bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cross-Disciplinary Successful Aging Intervention and Evaluation: Comparison of Person-to-Person and Digital-Assisted Approaches
Authors: Hsu Hui-Chuan , Kuo Tsuann , Lin Ju-Ping , Hsu Wei-Chung , Yu Chia-Wen , Chen Yen-Cheng , Xie Wan-Zhen , Hsu Wei-Chiang , Hsu Ya-Lan , Yu Mu-Ting
Published: May 2018

Background: Successful aging has been the paradigm of old-age life. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate a cross-disciplinary intervention program using two approaches for community-based older adults in Taichung, Taiwan. Methods: The content of the intervention included successful aging concepts and preparation, physical activity, chronic disease and health management, dietary and nutrition information, cognitive training, emotional awareness and coping skills, family relationship and resilience, legal concepts regarding financial protection, and Internet use. The traditional person-to-person (P2P) intervention approach was implemented among participants at urban centers, and the personal-and-digital (P&D) intervention approach was implemented among participants at rural centers; before the P&D group received the intervention, participants were assessed as the control group for comparison. Results: Healthy behavior and nutrition improved for the P2P group, although not significantly. Strategies for adapting to old age and reducing ineffective coping were significantly improved in the P2P group. The ability to search for health information improved in the P&D group, and knowledge of finance-related law increased in the P2P group. Conclusion: A continuous, well-designed and evidence-based intervention program is beneficial for improving the health of older adults, or at least delaying its decline.
Factors Affecting the Retention of Indigenous Australians in the Health Workforce: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lai Genevieve C. , Taylor Emma V. , Haigh Margaret M. , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: May 2018

Indigenous Australians are under-represented in the health workforce. The shortfall in the Indigenous health workforce compounds the health disparities experienced by Indigenous Australians and places pressure on Indigenous health professionals. This systematic review aims to identify enablers and barriers to the retention of Indigenous Australians within the health workforce and to describe strategies to assist with development and retention of Indigenous health professionals after qualification. Four electronic databases were systematically searched in August 2017. Supplementary searches of relevant websites were also undertaken. Articles were screened for inclusion using pre-defined criteria and assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool. Fifteen articles met the criteria for inclusion. Important factors affecting the retention of Indigenous health professionals included work environment, heavy workloads, poorly documented/understood roles and responsibilities, low salary and a perception of salary disparity, and the influence of community as both a strong personal motivator and source of stress when work/life boundaries could not be maintained. Evidence suggests that retention of Indigenous health professionals will be improved through building supportive and culturally safe workplaces; clearly documenting and communicating roles, scope of practice and responsibilities; and ensuring that employees are appropriately supported and remunerated. The absence of intervention studies highlights the need for deliberative interventions that rigorously evaluate all aspects of implementation of relevant workforce, health service policy, and practice change.
Arsenic and Other Elemental Concentrations in Mushrooms from Bangladesh: Health Risks
Authors: Rashid Md Harunur , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur , Correll Ray , Naidu Ravi
Published: May 2018

Mushroom cultivation has been increasing rapidly in Bangladesh. Arsenic (As) toxicity is widespread in the world and Bangladesh faces the greatest havoc due to this calamity. Rice is the staple food in Bangladesh and among all the crops grown, it is considered to be the main cause of As poisoning to its population after drinking water. Consequently, rice straw, an important growing medium of mushrooms in Bangladesh, is known to have high As content. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the concentrations of As in mushrooms cultivated in Bangladesh and to assess the health risk as well. It also considered other elements, including Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Zn concentrations in mushrooms from Bangladesh. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Zn in mushrooms were 0.51, 0.38, 0.28, 0.01, 13.7, 0.31, 11.7, 0.12, 0.28, and 53.5, respectively. Based on the dietary intake of mushrooms, the weekly intakes of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Zn from mushrooms for adults were 0.0042, 0.0030, 0.0024, 0.0001, 0.1125, 0.0019, 0.1116, 0.0011, 0.0023, and 0.4734 mg, respectively. Due to the low concentrations of As and other trace elements observed in mushrooms from Bangladesh, as well as relatively lower consumption of this food in people’s diet, it can be inferred that consumption of the species of mushrooms analysed will cause no toxicological risk.
In Hospital Stroke Mortality: Rates and Determinants in Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhazzani Adel A. , Mahfouz Ahmed A. , Abolyazid Ahmed Y. , Awadalla Nabil J. , Katramiz Khaled , Faraheen Aesha , Khalil Shamsun Nahar , Aftab Razia
Published: May 2018

Objectives: The present study analyzed in-hospital first-time stroke mortality in southwestern Saudi Arabia over one-year to assess the in-hospital stroke case fatality rate, mortality rate and explore the factors associated with in-hospital stroke mortality. Study Design: Hospital based follow-up study. Methods: First-time stroke patients admitted to all hospitals in Asser region over one-year period (January through December 2016) were included in the study. Data about personal characteristics, pre-stroke history and clinical criteria, on admission clinical criteria, in-hospital complications and survival status were collected. The last reported Aseer region population was used to calculate age and sex stroke mortality rate per 100,000 population/year. Hazard ratios (HR) and concomitant 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed using multivariate Cox regression survival analysis. Kaplan-Meier curve survival analysis for stroke patients were plotted. Results: A total of 121 in-hospital deaths out of 1249 first-time stroke patients giving an overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 9.7%. Non-significant difference with gender and age were observed in CFR. Overall, in-hospital stroke mortality rate was 5.58 per 100,000/year. Males and elders showed a significantly higher mortality rates. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed pre-stroke smoking (HR = 2.36), pre-stroke hypertension (HR = 1.77), post-stroke disturbed consciousness (HR = 6.86), poor mobility (HR = 2.60) and developing pulmonary embolism (HR = 2.63) as significant predictors of in-hospital stroke mortality. Conclusions: In Southwestern Saudi Arabia, the in-hospital stroke mortality rate is higher in men and increases with aging. The prognosis of acute stroke could be improved by smoking cessation, better control of hypertension and prevention of in hospital complication particularly pulmonary embolism.
Removal of Emerging Contaminants and Estrogenic Activity from Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent with UV/Chlorine and UV/H2O2 Advanced Oxidation Treatment at Pilot Scale
Authors: Rott Eduard , Kuch Bertram , Lange Claudia , Richter Philipp , Kugele Amélie , Minke Ralf
Published: May 2018

Effluent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was treated on-site with the UV/chlorine (UV/HOCl) advanced oxidation process (AOP) using a pilot plant equipped with a medium pressure UV lamp with an adjustable performance of up to 1 kW. Results obtained from parallel experiments with the same pilot plant, where the state of the art UV/H2O2 AOP was applied, were compared regarding the removal of emerging contaminants (EC) and the formation of adsorbable organohalogens (AOX). Furthermore, the total estrogenic activity was measured in samples treated with the UV/chlorine AOP. At an energy consumption of 0.4 kWh/m3 (0.4 kW, 1 m3/h) and in a range of oxidant concentrations from 1 to 6 mg/L, the UV/chlorine AOP had a significantly higher EC removal yield than the UV/H2O2 AOP. With free available chlorine concentrations (FAC) in the UV chamber influent of at least 5 mg/L (11 mg/L of dosed Cl2), the total estrogenic activity could be reduced by at least 97%. To achieve a certain concentration of FAC in the UV chamber influent, double to triple the amount of dosed Cl2 was needed, resulting in AOX concentrations of up to 520 µg/L.
Factors Associated with Immunization Opinion Leadership among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles, California
Authors: Holloway Ian W. , Bednarczyk Robert , Fenimore Vincent L. , Goldbeck Cameron , Wu Elizabeth , Himmelstein Rebecca , Tan Diane , Randall Laura , Lutz Chelsea S. , Frew Paula M.
Published: May 2018

We sought to identify the characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) who are opinion leaders on immunization issues and to identify potential opportunities to leverage their influence for vaccine promotion within MSM communities. Using venue-based sampling, we recruited and enrolled MSM living in Los Angeles (N = 520) from December 2016 to February 2017 and evaluated characteristic differences in sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and technology use among those classified as opinion leaders versus those who were not. We also asked respondents about their past receipt of meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY) and meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines, as well as their opinions on the importance of 13 additional vaccines. Multivariable results revealed that non-Hispanic black (aOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.17–5.95) and other race/ethnicity (aOR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.41–6.29) respondents, as well as those with a history of an STI other than HIV (aOR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.10–3.48), were more likely to be opinion leaders. MenACWY (aOR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.13–3.25) and MenB (aOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.77–5.41) vaccine uptake, and perceived importance for these and seven additional vaccines, were also associated with being an opinion leader. The results suggest that the co-promotion of vaccination and other health promotion initiatives via opinion leaders could be a useful strategy for increasing vaccination among MSM.
Topological Network Analysis Based on Dissimilarity Measure of Multivariate Time Series Evolution in the Subprime Crisis
Authors: Kazemilari Mansooreh , Mohamadi Ali
Published: May 2018

Correlation network based on similarity is the common approach in financial network analyses where the Minimal Spanning Tree (MST) is used to filter the important information contained in the network. In this paper, by considering a distance matrix based on dissimilarities among multivariate time series of currency, a topological network was analyzed. A topological network can explain to what extent two or more multi-dimensional currency structures are different from each other. For this purpose, we examined the topological network of currency market from 2005 to 2011 in terms of the subprime crisis. After that, the multivariate time series evolution of MSTs were analyzed in terms of the structural changes for three periods (before, during, and after the crisis). Moreover, since the clusters of currencies in network analysis are due to regional factors, by considering each region, which is composed of a number of currencies, as an element on the financial system, we attempted to determine how a region interacts with the other regions in crisis periods. This motivated us to introduce a region-based network analysis of currencies. Since each region consisted of a different number of currencies compared to the others, the appropriate network analysis was in multivariate setting. Finally, the applications of the method were presented with the situation of a currencies crisis behavior. The results indicate significant changes in the topological structures of MSTs when their properties are compared to each other.
Protective Effect of Artemisia argyi and Its Flavonoid Constituents against Contrast-Induced Cytotoxicity by Iodixanol in LLC-PK1 Cells
Authors: Lee Dahae , Kim Chang-Eop , Park Sa-Yoon , Kim Kem Ok , Hiep Nguyen Tuan , Lee Dongho , Jang Hyuk-Jai , Lee Jae Wook , Kang Ki Sung
Published: May 2018

Preventive effects and corresponding molecular mechanisms of mugwort (Artemisia argyi) extract and its flavonoid constituents on contrast-induced nephrotoxicity were explored in the present study. We treated cultured LLC-PK1 cells with iodixanol to induce contrast-induced nephrotoxicity, and found that A. argyi extracts ameliorated the reduction in cellular viability following iodixanol treatment. The anti-apoptotic effect of A. argyi extracts on contrast-induced nephrotoxicity was mediated by the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and the activation of caspases. The flavonoid compounds isolated from A. argyi improved the viability of iodixanol-treated cells against contrast-induced nephrotoxicity. Seven compounds (1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 18, and 19) from 19 flavonoids exerted a significant protective effect. Based on the in silico oral-bioavailability and drug-likeness assessment, which evaluate the drug potential of these compounds, compound 2 (artemetin) showed the highest oral bioavailability (49.55%) and drug-likeness (0.48) values. We further investigated the compound–target–disease network of compound 2, and proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) emerged as a predicted key marker for the treatment of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity. Consequently, compound 2 was the preferred candidate, and its protective effect was mediated by inhibiting the contrast-induced inflammatory response through activation of PPAR-γ and inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation and activation of caspases.
Towards Resolving the Pro- and Anti-Tumor Effects of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Authors: Narasimhan Supraja , Stanford Zulick Elizabeth , Novikov Olga , Parks Ashley J. , Schlezinger Jennifer J. , Wang Zhongyan , Laroche Fabrice , Feng Hui , Mulas Francesca , Monti Stefano , Sherr David H.
Published: May 2018

We have postulated that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) drives the later, more lethal stages of some cancers when chronically activated by endogenous ligands. However, other studies have suggested that, under some circumstances, the AHR can oppose tumor aggression. Resolving this apparent contradiction is critical to the design of AHR-targeted cancer therapeutics. Molecular (siRNA, shRNA, AHR repressor, CRISPR-Cas9) and pharmacological (AHR inhibitors) approaches were used to confirm the hypothesis that AHR inhibition reduces human cancer cell invasion (irregular colony growth in 3D Matrigel cultures and Boyden chambers), migration (scratch wound assay) and metastasis (human cancer cell xenografts in zebrafish). Furthermore, these assays were used for a head-to-head comparison between AHR antagonists and agonists. AHR inhibition or knockdown/knockout consistently reduced human ER−/PR−/Her2− and inflammatory breast cancer cell invasion, migration, and metastasis. This was associated with a decrease in invasion-associated genes (e.g., Fibronectin, VCAM1, Thrombospondin, MMP1) and an increase in CDH1/E-cadherin, previously associated with decreased tumor aggression. Paradoxically, AHR agonists (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and/or 3,3′-diindolylmethane) similarly inhibited irregular colony formation in Matrigel and blocked metastasis in vivo but accelerated migration. These data demonstrate the complexity of modulating AHR activity in cancer while suggesting that AHR inhibitors, and, under some circumstances, AHR agonists, may be useful as cancer therapeutics.
The Annexin A1 Receptor FPR2 Regulates the Endosomal Export of Influenza Virus
Authors: Rahman Fryad , Chebbo Mohammad , Courtin Noémie , Fotso Fotso Aurelien , Alessi Marie-Christine , Riteau Béatrice
Published: May 2018

The Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 (FPR2) is a novel promising target for the treatment of influenza. During viral infection, FPR2 is activated by annexinA1, which is present in the envelope of influenza viruses; this activation promotes virus replication. Here, we investigated whether blockage of FPR2 would affect the genome trafficking of influenza virus. We found that, upon infection and cell treatment with the specific FPR2 antagonist WRW4 or the anti-FPR2 monoclonal antibody, FN-1D6-AI, influenza viruses were blocked into endosomes. This effect was independent on the strain and was observed for H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. In addition, blocking FPR2signaling in alveolar lung A549 epithelial cells with the monoclonal anti-FPR2 antibody significantly inhibited virus replication. Altogether, these results show that FPR2signaling interferes with the endosomal trafficking of influenza viruses and provides, for the first time, the proof of concept that monoclonal antibodies directed against FPR2 inhibit virus replication. Antibodies-based therapeutics have emerged as attractive reagents in infectious diseases. Thus, this study suggests that the use of anti-FPR2 antibodies against influenza hold great promise for the future.
Functional Analysis of the Promoter Region of Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) β-actin Gene: A Useful Tool for Gene Research in Marine Fish
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Huizhen , Gao Chen , Liu Yuxiang , Jin Chaofan , Sun Minmin , Zhang Quanqi , Qi Jie
Published: May 2018

A newly isolated Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) β-actin promoter and its derivative compact construct Poβ-actinΔ−1080/−801Δ−500/−201 have recently been demonstrated to promote ectopic gene expression in cell lines. Different Poβ-actin promoter deletion mutants were constructed and functionally characterized. Mutational analyses by dual-luciferase detected that three regulatory elements, including one enhancer (−1399/−1081) and two silencers (−1080/−801, −500/−201) in the first intron. The sequence located at −1399/−1081 was determined to significantly affect promoter activity. Additionally, the first exon (−1489/−1400) could also remarkably promote the β-actin promoter activity. In the following transduction application, we removed the two silencers and generated a compact reconstruct promoter/enhancer (Poβ-actinΔ−1080/−801Δ−500/−201), which exhibited relatively stronger promoter activity compared with Poβ-actin. Furthermore, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic stable flounder cell line was obtained by the reconstructed Poβ-actinΔ−1080/−801Δ−500/−201 promoter. Our study provided the potential application of Japanese flounder β-actin, particularly Poβ-actinΔ−1080/−801Δ−500/−201, in ectopic gene expression in the future.
The Bacterial Toxin CNF1 Induces Activation and Maturation of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Gall-Mas Laura , Fabbri Alessia , Namini Martin , Givskov Michael , Fiorentini Carla , Krejsgaard Thorbjørn
Published: May 2018

Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1) is a bacterial protein toxin primarily expressed by pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, causing extraintestinal infections. The toxin is believed to enhance the invasiveness of E. coli by modulating the activity of Rho GTPases in host cells, but it has interestingly also been shown to promote inflammation, stimulate host immunity and function as a potent immunoadjuvant. The mechanisms underlying the immunostimulatory properties of CNF1 are, however, poorly characterized, and little is known about the direct effects of the toxin on immune cells. Here, we show that CNF1 induces expression of maturation markers on human immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) without compromising cell viability. Consistent with the phenotypic maturation, CNF1 further triggered secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and increased the capacity of moDCs to stimulate proliferation of allogenic naïve CD4+ T cells. A catalytically inactive form of the toxin did not induce moDC maturation, indicating that the enzymatic activity of CNF1 triggers immature moDCs to undergo phenotypic and functional maturation. As the maturation of dendritic cells plays a central role in initiating inflammation and activating the adaptive immune response, the present findings shed new light on the immunostimulatory properties of CNF1 and may explain why the toxin functions as an immunoadjuvant.
Experimental Investigation of Propeller Wake Velocity Field to Determine the Major Factors Affecting Propeller Wake Wash
Authors: Amin Md. , Colbourne Bruce , Veitch Brian
Published: May 2018

The propeller jet from a ship has a significant component directed upwards towards the free surface of the water, which can be used for ice management. This paper describes a comprehensive laboratory experiment where the operational factors affecting a propeller wake velocity field were investigated. The experiment was conducted using a steady wake field to investigate the characteristics of the axial velocity of the fluid in the wake and the corresponding variability downstream of the propeller. The axial velocities and the variability recorded were time-averaged. Propeller rotational speed was found to be the most significant factor, followed by propeller inclination. The experimental results also provide some idea about the change of the patterns of the mean axial velocity distribution against the factors considered for the test throughout the effective wake field, as well as the relationships to predict the axial velocity for known factors.
Microstructured Waveguides with Polyelectrolyte-Stabilized Gold Nanostars for SERS Sensing of Dissolved Analytes
Authors: Bratashov Daniil N. , Burmistrova Natalia A. , Bondarenko Sergey D. , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Atkin Vsevolod S. , Shuvalov Andrey A. , Zanishevskaya Anastasiya A. , Skibina Yulia S. , Goryacheva Irina Y.
Published: May 2018

A sensor based on microstructured waveguides (MWGs) with a hollow core inner surface covered with polyelectrolyte-layer-stabilized gold nanostars was developed for the SERS sensing of dissolved analytes. A polyelectrolyte-layer coating over the inner surface of glass cladding served as a spacer, reducing nonlinear optical effects in the glass near plasmonic hotspots of nanoparticles, as a stabilizing agent for thermodynamically unstable gold nanostars and as an optical coating for the fine-tuning of MWG bandgaps. This approach can be used to construct different kinds of SERS sensors for dissolved analytes, providing conservation, the prevention of coagulation, and the drying of a liquid sample for the time required to record the signal.
The Multifaceted Uses and Therapeutic Advantages of Nanoparticles for Atherosclerosis Research
Authors: DiStasio Nicholas , Lehoux Stephanie , Khademhosseini Ali , Tabrizian Maryam
Published: May 2018

Nanoparticles are uniquely suited for the study and development of potential therapies against atherosclerosis by virtue of their size, fine-tunable properties, and ability to incorporate therapies and/or imaging modalities. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be specifically targeted to the atherosclerotic plaque, evading off-target effects and/or associated cytotoxicity. There has been a wealth of knowledge available concerning the use of nanotechnologies in cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, in particular in animal models, but with a major focus on imaging agents. In fact, roughly 60% of articles from an initial search for this review included examples of imaging applications of nanoparticles. Thus, this review focuses on experimental therapy interventions applied to and observed in animal models. Particular emphasis is placed on how nanoparticle materials and properties allow researchers to learn a great deal about atherosclerosis. The objective of this review was to provide an update for nanoparticle use in imaging and drug delivery studies and to illustrate how nanoparticles can be used for sensing and modelling, for studying fundamental biological mechanisms, and for the delivery of biotherapeutics such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and even cells all with the goal of attenuating atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the various atherosclerosis processes targeted mainly for imaging studies have been summarized in the hopes of inspiring new and exciting targeted therapeutic and/or imaging strategies.
Assessment of Reliability in Isokinetic Testing Among Adolescent Basketball Players
Authors: Carvalho Humberto , Coelho E Silva Manuel , Ronque Enio , Gonçalves Rui , Philippaerts Renaat , Malina Robert
Published: May 2018

Background. The reproducibility of day-to-day testing of isokinetic concentric and eccentric muscular actions among adolescent basketball players aged 14 to 16 years and relationships of mean within-subject variation in two isokinetic testing sessions with chronological age, biological maturation (estimated age at peak height velocity), training experience, body size, lower-body morphology, and initial strength performance were evaluated. Material and Methods. The sample included 27 basketball players who completed replicate test sessions of 5 repetitions of reciprocal concentric and eccentric knee extensions and flexions at 60º s–1. A randomly selected subsample of 8 players completed a third testing session to confirm reliability estimates. Results. Coefficients of variation (CV) between sessions 1 and 2 ranged from 8.1% to 17.4%, and intraclass coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.72 to 0.89. For sessions 1 and 3, CVs ranged from 3.9% to 6.0%, and ICCs ranged from 0.95 to 0.99. The initial level of strength of eccentric knee flexion (r=–0.43) and eccentric knee extension (r=–0.42) were correlated (P<0.05) with eccentric knee extension within-variation between two sessions. Training experience (r=–0.37, P<0.05) and initial values of concentric knee flexion (r=–0.62, P<0.01) were correlated with concentric knee flexion within-subject differences. Within-subject variation of eccentric knee extension was correlated (P<0.05) with chronologic age (r=0.41), estimated age at peak height velocity (r=–0.38), body size (r=0.41 to 0.47), and leg volume (r=0.39). Conclusions. Familiarization sessions may improve the reliability of concentric and eccentric knee isokinetic strength testing at 60º s–1 in adolescent basketball players. Age, maturity status, and training experience of young athletes should be considered when testing knee isokinetic strength at 60º s–1.
Incidence and Mortality Patterns of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Belgrade, Serbia (1999–2013)
Authors: Maksimovic Natasa , Zaric Milica , Gazibara Tatjana , Trajkovic Goran , Maric Gorica , Miljus Dragan , Suvajdzic Vukovic Nada , Tomin Dragica , Virijevic Marijana , Kisic Tepavcevic Darija , Pekmezovic Tatjana
Published: May 2018

Introduction: To assess incidence and mortality trends of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Belgrade (Serbia) in a 15-year period (from 1999 to 2013). Material and Methods: Data were obtained from the Cancer Registry of Serbia, Institute of Public Health of Serbia. Standardized incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated by direct standardization method using World Standard Population. Analysis of raw data indicated single-digit numbers per year and per 5-year age cohorts. Therefore, we merged years of diagnosis to three-year intervals, creating so-called “moving averages”. We also merged study population to 10-year age cohorts. Results: Both incidence and mortality rates increased with age, i.e., the lowest rates were observed in the youngest age groups and the highest rates were observed in oldest age groups. In all age groups, except the youngest (15–24 years), AML incidence was statistically significantly higher in men compared with women. Average age-adjusted incidence was 2.73/100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.28–3.71). Average age-adjusted mortality was 1.81/100,000 (95% CI 1.30–2.26). Overall, there were no significant changes in incidence trend. Age-adjusted incidence rates had increasing tendency among men aged 65–74 years (B = 0.80, standard error (SE) = 0.11; p = 0.005) and in total population aged 65–74 years (B = 0.41, SE = 0.09; p = 0.023). Increasing tendency in incidence of AML among women was observed in age group >75 years (B = 0.63, SE = 0.14; p = 0.019). No changes of mortality trend were observed. Conclusion: There was no significant change in trends of AML from 1999 to 2013 in the population of Belgrade.
Does Levetiracetam Administration Prevent Cardiac Damage in Adulthood Rats Following Neonatal Hypoxia/Ischemia-Induced Brain Injury?
Authors: Gurgul Serkan , Buyukakilli Belgin , Komur Mustafa , Okuyaz Cetin , Balli Ebru , Ozcan Tuba
Published: May 2018

Cardiovascular abnormalities are widespread when a newborn is exposed to a hypoxic-ischemic injury in the neonatal period. Although the neuroprotective effects of levetiracetam (LEV) have been reported after hypoxia, the cardioprotective effects of LEV have not been documented. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether levetiracetam (LEV) has a protective effect on cardiac-contractility and ultrastructure of heart muscle in rats exposed to hypoxia-ischemia (HI) during the neonatal period. A total of 49 seven-day-old rat pups were separated into four groups. For HI induction, a combination of right common carotid artery ligation with 8% oxygen in seven-day-old rat pups for 2 h was performed for saline, LEV100, and LEV200 groups. Just after hypoxia, LEV100 and LEV200 groups were administered with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of LEV, respectively. The arteries of rats in the control group were only detected; no ligation or hypoxia was performed. At the end of the 16th week after HI, cardiac mechanograms were recorded, and samples of tissue were explored by electronmicroscopy.While ventricular contractility in the control group was similar to LEV100, there were significant decreases in both saline and LEV200 groups (p < 0.05). Although ventricular contractile duration of the control and saline groups was found to be similar, durations in the LEV100 and LEV200 groups were significantly higher (p < 0.05). After HI, mitochondrial damage and ultrastructural deteriorative alterations in ventricles and atriums of the LEV-administered groups were significantly less severe than the saline group. The present study showed that neonatal HI caused long-term cardiac dysfunction and ultrastructural deteriorations in cardiac muscles. LEV administration just after HI might possess some protective effects against myocardial damage and contractility.
Gimbal-Less Two-Axis Electromagnetic Microscanner with Twist Mechanism
Authors: Park Yangkyu , Moon Seunghwan , Lee Jaekwon , Kim Kwanghyun , Lee Sang-Jin , Lee Jong-Hyun
Published: May 2018

We present an electromagnetically driven microscanner based on a gimbal-less twist mechanism. In contrast to conventional microscanners using a gimbal-less leverage mechanism, our device utilizes a gimbal-less twist mechanism to increase the scan angle in optical applications requiring a large scanning mirror. The proposed gimbal-less scanner with twist mechanism increases the scan angle by 1.55 and 1.97 times for the slow and fast axes, respectively, under the same force; 3.64 and 1.97 times for the slow and fast axes, respectively, under the same maximum stress, compared to the gimbal-less leverage mechanism. The scanner with a 3-mm-diameter mirror and a current path composed of a single-turn coil was fabricated, and it showed the maximum scan angle of 5° (quasi-static) and 22° (resonant) for the slow and fast axes, respectively. The experimentally estimated crosstalk was as small as 0.47% and 0.97% for the fast and slow axes affected by the other axes, respectively, which was determined using a newly employed methodology based on fast Fourier transform.
Pediatric Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Osteoarticular Infections
Authors: Kaushik Ashlesha , Kest Helen
Published: May 2018

Osteoarticular infections (OSI) are a significant cause of hospitalizations and morbidity in young children. The pediatric patient with OSI presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management due to higher morbidity, effect on growth plate with associated long-lasting sequelae, and challenges in early identification and management. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), first described in the 1960s, has evolved rapidly to emerge as a predominant cause of OSI in children, and therefore empiric treatment for OSI should include an antibiotic effective against MRSA. Characterizing MRSA strains can be done by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, detection of Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Worldwide, community-onset methicillin-resistant staphylococcal disease is widespread and is mainly associated with a PVL-producing clone, ST8/USA300. Many studies have implied a correlation between PVL genes and more severe infection. We review MRSA OSI along with the pertinent aspects of its pathogenesis, clinical spectrum, diagnosis, and current guidelines for management.
Regulation of Camphor Metabolism: Induction and Repression of Relevant Monooxygenases in Pseudomonas putida NCIMB 10007
Authors: Willetts Andrew , Masters Pamela , Steadman Carol
Published: May 2018

For the first time, the differential rates of synthesis of all the key monooxygenases involved in the catabolism by Pseudomonas putida NCIMB 10007 of bicyclic (rac)-camphor to ∆2,5-3,4,4-trimethylpimelyl-CoA, the first aliphatic pathway intermediate, have been determined to help establish the relevant induction profile of each of the oxygen-dependent enzymes. The efficacy of both relevant substrates and pathway metabolites as inducers has been established. Further, inhibitors with characterised functionality have been used to indicate that the pertinent regulatory controls operate at the level of transcription of the corresponding genes.
Lipase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Sucrose Monolaurate and Its Antibacterial Property and Mode of Action against Four Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Shao Shi-Yin , Shi Yu-Gang , Wu Yu , Bian Li-Qing , Zhu Yun-Jie , Huang Xin-Ying , Pan Ying , Zeng Lu-Yao , Zhang Run-Run
Published: May 2018

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial activities and mode of action of sucrose monolaurate (SML) with a desirable purity, synthesized by Lipozyme TL IM-mediated transesterification in the novel ionic liquid, against four pathogenic bacteria including L. monocytogenes, B. subtilis, S. aureus, and E. coli. The antibacterial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and the time–kill assay. SML showed varying antibacterial activity against tested bacteria with MICs and MBCs of 2.5 and 20 mM for L. monocytogenes, 2.5 and 20 mM for B. subtilis, 10 and 40 mM for S. aureus, respectively. No dramatic inhibition was observed for E. coli at 80 mM SML. Mechanism of bacterial inactivation caused by SML was revealed through comprehensive factors including cell morphology, cellular lysis, membrane permeability, K+ leakage, zeta potential, intracellular enzyme, and DNA assay. Results demonstrated that bacterial inactivation against Gram-positive bacteria was primarily induced by the pronounced damage to the cell membrane integrity. SML may interact with cytoplasmic membrane to disturb the regulation system of peptidoglycan hydrolase activities to degrade the peptidoglycan layer and form a hole in the layer. Then, the inside cytoplasmic membrane was blown out due to turgor pressure and the cytoplasmic materials inside leaked out. Leakage of intracellular enzyme to the supernatants implied that the cell membrane permeability was compromised. Consequently, the release of K+ from the cytosol lead to the alterations of the zeta potential of cells, which would disturb the subcellular localization of some proteins, and thereby causing bacterial inactivation. Moreover, remarkable interaction with DNA was also observed. SML at sub-MIC inhibited biofilm formation by these bacteria.
A Study on the Use of Eye Tracking to Adapt Gameplay and Procedural Content Generation in First-Person Shooter Games
Authors: Antunes João , Santana Pedro
Published: May 2018

This paper studies the use of eye tracking in a First-Person Shooter (FPS) game as a mechanism to: (1) control the attention of the player’s avatar according to the attention deployed by the player; and (2) guide the gameplay and game’s procedural content generation, accordingly. This results in a more natural use of eye tracking in comparison to a use in which the eye tracker directly substitutes control input devices, such as gamepads. The study was conducted on a custom endless runner FPS, Zombie Runner, using an affordable eye tracker. Evaluation sessions showed that the proposed use of eye tracking provides a more challenging and immersive experience to the player, when compared to its absence. However, a strong correlation between eye tracker calibration problems and player’s overall experience was found. This means that eye tracking technology still needs to evolve but also means that once technology gets mature enough players are expected to benefit greatly from the inclusion of eye tracking in their gaming experience.
Assessing Nitric Oxide (NO) in Higher Plants: An Outline
Authors: Corpas Francisco , Palma José
Published: May 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical and a component of the N-cycle. Nevertheless, NO is likewise endogenously produced inside plant cells where it participates in a myriad of physiological functions, as well as in the mechanism of response against abiotic and biotic stresses. At biochemical level, NO has a family of derived molecules designated as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) which finally can interact with different bio-macromolecules including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids affecting their functions. The present review has the goal to provide a comprehensive and quick overview of the relevance of NO in higher plants, especially for those researchers who are not familiar in this research area in higher plants.
Selected Physiological Effects of a Garcinia Gummi-Gutta Extract in Rats Fed with Different Hypercaloric Diets
Authors: Guillén-Enríquez Carolina , Lopez-Teros Veronica , Martín-Orozco Ubicelio , López-Díaz José , Del Hierro-Ochoa Julio , Ramos-Jiménez Arnulfo , Astiazarán-García Humberto , Martínez-Ruiz Nina , Wall-Medrano Abraham
Published: May 2018

Garcinia gummi-gutta (GGG) rind extract is effective for reducing appetite, body weight and adiposity of obese rodents fed high-fat (HF), high-sugar (HS) or high fat/sugar (HFS)-based diets, but these effects have not been simultaneously evaluated. Thirty obese (~425 g) male Wistar rats were fed for eleven weeks with six hypercaloric diets (4.1 kcal/g; five rats/diet) non-supplemented (HF, HS, HFS), or supplemented (HF+, HS+, HFS+) with GGG extract (5.9%), while rats from the control group (375 g) were fed a normocaloric diet (3.5 kcal/g). Body weight, dietary intake, body fat distribution, and histological and biochemical parameters were recorded. Compared to control rats, non-supplemented and supplemented groups consumed significantly less food (14.3% and 24.6% (−4.3 g/day), respectively) (p < 0.05). Weight loss was greater in the HF+ group (35–52 g), which consumed 1.9 times less food than the HS+ or HFS+ fed groups. The HF and HFS groups showed 40% less plasma triacylglycerides and lower glucose levels compared to the HF+. GGG-supplemented diets were associated with lower ketonuria. The HF+ diet was associated with the best anti-adiposity effect (as measured with the dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Soxhlet methods). The severity of hepatocyte lipidosis was HF > control > HF+, and no signs of toxicity in the testes were observed. The results indicate that GGG is more effective when co-administered with HF diets in obese rats.
Disparate Habitual Physical Activity and Dietary Intake Profiles of Elderly Men with Low and Elevated Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Draganidis Dimitrios , Jamurtas Athanasios , Stampoulis Theodoros , Laschou Vasiliki , Deli Chariklia , Georgakouli Kalliopi , Papanikolaou Konstantinos , Chatzinikolaou Athanasios , Michalopoulou Maria , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Tsimeas Panagiotis , Chondrogianni Niki , Koutedakis Yiannis , Karagounis Leonidas , Fatouros Ioannis
Published: May 2018

The development of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation in the elderly (inflammaging) has been associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases, geriatric syndromes, and functional impairments. The aim of this study was to examine differences in habitual physical activity (PA), dietary intake patterns, and musculoskeletal performance among community-dwelling elderly men with low and elevated systemic inflammation. Nonsarcopenic older men free of chronic diseases were grouped as ‘low’ (LSI: n = 17; 68.2 ± 2.6 years; hs-CRP: <1 mg/L) or ‘elevated’ (ESI: n = 17; 68.7 ± 3.0 years; hs-CRP: >1 mg/L) systemic inflammation according to their serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP). All participants were assessed for body composition via Dual Emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength, daily PA using accelerometry, and daily macro- and micronutrient intake. ESI was characterized by a 2-fold greater hs-CRP value than LSI (p < 0.01). The two groups were comparable in terms of body composition, but LSI displayed higher physical performance (p < 0.05), daily PA (step count/day and time at moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were greater by 30% and 42%, respectively, p < 0.05), and daily intake of the antioxidant vitamins A (6590.7 vs. 4701.8 IU/day, p < 0.05), C (120.0 vs. 77.3 mg/day, p < 0.05), and E (10.0 vs. 7.5 mg/day, p < 0.05) compared to ESI. Moreover, daily intake of vitamin A was inversely correlated with levels of hs-CRP (r = −0.39, p = 0.035). These results provide evidence that elderly men characterized by low levels of systemic inflammation are more physically active, spend more time in MVPA, and receive higher amounts of antioxidant vitamins compared to those with increased systemic inflammation.
Association between Dietary Zinc Intake and Hyperuricemia among Adults in the United States
Authors: Zhang Yiying , Liu Yan , Qiu Hongbin
Published: May 2018

We aim to explore the associations between dietary zinc intake and hyperuricemia (HU) in United States (US) adults. 24,975 US adults aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2014 were stratified into quintiles based on zinc intake. All dietary intake measured through 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between zinc intake and HU after adjustment for possible confounders. For males, compared with respondents consuming less than 7.33 mg zinc daily, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71, 0.97) among those consuming 10.26–13.54 mg zinc daily, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.63–0.96) among those consuming 18.50 mg or greater, and p for the trend was 0.0134. For females, compared with respondents consuming less than 5.38 mg zinc daily, the OR was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.63, 0.97) among those consuming 9.64–12.93 mg zinc daily, and p for the trend was 0.3024. Our findings indicated that dietary zinc intake is inversely associated with HU in US men and women, independent of some major confounding factors.
A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Daily Ingestion of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cv. “Yabukita” and “Sunrouge” on Eyestrain and Blood Pressure in Healthy Adults
Authors: Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Nishimura Mie , Kitaichi Nobuyoshi , Nesumi Atsushi , Monobe Manami , Nomura Sachiko , Horie Yukihiro , Tachibana Hirofumi , Nishihira Jun
Published: May 2018

The green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivar “Sunrouge” contains anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols. To determine whether ingesting green tea containing anthocyanins improves visual function and blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 120 healthy subjects, aged between 20 and 60 years and with a systolic BP (SBP) value of ≤125 and <155 and a diastolic BP (DBP) value <95, or a DBP of ≤75 mmHg and <95 mmHg and a SBP <155 mmHg, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. For 12 weeks, the placebo group received barley extract without catechin; another group received “Sunrouge” extract containing 11.2 mg anthocyanin and 323.6 mg epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG); and a third group received “Yabukita” extract containing 322.2 mg EGCG. Home BP, accommodation ability, visual analog scale questionnaires for eyestrain, and metabolic-associated markers were analyzed at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the intake period. The ingestion of “Sunrouge” tea significantly improved accommodation ability and eyestrain in subjects younger than 45 years and in subjects who operated visual display terminals every day. It also elevated BP. “Yabukita” tea ingestion significantly increased serum adiponectin levels. No adverse effects were observed. We conclude that long-term intake of “Sunrouge” tea containing anthocyanins and flavonols might improve visual function.
Mitoxantrone is More Toxic than Doxorubicin in SH-SY5Y Human Cells: A ‘Chemobrain’ In Vitro Study
Authors: Almeida Daniela , Pinho Rita , Correia Verónica , Soares Jorge , Bastos Maria de Lourdes , Carvalho Félix , Capela João Paulo , Costa Vera Marisa
Published: May 2018

The potential neurotoxic effects of anticancer drugs, like doxorubicin (DOX) and mitoxantrone (MTX; also used in multiple sclerosis), are presently important reasons for concern, following epidemiological data indicating that cancer survivors submitted to chemotherapy may suffer cognitive deficits. We evaluated the in vitro neurotoxicity of two commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs, DOX and MTX, and study their underlying mechanisms in the SH-SY5Y human neuronal cell model. Undifferentiated human SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to DOX or MTX (0.13, 0.2 and 0.5 μM) for 48 h and two cytotoxicity assays were performed, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) reduction and the neutral red (NR) incorporation assays. Phase contrast microphotographs, Hoechst, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide stains were performed. Mitochondrial membrane potential was also assessed. Moreover, putative protective drugs, namely the antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC; 1 mM) and 100 μM tiron, the inhibitor of caspase-3/7, Ac-DEVD-CHO (100 μM), and a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHX; 10 nM), were tested to prevent DOX- or MTX-induced toxicity. The MTT reduction assay was also done in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells following exposure to 0.2 μM DOX or MTX. MTX was more toxic than DOX in both cytotoxicity assays and according to the morphological analyses. MTX also evoked a higher number of apoptotic nuclei than DOX. Both drugs, at the 0.13 μM concentration, caused mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization after a 48-h exposure. Regarding the putative neuroprotectors, 1 mM NAC was not able to prevent the cytotoxicity caused by either drug. Notwithstanding, 100 μM tiron was capable of partially reverting MTX-induced cytotoxicity in the NR uptake assay. One hundred μM Ac-DEVD-CHO and 10 nM cycloheximide (CHX) also partially prevented the toxicity induced by DOX in the NR uptake assay. MTX was more toxic than DOX in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, while MTX had similar toxicity in differentiated and undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells. In fact, MTX was the most neurotoxic drug tested and the mechanisms involved seem dissimilar among drugs. Thus, its toxicity mechanisms need to be further investigated as to determine the putative neurotoxicity for multiple sclerosis and cancer patients.