bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEDESTRIANS’ PERSPECTIVES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, AWARENESS AND WILLINGNESS IN CHANGING CURRENT MODE TO WALKING IN A POSSIBLE WAY TO REDUCE EXPOSURE OF O3 CONCENTRATIONS TO SCHOOLCHILDREN
Authors: Zainordin Nazatul Syadia , Ramli Nor Azam , Zia Ul-Saufie Mohamad Ahmad , Razman Muhammad Rizal , Yahya Ahmad Shukri , Md. Yusof Noor Faizah Fitri
Published: August 2018

Increasing ground level ozone has become an important issue because of its adverse effects on health and the environment. Increasing numbers of vehicles is known to be one of the sources of its precursors where gas emissions from vehicle exhausts lead to the production of ground level ozone.  Active transports, mainly walking have been found to be the most effective way to reduce the use of private vehicles especially for short-distance travel.  In this study, pedestrians’ perspectives on the existence of environmental problems and awareness regarding negative effects of these issues and their perceptions towards changing the current mode to active mode were evaluated. According to the surveys conducted at the four selected schools, by referring to the gender, as compared to male respondents, female respondents mostly testified that there were local environmental problems occurred at their area and are aware  of the adverse effects of air pollutants exposed to human. As for types of respondents, teachers were much concern with the environmental problems as they spent more time in schools compared than other types of respondents. In terms of race, Indian and Malay respondents were more aware of the negative effects of air pollutants and most willingly to change from current mode to walking. From the analysis of one-way ANOVA and independent t-test, respondents’ level of agreement with environmental problems, awareness and potential in changing the current mode to walking were related to the gender, types of respondents and race. Nevertheless, factor of travel distance did not influence the given level of agreement by respondents.
HIGH TEMPERATURE OXIDATION OF AISI 439 FERRITIC STAINLESS STEEL IN SYNTHETIC AIR ATMOSPHERE
Authors: Salgado Maria de Fatima , Santos Jackeline Macêdo de Sousa , Dias Viana Giscard Eanes , Porto João Alberto Santos , Fontinele Gabriel de Souza Veras , Hamzah Esah , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: August 2018

Stainless steels may be used and exposed to aggressive gases at high temperatures. The oxidation behavior of AISI 439 ferritic stainless steel, was investigated by oxidation treatment at 850 ºC and 950 ºC, for 50h in Synthetic Air with 20% O2 atmosphere in a tubular oven and in a thermobalance. The oxidation kinetics of films are determined by measuring the mass versus oxidation time. The microstructure and chemical composition of the oxides were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).  Chemical analysis by EDS showed that films formed on AISI 439 stainless steel exhibited Cr as the principal element in the oxide film, in proportions to form the chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and the following elements: Mn, Fe, Ti and Si. Based on the oxidation kinetics, it was observed that steel oxidation follows the parabolic behaviour with increase in temperature and it produced the highest oxidation rate at 950 ºC and the lowest rate at 850 ºC.
Risk of metabolic consequences of rapid weight gain and catch-up growth in the first two years of life: a systematic review protocol
Authors: van der Haak Natalie , Wood Kate , Sweeney Annabel , Munn Zachary
Published: August 2018

Review question:

The specific review question to be addressed in this review is: what is the risk of metabolic outcomes for individuals who experience rapid weight gain or catch-up growth during the first two years of life?
Effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for women with postnatal depression: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Wang Carol Chunfeng , Zhu Ruifang , Ge Li , Tufanaru Catalin , Bayes Sara , De Jong Gideon
Published: August 2018

Review question:

The review question is: what is the best available evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for women with postnatal depression?
La declaración del riesgo en los seguros para personas: deber de información y deber de informarse
Authors: Núñez del Prado Simons Alonso
Published: August 2018

El autor analiza la declaración del riesgo en los seguros de personas en la legislación peruana con especial énfasis en el deber de buena fe de las partes.
Nulidad y ejecución del laudo en el arbitraje comercial internacional. Disquisiciones sobre este doble control, causales de nulidad y revisión de la jurisprudencia Chilena
Authors: Vásquez Palma María Fernanda
Published: August 2018

En el presente texto abordaremos la eficacia del arbitraje internacional por medio del control de nulidad y ejecución del laudo. Analizaremos las distintas discusiones que se han propiciado en la materia y nos centraremos en la pertinencia del doble control ejercido por tribunales diferentes; el contenido de las causales de nulidad; para finalizar con la revisión de la jurisprudencia que ha dictado los tribunales estatales chilenos sobre el recurso de nulidad y las solicitudes de exequatur, como una forma de contextualizar la discusión en una realidad concreta.
Protección del comprador por defectos materiales de la cosa vendida. Desde la fragmentación a un régimen unitario
Authors: Vidal Olivares Álvaro , Oviedo Albán Jorge
Published: August 2018

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto presentar el régimen de protección del comprador y evidenciar su fraccionamiento y distintos niveles de protección frente a un conjunto de circunstancias susceptibles de calificarse jurídicamente de incumplimiento de la obligación de entrega. Cualquiera sea la hipótesis, de defecto en la entrega, el vendedor no hizo lo que se había establecido en el contrato, empero la respuesta del legislador decimonónico difiere causando no solo un trato desigual sino también incertidumbre para el comprador. La pregunta que se plantea es: ¿Existe algún modelo que supere tal fraccionamiento y diferente protección del comprador? Y la respuesta es que sí, la Convención de Viena sobre compraventa internacional de mercaderías (CISG), que es el modelo para lo construcción del nuevo derecho de contratos, prevé un sistema unitario de remedios a partir de un concepto amplio y omnicomprensivo de incumplimiento. En la CISG el modelo de vinculación contractual es el de garantía de realización del contrato y el vendedor no incumple obligaciones particulares sino el contrato todo. A partir de este modelo se ofrece una relectura de las normas de los códigos civiles chileno y colombiano, relectura que ha tenido acogida, al menos con cierta intensidad, por los Tribunales de Justicia de Chile y Colombia.
Procesos de reasentamiento en Colombia: ¿Una medida de adaptación y protección de derechos humanos de las víctimas del cambio climático?
Authors: Castro-Buitrago Erika , Vélez Echeverri Juliana
Published: August 2018

Este artículo presenta las deficiencias del ordenamiento jurídico en la configuración del reasentamiento como una medida excepcional de adaptación al cambio climático y de protección de los derechos humanos de las comunidades afectadas. Entre las deficiencias objeto de análisis resaltan: la falta de un encuadre conceptual adecuado del reasentamiento; la ausencia de una política pública sobre el tema y su relación con la adaptación al cambio climático y el otorgamiento de una amplia discrecionalidad a los municipios para llevar a cabo procesos de reasentamiento que, en la práctica, se manifiestan a través de actuaciones informales –sin regulación especial o protocolos que guíen su ejecución­– y que han generado la violación de los derechos humanos. Este trabajo es el resultado de la investigación que soportó el respectivo informe a la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, construido mediante una investigación documental exploratoria y analítica, estudio e intervención en casos reales.
Quantification of NGAL in Urine of Endurance Cycling Athletes
Authors: Machado Julio Cezar Q. , Volpe Caroline M.O. , Vasconcellos Leonardo S. , Nogueira-Machado José A.
Published: August 2018

Background: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a glycoprotein released during early phases of a postischemic kidney in response to kidney injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. It can be detected in urine after 2 hours of an ischemic event. The aim was to measure and to correlate the level of urine NGAL (uNGAL) with urea, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of endurance cycling athletes (n = 19) and physically active individuals (control, n = 17).Methods: Quantification of urea and creatinine were performed by dry chemical method, and GFR was calculated using the modification of diet in renal disease formula, according to Brazilian Society of Nephrology. uNGAL analyses were performed by enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay. Analyses were performed 48 hours after exercises.Results: uNGAL (in ng/mL) levels, expressed as median, minimum, and maximum, in cyclist group, 387.7 (109.7–1691.0), was significantly higher than that observed in control (physically active) group, 141.5 (4.8–657.0), (P < .05). No significant correlations were observed between uNGAL and creatinine, urea, or GFR (P > .05).Conclusions: Results have pointed to increased uNGAL levels in endurance cycling athletes. Increase of uNGAL in absence of clinical signs or alterations in creatinine, urea, or GFR might suggest that there is metabolic adaptation to endurance exercise, or possibly predisposition to acute kidney injury over time.
Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of OXA-535, a Distantly Related OXA-48-Like β-Lactamase
Authors: Dabos L. , Jousset A. B. , Bonnin R. A. , Fortineau N. , Zavala A. , Retailleau P. , Iorga B. I. , Naas T.
Published: August 2018

OXA-535 is a chromosome-encoded carbapenemase of
Shewanella bicestrii
JAB-1 that shares only 91.3% amino acid sequence identity with OXA-48. Catalytic efficiencies are similar to those of OXA-48 for most β-lactams, except for ertapenem, where a 2,000-fold-higher efficiency was observed with OXA-535.
Effect of a 1-week intense myofunctional training on obstructive sleep apnoea in children with Down syndrome
Authors: von Lukowicz Magnus , Herzog Nina , Ruthardt Sebastian , Quante Mirja , Iven Gabriele , Poets Christian F
Published: August 2018

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in children with Down syndrome (DS), yet difficult to treat. As muscular hypotonia of the upper airway may cause OSA and is also common in DS, we tested whether intense myofunctional therapy improves OSA in children with DS.

Patients and methods

Forty-two children underwent cardiorespiratory sleep studies immediately before and after a 1-week intensive training camp consisting of three daily 45 min sessions of myofunctional exercises according to Padovan. Primary outcome was the mixed-obstructive-apnoea/hypopnoea index (MOAHI), secondary outcomes the ≤3% oxygen desaturation index (DI3), the ≤90% desaturation index (DI90) and the lowest pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2nadir).

Results

Eighteen recordings had ≥3 hours of artefact-free recording in both the pretreatment and post-treatment sleep study and were therefore included in the analysis. Mean age was 6.3 years (SD 2.5); 83% had OSA prior to intervention. Mean MOAHI was 6.4 (SD 8.6) before and 6.4 (SD 10.8) after the intervention (p>0.05); the DI3and SpO2nadiralso did not change. Only the DI90decreased significantly from 2.7 (SD 4.5) to 2.1 (SD 3.7) (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The 1-week intense myofunctional training camp evaluated here in children with DS had only a marginal effect on OSA. Whether a longer follow-up period or duration of intervention would yield stronger effects remains to be determined.
Fifteen-minute consultation on the healthy child: Bowel habit in infants and children
Authors: Clarke Joely , Tighe Mark Peter
Published: August 2018

A common presentation to the general paediatric clinic is a child or young person’s difficult bowel habit, which is often a potent source of anxiety for parents and carers. A large proportion of these children will have a functional cause for their symptoms, with unnecessary investigation and non-evidence-based treatments adding to their difficulties. This article aims to explain what encompasses the normal bowel habit in children and young people, reassure where appropriate and identify those patterns that may be suggestive of a disorder or disease requiring treatment. We illustrate both extremes of the spectrum of normal bowel habit in children with two case studies.
Performance, diameter of muscle fibers, and gene expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin in pectoralis major muscle of broilers supplemented with leucine and valine
Authors: Ospina-Rojas Iván Camilo , Murakami Alice Eiko , do Amaral Duarte Cristiane Regina , Pozza Paulo Cesar , Rossi Robson Marcelo , Gasparino Eliane
Published: August 2018

Two experiments were performed to study the interaction between the standardized ileal digestible (SID) leucine (Leu) and valine (Val) levels on the mRNA expression of genes involved in the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (experiment I) and determine the requirement of these amino acids in low-protein diets, and their effects on performance, serum parameters and muscle fiber diameters of broilers (experiment II) from day 1 to day 21 post hatch. Broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 factorial arrangement for a total of 9 and 25 treatments in experiments I and II, respectively. There was no (P > 0.05) interaction between the SID Leu and Val levels on mRNA expression of mTOR, S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), 4E-binding protein-1 (4EBP1), eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes in pectoralis major muscle. Leucine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of mTOR and S6K1 genes in muscle tissue, whereas Val supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) mRNA expression of the genes investigated. Interaction was observed (P < 0.05) between dietary Leu and Val levels on feed intake and gain:feed. Leucine supplementation may stimulate mRNA expression of mTOR and S6K1 genes in pectoralis major muscle of broilers from day 1 to day 21 post hatch. The SID Leu and Val levels required for the optimization of feed intake, weight gain, and gain:feed in low-crude protein diets for broiler chickens from day 1 to 21 post hatch were estimated at 1.29% and 0.96%, 1.28% and 0.92%, and 1.27% and 0.91%, respectively; however, these requirements may be greater to maximize muscle fiber growth.
Why colour is complex: Evidence that bees perceive neither brightness nor green contrast in colour signal processing
Authors: Ng Leslie , Garcia Jair E. , Dyer Adrian G.
Published: August 2018

Honey bees ( Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758) potentially rely on a variety of visual cues when searching for flowers in the environment. Both chromatic and achromatic (brightness) components of flower signals have typically been considered simultaneously to understand how flower colours have evolved. However, it is unclear whether honey bees actually use brightness information in their colour perception. We investigated whether free-flying honey bees can process brightness cues in achromatic stimuli when presented at a large visual angle of 28° to ensure colour processing. We found that green contrast (modulation of the green receptor against the background) and brightness contrast (modulation of all three receptors against the background) did not have a significant effect on the proportion of correct choices made by bees, indicating that they did not appear to use brightness cues in a colour processing context. Our findings also reveal that, even at a small visual angle, honeybees do not reliably process single targets solely based on achromatic information, at least considering values up to 60% modulation of brightness. We discuss these findings in relation to proposed models of bee colour processing. Therefore, caution should be taken when interpreting elemental components of complex flower colours as perceived by different animals.
Massive scalar field theory in the presence of moving mirrors
Authors: Astrakhantsev L. , Diatlyk O.
Published: August 2018

We study the 2D massive fields in the presence of moving mirrors. We do that for standing mirror and mirror moving with constant velocity. We calculate the modes and commutation relations of the field operator with the corresponding conjugate momentum in each case. We find that in case of the ideal mirror, which reflects modes with all momenta equally well, the commutation relations do not have their canonical form. However, in the case of nonideal mirror, which is transparent for the modes with high enough momenta, the commutation relations of the field operator and its conjugate momentum have their canonical form. Then, we calculate the free Hamiltonian and the expectation value of the stress-energy tensor in all the listed situations. In the presence of moving mirrors the diagonal form in terms of the creation and annihilation operators has the operator that performs translations along the mirror’s worldline rather than the one which does translations along the time-line. For the massive fields in the presence of a mirror moving with constant velocity the expectation value of the stress-energy tensor has a nondiagonal contribution which decays with the distance from the mirror.
Prosocial Motivation and Incentives
Authors: Besley Timothy , Ghatak Maitreesh
Published: August 2018

This review explores the role of incentives in providing goods and services that have significant social returns not captured in private returns, and where outcomes and performances are not easy to measure. We discuss how the presence of prosocial motivation among agents involved in the provision of these goods and services changes the design of incentives. The review also emphasises how heterogeneous prosocial motivation puts a premium on selection of agents in this context. We also discuss alternative theories of prosocial motivation.
Idea Flows and Economic Growth
Authors: Buera Francisco J. , Lucas Robert E.
Published: August 2018

We review new theories of learning that posit specific, distinct roles for the learner or innovator and their intellectual environment. We consider applications to the dynamics of individual earnings over the life cycle, the diffusion of knowledge within an organization and firm dynamics, and the role of trade in the diffusion of ideas.
Welfare Reform and the Labor Market
Authors: Chan Marc K. , Moffitt Robert
Published: August 2018

This article reviews the basic theoretical models that are appropriate for analyzing different types of welfare reforms, as well as the related empirical literature. We first present the canonical labor supply model of a classical welfare program and then extend this basic framework to include in-kind transfers, incomplete take-up, human capital, preference persistence, and borrowing and saving. The empirical literature on these models is presented. The negative income tax, earnings subsidies, US welfare reforms with features that differ from those in other countries, and childcare reforms are then surveyed in terms of both the theoretical models and the empirical literature surrounding each.
Descending monoaminergic pathways projecting to the spinal defecation center enhance colorectal motility in rats
Authors: Naitou Kiyotada , Nakamori Hiroyuki , Horii Kazuhiro , Kato Kurumi , Horii Yuuki , Shimaoka Hiroki , Shiina Takahiko , Shimizu Yasutake
Published: August 2018

The central regulating mechanisms of defecation, especially roles of the spinal defecation center, are still unclear. We have shown that monoamines including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin injected into the spinal defecation center cause propulsive contractions of the colorectum. These monoamines are the main neurotransmitters of descending pain inhibitory pathways. Therefore, we hypothesized that noxious stimuli in the colorectum would activate the descending monoaminergic pathways projecting to the spinal defecation center and that subsequently released endogenous monoamine neurotransmitters would enhance colorectal motility. Colorectal motility was measured in rats anesthetized with α-chloralose and ketamine. As a noxious stimulus, capsaicin was administered into the colorectal lumen. To interrupt neuronal transmission in the spinal defecation center, antagonists of norepinephrine, dopamine, and/or serotonin receptors were injected intrathecally at the L6-S1 spinal level, where the spinal defecation center is located. Intraluminal administration of capsaicin, acting on the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, caused transient propulsive contractions. The effect of capsaicin was abolished by surgical severing of the pelvic nerves or thoracic spinal transection at the T4 level. Capsaicin-induced contractions were blocked by preinjection of D2-like dopamine receptor and 5-hydroxytryptamine subtype 2 and 3 receptor antagonists into the spinal defecation center. We demonstrated that intraluminally administered capsaicin causes propulsive colorectal motility through reflex pathways involving the spinal and supraspinal defecation centers. Our results provide evidence that descending monoaminergic neurons are activated by noxious stimulation to the colorectum, leading to facilitation of colorectal motility.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study demonstrates that noxious stimuli in the colorectum activates the descending monoaminergic pathways projecting to the spinal defecation center and that subsequently released endogenous monoamine neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, enhance colorectal motility. Our findings provide a possible explanation of the concurrent appearance of abdominal pain and bowel disorder in irritable bowel syndrome patients. Thus the present study may provide new insights into understanding of mechanisms of colorectal dysfunction involving the central nervous system.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing with supramaximal verification produces a safe and valid assessment of V̇o2max in people with cystic fibrosis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Causer Adam J. , Shute Janis K. , Cummings Michael H. , Shepherd Anthony I. , Bright Victoria , Connett Gary , Allenby Mark I. , Carroll Mary P. , Daniels Thomas , Saynor Zoe L.
Published: August 2018

The validity and safety of using supramaximal verification (Smax) to confirm a maximal effort during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and/or those with severe disease has been questioned. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these concerns in children, adolescents, and adults with mild-to-severe CF lung disease. Retrospective analysis of 17 pediatric and 28 adult participants with CF [age range: 9.2–62.9 y; forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 66.7% (range: 29.9%–102.3%); 30 men] who completed a routine ramp-incremental cycling test to determine peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) was studied. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) was subsequently confirmed by Smax at 110% of peak power output. All participants satisfied the criteria to verify a maximal effort during CPET. However, Smax-V̇o2peak exceeded ramp-V̇o2peak in 3/14 (21.4%) of pediatric and 6/28 (21.4%) adult exercise tests. A valid measurement of V̇o2max was attained in 85.7% of pediatric and 96.4% of adult exercise tests, as Smax-V̇o2peak did not exceed ramp-V̇o2peak by >9%. Adults ( n = 9) experienced a ≥5% reduction in arterial O2 saturation during CPET, 4 during both the ramp and Smax, 3 during only the ramp, and 2 during only Smax. Smax did not significantly worsen perceived breathing effort, chest tightness, throat narrowing, or exertion compared with ramp-incremental testing. Given the clinical importance of aerobic fitness in people with CF, incorporating Smax is recommended to provide a safe and valid measure of V̇o2max in children, adolescents, and adults who span the spectrum of CF disease severity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Incorporating supramaximal verification into cardiopulmonary exercise testing protocols did not increase the frequency of adverse events or perceived discomfort versus a single-phase incremental exercise test in people with mild-to-severe cystic fibrosis. Furthermore, a valid measure of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) was obtained from 85.7% of pediatric and 96.4% of adult exercise tests, whereas peak oxygen uptake underestimated aerobic fitness in comparison with V̇o2max in 21.4% of cases (by up to 24.4%).
Aortic reservoir function of Japanese female pearl divers
Authors: Sugawara Jun , Tomoto Tsubasa , Lin Hsin-Fu , Chen Chen-Huan , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: August 2018

Female pearl divers in Japan, called “ Ama,” engage in repeated breath-hold free-diving maneuvers for collecting pearls, seaweeds, and shellfish in the cold sea. We previously reported that they have lower systemic arterial stiffness than age-matched sedentary peers. As a follow-up study, we evaluated their segmental arterial stiffness and aortic reservoir function. A total of 120 non-medicated women living in the same fishing villages (mean age: 65 ± 11 yr), including 88 Ama and 32 age-matched sedentary peers, were studied. Pulse wave velocity from the heart to the brachial artery (hbPWV; partly reflecting proximal aortic stiffness) and between the brachial artery and the ankle (baPWV; reflecting stiffness of abdominal aorta and leg arteries) were measured. Aortic hemodynamic variables were estimated from applanation tonometry carotid arterial pressure waveforms via general transfer function. Carotid artery impedance was calculated from blood flow velocity and blood pressure of contralateral common carotid arteries. baPWV was not different between the groups ( P = 0.117), whereas hbPWV was significantly lower in pearl divers than sedentary peers ( P = 0.004). Additionally, Ama had significantly lower aortic reservoir pressure integral ( P = 0.029) and carotid artery impedance modulus in frequency ranges from 0.78 to 4.0 Hz ( P = 0.011~0.019) than in sedentary peers. Collectively, these findings indicate that lifelong female pearl divers have superior reservoir function in central elastic arteries (e.g., the proximal aorta and carotid artery) in comparison with age-matched sedentary women living in the same fishing village.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We previously reported that lifelong female pearl divers in Japan, called “ Ama,” have lower systemic arterial stiffness than age-matched sedentary peers. As a follow-up study, we evaluated their segmental arterial stiffness and aortic reservoir function. In comparison with age-matched sedentary women living in the same fishing village, Ama demonstrated significantly lower arterial stiffness in more proximal and elastic arterial segments and superior reservoir function in central elastic arteries.
Characterizing the plasma metabolome during and following a maximal exercise cycling test
Authors: Manaf Faizal A. , Lawler Nathan G. , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Maker Garth L. , Boyce Mary C. , Fairchild Timothy J. , Broadhurst David
Published: August 2018

Although complex in nature, a number of metabolites have been implicated in the onset of exercise-induced fatigue. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in the plasma metabolome and specifically, to identify candidate metabolites associated with the onset of fatigue during prolonged cycling. Eighteen healthy and recreationally active men (mean ± SD; age: 24.7 ± 4.8 yr; mass 67.1 ± 6.1 kg; body mass index: 22.8 ± 2.2; peak oxygen uptake: 40.9 ± 6.1 ml·kg−1·min−1) were recruited to this study. Participants performed a prolonged cycling time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test at an intensity corresponding to a fixed blood lactate concentration (3 mmol/l). Plasma samples collected at 10 min of exercise, before fatigue (last sample before fatigue <10 min before fatigue), immediately after fatigue (point of exhaustion), and 20 min after fatigue were assessed using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approach. Eighty metabolites were putatively identified, with 68 metabolites demonstrating a significant change during the cycling task (duration: ~80.9 ± 13.6 min). A clear multivariate structure in the data was revealed, with the first principal component (36% total variance) describing a continuous increase in metabolite concentration throughout the TTE trial and recovery, whereas the second principal component (14% total variance) showed an increase in metabolite concentration followed by a recovery trajectory, peaking at the point of fatigue. Six clusters of correlated metabolites demonstrating unique metabolite trajectories were identified, including significant separation in the metabolome between prefatigue and postfatigue time points. In accordance with our hypothesis, free-fatty acids and tryptophan contributed to differences in the plasma metabolome at fatigue.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Metabolites have long been implicated in the onset of fatigue. This study applied a metabolomic approach to track 80 plasma-borne metabolites during a cycle to fatigue task. Of these, 68 metabolites demonstrated significant change, with the plasma metabolome at fatigue being clearly distinguishable from other time points. Six unique clusters of metabolites were identified, and free fatty acids were strongly associated with fatigue onset therein lending support to the central fatigue hypothesis.
Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture with Multiple Concomitant Injuries in an Adolescent Male Athlete
Authors: Agarwalla Avinesh , Puzzitiello Richard , Stone Austin V. , Forsythe Brian
Published: August 2018

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are an uncommon injury occurring due to strong contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle during leg extension, ultimately causing failure of the physis at the patellar tendon insertion. This injury has been previously reported with various concomitant injuries, such as compartment syndrome from bleeding into the anterior compartment, vascular injury, patellar tendon avulsion, and meniscal injury—exhibited only with fracture types that extend intra-articularly. We report the case of a 14-year-old healthy adolescent male basketball player who sustained this injury as a result of a collision with another player. He initially reported to the emergency department and then presented to our practice, where he was diagnosed with a tibial tubercle avulsion fracture with patellar tendon rupture. During the operative management of these injuries, it was noted that fascial tissue avulsed through the injury site causing subacute extensive bleeding within the anterolateral compartments. Due to concerns of compartment syndrome, a fascial release was performed along the anterolateral compartments. By five months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated near-normal function, no evidence of extensor lag, and nearly full range of motion. Unlike previously reported cases, this is the first report of a patient who suffered such an injury with multiple concomitant injuries to the neighboring structures. Due to the severity of compartment syndrome and the variability in its temporal presentation from the initial injury, it is paramount that careful evaluation of vascular integrity and a low threshold for fasciotomy be in place to prevent vascular compromise.
The Influence of Formulation and Excipients on Propranolol Skin Permeation and Retention
Authors: Padula Cristina , Nicoli Sara , Pescina Silvia , Santi Patrizia
Published: August 2018

The objective of this work was to study in vitro propranolol permeation and skin retention after topical application of different semisolid vehicles, with the final aim of developing new topical formulations intended for the treatment of infantile hemangioma, able to produce therapeutic drug levels in the skin, avoiding systemic absorption. Propranolol ointments, creams, and gels were prepared and tested on pig skin, an accepted model of human skin. From the results obtained in the present work it is clear that the permeation of propranolol across the skin is a poor predictor of its skin retention, at least in the time-frame considered. With an application time of 4 h, reasonably close to the permanence time of a semisolid formulation on the skin surface, the best performance (high retention and low skin penetration) was obtained with lipophilic formulations, in particular with a lipophilic cream containing olive oil. Hydrophilic formulations, such as gels, are characterized by a significant permeation across the skin, probably leading to systemic side effects, accompanied by a limited skin retention. Overall, the results obtained in the present work pose the basis for the development of new topical formulations, containing propranolol, with better performance and reduced systemic absorption.
Gd3+-Doped Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Budnyk A. P. , Lastovina T. A. , Bugaev A. L. , Polyakov V. A. , Vetlitsyna-Novikova K. S. , Sirota M. A. , Abdulvakhidov K. G. , Fedorenko A. G. , Podlesnaya E. O. , Soldatov A. V.
Published: August 2018

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) made of iron oxides with cubic symmetry (Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3) are demanded objects for multipurpose in biomedical applications as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, magnetically driven carriers for drug delivery, and heaters in hyperthermia cancer treatment. An optimum balance between the right particle size and good magnetic response can be reached by a selection of a synthesis method and by doping with rare earth elements. Here, we present a microwave-assisted polyol synthesis of iron oxide MNPs with actual gadolinium (III) doping from 0.5 to 5.1 mol.%. The resulting MNPs have an average size of 14 nm with narrow size distribution. Their surface was covered by a glycol layer, which prevents aggregation and improves biocompatibility. The magnetic hyperthermia test was performed on 1 and 2 mg/ml aqueous colloidal solutions of MNPs and demonstrated their ability to rise the temperature by 3°C during a 20–30 min run. Therefore, the obtained Gd3+ MNPs are the promising material for biomedicine.
Antioxidants from Plants Protect against Skin Photoaging
Authors: Petruk Ganna , Del Giudice Rita , Rigano Maria Manuela , Monti Daria Maria
Published: August 2018

Exposure to UV light triggers the rapid generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells, with consequent increase in oxidative stress and thus in photoaging. Exogenous supplementation with dietary antioxidants and/or skin pretreatment with antioxidant‐based lotions before sun exposure might be a winning strategy against age‐related skin pathologies. In this context, plants produce many secondary metabolites to protect themselves from UV radiations and these compounds can also protect the skin from photoaging. Phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and carotenoids, derived from different plant species, are able to protect the skin by preventing UV penetration, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and influencing several survival signalling pathways. In this review, we focus our attention on the double role of oxidants in cell metabolism and on environmental and xenobiotic agents involved in skin photoaging. Moreover, we discuss the protective role of dietary antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and report their antiaging properties related to the reduction of oxidative stress pathways.
Surgical Resection with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locoregionally Recurrent Appendiceal Cancer Invading the External Iliac Vessels
Authors: Takahashi Jun , Tsujinaka Shingo , Kakizawa Nao , Takayama Noriya , Machida Erika , Iseya Kazuki , Hasegawa Fumi , Kikugawa Rina , Miyakura Yasuyuki , Suzuki Koichi , Rikiyama Toshiki
Published: August 2018

Recent advancements in multimodal therapy can provide oncologic benefits for patients with recurrent colorectal cancer. This report presents a case of locoregionally recurrent appendiceal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection with vascular reconstruction. A 68-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer and underwent ileocecal resection. The pathological evaluation revealed KRAS-mutant adenocarcinoma with the final stage of T4bN1M0. She received oral fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy. One year later, she was found to have peritoneal dissemination in the pelvic cavity and vaginal metastasis. She received an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. One year after the second surgery, she developed a locoregional recurrence involving the right external iliac vessels and small intestine. She received an irinotecan-based regimen with bevacizumab as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by surgical resection. At first, a femoro-femoral bypass was made to secure the blood supply to the right lower extremities. Subsequently, an en bloc resection including the recurrent tumor and the external iliac vessels was completed. Surgical resection for recurrent colorectal cancer is often technically challenging because of the tumor location and invasion to adjacent organs. In this case, a surgical approach with persistent chemotherapy achieved oncologic resection of locoregionally recurrent appendiceal cancer.
A Mathematical Model for Coinfection of Listeriosis and Anthrax Diseases
Authors: Osman Shaibu , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: August 2018

Listeriosis and Anthrax are fatal zoonotic diseases caused by Listeria monocytogene and Bacillus Anthracis, respectively. In this paper, we proposed and analysed a compartmental Listeriosis-Anthrax coinfection model describing the transmission dynamics of Listeriosis and Anthrax epidemic in human population using the stability theory of differential equations. Our model revealed that the disease-free equilibrium of the Anthrax model only is locally stable when the basic reproduction number is less than one. Sensitivity analysis was carried out on the model parameters in order to determine their impact on the disease dynamics. Numerical simulation of the coinfection model was carried out and the results are displayed graphically and discussed. We simulate the Listeriosis-Anthrax coinfection model by varying the human contact rate to see its effects on infected Anthrax population, infected Listeriosis population, and Listeriosis-Anthrax coinfected population.
Syncope and Influenza B: A Case of an Arresting Association
Authors: Lucerna Alan , Lee James , Espinosa James
Published: August 2018

Influenza is a contagious viral illness that usually presents with upper respiratory and pulmonary symptoms. While generally self-limited, pulmonary, renal, metabolic, neurologic, and cardiac complications have all been described in the literature. Here we describe a case of a 46-year-old male with multiple episodes of syncope, found to have severe bradycardia, sinus arrest, and positive influenza B, requiring permanent pacemaker placement. The viruses responsible for the flu can be differentiated into four types: A, B, C, and D. The two primary viruses responsible for the seasonal winter epidemic influenza in the United States are Human Influenza A and B viruses. It has been postulated that the influenza virus may be responsible for activating acute inflammatory cytokines, which then alter electrical conduction properties of endothelial cells. Although there have been cases of sinus arrest in association with influenza, some requiring pacemaker placement, our patient’s presentation with multiple episodes of syncope with severe bradycardia and sinus arrest requiring permanent pacemaker placement, in association with influenza B, is very unusual and possibly unique. Since emergency physicians are at the forefront in the diagnosis, treatment, and disposition of these patients, awareness of influenza triggered cardiac events is essential and lifesaving, especially in unvaccinated patients.
Identification of Key Genes and Pathways in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Dong Pengzhi , Yu Bing , Pan Lanlan , Tian Xiaoxuan , Liu Fangfang
Published: August 2018

Purpose. Triple-negative breast cancer refers to breast cancer that does not express estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2). This study aimed to identify the key pathways and genes and find the potential initiation and progression mechanism of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods. We downloaded the gene expression profiles of GSE76275 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. This microarray Super-Series sets are composed of gene expression data from 265 samples which included 67 non-TNBC and 198 TNBC. Next, all the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with p<0.01 and fold change ≥1.5 or ≤-1.5 were identified. Result. 56 upregulated and 151 downregulated genes were listed and the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed. These significantly changed genes were mainly involved in the biological process termed prostate gland morphogenesis, inner ear morphogenesis, cell maturation, digestive tract morphogenesis, autonomic nervous system development, monovalent inorganic anion homeostasis, neural crest cell development, regulation of dendrite extension and glial cell proliferation, immune system process termed T cell differentiation, regulation of immune response, and macrophage activation. Genes are mainly involved in the KEGG pathway termed Oocyte meiosis. All DEGs underwent survival analysis using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) integrated by cBioPortal, of which amplification of SRY-related HMG-box 8 (SOX8), androgen receptor (AR), and Chromosome 9 Open Reading Frame 152 (C9orf152) were significantly negative while Nik Related Kinase (NRK) and RAS oncogene family 30 (RAB30) were positively correlated to the life expectancy (p<0.05). Conclusions. In conclusion, these pathways and genes identified could help understanding the mechanism of development of TNBC. Besides, SOX8, AR, C9orf152, NRK and RAB30, and other key genes and pathways might be promising targets for the TNBC treatment.
Physicochemical Parameters, Mineral Composition, and Nutraceutical Properties of Ready-to-Drink Flavored-Colored Commercial Teas
Authors: Flores-Martínez Daniel , Urías-Orona Vania , Hernández-García Luis , Rubio-Carrasco Werner , Silva-Gutiérrez Korev , Guevara-Zambrano Michelle , Prieto-Cadena Julio , Serna-Méndez Teresa , Muy-Rangel Dolores , Niño-Medina Guillermo
Published: August 2018

The physicochemical parameters, mineral composition, and nutraceutical properties of ready-to-drink flavored-colored commercial teas were analyzed in the present study. The pH of samples was slightly acidic (3.72 to 4.11), titratable acidity was low (0.092 to 0.174%), and color parameters were wide variable (pink, yellow, brown, and red). Citrus-flavored tea obtained the highest content of manganese (0.281 mg·L−1), zinc (0.069 mg·L−1), magnesium (2.92 mg·L−1), potassium (62.65 mg·L−1), and sodium (271.74 mg·L−1), while lemon-, peach-, and blueberry-flavored teas obtained the highest levels of copper (0.035 mg·L−1), iron (0.246 mg·L−1), and calcium (18.21 mg·L−1), respectively. Citrus, lemon-, sangria-, and rose petal-flavored teas obtained the highest content in total phenols (211.56 mg·L−1), total flavonoids (65.46 mg·L−1), total catechins (640.79 mg·L−1), and total anthocyanins (640.79 mg·L−1), respectively. Lemon- and rose petal-flavored teas showed the highest and lowest antioxidant capacity levels in DPPH (1096.00 to 118.77 μmolTE·L−1), ABTS (1048.84 to 232.00 μmolTE·L−1), and FRAP (1269.20 to 147.70 μmolTE·L−1) assays. The levels of sodium reported in labels of all samples were lower than data obtained in our analysis. Also the levels observed for total phenols in blueberry-, citrus-, and rose petal-flavored teas were lower than our analysis, but total phenols of lemon-, peach-, and sangria-flavored teas were higher than the content reported in their labels. The results obtained in the present work give information to consumers for choosing flavored-colored ready-to-drink tea based on the physicochemical, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Treatment with Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant in Cystoid Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Donati Simone , Gandolfi Carlo , Caprani Simona Maria , Cattaneo Jennifer , Premoli Laura , Azzolini Claudio
Published: August 2018

Purpose. To evaluate retinal functional improvement by means of visual acuity and retinal sensibility examination after intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients affected by cystoid macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Methods. Twenty-six consecutive patients affected by retinal vein occlusion complicated by cystoid macular edema were enrolled in this prospective interventional study. All patients underwent a baseline complete ophthalmological evaluation as well as retinal angiography, OCT examination, and microperimetry evaluation. Each patient was treated with intravitreal injection of a long-term steroid implant (Ozurdex, Allergan). Follow-up evaluations were performed at months 1, 3, and 6 and completed by OCT and MP1 examination. Clinical data underwent statistical analysis. Results. Baseline functional evaluation showed mean visual acuity of 0,63±0,42 LogMAR and retinal sensitivity of 7,93±4,73 dB (mean±standard deviation); after treatment, at day 30 we found, respectively, 0,43±0,38 LogMAR (p<0.05, compared to baseline) and 10,15±4,410 dB (p<0.05); at day 90, we found 0,44±0,32 (p<0.05) and 9.61±4,29 dB (p<0.05); at day 180, we found 0,41±0,31 (p<0.05) and 9,95±3,79 dB (p<0.05). Fixation pattern improved significantly (p<0.05), showing a stable fixation in 30% of patients at baseline, increasing to 77% of patients at day 180. Baseline morphological evaluation showed a central retinal thickness (CRT) of 398,21±181,65 μm after treatment; we found a CRT of 222,64±95,21 μm at day 30 (p<0.05, compared to baseline), 307,50±120,25 μm (p<0.05) at day 90, and 294,93±135,86 μm (p<0.05) at day 180. About 15,3% patients showed already at month 3 a recurrence of macular edema. They underwent a retreatment before month 6 as for treatment guidelines. Conclusion. Our detailed analysis showed the significative increase in retinal function in the early phases of the follow-up. Retinal sensibility showed a stronger correlation than VA in macular edema reabsorption, better underlying the progressive functional recovery and increase in quality of vision and life for the patients. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03559491.
Why Asplenic Patients Should Not Take Care of the Neighbour’s Dog? A Fatal Course ofCapnocytophaga canimorsusSepsis
Authors: Langguth Patrick , Leissner Lothar , Zick Günther , Fischer Arno , Stuhlmann-Laiesz Christiane , Salehi Ravesh Mona , Austein Friederike , Jansen Olav , Both Marcus
Published: August 2018

Capnocytophaga canimorsus(CC) belongs to the family Flavobacteriaceae which physiologically occurs in the natural flora of the oral mucosa of dogs and cats. In patients with a compromised immune system, CC can induce a systemic infection with a fulminant course of disease. Infections with CC are rare, and the diagnosis is often complicated and prolonged. We describe a patient with a medical history of prior splenectomy who presented with an acute sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and was initially treated on Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (WFS). After the patient had died despite forced treatment in the intermediate care unit, the differential diagnosis of CC was confirmed by culture of blood smears. Later on, a retrospective third-party anamnesis revealed that the patient had contact to his neighbour’s dog a few days before disease onset. In conclusion, patients with CC infection can mimic WFS and therefore must be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with a corresponding medical history of dog or cat bites, scratches, licks, or simple exposure.