bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of Phosphate from Polluted Waters Using Calcium Alginate Beads Doped with Active Carbon Derived fromA. asperaPlant as Adsorbent
Authors: Sujitha Ravulapalli , Ravindhranath Kunta
Published: August 2017

An adsorbent prepared by entrapping active carbon derived from the stems ofAchyranthes asperaplant in the calcium alginate beads (CABAA) has been investigated for its adsorption nature towards the removal of phosphate by varying various physicochemical parameters. Surface morphological studies are made using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and EDX. The sorption mechanism is analyzed using Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin adsorption isotherms. The adsorption kinetics is found to follow the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters are analyzed and found that the adsorption is endothermic and nonspontaneous in nature. The maximum amount of phosphate adsorbed onto CABAA is found to be 133.3 mg/g of active carbon and, furthermore, the adsorbent is highly selective. The methodology developed is successfully applied to polluted water samples.
The Monitoring of Preoperative External Detorsion with Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in a Patient with Acute Testicular Torsion
Authors: Beyazal Mehmet , Beyazal Çeliker Fatma , İnecikli Mehmet Fatih , Kadioğlu Maksude Esra , Aydın Hasan Rıza , Durakoğlugil Tuğba
Published: August 2017

Testicular torsion is one of the main causes of acute scrotum and may result in permanent damage of the testicular tissue. Color Doppler imaging has been frequently used in the diagnosis of testicular torsion and posttreatment follow-up period of the disease. There are some studies reporting the value and usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of testicular torsion. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no report regarding the monitoring of preoperative external detorsion in testicular torsion with diffusion-weighted imaging examination. In this article, diffusion-weighted imaging findings in the management of preoperative external detorsion in a case with testicular torsion were presented.
Mechanical Property Analysis of Circular Polymer Membrane under Uniform Pressure
Authors: Jianbing Sang , Xiang Li , Sufang Xing , Wenjia Wang
Published: August 2017

Mechanical property analysis of circular hyperelastic polymer membrane under uniform pressure has been researched in this work. The polymer membrane material is assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic and incompressibility of materials has been considered. Based on the modified stain energy function from Gao and nonmomental theory of axial symmetry thin shell, finite deformation analysis of polymer membrane under uniform pressure has been proposed in current configuration and governing equations of polymer membrane have been achieved. By utilizing the boundary condition, theoretical results of governing equations have been obtained and vertical displacement distribution and stress distribution have been achieved. The results show that the constitutive parameternhas a strengthening effect on the polymer material and the constitutive parameterαplays a controlling role for the second strain invariantI2, which also has a strengthening effect on the polymer material. This research has revealed the deformational mechanism of polymer membrane and provided reference for the design of polymer membrane.
Pose and Shape Reconstruction of a Noncooperative Spacecraft Using Camera and Range Measurements
Authors: Volpe Renato , Sabatini Marco , Palmerini Giovanni B.
Published: August 2017

Recent interest in on-orbit proximity operations has pushed towards the development of autonomous GNC strategies. In this sense, optical navigation enables a wide variety of possibilities as it can provide information not only about the kinematic state but also about the shape of the observed object. Various mission architectures have been either tested in space or studied on Earth. The present study deals with on-orbit relative pose and shape estimation with the use of a monocular camera and a distance sensor. The goal is to develop a filter which estimates an observed satellite’s relative position, velocity, attitude, and angular velocity, along with its shape, with the measurements obtained by a camera and a distance sensor mounted on board a chaser which is on a relative trajectory around the target. The filter’s efficiency is proved with a simulation on a virtual target object. The results of the simulation, even though relevant to a simplified scenario, show that the estimation process is successful and can be considered a promising strategy for a correct and safe docking maneuver.
New Hybrid Materials Synthesized with Different Dyes by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Gheonea Ramona , Crasmareanu Eleonora Cornelia , Plesu Nicoleta , Sauca Sorin , Simulescu Vasile , Ilia Gheorghe
Published: August 2017

One well-known method for hybrids synthesis with incorporated organic dyes is sol-gel method, which is based on the concept of molecular manipulation to design ceramics, glasses, and composites. The low-temperature process allows for the incorporation of guest organic molecules within the inorganic matrix, as well as for the synthesis of hybrid networks in which the organic and inorganic phases are interpenetrating. The aim of the work presented in this paper was the preparation of the gels with three different dyes, at different molar ratios by using the hydrolytic sol-gel process. The interaction of the dye and the oxide was examined by UV-vis spectroscopy and FT-IR. The thermal stability of the hybrid organic-inorganic xerogel formed here was studied by thermal analysis. The micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the high density of the films. Such characteristics indicate the possible application of these films in solar cells.
Analysis of the Chemical Modification of Dental Enamel Submitted to 35% Hydrogen Peroxide “In-Office” Whitening, with or without Calcium
Authors: Moreira Rudá França , Santos Fábio Pinheiro , Santos Estevão Antero , Santos Ramon Silva dos , Anjos Marcelino José dos , Miranda Mauro Sayão de
Published: August 2017

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in calcium and phosphorus content in dental enamel when subjected to “in-office” whitening for an extended time by using a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution, with and without calcium.Materials and Methods. 10 human teeth, from which the roots had been removed, were embedded in epoxy resin, and their surfaces were smoothed. The specimens were divided into two groups; in group 1, a whitening solution without calcium was used, while in group 2, the solution included calcium. Each specimen was evaluated at 6 different points before the bleaching treatment, and these points were reassessed after each session. A total of five sessions were carried out. Concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were measured by using the technique of X-ray fluorescence.Results. After performing a statistical analysis, it was found that there was no statistically significant loss of calcium and phosphorus during the whitening treatment, and the groups showed no statistical differences.Conclusion. Excessive use of hydrogen peroxide, with or without calcium, causes no loss of calcium and phosphorus.
Evaluation and Optimization of Paper-Based SERS Substrate for Potential Label-Free Raman Analysis of Seminal Plasma
Authors: Huang Zufang , Cao Gang , Sun Yan , Du Shengrong , Li Yongzeng , Feng Shangyuan , Lin Juqiang , Lei Jinping
Published: August 2017

Characterization and optimization of paper SERS substrate were performed in detail, in which morphologies and distribution of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the paper substrate pretreated with different concentrations of NaCl and the subsequent soaking with colloidal AgNPs for different period of time were evaluated. Our results show that both NaCl concentration and soaking time with AgNPs have a significant influence on SERS enhancement, showing that an optimal EF of 2.27 × 107 was achieved when the paper substrate was treated with 20 mM NaCl and one-hour soak with AgNPs. Moreover, seminal plasma (SP) was specifically selected to evaluate the performance of paper-based SERS substrate for potential clinical detection and diagnosis. The optimization of the paper SERS substrate demonstrates potential applications in reliable on-site detection of SP and clinical diagnosis of fertility-related diseases as well.
Meta-Analysis of Structured Triglyceride versus Physical Mixture Medium- and Long-Chain Triglycerides for PN in Liver Resection Patients
Authors: Zhao Yajie , Wang Chengfeng
Published: August 2017

Background. The use of total parenteral nutrition can affect liver function, causing a series of problems such as cholestasis. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare structured triglyceride- (STG-) based lipid emulsions with physical medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/long-chain triglyceride (LCT) mixtures in patients who had undergone liver surgery to identify any differences between these two types of parenteral nutrition. Methods. We searched the databases of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Chinese Biomedicine Database from January 2007 to March 2017 and included studies that compared STG-based lipid emulsions with physical MCT/LCT mixtures for surgical patients with liver disease. Conclusion. The STG was more beneficial than physical MCT/LCT on recovery of liver function and immune function. Therefore, STGs may represent a promising alternative to other types of lipid emulsions for hepatic surgery patients.
Predictive Control of Mobile Robot Using Kinematic and Dynamic Models
Authors: Mendili Manel , Bouani Faouzi
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a predictive control of omnidirectional mobile robot with three independent driving wheels based on kinematic and dynamic models. Two predictive controllers are developed. The first is based on the kinematic model and the second is founded on the dynamic model. The optimal control sequence is obtained by minimizing a quadratic performance criterion. A comparison has been done between the two controllers and simulations have been done to show the effectiveness of the predictive control with the kinematic and the dynamic models.
Central Sensitization-Based Classification for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Pathogenetic Hypothesis
Authors: Monaco Annalisa , Cattaneo Ruggero , Marci Maria Chiara , Pietropaoli Davide , Ortu Eleonora
Published: August 2017

Dysregulation of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and central pain pathways in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a growing evidence. Authors include some forms of TMD among central sensitization syndromes (CSS), a group of pathologies characterized by central morphofunctional alterations. Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is useful for clinical diagnosis. Clinical examination and CSI cannot identify the central site(s) affected in these diseases. Ultralow frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULFTENS) is extensively used in TMD and in dental clinical practice, because of its effects on descending pain modulation pathways. The Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) are the most accurate tool for diagnosis and classification of TMD. However, it includes CSI to investigate central aspects of TMD. Preliminary data on sensory ULFTENS show it is a reliable tool for the study of central and autonomic pathways in TMD. An alternative classification based on the presence of Central Sensitization and on individual response to sensory ULFTENS is proposed. TMD may be classified into 4 groups: (a) TMD with Central Sensitization ULFTENS Responders; (b) TMD with Central Sensitization ULFTENS Nonresponders; (c) TMD without Central Sensitization ULFTENS Responders; (d) TMD without Central Sensitization ULFTENS Nonresponders. This pathogenic classification of TMD may help to differentiate therapy and aetiology.
Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats by Regulating the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway
Authors: Guo Yi , Li Jun-xiang , Wang Yun-liang , Mao Tang-you , Chen Chen , Xie Tian-hong , Han Ya-fei , Tan Xiang , Han Hai-xiao
Published: August 2017

Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction (YCLGZGD) is the combination of Linggui Zhugan (LGZGD) and Yinchenhao (YCHD) decoctions, two famous traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. In previous studies, we found that Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction (YCLGZGD) could regulate lipid metabolism disorder and attenuate inflammation in pathological process of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the exact underlying mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction on experimental NAFLD and its mechanism in rats with high‐fat diet (HFD) which was established by 8‐week administration of HFD. YCLGZGD, LGZGD, and YCHD were administered daily for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized. The level of blood lipid, liver enzymes, H&E, and Oil Red O staining were determined to evaluate NAFLD severity. Western blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were, respectively, used to determine hepatic protein and gene expression of Keap1, Nrf2, NQO1, and HO‐1. Oral YCLGZGD ameliorated HFD‐induced NAFLD. Furthermore, YCLGZGD increased the protein and gene expression of Nrf2, NQO1, and HO‐1 without changing Keap1. Overall, these results suggest that YCLGZGD ameliorates HFD‐induced NAFLD in rats by upregulating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
Chronic Pelvic Pain and Infertility Resulting from Unrecognized Retained Laminaria
Authors: Nilsson Wesley , Mikhael Sasha , Kaplan Jennifer
Published: August 2017

Background. In 2013, the abortion rate in the United States was found to be 200 abortions per 1,000 live births. Of these, the CDC estimates that nearly 49% were performed using unsafe measures. Even when these procedures are safely performed, patients are at risk for immediate or delayed complications. In second-trimester terminations, mechanical dilation with an osmotic dilator is common to allow for delivery of the fetus. The Japanese seaweed Laminaria japonica is used to achieve this purpose. Case. A 28-year-old primigravida presented with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. She had irregular menstrual cycles and reported scant yellow discharge. A transvaginal ultrasound revealed an abnormally appearing endometrium with an elongated structure suspicious for a foreign body. The patient reported a voluntary termination of pregnancy twelve years earlier, for which laminaria were placed prior to the dilation and extraction. She underwent an operative hysteroscopy confirming our suspicion for retained laminaria. The pathology report demonstrated chronic severe endometritis and plant based material. Conclusion. Retained laminaria are associated with chronic pelvic pain and chronic infertility. Since they can be difficult to detect on conventional imaging, proper counting prior to insertion and after removal is an essential physician responsibility.
Visceral Leishmaniasis-Malaria Coinfection and Their Associated Factors in Patients Attending Metema Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Suggestion for Integrated Vector Management
Authors: Ferede Getachew , Diro Ermias , Getie Sisay , Getnet Gebeyaw , Takele Yegnasew , Amsalu Anteneh , Wondimeneh Yitayih
Published: August 2017

Background. Despite high prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and malaria in the study area, their coinfection remains unknown. Therefore, this study was aimed to document VL-malaria coinfections and their associated factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical suspected VL patients attending Metema hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, from January 2014 to June 2014. Blood sample was tested by rk39 antigen-based DiaMed IT-Leish dipstick and Giemsa stain microscopic examination of thick and thin blood smears for malaria detection was performed. Result. A total of 384 VL suspected patients were included in the study. Out of these, the prevalence of VL was 83 (21.6%) while the prevalence of malaria was 45 (11.7%). Of malaria cases, 40 (89%) were positive for P. falciparum and 5 (11%) positive for P. vivax. The overall prevalence of VL-malaria coinfection was 16 (4.2%). One-hundred eighty (46.9%) study participants have history of travel. Of these, 10 (5.6%) have VL-malaria coinfections. Age less than 5 years was associated with VL-malaria coinfection. Conclusion. This study highlights the importance of performing malaria screening amongst VL patients living in malaria-endemic areas, particularly in patients under five years.
Abnormal N400 Semantic Priming Effect May Reflect Psychopathological Processes in Schizophrenia: A Twin Study
Authors: Sharma Anuradha , Sauer Heinrich , Hill Holger , Kaufmann Claudia , Bender Stephan , Weisbrod Matthias
Published: August 2017

Objective. Activation of semantic networks is indexed by the N400 effect. We used a twin study design to investigate whether N400 effect abnormalities reflect genetic/trait liability or are related to psychopathological processes in schizophrenia.Methods. We employed robust linear regression to compare N400 and behavioral priming effects across 36 monozygotic twin pairs (6 pairs concordant for schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, 11 discordant pairs, and 19 healthy control pairs) performing a lexical decision task. Moreover, we examined the correlation between Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score and the N400 effect and the influence of medication status on this effect.Results. Regression yielded a significant main effect of group on the N400 effect only in the direct priming condition (p=0.003). Indirect condition and behavioral priming effect showed no significant effect of group. Planned contrasts with the control group as a reference group revealed that affected concordant twins had significantly reduced N400 effect compared to controls, and discordant affected twins had a statistical trend for reduced N400 effect compared to controls. The unaffected twins did not differ significantly from the controls. There was a trend for correlation between reduced N400 effect and higher BPRS scores, and the N400 effect did not differ significantly between medicated and unmedicated patients.Conclusions. Reduced N400 effect may reflect disease-specific processes in schizophrenia implicating frontotemporal brain network in schizophrenia pathology.
Quantitative Evaluation of Temporal Regularizers in Compressed Sensing Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI of the Breast
Authors: Wang Dong , Arlinghaus Lori R. , Yankeelov Thomas E. , Yang Xiaoping , Smith David S.
Published: August 2017

Purpose. Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is used in cancer imaging to probe tumor vascular properties. Compressed sensing (CS) theory makes it possible to recover MR images from randomly undersampled k-space data using nonlinear recovery schemes. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively evaluate common temporal sparsity-promoting regularizers for CS DCE-MRI of the breast. Methods. We considered five ubiquitous temporal regularizers on 4.5x retrospectively undersampled Cartesian in vivo breast DCE-MRI data: Fourier transform (FT), Haar wavelet transform (WT), total variation (TV), second-order total generalized variation (TGVα2), and nuclear norm (NN). We measured the signal-to-error ratio (SER) of the reconstructed images, the error in tumor mean, and concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) of the derived pharmacokinetic parameters Ktrans (volume transfer constant) and ve (extravascular-extracellular volume fraction) across a population of random sampling schemes. Results. NN produced the lowest image error (SER: 29.1), while TV/TGVα2 produced the most accurate Ktrans (CCC: 0.974/0.974) and ve (CCC: 0.916/0.917). WT produced the highest image error (SER: 21.8), while FT produced the least accurate Ktrans (CCC: 0.842) and ve (CCC: 0.799). Conclusion. TV/TGVα2 should be used as temporal constraints for CS DCE-MRI of the breast.
Observer‐Based Robust Controller Design for Nonlinear Fractional‐Order Uncertain Systems via LMI
Authors: Qiu Jing , Ji Yude
Published: August 2017

We discuss the observer‐based robust controller design problem for a class of nonlinear fractional‐order uncertain systems with admissible time‐variant uncertainty in the case of the fractional‐order satisfying 0 < α < 1. Based on direct Lyapunov approach, a sufficient condition for the robust asymptotic stability of the observer‐based nonlinear fractional‐order uncertain systems is presented. Employing Finsler’s Lemma, the systematic robust stabilization design algorithm is then proposed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The efficiency and advantage of the proposed algorithm are finally illustrated by two numerical simulations.
Data‐Driven Optimization Framework for Nonlinear Model Predictive Control
Authors: Zhang Shiliang , Cao Hui , Zhang Yanbin , Jia Lixin , Ye Zonglin , Hei Xiali
Published: August 2017

The structure of the optimization procedure may affect the control quality of nonlinear model predictive control (MPC). In this paper, a data‐driven optimization framework for nonlinear MPC is proposed, where the linguistic model is employed as the prediction model. The linguistic model consists of a series of fuzzy rules, whose antecedents are the membership functions of the input variables and the consequents are the predicted output represented by linear combinations of the input variables. The linear properties of the consequents lead to a quadratic optimization framework without online linearisation, which has analytical solution in the calculation of control sequence. Both the parameters in the antecedents and the consequents are calculated by a hybrid‐learning algorithm based on plant data, and the data‐driven determination of the parameters leads to an optimization framework with optimized controller parameters, which could provide higher control accuracy. Experiments are conducted in the process control of biochemical continuous sterilization, and the performance of the proposed method is compared with those of the methods of MPC based on linear model, the nonlinear MPC with neural network approximator, and MPC nonlinear with successive linearisations. The experimental results verify that the proposed framework could achieve higher control accuracy.
High Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance among Bacteria Causing Pyogenic Wound Infections at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Rijal Basista Prasad , Satyal Deepa , Parajuli Narayan Prasad
Published: August 2017

Pyogenic wound infections are one of the most common clinical entities caused and aggravated by the invasion of pathogenic organisms. Prompt and aggressive antimicrobial therapy is needed to reduce the burden and complications associated with these infections. In this study, we intended to investigate the common pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from the pyogenic wound infections at a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. A laboratory based cross-sectional study was carried out among the pyogenic clinical specimens of the patients visiting Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Processing of clinical specimens and isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens were carried out using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistant profiles were determined by following the standard guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). About 65% of the clinical specimens were positive for the bacterial growth and Gram positive bacteria (57.4%) were the leading pathogens among pyogenic wound infections.Staphylococcus aureus(412, 49.28%),Escherichia coli(136, 16.27%),Klebsiellaspp. (88, 10.53%), andPseudomonasspp. (44, 5.26%) were the common pathogens isolated. High level of drug resistance was observed among both Gram positive bacteria (51.9%) and Gram negative bacteria (48.7%). Gram positive isolates were resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, and cloxacillin. Gram negative isolates were resistant to cephalosporins but were well susceptible to amikacin and imipenem. Pyogenic wound infections are common in our hospital and majority of them were associated with multidrug resistant bacteria. The detailed workup of the prevalent pathogens present in infected wounds and their resistance pattern is clearly pertinent to choosing the adequate treatment.
The Protective Effect of Naringenin-Oxime on Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Koyuncu Ismail , Kocyigit Abdurrahim , Gonel Ataman , Arslan Erkan , Durgun Mustafa
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to examine the protective effect of naringenin-oxime (NOX) on cisplatin-induced major organ toxicity and DNA damage in rats. Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats were equally split into five groups as follows: control (i.p., 0.1 ml of saline), Cis administration (i.p., 7 mg/kg b.w.), NOX treatment (i.p., 20 mg/kg b.w., daily for ten days), Cis + NOX20, and Cis + NOX40 combination (i.p., 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w., daily for ten days). Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) were obtained from blood. Malondialdehyde, glutathione, total antioxidant and oxidant status, and catalase were measured in serum, liver, and kidney, and oxidative stress index was calculated. In parallel, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were tested in liver and serum. We used 8-OHdOG as a marker for DNA damage in serum via ELISA and in PMBC via comet assay. Treatment with Cis elevated the levels of serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Pretreatments of NOX restored biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in serum, renal, and liver tissues (p<0.01) and reduced 8-OHdG level, a finding further supported by comet assay in PBMC. Observations of the present study support the fact that treatment with NOX prevents Cis-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and genotoxicity by restoring antioxidant system.
Electromagnetic Fields for the Regulation of Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Cui Mengchu , Ge Hongfei , Zhao Hengli , Zou Yongjie , Chen Yujie , Feng Hua
Published: August 2017

Localized magnetic fields (MFs) could easily penetrate the scalp, skull, and meninges, thus inducing an electrical current in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, which is primarily used in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for inducing specific effects on different regions or cells that play roles in various brain activities. Studies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have led to novel attractive therapeutic approaches. Neural stem cells (NSCs) in adult human brain are able to self-renew and possess multidifferential ability to maintain homeostasis and repair damage after acute central nervous system. In the present review, we summarized the electrical activity of NSCs and the fundamental mechanism of electromagnetic fields and their effects on regulating NSC proliferation, differentiation, migration, and maturation. Although it was authorized for the rTMS use in resistant depression patients by US FDA, there are still unveiling mechanism and limitations for rTMS in clinical applications of acute central nervous system injury, especially on NSC regulation as a rehabilitation strategy. More in-depth studies should be performed to provide detailed parameters and mechanisms of rTMS in further studies, making it a powerful tool to treat people who are surviving with acute central nervous system injuries.
Epinephrine Stimulates Cell Proliferation and Induces Chemoresistance in Myeloma Cells through the β-Adrenoreceptor in vitro
Authors: Liu Yang , Yu Xiaochen , Zhuang Junling
Published: August 2017

Objectives: To explore the effect of the β-adrenoreceptor signaling pathway on myeloma cells. Methods: The myeloma U266 cell line was treated with epinephrine and propranolol. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTS assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The β-receptor subtype and the key enzyme of epinephrine were identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Epinephrine (5-50 μM) promoted U266 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and neutralized the inhibition effect of bortezomib (25 and 50 ng/mL) in vitro. Cell proliferation was inhibited by a β-receptor antagonist, propranolol, at a concentration of 50-200 μM. The proportions of early and late apoptotic cells were enhanced after treatment with propranolol. The expression of caspase 3/7, 8, and 9 was elevated in propranolol-treated myeloma cells. Both β1- and β2-adrenoceptor mRNAs were expressed in the U266 cell line. Key enzymes dopamine hydroxylase and tyrosinehydroxylase were identified in myeloma cells. Conclusions: Our results reveal that epinephrine stimulates myeloma cell growth in vitro while the β-blocker propranolol has an antiproliferative effect, indicating that stress hormones may trigger the progression of myeloma.
The Paradoxical Effects of Chronic Intra-Amniotic Ureaplasma parvum Exposure on Ovine Fetal Brain Development
Authors: Gussenhoven Ruth , Ophelders Daan R.M.G. , Kemp Matthew W. , Payne Matthew S. , Spiller Owen B. , Beeton Michael L. , Stock Sarah J. , Cillero-Pastor Bertha , Barré Florian P.Y. , Heeren Ron M.A. , Kessels Lilian , Stevens Bas , Rutten Bart P. , Kallapur Suhas G. , Jobe Alan H. , Kramer Boris W. , Wolfs Tim G.A.M.
Published: August 2017

Chorioamnionitis is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Ureaplasma spp. are the microorganisms most frequently isolated from the amniotic fluid of women diagnosed with chorioamnionitis. However, controversy remains concerning the role of Ureaplasma spp. in the pathogenesis of neonatal brain injury. We hypothesize that reexposure to an inflammatory trigger during the perinatal period might be responsible for the variation in brain outcomes of preterms following Ureaplasma-driven chorioamnionitis. To investigate these clinical scenarios, we performed a detailed multimodal study in which ovine neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed following chronic intra-amniotic Ureaplasma parvum (UP) infection either alone or combined with subsequent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. We show that chronic intra-amniotic UP exposure during the second trimester provoked a decrease in astrocytes, increased oligodendrocyte numbers, and elevated 5-methylcytosine levels. In contrast, short-term LPS exposure before preterm birth induced increased microglial activation, myelin loss, elevation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels, and lipid profile changes. These LPS-induced changes were prevented by chronic preexposure to UP (preconditioning). These data indicate that chronic UP exposure has dual effects on preterm brain development in utero. On the one hand, prolonged UP exposure causes detrimental cerebral changes that may predispose to adverse postnatal clinical outcomes. On the other, chronic intra-amniotic UP exposure preconditions the brain against a second inflammatory hit. This study demonstrates that microbial interactions and the timing and duration of the inflammatory insults determine the effects on the fetal brain. Therefore, this study helps to understand the complex and diverse postnatal neurological outcomes following UP driven chorioamnionitis.
An Asian Perspective on Povidone Iodine in Wound Healing
Authors: Bigliardi Paul , Langer Stefan , Cruz Jose Joven , Kim Sang Wha , Nair Harikrishna , Srisawasdi Gulapar
Published: August 2017

Antiseptics, with a broader spectrum of antimicrobial efficacy, lower risk of antibiotic resistance development, and minimal collateral damage to host tissues, are important alternatives to control the bioburden in wounds. Povidone iodine (PVP-I), in use for several decades, has the broadest spectrum of activity, a persistent antimicrobial effect, an ability to penetrate biofilms, and a lack of acquired or cross-resistance. It demonstrates good skin tolerance and low cytotoxicity. However, some reports on PVP-I have raised concerns over allergy, ineffective penetration, and toxic effects on host cells. The majority of these concerns are based on in vitro or rodent wound studies with diverse study designs and outcomes; these results may not be directly applicable in the clinical reality in humans. In this paper, we discuss the efficacy and safety of PVP-I and outline its place in wound healing in Asia, based on an appraisal of recent literature and clinical practice across the region.
Resolution of Middle Fossa Arachnoid Cyst after Minor Head Trauma - Stages of Resolution on MRI: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nadi Mustafa , Nikolic Ana , Sabban Dalal , Ahmad Tahani
Published: August 2017

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are frequently encountered in pediatric neurosurgical practice. Their natural history and optimum treatment are not well determined. The authors describe a resolution of asymptomatic middle fossa AC after trivial head trauma in a 7-year-old child. Intracystic bleeding was noticed on interval MRI. Serial MRI follow-up demonstrates stages of resolution of the AC that did not require surgical intervention. Few cases of nonsurgical AC disappearance have been reported, much fewer with trauma as a triggering factor. Here, we present the stages of resolution in images.
Lower Airway Inflammation in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis as Determined by Exhaled Nitric Oxide
Authors: Kambara Rumi , Minami Takafumi , Akazawa Hitoshi , Tsuji Fumio , Sasaki Takanobu , Inohara Hidenori , Horii Arata
Published: August 2017

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is classified into eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) and non-ECRS. The objectives of this study were to evaluate lower airway inflammation by measuring the fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and to examine the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on FeNO in patients with ECRS compared to non-ECRS. Methods: CRS patients with nasal polyps (23 with ECRS and 22 with non-ECRS) were enrolled into this study. ECRS was diagnosed based on the definition proposed by the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC) study group. Several clinical markers including blood eosinophil counts, percent of eosinophils in white blood cells (WBC), number of eosinophils in nasal polyps, JESREC scores, total IgE, FeNO, and Lund-Mackay paranasal sinus CT scores were compared between ECRS and non-ECRS. These markers were also tested before and 2 months after ESS. Results: FeNO was significantly higher in patients with ECRS than in non-ECRS patients. When all CRS patients were tested, a significant correlation was found between FeNO and eosinophilic markers including blood eosinophil counts, percent of eosinophils in WBC, number of eosinophils in nasal polyps, and JESREC scores. FeNO showed a significant correlation with Lund-Mackay scores only in ECRS patients. Blood eosinophil counts, percent of eosinophils in WBC, and FeNO decreased after ESS only in ECRS patients. Conclusions: ECRS patients had lower airway inflammation as revealed by an elevated FeNO, which was parallel to the Lund-Mackay CT scores. ESS decreased the blood eosinophils and FeNO, leading to an improvement of the occult pulmonary dysfunction in ECRS patients.
Novel Insights in the Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Bussler Sarah , Penke Melanie , Flemming Gunter , Elhassan Yasir S. , Kratzsch Jürgen , Sergeyev Elena , Lipek Tobias , Vogel Mandy , Spielau Ulrike , Körner Antje , de Giorgis Tommaso , Kiess Wieland
Published: August 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is recognized as an escalating major health risk in adults as well as in children and adolescents. Its prevalence ranges from 6 to 39% depending on the applied definition criteria. To date, there is no consensus on a MetS definition for children and adolescents. However, most authors agree on essential components such as glucose intolerance, central obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia; each representing a risk for cardiovascular disease. Recently, associations between MetS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperuricemia, and sleep disturbances have emerged. Biomarkers like adipocytokines are a subject of current research as they are implicated in the pathogenesis of the MetS. Epigenetics and gestational programming, especially the role of microRNA, comprise a novel, rapidly developing and promising research focus on the topic of MetS. MicroRNAs are increasingly valued for potential roles in the diagnosis, stratification, and therapeutics of MetS. Early detection of risk factors, screening for metabolic disturbances, and the identification of new therapies are major aims to reduce morbidity and mortality related to MetS. Dietary modification and physical activity are currently the only adopted treatment approaches. Pharmacological therapies and bariatric surgery are still contradictory and, therefore, are only recommended in selected high-risk cases.
Cardiovascular Actions and Clinical Outcomes With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Meier Juris J. , Cavender Matthew A. , Abd El Aziz Mirna , Drucker Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

Potentiation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) action through selective GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism or by prevention of enzymatic degradation by inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) promotes glycemic reduction for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus by glucose-dependent control of insulin and glucagon secretion. GLP-1R agonists also decelerate gastric emptying, reduce body weight by reduction of food intake and lower circulating lipoproteins, inflammation, and systolic blood pressure. Preclinical studies demonstrate that both GLP-1R agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors exhibit cardioprotective actions in animal models of myocardial ischemia and ventricular dysfunction through incompletely characterized mechanisms. The results of cardiovascular outcome trials in human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and increased cardiovascular risk have demonstrated a cardiovascular benefit (significant reduction in time to first major adverse cardiovascular event) with the GLP-1R agonists liraglutide (LEADER trial [Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Ourcome Results], −13%) and semaglutide (SUSTAIN-6 trial [Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular and Other Long-term Outcomes with Semaglutide], −24%). In contrast, cardiovascular outcome trials examining the safety of the shorter-acting GLP-1R agonist lixisenatide (ELIXA trial [Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrom]) and the DPP-4 inhibitors saxagliptin (SAVOR-TIMI 53 trial [Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53]), alogliptin (EXAMINE trial [Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes With Alogliptin Versus Standard of Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Acute Coronary Syndrome]), and sitagliptin (TECOS [Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes With Sitagliptin]) found that these agents neither increased nor decreased cardiovascular events. Here we review the cardiovascular actions of GLP-1R agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, with a focus on the translation of mechanisms derived from preclinical studies to complementary findings in clinical studies. We highlight areas of uncertainty requiring more careful scrutiny in ongoing basic science and clinical studies. As newer more potent GLP-1R agonists and coagonists are being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the delineation of the potential mechanisms that underlie the cardiovascular benefit and safety of these agents have immediate relevance for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
John the Baptist and the Origin of the Lord’s Prayer
Authors: Gibson Jeffrey B
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the cogency of the arguments made by Joan Taylor, Karlheinz Müller, Ulrich Mell, Bernhard Lang, Clare Rothschild, and J.K. Elliot in support of the claim that the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9–13//Lk. 11:1–4) might not have originated with Jesus but with John the Baptist. It will show that none of them stand up to critical scrutiny and that anyone who tries to make the case that the Lord’s Prayer does go back to John will have to offer arguments other than the ones these scholars have advanced in defense of this contention to do so.
The Feeling of the Form: Style as Dynamic ‘Textured’ Expression
Authors: Stamatopoulou Despina , Cupchik Gerald C.
Published: August 2017

Understanding the complexities of how emotions could be implicated in the semantic (subject-matter) and the syntactic level (form/style) in art might contribute to integrating contrasting approaches regarding emotion experience and meaning. This study explores what happens when we strip away subject matter and only provide expressive information that is embedded in the physical-sensory qualities of ‘style’ of non-representational forms. What could be, if we ask artists to produce specific emotions-matières (the way in which paint—its materiality—is applied by an artist) intended to communicate specific emotion’s states to observers? Could observers share somehow these emotional artistic intentions, yielding some consistency across ratings regarding the intended meanings and the symbolic potential of the drawings? A cross-cultural study was performed (152 Canadians, 48 Greeks, 68 Japanese) using 12 non-representational, emotion-drawing stimuli of the emotion at hand. The results showed a systematic sharing of affective meaning across artists, spectators and cultures. This study serves as an illustrative case for discussion. For spectators to match the bottom up spatiotemporal derived from the syntactic, demands to go all the way down to catch up and match the stimulus impact as an ‘as if’ reciprocally created homology based on affective predictions. At this interface there is mutuality between perceiving, feeling and imaging, indicating the deep passage from expression/gesture to representation. It is discussed that there is continuity between expression and experience and agency is at its core—yet, shaped by culture it participates differentially in this iterative matching of top-down affective predictions checked against first-level bottom-up sensory-motor affective cues.
The Polycladida (Platyhelminthes) of the Canary Islands. New genus, species and records
Authors: CUADRADO DANIEL , MORO LEOPOLDO , NOREÑA CAROLINA
Published: August 2017

The main focus of this study is the biodiversity of the order Polycladida in the Canary Islands, archipelago belonging to Macaronesia and to the Mediterranean basin hot spot region. Polycladida is a cosmopolitan order with some species distributed worldwide; but it also is comprised of endemic species. Here, 19 polyclad species are revised and determined, ten of which were previously recorded for the Canary Islands (De Vera et al. 2009). A new genus and species Multisepta fengari n. gen., n. sp., of the suborder Acotylea and five new species belonging to the suborder Cotylea including Anonymus ruber n. sp., Enchiridium magec n. sp., Eurylepta guayota n. sp., Acanthozoon aranfaibo n. sp. and Pseudoceros mororum n. sp., are presented and described. In addition, two well-known species, Pseudobiceros wirtzi (Madeira and Cape Verde) and Pericelis cata (Caribbean coasts), are new records for the Canary Islands and for the hot spot region of the Mediterranean basin. Using all available information, including from the morphological study presented here, a key for the species for the Canary Islands has been generated.
Hemibates koningsi spec. nov: a new deep-water cichlid (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: SCHEDEL FREDERIC DIETER BENEDIKT , SCHLIEWEN ULRICH KURT
Published: August 2017

Hemibates koningsi, new species, is described from southern Lake Tanganyika (Republic of Zambia) as the second species of Hemibates Regan, 1920. Males of the new species are easily distinguished from H. stenosoma (Boulenger, 1901) based on their adult color pattern, i.e. black vertical bars on the anterior flanks part and posterior horizontal bands on a silvery-whitish body coloration vs. an anterior flank color pattern of black blotches of variable number, size and shape and posterior horizontal bands. Males and females of the new species are further distinguished by their longer lower pharyngeal jaw (37.6–38.2% HL vs. 27.8–32.5% HL) with a characteristically curved keel, which is straight or only slightly curved towards the tips in H. stenosoma. The new species has on average fewer gill rakers on the first gill arch than its only congener (33–37 vs 35–43).
Identification key, diversity and host associations of parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of aphids attacking cereal crops in Egypt
Authors: GADALLAH NEVEEN S. , EL-HENEIDY AHMED H. , MAHMOUD SAMAR M. , KAVALLIERATOS NICKOLAS G.
Published: August 2017

In the present study, a total of eleven Aphidiinae parasitoid species belonging to six genera (Aphidius Nees, Binodoxys Mackauer, Diaeretiella Starý, Ephedrus Haliday, Lysiphlebus Foerster and Praon Haliday) were recorded from three aphid species [Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Sitobium avenae (F.)] feeding on four cereal plants (Avena sativa L., Hordeum vulgare L., Triticum aestivum L. and Zea mays L.) in Egypt. An illustrated key of the recorded aphidiines, the tritrophic (parasitoid-aphid-plant) associations and their distribution in the target area are also provided. Among the emerged parasitoids, Aphidius ervi Haliday is a new record for the fauna of Egypt. Aphidius transcaspicus Telenga and Binodoxys angelicae (Haliday) are reported for the first time to be associated with aphids infesting cereals in Egypt.
Subordinate rulers under the P–alas: Their diverse origins and shifting power relation with the king
Authors: Furui Ryosuke
Published: August 2017

The political formation in early medieval North India was characterised by subordinate rulers who were indispensable components of a monarchical state of the period. Their agency and power relations with the kingship had critical bearings on the early medieval history of Bengal under the Pālas. The epigraphical sources and the Rāmacarita of Sandhyākaranandin show diverse origins of the subordinate rulers, who got the position through their association with the Pāla kings. The royal grants issued on their application show their attempts to enhance their local control and position by negotiation with the king. The Pāla kings got the upper hand in this negotiation by countering the attempts of subordinate rulers and strengthening the local control through new measures. Their success however brought out a conjuncture at which social contradictions and tensions exploded as the Kaivarta rebellion, which resulted in their heavy dependence on subordinate rulers.
Policing everyday life: The FIR in the Tamil countryside, c. 1900–50
Authors: Kumar Radha
Published: August 2017

The judicial archive pertaining to the southern districts of Madras Presidency in the first half of the twentieth century indicates that judges, policemen and colonial subjects shared the belief that reports of crime made to the police, the ‘First Information Reports’ or FIRs, were often fabricated, resulting in what was termed a ‘false case’. This article argues that the prevalence of ‘false cases’ does not simply point to a colonial state that was weak in the countryside or whose judicial machinery had gone awry. Rather, the filing of police reports provided a mechanism for villagers to insert the disputes that were part of everyday life into the state’s legal apparatus and to make claims using the language of colonial law. The documentary practices of the colonial state thus shaped local politics, so that registering complaints with the police was an event in rural conflict, not simply the means of resolving conflict that had occurred earlier or elsewhere. Equally, these negotiations for local power through registering cases reaffirmed the authority of the colonial state in everyday practices that emerged around the figure of the policeman and in the space of the colonial police station.
Book Review: Seema Alavi, Muslim Cosmopolitanism in the Age of Empire
Authors: Zaman Muhammad Qasim
Published: August 2017

Seema Alavi, Muslim Cosmopolitanism in the Age of Empire, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2015, 490 pp.