bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Optimization Design of Large Wind Turbine Blade considering Aeroelastic Effect
Authors: Zheng Yuqiao , Cao Yongyong , Zhang Chengcheng , He Zhe
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a structural optimization design of the realistic large scale wind turbine blade. The mathematical simulations have been compared with experimental data found in the literature. All complicated loads were applied on the blade when it was working, which impacts directly on mixed vibration of the wind rotor, tower, and other components, and this vibration can dramatically affect the service life and performance of wind turbine. The optimized mathematical model of the blade was established in the interaction between aerodynamic and structural conditions. The modal results show that the first six modes are flapwise dominant. Meanwhile, the mechanism relationship was investigated between the blade tip deformation and the load distribution. Finally, resonance cannot occur in the optimized blade, as compared to the natural frequency of the blade. It verified that the optimized model is more appropriate to describe the structure. Additionally, it provided a reference for the structural design of a large wind turbine blade.
A Sustained-Release Membrane of Thiazolidinedione-8: Effect on Formation of a Candida/Bacteria Mixed Biofilm on Hydroxyapatite in a Continuous Flow Model
Authors: Feldman Mark , Shenderovich Julia , Lavy Eran , Friedman Michael , Steinberg Doron
Published: October 2017

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been found to act as effective quorum sensing quenchers, capable of preventing biofilm formation. Our previous studies demonstrated a profound antibiofilm effect of the TZD derivative thiazolidinedione-8 (S-8), either in solution or incorporated into a sustained-release membrane (SRM-S-8) under batch conditions. In the present study, we used a constant depth film fermenter model in order to investigate the impact of SRM-S-8 on mixedC. albicans-S. mutansbiofilm development, under flow conditions. We found that essential parameters of cospecies biofilm maintenance and maturation, such as metabolic activity, biofilm thickness, roughness, extracellular polysaccharides production, and morphology of both pathogens, were altered by SRM-S-8 in the flow system. We propose that prolonged and sustained release of S-8 in a flow-through system allows better penetration of the active agent to deeper layers of the mixed biofilm, thereby increasing its activity against both pathogens. In conclusion, the use of a locally applied sustained-release drug delivery system of S-8 can affect the dental polymicrobial biofilm, resulting in clinical improvements and a better patient compliance.
Gastrointestinal Involvement of Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shogbesan Oluwaseun , Abdulkareem Abdullateef , Jehangir Asad , Byreddy Sunila , Swierczynski Sharon , Donato Anthony
Published: October 2017

Testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) are the commonest solid tumors in young men. Typical presentation is with painless scrotal swelling; however, symptoms related to complications or metastasis may be the initial presentation. Gastrointestinal (GI) metastasis is seen in about 5% of patients with germ cell tumors and presentation is commonly with GI bleed. It is important to have GCT as a differential diagnosis of GI bleed in young men presenting with unexplained anemia as direct questioning about scrotal swelling and genital examination when appropriate will guide further investigation and facilitate prompt diagnosis. We present a case of a 26-year-old man with testicular germ cell tumor and severe anemia secondary to extension and perforation of duodenum by retroperitoneal metastasis and a review of the literature on the gastrointestinal manifestations of testicular germ cell tumors.
Long-Term Sleep Duration as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Chunyang , Sun Hao , Huang Jinyu , Yin Songcheng , Hou Wenbin , Zhang Junyan , Wang Yanshi , Xu Yingying , Xu Huimian
Published: October 2017

Sleep patterns have been associated with the development of cancers, although the association between sleep duration and breast cancer remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to explore the relationship between sleep duration and breast cancer risk. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched, and restricted cubic splines were used to explore the dose-response relationship. Data from 415,865 participants were derived from 10 studies. A J-shaped nonlinear trend was found between sleep duration and breast cancer incidence (Pnon-linear= 0.012); compared with the reference hours (6 h or 7 h), with increasing sleep hours, the risk of breast cancer increased (Ptrend= 0.028). Moreover, a nonlinear relationship was found between sleep duration and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (Pnon-linear= 0.013); the risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer increased with increasing sleep hours compared to the reference hours (Ptrend= 0.024). However, no nonlinear relationship was found between sleep duration and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer; the risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer was 1.035 for every additional sleep hour. Compared to women with the reference number of sleep hours, women with a longer sleep duration might have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer, especially estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
UV Dose Governs UV-Polymerized Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Modulus
Authors: Sheth Saahil , Jain Era , Karadaghy Amin , Syed Sana , Stevenson Hunter , Zustiak Silviya P.
Published: October 2017

Polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels have become a widely used tool whose easily tunable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, thermostability, and chemical inertness make them invaluable in many biological applications, such as cell mechanosensitivity studies. Currently, preparation of PAA gels involves mixtures of acrylamide, bisacrylamide, a source of free radicals, and a chemical stabilizer. This method, while generally well accepted, has its drawbacks: long polymerization times, unstable and toxic reagents, and tedious preparation. Alternatively, PAA gels could be made by free radical polymerization (FRP) using ultraviolet (UV) photopolymerization, a method which is quicker, less tedious, and less toxic. Here, we describe a simple strategy based on total UV energy for determining the optimal UV crosslinking conditions that lead to optimal hydrogel modulus.
Out-of-Hospital Administration of Medication without Prescription and Associated Factors among Preschool Children
Authors: Andritsou Fotini , Benetou Vassiliki , Michail Koralia A. , Pantazis Nikolaos , Pavlopoulou Ioanna D.
Published: October 2017

The increasing trend of administering nonprescribed medicines in children is a significant public health issue. The aim of the present study was to assess the use of medication without a prescription (MWP), including both nonprescribed medication (NPM) and prescription-only medication (POM), and identify associated factors, among preschoolers in Athens, Greece. A predesigned questionnaire was distributed to parents from May through June 2011. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis models were used to assess associations of interest. Results showed that 95.1% of parents reported administering at least one MWP, during the previous 12 months. Antipyretics (91%) were the most commonly NPM and bronchodilators (24.8%) and antibiotics (16.4%) the most common POM dispensed. Child’s increased age group, lack of parental information, higher paternal education, and mother’s foreign nationality were associated with increased antipyretic use (p<0.05), while father’s foreign nationality and parental age were positive predictors of antibiotic administration (p<0.05). The likelihood of consuming antipyretics and antibiotics significantly increased when information was provided by a pharmacist (p=0.017andp=0.054, resp.). Conclusively, most parents have administered at least one MWP, including antibiotics, to address symptoms of common childhood diseases, highlighting the need of information campaigns concerning the consequences of their improper use.
Phylogenetic Group of Escherichia coli Isolates from Broilers in Brazilian Poultry Slaughterhouse
Authors: Coura Fernanda M. , Diniz Soraia A. , Silva Marcos X. , Arcebismo Thiago L. M. , Minharro Silvia , Feitosa Adriana C. F. , Lage Andrey P. , Knöbl Terezinha , Mussi Jamili Maria Suhet , Heinemann Marcos B.
Published: October 2017

The aim of the study was to determine the phylogenetic groups of E. coli strains isolated from seemingly healthy broiler and broiler condemned suspected of colibacillosis in a Brazilian slaughterhouse. Samples from respiratory tract and edible giblets (liver and heart) of broilers with and without macroscopic lesions of colibacillosis were collected at slaughter. There were 84 strains isolated from broilers condemned of which 11 were obtained from swabs of the heart, 7 from the liver, and 66 from the respiratory tract. Of the 53 E. coli strains isolated from broilers not condemned, 5 were isolated from the heart, 4 from the liver, and 44 from the respiratory tract. E coli strains were tested via PCR for phylogenetic groups A, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F. Phylogroups A and B1 were the most common phylogroups of E. coli obtained from healthy and sick-appearing broiler carcasses. The results of the study showed that phylogroups B2 and E were associated with the heart samples and phylogroup A was associated with respiratory tract samples, phylogroup B1 with not condemned carcass, and phylogroup D with liver samples.
Nonuniform Internal Structure of Fibrin Fibers: Protein Density and Bond Density Strongly Decrease with Increasing Diameter
Authors: Li Wei , Sigley Justin , Baker Stephen R. , Helms Christine C. , Kinney Mary T. , Pieters Marlien , Brubaker Peter H. , Cubcciotti Roger , Guthold Martin
Published: October 2017

The major structural component of a blood clot is a meshwork of fibrin fibers. It has long been thought that the internal structure of fibrin fibers is homogeneous; that is, the protein density and the bond density between protofibrils are uniform and do not depend on fiber diameter. We performed experiments to investigate the internal structure of fibrin fibers. We formed fibrin fibers with fluorescently labeled fibrinogen and determined the light intensity of a fiber,I, as a function of fiber diameter,D. The intensity and, thus, the total number of fibrin molecules in a cross-section scaled asD1.4. This means that the protein density (fibrin per cross-sectional area),ρp, is not homogeneous but instead strongly decreases with fiber diameter asD-0.6. Thinner fibers are denser than thicker fibers. We also determined Young’s modulus,Y, as a function of fiber diameter.Ydecreased strongly with increasingD;Yscaled asD-1.5. This implies that the bond density,ρb, also scales asD-1.5. Thinner fibers are stiffer than thicker fibers. Our data suggest that fibrin fibers have a dense, well-connected core and a sparse, loosely connected periphery. In contrast, electrospun fibrinogen fibers, used as a control, have a homogeneous cross-section.
An Efficient and Packing-Resilient Two-Phase Android Cloned Application Detection Approach
Authors: Lyu Fang , Lin Yaping , Yang Junfeng
Published: October 2017

The huge benefit of mobile application industry has attracted a large number of developers and attendant attackers. Application repackaging provides help for the distribution of most Android malware. It is a serious threat to the entire Android ecosystem, as it not only compromises the security and privacy of the app users but also plunders app developers’ income. Although massive approaches have been proposed to address this issue, plagiarists try to fight back through packing their malicious code with the help of commercial packers. Previous works either do not consider the packing issue or rely on time-consuming computations, which are not scalable for large-scale real-world scenario. In this paper, we propose FUIDroid, a novel two-phase app clones detection system that can detect the packed cloned app. FUIDroid includes a function-based fast selection phase to quickly select suspicious apps by analyzing apps’ description and a further UI-based accurate detection phase to refine the detection result. We evaluate our system on two sets of apps. The result from experiment on 320 packed samples demonstrates that FUIDroid is resilient to packed apps. The evaluation on more than 150,000 real-world apps shows the efficiency of FUIDroid in large-scale scenario.
Using Odd-Alkanes as a Carbon Source to Increase the Content of Nutritionally Important Fatty Acids inCandida krusei, Trichosporon cutaneum,andYarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Matatkova Olga , Gharwalova Lucia , Zimola Michal , Rezanka Tomas , Masak Jan , Kolouchova Irena
Published: October 2017

We investigated the possibility of utilizing unusual carbon sources by three yeast strains:Candida kruseiDBM 2136,Trichosporon cutaneumCCY 30-5-10, andYarrowia lipolyticaCCY 30-26-36. These strains are characterized by high biomass yield, ability to accumulate high amounts of lipids, and their potential as producers of dietetically important fatty acids. The aim of this work was the production of nutritionally important fatty acids by utilization of n-alkanes with an odd number of carbon atoms, alone and in combination with glucose and subsequent analysis of microbial lipids accumulation and fatty acid profile. All three yeast strains were able to grow and produce high amounts of the fatty acids of interest.Yarrowia lipolyticawas found as the most suitable strain for the growth on n-alkanes (n-pentadecane and n-heptadecane) as the only source of carbon. The addition of biosurfactants rhamnolipids into the cultivation increased the ratio of heptadecenoic acid (up to 17.9% of total FAs inY. lipolytica CCY 30-26-36, 14.9% inT. cutaneum CCY 30-5-10,and 17.5% inC. krusei DBM 2136) and the total biomass yield. The results show that, by manipulation of the initial cultivation conditions, the ratio of important fatty acids may be increased.
Bending Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Composites Retainers Bonded with Spot-Composite Coverage
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Gandini Paola , Tessera Paola , Vallittu Pekka K. , Lassila Lippo , Scribante Andrea
Published: October 2017

Orthodontic and periodontal splints are prepared with round or flat metallic wires. As these devices cannot be used in patients with allergy to metals or with aesthetic demands, fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) retainers have been introduced. Stiffness of FRC materials could reduce physiologic tooth movement. In order to lower rigidity of conventional FRC retainers, a modified construction technique that provided a partial (spot) composite coverage of the fiber has been tested and compared with metallic splints and full-bonded FRCs. Flat (Bond-a-Braid, Reliance Orthodontic Products) and round (Penta-one 0155, Masel Orthodontics) stainless steel splints, conventional FRC splints, and experimental spot-bonded FRC retainers (Everstick Ortho, StickTech) were investigated. The strength to bend the retainers at 0.1 mm deflection and at maximum load was measured with a modified Frasaco model. No significant differences were reported among load values of stainless steel wires and experimental spot-bonded FRC retainers at 0.1 mm deflection. Higher strength values were recoded for conventional full-bonded FRCs. At maximum load no significant differences were reported between metallic splints (flat and round) and experimental spot-bonded FRCs, and no significant differences were reported between spot- and full-bonded FRC splints. These results encourage further tests in order to evaluate clinical applications of experimental spot-bonded FRC retainers.
Is Health Education at University Associated with Students’ Health Literacy? Evidence from Cross-Sectional Study Applying HLS-EU-Q
Authors: Sukys Saulius , Cesnaitiene Vida Janina , Ossowsky Zbigniew Marcin
Published: October 2017

Background. Despite the large number of studies assessing health literacy, little research has been conducted with young adults. Since health literacy is related to the setting in which health information is provided, our study aim was to measure health literacy competencies in a sample of university students and to evaluate the relationships between these competencies and their university health education. Methods. A total of 912 university students (aged 18–24 years) completed the 47-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47). Results. Perceived difficulties with health information were related to gender, with male students reporting significantly lower health literacy scores. Studying more health education-related subjects was associated with a higher health literacy competency, due to these students’ higher rates of accessing and understanding health information in the health promotion domain. Conclusion. Health literacy among young adult university students is insufficient. The subjects they study are related to their university health education; in particular, the number of health-related subjects they study is positively related to students’ health promotion domain-based competencies.
Treatment Gaps Found in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at a Community Health Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Pinchevsky Yacob , Butkow Neil , Chirwa Tobias , Raal Frederick
Published: October 2017

Aims. The management of cardiometabolic goals or “ABCs” (HbA1c, blood pressure (BP), and cholesterol) ultimately determines the morbidity and mortality outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We sought to determine if patients with T2DM attending an urbanized public sector community health centre (CHC) were having their ABCs measured, were treated with appropriate cardioprotective agents and finally, were achieving guideline-based targets. Methods and Results. A cross-sectional record review of 519 patients was conducted between May and August 2015. The mean age was 54 years (SD: ±11.5) and 54% (n=280) were females. Testing of ABCs occurred in 68.8% (n=357) for HbA1c, 95.4% (n=495) for BP, and 58.6% (n=304) for LDL-C. Achievement of ABC targets was as follows: 19.3% (HbA1c < 7%), 22.0% (BP < 140/80 mmHg), and 56.3% (LDL-C < 2.5 mmol/l). Conclusion. There were a significant number of patients who were not tested nor received adequate pharmacotherapy or achieved their ABC targets. This places these patients at an increased risk for the development of diabetes-related complications. Although the realities of resource constraints exist in South Africa’s public sector settings, a wider implementation of evidence-based guidelines must be instituted in order to ensure better patient outcomes.
Deep Learning for Person Reidentification Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Xu Mengyu , Tang Zhenmin , Yao Yazhou , Yao Lingxiang , Liu Huafeng , Xu Jingsong
Published: October 2017

Due to the variations of viewpoint, pose, and illumination, a given individual may appear considerably different across different camera views. Tracking individuals across camera networks with no overlapping fields is still a challenging problem. Previous works mainly focus on feature representation and metric learning individually which tend to have a suboptimal solution. To address this issue, in this work, we propose a novel framework to do the feature representation learning and metric learning jointly. Different from previous works, we represent the pairs of pedestrian images as new resized input and use linear Support Vector Machine to replace softmax activation function for similarity learning. Particularly, dropout and data augmentation techniques are also employed in this model to prevent the network from overfitting. Extensive experiments on two publically available datasets VIPeR and CUHK01 demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
A Collaborative Model for Accelerating the Discovery and Translation of Cancer Therapies
Authors: Maertens Ophélia , McCurrach Mila E. , Braun Benjamin S. , De Raedt Thomas , Epstein Inbal , Huang Tannie Q. , Lauchle Jennifer O. , Lee Hyerim , Wu Jianqiang , Cripe Timothy P. , Clapp D. Wade , Ratner Nancy , Shannon Kevin , Cichowski Karen
Published: October 2017

Preclinical studies using genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) have the potential to expedite the development of effective new therapies; however, they are not routinely integrated into drug development pipelines. GEMMs may be particularly valuable for investigating treatments for less common cancers, which frequently lack alternative faithful models. Here, we describe a multicenter cooperative group that has successfully leveraged the expertise and resources from philanthropic foundations, academia, and industry to advance therapeutic discovery and translation using GEMMs as a preclinical platform. This effort, known as the Neurofibromatosis Preclinical Consortium (NFPC), was established to accelerate new treatments for tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). At its inception, there were no effective treatments for NF1 and few promising approaches on the horizon. Since 2008, participating laboratories have conducted 95 preclinical trials of 38 drugs or combinations through collaborations with 18 pharmaceutical companies. Importantly, these studies have identified 13 therapeutic targets, which have inspired 16 clinical trials. This review outlines the opportunities and challenges of building this type of consortium and highlights how it can accelerate clinical translation. We believe that this strategy of foundation–academic–industry partnering is generally applicable to many diseases and has the potential to markedly improve the success of therapeutic development. Cancer Res; 77(21); 5706–11. ©2017 AACR.
MALT1 Inhibition Is Efficacious in Both Naïve and Ibrutinib-Resistant Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Saba Nakhle S. , Wong Deanna H. , Tanios Georges , Iyer Jessica R. , Lobelle-Rich Patricia , Dadashian Eman L. , Liu Delong , Fontan Lorena , Flemington Erik K. , Nichols Cydney M. , Underbayev Chingiz , Safah Hana , Melnick Ari , Wiestner Adrian , Herman Sarah E. M.
Published: October 2017

The clinical efficacy displayed by ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been challenged by the frequent emergence of resistant clones. The ibrutinib target, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), is essential for B-cell receptor signaling, and most resistant cases carry mutations in BTK or PLCG2, a downstream effector target of BTK. Recent findings show that MI-2, a small molecule inhibitor of the para-caspase MALT1, is effective in preclinical models of another type of BCR pathway–dependent lymphoma. We therefore studied the activity of MI-2 against CLL and ibrutinib-resistant CLL. Treatment of CLL cells in vitro with MI-2 inhibited MALT1 proteolytic activity reduced BCR and NF-κB signaling, inhibited nuclear translocation of RelB and p50, and decreased Bcl-xL levels. MI-2 selectively induced dose and time-dependent apoptosis in CLL cells, sparing normal B lymphocytes. Furthermore, MI-2 abrogated survival signals provided by stromal cells and BCR cross-linking and was effective against CLL cells harboring features associated with poor outcomes, including 17p deletion and unmutated IGHV. Notably, MI-2 was effective against CLL cells collected from patients harboring mutations conferring resistance to ibrutinib. Overall, our findings provide a preclinical rationale for the clinical development of MALT1 inhibitors in CLL, in particular for ibrutinib-resistant forms of this disease. Cancer Res; 77(24); 7038–48. ©2017 AACR.
Personalized siRNA-Nanoparticle Systemic Therapy using Metastatic Lymph Node Specimens Obtained with EBUS-TBNA in Lung Cancer
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Lee Daiyoon , Huang Huang , Cruz William , Ujiie Hideki , Fujino Kosuke , Wada Hironobu , Patel Priya , Hu Hsin-pei , Hirohashi Kentaro , Nakajima Takahiro , Sato Masaaki , Kaji Mitsuhito , Kaga Kichizo , Matsui Yoshiro , Chen Juan , Zheng Gang , Yasufuku Kazuhiro
Published: October 2017

Inhibiting specific gene expression with siRNA provides a new therapeutic strategy to tackle many diseases at the molecular level. Recent strategies called high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-mimicking peptide-phospholipid nanoscaffold (HPPS) nanoparticles have been used to induce siRNAs-targeted delivery to scavenger receptor class B type I receptor (SCARB1)-expressing cancer cells with high efficiency. Here, eight ideal therapeutic target genes were identified for advanced lung cancer throughout the screenings using endobronchial ultrasonography–guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and the establishment of a personalized siRNA-nanoparticle therapy. The relevance of these genes was evaluated by means of siRNA experiments in cancer cell growth. To establish a therapeutic model, kinesin family member-11 (KIF11) was selected as a target gene. A total of 356 lung cancers were analyzed immunohistochemically for its clinicopathologic significance. The antitumor effect of HPPS-conjugated siRNA was evaluated in vivo using xenograft tumor models. Inhibition of gene expression for these targets effectively suppressed lung cancer cell growth. SCARB1 was highly expressed in a subset of tumors from the lung large-cell carcinoma (LCC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. High-level KIF11 expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor in LCC and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) patients. Finally, a conjugate of siRNA against KIF11 and HPPS nanoparticles induced downregulation of KIF11 expression and mediated dramatic inhibition of tumor growth in vivo.

Implications: This approach showed delivering personalized cancer-specific siRNAs via the appropriate nanocarrier may be a novel therapeutic option for patients with advanced lung cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 16(1); 47–57. ©2017 AACR.
Surgical Therapy of Sporadic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasias G1/G2
Authors: Fendrich Volker , Bartsch Detlef K.
Published: October 2017

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasias (pNENs) are uncommon but fascinating tumors with an annual incidence of 1 per 100,000 people. pNENs present either as functional tumors, causing specific hormonal syndromes like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) or organic hyperinsulinism, or as non-functional pancreatic tumors (NF-pNENs). The natural history of pNENs is highly variable. 90% of all insulinomas or small NF- pNENs are readily curable by surgical resection. Most other functional and late detected NF-pNENs have a less favorable chance for cure. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify the current state of the art with regard to the key issues of surgery in pNEN G1/G2. Results: This article provides a comprehensive review of the current literature addressing the current challenges in pNEN surgery. Conclusion: Patients with completely resected tumors generally have a good prognosis, and an aggressive surgical approach combined with conservative treatment options in patients with advanced disease rarely provides cure but often results in long-term survival.
Evolution of Sound Source Localization Circuits in the Nonmammalian Vertebrate Brainstem
Authors: Walton Peggy L. , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jakob , Carr Catherine E.
Published: October 2017

The earliest vertebrate ears likely subserved a gravistatic function for orientation in the aquatic environment. However, in addition to detecting acceleration created by the animal's own movements, the otolithic end organs that detect linear acceleration would have responded to particle movement created by external sources. The potential to identify and localize these external sources may have been a major selection force in the evolution of the early vertebrate ear and in the processing of sound in the central nervous system. The intrinsic physiological polarization of sensory hair cells on the otolith organs confers sensitivity to the direction of stimulation, including the direction of particle motion at auditory frequencies. In extant fishes, afferents from otolithic end organs encode the axis of particle motion, which is conveyed to the dorsal regions of first-order octaval nuclei. This directional information is further enhanced by bilateral computations in the medulla and the auditory midbrain. We propose that similar direction-sensitive neurons were present in the early aquatic tetrapods and that selection for sound localization in air acted upon preexisting brain stem circuits like those in fishes. With movement onto land, the early tetrapods may have retained some sensitivity to particle motion, transduced by bone conduction, and later acquired new auditory papillae and tympanic hearing. Tympanic hearing arose in parallel within each of the major tetrapod lineages and would have led to increased sensitivity to a broader frequency range and to modification of the preexisting circuitry for sound source localization.
Desenvolvimento de Ferramenta Online Para o Direito à Saúde: A Rede Ibero-Americana de Direito Sanitário
Authors: Delduque Maria Célia , Alves Sandra Mara C. , Jesus Marcelo S.
Published: October 2017

O artigo versa a instalação e funcionamento da rede sociotécnica denominada Rede Ibero-Americana de Direito Sanitário no ciberespaço que constitui uma instância académica destinada a estudos e pesquisas na área do direito à saúde, composta por universidades e institutos de ensino e pesquisa dos países das Américas e da Região Ibérica. O estudo apresenta as bases teórica e metodológica em que se baseia a estrutura da rede de cooperação técnica e científica utilizando o método de estudo de caso. O estudo aponta para uma profícua produção intelectual no tema do direito à saúde, especialmente concentrada em sub-redes no âmbito de uma network de maior abrangência. Conclui que com as distâncias físicas em escala continental, a utilização desta rede alargada como opção de trabalho em grupo tem sido reconhecida em termos da sua eficiência e eficácia.
Impacto dos Problemas Orais na Qualidade de Vida de Dependentes Químicos em Recuperação num Centro de Tratamento
Authors: Monteiro de Barros Miotto Maria Helena , Soares Alves Nathalie , Vieira Calmon Marcela , Awad Barcellos Ludmilla
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: Determinar o impacto produzido por problemas orais na qualidade de vida em dependentes químicos. Método: Estudo transversal realizado com uma amostra de 80 indivíduos. Foram utilizados questionários na forma de entrevista incluindo o indicador subjetivo Oral Health Impact Profile 14. Resultados: A prevalência do impacto foi de 81,3% e associada ao género e classe social. A variável género foi estatisticamente significativa: desconforto psico­lógico; incapacidade psicológica; incapacidade social; deficiência. Classe social nas dimensões: desconforto psicológico; incapacidade física; incapacidade psicológica. Conclusão: Necessária inserção da Odontologia nos projetos de promoção e de recuperação da saúde melhorando a qualidade de vida.
Incapacidade Funcional e Ambiente Suburbano: Proposta de Tipologia para uma Relação Difícil
Authors: Gonçalves Jorge Manuel , Castilho Gomes Marta , Carvalho Luís , Ezequiel Sofia
Published: October 2017

Introdução: Pretendeu-se conhecer a desigual distribuição dos indivíduos que apresentam incapacidades funcionais ligadas à audição, à visão e ao andar no espaço suburbano de Lisboa. Métodos: A articulação entre variáveis e unidades territoriais resultou numa tipologia que ajuda a diferenciar estes territórios e, finalmente, permitiu a criação de uma cartografia suburbana que relaciona, nas áreas mais problemáticas, episódios de incapacidade funcional e urbanismo. Resultados: Das 40 variáveis recolhidas verificou-se que com apenas oito foi possível descrever a realidade das 26 freguesias que apresentam uma taxa de risco bastante acima da média na concentração de pessoas com dificuldades funcionais. Estas freguesias estão assimetricamente distribuídas: 10 no norte e 16 no sul da Área Metropolitana. A aplicação da análise de clusters permitiu diferenciar estas freguesias em quatro tipos distintos: polarizador e envelhecido; desqualificado e residencial; antigo e rural; pouco acessível e diverso. Conclusão: Considera-se que os resultados obtidos a partir da investigação desenvolvida contribuem para o reforço do conhecimento do efeito acelerador ou inibidor do urbanismo na integração de populações com incapacidades funcionais e para a formulação de políticas urbanas mais adequadas, eficazes mas também diferenciadas, visando a inclusão sociourbana destes indivíduos.
Influence of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Anxiety on the Quality of Life of Patients with Parkinson Disease
Authors: Wiesli Daniel , Meyer Antonia , Fuhr Peter , Gschwandtner Ute
Published: October 2017

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are common in Parkinson disease (PD) and have a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life (QoL). We aim to describe the effect of NPS and MCI on each other and on QoL. Methods: Sixteen MCI and 37 non-MCI PD patients completed different self-assessment questionnaires including the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the Beck Depression Inventory (BD), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Self-Report Manic Inventory (SRMI). Linear regression with stepwise elimination was used to select the significant predictors of QoL and to control for confounding factors. Results: The significant linear regression model (R2 = 0.68, p ≤ 0.01) revealed significant effects of MCI (p = 0.03), BDI (p ≤ 0.01), BAI (p ≤ 0.01), age (p = 0.03), a trend of SRMI (p = 0.06), and disease duration (p = 0.08) on QoL. Conclusions: MCI, anxiety, depression, and age decrease QoL in patients with PD. NPS has the main influence in the prediction of QoL in patients with PD, whereas MCI is only of minor importance.
Platelet Count before Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization Is Associated with the Need for Plerixafor But Not with the Collection Result
Authors: Baertsch Marc-Andrea , Kriegsmann Katharina , Pavel Petra , Bruckner Thomas , Hundemer Michael , Kriegsmann Mark , Ho Anthony D. , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Wuchter Patrick
Published: October 2017

Background: A low platelet count before mobilization has recurrently been identified as risk factor for poor mobilization. Methods: To determine the relevance of this finding for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization, including pre-emptive or rescue plerixafor in the case of poor mobilization, we retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing PBSC collection at our institution between January 2014 and December 2015 (n = 380). Results: In total, 99% of the patients (377/380) successfully collected a minimum of 2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg body weight sufficient for a single transplant. Rescue or pre-emptive plerixafor was administered to 11% of the patients (42/380). No correlations between the platelet count before mobilization and the number of peripheral blood CD34+ cells or the CD34+ cell collection result were detected in the entire population or the subgroups according to diagnosis (newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, relapsed multiple myeloma, lymphoma, amyloid light-chain amyloidosis, sarcoma, or germ cell tumor). However, patients requiring pre-emptive or rescue plerixafor had a significantly lower platelet count before mobilization (217/nl vs. 245/nl; p = 0.004). Conclusion: With the current state of the art PBSC mobilization strategies, the platelet count before mobilization was not associated with the CD34+ cell collection result but was associated with the need for pre-emptive or rescue application of plerixafor.
Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST): A Novel Epidemiological Instrument
Authors: Leal Soraya Coelho , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dias , Frencken Jo E.
Published: October 2017

Caries detection is fundamental to understanding the oral health status of a population and is the basis for caries diagnosis for individual patients. Although different caries detection/diagnosis criteria are available, none of them include the total spectrum of dental caries (which ranges from a sound tooth to a tooth lost due to caries) other than the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) instrument. The CAST codes and descriptions were submitted to experienced epidemiologists from across the world for obtaining face and content validity. Its construct validity and reproducibility under field conditions were tested in child and adult populations, and showed a high level of agreement between examiners. Compared to what is usually reported in the literature, CAST provides more relevant information on caries prevalence, experience, and severity. CAST is straightforward and easy to use. A manual with valuable information about how to apply CAST and report its results has been published in order to facilitate communication among researchers, oral health planners, and medical professionals. Feedback from researchers indicates that CAST is considered an asset and that reporting results after using CAST is uncomplicated. More research about the effects of CAST in different cultures and age groups is required.
Factors Influencing the Competition between Streptococcus oligofermentans and Streptococcus mutans in Dual-Species Biofilms
Authors: Bao Xudong , Yang Jingmei , de Soet J.J. , Liu Hongyan , Gao Xuejun , van Loveren Cor , Deng Dongmei
Published: October 2017

Previous studies have shown that Streptococcus oligofermentans inhibits the growth of cariogenic Streptococcus mutans in biofilms in vitro and is considered a probiotic candidate for caries prevention. This study aimed to examine the effects of various environmental factors on the competition between S. oligofermentans and S. mutans in a dual-species biofilm model. Single or dual S. oligofermentans and S. mutans biofilms were grown in a 96-well active attachment model for 48 h. Several growth conditions were examined in the model, namely: S. oligofermentans was inoculated 24 h before S. mutans or vice versa; the growth medium was supplemented with 0.2% sucrose or 0.4% glucose; biofilms were grown under a constantly neutral pH or pH-cycling condition, which included 8 h of neutral pH and 16 h of pH 5.5. The 48-h biofilms were examined for viable cell counts and lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide production ability. When S. oligofermentans was inoculated first, it clearly inhibited the growth of S. mutans and reduced the biofilm lactic acid production by up to 8-fold through hydrogen peroxide production, independently of sugar supply and pH conditions. When S. mutans was inoculated first, the level of inhibition by S. oligofermentans varied depending on the sugar supply and pH conditions. Thus, the inhibition efficacy of S. oligofermentans against S. mutans in dual-species biofilms is influenced by environmental factors. This study provides practical information on how to maximize the efficacy of S. oligofermentans.
Innate Immunity Protein Tag7 Induces 3 Distinct Populations of Cytotoxic Cells That Use Different Mechanisms to Exhibit Their Antitumor Activity on Human Leukocyte Antigen-Deficient Cancer Cells
Authors: Sharapova Tatiana N. , Ivanova Olga K. , Soshnikova Natalia V. , Romanova Elena A. , Sashchenko Lidia P. , Yashin Denis V.
Published: October 2017

The search for new immune response mechanisms capable of controlling immune-evasive tumor cells devoid of the MHC antigen is a challenging task for immunologists. In this study, we found that the treatment of human peripheral blood lymphocytes with the innate immunity protein Tag7 (PGRP-S, PGLYRP1) induces differentiation of the populations of NK (natural killer) cells and CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes that are cytotoxic for human leukocyte antigen-negative tumor cells. These populations employ different mechanisms of tumor cell lysis (based on the release of granzymes in the case of NK cells and on the FasL-Fas interaction in the case of CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes) and induce different death pathways (apoptosis or necroptosis) in tumor cells. An analysis of genes activated in leukocyte populations after Tag7 treatment and experiments with specific inhibitors have shown that the TREM-1 receptor expressed on the monocyte cell surface is essential for activation of cytotoxic activity. Overall, the results of this study provide evidence for a novel role of the Tag7 protein in the immune response.
Recent Advances in Decellularization and Recellularization for Tissue-Engineered Liver Grafts
Authors: Wang Yujia , Nicolas Clara T. , Chen Harvey S. , Ross Jeffery J. , De Lorenzo Silvana B. , Nyberg Scott L.
Published: October 2017

Liver transplantation from deceased or living human donors remains the only proven option for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, the shortage of donor organs is a significant clinical concern that has led to the pursuit of tissue-engineered liver grafts generated from decellularized liver extracellular matrix and functional cells. Investigative efforts on optimizing both liver decellularization and recellularization protocols have been made in recent decades. In the current review, we briefly summarize these advances, including the generation of high-quality liver extracellular matrix scaffolds, evaluation criteria for quality control, modification of matrix for enhanced properties, and reseeding strategies. These efforts to optimize the methods of decellularization and recellularization lay the groundwork towards generating a transplantable, human-sized liver graft for the treatment of patients with severe liver disease.
Association of Anthropogenic Disturbances and Intestinal Parasitism in Ecuadorian Mantled Howler Monkeys, Alouatta palliata aequatorialis
Authors: Helenbrook William D. , Stehman Stephen V. , Shields William M. , Whipps Christopher M.
Published: October 2017

Forest disturbance and human encroachment have the potential to influence intestinal parasite communities in animal hosts by modifying nutritional health, physiological stress, host densities, contact rates, and ranging patterns. Anthropogenic disturbances also have the ability to affect the ecological landscape of parasitic disease, potentially impacting the health of both wildlife and people. Our research investigated the association of forest disturbance and human encroachment on intestinal parasite communities in mantled howler monkeys, Alouatta palliata aequatorialis. We found that individual parasite species prevalence was associated with group size and forest disturbance. Proximity to people was not a direct factor influencing intestinal parasitism; rather, several human proximity indices were related to group size, which was in turn related to overall species richness and the presence of specific parasite species. These results, coupled with previous findings, suggest that anthropogenic disturbances are likely influencing intestinal parasite communities. Though no single study has definitively explained all relationships between anthropogenic disturbances and intestinal parasitism, we propose that our models are appropriate for meta-analysis testing across other species and environments.
Cognitive Function and Prognosis of Multimodal Neuroimage-Guided Thrombectomy on Mild to Moderate Anterior Circulation Infarction Patients with Broadened Therapeutic Window: A Prospective Study
Authors: Xu Guodong , Dong Xiaoli , Niu Xiaoli , Zheng Guimin , Wang Hebo , Zhang Fan , Li Litao , Lv Peiyuan
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives: Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy is an important approach for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment. Multimodal neuroimaging methods ideally provide the exact localization, extent, and metabolic activity of target tissues. Post-stroke cognitive impairment has recently been realized to be another major concern except for neurological function impairment. The aim of our study was to carry out a prospective study to compare neurological and cognitive functions after thrombectomy in mild to moderate anterior circulation infarction patients selected by multimodal neuroimaging. Methods: Ninety patients were recruited from January 2016 to March 2017 consecutively. Neurological function was assessed by NIHSS before thrombectomy, and 6 h, 24 h, 7 days, 90 days after mechanical thrombectomy. Cognitive functions were evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Hachinski Ischemic Scale. Results: Patients who received mechanical thrombectomy had significantly better neurological functions at 6 h (p < 0.001), 24 h (p < 0.001), 7 days (p < 0.001), and 90 days (p < 0.001), as well as cognitive functions evaluated by MoCA (26.23 ± 3.85 vs. 24.62 ± 2.25, p = 0.022, n = 85) and MMSE (26.65 ± 2.77 vs. 25.10 ± 2.36, p = 0.023, n = 85) compared to the standard therapy group. Conclusions: The current prospective study demonstrated that mechanical thrombectomy can significantly improve neurological and cognitive functions in patients with mild to moderate AIS at broadened therapeutic window under multimodal CT and multimodal MRI imaging.
A Novel Method to Induce Cartilage Regeneration with Cubic Microcartilage
Authors: Nishiwaki Hitoshi , Fujita Mitsugu , Yamauchi Makoto , Isogai Noritaka , Tabata Yasuhiko , Kusuhara Hirohisa
Published: October 2017

Cartilage tissue is characterized by its poor regenerative properties, and the clinical performance of cartilage grafts to replace cartilage defects has been unsatisfactory. Recently, cartilage regeneration with mature chondrocytes and stem cells has been developed and applied in clinical settings. However, there are challenges with the use of mature chondrocytes and stem cells for tissue regeneration, including the high costs associated with the standard stem cell isolation methods and the decreased cell viability due to cell manipulation. Previous studies demonstrated that cartilage can be regenerated from chondrocyte clusters that contain stem cells. Based upon some of the existing techniques, the goal of this study was to develop a novel and practical method to induce cartilage regeneration. A microslicer device was developed to process cartilage tissues into micron-size cartilage (microcartilage) in a minimally invasive manner. We evaluated microcartilage sizes and demonstrated 100-400 µm as optimal for generating a high cell yield with collagenase digestion. In addition, autologous intrafascial implantation of the composites of microcartilage and an absorbable scaffold with a slow-release system of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was carried out to induce cartilage regeneration. Our results demonstrated that the extent of bFGF diffusion depends on the size of microcartilage, and that cartilage regeneration was induced most effectively with 100 µm of microcartilage via SOX5 upregulation. These findings suggest that cartilage regeneration is possible with microcartilage as a source of cells without ex vivo cell expansion.