bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Ameliorates Alcoholic Fatty Liver by Inducing Autophagy
Authors: Tang Liying , Yang Fengli , Fang Zhirui , Hu Chengmu
Published: September 2016

Alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) is early stage of alcoholic liver disease, which can progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis if alcohol consumption is continued. The pathogenesis of AFL is associated with excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Resveratrol (RES), a dietary polyphenol found in red wines and grapes, has been shown to have a hepatoprotective effect. Autophagy is a crucial physiological process in cellular catabolism that involves the regulation of lipid droplets. Autophagy maintains a balance between protein synthesis, degradation and self-recycling. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of RES (10[Formula: see text]mg/kg, 30[Formula: see text]mg/kg, 100[Formula: see text]mg/kg) on AFL mice fed with an ethanol Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet, and HepG2 cells in the presence of oleic acid and alcohol to investigate whether resveratrol could induce autophagy to attenuate lipid accumulation. The results showed that RES (30[Formula: see text]mg/kg and 100[Formula: see text]mg/kg) treatment significantly attenuated hepatic steatosis and lowered the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). H&E staining showed that RES reduced hepatic lipid accumulation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that RES treatment increased the number of autophagosomes and promoted the formation of autophagy. Western blot analysis showed that RES treatment increased the levels of microtubule-associated protein light chain3- II (LC3-II) and Beclin1, decreased expression of p62 protein. In addition, in vitro studies also demonstrated that RES led to the formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), however, 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), a specific inhibitor of autophagy, obviously inhibited the above effects of RES. In conclusion, RES has protective effects on alcoholic hepatic steatosis, and the potential mechanism might be involved in inducing autophagy.
Solanum nigrum Suppress Angiogenesis-Mediated Tumor Growth Through Inhibition of the AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Yang Mon-Yuan , Hung Chia-Hung , Chang Chun-Hua , Tseng Tsui-Hwa , Wang Chau-Jong
Published: September 2016

Solanum nigrum L., an edible plant and local dish, has been assigned anticancer activities. However, the anticancer mechanisms of S. nigrum are poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether the water or polyphenol extracts of S. nigrum (SNWE or SNPE) could inhibit angiogenesis-mediated tumor growth. In nude mice bearing tumor xenografts, SNWE or SNPE significantly reduced the volume and weight of the tumors, and decreased the expression of CD31, a marker for angiogenesis. SNWE or SNPE was found to inhibit the VEGF-induced capillary structure formation of endothelial cells. The chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and matrigel plug assays showed further that SNWE or SNPE inhibited tumor angiogenesis. In human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), SNWE or SNPE suppressed the VEGF-induced activation of AKT and mTOR. Moreover, SNWE or SNPE inhibited the viability of human hepatoma HepG2 cells, and these effects were correlated with the extent of inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway. Taken together, our data imply that SNWE or SNPE downregulated the AKT/mTOR pathway in HUVECs and HepG2 cells, which lead to reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis.
Proof of Bekenstein–Mukhanov ansatz in loop quantum gravity
Authors: Majhi Abhishek
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a simple proof of Bekenstein–Mukhanov (BM) ansatz is given within the loop quantum gravity (LQG) framework. The macroscopic area of an equilibrium black hole horizon indeed manifests a linear quantization. The quantum number responsible for this discreteness of the macroscopic area has a physical meaning in the LQG framework, unlike the ad hoc one that remained unexplained in BM ansatz.
Higgs pair signal enhanced in the 2HDM with two degenerate 125 GeV Higgs bosons
Authors: Han Xiao-Fang , Wang Lei , Yang Jin Min
Published: September 2016

We discuss a scenario of the type-II two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM) in which the [Formula: see text] rate of the Higgs pair production is enhanced due to the two nearly degenerate 125 GeV Higgs bosons (h, H). Considering various theoretical and experimental constraints, we figure out the allowed ranges of the trilinear couplings of these two Higgs bosons and calculate the signal rate of [Formula: see text] from the productions of Higgs pairs (hh, hH, HH) at the large hadron collider (LHC). We find that in the allowed parameter space some trilinear Higgs couplings can be larger than the Standard Model (SM) value by an order and the production rate of [Formula: see text] can be greatly enhanced. We also consider a “decoupling” benchmark point where the light CP-even Higgs has a SM-like cubic self-coupling while other trilinear couplings are very small. With a detailed simulation on the [Formula: see text] signal and backgrounds, we find that in such a “decoupling” scenario the hh and hH channels can jointly enhance the statistical significance to 5[Formula: see text] at 14 TeV LHC with an integrated luminosity of 3000 fb[Formula: see text].
Mixture of interacting supersymmetric spinless fermions and bosons in a one-dimensional trap
Authors: Schlottmann P.
Published: September 2016

We consider a gas mixture consisting of spinless fermions and bosons in one dimension interacting via a repulsive [Formula: see text]-function potential. Bosons and fermions are assumed to have equal masses and the interaction strength between bosons and among bosons and fermions is the same. Using the Bethe ansatz solution of the model, we study the ground state properties, the dressed energy potentials for the two bands of rapidities, the elementary particle and hole excitations, the thermodynamics, the finite size corrections to the ground state energy leading to the conformal towers, and the asymptotic behavior at large distances of some relevant correlation functions. The low-energy excitations of the system form a two-component Luttinger liquid. In an elongated optical trap the gas phase separates as a function of the distance from the center of the trap.
Vibration Analysis and Energy Transmission of Finite Coupled Mindlin Plates
Authors: Wang Xian-Zhong
Published: September 2016

Power flow analysis of finite coupled Mindlin plates and energy transmission through the structure are investigated by employing the method of reverberation-ray matrix (MRRM). The rectangular Mindlin plates are connected at an arbitrary angle. Both in-plane and out-of-plane waves propagation solutions are considered by establishing the dual local coordinates in each plate. The boundary conditions at the plate edges, continuous conditions at the driving force locations, and coupling conditions at the line junction between several rectangular plates are established and solved simultaneously. Then the flexural and in-plane vibrations of the finite coupled Mindlin plate are obtained by using the MRRM, which are verified by comparing the results obtained with those by the finite element method (FEM). The vibration behaviors of coupled plates such as L-shaped structure, T-shaped structure and box-shaped structure are calculated and verified.
ANALYSIS OF LIVER IMPACT RESPONSES THROUGH A CHINESE HUMAN BODY FINITE ELEMENT MODEL
Authors: DU TIANYA , CHEN JIQING , LAN FENGCHONG
Published: September 2016

Human liver biomechanical responses associated with frontal impacts, lateral impacts were studied using a simplified Chinese human body Finite Element Model (FEM) with more geometrical-accurate liver model for an average Chinese adult male from high resolution CT data. The developed model in this paper was composed by geometrically detailed liver model, simplified models of thoracic-abdominal organs, and the human skeleton model. Then, the whole model was validated at various velocities by comparing simulation outcomes with Post Mortem Human Subjects (PMHS) experimental results in frontal and lateral pendulum impacts. The force–deflection and force–time characteristics were in good agreement with the test results. The validated model was then applied for studying liver dynamic responses and injuries in simulations. Pressure, tensile stress and peak strain that may induce hepatic injuries was computed from model simulations and were analyzed about the correlation with the global parameters, like thoracic deflection, viscous criterion value, contact force. This study demonstrated that the method of developing a simplified finite element thorax-abdomen model with detailed liver model could be effective of hepatic injury assessment in various impacts reported in literature.
What we need to know about renal nerve ablation for treatment of hypertension and other states of sympathetic overactivity
Authors: Schlaich Markus P.
Published: September 2016

Renal nerves are key players in the regulation of kidney function and blood pressure control. Targeting the neurogenic mechanisms underlying hypertension and cardiac and renal disease has been attempted by means of surgical and pharmacologic approaches and most recently by catheter-based interventions aimed at disrupting renal sympathetic nerve traffic. The recent developments in the area and the relevant questions that need to be addressed to advance the field further are briefly reviewed in this article.
Dissociation between short-term unloading and resistance training effects on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase, muscle function, and fatigue in humans
Authors: Perry Ben D. , Wyckelsma Victoria L. , Murphy Robyn M. , Steward Collene H. , Anderson Mitchell , Levinger Itamar , Petersen Aaron C. , McKenna Michael J.
Published: September 2016

Physical training increases skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase content (NKA) and improves exercise performance, but the effects of inactivity per se on NKA content and isoform abundance in human muscle are unknown. We investigated the effects of 23-day unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and subsequent 4-wk resistance training (RT) on muscle function and NKA in 6 healthy adults, measuring quadriceps muscle peak torque; fatigue and venous [K+] during intense one-legged cycling exercise; and skeletal muscle NKA content ([3H]ouabain binding) and NKA isoform abundances (immunoblotting) in muscle homogenates (α1-3, β1–2) and in single fibers (α1–3, β1). In the unloaded leg after ULLS, quadriceps peak torque and cycling time to fatigue declined by 22 and 23%, respectively, which were restored with RT. Whole muscle NKA content and homogenate NKA α1–3 and β1–2 isoform abundances were unchanged with ULLS or RT. However, in single muscle fibers, NKA α3 in type I (−66%, P = 0.006) and β1 in type II fibers (−40%, P = 0.016) decreased after ULLS, with other NKA isoforms unchanged. After RT, NKA α1 (79%, P = 0.004) and β1 (35%, P = 0.01) increased in type II fibers, while α2 (76%, P = 0.028) and α3 (142%, P = 0.004) increased in type I fibers compared with post-ULLS. Despite considerably impaired muscle function and earlier fatigue onset, muscle NKA content and homogenate α1 and α2 abundances were unchanged, thus being resilient to inactivity induced by ULLS. Nonetheless, fiber type-specific downregulation with inactivity and upregulation with RT of several NKA isoforms indicate complex regulation of muscle NKA expression in humans.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Genetic Disease That Involves Mucociliary Dysfunction of the Peripheral Airways
Authors: Evans Christopher M. , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Schwarz Marvin I. , Lynch David , Kurche Jonathan , Warg Laura , Yang Ivana V. , Schwartz David A.
Published: September 2016

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable complex genetic disorder that is associated with sequence changes in 7 genes ( MUC5B, TERT, TERC, RTEL1, PARN, SFTPC, and SFTPA2) and with variants in at least 11 novel loci. We have previously found that 1) a common gain-of-function promoter variant in MUC5B rs35705950 is the strongest risk factor (genetic and otherwise), accounting for 30-35% of the risk of developing IPF, a disease that was previously considered idiopathic; 2) the MUC5B promoter variant can potentially be used to identify individuals with preclinical pulmonary fibrosis and is predictive of radiologic progression of preclinical pulmonary fibrosis; and 3) MUC5B may be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis with MUC5B message and protein expressed in bronchiolo-alveolar epithelia of IPF and the characteristic IPF honeycomb cysts. Based on these considerations, we hypothesize that excessive production of MUC5B either enhances injury due to reduced mucociliary clearance or impedes repair consequent to disruption of normal regenerative mechanisms in the distal lung. In aggregate, these novel considerations should have broad impact, resulting in specific etiologic targets, early detection of disease, and novel biologic pathways for use in the design of future intervention, prevention, and mechanistic studies of IPF.
G-1639A but Not C1173TVKORC1Gene Polymorphism Is Related to Ischemic Stroke and Its Various Risk Factors in Ukrainian Population
Authors: Dubovyk Yevhen I. , Harbuzova Viktoriia Yu. , Ataman Alexander V.
Published: September 2016

Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) is integral 163-amino acid long transmembrane protein which mediates recycling of vitamin K 2,3-epoxide to vitamin K hydroquinone and it is necessary for activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs). Herein, the association between G-1639A (rs9923231) and C1173T (rs9934438) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of theVKORC1gene and ischemic stroke (IS) was tested in Ukrainian population. Genotyping was performed in 170 IS patients and 124 control subjects (total 294 DNA samples) using PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction with following restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis) method. Our data showed that G-1639A but not C1173T polymorphism was related to IS, regardless of adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and arterial hypertension. The risk for IS in -1639A allele carriers (OR = 2.138,P=0.015) was higher than in individuals with G/G genotype. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that -1639G/1173T and -1639A/1173C were related to increased risk for IS (OR = 3.813,P=0.010,and OR = 2.189,P=0.011, resp.), while -1639G/1173C was a protective factor for IS (OR = 0.548,P<0.001). Obtained results suggested that -1639A allele can be a possible genetic risk factor for IS in Ukrainian population.
Enhanced Response Speed of ZnO Nanowire Photodetector by Coating with Photoresist
Authors: Yang Xing , Chen Zhili , Xie Xinwu , Xu Xinxi , Xiong Wei , Li Weihua , Li Shuqing
Published: September 2016

Spin-coating photoresist film on ZnO nanowire (NW) was introduced into the fabrication procedure to improve photoresponse and recovery speed of a ZnO NW ultraviolet photoelectric detector. A ZnO NW was first assembled on prefabricated electrodes by dielectrophoresis. Then, photoresist was spin-coated on the nanowire. Finally, a metal layer was electrodeposited on the nanowire-electrode contacts. The response properties andI-Vcharacteristics of ZnO NW photodetector were investigated by measuring the electrical current under different conditions. Measurement results demonstrated that the detector has an enhanced photoresponse and recovery speed after coating the nanowire with photoresist. The photoresponse and recovery characteristics of detectors with and without spin-coating were compared to demonstrate the effects of photoresist and the enhancement of response and recovery speed of the photodetector is ascribed to the reduced surface absorbed oxygen molecules and binding effect on the residual oxygen molecules after photoresist spin-coating. The results demonstrated that surface coating may be an effective and simple way to improve the response speed of the photoelectric device.
A Novel Two-Step Method for Fabricating Silver Plating Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhu Lili , Xue Jie , Hao Lei , Li Jin , He Yin , Cheng Bowen
Published: September 2016

A novel two-step method was presented for fabricating silver plating cotton fabrics (SPCFs) with high electrical conductivity and excellent washing fastness. First, polydopamine (PDA) film was coated on the surface of cotton fabrics byin situpolymerization of dopamine, the silver ions in silver nitrate solution were reduced by the catechol groups of polydopamine, and silver nanoparticles were combined with polydopamine by covalent bond on the surface of cotton fabrics. Second, silver ions were reduced by glucose, and silver plating was coated on the surface. Subsequently, the properties of SPCFs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and so forth. With the increasing of silver-ammonia solution concentration or dopamine concentration, the surface resistivity of SPCFs decreases and gradually stabilized. The surface resistivity of the SPCFs can reach0.12±0.02 Ω, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (ESE) of the SPCFs can reach58.5±4.5 dB. Conductive fabrics have wide application prospect in many of fields, such as antibacterial, intelligent textiles, smart garments, electromagnetic shielding, and flexible sensors.
Analysis for the Effect of Spatial Discretization Method on AP1000 Reactor Pressure Vessel Fluence Calculation
Authors: Zheng Junxiao , Zhang Bin , Shi Shengchun , Chen Yixue
Published: September 2016

Maintaining the structural integrity of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is a critical concern related to the safe operation of nuclear power plants. To estimate the structural integrity over the designed lifetime and to support analyses for a potential plant life extension, an accurate calculation of the fast neutron fluence (E>1.0 MeV orE>0.1 MeV) at the RPV is significant. The discrete ordinates method is one of the main methods to solve such problems. During the calculation process, many factors will affect the results. In this paper, the deviations introduced by different differencing schemes and mesh sizes on the AP1000 RPV fast neutron fluence have been studied, which are based on new discrete ordinates code ARES. The analysis shows that the differencing scheme (diamond difference with or without linear zero fix-up, theta weighted, directional theta weighted, and exponential directional weighted) introduces a deviation within 4%. The coarse mesh (4 × 4 cm meshes inXYplane) leads to approximately 23.7% calculation deviation compared to those of refined mesh (1 × 1 cm meshes inXYplane). Comprehensive study on the deviation introduced by differencing scheme and mesh size has great significance for reasoned evaluation of RPV fast neutron fluence calculation results.
New Insight into the Toughening Mechanisms of Seashell: From Arch Shape to Multilayer Structure
Authors: Yuan Quan , Chen Botao , Chen Bin , Wang Zeyun
Published: September 2016

A seashell is a closed three-dimensional curved surface formed by two symmetrical open shells. Three-point bending is performed on a pure aragonite straight beam (PASB) model and a multilayer structure curved beam (MSCB) model to elucidate the structure-property relationships of seashells. The integrity of the PASB is broken because of the introduction of a soft layer, but this drawback is compensated by the peculiar arch shape and the internal multilayer structure. The effective modulus, stiffness, and fracture energy of MSCB increase with an increase in volume fraction, aspect ratio of aragonite platelet, overlap ratio of hard layers, and ratio of the elastic modulus of the hard layer to the shear modulus of the soft layer. New design disciplines drawn from the MSCB model are peculiar arch shape, internal multilayer structure of larger volume fraction, and aspect ratio of hard layers and nanoscaled soft layers.
Blood Pressure Response to Submaximal Exercise Test in Adults
Authors: Wielemborek-Musial Katarzyna , Szmigielska Katarzyna , Leszczynska Joanna , Jegier Anna
Published: September 2016

Background. The assessment of blood pressure (BP) response during exercise test is an important diagnostic instrument in cardiovascular system evaluation. The study aim was to determine normal values of BP response to submaximal, multistage exercise test in healthy adults with regard to their age, gender, and workload.Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in randomly selected normotensive subjects(n=1015), 512 females and 498 males, aged 18–64 years (mean age 42.1 ± 12.7 years) divided into five age groups. All subjects were clinically healthy with no chronic diseases diagnosed. Exercise stress tests were performed using Monark bicycle ergometer until a minimum of 85% of physical capacity was reached. BP was measured at rest and at peak of each exercise test stage.Results. The relations between BP, age, and workload during exercise test were determined by linear regression analysis and can be illustrated by the equations: systolic BP (mmHg) = 0.346×load (W) + 135.76 for males and systolic BP (mmHg) = 0.103×load (W) + 155.72 for females.Conclusions. Systolic BP increases significantly and proportionally to workload increase during exercise test in healthy adults. The relation can be described by linear equation which can be useful in diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases.
Tin Dioxide Nanocrystals as an Effective Sensitizer for Erbium Ions in Er-Doped SnO2Systems for Photonic Applications
Authors: Van Tran T. T. , Truc Ly Nguyen , Giang Le T. T. , My Dung Cao Thi
Published: September 2016

Undoped SnO2and erbium-doped SnO2powders were successfully prepared by precipitation method. The effect of the heat treatment and doping contents on the structure of tin oxide and optical properties was also studied. The XRD data and Raman spectra indicate that the SnO2crystals have formed after being heat-treated at 400°C and the average size of grains is about 8 nm for doping content of 1 mol%. An increase of doping concentration has controlled the growth of nanocrystals. The principle of the visible and infrared emissions of SnO2and SnO2:Er is also discussed. All photoluminescence study shows that the Er3+ions can be located in SnO2nanocrystals and that there is energy transfer from defect levels of SnO2nanoparticles to neighboring Er3+ions of crystals.
LDPC Decoding on GPU for Mobile Device
Authors: Lu Yiqin , Su Weiyue , Qin Jiancheng
Published: September 2016

A flexible software LDPC decoder that exploits data parallelism for simultaneous multicode words decoding on the mobile device is proposed in this paper, supported by multithreading on OpenCL based graphics processing units. By dividing the check matrix into several parts to make full use of both the local memory and private memory on GPU and properly modify the code capacity each time, our implementation on a mobile phone shows throughputs above 100 Mbps and delay is less than 1.6 millisecond in decoding, which make high-speed communication like video calling possible. To realize efficient software LDPC decoding on the mobile device, the LDPC decoding feature on communication baseband chip should be replaced to save the cost and make it easier to upgrade decoder to be compatible with a variety of channel access schemes.
Developing a Conceptually Equivalent Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score for Indian Gujaratis in the UK
Authors: Patel Naina , Willis Andrew , Stone Margaret , Barber Shaun , Gray Laura , Davies Melanie , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: September 2016

Aims.To apply and assess the suitability of a model consisting of commonly used cross-cultural translation methods to achieve a conceptually equivalent Gujarati language version of the Leicester self-assessment type 2 diabetes risk score.Methods.Implementation of the model involved multiple stages, including pretesting of the translated risk score by conducting semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of volunteers. Interviews were conducted on an iterative basis to enable findings to inform translation revisions and to elicit volunteers’ ability to self-complete and understand the risk score.Results.The pretest stage was an essential component involving recruitment of a diverse sample of 18 Gujarati volunteers, many of whom gave detailed suggestions for improving the instructions for the calculation of the risk score and BMI table. Volunteers found the standard and level of Gujarati accessible and helpful in understanding the concept of risk, although many of the volunteers struggled to calculate their BMI.Conclusions.This is the first time that a multicomponent translation model has been applied to the translation of a type 2 diabetes risk score into another language. This project provides an invaluable opportunity to share learning about the transferability of this model for translation of self-completed risk scores in other health conditions.
Right Atrial Appendage Aneurysm in a Newborn Diagnosed with Fetal Echocardiography
Authors: Bornaun Helen , Yartaşı Tik Elif , Keskindemirci Gonca , Ekiz Ali , Öztarhan Kazım , Dedeoğlu Reyhan , Çetinkaya Merih
Published: September 2016

Right atrial appendage aneurysm is a very rare condition which can be asymptomatic or can cause arrhythmia or life-threatening thromboembolism. We report a case of newborn with right atrial appendage aneurysm who was diagnosed with fetal echocardiography. Anticoagulant therapy was applied to prevent thromboembolism and he is still going on follow-up without any complaint.
Comparing McGRATH® MAC, C-MAC®, and Macintosh Laryngoscopes Operated by Medical Students: A Randomized, Crossover, Manikin Study
Authors: Shin Myungju , Bai Sun Joon , Lee Ki-Young , Oh Ein , Kim Hyun Joo
Published: September 2016

We hypothesized that the McGRATH MAC would decrease the time of intubation compared to C-MAC for novices. Thirty-nine medical students who had used the Macintosh blade to intubate a manikin fewer than 3 times were recruited. The participants performed sequential intubations on the manikin in two simulated settings that included a normal airway and a difficult airway (tongue edema). The intubation time, success rate of intubation, Cormack-Lehane grade at laryngoscopy, and difficulty using the device were recorded. Each participant was asked to identify the device that was most useful. The intubation time decreased significantly and by a similar amount to the McGRATH MAC and C-MAC compared to the Macintosh blade (P<0.001andP=0.017, resp.). In the difficult airway, the intubation times were similar among the three devices. The McGRATH MAC and C-MAC significantly increased the success rate of intubation, improved the Cormack-Lehane grade, and decreased the difficulty score compared to the Macintosh blade in both airway settings. The majority of participants selected the McGRATH MAC as the most useful device. The McGRATH MAC and C-MAC may offer similar benefits for intubation compared to the Macintosh blade in normal and difficult airway situations.
Enhanced Survival with Implantable Scaffolds That Capture Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells In Vivo
Authors: Rao Shreyas S. , Bushnell Grace G. , Azarin Samira M. , Spicer Graham , Aguado Brian A. , Stoehr Jenna R. , Jiang Eric J. , Backman Vadim , Shea Lonnie D. , Jeruss Jacqueline S.
Published: September 2016

The onset of distant organ metastasis from primary breast cancer marks the transition to a stage IV diagnosis. Standard imaging modalities often detect distant metastasis when the burden of disease is high, underscoring the need for improved methods of detection to allow for interventions that would impede disease progression. Here, microporous poly(ϵ-caprolactone) scaffolds were developed that capture early metastatic cells and thus serve as a sentinel for early detection. These scaffolds were used to characterize the dynamic immune response to the implant spanning the acute and chronic foreign body response. The immune cell composition had stabilized at the scaffold after approximately 1 month and changed dramatically within days to weeks after tumor inoculation, with CD11b+Gr1hiLy6C− cells having the greatest increase in abundance. Implanted scaffolds recruited metastatic cancer cells that were inoculated into the mammary fat pad in vivo, which also significantly reduced tumor burden in the liver and brain. Additionally, cancer cells could be detected using a label-free imaging modality termed inverse spectroscopic optical coherence tomography, and we tested the hypothesis that subsequent removal of the primary tumor after early detection would enhance survival. Surgical removal of the primary tumor following cancer cell detection in the scaffold significantly improved disease-specific survival. The enhanced disease-specific survival was associated with a systemic reduction in the CD11b+Gr1hiLy6C− cells as a consequence of the implant, which was further supported by Gr-1 depletion studies. Implementation of the scaffold may provide diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer patients in both the high-risk and adjuvant treatment settings. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5209–18. ©2016 AACR.
Molecular or Metabolic Reprograming: What Triggers Tumor Subtypes?
Authors: Eason Katherine , Sadanandam Anguraj
Published: September 2016

Tumor heterogeneity is reflected and influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic differences in cancer cells and their interactions with a complex microenvironment. This heterogeneity has resulted in the stratification of tumors into subtypes, mainly based on cancer-specific genomic or transcriptomic profiles. Subtyping can lead to biomarker identification for personalized diagnosis and therapy, but stratification alone does not explain the origins of tumor heterogeneity. Heterogeneity has traditionally been thought to arise from distinct mutations/aberrations in “driver” oncogenes. However, certain subtypes appear to be the result of adaptation to the disrupted microenvironment caused by abnormal tumor vasculature triggering metabolic switches. Moreover, heterogeneity persists despite the predominance of single oncogenic driver mutations, perhaps due to second metabolic or genetic “hits.” In certain cancer types, existing subtypes have metabolic and transcriptomic phenotypes that are reminiscent of normal differentiated cells, whereas others reflect the phenotypes of stem or mesenchymal cells. The cell-of-origin may, therefore, play a role in tumor heterogeneity. In this review, we focus on how cancer cell–specific heterogeneity is driven by different genetic or metabolic factors alone or in combination using specific cancers to illustrate these concepts. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5195–200. ©2016 AACR.
Telomere Length Recovery: A Strong Predictor of Overall Survival in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Baljevic Muhamed , Dumitriu Bogdan , Lee Ju-Whei , Paietta Elisabeth M. , Wiernik Peter H. , Racevskis Janis , Chen Christina , Stein Eytan M. , Gallagher Robert E. , Rowe Jacob M. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Powell Bayard L. , Larson Richard A. , Coutré Steven E. , Lancet Jeffrey , Litzow Mark R. , Luger Selina M. , Young Neal S. , Tallman Martin S.
Published: September 2016

Telomeres are the capping ends of chromosomes that protect the loss of genetic material and prevent chromosomal instability. In human tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells, telomere length (TL) is maintained by the telomerase complex, which consists of a reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit (TERT) and an RNA template (TERC). Very short telomeres and loss-of-function mutations in the TERT and TERC genes have been reported in acute myeloid leukemia, but the role of telomeres in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has not been well established. We report the results for a large cohort of 187 PML/RARα-positive APL patients. No germline mutations in the TERT or TERC genes were identified. Codon 279 and 1062 TERT polymorphisms were present at a frequency similar to that in the general population. TL measured in blood or marrow mononuclear cells at diagnosis was significantly shorter in the APL patients than in healthy volunteers, and shorter telomeres at diagnosis were significantly associated with high-risk disease. For patients who achieved complete remission, the median increase in TL from diagnosis to remission (delta TL) was 2.0 kilobase (kb), and we found delta TL to be the most powerful predictor of overall survival when compared with well-established risk factors for poor outcomes in APL.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Cause or Effect of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Grander Christoph , Grabherr Felix , Moschen Alexander R. , Tilg Herbert
Published: September 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease throughout the world. Pathophysiological insights into this disease have recently illustrated that various factors such as insulin resistance, innate immunity, metabolic inflammation, and the microbiota are of relevance. NAFLD, metabolic syndrome (MS), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) share many pathophysiological aspects, and inflammatory processes in the adipose tissue, gut, and liver have evolved to be of exceptional importance. Most of NAFLD patients are obese and encounter a high risk of developing MS and T2D. NAFLD, however, is also highly common in subjects with MS and T2D. Furthermore, reflecting its nature of a multisystem disease, NAFLD is associated with a high prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. These facts require screening strategies for MS/T2D in NAFLD patients and vice versa. Thus, the question of cause or effect cannot be answered as MS and NAFLD share many pathomechanisms, and at the time of either diagnosis both frequently coexist. This is also reflected by a global prevalence rate of 25% for both NAFLD and MS. For this reason, it is crucial that physicians are aware of the ‘unholy liaison' between MS, T2D, and NAFLD.
Utilization and Surgical Skill Transferability of the Simulator Robot to the Clinical Robot for Urology Surgery
Authors: Zhong Wenjie , Mancuso Pascal
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Virtual reality is an increasingly popular surgical training tool in Australia, following the introduction of Australia's first virtual reality simulation machine at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney. This literature review aims at identifying gaps in previous studies, and in providing a comprehensive review of future studies to be further developed in Australia. Method: A multi-field research was performed combining the key terms ‘uro*' and ‘virtua*' and ‘simula*' and ‘robo*'. Academic search engines used in this literature review included ‘Medline', ‘Scopus', and ‘Sciencedirect'. Studies with laparoscopic skills as a focused investigation but not robotic skills were excluded. Critical appraisal of each of the article was conducted with a discussion of key topic involving urologists with expert skills on robotic surgery. Result: A thorough literature review discovered 3 main types of studies in this area. These are: (1) validity studies; (2) studies specific for urology procedures; (3) studies on skill transfer, in general. Cohort study and randomized control trial are the 2 dominant forms of research designs. Conclusion: Future studies need to focus more around the investigation of operation-specific training, in conjunction with skills-based teaching. Also, it is important that these studies incorporate teamwork, decision-making, and communication skills.
Which platelet function test best reflects the in vivo plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite?
Authors: Adamski Piotr , Sikora Joanna , Sikora Adam , Karczmarska-Wódzka Aleksandra , Marszał Michat , Boinska Joanna , Laskowska Ewa , Obońska Ewa , Fabiszak Tomasz , Kubica Jacek , Koziński Marek , Ostrowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2016

Aim of this study was assessment of the relationship between concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite (AR-C124910XX) and results of selected platelet function tests. In a single-centre, cohort study, patients with myocardial infarction underwent blood sampling following a 180 mg ticagrelor loading dose intake (predose, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours postdose) to perform pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments. Platelet reactivity was evaluated using the VASP-assay, the VerifyNow device and the Multiplate analyzer. Analysis of 36 patients revealed high negative correlations between ticagrelor concentrations and platelet reactivity evaluated with all three platelet function tests (the VASP-assay: RS=-0.722; p<0.0001; the VerifyNow device: RS=-0.715; p<0.0001; the Multiplate analyzer: RS=-0.722; p<0.0001), with no significant differences between correlation coefficients. Similar results were found for AR-C124910XX. Platelet reactivity values assessed with all three methods generally correlated well with each other; however, a significantly higher correlation (p<0.02) was demonstrated between the VerifyNow and Multiplate tests (RS=0.707; p<0.0001) than in other assay combinations (the VASP-assay and the VerifyNow device: RS=0.595; p<0.0001; the VASP-assay and the Multiplate analyzer: RS=0.588; p<0.0001). With respect to the recognition of high platelet reactivity, we found higher measurement concordance between the VerifyNow and Multiplate tests compared with other assay combinations, while for low platelet reactivity, only results of the VerifyNow and Multiplate assay were related to each other. Platelet reactivity measurements performed with the VASP, VerifyNow and Multiplate tests show comparably strong negative correlations with ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX concentrations.

Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02690454.
Análise das atitudes de profissionais da Atenção Primária a Saúde frente a pessoas com transtornos relacionados ao uso de álcool
Authors: Caixeta Lucélia Marques Martins , Pedrosa Leila Aparecida Kauchakje , Haas Vanderlei José
Published: September 2016

Este estudo objetivou analisar as atitudes dos profissionais da Atenção Primária a Saúde frente a pessoas com transtornos relacionados ao uso de álcool, realizado com 489 profissionais atuantes em um município de Minas Gerais. Foram utilizados dois instrumentos auto aplicáveis: questionário com informações sócio-demográficas e a Escala de Atitudes Frente o Uso de Álcool, ao Alcoolismo e ao Alcoolista (EAFAAA). Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise por meio do programa SPSS versão 20.0. Os resultados evidenciaram que as atitudes dos participantes se apresentaram positivas em todos os itens da escala (=3,31; med =3,33). Concluiu-se que a investigação das atitudes apresentou uma noção da visão dos profissionais relacionada aos sentimentos, opiniões e percepções frente a pessoas com transtornos relacionados ao uso de álcool. Diante disso, faz-se necessário a realização de outros estudos que auxiliem no fortalecimento dessas atitudes, de forma a melhorar o plano assistencial dispensado a esses indivíduos.
Aspectos psicossociais do trabalho em Saúde Mental: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Trevisan Erika Renata , Castro Sybelle De Souza
Published: September 2016

Objetivo: analisar as produções científicas nacionais e internacionais que abordem os fatores psicossociais envolvidos na saúde do trabalhador de saúde mental. Método: revisão integrativa nas bases de dados Pubmed, Lilacs e Scielo. A Análise dos dados foi realizada pela codificação e categorização dos conteúdos. Resultados: foram analisados 13 artigos, agrupados e discutidos em três categorias: a satisfação e impacto com o trabalho em saúde mental; qualidade de vida e o sofrimento mental do profissional e estresse em profissionais da saúde mental. Considerações finais: os estudos descreveram, verificaram e caracterizaram aspectos psicossociais envolvidos no trabalho em saúde mental. Espera-se que esse artigo contribua para a valorização da saúde do trabalhador, qualidade de vida, satisfação no trabalho e minimização do impacto do trabalho
Leaping frogs (Anura: Ranixalidae) of the Western Ghats of India: An integrated taxonomic review
Authors: Dahanukar Neelesh , Modak Nikhil , Krutha Keerthi , Nameer P. O. , Padhye Anand D. , Molur Sanjay
Published: September 2016

Leaping frogs of the family Ranixalidae are endemic to the Western Ghats of India and are currently placed in a single genus, Indirana.  Based on specimens collected from their entire range and a comprehensive study of type material defining all known species, we propose a revised taxonomy for the leaping frogs using an integrative approach including an analysis of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and nuclear rhodopsin genes, as well as multivariate morphometrics. Both genetic and morphological analyses suggest that the genus Indirana is paraphyletic and a distinct monophyletic group, Walkerana gen. nov is described herein.  The new genus is separated from Indirana sensu stricto by an apomorphic character state of reduced webbing, with one phalange free on the first and second toe (vs. no free phalanges), two phalanges free on the third and fifth toe (vs. one free phalange), and three phalanges free on the fourth toe (vs. 2–2½ phalanges free).  This review includes (i) identification of lectotypes and redescription of three species of the genus Walkerana; (ii) identification of lectotypes for Indirana beddomii and I. semipalmata and their redescription; (iii) redescription of I. brachytarsus and I. gundia; and (iv) descriptions of four new species, namely, I. duboisi and I. tysoni from north of the Palghat gap, and I. yadera and I. sarojamma from south of the Palghat gap; and (iv) a key to the genera and species in the family Ranixalidae.
Macroreentrant Loop in Ventricular Tachycardia From the Left Posterior Fascicle
Authors: Liu Qiang , Shehata Michael , Jiang Ruhong , Yu Lu , Chen Shiquan , Zhu Jun , Ehdaie Ashkan , Sovari Ali A. , Cingolani Eugenio , Chugh Sumeet S. , Jiang Chenyang , Wang Xunzhang
Published: September 2016

Background—

The underlying mechanisms of reentry during left posterior fascicular ventricular tachycardia (LPF-VT) remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to describe the components of LPF-VT reentry circuit and their electrophysiological properties.

Methods and Results—

Fourteen consecutive patients with LPF-VT underwent electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation. Via a multipolar electrode catheter placed from a retrograde aortic approach, a sharp inflection, high-frequency potential (P1) was detected in 9 patients (64%). The ranges of length and velocity of recorded P1 were 9 to 30 mm and 0.5 to 1.2 mm/ms, respectively. Macroreentry involving the ventricular myocardium was confirmed to be the mechanism in all patients by premature ventricular stimuli delivery or entrainment of LPF-VT with progressive fusion, or both. During LPF-VT, the earliest left posterior fascicle (LPF, P2) was considered to be the site of connection between P1 and P2, and the site of the earliest P2 along the left posterior ventricular septum correlated well with the His-ventricular interval during tachycardia. Radiofrequency ablation focused on the P1 potentials (9 patients with a recorded P1) or earliest P2 (5 patients without a recorded P1) was successful in all 14 patients. After 4.5±3.0 months of follow-up, no patients had recurrence of LPF-VT.

Conclusions—

The LPF-VT macroreentrant loop involves the ventricular myocardium, a part of the LPF, a slow conduction zone, and in certain cases, a specially conducting P1 fiber. The His-ventricular interval during LPF-VT correlates with multiple electrophysiological measures and is a useful marker for identification of the optimal ablation site.
Menieroclerus gen. nov.: A new genus for Thanasimodes nigropiceus (Kuwert, 1893) (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae)
Authors: BARTLETT JUSTIN S. , GERSTMEIER ROLAND
Published: September 2016

Opilo nigropiceus Kuwert was described from a specimen collected in Bagamoyo on the north coast of Tanzania, though the description was devoid of informative morphological detail (Kuwert 1893). Without comment, Schenkling (1915) transferred O. nigropiceus to Thanasimodes Murray, a genus erected by Murray (1867) for a single specimen from ‘Old Calabar’ (south Nigeria) described as Thanasimodes metallicus Murray. Thanasimodes presently contains ten species and is distributed widely throughout Africa, from South Africa to the northernmost countries (Corporaal 1950; Gerstmeier 1998).
Redescription of two troglobiotic species of Deuteraphorura Absolon, 1901
(Collembola, Onychiuridae) from the Western Carpathians
Authors: PARIMUCHOVÁ ANDREA , KOVÁČ ĽUBOMÍR
Published: September 2016

Two species of the genus Deuteraphorura Absolon, 1901 from the Western Carpathian caves (Central Europe) are redescribed, namely D. kratochvili (Nosek, 1963) and D. schoenviszkyi (Loksa, 1967). Both species are characterized by the absence of pseudocelli on thoracic tergum I, presence of male ventral organ on abdominal terga II–III and 3 pseudocelli on hind margin of head. D. kratochvili is redescribed based on specimens from the type locality (Demänovská Cave System) and its intraspecific variability in morphological traits is discussed. Redescription of D. schoenviszkyi (Loksa, 1967) is based on specimens from the Slovak and Aggtelek Karst, the karst area where the type locality is situated. Both species are restricted to subterranean environment, thus classified as obligate cave forms (troglobionts). An identification key to Deuteraphorura species, characterized by absence of pseudocelli on thoracic segment I, is provided.
New records of doryctine wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Argentina, with the description of Shawius diiorioi Martínez sp. nov.
Authors: MARTÍNEZ JUAN JOSÉ
Published: September 2016

New distributional records of the genera Fritziella Marsh, Rhoptrocentrus Marshall and Shawius Marsh are reported. Fritziella plaumanni Marsh, Rhoptrocentrus piceus Marshall and Shawius braziliensis Marsh are newly reported from northern Argentina. Shawius diiorioi Martínez sp. nov. is described and illustrated from central and northern Argentina. The male of Shawius, previously unknown, is described and illustrated for the first time. All species were reared from Fabaceae and Celtidaceae infested by wood boring Coleoptera.
A Revision of the Pseudotropheus elongatus species group (Teleostei: Cichlidae) With Description of a New Genus and Seven New Species
Authors: LI SHAN , KONINGS ADRIANUS F. , STAUFFER JAY R., JR.
Published: September 2016

Lake Malaŵi is known for its endemic haplochromine species flock, most notably the rock-dwelling cichlids known as mbuna. The group of mbuna referred to as the Pseudotropheus elongatus species group is currently comprised of Metriaclima spp., Tropheops spp., Cynotilapia spp., and Pseudotropheus spp. In this study, Chindongo, a new genus with the type species C. bellicosus, is described for additional species in this group. Chindongo is distinguished from other mbuna genera by 1) the presence of bicuspid teeth in the anterior portion of the outer row of both upper and lower jaw; 2) a moderately to steeply sloped vomer with a narrow rostral tip which makes an angle of between 53° and 68° with the parasphenoid; 3) a small mouth with the lower jaw slightly shorter than the upper; 4) a broad anterior dentigerous area on both premaxilla and dentary with three or more rows of teeth (usually 5–6 rows); 5) a flank melanin pattern consisting of vertical bars without horizontal elements at any stage of development. Chindongo bellicosus is distinguished by its color pattern and shallower body from the other species which we have transferred to Chindongo. We also describe six new elongate mbuna species and place them into three available genera, they include: Metriaclima flavicauda, M. usisyae, Tropheops kumwera, T. biriwera, T. kamtambo, and Cynotilapia chilundu.