bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma manifesting as a primary lesion on the lip: A rare case report
Authors: dos Santos Heloísa Laís Rosário , Alves Carolina Guimarães Bonfim , Almendra Mattos Rafaela Maia , Curi Davi Silva Carvalho , Leite Ribeiro Patricia , Sarmento Viviane Almeida
Published: October 2018

Primary manifestations of extraganglion non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from T‐cells in the oral cavity are rare and often difficult to diagnose. Herein, we describe a case of T‐cell NHL with a primary lesion on the lip diagnosed with a 25‐year‐old woman. The patient reported the appearance of the initial lesion on the upper lip, which advanced to the hard palate and oral mucosa. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry were compatible with peripheral T‐cell NHL without further specifications. The proposed treatment consisted of six cycles of multiagent chemotherapy. The patient died from complications of the disease before the third cycle of chemotherapy. Understanding the clinical signs of lymphoma is important for the early diagnosis of this disease to avoid aggressive and potentially fatal behavior.
Oxidative stress in hemodialysis: Causative mechanisms, clinical implications, and possible therapeutic interventions
Authors: Liakopoulos Vassilios , Roumeliotis Stefanos , Zarogiannis Sotirios , Eleftheriadis Theodoros , Mertens Peter R.
Published: October 2018

Oxidative stress (OS) is the result of prooxidant molecules overwhelming the antioxidant defense mechanisms. Hemodialysis (HD) constitutes a state of elevated inflammation and OS, due to loss of antioxidants during dialysis and activation of white blood cells triggering production of reactive oxygen species. Dialysis vintage, dialysis methods, and type and condition of vascular access, biocompatibility of dialyzer membrane and dialysate, iron administration, and anemia all can play a role in aggravating OS, which in turn has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Oral or intravenous administration of antioxidants may detoxify the oxidative molecules and at least in part repair OS‐mediated tissue damage. Lifestyle interventions and optimization of a highly biocompatible HD procedure might ameliorate OS development in dialysis.
Aeolianites reveal Pleistocene marine history of Bermuda
Authors: Rouse Jordan , James Noel P. , Kyser T. Kurtis
Published: October 2018

Bermuda is a reef atoll along the northern edge of Caribbean coral province. Although investigated by seismic and some shallow drilling, the Pleistocene marine depositional geohistory is poorly constrained. Islands along the southern rim are built by tropical calcareous aeolianites that range in age from Holocene to early Pleistocene (ca 880 kyr). These dunes are composed of particles that were derived from adjacent Pleistocene marine environments at the time of formation. Thus, the aeolianites should contain a record of marine deposition through the Early to Late Pleistocene. Carbonate grains from all aeolian deposits can, via Ward cluster analysis, be separated into two distinct groups: (i) a Halimeda‐rich group; and (ii) a crustose coralline‐rich group. Distribution of these two groups is interpreted to broadly reflect low‐energy (lagoonal) and high‐energy marginal reef (coralline algae and cup‐reef) environments, respectively. Unlike the beach sources, coral particles are perplexingly absent in the aeolianites. This conundrum is interpreted to partly reflect the domal nature of Bermudan corals, which are not incorporated into aeolian deposits due to their relatively large size. Aeolianites from Marine Isotope Stages 7, 9 and 11 record sediments produced in adjacent shallow marine settings that were similar to those present today. The spatially consistent sediment trends are not, however, present in aeolianites from Marine Isotope Stage 5E, where the aeolian bioclastic components are uniformly rich in Halimeda along both southern and northern shores. Such a distribution, where coralline‐rich sediments would be expected, suggests an extrinsic oceanographic control, interpreted herein to be elevated seawater temperature brought in by the Gulf Stream. This interpretation is consistent with palaeozoological studies of Bermuda, as well as North America, the Mediterranean, Japan and Western Australia.
Recombinant pyrin domain protein attenuates allergic inflammation by suppressing NF‐κB pathway in asthmatic mice
Authors: Piao Hongmei , Choi Yun Ho , Li Hongmei , Wang Chongyang , Xian Zhemin , Ogasawara Masahito , Jiang Jingzhi , Li Liangchang , Yamauchi Kohei , Yan Guanghai
Published: October 2018

Pyrin domain (PYD), a subclass of protein motif known as the death fold, is frequently involved in inflammation and immune responses. PYD modulates nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling pathway upon various stimuli. Herein, a novel recombinant pyrin domain protein (RPYD) was generated. Its role and mechanism in inflammatory response in an ovalbumin (OVA) induced asthma model was investigated. After OVA challenge, there was inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung, as well as airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) to inhaled methacholine. In addition, eosinophils increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, alone with the elevated levels of Th‐2 type cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13], eotaxin, and adhesion molecules. However, the transnasal administration of RPYD before the OVA challenge significantly inhibited these asthmatic reactions. Moreover, RPYD markedly suppressed NF‐κB translocation, reduced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and thus attenuated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and IL‐6 in the BEAS‐2B cells stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. These findings indicate that RPYD can protect asthma host from OVA‐induced airway inflammation and AHR via down‐regulation of NF‐κB and p38 MAPK activities. RPYD may be used as a potential medicine for the treatment of asthma in clinic.
Maternal immunization downregulates offspring TCD4 regulatory cells (Tregs) thymic maturation without implications for allergy inhibition
Authors: de Oliveira Marília Garcia , Lira Aline Aparecida de Lima , Sgnotto Fábio da Ressureição , Inoue Amanda Harumi Sabô , Beltrame Giovanna Rossi , da Silva Débora , Menghini Ricardo Palamar , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Victor Jefferson Russo
Published: October 2018

The regulation of offspring allergy development mediated by maternal immunization was evidenced by several groups, and this mechanism seems to involve the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on offspring. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether the effect of maternal immunization on offspring Tregs occurs as a result of peripheral or central modulation. Briefly, C57BL/6 female mice were immunized with OVA in Alum or Alum alone and boosted with OVA in saline or saline only after 10 and 20 days. Non‐immunized offspring serum, thymus and spleen were evaluated at 3 or 20 days old, and some groups of pups were submitted to neonatal OVA‐immunization protocol for the subsequent evaluation of antibody production and allergic response. Our experimental protocol could be validated because maternal OVA‐immunization inhibited offspring allergic response as evidenced by the suppression of offspring IgE production and allergic lung inflammation. Interestingly, maternal immunization reduced the frequency of offspring thymic Tregs with an opposite effect on spleen Tregs. Furthermore, after neonatal immunization, the frequency of lung‐infiltrated Tregs was also augmented on offspring from immunized mothers. In conclusion, maternal OVA‐immunization can inhibit the thymic maturation of offspring Tregs without implications on peripheral Tregs induction and allergy inhibition.
Risk of hepatitis B reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen seronegative and core antibody seropositive kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Querido Sara , Weigert André , Adragão Teresa , Rodrigues Luís , Jorge Cristina , Bruges Margarida , Machado Domingos
Published: October 2018

Background

Previous contact with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Literature has shown conflicting results on the risk of HBV reactivation in kidney transplant (KT) recipients with serologic evidence of past HBV infection.

Methods

We reviewed 631 consecutive KT recipients and selected 70 patients simultaneously HBsAg negative and anti‐HBc positive before KT, regardless of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) status. Demographic characteristics, coinfection with other viruses, the presence of a previous KT, induction and maintenance immunosuppression, length of follow up, biopsy‐proven acute rejection episodes, incidence of impaired liver function, and causes of graft loss and mortality were collected. Hepatitis B virus reactivation was defined as detection of HBV DNA viral load >2000 IU/mL during follow up. Outcome data included HBV reactivation episodes, graft function, and patient survival.

Results

Median follow‐up was 151 months; 91.4% of patients were positive to anti‐HBs prior to KT. No patient received HBV prophylaxis and 11 patients (15.7%) received rituximab as part of induction therapy. Anti‐HBs titers remained stable in all patients throughout the observation period but two patient showed evidence of HBV reactivation after KT.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in HBsAg‐negative and anti‐HBc‐positive after KT is rare but possible. We suggest evaluating HBV serologies, HBV DNA viral load, and liver enzymes before KT and routinely monitoring serologic HBV markers after KT. As only two patients experienced HBV reactivation, it is neither possible to define risk factors for HBV reactivation nor to evaluate the impact of different immunosuppressants or the benefit of prophylactic regimens. Further studies regarding HBV reactivation in solid organ transplant recipients are necessary.
A new approach to pharmaceutical pricing based on patients’ willingness to pay
Authors: Rahimi Farimah , Rasekh Hamid Reza , Abbasian Ezatollah , Peiravian Farzad
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Pharmaceutical pricing is an important and contentious issue in middle‐ and low‐income countries. The present study evaluated a value‐based pricing system for estimating the price of interferon‐beta (IFN‐β).

Methods

Prices were estimated through the Willingness to Pay (WTP) system using the Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) from the viewpoint of MS patients, levels of attributes and patients’ willingness to pay for these attributes.

Results

The results indicate that the new approach to pricing medicines leads to more integrated prices than the current system. The current prices of four brands were higher than their pharmaceutical market price; the prices of other brands were consistent with it.

Conclusion

Application of the proposed pricing system will help pharmaceutical companies make realistic price estimates of their products while accounting for patient preferences, which may enhance patients’ adherence to treatment.
PacBio full‐length cDNA sequencing integrated with RNA‐seq reads drastically improves the discovery of splicing transcripts in rice
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Sun Min , Wang Jianfeng , Lei Meng , Li Chenji , Zhao Duojun , Huang Jun , Li Wenjie , Li Shuangli , Li Jing , Yang Jin , Luo Yingfeng , Hu Songnian , Zhang Bing
Published: October 2018

In eukaryotes, alternative splicing (AS) greatly expands the diversity of transcripts. However, it is challenging to accurately determine full‐length splicing isoforms. Recently, more studies have taken advantage of Pacific Bioscience (PacBio) long‐read sequencing to identify full‐length transcripts. Nevertheless, the high error rate of PacBio reads seriously offsets the advantages of long reads, especially for accurately identifying splicing junctions. To best capitalize on the features of long reads, we used Illumina RNA‐seq reads to improve PacBio circular consensus sequence (CCS) quality and to validate splicing patterns in the rice transcriptome. We evaluated the impact of CCS accuracy on the number and the validation rate of splicing isoforms, and integrated a comprehensive pipeline of splicing transcripts analysis by Iso‐Seq and RNA‐seq (STAIR) to identify the full‐length multi‐exon isoforms in rice seedling transcriptome (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica). STAIR discovered 11 733 full‐length multi‐exon isoforms, 6599 more than the SMRT Portal RS_IsoSeq pipeline did. Of these splicing isoforms identified, 4453 (37.9%) were missed in assembled transcripts from RNA‐seq reads, and 5204 (44.4%), including 268 multi‐exon long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), were not reported in the MSU_osa1r7 annotation. Some randomly selected unreported splicing junctions were verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. In addition, we investigated alternative polyadenylation (APA) events in transcripts and identified 829 major polyadenylation [poly(A)] site clusters (PACs). The analysis of splicing isoforms and APA events will facilitate the annotation of the rice genome and studies on the expression and polyadenylation of AS genes in different developmental stages or growth conditions of rice.
Mini photopheresis for refractory chronic graft‐versus‐host disease in children and adolescents
Authors: Verdú‐Amorós Jaime , Woessmann Wilhelm , Maecker‐Kolhoff Britta , Schulz Ansgar , Strauss Gabriele , Bein Gregor , Hackstein Holger
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been established to treat graft‐versus‐host disease. Our mini ECP technique (mini‐ECP) allows for treatment of patients with GVHD and contraindications for classical ECP or low body weight. The safety and efficacy of applying ECP for the long‐term treatment of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) have not been described.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of mini‐ECP treatments for children and adolescents with cGVHD was performed. Mini‐ECP with 100 to 200 mL of whole blood was used to treat 14 patients. The median age at the start of treatment was 7 years (range, 1‐17 years), and median body weight was 20 kg (range, 8‐53 kg). A total of 703 mini‐ECP treatments was performed. The median number of treatments per patient was 35 (range, 8‐129), and median treatment duration was 11 months (range, 1.4‐28.5 months).

RESULTS

Mini‐ECP was well tolerated. Four adverse events occurred in three patients, and two of them were related to the ECP procedure. Complete or partial responses were observed in 10 patients. Steroids were discontinued in seven patients and tapered in three others. Responses were seen in the skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and eyes.

CONCLUSION

Mini‐ECP represents a less invasive ECP alternative for low‐body‐weight patients with cGVHD and contraindications for apheresis.
Comparison of administration of platelet concentrates suspended in M‐sol or BRS‐A for pediatric patients
Authors: Kojima Shunsuke , Yanagisawa Ryu , Tanaka Miyuki , Nakazawa Yozo , Shimodaira Shigetaka
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Two different platelet additive solutions (PASs), M‐sol and BRS‐A, used in succession, have been reported as novel PASs in Japan. However, there are not enough clinical data comparing platelet concentrates (PCs) suspended in these PASs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive cases was performed between 2013 and 2018. For the first 30 months, children with primary hematologic and/or malignant diseases were transfused resuspended PCs in M‐sol (RPC‐M) as plasma‐replaced PCs. For the subsequent 30 months, children were transfused plasma‐replaced PCs in BRS‐A (RPC‐B) under the same conditions. Children transfused with conventional PCs (containing residual plasma) were defined as controls. We evaluated the frequency of adverse events, corrected count increment (CCI), and bleeding occurrence in the children.

RESULTS

Overall, 84 patients received 679 conventional PC transfusions. Allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) occurred in 12 (14.3%) patients transfused with 12 (1.8%) bags. Fifty‐nine patients received a total of 1182 bags of RPC‐M, and one patient (1.7%) had five (0.4%) ATR episodes. During the last 30 months, 58 patients were transfused 1044 bags of RPC‐B, with ATRs occurring in four (6.9%) patients transfused with four (0.4%) bags. No other adverse events were observed with either RPC‐M or RPC‐B. CCIs (24 hr) were not significantly different for the three different PCs, and posttransfusion bleeding was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma‐replaced PC using two different PAS in children appeared to prevent ATRs accompanied without other adverse events in children. Transfusion efficacy was not significant; therefore, either of the PASs could be used with equivalent results based on the clinical situation.
Cardiac xenografts show reduced survival in the absence of transgenic human thrombomodulin expression in donor pigs
Authors: Singh Avneesh K. , Chan Joshua L. , DiChiacchio Laura , Hardy Naomi L. , Corcoran Philip C. , Lewis Billeta G. T. , Thomas Marvin L. , Burke Allen P. , Ayares David , Horvath Keith A. , Mohiuddin Muhammad M.
Published: October 2018

A combination of genetic manipulations of donor organs and target‐specific immunosuppression is instrumental in achieving long‐term cardiac xenograft survival. Recently, results from our preclinical pig‐to‐baboon heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation model suggest that a three‐pronged approach is successful in extending xenograft survival: (a) α‐1,3‐galactosyl transferase (Gal) gene knockout in donor pigs (GTKO) to prevent Gal‐specific antibody‐mediated rejection; (b) transgenic expression of human complement regulatory proteins (hCRP; hCD46) and human thromboregulatory protein thrombomodulin (hTBM) to avoid complement activation and coagulation dysregulation; and (c) effective induction and maintenance of immunomodulation, particularly through co‐stimulation blockade of CD40‐CD40L pathways with anti‐CD40 (2C10R4) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Using this combination of manipulations, we reported significant improvement in cardiac xenograft survival. In this study, we are reporting the survival of cardiac xenotransplantation recipients (n = 3) receiving xenografts from pigs without the expression of hTBM (GTKO.CD46). We observed that all grafts underwent rejection at an early time point (median 70 days) despite utilization of our previously reported successful immunosuppression regimen and effective control of non‐Gal antibody response. These results support our hypothesis that transgenic expression of human thrombomodulin in donor pigs confers an independent protective effect for xenograft survival in the setting of a co‐stimulation blockade‐based immunomodulatory regimen.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Beneficially Regulates Intestinal Mucosal Autophagy and Alleviates Gut Barrier Injury
Authors: Cheng Saisai , Ma Xin , Geng Shijie , Jiang Xuemei , Li Yuan , Hu Luansha , Li Jianrong , Wang Yizhen , Han Xinyan
Published: October 2018

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human and animal health, and its disorder causes multiple diseases. Over the past decade, FMT has gained increasing attention due to the success in treating
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although FMT appears to be effective, how FMT functions in the recipient remains unknown. Whether FMT exerts this beneficial effect through a series of changes in the host organism caused by alteration of gut microbial structure is also not known. In the present study, newborn piglets and
E. coli
K88-infected piglets were selected as models to explore the interplay between host and gut microbiota following FMT. Our results showed that FMT triggered intestinal mucosal autophagy and alleviated gut barrier injury caused by
E. coli
K88. This report provides a theoretical basis for the use of FMT as a viable therapeutic method for gut microbial regulation.
Can infant sleeping bags be recommended by medical professionals as protection against sudden infant death syndrome?
Authors: Glover Williams Alessandra , Finlay Fiona
Published: October 2018

Clinical scenario: A mother brought her infant to the hospital with bronchiolitis and incidentally asked if I would recommend the use of infant sleeping bags to protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as several of her friends use them. Structured question: Can infant sleeping bags be recommended by medical professionals as protective against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? Methods: A literature search was performed. Trials were included if they had an English version available and the papers examined the impact that sleeping bag use had on risk of SIDS or its risk factors. Cochrane Library search found eight trials, two of which were found to meet inclusion criteria. MEDLINE was searched using the search terms ((baby sleeping bag) OR infant sleeping bag) OR cotton sleeping sack. Forty-seven papers were found, two of which were found to meet the inclusion criteria, one of which had already been found in the Cochrane Library search. One further paper was found through searching citations of the papers included. Discussion: Sleeping bags are used in 48-95% of infants in the UK and advocated for by the Lullaby Trust for their safety in the prevention of SIDS. The case control studies included found that sleeping bags are as safe, if not safer than other bedding when examining SIDS as an outcome. For sleeping bags to be safe they must be well made and appropriately used, which includes the correct size, Tog, clothing and other bedding for bedroom temperature.
Isoniazid-induced pure red cell aplasia
Authors: Holla Subraya Krishna , Achappa Basavaprabhu , Manibettu Raguram Pavan , Yerramsetti Sitamahalakshminagasai
Published: October 2018

The pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is an uncommon side effect of isoniazid. We describe a 28-year-old man who developed a severe anaemia caused by PRCA. The patient received antituberculous therapy including isoniazid for his pulmonary tuberculosis. On discontinuation of isoniazid, the anaemia recovered promptly. PRCA should be considered in case of unexplained anaemia during isoniazid treatment.
Exercise modes and their association with hypoglycemia episodes in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review
Authors: Hasan Saima , Shaw Sian M , Gelling Leslie H , Kerr Catherine J , Meads Catherine A
Published: October 2018

Objective

Type 1 diabetes mellitus rates are rising worldwide. The health benefits of physical exercise in this condition are many, but more than 60% do not participate, mainly from fear of hypoglycemia. This systematic review explores the effects of physical exercise modes on blood glucose levels in adults for hypoglycemia prevention.

Research design and methods

Predefined inclusion criteria were randomized or non-randomized cross-over trials of healthy non-obese adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Exercise interventions used standardized protocols of intensity and timing. Outcomes included hypoglycemia during or after exercise, and acute glycemic control. Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, SPORTDiscus, CochraneCENTRAL (1990 to 11 January 2018), and Embase (1988 to 9 April 2018) were searched using keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Inclusions, data extraction and quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists were done by one researcher and checked by a second. Review Manager (V.5.3) was used for meta-analysis where four or more outcomes were reported.

Results

From 5459 citations, we included 15 small cross-over studies (3 non-randomized), 13 assessing aerobic (intermittent high-intensity exercise (IHE) vs continuous, or continuous vs rest) and 2 assessing resistance exercise versus rest. Study quality was good, and all outcome measures were reported. Thirteen gave hypoglycemia results, of which five had no episodes. Meta-analysis of hypoglycemia during or after IHE compared with continuous exercise showed no significant differences (n=5, OR=0.68 (95% CI 0.16 to 2.86), I2=56%). For blood glucose there was little difference between groups at any time point.

Conclusion

IHE may be safer than continuous exercise because of lesser decline in blood glucose, but more research needs to demonstrate if this would be reflected in hypoglycemic episode rates.

Trial registration number

CRD42018068358.
Heated tobacco product regulation under US law and the FCTC
Authors: Lempert Lauren Kass , Glantz Stanton A
Published: October 2018

Tobacco companies are marketing new ‘heated tobacco products’ (HTPs) composed of battery-powered holders, chargers and tobacco plugs or sticks. The non-tobacco HTP components have escaped effective regulation under many countries’ tobacco control laws because they are packaged and sold separately from the tobacco-containing components. In the USA, HTPs cannot be marketed unless the Food and Drug Administration determines that allowing their sale would be ‘appropriate for the protection of the public health’. Philip Morris International (PMI) is seeking permission to market its IQOS HTP in the USA with ‘modified risk tobacco product’ (MRTP) claims that it reduces exposure to harmful substances and is less harmful than other tobacco products. However, PMI has not submitted adequate scientific evidence required by US law to demonstrate that the product is significantly less harmful to users than other tobacco products, that its labelling would not mislead consumers, or that its marketing—with or without MRTP claims—would benefit the health of the population as a whole. Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) must take measures to reduce tobacco use and nicotine addiction, and prevent false or misleading tobacco product labelling, advertising and promotions; the introduction of new HTPs must be assessed according to these goals. All components of HTPs should be regulated at least as stringently as existing tobacco products, including restrictions on labelling, advertising, promotion and sponsorship, sales to minors, price and taxation policies and smokefree measures. There is nothing in US law or the FCTC that prevents authorities from prohibiting HTPs.
Fermat’s principle in black-hole spacetimes
Authors: Hod Shahar
Published: October 2018

Black-hole spacetimes are known to possess closed light rings. We here present a remarkably compact theorem which reveals the physically intriguing fact that these unique null circular geodesics provide the fastest way, as measured by asymptotic observers, to circle around spinning Kerr black holes.
An interpretation of the cosmic ray e+ + e− spectrum from 10GeV to 3TeV measured by CALET on the ISS
Authors: Bhattacharyya Saptashwa , Motz Holger , Asaoka Yoichi , Torii Shoji
Published: October 2018

A combined interpretation of the Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) [Formula: see text] spectrum up to 3[Formula: see text]TeV and the AMS-02 positron spectrum up to 500[Formula: see text]GeV was performed and the results are discussed. To parametrize the background electron flux, we assume a smoothly broken power-law spectrum with an exponential cutoff for electrons and fit this parametrization to the measurements, with either a pulsar or 3-body decay of fermionic Dark Matter (DM) as the extra electron–positron pair source responsible for the positron excess. We found that depending on the parameters for the background, both DM decay and the pulsar model can explain the combined measurements. While the DM decay scenario is constrained by the Fermi-LAT [Formula: see text]-ray measurement, we show that 3-body decay of a 800[Formula: see text]GeV DM can be compatible with the [Formula: see text]-ray flux measurement.

We discuss the capability of CALET to discern decaying DM models from a generic pulsar source scenario, based on simulated data for five years of data-taking.
Caveolae: Structure, Function, and Relationship to Disease
Authors: Parton Robert G.
Published: October 2018

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is not a simple sheet of lipids and proteins but is differentiated into subdomains with crucial functions. Caveolae, small pits in the plasma membrane, are the most abundant surface subdomains of many mammalian cells. The cellular functions of caveolae have long remained obscure, but a new molecular understanding of caveola formation has led to insights into their workings. Caveolae are formed by the coordinated action of a number of lipid-interacting proteins to produce a microdomain with a specific structure and lipid composition. Caveolae can bud from the plasma membrane to form an endocytic vesicle or can flatten into the membrane to help cells withstand mechanical stress. The role of caveolae as mechanoprotective and signal transduction elements is reviewed in the context of disease conditions associated with caveola dysfunction.
Model Predictive Control Method with Constant Switching Frequency to Reduce Common-Mode Voltage for PMSM Drives
Authors: Li Hao , Chen Shuo , Wu Xiang , Tan Guojun
Published: October 2018

A model predictive control method to reduce the common-mode voltage (MPC-RCMV) with constant switching frequency for PMSM drives is proposed in this paper. Four nonzero VVs are adopted in future control period and the switching sequence is designed to ensure the switching frequency is fixed and equal to the control frequency. By substituting the finite-control nonzero voltage vectors in the current predictive model, a current predictive error space vector diagram is obtained to determine the adopted four VVs. The duty ratio calculating method for the selected four VVs is studied. Compared with the conventional MPC-RCMV method, the current and torque ripples are greatly reduced and the switching frequency is fixed. The simulation and experiment results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effects of Imposed Damage on the Capillary Water Absorption of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Gao Qi , Ma Zhiming , Xiao Jianzhuang , Li Fuan
Published: October 2018

Capillary water absorption of concrete is closely related to its pore structure, permeability, and durability. This paper intensively investigates the effects of imposed damage, including freeze‐thaw damage and loading damage, on the capillary water absorption of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). Freeze‐thaw cycle test, loading test, and the experiment of capillary water absorption were carried out, respectively. The results demonstrate that the addition of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) results in the increase in the capillary absorption behavior of RAC without imposed damage, and there exists a linear correlation between the behaviors of capillary water absorption and chloride penetration of RAC. The imposed freeze‐thaw damage or load damage of RAC boosts with the increase of RCA replacement percentages after suffering the same freeze‐thaw cycles or loading level. The imposed freeze‐thaw damage and load damage further lead to the increase in the capillary water absorption of RAC, and the capillary absorption coefficient of RAC increases linearly with the increased RCA replacement percentages, after suffering the same freeze‐thaw cycles or loading level. Furthermore, capillary absorption coefficient increases linearly with the growth of imposed freeze‐thaw damage or load damage degree, which can be used to estimate the capillary absorption behavior of RAC exposed to the extreme environment.
A Generalized Capillary Imbibition Model for Porous Media in Tight Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Yang Zhengming , Ding Yunhong , Lin Wei , He Ying , Duan Xiaolang
Published: October 2018

Capillary imbibition models have been widely studied in oil and gas development field over the past decades. However, the existing models applied to the tight reservoirs rarely take fluid flow resistance and apparent viscosity into account. To investigate the capillary imbibition characteristics of fluids in tight porous media, a generalized capillary imbibition model considering the flow resistance and apparent viscosity of fluids in tight porous media is derived. By comparing with the results of other capillary imbibition models and experimental data, the derived capillary imbibition model is verified. In addition, compared with the conventional capillary imbibition models, the derived capillary imbibition model is more consistent with the experimental results and has a wider applicability. The imbibition distance of water in tight reservoirs can also be obtained using the derived capillary imbibition model, which will facilitate the study on water injection development in tight oil and gas reservoirs.
Effect of Soil Classification on Seismic Behavior of SMFs considering Soil‐Structure Interaction and Near‐Field Earthquakes
Authors: Shahbazi Shahrokh , Mansouri Iman , Hu Jong Wan , Karami Armin
Published: October 2018

Seismic response of a structure is affected by its dynamic properties and soil flexibility does not have an impact on it when the bottom soil of foundation is supposedly frigid, and the soil flexibility is also ignored. Hence, utilizing the results obtained through fixed‐base buildings can lead to having an insecure design. Being close to the source of an earthquake production causes the majority of earthquake’s energy to reach the structure as a long‐period pulse. Therefore, near‐field earthquakes produce many seismic needs so that they force the structure to dissipate output energy by relatively large displacements. Hence, in this paper, the seismic response of 5‐ and 8‐story steel buildings equipped with special moment frames (SMFs) which have been designed based on type‐II and III soils (according to the seismic code of Iran‐Standard 2800) has been studied. The effects of soil‐structure interaction and modeling of the panel zone were considered in all of the two structures. In order to model radiation damping and prevent the reflection of outward propagating dilatational and shear waves back into the model, the vertical and horizontal Lysmer–Kuhlemeyer dashpots as seen in the figures are adopted in the free‐field boundary of soil. The selected near‐ and far‐field records were used in the nonlinear time‐history analysis, and structure response was compared in both states. The results obtained from the analysis showed that the values for the shear force, displacement, column axial force, and column moment force on type‐III soil are greater than the corresponding values on type‐II soil; however, it cannot be discussed for drift in general.
Effects of High Consumption of Vegetables on Clinical, Immunological, and Antioxidant Markers in Subjects at Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Peluso Ilaria , Raguzzini Anna , Catasta Giovina , Cammisotto Vittoria , Perrone Anna , Tomino Carlo , Toti Elisabetta , Serafini Mauro
Published: October 2018

High intakes of vegetables have been associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the effect of vegetables on immune function and antioxidant status in human studies have provided contrasting results. In the present study, after a week of run‐in period, 38 subjects at risk of CVD were randomly assigned to one of the following 4‐week interventions: low vegetable consumption (800 g of vegetables/week) or high vegetable consumption (4200 g of vegetables/week). Vegetables included carrots, topinambur (Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus), tomatoes, red cabbage, and sweet peppers. Blood and salivary samples were collected before and after intervention periods. In addition to clinical, immunological, and antioxidant markers, leukocyte and lymphocyte expression of the gut‐homing β7 integrin was evaluated. No significant changes were detected in clinical, immunological, and antioxidant markers in biological samples, except for an increase in white blood cell count for the low vegetable consumption group (p < 0.05). The study provides additional evidence about the uncertainty of providing a clear evidence for vegetables in modulating markers of immune function and antioxidant status. Further studies are needed in order to unravel the mechanism of effect of vegetable consumption in cardiovascular prevention.
Does Electroacupuncture Treatment Reduce Pain and Change Quantitative Sensory Testing Responses in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain? A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Leite Paula M. S. , Mendonça Andreza R. C. , Maciel Leonardo Y. S. , Poderoso-Neto Maurício L. , Araujo Carla C. A. , Góis Hilda C. J. , Souza Jérsica H. S. , DeSantana Josimari M.
Published: October 2018

Chronic nonspecific low back pain is common and one of the most disabling conditions in the world. There is moderate evidence that chronic low back pain patients present altered functional connectivity in areas related to pain processing. Quantitative sensory testing is a way of clinical measure of these alterations. Although there is not enough evidence, there are some reports that electroacupuncture is supposedly more effective in relieving pain than acupuncture because the addition of electric current could optimize the effects of traditional technique. Thus, the objective of this randomized clinical trial was to verify if electroacupuncture treatment reduces pain and changes quantitative sensory testing responses in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Patients were evaluated before and after 10 sessions regarding pain (11‐point numerical rating pain scale) and quantitative sensory testing (pressure pain threshold, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation). There were 1 treatment group (electroacupuncture (EA)) and three different control groups (CTR 1, CTR 2, and CTR 3). A total of 69 patients participated in the study. No significant differences were found in pain intensity or quantitative sensory testing responses when comparing electroacupuncture group to the three control groups. There was a significant reduction in both resting and movement pain intensity in groups EA, CTR 1, and CTR3. Although ten sessions of electroacupuncture have diminished pain intensity in both resting and movement, it could not change significantly quantitative sensory testing and diminish central sensitization in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The implications of this study involve the fact that, maybe, in chronic nonspecific low back pain, electroacupuncture should be associated with other treatments that target central sensitization.
Existence of Solutions for Singular Second-Order Ordinary Differential Equations with Periodic and Deviated Nonlocal Multipoint Boundary Conditions
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed M. A. , Gaafar Fatma M.
Published: October 2018

This paper studies the existence of continuous solutions for a class of nonlinear singular second-order ordinary differential equations subject to one of the following boundary conditions: periodic-deviated multipoint boundary conditions, periodic-integral boundary conditions, and periodic-nonlocal integral conditions in the Riemann-Stieltjes sense. An existence result based on the Schauder fixed point theorem and Leray-Schauder continuation principle is used to obtain at least one continuous solution for the singular second-order ordinary differential problems. Two examples are given to show the application of our results.
Präkapilläre pulmonale Hypertonie und schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen: Gibt es einen Zusammenhang?
Authors: Thurnheer Robert , Ulrich Silvia , Bloch Konrad E.
Published: October 2018

Zur Prävalenz der präkapillären pulmonalen Hypertonie (PH) bei Patienten mit Schlafapnoe liegen sehr unterschiedliche Angaben vor, je nach Auswahl der Patienten, Krankheitsdefinition und Begleiterkrankungen, insbesondere chronische Lungenerkrankungen. Wenn keine Komorbiditäten vorliegen, scheint PH bei Patienten mit Schlafapnoe jedoch selten zu sein. Umgekehrt kommen schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen bei PH-Patienten häufig vor und gehen mit einer Beeinträchtigung ihrer Lebensqualität einher. Da sich schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen auf den Lungenkreislauf auswirken können und umgekehrt, sollten Patienten mit schlafbezogenen Atmungsstörungen auf Risikofaktoren, Symptome und klinische Anzeichen für PH und rechtsventrikuläre Herzinsuffizienz untersucht werden, und Patienten mit PH sollten im Hinblick auf Schlafapnoe evaluiert werden. Mögliche Therapieoptionen für Patienten mit Schlafapnoe und PH sind zum Beispiel Sauerstoffgabe, Medikamente und Überdruckbeatmung. Sowohl nächtliche Sauerstoffgabe als auch Acetazolamid bewirken nachweislich eine Besserung der Schlafapnoe bei PH-Patienten. Eine Sauerstofftherapie verbesserte außerdem die körperliche Belastbarkeit. Weitere Studien sind erforderlich, um die Wirksamkeit dieser und anderer Behandlungsmaßnahmen zu unterfüttern. Übersetzung aus Respiration 2017;93:65-77 (DOI: 10.1159/000452957)
Infusion of Light Chains From Patients With Cardiac Amyloidosis Causes Diastolic Dysfunction in Isolated Mouse Hearts
Authors: Liao Ronglih , Jain Mohit , Teller Paige , Connors Lawreen H. , Ngoy Soeun , Skinner Martha , Falk Rodney H. , Apstein Carl S.
Published: October 2018

Background

Primary (AL) amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by clonal production of immunoglobulin light chains (LC) resulting in the subsequent systemic deposition of extracellular amyloid fibrils. Cardiac involvement is marked by the hemodynamic pattern of impaired diastolic filling and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Although cardiac death in patients with AL amyloidosis is usually associated with extensive myocardial infiltration, the infiltration alone does not correlated with the degree of heart failure or survival. We hypothesized that circulating monoclonal LC may directly impair cardiac function, in addition to any mechanical effects of amyloid fibril deposition. Therefore, we examined the effects of amyloid LC proteins on diastolic and systolic cardiac function, as measured in an isolated mouse heart model.

Methods and Results

LC were obtained from patients with nonamyloid disease or from those with noncardiac, mild cardiac, and severe cardiac involved AL amyloidosis. Saline or LC (100 μg/mL) was infused into a Langendorff-perfused, isovolumically contracting mouse heart. Saline and control, noncardiac, and mild-cardiac LC infusions did not alter ex vivo cardiac function. In contrast, infusion of sever cardiac LC resulted in marked impairment of ventricular relaxation with preservation of contractile function.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that infusion of LC from patients with AL amyloidosis result in diastolic dysfunction similar to that observed in patients with cardiac involved AL amyloidosis, and they suggest that amyloid LC proteins may contribute directly to the pathogenesis and the rapid progression of amyloid cardiomyopathy, independent of extracellular fibril deposition.
Effects of the Reactive Oxygen Species Hydrogen Peroxide and Hypochlorite on Endothelial Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Jaimes Edgar A. , Sweeney Charles , Raij Leopoldo
Published: October 2018

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) and hypochlorite (HOCl) participate in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Both NO and ROS are important modulators of vascular tone and architecture and of adhesive interactions between leukocytes, platelets, and vascular endothelium. We studied the effect of H
2
O
2
and HOCl on receptor-dependent (bradykinin [10
−6
mol/L] and ADP [10
−4
mol/L]) and receptor-independent mechanisms (calcium ionophore A23187 [10
−6
mol/L]) of NO production by porcine aortic endothelial cells (ECs). Changes in the level of EC cGMP (the second messenger of NO) were used as a surrogate of NO production. EC cGMP increased 300% in response to bradykinin and A23187 and 200% in response to ADP. Exposure of ECs to H
2
O
2
(50 μmol/L) for 30 minutes significantly impaired cGMP levels in response to ADP, bradykinin, and the receptor-independent NO agonist A23187. In contrast, preincubation with HOCl (50 μmol/L) impaired cGMP production only in response to ADP and bradykinin but not A23187. These concentrations of H
2
O
2
and HOCl did not result in increased EC lethality as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release. Neither H
2
O
2
nor HOCl affected EC cGMP production in response to NO donor sodium nitroprusside, which suggests that guanylate cyclase is resistant to these oxidants. We also demonstrated that neither H
2
O
2
nor HOCl affects endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) catalytic activity as measured by conversion of
l
-arginine to
l
-citrulline in EC homogenates supplemented with eNOS cofactors. The present studies show that H
2
O
2
impairs NO production in response to both receptor-dependent and receptor-independent agonists and that these effects are due, at least in part, to inactivation of eNOS cofactors, whereas HOCl inhibits NO production by interfering with receptor-operated mechanisms at the level of the cell membrane. Concentrations of H
2
O
2
and HOCl used in the present studies have been shown to be generated in vivo during inflammation and ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, we infer that these effects of H
2
O
2
and HOCl on EC NO production may contribute to disregulated vascular tone and altered leukocyte-EC interactions that occur in vascular injury as a result of those causes in which ROS generation is involved.
Early Diagnosis of Cerebral Fat Embolism Syndrome by Diffusion-Weighted MRI (Starfield Pattern)
Authors: Parizel P.M. , Demey H.E. , Veeckmans G. , Verstreken F. , Cras P. , Jorens P.G. , De Schepper A.M.
Published: October 2018

Background

—

Cerebral fat embolism syndrome is a rare, but potentially lethal, complication of long bone fractures. Neurological symptoms are variable, and the clinical diagnosis is difficult. The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the value of diffusion-weighted MRI of the brain for early diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome.

Case Description

—

A non-head-injured 18-year-old woman suffered acute mental status changes 21 hours after an uncomplicated fracture of the left tibia. MRI of the brain was performed 48 hours after injury. T2-weighted images showed multiple nonconfluent areas of high signal intensity, which, on the diffusion-weighted scans, were revealed as bright spots on a dark background (“starfield” pattern). We suggest that this indicates areas of restricted diffusion that are due to cytotoxic edema, resulting from multiple microemboli.

Conclusions

—

High-intensity lesions in the brain on diffusion-weighted images may serve as an early-appearing and more sensitive indicator of the diagnosis of fat embolism in the clinical context of long bone injury without head trauma.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Coynema poeyi (Coy, García & Álvarez, 1993) (Oxyuridomorpha: Hystrignathidae) from Antillanax pertyi (Kaup, 1869) (Coleoptera: Passalidae) from Cuba and new locality records for the species
Authors: MORFFE JANS , GARCÍA NAYLA , BREUGELMANS KARIN , ADAMS BYRON J. , HASEGAWA KOICHI
Published: October 2018

Coynema poeyi (Coy, García & Álvarez, 1993) (Oxyuridomorpha: Hystrignathidae) is redescribed and illustrated with the aid of SEM. New features of the cephalic end of both sexes and copulatory papillae pattern of the males were observed and the generic diagnosis is emended in order to include such features. New locality records are given. The phylogenetic position of the species is inferred on the basis of the D2-D3 segment of the LSU rDNA. C. poeyi is located basal in a monophyletic clade formed by other hystrignathids: two species of Longior Travassos & Kloss, 1958 and Hystrignathus sp.