bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite t(14;18)-Negative Follicular Lymphoma and Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: O’Neill John Patrick , Quinn Fiona , Dowling Anita , Walker Jan , Hayes Triona , Bird Brian , Flavin Richard
Published: August 2018

A composite lymphoma is the rare simultaneous occurrence of two or more distinct lymphomas within a single tissue or organ. Herein, we describe a case of a 51-year-old man presenting with a history of lower limb rash, fatigue, and bulky abdominopelvic lymphadenopathy. An excisional left iliac lymph node biopsy was notable for the composite presence of two distinct lymphoid neoplasms, nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL), and follicular lymphoma (FL). Multiplex PCR and FISH analyses failed to demonstrate a t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation in either composite lymphoma component. A clonal light-chain kappa (V/JC intron-kde) gene rearrangement was detected in the FL component only.
Influence of Amiodarone and Dronedarone on the Force-Interval Dependence of Rat Myocardium
Authors: Kondratieva Dina S. , Afanasiev Sergey A. , Popov Sergey V.
Published: August 2018

The antiarrhythmic effect of amiodarone and its analogue dronedarone is caused by their direct actions on several cardiomyocyte sarcolemmal ion currents. However, whether their effects are related to intracellular calcium levels is not exactly known. Ca2+ cycling refers to the release and reuptake of intracellular Ca2+, which induces muscle contraction and relaxation and determines the force-interval dependence. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of amiodarone and dronedarone on the force-interval relationship. Materials and Results. The work was performed on the papillary muscles of the left ventricle of male Wistar rats. Muscle perfusion was performed at 36.5°C with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution with baseline stimulation 0.5 Hz. The postrest test (4-60 s) and the extrasystolic exposure (0.2-1.5 s) were evaluated. Inotropic reaction to the test exposure was evaluated before and after muscle perfusion with solution containing amiodarone (10−6 M) or dronedarone (10−6 M) during 10 min. Amiodarone or dronedarone led to decrease of the amplitude of extrasystolic contractions of the papillary muscles. The amplitude of postextrasystolic contractions after short extrasystolic intervals on the background of the drugs was increased. Amiodarone and dronedarone led to increase of the amplitude of postrest contractions. Conclusions. Dronedarone reduces the excitability of cardiomyocyte sarcolemma to a greater extent than amiodarone. Amiodarone and dronedarone are able to increase postextrasystolic and postrest potentiation. The effect of amiodarone on postextrasystolic and postrest potentiation is more pronounced in comparison with dronedarone.
Trichomonas vaginalis Transports Virulent Mycoplasma hominis and Transmits the Infection to Human Cells after Metronidazole Treatment: A Potential Role in Bacterial Invasion of Fetal Membranes and Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Thi Trung Thu Tran , Margarita Valentina , Cocco Anna Rita , Marongiu Alessandra , Dessì Daniele , Rappelli Paola , Fiori Pier Luigi
Published: August 2018

Mycoplasma hominis is considered an opportunistic pathogen able to colonize the lower urogenital tract; in females the infection is associated with severe pregnancy and postpartum complications, including abortion, endometritis, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence effectors remain poorly characterized. A number of studies in the last decade have demonstrated that M. hominis can establish an endosymbiotic relationship with Trichomonas vaginalis, a urogenital parasitic protozoon, also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Recently, two bacterial genes (alr and goiB) associated with amniotic cavity invasion and a single gene (goiC) associated with intra-amniotic infections and high risk of preterm delivery have been identified in M. hominis isolated from a group of pregnant patients. In this work we demonstrate that a high number of M. hominis intracellularly associated with T. vaginalis have goiC gene, in association with alr and goiB. In addition, we demonstrate that metronidazole treatment of M. hominis-infected T. vaginalis allows delivering viable intracellular goiC positive M. hominis from antibiotic-killed protozoa and that free M. hominis can infect human cell cultures. Results suggest that molecular diagnostic strategies to identify both pathogens and their virulence genes should be adopted to prevent severe complications during pregnancy.
Quality of Chronic Anticoagulation Control in Patients with Intracranial Haemorrhage due to Vitamin K Antagonists
Authors: Estevez-Fraga Carlos , Molina-Sanchez Maria , Alvarez-Velasco Rodrigo , Agüero-Rabes Pablo , Crespo-Araico Leticia , Viedma-Guiard Elena , Cruz-Culebras Antonio , Matute Consuelo , Vera Rocio , De Felipe-Mimbrera Alicia , Masjuan Vallejo Jaime
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are at increased risk of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). The purpose of our study was to determine the quality of previous anticoagulation control in patients with VKA-associated ICH. Materials and Methods. We prospectively assessed every consecutive patient admitted to our stroke unit with VKA-associated ICH between 2013 and 2016. Demographic, clinical, and radiological variables, as well as consecutive international normalized ratios (INR) during 7 previous months, were extracted. Time in therapeutic range (TTR), time over range (TOR), time below range (TBR), and percentage of INR within range (PINRR) were calculated. Results and Discussion. The study population comprised 53 patients. Mean age was 79 years; 42% were women. Forty-eight patients had atrial fibrillation (AF) and 5 mechanical prosthetic valves. Therapeutic or infratherapeutic INR on arrival was detected in 64.4% of patients (95% CI 2.7 to 3.2). TTR was 67.8% (95% CI: 60.2 to 75.6 %) and PINRR was 75% (95% CI: 49.9-100). TOR was 17.2% (95% CI: 10.4 to 23.9% ) and TBR was 17% (95% CI: 10.6 to 23.9%). Conclusion. VKA-associated ICH happens usually in the context of good chronic anticoagulation control. Newer risk assessment methods are required.
Quantitative Assessment of the Effects of Reducing Agents on Biological Macromolecules and on the Possible Repair of Oxidative Damage
Authors: Zhao Jianan , Xu Naijin , Liu Hui
Published: August 2018

Objective. To quantitatively assess the influence of reducing agents on biological macromolecules and on the possible repair of oxidative damage.Methods. Samples (antibody, enzyme, DNA, and diluted serum) were treated with reducing agents (ammonium ferrous sulfate, ascorbic acid, potassium iodide, and sodium hyposulfite) in the experimental group and with NaCl in the control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative PCR were used to determine the activity of antibody, enzyme, and DNA. Native gel electrophoresis (Native-PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were used to determine protein structure. Reducing agents that had no inhibitory effect on biological macromolecules were selected. Antibodies were treated with oxidants to caused oxidative damage and then treated with reducing agents, and the possible repair of oxidative damage was assessed.Results. Certain concentrations of ammonium ferrous sulfate resulted in significant inhibition of antibody, enzyme, DNA, and diluted serum. Certain concentrations of ascorbic acid resulted in significant inhibition of antibody. Sodium hyposulfite and potassium iodide had no effect on antibody, enzyme, DNA, and diluted serum. The OD values in group A (in which HBsAb was treated by oxidation and then a reductant) were significantly higher than those in group B (HBsAb treated by oxidation).Conclusion. Ammonium ferrous sulfate, ascorbic acid, sodium hyposulfite, and potassium iodide had different effects on antibody, enzyme, DNA, and diluted serum. The reduction in antibody activity due to an oxidant was partially repaired by a reductant.
Oral Colonization ofStaphylococcusSpecies in a Peritoneal Dialysis Population: A Possible Reservoir for PD-Related Infections?
Authors: Simões-Silva Liliana , Ferreira Susana , Santos-Araujo Carla , Tabaio Margarida , Pestana Manuel , Soares-Silva Isabel , Sampaio-Maia Benedita
Published: August 2018

Peritoneal dialysis-related infections are important morbidity/mortality causes, being staphylococci the most prevalent agents. SinceStaphylococcus aureusnasopharynx carriage is a known risk factor for PD infections and the oral cavity is a starting point for systemic diseases development, we aimed at comparing the oral staphylococci colonization between PD patients and controls and studying the association with PD-related infections. Saliva samples were plated in Mannitol salt, and isolates were identified byDnaJgene sequencing. Staphylococci PD-related infections were recorded throughout the 4-year period following sample collection.Staphylococcuscolonization was present in >90% of the samples from both groups (a total of nine species identified). PD patients presented less diversity and less prevalence of multispeciesStaphylococcuscolonization. Although all patients presentingStaphylococcus epidermidisPD-related infections were also colonized in the oral cavity by the same agent,only 1 out of 7 patients with ESI caused byS.aureuspresentedS. aureusoral colonization. Staphylococci are highly prevalent in the oral cavity of both groups, although PD patients presented less species diversity. The association between oralStaphylococcuscarriage and PD-related infections was present forS. epidermidisbut was almost inexistent forS. aureus, so, further studies are still necessary to evaluate the infectious potential of oralStaphylococcuscarriage in PD.
Experimental Study of the Low‐Cycle Fatigue in Double‐Walled Hollow Pipe Members
Authors: Zhaohong Lu , Wang Zunce , Xu Yan , Shanshan Gao , Lianfu Han
Published: August 2018

This paper introduces a double‐walled hollow pipe (DWHP) that demonstrates good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties and that can be used in pipeline transportation and structural stress components in marine, freshwater, and corrosive environments. We designed and machined the specimens to meet the bending bearing capacity using a cross section method. We conducted low‐cycle loading tests of the specimens to investigate the energy dissipation capacity of the DWHP, the effects of different geometrical parameters, and the concrete‐filled strength of the DWHP on energy dissipation capacity. The results show that the failure forms of the specimens are similar. The geometrical characteristics of the specimens, the cohesive function between the concrete and the steel plate, and the strength of the concrete‐filled pipe showed a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the specimens. Hysteretic curves are plump and possess a high capacity for energy dissipation. The energy dissipation capacity of the specimen decreases with an increase in the slenderness ratio. The slope of strength degradation decreases with any increase in the strength of the concrete‐filled pipe. We optimized the section design of the component by improving the constraint effect coefficient, and we effectively improved its stability by adding stiffeners to the inner side of the outer wall of steel.
Global Stability of an Economic Model with a Continuous Delay of Kaldor Type Modified
Authors: Nindjin Aka Fulgence , N’guessan Tetchi Albin , Okou A Kpetihi Sahoua Hypolithe , Tia Kessé Tiban
Published: August 2018

This paper studies continuous nonlinear economic dynamics with a continuous delay of a Kaldor type modified in dimension two. The important results are, on the one hand, the boundedness of solutions, the existence of an attractive set, and the permanence of the system and, on the other hand, the local and global stability of equilibrium points.
Effect of Aging on NK Cell Population and Their Proliferation at Ex Vivo Culture Condition
Authors: Gounder Sellamuthu Subbanna , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet , Radzuanb Nur Ezzati Izyan Binti Mohd , Zain Farah Dalila Binti Mohd , Sait Nurhidayah Bt Mohamad , Chua Corine , Subramani Baskar
Published: August 2018

Age-associated changes in natural killer (NK) cell population, phenotype, and functions are directly attributed to the risk of several diseases and infections. It is predicted to be the major cause of the increase in mortality. Based on the surface density of CD56, NK cells are subdivided into two types, such as CD56brightand CD56dimcells, which represent cytokine production and cytotoxicity. In our study, we have examined the age-associated changes in the NK cell population and their subsets at different age groups of males and females (at a range from 41 to 80 years). We found that the total lymphocyte count significantly dropped upon aging in both genders. Although, the level of total immune cells also dropped on aging, and surprisingly the total NK cell population was remarkably increased with the majority of NK cells being CD56dim. Subsequently, we evaluated the proliferation potential of NK cells and our results showed that the NK cell proliferation ability declines with age. Overall, our findings prove that there is an increase in the circulating NK cell population upon aging. However, the proliferation rate upon aging declines when compared to the young age group (<41 yrs).
Evaluation of Adverse Drug Reaction Profile of Drugs Used as First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Chowta Mukta N. , Kamath Priyanka , Ramapuram John T. , Shenoy K. Ashok , Hadigal Sanjay
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives. The objective was to study the adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile in HIV patients receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy. Methods. This was a prospective, observational study that included 171 HIV patients with a follow-up at six months. Demographic details, medical history, details of HIV infection including most recent CD4 count, details of antiretroviral therapy, and other concomitant medication were recorded. Adverse drug reactions were elicited by reviewing patient records and also by interviewing the patient/attendants directly. Results. 171 patients completed the study out of which 88 (51.5%) were males and 83 (48.5%) were females. The study subjects included HIV-positive, treatment naïve patients who were started on treatment regimens recommended by the NACO guidelines. The ADRs observed were a fall in haemoglobin or absolute anaemia in response to zidovudine, nonspecific symptoms like headache, and a nonspecific feeling of being unwell in response to tenofovir, stavudine, and efavirenz; dyslipidaemia, pancreatitis, peripheral neuropathy, and lactic acidosis in response to stavudine; generalised rash in response to nevirapine and one case of nephrotoxicity to efavirenz. Majority of the ADRs satisfied the ‘probable’ category (60.1%), and the rest were “possible”. ADRs to zidovudine and nevirapine superseded all others. Interpretation and Conclusion. Gastrointestinal effects were the most commonly observed group of ADRs, with nausea being the most common ADR, the others being gastritis and diarrhoea. The other ADRs included rash, hepatotoxicity, blood dyscrasias like anaemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, and fatigue. Few cases of lactic acidosis, peripheral neuropathy, headache, lipoatrophy, and pancreatitis were reported.
Aging and Thermoregulatory Control: The Clinical Implications of Exercising under Heat Stress in Older Individuals
Authors: Balmain Bryce N. , Sabapathy Surendran , Louis Menaka , Morris Norman R.
Published: August 2018

Climate change is predicted to bring about a greater variability in weather patterns with an increase in extreme weather events such as sustained heat waves. This change may have a direct impact on population health since heat waves can exceed the physiological limit of compensability of vulnerable individuals. Indeed, many clinical reports suggest that individuals over the age of 60 years are consistently the most vulnerable, experiencing significantly greater adverse heat-related health outcomes than any other age cohort during environmental heat exposure. There is now evidence that aging is associated with an attenuated physiological ability to dissipate heat and that the risk of heat-related illness in these individuals is elevated, particularly when performing physical activity in the heat. The purpose of this review is to discuss mechanisms of thermoregulatory control and the factors that may increase the risk of heat-related illness in older individuals. An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for impaired thermoregulation in this population is of particular importance, given the current and projected increase in frequency and intensity of heat waves, as well as the promotion of regular exercise as a means of improving health-related quality of life and morbidity and mortality. As such, the clinical implications of this work in this population will be discussed.
Hair Follicle Dermal Cells Support Expansion of Murine and Human Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Promote Haematopoiesis in Mouse Cultures
Authors: Liu Jun , Higgins Claire A. , Whitehouse Jenna C. , Harris Susan J. , Crawford Heather , Christiano Angela M. , Lako Majlinda , Hole Nicholas , Jahoda Colin A. B.
Published: August 2018

In the hair follicle, the dermal papilla (DP) and dermal sheath (DS) support and maintain proliferation and differentiation of the epithelial stem cells that produce the hair fibre. In view of their regulatory properties, in this study, we investigated the interaction between hair follicle dermal cells (DP and DS) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs); induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); and haematopoietic stem cells. We found that coculture of follicular dermal cells with ESCs or iPSCs supported their prolonged maintenance in an apparently undifferentiated state as established by differentiation assays, immunocytochemistry, and RT-PCR for markers of undifferentiated ESCs. We further showed that cytokines that are involved in ESC support are also expressed by cultured follicle dermal cells, providing a possible explanation for maintenance of ES cell stemness in cocultures. The same cytokines were expressed within folliclesin situin a pattern more consistent with a role in follicle growth activities than stem cell maintenance. Finally, we show that cultured mouse follicle dermal cells provide good stromal support for haematopoiesis in an established coculture model. Human follicular dermal cells represent an accessible and readily propagated source of feeder cells for pluripotent and haematopoietic cells and have potential for use in clinical applications.
How Households Adopt Sustainable Innovations? A Free Decision Enforced by Others
Authors: Kastner Ingo , Bobeth Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Households play a crucial role in the transition of the energy system. They can make major contributions to sustainable development by adopting “green” innovations since such actions have a substantial impact on overall energy consumption. Theory suggests that innovations are first adopted by persons with specific dispositions, i.e., people with a high level of technical interest, relevant knowledge, and proenvironmental orientation. As an innovation spreads, early adopters yield social influences on others encouraging them to adopt, too. In theory, such effects should be found regardless of the nature of the innovation. We compared three green investments (residential insulation, solar thermal energy systems, and e-cars) at different diffusion stages in Germany. In three experiments, decision-makers in households were asked for their willingness to adopt the innovations; their dispositions and perceived social influences were measured in questionnaires. Social influences were found to affect all innovation adoptions while dispositions showed specific effects: technical interest was found to affect e-car and solar thermal energy adoptions; a proenvironmental value orientation only affected residential insulation. We conclude that it is worthwhile to shape policy measures to the innovation characteristics. However, social influences should always be taken in account.
Direct Electrophysiological Mapping of Shape-Induced Affective Perception
Authors: Li Yingli , Ding Qingguo , Zhao Yuancun , Bu Yanan , Tang Xiaoyan , Wang Peiguo , Zhang Genhua , Chen Mengling , Liang Pei
Published: August 2018

Visual information may convey different affective valences and induce our brain into different affective perceptions. Many studies have found that unpleasant stimuli could produce stronger emotional effects than pleasant stimuli could. Although there has been a notion that triangle is perceived as negative and circle as positive, there has been no systematic study to map the degrees of valence of shapes with different affective perceptions. Here, we employed four shapes (ellipse, triangle, and line-drawn happy and angry faces) to investigate the behavior and electrophysiological responses, in order to systematically study shape-induced affective perception. The reaction time delay and the event-related potential (ERP), particularly the early ERP component, were applied to find the associations with different affective perceptions. Our behavioral results showed that reaction time for angry face was significantly shorter than those for the other three types of stimuli (p<0.05). In the ERP results, P1, N1, P2, and N2 amplitudes for angry face were significantly larger than those for happy face. Similarly, P1, N1, P2, and N2 amplitudes for triangle were significantly larger than those for ellipse. Particularly, P1 amplitude in the parietal lobe for angry face was the strongest, followed by happy face, triangle, and ellipse. Hence, this work found distinct electrophysiological evidence to map the shape-induced affective perception. It supports the hypothesis that affective strain would induce larger amplitude than affective ease does and strong affective stimuli induce larger amplitude than mild affective stimuli do.
Circular RNA ciRS-7 Maintains Metastatic Phenotypes as a ceRNA of miR-1299 to Target MMPs
Authors: Sang Meixiang , Meng Lingjiao , Liu Sihua , Ding Pingan , Chang Sheng , Ju Yingchao , Liu Fei , Gu Lina , Lian Yishui , Geng Cuizhi
Published: August 2018

Circular RNA ciRS-7 has been reported to act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of the miRNA miR-7, resulting in reduced miR-7 activity and increased miR-7–targeted transcripts. However, it is unknown if ciRS-7 harbors other miRNAs with regulatory roles in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The present study determined that the expression of ciRS-7 in TNBC clinical specimens and representative cells is significantly higher than other breast cancer subtypes. Functionally, downregulation of ciRS-7 inhibited cell migration and invasion of TNBC cells. Knockdown of ciRS-7 expression also inhibited the liver and lung metastasis of TNBC cells in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that ciRS-7 contains 20 miR-1299–binding sites and functions as a ceRNA of miR-1299 in TNBC cells. High expression of ciRS-7 maintains the high migration and invasion properties of TNBC cells by acting as a ceRNA of miR-1299 to enhance the expression of matrix metalloproteinases family members (MMP).

Implications: Circular RNA ciRS-7 is highly expressed in TNBC tumor specimens and cells, and its downregulation inhibits cell migration and invasion of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, ciRS-7 functions as a ceRNA of miR-1299 to enhance the expression of MMPs, which maintains the high migration and invasion properties of TNBC cells. Mol Cancer Res; 16(11); 1665–75. ©2018 AACR.
Impact of 2 Different Hypocaloric Diets on Serum Omentin Levels in Obese Subjects
Authors: de Luis Daniel Antonio , Izaola Olatz , Primo David , Aller Rocío
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims: Omentin-1 might play a role in insulin resistance and obesity. This study is aimed at evaluating the influence of weight loss treatment on omentin-1 concentrations and other parameters after 2 different hypocaloric diets in obese subjects. Methods: A total of 239 obese subjects were randomly allocated during 12 weeks (Diet I – high-fat diet vs. Diet II – low fat diet), and their anthropometric and biochemical status were evaluated. Results: After dietary intervention, BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, systolic blood, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance decreased in a statistical manner from their base values. After consuming diet II (low fat diet), the omentin-1 levels increased in males (20 ± 14 ng/mL) and females (35 ± 19 ng/mL). No changes were observed in omentin-1 levels after consuming hypocaloric diet type I (high fat). The multiple regression analyses after weight loss with diet I adjusted by age and sex showed a statistical association between BMI kg/m2 (Beta –0.33: 95% CI –4.58 to –0.11) and post-treatment omentin-1 levels. The analysis after weight loss with diet II showed a statistical association with BMI kg/m2 (Beta –0.31: 95% CI –3.93 to –0.08) and insulin UI/L (Beta –0.25: 95% CI –4.63 to –0.05) with post-treatment omentin-1 levels. Conclusions: Our design showed a significant increase in serum omentin-1 levels after weight loss secondary to a low fat hypocaloric diet, in contrast to no changes following consuming a high fat hypocaloric diet.
Proinflammatory Arterial Stiffness Syndrome: A Signature of Large Arterial Aging
Authors: Wang Mingyi , Monticone Robert E. , McGraw Kimberly R.
Published: August 2018

Age-associated structural and functional remodeling of the arterial wall produces a productive environment for the initiation and progression of hypertension and atherosclerosis. Chronic aging stress induces low-grade proinflammatory signaling and causes cellular proinflammation in arterial walls, which triggers the structural phenotypic shifts characterized by endothelial dysfunction, diffuse intimal-medial thickening, and arterial stiffening. Microscopically, aged arteries exhibit an increase in arterial cell senescence, proliferation, invasion, matrix deposition, elastin fragmentation, calcification, and amyloidosis. These characteristic cellular and matrix alterations not only develop with aging but can also be induced in young animals under experimental proinflammatory stimulation. Interestingly, these changes can also be attenuated in old animals by reducing low-grade inflammatory signaling. Thus, mitigating age-associated proinflammation and arterial phenotype shifts is a potential approach to retard arterial aging and prevent the epidemic of hypertension and atherosclerosis in the elderly.
Transplant Outcomes in Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients Receiving Combined Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor-Primed Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Graft Compared to Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor-Primed Bone Marrow Alone
Authors: Wen Jianyun , Haque Qareen , Pei Fuyu , Chen Libai , Ruan Yongsheng , Liu Xuan  , He Yuelin , Feng Xiaoqin , Li Chunfu , Wu Xuedong
Published: August 2018

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only curative treatment for thalassemia majorTM. Graft rejection (GR) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are the primary obstacles to a successful outcome. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of HSCT in 29 children (median age at transplantation: 6 years) with Beta-thalassemia (β-TM) after the combined infusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-primed bone marrow (G-BM) and cord blood (CB) from the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling donors. We also compared the outcomes of the co-transplanted children with those of children with β-TM who received G-BM alone from an HLA-identical sibling donor (n = 26). Results: Compared to the G-BM transplant (G-BMT) recipients, those who received a co-transplant had a lower incidence of grade ≥II acute (17.24 vs. 30.7%, p = 0.047) and limited chronic (0 vs.15.4%, p = 0.022) GVHD as well as a lower incidence of GR (0 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.132). Neutrophil recovery time was faster in the co-transplant group (18.5 vs. 21 days, p = 0.04). All the patients were monitored until December 31, 2016; the median follow-up time was 74 months, and the 5-year thalassemia-free survival rate was 89.7% in the co-transplant group and 84.6% in the G-BMT-alone group (p = 0.590). Conclusions: A combined CB and G-BM graft from an HLA-identical sibling donor is an effective treatment option for TM in children, with less acute and chronic GVHD.
Correlation between the Length of Ovarian Ligament and Ovarian Torsion: A Prospective Study
Authors: Tamir Yaniv Rina , Schonmann Ron , Agizim Regina , Sharvit Merav , Haikin Herzberger Einat , Daykan Yair , Klein Zvi , Tulandi Togas , Wiser Amir
Published: August 2018

Study Objective: The study aimed to evaluate whether there is an association between the ovarian ligament length and ovarian torsion. Design: This is a prospective cohort study. Design Classification: II.2. Setting: The study was conducted in the gynecology department of a university affiliated hospital. Intervention: We measured the length of the ovarian ligaments during laparoscopy. Patients: A total of 56 women were recruited, of which 28 women were operated for ovarian torsion (torsion group) and 28 others for other gynecologic conditions (control group). Measurement and Main Results: The study found correlations between ovarian ligament length and ovarian torsion. The length of the right (2.2 ± 0.6 cm) and left ovarian ligament (2.3 ± 0.8 cm) in the control patients were similar. Ovarian torsions occurred mainly on the right side (67.9 %). The right ovarian ligament was significantly longer in the torsion group (3.2 ± 0.9 cm) than in the control group (2.2 ± 0.6 cm; p < 0.001). Even after exclusion of patients with ovarian cyst, the ovarian ligament was still significantly longer in the torsion group as compared to the control group (3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.2 ± 0.6 cm respectively, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that increased length of ovarian ligament might be correlated with the development of ovarian torsion. This could be a basis for ovarian ligament fixation or oophoropexy at the time of conservative surgery for ovarian torsion.
Disorder of Sexual Development in a Mare with an Unusual Tentative Mosaic Karyotype: 63,X/64,Xdel(Y)
Authors: Neuhauser Stefanie , Handler Johannes , Schelling Claude , Pieńkowska-Schelling Aldona
Published: August 2018

The present report describes a 4-year-old Trakehner mare which was referred to the clinic for a breeding soundness evaluation. Clinical, histological, and postmortem examination revealed an underdeveloped genital tract, the absence of a cervix uteri, and small inactive ovaries without male gonadal tissue. Blood lymphocyte analysis revealed an unusual mosaic karyotype consisting of 2 cell lines. For the majority of cells (70%), monosomy X (63,X) was observed. The remaining cells (30%) contained 64 chromosomes including one X chromosome and a small rudimentary Y chromosome consisting mostly of heterochromatin. The centromere was retained, but its full functionality was questionable. PCR analysis revealed that the entire male-specific region of Y (Yq14), including the SRY gene, was deleted. It remained unclear if the pseudoautosomal region (Yq15) and parts of the heterochromatic region (Yq13) were affected by this deletion. The phenotype of the mare with this disorder of sex development associated with sex chromosome abnormalities is genetically comparable to 63,X monosomy which fully explains the clinical findings.
Continuous Monitoring of Patient Mobility for 18 Months Using Inertial Sensors following Traumatic Knee Injury: A Case Study
Authors: Mueller Arne , Hoefling Holger , Nuritdinow Timur , Holway Nicholas , Schieker Matthias , Daumer Martin , Clay Ieuan
Published: August 2018

Continuous patient activity monitoring during rehabilitation, enabled by digital technologies, will allow the objective capture of real-world mobility and aligning treatment to each individual’s recovery trajectory in real time. To explore the feasibility and added value of such approaches, we present a case study of a 36-year-old male participant monitored continuously for activity levels and gait parameters using a waist-worn inertial sensor following a tibial plateau fracture on the right side, sustained as a result of a high-energy trauma during a sporting accident. During rehabilitation, data were collected for a period of 553 days, with > 80% daytime compliance, until the participant returned to near full mobility. The participant completed a daily diary with the annotation of major events (falls, near falls, cycling periods, or physiotherapy sessions) and key dates in the patient’s recovery, including medical interventions, transitioning off crutches, and returning to work. We demonstrate the feasibility of collecting, storing, and mining of continuous digital mobility data and show that such data can detect changes in mobility and provide insights into long-term rehabilitation. We make both raw data and annotations available as a resource with the aspiration that further methods and insights will be built on this initial exploration of added value and continue to demonstrate that continuous monitoring can be deployed to aid rehabilitation.
Qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde de pessoas idosas numa perspetiva de género
Authors: Daniel Fernanda , Monteiro Rosa , Antunes Sara , Fernandes Raquel , Ferreira Pedro Lopes
Published: August 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde de pessoas idosas segundo o sexo. Para isso foram inquiridas 300 pessoas idosas com uma média de 74,0 ± 8,5 anos. Para a avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde utilizou-se a versão portuguesa do instrumento de medição EQ-5D-3L. As mulheres apresentam piores resultados de qualidade de vida e as associações revelam-se estatisticamente significativas nas dimensões relacionadas com os cuidados pessoais, as atividades habituais, a dor/mal-estar e a ansiedade/depressão. As diferenças no índice de qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde revelam-se significativas tanto para o sexo como para a idade.
SLC1A5 Silencing Inhibits Esophageal Cancer Growth via Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Lin Jieping , Yang Teng , Peng Zheng , Xiao Haiyan , Jiang Na , Zhang Lifang , CA Dickerson , Wu Ping  , Pan Qingjun
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Solute-linked carrier family A1 member 5 (SLC1A5), which has high affinity to neutral amino acids, is essential for glutamine transport and amino acid metabolism in various cancers. However, the role of SLC1A5 in esophageal cancer has not been reported. Methods: SLC1A5 expression in esophageal cancer tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The effects of SLC1A5 knockdown on the growth, cell cycle, viability, and glutamine metabolism of esophageal cancer cells were investigated with flow cytometry and western blotting. Furthermore, the consequences of SLC1A5 knockdown on tumor growth and survival were also evaluated in vivo using mice carrying esophageal cancer xenografts. Results: SLC1A5 was expressed in 86.5% (32/37) of the cancer tissues from esophageal cancer patients. Moreover, SLC1A5 expression in the cancerous tissues was significantly higher than that in the paired adjacent normal tissues. SLC1A5 knockdown with siRNA (PZ siRNA) in TE-1 cells in vitro significantly decreased cell growth and reduced both leucine and glutamine transport, leading to inhibition of mTORC1 signaling. Additionally, siRNA-mediated SLC1A5 knockdown resulted in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of TE-1 cells. The survival rate of athymic (nu/nu) male nude mice carrying tumors formed from TE-1 cells transfected with SLC1A5 siRNA (PZ siRNA) was also significantly improved compared with mice carrying tumors formed from TE-1 cells transfected with control siRNA. Tumor size/weight was also significantly lower for the former mice group of mice. Conclusion: Our data indicate that SLC1A5 plays an important role in esophageal cancer both in vivo and in vitro. The inhibition of esophageal cancer growth by targeting SLC1A5 could, therefore, be used as a preoperative therapy for esophageal cancer.
Metabonomic Profiling Reveals Difference in Altered Metabolic Pathways Between Chronic Kidney Disease and High-Fat-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats
Authors: Xu Zhuo , Zhang Li , Li Jiao , Zhao Yang , Chen Xiangmei
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely correlated with the development of insulin resistance (IR). Until now, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to identify metabolites and molecular pathways unique to CKD-induced IR. Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS) analysis coupled with orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to profile metabolites in the serum, liver, and muscle tissues and to analyze molecular pathways in relation to CKD- and high fat diet (HFD)-induced IR in the rats. Results: At 18 weeks after the 5/6 Nx operation, CKD induction was demonstrated by renal histology and biochemical tests. Furthermore, both CKD-induced IR and HFD-induced IR rats showed significantly greater levels of fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In the UPLC-MS in combination with OPLS-DA analysis, we identified 101, 59, and 41 differential metabolites in the serum, liver, and muscle, which were associated with the CKD-induced IR, while 58, 38, and 17 differential metabolites in the serum, liver, and muscle were revealed in the HFD-induced rats compared to controls. Moreover, compared to HFD-induced IR rats, those with CKD-induced IR exhibited abnormal pathways primarily in the tryptophan metabolism, arginine metabolism, and trimethylamine oxide metabolite. Interestingly, altered metabolites in the CKD-induced IR and HFD-induced IR displayed an opposite direction. Conclusion: Alterations in metabolites and relevant pathways were significantly different between the CKD- and HFD-induced IR rats. These findings may offer important information regarding the pathogenesis specific to IR caused by the decline in the renal function.
Bone Biopsy Results in Chronic Kidney Disease: a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Liangos Orfeas , Kirchhoff Silvia , Buchholz Joachim , Ketteler Markus
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Although bone histology remains the diagnostic standard in renal osteodystrophy (ROD), biomarkers are used more commonly. Data comparing bone biopsy results and biomarkers of bone metabolism remain sparse. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of bone biopsy results (105) stratified by renal function, compared with intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and other biomarkers. We tested associations with high-turnover ostitis fibrosa (OF) and mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO), i.e. classes I and III according to Delling’s classification. Results: 37% of patients had CKD stage 3-5 not on dialysis (CKD NOD) and 50% CKD stage 5 requiring haemodialysis (CKD 5D). iPTH was significantly higher in CKD 5D with high-turnover ROD, 26 (18) versus 8 (9) pmol/l (p< 0.001). BAP showed no association. In CKD NOD, high-turnover ROD was associated with elevated iPTH, 32 (44) versus 8 (11) pmol/l (p=0.001), and BAP, 39 (32) versus 16 (7) U/l (p=0.01). iPTH achieved receiver operator characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (P=0.003) and 0.91 (P=0.019) for high-turnover ROD among CKD 5D and CKD NOD patients, respectively. An iPTH cutoff of 12.8 (CKD 5D) and 13.5 pmol/l (CKD NOD) reached sensitivities and specificities of 0.83, 0.91 and 1.00, 0.91, respectively. In CKD NOD, BAP achieved an AUC of 0.93 (P=0.013) and with a cutoff at 19.8 U/l a sensitivity and specificity of 1.00, 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: In CKD 5D patients, high-turnover ROD was associated with elevated iPTH at a low cutoff but not with BAP. The same diagnosis in CKD NOD was associated both with iPTH and BAP.
Heat Shock Protein B8 (HSPB8) Reduces Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion Injury via the Induction of Mitophagy
Authors: Li Fazhao , Tan Jieqiong , Zhou Fangfang , Hu Zhiping , Yang Binbin
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: We have reported the neuroprotective properties of Heat shock protein B8(HSPB8) against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury by inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. However, the exact underlying mechanism of its protective effect on mitochondrial function remains unknown. Here we examined whether the beneficial effect of HSPB8 on OGD/R-induced cell death is associated with mitophagy in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2a (N2a) cells. Methods: Using the mouse transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model and mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2a (N2a) cell cultures subjected to OGD/R, we employed western-blot, RT-PCR and immunostaining to analyze the change of expression pattern of HSPB8 and mitophagic flux after brain I/R both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, via overexpressing HSPB8 or knocking down HSPB8 expression with siRNA in N2a cell, we evaluated the effect of HSPB8 on mitochondrial function during OGD/R. The impact of HSPB8 on mitophagic pathway was also assessed. Finally, mitotophagy inhibitors (CQ and Mdivi-1) were adopted to verify the involvement of mitophagy in HSPB8- induced neuroprotection. Results: HSPB8 could be up-regulated by brain I/R both in vivo and in vitro. Mitophagy enhancement coincided with induction of HSPB8 during I/R. Overexpression of HSPB8 reinforced I/R-induced mitophagy in OGD/R-treated mouse N2a cells and HSPB8 silence suppressed mitophagy process. Inhibition of mitophagy compromised neuroprotection conferred by HSPB8 overexpression. Conclusions: HSPB8 promoted OGD/R-induced mitophagy, which restored the mitochondrial function and contributed to the decrease in cell apoptosis after OGD/R. Therefore, HSPB8 could be a favorable neuroprotective agent for cerebral I/R related disorders.
Therapeutic Effects of Coccomyxagloeobotrydiformis on the Metabolic Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Zheng Ningning , Ding Xudong , Wei Dan , Dai Bo , Zheng Lanyan , Sumi Ryo , Hu Dahai , Jahane Rabita , Sun Luning
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic changes that carry a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A newly discovered microalga, coccomyxagloeobotrydiformis (CGD), has been reported to improve ischemic stroke and metabolism-related indicators. We observed the therapeutic effects of CGD on MS and postulated the underlying mechanism. Methods: A diet-induced MS model in rats was used to observe the therapeutic effects of CGD on MS. Blood-glucose and lipid indices were measured using enzymatic colorimetric kits. A biologic data acquisition and analysis system (BL-420F) was used to evaluate cardiac function. Expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) enzymes was measured by immunofluorescence staining. The proteins associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation were detected by western blotting. Results: Body weight, abdominal circumference, fasting blood glucose , blood pressure as well as serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were decreased whereas serum levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased in CGD-treated MS rats. CGD increased left-ventricular systolic pressure, left-ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left-ventricular systolic pressure maximum rate of increase and left-ventricular diastolic pressure maximum rate of decrease in MS rats with cardiovascular complications. CGD up-regulated expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha in the heart, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Expression of the MRC subunits of ATPase 6, cytochrome b and succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit-A was increased whereas that of uncoupling protein-2 decreased in different tissues. CGD showed anti-oxidation effects by increasing expression of superoxide dismutase and decreasing that of malondialdehyde. High expression of Bcl-2 and low expression of Bax and caspase-3 supported the anti-apoptotic effect of CGD on the cardiovascular complications of MS. Conclusion: CGD has a therapeutic effect on MS and associated cardiovascular complications by eliciting mitochondrial protection and having anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis effects. CGD could be used for MS treatment.
Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01260 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Spinal Cord Glioma Cells by Targeting CARD11 Via the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Dong-Mei , Han Xin-Rui , Wen Xin , Wang Shan , Wang Yong-Jian , Shen Min , Fan Shao-Hua , Zhuang Juan , Zhang Zi-Feng , Shan Qun , Li Meng-Qiu , Hu Bin , Sun Chun-Hui , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Lin
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Spinal cord glioma is a highly aggressive malignancy that commonly results in high mortality due to metastasis, high recurrence and limited treatment regimens. This study aims to elucidate the effects of long non-coding RNA LINC01260 (LINC01260) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of spinal cord glioma cells by targeting Caspase recruitment domain family, member 11 (CARD11) via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Methods: The Multi Experiment Matrix (MEM) website was used for target gene prediction, and the DAVID database was used for analysis of the relationship between CARD11 and the NF-κB pathway. In total, 60 cases of glioma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected. Human U251 glioma cells were grouped into blank, negative control (NC), LINC01260 vector, CARD11 vector, siRNA-LINC01260, siRNA-CARD11, LINC01260 vector + CARD11 vector and LINC01260 + siRNA-CARD11 groups. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the target relationship between LINC01260 and CARD11. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were employed to assess expression of LINC01260, E-cadherin, p53, CARD11, Ki67, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, NF-κBp65 and NF-κBp50. MTT, flow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell viability, the cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Tumor growth was assessed through xenografts in nude mice. Results: CARD11 was confirmed to be a target gene of LINC01260 and was found to be involved in regulating the NF-κB pathway. Compared with adjacent normal tissues, glioma tissues showed reduced expression of LINC01260 and elevated expression of CARD11 and genes related to apoptosis, invasion and migration; activation of NF-κB signaling was also observed. In contrast to the blank and NC groups, an elevated number of cells arrested in G1 phase, increased apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation, invasion and number of cells arrested in S and G2 phases, as well as tumor growth were found for the LINC01260 vector and siRNA-CARD11 groups. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of LINC01260 inhibits spinal cord glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting CARD11 via NF-κB signaling suppression.
The Polluter Pays Principle in Chinese Environmental Law
Authors: HAMMAN Evan , PEI Liping , BURLOFF Denise , LOCKHART Alexandra
Published: August 2018

The effective implementation of environmental law has taken on greater urgency in recent times. Behind the multitude of domestic and international environmental instruments sit generally accepted principles like the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP). The PPP can be seen to advance sustainable development, at least partly, by private operators internalizing the costs of their pollution. This article analyses the application of the PPP in Chinese environmental law by focusing on a case study of Yangtze River pollution in and around the central Chinese city of Wuhan. The authors find evidence of an increasing acceptance of the PPP at the local, regional and national levels in China. At each of these levels, attempts to improve water quality in the Yangtze appear to reflect an acceptance of the PPP’s main aims.