bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents representing 19 high-income and upper middle-income countries between 1981 and 2014
Authors: Tomkinson Grant R , Lang Justin J , Tremblay Mark S
Published: October 2017

Objective

To estimate international and national temporal trends in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of children and adolescents and to examine relationships between temporal trends in CRF and temporal trends in broad socioeconomic and health-related indicators across countries.

Methods

Data were obtained from a systematic search of studies that explicitly reported 20 m shuttle run test (a validated measure of CRF) descriptive data on apparently healthy individuals aged 9–17 years. Following the estimation of relative peak oxygen uptake (mL/kg/min) as a measure of CRF, sample-weighted temporal trends were estimated at the country–sex–age level using best-fitting linear or polynomial regression models relating the year of testing to mean CRF. Poststratified population-weighted mean changes in absolute and per cent CRF were estimated. Pearson’s correlations were used to describe the association between linear temporal trends in CRF and linear temporal trends in broad socioeconomic and health-related indicators.

Results

Temporal trends were estimated from 965 264 children and adolescents from 19 high-income and upper middle-income countries between 1981 and 2014, using data from 137 studies. Collectively, there was a moderate decline in CRF of 3.3 mL/kg/min (95% CI −3.5 to −3.1), equivalent to a decline of 7.3% (95% CI −7.8% to −6.7%) over the 33-year time period. This international decline diminished with each decade and stabilised near zero around 2000. The decline was larger for boys than girls and was similar for children and adolescents. Trends also differed in magnitude and direction between countries, with most showing declines. There was a strong negative association between country-specific trends in income inequality (Gini index) and trends in CRF across 18 countries; meaning, countries approaching income equality had more favourable trends in CRF.

Conclusions

There has been a substantial decline in CRF since 1981, which is suggestive of a meaningful decline in population health. However, the international trend in CRF has not followed the anticipated trajectory, diminishing and stabilising with negligible change since 2000. CRF data are needed from children in low-income and middle-income countries to more confidently determine true international trends and determine whether temporal trends are similar to those observed in high-income and upper middle-income countries.
Triage in preventive child healthcare: a prospective cohort study of care use and referral rates for children at risk
Authors: Bezem Janine , Kocken Paul L , Kamphuis Mascha , Theunissen Meinou H C , Buitendijk Simone E , Numans Mattijs E
Published: October 2017

Objectives

A novel triage approach to routine assessments was introduced to improve the efficiency of Preventive Child Healthcare (PCH): PCH assistants carried out pre-assessments of all children and sent the children with suspected health problems to follow-up assessments conducted by a physician or nurse. This two-step approach differed from the usual approach, in which physicians or nurses assessed all children. This study was aimed to examine the impact of triage and task shifting on care for children at risk identified by PCH or parents and schools.

Design and participants

An observational prospective cohort design was used, with an analysis of the basic registration data from the preventive health assessments for 1897 children aged 5 to 6, and 10 to 11, years from a sample of 41 schools stratified by socioeconomic status, region of PCH service and urbanisation.

Setting

A comparison was made between two PCH services in the Netherlands that used the triage approach and two PCH services that provided the usual approach.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were the referral rates to either additional PCH assessments or external services. The secondary outcome measures were the rates of PCH assessments requested by, for example, parents and schools.

Results

Overall, a higher referral rate to additional PCH assessments was found for the triage approach than for the usual approach (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6), mainly in the age group of 5 to 6 years (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.7). We found a lower rate of referral to external services in the triage approach (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) and a higher referral rate to PCH assessments on request (OR=4.6, 95% CI 3.0 to 7.0).

Conclusions

The triage approach provides extra opportunities to deliver PCH assessments and PCH assessments on request for children at risk. Further research is needed into the cost benefits of the triage approach.
Associations of adiposity measurements with thyroid nodules in Chinese children living in iodine-sufficient areas: an observational study
Authors: Wang Na , Fang Hong , Fu Chaowei , Huang Peixin , Su Meifang , Jiang Feng , Zhao Qi , Chen Yue , Jiang Qingwu
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Obesity has been found to be associated with an elevated risk of thyroid nodule(s), mainly in adults; however, evidence for this association in children was limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of adiposity and thyroid nodule(s) in children living in iodine-sufficiency areas.

Setting and participants

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1403 Chinese children living in the East Coast of China in 2014.

Outcome measures

Anthropometric measures including height, weight and waist and hip circumferences were taken, and body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA) and waist–hip ratio (WHR) were then calculated. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed to assess thyroid volume and nodules.

Results

Based on BMI, 255 (18.17%) children were overweight and 174 (12.40%) were obese. Thyroid nodule(s) was detected in 18.46% of all participants and showed little age and sex variations. As compared with normal-weight children, obese children experienced significantly higher risks for solitary (OR 2.07 (95% CI 1.16 to 3.71)) and multiple (OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.70)) thyroid nodules. Similar associations with thyroid nodule(s) were observed with adiposity measured by waist circumference and BSA, but not WHR. There were no notable differences in the associations between children consuming iodised and non-iodised salt.

Conclusions

These findings provide further evidence that childhood obesity is associated with the risk for thyroid nodule(s).
Health-related quality of life in congenital heart disease surgery patients in Pakistan: protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Ladak Laila Akbar , Hasan Babar Sultan , Gullick Janice , Awais Khadija , Abdullah Ahmed , Gallagher Robyn
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been reported in postoperative patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, there is a paucity of data from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Differences in sociodemographics and sociocultural contexts may influence HRQOL. This protocol paper describes a study exploring HRQOL in surgical patients with CHD from a tertiary hospital in Pakistan. The study findings will assist development of strategies to improve HRQOL in a resource-constrained context.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, concurrent triangulation, mixed-methods study aims to compare HRQOL of postsurgery patients with CHD with age-matched healthy siblings and to identify HRQOL predictors. A qualitative component aims to further understand HRQOL data by exploring the experiences related to CHD surgery for patients and parents. Participants include patients with CHD (a minimum of n~95) with at least 1-year postsurgery follow-up and no chromosomal abnormality, their parents and age-matched, healthy siblings. PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PedsQL Cognitive Functioning Scale and PedsQL 3.0 Cardiac Module will measure HRQOL. Clinical/surgical data will be retrieved from patients’ medical files. Student’s t-test will be used to compare the difference in the means of HRQOL between CHD and siblings. Multiple regression will identify HRQOL predictors. A subsample of enrolled patients (n~20) and parents (n~20) from the quantitative arm will be engaged in semistructured qualitative interviews, which will be analysed using directed content analysis. Anticipated challenges include patient recruitment due to irregular follow-up compliance. Translation of data collection tools to the Urdu language and back-translation of interviews increases the study complexity.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from The Aga Khan University, Pakistan (3737-Ped-ERC-15). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Comparison of early radiological predictors of outcome in patients with colorectal cancer with unresectable hepatic metastases treated with bevacizumab
Authors: Mazard Thibault , Boonsirikamchai Piyaporn , Overman Michael J , Asran Mohamed A , Choi Haesun , Herron Delise , Eng Cathy , Maru Dipen M , Ychou Marc , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Loyer Evelyne M , Kopetz Scott
Published: October 2017

Objective

The purpose was to validate the prognostic value of an early optimal morphological response on CT in patients treated with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM). It also evaluated the prognostic value of size-based criteria and the association of optimal morphological response with the receipt of bevacizumab.

Design

141 patients treated first using bevacizumab and 142 patients from a randomised study evaluating the addition of bevacizumab to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were retrospectively analysed. Radiologists evaluated pretreatment and restaging CT scans using morphological response criteria. Responses were also assessed with size-based criteria: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), early tumour shrinkage (ETS) and deepness of response (DpR). The ability of each criterion to predict progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and postprogression survival (PPS) was determined using a univariate Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

In both populations, median PFS was significantly longer for patients achieving an optimal morphological response (10.4 vs 6.8 months, p=0.03; and 8.3 vs 4.9 months, p<00001, respectively). Neither RECIST nor ETS responses were associated with a prolonged PFS. Median OS was longer for those with an optimal morphological response but only at second restaging in the first population (n=141, 20.8 vs 12.3 months, p=0.002). DpR but not optimal morphological response was associated with PPS. In the randomised study, an optimal morphological response was 6.2 times more likely among patients receiving bevacizumab (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

In patients with unresectable CLM, early morphological response may be a better predictor of PFS than size-based response. The addition of bevacizumab improves morphological response rate.
Curative and palliative MRI-guided laser ablation for drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Brown Mesha-Gay , Drees Cornelia , Nagae Lidia M , Thompson John A , Ojemann Steven , Abosch Aviva
Published: October 2017

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder occurring in 3% of the US adult population. It is characterised by seizures resulting from aberrant hypersynchronous neural activity. Approximately one-third of newly diagnosed epilepsy cases fail to become seizure-free in response to antiseizure drugs. Optimal seizure control, in cases of drug-resistant epilepsy, often requires neurosurgical intervention targeting seizure foci, such as the temporal lobe. Advances in minimally invasive ablative surgical approaches have led to the development of MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). For refractory epilepsy, this surgical intervention offers many advantages over traditional approaches, including real-time lesion monitoring, reduced morbidity, and in some reports increased preservation of cognitive and language processes. We review the use of LITT for epileptic indications in the context of its application as a curative (seizure freedom) or palliative (seizure reduction) measure for both lesional and non-lesional forms of epilepsy. Furthermore, we address the use of LITT for a variety of extratemporal lobe epilepsies. Finally, we describe clinical outcomes, limitations and future applications of LITT for epilepsy.
Monitoring disease progression with plasma creatinine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical trials
Authors: van Eijk Ruben P A , Eijkemans Marinus J C , Ferguson Toby A , Nikolakopoulos Stavros , Veldink Jan H , van den Berg Leonard H
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Plasma creatinine is a predictor of survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It remains, however, to be established whether it can monitor disease progression and serve as surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.

Methods

We used clinical trial data from three cohorts of clinical trial participants in the LITRA, EMPOWER and PROACT studies. Longitudinal associations between functional decline, muscle strength and survival with plasma creatinine were assessed. Results were translated to trial design in terms of sample size and power.

Results

A total of 13 564 measurements were obtained for 1241 patients. The variability between patients in rate of decline was lower in plasma creatinine than in ALS functional rating scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R; p<0.001). The average rate of decline was faster in the ALSFRS-R, with less between-patient variability at baseline (p<0.001). Plasma creatinine had strong longitudinal correlations with the ALSFRS-R (0.43 (0.39–0.46), p<0.001), muscle strength (0.55 (0.51–0.58), p<0.001) and overall mortality (HR 0.88 (0.86–0.91, p<0.001)). Using plasma creatinine as outcome could reduce the sample size in trials by 21.5% at 18 months. For trials up to 10 months, the ALSFRS-R required a lower sample size.

Conclusions

Plasma creatinine is an inexpensive and easily accessible biomarker that exhibits less variability between patients with ALS over time and is predictive for the patient’s functional status, muscle strength and mortality risk. Plasma creatinine may, therefore, increase the power to detect treatment effects and could be incorporated in future ALS clinical trials as potential surrogate outcome.
Recent sedimentation in three adjacent fjord-lakes on the Québec North Shore (eastern Canada): facies analysis, laminae preservation, and potential for varve formation
Authors: Nzekwe Obinna P. , Francus Pierre , St-Onge Guillaume , Lajeunesse Patrick , Fortin David , Gagnon-Poiré Antoine , Philippe Édouard G.H. , Normandeau Alexandre
Published: October 2017

This paper analyzes short gravity cores sampled along transects in three adjacent deep fjord-lakes (lakes Pentecôte, Walker, and Pasteur) on the Québec North Shore, eastern Canada, to evaluate the distribution of laminated sediments and potential for varve formation. Facies analysis based on lithological description, digital photos, CT-scan images, and bathymetric data allowed for the identification of four main sediment facies, namely laminated sediments, partially laminated sediments, bioturbated sediments, and massive sediments. Direct evidence that Lake Walker undergoes thermal stratification was monitored from 2014 to 2016. Mean sedimentation rates and sedimentation fluxes of postglacial sediments in the distal basin of the three studied lakes are ≤0.12 cm a−1 and 0.03–0.16 g cm−2 a−1, respectively, based on 210Pb, 137Cs, and AMS radiocarbon dating. On the basis of thin section image analysis and 210Pb (CIC) chronology model, Lake Pentecôte contains mainly massive, partially laminated sediments, while Lake Pasteur contains partially laminated sediments and non-annual varve-like sediments. However, Lake Walker contains laminated sediments that are likely varves. The increased potential for laminae preservation observed in Lake Walker compared to lakes Pentecôte and Pasteur is associated with more favourable morphological characteristics including higher relative depth, mean depth, maximum depth, and topographic exposure.
Microevolution of the VQ gene family in six species ofFragaria
Authors: Zhong Yan , Guo Cong , Chu Jinjin , Liu Hui , Cheng Zong-Ming
Published: October 2017

VQ motif-containing proteins play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, no information of VQ motif-containing proteins has been studied at the microevolutionary level in species of Fragaria. In this study, a total of 19, 21, 23, 23, 23, and 25 genes containing the VQ motif were identified from the genomes of F. nipponica, F. iinumae, F. orientalis, F. vesca, F. nubicola, and F. x ananassa, respectively. We classified the VQ genes into 15 clades with grapevine VQ genes, which indicated that at least 15 ancient VQ genes existed before the divergence of the six studied species of Fragaria. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 28 gene duplication events have occurred in the evolutionary process of the six species of Fragaria. Structural analysis showed that most of the VQ genes have no introns and that VQ proteins in each clade have a similar motif composition. The majority of gene pairs had Ka/Ksratios less than 1, which illustrated that most of the VQ genes underwent purifying selection in the six species of Fragaria. Four types of cis-elements in promoters of VQ genes were detected, which is an important basis for further studies about plant stress responses. Furthermore, the expression analysis of FvVQ genes indicated that these genes are expressed differentially in the examined organs and tissues. The identification of VQ genes and the analysis of VQ gene duplication and polyploidization events in the six species of Fragaria provide important information on the evolutionary fate of VQ genes during the divergence of the six species of Fragaria.
Photoluminescence and Thermoluminescence of Phosphate Glasses Doped with Dy3+ and Containing Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Vallejo M. A. , Perez M. , Ceron P. V. , Navarro R. , Villaseñor C. , Cordova T. , Sosa M.
Published: October 2017

Phosphate glasses doped with Dy[Formula: see text] ions and containing silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized in the present work. We report photoluminescence characterization by absorption and emission spectra. The effect of Ag concentration on the thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves was studied. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the formation of SNP. Absorption spectra of the samples show the influence of the SNP in the bands 350[Formula: see text]nm at 425[Formula: see text]nm associated with the Dy[Formula: see text], in the same spectra we can see the bands 750, 800, 875, 1098, 1278[Formula: see text]nm and 1675[Formula: see text]nm belonging to the Dy[Formula: see text]. Emission spectra show two prominent bands at 480[Formula: see text]nm and 574[Formula: see text]nm and one faint band at 665[Formula: see text]nm corresponding to 4F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text], 4F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] and 4F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] transitions, respectively. All bands under 364[Formula: see text]nm pumping, and the fluorescence in the 550[Formula: see text]nm and 590[Formula: see text]nm spectral range enhanced four times. The Commission Internationale de 1’Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates were evaluated from the emission spectra to simulate white light emission from the phosphate glasses. The photostability of the samples was also studied in the UVA (315–403[Formula: see text]nm) and UVB (280–315[Formula: see text]nm) ranges. TL due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was studied; the glow curves show significant dependence of the TL intensity with the increment of SNPs in the samples. These results show the phosphate glasses doped with Dy[Formula: see text] and containing SNP as a potential candidate have to be used in solid-state illumination and retrospective dosimetry.
Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphene Flake Embedded in SiNWs as Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Tao Bairui , Miao Rui , Wu Wenyi , Miao Fengjuan
Published: October 2017

In this paper, a three-dimensional graphene wrapped silicon nanowire (SiNWs) architecture was synthesized by electrochemical exfoliation method and proposed to be the counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The results show that the few high-quality layers of graphene sheets have been obtained by electrochemical exfoliation method. The size of graphene is distributed from 550[Formula: see text]nm to 650[Formula: see text]nm, appropriately dispersed onto the SiNW supporter. The graphene/SiNW nanostructure still vertically aligned to the substrate finely. The channel between each wire is clear. The fabricated graphene/SiNWs electrode is a promising structure for future applications. The performance of the graphene/SiNWs as the counter electrode is found to be dependent on its dispersion in the whole backbone, with better dispersion offering more surface areas for the catalytic reduction reaction. Electrochemical tests reveal that the DSSC with graphene/SiNWs exhibits higher electro-catalytic activity and lower charge transfer resistance, suggesting that the 3D structure presents a potential way to fabricate low-cost, integrated and metal-free counter electrode for high-performance DSSCs. The DSSC based on graphene/SiNWs has an open-circuit voltage ([Formula: see text]) of 738.11[Formula: see text]mV, short-circuit current density ([Formula: see text]) of 15.48[Formula: see text]mA cm[Formula: see text], fill factor (FF) of 0.67 and conversion efficiency ([Formula: see text]) of 7.66%.
Morphology-dependent catalytic activity of plasmonic MoO3−x for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane
Authors: Gong Jie , Li Zhixue , Zhang Ting , Chen Runze , Zheng Xiaoying , Zhang Gaoke
Published: October 2017

Series of plasmonic MoO[Formula: see text] particles have been prepared by a facile solvothermal method to produce hydrogen via hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane. Interestingly, the as-prepared MoO[Formula: see text] particles present various morphologies, i.e. flower, schistose and nanorod by simply tuning the reaction temperature and solvent volume ratio of distilled water and acetic acid. More importantly, these MoO[Formula: see text] particles with different morphologies exhibit various catalytic performances of NH3BH3 under the irradiation of visible light. Particularly, the flower-like MoO[Formula: see text] microstructure possesses the best catalytic activity for hydrogen production probably owing to the relatively large surface area and strong LSPR in the visible region.
Pastimes in Cancer Biology
Authors: Sherr Charles J.
Published: October 2017

Scientific discoveries spring not only from intellect, intuition, and persistent effort but also from unforeseen circumstances, accidental observations, and chance interpersonal encounters. Unanticipated detours from intended career paths can nurture an inclination to shift one's focus and take on risk, providing the freedom to explore uncharted avenues. Here I recount some early events that transformed the directions of my own research.
miR-19a and miR-20a and Tissue Factor Expression in Activated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Balia Cristina , Giordano Mirella , Scalise Valentina , Neri Tommaso , Fontanini Gabriella , Basolo Fulvio , Celi Alessandro , Pedrinelli Roberto
Published: October 2017

Background and Aims. To investigate the behaviour of miR-19a and miR-20a, two microRNAs involved in posttranscriptional modulation of TF expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to high glucose (HG) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to evaluate the involvement of angiotensin II in that process. Methods. TF Procoagulant Activity (PCA, one-stage clotting assay), antigen (Ag, ELISA), and miR-19a and miR-20a levels (specific TaqMan® MicroRNA Assays) were evaluated in PBMCs exposed to high glucose (HG, 50 mM), LPS (100 ng/mL), and Olmesartan (OLM, 10−6 M), an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist. Results. HG increased TF expression and decreased both miRs as compared to control glucose conditions (11.1 mM). In HG-activated PBMCs, LPS stimulated TF expression and downregulated miR-20a, an effect reverted by OLM (10−6 M); miR-19a expression was unchanged by LPS in both CG and HG conditions. Conclusions. miR-19a and miR-20a are inhibited by inflammatory stimuli active on TF expression and their response differs by the stimulus under investigation; angiotensin II may participate in that mechanism.
Deproteinization of Nonammonia and Ammonia Natural Rubber Latices by Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid
Authors: Moonprasith N. , Poonsrisawat A. , Champreda V. , Kongkaew C. , Loykulnant S. , Suchiva K.
Published: October 2017

Deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) was made from sodium hydroxymethylglycinate latex (SH-latex) and ammonia latex (NH3-latex) by mixing with different forms of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The mixtures were stirred at room temperature followed by centrifugation to separate the denatured proteins. The optimized reaction contained 0.01 wt% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium (EDTA-4Na) with 1% SDS. The nitrogen contents of the DPNR from SH-latex and NH3-latex were reduced to 0.005 wt% and 0.008 wt%, respectively, compared to 0.551 wt% in the starting SH-latex and 0.587 wt% in the NH3-latex. SDS-PAGE analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy showed decomposition of latex proteins to peptides of smaller molecular weight. Physical properties of the DPNR rubber were studied. The novel EDTA-4Na treatment is considered an effective deproteinization method with potential application on both ammonia and nonammonia preservative systems.
Strategic Uncertainty in Markets for Nonrenewable Resources: A Level-k Approach
Authors: Vierhaus Ingmar , van Veldhuizen Roel , Fügenschuh Armin
Published: October 2017

Existing models of nonrenewable resources assume that sophisticated agents compete with other sophisticated agents. This study instead uses a level-k approach to examine cases where the focal agent is uncertain about the strategy of his opponent or predicts that the opponent will act in a nonsophisticated manner. Level-0 players are randomized uniformly across all possible actions, and level-k players best respond to the action of player k-1. We study a dynamic nonrenewable resource game with a large number of actions. We are able to solve for the level-1 strategy by reducing the averaging problem to an optimization problem against a single action. We show that lower levels of strategic reasoning are close to the Walras and collusive benchmark, whereas higher level strategies converge to the Nash-Hotelling equilibrium. These results are then fitted to experimental data, suggesting that the level of sophistication of participants increased over the course of the experiment.
Screening of Natural Bioactive Metabolites and Investigation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antihyperglycemic, Neuropharmacological, and Cytotoxicity Potentials of Litsea polyantha Juss. Ethanolic Root Extract
Authors: Biswas Nripendra Nath , Acharzo Amit Kumar , Anamika Shams , Khushi Shamsunnahar , Bokshi Bishwajit
Published: October 2017

This study was designed to identify some bioactive phytochemicals from ethanolic extract of roots of Litsea polyantha and to evaluate some of its pharmacological activities. Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of reducing sugar, combined reducing sugar, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenol. In the antioxidant assay using 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, the IC50 value was found to be 82.31 μg/mL. Total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoid, and tannin was found to be 152.69 mg GAE/gm, 85.60 mg QE/gm, and 77.22 mg GAE/gm of dry extract, respectively. In disc diffusion antibacterial assay, the extract exhibited highest zone of inhibition up to 12.25 mm against Escherichia coli at the concentration of 500 μg/disc. For brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the extract exhibited LC50 56.082 μg/mL. In in vivo antihyperglycemic activity test by oral glucose tolerance test using Swiss Albino mice at the oral dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg, the extract showed statistically significant antihyperglycemic effect. Finally, in vivo, the extract exhibited the dose dependent CNS depressant effects by reducing the locomotors of Swiss Albino mice which was confirmed through three different neuropharmacological activity tests such as open field, hole cross, and hole board test.
Fuzzy and Utility Based Network Selection for Heterogeneous Networks in High-Speed Railway
Authors: Yan Xiaoyun , Dong Ping , Zheng Tao , Zhang Hongke
Published: October 2017

Due to the complexity and fluctuation of the wireless network statuses in the high-speed railway scenario, the existing works of the network selection problem in heterogeneous wireless networks face two major challenges, that is, the imprecise statuses and mobility. In this paper, we propose FSNS, a novel dynamic imprecise-aware network selection approach to solve the problems. The imprecise statuses are inferred by fuzzy rules and the status-awareness feature of the status monitor module enables a dynamic network selection. Through the status monitor and fuzzy processing modules, FSNS is formulated as utility functions for meeting quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. What is more, we carry out plenty of simulation experiments and compare FSNS approach with an enhanced TOPSIS method and fuzzy MADM (FMADM) scheme through simulation experiments of two types of services. The results indicate that FSNS outperforms both TOPSIS and FMADM for a good performance improvement and a preferable decision to keep relative stability and reduce abnormal selections. The conclusion of experimental results has some extent pragmatic value since the network statuses of the simulation are complex and fluctuate by real-world data from high-speed railways.
A Novel Synchronization-Based Approach for Functional Connectivity Analysis
Authors: Lombardi Angela , Tangaro Sabina , Bellotti Roberto , Bertolino Alessandro , Blasi Giuseppe , Pergola Giulio , Taurisano Paolo , Guaragnella Cataldo
Published: October 2017

Complex network analysis has become a gold standard to investigate functional connectivity in the human brain. Popular approaches for quantifying functional coupling between fMRI time series are linear zero-lag correlation methods; however, they might reveal only partial aspects of the functional links between brain areas. In this work, we propose a novel approach for assessing functional coupling between fMRI time series and constructing functional brain networks. A phase space framework is used to map couples of signals exploiting their cross recurrence plots (CRPs) to compare the trajectories of the interacting systems. A synchronization metric is extracted from the CRP to assess the coupling behavior of the time series. Since the functional communities of a healthy population are expected to be highly consistent for the same task, we defined functional networks of task-related fMRI data of a cohort of healthy subjects and applied a modularity algorithm in order to determine the community structures of the networks. The within-group similarity of communities is evaluated to verify whether such new metric is robust enough against noise. The synchronization metric is also compared with Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the detected communities seem to better reflect the functional brain organization during the specific task.
Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response in the Weaning of Patients with Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Lee Chung-Shu , Chen Ning-Hung , Chuang Li-Pang , Chang Chih-Hao , Li Li-Fu , Lin Shih-Wei , Huang Hsiung-Ying
Published: October 2017

Objective. To investigate whether hypercapnic ventilatory response (defined as the ratio of the change in minute ventilation [ΔV˙E] to the change in end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide [ΔPETCO2]) is a predictor of successful weaning in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) and to determine a reference value for clinical use.Methods. A hypercapnic challenge test was performed on 32 PMV subjects (average age: 74.3 years ± 14.9 years). The subjects were divided into two groups (i.e., weaning successes and weaning failures) and their hypercapnic ventilatory responses were compared.Results. PMV subjects had an overall weaning rate of 68.8%. The weaning-success and weaning-failure groups had hypercapnic ventilatory responses (ΔV˙E/ΔPETCO2) of0.40±0.16and0.28±0.12 L/min/mmHg, respectively (P=.036). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.716 of the hypercapnic ventilatory response, and the practical hypercapnic ventilatory response cut-off point for successful weaning was 0.265 with 86.4% sensitivity and 50% specificity.Conclusions. PMV subjects who failed weaning had a lower hypercapnic ventilatory response than successfully weaned subjects. However, the prediction capacity of this test, assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, poorly predicted weaning outcome.
Serum miRNAs miR-23a, 206, and 499 as Potential Biomarkers for Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Jing , He Jian , Li Wenjiong , Li Jinglong , Chen Shengju , Zhang Peng , Liu Hongju , Chen Xiaoping
Published: October 2017

Muscle biopsy has long been expected to be replaced by noninvasive biomarkers with diagnostic value and prognostic applications for muscle atrophy. Growing evidence suggests that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) could act as biomarkers for numerous pathophysiological statuses. In the present study, our results showed that the serum levels of six muscle-specific miRNAs (miR-1/23a/133/206/208b/499) were all elevated in unloading induced mice. The medium levels of these six muscle-specific miRNAs were all elevated in starvation induced atrophic C2C12 myotubes. Moreover, the serum levels of miR-23a/206/499 were induced in participants after 45 days of head-down bed rest (HDBR). The levels of miR-23a/206/499 were positively correlated with the ratio of soleus volume loss in HDBR participants, indicating that they might represent the process of muscle loss. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that circulating miRNAs could serve as useful biochemical and molecular indicators for muscle atrophy diagnosis and disease progression.
The Roles of Thrombospondins in Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Wu Xuan , Luo Xu , Zhu Qiquan , Zhang Jie , Liu Yun , Luo Hansheng , Cheng Yuan , Xie Zongyi
Published: October 2017

Hemorrhagic stroke is a devastating cerebrovascular disease with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thrombospondins (TSPs), as matricellular proteins, belong to the TSP family which is comprised of five members. All TSPs modulate a variety of cellular functions by binding to various receptors. Recently, TSPs gained attention in the area of hemorrhagic stroke, especially TSP-1. TSP-1 participates in angiogenesis, the inflammatory response, apoptosis, and fibrosis after hemorrhagic stroke through binding to various molecules including but not limited to CD36, CD47, and TGF-β. In this review, we will discuss the roles of TSPs in hemorrhagic stroke and focus primarily on TSP-1.
Global Metabolic Profiling Identifies a Pivotal Role of Proline and Hydroxyproline Metabolism in Supporting Hypoxic Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Ling , Zeng Jun , Geng Pengyu , Fang Chengnan , Wang Yang , Sun Mingju , Wang Changsong , Wang Jiao , Yin Peiyuan , Hu Chunxiu , Guo Lei , Yu Jane , Gao Peng , Li Enyou , Zhuang Zhengping , Xu Guowang , Liu Yang
Published: October 2017

Purpose: Metabolic reprogramming is frequently identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common type of liver malignancy. The reprogrammed cellular metabolisms promote tumor cell survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. However, the mechanisms of this process remain unclear in HCC.

Experimental Design: The global nontargeted metabolic study in 69 paired hepatic carcinomas and adjacent tissue specimens was performed using capillary electrophoresis-time of flight mass spectrometry–based approach. Key findings were validated by targeted metabolomic approach. Biological studies were also performed to investigate the role of proline biosynthesis in HCC pathogenesis.

Results: Proline metabolism was markedly changed in HCC tumor tissue, characterized with accelerated consumption of proline and accumulation of hydroxyproline, which significantly correlated with α-fetoprotein levels and poor prognosis in HCC. In addition, we found that hydroxyproline promoted hypoxia- and HIF-dependent phenotype in HCC. Moreover, we demonstrated that hypoxia activated proline biosynthesis via upregulation of ALDH18A1, subsequently leading to accumulation of hydroxyproline via attenuated PRODH2 activity. More importantly, we showed that glutamine, proline, and hydroxyproline metabolic axis supported HCC cell survival through modulating HIF1α stability in response to hypoxia. Finally, inhibition of proline biosynthesis significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of sorafenib in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that hypoxic microenvironment activates proline metabolism, resulting in accumulation of hydroxyproline that promotes HCC tumor progression and sorafenib resistance through modulating HIF1α. These findings provide the proof of concept for targeting proline metabolism as a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 474–85. ©2017 AACR.
Internal Hernia into the Treitz Fossa after Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Yamanaka Takahiro , Araki Kenichiro , Hagiwara Kei , Ishii Norihiro , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Igarashi Takamichi , Watanabe Akira , Kubo Norio , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Shirabe Ken
Published: October 2017

The development of an internal hernia into the Treitz fossa after pancreaticoduodenectomy has not been previously reported. We herein present such a case with a brief review of the literature. A 43-year-old man who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy with reconstruction of the digestive tract by the Child method at our hospital 7 months previously presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed intestinal ileus with formation of a small intestinal loop that was suspected to be an internal hernia. Intraoperatively, we found that the dilated small intestine had entered the upper side of the abdomen from the ligament of Treitz. We detached the intestine from the hernia and placed it in its normal position. The ligament of Treitz at the hernia orifice was closed with sutures. The patient remained in good health and was discharged from the hospital 18 days after the second operation. Suturing of the Treitz fossa at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy may be important to prevent the formation of an internal hernia.
Health Status Perspectives in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Pinto Susana , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: The global perception of the health status (HS) of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients before the initial diagnosis has not been addressed previously. Methods: We recorded the following at the first visit, before diagnostic information: (1) visual analog scale (VAS) of the EQ-5D; (2) the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS- R), bulbar (ALSFRSb), upper limb (ALSFRSul), lower limb (ALSFRSll), and respiratory (RofALSFRS-R) subscores; and (3) forced and slow vital capacities. Correlations were tested by the Pearson correlation test. Variables were compared between groups defined by the VAS median value. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 156 patients included in the study (91 spinal-onset, 49 bulbar-onset, 16 axial/respiratory-onset; 95 men; mean onset age 63.9 ± 13 years; mean disease duration 18.4 ± 26.5 months), HS VAS was significantly lower in spinal-onset patients (p = 0.047), and particularly in spinal-onset women (p = 0.027). Disease duration had no influence. HS VAS was moderately correlated with ALSFRS, ALSFRSul and ALSFRSll (0.4 < r < 0.5, p < 0.01), weakly correlated with RofALSFRS-R in the whole population (r = 0.171, p < 0.05), and not correlated with ALSFRSb or the respiratory tests. ALSFRSb was similar between groups defined by the HS VAS median value, but the other scores were significantly lower for poorer HS values. Conclusion: HS before diagnosis is mostly dependent on the perception of upper and lower limb function. A tool tailored to evaluate HS in bulbar-onset patients should be developed.
Acute Endophthalmitis Caused by Leuconostoc spp. following Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection
Authors: Singh Supreet , Patel Chirag V. , Kishore Kamal
Published: October 2017

We present a case of acute endophthalmitis caused by Leuconostoc spp. following intravitreal bevacizumab injection. An 86-year-old immunocompetent female developed acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The patient presented with pain, visual acuity of hand motions, hypopyon, and dense vitritis 96 h after treatment. She was treated with vitreous and anterior chamber tap followed by intravitreal injections of 1 mg vancomycin, 2.25 mg ceftazidime, and 400 μg dexamethasone. Cultures revealed growth of Leuconostoc spp., a genus of gram-positive bacteria that is inherently resistant to vancomycin. Due to persistent inflammation, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal injection of 0.4 mg amikacin was performed 16 days later, followed by resolution of endophthalmitis and return of vision to 20/40. In conclusion, the management of acute endophthalmitis caused by Leuconostoc spp., a gram-positive coccobacillus, can be particularly challenging due to its inherent resistance to vancomycin. PPV with intravitreal amikacin led to resolution of endophthalmitis. Our case expands the number of cases of endophthalmitis caused by Leuconostoc spp. and highlights the possibility of Leuconostoc-related endophthalmitis in an outpatient setting in an immunocompetent host.
Depletion of CD11c+ Cells Does Not Influence Outcomes in Mice Subjected to Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Kraft Peter , Scholtyschik Karolina , Schuhmann Michael K. , Kleinschnitz Christoph
Published: October 2017

Objective: While it has been shown that different T-cell subsets have a detrimental role in the acute phase of ischemic stroke, data on the impact of dendritic cells (DC) are missing. Classic DC can be characterized by the cluster of differentiation (CD)11c surface antigen. Methods: In this study, we depleted CD11c+ cells by using a CD11c-diphtheria toxin (DTX) receptor mouse strain that allows selective depletion of CD11c+ cells by DTX injection. For stroke induction, we used the model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and analyzed stroke volume and functional outcome on days 1 and 3 as well as expression of prototypical pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines on day 1 after tMCAO. Three different protocols for CD11c+ cell depletion, tMCAO duration, and readout time point were applied. Results: Injection of DTX (5 or 100 ng/g) reliably depleted CD11c+ cells without influencing the fractions of other immune cell subsets. CD11c+ cell depletion had no impact on stroke volume, but mice with a longer DTX pretreatment performed worse than those with vehicle treatment. CD11c+ cell depletion led to a decrease in cortical interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 messenger ribonucleic acid levels. Conclusions: We show, for the first time, that CD11c+ cell depletion does not influence stroke volume in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. Nevertheless, given the unspecificity of the CD11c surface antigen for DC, mouse models that allow a more selective depletion of DC are needed to investigate the role of DC in stroke pathophysiology.
Hypermagnesuria in Humans Following Acute Intravenous Administration of Digoxin
Authors: Abu-Amer Nabil , Priel Eldar , Karlish Steven J.D. , Farfel Zvi , Mayan Haim
Published: October 2017

Background: Hypomagnesemia is a known predisposing condition for the appearance of digitalis toxicity. The detection of a genetic form of Mg urinary wasting with hypomagnesemia being caused by a mutation in the γ subunit (FXYD2) of the Na,K-ATPase, the pharmacological target of Digoxin, prompted us to investigate whether Digoxin administration increases urinary Mg excretion. Methods: Two groups of subjects, with rapid atrial fibrillation, received intravenous Digoxin (n = 9) or verapamil (n = 8), for heart rate control. During the following 4 h, blood and urinary creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels were determined, and fractional excretion (Fex) values for Na, K, Ca, and Mg were calculated. Results: In the Digoxin group, at 60 min Fex Mg rose from 3.07 ± 1.21 to 7.58 ± 2.51% (an increase of 269 ± 107% of baseline, p < 0.001), and at 240 min to 6.05 ± 2.30% (204 ± 56% of baseline, p < 0.01). No significant change was observed for Fex Na, Fex K, and Fex Ca. A striking correlation was found between individual values of Fex Mg and serum Digoxin concentration (r = 0.678, p < 0.0001). No significant correlation was found between Fex Na or Fex K and serum Digoxin. A correlation of borderline significance was found between Fex Ca and serum Digoxin (r = 0.349, p = 0.073). Conclusions: The hypermagnesuric effect of acute Digoxin treatment is reminiscent of the effect of the missense mutation in FXYD2, which assumes that FXYD2 is a positive regulator of Na,K-ATPase in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). The borderline calciuric effect of Digoxin may point to an additional site of action, more proximal to the DCT, that is, the thick ascending limb.
The Effect of a Decrease in Intraocular Pressure on Optic Nerve Function in Patients with Optic Nerve Drusen
Authors: Pojda-Wilczek Dorota , Wycisło-Gawron Patrycja
Published: October 2017

Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare optic nerve function in eyes with brinzolamide-reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) and the fellow eyes of patients with optic disk drusen (ODD). Methods: The study comprised 34 patients with bilateral ODD but no signs of any other ocular disease. The eyes with more advanced optic neuropathy were selected for treatment with an IOP-lowering drug, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (brinzolamide); the fellow eyes served as the control. Static perimetry, pattern electroretinography (PERG), pattern visual-evoked potentials (PVEP), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were analyzed. The observation period was 12 months. Results: The eyes with brinzolamide-reduced IOP exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the mean defect index of static visual field (p = 0.03), an increase in PERG N95 amplitude (from 2.94 to 4.41 µV; p = 0.0047), and RNFL thickness stabilization. A statistically significant decrease in RNFL thickness (from 83.21 to 79.85 µm; p = 0.0017) was found in the control eyes. Conclusions: A decrease in IOP in eyes with ODD results in improvement of retinal ganglion cell function and delays the progression of optic neuropathy. PERG should be performed in patients with ODD as it is a sensitive test for monitoring optic neuropathy.