bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLUSTERING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUBGROUPS WITH MULTIFRACTAL METHODS AND SELF-ORGANIZING MAP ALGORITHM
Authors: KARACA YELIZ , CATTANI CARLO
Published: June 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive method to detect chronic nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this paper, Brownian motion Hölder regularity functions (polynomial, periodic (sine), exponential) for 2D image, such as multifractal methods were applied to MR brain images, aiming to easily identify distressed regions, in MS patients. With these regions, we have proposed an MS classification based on the multifractal method by using the Self-Organizing Map (SOM) algorithm. Thus, we obtained a cluster analysis by identifying pixels from distressed regions in MR images through multifractal methods and by diagnosing subgroups of MS patients through artificial neural networks.
A Boundary Element Method Based on the Hierarchical Matrices and Multipole Expansion Theory for Acoustic Problems
Authors: Liu Xiujuan , Wu Haijun , Jiang Weikang
Published: June 2017

The coefficient matrices of conventional boundary element method (CBEM) are dense and fully populated. Special techniques such as hierarchical matrices (H-matrices) format are required to extent its ability of handling large-scale problems. Adaptive cross approximation (ACA) algorithm is a widely adopted algorithm to obtain the H-matrices. However, the accuracy of the ACA boundary element method (ACABEM) cannot be adjusted by changing the tolerance [Formula: see text] when it exceeds a certain value. In this paper, the degenerate kernel approximation idea for the low-rank matrices is developed to build a fast BEM for acoustic problems by exploring the multipole expansion of the kernel, which is referred as the multipole expansion H-matrices boundary element method (ME-H-BEM). The newly developed algorithm compresses the far-field submatrices into low rank submatrices with the expansion terms of Green’s function. The obtained H-matrices are applied in conjunction with the generalized minimal residual method (GMRES) to solve acoustic problems. Numerical examples are carefully set up to compare the accuracy, efficiency as well as memory consumption of the CBEM, ACABEM, fast multipole boundary element method (FMBEM) and ME-H-BEM. The results of a pulsating sphere indicate that the ME-H-BEM keeps both storage and operation logarithmic-linear complexity of the H-matrices format as the ACABEM does. Moreover, the ME-H-BEM can achieve better convergence and higher accuracy than the ACABEM. For the analyzed complicated large-scale model, the ME-H-BEM with appropriate number of expansion terms has an advantage in terms of efficiency as compared with the ACABEM. Compared with the FMBEM, the ME-H-BEM is easier to be implemented.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR OPEN INNOVATION: COMPARING RESEARCH RESULTS BETWEEN SMEs AND LARGE COMPANIES
Authors: VÄYRYNEN HANNELE , HELANDER NINA , VASELL TYTTI
Published: June 2017

Knowledge co-creation and effective knowledge sharing boost innovativeness in companies. However, rapidly developing technologies and constant changes in the business environment challenge the companies’ practices for knowledge management (KM). The purpose of this paper is to compare the key KM practices and their effect on open innovation between the small- and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and the large companies, and as empirical focus, comparing them through quantitative survey and complementary qualitative interviews. The results indicate that large companies are more externally open to innovate than SMEs and the large companies also value open dialog and knowledge sharing more. Whereas, SMEs seem to rely more on developing their internal practices to support innovativeness. In the both company sizes technology is used rather poorly to support access to open data and networks. The identified factors provide insights for developing KM practices that support open innovation in varying sizes of companies.
ESTIMATING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE PERMAFROST CARBON FEEDBACK
Authors: KESSLER LOUISE
Published: June 2017

The permafrost carbon feedback (PCF) is not currently taken into account in economic assessments of climate change, yet it could have important implications for the social cost of carbon (SCC) and the associated choice of the optimal greenhouse gas emission pathway. Although this feedback is still imperfectly known, there are enough estimates of its potential strength to now include it in our assessments. In this paper, I present a model of the PCF and integrate this feedback in the DICE Integrated Assessment Model to examine its consequences. I find that doing so increases the SCC by 10–20% in the baseline scenario, but that this impact is much more significant in the case of a damage function which is more reactive to very high temperature changes, and can reach up to 220%. It follows that setting industrial emission targets without taking into account this feedback would lead to excessive atmospheric carbon: I find that it increases the optimal emission control rate by circa 5% points on average over the period 2015–2110 and that this difference becomes much more significant when the constraint of limiting the increase in global mean temperature to [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is added to the model.
Permian fusuline biostratigraphy
Authors: Zhang Yi-Chun , Wang Yue
Published: June 2017

A review of Permian fusuline biostratigraphy is made in this paper in order to improve the correlation of Permian strata globally. Permian fusuline biostratigraphy in the Tethyan and Panthalassan regions can be correlated roughly because the fusulines had good faunal communications between these two regions. However, fusuline faunas from the North American Craton region were devoid of almost all neoschwagerinids and dominated exclusively by schwagerinids during the Guadalupian (Middle Permian) because of the blockage caused by the vast Pangaea supercontinent. This renders the correlation of Middle Permian biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy between the Tethyan region and North American region challenging. Significant evolutionary key points in fusulines include the first occurrence of
Pseudoschwagerina
or
Sphaeroschwagerina
during the earliest Permian, first occurrence of
Pamirina
and
Misellina
during the Yakhtashian and Bolorian, and the extinction of all schwagerinids and neoschwagerinids by the end of the Midian.
Training Fixed-Point Classifiers for On-Chip Low-Power Implementation
Authors: Albalawi Hassan , Li Yuanning , Li Xin
Published: June 2017

In this article, we develop several novel algorithms to train classifiers that can be implemented on chip with low-power fixed-point arithmetic with extremely small word length. These algorithms are based on Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Logistic Regression (LR), and are referred to as LDA-FP, SVM-FP, and LR-FP, respectively. They incorporate the nonidealities (i.e., rounding and overflow) associated with fixed-point arithmetic into the offline training process so that the resulting classifiers are robust to these nonidealities. Mathematically, LDA-FP, SVM-FP, and LR-FP are formulated as mixed integer programming problems that can be robustly solved by the branch-and-bound methods described in this article. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that LDA-FP, SVM-FP, and LR-FP substantially outperform the conventional approaches for the emerging biomedical applications of brain decoding.
Unconventional Roles of Opsins
Authors: Leung Nicole Y. , Montell Craig
Published: June 2017

Rhodopsin is the classical light sensor. Although rhodopsin has long been known to be important for image formation in the eye, the requirements for opsins in non–image formation and in extraocular light sensation were revealed much later. Most recent is the demonstration that an opsin in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is expressed in pacemaker neurons in the brain and functions in light entrainment of circadian rhythms. However, the biggest surprise is that opsins have light-independent roles, countering more than a century of dogma that they function exclusively as light sensors. Through studies in Drosophila, light-independent roles of opsins have emerged in temperature sensation and hearing. Although these findings have been uncovered in the fruit fly, there are hints that opsins have light-independent roles in a wide array of animals, including mammals. Thus, despite the decades of focus on opsins as light detectors, they represent an important new class of polymodal sensory receptor.
Iron and Immunity
Authors: Verbon Eline H. , Trapet Pauline L. , Stringlis Ioannis A. , Kruijs Sophie , Bakker Peter A.H.M. , Pieterse Corné M.J.
Published: June 2017

Iron is an essential nutrient for most life on Earth because it functions as a crucial redox catalyst in many cellular processes. However, when present in excess iron can lead to the formation of harmful hydroxyl radicals. Hence, the cellular iron balance must be tightly controlled. Perturbation of iron homeostasis is a major strategy in host-pathogen interactions. Plants use iron-withholding strategies to reduce pathogen virulence or to locally increase iron levels to activate a toxic oxidative burst. Some plant pathogens counteract such defenses by secreting iron-scavenging siderophores that promote iron uptake and alleviate iron-regulated host immune responses. Mutualistic root microbiota can also influence plant disease via iron. They compete for iron with soil-borne pathogens or induce a systemic resistance that shares early signaling components with the root iron-uptake machinery. This review describes the progress in our understanding of the role of iron homeostasis in both pathogenic and beneficial plant-microbe interactions.
Adaptations of motoneuron properties after weight-lifting training in rats
Authors: Krutki Piotr , Mrówczyński Włodzimierz , Bączyk Marcin , Łochyński Dawid , Celichowski Jan
Published: June 2017

Resistance training, with repeated short-term and high-intensity exercises, is responsible for an increase in muscle mass and force. The aim of this study was to determine whether such training induces adaptations in the electrophysiological properties of motoneurons innervating the trained muscles and to relate these adaptive changes to previous observations made on motor unit contractile properties. The study was performed on adult male Wistar rats. Animals from the training group were subjected to a 5-wk voluntary progressive weight-lifting program, whereas control rats were restricted to standard cage activity. Intracellular recordings from lumbar spinal motoneurons were made under pentobarbital anesthesia. Membrane properties were measured, and rhythmic firing of motoneurons was analyzed. Strength training evoked adaptive changes in both slow- and fast-type motoneurons, indicating their increased excitability. A shorter spike duration, a higher input resistance, a lower rheobase, a decrease in the minimum current required to evoke rhythmic firing, an increase in the maximum frequencies of the early-state firing (ESF) and the steady-state firing (SSF), and an increase in the respective slopes of the frequency-current ( f/ I) relationship were observed in fast motoneurons of the trained group. The increase in the maximum ESF and SSF frequencies and an increase in the SSF f/ I slope were also present in slow motoneurons. Higher maximum firing rates of motoneurons as well as higher discharge frequencies evoked at the same level of intracellular depolarization current imply higher levels of tetanic forces developed by motor units over the operating range of force production after strength training.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neuronal responses to weight-lifting training can be observed in altered properties of both slow and fast motoneurons. Motoneurons of trained animals are more excitable, require lower intracellular currents to evoke rhythmic firing, and have the ability to evoke higher maximum discharge frequencies during repetitive firing.
Texture Directionality‐Based Digital Watermarking in Nonsubsample Shearlet Domain
Authors: Zhao Jian , Fan Shuaishuai , Jia Jian , Zhang Shunli , Jiang Bo , Xu Wensheng , Zhang Wanru
Published: June 2017

Digital watermarking is a technique used to protect an author’s copyright and has become widespread due to the rapid development of multimedia technologies. In this paper, a novel watermarking algorithm using the nonsubsample shearlet transform is proposed, which combines the directional edge features of an image. A shearlet provides an optimal multiresolution and multidirectional representation of an image based on distributed discontinuities such as edges, which ensures that the embedded watermark does not blur the image. In the proposed algorithm, the nonsubsample shearlet transform is used to decompose the cover image into directional subbands, where different directional subbands represent different directional and textured features. The subband whose texture directionality is strongest is selected to carry the watermark and is thus suitable for the human visual system. Next, singular value decomposition is performed on the selected subband image. Finally, the watermark is embedded in the singular value matrix, which is beneficial for the watermarking robustness and invisibility. In comparison with related watermarking algorithms based on discrete wavelet transforms and nonsubsample contourlet transform domains, experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is highly robust against scaling, cropping, and compression.
Huangqin‐Tang and Ingredients in Modulating the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Tang Xudong , Zhang Li
Published: June 2017

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most common inflammatory bowel disease worldwide. Current therapies in UC cause limitations, and herb medicine provides an important choice for UC treatment. Huangqin‐Tang (HQT) is a well‐known classical traditional Chinese herbal formula and has been used in China for thousands of years. A large number of pharmacological studies demonstrated HQT and its ingredients to be effective in treating UC. Though the therapeutic effect has been evaluated, comprehensive up‐to‐date reviews in this field are not yet available. Here we aim to review our current understanding of HQT and its ingredients in treating UC and how the agents modulate the main pathogenesis of the disease, including the intestinal environment, immune imbalance, inflammatory pathways, and oxidative stress. The summary on this issue may provide better understanding of HQT and its ingredients in treating UC and possibly help in promoting its clinical application.
Improvement for Amelioration Inventory Model with Weibull Distribution
Authors: Tuan Han-Wen , Lin Shu-Cheng , Julian Peterson
Published: June 2017

Most inventory models dealt with deteriorated items. On the contrary, just a few papers considered inventory systems under amelioration environment. We study an amelioration inventory model with Weibull distribution. However, there are some questionable results in the amelioration paper. We will first point out those questionable results in the previous paper that did not derive the optimal solution and then provide some improvements. We will provide a rigorous analytical work for different cases dependent on the size of the shape parameter. We present a detailed numerical example for different ranges of the sharp parameter to illustrate that our solution method attains the optimal solution. We developed a new amelioration model and then provided a detailed analyzed procedure to find the optimal solution. Our findings will help researchers develop their new inventory models.
Simultaneous Determination of Fluoroquinolones and Sulfonamides Originating from Sewage Sludge Compost
Authors: Kipper K. , Lillenberg M. , Herodes K. , Nei L. , Haiba E.
Published: June 2017

A simultaneous method for quantitative determination of traces of fluoroquinolones (FQs) and sulfonamides (SAs) in edible plants fertilized with sewage sludge was developed. The compounds were extracted from the plants by rapid and simple liquid extraction followed by extracts clean-up using solid phase extraction. The eluent additive 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol was used for liquid chromatographic detection to achieve separation of structurally similar antimicrobials like ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Identification and quantification of the compounds were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring mode. Method was validated and extraction recoveries of FQs and SAs ranged from 66% to 93%. The limit of quantifications was from 5 ng/g in the case of ofloxacin to 40 ng/g for norfloxacin. The method precision ranged from 1.43% to 2.61%. The developed novel method was used to evaluate the plats antimicrobial uptake (potato(Solanum tuberosumL.), carrot(Daucus carotaL.), lettuce(Lactuca sativaL.), and wheat(Triticum vulgareL.)) from soil and migration of the analytes inside the plants.
A Clinical Case of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: The Clinical Suspicious and the Need of Genetics
Authors: Del Franco Annamaria , Gualandi Francesca , Malagù Michele , Ferlini Alessandra , Xiao Dang , Ferrari Roberto , Bertini Matteo
Published: June 2017

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a very rare genetic cardiac channelopathy, which has not been sufficiently studied yet. The first clinical manifestation has been described during the first decade of life, linked to strenuous exercise or acute emotion. The absence of structural heart disease and a family history of possible arrhythmogenic disorder generally guide the diagnosis towards a potential channelopathy. The opportunity to perform an extensive genetic analysis allows physicians to make the correct diagnosis and to optimize clinical management. The identification of more CPVT cases could affirm what we already know and primarily implement the current knowledge.
Cervical Spine Aneurysmal Bone Cysts in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Protas Matthew , Jones Lydia W. , Sardi Juan Pablo , Fisahn Christian , Iwanaga Joe , Oskouian Rod J. , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: June 2017

Cervical spine aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) in pediatric patients have not been thoroughly studied. Using PubMed and Google Scholar, a systematic review of the literature was conducted for publications that included patients aged ≤15 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ABC in the cervical spine. Thirty-five studies with a total of 71 patients met the inclusion criteria. Nearly 80% of patients presented with neck or shoulder pain. The axis was the level most frequently involved (34.28%), followed by C5 (24.28%). Posterior elements were most likely to be affected (88.46%) while exclusive involvement of the body was uncommon. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the literature regarding ABCs of the cervical spine in a pediatric population. Spinal ABCs are rarely found in the cervical region, and their treatment remains challenging due to their location, vascularization, and a high overall recurrence rate even with surgical resection.
PLS3 Mutations in X-Linked Osteoporosis: Clinical and Bone Characteristics of Two Novel Mutations
Authors: Kannu Peter , Mahjoub Areej , Babul-Hirji Riyana , Carter Melissa T. , Harrington Jennifer
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives: Plastin 3 (PLS3) mutations are associated with an X-linked osteoporosis. Here we describe two new families with novel mutations, including one with a whole gene PLS3 deletion, and review the literature on 9 previously reported cases. Results: Hemizygous male carriers presented with multiple peripheral bone fractures, low bone mineral density (BMD), and vertebral compression fractures. Heterozygous female carriers did not have a history of fragility fractures, although 1 individual presented with low BMD. Apart from greyish-tinged sclera, no other extraskeletal features of osteogenesis imperfecta were identified. Histomorphometry from a transiliac bone biopsy in one of our index patients demonstrated significantly low trabecular bone volume with increased bone turnover. Bisphosphonate treatment was associated with a reduction in the fracture rate and increased bone density. Conclusion: Hemizygous mutations in PLS3 may cause a monogenic form of X-linked osteoporosis presenting in childhood with a nonspecific phenotype. No characteristic ocular, dental, or joint abnormalities are defined. When genetic testing is undertaken to investigate for primary causes of bone fragility, we suggest PLS3 be included in order not to miss this diagnosis.
Characterization of the Phenotype Associated with Microduplication Reciprocal to NF1 Microdeletion Syndrome
Authors: Tassano Elisa , Giacomini Thea , Severino Mariasavina , Gamucci Alessandra , Fiorio Patrizia , Gimelli Giorgio , Ronchetto Patrizia
Published: June 2017

17q11.2 microduplication syndrome is a recently described relatively rare condition associated with a nonspecific phenotype. Intellectual disability, developmental delay, and dysmorphisms are the only clinical features common to a majority of cases. Seventeen patients have been reported so far. Here, we present another patient with 17q11.2 duplication and no signs of neurofibromatosis type 1, identified by array-CGH. We compared clinical features and genetic data with those of previously reported patients with 17q11.2 microduplications. We also analyzed the gene content of the duplicated region in order to investigate the possible role of specific genes in the clinical phenotype of our patient.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Pilot Study of the Effect of Famotidine on Acotiamide Treatment for Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Hojo Mariko , Nagahara Akihito , Asaoka Daisuke , Takeda Tsutomu , Izumi Kentaro , Matsumoto Kohei , Ueyama Hiroya , Shimada Yuji , Matsumoto Kenshi , Nojiri Shuko , Watanabe Sumio
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Acotiamide, a prokinetic drug, is used to treat functional dyspepsia (FD), especially postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). However, a treatment for FD patients with PDS and/or epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) has not been established. We investigated the efficacy of famotidine in combination with acotiamide for FD. Methods: Fifty blindly randomized FD patients received placebo with acotiamide, or famotidine with acotiamide, for 4 weeks. Treatment efficacy was assessed by overall treatment effects (OTE), total, PDS and EPS symptom scores, and impairment of quality of life (QOL). Results: After OTE assessment, patients who felt affected by treatment comprised 40.9 and 57.9% of famotidine and placebo groups, respectively, after 4 weeks' treatment, with no significant difference between groups. A significant decrease was seen in total, PDS, and EPS symptom scores, and in QOL impairment, after 4 weeks' treatment compared with pretreatment scores for famotidine and placebo groups, but was not observed between groups. The proportion of patients showing a ≥50% decrease in EPS symptom scores was greater in the famotidine than that in the placebo group for every observation point, with the greatest difference observed after 2 weeks' treatment. Conclusion: The effectiveness of famotidine and acotiamide combination therapy in FD was similar to the effectiveness of acotiamide therapy alone.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcomes after Single or Double Lung Transplantation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Schneeberger Tessa , Gloeckl Rainer , Welte Tobias , Kenn Klaus
Published: June 2017

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following lung transplantation (LTx) has been shown to be effective with regard to exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, outcome data is limited with respect to LTx as a population. Differences concerning the effects of PR in patients with single LTx (SLTx) or double LTx (DLTx) have not been studied yet. Objectives: The aim was to compare possible differences concerning PR outcomes between SLTx and DLTx. Methods: In a retrospective analysis (period: 1997-2016), data from 722 patients with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; SLTx: n = 129, FEV1 51 ± 17% pred.; DLTx: n = 204, FEV1 74 ± 20% pred.) or interstitial lung disease (ILD; SLTx: n = 135, FVC 58 ± 18% pred.; DLTx: n = 254, FVC 63 ± 18% pred.) after LTx were included. All patients underwent a specialized inpatient PR program. The data of the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and HRQL (physical [PCS] and mental [MCS] component summary of the SF- 36 questionnaire) were analyzed. Results: Independently from the procedure and pretransplant diagnosis, patients significantly (p < 0.05) improved the 6MWD without any differences between SLTx and DLTx (COPD: SLTx: +109 ± 68 m, DLTx: +117 ± 82 m; ILD: SLTx: +115 ± 80 m, DLTx: +132 ± 77 m). The PCS (COPD: SLTx: +9 ± 9 points, DLTx: +7 ± 9 points; ILD: SLTx: +6 ± 9 points, DLTx: +9 ± 9 points) and MCS (COPD: SLTx: +8 ± 15 points, DLTx: +7 ± 15 points; ILD: SLTx: +10 ± 13 points, DLTx: +8 ± 12 points) also improved significantly without any group differences. Conclusions: LTx patients with a pretransplant diagnosis of COPD or ILD all benefitted significantly and with clinical relevance with regard to exercise capacity and HRQL from an inpatient PR performed within 1 year postoperatively. PR outcomes were similar regardless of SLTx or DLTx.
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Past, present and future
Authors: Lip Gregory Y.H. , Freedman Ben , De Caterina Raffaele , Potpara Tatjana S.
Published: June 2017

Concepts and our approaches to stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) have changed markedly over the last decade. There has been an evolution over the approach to stroke and bleeding risk assessment, as well as new treatment options. An increasing awareness of AF has led to calls to improve the detection of and population screening for AF. Stroke and bleeding risk assessment continues to evolve, and the ongoing debate on balance between simplicity and practicality, against precision medicine will continue. In this review article, we provide an overview of past, present and the (likely) future concepts and approaches to stroke prevention in AF. We propose three simple steps (the Birmingham ‘3-step’) that offers a practical management pathway to help streamline and simplify decision-making for stroke prevention in patients with AF.

Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.
Foraging pattern and harvesting of resources of subterranean stingless bee Geotrigona subterranea (Friese, 1901) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: Barbosa Fernando Mendes , Campos Lúcio Antônio De Oliveira , Paixão Joana Fidelis da , Alves Rogério Marcos De Oliveira
Published: June 2017

Flight activity of bees is influenced both by environmental factors and by internal condition of the colonies. Information about external activity of bees is very important, because it provides data of the species biology, supplying subsidies for the use of these insects in the pollination of crops. The present work aim to evaluate the flight activity of Geotrigona subterranea (Friese, 1901) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in natural environment. This study was performed on the Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais, in the municipality Januária, Minas Gerais State. Two natural nests were observed. The activities of bees of the colonies were recorded three days each month, during the period of December 2011 to November 2012, totaling 924 observations. It was recorded the number of bees leaving and entering the nest, and the type of material transported by them for ten minutes each hour from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The bees entered the colony carrying pollen, resin, detritus and also without apparent material. The bees began external activities by 6 a.m. at 20°C and finished at 6 p.m. at 28.8°C. The peak of activity of G. subterranea occurs on schedule from 1 to 2 p.m. Even though G. subterranea makes their nests in underground, their foraging activities are very similar to others stingless bee species that usually nest on tree cavities or aerial places. This indicate that despite their particular nesting way the external factors as climatic ones will significantly modulate their foraging pattern in a daily and seasonal way.
Projeto Jovem Doutor: o aprendizado prático de estudantes de medicina por meio de atividade socioeducativa
Authors: Silva Daniela Rodrigues da , Abreu e Lima Livia Rossetti de , Cara Ligia Mariani , Wen Chao Lung
Published: June 2017

O trabalho mostra a potencialização no aprendizado de estudantes de medicina (graduandos) através de participação em atividade sócio-educacional (Projeto Jovem Doutor-Saúde nas Escolas - PJD) usando recursos de educação interativa, vídeos, computação gráfica 3D e estruturas produzidas por impressora 3D (Homem Virtual). O PJD usou educação híbrida, reunindo plataforma educacional, ferramentas de mídias sociais, webconferências e objetos educacionais de aprendizagem com dinâmicas presenciais na estruturação de sistemática que proporcionou aprendizado flexível e em serviço, agregando experiências e conhecimentos complementares aos graduandos participantes do projeto. Baseado em conteúdos que seguiam as prioridades do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, os graduandos puderam conhecer aspectos da Atenção Primária, desenvolver várias atitudes e aprender conhecimentos não previstos na grade curricular médica normal. Por meio de responsabilidades atribuídas a cada um, os graduandos desenvolveram postura ativa para aprender os assuntos de forma contextualizada (pesquisa de temas, debate com professores e profissionais especialistas). Ao final do projeto, 81,9% (8 de 11) graduandos do PJD responderam que tiveram uma formação crítica, reflexiva e maior habilidade em comunicação. Todos (100%), consideraram ter ampliado a capacidade de trabalho em equipe e conhecimentos em novas tecnologias. A interação dos graduandos com professores das escolas onde foram implantados o PJD levou-os a se tornarem “símbolos” para alunos do ensino fundamental II, promoveu a percepção dos futuros médicos sobre o seu papel no contexto social da saúde e estimulou a formação de vínculo social com alunos do ensino fundamental II. O aprendizado em serviço, através de uma ação sócio-educacional, sob orientação de professores e profissionais especialistas, é uma boa forma de estimular o aprendizado dos alunos de medicina e está em conformidade com as diretrizes de 2014 do CNE/MEC para graduação em Medicina.
Caracterização dos idosos internados por doença respiratória aguda em um hospital escola terciário
Authors: Romanholi-Cória Vivian , Grigolo Ingrid Helen , Mutter Verena Mattos , Defende Gabriela Schimidt , Moras Luis Lemos , Morales Stephanie Tairowite , Carrai Larissa Helena Marques , Dias Ana Laura Oliveira , Costa Nauyla Miranda , Budin Alexandre Andrade , Rodrigues Camila Dias , Marchiori Renata Borges , Sasso Danilo Tacinari , Calocini Andre Gaiotto , Lima Juliana Cristina , Reis Andréia Francesli Negri , Kuyumjian Fátima Grisi , Cação João Castilho
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico, clínico e de fatores de risco de idosos internados por Doença Respiratória Aguda (DRA) no Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto. Metodologia: Pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e retrospectiva, com dados coletados através da análise de 94 prontuários médicos de idosos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, internados no período de agosto de 2012 a setembro de 2013 por DRA no Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto. Resultados: O estudo identificou que entre os 94 idosos internados por DRA, 56,4% eram homens (n=53), com 76 anos de idade ou mais (55,3%), brancos (88,3%), casados (54,2%), com baixa escolaridade (19,1% não alfabetizados e 53,3% com até 4 anos de estudo), portadores de pelo menos uma comorbidade (83%), e apresentavam pelo menos um fator de risco para DRA como tabagismo e/ou desnutrição. Dos classificados com dependência funcional, a maioria eram idosos acima dos 75 anos. Quanto à situação cognitiva, menos da metade dos idosos apresentava algum déficit relatado em prontuário, e entre estes a maioria era maior de 75 anos. Mais de 70% dos pacientes (n=68) receberam alta com melhora, sendo que mais da metade (n=38) tinham 75 anos de idade ou menos. Do total, 17 pacientes evoluíram a óbito, sendo que destes, 88,2% (n=15) tinham acima de 75 anos. Após a alta médica, um pequeno número de pacientes (n=11) foram contra-referenciados às suas Unidades Básicas de Saúde de origem. Conclusão: Os resultados do estudo apontam para a importância de se reforçar as redes de cuidados voltadas aos idosos comprometidos por DRA, especialmente aqueles com idade avançada, fatores de risco presentes, comorbidades associadas, dependência funcional e déficit cognitivo, devido à alta probabilidade de má evolução.  A capacitação dos profissionais de saúde dos diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde e a criação de estratégias para educação da população são ações fundamentais para a consolidação destas redes de cuidados e, consequentemente, auxiliar na prevenção e no diagnóstico precoce, visando à redução das internações e a mortalidade por DRA.
Efeitos de um programa de intervenção terapêutico ocupacional em pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica
Authors: Rodrigues Karoline Vitória Silva , De Castro Yarima Silva Gomes , Najjar Enise Cássia Abdo
Published: June 2017

O estudo objetivou analisar os efeitos da intervenção de Terapia Ocupacional, no âmbito da educação em saúde, no conhecimento acerca da HAS e na adesão ao tratamento do paciente hipertenso. Trata-se de um estudo clínico, descritivo, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa. Participaram do estudo 7 pacientes hipertensos atendidos pelo programa HIPERDIA de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Belém, que apresentaram conhecimento precário e/ou baixa adesão ao tratamento da HAS. Os pacientes foram selecionados a partir da aplicação de dois questionários semiestruturados que objetivaram avaliar o conhecimento acerca da HAS, a adesão ao tratamento e a rotina ocupacional dos participantes. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em três etapas: aplicação dos questionários, intervenção educativa em 13 sessões e re-aplicação dos questionários. A análise de dados foi desenvolvida de forma quanti-qualitativa. Os resultados apontaram uma ampliação em média de 76,4% dos níveis de conhecimento (p=0,0007*) e de 77,81% nos níveis de adesão ao tratamento (p=0,0012*) dos participantes após a realização da intervenção, com introdução de hábitos mais saudáveis na rotina ocupacional. Concluiu-se que o conhecimento dos participantes acerca de sua doença contribuiu para o aumento da adesão ao tratamento, evidenciando estreita relação entre rotina ocupacional e adesão ao tratamento. Constatou-se a eficácia da intervenção de Terapia Ocupacional na abordagem de educação em saúde junto ao paciente hipertenso.
Caracterização da participação social de indivíduos na fase crônica pós-acidente vascular encefálico
Authors: Faria-Fortini Iza , Basílio Marluce Lopes , Polese Janaine Cunha , Menezes Kênia Kiefer Parreira , Faria Christina DCM , Scianni Aline Alvim , Teixeira-Salmela Luci Fuscaldi
Published: June 2017

O objetivo foi descrever e comparar diferenças na restrição na participação social de indivíduos após acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) na fase crônica, considerando as deficiências, limitações em mobilidade e fatores pessoais. A restrição na participação social foi mensurada pelo LIFE-H 3.1-Brasil; as deficiências pela Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e Escala de Fugl-Meyer (EFM); as limitações em mobilidade pela velocidade de marcha e Timed Up & Go (TUG) e os fatores pessoais incluíram sexo, idade, situação familiar e tempo de evolução pós-AVE. Observou-se restrição significativa na área de recreação. Em geral, restrições na participação social foram observadas em participantes com escores ≤28 na EFM-membro inferior, sintomas de depressão, marcha comunitária limitada, risco de quedas e tempo de evolução ≤5 anos. Aqueles com escores ≤45 na EFM-membro superior apresentaram maior restrição em algumas áreas das atividades diárias. As mulheres apresentaram maior restrição em papéis sociais. Os resultados sugerem que deficiências e limitações relacionadas aos membros inferiores, sintomas depressivos e tempo de evolução devem ser considerados na avaliação, quando o objetivo da reabilitação for aumentar a participação social de indivíduos pós-AVE.
Qualidade de vida de pacientes em tratamento hemodialítico: intervenção da Terapia Ocupacional
Authors: Pontes Lívia Mello , Pinto Sonia Claudia Almeida
Published: June 2017

A doença renal crônica e a hemodiálise trazem ao paciente limitações, que afetam a qualidade de vida. O estudo objetivou descrever os resultados na qualidade de vida, após a intervenção terapêutica ocupacional com pacientes em hemodiálise em um setor de terapia renal substitutiva em Belém/PA e categorizar as atividades do programa de terapia ocupacional. O estudo é de tipo observacional, transversal, descritivo, analítico, tipo série de casos. Aplicou-se para avaliação da qualidade de vida o WHOQOL-Bref com 15 participantes e para guiar o plano terapêutico individual aplicou-se a lista de Identificação de Papéis Ocupacionais. O primeiro instrumento mensura a qualidade de vida em quatro domínios, o físico, o ambiental, o psicológico e o social. O segundo instrumento avalia o desempenho dos papéis ocupacionais ao longo do tempo. O WHOQOL-bref foi aplicado ao início e após as intervenções. Foi feita analise bioestatística por meio do software BioEstat versão 5.3. Como resultado observou-se aumento na auto avaliação da qualidade de vida de 7,2% no domínio ambiental, de 12,8% no social, de 10,1% no psicológico e de 12,5 no físico, destacando melhoras significativas em todos os domínios, demonstrando a importância da abordagem do Terapeuta ocupacional junto ao paciente em tratamento hemodialítico.
Trowaglerix Venom Polypeptides As a Novel Antithrombotic Agent by Targeting Immunoglobulin-Like Domains of Glycoprotein VI in Platelet
Authors: Chang Chien-Hsin , Chung Ching-Hu , Tu Yi-Shu , Tsai Cheng-Chieh , Hsu Chun-Chieh , Peng Hui-Chin , Tseng Yufeng J. , Huang Tur-Fu
Published: June 2017

Objective—

Currently prescribed antiplatelet drugs have 1 common side effect—an increased risk of hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia. On the contrary, bleeding defects associated with glycoprotein VI (GPVI) expression deficiency are usually slightly prolonged bleeding times. However, GPVI antagonists are lacking in clinic.

Approach and Results—

Using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and sequencing, we revealed the partial sequence of trowaglerix α subunit, a potent specific GPVI-targeting snaclec (snake venom C-type lectin protein). Hexapeptide (Troα6 [trowaglerix a chain hexapeptide, CKWMNV]) and decapeptide (Troα10) derived from trowaglerix specifically inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation through blocking platelet GPVI receptor. Computational peptide design helped to design a series of Troα6/Troα10 peptides. Protein docking studies on these decapeptides and GPVI suggest that Troα10 was bound at the lower surface of D1 domain and outer surface of D2 domain, which was at the different place of the collagen-binding site and the scFv (single-chain variable fragment) D2-binding site. The newly discovered site was confirmed by inhibitory effects of polyclonal antibodies on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. This indicates that D2 domain of GPVI is a novel and important binding epitope on GPVI-mediated platelet aggregation. Troα6/Troα10 displayed prominent inhibitory effect of thrombus formation in fluorescein sodium-induced platelet thrombus formation of mesenteric venules and ferric chloride-induced carotid artery injury thrombosis model without prolonging the in vivo bleeding time.

Conclusions—

We develop a novel antithrombotic peptides derived from trowaglerix that acts through GPVI antagonism with greater safety—no severe bleeding. The binding epitope of polypeptides on GPVI is novel and important. These hexa/decapeptides have therapeutic potential for developing ideal small-mass GPVI antagonists for arterial thrombogenic diseases.
Cre/lox Studies Identify Resident Macrophages as the Major Source of Circulating Coagulation Factor XIII-A
Authors: Beckers Cora M.L. , Simpson Kingsley R. , Griffin Kathryn J. , Brown Jane M. , Cheah Lih T. , Smith Kerrie A. , Vacher Jean , Cordell Paul A. , Kearney Mark T. , Grant Peter J. , Pease Richard J.
Published: June 2017

Objective—

To establish the cellular source of plasma factor (F)XIII-A.

Approach and Results—

A novel mouse floxed for the
F13a1
gene, FXIII-A
flox/flox
(Flox), was crossed with myeloid- and platelet-cre–expressing mice, and cellular FXIII-A mRNA expression and plasma and platelet FXIII-A levels were measured. The platelet factor 4-cre.Flox cross abolished platelet FXIII-A and reduced plasma FXIII-A to 23±3% (
P
<0.001). However, the effect of platelet factor 4-cre on plasma FXIII-A was exerted outside of the megakaryocyte lineage because plasma FXIII-A was not reduced in the Mpl
−/−
mouse, despite marked thrombocytopenia. In support of this, platelet factor 4-cre depleted FXIII-A mRNA in brain, aorta, and heart of floxed mice, where FXIII-A
pos
cells were identified as macrophages as they costained with CD163. In the integrin αM-cre.Flox and the double copy lysozyme 2-cre.cre.Flox crosses, plasma FXIII-A was reduced to, respectively, 75±5% (
P
=0.003) and 30±7% (
P
<0.001), with no change in FXIII-A content per platelet, further consistent with a macrophage origin of plasma FXIII-A. The change in plasma FXIII-A levels across the various mouse genotypes mirrored the change in FXIII-A mRNA expression in aorta. Bone marrow transplantation of FXIII-A
+/+
bone marrow into FXIII-A
−/−
mice both restored plasma FXIII-A to normal levels and replaced aortic and cardiac FXIII-A mRNA, while its transplantation into FXIII-A
+/+
mice did not increase plasma FXIII-A levels, suggesting that a limited population of niches exists that support FXIII-A-releasing cells.

Conclusions—

This work suggests that resident macrophages maintain plasma FXIII-A and exclude the platelet lineage as a major contributor.
LRP1-Dependent BMPER Signaling Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Vascular Inflammation
Authors: Lockyer Pamela , Mao Hua , Fan Qiying , Li Luge , Yu-Lee Li-Yuan , Eissa N. Tony , Patterson Cam , Xie Liang , Pi Xinchun
Published: June 2017

Objective—

Bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-mediated sepsis involves dysregulated systemic inflammation, which injures the lung and other organs, often fatally. Vascular endothelial cells act as both targets and mediators of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses. Dysfunction of endothelium results in increases of proinflammatory cytokine production and permeability leakage. BMPER (bone morphogenetic protein–binding endothelial regulator), an extracellular modulator of bone morphogenetic protein signaling, has been identified as a vital component in chronic endothelial inflammatory responses and atherosclerosis. However, it is unclear whether BMPER also regulates inflammatory response in an acute setting such as sepsis. To address this question, we investigated the role of BMPER during lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.

Approach and Results—

Mice missing 1 allele of BMPER (BMPER
+/−
mice used in the place of BMPER
−/−
mice that die at birth) were used for lipopolysaccharide challenge. Lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary inflammation and injury was reduced in BMPER
+/−
mice as shown by several measures, including survival rate, infiltration of inflammatory cells, edema, and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, we have demonstrated that BMPER is required and sufficient for the activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1. This BMPER-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells activation is coordinated by multiple signaling pathways, including bone morphogenetic protein–independent low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1-extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation, calcineurin signaling, and low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1β–mediated nuclear factor 45 nuclear export in response to BMPER treatment.

Conclusions—

We conclude that BMPER plays a pivotal role in pulmonary inflammatory response, which provides new therapeutic options against sepsis shock. The new signaling pathway initiated by BMPER/low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1 axis broadens our understanding about BMPER’s role in vascular homeostasis.
Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Promotes Atherosclerosis and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Aged Mice
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Wei , Wang Nan , Tall Alan R. , Tabas Ira
Published: June 2017

Rationale—

Mitochondrial oxidative stress (mitoOS) has been shown to be increased in various cell types in human atherosclerosis and with aging. However, the role of cell type–specific mitoOS in atherosclerosis in the setting of advanced age and the molecular mechanisms remains to be determined in vivo.

Objective—

The aim of this study was to examine the role of myeloid cell mitoOS in atherosclerosis in aged mice.

Approach and Results—

Lethally irradiated low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice (
Ldlr
−/−
) were reconstituted with bone marrow from either wild-type or mitochondrial catalase (mCAT) mice. mCAT transgenic mice contain ectopically expressed human catalase gene in mitochondria, which reduces mitoOS. Starting at the age of 36 weeks, mice were fed the Western-type diet for 16 weeks. We found that mitoOS in lesional myeloid cells was suppressed in aged mCAT→
Ldlr
−/−
chimeric mice compared with aged controls, and this led to a significant reduction in aortic root atherosclerotic lesion area despite higher plasma cholesterol levels. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a proinflammatory extracellular structure that contributes to atherosclerosis progression, were significantly increased in the lesions of aged mice compared with lesions of younger mice. Aged mCAT→
Ldlr
−/−
mice had less lesional neutrophils and decreased NETs compared with age-matched wild-type→
Ldlr
−/−
mice, whereas young mCAT→ and wild-type→
Ldlr
−/−
mice had comparable numbers of neutrophils and similar low levels of lesional NETs. Using cultured neutrophils, we showed that suppression of mitoOS reduced 7-ketocholesterol–induced NET release from neutrophils of aged but not younger mice.

Conclusions—

MitoOS in lesional myeloid cells enhanced atherosclerosis development in aged mice, and this enhancement was associated with increased lesional NETs. Thus, mitoOS-induced NET formation is a potentially new therapeutic target to prevent atherosclerosis progression during aging.