bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Results from Analysis of Flow Structures and Energy Modes Induced by Viscous Wave around a Surface‐Piercing Cylinder
Authors: Alfonsi Giancarlo , Lauria Agostino , Primavera Leonardo
Published: November 2017

Due to its relevance in ocean engineering, the subject of the flow field generated by water waves around a vertical circular cylinder piercing the free surface has recently started to be considered by several research groups. In particular, we studied this problem starting from the velocity‐potential framework, then the implementation of the numerical solution of the Euler equations in their velocity‐pressure formulation, and finally the performance of the integration of the Navier‐Stokes equations in primitive variables. We also developed and applied methods of extraction of the flow coherent structures and most energetic modes. In this work, we present some new results of our research directed, in particular, toward the clarification of the main nonintuitive character of the phenomenon of interaction between a wave and a surface‐piercing cylinder, namely, the fact that the wave exerts its maximum force and exhibits its maximum run‐up on the cylindrical obstacle at different instants. The understanding of this phenomenon becomes of crucial importance in the perspective of governing the entity of the wave run‐up on the obstacle by means of wave‐flow‐control techniques.
Commute Equilibrium for Mixed Networks with Autonomous Vehicles and Traditional Vehicles
Authors: Ji Yangbeibei , Xu Mingwei , Wang Hua , Tan Chaowu
Published: November 2017

Recent development of autonomous vehicle (AV) provides new travel opportunities for citizens, and traditional vehicles (TVs) will still be used for a long time. Therefore, it is highly possible that both AVs and TVs will be used as travel modes in a city. In a transportation system with both AVs and TVs, the traffic pattern is worthy of studying. This paper investigates user equilibrium traffic pattern based on the traditional bottleneck model considering AVs and TVs. For both TVs and AVs, travel costs include queuing delay and schedule delay. However, they also have different components of travel costs; more specifically, for AVs, passengers have to pay a riding fare, and, for TVs, travelers encounter a walking time cost after parking their cars. For different combinations of travel demands and riding fare of AVs, analytical solutions of three different user equilibrium traffic patterns are obtained. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the usefulness of the analytical models. Sensitivity analyses are examined to show the impacts of AV’s time-dependent fee and trip-based fixed fee on the traffic pattern and travel costs.
Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Essential Oil Obtained from Mint Timija Cultivated under Mineral and Biological Fertilizers
Authors: Kasrati Ayoub , Alaoui Jamali Chaima , Spooner-Hart Robert , Legendre Laurent , Leach David , Abbad Abdelaziz
Published: November 2017

Cultivation of mint timija (Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija (Briq.) Harley) constitutes a promising solution to the conservation and sustainable utilization of this Moroccan endemic and threatened species. Optimized agronomic practices require mineral and/or biological fertilizer applications. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of application of a complete (N, P, and K) mineral fertilizer and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) inoculation on the composition, antioxidant, and insecticidal properties of mint timija essential oils (EOs). The GC-MS analyses identified 27 components representing more than 99.9% of the total oils. Menthone (40.7–49.3%), pulegone (31.3–36.5%), and isomenthone (2.5–4.4%) were found to be the main constituents. Cultivation of mint timija with mineral fertilizer and VAM inoculation induced an increase in menthone content and a parallel decrease of pulegone. Both treatments enhanced the antioxidant activity of the investigated EOs in all assays (IC50 ranged from 2.34 ± 0.03 mg/mL to 6.82 ± 0.25 mg/mL), while no significant difference in the toxicities of these oils against Tribolium confusum du Val. has been observed. Overall, we conclude that cultivation using complete mineral fertilizer and VAM inoculation could be useful in modulating the chemical composition and enhancing the antioxidant activity of the EO of this endemic Moroccan species.
First Characterization of theNeospora caninumDense Granule Protein GRA9
Authors: Leineweber Margret , Spekker-Bosker Katrin , Ince Vanessa , Schares Gereon , Hemphill Andrew , Eller Silvia K. , Däubener Walter
Published: November 2017

The obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasiteNeospora caninum (N. caninum)is closely related toToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The dense granules, which are present in all apicomplexan parasites, are important secretory organelles. Dense granule (GRA) proteins are released into the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) following host cell invasion and are known to play important roles in the maintenance of the host-parasite relationship and in the acquisition of nutrients. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of theN. caninumdense granule protein NcGRA9. The in silico genomic organization and key protein characteristics are described. Immunofluorescence-based localization studies revealed that NcGRA9 is located in the dense granules and is released into the interior of the PV following host cell invasion. Immunogold-electron microscopy confirmed the dense granule localization and showed that NcGRA9 is associated with the intravacuolar network. In addition, NcGRA9 is found in the “excreted secreted antigen” (ESA) fraction ofN. caninum. Furthermore, by analysing the distribution of truncated versions of NcGRA9, we provide evidence that the C-terminal region of this protein is essential for the targeting of NcGRA9 into the dense granules ofN. caninum, and the truncated proteins show reduced secretion.
Efficacy and Safety of Compound Kushen Injection on Patients with Advanced Colon Cancer: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yu Lixiu , Zhou Ying , Yang Yu , Lu Furong , Fan Yeqin
Published: November 2017

Objective. The efficacy and safety of Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) on advanced colon cancer remain controversial. We undertook a systematic meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical studies on this issue. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Chinese Biological Medical disc, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan‐Fang Database in China by the end of January 31, 2017, without language restriction. Meta‐analysis was performed by using the random effects model to estimate the summary odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) according to the study design. Stata 12.0 software was used for data analysis. The heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias were assessed, respectively. Results. A total of 14 trials met the inclusion criteria in present meta‐analysis. The results suggested that CKI combined with chemotherapeutic drugs was favorable for the treatment of advanced colon cancer and could improve the patients’ life quality. Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test suggested that there was not significant publication bias, and the sensitivity analysis indicated stable results. Conclusion. The current evidence suggested that CKI is favorable to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in patients with advanced colon cancer.
The Effects of Natural Chinese Medicine Aconite Root, Dried Ginger Rhizome, and Coptis on Rectal and Skin Temperatures at Acupuncture Points
Authors: Yang Jia-Min , Li Gang , Wang Min , Jin Yi-Xi , Zheng Feng-Jie , Sun Yan , Gao Yu-Shan , Zhang Shu-Jing , Kang Peng-Fei , Chen Lin , Wu Meng-Yao , Xu Sheng-Yong , Li Yu-Hang
Published: November 2017

The 4 properties of Chinese materia medica refer to cold, hot, warm, and cool. In the present study, the effects of the Coptis, the prepared aconite root, and dried ginger rhizome were compared with regard to the rectal and skin temperature changes of the related body surface acupuncture points (Dazhui, Zhiyang, Mingmen, Zhongwan, and Shenque). The investigation aimed to explore the thermal sensitive points, which can reflect the cold and hot properties of the Chinese herbs. This study showed that the prepared aconite root and dried ginger rhizome exhibited a warming effect on the body temperature, whereas the warming sensitive points were Zhongwan, Shenque, Dazhui, and Zhiyang. Coptis exhibited both a warming and a cooling effect on the body temperature, and the cooling sensitive point was Dazhui. The concomitant effect of these three Chinese herbs on the regulation of the body temperature was reflected by Dazhui. However, there are still some limitations and one‐sidedness. For instance, the cold and hot property of some herbs cannot be fully reflected through relevant acupoints on the conception and governor vessels. More detecting sites such as ears and internal organs will be selected for further exploration of Chinese herbs’ cold and hot property.
Formulation, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Transdermal Patches for Inhibiting Crystallization of Mefenamic Acid
Authors: Suksaeree Jirapornchai , Siripornpinyo Patsakorn , Chaiprasit Somruethai
Published: November 2017

The crystallization of mefenamic acid in transdermal patch is a major problem that makes the patch unstable and decreases the drug release. The additive was used to inhibit crystallization of a mefenamic acid. Among the different types of additives, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 and PVP K90 were studied and found to be highly effective in inhibiting the crystallization of the drug. The PVP presented as a solubilizer agent for mefenamic acid in matrix patches at the different ratio between drug : PVP, 1 : 2 and 1 : 2.5 for using PVP K30 and 1 : 1.5 and 1 : 2 for using PVP K90. The characterizations showed the homogeneous patches without the crystal form of the mefenamic acid in matrix patches. The release profiles of the mefenamic acid from the patches were investigated by Franz diffusion cells. Over the first 1 h, the release behavior of mefenamic acid from the patches obviously increased when PVP was used as a crystallization inhibitor. However, the ratio between drug : PVP K90 at 1 : 2 was found to be the most effective in increasing the drug release from patch. Thus, the PVP could be used as a crystallization inhibitor for mefenamic acid in matrix patches which will increase the drug release.
Apoptotic Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Valdés-Rives Silvia Anahi , Casique-Aguirre Diana , Germán-Castelán Liliana , Velasco-Velázquez Marco A. , González-Arenas Aliesha
Published: November 2017

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most hostile type of brain cancer. Its aggressiveness is due to increased invasion, migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, and a decreased apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the role of key regulators of apoptosis in GBM and glioblastoma stem cells. Given their importance in the etiology and pathogenesis of GBM, these signaling molecules may represent potential therapeutic targets.
Minding the Gap: Reconciling Human and Technical Perspectives on the IoT for Healthy Ageing
Authors: Soro Alessandro , Ambe Aloha Hufana , Brereton Margot
Published: November 2017

There are two distinct bodies of literature on the Internet of Things, one that derives from a technical perspective, while the other comes from a human perspective. From a technical perspective, sensors can automatically detect physical activity, thus enabling elderly people to live independently, while sensors in essence check that they are active, remind them to take their pills, and so on. From a human perspective, people seek control over their lives, good health, social connection, and a sense of well-being that comes from having purpose and feeling competent in daily routines. So are technologies meant to enable users to stay in control of their lives and manage their relations and preferred routines, or do they undermine it, making elderly people feel subjects of surveillance and incompetent, disrupting their daily arrangements? And is there a middle path that we might take in design that creates innovative technologies that are aesthetic in form and function and empowering to use? In this paper, we offer a framework and examples of designs that bridge these perspectives.
Mechanism of Restoration of Forelimb Motor Function after Cervical Spinal Cord Hemisection in Rats: Electrophysiological Verification
Authors: Takeuchi Takumi , Takahashi Masahito , Satomi Kazuhiko , Ohne Hideaki , Hasegawa Atsushi , Sato Shunsuke , Ichimura Shoichi
Published: November 2017

The objective of this study was to electrophysiologically assess the corticospinal tracts of adult rats and the recovery of motor function of their forelimbs after cervical cord hemisection. Of 39 adult rats used, compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of the forelimbs of 15 rats were evaluated, before they received left C5 segmental hemisection of the spinal cord, by stimulating the pyramid of the medulla oblongata on one side using an exciting microelectrode. All 15 rats exhibited contralateral electrical activity, but their CMAPs disappeared after hemisection. The remaining 24 rats received hemisection first, and CMAPs of 12 rats were assessed over time to study their recovery time. All of them exhibited electrical activity of the forelimbs in 4 weeks after surgery. The remaining 12 rats received additional right C2 segmental hemisection, and variation of CMAPs between before and after surgery was examined. The right side of the 12 rats that received the additional hemisection exhibited no electrical activity in response to the stimulation of the pyramids on both sides. These results suggest that changes in path between the resected and healthy sides, activation of the ventral corticospinal tracts, and propriospinal neurons were involved in the recovery of motor function after cervical cord injury.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self-Medication in Dermatology in Togo
Authors: Kombaté Koussake , Técléssou Julienne Noude , Saka Bayaki , Akakpo Abla Sefako , Tchangai Koudjouka Odette , Mouhari-Toure Abas , Mahamadou Garba , Gnassingbé Waguena , Abilogun-Chokki Aurel , Pitché Palokinam
Published: November 2017

Objective. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with self-medication in dermatology in Lomé, Togo.Methods. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study from February to April 2016 in 2 dermatology departments in Lomé. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were carried out to identify possible factors associated with self-medication.Results. A total of 711 patients were included in the study. The mean age (±SD) of the patients was26.6±6.9years and the sex ratio (male/female) was 0.6. The main dermatologic diseases recorded were immunoallergic dermatoses (39.7%) and infectious skin diseases (22.6%). Two-thirds (481/711; 66.7%) of the patients had practiced self-medication before consultation in dermatology units. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with self-medication were female sex (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI =[1.01, 2.05]), duration of dermatologic disease more than one year (aOR = 1.79; IC =[1.19, 2.68]), adnexal dermatoses (aOR = 2.31; 95% IC =[1.03–5.21]), keratinization disorders (aOR = 4.23; 95% CI =[1.36–13.13]), and fungal skin infections (aOR = 5.43; 95% CI =[2.20, 13.38]).Conclusion. Our study confirms that self-medication practice is very common among patients with dermatologic diseases in Lomé and has identified associated factors.
Effects of Shizhifang on NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Renal Tubular Injury in Hyperuricemic Rats
Authors: Wu Yansheng , He Fei , Li Yingqiao , Wang Huiling , Shi Liqiang , Wan Qiang , Ou Jiaoying , Zhang Xiaoying , Huang Di , Xu Lin , Lin Pinglan , Yang Guanghui , He Liqun , Gao Jiandong
Published: November 2017

Objective. Uric acid (UA) activates the NLRP3‐ASC‐caspase‐1 axis and triggers cascade inflammatory that leads to hyperuricemic nephropathy and hyperuricemia‐induced renal tubular injury. The original study aims to verify the positive effects of the traditional Chinese medicinal formula Shizhifang (SZF) on ameliorating the hyperuricemia, tubular injury, and inflammasome infiltration in the kidneys of hyperuricemic lab rats. Method. Twenty‐eight male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control group, oxonic acid potassium (OA) model group, OA + SZF group, and OA + Allopurinol group. We evaluated the mediating effects of SZF on renal mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) products, protein expression of NLRP3‐ASC‐caspase‐1 axis, and downstream inflammatory factors IL‐1β and IL‐18 after 7 weeks of animals feeding. Result. SZF alleviated OA‐induced hyperuricemia and inhibited OS in hyperuricemic rats (P < 0.05). SZF effectively suppressed the expression of gene and protein of the NLRP3‐ASC‐caspase‐1 axis through accommodating the ROS‐TXNIP pathway (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Our data suggest that SZF alleviates renal tubular injury and inflammation infiltration by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation triggered by mitochondrial ROS in the kidneys of hyperuricemic lab rats.
Determination of the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Pear Extracts
Authors: Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Zymonė Kristina , Viškelis Jonas , Klevinskas Almantas , Janulis Valdimaras
Published: November 2017

The specific HPLC analytical procedure was developed and validated for the determination of phenolic compounds in pear samples of different popular cultivars “Conference,” “Concordia,” “Grabova,” and “Patten.” HPLC mobile phase consisted of 0.05% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid in water and 100% (v/v) acetonitrile. The HPLC method was used to identify and confirm the specificity of 8 analytes: chlorogenic acid, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin rutinoside, quercitrin, quercitrin malonyl glucoside, and isorhamnetin glucoside. Repeatability % RSD did not exceed 3.87%, and intermediate precision did not exceed 4.63%. The total content of phenolic compounds varied from0.51±0.001 mg/g (cv. “Concordia”) to1.11±0.013 mg/g (cv. “Patten”). Chlorogenic acid was the major component in all the tested pear cultivars. The highest amount of chlorogenic acid (0.69±0.033 mg/g) was found in pear samples of the cultivar “Grabova,” and the highest amount of flavonol compounds (1.11±0.013 mg/g) was found in pear samples of the cultivar “Concordia.”
Multivalued Discrete Tomography Using Dynamical System That Describes Competition
Authors: Kojima Takeshi , Ueta Tetsushi , Yoshinaga Tetsuya
Published: November 2017

Multivalued discrete tomography involves reconstructing images composed of three or more gray levels from projections. We propose a method based on the continuous‐time optimization approach with a nonlinear dynamical system that effectively utilizes competition dynamics to solve the problem of multivalued discrete tomography. We perform theoretical analysis to understand how the system obtains the desired multivalued reconstructed image. Numerical experiments illustrate that the proposed method also works well when the number of pixels is comparatively high even if the exact labels are unknown.
Phase Noise Effect on MIMO-OFDM Systems with Common and Independent Oscillators
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Wang Hua , Fan Wei , Zou Yaning , Wolfgang Andreas , Svensson Tommy , Luo Jian
Published: November 2017

The effects of oscillator phase noises (PNs) on multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems are studied. It is shown that PNs of common oscillators at the transmitter and at the receiver have the same influence on the performance of (single-stream) beamforming MIMO-OFDM systems, yet different influences on spatial multiplexing MIMO-OFDM systems with singular value decomposition (SVD) based precoding/decoding. When each antenna is equipped with an independent oscillator, the PNs at the transmitter and at the receiver have different influences on beamforming MIMO-OFDM systems as well as spatial multiplexing MIMO-OFDM systems. Specifically, the PN effect on the transmitter (receiver) can be alleviated by having more transmit (receive) antennas for the case of independent oscillators. It is found that the independent oscillator case outperforms the common oscillator case in terms of error vector magnitude (EVM).
The Design and Optimization of GaAs Single Solar Cells Using the Genetic Algorithm and Silvaco ATLAS
Authors: Attari Kamal , Amhaimar Lahcen , El yaakoubi Ali , Asselman Adel , Bassou Mounir
Published: November 2017

Single-junction solar cells are the most available in the market and the most simple in terms of the realization and fabrication comparing to the other solar devices. However, these single-junction solar cells need more development and optimization for higher conversion efficiency. In addition to the doping densities and compromises between different layers and their best thickness value, the choice of the materials is also an important factor on improving the efficiency. In this paper, an efficient single-junction solar cell model of GaAs is presented and optimized. In the first step, an initial model was simulated and then the results were processed by an algorithm code. In this work, the proposed optimization method is a genetic search algorithm implemented in Matlab receiving ATLAS data to generate an optimum output power solar cell. Other performance parameters such as photogeneration rates, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and internal quantum efficiency (EQI) are also obtained. The simulation shows that the proposed method provides significant conversion efficiency improvement of 29.7% under AM1.5G illumination. The other results were Jsc = 34.79 mA/cm2, Voc = 1 V, and fill factor (FF) = 85%.
Trustworthy Event-Information Dissemination in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Shrestha Rakesh , Nam Seung Yeob
Published: November 2017

In vehicular networks, trustworthiness of exchanged messages is very important since a fake message might incur catastrophic accidents on the road. In this paper, we propose a new scheme to disseminate trustworthy event information while mitigating message modification attack and fake message generation attack. Our scheme attempts to suppress those attacks by exchanging the trust level information of adjacent vehicles and using a two-step procedure. In the first step, each vehicle attempts to determine the trust level, which is referred to as truth-telling probability, of adjacent vehicles. The truth-telling probability is estimated based on the average of opinions of adjacent vehicles, and we apply a new clustering technique to mitigate the effect of malicious vehicles on this estimation by removing their opinions as outliers. Once the truth-telling probability is determined, the trustworthiness of a given message is determined in the second step by applying a modified threshold random walk (TRW) to the opinions of the majority group obtained in the first step. We compare our scheme with other schemes using simulation for several scenarios. The simulation results show that our proposed scheme has a low false decision probability and can efficiently disseminate trustworthy event information to neighboring vehicles in VANET.
Effects of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Neurogenesis and Cognitive Behavior in an Experimental Model of Hippocampal Injury
Authors: Sakhaie Mohammad Hassan , Soleimani Mansoureh , Pourheydar Bagher , Majd Zahra , Atefimanesh Pezhman , Asl Sara Soleimani , Mehdizadeh Mehdi
Published: November 2017

Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields may induce constant modulation in neuronal plasticity. In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to design a suitable strategy for enhancing adult neurogenesis, which seems to be deterred due to brain senescence and several neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ELF-EMF on neurogenesis and memory, following treatment with trimethyltin chloride (TMT) as a neurotoxicant. The mice in all groups (n=56) were injected with BrdU during the experiment for seven consecutive days to label newborn cells. Spatial memory was assessed by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. By the end of the experiment, neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation were assessed in the hippocampus, using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Based on the findings, exposure to ELF-EMF enhanced spatial learning and memory in the MWM test. ELF-EMF exposure significantly enhanced the number of BrdU+ and NeuN+ cells in the dentate gyrus of adult mice (P<0.001 and P<0.05, resp.). Western blot analysis revealed significant upregulation of NeuroD2 in ELF-EMF-exposed mice compared to the TMT-treated group (P<0.05). These findings suggest that ELF-EMF might have clinical implications for the improvement of neurodegenerative processes and could help develop a novel therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine.
Model Equations for Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Water Waves under Tangential Electric Field
Authors: Tao Bo
Published: November 2017

We are concerned with gravity-capillary waves propagating on the surface of a three-dimensional electrified liquid sheet under a uniform electric field parallel to the undisturbed free surface. For simplicity, we make an assumption that the permittivity of the fluid is much larger than that of the upper-layer gas; hence, this two-layer problem is reduced to be a one-layer problem. In this paper, we propose model equations in the shallow-water regime based on the analysis of the Dirichlet-Neumann operator. The modified Benney-Luke equation and Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation will be derived, and the truly three-dimensional fully localized traveling waves, which are known as “lumps” in the literature, are numerically computed in the Benney-Luke equation.
Enhancement of Angiogenesis by Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Combined with Nuclear Localization Signaling Peptides in Canine Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cui Jingjing , Deng Qing , Zhou Qing , Cao Sheng , Jiang Nan , Wang Yijia , Chen Jinling , Hu Bo , Tan Tuantuan
Published: November 2017

Objective. This study aimed to develop a gene delivery system using ultrasound-targeted microbubbles destruction (UTMD) combined with nuclear localization signal (NLS) and investigate its efficacy and safety for therapeutic angiogenesis in canine myocardial infarction (MI) model. Methods. Fifty MI dogs were randomly divided into 5 groups and transfected with Ang-1 gene plasmid: (i) group A: only injection of microbubbles and Ang-1 plasmid; (ii) group B: only UTMD mediated gene transfection; (iii) group C: UTMD combined with classical NLS mediated gene transfection; (iv) group D: UTMD combined with mutational NLS mediated transfection; and (v) group E: UTMD combined with classical NLS in the presence of a nucleus transport blocker. The mRNA and protein expression of Ang-1 gene, microvessel density (MVD) cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and cardiac function were determined after transfection. Results. The expression of mRNA and protein of Ang-1 gene in group C was significantly higher than that of the other groups (all P < 0.01). The MVD of group C was 10.2-fold of group A and 8.1-fold of group E (P < 0.01). The cardiac function in group C was significant improvement without cTnI rising. Conclusions. The gene delivery system composed of UTMD and NLS is efficient and safe.
The Use of Starter Cultures in Traditional Meat Products
Authors: Laranjo Marta , Elias Miguel , Fraqueza Maria João
Published: November 2017

Starter cultures could play an essential role in the manufacture of traditional cured meat products. In order to achieve objectives related to meat products’ quality and safety improvement, the selection of particular strains constituting a starter culture should be carried out in the context of its application, since its functionality will depend on the type of sausage and process conditions. Also, strain selection should comply with particular requirements to warrant safety. The aim of the current review is to update the knowledge on the use of starter cultures in traditional meat products, with focus on dry-fermented products. In this manuscript, we will try to give answers to some relevant questions: Which starter cultures are used and why? Why are LAB used? What are their role and their specific mode of action? Which other groups of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) are used as starter cultures and how do they act? A particular revision of omics approach regarding starter cultures is made since the use of these techniques allows rapid screening of promising wild strains with desirable functional characteristics, enabling the development of starter cultures better adapted to the meat matrix.
Chloroform Extract of Artemisia annua L. Relaxes Mouse Airway Smooth Muscle
Authors: Huang Jun , Ma Li-Qun , Yang Yongle , Wen Nana , Zhou Wan , Cai Congli , Liu Qing-hua , Shen Jinhua
Published: November 2017

Artemisia annua L. belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is indigenous to China. It has valuable pharmacological properties, such as antimalarial, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, whether it possesses antiasthma properties is unknown. In the current study, chloroform extract of Artemisia annua L. (CEAA) was prepared, and we found that CEAA completely eliminated acetylcholine (ACh) or high K+‐elicited (80 mM) contractions of mouse tracheal rings (TRs). Patch‐clamp technique and ion channel blockers were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the relaxant effect of CEAA. In whole‐cell current recording, CEAA almost fully abolished voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) currents and markedly enhanced large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) channel currents on airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). In single channel current recording, CEAA increased the opening probability but had no effect on the single channel conductance of BK channels. However, under paxilline‐preincubated (a selective BK channel blocker) conditions, CEAA only slightly increased BK channel currents. These results indicate that CEAA may contain active components with potent antiasthma activity. The abolished VDCCs by CEAA may mainly contribute to the underlying mechanism through which it acts as an effective antiasthmatic compound, but the enhanced BK currents might play a less important role in the antiasthmatic effects.
Durable Near-Complete Response to Anti-PD-1 Checkpoint Immunotherapy in a Refractory Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura
Authors: Boothe James T. , Budd G. Thomas , Smolkin Matthew B. , Ma Patrick C.
Published: November 2017

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura is a rare and usually benign primary neoplasm arising from mesenchymal cells of the submesothelial tissue. We present here the case of a patient diagnosed with CD34-positive advanced malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura whose disease failed to respond to combination cytotoxic chemotherapy agents, but demonstrated a prompt near-complete response to checkpoint blockade treatment using the anti-programmed death (PD)-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab, based on tumor molecular profiling revealing tumoral expression positivity for both programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-1. The patient experienced minimal adverse effects from the treatment with durable favorable response lasting up to cycle 26.
Mitochondria Targeted Peptide Attenuates Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Controls Inflammation and Protects Against Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Zhu Liu-Long , Li Mao-Qiang , He Fan , Zhou Shao-Bo , Jiang Wu
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common and devastating disease, which results in systemic inflammatory response syndrome and secondary lung injury. Mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation are closely related to lung injury in diverse disease models. No studies have demonstrated the effects of mitochondrial targeted peptide SS-31 in a mouse model of SCI-induced lung injury. Methods: Immediately after injury, mice in the treatment groups received a daily, single-dose intraperitoneal injection of SS-31 and for the next 2 days. The sham and SCI groups also received a daily single dose of vehicle (DMSO and 0.9% NaCl, 1: 3). The lung tissue of mice was examined after SCI, and tissue damage, apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction were recorded. Results: SS-31 treatment attenuated lung edema and tissue damage. Furthermore, SS-31 treatment reduced apoptosis of alveolar type II cells, the number of total macrophages and M1 macrophages, and neutrophil infiltration. Moreover, SS-31 treatment attenuated reactive oxygen species levels, reversed mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: Collectively, our results demonstrate that SS-31 attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction, controls inflammatory responses, and alleviates the severity of lung damage in a mouse model of SCI-induced lung injury.
Potential US Population Impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guideline
Authors: Muntner Paul , Carey Robert M. , Gidding Samuel , Jones Daniel W. , Taler Sandra J. , Wright Jackson T. , Whelton Paul K.
Published: November 2017

Background:

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults provides recommendations for the definition of hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) thresholds for initiation of antihypertensive medication, and BP target goals.

Objectives:

This study sought to determine the prevalence of hypertension, implications of recommendations for antihypertensive medication, and prevalence of BP above the treatment goal among US adults using criteria from the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline and the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7).

Methods:

The authors analyzed data from the 2011 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 9 623). BP was measured 3 times following a standardized protocol and averaged. Results were weighted to produce US population estimates.

Results:

According to the 2017 ACC/AHA and JNC7 guidelines, the crude prevalence of hypertension among US adults was 45.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.6% to 47.6%) and 31.9% (95% CI: 30.1% to 33.7%), respectively, and antihypertensive medication was recommended for 36.2% (95% CI: 34.2% to 38.2%) and 34.3% (95% CI: 32.5% to 36.2%) of US adults, respectively. Nonpharmacological intervention is advised for the 9.4% of US adults with hypertension who are not recommended for antihypertensive medication according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. Among US adults taking antihypertensive medication, 53.4% (95% CI: 49.9% to 56.8%) and 39.0% (95% CI: 36.4% to 41.6%) had BP above the treatment goal according to the 2017 ACC/AHA and JNC7 guidelines, respectively.

Conclusions:

Compared with the JNC7 guideline, the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline results in a substantial increase in the prevalence of hypertension, a small increase in the percentage of US adults recommended for antihypertensive medication, and more intensive BP lowering for many adults taking antihypertensive medication.
Systematic Review for the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Reboussin David M. , Allen Norrina B. , Griswold Michael E. , Guallar Eliseo , Hong Yuling , Lackland Daniel T. , Miller Edgar (Pete) R. , Polonsky Tamar , Thompson-Paul Angela M. , Vupputuri Suma
Published: November 2017

Objective—

To review the literature systematically and perform meta-analyses to address these questions: 1) Is there evidence that self-measured blood pressure (BP) without other augmentation is superior to office-based measurement of BP for achieving better BP control or for preventing adverse clinical outcomes that are related to elevated BP? 2) What is the optimal target for BP lowering during antihypertensive therapy in adults? 3) In adults with hypertension, how do various antihypertensive drug classes differ in their benefits and harms compared with each other as first-line therapy?

Methods—

Electronic literature searches were performed by Doctor Evidence, a global medical evidence software and services company, across PubMed and EMBASE from 1966 to 2015 using key words and relevant subject headings for randomized controlled trials that met eligibility criteria defined for each question. We performed analyses using traditional frequentist statistical and Bayesian approaches, including random-effects Bayesian network meta-analyses.

Results—

Our results suggest that: 1) There is a modest but significant improvement in systolic BP in randomized controlled trials of self-measured BP versus usual care at 6 but not 12 months, and for selected patients and their providers self-measured BP may be a helpful adjunct to routine office care. 2) systolic BP lowering to a target of <130 mm Hg may reduce the risk of several important outcomes including risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and major cardiovascular events. No class of medications (ie, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers) was significantly better than thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics as a first-line therapy for any outcome.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Ameliorate Cyclosporine A–Induced Hypertension in Mice
Authors: Chiasson Valorie L. , Bounds Kelsey R. , Chatterjee Piyali , Manandhar Lochana , Pakanati Abhinandan R. , Hernandez Marcos , Aziz Bilal , Mitchell Brett M.
Published: November 2017

The calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) suppresses the immune system but promotes hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and renal damage. CsA decreases regulatory T cells and this contributes to the development of hypertension. However, CsA’s effects on another important regulatory immune cell subset, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), is unknown. We hypothesized that augmenting MDSCs would ameliorate the CsA-induced hypertension and vascular and renal injury and dysfunction and that CsA reduces MDSCs in mice. Daily interleukin-33 treatment, which increased MDSC levels, completely prevented CsA-induced hypertension and vascular and renal toxicity. Adoptive transfer of MDSCs from control mice into CsA-treated mice after hypertension was established dose-dependently reduced blood pressure and vascular and glomerular injury. CsA treatment of aortas and kidneys isolated from control mice for 24 hours decreased relaxation responses and increased inflammation, respectively, and these effects were prevented by the presence of MDSCs. MDSCs also prevented the CsA-induced increase in fibronectin in microvascular and glomerular endothelial cells. Last, CsA dose-dependently reduced the number of MDSCs by inhibiting calcineurin and preventing cell proliferation, as other direct calcineurin signaling pathway inhibitors had the same dose-dependent effect. These data suggest that augmenting MDSCs can reduce the cardiovascular and renal toxicity and hypertension caused by CsA.
Navigobius kaguya, new species of ptereleotrine goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the West Pacific
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C. , TEA YI-KAI , SENOU HIROSHI
Published: November 2017

Navigobius kaguya is described on the basis of two specimens from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, and Luzon, Philippines. It differs from other described species of the genus in live coloration, and in having: second dorsal-fin rays I,16; anal-fin rays I,16; pectoral-fin rays 21–22; gill rakers 5–6 + 17; and first dorsal fin weakly to moderately incised between spines, taller than second dorsal. It closely resembles an undescribed species from Bali and the Maldives, but differs in lacking an orange-red mid-lateral stripe. The possible placement of Navigobius khanhoa in Oxymetapon is discussed.
A new species of large-bodied, tuberculate Hemidactylus Oken (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Eastern Ghats, India
Authors: GIRI VARAD B. , BAUER AARON M. , MOHAPATRA PRATYUSH P. , SRINIVASULU CHELMALA , AGARWAL ISHAN
Published: November 2017

A distinct new gecko of the genus Hemidactylus is described from Andhra Pradesh, India. This large-sized (snout to vent length up to at least 105 mm), scansorial Hemidactylus is characterized by dorsal scalation of small granules intermixed with large, pointed, trihedral tubercles that form 16–17 fairly regularly arranged longitudinal rows at midbody; 9–11 subdigital lamellae below the first and 11–13 below the fourth digit; 6–8 strongly pointed and keeled enlarged tubercles on the original tail; 20–23 femoral pores separated by 4 poreless scales in males; 11–13 supralabials and 9–11 infralabials. This is the third vertebrate endemic to the Mahendragiri Range, highlighting the significance of this topographically complex region.
New species and new records of Uropodina from Virginia, USA (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: KONTSCHÁN JENŐ
Published: November 2017

Jedediella hoffmani sp. nov. and Trachytes virginiana sp. nov. are described on the basis of specimens from Virginia USA. This paper also presents the first published records of Trachytes balazyi Wiśniewski & Hirschmann, 1994, Discourella gaitlinburgiana Wiśniewski & Hirschmann, 1994 and Discourella modestasimilis Hiramatsu & Hirschmann 1979 from Virginia, and the first record of Discourella modestasimilis from USA.
Tumor site concordance and genetic toxicology test correlations in NTP 2-year feed studies
Authors: Smith Carr J , Perfetti Thomas A
Published: November 2017

This study presents an analysis of species, sex concordance in tumorigenicity among National Toxicology Program (NTP) chemicals tested for carcinogenicity by feed. It includes mutagenicity and other genetic toxicology test results, as well as Log P values. A total of 213 chemicals were tested in 212 2-year studies by exposing F334/N rats and B6C3F1 mice in their feed. Twenty-two of the 213 chemicals tested were clearly neoplastic in male and female rats and mice. Thirteen of these 22 chemicals were positive in at least one Ames test representing a prediction accuracy of 59.1%. Seventy-six of 213 chemicals tested were not neoplastic in either rodent species. Of the 22 ubiquitously neoplastic chemicals, 14 were concordant for developing tumors at the same anatomical site both across species and across sex within species. Of the 22 ubiquitously neoplastic chemicals, none were concordant for developing tumors at the same anatomical site across species, but not across sex within species. The neoplastic response to chemicals administered in feed displays more concordance within either male or female rats, or male and female mice, than between male rats and male mice, or female rats and female mice. In the NTP feed studies, negative Ames test results are more predictive of neoplastic responses than positive Ames test results. Log P values for the chemicals that produced tumors in male and female rats and mice were compared to chemicals that did not produce tumors. A statistical comparison between these Log P values showed no relationship between Log P values and neoplasticity.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors, Sport and Doping
Authors: Di Luigi Luigi , Sansone Massimiliano , Sansone Andrea , Ceci Roberta , Duranti Guglielmo , Borrione Paolo , Crescioli Clara , Sgrò Paolo , Sabatini Stefania
Published: November 2017

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) (e.g.,sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil) are drugs commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. PDE5i are not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) but are alleged to be frequently misused by healthy athletes to improve sporting performance.In vitroandin vivostudies have reported various effects of PDE5i on cardiovascular, muscular, metabolic, and neuroendocrine systems and the potential, therefore, to enhance performance of healthy athletes during training and competition. This suggests well-controlled research studies to examine the ergogenic effects of PDE5i on performance during activities that simulate real sporting situations are warranted to determine if PDE5i should be included on the prohibited WADA list. In the meantime, there is concern that some otherwise healthy athletes will continue to misuse PDE5i to gain an unfair competitive advantage over their competitors.
Neuromechanical Considerations for Postconcussion Musculoskeletal Injury Risk Management
Authors: Wilkerson Gary B. , Grooms Dustin R. , Acocello Shellie N.
Published: November 2017

Recent epidemiological studies have documented increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal injury after sport-related concussion, which raises questions about the adequacy of current clinical practices to ensure safe return to sport. A growing body of evidence derived from advanced neuroimaging and neurological assessment methods strongly suggests that mild traumatic brain injury has long-lasting adverse effects that persist beyond resolution of clinical symptoms. Plausible interrelationships among postconcussion changes in brain structure and function support the rationale for specific methods of clinical assessment and training to target the interaction of cognitive and motor function for reduction of musculoskeletal injury risk after concussion. The findings of preliminary clinical studies are presented to support suggested strategies for reduction of postconcussion musculoskeletal injury risk, and to identify novel approaches that we consider worthy areas for further research.
The Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Muscle Healing
Authors: Borrione Paolo , Fagnani Federica , Di Gianfrancesco Alessia , Mancini Annamaria , Pigozzi Fabio , Pitsiladis Yannis
Published: November 2017

The healing of a muscle injury is a complex and dynamic process characterized by different overlapping phases resulting in the restoration of the anatomic continuity and function. This process, triggered by the tissue injury itself, is modulated by different growth factors capable of directing the recruitment, duplication, activation, and differentiation of different cell types. This key role played by different growth factors is the basis of the use of platelet-rich plasma in several circumstances, all of them characterized by the need of activating or ameliorating the process of tissue repair. There is an extensive documentation of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of growth factors in the muscle healing process. Unfortunately, for many different reasons, experimental results are usually difficult to interpret, clinical results are controversial, and the relevance of use is still debatable. The present article aims to review the available scientific literature with particular focus on actual clinical applications.