bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Animal Physiology: a 12-year experience transitioning from a classical to interactive approach with continual assessment and computer alternatives
Authors: Kaisarevic Sonja N. , Andric Silvana A. , Kostic Tatjana S.
Published: July 2017

In response to the Bologna Declaration and contemporary trends in Animal Physiology education, the Animal Physiology course at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, has evolved over a 12-yr period (2001–2012): from a classical two-semester course toward a one-semester course utilizing computer simulations of animal experiments, continual assessment, lectures, and an optional oral exam. This paper presents an overview of student achievement, the impact of reforms on learning outcomes, and lessons that we as educators learned during this process. The reforms had a positive impact on the percentage of students who completed the course within the same academic year. In addition, the percentage of students who completed the practical exam increased from 54% to >95% following the transition to a Bologna-based approach. However, average final grades declined from 8.0 to 6.8 over the same period. Students also appear reluctant to take the optional oral exam, and 82−91% of students were satisfied with the lower final grade obtained from only assessments and tests administered during the semester. In our endeavor to achieve learning outcomes set during the pre-Bologna period, while adopting contemporary teaching approaches, we sought to increase students’ motivation to strive toward better performance, while ensuring that the increased quantity of students who complete the course is coupled with increased quality of education and a more in-depth understanding of animal physiology.
Cardiopulmonary physiology: why the heart and lungs are inextricably linked
Authors: Verhoeff Kevin , Mitchell Jamie R.
Published: July 2017

Because the heart and lungs are confined within the thoracic cavity, understanding their interactions is integral for studying each system. Such interactions include changes in external constraint to the heart, blood volume redistribution (venous return), direct ventricular interaction (DVI), and left ventricular (LV) afterload. During mechanical ventilation, these interactions can be amplified and result in reduced cardiac output. For example, increased intrathoracic pressure associated with mechanical ventilation can increase external constraint and limit ventricular diastolic filling and, therefore, output. Similarly, high intrathoracic pressures can alter blood volume distribution and limit diastolic filling of both ventricles while concomitantly increasing pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to increased DVI, which may further limit LV filling. While LV afterload is generally considered to decrease with increased intrathoracic pressure, the question arises if the reduced LV afterload is primarily a consequence of a reduced LV preload. A thorough understanding of the interaction between the heart and lungs can be complicated but is essential for clinicians and health science students alike. In this teaching review, we have attempted to highlight the present understanding of certain salient aspects of cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as provide a resource for multidisciplined health science educators and students.
Maternal methyl donor and cofactor supplementation in late pregnancy increases β-cell numbers at 16 days of life in growth-restricted twin lambs
Authors: Sulaiman Siti A. , De Blasio Miles J. , Harland M. Lyn , Gatford Kathryn L. , Owens Julie A.
Published: July 2017

Restricted growth before birth (IUGR) increases adult risk of Type 2 diabetes by impairing insulin sensitivity and secretion. Altered fetal one-carbon metabolism is implicated in developmental programming of adult health and disease by IUGR. Therefore, we evaluated effects of maternal dietary supplementation with methyl donors and cofactors (MMDS), designed to increase fetal supply, on insulin action in the spontaneously IUGR twin lamb. In vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were measured at days 12–14 in singleton controls (CON, n = 7 lambs from 7 ewes), twins (IUGR, n = 8 lambs from 8 ewes), and twins from ewes that received MMDS (2 g rumen-protected methionine, 300 mg folic acid, 1.2 g sulfur, 0.7 mg cobalt) daily from 120 days after mating (~0.8 of term) until delivery (IUGR+MMDS, n = 8 lambs from 4 ewes). Body composition and pancreas morphometry were assessed in lambs at day 16. IUGR reduced size at birth and increased neonatal fractional growth rate. MMDS normalized long bone lengths but not other body dimensions of IUGR lambs at birth. IUGR did not impair glucose control or insulin action at days 12–14, compared with controls. MMDS increased metabolic clearance rate of insulin and increased β-cell numerical density and tended to improve insulin sensitivity, compared with untreated IUGR lambs. This demonstrates that effects of late-pregnancy methyl donor supplementation persist until at least the third week of life. Whether these effects of MMDS persist beyond early postnatal life and improve metabolic outcomes after IUGR in adults and the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined.
Factors regulating subcutaneous adipose tissue storage, fibrosis, and inflammation may underlie low fatty acid mobilization in insulin-sensitive obese adults
Authors: Van Pelt Douglas W. , Guth Lisa M. , Wang Abigail Y. , Horowitz Jeffrey F.
Published: July 2017

Although the rate of fatty acid release from adipose tissue into the systemic circulation is very high in most obese adults, some obese adults maintain relatively low rates of fatty acid release, which helps protect them against the development of systemic insulin resistance. The primary aim of this study was to identify factors in adipose tissue that may underlie low vs. high rates of fatty acid mobilization in a relatively homogeneous cohort of obese adults. We measured systemic fatty acid rate of appearance (FA Ra) via 13C-palmitate isotope dilution, and we obtained subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue samples from 30 obese adults (BMI: 38 ± 1 kg/m2, age: 30 ± 2 yr) after an overnight fast. We then measured insulin sensitivity using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Confirming our previous work, insulin sensitivity was inversely proportional to FA Ra ( R2 = 0.50; P < 0.001). Immunoblot analysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue samples revealed that, compared with obese adults with high FA Ra, those with low FA Ra had lower markers of lipase activation and higher abundance of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, which is a primary enzyme for fatty acid esterification. Microarray and pathway analysis provided evidence of lower fibrosis and lower SAPK/JNK pathway activation in obese adults with low FA Ra compared with those with high FA Ra. Our findings suggest that alterations in factors regulating triglyceride storage in adipose tissue, along with lower fibrosis and inflammatory pathway activation, may underlie maintenance of a relatively low FA Ra in obesity, which may help protect against the development of insulin resistance.
Greater transforming growth factor-β in adult female SHR is dependent on blood pressure, but does not account for sex differences in renal T-regulatory cells
Authors: Tipton Ashlee J. , Musall Jacqueline B. , Crislip G. Ryan , Sullivan Jennifer C.
Published: July 2017

Female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have more renal regulatory T cells (Tregs) than males, and greater levels of Tregs in female SHR are dependent on blood pressure (BP). However, the molecular mechanism responsible for greater Tregs in female SHR is unknown. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a pleiotropic cytokine critical in the differentiation of naïve T cells into Tregs, and female SHR have higher TGF-β excretion than male SHR. The goals of the current study were to test the hypotheses that 1) female SHR have greater renal TGF-β expression than male SHR, which is dependent on BP and 2) neutralizing TGF-β will decrease renal Tregs in female SHR. Renal cortices were isolated from 5- and 13-wk-old male and female SHR, and TGF-β levels were measured via Western blot and ELISA. Adult female SHR have more free, active TGF-β1 than 5-wk-old female SHR (46% more) or male SHR (44% more than 5-wk-old males and 56% more than 13-wk-old male SHR). We confirmed greater TGF-β1 in adult female SHR was due to increases in BP and not sexual maturation by measuring TGF-β1 levels following treatment with BP-lowering drugs or ovariectomy. Separate female SHR were treated with an antibody to TGF-β1,2,3; BP was measured, and T cells were assessed in whole blood and the kidney. Neutralizing TGF-β had no effect on BP, although circulating Tregs decreased by 32%, while Th17 cells increased by 64%. Renal Tregs were not altered by antibody treatment, although Th17 cells were decreased by 61%. In conclusion, although TGF-β promotes circulating Tregs in female SHR, it does not account for the sex difference in renal Tregs in SHR.
Restricted vision increases sensorimotor cortex involvement in human walking
Authors: Oliveira Anderson S. , Schlink Bryan R. , Hairston W. David , König Peter , Ferris Daniel P.
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to determine whether there is electrocortical evidence of augmented participation of sensory brain areas in walking modulation during walking with eyes closed. Healthy subjects ( n = 10) walked on a treadmill at 1 m/s while alternating 5 min of walking with the eyes open or closed while we recorded ground reaction forces (GRFs) and high-density scalp electroencephalography (EEG). We applied independent component analysis to parse EEG signals into maximally independent component (IC) processes and then computed equivalent current dipoles for each IC. We clustered cortical source ICs and analyzed event-related spectral perturbations synchronized to gait events. Our results indicated that walking with eyes closed reduced the first peak of the vertical GRFs and induced shorter stride duration. Regarding the EEG, we found that walking with eyes closed induced significantly increased relative theta desynchronization in the frontal and premotor cortex during stance, as well as greater desynchronization from theta to beta bands during transition to single support for both left and right somatosensory cortex. These results suggest a phase-specific increased participation of brain areas dedicated to sensory processing and integration when vision is not available for locomotor guidance. Furthermore, the lack of vision demands higher neural processing related to motor planning and execution. Our findings provide evidence supporting the use of eyes-closed tasks in clinical practice, such as gait rehabilitation and improvements in balance control, as there is higher demand for additional sensory integration for achieving postural control.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We measured electrocortical dynamics in sighted individuals while walking with eyes open and eyes closed to induce the participation of other sensory systems in postural control. Our findings show that walking with visual restriction increases the participation of brain areas dedicated to sensory processing, motor planning, and execution. These results confirm the essential participation of supraspinal inputs to postural control in human locomotion, supporting the use of eyes-closed tasks in clinical practice.
Chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5) Inhibit ATP-Induced Release of IL-1β by Monocytic Cells
Authors: Amati Anca-Laura , Zakrzewicz Anna , Siebers Robin , Wilker Sigrid , Heldmann Sarah , Zakrzewicz Dariusz , Hecker Andreas , McIntosh J. Michael , Padberg Winfried , Grau Veronika
Published: July 2017

Chemokines and ATP are among the mediators of inflammatory sites that can enter the circulation via damaged blood vessels. The main function of chemokines is leukocyte mobilization, and ATP typically triggers inflammasome assembly. IL-1β, a potent inflammasome-dependent cytokine of innate immunity, is essential for pathogen defense. However, excessive IL-1β may cause life-threatening systemic inflammation. Here, we hypothesize that chemokines control ATP-dependent secretion of monocytic IL-1β. Lipopolysaccharide-primed human monocytic U937 cells were stimulated with the P2X7 agonist BzATP for 30 min to induce IL-1β release. CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5 dose dependently inhibited BzATP-stimulated release of IL-1β, whereas CXCL16 was ineffective. The effect of CCL3 was confirmed for primary mononuclear leukocytes. It was blunted after silencing CCR1 or calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) by siRNA and was sensitive to antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing subunits α7 and α9. U937 cells secreted small factors in response to CCL3 that mediated the inhibition of IL-1β release. We suggest that CCL chemokines inhibit ATP-induced release of IL-1β from U937 cells by a triple-membrane-passing mechanism involving CCR, iPLA2, release of small mediators, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits α7 and α9. We speculate that whenever chemokines and ATP enter the circulation concomitantly, systemic release of IL-1β is minimized.
Iron-Polyphenol Interaction Reduces Iron Bioavailability in Fortified Tea: Competing Complexation to Ensure Iron Bioavailability
Authors: Dueik V. , Chen B. K. , Diosady L. L.
Published: July 2017

Tea seems to be like a logical substrate for iron fortification; however, its fortification with iron presents technical challenges as tea polyphenols form a blue complex with iron that makes both of them unavailable for absorption. The objective of this work was to develop an effective technology, to prevent the interaction of iron and polyphenols by using EDTA as a competing complexing agent. Fortified tea was prepared from premix, prepared by spraying iron and sodium EDTA into tea leaves. Iron concentration in tea was adjusted to 5 mg/cup. Iron content was measured by AAS and the iron-polyphenol complex by spectrophotometry at 560 nm. Sensory evaluation was carried out in order to determine if fortification affects the properties of tea. A molar ratio of 1 : 2 Fe : EDTA was able to avoid complex formation and provide 4 mg of iron per cup of brewed tea. The fortified tea had a similar colour and flavour as ordinary tea, without the development of off-flavours. However, fortified tea with a ratio lower than 1 : 2 had a darker colour and off-flavours. By the addition of EDTA in a molar ratio ≥1 : 2, it is possible to produce an iron fortified tea without the formation of off-flavours.
Flexural Properties of PVC/Bamboo Composites under Static and Dynamic-Thermal Conditions: Effects of Composition and Water Absorption
Authors: Bahari Shahril Anuar , Grigsby Warren J. , Krause Andreas
Published: July 2017

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/bamboo composites have been prepared and assessed for their use in interior and exterior load-bearing applications. PVC composites were formed by compounding PVC with different bamboo particle sizes and loadings. The mechanical properties of these composites were determined at both ambient and elevated temperatures and after long-term water soaking. Analysis revealed that bamboo incorporation improved the PVC composite flexural modulus which was also observed with dynamic mechanical-thermal analysis on heating composites toca.70°C. Addition of 25% and 50% bamboo particles increases flexural modulus by 80% with dependency on whether fine (<75 μm) or coarse (<1 mm) particles were used. On water soaking to saturation, composites had water weight uptakes of 10%, with reduced flexural properties obtained for all water-soaked composites. Nonetheless, the results of this study show that PVC/bamboo composites achieve the minimum flexural performance of ASTM D 6662, indicating potential for their use in exterior applications.
Endoscopic Stenting as Bridge to Surgery versus Emergency Resection for Left-Sided Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Allievi Niccolò , Ceresoli Marco , Fugazzola Paola , Montori Giulia , Coccolini Federico , Ansaloni Luca
Published: July 2017

Introduction. Emergency resection represents the traditional treatment for left-sided malignant obstruction. However, the placement of self-expanding metallic stents and delayed surgery has been proposed as an alternative approach. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to review the available evidence, with particular interest for the short-term outcomes, including a recent multicentre RCT. Methods. We considered randomized controlled trials comparing stenting as a bridge to surgery and emergency surgery for the management of left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction, performing a systematic review in MEDLINE, PubMed database, and the Cochrane libraries. Results. We initially identified a total of 2543 studies. After the elimination of duplicates and the screening of titles and abstracts, seven studies, for a total of 448 patients, were considered. The current meta-analysis revealed no difference in the mortality rate between the stent group and the emergency surgery group; the postoperative complication rate (37.84% versus 54.87%, P=0.02), the stoma rate (28.8% versus 46.02%, P<0.0001), and the incidence of wound infection (8.11% versus 15.49%, P=0.01) were reduced after stent as a bridge to surgery. Conclusion. Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery appears to be a safe approach to malignant large bowel obstruction. Possible advantages of this treatment can be identified in a reduced incidence of postoperative complications and a lower stoma rate. Further RCTs considering long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness analysis are needed.
Moodle: Teaching Strategies in Distance Education in Oral Medicine
Authors: de Castro Junior Rubens Cardozo , Medeiros Tuana Caruso , Honório Heitor Marques , Sant’Ana Eduardo , da Silva Santos Paulo Sérgio
Published: July 2017

Objective. The current model of education has been suffering changes, undergoing renovations, and seeking using and enjoying increasingly technological resources, as, for example, the Learning Management System (LMS). One of the most used LMS platforms is the Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (Moodle). This article proposes to demonstrate how Moodle platform was introduced in the subject of Stomatology through a clear and objective methodology. Study Design. In six months, 49 undergraduate students enrolled in stomatology subject accessed Moodle platform 2067 times and performed 02 evaluation exams at Discipline of Stomatology. Statistical analysis was performed by paired t‐test (comparison between number of access times before the first evaluation and number of access times before the second evaluation), Wilcoxon test (student’s grade on the first and second evaluation), and Pearson correlation test (correlation between the number of access times before the first evaluation and the first grade, correlation between the number of access times before the second evaluation and the second grade, and correlation between the variation of the number of access times and the variation of the student’s grade). Results and Conclusion. The digital platform Moodle was associated with better grade for those students who access it for more times (p < 0,001) and was able to supply the needs of the students and help them to obtain information about the subject during the entire semester (6 months).
Clustering Mixed Data by Fast Search and Find of Density Peaks
Authors: Liu Shihua , Zhou Bingzhong , Huang Decai , Shen Liangzhong
Published: July 2017

Aiming at the mixed data composed of numerical and categorical attributes, a new unified dissimilarity metric is proposed, and based on that a new clustering algorithm is also proposed. The experiment result shows that this new method of clustering mixed data by fast search and find of density peaks is feasible and effective on the UCI datasets.
Subpixel Mapping Algorithms Based on Block Structural Self‐Similarity Learning
Authors: Chen Liwei , Wang Tieshen , Zhu Haifeng
Published: July 2017

Subpixel mapping (SPM) algorithms effectively estimate the spatial distribution of different land cover classes within mixed pixels. This paper proposed a new subpixel mapping method based on image structural self‐similarity learning. Image structure self‐similarity refers to similar structures within the same scale or different scales in image itself or its downsampled image, which widely exists in remote sensing images. Based on the similarity of image block structure, the proposed method estimates higher spatial distribution of coarse‐resolution fraction images and realizes subpixel mapping. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more accurate than existing fast subpixel mapping algorithms.
Proinflammatory and Anabolic Gene Expression Effects of Platelet-Rich Gel Supernatants on Equine Synovial Membrane Explants Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Carmona Jorge U. , Ríos Diana L. , López Catalina , Álvarez María E. , Pérez Jorge E.
Published: July 2017

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations are used in horses with osteoarthritis (OA). However, some controversies remain regarding the ideal concentration of platelets and leukocytes to produce an adequate anti-inflammatory and anabolic response in the synovial membrane. The aims of this study were to study the influence of leukoconcentrated platelet-rich gel (Lc-PRG) and leukoreduced platelet-rich gel (Lr-PRG) supernatants on the quantitative expression of some proinflammatory and anabolic genes in equine synovial membrane explants (SMEs) challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). SMEs from six horses were cultured over 96 h. Then, SMEs were harvested for RNA extraction and quantitative gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR for nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). The 25% and 50% Lc-PRG supernatants led to downregulation of NFκB, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, COL1A1, COL2A1, and COMP in SMEs. Lr-PRG supernatants (particularly at the 50% concentration) induced downregulation of NFκB, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and COL1A1 and upregulation of COL2A1 and COMP. Lr-PRG supernatants should be used for the treatment of inflammatory arthropathies in horses because they have anti-inflammatory and anabolic effects in the synovial membrane.
The Evaluation of the Clinical Effects of Botulinum Toxin on Nocturnal Bruxism
Authors: Asutay Fatih , Atalay Yusuf , Asutay Hilal , Acar Ahmet Hüseyin
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Nocturnal bruxism can be managed by botulinum toxin (Botox®) in patients who have not responded to conservative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTXA) in the treatment of nocturnal bruxism. Material and Methods. The retrospective study comprised 25 female patients, aged 23–55 years (mean 35.84±8.41 years). All patients received a single injection of BTXA in the right and left masseters. Evaluation was made by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) values, complaint duration, onset of effect, and duration of effectiveness. Results. BTXA produced significant improvements in pain scores. Only 2 adverse events (8%) were recorded. Conclusion. BTX-A is effective in the treatment of nocturnal bruxism.
Lung‐Protective Ventilation Strategies for Relief from Ventilator‐Associated Lung Injury in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy: A Bicenter Randomized, Parallel, and Controlled Trial
Authors: Tang Chaoliang , Li Juan , Lei Shaoqing , Zhao Bo , Zhang Zhetao , Huang Wenting , Shi Si , Chai Xiaoqing , Niu Chaoshi , Xia Zhongyuan
Published: July 2017

Current evidence indicates that conventional mechanical ventilation often leads to lung inflammatory response and oxidative stress, while lung‐protective ventilation (LPV) minimizes the risk of ventilator‐associated lung injury (VALI). This study evaluated the effects of LPV on relief of pulmonary injury, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress among patients undergoing craniotomy. Sixty patients undergoing craniotomy received either conventional mechanical (12 mL/kg tidal volume [VT] and 0 cm H2O positive end‐expiratory pressure [PEEP]; CV group) or protective lung (6 mL/kg VT and 10 cm H2O PEEP; PV group) ventilation. Hemodynamic variables, lung function indexes, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were assessed. The PV group exhibited greater dynamic lung compliance and lower respiratory index than the CV group during surgery (P < 0.05). The PV group exhibited higher plasma interleukin‐ (IL‐) 10 levels and lower plasma malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐10, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and superoxide dismutase levels (P < 0.05) than the CV group. There were no significant differences in hemodynamic variables, blood loss, liquid input, urine output, or duration of mechanical ventilation between the two groups (P > 0.05). Patients receiving LPV during craniotomy exhibited low perioperative inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and VALI.
Shockwave-Based Automated Vehicle Longitudinal Control Algorithm for Nonrecurrent Congestion Mitigation
Authors: Zhao Liuhui , Lee Joyoung , Chien Steven , Oh Cheol
Published: July 2017

A shockwave-based speed harmonization algorithm for the longitudinal movement of automated vehicles is presented in this paper. In the advent of Connected/Automated Vehicle (C/AV) environment, the proposed algorithm can be applied to capture instantaneous shockwaves constructed from vehicular speed profiles shared by individual equipped vehicles. With a continuous wavelet transform (CWT) method, the algorithm detects abnormal speed drops in real-time and optimizes speed to prevent the shockwave propagating to the upstream traffic. A traffic simulation model is calibrated to evaluate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Based on 100% C/AV market penetration, the simulation results show that the CWT-based algorithm accurately detects abnormal speed drops. With the improved accuracy of abnormal speed drop detection, the simulation results also demonstrate that the congestion can be mitigated by reducing travel time and delay up to approximately 9% and 18%, respectively. It is also found that the shockwave caused by nonrecurrent congestion is quickly dissipated even with low market penetration.
Polymorphism rs2073618 of the TNFRSF11B (OPG) Gene and Bone Mineral Density in Mexican Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nava-Valdivia C. A. , Saldaña-Cruz A. M. , Corona-Sanchez E. G. , Murillo-Vazquez J. D. , Moran-Moguel M. C. , Salazar-Paramo M. , Perez-Guerrero E. E. , Vazquez-Villegas M. L. , Bonilla-Lara D. , Rocha-Muñoz A. D. , Martín-Marquez B. T. , Sandoval-Garcia F. , Martínez-García E. A. , Fajardo-Robledo N. S. , Ponce-Guarneros J. M. , Ramirez-Villafaña M. , Alcaraz-Lopez M. F. , Gonzalez-Lopez L. , Gamez-Nava J. I.
Published: July 2017

Osteoporosis (OP) is highly prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is influenced by genetic factors. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2073618 in the TNFRSF11B osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene has been related to postmenopausal OP although, to date, no information has been described concerning whether this polymorphism is implied in abnormalities of bone mineral density (BMD) in RA. We evaluated, in a case-control study performed in Mexican-Mestizo women with RA, whether SNP rs2073618 in the TNFRSF11B gene is associated with a decrease in BMD. RA patients were classified as follows: (1) low BMD and (2) normal BMD. All patients were genotyped for the rs2073618 polymorphism by PCR-RFLP. The frequency of low BMD was 74.4%. Higher age was observed in RA with low BMD versus normal BMD (62 and 54 years, resp.; p<0.001). Worse functioning and lower BMI were observed in RA with low BMD (p=0.003 and p=0.002, resp.). We found similar genotype frequencies in RA with low BMD versus RA with normal BMD (GG genotype 71% versus 64.4%, GC 26% versus 33%, and CC 3% versus 2.2%, resp.; p=0.6). We concluded that in Mexican-Mestizo female patients with RA, the rs2073618 polymorphism of the TNRFS11B gene is not associated with low BMD.
Endophilin2 Interacts with GluA1 to Mediate AMPA Receptor Endocytosis Induced by Oligomeric Amyloid-β
Authors: Zhang Jifeng , Yin Yichen , Ji Zhisheng , Cai Zhenbin , Zhao Bo , Li Jiong , Tan Minghui , Guo Guoqing
Published: July 2017

Amyloid-β(Aβ) plays an important role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as oligomeric Aβinduces loss of postsynaptic AMPA receptors (AMPARs) leading to cognitive deficits. The loss of postsynaptic AMPARs is mediated through the clathrin-dependent endocytosis pathway, in which endophilin2 is one of the important regulatory proteins. Endophilin2, which is enriched in both the pre- and postsynaptic membrane, has previously been reported to be important for recycling of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic membrane. However, the role of endophilin2 in oligomeric Aβ-induced postsynaptic AMPAR endocytosis is not well understood. In this study, we show that endophilin2 does not affect constitutive AMPAR endocytosis. Endophilin2 knockdown, but not overexpression, resisted oligomeric Aβ-induced AMPAR dysfunction. Moreover, endophilin2 colocalized and interacted with GluA1, a subunit of AMPAR, to regulate oligomeric Aβ-induced AMPAR endocytosis. Thus, we have determined a role of endophilin2 in oligomeric Aβ-induced postsynaptic AMPAR dysfunction, indicating possible directions for preventing the loss of AMPARs in cognitive impairment and providing evidence for the clinical treatment of AD.
Type Synthesis of 2T1R Decoupled Parallel Mechanisms Based on Lie Groups and Screw Theory
Authors: Qu Shuwei , Li Ruiqin , Bai Shaoping
Published: July 2017

Decoupled parallel mechanisms (DPMs) have the characteristics of compact structure and simple control with wide applications. This paper presents a new method of type synthesis for DPMs by virtue of Lie groups and screw theory. The method consists of synthesis at limb level and configuration level. At limb level, Lie group is used to synthesize the limbs with required DOFs. At configuration level, screw theory is adopted to determine configuration with synthesized limbs that satisfy the type synthesis criteria of DPMs. The type synthesis criteria including limb decoupling and selection of the driving pairs are presented. Upon the formulation, the procedure of type synthesis of DPMs is developed. Type synthesis is conducted with the proposed method, which leads to new spatial and planar fully decoupled 2T1R mechanisms.
Design of Initial Value Control for Modified Lorenz‐Stenflo System
Authors: Wu Yuan-Long , Yang Cheng-Hsiung , Wu Chang-Hsi
Published: July 2017

For the sake of complexity, unpredictability, and exceeding sensitivity to initial conditions in the chaotic systems, there were many studies for information encryption of chaotic systems in recent years. Enhancing the security in information encryption of chaotic systems, an initial value control circuit for chaotic systems is proposed in this paper. By way of changing the initial value, we can change the behavior of chaotic systems and also change the key of information encryption. An analog circuit is implemented to verify the initial value control circuit design.
A 3D Fractional-Order Chaotic System with Only One Stable Equilibrium and Controlling Chaos
Authors: Shen Shiyun , Ke Meihua , Zhou Ping
Published: July 2017

One 3D fractional-order chaotic system with only one locally asymptotically stable equilibrium is reported. To verify the chaoticity, the maximum Lyapunov exponent (MAXLE) with respect to the fractional-order and chaotic attractors are obtained by numerical calculation for this system. Furthermore, by linear scalar controller consisting of a single state variable, one control scheme for stabilization of the 3D fractional-order chaotic system is suggested. The numerical simulations show the feasibility of the control scheme.
Enhanced Radiosensitization Effect of Curcumin Delivered by PVP-PCL Nanoparticle in Lung Cancer
Authors: Wen Cuixia , Zhou Yun , Zhou Chong , Zhang Yifan , Hu Xiang , Li Jun , Yin Haitao
Published: July 2017

Curcumin, the principal polyphenolic curcuminoid, has been reported in numerous studies for its antitumor effect in a series of cancers. It is also reported that curcumin possesses radiosensitization effect in some cancers. However, the poor solubility and unsatisfied bioavailability of curcumin significantly undermine its potential application. Here we prepared curcumin loaded nanoparticles by employing PVP-PCL as drug carrier. Characterization studies indicated the satisfied drug loading efficiency and a sustained in vitro release pattern. Quantification uptake study showed that the uptake efficiency of Cum-NPs by lung cancer cells was time- and dose-dependent. In vitro anticancer study demonstrated the superior cytotoxic effect of Cum-NPs with stronger apoptotic induction over free Cum. Most importantly, there is almost no report on the radiosensitization effect of curcumin loaded nanoparticles. Here, Cum-NPs led to more inhibition of the colony forming ability of A549 cells as compared to the equivalent concentration of free Cum as shown in clonogenic assay. Furthermore, Cum-NPs are much more effective in enhancing the tumor growth inhibitory effect of radiation therapy in a A549 xenograft model. Therefore, results from the current study seem to be the first report on the radiosensitization effect of Cum-NPs and paved the way for a curcumin nanodrug delivery system as a potential radiation adjuvant.
Maintaining Treatment Fidelity of Mindfulness‐Based Relapse Prevention Intervention for Alcohol Dependence: A Randomized Controlled Trial Experience
Authors: Zgierska Aleksandra E. , Shapiro Joshua , Burzinski Cindy A. , Lerner Faith , Goodman-Strenski Victoria
Published: July 2017

Background. Treatment fidelity is essential to methodological rigor of clinical trials evaluating behavioral interventions such as Mindfulness Meditation (MM). However, procedures for monitoring and maintenance of treatment fidelity are inconsistently applied, limiting the strength of such research. Objective. To describe the implementation and findings related to fidelity monitoring of the Mindfulness‐Based Relapse Prevention for Alcohol Dependence (MBRP‐A) intervention in a 26‐week randomized controlled trial. Methods. 123 alcohol dependent adults were randomly assigned to MM (MBRP‐A and home practice, adjunctive to usual care; N = 64) or control (usual care alone; N = 59). Treatment fidelity assessment strategies recommended by the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium for study/intervention design, therapist training, intervention delivery, and treatment receipt and enactment were applied. Results. Ten 8‐session interventions were delivered. Therapist adherence and competence, assessed using the modified MBRP Adherence and Competence Scale, were high. Among the MM group participants, 46 attended ≥4 sessions; over 90% reported at‐home MM practice at 8 weeks and 72% at 26 weeks. They also reported satisfaction with and usefulness of MM for maintaining sobriety. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions. A systematic approach to assessment of treatment fidelity in behavioral clinical trials allows determination of the degree of consistency between intended and actual delivery and receipt of intervention.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Petroclival Meningioma: Long-Term Outcome and Failure Pattern
Authors: Kim Jin Wook , Kim Dong Gyu , Se Young-Bem , Kim Sung Kwon , Chung Hyun-Tai , Paek Sun Ha , Jung Hee-Won
Published: July 2017

Total removal of petroclival meningioma is difficult, and aggressive extirpation is often associated with significant surgical morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and failure pattern of treatment with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with petroclival meningiomas. Eighty-nine consecutive patients with petroclival meningiomas underwent GKRS between 1998 and 2013. Fifty-eight patients received GKRS as a primary treatment and 31 patients underwent GKRS as a secondary treatment after microsurgery. The mean tumor volume was 6.7 cm3 (range, 0.5-46.3 cm3) and the mean marginal dose was 13.2 Gy (range, 8-17 Gy). At the last radiological follow-up, tumor volume was decreased in 50 patients (56.2%), stationary in 34 patients (38.2%), and increased in 5 patients (5.6%). The actuarial progression-free survival after GKRS was 94.7% at 5 years and 88.9% at 10 years. Favorable cranial nerve outcomes were found in 81 patients (91%). A regrowth pattern was present in all 4 patients of the primary treatment group, whereas cyst formation (3 patients) and regrowth (1 patient) were observed in the secondary treatment group. GKRS is an effective and reasonable option as a primary or secondary treatment for petroclival meningioma. Further studies of failure patterns after GKRS for petroclival meningioma are mandatory.
Swiss Practice Recommendations for the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa/Acne Inversa
Authors: Hunger Robert E. , Laffitte Emanuel , Läuchli Severin , Mainetti Carlo , Mühlstädt Michael , Schiller Peter , Lapointe Anne-Karine , Meschberger Pascale , Navarini Alexander A.
Published: July 2017

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, inflammatory, debilitating skin disease with a chronic intermittent course. The central pathogenetic event seems to be the occlusion of the hair follicle. HS has a 1-year prevalence of about 1%. It typically presents after puberty with painful, deep-seated, inflamed lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body: most commonly the axillae, inguinal, and anogenital regions. HS has a high negative impact on patients' quality of life even in patients with only limited disease burden, and the diagnosis of HS is often made with a long diagnostic delay. In this practical short version we present diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations which are based on a systematic literature search as well as an informal expert consensus of Swiss dermatologists and dermatosurgeons.
Role of Na+/Ca2+ Exchangers in Therapy Resistance of Medulloblastoma Cells
Authors: Pelzl Lisann , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , al-Maghout Tamer , Singh Yogesh , Sahu Itishri , Bissinger Rosi , Schmidt Sebastian , Alkahtani Saad , Stournaras Christos , Toulany Mahmoud , Lang Florian
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Alterations of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) are decisive in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, migration and survival. Transport processes participating in the regulation of [Ca2+]i include Ca2+ extrusion through K+-independent (NCX) and/or K+-dependent (NCKX) Na+/Ca2+-exchangers. The present study thus explored whether medulloblastoma cells express Na+/Ca2+-exchangers, whether expression differs between therapy sensitive D283 and therapy resistant UW228-3 medulloblastoma cells, and whether Na+/Ca2+-exchangers participate in the regulation of cell survival. Methods: In therapy sensitive D283 and therapy resistant UW228-3 medulloblastoma cells transcript levels were estimated by RT-PCR, protein abundance by Western blotting, cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) from Fura-2-fluorescence, Na+/ Ca2+-exchanger activity from the increase of [Ca2+]i (Δ[Ca2+]i) and from whole cell current (Ica) following abrupt replacement of Na+ containing (130 mM) and Ca2+ free by Na+ free and Ca2+ containing (2 mM) extracellular perfusate as well as cell death from PI -staining and annexin-V binding in flow cytometry. Results: The transcript levels of NCX3, NCKX2, and NCKX5, protein abundance of NCX3, slope and peak of Δ[Ca2+]i as well as Ica were significantly lower in therapy sensitive D283 than in therapy resistant UW228-3 medulloblastoma cells. The Na+/Ca2+-exchanger inhibitor KB-R7943 (10 µM) significantly blunted Δ[Ca2+]i, and augmented the ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis but did not significantly modify clonogenicity of medulloblastoma cells. Apoptosis was further enhanced by NCX3 silencing. Conclusions: Na+/Ca2+-exchanger activity significantly counteracts apoptosis but does not significantly affect clonogenicity after radiation of medulloblastoma cells.
A Importância da Reflexão no Estágio Curricular na Licenciatura em Enfermagem: Uso de Heurísticos
Authors: Vaz Débora Rodrigues , Oliveira Mauricio Pietrocola Pinto de , Almeida Denise Maria De , Prado Cláudia , Pina-Oliveira Alfredo Almeida , Fernandes Maria de Fatima Prado
Published: July 2017

O presente artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento de um heurístico para estimular a reflexão sobre o clima emocional e as dimensões relacional e comunicacional no estágio curricular supervisionado no curso de Licenciatura em Enfermagem da Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo. A metodologia consistiu na tradução, adaptação, reorganização e desenvolvimento de um heurístico com foco na vivência durante os estágios curriculares supervisionados da Licenciatura em Enfermagem. O heurístico é composto por 53 indagações reflexivas que evidenciam quatro dimensões: o relacionamento entre o licenciando e o professor supervisor; entre o licenciando e os funcionários das instituições de saúde; entre os licenciandos e os estudantes; e entre os próprios licenciandos. O uso do heurístico pode contribuir para a reflexão sobre o estágio curricular supervisionado e auxiliar o licenciando a (re)pensar seu desempenho com vistas ao seu aprimoramento pessoal e docente a partir da análise de suas próprias emoções, relações interpessoais e estratégias de comunicação que podem interferir em seu processo de ensino e de aprendizagem.
Religion and Nationalism in Modern Russia; Or the Uses and Abuses of Edinoverie
Authors: White James M. , Palkin Alexander S.
Published: July 2017

The Orthodox Church in post-Soviet Russia is currently tackling numerous issues. Some of these are modern, like the institution’s relationship with nationalism, while others are centuries-old, like the Old Believer schism. Some have argued that there is one potential solution to both problems: the restoration of edinoverie, a uniate movement founded in 1800 to bring the Old Believers into the Church. In this article, we consider all of the most recent works on this subject to demonstrate how a particular historical narrative has been sanctified by ecclesiastic writers to justify edinoverie’s revival. At the same time, its legacy is being utilised by a few nationalist or neo-traditionalist figures to restore a distinctively Russian character to Orthodoxy that can inoculate the country against irreligiosity and globalisation. Finally, we consider the failure to offer a convincing scholarly alternative to these narratives, a problem which is only now being rectified by young Russian academics.
The Organizational Climate of Paraguayan Elementary Schools: Rural-Urban Differentiations
Authors: Stimson James , Labelle Thomas J.
Published: July 2017

Social scientists concerned with the role of societal institutions have espoused numerous theoretical constructs regarding the nature of an institution in terms of its obverse relation to society and culture. As James S. Coleman (1965: 6) has stated: “Since Plato and Aristotle, political philosophers have affirmed principles embodied in the phrase(s), ‘As is the state, so is the school.’” Although no empirical studies are able to grasp both the cultural and institutional components of such a relationship, it is felt that some preliminary investigations have provided a sufficient rationale to pursue the collection of data to test generally the bonds between culture and a specific institution, in this case, education (Crozier, 1964).
How Bad Was Old? How Good is New?: Reflections on Evaluating Urban Education
Authors: Datta Lois-Ellin
Published: July 2017

The major claim to legitimacy by a social scientist is the claim that his procedures systematically evaluate the quality of his models, and, thus, that his speculations are good ones.

James G. March ( 1972)
LA TRILOGIA SULLA CITTÀ DI GIUSEPPE CULICCHIA
Authors: Pocci Luca
Published: July 2017

Il saggio si concentra su Tutti giù per terra (1994), Bla bla bla (1997) e Ambarabà (2000), testi che nel loro insieme formano una trilogia sulla esperienza e percezione della città nella società postmoderna. Attraverso una analisi ravvicinata e comparata, il saggio mette in risalto il mutare del fuoco tematico all'interno della trilogia, argomentando che dal binomio città/libertà – fuoco tematico di Tutti giù per terra e Bla bla bla – si passa a quello città/sicurezza, fuoco tematico di Ambarabà. La tesi che viene avanzata è che con questo mutamento tematico Culicchia rappresenta quello che, nella città globale dei nostri giorni, è diventato un vero e proprio desiderio onnipervasivo, ovvero il desiderio di sicurezza, inteso come desiderio di difesa dall'Altro. La città, che già in Bla bla bla era presentata come un tapis roulant di scenari allucinati e giustapposti, assume in Ambarabà, terzo episodio della trilogia di Culicchia, un carattere claustrale e claustrofobico e l'aria che vi si respira è quella di una libertà paradossale e negativa.
India-ASEAN Investment Flows
Authors: Bhatt P.R.
Published: July 2017

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was created in 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration. It is a group of ten nations, viz. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. ASEAN has been quite successful in raising its collective bargaining power to ensure market accessibility with the major players such as USA, Japan and European Community (EC). ASEAN economies are among the most successful in terms of economic growth and development.

Intra-regional direct investment flows have complemented and reinforced the growth of trade within Asia by building up the export capability of the host countries on one hand and by directly increasing machinery imports from the capital exporting countries on the other. The importance of increased intra-regional direct investment goes much beyond the increase in financial flows to the ASEAN region. Intra-regional FDI has been an important instrument for the realisation of the so-called "flying geese" pattern of industrial development in Asia.

The ASEAN region has become one of the most attractive investment locations in the developing world and attracted a disproportionately large amount of FD!, particularly during1987-96 period. FD! is not only a source of capital funds and foreign exchange, but also is a dynamic and efficient vehicle to secure the much needed industrial technology, managerial expertise and marketing knowledge and networks to improve on growth, employment, productivity and export performance. The present paper deals with these aspects of FDI in ASEAN region.
A Trade Linkage System for Saarc
Authors: Sarkar Amal
Published: July 2017

The significant success, which has made through regional economic co-operation in different parts of the world like EC, NAFTA, LAFTA, ASEAN and so on, are reflected in the initiatives that emerged in South Asia in the mid-eighties through formation of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985. In the 12th SAARC summit, held in Islamabad in 2004, the SAARC member countries have decided to establish South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). Macro-econometric models have been used, in general, extensively in recent years not only for forecasting purposes but also to analyze the effects of certain policy measures on the economy. It has been usual practice to construct macro-models for respective countries without specifying any specific linkages with trading partners. It is the econometric trade link system, through which we can study individual economy focusing the aspect of economic interdependence among member countries. The main objective of this paper is to construct a suitable trade linkage system for SAARC. This paper also presents the impact of SAFTA on member countries. Further, the trade relation with non-SAARC countries has also been studied in this paper.