bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multispectral autofluorescence imaging for detection of cervical lesions: A preclinical study
Authors: Bae Soo‐Jin , Lee Dae‐Sic , Berezin Vladimir , Kang Uk , Lee Keun‐Ho
Published: October 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a novel optical imaging system for detecting protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) autofluorescence, to prove that PpIX autofluorescence is as useful as 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA)‐induced fluorescence for detecting and localizing cervical cancer, and to monitor the change in PpIX autofluorescence or induced PpIX fluorescence before, during, and after photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Methods

TC‐1 cells – highly tumorigenic cells immortalized using human papillomavirus type 16 proteins E6 and E7 – were subcutaneously grafted into the thighs of nude mice. The suspected tumor tissues were visualized using autofluorescence imaging and induced fluorescence imaging under 5‐ALA administration. When the 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX was sufficiently accumulated in tumor tissues, PDT was performed using a 635‐nm laser. We observed the change in fluorescence intensity during PDT. For 3 weeks after PDT, we monitored tumor remission by using white‐light imaging and fluorescence imaging.

Results

The transplanted cells were visualized by PpIX autofluorescence, which was induced by heme synthesis. After 5‐ALA administration, PpIX could be targeted by using PDT, which decreased PpIX autofluorescence. Photobleaching is useful for monitoring PDT dosimetry and for determining the photodynamic response to therapy.

Conclusion

PpIX autofluorescence clearly differentiated the tumor from adjacent normal tissues. The results of PpIX autofluorescence imaging and 5‐ALA‐induced fluorescence imaging were identical. PpIX autofluorescence imaging is a simple and cost‐effective cervical cancer screening method that could be performed during or after PDT to ensure effective treatment or remission as a change in fluorescence intensity can be observed in real time without a blinding effect.
Effects of oral care with tongue cleaning on coughing ability in geriatric care facilities: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Izumi M. , Takeuchi K. , Ganaha S. , Akifusa S. , Yamashita Y.
Published: October 2016

Methods for preventing aspiration pneumonia are needed soon in order to reduce mortality from aspiration pneumonia and promote the health of the elderly. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to examine whether oral care with tongue cleaning improves coughing ability in elderly individuals living in geriatric care facilities. Participants comprised of 114 residents of 11 group homes and private nursing homes in Aso City in Kumamoto Prefecture. Participants were randomly assigned to either (i) a group that underwent routine oral care with tongue cleaning (intervention group; n = 58) or (ii) a group that underwent routine oral care alone (control group; n = 56). Coughing ability was evaluated by measuring peak expiratory flow (PEF) before and after 4 weeks of intervention. Before the intervention, PEF did not differ significantly between the intervention group (1·65 ± 1·11 L s−1) and control group (1·59 ± 1·05 L s−1; P = 0·658). However, on termination of the intervention, PEF was significantly higher in the intervention group (2·54 ± 1·42 L s−1) than in the control group (1·90 ± 1·20 L s−1; P = 0·014). After the intervention, PEF had increased significantly in both groups; however, this increase was significantly greater in the intervention group (0·90 ± 0·95 L s−1) than in the control group (0·31 ± 0·99 L s−1; P < 0·001). Oral care with tongue cleaning led to increased PEF, suggesting improved coughing ability. Oral care incorporating tongue cleaning appears to be important for preventing aspiration pneumonia.
Obesity as a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Jordani P. C. , Campi L. B. , Circeli G. Z. , Visscher C. M. , Bigal M. E. , Gonçalves D. A. G.
Published: October 2016

We conducted a clinical cross‐sectional study to evaluate the association between obesity and the presence of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD), controlling for age, gender, presence of migraine, depression, non‐specific somatic symptoms and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in an adult population. A total of 299 individuals (76·6% women) with a mean age of 36·8 ± 12·8 years were evaluated. TMD were classified using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Depression and non‐specific somatic symptoms were scored by the Symptom Checklist‐90, while pain and disability was rated by the Graded Chronic Pain Scale. Bioimpedanciometry (BIA) was used to assess obesity through total body fat percentage. Migraine was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders‐2 (ICHD‐2). OSAS was classified according to the Berlin Questionnaire. We performed univariate and multivariate models, chi‐square tests and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In the single regression analysis, TMD‐pain was significantly associated with total body fat percentage (P = 0·01). In the multivariate analysis, migraine, age, non‐specific somatic symptoms and OSAS showed to be stronger predictors of TMD‐pain, and obesity did not retain in the regression model. The initial association found between obesity and TMD‐pain is lost when it was corrected for gender, migraine, non‐specific somatic symptoms and OSAS.
Longitudinal study of factors affecting taste sense decline in old‐old individuals
Authors: Ogawa T. , Uota M. , Ikebe K. , Arai Y. , Kamide K. , Gondo Y. , Masui Y. , Ishizaki T. , Inomata C. , Takeshita H. , Mihara Y. , Hatta K. , Maeda Y.
Published: October 2016

The sense of taste plays a pivotal role for personal assessment of the nutritional value, safety and quality of foods. Although it is commonly recognised that taste sensitivity decreases with age, alterations in that sensitivity over time in an old‐old population have not been previously reported. Furthermore, no known studies utilised comprehensive variables regarding taste changes and related factors for assessments. Here, we report novel findings from a 3‐year longitudinal study model aimed to elucidate taste sensitivity decline and its related factors in old‐old individuals. We utilised 621 subjects aged 79–81 years who participated in the Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians Study for baseline assessments performed in 2011 and 2012, and then conducted follow‐up assessments 3 years later in 328 of those. Assessment of general health, an oral examination and determination of taste sensitivity were performed for each. We also evaluated cognitive function using Montreal Cognitive Assessment findings, then excluded from analysis those with a score lower than 20 in order to secure the validity and reliability of the subjects’ answers. Contributing variables were selected using univariate analysis, then analysed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. We found that males showed significantly greater declines in taste sensitivity for sweet and sour tastes than females. Additionally, subjects with lower cognitive scores showed a significantly greater taste decrease for salty in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, our longitudinal study revealed that gender and cognitive status are major factors affecting taste sensitivity in geriatric individuals.
Immunomodulatory/inflammatory effects of geopropolis produced by Melipona fasciculata Smith in combination with doxorubicin on THP-1 cells
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Pires Garcia , Conte Fernanda Lopes , Cardoso Eliza de Oliveira , Conti Bruno José , Santiago Karina Basso , Golim Marjorie de Assis , Cruz Maria Teresa , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Geopropolis (GEO) in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) reduced HEp-2 cells viability compared to GEO and DOX alone. A possible effect of this combination on the innate immunity could take place, and its effects were analysed on THP-1 cell – a human leukaemia monocytic cell line used as a model to study monocyte activity and macrophage activity, assessing cell viability, expression of cell markers and cytokine production.

Methods

THP-1 cells were incubated with GEO, DOX and their combination. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, cell markers expression by flow cytometry and cytokine production by ELISA.

Key findings

GEO + DOX did not affect cell viability. GEO alone or in combination increased TLR-4 and CD80 but not HLA-DR and TLR-2 expression. GEO stimulated TNF-α production while DOX alone or in combination did not affect it. GEO alone or in combination inhibited IL-6 production.

Conclusions

GEO exerted a pro-inflammatory profile by increasing TLR-4 and CD80 expression and TNF-α production, favouring the activation of the immune/inflammatory response. GEO + DOX did not affect cell viability and presented an immunomodulatory action. Lower concentrations of DOX combined to GEO could be used in cancer patients, avoiding side effects and benefiting from the biological properties of GEO.
Identification of compounds from non-polar fractions of Blechnum spp and a multitarget approach involving enzymatic modulation and oxidative stress
Authors: Andrade Juliana Maria de Mello , Maurmann Natasha , Pranke Patricia , Turatti Izabel Cristina Casanova , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Henriques Amélia T
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The hexane (HEX) and dichloromethane (DCM) fractions from Blechnum binervatum, Blechnum brasiliense and Blechnum occidentale were studied about phytochemicals and biological properties using multitarget approach.

Methods

The chemical composition was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS) analysis. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated against free radicals and on lipid peroxidation. Monoamine oxidases (MAO) and cholinesterases enzymatic modulation, as well as effects on rat and human cells, were assessed.

Key findings

The CG-MS analysis allowed the identification of a non-polar compound series, being neophytadiene the major constituent in all DCM fractions and in HEX fractions from B. binervatum and B. occidentale. In B. brasiliense HEX fraction, β-sitosterol was the main compound. In general, B. brasiliense DCM fraction presented the highest antioxidant activity, with IC50 values around 9, 2 and 1.2 times lower than those found for the other species, against HO˙, NO˙ and on lipid peroxidation, respectively. Regarding enzyme modulations, B. brasiliense DCM fraction presented higher MAO-A inhibition (IC50: 31.83 μg/ml), with a better selectivity index (SI MAO-A/MAO-B: 6.77). The lack of harmful effects was observed in rat cells, also highlighted in the stem cells for all Blechnum samples.

Conclusion

These findings encourage the search for multibinding natural products, mainly from B. brasiliense DCM fraction.
Topical ear treatment – options, indications and limitations of current therapy
Authors: Paterson S.
Published: October 2016

Topical otic products form an integral part of the overall management of otitis externa. With an ever increasing array of ear drops and cleaners to choose from, appropriate selection of therapy can be difficult. The investigation of all cases of otitis externa should consider primary and secondary causes and predisposing and perpetuating factors. This article considers topical therapy under these same broad headings and discusses, through literature review, the various properties of the components of the ear cleaning solutions and drops.
Inflammatory bowel disease versus chronic enteropathy in dogs: are they one and the same?
Authors: Dandrieux J. R. S.
Published: October 2016

The aim of this review is to discuss why “chronic enteropathy” might be a better term than “inflammatory bowel disease” in dogs, because the treatment and outcome of the disease is very different from that of inflammatory bowel disease in humans. The effect of food, antibiotics and immunosuppressant drugs on chronic enteropathy will be reviewed. New treatments under investigation will also be introduced. Although there are several studies evaluating treatment of chronic enteropathy in dogs, the quality and quantity of evidence supporting individual therapies remains scarce and more work is needed to improve management of this disease. Finally, new findings about dogs with chronic enteropathy complicated by protein‐losing enteropathy will be discussed. Although prognosis for these dogs is poor, recent data might help improve their treatment.
Hepatic concentrations of copper and other metals in dogs with and without chronic hepatitis
Authors: Cedeño Y. , López‐Alonso M. , Miranda M.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Defects in copper metabolism have been described in several dog breeds, and recently, it has been suggested that changes in other essential trace elements could be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic disease. This study measured hepatic copper accumulation and its interactions with other essential trace and toxic metals in dogs diagnosed with chronic hepatitis.

Methods

Liver samples of 20 chronic hepatitis and 20 healthy dogs were collected. Samples were acid digested, and essential metals (cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molibdenum, selenium and zinc) and toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead) were analysed by inductively–coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

Copper concentrations were significantly higher in dogs affected by hepatic disease than in controls. Dogs having chronic hepatitis with liver copper concentration greater than 100 mg/kg wet weight showed statistically higher cobalt, manganese and zinc concentrations than dogs having chronic hepatitis with liver copper concentrations less than 100 mg/kg wet weight and controls. Toxic metal concentrations were low – in all cases below the threshold associated with toxicity in dogs.

Clinical Significance

Dogs with chronic hepatitis not only have increased concentrations of copper in the liver but also increased concentrations of cobalt, manganese and zinc; measurement of these elements may perhaps aid in diagnosis of liver disease in dogs.
Promoting more socially responsible corporations through a corporate law regulatory framework
Authors: Zhao Jingchen
Published: October 2016

This paper aims to lay the foundations for a more critical approach to the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate law. Limitations on legislative approaches including directors’ duties, disclosure of information, sustainable decisions, direct promotion and corporate internal management structure are critically analysed, trying to find well thought-out and effectively implemented adjudication that provides meaningful instruction for regulating CSR. The paper explores the manner in which corporate law may contribute to accommodating CSR principles within corporate strategies, in order to establish a transformative legal regulatory framework within corporate law by using the authoritative legal mode to promote corporate regulatory mechanisms. The paper critically studies a few legislative measures supported by the relevant legislative experiences from various jurisdictions as examples of currently enforced CSR laws at national level, in order to offer comprehensive and potentially effective legislative suggestions for accommodating CSR elements. However, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is clearly not desirable, and these suggestions should be interpreted and implemented in a locally relevant manner, according to path dependence theory.
Bacillus subtilis MntR coordinates the transcriptional regulation of manganese uptake and efflux systems
Authors: Huang Xiaojuan , Shin Jung‐Ho , Pinochet‐Barros Azul , Su Tina T. , Helmann John D.
Published: October 2016

The Bacillus subtilis MntR metalloregulatory protein senses manganese, an essential element required for central metabolism, oxidative stress resistance and replication. An mntR null mutant is highly sensitive to Mn(II) intoxication, which is attributed in part to the constitutive expression of two importers: the proton‐dependent NRAMP family transporter MntH and the ABC transporter MntABCD. Here, we show that an mntR null mutant is still sensitive to Mn(II) intoxication even if both of the import systems are absent. This Mn(II) sensitivity results from the requirement for MntR to activate the transcription of two genes encoding cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family efflux pumps. Physiological studies indicate that MneP (formerly YdfM) serves as the primary Mn(II) efflux pump with MneS (formerly YeaB) playing a secondary role. Mutant strains lacking mneP are Mn(II) sensitive and accumulate elevated levels of Mn(II), and these effects are exacerbated in a mneP mneS double mutant. DNA‐binding and in vitro transcription studies demonstrate that MntR binds to both the mneP and mneS regulatory regions and directly activates transcription in response to levels of Mn(II) several‐fold higher than required for repression of import genes. These results highlight the delicate balance of Mn(II) uptake and efflux systems controlled by MntR.
Sl‐IAA27 regulates strigolactone biosynthesis and mycorrhization in tomato (var. MicroTom)
Authors: Guillotin Bruno , Etemadi Mohammad , Audran Corinne , Bouzayen Mondher , Bécard Guillaume , Combier Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2016

Root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is a complex and finely tuned process. Previous studies have shown that, among other plant hormones, auxin plays a role in this process but the specific involvement of Aux/IAAs, the key regulators of auxin responses, is still unknown.

In this study, we addressed the role of the tomato Sl‐IAA27 during AM symbiosis by using Sl‐IAA27‐RNAi and pSL‐IAA27::GUS stable tomato lines.

The data show that Sl‐IAA27 expression is up‐regulated by the AM fungus and that silencing of Sl‐IAA27 has a negative impact on AM colonization. Sl‐IAA27‐silencing resulted in down‐regulation of three genes involved in strigolactone synthesis, NSP1, D27 and MAX1, and treatment of Sl‐IAA27‐silenced plants with the strigolactone analog GR24 complemented their mycorrhizal defect phenotype.

Overall, the study identified an Aux/IAA gene as a new component of the signaling pathway controlling AM fungal colonization in tomato. This gene is proposed to control strigolactone biosynthesis via the regulation of NSP1.
Synthetic wisdom
Authors: Kitcher Philip
Published: October 2016

Wisdom is a special kind of virtue. It is not to be identified with any outstanding cognitive ability—like having a prodigious memory or knowing a lot. Rather it consists in seeing what is most important and most valuable, either within a particular domain or in life as a whole. In the life of a wise person, that insight should be accompanied by traits of character, enabling the person to pursue what is seen as valuable. Viewing wisdom as a capacity for synthetic understanding, I argue for the need for philosophy, even at a time when all of us have much to learn from the sciences.
Cortisol dysregulation: the bidirectional link between stress, depression, and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Joseph Joshua J. , Golden Sherita H.
Published: October 2016

Controversy exists over the role of stress and depression in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Depression has been shown to increase the risk for progressive insulin resistance and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple studies, whereas the association of stress with diabetes is less clear, owing to differences in study designs and in forms and ascertainment of stress. The biological systems involved in adaptation that mediate the link between stress and physiological functions include the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous and immune systems. The HPA axis is a tightly regulated system that represents one of the body's mechanisms for responding to acute and chronic stress. Depression is associated with cross‐sectional and longitudinal alterations in the diurnal cortisol curve, including a blunted cortisol awakening response and flattening of the diurnal cortisol curve. Flattening of the diurnal cortisol curve is also associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this article, we review and summarize the evidence supporting HPA axis dysregulation as an important biological link between stress, depression, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Dumping syndrome after esophageal, gastric or bariatric surgery: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management
Authors: van Beek A. P. , Emous M. , Laville M. , Tack J.
Published: October 2016

Background

Dumping syndrome, a common complication of esophageal, gastric or bariatric surgery, includes early and late dumping symptoms. Early dumping occurs within 1 h after eating, when rapid emptying of food into the small intestine triggers rapid fluid shifts into the intestinal lumen and release of gastrointestinal hormones, resulting in gastrointestinal and vasomotor symptoms. Late dumping occurs 1–3 h after carbohydrate ingestion, caused by an incretin‐driven hyperinsulinemic response resulting in hypoglycemia. Clinical recommendations are needed for the diagnosis and management of dumping syndrome.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed through February 2016. Evidence‐based medicine was used to develop diagnostic and management strategies for dumping syndrome.

Results

Dumping syndrome should be suspected based on concurrent presentation of multiple suggestive symptoms after upper abdominal surgery. Suspected dumping syndrome can be confirmed using symptom‐based questionnaires, glycemia measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests. First‐line management of dumping syndrome involves dietary modification, as well as acarbose treatment for persistent hypoglycemia. If these approaches are unsuccessful, somatostatin analogues should be considered in patients with dumping syndrome and impaired quality of life. Surgical re‐intervention or continuous enteral feeding may be necessary for treatment‐refractory dumping syndrome, but outcomes are variable.

Conclusions

Implementation of these diagnostic and treatment recommendations may improve dumping syndrome management.
Perioperative intravenous fluid therapy in children: guidelines from the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany
Authors: Sümpelmann Robert , Becke Karin , Brenner Sebastian , Breschan Christian , Eich Christoph , Höhne Claudia , Jöhr Martin , Kretz Franz‐Josef , Marx Gernot , Pape Lars , Schreiber Markus , Strauss Jochen , Weiss Markus
Published: October 2016

This consensus‐ based S1 Guideline for perioperative infusion therapy in children is focused on safety and efficacy. The objective is to maintain or re‐establish the child's normal physiological state (normovolemia, normal tissue perfusion, normal metabolic function, normal acid‐ base‐ electrolyte status). Therefore, the perioperative fasting times should be as short as possible to prevent patient discomfort, dehydration, and ketoacidosis. A physiologically composed balanced isotonic electrolyte solution (BS) with 1–2.5% glucose is recommended for the intraoperative background infusion to maintain normal glucose concentrations and to avoid hyponatremia, hyperchloremia, and lipolysis. Additional BS without glucose can be used in patients with circulatory instability until the desired effect is achieved. The additional use of colloids (albumin, gelatin, hydroxyethyl starch) is recommended to recover normovolemia and to avoid fluid overload when crystalloids alone are not sufficient and blood products are not indicated. Monitoring should be extended in cases with major surgery, and autotransfusion maneuvers should be performed to assess fluid responsiveness.
Perspectives on Bioluminescence Mechanisms
Authors: Lee John
Published: October 2016

The molecular mechanisms of the bioluminescence systems of the firefly, bacteria and those utilizing imidazopyrazinone luciferins such as coelenterazine are gradually being uncovered using modern biophysical methods such as dynamic (ns–ps) fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, X‐ray crystallography and computational chemistry. The chemical structures of all reactants are well defined, and the spatial structures of the luciferases are providing important insight into interactions within the active cavity. It is generally accepted that the firefly and coelenterazine systems, although proceeding by different chemistries, both generate a dioxetanone high‐energy species that undergoes decarboxylation to form directly the product in its S1 state, the bioluminescence emitter. More work is still needed to establish the structure of the products completely. In spite of the bacterial system receiving the most research attention, the chemical pathway for excitation remains mysterious except that it is clearly not by a decarboxylation. Both the coelenterazine and bacterial systems have in common of being able to employ “antenna proteins,” lumazine protein and the green‐fluorescent protein, for tuning the color of the bioluminescence. Spatial structure information has been most valuable in informing the mechanism of the Ca2+‐regulated photoproteins and the antenna protein interactions.
Small RNAs and extracellular vesicles in filarial nematodes: From nematode development to diagnostics
Authors: Quintana J. F. , Babayan S. A. , Buck A. H.
Published: October 2016

Parasitic nematodes have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to communicate with their hosts in order to survive and successfully establish an infection. The transfer of RNA within extracellular vesicles (EVs) has recently been described as a mechanism that could contribute to this communication in filarial nematodes. It has been shown that these EVs are loaded with several types of RNAs, including microRNAs, leading to the hypothesis that parasites could actively use these molecules to manipulate host gene expression and to the exciting prospect that these pathways could result in new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the literature on the diverse RNAi pathways that operate in nematodes and more specifically our current knowledge of extracellular RNA (exRNA) and EVs derived from filarial nematodes in vitro and within their hosts. We further detail some of the issues and questions related to the capacity of RNA‐mediated communication to function in parasite–host interactions and the ability of exRNA to enable us to distinguish and detect different nematode parasites in their hosts.
The ArabidopsisUGT87A2, a stress‐inducible family 1 glycosyltransferase, is involved in the plant adaptation to abiotic stresses
Authors: Li Pan , Li Yan‐jie , Wang Bo , Yu Hui‐min , Li Qin , Hou Bing‐kai
Published: October 2016

Glycosyltransferase (GT) family‐1, the biggest GT family in plants, typically participates in modification of small molecules and affects many aspects during plant development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, although some UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs) of family‐1 have been functionally characterized, functions of most the UGTs remain unknown or fragmentary. Here, we report data for the Arabidopsis UGT87A2, a stress‐regulated GT. We found that UGT87A2 could be dramatically induced by salinity, osmotic stress, drought and ABA. Overexpression of UGT87A2 (87A2OE) leads to accelerated germination and greening, higher survival rate as well as increased root length against abiotic stresses compared with those of wild‐type (WT) plants. In addition, we observed lower water loss rate in the 87A2OE plants due to smaller stomatal apertures. The transgenic plants also showed reduced levels of H2O2 and superoxide under low water status compared with those of WT plants. Consistently, function loss of UGT87A2 in ugt87a2 knockout lines resulted in opposite performances under these conditions. A transcriptome profiling revealed that 121 genes were differentially regulated upon UGT87A2 overexpression, and a large number of stress‐induced genes were upregulated in UGT87A2 overexpression plants. Expression of seven genes among them were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), including CPK32, CYP81F2, MYB96, DREB2A, FBS1, PUB23 and RAV2 under both control and stress treatments, and the results greatly validated our transcriptome data. Taken together, our findings support an explicit role of UGT87A2 in adaptation to abiotic stresses.
Retracted: Motility and oxidative–antioxidant capacity of Huso huso semen, stored at −80°C
Authors: Aramli MS , Nazari RM , Aramli S , Nouri HA
Published: October 2016

Contents

In this study, motility and oxidative–antioxidant capacity (thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance level [TBARS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione reductase [GR]) of beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) sperm, stored for 6 days at −80°C, were evaluated. After 2 days of storage, sperm motility was significantly decreased (no motile sperm were observed after 6 days of storage; p < .05), while TBARS and SOD values were significantly increased (p < .05). CAT and GR activities did not show significant changes among storage times (p > .05). Furthermore, all investigated parameters showed a significant difference between semen stored at 4°C (control) and −80°C during in vitro storage (p < .05). Data from this work can potentially be useful in sturgeon sperm cryobanking.
Reference values for and cross‐validation of time to exhaustion on a modified Balke protocol in Norwegian men and women
Authors: Aadland E. , Solbraa A. K. , Resaland G. K. , Steene‐Johannessen J. , Edvardsen E. , Hansen B. H. , Anderssen S. A.
Published: October 2016

The aims of the present study were to provide reference values for time to exhaustion (TTE) on a modified Balke treadmill protocol, and to perform a cross‐validation of TTE as a measure of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), in Norwegian men and women 20–85 years of age. Reference values for TTE were derived from a national sample of 765 subjects. An additional sample of 119 subjects was included in the cross‐validation (total n = 884), where prediction equations for VO2max was established. A decline in TTE was seen with increased age. Prediction of VO2max in an independent dataset (n = 319) resulted in a R2 = 0.78 and standard error of the estimate = 4.55 mL/kg/min. The observed–predicted bias was small (mean difference <1.24 mL/kg/min), whereas random error was considerable (95% limits of agreement ± 7.11–9.70 mL/kg/min) across age in both men and women. Despite limitations concerning the prediction of VO2max on an individual level, TTE from the Balke protocol is a good measure of aerobic fitness in adults across a range of settings, and could be evaluated according to the suggested reference values.
Biomechanical differences related to leg dominance were not found during a cutting task
Authors: Greska E. K. , Cortes N. , Ringleb S. I. , Onate J. A. , Van Lunen B. L.
Published: October 2016

Previous studies have shown conflicting information regarding leg dominance as an etiological factor for the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. It remains unclear if lower extremity neuromechanical limb asymmetries exist in experienced athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lower extremity neuromechanical effects of leg dominance in female collegiate soccer athletes during an unanticipated side‐step cutting task. Twenty female collegiate soccer players completed an unanticipated side‐step cutting task, using their dominant and non‐dominant legs. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected to quantify joint angles and forces, with wireless electromyography (EMG) quantifying muscle activity. MANOVA's were conducted to determine the effect of leg dominance on hip and knee mechanics at and between pre‐contact, initial contact, peak knee adduction moment, and peak stance periods. Dependent variables consisted of peak time occurrences, hip and knee rotations and moments, ground reaction force, EMG amplitudes, stance time, and approach velocity. No significant differences were found for any variables at or between the periods of interest. Collegiate female soccer athletes exhibit similar movement patterns between dominant and non‐dominant legs while performing a side‐step cutting task, suggesting that leg dominance does not adversely influence known biomechanical non‐contact ACL risk factors.
Governmental Rationales for Installing Electronic Information Systems: A Quest for Responsive Social Work
Authors: Devlieghere Jochen , Bradt Lieve , Roose Rudi
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Various authors have argued that electronic information systems (EIS) do not necessarily improve the responsiveness of social work. One of the main reasons given for these failings is the flawed implementation of EIS by professionals. However, we argue that the ongoing debate fails to be explicit about governmental rationales for installing EIS. This article presents the findings of a content analysis that aimed to uncover the governmental rationales for installing EIS in the Flemish child and welfare protection (CWP) system. Our analysis revealed three clusters of rationales. The first cluster supports the use of EIS as an instrument to better match supply and demand. The second cluster shows that the gathered data also serve as an instrument for accountability. A third cluster focuses on the aim of creating more uniformity. Based on our analysis, we argue that it is not flawed implementation that impedes the development of responsive social work; rather, the governmental rationales themselves are flawed.
Penalty and related estimation strategies in the spatial error model
Authors: Al‐Momani Marwan , Hussein Abdulkadir A. , Ahmed S. E.
Published: October 2016

Spatial autoregressive models are powerful tools in the analysis of data sets from diverse scientific areas of research such as econometrics, plant species richness, cancer mortality rates, image processing, analysis of the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data, and many more. An important class in the host of spatial autoregressive models is the class of spatial error models in which spatially lagged error terms are assumed. In this paper, we propose efficient shrinkage and penalty estimators for the regression coefficients of the spatial error model. We carry out asymptotic as well as simulation analyses to illustrate the gain in efficiency achieved by these new estimators. Furthermore, we apply the new methodology to housing prices data and provide a bootstrap approach to compute prediction errors of the new estimators.
CPR5 modulates salicylic acid and the unfolded protein response to manage tradeoffs between plant growth and stress responses
Authors: Meng Zhe , Ruberti Cristina , Gong Zhizhong , Brandizzi Federica
Published: October 2016

Completion of a plant's life cycle depends on successful prioritization of signaling favoring either growth or defense. Although hormones are pivotal regulators of growth–defense tradeoffs, the underlying signaling mechanisms remain obscure. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is essential for physiological growth as well as management of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in unfavorable growth conditions. The plant UPR transducers are the kinase and ribonuclease IRE1 and the transcription factors bZIP28 and bZIP60. We analyzed management of the tradeoff between growth and ER stress defense by the stress response hormone salicylic acid (SA) and the UPR, which is modulated by SA via unknown mechanisms. We show that the plant growth and stress regulator CPR5, which represses accumulation of SA, favors growth in physiological conditions through inhibition of the SA‐dependent IRE1–bZIP60 arm that antagonizes organ growth; CPR5 also favors growth in stress conditions through repression of ER stress‐induced bZIP28/IRE1–bZIP60 arms. By demonstrating a physical interaction of CPR5 with bZIP60 and bZIP28, we provide mechanistic insights into CPR5‐mediated modulation of UPR signaling. These findings define a critical surveillance strategy for plant growth–ER stress defense tradeoffs based on CPR5 and SA‐modulated UPR signaling, whereby CPR5 acts as a positive modulator of growth in physiological conditions and in stress by antagonizing SA‐dependent growth inhibition through UPR modulation.
Acute phase proteins in dogs naturally infected with the Giant Kidney Worm (Dioctophyme renale)
Authors: Schmidt Elizabeth M. S. , Kjelgaard‐Hansen Mads , Thomas Funmilola , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Cerón José J. , Eckersall P. David
Published: October 2016

Background

Dioctophyme renale is a nematode parasite of dogs, usually found in the right kidney, causing severe damage to the renal parenchyma.

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate the acute phase response in dogs naturally infected with this Giant Kidney Worm and the possible effects of nephrectomy on circulating concentrations of select acute phase proteins (APP) such as serum amyloid A (SAA), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and haptoglobin (HP).

Methods

Nephrectomy was performed in infected dogs and the worms were collected for identification. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before surgery, and 4, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively on the following 10 consecutive days, and 28 days after surgery. Acute phase protein concentrations were determined at all time points. Cortisol concentrations were determined 24 hours before surgery and at recovery (28 days after surgery). One‐way ANOVA and Friedman test were used for multiple comparisons; the Wilcoxon‐signed rank test was used to compare variables, and Spearman's rho rank test was used to assess the correlation between the number of parasites recovered from the dogs and the APP concentration.

Results

Forty‐five parasites were recovered from the 12 dogs evaluated in this study. Dogs showed significantly increased HP concentrations (P < .05) but lower CRP and SAA concentrations before surgery, and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher at admission when compared to recovery. No significant correlations were found between the number of parasites and APP concentrations.

Conclusion

There is a particular acute phase response profile in dogs with kidney worm infection. Nephrectomy induced a short‐term inflammatory process.
Moderate‐intensity endurance training improves endothelial glycocalyx layer integrity in healthy young men
Authors: Majerczak Joanna , Grandys Marcin , Duda Krzysztof , Zakrzewska Agnieszka , Balcerczyk Aneta , Kolodziejski Leszek , Szymoniak‐Chochol Dorota , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Bartosz Grzegorz , Chlopicki Stefan , Zoladz Jerzy A.
Published: October 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The main aim of the present study was to determine the effect of prolonged moderate‐intensity endurance training on the endothelial glycocalyx layer integrity in relationship to the training‐induced changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant defence in humans.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We have shown, for the first time, a protective effect of prolonged moderate‐intensity endurance training on endothelial glycocalyx layer integrity, as judged by significantly lower basal and end‐exercise serum concentrations of glycocalyx damage markers, i.e. syndecan‐1 and heparan sulfate, accompanied by attenuation of oxidative stress and enhancement of antioxidant defence after training in previously untrained healthy young men.

In this study, we evaluated the effect of 20 weeks of moderate‐intensity endurance training (ET) on the endothelial glycocalyx layer integrity in relationship to the training‐induced changes in antioxidant defence. Eleven healthy young, untrained men performed an incremental cycling exercise bout until exhaustion before and after 20 weeks of ET. Endurance training consisted of 40 min sessions, mainly of moderate intensity (∼50% of maximal oxygen uptake), performed four times per week. Venous blood samples were taken at rest and at the end of the maximal exercise test. Muscle biopsies from vastus lateralis were taken before and after the training. Endurance training resulted in a significant increase in physical capacity (P < 0.05) as reflected by an increase in power output reached at the lactate threshold and at maximal oxygen uptake. Training led to a decrease (P < 0.05) in basal and end‐exercise concentrations of blood markers of glycocalyx damage (syndecan‐1 and heparan sulfate). The lowering of glycocalyx shedding after the ET was accompanied by an attenuation of oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decrease in the basal plasma concentration of isoprostanes, and by an increase in antioxidant defence, reflected by an enhancement in superoxide dismutase 2 protein content in vastus lateralis (P < 0.05). In contrast, training did not induce a significant increase in basal nitrite/nitrate plasma concentration (P > 0.05). Moderate‐intensity ET exerts a pronounced protective effect on endothelial glycocalyx integrity at rest and during exercise, probably through an improvement of antioxidant defence that may represent the vasoprotective mechanisms highly responsive to moderate‐intensity endurance training.
Quantification of the Influence of Unsteady Aerodynamic Loading on the Damping Characteristics of Airfoils Oscillating at Low-Reduced Frequency—Part I: Theoretical Support
Authors: Corral Roque , Vega Almudena
Published: October 2016

The effect of the unsteady aerodynamic loading of oscillating airfoils in the low-reduced frequency regime on the work per cycle curves is investigated. The theoretical analysis is based on a perturbation analysis of the linearized Navier–Stokes equations for real modes at low-reduced frequency. It was discovered that a new parameter, the unsteady loading, plays an essential role in the trends of the phase and modulus of the unsteady pressure caused by the airfoil oscillation. Here, the theory is extended in order to quantify this new parameter. It is shown that this parameter depends solely on the steady flow-field on the airfoil surface and the vibration mode-shape. As a consequence, the effect of changing the design operating conditions or the vibration mode onto the work-per-cycle curves (and therefore in the stability) can be easily predicted and, what is more important, quantified without conducting additional flutter analysis. The relevance of the parameter has been numerically confirmed in the Part II of the paper.
Effective Convergence Checks for Verifying Finite Element Stresses at Two-Dimensional Stress Concentrations
Authors: Sinclair G. B. , Beisheim J. R. , Roache P. J.
Published: October 2016

The accurate determination of stresses at two-dimensional (2D) stress risers is both an important and a challenging problem in engineering. Finite element analysis (FEA) has become the method of choice in making such determinations when new configurations with unknown stress concentrations are encountered in practice. For such FEA to be useful, discretization errors in peak stresses have to be sufficiently controlled. Convergence checks and companion error estimates offer a means of exerting such control. Here, we report some new convergence checks to this end. These checks are designed to promote conservative error estimation. They are applied to seven benchmark problems that have exact solutions for their peak stresses. Associated stress concentration factors span a range that is larger than that normally experienced in engineering. Error levels in the FEA of these peak stresses are classified in accordance with: 1–5%, satisfactory; 1/5–1%, good; and <1/5%, excellent. The present convergence checks result in 91 error assessments for the benchmark problems. For these 91, errors are assessed as being at the same level as true exact errors on 83 occasions and one level worse for the other 8. Thus, stress error estimation is largely accurate (91%) and otherwise modestly conservative (9%).
Fulminant hepatic failure secondary to acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus
Authors: Shahani Lokesh
Published: October 2016

Liver failure is a frequent and serious complication that causes morbidity and mortality in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. Liver dysfunction in these patients can be related to infectious causes, most common viral hepatitis. We report a case of disseminated acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection following HCT that led to acute liver failure and death. Although rare, HSV hepatitis leads to high morbidity and mortality and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HCT recipients with marked elevation of hepatic transaminase. Acyclovir is a first-line therapy for HSV infection; however, acyclovir-resistant viral strains should be considered and alternative HSV therapies given in HCT recipients whose HSV infection does not improve on acyclovir therapy.
Mammary-type myofibroblastoma of the psoas
Authors: Khan Kamran , Mavanur Arun A
Published: October 2016

Mammary myofibroblastoma is a rare, benign, mesenchymal neoplasm that was first described in the breast in 1987. However, extra-mammary-type myofibroblastoma (MTMF) was not described until 2001 as a distinct entity. We report a case of extra-MTMF arising from the retroperitoneum, which was encountered in our clinic. We also completed a review of the literature using PubMed in patients with extra-MTMF.
Dielectric properties of Ba0.97Bi0.02TiO3–Ba1−xMgxSn0.02Ti0.98O3 composite ceramics
Authors: wang Jing , Rong Guijuan , Hao Liangbin , Gao Lan , Cheng Haiyan , Li Jiali , Duan Ruijie
Published: October 2016

A wet solid-state method was used in this work to produce [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] materials. By using core-shell structure nanocubic [Formula: see text] (BMST) decorated [Formula: see text] (BBT) assemblies, a composite capacitor with improved dielectric constant and enhanced breakdown strength was successfully fabricated in contrast with the composite ferroelectric [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] (BBT–BST) ceramic. With increasing Mg content, the ceramic capacitors display a stronger performance in its dielectric behavior. The best dielectric properties were obtained in the composition [Formula: see text] = 0.007 with the dielectric constant above 65,000. The dielectric strength of the ceramics was measured by a withstanding voltage tester. The best dielectric strength was achieved in the composition [Formula: see text] = 0.007 with [Formula: see text] = 5.455 kV/mm.
Leptons from decay of mesons in the laser-induced particle pulse from ultra-dense protium p(0)
Authors: Holmlid Leif
Published: October 2016

Kaons and pions are observed by their characteristic decay times of 12, 52 and 26 ns after impact of relatively weak ns-long laser pulses on ultra-dense hydrogen H(0), as reported previously. The signal using an ultra-dense protium p(0) generator with natural hydrogen is now studied. Deflection in a weak magnetic field or penetration through metal foils cannot distinguish between the types of decaying mesons. The signals observed are thus not caused by the decaying mesons themselves, but by the fast particles often at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV u[Formula: see text] formed in their decay. The fast particles are concluded to be mainly muons from their relatively small magnetic deflection and strong penetration. This is further supported by published studies on the direct observation of the beta decay of muons in scintillators and solid converters using the same type of p(0) generator.
Electronic and magnetic interactions in diporphyrinylamines
Authors: Merahi Khalissa , Pereira Ana M.V.M. , Jeandon Christophe , Ruhlmann Laurent , Cavaleiro José A.S. , Neves Maria G.P.M.S. , Orio Maylis , Turek Philippe , Choua Sylvie , Ruppert Romain
Published: October 2016

The synthesis of new metalated diporphyrinylamines is described. The electronic ≪communication≫ through the amino function linking the two porphyrins was clearly demonstrated by electronic spectroscopy. In addition, intramolecular magnetic interactions were measured between two copper(II) ions located in the two linked porphyrins. Compared to the reported value ([Formula: see text] -2 K) for Osuka’s triply fused bis-copper(II) porphyrin dimer, a relatively high antiferromagnetic coupling constant was determined in our compound ([Formula: see text] = -11 K).