wire triple-point electrode (TPE) at the interface among glass, tungsten wire, and water when it is immersed in water. A high electric field (2 MV/cm) can be created when pulses are applied. However, such a high electric field was found to cause bubble emission and temperature rise in the water near the electrode. They can be attributed to Joule heating near the electrode. Adherent cells on a cover slip treated by the combination of these stimuli showed two major effects: (1) cells in a crater (<100 μm from electrode) were fragmented and the debris was blown away. The principal mechanism for the damage is presumed to be shear forces due to bubble collapse; and (2) cells in the periphery of the crater were permeabilized, which was due to the combination of bubble movement and microstreaming as well as pulsed electric fields. These results show that ultrashort electric fields assisted by microbubbles can cause significant cell response and therefore a triple-point electrode is a useful ablation tool for applications that require submillimeter precision.
Long‐Term Resveratrol Supplementation as a Secondary Prophylaxis for Stroke
Authors: Fodor Katalin , Tit Delia Mirela , Pasca Bianca , Bustea Cristiana , Uivarosan Diana , Endres Laura , Iovan Ciprian , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Bungau Simona
Published: March 2018

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, as well as a source of long‐term disabilities and huge socioeconomic costs. This study investigates the effects of resveratrol, an antioxidant supplement, on blood pressure, weight status, glucose, and lipid profile in patients who had a stroke in the last 12 months. Two hundred and twenty‐eight patients were divided into three groups: group I received only allopathic treatment (control group), while groups II and III received allopathic treatment with a daily supplementation of oral resveratrol (100 and 200 mg, resp.) for 12 months. In all groups, the changes of the studied parameters were monitored at 6 and 12 months from the initial evaluation. In groups II and III, resveratrol induced significant changes (p < 0.05) in the blood pressure, body mass index, as well as all parameters of the lipid profile, and glucose (in nondiabetic patients), compared to the control group. The supplementation of the allopathic treatment with resveratrol had a beneficial effect on all monitored parameters, which serve as major risk factors for stroke.
Effects of Chinese Dietary Pattern of Fat Content, n-6/n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio, and Cholesterol Content on Lipid Profile in Rats
Authors: Zou Xian-Guo , Huang Yu-Hua , Li Hong-Yan , Xu Tong-Cheng , Fan Ya-Wei , Li Jing , Deng Ze-Yuan
Published: March 2018

This study aims to investigate the effect of Chinese diet pattern of fat content (30% or 36.06%), n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio (5 : 1 or 9 : 1), and cholesterol content (0.04 or 0.057 g/kg total diet) on lipid profile using a rat model. Results showed that rats’ body weights (BWs) were controlled by the simultaneous intakes of cholesterol level of 0.04 g/kg total diet and n-6/n-3 ratio of 5 : 1. In addition, under high-fat diet, increased cholesterol feeding led to increased total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and decreased triacylglycerols (TG) in rats’ plasma. However, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and the ratios of HDL-C/LDL-C and HDL-C/TC in rats’ plasma increased in response to simultaneous intakes of low n-6/n-3 ratio (5 : 1) and cholesterol (0.04 g/kg total diet) even under high-fat diet. Moreover, as the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in the diet decreased, the proportion of n-3 PUFAs increased in plasma, liver, and muscle and resulted in the decrease of n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio.
Sampling Adaptive Learning Algorithm for Mobile Blind Source Separation
Authors: Huang Jingwen , Sun Jianshan
Published: March 2018

Learning rate plays an important role in separating a set of mixed signals through the training of an unmixing matrix, to recover an approximation of the source signals in blind source separation (BSS). To improve the algorithm in speed and exactness, a sampling adaptive learning algorithm is proposed to calculate the adaptive learning rate in a sampling way. The connection for the sampled optimal points is described through a smoothing equation. The simulation result shows that the performance of the proposed algorithm has similar Mean Square Error (MSE) to that of adaptive learning algorithm but is less time consuming.
Rheological Behavior of Tomato Fiber Suspensions Produced by High Shear and High Pressure Homogenization and Their Application in Tomato Products
Authors: Wang Yong , Sun Ping , Li He , Adhikari Benu P. , Li Dong
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the effects of high shear and high pressure homogenization on the rheological properties (steady shear viscosity, storage and loss modulus, and deformation) and homogeneity in tomato fiber suspensions. The tomato fiber suspensions at different concentrations (0.1%–1%, w/w) were subjected to high shear and high pressure homogenization and the morphology (distribution of fiber particles), rheological properties, and color parameters of the homogenized suspensions were measured. The homogenized suspensions were significantly more uniform compared to unhomogenized suspension. The homogenized suspensions were found to better resist the deformation caused by external stress (creep behavior). The apparent viscosity and storage and loss modulus of homogenized tomato fiber suspension are comparable with those of commercial tomato ketchup even at the fiber concentration as low as 0.5% (w/w), implying the possibility of using tomato fiber as thickener. The model tomato sauce produced using tomato fiber showed desirable consistency and color. These results indicate that the application of tomato fiber in tomato-based food products would be desirable and beneficial.
A Full‐Duplex MAC Tailored for 5G Wireless Networks
Authors: de Melo Guimarães Lucas , Luiz Bordim Jacir
Published: March 2018

The increasing demands for high‐data rate traffic stimulated the development of the fifth‐generation (5G) mobile networks. The envisioned 5G network is expected to meet its challenge by devising means to further improve spectrum usage. Many alternatives to enhance spectrum usage are being researched, such as massive MIMO, operation in mmWave frequency, cognitive radio, and the employment of full‐duplex antennas. Efficient utilization of the potential of any of these technologies faces a set of challenges related to medium access control (MAC) schemes. This work focuses on MAC schemes tailored for full‐duplex antennas, since they are expected to play a major role in the foreseeable 5G networks. In this context, this paper presents a MAC layer technique to improve total transmission time when full‐duplex antennas are employed. Several evaluations in different scenarios are conducted to assess the proposed MAC scheme. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme provides gains up to 156% when compared to a state‐of‐the‐art full‐duplex antenna MAC protocol. Compared to traditional half‐duplex antenna MAC protocols, the proposed scheme yields gain up to 412%.