bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of clinically relevant germline variants detected by next-generation sequencing in patients with childhood cancer: a review of the literature
Authors: Sylvester Dianne E , Chen Yuyan , Jamieson Robyn V , Dalla-Pozza Luciano , Byrne Jennifer A
Published: October 2018

Genetic predisposition is an important underlying cause of childhood cancer, although the proportion of patients with childhood cancer carrying predisposing pathogenic germline variants is uncertain. This review considers the pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants reported by six studies that used next-generation sequencing to investigate genetic predisposition in selected cohorts of patients with childhood cancer and used incompletely overlapping gene sets for analysis and interpretation. These six studies reported that 8.5%–35.5% of patients with childhood cancer carried clinically relevant germline variants. Analysis of 52 autosomal dominant cancer predisposition genes assumed common to all six studies showed that 5.5%–25.8% of patients with childhood cancer carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants in at least one of these genes. When only non-central nervous system solid tumours (excluding adrenocortical carcinomas) were considered, 8.5%–10.3% of the patients carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants in at least one of 52 autosomal dominant cancer predisposition genes. There was a lack of concordance between the genotype and phenotype in 33.3%–57.1% of the patients reported with pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants, most of which represented variants in autosomal dominant cancer predisposition genes associated with adult onset cancers. In summary, germline genetic testing in patients with childhood cancer requires clear definition of phenotypes and genes considered for interpretation, with potential to inform and broaden childhood cancer predisposition syndromes.
Direct inhibitory effect of flaxseed on porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions
Authors: Štochmal’ová Aneta , Harrath Abdel Halim , Alwasel Saleh , Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: October 2018

Flaxseed is useful as a functional food and alternative medicine owing to its beneficial health effects. Its action on ovarian cell functions and interrelationships with the upstream hormonal regulators remain unknown. Our aim was to examine the direct influence of flaxseed extract on basal porcine ovarian functions (proliferation, apoptosis), leptin release, and response to insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). First, we examined the effect of flaxseed extract on the accumulation of proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (Bax) markers and on leptin release in cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Next, granulosa cells were cultured with IGF-I with and without flaxseed extract and analyzed for PCNA and Bax accumulation by quantitative immunocytochemistry and for leptin release by radioimmunoassay. Flaxseed decreased the accumulation of PCNA and increased that of Bax at all doses and reduced leptin output at 100 μg/mL. In contrast, IGF-I promoted PCNA accumulation and suppressed Bax. Flaxseed did not modify IGF-I action on these parameters. Thus, we showed that flaxseed influences porcine reproductive processes, having a direct effect on the ovary and the ability to affect ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis, and leptin release. Furthermore, we confirmed the pro-proliferative and antiapoptotic actions of IGF-I but showed that flaxseed action on ovarian cell proliferation and apoptosis is not due to changes in the cell response to IGF-I. The potential direct anti-reproductive action of flaxseed needs to be considered during its application in nutrition, medicine, and animal production.
Quantitative study of genetic gain for growth, carcass, and morphological traits of Nelore cattle
Authors: da Silveira Daniel Duarte , De Vargas Lucas , Pereira Rodrigo Junqueira , Campos Gabriel Soares , Vaz Ricardo Zambarda , Lôbo Raysildo Barbosa , de Souza Fabio Ricardo Pablos , Boligon Arione Augusti
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability, genetic and phenotypic associations, and genetic gains of birth (BW), weaning (WW), and yearling (YW) weights, loin muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BF), rump fat thickness (RF), scores of body structure (BS), finishing precocity (FS), and muscling (MS) in Nelore cattle. Genetic parameters were obtained through Bayesian inference using BLUPF90 programs. All studied traits showed genetic variability, with heritability ranging from 0.29 to 0.47. In all studied ages, weights presented positive genetic correlations with LMA (ranging from 0.13 to 0.53), being generally stronger in comparison with the other carcass traits analyzed (BF and RF). Similarly, weights were higher genetic associated with BS (0.47–0.92) than with FS (0.18–0.62) and MS (0.22–0.65), respectively. The BF and RF showed positive and moderate genetic associations with FS and MS (0.31–0.36). Genetic trends were significant (P < 0.05) and favorable for WW, YW, and visual scores. Selection for increasing BW, WW, YW, and LMA will result in modest or no change in BF and RF (correlated response ranging from −0.04 to 0.07 mm per generation). In this population, carcass traits must be included in the selection indexes to obtain genetic gains in carcass quality, if desired.
Size selectivity and length-dependent escape behaviour of haddock in a sorting device combining a grid and a square mesh panel
Authors: Herrmann Bent , Sistiaga Manu , Grimaldo Eduardo , Larsen Roger B. , Olsen Leonore , Brinkhof Jesse , Tatone Ivan
Published: October 2018

Size selectivity of a new sorting section combining a sorting grid and a square mesh panel was tested for haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in the Barents Sea demersal trawl fishery. Sampling data for a wide size range enabled investigating the selection process for this species in detail, both for the grid and the square mesh panel. Contrary to earlier studies modelling size selectivity for grids and square mesh panels, which assume that the escape behaviour of all sizes of fish is equal, we applied a model that accounted for haddock of different sizes showing different escape behaviours. Our results demonstrated that this model could describe the experimental data collected better than existing models. Specifically, our results showed that the likelihood for smaller haddock to seek escape through the grid and the square mesh panel was higher than that for bigger haddock that still would manage to escape through the devices if they attempted. The new modelling approach presented in this study may be applicable to other species, selection devices, and fisheries.
Selecting for stable and productive families of Eucalyptus urophylla across a country-wide range of climates in Brazil
Authors: Silva Paulo Henrique Müller da , Brune Arno , Alvares Clayton Alcarde , Amaral Weber do , Moraes Mario Luiz Teixeira de , Grattapaglia Dario , de Paula Rinaldo Cesar
Published: October 2018

To identify stable and productive Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake families across diverse climate zones in Brazil, we evaluated growth and survival of 322 open-pollinated families derived from 13 genetically improved seed sources in 10 trials across the country. Survival and growth data were analyzed using linear mixed models and REML/BLUP. Survival ranged from 51% to 92%, and the mean annual increment varied from 19 to 46 m3·ha−1·year−1. Although planted in suitable climatic zones, some trials had low survival and (or) productivity. Conversely, the highest productivity was recorded in a zone considered to be of low suitability. These results show the importance of assessing the climatic requirements of eucalypts beyond those determined from analyses of their natural distribution, especially when testing already improved seed sources. A number of productive and stable families were identified based on analysis of the interaction between genotype and environment, and from these, 144 individuals were selected and had their genetic diversity estimated using 19 microsatellite DNA markers. The genetic diversity of these selected trees was equivalent to that observed in previous studies of natural populations of E. urophylla, indicating that breeding programs of E. urophylla in Brazil still retain high levels of diversity for sustainable genetic gains.
Marsdenia tenacissima: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Wang Peile , Yang Jing , Zhu Zhenfeng , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: October 2018

The stems and roots of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn., a traditional Chinese medicine and Dai herbal medicine, have been widely used for the treatment of asthma, trachitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, cystitis, pneumonia and drug or food poisoning. Nowadays, the extract of Marsdenia tenacissima, under the trademark of “Xiao-ai-ping”, is widely used in clinic for the treatment of different cancers in China. To date, approximately 196 chemical ingredients covering steroids, triterpenes and organic acids have been identified from different parts of this plant. Steroids are the major characteristic and bioactive constituents of this plant. Modern pharmacology has demonstrated that the crude extracts and steroids have various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities, such as multidrug resistance reversal, antitumor, anti-angiogenic, immunomodulation and anti-HIV activities. The multidrug resistance reversal of steroids provided evidence for the use of this herb in clinic. However, despite wide clinical application, clinical trials, quality control method, pharmacokinetic and toxicity research on Marsdenia tenacissima were seldom reported and deserved further efforts. The present review aimed to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical study, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and quality control of Marsdenia tenacissima. In addition, the possible perspectives and trends for future studies of Marsdenia tenacissima have also been put forward. It is believed that this review would provide a theoretical basis and valuable data for future in-depth studies and applications.
Renormalizability of pure 𝒩 = 1 super-Yang–Mills in the Wess–Zumino gauge in the presence of the local composite operators A2 and λ̄λ
Authors: Capri M. A. L. , Sorella S. P. , Terin R. C. , Toledo H. C.
Published: October 2018

The [Formula: see text] super-Yang–Mills theory in the presence of the local composite operator [Formula: see text] is analyzed in the Wess–Zumino gauge by employing the Landau gauge fixing condition. Due to the supersymmetric structure of the theory, two more composite operators, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], related to the SUSY variations of [Formula: see text] are also introduced. A BRST invariant action containing all these operators is obtained. An all-order proof of the multiplicative renormalizability of the resulting theory is then provided by means of the algebraic renormalization setup. Though, due to the nonlinear realization of the supersymmetry in the Wess–Zumino gauge, the renormalization factor of the gauge field turns out to be different from that of the gluino.
Spectrum of graphs obtained by operations
Authors: Alhevaz Abdollah , Baghipur Maryam , Paul Somnath
Published: October 2018

The distance signless Laplacian matrix of a simple connected graph [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the distance matrix of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the diagonal matrix whose main diagonal entries are the vertex transmissions in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we first determine the distance signless Laplacian spectrum of the graphs obtained by generalization of the join and lexicographic product graph operations (namely joined union) in terms of their adjacency spectrum and the eigenvalues of an auxiliary matrix, determined by the graph [Formula: see text]. As an application, we show that new pairs of auxiliary equienergetic graphs can be constructed by joined union of regular graphs.
Cost Comparison of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum and Fasciectomy for Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture in the Australian Health System
Authors: Sefton Andrew K. , Smith Belinda J. , Stewart David A.
Published: October 2018

Background: Dupuytren’s disease results in contracted cords in the hand that lead to deformity and disability. Current treatment options include fasciectomy and an injectable, collagenase clostridium histolyticum. No cost comparison studies have been published within the Australian health care environment.

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients treated for Dupuytren’s disease in a major teaching hospital was undertaken to compare the costs of treatment by fasciectomy or collagenase injection.

Results: Eighteen patients underwent fasciectomy and 21 collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections were performed during the study period and were eligible for inclusion under the review criteria. Of the 39 patients, 36 were male and 3 were female with an average age 66.4 years (50–85). Twenty-five digits were treated by fasciectomy in 18 patients, and 23 digits were treated by collagenase in 21 patients. The fasciectomy group attended an average 9.2 visits (5–22), incurring an average costing of US$5738.12 per patient ($3181.18–$9618.10). The collagenase group attended an average 3.8 visits (3–8), incurring an average costing of US$2076.83 per patient ($1842.24–$3929.57).

Conclusions: Collagenase treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture represents a significant reduction in cost relative to fasciectomy, with 64% savings, length of follow up and number of visits. This is a similar finding to studies in other countries.
Axial Rotation Test for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Hypermobility in the Normal Population
Authors: Odgers Ryan A. , Rayan Ghazi M.
Published: October 2018

Background: The objective was to quantify joint laxity in healthy volunteers by measuring the passive axial rotation of the trapeziometacarpal joint using the axial rotation test.

Methods: Eighty volunteers (34 men and 46 women) were subjected to the axial rotation shear test and the degree of total rotational motion (TRM) was assessed. Volunteers were divided into Group I with a range of 18–50 years old and Group II for 51 years and older. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results: The average TRM in Group I was 32.3 mm for women, and 27.4 mm, for men (p = 0.04). The average TRM in women of Groups I and II, was 32.3 and 21.6 mm respectively, (p < 0.001). The average TRM in men of Groups I and II, was 27.4 and 19.4 mm (p < 0.001). In Group II the average TRM of women was 21.6 mm, and for men was 19.4 mm, which was not significantly different.

Conclusions: Young women have greater degree of rotational laxity in the TM joint compared to men of the same age group and to older women. The axial rotation test can quantify the degree of rotational laxity of the TM joint.
Motec Wrist Arthroplasty: 4 Years of Promising Results
Authors: Giwa L. , Siddiqui A. , Packer G.
Published: October 2018

Background: The Motec cementless modular metal-on-metal ball-and-socket wrist arthroplasty is an implant with promising intermediate results. An alternative to primary wrist fusion, total wrist arthroplasty is an option for active patients, who wish to retain their wrist function. It is indicated in cases of degenerative osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis.

Methods: A prospective review of patient demographics, pre and post-operative Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH), MAYO scores, range of movements and grip strengths. All complications in follow up were recorded across the 4 year period.

Results: 25 implants on 23 patients over 5.5 years, mean age 61; 8 females and 15 male. 10 patients with SLAC, 3 SNAC, 5 inflammatory and 7 patients with generalized osteoarthritis. The patients showed significant improvements of MAYO and DASH scores post-operatively, as well as the flexion/extension arc and grip strengths. There was just one case of implant loosening- the radial screw after a wound infection, which was revised with a longer screw. Two implants were converted to Motec fusion due to pain. One implant was dislocated and relocated. The remaining patients have had good wrist function. Only 6 patients were unable to return to work.

Conclusions: Similar to published studies, this series shows the Motec implant to be a good motion preserving alternative to total wrist fusion.
Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) Using Multiple Foam Pieces for Hidden Space Drainage through Less Exposure in Musculoskeletal Infections
Authors: Shin Seung-Han , Park Il-Kyu , Kang Jin-Woo , Lee Yong-Suk , Chung Yang-Guk
Published: October 2018

Background: Purulent musculoskeletal infections often require surgical debridement and drainage. However, when the infection is extensive or involving multiple layers of tissues, maintaining drainage of the involved spaces can be difficult, even with the application of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy. Wide exposure and aggressive debridement is often required for such cases, which in turn may complicate wound coverage.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed for 16 patients with musculoskeletal infections treated surgically. The diagnosis for the patients consisted of necrotizing fasciitis, large soft tissue abscess, peri-hardware abscess, infected compartment syndrome, emphysematous osteomyelitis, and gas gangrene of diabetic foot. We minimized the incision and resection for debridement and drainage, and instead we placed multiple foam pieces between the tissues involved with VAC, to maintain drainage of the hidden spaces with negative pressure.

Results: Infection was successfully controlled in all cases. The mean duration of VAC treatment was 16.1 days (range, 5–36) and the mean number of VAC changes was 5.1 (range, 1–13). Primary wound closure was achieved in 11 cases, while skin grafts were used to cover the remaining five cases, which consisted of necrotizing fasciitis, infected compartment syndrome, and diabetic foot gas gangrene. No complications specifically associated with VAC therapy were observed.

Conclusions: VAC using multiple foam pieces for hidden space drainage appears to be effective for infection control. It is helpful for minimizing exposure and resection for drainage and debridement, although subsequent reduction of the necessity or the level of wound coverage should further be investigated.
Shrinkage limit test results and interpretation for clay soils
Authors: Hobbs P. R. N. , Jones L. D. , Kirkham M. P. , Gunn D. A. , Entwisle D. C.
Published: October 2018

The shrinkage limit is one of the Atterberg limits and is a fundamental geotechnical parameter used to assess the settlement of engineering soils containing clays, yet is rarely tested for as part of ground investigation. This paper describes shrinkage limit test results on a variety of soils from Britain and overseas obtained using an improved laboratory testing procedure developed at the British Geological Survey. The co-relationships with the other Atterberg limits and with density are explored. In particular, the coincidence of the shrinkage limit with the water content at the peak bulk density achieved in the test is examined. The shrinkage behaviour for undisturbed and remoulded states and a three-way relationship between water content, density and suction are demonstrated. Some tropical residual and highly smectitic soils show a very wide range of shrinkage behaviour, albeit for a small dataset, when compared with the larger dataset of temperate soils tested. Consideration is given to limitations of the new and existing test methods.
Epigenetics in Insects: Genome Regulation and the Generation of Phenotypic Diversity
Authors: Glastad Karl M. , Hunt Brendan G. , Goodisman Michael A.D.
Published: October 2018

Epigenetic inheritance is fundamentally important to cellular differentiation and developmental plasticity. In this review, we provide an introduction to the field of molecular epigenetics in insects. Epigenetic information is passed across cell divisions through the methylation of DNA, the modification of histone proteins, and the activity of noncoding RNAs. Much of our knowledge of insect epigenetics has been gleaned from a few model species. However, more studies of epigenetic information in traditionally nonmodel taxa will help advance our understanding of the developmental and evolutionary significance of epigenetic inheritance in insects. To this end, we also provide a brief overview of techniques for profiling and perturbing individual facets of the epigenome. Doing so in diverse cellular, developmental, and taxonomic contexts will collectively help shed new light on how genome regulation results in the generation of diversity in insect form and function.
Semantic Anomaly, Pragmatic Infelicity, and Ungrammaticality
Authors: Abrusán Márta
Published: October 2018

A major goal of modern syntax has been to find principles that rule out sentences that seem ungrammatical. To achieve this goal, it has been proposed that syntactically odd (or ungrammatical) sentences can be distinguished empirically and theoretically from semantically odd (or semantically anomalous) sentences. However, sometimes it is not clear why a sentence is “weird,” which has repercussions for our syntactic and semantic theories. According to a number of proposals, semantic and pragmatic processes can lead to weirdness that empirically feels more like ungrammaticality than semantic oddness. But if this is so, then a question arises: What explains the intuitive difference between sentences that feel ungrammatical and those that merely feel semantically (or pragmatically) anomalous? This article addresses this question by describing and comparing various semantic and pragmatic proposals for explaining different types of weirdness: ungrammaticality, semantic anomaly, and pragmatic infelicity.
EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliheat labile enterotoxin inhibits intestinal ascorbic acid uptake via a cAMP-dependent NF-κB-mediated pathway
Authors: Subramenium Ganapathy A. , Sabui Subrata , Marchant Jonathan S. , Said Hamid M. , Subramanian Veedamali S.
Published: October 2018

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and acts as a cofactor for many enzymatic reactions. Humans obtain vitamin C from dietary sources via intestinal absorption, a process that involves the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters-1 and -2 (SVCT1 and SVCT2). Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection impacts intestinal absorption/secretory functions, but nothing is known about its effect on ascorbic acid (AA) uptake. Here we demonstrate that infection of Caco-2 cells with ETEC led to a significant inhibition in intestinal AA uptake. This inhibition was associated with a marked reduction in hSVCT1 and hSVCT2 protein, mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) expression levels as well as significant inhibition in the activity of both the SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 promoters. Similarly, exposure of mice to ETEC led to a significant inhibition in intestinal AA uptake and reduction in mSVCT1 and mSVCT2 protein, mRNA, and hnRNA expression levels. Inhibition was caused by the action of heat labile enterotoxin (LT), since infecting Caco-2 cells with LT-deficient ETEC (ΔLT) failed to impact AA uptake. Because LT activates adenylate cyclase, we also examined the effect of dibutyryl-cAMP in AA uptake by Caco-2 cells and observed a significant inhibition. Furthermore, treating the cells with celastrol, a specific NF-κB inhibitor, significantly blocked the inhibition of AA uptake caused by ETEC infection. Together, these data demonstrate that ETEC infection impairs intestinal AA uptake through a cAMP-dependent NF-κB-mediated pathway that regulates both SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 transcription.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings demonstrate that heat-labile enterotoxin produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli inhibits AA uptake in intestinal epithelial cells and mouse intestine. This effect is mediated through transcriptional repression of SLC23A1 (SVCT1) and SLC23A2 (SVCT2) via a cAMP-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway.
Intratracheal administration of clinical-grade mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduces lung injury in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Porzionato Andrea , Zaramella Patrizia , Dedja Arben , Guidolin Diego , Van Wemmel Kelly , Macchi Veronica , Jurga Marcin , Perilongo Giorgio , De Caro Raffaele , Baraldi Eugenio , Muraca Maurizio
Published: October 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) prevent the onset of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in animal models, an effect that seems to be mediated by their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of intratracheally (IT) administered MSCs versus MSC-EVs in a hyperoxia-induced rat model of BPD. At birth, rats were distributed as follows: animals raised in ambient air for 2 wk ( n = 10), and animals exposed to 60% oxygen for 2 wk and treated with IT-administered physiological solution ( n = 10), MSCs ( n = 10), or MSC-EVs ( n = 10) on postnatal days 3, 7, and 10. The sham-treated hyperoxia-exposed animals showed reductions in total surface area of alveolar air spaces, and total number of alveoli ( Nalv), and an increased mean alveolar volume (Valv). EVs prompted a significant increase in Nalv ( P < 0.01) and a significant decrease in Valv ( P < 0.05) compared with sham-treated animals, whereas MSCs only significantly improved Nalv ( P < 0.05). Small pulmonary vessels of the sham-treated hyperoxia-exposed rats also showed an increase in medial thickness, which only EVs succeeded in preventing significantly ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, both EVs and MSCs reduce hyperoxia-induced damage, with EVs obtaining better results in terms of alveolarization and lung vascularization parameters. This suggests that IT-administered EVs could be an effective approach to BPD treatment.
A comparative study of cybersickness during exposure to virtual reality and “classic” motion sickness: are they different?
Authors: Mazloumi Gavgani Alireza , Walker Frederick R. , Hodgson Deborah M. , Nalivaiko Eugene
Published: October 2018

Existing evidence suggests that cybersickness may be clinically different from “classic,” motion-induced sickness; this evidence was, however, obtained in separate studies that focused on just one of the two conditions. Our aim was to bring clarity to this issue by directly comparing subjective symptoms and physiological effects of motion sickness induced by physical motion (Coriolis cross-coupling) and by immersion in virtual reality (ride on a roller coaster) in the same subjects. A cohort of 30 young, healthy volunteers was exposed to both stimulations in a counterbalanced order on 2 separate days ≥1 wk apart. Nausea scores were recorded during the exposure, and the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) was used to profile subjective symptoms postexperiment. Tonic and phasic forehead skin conductance level (SCL) was measured before and during exposure in both stimulation methods. We found that the nausea onset times were significantly correlated in both tests ( r = 0.40, P = 0.03). Similarly, the maximum nausea ratings were significantly correlated during both provocations ( r = 0.58, P = 0.0012). Symptom-profiling with the MSAQ revealed substantial and significant correlations between total symptom scores ( r = 0.69, P < 0.0001) between each of 4 symptom clusters and between 15/18 individual symptoms assessed in both conditions. Both virtual reality and Coriolis cross-coupling provocations caused an increase in tonic SCL associated with nausea [mean difference (mean diff) = 5.1, confidence interval (CI) = (2.59, 6.97), P = 0.007 and mean diff = 1.49, CI = (0.47, 7.08), P = 0.0001, respectively], with a close correlation between the conditions ( r = 0.48, P = 0.04). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the amplitude of phasic skin conductance transients in both visual stimulation and Coriolis cross-coupling when participants reported maximum nausea compared with no nausea [mean diff = 0.27, CI = (0.091, 0.63), P < 0.001 and mean diff = 0.235, CI = (0.053, 0.851), P < 0.006, respectively]. We conclude that symptoms and physiological changes occurring during cybersickness and classic motion sickness are quite similar, at least during advanced stages of these malaises.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Expansion of virtual reality (VR) technology has provoked an interest in cybersickness, a subtype of motion sickness induced by immersion in VR. Finding means for preventing and managing cybersickness requires good understanding of its nature, including its relationship to “classic” motion sickness. The knowledge about this relationship is controversial, partly because there were no studies where the same cohort was exposed to the two provocations. With this approach, we demonstrate that symptoms and physiological manifestations of the two conditions are identical.
Investigation of the Antidiarrheal and Antimicrobial Activities of 80% Methanolic Leaf Extract of Discopodium Penninervum (Hochst.)
Authors: Derebe Dagninet , Abdulwuhab Mohammedbrhan , Wubetu Muluken , Mohammed Faiz
Published: October 2018

Diarrhea is a major health problem throughout the world and it has become more problematic in developing countries like Ethiopia. People, in several parts of the world, use different traditional medicines for treating diarrhea and it has been reported that the roots, leaves, and flowers of various species are used for the same purpose. In Ethiopia, for instance, Discopodium Penninervum is used for the treatment of diarrhea and also to control infection. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to evaluate the in vivo antidiarrheal and in vitro antimicrobial effect of Discopodium Penninervum in mice. For the antimicrobial activity test, four standard bacteria and disc diffusion method were used, while for antidiarrheal experiment, animals had been used, which were divided into 5 groups. The first group served as negative control and was administered with vehicle (0.2‐0.3ml of distilled water). Groups two (D100), three (D200), and four (D400) were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. Group five served as positive control group and was administered with either loperamide (3mg/kg) for castor oil induced diarrhea and castor oil induced enteropooling diarrhea models or atropine (1mg/kg) for charcoal meal test. Safety study was performed using a standard acute toxicity study procedure. The effect of the extract on castor oil induced diarrheal drops, onset of diarrhea, weight of faeces, small intestinal fluid accumulation, and intestinal motility was measured and analyzed using one‐way ANOVA. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaves powder of the plant indicated the presence of various components. Inhibition of castor oil induced diarrhea was observed at all tested doses. It can be concluded that crude extracts of Discopodium Penninervum showed strong activities against diarrhea indicating that it contains some chemical constituents that possibly lead to antidiarrheal drug development.
Inhibitory Effects of Prunella vulgaris L. Extract on 11β‐HSD1 in Human Skin Cells
Authors: Roh Kyung-Baeg , Park Deokhoon , Jung Eunsun
Published: October 2018

Glucocorticoids are a risk factor for age‐induced skin structure and function defects, and the glucocorticoid‐activating enzyme, 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β‐HSD1), represents a promising therapeutic target. Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) is a perennial and an edible herbaceous plant normally cultivated in Asia and Europe. A recent study demonstrated a broad range of biological activities of PV including immune modulatory, antiviral, antiallergic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic. However, little is known about the inhibitory effect of PV on 11β‐HSD1. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Prunella vulgaris L. extract (PVE) and the underlying mechanism of 11β‐HSD11 inhibition. Consistent with these results, cortisol levels were also reduced by PVE in vitro. The cortisone‐induced translocation of glucocorticoids receptor (GR) was also attenuated. In addition, PVE inhibited a cortisone‐mediated decrease in collagen content in skin. Collectively, these results suggest the beneficial effects of PVE in maintaining skin integrity.
Impact of Methamphetamine Abuse: A Rare Case of Rapid Cerebral Aneurysm Growth with Review of Literature
Authors: Fowler James , Fiani Brian , Quadri Syed A. , Cortez Vladimir , Frooqui Mudassir , Zafar Atif , Ahmed Fahad Shabbir , Ikram Asad , Ramachandran Anirudh , Siddiqi Javed
Published: October 2018

Methamphetamine or “meth” is a sympathomimetic amine of the amphetamine-type substances (ATS) class with an extremely high potential for abuse. Illicitly abused neurostimulants like cocaine and meth predispose patients to the aneurysmal formation with reported rupture at a younger age and in much smaller sized aneurysms. However, very rapid growth of aneurysm within less than 2 weeks with methamphetamine abuse is very rarely observed or reported. In this report, we present a patient with repeated and recurrent meth abuse who demonstrated rapid growth of a pericallosal aneurysm over the period of less than two weeks. The pathophysiology of stroke related to meth and ATS abuse is multifactorial with hypertension, tachycardia, and vascular disease postulated as major mechanisms. The rapid growth of an aneurysm has a high risk of aneurysmal rupture and SAH, which is a neurosurgical emergency and therefore warrants careful consideration and close monitoring. This case confirms the dynamic temporal effects of methamphetamine use on intracranial vessels and this specific neurostimulants association to rapid aneurysmal formation. In light of vascular pathologies the possibility of drug-induced pseudoaneurysm should also be considered in young patients with history of meth abuse.
Association of Exercise Capacity, Cardiac Function, and Coronary Artery Calcification with Components for Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kim Hyun Jun , Kim Ji Hee , Joo Min Cheol
Published: October 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of exercise capacity, cardiac function, and coronary artery calcification (CAC) with components of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. Method. Medical records of healthy adults who underwent exercise tolerance test (ETT), coronary CT angiography (CTA), and echocardiography of the heart for cardiac health check-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had a history of severe cardiovascular disease or could not perform ETT due to other musculoskeletal problems were excluded. Subjects were classified into groups based on the number of components for metabolic syndrome: no component (Group 1, n=90), 1, 2 components (Group 2, n=321), and 3 or more components (Group 3, n=154). Exercise capacity was assessed using the symptom-limited ETT, and CAC score was obtained using the coronary CTA and Agatston score. Cardiac structure and function were assessed using echocardiography. Results. A total of 565 patients (mean (SD) age 59.5 (9.1), 340 men, 225 women) were selected. Exercise capacity was significantly lower in Group 3 than in the other groups (p<0.05). The CAC score was significantly higher in Group 3 than in the other groups (p<0.05). Compared to the other groups, echocardiography findings in Group 3 showed a greater hypertrophy of the left ventricle and reduction in the diastolic function (p<0.05). Exercise capacity, CAC score, cardiac structure, and function were different between the 3 groups, where a tendency to worsen was observed from Group 1 to Group 3. Conclusion. Metabolic syndrome decreases exercise capacity of the patient and contributes to CAC, thereby increasing the risk for cardiovascular diseases and deterioration in cardiac structure and function. Therefore, early detection of metabolic syndrome and subsequently the prevention and management of heart disease are necessary.
FRAX Calculated without BMD Resulting in a Higher Fracture Risk Than That Calculated with BMD in Women with Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Prawiradilaga Rizky Suganda , Gunmalm Victoria , Lund-Jacobsen Trine , Helge Eva Wulff , Brøns Charlotte , Andersson Michael , Schwarz Peter
Published: October 2018

Background (and Purpose). The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of including the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) in reliable fracture risk assessment for women diagnosed with early nonmetastatic breast cancer (EBC) before AI treatment if zoledronic acid is not an option. Material and Methods. One hundred and sixteen women with EBC were included in the study before initiating AI treatment. Most participants were osteopenic. The 10-year probability of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fracture was calculated with and without BMD based on clinical information collected at baseline using the fracture risk assessment (FRAX) tool. To compare data, the nonparametric tests were used. Results. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the number of high-risk and low-risk FRAX score of hip fracture between before and after including BMD values. The high-risk category decreased by 50.9%, while the low-risk category increased by 42.9%. In FRAX score of major osteoporotic the findings were similar (p<0.001): The high-risk and moderate-risk category decreased by 70.4% and 4.9%, respectively, while the low-risk category increased by 43.8% when including BMD value. When stratified by age, patients aged 65 years or older were at a significantly (p<0.001) higher risk of suffering a hip or major osteoporotic fracture, highlighting the importance of including BMD measurements in this age group. Conclusions. Our data support that DXA scanning of women with EBC should be performed to avoid overestimation of osteoporosis before AI treatment. It is particularly important in patients older than 65 years of age and when zoledronic acid is not an option.
Light Emission by Nanoporous GaN Produced by a Top-Down, Nonlithographical Nanopatterning
Authors: Kheirandish E. , Kouklin N. A. , Liang J.
Published: October 2018

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is carried out to probe radiative recombination and related light emission processes in two-dimensional periodic close-packed nanopore arrays in gallium nitride (np-GaN). The arrays were produced by nonlithographic nanopatterning of wurtzite GaN followed by a dry etching. The results of Raman spectroscopy point to a small relaxation of the compressive stress of ~0.24 GPa in nanoporous vs. bulk GaN. At ~300 K, the PL emission is induced by excitons and not free-carrier interband radiative recombinations. An evolution of the emission spectra with T is confirmed to be mainly a result of a decay of nonexcitonic PL emission and less of spectral shifts of the underlying PL bands. A switching of excitonic PL regime observed experimentally was analyzed within the exciton recombination-generation framework. The study provides new insights into the behaviors and physical mechanisms regulating light emission processes in np-GaN, critical to the development of nano-opto-electronic devices based on mesoscopic GaN.
A Brief Review on Polygonal/Polyhedral Finite Element Methods
Authors: Perumal Logah
Published: October 2018

This paper provides brief review on polygonal/polyhedral finite elements. Various techniques, together with their advantages and disadvantages, are listed. A comparison of various techniques with the recently proposed Virtual Node Polyhedral Element (VPHE) is also provided. This review would help the readers to understand the various techniques used in formation of polygonal/polyhedral finite elements.
Cooperative Assembly of Asymmetric Carbonaceous Bivalve-Like Superstructures from Multiple Building Blocks
Authors: Xie Lei , Wang Haiyan , Chen Chunhong , Mao Shanjun , Chen Yiqing , Li Haoran , Wang Yong
Published: October 2018

The assembly of superstructures from building blocks is of fundamental importance for engineering materials with distinct morphologies and properties, and deepening our understanding of self-assembly processes in nature. Up to now, it is still a great challenge in materials science to construct multiple-component superstructure with unprecedented architectural complexity and symmetry from molecular. Here, we demonstrate an improved one-pot hydrothermal carbonization of biomass strategy that is capable of fabricating unprecedented asymmetric carbonaceous bivalve-like superstructures with in suit generated solid particles and ordered porous polymers as two kinds of building blocks. In our system, different building blocks can be controllably generated, and they will assemble into complex superstructures through a proposed “cooperative assembly of particles and ordered porous polymers” mechanism. We believe that this assembly principle will open up new potential fields for the synthesis of superstructures with diverse morphologies, compositions, and properties.
Effects of Cinnamaldehyde on the Cell Wall of A. fumigatus and Its Application in Treating Mice with Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Deng Jiehua , Wang Gangsheng , Li Jihong , Zhao Yile , Wang Xiaolu
Published: October 2018

Background. The invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a kind of high incidence of disease with difficulties in treatment, poor prognosis, and high mortality. Objectives. The study aimed to reveal the effect of cinnamaldehyde on the fungal cell wall and verify its efficacy on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis on immunosuppressed Institute of Cancer Research mice (ICR mice). Methods. ICR mice were given cyclophosphamide 200 mg.kg−1. d−1 by intraperitoneal injection for 2 days. On the 4th day, the mice were given 50 μL of Aspergillosis fumigatus spore (107colony form unit CFU/mL) by intranasal injection to establish immunosuppressive animal models with invasive Aspergillosis fumigatus infection. Then the mice in treatment group orally administered cinnamaldehyde for 14 consecutive days, while voriconazole was given to the mice in the positive control group. Results. The clearance rate of pulmonary fungi, cure rate, and reduction of 1,3‐β‐D‐glucans in treatment group were 80.00%, 80.00%, and 81.00%, respectively while in positive control group they were 67.00%, 60.00%, and 62.00%, respectively. There were significant differences in the results between two groups as mentioned above (P<0.05). Electron microscopy showed that, in treatment group, the cell wall of Aspergillus fumigatus was dissolved and detached and the cell surface was incomplete. There were edema, degeneration, and necrosis in nucleus and organelle, which lead to cellular necrocytosis. The cytomembrane of Aspergillus fumigatus was intact, clear, and complete, whereas the cytomembrane in the positive control group disappeared. The hyphal morphology of Aspergillus fumigatus was deformed, but the cell wall was intact. Conclusion. Cinnamaldehyde has a good curative effect in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillus infection in immunodeficient mice. It mainly affects the synthesis of 1,3‐β‐D‐glucans from the cytoderm of Aspergillus fumigatus but does not affect cell wall. It would potentially be an effective and novel drug for targeted treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus deep infection.
Effect of Starter Culture and Low Concentrations of Sodium Nitrite on Fatty Acids, Color, and Escherichia coli Behavior during Salami Processing
Authors: Blanco-Lizarazo Carla María , Sotelo-Díaz Indira , Arjona-Roman José Luis , Adriana Llorente-Bousquets  , Miranda-Ruvalcaba René
Published: October 2018

The reduction of NaNO2 and safety in meat products have been a concern to the meat industry for the last years. This research evaluated the changes in total fatty acids (TFAs) and myoglobin forms by adding starter culture (Lactobacillus sakei/Staphylococcus carnosus) and 50 ppm of NaNO2 during salami processing. In the postripening stage, the starter culture influenced the concentration of the palmitic, oleic, vaccenic, and γ-linolenic TFAs, whereas the metmyoglobin concentration was lower (which could be related to the antioxidant effect of the starter culture). In this stage, an increase in enthalpy, specific heat, and onset temperature was found when adding starter culture and NaNO2, which is directly related to polyunsaturated TFA. However, when adding just the starter culture without 50 ppm NaNO2, the E. coli population was reduced in 4 log CFU/g. This study proposes the analysis of changes in meat product processing like salami in a holistic form, where the application of starter culture with low nitrite concentrations could be in the meat industry an upward trend for reducing this additive.
Sheng‐Jiang Powder Ameliorates High Fat Diet Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Inhibiting Activation of Akt/mTOR/S6 Pathway in Rats
Authors: Li Juan , Zhu Lv , Zhang Yu-mei , Chen Huan , Miao Yi-fan , Kang Hong-xin , Ren Hong-yu , Wan Mei-hua , Long Dan , Tang Wen-fu
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an alarming public health problem that directly contributes to increased prevalence of liver cirrhosis and hepatic cell cancer, but without any specific pharmacological option. Sheng‐jiang powder (SJP), an empirical Chinese medicine formula to treat NAFLD, showed great efficacy but the specific mechanisms have never been reported. Therefore, we performed this study to explore the effect of SJP on NAFLD and the potential mechanism. Methods. NAFLD was induced by high fat diet (HFD) feeding. Rats were treated with SJP/normal saline daily for 10 weeks and all rats were euthanized after 12 weeks’ feeding. Liver tissue samples were obtained for biochemistry test and pathological evaluation. Additionally, oleic acid induced LO2 cells were employed to simulate a cell model of NAFLD. Cells were subjected to western blotting for Akt, mTOR, S6, SREBP1‐c, and FASN detection after coincubated with SJP, LY294002 (a selective PI3K inhibitor), or the combination for 24h. Results. HFD significantly induced hepatic steatosis. Plenty of lipid droplets were observed under transmission electron microscope. The ultrastructure of liver cells showed distinct changes with obvious endoplasmic reticulum expansion, mitochondrial contraction, and cell matrix solidification. Although no difference was detected in serum hepatic enzymes and tissue proinflammatory cytokines, the tissue level of SOD and GSH‐px was much lower and the pathologic injuries were much severe in HFD feeding rats. However, SJP treatment significantly attenuated the ultrastructure changes and protected rat liver against inflammatory injury. Abundant of lipid droplets and high expression of pAkt, pmTOR, pS6, and FASN were observed in oleic acid treated LO2 cells, while these changes were restored by SJP treatment. Conclusions. SJP is efficient in attenuating HFD induced NAFLD in rats and this effect might be partly related to the inhibition of Akt/mTOR/S6 pathway.
Mean-Square Exponential Input-to-State Stability of Stochastic Fuzzy Recurrent Neural Networks with Multiproportional Delays and Distributed Delays
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Zhu Quanxin , Cai Jingwei
Published: October 2018

We are interested in a class of stochastic fuzzy recurrent neural networks with multiproportional delays and distributed delays. By constructing suitable Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals and applying stochastic analysis theory, Ito^’s formula and Dynkin’s formula, we derive novel sufficient conditions for mean-square exponential input-to-state stability of the suggested system. Some remarks and discussions are given to show that our results extend and improve some previous results in the literature. Finally, two examples and their simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.