bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspiration education at zoological institutions: an optimistic approach for innovation leading to biodiversity conservation
Authors: Topaz M.
Published: March 2016

Many of the challenges in our everyday lives have answers in nature's genius. Adaptations that have been made by animals and plants offer a library of inspiration to generate innovative, sustainable solutions in different fields. Bioinspiration (or biomimicry) is an interdisciplinary methodology in which biological and ecological principles are applied to human problem solving. Biological forms, mechanisms, processes and functions are used to stimulate inventions in diverse disciplines; for example, architecture, medicine, robotics and communication. Zoological institutions are great platforms to implement bioinspiration as an element of the efforts towards sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. In 2011, the Zoological Centre Tel Aviv – Ramat Gan, Israel, opened a bioinspiration educational unit for various audiences, including children and adults, professionals and the general public. The mission is to build an interdisciplinary platform that bridges the natural world and human challenges and to encourage visitors to be more conscious of biodiversity conservation within their professional and everyday lives. Using methods from interdisciplinary and outdoor education to promote higher‐order thinking skills, visitors are invited to explore a new kind of learning – not onlyaboutnature but alsofromnature. In this way, the Zoological Centre brings people closer to nature by giving them more reasons to value and conserve species and habitats.
Assisted or Protected Mealtimes? Exploring the impact of hospital mealtime practices on meal intake
Authors: Young Adrienne , Allia Amy , Jolliffe Lisa , de Jersey Susie , Mudge Alison , McRae Prue , Banks Merrilyn
Published: March 2016

Aims

To evaluate the impact of mealtime practices (meal time preparation, assistance and interruptions) on meal intake of inpatients in acute hospital wards.

Background

It is common for patients to eat poorly while in hospital, related to patient and illness factors and possibly mealtime practices. Few studies have quantified the impact of mealtime practices on the meal intake of hospital patients.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Structured observations were conducted at 601 meals across four wards (oncology, medical and orthopaedic and vascular surgical) during 2013. Each ward was observed by two dietitians and/or nurses for two breakfasts, lunches and dinners over 2 weeks. Data were collected on patient positioning, mealtime assistance, interruptions and meal intake (visual estimate of plate waste). Associations between mealtime practices and ‘good’ intake (prospectively defined as ≥75% of meal) were identified using chi‐squared tests.

Results

Sitting up for the meal was associated with good intake, compared with lying in bed. Timely mealtime assistance (within 10 minutes) was associated with good intake, compared with delayed or no assistance. Mealtime interruptions had no impact on intake. Forty percent of patients (n = 241) ate half or less of their meal, with 10% (n = 61) eating none of the meal provided.

Conclusion

Timely mealtime assistance and positioning for the meal may be important factors that facilitate intake among hospital patients, while mealtime interruptions appeared to have no impact on intake. To improve intake of older inpatients, mealtime programmes should focus on ‘assisted mealtimes’ rather than only Protected Mealtimes.
Molecular Characterization of Gyr‐A Gene Polymorphism in Salmonella Enterica Serovar Enteritidis Isolated of Egg Shells
Authors: Doosti Abbas , Mokhtari‐Farsani Abbas , Chehelgerdi Mohammad
Published: March 2016

Salmonella is one of the important bacteria in egg and as major source in bacterial infection transfer to human and animals. It has been proven that gyrA gene can mediate in resistance and reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, therefore the aim of the present study was to determine gyrA gene polymorphism in S. enterica ser. Enteritidis isolated from egg shell using PCR‐RFLP assay. A total of 300 samples of egg shells were collected from seven aviculture in Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari province and genomic DNA was extracted using DNA extraction kit. PCR‐RFLP assay was used to identification of gyrA gene polymorphism using HinfI and BanI restriction endonuclease enzymes. A total of 85 ser. Enteritidis was detected from 300 samples and gyrA gene was isolated from all 85 positive ser. Enteritidis that out of 85 gyrA gene, 23 samples (27%) and 25 samples (29.4%) were respectively positive for HinfI and BanI enzymes. The results of the present study showed a relatively low prevalence of ser. Enteritidis infection in egg shells, but the rate of gyrA gene mutation was high that is very disturbing.

Practical Applications

Currently, at least 2610 serovars of S.enterica have been recognized worldwide, and all seem to be capable of causing disease in humans. Therefore, S.enterica remains a microbial threat in terms of standards and food safety, and the use of molecular techniques for analysis of antimicrobial resistance and its reasons in Salmonella spp. specifically S.enterica is of high importance. Our study may provide more insights to design new therapeutic plans including limited use of antimicrobial drugs in human and animals, performing antimicrobial susceptibility tests to select suitable antimicrobial agent, and application of recommended dosage of antibiotic. Also the present study can be used to help guide selection of antimicrobials for use in poultry industry and the treatment of diseases associated with Salmonella spp. especially S. enterica subsp enterica ser. Enteritidis.
Ticket to ride: export of proteins to the Plasmodium falciparum‐infected erythrocyte
Authors: Przyborski Jude M. , Nyboer Britta , Lanzer Michael
Published: March 2016

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exports numerous proteins to its chosen host cell, the mature human erythrocyte. Many of these proteins are important for parasite survival. To reach the host cell, parasites must cross multiple membrane barriers and then furthermore be targeted to their correct sub‐cellular localisation. This novel transport pathway has received much research attention in the past decades, especially as many of the mechanisms are expected to be parasite‐specific and thus potential targets for drug development. In this article we summarize some of the most recent advances in this field, and highlight areas in which further research is needed.
The Impact of Comedy on Racial and Ethnic Discourse
Authors: Green Aaryn L. , Linders Annulla
Published: March 2016

An overwhelming facet of race literature suggests that American society has entered an era of colorblindness; where instead of perpetuating racist ideology through blatant discriminatory legislation, racial differences are either understated or ignored entirely. These new racial processes are reflected in the policies of major social institutions, but also within popular culture. Yet, as made evident by the success of comedians such as Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, stand‐up comedy challenges acceptable racial discourse, placing race in the forefront. Comedy persists as a facet of popular culture where racial difference is made apparent, yet ironically the art of comedy is usually overlooked by sociologists. What is lacking in the humor research is an understanding of how comedy creates an environment where race can be spoken about directly, and often times harshly. Through the analysis of focus groups, this study finds evidence to suggest that racial and ethnic comedy serves to both reinforce and wane racial and ethnic stereotypes, similarities, and differences. After watching stand‐up comedy clips of popular comedians, black and white respondents show both agreement and disagreement on the following: (1) the offensiveness of ethnic comedy, (2) stereotypes and perceived truths, and (3) the utility of ethnic comedy in everyday interactions. These findings are helpful in understanding how comedy serves as one of the few openly racialized facets of popular culture as well as uncovering some of the ways in which race works within the culture of a self‐proclaimed colorblind society.
Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are abundant in Solanaceae and have a family‐specific impact on gene structure and genome organization
Authors: Seibt Kathrin M. , Wenke Torsten , Muders Katja , Truberg Bernd , Schmidt Thomas
Published: March 2016

Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are highly abundant non‐autonomous retrotransposons that are widespread in plants. They are short in size, non‐coding, show high sequence diversity, and are therefore mostly not or not correctly annotated in plant genome sequences. Hence, comparative studies on genomic SINE populations are rare. To explore the structural organization and impact of SINEs, we comparatively investigated the genome sequences of the Solanaceae species potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), wild tomato (Solanum pennellii), and two pepper cultivars (Capsicum annuum). Based on 8.5 Gbp sequence data, we annotated 82 983 SINE copies belonging to 10 families and subfamilies on a base pair level. Solanaceae SINEs are dispersed over all chromosomes with enrichments in distal regions. Depending on the genome assemblies and gene predictions, 30% of all SINE copies are associated with genes, particularly frequent in introns and untranslated regions (UTRs). The close association with genes is family specific. More than 10% of all genes annotated in the Solanaceae species investigated contain at least one SINE insertion, and we found genes harbouring up to 16 SINE copies. We demonstrate the involvement of SINEs in gene and genome evolution including the donation of splice sites, start and stop codons and exons to genes, enlargement of introns and UTRs, generation of tandem‐like duplications and transduction of adjacent sequence regions.
Surgical outcome of cats treated for aqueous humor misdirection syndrome: a case series
Authors: Atkins Rosalie M. , Armour Micki D. , Hyman Jennifer A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcome of cats treated surgically for aqueous humor misdirection syndrome.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of cats treated surgically between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2013, for aqueous humor misdirection syndrome was performed. Signalment, medical therapy, eyes affected, intraocular pressures prior to and after surgery, surgical procedures performed, postoperative complications, and visual status were evaluated.

Results

Seven cats (nine eyes) fit the inclusion criteria. Six of seven cats were female, and five of seven cats were diagnosed with bilateral aqueous humor misdirection syndrome. Three surgical approaches were evaluated as follows: (i) phacoemulsification and posterior capsulotomy, (ii) phacoemulsification, posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy, and (iii) phacoemulsification, posterior capsulotomy, anterior vitrectomy, and endocyclophotocoagulation. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.9 years. Seven of nine eyes had controlled intraocular pressure (≤25 mmHg) during the first 6 months postoperatively. All cats were visual with controlled intraocular inflammation at 1 year postoperatively; however, one eye had an elevated intraocular pressure. All cats were continued on topical antiglaucoma and anti‐inflammatory medications following surgery with the mean number of drops per day decreasing from 3.9 drops/day prior to surgery to 2.2 drops/day postoperatively.

Conclusions

Surgical management for feline aqueous humor misdirection syndrome may be a viable option to maintain a visual and normotensive status in cats that no longer have successful control of intraocular pressure with medical therapy.
Study of Targeted Energy Transfer Inside Three-Dimensional Acoustic Cavity by Two Nonlinear Membrane Absorbers and an Acoustic Mode
Authors: Wu Xian , Shao Jianwang , Cochelin Bruno
Published: March 2016

As a new approach to passive sound control in low-frequency domain, the targeted energy transfer (TET) phenomenon has been investigated inside a three-dimensional (3D) acoustic cavity by considering a two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) system with an acoustic mode and a membrane nonlinear energy sink (NES). The beginning of TET phenomenon of the 2DOF system and the desired working zone for the membrane NES have been defined. In order to enhance the robustness and the effective TET range in acoustic cavities, a 3DOF system with two membranes and one acoustic mode is studied in this paper. We consider two different membranes and two almost identical membranes to analyze the TET phenomenon, respectively. The desired working zone which was obtained by the 2DOF system is applied to analyze the 3DOF system. We observe that two membranes can enlarge the desired working zone.
Mixed Skyhook and Power-Driven-Damper: A New Low-Jerk Semi-Active Suspension Control Based on Power Flow Analysis
Authors: Liu Yilun , Zuo Lei
Published: March 2016

In practice, semi-active suspensions provide better tradeoffs between performances and costs than passive or active damping. Many different semi-active control algorithms have been developed, including skyhook (SH), acceleration-driven-damper (ADD), power-driven-damper (PDD), mixed SH and ADD (SH-ADD), and others. Among them, it has been shown that the SH-ADD is quasi-optimal in reducing the sprung mass vibration. In this paper, we analyze the abilities of vehicular suspension components, the shock absorber and the spring, from the perspective of energy transfer between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass, and propose a new sprung mass control algorithm named mixed SH and PDD (SH-PDD). The proposed algorithm defines a switching law that is capable of mixing SH and PDD, and simultaneously carries their advantages to achieve a better suspension performance. As a result, the proposed SH-PDD is effective in reducing the sprung mass vibration across the whole frequency spectrum, similar to SH-ADD and much better than SH, PDD, and ADD, while eliminating the control chattering and high-jerk behaviors as occurred in SH-ADD. The superior characteristics of the SH-PDD are verified in numerical analysis as well as experiments. In addition, the proposed switching law is extended to mix other semi-active control algorithms such as the mixed hard damping and soft damping, and the mixed SH and clipped-optimal linear quadratic regulator (LQR).
Comparison of SIMS and RBS for depth profiling of silica glasses implanted with metal ions
Authors: Lorinčík Jan , Veselá Daniela , Vytykáčová Soňa , Švecová Blanka , Nekvindová Pavla , Macková Anna , Mikšová Romana , Malinský Petr , Böttger Roman
Published: March 2016

Ion implantation of metal ions, followed by annealing, can be used for the formation of buried layers of metal nanoparticles in glasses. Thus, photonic structures with nonlinear optical properties can be formed. In this study, three samples of silica glasses were implanted with Cu+, Ag+, or Au+ ions under the same conditions (energy 330 keV and fluence 1 × 1016 ions/cm2), and compared to three identical silica glass samples that were subsequently coimplanted with oxygen at the same depth. All the implanted glasses were annealed at 600 °C for 1 h, which leads to the formation of metal nanoparticles. The depth profiles of Cu, Ag, and Au were measured by Rutherford backscattering and by secondary ion mass spectrometry and the results are compared and discussed.
Politics in the Toy Box: Sports Reporters, Native American Mascots, and the Roadblocks Preventing Change
Authors: Whiteside Erin
Published: March 2016

Numerous educational institutions and professional sports teams still use Native American mascots, despite strong opposition ranging from Native American groups to the American Psychological Association. Fans, community members, and teams defend the mascots by asserting that they honor Native American peoples. Sports journalists occupy a unique location in the debate, as they regularly cover teams with such mascots and commonly refer to them in stories. In light of this ongoing debate and pressure to change reporting practices, this research used a survey to examine sports reporters’ experiences and attitudes toward Native American mascots and their beliefs about the role they themselves should take in the public debate. Results show an overall lack of support for Native American mascots, with key differences based on participant race, job title, and belief in the value that sports bring to society. Furthermore, sports journalists appear to support taking a public stand on the issue but resist the idea of eliminating mascot references from stories. The author discusses the implications of these findings in light of the growing movement to ban these mascots, as well as the evolving role that sports journalists embody at the intersection of sports and social issues.
Temporal Robustness of the Session Rating of Perceived Exertion
Authors: Christen Joshua , Foster Carl , Porcari John P. , Mikat Richard P.
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

The session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) has gained popularity as a “user friendly” method for evaluating internal training load. sRPE has historically been obtained 30 min after exercise. This study evaluated the effect of postexercise measurement time on sRPE after steady-state and interval cycle exercise.

Methods:

Well-trained subjects (N = 15) (maximal oxygen consumption = 51 ± 4 and 36 ± 4 mL/kg [cycle ergometer] for men and women, respectively) completed counterbalanced 30-minute steady-state and interval training bouts. The steady-state ride was at 90% of ventilatory threshold. The work-to-rest ratio of the interval rides was 1:1, and the interval segment durations were 1, 2, and 3 min. The high-intensity component of each interval bout was 75% peak power output, which was accepted as a surrogate of the respiratory compensation threshold, critical power, or maximal lactate steady state. Heart rate, blood lactate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. The sRPE (category ratio scale) was measured at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 60 min and 24 h after each ride using a visual analog scale (VAS) to prevent bias associated with specific RPE verbal anchors.

Results:

sRPE at 30 min postexercise followed a similar trend: steady state = 3.7, 1 min = 3.9, 2 min = 4.7, 3 min = 6.2. No significant differences (P > .05) in sRPE were found based on postexercise sampling times, from 5 min to 24 h postexercise.

Conclusions:

Postexercise time does not appear to have a significant effect on sRPE after either steady-state or interval exercise. Thus, sRPE appears to be temporally robust and is not necessarily limited to the 30-min-postexercise window historically used with this technique, although the presence or absence of a cooldown period after the exercise bout may be important.
Can Temperate-Water Immersion Effectively Reduce Rectal Temperature in Exertional Heat Stroke? A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Truxton Tyler T. , Miller Kevin C.
Published: March 2016

Clinical Scenario:

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a medical emergency which, if left untreated, can result in death. The standard of care for EHS patients includes confirmation of hyperthermia via rectal temperature (Trec) and then immediate cold-water immersion (CWI). While CWI is the fastest way to reduce Trec, it may be difficult to lower and maintain water bath temperature in the recommended ranges (1.7°C–15°C [35°F–59°F]) because of limited access to ice and/or the bath being exposed to high ambient temperatures for long periods of time. Determining if Trec cooling rates are acceptable (ie, >0.08°C/min) when significantly hyperthermic humans are immersed in temperate water (ie, ≥20°C [68°F]) has applications for how EHS patients are treated in the field.

Clinical Question:

Are Trec cooling rates acceptable (≥0.08°C/min) when significantly hyperthermic humans are immersed in temperate water?

Summary of Findings:

Trec cooling rates of hyperthermic humans immersed in temperate water (≥20°C [68°F]) ranged from 0.06°C/min to 0.19°C/min. The average Trec cooling rate for all examined studies was 0.11±0.06°C/min.

Clinical Bottom Line:

Temperature water immersion (TWI) provides acceptable (ie, >0.08°C/min) Trec cooling rates for hyperthermic humans post-exercise. However, CWI cooling rates are higher and should be used if feasible (eg, access to ice, shaded treatment areas).

Strength of Recommendation:

The majority of evidence (eg, Level 2 studies with PEDro scores ≥5) suggests TWI provides acceptable, though not ideal, Trec cooling. If possible, CWI should be used instead of TWI in EHS scenarios.
Case of pneumatosis intestinalis and hepatic portal venous gas following a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy
Authors: Castren Edit Elisa , Hakeem Abdul R , Mahmood Nabil S , Aryal Kamal
Published: March 2016

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) in most cases signifies either mechanical migration of air into the portal system due to bowel ischaemia (pneumatosis intestinalis) or portal sepsis due to gas-forming organisms. Successful management of portal sepsis involves early identification of the condition, intensive resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics and a laparotomy for possible bowel ischaemia. In this report, we discuss the case of a patient with pneumatosis intestinalis and HPVG after an elective laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. After an initial slow recovery, on postoperative day seven, the patient had profuse diarrhoea and confusion, and was hyponatraemic. A CT scan revealed pneumatosis intestinalis and HPVG. A laparotomy showed no obvious cause for HPVG and there was no ischaemic bowel. She was managed with intensive care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotics and total-parenteral nutrition. She has made a good recovery. This case highlights the presenting features, differential diagnoses, and management of pneumatosis intestinalis and HPVG.
Improve beam quality of laser proton acceleration with funnel-shaped-hole target
Authors: Yang Peng , Fan Da Peng , Li Yu Xiao
Published: March 2016

Improve beam quality of laser proton acceleration using a funnel-shaped-hole target is demonstrated through particle simulations. When an intense short pulse laser illuminates a thin foil target with a hole at the rear surface, the proton beam divergence is suppressed compared with that obtained in a traditional flat target. In this paper, a funnel-shaped-hole target is proposed to improve the proton beam quality. Using two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, three different shapes of target (funnel-shaped-hole target, cylinder-shaped-hole target and flat target) are simulated and compared. The funnel-shaped hole in the rear surface of the target helps to focus the electron cloud significantly and improve the maximum proton energy and suppress the proton beam divergence. Different thicknesses of the new target are also simulated, and the effects of thickness on the divergence angle and proton spectra are investigated. The optimal size of the new target is obtained and the quality of the proton beam is improved significantly. The funnel-shaped-hole target serves as a new method to improve the proton beam quality in laser–plasma interactions.
An Experimental Study of the Noise Due to Traffic in a Congested Urban Area
Authors: Sangeetha M. , Sankar P.
Published: March 2016

Noise pollution in an urban environment is an issue of serious concern in the major cities of India. There are various factors that contribute to the increase of noise levels in urban areas. The intensity of traffic is one of the factors which contributes to a drastic increase in environmental noise. The management of noise pollution has to be considered in the decision making process. In this paper, an attempt is made to study the existing noise level due to the traffic in Velachery which is declared as a sensitive area by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF). The noise level data is collected using the MS6710 digital sound meter. The Custic simulation software version 3.2 is used for finding the propagation of noise. The spatial patterns of measurement were also calculated, in the sub-urban area of Velachery, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. A means of transmitting this data to vehicles moving in the area, through a wireless medium is simulated using NCTUns 6.0 (network simulator), to enable drivers to understand the environmental conditions. A hardware was also designed which can be used to transmit and receive the noise data using the Zigbee module. A noise transmitting station is placed at a junction, so that it can transmit this noise data to the receivers which are fitted inside the vehicles.
A Sampling of Canadian Practice in Managing Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding before Recent Guideline Publication: Is there Room for Improvement?
Authors: Bensoussan Karen , Fallone Carlo A , Barkun Alan N , Martel Myriam
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: There are few recent published consensus guidelines regarding nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In 2003, the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology sponsored a set of 20 recommendations. AIM: To compare current Canadian clinical practice patterns with these most recent guidelines.

METHODS: Data obtained from the Canadian Registry of patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Endoscopy (RUGBE), complemented by a questionnaire sent out to the 18 participating RUGBE sites, were used to compare present practice with all 20 guidelines.

RESULTS: Only three RUGBE sites had an explicit written protocol for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and only 40% of the sites had support staff available after hours. The Blatchford prognostic scale was not used routinely, and only one site used the Rockall score for risk stratification. Most patients classified as low-risk according to the literature had endoscopy within 24 h and a median length of stay of two days compared with high-risk patients who underwent endoscopy approximately 4 h earlier, had a median length of stay of 4.3 days and displayed a higher mortality. Nineteen per cent of all patients had a routine second-look endoscopy. Proton pump inhibitors were frequently used in the acute setting. Thirteen per cent of all patients rebled and only 34% of these received a second endoscopy. One-half of all patients were tested for Helicobacter pylori while in hospital, mostly by histology, and one-third of those who tested positive received H pylori eradication during their hospitalization.

CONCLUSION: Compared with recommendations put forward in the new guidelines, clinical practice before guideline publication was variable. The future level of guideline adherence and patient outcome data should be quantified and monitored as the guidelines are disseminated.
Characteristics of primary biliary cirrhosis in British Columbia's First Nations population
Authors: Arbour Laura , Rupps Rosemarie , Field Leigh , Ross Paul , Erikson Anders , Henderson Harvey , Hill Warren , Yoshida Eric M
Published: March 2016

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a rare, autoimmune liver disorder characterized by progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, that results in portal inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis and, eventually, liver failure. Although considered rare in Canadian populations, it is the leading indication for referral for liver transplantation in British Columbia's First Nations population. Previously, an expanded review of all cases referred to the British Columbia Transplant Society for PBC was carried out comparing the demographics of those of First Nations descent with those not of First Nations descent. The review suggested that the rate of referral for transplantation was eight times higher for those of First Nations descent compared with those of other descent (P=0.0001), and a disproportionate number of the First Nations cases lived on Vancouver Island (48% of cases versus 18% expected, P<0.05). Additionally, the age of referral was significantly younger (45.9 versus 54.3 years) for those of First Nations descent and there are fewer First Nations men referred (1:34) than expected. For the purpose of the present report, 28 symptomatic cases were ascertained separately and reviewed in a clinical study to delineate the features of this population.

RESULTS: Although available liver biopsy reports were consistent with PBC, not all cases were antimitochondrial antibody-positive (18% negative). There was a family history of PBC confirmed by medical records in 33% of cases. There were five multiplex families identified, one with seven affected individuals. Detailed family histories revealed a recurrence risk of 4% for PBC for all first-degree relatives older than 21 years of age, but 10% when considering only women. Other autoimmune conditions coexisted in PBC patients in 79% of all cases. Arthritis was most frequent (60%), with thyroid disease (16%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (12%) also present. Additionally, a history of autoimmune diseases (arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and thyroid disease) was present in 21% of first-degree relatives. A strong genetic predisposition to PBC and other autoimmune diseases, combined with common environmental factors, is postulated in this population. Further study is underway to identify these factors.
Should We Test for Helicobacter Pylori before Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
Authors: Moayyedi Paul
Published: March 2016

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem in childhood. The cause is uncertain but because the incidence of GERD is increasing in developed countries and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is decreasing, it has been suggested that this infection protects against GERD. Observational data from 95 children, however, suggest that H pylori eradication does not have a deleterious effect on GERD and this is supported by randomized controlled trials in adults. H pylori eradication may also reduce the efficacy of proton pump inhibitor therapy in infected patients. There are no data from children but inferences from randomized controlled trials in adults suggest this effect is likely to be modest and of uncertain clinical significance. H pylori is an important risk factor for distal gastric adenocarcinoma. It is likely that treating the infection in childhood will prevent pre-malignant changes associated with H pylori from developing in the future. A meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials suggest that there is a statistically significant impact on healing of chronic gastritis after one year compared with placebo (RR of chronic gastritis: 0.27; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.32). H pylori eradication is therefore recommended in children with GERD that are having an endoscopy. However, when the diagnosis of GERD is being made clinically or by pH monitoring, it is not necessary to screen for H pylori.
The Increasing Prevalence of Crohn’s Disease in Industrialized Societies: The Price of Progress?
Authors: Wells Ron W , Blennerhassett Michael G
Published: March 2016

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal system. While inflammation can activate one of a number of specific branches of the immune system, CD promotes a T helper cell type 1 (Th1) profile. The prospect that CD is a form of Th1-dominant autoimmune disease is gaining acceptance, with support from the current use of immunosuppressants. Recently, convincing evidence that the various branches of the immune system have the ability to keep each other in check has suggested that the Th1 profile of CD may stem from a greatly reduced T helper cell type 2 (Th2) immune response. A strong Th2 immune response is a characteristic of the once prevalent enteric parasitic diseases, now nearly eradicated from industrial society. This has led to the acceptance of a hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that the inverse relationship between CD and the level of a society’s industrialization is, in fact, causal -- that the lack of parasitic infections causes a weakened systemic Th2 cytokine profile, leading to elevated Th1 cytokines and, ultimately, the development of spontaneous Th1-mediated diseases such as CD. Supporting this, it has been recently demonstrated that an experimentally-induced Th2 response can help moderate Th1-dominant events in both animal and human studies. Based on this recent and convincing work, the present review focuses on the role of immunoregulation in the development of CD, with particular emphasis on the potential use of Th2-promoting agents (such as helminths or cytokines) as therapeutics in the treatment or prevention of CD.
Intravenous Proton Pump Inhibitors before Endoscopy in Bleeding Peptic Ulcer with High-Risk Stigmata: A Multicentre Comparative Study
Authors: Andrews Christopher N , Levy Adrian , Fishman Martin , Hahn Michael , Atkinson Kenneth , Kwan Peter , Enns Robert
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: It is not clear if starting intravenous proton pump inhibitors (IV PPI) before endoscopic therapy provides additional benefit over starting it afterward in patients with high-risk ulcer stigmata of peptic ulcer disease.

METHODS: All patients who received IV pantoprazole bolus and infusion and underwent endoscopy in six Canadian hospitals over 20 months were reviewed. Only patients with high-risk ulcer stigmata (arterial bleeding, oozing, nonbleeding visible vessel or adherent clot) were included. Patients receiving IV PPI before endoscopy (before group) were compared with those who received it after endoscopy (after group) with respect to endoscopic findings and, secondarily, to patient demographics and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: The demographics and baseline characteristics of the before group (n=57) and the after group (n=109) were similar. The before group was more likely to have had IV PPI started outside of daytime hours, and median time to endoscopy in patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding was 24 h (interquartile range 9.5 to 35) in the before group and 11.3 h (interquartile range 3.7 to 17.2) in the after group ( P<0.0001). At the time of endoscopy, 33% of patients in the before group had actively bleeding lesions (Forrest 1a or 1b) compared with 54% in the after group (P=0.01), but there were no significant differences in rebleeding, surgical rates, intensive care unit admission or death between the groups.

CONCLUSION: IV PPI infusions before endoscopy may lower the proportion of actively bleeding peptic ulcer lesions at endoscopy, but this finding does not appear to affect rates of rebleeding, surgery or death.
Why patients with inflammatory bowel disease use or do not use complementary and alternative medicine: A Canadian national survey
Authors: Li Feng X , Verhoef Marja J , Best Allan , Otley Anthony , Hilsden Robert J
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors associated with use of CAM, the reasons commonly cited for use or nonuse of CAM, and the correlations between the factors associated with use of CAM and reasons for CAM use.

SUBJECTS: The study included 2828 members of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

OBJECTIVE: Subjects were mailed a questionnaire that included items on demographic characteristics, disease and treatment history, health attitudes and behaviours, and reasons for use or nonuse of CAM. Logistical regression was used to determine significant associations with current CAM use.

RESULTS: In patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, CAM use was associated with more severe disease activity, use of CAM for other purposes, use of exercise and prayer for IBD, and a desire for an active role in treatment decisions. CAM use was also associated with younger age in those with Crohn's disease, and less confidence in their IBD physician in those with ulcerative colitis. The most common reasons for CAM use were a desire for greater control, having heard or read that CAM might help, and the emphasis CAM places on treating the whole person. The most common reasons for not using CAM were that conventional treatments were successful, that not enough was known about CAM and a belief that CAM would not help.

CONCLUSION: Disease activity and health attitudes and behaviours, but not demographic characteristics, are associated with CAM use by those with IBD.
Extradigestive Manifestation of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sherman Philip M , Lin Frank YH
Published: March 2016

Helicobacter pylori infection fulfills each of Koch's postulates as a human pathogen causing chronic active gastritis. Disease consequences that develop in a subset of infected subjects include peptic ulcerations, gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. More recently, multiple publications have advocated a role for H pylori infection in causing a variety of extraintestinal manifestations. Many of these reports suffer from being case reports or case series without adequate controls. As a result, purported manifestations may simply be coincidental in nature. On the other hand, increasing evidence supports H pylori infection as a cause of sideropenic (refractory iron deficiency) anemia. Moderate evidence supports H pylori gastric infection as a cause of some cases of immune thrombocytopenic purpura due to molecular mimicry. Guidelines should be adjusted in accordance with advancing knowledge in the field.
Racing Sampling Based Microimmune Optimization Approach Solving Constrained Expected Value Programming
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Zhuhong
Published: March 2016

This work investigates a bioinspired microimmune optimization algorithm to solve a general kind of single-objective nonlinear constrained expected value programming without any prior distribution. In the study of algorithm, two lower bound sample estimates of random variables are theoretically developed to estimate the empirical values of individuals. Two adaptive racing sampling schemes are designed to identify those competitive individuals in a given population, by which high-quality individuals can obtain large sampling size. An immune evolutionary mechanism, along with a local search approach, is constructed to evolve the current population. The comparative experiments have showed that the proposed algorithm can effectively solve higher-dimensional benchmark problems and is of potential for further applications.
Extracts ofCoreopsis tinctoriaNutt. Flower Exhibit Antidiabetic Effects via the Inhibition ofα-Glucosidase Activity
Authors: Cai Wujie , Yu Lijing , Zhang Yu , Feng Li , Kong Siyuan , Tan Hongsheng , Xu Hongxi , Huang Cheng
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to assay the effects ofCoreopsis tinctoriaNutt. flower extracts on hyperglycemia of diet-induced obese mice and the underlying mechanisms.Coreopsis tinctoriaflower was extracted with ethanol and water, respectively. The total phenol, flavonoid levels, and the constituents of the extracts were measured. For the animal experiments, C57BL/6 mice were fed with a chow diet, high-fat diet, or high-fat diet mixed with 0.4% (w/w) water and ethanol extracts ofCoreopsis tinctoriaflower for 8 weeks. The inhibitory effects of the extracts onα-glucosidase activity and the antioxidant properties were assayedin vitro. We found that the extracts blocked the increase of fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride (TG), insulin, leptin, and liver lipid levels and prevented the development of glucose tolerance impairment and insulin resistance in the C57BL/6 mice induced by a high-fat diet. The extracts inhibitedα-glycosidase activity and increased oxidant activityin vitro. In conclusion,Coreopsis tinctoriaflower extracts may ameliorate high-fat diet-induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The underling mechanism may be via the inhibition ofα-glucosidase activity. Our data indicate thatCoreopsis tinctoriaflower could be used as a beverage supplement and a potential source of drugs for treatment of diabetics.
Physical Environment of Accreting Neutron Stars
Authors: Wang J.
Published: March 2016

Neutron stars (NSs) powered by accretion, which are known as accretion-powered NSs, always are located in binary systems and manifest themselves as X-ray sources. Physical processes taking place during the accretion of material from their companions form a challenging and appealing topic, because of the strong magnetic field of NSs. In this paper, we review the physical process of accretion onto magnetized NS in X-ray binary systems. We, firstly, give an introduction to accretion-powered NSs and review the accretion mechanism in X-ray binaries. This review is mostly focused on accretion-induced evolution of NSs, which includes scenario of NSs both in high-mass binaries and in low-mass systems.
Genetic Comparison of Stemness of Human Umbilical Cord and Dental Pulp
Authors: Kang Chung-Min , Kim Hyunok , Song Je Seon , Choi Byung-Jai , Kim Seong-Oh , Jung Han-Sung , Moon Seok-Jun , Choi Hyung-Jun
Published: March 2016

This study focuses on gene expression patterns and functions in human umbilical cord (UC) and dental pulp (DP) containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). DP tissues were collected from 25 permanent premolars. UC tissue samples were obtained from three newborns. Comparative gene profiles were obtained using cDNA microarray analysis and the expression of tooth development‐associated and MSC‐related genes was assessed by the quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Genes related to cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune responses were expressed at higher levels in UC, whereas genes related to growth factor and receptor activity and signal transduction were more highly expressed in DP. Although UC and DP tissues exhibited similar expression of surface markers for MSCs, UC showed higher expression of CD29, CD34, CD44, CD73, CD105, CD146, and CD166. qRT‐PCR analysis showed that CD146, CD166, and MYC were expressed 18.3, 8.24, and 1.63 times more highly in UC, whereas the expression of CD34 was 2.15 times higher in DP. Immunohistochemical staining revealed significant differences in the expression of genes (DSPP, DMP1, and CALB1) related to odontogenesis and angiogenesis in DP. DP and UC tissue showed similar gene expression, with the usual MSC markers, while they clearly diverged in their differentiation capacity.
Transcriptome Analysis of Bovine Ovarian Follicles at Predeviation and Onset of Deviation Stages of a Follicular Wave
Authors: Li Pengfei , Meng Jinzhu , Liu Wenzhong , Smith George W. , Yao Jianbo , Lyu Lihua
Published: March 2016

For two libraries (PDF1 and ODF1) using Illumina sequencing 44,082,301 and 43,708,132 clean reads were obtained, respectively. After being mapped to the bovine RefSeq database, 15,533 genes were identified to be expressed in both types of follicles (cut-off RPKM > 0.5), of which 719 were highly expressed in bovine follicles (cut-off RPKM > 100). Furthermore, 83 genes were identified as being differentially expressed in ODF1 versus PDF1, where 42 genes were upregulated and 41 genes were downregulated. KEGG pathway analysis revealed two upregulated genes in ODF1 versus PDF1, CYP11A1, and CYP19A1, which are important genes in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. This study represents the first investigation of transcriptome of bovine follicles at predeviation and onset of deviation stages and provides a foundation for future investigation of the regulatory mechanisms involved in follicular development in cattle.
Trimester- and Assay-Specific Thyroid Reference Intervals for Pregnant Women in China
Authors: Xing Jinfang , Yuan Enwu , Li Jing , Zhang Yuchao , Meng Xiangying , Zhang Xia , Rong Shouhua , Lv Zhongxing , Tian Yuan , Jia Liting
Published: March 2016

Objective. The guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommend an upper limit reference interval (RI) of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of 2.5 mIU/L in the first trimester of pregnancy and 3.0 mIU/L in subsequent trimesters, but some reported ranges in China are significantly higher. Our study aimed to establish trimester- and assay-specific RIs for thyroid hormones in normal pregnant Chinese women. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 2540 women with normal pregnancies (first trimester, n=398; second trimester, n=797; third trimester, n=1345) and 237 healthy nonpregnant control subjects were recruited. Serum TSH, free thyroxin (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels were determined by automated chemiluminescence with an Immulite 2000 system (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). After outliers were excluded, the 2.5–97.5th percentiles were used to define the RIs. Results. The RIs of thyroid function in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy and in nonpregnant controls were 0.07–3.96, 0.27–4.53, 0.48–5.40, and 0.69–5.78 mIU/L for TSH and 9.16–18.12, 8.67–16.21, 7.80–13.90, and 8.24–16.61 pmol/L for FT4, respectively. Conclusion. The trimester- and assay-specific RIs of thyroid function during pregnancy differed between trimesters, which suggests that it is advisable to detect and avoid misclassification of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy for women in Henan, China.
Socio-Demographic Variables and Successful Aging of the Angolan Elderly
Authors: Galiana Laura , Gutiérrez Melchor , Sancho Patricia , Francisco Elizabeth-Hama , Tomás José M.
Published: March 2016

The proportion of elderly people is growing faster than any other age group. Amongst them, the group of oldest old is indeed the segment of the elderly population with the fastest growth rate. The increase in the proportion of elderly in the Angolan population makes research on this area badly needed. Within the theoretical framework of successful aging, the study aims to test for sociodemographic group differences in perceived health, life satisfaction, and social relations in Angolan elderly. The dependent variables are three of the components of what has been called successful aging. Data came from a cross-sectional survey of elderly people living in Luanda. 1003 Angolan elderly were surveyed on sociodemographic information, perceived health, life satisfaction, and social support. MANOVAs were calculated to test for mean differences in the dependent variables. Results permit to conclude that the factors associated with the largest differences on the Angolan elderly’s quality of life and social relations were age (becoming oldest old) and institutionalization. The interactions of several factors with age pointed out that the oldest old were clearly a group in which the decreased quality of life due to becoming oldest old could not be compensated by other factors, as it was the case in the group of young old.
Kaempferol Attenuates Myocardial Ischemic Injury via Inhibition of MAPK Signaling Pathway in Experimental Model of Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Suchal Kapil , Malik Salma , Gamad Nanda , Malhotra Rajiv Kumar , Goyal Sameer N. , Chaudhary Uma , Bhatia Jagriti , Ojha Shreesh , Arya Dharamvir Singh
Published: March 2016

Kaempferol (KMP), a dietary flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. Hence, we investigated the effect of KMP in ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) model of myocardial injury in rats. We studied male albino Wistar rats that were divided into sham, IR‐control, KMP‐20 + IR, and KMP 20 per se groups. KMP (20 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered daily to rats for the period of 15 days, and, on the 15th day, ischemia was produced by one‐stage ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min. After completion of surgery, rats were sacrificed; heart was removed and processed for biochemical, morphological, and molecular studies. KMP pretreatment significantly ameliorated IR injury by maintaining cardiac function, normalizing oxidative stress, and preserving morphological alterations. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the level of inflammatory markers (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and NFκB), inhibition of active JNK and p38 proteins, and activation of ERK1/ERK2, a prosurvival kinase. Additionally, it also attenuated apoptosis by reducing the expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bax and Caspase‐3), TUNEL positive cells, and increased level of antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl‐2). In conclusion, KMP protected against IR injury by attenuating inflammation and apoptosis through the modulation of MAPK pathway.