bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic homeostasis: oxidative phosphorylation and the metabolic requirements of higher plants and animals
Authors: Wilson David F. , Matschinsky Franz M.
Published: July 2018

A model of oxidative phosphorylation and its regulation is presented, which is consistent with the experimental data on metabolism in higher plants and animals. The variables that provide real-time control of metabolic status are: intramitochondrial [NAD+]/[NADH], energy state ([ATP]/[ADP][Pi]), and local oxygen concentration ([O2]). ATP consumption and respiratory chain enzyme content are tissue specific (liver vs. heart muscle), and the latter is modulated by chronic alterations in ATP consumption (i.e., endurance training etc.). ATP consumption affects the energy state, which increases or decreases as necessary to match synthesis with consumption. [NAD+]/[NADH], local [O2], and respiratory chain content determine the energy state at which match of synthesis and utilization is achieved. Tissues vary widely in their ranges of ATP consumption. Expressed as the turnover of cytochrome c, the rates may change little (7 to 12/s) (liver) or a lot (1 to >300/s) (flight muscle of birds, bats, and insects). Ancillary metabolic pathways, including creatine or arginine kinase, glycerol phosphate shuttle, fatty acid, and citric acid cycle dehydrogenases, are responsible for meeting tissue-specific differences in maximal rate and range in ATP utilization without displacing metabolic homeostasis. Intramitochondrial [NAD+]/[NADH], [ATP], and [Pi] are adjusted to keep [ADP] and [AMP] similar for all tissues despite large differences in ranges in ATP utilization. This is essential because [ADP] and [AMP], particularly the latter, have major roles in regulating the activity of many enzymes and signaling pathways (AMP deaminase, AMP dependent protein kinases, etc.) common to all higher plants and animals.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Oxidative phosphorylation has an intrinsic program that sets and stabilizes cellular energy state ([ATP]/[ADP][Pi]), and thereby metabolic homeostasis. A computational model consistent with regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in higher plants and animals is presented. Focus is on metabolism ancillary to oxidative phosphorylation by which it was integrated into preexisting metabolic regulation and adapted by evolution to develop cells and tissues with differing rates of ATP utilization: i.e., liver versus brain versus muscle.
Evaluation and Immunolocalization of BMP4 and FGF8 in Odontogenic Cyst and Tumors
Authors: Swarup Neeti , Nayak Meghanand T. , Chowdhary Zoya , Mehendiratta Monica , Khatana Shikha , Choi Su Jung , Sagolsem Chandarani
Published: July 2018

Growth factors like bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) play a major role in organogenesis and specifically in odontogenesis. They are also believed to have a role in oncogenesis. Thus, any discrepancies in their standard behavior and activity would lead to serious abnormalities including odontogenic cyst and tumors. The present research work investigated the expression of BMP4 and FGF8 in odontogenic tumors (OT) and cyst as well as developing tooth germs to elucidate their roles. Dental organs of various odontogenic stages and 30 OTs including solid multicystic ameloblastomas (SMA, 10 cases), ameloblastic fibroma (AF, 10 cases), odontogenic myxoma (OM, 10 cases), and odontogenic cysts: odontogenic keratocyst (OKC, 10 cases) were evaluated in both epithelial and mesenchymal components for the expression of BMP4 and FGF8 using immunohistochemistry. The epithelial nuclear expression of BMP4 was highest in OKC (9 cases) while FGF8 was highest in SMA (10 cases). The mesenchymal nuclear expression of both BMP4 (8 cases) (p=0.001) and FGF8 (9 cases) (p=0.045) were significantly high in OMs among all OTs. Both growth factors were actively expressed in different stages of tooth development. The expression of BMP4 and FGF8 corelates well with the proliferative component of the pathologies, indicating a possible role in the pathogenesis and progression.
A Complex Network Framework to Model Cognition: Unveiling Correlation Structures from Connectivity
Authors: Rosell-Tarragó Gemma , Cozzo Emanuele , Díaz-Guilera Albert
Published: July 2018

Several approaches to cognition and intelligence research rely on statistics‐based model testing, namely, factor analysis. In the present work, we exploit the emerging dynamical system perspective putting the focus on the role of the network topology underlying the relationships between cognitive processes. We go through a couple of models of distinct cognitive phenomena and yet find the conditions for them to be mathematically equivalent. We find a nontrivial attractor of the system that corresponds to the exact definition of a well‐known network centrality and hence stresses the interplay between the dynamics and the underlying network connectivity, showing that both of the two are relevant. Correlation matrices evince there must be a meaningful structure underlying real data. Nevertheless, the true architecture regarding the connectivity between cognitive processes is still a burning issue of research. Regardless of the network considered, it is always possible to recover a positive manifold of correlations. Furthermore, we show that different network topologies lead to different plausible statistical models concerning the correlation structure, ranging from one to multiple factor models and richer correlation structures.
A Novel Approach to Fuzzy Soft Set‐Based Group Decision‐Making
Authors: Feng Qinrong , Guo Xiao
Published: July 2018

There are many uncertain problems in practical life which need decision‐making with soft sets and fuzzy soft sets. The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to effectively solve the group decision‐making problem based on fuzzy soft sets. Firstly, we present an adjustable approach to solve the decision‐making problems based on fuzzy soft sets. Then, we introduce knowledge measure and divergence degree based on α‐similarity relation to determine the experts’ weights. Further, we develop an effective group decision‐making approach with unknown experts’ weights. Finally, sensitivity analysis about the parameters and comparison analysis with other existing methods are given.
Feature Frequency Extraction Based on Principal Component Analysis and Its Application in Axis Orbit
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Weiguang , Zhao Xuezhi
Published: July 2018

Vibration‐based diagnosis has been employed as a powerful tool in maintaining the operating efficiency and safety for large rotating machinery. However, the extraction of malfunction features is not accurate enough by using traditional vibration signal processing techniques, owing to their intrinsic shortcomings. In this paper, the relationship between effective eigenvalues and frequency components was investigated, and a new characteristic frequency separation method based on PCA (CFSM‐PCA) was proposed. Certain feature frequency could be purified by reconstructing the specified eigenvalues. Furthermore, three significant perspectives were studied via the distribution of effective eigenvalues, and theoretical derivations were subsequently illustrated. More importantly, this proposed scheme could also be used to synthesize axis orbits of larger machines. Purified curves were so explicit and the CFSM‐PCA exhibited higher efficiency than harmonic wavelet and wavelet packet.
Fast Cartoon-Texture Decomposition Filtering Based License Plate Detection Method
Authors: Wang Yingjun , Zhao Chenping , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhao Mingfu , Bai Linfeng
Published: July 2018

Vehicle license plate detection is an important step in automatic license plate recognition, which is prone to be influenced by the background interference and complex environment conditions. It is known that cartoon-texture decomposition split an image into geometric cartoon and texture component, which can remove background interference away from the vehicle image. In this paper, we introduce a fast cartoon-texture decomposition filter into the detection process. Combining the edge detection, morphological filtering and Radon transform based tilt correction method, we formulate a new license plate detection algorithm. Experiment results confirm that the proposed algorithm can remove background interference away, inhibit the emergence of fake license plates, and improve the detection accuracy. Moreover, there is no inner loop iteration in the new algorithm, so it is fast and high-efficiency.
On Strong Coupled Coincidence Points ofg-Couplings and an Application
Authors: Rashid Tawseef , Khan Qamrul Haq , Aydi Hassen
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is to prove the existence and uniqueness of a strong coupled coincidence point ofF:X×X→Xandg:X→X, involving Banach and Chatterjea typeg-couplings. We also give some examples and an application in support of the given concepts and our main results.
A Qualitative Study on the Pathways to Evidence-Based Antenatal Care in Periurban Ghana
Authors: Akowuah Jones Asafo , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Asibey Benedict Osei
Published: July 2018

Maternal health care has become a major concern on international fora in the 21st century. Even though major interventions have been taken to scale up maternal health care locally, nationally, and globally, adequate utilisation has not been achieved due to system-induced setbacks, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The study explored the facilitators and barriers to antenatal care use in periurban Ghana. Seventeen (17) respondents consisting of four mothers receiving ANC services, four mothers receiving postnatal care with their ANC experience, four midwives, and four nurses with the District Public Health Nurse were involved in the study. The exploratory case study design was used with respondents comprising two focus groups and interview participants. Using thematic analysis, the results revealed that restrictive factors like travel time, long waiting time, transport cost, service cost, quality of service, and attitude of hospital staff still act as constraining factors even after the introduction of free maternal health care. The study concludes that practices like focused ANC and routine monitoring to facilities among others have increased utilisation. The study therefore recommends that to ensure adequate utilisation, the government and other stakeholders should offer support to the less-privileged mothers. Again, services should be easily available at facilities to pregnant women even if they are to be bought. It is further recommended that antenatal care services should be reoriented and clinical psychologists should be placed at all health centres to empower health staff on the best attitude towards clients. Interventions if mainstreamed into the national maternal health policy could be useful.
Multicomponent Lattice Boltzmann Simulations of Gas Transport in a Coal Reservoir with Dynamic Adsorption
Authors: Peng Zhigao , Liu Shenggui , Tang Songlei , Zhao Yuechao , Li Yingjun
Published: July 2018

Gas adsorption occurs when the dynamic adsorption equilibrium conditions of the local adsorptive sites are broken. In the overall process of unconventional natural gas generation, enrichment, storage, and production, this phenomenon plays a significant role. A double-distribution Lattice Boltzmann model for solving the coupled generalized Navier-Stokes equation and advection-diffusion equation with respect to the gas-solid dynamic adsorption process is proposed for multicomponent gas migration in the unconventional reservoir. The effective diffusion coefficient is introduced to the model of gas transport in the porous media. The Langmuir adsorption rate equation is employed to control the adsorption kinetic process of gas-solid adsorption/desorption. The model is validated in two steps through fluid flow without and with gas diffusion-adsorption between two parallel plates filled with porous media, respectively. Simulation results indicate that with other parameters being equal, the rate of gas diffusion in the porous material and the area of the dynamic adsorption equilibrium-associated region increase with the matrix porosity/permeability. Similar results will happen with a greater saturation adsorption amount or a lower Langmuir pressure. The geometric effect on adsorption is also studied, and it is found that a higher specific surface area or free flow region can enhance the gas transport and the rate of adsorption.
Dance Training Shapes Action Perception and Its Neural Implementation within the Young and Older Adult Brain
Authors: Kirsch Louise P. , Diersch Nadine , Sumanapala Dilini K. , Cross Emily S.
Published: July 2018

How we perceive others in action is shaped by our prior experience. Many factors influence brain responses when observing others in action, including training in a particular physical skill, such as sport or dance, and also general development and aging processes. Here, we investigate how learning a complex motor skill shapes neural and behavioural responses among a dance-naïve sample of 20 young and 19 older adults. Across four days, participants physically rehearsed one set of dance sequences, observed a second set, and a third set remained untrained. Functional MRI was obtained prior to and immediately following training. Participants’ behavioural performance on motor and visual tasks improved across the training period, with younger adults showing steeper performance gains than older adults. At the brain level, both age groups demonstrated decreased sensorimotor cortical engagement after physical training, with younger adults showing more pronounced decreases in inferior parietal activity compared to older adults. Neural decoding results demonstrate that among both age groups, visual and motor regions contain experience-specific representations of new motor learning. By combining behavioural measures of performance with univariate and multivariate measures of brain activity, we can start to build a more complete picture of age-related changes in experience-dependent plasticity.
Existence Theorems on Solvability of Constrained Inclusion Problems and Applications
Authors: Asfaw Teffera M.
Published: July 2018

LetXbe a real locally uniformly convex reflexive Banach space with locally uniformly convex dual spaceX⁎. LetT:X⊇D(T)→2X⁎be a maximal monotone operator andC:X⊇D(C)→X⁎be bounded and continuous withD(T)⊆D(C). The paper provides new existence theorems concerning solvability of inclusion problems involving operators of the typeT+Cprovided thatCis compact orTis of compact resolvents under weak boundary condition. The Nagumo degree mapping and homotopy invariance results are employed. The paper presents existence results under the weakest coercivity condition onT+C. The operatorCis neither required to be defined everywhere nor required to be pseudomonotone type. The results are applied to prove existence of solution for nonlinear variational inequality problems.
ALK Fusion Partners Impact Response to ALK Inhibition: Differential Effects on Sensitivity, Cellular Phenotypes, and Biochemical Properties
Authors: Childress Merrida A. , Himmelberg Stephen M. , Chen Huiqin , Deng Wanleng , Davies Michael A. , Lovly Christine M.
Published: July 2018

Oncogenic tyrosine kinase fusions involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are detected in numerous tumor types. Although more than 30 distinct 5′ fusion partner genes have been reported, treatment of ALK-rearranged cancers is decided without regard to which 5′ partner is present. There is little data addressing how the 5′ partner affects the biology of the fusion or responsiveness to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). On the basis of the hypothesis that the 5′ partner influences the intrinsic properties of the fusion protein, cellular functions that impact oncogenic potential, and sensitivity to ALK TKIs, clonal 3T3 cell lines stably expressing seven different ALK fusion variants were generated. Biochemical and cellular assays were used to assess the efficacy of various ALK TKIs in clinical use, transformative phenotypes, and biochemical properties of each fusion. All seven ALK fusions induced focus formation and colonies in soft agar, albeit to varying degrees. IC50s were calculated for different ALK TKIs (crizotinib, ensartinib, alectinib, lorlatinib) and consistent differences (5–10 fold) in drug sensitivity were noted across the seven ALK fusions tested. Finally, biochemical analyses revealed negative correlations between kinase activity and protein stability. These results demonstrate that the 5′ fusion partner plays an important biological role that affects sensitivity to ALK TKIs.

Implications: This study shows that the 5′ ALK fusion partner influences ALK TKI drug sensitivity. As many other kinase fusions are found in numerous cancers, often with overlapping fusion partners, these studies have ramifications for other kinase-driven malignancies. Mol Cancer Res; 16(11); 1724–36. ©2018 AACR.
Multilevel Analysis of Dental Caries in Swedish Children and Adolescents in Relation to Socioeconomic Status
Authors: André Kramer Ann-Catrin , Pivodic Aldina , Hakeberg Magnus , Östberg Anna-Lena
Published: July 2018

The objective was to investigate the variability in dental caries experience in Swedish children and adolescents, at two different area levels: dental clinics and SAMS (small areas for market statistics), with respect to multiple individual socioeconomic factors (SES). Records of manifest caries using the DMFT indices (decayed, missing, filled teeth, dependent variables) were collected from electronic dental records for 300,988 individuals aged 3–19 years (97.3% coverage) from the Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. SES data were obtained from official registers and covered ethnicity, wealth, parental education, and employment. The SES variables were used as an independent aggregated variable – an in dex – categorized in deciles. Age and gender were independently included in the multilevel models. Two-level logistic regression analyses explored the probability of a dental caries experience and the variability (intracluster correlation) within dental clinic areas and SAMS, respectively. The most deprived (10th decile, SAMS level) 3- to 6-year-old children had an OR of 5.00 (95% CI 4.61–5.43) for dental caries experience (deft), compared with children in the 1st to 5th deciles. For older children and adolescents (≥7 years), the corresponding OR (DFT) was 2.25 (95% CI 2.15–2.35). Small geographical areas explained more of the variance in caries experience compared with the more aggregated level dental clinics. SES was more strongly related to the risk of dental caries experience than age and gender. In conclusion, the associations between SES and dental caries experience in Swedish children and adolescents were strong in the study and strongest in young children at a low level.
Follicular Penetration of Caffeine from Topically Applied Nanoemulsion Formulations Containing Penetration Enhancers: In vitro Human Skin Studies
Authors: Abd Eman , Benson Heather A.E. , Roberts Michael S. , Grice Jeffrey E.
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate transfollicular delivery enhancement of caffeine from nanoemulsion formulations incorporating oleic acid (OA) and eucalyptol (EU) as chemical penetration enhancers. Methods: Caffeine permeation was evaluated from nanoemulsions containing OA or EU and an aqueous control solution through excised human full-thickness skin with hair follicles opened, blocked, or left untreated. Differential tape stripping was performed, followed by cyanoacrylate skin surface biopsies to determine the amount of caffeine in the hair follicles, and skin extraction to determine the retention of caffeine in the skin. Results: Nanoemulsions significantly increased caffeine permeation through open and untreated skin over control (untreated: 36- and 42-fold for OA and EU, respectively; open: 40- and 49-fold). The follicular route contributed 53.7% of caffeine permeation for the OA nanoemulsion and 51% for EU when follicles were opened. Nanoemulsions promoted 4- and 3.4-fold increases in caffeine retention in open follicles, for OA and EU, respectively. Retention of caffeine in the stratum corneum and skin was almost equal in all cases. Conclusions: This study demonstrated effective delivery of caffeine as a hydrophilic model drug into and through hair follicles and showed that follicles and surrounding regions may be targeted by optimised formulations for specific treatments.
Low Back Pain in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Diagnosis Not to Miss!
Authors: Schnebert Benjamin , del Marmol Véronique , Benhadou Farida
Published: July 2018

We report the case of a patient suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa since puberty and complaining of chronic low back pain associated to altered sensitivity and muscular weakness in the right leg. A diagnosis of lumbosciatica was confirmed. Symptoms were not relieved after the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. A surgical decompression was then indicated but heavily debated. Indeed, extended inflammatory and fibrotic hidradenitis suppurativa lesions were located regarding the skin area eligible for the proposed surgery. A combined therapy with clindamycine/rifampicin was started and the surgery was postponed. A complete remission of the articular symptoms was observed 1 month after the start of the antibiotherapy and the inflammatory skin lesions were greatly improved. With the presentation of this clinical case, we would like to discuss the spectrum of rheumatic disorders associated to hidradenitis suppurativa that needs to be correctly diagnosed and taken into consideration in the therapeutic management of the patient.
Nuclear Localization Leucine-Rich-Repeat Protein 1 Deficiency Protects Against Cardiac Hypertrophy by Pressure Overload
Authors: Zong Jing , Li Fang-fang , Liang Kai , Dai Rui , Zhang Hao , Yan Ling , Liu Jia-li , Xu Lu-hong , Qian Wen-hao 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Nuclear localization leucine-rich-repeat protein 1 (NLRP1) is a cytoplasmic protein, involved in autoimmune diseases, mammalian reproduction, neuronal cell death, and stroke. However, the role of NLRP1 in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. We used in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the effects of NLRP1 on cardiac hypertrophy. Methods: We used NLRP1-deficient mice and cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with gain and loss of NLRP1 function. Cardiac hypertrophy was estimated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements, and by pathological and molecular analysis. Results: Eight weeks after aortic banding (AB), NLRP1 deficiency significantly inhibited aortic banding–induced cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis. Activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad pathways was reduced in NLRP1-knockout (KO) mice compared with that in wild-type (WT) mice. Consistent with these results, in vitro studies, performed using cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes, confirmed that NLRP1 deficiency protects against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol (PE); this protective activity was associated with the arrest of MAPK and NF-κB signaling. Conclusions: Our data illustrates that NLRP1 plays a crucial role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy via positive regulation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways.
Gli2 Mediated Activation of Hedgehog Signaling Attenuates Acute Pancreatitis via Balancing Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Lai Kun , Xie Ying , He Xuemei , Zhou Xiangyu
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Inflammatory response is a determinant in the pathological progression of acute pancreatitis (AP). Previous studies have shown that the activation of hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a remarkable change in caerulein-induced AP. However, the relationship between Hh signaling and inflammation is largely ambiguous. Methods: The AP mouse model was induced by injection of cerulein, and histological staining and serum enzymology assays were used to evaluate the establishment of AP. Western blot assay was used to determine the protein levels, cleavage of apoptotic proteins, and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Cytokine array was used to screen inflammatory cytokines, and target cytokines’ transcriptional expression and serum levels were examined by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results: The key transcriptional factor in Hh signaling, Gli2, was upregulated in the pancreas and other tissues during the process of AP, and it seems to be a characteristic feature of local inflammation in pancreatic tissue and systemic inflammatory response in multiple organs. The inflammatory NF-κB pathway is required for the activation of Hh signaling, as blockade of the NF-κB pathway by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate impaired the Gli2 upregulation. Manipulation of Gli2 expression altered the activation of the NF-κB pathway correspondingly, as well as the cell apoptosis in cerulein-induced AP. Moreover, Gli2 upregulation changed the cytokine expression profile in mouse pancreatic acinar cells, mainly decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-γ, and FasL. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was upregulated by Gli2 overexpression. Interdiction of Gli2 by the Gli-specific inhibitor GANT61 exacerbated AP in mice and altered the balance of inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions: This study indicates that Hh activation during AP development is a negative feedback of the inflammatory response, restricting inflammatory injury to the pancreas and other tissues. Thus, manipulation of Hh signaling should shed light on limiting inflammation and alleviating AP damage.
Comparison of two methods for sialometry: weighing and volume techniques
Authors: Sacon Murillo Brunheroto , Esteves Camilla Vieira , Florezi Giovanna Piacenza , Gonçalves Andressa Ferreira , Pannuti Cláudio Mendes , Lemos Junior Celso Augusto
Published: July 2018

The composition of saliva is essential for the oral cavity homeostasis, therefore, the decrease in salivary flow leads to consequences, such as an increase of dental caries, dry mouth and lips, dysgeusia, dysphagia, gingivitis, halitosis, mastication problems, oral mucositis, oral pharyngeal candidiasis, sleeping and speaking difficulties and traumatic oral lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the sialometry technique by weighing in comparison to the sialometry technique by volume. Fifty patients without previous complaint of xerostomia and/or hyposalivation were selected at the Oral Medicine Clinic, Dentistry School, University of São Paulo, Brazil. All samples were collected between 9 am and 10 am and the whole saliva was collect stimulated and unstimulated. Six cotton rolls were prepared, divided into three pairs and placed in different universal dispensers of a random brand, they were weighed in a previously calibrated analytical balance (FA-2104N CELTAC). The sialometry test was performed in three steps: unstimulated salivary flow, salivary flow with stimulation of 1% citric acid solution and stimulation of 1% citric acid solution every 30 seconds. The results of the weighing method were compared to the standard method. There was no significant statistical difference between the two types of collection and 100% of the participants expressed their preference for the weighing method.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Growth Is Associated With High Concentrations of Plasma Proteins in the Intraluminal Thrombus and Diseased Arterial Tissue
Authors: Behr Andersen Carsten , Lindholt Jes S. , Urbonavicius Sigitas , Halekoh Ulrich , Jensen Pia Søndergaard , Stubbe Jane , Rasmussen Lars Melholt , Beck Hans Christian
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Porosity of the intraluminal thrombus (ILT) is believed to convey biologically active components from the bloodstream toward the aneurismal wall. Accumulation of molecules in the abdominal aortic aneurysmatic tissue may influence vascular protein turnover and regulate abdominal aortic aneurysm growth. We sought to identify proteins with concentrations in the ILT and the abdominal aortic aneurysm wall which associate with aneurysmal expansion rate.

Approach and Results—

Proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry of separated wall and ILT samples was correlated with preoperative aneurysmal growth rate in 24 individuals operated electively for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The median preoperative growth rate was 3.8 mm/y (interquartile range, 3) and the mean observational time was 3.3±1.7 years. Plasma components dominated the group of proteins with tissue concentrations, which correlate positively with growth rates (
P
<0.001, Fisher exact test, both in the ILT and the wall). In contrast, in the wall and thrombus samples, ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins were significantly more prevalent in the group of proteins with negative correlations to growth rates (
P
<0.05, Fisher exact test). Similarly, a long series of proteins, related to cellular functions correlated negatively to growth rates.

Conclusions—

When the preoperative aneurysmatic growth rate has been high, the concentration of many plasma proteins residing in the ILT and the aneurysmatic tissue is also high, compatible with the hypothesis of increased tissue porosity and accumulation of plasma components as a driver of aneurysm expansion. Moreover, many matrix and cellular proteins which are found in high concentrations in slower-growing aneurysms provides new knowledge about potential treatment targets.
Investigating the Role of G Protein βγ in Kv7-Dependent Relaxations of the Rat Vasculature
Authors: Stott Jennifer B. , Barrese Vincenzo , Suresh Malavika , Masoodi Shirou , Greenwood Iain A.
Published: July 2018

Objective—

In renal arteries, inhibitors of G protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) reduce Kv7 activity and inhibit Kv7-dependent receptor-mediated vasorelaxations. However, the mechanisms underlying receptor-mediated relaxation are artery specific. Consequently, the aim of this study was to ascertain the role of Gβγ in Kv7-dependent vasorelaxations of the rat vasculature.

Approach and Results—

Isometric tension recording was performed in isolated rat renal, mesenteric, and cerebral arteries to study isoproterenol and calcitonin gene-related peptide relaxations. Kv7.4 was knocked down via morpholino transfection while inhibition of Gβγ was investigated with gallein and M119K. Proximity ligation assay was performed on isolated myocytes to study the association between Kv7.4 and G protein β subunits or signaling intermediaries. Isoproterenol or calcitonin gene-related peptide–induced relaxations were attenuated by Kv7.4 knockdown in all arteries studied. Inhibition of Gβγ with gallein or M119K had no effect on isoproterenol-mediated relaxations in mesenteric artery but had a marked effect on calcitonin gene-related peptide–induced responses in mesenteric artery and cerebral artery and isoproterenol responses in renal artery. Isoproterenol increased association with Kv7.4 and Rap1a in mesenteric artery which were not sensitive to gallein, whereas in renal artery, isoproterenol increased Kv7.4-AKAP (A-kinase anchoring protein) associations in a gallein-sensitive manner.

Conclusions—

The Gβγ-Kv7 relationship differs between vessels and is an essential requirement for AKAP, but not Rap–mediated regulation of the channel.
Cystathionine γ-Lyase Modulates Flow-Dependent Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Yurdagul Arif , Peretik Jonette M. , Alfaidi Mabruka , Al Yafeai Zaki , Pardue Sibile , Pearson Brenna H. , Kevil Christopher G. , Orr A. Wayne
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Flow patterns differentially regulate endothelial cell phenotype, with laminar flow promoting vasodilation and disturbed flow promoting endothelial proinflammatory activation. CSE (cystathionine γ-lyase), a major source of hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) in endothelial cells, critically regulates cardiovascular function, by both promoting vasodilation and reducing endothelial activation. Therefore, we sought to investigate the role of CSE in the endothelial response to flow.

Approach and Results—

Wild-type C57Bl/6J and
CSE
knockout (
CSE
−/−
) mice underwent partial carotid ligation to induce disturbed flow in the left carotid. In addition, endothelial cells isolated from wild-type and CSE

−/−

mice were exposed to either laminar or oscillatory flow, an in vitro model of disturbed flow. Interestingly, laminar flow significantly reduced CSE expression in vitro, and only disturbed flow regions show discernable CSE protein expression in vivo, correlating with enhanced H
2
S production in wild-type C57BL/6J but not
CSE
−/−
mice. Lack of CSE limited disturbed flow-induced proinflammatory gene expression (ICAM-1[intercellular adhesion molecule 1], VCAM-1 [vascular cell adhesion molecular 1]) and monocyte infiltration and
CSE
−/−
endothelial cells showed reduced NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activation and proinflammatory gene expression in response to oscillatory flow in vitro. In addition,
CSE
−/−
mice showed reduced inward remodeling after partial carotid ligation.
CSE
−/−
mice showed elevated vascular nitrite levels (measure of nitric oxide [NO]) in the unligated carotids, suggesting an elevation in baseline NO production, and the NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazolyl-1-oxy-3-oxide normalized the reduced inward remodeling, but not inflammation, of ligated carotids in
CSE
−/−
mice.

Conclusions—

CSE expression in disturbed flow regions critically regulates both endothelial activation and flow-dependent vascular remodeling, in part through altered NO availability.
HeartLogic Multisensor Algorithm Identifies Patients During Periods of Significantly Increased Risk of Heart Failure Events
Authors: Gardner Roy S. , Singh Jagmeet P. , Stancak Branislav , Nair Devi G. , Cao Michael , Schulze Christopher , Thakur Pramodsingh H. , An Qi , Wehrenberg Scott , Hammill Eric F. , Zhang Yi , Boehmer John P.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Care of heart failure (HF) patients results in a high burden on healthcare resources, and estimating prognosis is becoming increasingly important to triage resources wisely. Natriuretic peptides are recommended prognosticators in chronic HF. Our objective was to evaluate whether a multisensor HF index and alert algorithm (HeartLogic) replaces or augments current HF risk stratification.

Methods and Results:

MultiSENSE (Multisensor Chronic Evaluation in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients) enrolled 900 patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators enabled for collection of heart sounds, respiration, thoracic impedance, heart rate, and activity data. The HeartLogic algorithm automatically calculated a daily HF index and identified periods IN or OUT of an active alert state relative to a configurable threshold. Patients experienced 192 independently adjudicated HF events (average rate, 0.20/patient-year [pt-yr]) during 1 year of follow-up. HF event rates while IN alert was 10-fold higher than OUT of alert (0.80 versus 0.08 events/pt-yr). Combined with NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) at enrollment (relative to 1000 pg/mL threshold, event rate was 0.42 [HIGH] versus 0.07 [LOW] events/pt-yr), substratification found the lowest risk group (LOW NT-proBNP and OUT of alert) experienced 0.02 events/pt-yr, whereas the highest risk group (HIGH NT-proBNP and IN alert) was associated with a 50-fold increased risk of an HF event (1.00 events/pt-yr) relative to the lowest risk group.

Conclusions:

Dynamic assessment using implantable device sensors within HeartLogic by itself or in conjunction with NT-proBNP measurements can identify time-intervals when patients are at significantly increased risk of worsening HF and potentially better triage resources to this vulnerable patient population.

Clinical Trial Registration:

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01128166.
Dietary Patterns and Mediterranean Diet Score and Hazard of Recurrent Coronary Heart Disease Events and All‐Cause Mortality in the REGARDS Study
Authors: Shikany James M. , Safford Monika M. , Bryan Joanna , Newby P. K. , Richman Joshua S. , Durant Raegan W. , Brown Todd M. , Judd Suzanne E.
Published: July 2018

Background

Previously, we reported on associations between dietary patterns and incident acute coronary heart disease (
CHD
) in the
REGARDS
(Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study. Here, we investigated the associations of dietary patterns and a dietary index with recurrent
CHD
events and all‐cause mortality in
REGARDS
participants with existing
CHD
.

Methods and Results

We included data from 3562 participants with existing
CHD
in
REGARDS
. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the hazard of first recurrence of
CHD
events—definite or probable
MI
or acute
CHD
death—and all‐cause mortality associated with quartiles of empirically derived dietary patterns (convenience, plant‐based, sweets, Southern, and alcohol and salads) and the Mediterranean diet score. Over a median 7.1 years (interquartile range, 4.4, 8.9 years) follow‐up, there were 581 recurrent
CHD
events and 1098 deaths. In multivariable‐adjusted models, the Mediterranean diet score was inversely associated with the hazard of recurrent
CHD
events (hazard ratio for highest score versus lowest score, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.98;

P
T

rend
=0.036). The Southern dietary pattern was adversely associated with the hazard of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio for Q4 versus Q1, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–1.91;
P
Trend
<0.001). The Mediterranean diet score was inversely associated with the hazard of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio for highest score versus lowest score, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.95;

P
T

rend
=0.014).

Conclusions

The Southern dietary pattern was associated with a greater hazard of all‐cause mortality in
REGARDS
participants. Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with both a lower hazard of recurrent
CHD
events and all‐cause mortality.
Deleterious Effects of Cold Air Inhalation on Coronary Physiological Indices in Patients With Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Williams Rupert P. , Asrress Kaleab N. , Lumley Matthew , Arri Satpal , Patterson Tiffany , Ellis Howard , Manou‐Stathopoulou Vasiliki , Macfarlane Catherine , Chandran Shruthi , Moschonas Kostantinos , Oakeshott Pippa , Lockie Timothy , Chiribiri Amedeo , Clapp Brian , Perera Divaka , Plein Sven , Marber Michael S. , Redwood Simon R.
Published: July 2018

Background

Cold air inhalation during exercise increases cardiac mortality, but the pathophysiology is unclear. During cold and exercise, dual‐sensor intracoronary wires measured coronary microvascular resistance (
MVR
) and blood flow velocity (
CBF
), and cardiac magnetic resonance measured subendocardial perfusion.

Methods and Results

Forty‐two patients (62±9 years) undergoing cardiac catheterization, 32 with obstructive coronary stenoses and 10 without, performed either (1) 5 minutes of cold air inhalation (5°F) or (2) two 5‐minute supine‐cycling periods: 1 at room temperature and 1 during cold air inhalation (5°F) (randomized order). We compared rest and peak stress
MVR
,
CBF
, and subendocardial perfusion measurements. In patients with unobstructed coronary arteries (n=10), cold air inhalation at rest
decreased
MVR
by 6% (
P
=0.41), increasing
CBF
by 20% (
P
<0.01). However, in patients with obstructive stenoses (n=10), cold air inhalation at rest
increased
MVR
by 17% (
P
<0.01), reducing
CBF
by 3% (
P
=0.85). Consequently, in patients with obstructive stenoses undergoing the cardiac magnetic resonance protocol (n=10), cold air inhalation reduced subendocardial perfusion (
P
<0.05). Only patients with obstructive stenoses performed this protocol (n=12). Cycling at room temperature decreased
MVR
by 29% (
P
<0.001) and increased
CBF
by 61% (
P
<0.001). However, cold air inhalation during cycling blunted these adaptations in
MVR
(
P
=0.12) and
CBF
(
P
<0.05), an effect attributable to defective early diastolic
CBF
acceleration (
P
<0.05) and associated with greater
ST
‐segment depression (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with obstructive coronary stenoses, cold air inhalation causes deleterious changes in
MVR
and
CBF
. These diminish or abolish the normal adaptations during exertion that ordinarily match myocardial blood supply to demand.
Admission Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Biomarker of Outcomes in Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Chang Jason J. , Malhotra Konark , Pandhi Abhi , Ishfaq Muhammad F. , Alsbrook Diana , Arthur Adam S. , Elijovich Lucas , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission with safety and efficacy outcomes in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion after mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods—

Consecutive large vessel occlusion patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy during a 4-year period were evaluated. Outcome measures included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 3-month mortality, successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b/3), and 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2).

Results—

A total of 293 large vessel occlusion patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy (median admission NLR, 3.5; interquartile range [IQR], 1.7–6.8). In initial univariable analyses, higher median admission NLR values were documented in patients with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (8.5; IQR, 4.7–11.3) versus (3.9; IQR, 1.9–6.5);
P
<0.001 and individuals who were dead at 3-months (5.4; IQR, 2.8–9.6) versus (4.0; IQR, 1.8–6.4);
P
=0.004. Lower NLR values were recorded in patients with 3-month functional independence (3.7; IQR, 1.7–6.5) versus (4.3; IQR, 2.6–8.3);
P
=0.039. After adjustment for potential confounders, a 1-point increase in NLR was independently associated with higher odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.20;
P
=0.006) and 3-month mortality (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.16;
P
=0.014).

Conclusions—

Higher admission NLR is an independent predictor of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 3-month mortality in large vessel occlusion patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, and it may identify a target group for testing adjunctive anti-inflammatory therapies.
Clinical Prediction Rules to Classify Types of Stroke at Prehospital Stage
Authors: Uchida Kazutaka , Yoshimura Shinichi , Hiyama Nagayasu , Oki Yoshiharu , Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Tokuda Ryo , Yamaura Ikuya , Saito Shin , Takeuchi Masataka , Shigeta Keigo , Araki Hayato , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Endovascular therapy is effective against acute cerebral large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, many patients do not receive such interventions because of the lack of timely identification of the type of stroke. If the types of stroke (any stroke, LVO, intracranial hemorrhage [ICH], and subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]) were to be predicted at the prehospital stage, better access to appropriate interventions would be possible. Japan Urgent Stroke Triage (JUST) score was clinical prediction rule to classify suspected patients of acute stroke into different types at the prehospital stage.

Methods—

We obtained information for signs and symptoms and medical history of consecutive suspected patients of acute stroke at prehospital stage from paramedics and final diagnosis from the receiving hospital. We constructed derivation cohort in the historical multicenter cohort study from June 2015 to March 2016 and validation cohort in the prospective multicenter cohort study from August 2016 to July 2017. The derivation and the validation cohorts included 1229 and 1007 patients, respectively. We constructed multivariate logistic regression models with 21 variables to develop clinical prediction rules, which distinguish between different types of stroke: any stroke, LVO, ICH, and SAH.

Results—

Among the 1229 patients (median age, 72 years; 55% men) in the derivation cohort, 533 stroke, 104 LVO, 169 ICH, and 57 SAH cases were observed. The developed rules showed that the areas under the receiver operating curves were 0.88 for any stroke, 0.92 for LVO, 0.84 for ICH, and 0.89 for SAH. The validation cohort of 1007 patients (median age, 75 years; 56% men) showed that the areas under the curves of any stroke, LVO, ICH, and SAH were 0.80, 0.85, 0.77, and 0.94, respectively.

Conclusions—

These clinical prediction rules can help paramedics classify the suspected patients of stroke into any stroke, LVO, ICH, and SAH groups with excellent accuracy.
Cultures of Political Recycling and Conflict Resolution in Japan: Any Lessons for Africa?
Authors: Adem Seifudein
Published: July 2018

In the 1990s Japan changed its prime ministers nine times just in a span of nine years, an extraordinarily high turnover by any standard, and — above all — by Japan’s own. But all the transitions took a characteristically peaceful form. Although fewer changes took place in individual African countries in the same period, the process was invariably less than peaceful and often bloody. Simple observations such as these automatically call to mind a number of questions which, it should be admitted, are easier to ask than to answer. As an African who has studied and lived in Japan for a while, the specific questions I was confronted with included the following. Why does violence mar political change in Africa, but not in Japan? What are the lessons that Africa could draw from Japan’s experience? Formidable questions indeed. Social scientists generally explain change in terms of the nature and the state of political structures and institutions in a given society. In a sense intended neither to dismiss nor belittle the usefulness of this approach, I wish to address the above questions in the eye of a non-specialist primarily from a cultural perspective in order to (a) highlight the less obvious but significant forces which seem to be also at work in Japan, and (b) suggest the lessons Africa could extract from the experience.
Septemoecia a new genus of halocyprid ostracod (Myodocopa, Halocyprididae, Bathyconchoeciinae) for the seven-spined species formerly attributed to Bathyconchoecia
Authors: ANGEL MARTIN V. , BRANDÅO SIMONE N.
Published: July 2018

The five species with seven large carapace spines that were previously assigned to the genus Bathyconchoecia are re-classified in a new genus Septemoecia. Septemoecia longispinata (Ellis, 1987) (new combination) is designated as the type species. The previously unknown adult female of S. georgei (Kornicker & Rudjakov, 2004) (new combination) and adults of S. septemspinosa (Angel, 1970) (new combination) are described. Meristic and zoogeographical data are presented and a key to the species based on external carapace characters is provided.
A brief review of the genus Lithosarctia, with the description of a new species from China (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , SALDAITIS AIDAS , VIŠINSKAS VYTAUTAS
Published: July 2018

The genus Lithosarctia Daniel, 1954 is revised. A new species, Lithosarctia (Lithosarctia) witti Volynkin & Saldaitis, sp. nov. is described from China (Sichuan Province), together with the description of its biology. The subgenus Ocnogynodes Dubatolov, 1987 is synonymized with Lithosarctia. The female genitalia of Lithosarctia kozlovi Dubatolov, is also described.