bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Plasma and Blood Mononuclear Cell Interleukin-10 Levels After Exercise
Authors: Tauler Pedro , Martinez Sonia , Martinez Pau , Lozano Leticia , Moreno Carlos , Aguiló Antoni
Published: July 2015

This study compared the response of interleukin (IL)-10, and also of IL-6 and IL-12 p40, to exercise and caffeine supplementation between plasma and blood mononuclear cells (BMNCs). Participants in the study (n = 28) were randomly allocated in a double-blind fashion to either caffeine (n = 14) or placebo (n = 14) treatments. One hour before completing a 15-km run competition, athletes took 6 mg/kg body mass of caffeine or a placebo. Plasma and BMNCs were purified from blood samples taken before and after competition. Concentrations of interleukins (IL-10, IL-6, and IL-12 p40), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), caffeine, adrenaline, and cortisol were measured in plasma. IL-10, IL-6, and IL-12 p40 and cAMP levels were also determined in BMNCs. Exercise induced significant increases in IL-6 and IL-10 plasma levels, with higher increases in the caffeine-supplemented group. After 2-hr recovery, these levels returned to almost preexercise values. However, no effect of caffeine on BMNC cytokines was observed. IL-10, IL-6, and IL-12 p40 levels in BMNCs increased mainly at 2 hr postexercise. cAMP levels increased postexercise in plasma and after recovery in BMNCs, but no effects of caffeine were observed. In conclusion, caffeine did not modify cytokine levels in BMNCs in response to exercise. However, higher increases of IL-10 were observed in plasma after exercise in the supplemented participants, which could suppose an enhancement of the anti-inflammatory properties of exercise.
Energy Availability and Dietary Patterns of Adult Male and Female Competitive Cyclists With Lower Than Expected Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Viner Rebecca T. , Harris Margaret , Berning Jackie R. , Meyer Nanna L.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess energy availability (EA) and dietary patterns of 10 adult (29–49 years) male (n = 6) and female (n = 4) competitive (USA Cycling Category: Pro, n = 2; 1–4, n = 8) endurance cyclists (5 road, 5 off-road), with lower than expected bone mineral density (BMD; Z score < 0) across a season. Energy intake (EI) and exercise energy expenditure during preseason (PS), competition (C), and off-season (OS) were estimated from 3-day dietary records, completed once per month, across a cycling season. BMD was measured by DXA at 0 months/5 months/10 months. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) was used to assess cognitive dietary restraint. Seventy percent of participants had low EA [(LEA); < 30 kcal·kg fat-free mass (FFM)−1·day−1] during PS, 90% during C, and 80% during OS (range: 3–37 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1). Ninety percent of cyclists had LEA during ≥ 1 training period, and 70% had LEA across the season. Seventy percent of cyclists were identified as restrained eaters who consciously restrict EI as a means of weight control. Mean daily carbohydrate intake was below sport nutrition recommendations during each training period (PS: 3.9 ± 1.1 g·kg−1·day−1, p < .001; C: 4.3 ± 1.4 g·kg−1·day−1, p = .005; OS: 3.7 ± 1.4 g·kg−1·day−1, p = .01). There were no differences in EA and EI·kg−1 between male and female cyclists and road and off-road cyclists. Low EI, and specifically low carbohydrate intake, appears to be the main contributor to chronic LEA in these cyclists. Adult male and female competitive road and off-road cyclists in the United States may be at risk for long-term LEA. Further studies are needed to explore strategies to prevent and monitor long-term LEA in these athletes.
Ergogenic Effects of Caffeine Consumption in a 3-min All-Out Arm Crank Test in Paraplegic and Tetraplegic Compared With Able-Bodied Individuals
Authors: Flueck Joelle Leonie , Lienert Martina , Schaufelberger Fabienne , Krebs Jörg , Perret Claudio
Published: July 2015

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of caffeine supplementation on 3-min all-out arm crank exercise performance in paraplegic (P) and tetraplegic (T) compared with able-bodied (AB) participants. A placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover, and double-blind study design was chosen to investigate the differences between caffeine (CAF) and placebo (PLC). In total, 34 healthy, trained participants were tested. Seventeen were AB (median [minimum; maximum] VO2peak: 33.9 mL/min/kg [23.6; 57.6]), 10 were P (VO2peak: 34.4 mL/min/kg [19.5; 48.8]), and 7 were T (VO2peak: 13.6 mL/min/kg [8.6; 16.3]). All participants performed two 3-min all-out tests on an arm crank ergometer following the ingestion of either PLC or CAF. Power output parameters, plasma caffeine (PC), epinephrine (EPI), and norepinephrine (NOR) concentrations were assessed. CAF significantly increased average power over the first 30 s (p = .028) and 60 s (p = .005) in P, but not in T (p = .61; p = .87) nor in AB (p = .25; p = .44). Peak power was increased in the CAF trial in AB (+46 W) as well as in P (+21 W) but was not significantly different from PLC (AB: p = .10; P: p = .17). PC significantly increased in all groups (AB: p = .002; P: p = .005; T: p = .018) whereas EPI showed a significant increase only in AB (p = .002) and in P (p = .018). NOR increased significantly in AB (p = .018) but did not increase in the other groups. Caffeine seems to enhance short-duration exercise performance in P. In contrast, T showed a high interindividual variability and overall no ergogenic effect was detected in this group.
A Sucrose Mouth Rinse Does Not Improve 1-hr Cycle Time Trial Performance When Performed in the Fasted or Fed State
Authors: Trommelen Jorn , Beelen Milou , Mullers Marjan , Gibala Martin J. , van Loon Luc J.C. , Cermak Naomi M.
Published: July 2015

Carbohydrate mouth rinsing during exercise has been suggested to enhance performance of short (45–60 min) bouts of high-intensity (>75% VO2peak) exercise. Recent studies indicate that this performance enhancing effect may be dependent on the prandial state of the athlete. The purpose of this study was to define the impact of a carbohydrate mouth rinse on ~1-hr time trial performance in both the fasted and fed states. Using a double-blind, crossover design, 14 trained male cyclists (27 ± 6 years; 5.0 ± 0.5 W·kg−1) were selected to perform 4 time trials of ~1 hr (1,032 ± 127 kJ) on a cycle ergometer while rinsing their mouths with a 6.4% sucrose solution (SUC) or a noncaloric sweetened placebo (PLA) for 5 s at the start and at every 12.5% of their set amount of work completed. Two trials were performed in an overnight fasted state and two trials were performed 2 h after consuming a standardized breakfast. Performance time did not differ between any of the trials (fasted-PLA: 68.6 ± 7.2; fasted-SUC: 69.6 ± 7.5; fed-PLA: 67.6 ± 6.6; and fed-SUC: 69.0 ± 6.3 min; Prandial State × Mouth Rinse Solution p = .839; main effect prandial state p = .095; main effect mouth rinse solution p = .277). In line, mean power output and heart rate during exercise did not differ between trials. In conclusion, a sucrose mouth rinse does not improve ~1-hr time trial performance in well-trained cyclists when performed in either the fasted or the fed state.
Severe dystrophic cardiomyopathy caused by the enteroviral protease 2A–mediated C-terminal dystrophin cleavage fragment
Authors: Barnabei Matthew S. , Sjaastad Frances V. , Townsend DeWayne , Bedada Fikru B. , Metzger Joseph M.
Published: July 2015

Enterovirus-derived C-terminal dystrophin fragment is a dominant-negative peptide representing a new therapeutic target for viral cardiomyopathy remediation.
Vaccination and narcolepsy: Immune link found?
Authors: Wekerle Hartmut
Published: July 2015

In some children, vaccination against H1N1 influenza spurred production of antibodies to brain receptors linked to narcolepsy (Ahmed
et al
., this issue).
Sneezing and wheezing: Viruses and bacteria in early childhood wheezy episodes
Authors: Singh Anne Marie
Published: July 2015

Bacteria are often associated with wheezing illnesses in high-risk children during the first 3 years of life.
Timing of diagnosis affects mortality in critical congenital heart disease
Authors: Eckersley Luke , Sadler Lynn , Parry Emma , Finucane Kirsten , Gentles Thomas L
Published: July 2015

Objective

Screening for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) with prenatal ultrasound or postnatal pulse oximetry has the potential to improve outcome. To guide screening recommendations, this study aimed to identify the proportion and outcome of major CHD diagnosed before (early) or after (late) postnatal discharge prior to the introduction of postnatal oximetry screening.

Design

A retrospective, population-based review of all major CHD in New Zealand from 2006 to 2010. The timing of diagnosis relative to discharge and to intervention in critical and non-critical cases with intention to treat was determined, as was the relationship of diagnostic timing to mortality at 1 year of age.

Results

Late diagnosis occurred in 20% of critical and 51% of non-critical cases. Mortality occurred in 18% of critical vs 8% of non-critical cases. Mortality was lower with an early diagnosis of critical CHD (early diagnosis 16% vs late diagnosis 27%, p=0.04). Isolated critical CHD benefited most from early diagnosis (mortality, early diagnosis 12% vs late diagnosis 29%, p=0.002). Early diagnosis occurred in >90% critical complex CHD and hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 85% d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and 53% critical left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Deaths in d-TGA and LVOTO primarily occurred prior to intervention and for d-TGA most often when birth was distant from the cardiac centre.

Conclusions

Excess mortality occurs following late diagnosis of critical CHD, and for d-TGA even with early diagnosis if intervention is not immediately available. Antenatal detection retains an important role in reducing mortality related to critical CHD.
A rare presentation of Legionnaires’ disease
Authors: Delicata Mark , Banerjee Amit
Published: July 2015

We present an interesting case of Legionnaires’ disease masquerading as acute pyelonephritis, with complete absence of respiratory symptoms on admission. A 45-year-old man was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease 2 days after presenting to hospital with dysuria and right loin pain. He became critically unwell during the hospital admission, with headache, uncontrolled fever, breathlessness, decreasing oxygen saturations and increasing oxygen requirements. A CT pulmonary angiography demonstrated right upper lobar consolidation andLegionellaurinary antigen was positive. He was treated with ciprofloxacin and rifampicin and made a full recovery.
Rheumatoid meningitis: a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lu Lin , Chwalisz Bart , Pfannl Rolf , Narayanaswami Pushpa
Published: July 2015

We present a case of a 60-year-old Caucasian woman with a 23-year history of rheumatoid arthritis, who presented with a 2-week history of headache and cognitive/behavioural changes. On the basis of clinical features, radiology, laboratory data and meningeal biopsy, a diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis was performed. High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone was used as initial treatment followed by oral prednisone. The patient's symptoms improved and repeat MRI scans confirmed resolution of the meningeal lesions. The clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis is difficult, but it must be considered in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis presenting with neurological symptoms. Glucocorticoids or other immunomodulatory therapy are the mainstay of treatment.
Abulia following an episode of cardiac arrest
Authors: Naik Vismay Dinesh
Published: July 2015

The word ‘abulia’ means a lack of will, initiative or drive. The symptoms of abulia include lack of spontaneous action and speech, reduced emotional responsiveness and social interaction, poor attention and easy distractibility. These symptoms are independent of reduced levels of consciousness or cognitive impairment. We describe a case of a socially active 72-year-old female patient who presented with symptoms of abulia which may have occurred due to damage of the frontosubcortical circuits following an episode of cardiac arrest. The patient's symptoms improved dramatically following treatment with bromocriptine.
Complex congenital heart disease in a complicated and precious pregnancy
Authors: Elsherif Zeinelabdien , Mahmood Naveed , Jamil Shazia , Wagas Hadeel
Published: July 2015

A single ventricle is a rare congenital heart disease that accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart diseases. A woman was assessed in our obstetric clinic for the first time at the gestational age of 28 weeks and found to have placental bleeding. She also had complex congenital heart disease and atrial fibrillation requiring anticoagulation. Echocardiography revealed double-inlet single ventricle with right and left atrioventricular valves entering into this chamber and levo-transposition of the great arteries. After an extensive discussion with the patient regarding the risks and benefits of anticoagulation including risk of stroke, the agreed plan was to start her on intravenous heparin with close observation and to continue pregnancy for at least 32 weeks in order to reduce the postpartum risk for the fetus. The pregnancy progressed without any further complications and the patient had elective caesarean section at 33 weeks of gestation and delivered a healthy baby boy.
Segmental arterial mediolysis: a rare non-inflammatory cause of mesenteric bleeding
Authors: Gulati Gaurav , Ware Avis
Published: July 2015

Visceral abdominal aneurysms can originate from multiple disease states, including inflammatory, non-inflammatory and infectious aetiologies. It is important to follow a stepwise approach to make the correct diagnosis, because disease prognosis and management can be substantially different. We describe a 60-year-old Caucasian woman who presented from an outside facility to our University Hospital in a critical state with abdominal bleeding. She had no findings to support a vasculitic process, nor a concern for infectious aetiologies. She required a thoughtful approach and detailed imaging to diagnose a rare non-inflammatory disease as the cause for her mesenteric bleeding—segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM). Through our case and discussion, we describe the importance of recognising this rare entity and of understanding how early recognition can save patients from significant morbidity and unnecessary potential harmful therapeutic options.
Medical management of suspectedPaecilomycessp. deep keratitis
Authors: Holland Lee , Lee Graham A
Published: July 2015

A 74-year-old woman developed a deep keratitis presenting with an endothelial plaque without overlying stromal involvement. Owing to the characteristic clinical appearance, she was provisionally diagnosed with aPaecilomycessp. keratitis. Corneal scrapings and aqueous humour samples were culture negative. The difficulties in diagnosingPaecilomycessp. keratitis are discussed. The patient's keratitis was managed with a combination of topical, oral and intracameral injections of voriconazole. This medical management strategy was successful in achieving good infection control and visual outcome. We report a rarely encountered presentation of keratitis in which the clinical appearance and response to voriconazole are highly suggestive evidence of aPaecilomycessp. keratitis. We believe the combination of topical, oral and intracameral injections of voriconazole represents a novel treatment approach forPaecilomycessp. keratitis. Our case supports the potential for a medical approach as initial treatment in this otherwise devastating form of oculomycosis.
A highlight from the LUPUS 2014 meeting: eight great ideas
Authors: Buyon Jill P , Cohen Phillip , Merrill Joan T , Gilkeson Gary , Kaplan Mariana , James Judith , McCune W Joseph , Bernatsky Sasha , Elkon Keith
Published: July 2015

This review describes eight ‘great ideas’ regarding bench-to-bedside considerations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented at the second international LUPUS meeting in Quebec, September 2014. The topics included: correcting the impaired clearance of apoptotic fragments; optimisation of clinical trial design: the PERFECT (Pre Evaluation Reducing Frighteningly Elevated Coverable Targets) study; lipidomics and metabolomics in SLE; importance of the inflammasome; identification and treatment of asymptomatic autoimmunity: prevention of SLE; combining low doses of hydroxychloroquine and quinacrine for long-term maintenance therapy of SLE; reducing emergency room visits and the critical relevance of the autoantigen.
Cardiac sarcoidosis: diagnosis and management
Authors: Dubrey S W , Sharma R , Underwood R , Mittal T
Published: July 2015

Cardiac sarcoidosis is one of the most serious and unpredictable aspects of this disease state. Heart involvement frequently presents with arrhythmias or conduction disease, although myocardial infiltration resulting in congestive heart failure may also occur. The prognosis in cardiac sarcoidosis is highly variable, which relates to the heterogeneous nature of heart involvement and marked differences between racial groups. Electrocardiography and echocardiography often provide the first clue to the diagnosis, but advanced imaging studies using positron emission tomography and MRI, in combination with nuclear isotope perfusion scanning are now essential to the diagnosis and management of this condition. The identification of clinically occult cardiac sarcoidosis and the management of isolated and/or asymptomatic heart involvement remain both challenging and contentious. Corticosteroids remain the first treatment choice with the later substitution of immunosuppressive and steroid-sparing therapies. Heart transplantation is an unusual outcome, but when performed, the results are comparable or better than heart transplantation for other disease states. We review the epidemiology, developments in diagnostic techniques and the management of cardiac sarcoidosis.
Late-onset neutropenia after treatment with rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases: data from the AutoImmunity and Rituximab registry
Authors: Salmon J H , Cacoub P , Combe B , Sibilia J , Pallot-Prades B , Fain O , Cantagrel A , Dougados M , Andres E , Meyer O , Carli P , Pertuiset E , Pane I , Maurier F , Ravaud P , Mariette X , Gottenberg J E
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of late-onset neutropenia and its complications in patients treated with rituximab (RTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases (AIDs) in a prospective registry.

Methods

The AutoImmunity and Rituximab registry is an independent 7-year prospective registry promoted by the French Society of Rheumatology. For each episode of neutropenia, data were validated by the clinician in charge of the patient.

Results

Among 2624 patients treated with RTX for refractory AIDs, and at least 1 follow-up visit (a total follow-up of 4179 patient-years in RA and 987 patient-years in AIDs), late-onset neutropenia was observed in 40 patients (25 RA (1.3% of patients with RA, 0.6/100 patient-years), and AIDs in 15 (2.3% of patients with AIDs, 1.5/100 patient-years)). 6 patients (15%) had neutrophils <500/mm3, 8 (20%) had neutrophils between 500 and 1000/mm3, and 26 (65%) had neutrophils between 1000 and 1500/mm3. Neutropenia occurred after a median period of 4.5 (3–6.5) months after the last RTX infusion in patients with RA, and 5 (3–6.5) months in patients with AIDs. 5 patients (12.5%), 4 of them with neutrophils lower than 500/mm3, developed a non-opportunistic serious infection and required antibiotics and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injections, with a favourable outcome. After resolution of their RTX-related neutropenia, 19 patients (47.5%) were re-treated, and neutropenia reoccurred in 3 of them.

Conclusions

Late-onset neutropenia might occur after RTX and may result in serious infections. Thus, monitoring of white cell count should be performed after RTX. However, in this large registry of patients with AIDs, the frequency of RTX-induced neutropenia was much lower than that previously reported in patients treated for blood malignancies or AIDs.
Revisiting variance gamma pricing: An application to S&P500 index options
Authors: Mozumder Sharif , Sorwar Ghulam , Dowd Kevin
Published: July 2015

This paper reformulates the Lévy–Kintchine formula to make it suitable for modeling the stochastic time-changing effects of Lévy processes. Using the variance gamma (VG) process as an example, it illustrates the dynamic properties of a Lévy process and revisits the earlier work of Geman (2002). It also shows how the model can be calibrated to price options under a Lévy VG process, and calibrates the model on recent S&P500 index options data. It then compares the pricing performance of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) approaches to model calibration and investigates the trade-off between calibration performance and required calculation time.
Sensor Array Design for Complex Sensing Tasks
Authors: Johnson Kevin J. , Rose-Pehrsson Susan L.
Published: July 2015

Chemical detection in complex environments presents numerous challenges for successful implementation. Arrays of sensors are often implemented for complex chemical sensing tasks, but systematic understanding of how individual sensor response characteristics contribute overall detection system performance remains elusive, with generalized strategies for design and optimization of these arrays rarely reported and even less commonly adopted by practitioners. This review focuses on the literature of nonspecific sensor array design and optimization strategies as well as related work that may inform future efforts in complex sensing with arrays.
Regulation of Transcript Elongation
Authors: Belogurov Georgiy A. , Artsimovitch Irina
Published: July 2015

Bacteria lack subcellular compartments and harbor a single RNA polymerase that synthesizes both structural and protein-coding RNAs, which are cotranscriptionally processed by distinct pathways. Nascent rRNAs fold into elaborate secondary structures and associate with ribosomal proteins, whereas nascent mRNAs are translated by ribosomes. During elongation, nucleic acid signals and regulatory proteins modulate concurrent RNA-processing events, instruct RNA polymerase where to pause and terminate transcription, or act as roadblocks to the moving enzyme. Communications among complexes that carry out transcription, translation, repair, and other cellular processes ensure timely execution of the gene expression program and survival under conditions of stress. This network is maintained by auxiliary proteins that act as bridges between RNA polymerase, ribosome, and repair enzymes, blurring boundaries between separate information-processing steps and making assignments of unique regulatory functions meaningless. Understanding the regulation of transcript elongation thus requires genome-wide approaches, which confirm known and reveal new regulatory connections.
Status of Searches for Magnetic Monopoles
Authors: Patrizii L. , Spurio M.
Published: July 2015

Searches for magnetic monopoles ([Formula: see text]s) are a fascinating interdisciplinary area with implications for fundamental theories, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. The quantum theory of [Formula: see text]s, and its consistency with electrodynamics, was originally derived by Dirac, marking the beginning of the search for classical monopoles at every new accelerator, including the Large Hadron Collider. [Formula: see text]s are required by Grand Unification Theories (GUTs), but unlike classical monopoles they would be incredibly massive, out of reach for any conceivable accelerator. Significant effort has been made to search for [Formula: see text]s in the cosmic radiation as relic particles from the early Universe in the widest experimentally available range of mass and velocity. In this review, we discuss the status of the searches for classical [Formula: see text]s at accelerators for GUTs, superheavy [Formula: see text]s in the penetrating cosmic radiation, and intermediate-mass [Formula: see text]s at high altitudes, emphasizing the most recent results and future perspectives.
Serum sphingolipids: relationships to insulin sensitivity and changes with exercise in humans
Authors: Bergman Bryan C. , Brozinick Joseph T. , Strauss Allison , Bacon Samantha , Kerege Anna , Bui Hai Hoang , Sanders Phil , Siddall Parker , Kuo Ming Shang , Perreault Leigh
Published: July 2015

Ceramides and sphingolipids are a family of lipid molecules that circulate in serum and accumulate in skeletal muscle, promoting insulin resistance. Plasma ceramide and dihydroceramide are related to insulin resistance, yet less is known regarding other ceramide and sphingolipid species. Despite its association with insulin sensitivity, chronic endurance exercise training does not change plasma ceramide and sphingolipid content, with little known regarding a single bout of exercise. We measured basal relationships and the effect of acute exercise (1.5 h at 50% V̇o2 max) and recovery on serum ceramide and sphingolipid content in sedentary obese individuals, endurance-trained athletes, and individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Basal serum C18:0, C20:0, and C24:1 ceramide and C18:0 and total dihydroceramide were significantly higher in T2D and, along with C16:0 ceramide and C18:0 sphingomyelin, correlated positively with insulin resistance. Acute exercise significantly increased serum ceramide, glucosylceramide, and GM3 gangliosides, which largely decreased to basal values in recovery. Sphingosine 1-phosphate and sphingomyelin did not change during exercise but decreased below basal values in recovery. Serum C16:0 and C18:0 ceramide and C18:0 sphingomyelin, but not the total concentrations of either of them, were positively correlated with markers of muscle NF-κB activation, suggesting that specific species activate intracellular inflammation. Interestingly, a subset of sphingomyelin species, notably C14:0, C22:3, and C24:4 species, was positively associated with insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Together, these data show that unique ceramide and sphingolipid species associate with either protective or deleterious features for diabetes and could provide novel therapeutic targets for the future.
Characterization of lipid metabolism in a novel immortalized human hepatocyte cell line
Authors: Green Charlotte J. , Johnson Deborah , Amin Harsh D. , Sivathondan Pamela , Silva Michael A. , Wang Lai Mun , Stevanato Lara , McNeil Catriona A. , Miljan Erik A. , Sinden John D. , Morten Karl J. , Hodson Leanne
Published: July 2015

The development of hepatocyte cell models that represent fatty acid partitioning within the human liver would be beneficial for the study of the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We sought to develop and characterize a novel human liver cell line (LIV0APOLY) to establish a model of lipid accumulation using a physiological mixture of fatty acids under low- and high-glucose conditions. LIV0APOLY cells were compared with a well-established cell line (HepG2) and, where possible, primary human hepatocytes. LIV0APOLY cells were found to proliferate and express some mature liver markers and were wild type for the PNPLA3 (rs738409) gene, whereas HepG2 cells carried the Ile148Met variant that is positively associated with liver fat content. Intracellular triglyceride content was higher in HepG2 than in LIV0APOLY cells; exposure to high glucose and/or exogenous fatty acids increased intracellular triglyceride in both cell lines. Triglyceride concentrations in media were higher from LIV0APOLY compared with HepG2 cells. Culturing LIV0APOLY cells in high glucose increased a marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuated insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation whereas low glucose and exogenous fatty acids increased AMPK phosphorylation. Although LIV0APOLY cells and primary hepatocytes stored similar amounts of exogenous fatty acids as triglyceride, more exogenous fatty acids were partitioned toward oxidation in the LIV0APOLY cells than in primary hepatocytes. LIV0APOLY cells offer the potential to be a renewable cellular model for studying the effects of exogenous metabolic substrates on fatty acid partitioning; however, their usefulness as a model of lipoprotein metabolism needs to be further explored.
Evidence for distinct brain networks in the control of rule-based motor behavior
Authors: Granek Joshua A. , Sergio Lauren E.
Published: July 2015

Reach guidance when the spatial location of the viewed target and hand movement are incongruent (i.e., decoupled) necessitates use of explicit cognitive rules (strategic control) or implicit recalibration of gaze and limb position (sensorimotor recalibration). In a patient with optic ataxia (OA) and bilateral superior parietal lobule damage, we recently demonstrated an increased reliance on strategic control when the patient performed a decoupled reach (Granek JA, Pisella L, Stemberger J, Vighetto A, Rossetti Y, Sergio LE. PLoS One 8: e86138, 2013). To more generally understand the fundamental mechanisms of decoupled visuomotor control and to more specifically test whether we could distinguish these two modes of movement control, we tested healthy participants in a cognitively demanding dual task. Participants continuously counted backward while simultaneously reaching toward horizontal (left or right) or diagonal (equivalent to top-left or top-right) targets with either veridical or rotated (90°) cursor feedback. By increasing the overall neural load and selectively compromising potentially overlapping neural circuits responsible for strategic control, the complex dual task served as a noninvasive means to disrupt the integration of a cognitive rule into a motor action. Complementary to our previous results observed in patients with optic ataxia, here our dual task led to greater performance deficits during movements that required an explicit rule, implying a selective disruption of strategic control in decoupled reaching. Our results suggest that distinct neural processing is required to control these different types of reaching because in considering the current results and previous patient results together, the two classes of movement could be differentiated depending on the type of interference.
Augmented supraorbital skin sympathetic nerve activity responses to symptom trigger events in rosacea patients
Authors: Metzler-Wilson Kristen , Toma Kumika , Sammons Dawn L. , Mann Sarah , Jurovcik Andrew J. , Demidova Olga , Wilson Thad E.
Published: July 2015

Facial flushing in rosacea is often induced by trigger events. However, trigger causation mechanisms are currently unclear. This study tested the central hypothesis that rosacea causes sympathetic and axon reflex-mediated alterations resulting in trigger-induced symptomatology. Twenty rosacea patients and age/sex-matched controls participated in one or a combination of symptom triggering stressors. In protocol 1, forehead skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA; supraorbital microneurography) was measured during sympathoexcitatory mental (2-min serial subtraction of novel numbers) and physical (2-min isometric handgrip) stress. In protocol 2, forehead skin blood flow (laser-Doppler flowmetry) and transepithelial water loss/sweat rate (capacitance hygrometry) were measured during sympathoexcitatory heat stress (whole body heating by perfusing 50°C water through a tube-lined suit). In protocol 3, cheek, forehead, forearm, and palm skin blood flow were measured during nonpainful local heating to induce axon reflex vasodilation. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded via finger photoplethysmography to calculate cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; flux·100/MAP). Higher patient transepithelial water loss was observed (rosacea 0.20 ± 0.02 vs. control 0.10 ± 0.01 mg·cm−2·min−1, P < 0.05). HR and MAP changes were not different between groups during sympathoexcitatory stressors or local heating. SSNA during early mental (32 ± 9 and 9 ± 4% increase) and physical (25 ± 4 and 5 ± 1% increase, rosacea and controls, respectively) stress was augmented in rosacea (both P < 0.05). Heat stress induced more rapid sweating and cutaneous vasodilation onset in rosacea compared with controls. No axon reflex vasodilation differences were observed between groups. These data indicate that rosacea affects SSNA and that hyperresponsiveness to trigger events appears to have a sympathetic component.
Brain activity mapping at multiple scales with silicon microprobes containing 1,024 electrodes
Authors: Shobe Justin L. , Claar Leslie D. , Parhami Sepideh , Bakhurin Konstantin I. , Masmanidis Sotiris C.
Published: July 2015

The coordinated activity of neural ensembles across multiple interconnected regions has been challenging to study in the mammalian brain with cellular resolution using conventional recording tools. For instance, neural systems regulating learned behaviors often encompass multiple distinct structures that span the brain. To address this challenge we developed a three-dimensional (3D) silicon microprobe capable of simultaneously measuring extracellular spike and local field potential activity from 1,024 electrodes. The microprobe geometry can be precisely configured during assembly to target virtually any combination of four spatially distinct neuroanatomical planes. Here we report on the operation of such a device built for high-throughput monitoring of neural signals in the orbitofrontal cortex and several nuclei in the basal ganglia. We perform analysis on systems-level dynamics and correlations during periods of conditioned behavioral responding and rest, demonstrating the technology's ability to reveal functional organization at multiple scales in parallel in the mouse brain.
Hand interception of occluded motion in humans: a test of model-based vs. on-line control
Authors: La Scaleia Barbara , Zago Myrka , Lacquaniti Francesco
Published: July 2015

Two control schemes have been hypothesized for the manual interception of fast visual targets. In the model-free on-line control, extrapolation of target motion is based on continuous visual information, without resorting to physical models. In the model-based control, instead, a prior model of target motion predicts the future spatiotemporal trajectory. To distinguish between the two hypotheses in the case of projectile motion, we asked participants to hit a ball that rolled down an incline at 0.2 g and then fell in air at 1 g along a parabola. By varying starting position, ball velocity and trajectory differed between trials. Motion on the incline was always visible, whereas parabolic motion was either visible or occluded. We found that participants were equally successful at hitting the falling ball in both visible and occluded conditions. Moreover, in different trials the intersection points were distributed along the parabolic trajectories of the ball, indicating that subjects were able to extrapolate an extended segment of the target trajectory. Remarkably, this trend was observed even at the very first repetition of movements. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of model-based control, but not with on-line control. Indeed, ball path and speed during the occlusion could not be extrapolated solely from the kinematic information obtained during the preceding visible phase. The only way to extrapolate ball motion correctly during the occlusion was to assume that the ball would fall under gravity and air drag when hidden from view. Such an assumption had to be derived from prior experience.
Performance Enhancement: What Are the Physiological Limits?
Authors: Lundby C. , Robach P.
Published: July 2015

Our objective is to highlight some key physiological determinants of endurance exercise performance and to discuss how these can be further improved. V̇o2max remains remarkably stable throughout an athletic career. By contrast, exercise economy, lactate threshold, and critical power may be improved in world-class athletes by specific exercise training regimes and/or with more years of training.
High Potency of a Novel Resveratrol Derivative, 3,3′,4,4′-Tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene, against Ovarian Cancer Is Associated with an Oxidative Stress-Mediated Imbalance between DNA Damage Accumulation and Repair
Authors: Mikuła-Pietrasik Justyna , Sosińska Patrycja , Murias Marek , Wierzchowski Marcin , Brewińska-Olchowik Marta , Piwocka Katarzyna , Szpurek Dariusz , Książek Krzysztof
Published: July 2015

We explored the effect of a new resveratrol (RVT) derivative, 3,3′,4,4′-tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene (3,3′,4,4′-THS), on viability, apoptosis, proliferation, and senescence of three representative lines of ovarian cancer cells, that is, A2780, OVCAR-3, and SKOV-3,in vitro. In addition, the mechanistic aspects of 3,3′,4,4′-THS activity, including cell redox homeostasis (the production of reactive oxygen species, activity of enzymatic antioxidants, and magnitude of DNA damage accumulation and repair), and the activity of caspases (3, 8, and 9) and p38 MAPK were examined. The study showed that 3,3′,4,4′-THS affects cancer cell viability much more efficiently than its parent drug. This effect coincided with increased generation of reactive oxygen species, downregulated activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and excessive accumulation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and its insufficient repair due to decreased expression of DNA glycosylase I. Cytotoxicity elicited by 3,3′,4,4′-THS was related to increased incidence of apoptosis, which was mediated by caspases 3 and 9. Moreover, 3,3′,4,4′-THS inhibited cancer cell proliferation and accelerated senescence, which was accompanied by the activation of p38 MAPK. Collectively, our findings indicate that 3,3′,4,4′-THS may constitute a valuable tool in the fight against ovarian malignancy and that the anticancer capabilities of this stilbene proceed in an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism.
A CPW-Fed Monopole Antenna with Double Rectangular Rings and Vertical Slots in the Ground Plane for WLAN/WiMAX Applications
Authors: Jo Sangjin , Choi Hyunjin , Lim Jaehyuk , Shin Beomsoo , Oh Sangyeol , Lee Jaehoon
Published: July 2015

A compact triple-band monopole antenna consisting of double rectangular rings and vertical slots cut into the ground is proposed for WLAN and WiMAX operations. The antenna has a compact size of 27.1 × 38.8 × 1.6 mm3, with simulated and measured impedance bandwidths of 2.37~2.81, 3.21~3.82, and 4.61~6.34 GHz with a reflection coefficient of less than −10 dB. The antenna also exhibits an almost omnidirectional radiation pattern and stable gain levels in the triple bands. The characteristics of the proposed antenna have been investigated using the numerical simulations and experiments.
Height Growth of Korean Pine Seedlings Planted under Strip-Cut Larch Plantations in Northeast China
Authors: Owari Toshiaki , Tatsumi Shinichi , Ning Liangzhi , Yin Mingfang
Published: July 2015

To develop two-storied forest management of larch plantations in Northeast China, this study examined the height growth of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensisSieb. et Zucc.) seedlings planted under strip-cut larch canopies. We measured the height growth of the underplanted seedlings 4 years after planting. The larch canopies were of varying stand age (12, 17, and 37 years) and strip-cut width (4.5, 6.0, and 7.5 m). We measured the seedling height growth in an open site (i.e., a site with no canopy). Underplanted seedlings had a smaller height growth (12.1–20.1 cm year−1) than the seedlings planted in the open site (23.7 cm year−1). The seedlings underplanted in the wider strip-cuts tended to have greater height growth than the seedlings underplanted in the narrowest strip-cuts. A generalized linear mixed model analysis predicted the greatest seedling height growth in the open site. A 36–47% reduction in annual height growth was predicted for the narrowest strip-cuts (4.5 m) versus the open site, while a 13–36% reduction in annual height growth was predicted for the wider strip-cuts (6.0–7.5 m) versus the open site. To maintain adequate height growth, forest managers are recommended to create wider strip-cuts (i.e., ≥6.0 m) for the purpose of underplanting Korean pine seedlings in larch plantations.
The Effect of Annealing on Nanothick Indium Tin Oxide Transparent Conductive Films for Touch Sensors
Authors: Chan Shih-Hao , Li Meng-Chi , Wei Hung-Sen , Chen Sheng-Hui , Kuo Chien-Cheng
Published: July 2015

This study aims to discuss the sheet resistance of ultrathin indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive films during the postannealing treatment. The thickness of the ultrathin ITO films is 20 nm. They are prepared on B270 glass substrates at room temperature by a direct‐current pulsed magnetron sputtering system. Ultrathin ITO films with high sheet resistance are commonly used for touch panel applications. As the annealing temperature is increased, the structure of the ultrathin ITO film changes from amorphous to polycrystalline. The crystalline of ultrathin ITO films becomes stronger with an increase of annealing temperature, which further leads to the effect of enhanced Hall mobility. A postannealing treatment in an atmosphere can enhance the optical transmittance owing to the filling of oxygen vacancies, but the sheet resistance rises sharply. However, a higher annealing temperature, above 250°C, results in a decrease in the sheet resistance of ultrathin ITO films, because more Sn ions become an effective dopant. An optimum sheet resistance of 336 Ω/sqr was obtained for ultrathin ITO films at 400°C with an average optical transmittance of 86.8% for touch sensor applications.
Toxic Effects ofRhamnus alaternus: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Ben Ghezala H. , Chaouali N. , Gana I. , Snouda S. , Nouioui A. , Belwaer I. , Ouali J. , Kaddour M. , Masri W. , Ben Salah D. , Amira D. , Ghorbal H. , Hedhili A.
Published: July 2015

In Tunisia, there are about 478 species of plants commonly used in folk medicine. Medicinal plants and herbal remedies used are responsible for 2% of intoxications listed by Tunisian National Poison Center. Most cases are related to confusion between edible plants and toxic plants lookalikes or to an excessive consumption of therapeutic plants. We report the case of a 58-year-old man admitted to the Emergency Department of the Regional Hospital of Zaghouan (Tunisia), with renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. The patient reported having daily consumption of a homemade tea based onMediterranean Buckthornroots, during the last 6 months to treat type 2 diabetes. The aim of this work was to establish an association between the consumption of the herbal remedy and the occurrence of both renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. No similar cases have been reported in recent literature.
Methods and Models for the Coupled Neutronics and Thermal-Hydraulics Analysis of the CROCUS Reactor at EFPL
Authors: Rais A. , Siefman D. , Girardin G. , Hursin M. , Pautz A.
Published: July 2015

In order to analyze the steady state and transient behavior of the CROCUS reactor, several methods and models need to be developed in the areas of reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, and multiphysics coupling. The long-term objectives of this project are to work towards the development of a modern method for the safety analysis of research reactors and to update the Final Safety Analysis Report of the CROCUS reactor. A first part of the paper deals with generation of a core simulator nuclear data library for the CROCUS reactor using the Serpent 2 Monte Carlo code and also with reactor core modeling using the PARCS code. PARCS eigenvalue, radial power distribution, and control rod reactivity worth results were benchmarked against Serpent 2 full-core model results. Using the Serpent 2 model as reference, PARCS eigenvalue predictions were within 240 pcm, radial power was within 3% in the central region of the core, and control rod reactivity worth was within 2%. A second part reviews the current methodology used for the safety analysis of the CROCUS reactor and presents the envisioned approach for the multiphysics modeling of the reactor.
MELD Score Is Not Related to Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Authors: Haddad Luciana , Conte Tatiana Morgado , Ducatti Liliana , Nacif Lucas , D’Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro , Andraus Wellington
Published: July 2015

This study investigates the correlation between SBP and repeated paracentesis, and its relation to MELD score, in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites in an outpatient setting. Through the data base, 148 cirrhotic patients were prospectively included in the study with refractory ascites undergoing relief paracentesis from March 2012 to March 2013. Demographics data, etiology of liver disease, MELD score, and inscription on the waiting list for liver transplantation were analyzed. The ascites removed was analyzed through cellular count and culture for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The cirrhotic patients underwent a total of 854 paracentesis procedures in the ambulatory setting during the study period. Eighty-one patients (54%) were on the waiting list for liver transplantation. Patients on the liver transplant list had higher associated costs due to a higher total number of outpatient paracentesis procedures (394.7 ± 512.3 versus 291.7 ± 384.7) and a higher volume drained per procedure (6.5 ± 8.5 versus 4.8 ± 6.4). There were 28 episodes of SBP (3.3%) diagnosed in 24 patients. In conclusion, the prevalence of asymptomatic SBP in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites undergoing repeated paracentesis is low. MELD score is not related to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Surgical Treatment of Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation: Focus onto Atrial Contractility
Authors: Loardi Claudia , Alamanni Francesco , Galli Claudia , Naliato Moreno , Veglia Fabrizio , Zanobini Marco , Pepi Mauro
Published: July 2015

Background. Maze procedure aims at restoring sinus rhythm (SR) and atrial contractility (AC). This study evaluated multiple aspects of AC recovery and their relationship with SR regain after ablation.Methods. 122 mitral and fibrillating patients underwent radiofrequency Maze. Rhythm check and echocardiographic control of biatrial contractility were performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. A multivariate Cox analysis of risk factors for absence of AC recuperation was applied.Results. At 2-years follow-up, SR was achieved in 79% of patients. SR-AC coexistence increased from 76% until 98%, while biatrial contraction detection augmented from 84 to 98% at late stage. Shorter preoperative arrhythmia duration was the only common predictor of SR-AC restoring, while pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) negatively influenced AC recuperation. Early AC restoration favored future freedom from arrhythmia recurrence. Minor LA dimensions correlated with improved future A/E value and vice versa. Right atrial (RA) contractility restoring favored better left ventricular (LV) performance and volumes.Conclusions. SR and left AC are two interrelated Maze objectives. Factors associated with arrhythmia “chronic state” (PAP and arrhythmia duration) are negative predictors of procedural success. Our results suggest an association between postoperative LA dimensions and “kick” restoring and an influence of RA contraction onto LV function.