bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giving support to others reduces sympathetic nervous system‐related responses to stress
Authors: Inagaki Tristen K. , Eisenberger Naomi I.
Published: November 2015

Social support is a major contributor to the link between social ties and beneficial health outcomes. Research to date has focused on how receiving support from others might be good for us; however, we know less about the health effects of giving support to others. Based on prior work in animals showing that stimulating neural circuitry important for caregiving behavior can reduce sympathetic‐related responses to stressors, it is possible that, in humans, giving to others can reduce stressor‐evoked sympathetic nervous system responding, which has implications for health outcomes. To test the effect of giving support on the physiological stress response, participants either wrote a supportive note to a friend (support‐giving condition) or wrote about their route to school/work (control condition) before undergoing a standard laboratory‐based stress task. Physiological responses (heart rate, blood pressure, salivary alpha‐amylase, salivary cortisol), and self‐reported stress were collected throughout the protocol. In line with hypotheses, support giving (vs. control) reduced sympathetic‐related responses (systolic blood pressure and alpha‐amylase) to the stressor. No effects of support giving were found on self‐reported psychological stress or cortisol levels. Results add to existing knowledge of the pathways by which support giving may lead to health benefits and highlight the contribution of giving to others in the broader social support‐health link.
Noradrenaline goes nuclear: epigenetic modifications during long‐lasting synaptic potentiation triggered by activation of β‐adrenergic receptors
Authors: Maity Sabyasachi , Jarome Timothy J. , Blair Jessica , Lubin Farah D. , Nguyen Peter V.
Published: November 2015

Key points

Transcription is recruited by noradrenaline in the hippocampus.

Epigenetic mechanisms are recruited by hippocampal noradrenergic receptor activation.

Epigenetic regulation by noradrenaline offers a novel mechanism for long‐term potentiation

Noradrenaline (NA) is a neuromodulator that can effect long‐lasting changes in synaptic strength such as long‐term potentiation (LTP), a putative cellular mechanism for memory formation in the mammalian brain. Persistent LTP requires alterations in gene expression that may involve epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation and histone phosphorylation. It is known that β‐adrenergic receptors and NA can boost LTP maintenance by regulating translation. However, it is unclear whether NA can additionally engage epigenetic mechanisms to regulate transcription and boost LTP endurance. To address this issue, we probed NA‐treated mouse hippocampal slices with pharmacological inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulatory pathways and discovered that NA activates β‐adrenergic receptors to boost LTP maintenance in area CA1 through DNA methylation and post‐translational histone modifications. Specifically, NA paired with 100 Hz stimulation enhanced histone H3 acetylation and phosphorylation, both of which were required for NA‐induced boosting of LTP maintenance. Together, our findings identify NA as a neuromodulatory transmitter capable of triggering epigenetic, transcriptional control of genes required for establishing persistent LTP in the mouse hippocampus. These modifications may contribute to the stabilization of memory.
Similarity and pleasantness assessments of water-fountain sounds recorded in urban public spaces
Authors: Rådsten Ekman Maria , Lundén Peter , Nilsson Mats E.
Published: November 2015

Water fountains are potential tools for soundscape improvement, but little is known about their perceptual properties. To explore this, sounds were recorded from 32 fountains installed in urban parks. The sounds were recorded with a sound-field microphone and were reproduced using an ambisonic loudspeaker setup. Fifty-seven listeners assessed the sounds with regard to similarity and pleasantness. Multidimensional scaling of similarity data revealed distinct groups of soft variable and loud steady-state sounds. Acoustically, the soft variable sounds were characterized by low overall levels and high temporal variability, whereas the opposite pattern characterized the loud steady-state sounds. The perceived pleasantness of the sounds was negatively related to their overall level and positively related to their temporal variability, whereas spectral centroid was weakly correlated to pleasantness. However, the results of an additional experiment, using the same sounds set equal in overall level, found a negative relationship between pleasantness and spectral centroid, suggesting that spectral factors may influence pleasantness scores in experiments where overall level does not dominate pleasantness assessments. The equal-level experiment also showed that several loud steady-state sounds remained unpleasant, suggesting an inherently unpleasant sound character. From a soundscape design perspective, it may be advisable to avoid fountains generating such sounds.
Brain keeps body size and shape in check
Authors: Purnell Beverly A.
Published: November 2015

Drosophila
Lgr3 defines a neural circuit for homeostatic regulation of body size.
Antipseudomonal Bacteriophage Reduces Infective Burden and Inflammatory Response in Murine Lung
Authors: Pabary Rishi , Singh Charanjit , Morales Sandra , Bush Andrew , Alshafi Khalid , Bilton Diana , Alton Eric W. F. W. , Smithyman Anthony , Davies Jane C.
Published: November 2015

As antibiotic resistance increases, there is a need for new therapies to treat infection, particularly in cystic fibrosis (CF), wherePseudomonas aeruginosais a ubiquitous pathogen associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Bacteriophages are an attractive alternative treatment, as they are specific to the target bacteria and have no documented side effects. The efficacy of phage cocktails was establishedin vitro. TwoP. aeruginosastrains were taken forward into an acute murine infection model with bacteriophage administered either prophylactically, simultaneously, or postinfection. The infective burden and inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed at various times. With low infective doses, both control mice and those undergoing simultaneous phage treatment clearedP. aeruginosainfection at 48 h, but there were fewer neutrophils in BALF of phage-treated mice (median, 73.2 × 104/ml [range, 35.2 to 102.1 × 104/ml] versus 174 × 104/ml [112.1 to 266.8 × 104/ml],P< 0.01 for the clinical strain; median, 122.1 × 104/ml [105.4 to 187.4 × 104/ml] versus 206 × 104/ml [160.1 to 331.6 × 104/ml],P< 0.01 for PAO1). With higher infective doses of PAO1, all phage-treated mice clearedP. aeruginosainfection at 24 h, whereas infection persisted in all control mice (median, 1,305 CFU/ml [range, 190 to 4,700 CFU/ml],P< 0.01). Bacteriophage also reduced CFU/ml in BALF when administered postinfection (24 h) and both CFU/ml and inflammatory cells in BALF when administered prophylactically. A reduction in soluble inflammatory cytokine levels in BALF was also demonstrated under different conditions. Bacteriophages are efficacious in reducing both the bacterial load and inflammation in a murine model ofP. aeruginosalung infection. This study provides proof of concept for future clinical trials in patients with CF.
In Vitro
Antimicrobial Activity of a Siderophore Cephalosporin, S-649266, against Enterobacteriaceae Clinical Isolates, Including Carbapenem-Resistant Strains
Authors: Kohira Naoki , West Joshua , Ito Akinobu , Ito-Horiyama Tsukasa , Nakamura Rio , Sato Takafumi , Rittenhouse Stephen , Tsuji Masakatsu , Yamano Yoshinori
Published: November 2015

S-649266 is a novel siderophore cephalosporin antibiotic with a catechol moiety on the 3-position side chain. Two sets of clinical isolate collections were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of S-649266 against
Enterobacteriaceae
. These sets included 617 global isolates collected between 2009 and 2011 and 233 β-lactamase-identified isolates, including 47 KPC-, 49 NDM-, 12 VIM-, and 8 IMP-producers. The MIC
90
values of S-649266 against the first set of
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Serratia marcescens
,
Citrobacter freundii
,
Enterobacter aerogenes
, and
Enterobacter cloacae
isolates were all ≤1 μg/ml, and there were only 8 isolates (1.3%) among these 617 clinical isolates with MIC values of ≥8 μg/ml. In the second set, the MIC values of S-649266 were ≤4 μg/ml against 109 strains among 116 KPC-producing and class B (metallo) carbapenemase-producing strains. In addition, S-649266 showed MIC values of ≤2 μg/ml against each of the 13 strains that produced other types of carbapenemases such as SME, NMC, and OXA-48. The mechanisms of the decreased susceptibility of 7 class B carbapenemase-producing strains with MIC values of ≥16 μg/ml are uncertain. This is the first report to demonstrate that S-649266, a novel siderophore cephalosporin, has significant antimicrobial activity against
Enterobacteriaceae
, including strains that produce carbapenemases such as KPC and NDM-1.
The First Histidine Triad Motif of PhtD Is Critical for Zinc Homeostasis in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Eijkelkamp Bart A. , Pederick Victoria G. , Plumptre Charles D. , Harvey Richard M. , Hughes Catherine E. , Paton James C. , McDevitt Christopher A.
Published: November 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is the world's foremost human pathogen. Acquisition of the first row transition metal ion zinc is essential for pneumococcal colonization and disease. Zinc is acquired via the ATP-binding cassette transporter AdcCB and two zinc-binding proteins, AdcA and AdcAII. We have previously shown that AdcAII is reliant upon the polyhistidine triad (Pht) proteins to aid in zinc recruitment. Pht proteins generally contain five histidine (His) triad motifs that are believed to facilitate zinc binding and therefore play a significant role in pneumococcal metal ion homeostasis. However, the importance and potential redundancy of these motifs have not been addressed. We examined the effects of mutating each of the five His triad motifs of PhtD. The combination of
in vitro
growth assays, active zinc uptake, and PhtD expression studies show that the His triad closest to the protein's amino terminus is the most important for zinc acquisition. Intriguingly,
in vivo
competitive infection studies investigating the amino- and carboxyl-terminal His triad mutants indicate that the motifs have similar importance in colonization. Collectively, our new insights into the contributions of the individual His triad motifs of PhtD, and by extension the other Pht proteins, highlight the crucial role of the first His triad site in zinc acquisition. This study also suggests that the Pht proteins likely play a role beyond zinc acquisition in pneumococcal virulence.
MglC, a Paralog of Myxococcus xanthus GTPase-Activating Protein MglB, Plays a Divergent Role in Motility Regulation
Authors: McLoon Anna L. , Wuichet Kristin , Häsler Michael , Keilberg Daniela , Szadkowski Dobromir , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte
Published: November 2015

In order to optimize interactions with their environment and one another, bacteria regulate their motility. In the case of the rod-shaped cells of
Myxococcus xanthus
, regulated motility is essential for social behaviors.
M. xanthus
moves over surfaces using type IV pilus-dependent motility and gliding motility. These two motility systems are coordinated by a protein module that controls cell polarity and consists of three polarly localized proteins, the small G protein MglA, the cognate MglA GTPase-activating protein MglB, and the response regulator RomR. Cellular reversals are induced by the Frz chemosensory system, and the output response regulator of this system, FrzZ, interfaces with the MglA/MglB/RomR module to invert cell polarity. Using a computational approach, we identify a paralog of MglB, MXAN_5770 (MglC). Genetic epistasis experiments demonstrate that MglC functions in the same pathway as MglA, MglB, RomR, and FrzZ and is important for regulating cellular reversals. Like MglB, MglC localizes to the cell poles asymmetrically and with a large cluster at the lagging pole. Correct polar localization of MglC depends on RomR and MglB. Consistently, MglC interacts directly with MglB and the C-terminal output domain of RomR, and we identified a surface of MglC that is necessary for the interaction with MglB and for MglC function. Together, our findings identify an additional member of the
M. xanthus
polarity module involved in regulating motility and demonstrate how gene duplication followed by functional divergence can add a layer of control to the complex cellular processes of motility and motility regulation.

IMPORTANCE
Gene duplication and the subsequent divergence of the duplicated genes are important evolutionary mechanisms for increasing both biological complexity and regulation of biological processes. The bacterium
Myxococcus xanthus
is a soil bacterium with an unusually large genome that carries out several social processes, including predation of other bacterial species and formation of multicellular, spore-filled fruiting bodies. One feature of the large
M. xanthus
genome is that it contains many gene duplications. Here, we compare the products of one example of gene duplication and divergence, in which a paralog of the cognate MglA GTPase-activating protein MglB has acquired a different and opposing role in the regulation of cellular polarity and motility, processes critical to the bacterium's social behaviors.
Clostridium sordellii Lethal-Toxin Autoprocessing and Membrane Localization Activities Drive GTPase Glucosylation Profiles in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Craven Ryan , Lacy D. Borden
Published: November 2015

Clostridium sordellii
is a bacterium that can infect humans and cause serious disease and death. The principle virulence factor associated with clinical symptoms is a large protein toxin known as lethal toxin. The mechanism of lethal-toxin intoxication is assumed to be similar to that of the homologous toxins from
C. difficile
, but very few studies have been done in the context of endothelial cells, a relevant target in
C. sordellii
infections. This study was designed to test the role of the lethal-toxin enzymatic activities and membrane localization in endothelial cell toxicity and host substrate modification.
Manipulation of Host Diet To Reduce Gastrointestinal Colonization by the Opportunistic Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Gunsalus Kearney T. W. , Tornberg-Belanger Stephanie N. , Matthan Nirupa R. , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Kumamoto Carol A.
Published: November 2015

Candida albicans
, the most common human fungal pathogen, can cause infections with a mortality rate of ~40%.
C. albicans
is part of the normal gut flora, but when a patient’s immune system is compromised, it can leave the gut and cause infections. By reducing the amount of
C. albicans
in the gut of susceptible patients, infections (and the resulting fatalities) can be prevented. Currently, this is done using antimicrobial drugs; to “preserve” drugs for treating infections, we looked for a dietary change to reduce the amount of
C. albicans
in the gut. Using a mouse model, we showed that adding coconut oil to the diet could become the first drug-free way to reduce
C. albicans
in the gut. More broadly, this model lets us study the interactions between our diet and the microbes in our body and the reasons why some of those microbes, under certain conditions, cause disease.
Differentiating between detrimental and beneficial interruptions: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Myers Robert A , McCarthy Mary C , Whitlatch Amelia , Parikh Pratik J
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Efforts to understand interruptions now span much of the last decade and a half. Often thought to negatively impact patient safety, some now acknowledge that interruptions may be beneficial and actually necessary for safety and high quality care. This study seeks a framework for differentiating between interruptions that are detrimental and those that are beneficial.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach at a US Level 1 trauma centre included direct observation of 13 registered nurses (RNs), survey of 47 RNs, retrospective observation of hands-free communication devices, and modelling of observed interruptions to key performance measures.

Results

On average, RNs were interrupted every 11 min, with 20.3% of their workload triggered by interruptions. While 85% of RNs agreed that interruptions place their patients at risk, only 21% agreed that all should be eliminated. During one 90-min period, 18 original events spawned 68 interruptions, 50 of these repeat messages. A statistical model, with patient measures of time and comfort, revealed that alarms and call lights returning RN's attention to the patient outside the patient room are beneficial, while interruptions in the patient room are generally detrimental. Triangulating the results, we present an emerging framework for differentiating between beneficial and detrimental interruptions based on the impact of interruptions on the RN's steady treatment and attention to the patient.

Conclusions

A mixed-methods approach can help distinguish between detrimental and beneficial interruptions. While interruptions breaking the delivery of steady treatment and attention to the patient are detrimental, those returning the RN's focus to the patient, as well as those supporting patient-clinician and clinician-clinician communications are beneficial. This insight may be helpful to healthcare delivery teams tasked with improving interruption-laden processes.
Predicting cusps or kinks in Nambu–Goto dynamics
Authors: Cervantes Aldrin , García-Aspeitia Miguel A.
Published: November 2015

It is known that Nambu–Goto extended objects present some pathological structures, such as cusps and kinks, during their evolution. In this paper, we propose a model through the generalized Raychaudhuri (Rh) equation for membranes to determine if there are cusps and kinks in the worldsheet. We extend the generalized Rh equation for membranes to allow the study of the effect of higher order curvature terms in the action on the issue of cusps and kinks, using it as a tool for determining when a Nambu–Goto string generates cusps or kinks in its evolution. Furthermore, we present three examples where we test graphically this approach.
Galilean symmetry in generalized Abelian Schrödinger–Higgs models with and without gauge field interaction
Authors: Sourrouille Lucas
Published: November 2015

We consider a generalization of non-relativistic Schrödinger–Higgs Lagrangian by introducing a nonstandard kinetic term. We show that this model is Galilean invariant, we construct the conserved charges associated to the symmetries and realize the algebra of the Galilean group. In addition, we study the model in the presence of a gauge field. We also show that the gauged model is Galilean invariant. Finally, we explore relations between the twin models and their solutions.
Transport and magnetic properties of Heusler alloy Ni–Mn–Sb prepared by solid state microwave heating
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhu Hanming , Shi Yunfeng , Yue Song
Published: November 2015

In this study, Heusler alloy [Formula: see text] has been prepared by solid state hybrid microwave heating within 40 min. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses reveal that the obtained samples are of single phase cubic structure and homogeneous. Temperature-dependence of electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements confirm the austenite to martensitic transition of the first-order nature with the absence of the exchange bias (EB), which is verified by the magnetic hysteresis loops. Compared with the samples prepared by conventional arc-melting method, the sample synthesized by fast microwave heating has lower martensitic transition temperature, smooth magnetization change in the martensitic region and disappeared EB, implying strongly suppressed antiferromagnetic (AFM) interaction. These results suggest that tuning the microstructure via different synthesis method can influence significantly the martensitic transition and magnetic interactions in the Ni–Mn–Sb system.
A BIOMECHANICAL STUDY OF SHEAR LOAD ON BONE–SCREW INTERFACE OF THORACOLUMBAR VERTEBRAE
Authors: WANG JIANG-ZE , ZHANG FENG , YOU MING-LIANG , SHA MO , LIANG BO-WEI , LIANG DONG-ZHU , DING ZHEN-QI
Published: November 2015

Vertebral screw failure by cutting through or pulling out of the vertebral body is common in intraoperative and postoperative stages of anterior thoracolumbar surgery, especially in osteoporotic patients. This biomechanical study was conducted to investigate the maximum shear force thoracolumbar vertebrae can withstand and the corresponding displacement of screws and analyze their correlation with vertebral bone mineral density. Forty individual vertebra specimens (T11-L3) were obtained from eight fresh adult cadaveric thoracolumbar spine specimens and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. Screws were placed in the center point of vertebrae and penetrated the contralateral cortex. Shear loading and axial pullout tests were conducted on the experimental group while only axial pullout test was conducted on the control group. The maximum shear forces and maximum axial pullout forces were recorded. The conditions of vertebral body destruction and screw channel were observed and the maximum axial pullout forces were recorded and analyzed. A large amount of thread bone debris was observed in the control group. In the experimental group, however, only a small amount of thread bone debris was observed; the widths of screw paths were larger than those in the control group and gradually increased from screw tips in the direction of loading. The vertebral bodies had an average shear strength of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N, and the corresponding average screw displacement was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm. Linear regression analysis showed that the shear strength had a significant positive correlation with vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) (r[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.958, P[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.01), while the screw displacement had a significant negative correlation with vertebral BMD (r[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]−0.933, P[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.01). No significant difference in bone density was found between the destruction and the control groups (P[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.05); the difference in maximum axial pullout strength between the destruction and the control groups was significant (P[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.01). These results indicated that vertebral BMD positively correlated with the maximum shear force and negatively with the screw displacement. It is important that the corrective strength for spinal deformity may affect bone–screw interface in anterior thoracolumbar surgery.
Back Analysis of the Permeability Coefficient of a High Core Rockfill Dam Based on a RBF Neural Network Optimized Using the PSO Algorithm
Authors: Chi Shichun , Ni Shasha , Liu Zhenping
Published: November 2015

It is important to determine the seepage field parameters of a high core rockfill dam using the seepage data obtained during operation. For the Nuozhadu high core rockfill dam, a back analysis model is proposed using the radial basis function neural network optimized using a particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO-RBFNN) and the technology of finite element analysis for solving the saturated-unsaturated seepage field. The recorded osmotic pressure curves of osmometers, which are distributed in the maximum cross section, are applied to this back analysis. The permeability coefficients of the dam materials are retrieved using the measured seepage pressure values while the steady state seepage condition exists; that is, the water lever remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the parameters are tested using the unstable saturated-unsaturated seepage field while the water level rises. The results show that the permeability coefficients are reasonable and can be used to study the real behavior of a seepage field of a high core rockfill dam during its operation period.
A Boolean Consistent Fuzzy Inference System for Diagnosing Diseases and Its Application for Determining Peritonitis Likelihood
Authors: Dragović Ivana , Turajlić Nina , Pilčević Dejan , Petrović Bratislav , Radojević Dragan
Published: November 2015

Fuzzy inference systems (FIS) enable automated assessment and reasoning in a logically consistent manner akin to the way in which humans reason. However, since no conventional fuzzy set theory is in the Boolean frame, it is proposed that Boolean consistent fuzzy logic should be used in the evaluation of rules. The main distinction of this approach is that it requires the execution of a set of structural transformations before the actual values can be introduced, which can, in certain cases, lead to different results. While a Boolean consistent FIS could be used for establishing the diagnostic criteria for any given disease, in this paper it is applied for determining the likelihood of peritonitis, as the leading complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Given that patients could be located far away from healthcare institutions (as peritoneal dialysis is a form of home dialysis) the proposed Boolean consistent FIS would enable patients to easily estimate the likelihood of them having peritonitis (where a high likelihood would suggest that prompt treatment is indicated), when medical experts are not close at hand.
Small Molecules from Nature Targeting G-Protein Coupled Cannabinoid Receptors: Potential Leads for Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Sharma Charu , Sadek Bassem , Goyal Sameer N. , Sinha Satyesh , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Ojha Shreesh
Published: November 2015

The cannabinoid molecules are derived fromCannabis sativaplant which acts on the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1and CB2) which have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery and development. Currently, there are numerous cannabinoid based synthetic drugs used in clinical practice like the popular ones such as nabilone, dronabinol, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its action through CB1/CB2receptors. However, these synthetic basedCannabisderived compounds are known to exert adverse psychiatric effect and have also been exploited for drug abuse. This encourages us to find out an alternative and safe drug with the least psychiatric adverse effects. In recent years, many phytocannabinoids have been isolated from plants other thanCannabis. Several studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids show affinity, potency, selectivity, and efficacy towards cannabinoid receptors and inhibit endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, thus reducing hyperactivity of endocannabinoid systems. Also, these naturally derived molecules possess the least adverse effects opposed to the synthetically derived cannabinoids. Therefore, the plant based cannabinoid molecules proved to be promising and emerging therapeutic alternative. The present review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of ligands and plants modulating cannabinoid receptors that may be of interest to pharmaceutical industry in search of new and safer drug discovery and development for future therapeutics.
Comparison of Histochemical Stainings in Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis and Correlation with Transient Elastography in Chronic Hepatitis
Authors: Cabibi Daniela , Bronte Fabrizio , Porcasi Rossana , Ingrao Sabrina , Giannone Antonino Giulio , Maida Marcello , Grazia Bavetta Maria , Petta Salvatore , Di Marco Vito , Calvaruso Vincenza
Published: November 2015

Background and Aim. The best staining to evaluate liver fibrosis in liver hepatitis is still a debated topic. This study aimed to compare Masson’s trichrome (MT), Sirius Red (SR), and orcein stainings in evaluating liver fibrosis in chronic HCV hepatitis (CHC) with semiquantitative and quantitative methods (Collagen Proportionate Area (CPA) by Digital Image Analysis (DIA)) and correlate them with transient elastography (TE).Methods. Liver stiffness evaluation of 111 consecutive patients with CHC was performed by TE. Semiquantitative staging by Metavir score system and CPA by DIA were assessed on liver biopsy stained with MT, SR, and orcein.Results. MT, SR, and orcein staining showed concordant results in 89.6% of cases in staging CHC, without significant difference in both semiquantitative and quantitative evaluations of fibrosis. TE values were concordant with orcein levels in 86.5% of the cases and with MT/RS in 77.5% (P<0.001). No significant correlation between the grade of necroinflammatory activity and TE values was found.Conclusion. In CHC, SR/MT and orcein stainings are almost concordant and when discordant, orcein staining is better related to TE values than MT/RS. This suggests that elastic fibers play a more important role than reticular or collagenous ones in determining stiffness values in CHC.
Cutaneous Ulcers as Initial Presentation of Localized Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nasir Noreen , Ali Syed Ahsan , Mehmood Riaz Hafiz Mohammed
Published: November 2015

Background. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an ANCA associated small vessel vasculitis characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation involving the upper and the lower respiratory tract and the kidneys. The disease has a broad clinical spectrum that ranges from limited/localized involvement of a single organ system to a generalized systemic vasculitis that affects several organs with evidence of end organ damage. Atypical forms of the disease have been recognized with or without respiratory tract involvement with a long protracted course before manifesting as generalized disease.Case Presentation. We describe a 57-year-old woman who presented with recurrent fever and cutaneous ulcers on her legs who was diagnosed to have granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) after an extensive evaluation which excluded infectious, other vasculitides, connective tissue disease and malignant etiologies.Conclusion. In the absence of typical manifestations, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is indeed a diagnostic challenge to the physician. Atypical manifestations like unexplained recurrent fever and cutaneous ulcers nevertheless call for keeping a low threshold for the diagnosis of GPA as the disease can initially present in localized form before heralding into a generalized disease.
On Nonlinear Fractional Sum-Difference Equations via Fractional Sum Boundary Conditions Involving Different Orders
Authors: Chasreechai Saowaluk , Kiataramkul Chanakarn , Sitthiwirattham Thanin
Published: November 2015

We study existence and uniqueness results for Caputo fractional sum-difference equations with fractional sum boundary value conditions, by using the Banach contraction principle and Schaefer’s fixed point theorem. Our problem contains different numbers of order in fractional difference and fractional sums. Finally, we present some examples to show the importance of these results.
Scalp Melanoma Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in a Tertiary Health Center
Authors: Zarami A. B. , Satumari N. A. , Ahmed M.
Published: November 2015

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive malignant skin neoplasms worldwide with more than 20% of world melanoma seen in black Africa and Asia. Late presentation due to ignorance, poverty, and lack of adequate health facility in Nigeria is always the norms. We present this case report because of precision in diagnosis, using fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to reemphasize that the technique is cheap, cost effective, and quick that can reduce the burden of incisional biopsy before definitive surgery and improve early detection of the disease especially in developing countries.
Risk Factors for Emergency Department Short Time Readmission in Stratified Population
Authors: Besga Ariadna , Ayerdi Borja , Alcalde Guillermo , Manzano Alberto , Lopetegui Pedro , Graña Manuel , González-Pinto Ana
Published: November 2015

Background.Emergency department (ED) readmissions are considered an indicator of healthcare quality that is particularly relevant in older adults. The primary objective of this study was to identify key factors for predicting patients returning to the ED within 30 days of being discharged.Methods.We analysed patients who attended our ED in June 2014, stratified into four groups based on the Kaiser pyramid. We collected data on more than 100 variables per case including demographic and clinical characteristics and drug treatments. We identified the variables with the highest discriminating power to predict ED readmission and constructed classifiers using machine learning methods to provide predictions.Results.Classifier performance distinguishing between patients who were and were not readmitted (within 30 days), in terms of average accuracy (AC). The variables with the greatest discriminating power were age, comorbidity, reasons for consultation, social factors, and drug treatments.Conclusions.It is possible to predict readmissions in stratified groups with high accuracy and to identify the most important factors influencing the event. Therefore, it will be possible to develop interventions to improve the quality of care provided to ED patients.
Scrotal Lipomatosis Mimicking Varicocele: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Turkan Sadi , Kalkan Mehmet , Şahin Coşkun
Published: November 2015

Scrotal lipomatosis is a rarely seen disease with an etiology that is not fully understood. Some information suggests that this disease may be associated with infertility. It is characterized by pain-free scrotal swelling. In this study, we reported a scrotal lipomatosis case presenting due to infertility and pain-free scrotal swelling. It was operated on with the initial diagnosis of varicocele, but once fatty tissue was observed in the scrotum, the case was diagnosed as scrotal lipomatosis. Here, we present this rare case with a literature review.
The Chinese HerbJianpijieduContributes to the Regulation of OATP1B2 and ABCC2 in a Rat Model of Orthotopic Transplantation Liver Cancer Pretreated with Food Restriction and Diarrhea
Authors: Sun Baoguo , Chen Yan , Xiang Ting , Zhang Lei , Chen Zexiong , Zhang Shijun , Zhou Houming , Chen Shuqing
Published: November 2015

Traditional Chinese MedicineJianpijiedudecoction (JPJD) could improve the general status of liver cancer patients in clinics, especially the symptoms of decreased food intake and diarrhea. In this study, our results showed that the survival rate of the liver cancer with food restriction and diarrhea (FRD-LC) rats was lower than the liver cancer (LC) rats, and the tumor volume of the FRD-LC rats was higher than the LC rats. It was also shown that the high dose of JPJD significantly improved the survival rate, weight, and organ weight when compared with FRD-LC-induced rats. Moreover, JPJD administration upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of ABCC2 and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of OATP1B2 in liver tissues. However, opposite results were observed in the cancer tissues. In conclusion, the study indicated that the Chinese Medicine JPJD could contribute to the rats with liver cancer which were pretreated with food restriction and diarrhea by regulating the expression of ABCC2 and OATP1B2 in liver tissues and cancer tissues.
Fate of Electromagnetic Field on the Cracking of PSR J1614-2230 in Quadratic Regime
Authors: Azam M. , Mardan S. A. , Rehman M. A.
Published: November 2015

We study the cracking of compact object PSR J1614-2230 in quadratic regime with electromagnetic field. For this purpose, we develop a general formalism to determine the cracking of charged compact objects. We apply local density perturbations to hydrostatic equilibrium equation as well as physical variables involved in the model. We plot the force distribution function against radius of the star with different parametric values of model both with and without charge. It is found that PSR J1614-2230 remains stable (no cracking) corresponding to different values of parameters when charge is zero, while it exhibits cracking (unstable) when charge is introduced. We conclude that stability region increases as amount of charge increases.
miR-124 and Androgen Receptor Signaling Inhibitors Repress Prostate Cancer Growth by Downregulating Androgen Receptor Splice Variants, EZH2, and Src
Authors: Shi Xu-Bao , Ma Ai-Hong , Xue Lingru , Li Meimei , Nguyen Hao G. , Yang Joy C. , Tepper Clifford G. , Gandour-Edwards Regina , Evans Christopher P. , Kung Hsing-Jien , deVere White Ralph W.
Published: November 2015

miR-124 targets the androgen receptor (AR) transcript, acting as a tumor suppressor to broadly limit the growth of prostate cancer. In this study, we unraveled the mechanisms through which miR-124 acts in this setting. miR-124 inhibited proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vitro and sensitized them to inhibitors of androgen receptor signaling. Notably, miR-124 could restore the apoptotic response of cells resistant to enzalutamide, a drug approved for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We used xenograft models to examine the effects of miR-124 in vivo when complexed with polyethylenimine-derived nanoparticles. Intravenous delivery of miR-124 was sufficient to inhibit tumor growth and to increase tumor cell apoptosis in combination with enzalutamide. Mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-124 directly downregulated AR splice variants AR-V4 and V7 along with EZH2 and Src, oncogenic targets that have been reported to contribute to prostate cancer progression and treatment resistance. Taken together, our results offer a preclinical rationale to evaluate miR-124 for cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 75(24); 5309–17. ©2015 AACR.
Disseminated Tumor Cells Persist in the Bone Marrow of Breast Cancer Patients through Sustained Activation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Bartkowiak Kai , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Buck Friedrich , Gorges Tobias M. , Nilse Lars , Assmann Volker , Andreas Antje , Müller Volkmar , Wikman Harriet , Riethdorf Sabine , Schlüter Hartmut , Pantel Klaus
Published: November 2015

Disseminated tumor cells (DTC), which share mesenchymal and epithelial properties, are considered to be metastasis-initiating cells in breast cancer. However, the mechanisms supporting DTC survival are poorly understood. DTC extravasation into the bone marrow may be encouraged by low oxygen concentrations that trigger metabolic and molecular alterations contributing to DTC survival. Here, we investigated how the unfolded protein response (UPR), an important cytoprotective program induced by hypoxia, affects the behavior of stressed cancer cells. DTC cell lines established from the bone marrow of patients with breast cancer (BC-M1), lung cancer, (LC-M1), and prostate cancer (PC-E1) were subjected to hypoxic and hypoglycemic conditions. BC-M1 and LC-M1 exhibiting mesenchymal and epithelial properties adapted readily to hypoxia and glucose starvation. Upregulation of UPR proteins, such as the glucose-regulated protein Grp78, induced the formation of filamentous networks, resulting in proliferative advantages and sustained survival under total glucose deprivation. High Grp78 expression correlated with mesenchymal attributes of breast and lung cancer cells and with poor differentiation in clinical samples of primary breast and lung carcinomas. In DTCs isolated from bone marrow specimens from breast cancer patients, Grp78-positive stress granules were observed, consistent with the likelihood these cells were exposed to acute cell stress. Overall, our findings provide the first evidence that the UPR is activated in DTC in the bone marrow from cancer patients, warranting further study of this cell stress pathway as a predictive biomarker for recurrent metastatic disease. Cancer Res; 75(24); 5367–77. ©2015 AACR.
SIRT1 and FOXO Mediate Contractile Differentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells under Cyclic Stretch
Authors: Huang Kai , Yan Zhi-Qiang , Zhao Dan , Chen Si-Guo , Gao Li-Zhi , Zhang Ping , Shen Bao-Rong , Han Hai-Chao , Qi Ying-Xin , Jiang Zong-Lai
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Physiological mechanical stretch in vivo helps to maintain the quiescent contractile differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of SIRT1 in VSMC differentiation in response to mechanical cyclic stretch. Methods and Results: Rat VSMCs were subjected to 10%-1.25Hz-cyclic stretch in vitro using a FX-4000T system. The data indicated that the expression of contractile markers, including α-actin, calponin and SM22α, was significantly enhanced in VSMCs that were subjected to cyclic stretch compared to the static controls. The expression of SIRT1 and FOXO3a was increased by the stretch, but the expression of FOXO4 was decreased. Decreasing SIRT1 by siRNA transfection attenuated the stretch-induced expression of contractile VSMC markers and FOXO3a. Furthermore, increasing SIRT1 by either treatment with activator resveratrol or transfection with a plasmid to induce overexpression increased the expression of FOXO3a and contractile markers, and decreased the expression of FOXO4 in VSMCs. Similar trends were observed in VSMCs of SIRT1 (+/-) knockout mice. The overexpression of FOXO3a promoted the expression of contractile markers in VSMCs, while the overexpression of FOXO4 demonstrated the opposite effect. Conclusion: Our results indicated that physiological cyclic stretch promotes the contractile differentiation of VSMCs via the SIRT1/FOXO pathways and thus contributes to maintaining vascular homeostasis.
Growth and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Prepubertal Children Born Large or Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Nordman Henrikki , Voutilainen Raimo , Laitinen Tomi , Antikainen Leena , Huopio Hanna , Heinonen Seppo , Jääskeläinen Jarmo
Published: November 2015

Background: Both large and small birth sizes are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic problems later in life. We studied whether such associations can be observed at prepubertal age. Methods: A cohort of 49 large (LGA), 56 appropriate (AGA), and 23 small for gestational age (SGA)-born children (age range 5-8 years) were studied. Being born SGA, AGA, or LGA was the exposure, and being overweight at prepubertal age was the main outcome. Blood pressure measurements, laboratory parameters, and whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were secondary outcomes. Results: The LGA-born children were significantly taller than the AGA controls (p = 0.03), and the SGA children were lighter and shorter compared to the AGA (p = 0.002 and 0.001) and LGA children (p < 0.001). The mean plasma glucose was higher in the LGA than in the SGA group (p = 0.006). Being born LGA (OR 3.82) and the ponderal index Z-score at birth (OR 4.24) were strong predictors for being overweight or obese in childhood. Conclusion: The children born LGA remained taller and heavier than those born AGA or SGA in mid-childhood, and they had a higher body mass index and body fat percentage than the SGA-born children. The differences in other cardiometabolic risk factors were minimal between the birth size groups.
Organização da informação em bibliotecas escolares: contribuições para a competência informacional infantil
Authors: Aguiar Niliane Cunha de
Published: November 2015

A autonomia indispensável para a construção da competência da informacional infantil encontra na Biblioteca Escolar um lócus privilegiado desde que os recursos informacionais disponíveis estejam devidamente sistematizados e organizados. Sobretudo, é preciso utilizar na Biblioteca escolar, um sistema de organização da informação e uma terminologia condizente com o estágio de desenvolvimento dos seus usuários para promover constantemente o interesse pela leitura de forma lúdica e atrativa. Assim sendo, serão favorecidas a assimilação dos conteúdos e a formação da consciência crítica desde a infância.
O uso dos multimeios no processo de ensino-aprendizagem da Escola General Rodrigo Otavio – EMGRO
Authors: Silva Valdilene Leobino Moura , Da Silva Márcio Bezerra , Brito Rosa Zuleide Lima de
Published: November 2015

Apresenta, a partir da nossa observação, o uso dos Multimeios, também chamados de Recursos Audiovisuais, na Escola Municipal General Rodrigo Otavio (EMGRO). Adota como fundamentação teórica a Biblioteca Escolar e Multimeios, elencando definições e categorizações. Aborda a Biblioteca Maria Ruth de Souza do EMGRO e seu acervo de Multimeios com o objetivo, a partir de um percurso metodológico constituído das técnicas bibliográfica, descritiva e observação, apresentar o uso dos Multimeios pelos funcionários da EMGRO. Demonstra, como resultado de pesquisa, o interesse dos alunos pelos Multimeios; a falta de bibliotecários; além da falta de investimento, ações de planejamento e divulgação dos Multimeios. Conclui-se da necessidade da adoção de ações de uso dos Multimeios aos funcionários da Escola no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, destacando os professores, bem como da realização de novos estudos para acompanhar e comprovar se as ações propostas foram realmente aplicadas, e de que forma estas contribuíram no processo educativo da Instituição. Enfim, em todas as Instituições de Ensino, pesquisas como essa devem ser realizadas, já que a Biblioteca proporciona a extensão da sala de aula.
Editorial
Authors: Castro Filho Claudio Marcondes de , Romão Lucília Maria Sousa
Published: November 2015

Editorial
O espaço Biblioteca Escolar em discurso: diálogos e desdobramentos
Authors: Galli Fernanda Correa Silveira
Published: November 2015

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A biblioteca escolar: leitura e transformação
Authors: Amorim Marcela Lopes Mendonça Coelho de
Published: November 2015

Aborda conceitos ligados à função educativa da biblioteca escolar e à importância do incentivo à leitura. Descreve as atividades realizadas pela bibliotecária na biblioteca da Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Aristóbulo Barbosa Leão, localizada em Vitória, Espírito Santo, a partir da leitura de textos de literatura infantil. Relata ações de incentivo à leitura, deflagradas pela apresentação de diferentes obras literárias, envolvendo música, artes, escrita e contação de histórias, enfatizando a imaginação, a ludicidade, e destacando aspectos culturais os mais diversos e o desenvolvimento da cidadania.