bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tasmanides: Phanerozoic Tectonic Evolution of Eastern Australia
Authors: Rosenbaum Gideon
Published: March 2018

The Tasmanides occupy the eastern third of Australia and provide an extensive record of the evolution of the eastern Gondwanan convergent plate boundary from the Cambrian to the Triassic. This article presents a summary of the primary building blocks (igneous provinces and sedimentary basins) within the Tasmanides, followed by a discussion of the timing and extent of deformation events. Relatively short episodes of contractional deformation alternated with longer periods of crustal extension accompanied by voluminous magmatism. This behavior was likely controlled by plate boundary migration (trench retreat and advance) that was also responsible for bending and segmentation of the convergent plate margin. As a result, the Tasmanides were subjected to at least three major phases of oroclinal bending, in the Silurian, Devonian, and Permian. The most significant segmentation likely occurred at ∼420–400 Ma along a lithospheric-scale boundary that separated the northern and southern parts of the Tasmanides.
Nintedanib reduces pulmonary fibrosis in a model of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Redente Elizabeth F. , Aguilar Martin A. , Black Bart P. , Edelman Benjamin L. , Bahadur Ali N. , Humphries Stephen M. , Lynch David A. , Wollin Lutz , Riches David W. H.
Published: March 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) develops in ~20% of patients with RA. SKG mice, which are genetically prone to development of autoimmune arthritis, develop a pulmonary interstitial pneumonia that resembles human cellular and fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, has been shown to reduce the decline in lung function. Therefore, we investigated the effect of nintedanib on development of pulmonary fibrosis and joint disease in female SKG mice with arthritis induced by intraperitoneal injection of zymosan (5 mg). Nintedanib (60 mg·kg−1·day−1 via oral gavage) was started 5 or 10 wk after injection of zymosan. Arthritis and lung fibrosis outcome measures were assessed after 6 wk of treatment with nintedanib. A significant reduction in lung collagen levels, determined by measuring hydroxyproline levels and staining for collagen, was observed after 6 wk in nintedanib-treated mice with established arthritis and lung disease. Early intervention with nintedanib significantly reduced development of arthritis based on joint assessment and high-resolution μ-CT. This study impacts the RA and ILD fields by facilitating identification of a therapeutic treatment that may improve both diseases. As this model replicates the characteristics of RA-ILD, the results may be translatable to the human disease.
Cigarette smoke exposure worsens acute lung injury in antibiotic-treated bacterial pneumonia in mice
Authors: Gotts Jeffrey E. , Chun Lauren , Abbott Jason , Fang Xiaohui , Takasaka Naoki , Nishimura Stephen L. , Springer Matthew L. , Schick Suzaynn F. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Matthay Michael A.
Published: March 2018

Evidence is accumulating that exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) increases the risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia, which in turn is the leading cause of ARDS. Chronic smokers have increased rates of pneumococcal colonization and develop more severe pneumococcal pneumonia than nonsmokers; yet mechanistic connections between CS exposure, bacterial pneumonia, and ARDS pathogenesis remain relatively unexplored. We exposed mice to 3 wk of moderate whole body CS or air, followed by intranasal inoculation with an invasive serotype of S. pneumoniae. CS exposure alone caused no detectable lung injury or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) inflammation. During pneumococcal infection, CS-exposed mice had greater survival than air-exposed mice, in association with reduced systemic spread of bacteria from the lungs. However, when mice were treated with antibiotics after infection to improve clinical relevance, the survival benefit was lost, and CS-exposed mice had more pulmonary edema, increased numbers of BAL monocytes, and elevated monocyte and lymphocyte chemokines. CS-exposed antibiotic-treated mice also had higher serum surfactant protein D and angiopoietin-2, consistent with more severe lung epithelial and endothelial injury. The results indicate that acute CS exposure enhances the recruitment of immune cells to the lung during bacterial pneumonia, an effect that may provide microbiological benefit but simultaneously exposes the mice to more severe inflammatory lung injury. The inclusion of antibiotic treatment in preclinical studies of acute lung injury in bacterial pneumonia may enhance clinical relevance, particularly for future studies of current or emerging tobacco products.
Neuropilin-1 and platelet-derived growth factor receptors cooperatively regulate intermediate filaments and mesenchymal cell migration during alveolar septation
Authors: McGowan Stephen E. , McCoy Diann M.
Published: March 2018

Generation of secondary alveolar septa occurs primarily after birth in humans and is complete in mice postnatally, when mechanical stresses vary as air space pressure oscillates. Alveolar mesenchymal cells deposit elastic fibers, which limit cell strain; although when the elastic fiber network is incomplete, this function is also served by the intracellular cytoskeleton. Intermediate filament proteins support deformation during cell division and migration, which occur during septal elongation. Because platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) signaling is essential for alveolar septation, we hypothesized that neuropilin-1 (NRP1) may link PDGFRα to cytoskeletal deformation. During cell migration, NRP1 links receptor tyrosine kinase signaling to cytoskeletal and focal adhesion remodeling. Therefore, we examined the consequences of nrp1 gene deletion in alveolar mesenchymal cells (myofibroblasts and pericytes). NRP1 depletion reduced the proportion of mesenchymal cells that contain nestin and desmin within the subpopulation that lacked PDGFRα but contained PDGFRβ. Desmin was reduced at alveolar entry rings, air spaces were enlarged, and surface area was reduced after NRP1 depletion. PDGFRα and NRP1 colocalized to membrane lipid rafts, which are known to contain Src kinase. NRP1 depletion reduced alveolar mesenchymal cell migration and PDGF-A-mediated activation of Src kinase, which may limit accumulation of desmin at septal tips (alveolar entry rings). Cooperation between NRP1 and PDGF signaling is required for secondary septation, and manipulation of NRP1 could promote alveolar regeneration without producing fibrosis.
Repeatability and reliability of muscle relaxation properties induced by motor cortical stimulation
Authors: Molenaar J. P. , Voermans N. C. , de Jong L. A. , Stegeman D. F. , Doorduin J. , van Engelen B. G.
Published: March 2018

Impaired muscle relaxation is a feature of many neuromuscular disorders. However, few tests are available to quantify muscle relaxation. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex can induce muscle relaxation by abruptly inhibiting corticospinal drive. The aim of our study was to investigate whether repeatability and reliability of TMS-induced relaxation are greater than voluntary relaxation. Furthermore, effects of sex, cooling, and fatigue on muscle relaxation properties were studied. Muscle relaxation of deep finger flexors was assessed in 25 healthy subjects (14 men and 11 women, age 39.1 ± 12.7 and 45.3 ± 8.7 yr, respectively) with handgrip dynamometry. All outcome measures showed greater repeatability and reliability in TMS-induced relaxation compared with voluntary relaxation. The within-subject coefficient of variability of normalized peak relaxation rate was lower in TMS-induced relaxation than in voluntary relaxation (3.0% vs. 19.7% in men and 6.1% vs. 14.3% in women). The repeatability coefficient was lower (1.3 vs. 6.1 s−1in men and 2.3 vs. 3.1 s−1in women) and the intraclass correlation coefficient was higher (0.95 vs. 0.53 in men and 0.78 vs. 0.69 in women) for TMS-induced relaxation compared with voluntary relaxation. TMS enabled demonstration of slowing effects of sex, muscle cooling, and muscle fatigue on relaxation properties that voluntary relaxation could not. In conclusion, repeatability and reliability of TMS-induced muscle relaxation were greater compared with voluntary muscle relaxation. TMS-induced muscle relaxation has the potential to be used in clinical practice for diagnostic purposes and therapy effect monitoring in patients with impaired muscle relaxation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced muscle relaxation demonstrates greater repeatability and reliability compared with voluntary relaxation, represented by the ability to demonstrate typical effects of sex, cooling, and fatigue on muscle relaxation properties that were not seen in voluntary relaxation. In clinical practice, TMS-induced muscle relaxation could be used for diagnostic purposes and therapy effect monitoring. Furthermore, fewer subjects will be needed for future studies when using TMS to demonstrate differences in muscle relaxation properties.
Effect of sleep deprivation on diurnal variation of vertical perception and postural control
Authors: Martin T. , Gauthier A. , Ying Z. , Benguigui N. , Moussay S. , Bulla J. , Davenne D. , Bessot N.
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study was to test the effect of total sleep deprivation on performance and time-of-day pattern of subjective visual vertical (SVV) and postural control. Nineteen healthy, young participants (4 women and 15 men 21.9 ± 1.2 yr) were engaged in two counterbalanced experimental sessions with or without total sleep deprivation. Oral temperature, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, and visual analogic scale for fatigue, postural control, and SVV were randomly measured every 4 h, from 0600 to 2200. A linear mixed model was used to capture the effect of time of day and sleep condition as factors. A classical adjusted COSINOR function was then used to modelize this daily variation. After the control night of sleep, SVV as well as oral temperature, sleepiness, and fatigue showed significant time-of-day variation, contrasting with measures of postural control which remained stable across the day. After sleep deprivation, SVV showed no diurnal variation, but its mean deviation value increased by 29%. Postural control capability also decreased after sleep deprivation, with a higher center of pressure surface (+70.4%) and total length (+7.37%) but remained stable throughout the day. These results further confirm the negative effect of sleep loss on postural control capability. Even if a direct relationship cannot be confirmed, the disruption of SVV capacity after sleep deprivation could strongly play a role in postural control capacity changes. Sleep deprivation should be considered as a potent factor involved in balance loss and subsequent fall.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The topic of sleep deprivation and postural control is not understood, with discrepancy among results. This study described that postural control displays a stable level throughout the day and that sleep deprivation, even if it increases postural sway, does not affect this stable diurnal pattern. The modification of the perception of the vertical level after sleep deprivation could strongly play a role in the observed changes in postural control capacity.
Inspiratory muscle training reduces diaphragm activation and dyspnea during exercise in COPD
Authors: Langer Daniel , Ciavaglia Casey , Faisal Azmy , Webb Katherine A. , Neder J. Alberto , Gosselink Rik , Dacha Sauwaluk , Topalovic Marko , Ivanova Anna , O’Donnell Denis E.
Published: March 2018

Among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), those with the lowest maximal inspiratory pressures experience greater breathing discomfort (dyspnea) during exercise. In such individuals, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may be associated with improvement of dyspnea, but the mechanisms for this are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify physiological mechanisms of improvement in dyspnea and exercise endurance following inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with COPD and low maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax). The effects of 8 wk of controlled IMT on respiratory muscle function, dyspnea, respiratory mechanics, and diaphragm electromyography (EMGdi) during constant work rate cycle exercise were evaluated in patients with activity-related dyspnea (baseline dyspnea index <9). Subjects were randomized to either IMT or a sham training control group ( n = 10 each). Twenty subjects (FEV1 = 47 ± 19% predicted; Pimax = −59 ± 14 cmH2O; cycle ergometer peak work rate = 47 ± 21% predicted) completed the study; groups had comparable baseline lung function, respiratory muscle strength, activity-related dyspnea, and exercise capacity. IMT, compared with control, was associated with greater increases in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, with attendant improvements in exertional dyspnea and exercise endurance time (all P < 0.05). After IMT, EMGdi expressed relative to its maximum (EMGdi/EMGdimax) decreased ( P < 0.05) with no significant change in ventilation, tidal inspiratory pressures, breathing pattern, or operating lung volumes during exercise. In conclusion, IMT improved inspiratory muscle strength and endurance in mechanically compromised patients with COPD and low Pimax. The attendant reduction in EMGdi/EMGdimaxhelped explain the decrease in perceived respiratory discomfort despite sustained high ventilation and intrinsic mechanical loading over a longer exercise duration.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In patients with COPD and low maximal inspiratory pressures, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may be associated with improvement of dyspnea, but the mechanisms for this are poorly understood. This study showed that 8 wk of home-based, partially supervised IMT improved respiratory muscle strength and endurance, dyspnea, and exercise endurance. Dyspnea relief occurred in conjunction with a reduced activation of the diaphragm relative to maximum in the absence of significant changes in ventilation, breathing pattern, and operating lung volumes.
Parity-Dependent Hemosiderin and Lipofuscin Accumulation in the Reproductively Aged Mouse Ovary
Authors: Urzua Ulises , Chacon Carlos , Espinoza Renato , Martínez Sebastián , Hernandez Nicole
Published: March 2018

The progressive decline of the ovarian follicle pool leads to reproductive ageing. The latter is accompanied by age-related disorders, including various types of cancer. In fact, the highest rates of ovarian cancer (OC) occur at postmenopause while OC risk is significantly modulated by parity records during previous fertile life. We approached the age-parity relationship in the C57BL/6 mouse model and herein describe the presence of nonheme iron (hemosiderin) and deposits of the “age pigment” lipofuscin in reproductively aged mouse ovaries by applying conventional histochemical methods and autofluorescence. In addition, the 8-OHdG adduct was evaluated in ovarian genomic DNA. Both hemosiderin and lipofuscin were significantly higher in virgin compared to multiparous ovaries. The same pattern was observed for 8-OHdG. We conclude that nulliparity induces a long-term accumulation of iron and lipofuscin with concomitant oxidative damage to DNA in the mouse ovary. Since lipofuscin is a widely accepted senescence marker and given the recently postulated role of lipofuscin-associated iron as a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in senescent cells, these findings suggest a possible pathogenic mechanism by which nulliparity contributes to an increased OC risk in the postmenopausal ovary.
Gastric Cancer Maximum Tumour Diameter Reduction Rate at CT Examination as a Radiological Index for Predicting Histopathological Regression after Neoadjuvant Treatment: A Multicentre GIRCG Study
Authors: Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Bagnacci Giulio , Gentili Francesco , Nigri Andrea , Pelini Veronica , Vindigni Carla , Mazzei Francesco Giuseppe , Baiocchi Gian Luca , Pittiani Frida , Morgagni Paolo , Petrella Enrico , Mura Gianni , Verdelli Beatrice , Bencivenga Maria , Giacopuzzi Simone , Marrelli Daniele , Roviello Franco , Volterrani Luca
Published: March 2018

Aim. To investigate the role of maximum tumour diameter (D-max) reduction rate at CT examination in predicting histopathological tumour regression grade (TRG according to the Becker grade), after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), in patients with resectable advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Materials and Methods. Eighty-six patients (53 M, mean age 62.1 years) with resectable AGC (≥T3 or N+), treated with NAC and radical surgery, were enrolled from 5 centres of the Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer (GIRCG). Staging and restaging CT and histological results were retrospectively reviewed. CT examinations were contrast enhanced, and the stomach was previously distended. The D-max was measured using 2D software and compared with Becker TRG. Statistical data were obtained using “R” software. Results. The interobserver agreement was good/very good. Becker TRG was predicted by CT with a sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of 97.3% and 90.9% for Becker 1 (D-max reduction rate > 65.1%), 76.4% and 80% for Becker 3 (D-max reduction rate < 29.9%), and 70.8% and 83.9% for Becker 2. Correlation between radiological and histological D-max measurements was strongly confirmed by the correlation index (c.i.= 0.829). Conclusions. D-max reduction rate in AGC patients may be helpful as a simple and reproducible radiological index in predicting TRG after NAC.
Biomaterial Influence on Intraocular Lens Performance: An Overview
Authors: Pérez-Vives Cari
Published: March 2018

There is strong evidence that the IOL material is the factor having the greatest impact on posterior capsule opacification (PCO), anterior capsule opacification (ACO) development, and glistening formation after cataract surgery, even though there are other IOL features—such as haptic material and design and edge and optic design—that also have some influence. We reviewed the published literature describing the adverse events that are mainly related to the intraocular lens (IOL) material, such as PCO, ACO, and the subsequent capsule contraction, as well as glistening formation. The adverse events presented in this overview are the most common ones in clinical practice, and therefore, they are generally included in the clinical protocols for IOL evaluation.
Chronic Pulmonary Silicone Embolism from Breast Augmentation Is Not a Common Finding in Explanted Lungs
Authors: Singh Jarmanjeet , Inaty Hanine , Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Mehta Atul C.
Published: March 2018

Objective. Acute pulmonary silicone embolism (APSE) related to subcutaneous silicone injections is a well-known entity. Recently, a few cases of pathologically confirmed chronic pulmonary silicone embolism (CPSE) from breast implants have been reported. The prevalence of CPSE in women with breast augmentation is unknown. This study was done to determine the prevalence of CPSE in female lung transplant recipients with a history of breast augmentation and to determine whether breast augmentation plays a role in chronic lung diseases requiring lung transplantation. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify female lung transplant recipients with a history of breast augmentation prior to or at the time of lung transplantation. Ten patients meeting these criteria were identified. The pathologic features of the explanted lungs of these patients were reexamined for CPSE by a board-certified pathologist with expertise in lung transplantation and pulmonary embolism. Results. Of 1518 lung transplant recipients at Cleveland Clinic, 578 were females. Of 578 females, 10 (1.73%) had history of breast augmentation. A total of 84 H&E-stained slides from the explanted lungs from 10 cases were examined. No pathologic evidence of chronic silicone embolism was seen in any of the 10 cases. Conclusions. CPSE is not associated with pulmonary disease leading to lung transplantation. Breast augmentation is not a significant contributor to pulmonary disease requiring lung transplantation. Further studies are required to ascertain the prevalence of CPSE in the general breast augmentation populace and to define the relationship between breast augmentation and pulmonary disease.
Analysis on Force Transmission Characteristics of Two‐Legged Shield Support under Impact Loading
Authors: Zeng Qing-liang , Meng Zhao-sheng , Wan Li-rong , Wang Cheng-long
Published: March 2018

To study the load transfer characteristics of a two‐legged shield powered support, a numerical simulation model of the support was established using the multibody dynamics software ADAMS. The model took full account of the hydraulic‐elastic deformation characteristics of the support, as a series spring‐damper system was used to replace the leg and the equilibrium jack. The canopy, goaf shield, lemniscate bars, and equilibrium jack are equivalent to flexible bodies. The setting force of the leg was provided by the preload of the equivalent spring, the static roof load was simulated using a slope signal, and the impact load was simulated using a step signal. Using the model, the impact and excitation effects of each hinge joint of the support were analyzed under different impact load conditions across the canopy. The results show that the location of the impact load affects the force transmissions of all hinge points of the support. Both the impact effect and the excitation effect are at a minimum when the impact force is located near the leg action line. These results are useful for the adaptive control and structural design optimization of the support.
Deployment Strategy for Car-Sharing Depots by Clustering Urban Traffic Big Data Based on Affinity Propagation
Authors: Liu Zhihan , Jia Yi , Zhu Xiaolu
Published: March 2018

Car sharing is a type of car rental service, by which consumers rent cars for short periods of time, often charged by hours. The analysis of urban traffic big data is full of importance and significance to determine locations of depots for car-sharing system. Taxi OD (Origin-Destination) is a typical dataset of urban traffic. The volume of the data is extremely large so that traditional data processing applications do not work well. In this paper, an optimization method to determine the depot locations by clustering taxi OD points with AP (Affinity Propagation) clustering algorithm has been presented. By analyzing the characteristics of AP clustering algorithm, AP clustering has been optimized hierarchically based on administrative region segmentation. Considering sparse similarity matrix of taxi OD points, the input parameters of AP clustering have been adapted. In the case study, we choose the OD pairs information from Beijing’s taxi GPS trajectory data. The number and locations of depots are determined by clustering the OD points based on the optimization AP clustering. We describe experimental results of our approach and compare it with standard K-means method using quantitative and stationarity index. Experiments on the real datasets show that the proposed method for determining car-sharing depots has a superior performance.
Quercetin Stimulates Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation through an Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Pathway
Authors: Pang Xin-Gang , Cong Yu , Bao Ni-Rong , Li Yong-Gang , Zhao Jian-Ning
Published: March 2018

Objectives. The present study aimed to investigate the overall effect of quercetin on mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiationin vitro.Materials and Methods. BMSCs were treated with different concentrations of quercetin for 6 days. The effects of quercetin on cell proliferation were assessed at predetermined times using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The cells were then treated with quercetin, estrogen, or an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (which was also administered in the presence of quercetin or estrogen) for 7 or 21 days. The effects of quercetin on BMSC osteogenic differentiation were analyzed by an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay kit, Alizarin Red S staining (ARS), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and western blotting.Results. The CCK-8 and ALP assays and ARS staining showed that quercetin significantly enhanced BMSC proliferation, ALP activity, and extracellular matrix production and mineralization, respectively. The qPCR results indicated that quercetin promoted osterix(OSX), runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and osteopontin(OPN)transcription in the presence of osteoinduction medium, and the western blotting results indicated that quercetin enhanced bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), Smad1, Smad4, RUNX2, OSX, and OPN expression and Smad1 phosphorylation. Treatment with the ER inhibitor ICI182780 blocked the effects of quercetin.Conclusions. Our data demonstrated that quercetin promotes BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Quercetin enhances BMP signaling pathway activation and upregulates the expression of downstream genes, such asOSX,RUNX2, andOPN, via the ER.
Examination of Environmental Factors Influencing the Emission Rates of Semivolatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Lee Sunwoo , Seo Janghoo
Published: March 2018

Some types of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) that are emitted from plastics used in building materials and household appliances have been associated with health risks, even at low concentrations. It has been reported that di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)—one of the most commonly used plasticizers—causes asthma and allergic symptoms in children at home. The amount of emitted DEHP, which is classified as a SVOC, can be measured using a microchamber by the thermal desorption test chamber method. To accurately measure the SVOC emission rates, the relation between SVOC and environmental factors should be clarified. Herein, we examined the effects of the temperature, relative humidity, concentration of airborne particles, and flow field in the microchamber on SVOC emission rates. The flow fields inside the microchamber were analyzed via computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The emission rate of SVOC released from PVC flooring increased under high temperatures and at high concentrations of airborne particles but did not depend on the relative humidity. From an evaluation performed using an index of air change efficiency, such as the air age and the coefficient of air change performance, we found that a fixed air exchange rate of 1.5 h−1 in the microchamber is desirable.
Butyrylcholinesterase Levels on Admission Predict Severity and 12-Month Mortality in Hospitalized AIDS Patients
Authors: Xu Lijun , Zhu Biao , Huang Ying , Yang Zongxing , Sun Jia , Xu Yan , Zheng Jinlei , Kinloch Sabine , Yin Michael T. , Weng Honglei , Wu Nanping
Published: March 2018

Background. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is synthesized mainly in the liver and an important marker in many infectious/inflammatory diseases, but its role in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients is not clear. We wished to ascertain if BChE level is associated with the progression/prognosis of AIDS patients.Methods. BChE levels (in U/L) were measured in 505 patients; <4500 was defined as “low” and ≥4500 as “normal.” Associations between BChE level and CD4 count, WHO stage, body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and duration of hospitalization were assessed. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess associations between low BChE levels and mortality, after adjustment for age, CD4 count, WHO stage, and laboratory parameters.Results. A total of 129 patients (25.5%) had a lower BChE level. BChE was closely associated with CD4 count, WHO stage, CRP level, and BMI (allP<0.001). Eighty-four patients (16.6%) died in the first year of follow-up. One-year survival was 64.5 ± 4.5% for patients with low BChE and 87.6 ± 1.8% for those with normal BChE (log-rank,P<0.001). After adjustment for sex, age, BMI, WHO stage, and CD4 count, as well as serum levels of hemoglobin, sodium, and albumin, the hazard ratio was 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.0–3.2) for patients with a low BChE compared with those with a normal BChE (P=0.035).Conclusion. BChE level is associated with HIV/AIDS severity and is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in AIDS patients.
Experimental Assessment on the Hysteretic Behavior of a Full‐Scale Traditional Chinese Timber Structure Using a Synchronous Loading Technique
Authors: Shi XiWang , Chen Y. Frank , Chen JinYong , Yang QingShan , Li TieYing
Published: March 2018

In traditional Chinese timber structures, few tie beams were used between columns, and the column base was placed directly on a stone base. In order to study the hysteretic behavior of such structures, a full‐scale model was established. The model size was determined according to the requirements of an eighth grade material system specified in the architectural treatise Ying-zao-fa-shi written during the Song Dynasty. In light of the vertical lift and drop of the test model during horizontal reciprocating motions, the horizontal low‐cycle reciprocating loading experiments were conducted using a synchronous loading technique. By analyzing the load‐displacement hysteresis curves, envelope curves, deformation capacity, energy dissipation, and change in stiffness under different vertical loads, it is found that the timber frame exhibits obvious signs of self‐restoring and favorable plastic deformation capacity. As the horizontal displacement increases, the equivalent viscous damping coefficient generally declines first and then increases. At the same time, the stiffness degrades rapidly first and then decreases slowly. Increasing vertical loading will improve the deformation, energy‐dissipation capacity, and stiffness of the timber frame.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Population-Based Diabetic Foot Cohort (ADFC Study)—Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Yazdanpanah Leila , Shahbazian Hajieh , Nazari Iraj , Arti Hamid Reza , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Mohammadianinejad Seyed Ehsan , Cheraghian Bahman , Hesam Saeed
Published: March 2018

Aim/Introduction. This study was carried out to assess the incidence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Materials and Methods. In this prospective cohort study in a university hospital, all the participants were examined and followed up for new DFU as final outcome for two years. To analyze the data, the variables were first evaluated with a univariate analysis. Then variables with P value < 0.2 were tested with a multivariate analysis, using backward-elimination multiple logistic regression. Results. Among 605 patients, 39 cases had DFU, so we followed up the remaining 566 patients without any present or history of DFU. A two-year cumulative incidence of diabetic foot ulcer was 5.62% (95% CI 3.89–8.02). After analysis, previous history of DFU or amputation [OR = 9.65, 95% CI (2.13–43.78), P value = 0.003], insulin usage [OR = 5.78, 95% CI (2.37–14.07), P value < 0.01], gender [OR = 3.23, 95% CI (1.33–7.83), P value = 0.01], distal neuropathy [OR = 3.37, 95% CI (1.40–8.09), P value = 0.007], and foot deformity [OR = 3.02, 95% CI (1.10–8.29), P value = 0.032] had a statistically significant relationship with DFU incidence. Conclusion. Our data showed that the average annual DFU incidence is about 2.8%. Independent risk factors of DFU development were previous history of DFU or amputation, insulin consumption, gender, distal neuropathy, and foot deformity. These findings provide support for a multifactorial etiology for DFU.
Genetic Diversity of Aromatic Rice Germplasm Revealed By SSR Markers
Authors: Jasim Aljumaili Saba , Rafii M. Y. , Latif M. A. , Sakimin Siti Zaharah , Arolu Ibrahim Wasiu , Miah Gous
Published: March 2018

Aromatic rice cultivars constitute a small but special group of rice and are considered the best in terms of quality and aroma. Aroma is one of the most significant quality traits of rice, and variety with aroma has a higher price in the market. This research was carried out to study the genetic diversity among the 50 aromatic rice accessions from three regions (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak) with 3 released varieties as a control using the 32 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The objectives of this research were to quantify the genetic divergence of aromatic rice accessions using SSR markers and to identify the potential accessions for introgression into the existing rice breeding program. Genetic diversity index among the three populations such as Shannon information index (I) ranged from 0.25 in control to 0.98 in Sabah population. The mean numbers of effective alleles and Shannon’s information index were 0.36 and 64.90%, respectively. Similarly, the allelic diversity was very high with mean expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.60 and mean Nei’s gene diversity index of 0.36. The dendrogram based on UPGMA and Nei’s genetic distance classified the 53 rice accessions into 10 clusters. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 89% of the total variation observed in this germplasm came from within the populations, while 11% of the variation emanated among the populations. These results reflect the high genetic differentiation existing in this aromatic rice germplasm. Using all these criteria and indices, seven accessions (Acc9993, Acc6288, Acc6893, Acc7580, Acc6009, Acc9956, and Acc11816) from three populations have been identified and selected for further evaluation before introgression into the existing breeding program and for future aromatic rice varietal development.
Small-Scale Variability in the Soil Microbial Community Structure in a Semideveloped Farm in Zambia
Authors: Hamamoto Toru , Chirwa Meki , Nyambe Imasiku , Uchida Yoshitaka
Published: March 2018

The conversion of natural lands into agricultural lands can lead to changes in the soil microbial community structure which, in turn, can affect soil functions. However, few studies have examined the effect of land use changes on the soil microbial community structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the relationships among soil characteristics and microbial communities in natural and agricultural ecosystems in a semideveloped lowland farm in the central region of Zambia, within which small-scale wetlands had been partly developed as watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and/or maize (Zea mays) farms. We sampled soils from four different land use types within this farm: “native forest,” “grassland,” “watermelon farm,” and “maize farm.” We found that the land use type had a significant effect on the soil bacterial community structure at the class level, with the class Bacilli having significantly higher relative abundances in the forest sites and Gammaproteobacteria having significantly higher relative abundances in the maize sites than in the other land use types. These findings indicate that these bacterial classes may be sensitive to changes in soil ecosystems, and so further studies are required to investigate microbial indicators for the sustainable development of wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa.
Educational Software Applied in Teaching Electrocardiogram: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pontes Paulo A. I. , Chaves Rafael O. , Castro Roberto C. , Souza Érica F. de , Seruffo Marcos C. R. , Francês Carlos R. L.
Published: March 2018

Background. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most used diagnostic tool in medicine; in this sense, it is essential that medical undergraduates learn how to interpret it correctly while they are still on training. Naturally, they go through classic learning (e.g., lectures and speeches). However, they are not often efficiently trained in analyzing ECG results. In this regard, methodologies such as other educational support tools in medical practice, such as educational software, should be considered a valuable approach for medical training purposes. Methods. We performed a literature review in six electronic databases, considering studies published before April 2017. The resulting set comprises 2,467 studies. From this collection, 12 studies have been selected, initially, whereby we carried out a snowballing process to identify other relevant studies through the reference lists of these studies, resulting in five relevant studies, making up a total of 17 articles that passed all stages and criteria. Results. The results show that 52.9% of software types were tutorial and 58.8% were designed to be run locally on a computer. The subjects were discussed together with a greater focus on the teaching of electrophysiology and/or cardiac physiology, identifying patterns of ECG and/or arrhythmias. Conclusions. We found positive results with the introduction of educational software for ECG teaching. However, there is a clear need for using higher quality research methodologies and the inclusion of appropriate controls, in order to obtain more precise conclusions about how beneficial the inclusion of such tools can be for the practices of ECG interpretation.
Chest Ultrasonography in Modern Day Extreme Settings: From Military Setting and Natural Disasters to Space Flights and Extreme Sports
Authors: Feletti Francesco , Mucci Viviana , Aliverti Andrea
Published: March 2018

Chest ultrasonography (CU) is a noninvasive imaging technique able to provide an immediate diagnosis of the underlying aetiology of acute respiratory failure and traumatic chest injuries. Given the great technologies, it is now possible to perform accurate CU in remote and adverse environments including the combat field, extreme sport settings, and environmental disasters, as well as during space missions. Today, the usage of CU in the extreme emergency setting is more likely to occur, as this technique proved to be a fast diagnostic tool to assist resuscitation manoeuvres and interventional procedures in many cases. A scientific literature review is presented here. This was based on a systematic search of published literature, on the following online databases: PubMed and Scopus. The following words were used: “chest sonography,” “ thoracic ultrasound,” and “lung sonography,” in different combinations with “extreme sport,” “extreme environment,” “wilderness,” “catastrophe,” and “extreme conditions.” This manuscript reports the most relevant usages of CU in the extreme setting as well as technological improvements and current limitations. CU application in the extreme setting is further encouraged here.
Seismic Response Analysis of an Isolated Structure with QZS under Near‐Fault Vertical Earthquakes
Authors: Liu Dewen , Liu Yang , Sheng Dongfa , Liao Wenyuan
Published: March 2018

Seismic isolation devices are usually designed to protect structures from the strong horizontal component of earthquake ground shaking. However, the effect of near‐fault (NF) vertical ground motions on seismic responses of buildings has become an important consideration due to the observed building damage caused by vertical excitation. As the structure needs to maintain its load bearing capacity, using the horizontal isolation strategy in vertical seismic isolation will lead to the problem of larger static displacement. In particular, the bearings may generate large deformation responses of isolators for NF vertical ground motions. A seismic isolation system including quasi‐zero stiffness (QZS) and vertical damper (VD) is used to control NF vertical earthquakes. The characteristics of vertical seismic isolated structures incorporating QZS and VD are presented. The formula for the maximum bearing capacity of QZS isolation considering the stiffness of vertical spring components is obtained by theoretical derivation. From the static analysis, it is found that the static capacity of the QZS isolation system with vertical seismic isolation components increases when the configurative parameter reduces. Seismic response analyses of the seismic isolated structure model with QZS and VD subjected to NF vertical earthquakes are conducted. The results show that seismic responses of the structure can be controlled by setting the appropriate static equilibrium position, vertical isolation period, and vertical damping ratio. Adding a damping ratio is effective in controlling the vertical large deformation of the isolator.
Immune Response to Rotavirus and Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Puccetti Antonio , Saverino Daniele , Opri Roberta , Gabrielli Oretta , Zanoni Giovanna , Pelosi Andrea , Fiore Piera Filomena , Moretta Francesca , Lunardi Claudio , Dolcino Marzia
Published: March 2018

Rotavirus is a double-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family of Reoviridae. The virus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route and infects intestinal cells causing gastroenteritis. Rotaviruses are the main cause of severe acute diarrhoea in children less than 5 years of age worldwide. In our previous work we have shown a link between rotavirus infection and celiac disease. Nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is emerging as new clinical entity lacking specific diagnostic biomarkers which has been reported to occur in 6–10% of the population. Clinical manifestations include gastrointestinal and/or extraintestinal symptoms which recede with gluten withdrawal. The pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown. Aim of this work is to clarify some aspects of its pathogenesis using a gene array approach. Our results suggest that NCGS may have an autoimmune origin. This is based both on gene expression data (i.e., TH17-interferon signatures) and on the presence of TH17 cells and of serological markers of autoimmunity in NCGS. Our results also indicate a possible involvement of rotavirus infection in the pathogenesis of nonceliac gluten sensitivity similarly to what we have previously shown in celiac disease.
Myocarditis Secondary to Mesalamine-Induced Cardiotoxicity in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Okoro Kelechukwu U. , Roby Matthew D. , Bankole Adegbenga A.
Published: March 2018

Development of cardiac manifestations in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing treatment with mesalamine is a rare. When this occurs, it can be difficult to tease out the primary etiology, as both IBD and mesalamine can cause cardiac manifestations independently of each other. The exact mechanism of mesalamine-induced cardiotoxicity is yet to be determined although several mechanisms have been described. We present the case of a gentleman with nonexertional chest pain in the setting of ulcerative colitis exacerbation believed to have occurred secondary to mesalamine.
Manejo de las crisis asmáticas
Authors: Moreno Bolton Rodrigo , Alvarez Vera Mario
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Educación del paciente asmático
Authors: Añazco Ramirez Juan , Moreno Bolton Rodrigo
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Investigación en psiquiatría: Hacia una hipótesis etiopstogénica del transtorno de pánico
Authors: Gloger Kojchen Sergio
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Urgencia: calidad y costo-eficacia
Authors: Mardones U. Jose Miguel , Espinoza G. Ricardo , Cruz M, Edgardo
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Artritis reactivas: Un modelo de enfermedad
Authors: Gutierrez Valenzuela Francisco J.
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Síndrome de Reiter (Artritis reactivas): Aspectos radiológicos
Authors: Cervilla Oltremari Vinicio , Amigo Orellana Maria Gabriela
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Artritis reactivas en niños y adolescentes
Authors: Talesnik Guendelman Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Hacia el esclarecimiento del rol infeccioso en las artritis reactivas
Authors: Gutierrez Valenzuela Francisco
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Pediculosis y escabiosis
Authors: Perez-Cotapos Subercaseux María Luisa , Zegpi Trueba María Soledad
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Síndrome de fatiga crónica
Authors: Court Lobo Jaime
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Casos Radiológicos
Authors: García Bruce Cristian , Loyola Zunino Sandra , Amigo Orellana Gabriela
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Obesidad: manejo nutricional
Authors: Diaz Corvalan Jaime
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Obesidad: factores psiquiátricos y psicológicos
Authors: Seijas Buschiazzo Daniel , Feuchtmann Saez Christian
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Tratamiento quirúrgico de la obesidad mórbida
Authors: Guzman Bondik Sergio
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Tratamiento del cáncer de la próstata localizado
Authors: Martinez Venegas Luis
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Casos radiológicos
Authors: Huete Lira Alvaro , Cruz Olivos Francisco , García Bruce Cristian
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Factores predisponentes y manejo de trombosis venosa profunda
Authors: Valdes Echenique Francisco , Mertens Martin Renato
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Hipercoagulabilidad: Estudio y tratamiento
Authors: Mezzano Abedrapo Diego
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Filtros de vena cava inferior: indicaciones y controversias
Authors: Mertens Martin Renato , Valdes Echenique Francisco
Published: March 2018

Sin resumen
Specificity Protein Transcription Factors and Cancer: Opportunities for Drug Development
Authors: Safe Stephen , Abbruzzese James , Abdelrahim Maen , Hedrick Erik
Published: March 2018

Specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) such as Sp1 are critical for early development but their expression decreases with age and there is evidence that transformation of normal cells to cancer cells is associated with upregulation of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4, which are highly expressed in cancer cells and tumors. Sp1 is a negative prognostic factor for pancreatic, colon, glioma, gastric, breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients. Functional studies also demonstrate that Sp TFs regulate genes responsible for cancer cell growth, survival, migration/invasion, inflammation and drug resistance, and Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are also nononcogene addiction (NOA) genes and important drug targets. The mechanisms of drug-induced downregulation of Sp TFs and pro-oncogenic Sp-regulated genes are complex and include ROS-dependent epigenetic pathways that initially decrease expression of the oncogene cMyc. Many compounds such as curcumin, aspirin, and metformin that are active in cancer prevention also exhibit chemotherapeutic activity and these compounds downregulate Sp TFs in cancer cell lines and tumors. The effects of these compounds on downregulation of Sp TFs in normal cells and the contribution of this response to their chemopreventive activity have not yet been determined. Cancer Prev Res; 11(7); 371–82. ©2018 AACR.
The Use of a Metal Stent in the Treatment of Ureteral Stricture in a Patient Who Had Undergone Radical Cystectomy with the Creation of an Ileal Conduit
Authors: Mochizuki Taku , Kawahara Takashi , Iwamoto Genta , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: March 2018

Approximately 9.2% of patients who undergo radical cystectomy are reported to develop ureteral stricture as a result of both benign and malignant conditions. A metallic stent is a continuous, unfenestrated all-metal double-pigtail ureteric stent with no end or side holes. The patient was a 74-year-old man who underwent radial cystectomy with the creation of an ileal conduit due to advanced bladder cancer 7 years previously. Although he had no radiographic recurrence, he developed bilateral hydronephrosis. We herein report the first case of a patient with ureteral stricture after radial cystectomy with the creation of an ileal conduit who was successfully treated by the insertion of a metal stent by a combined antegrade and retrograde approach.