bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and outcomes of simultaneous vasospasm and endovascular aneurysm treatment (SVAT) in subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Drazin Doniel , Fennell Vernard S , Gifford Edward , Lagman Carlito , Atchaneeyasakul Kunakorn , Edgell Randall C , Rayes Mahmoud , Xavier Andrew , Hussain Muhammad S , Gupta Rishi , Kalia Junaid S , Zaidat Osama O , Linfante Italo , Nogueira Raul G , Nguyen Thanh , Oliveira-Filho Jamary , Barros Alexandre D M , Boulos Alan , Alexander Michael J , Yavagal Dileep R
Published: October 2016

Background

Simultaneous vasospasm and endovascular aneurysm treatment (SVAT) has been shown to be effective with good clinical outcomes in small series, but these studies have not examined predictive factors for clinical outcome after treatment.

Objective

To identify the safety and efficacy of SVAT in a large multicenter patient cohort and evaluate prognostic markers of clinical outcome following SVAT.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 50 consecutive patients undergoing SVAT at 11 different centers. We analyzed Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades, aneurysm location, angiographic vasospasm grade, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

Results

A total of 50 patients undergoing SVAT between the years 2003 and 2009 were identified. Patients presented, on average, 6.48±4.45 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades were 1 (n=7), 2 (n=12), 3 (n=14), 4 (n=15), 5 (n=2), and 3 and 4 (n=33), respectively. Aneurysm location was distributed as follows: anterior (n=32), posterior (n=16), anterior and posterior (n=2). Patients with good clinical condition (Hunt and Hess score 1–3) had significantly higher odds of surviving (OR=17.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 161.5), favorable GOS (OR=4.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 14.8), and favorable 90-day mRS (OR=4.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 14.8).

Conclusions

SVAT is safe, with the majority of patients achieving good clinical outcome. Patients with lower Hunt and Hess grades have higher odds of surviving and favorable clinical prognosis.
Prevalence of bovine milk pathogens in Azorean pastures: mobile versus fixed milking machines
Authors: Azevedo C. , Pacheco D. , Soares L. , Moitoso M. , Maldonado J. , Guix R. , Simões J.
Published: October 2016

The aims of the present study were (1) to evaluate the influence of using mobile (n=47) or fixed (n=45) milking machines in Azorean herds on the apparent prevalence of several milk pathogens in bulk tank milk (BTM) and (2) to determine whether separated subclinical mastitic cows can serve, in real time, as predictors of milk pathogen prevalence for the remaining animals at the herd level. The use of a mobile or fixed milking machine influenced (P≤0.05) the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (72.3 per cent; n=34 v 51.1 per cent; n=23, respectively) and Klebsiella species (46.8 per cent; n=22 v 26.7 per cent; n=12, respectively). S aureus (95 per cent CI OR 1.1 to 6.0) and Klebsiella species (95 per cent CI OR 1.0 to 5.8) were 2.5 times more likely to increase in the BTM of herds using mobile milking machines. The prevalence of coagulase‐negative staphylococci (100 per cent; n=92), Escherichia coli (75.0 per cent), Corynebacterium bovis (57.6 per cent), Enterococcus species (55.4 per cent), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (51.1 per cent), Streptococcus uberis (41.3 per cent), Actinomyces pyogenes or Peptostreptococcus indolicus (41.3 per cent) and Streptococcus agalactiae (32.6 per cent) in BTM remained similar among the herds. κ coefficients were always <0.70, indicating intra‐herd disagreement of the prevalence of milk pathogens between BTM and separated milking cows. Milking hygiene should be improved in pastures, focusing specifically on herds that use a mobile milking machine. The segregated cows at milking time are not good predictors of milk pathogens in BTM.
A comparison of the health benefits of reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT) and moderate-intensity walking in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Ruffino José S. , Songsorn Preeyaphorn , Haggett Malindi , Edmonds Daniel , Robinson Anthony M. , Thompson Dylan , Vollaard Niels B.J.
Published: October 2016

Reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT) is a genuinely time-efficient intervention that can improve aerobic capacity and insulin sensitivity in sedentary individuals. The present study compared the effects of REHIT and moderate-intensity walking on health markers in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a counter-balanced crossover study. Sixteen men with T2D (mean ± SD age: 55 ± 5 years, body mass index: 30.6 ± 2.8 kg·m−2, maximal aerobic capacity: 27 ± 4 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed 8 weeks of REHIT (three 10-min low-intensity cycling sessions/week with two “all-out” 10–20-s sprints) and 8 weeks of moderate-intensity walking (five 30-min sessions/week at an intensity corresponding to 40%–55% of heart-rate reserve), with a 2-month wash-out period between interventions. Before and after each intervention, participants underwent an incremental fitness test, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), a whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and continuous glucose monitoring. REHIT was associated with a significantly larger increase in maximal aerobic capacity compared with walking (7% vs. 1%; time × intervention interaction effect: p < 0.05). Both REHIT and walking decreased resting mean arterial pressure (−4%; main effect of time: p < 0.05) and plasma fructosamine (−5%; main effect of time: p < 0.05). Neither intervention significantly improved OGTT-derived measures of insulin sensitivity, glycaemic control measured using continuous glucose monitors, blood lipid profile, or body composition. We conclude that REHIT is superior to a 5-fold larger volume of moderate-intensity walking in improving aerobic fitness, but similar to walking REHIT is not an effective intervention for improving insulin sensitivity or glycaemic control in T2D patients in the short term.
Effects of lactoferrin on the production of interferon-λ by the human intestinal epithelial cell line HT-29
Authors: Shin Kouichirou , Oda Hirotsugu , Wakabayashi Hiroyuki , Yamauchi Koji , Abe Fumiaki
Published: October 2016

We examined the in-vitro effects of bovine lactoferrin (LF) on the production of interferon-λ (IFN-λ), an antiviral cytokine important for the defense of enterocytes, using the human intestinal epithelial cell line HT-29. HT-29 cell cultures were treated with LF for 1 h, and the cultures were stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). LF increased the concentration of IFN-λ in the culture supernatant after stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. A similar increase in the concentration of IFN-λ was observed in the supernatant of cells washed between treatment with LF and stimulation with poly I:C. At 6 and 24 h after stimulation with poly I:C (early and late phases, respectively) treated cultures contained significantly higher concentrations of IFN-λ1 in the culture supernatant, and significantly higher IFN-λ1 and IFN-λ2 mRNA levels, than controls. These results suggest that LF activates the innate cellular immunity of the enterocytes to double-stranded RNA and increases the production of IFN-λ.
Base sequence specificity of counterion binding to DNA: what can MD simulations tell us?
Authors: Atzori Alessio , Liggi Sonia , Laaksonen Aatto , Porcu Massimiliano , Lyubartsev Alexander P. , Saba Giuseppe , Mocci Francesca
Published: October 2016

Nucleic acids are highly charged biopolymers whose secondary structure is strongly dependent on electrostatic interactions. Solvent molecules and ions are also believed to play an important role in mediating and directing both sequence recognition and interactions with other molecules, such as proteins and a variety of ligands. Therefore, to fully understand the biological functions of DNA, it is necessary to understand the interactions with the surrounding counterions. It is well known that monovalent counterions can bind to the minor groove of DNA with consecutive sequences of four, or more, adenine and thymine (A-tracts) with relatively long residence times. However, much less is known about their binding to the backbone and to the major groove. In this work, we used molecular dynamics simulations to both investigate the interactions between the backbone and major groove of DNA and one of its physiological counterions (Na+) and evaluate the relationship between these interactions and the nucleotide sequence. Three dodecamers, namely CGAAAATTTTCG, CGCTCTAGAGCG, and CGCGAATTCGCG, were simulated using the Toukan–Rahman flexible SPC water model and Smith and Dang parameters for Na+, revealing a significant sequence dependence on the ion binding to both backbone and major groove. In the absence of experimental data on the atomistic details of the studied interactions, the reliability of the results was evaluated performing the simulations with additional sets of potential parameters for ions and solvent, namely the Ȧqvist or the Joung and Cheatham ion parameters and the TIP3P water model. This allowed us to evaluate the results by verifying which features are preserved independently from the parameters adopted.
Generating Multiple Chaotic Attractors from Sprott B System
Authors: Lai Qiang , Chen Shiming
Published: October 2016

Multiple chaotic attractors, implying several independent chaotic attractors generated simultaneously in a system from different initial values, are a very interesting and important nonlinear phenomenon, but there are few studies that have previously addressed it to our best knowledge. In this paper, we propose a polynomial function method for generating multiple chaotic attractors from the Sprott B system. The polynomial function extends the number of index-2 saddle foci, which determines the emergence of multiple chaotic attractors in the system. The analysis of the equilibria is presented. Two coexisting chaotic attractors, three coexisting chaotic attractors and four coexisting chaotic attractors are investigated for verifying the effectiveness of the method. The chaotic characteristics of the attractors are shown by bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectrum and phase portraits.
Noise Characteristic of the Chaotic Double Loop Delta Sigma Modulator
Authors: Ioka Eri , Watanabe Nozomi , Makishima Ryo , Matsuya Yasuyuki
Published: October 2016

The chaotic delta sigma modulator is a way to suppress the limit cycle oscillation caused by the input of a null or constant signal. By changing integrator gains, the output sequence becomes chaotic and the noise characteristic of the output is changed. This noise characteristic is an important factor for evaluating the performance of delta sigma modulation. The aim of this study is to analyze the noise characteristic of chaotic double loop delta sigma modulation when the null signal is input. We use a bifurcation diagram and FFT analysis to obtain the parameter dependence of the output state and noise characteristic, respectively. The output status of the chaotic double loop delta sigma modulation can be guessed from a bifurcation diagram with the brute force method. We also investigate the noise characteristic of the output signal of the chaotic modulator with FFT analysis and classify the various noise characteristics by changing the integrator gains of the double loop delta sigma modulator. We use FFT and the bifurcation diagram to classify these noise characteristics into three categories: suppressed tone (affected by the chaos), divergence, and the appearance of the limit cycle oscillation. We also confirm the existence of an unusual noise-shaping characteristic caused by the intermittent chaos.
Bifurcation of Limit Cycles in a Near-Hamiltonian System with a Cusp of Order Two and a Saddle
Authors: Bakhshalizadeh Ali , Zangeneh Hamid R. Z. , Kazemi Rasool
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the asymptotic expansion of first-order Melnikov function of a heteroclinic loop connecting a cusp of order two and a hyperbolic saddle for a planar near-Hamiltonian system is given. Next, we consider the limit cycle bifurcations of a hyper-elliptic Liénard system with this kind of heteroclinic loop and study the least upper bound of limit cycles bifurcated from the period annulus inside the heteroclinic loop, from the heteroclinic loop itself and the center. We find that at most three limit cycles can be bifurcated from the period annulus, also we present different distributions of bifurcated limit cycles.
Simple Chaotic Hyperjerk System
Authors: Dalkiran Fatma Yildirim , Sprott J. C.
Published: October 2016

In literature many chaotic systems, based on third-order jerk equations with different nonlinear functions, are available. A jerk system is taken to be a part of dynamical systems that can exhibit regular and chaotic behavior. By extension, a hyperjerk system can be described as a dynamical system with [Formula: see text]th-order ordinary differential equations where [Formula: see text] is 4 or up to. Hyperjerk systems have been investigated in literature in the last decade. This paper consists of numerical studies and experimental realization on FPAA for fourth-order hyperjerk system with exponential nonlinear function.
Multilevel Thresholding with Membrane Computing Inspired TLBO
Authors: Singh V. P. , Prakash Tapan , Rathore Natwar Singh , Singh Chauhan Dharma Pal , Singh Sugandh P.
Published: October 2016

The selection of optimal thresholds is still a challenging task for researchers in case of multilevel thresholding. Many swarm and evolutionary computation techniques have been applied for obtaining optimal values of thresholds. The performance of all these computation techniques is highly dependent on proper selection of algorithm-specific parameters. In this work, a new hybrid optimization technique, membrane computing inspired teacher-learner-based-optimization (MCTLBO), is proposed which is based on the structure of membrane computing (MC) and teacher-learner-based-optimization (TLBO) algorithm. To prove the efficacy of proposed algorithm, it is applied to solve multilevel thresholding problem in which the Kapur's entropy criterion is considered as figure-of-merit. In this experiment, four benchmark test images are considered for multilevel thresholding. The optimal values of thresholds are obtained using TLBO, MC and particle swarm optimization (PSO) in addition to proposed algorithm to accomplish the comparative study. To support the superiority of proposed algorithm over others, various quantitative and qualitative results are presented in addition to statistical analysis.
Optimizing the Learning Process of Feedforward Neural Networks Using Lightning Search Algorithm
Authors: Faris Hossam , Aljarah Ibrahim , Al-Madi Nailah , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: October 2016

Evolutionary Neural Networks are proven to be beneficial in solving challenging datasets mainly due to the high local optima avoidance. Stochastic operators in such techniques reduce the probability of stagnation in local solutions and assist them to supersede conventional training algorithms such as Back Propagation (BP) and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM). According to the No-Free-Lunch (NFL), however, there is no optimization technique for solving all optimization problems. This means that a Neural Network trained by a new algorithm has the potential to solve a new set of problems or outperform the current techniques in solving existing problems. This motivates our attempts to investigate the efficiency of the recently proposed Evolutionary Algorithm called Lightning Search Algorithm (LSA) in training Neural Network for the first time in the literature. The LSA-based trainer is benchmarked on 16 popular medical diagnosis problems and compared to BP, LM, and 6 other evolutionary trainers. The quantitative and qualitative results show that the LSA algorithm is able to show not only better local solutions avoidance but also faster convergence speed compared to the other algorithms employed. In addition, the statistical test conducted proves that the LSA-based trainer is significantly superior in comparison with the current algorithms on the majority of datasets.
The Economicization of the Cross-Strait Relationship: The Impact of the Cross-Strait Economic Relationship on the 2012 Presidential Election in Taiwan
Authors: WEI MEI-CHUAN , HUNG YAO-NAN , TUNG CHEN-YUAN
Published: October 2016

In comparing Taiwan’s presidential elections in 2012 and 2016, looking into the influence of the cross-Strait relationship is an important research topic. Analyses of the 2012 presidential election focusing on the cross-Strait relationship therefore serve as a useful reference for such a comparison. All comments on and analyses of the outcome of Taiwan’s 2012 presidential election point to the impact of the cross-Strait economic relationship. By drawing on economic statecraft theories, this paper explores the issue through analyzing post-election survey data. Our study shows that the concern with the impact of the negative development of the cross-Strait economic relationship on Taiwan’s economy had Ma Ying-jeou lost the election significantly influenced the decisions of those voters who were dissatisfied with President Ma’s performance during his first term and yet still voted for him in the election mainly because of Ma’s position on the cross-Strait relationship. They accounted for 5.75% of the total number of voters. Given that the winning margin in the 2012 presidential election was 5.97%, the decision made by the aforementioned voters could have changed the election result. It also shows that 73.7% of the cross-Strait relationship voters were cross-Strait economic voters. Our findings demonstrate that, although the cross-Strait relationship per se may not be the most crucial factor that determines the voting choice of the Taiwan people, it however proves the influence of the cross-Strait economic relationship over the election, hence the economicization of the cross-Strait relationship. By economicization, it is meant that the cross-Strait economic relationship appears to be a dominant issue in the cross-Strait relationship.
The challenge of unbiased application of risk analysis towards future profitable exploration
Authors: Citron Gary P. , Brown P. Jeffrey , MacKay James , Carragher Peter , Cook David
Published: October 2016

We illustrate how the combination of both ‘backward-looking’ and ‘forward-looking’ perspectives serves as a powerful catalyst for profitable exploration. The phrase ‘backward-looking’ refers to a company's discipline to rapidly learn from their past performance. The process utilizes tracking predictive performance to focus on patterns from exploration parameter results relative to forecasts. The learnings are implemented through technology applications and improved forecasts that can lead ultimately to a more predictive (i.e. calibrated) portfolio. This discipline may be viewed as time-consuming, but is a critical part of the role of a professional. Often we observe that a calibrated state of accurately estimating the chance of success was achieved before a company reached a calibrated state of prospect pre-drill size prediction. The phrase ‘forward-looking’ here refers to a company's ability to conduct three tasks. First, exploration from a play perspective that quantifies candidate plays in a comparative sense. Second, integrate quantitative play analysis and an understanding of their risk-tolerance levels in order to build comprehensive models of how different plays can compete to best accomplish the goals of corporate strategy. Third, to apply the same discipline of unbiased, calibrated estimation to the characterization of prospects as they are technically matured to the drill-ready state.
Structure transition of lumpy landfills with increasing stress level
Authors: Shi X. S. , Herle I.
Published: October 2016

Landfills are dumped without any compaction and thus have a relatively open structure, which induces high compressibility and structure degradation of the lumpy soil in the upper layer. In this study, the structure transition of lumpy material was evaluated using the intrinsic line concept. The evolution of the inter-lump porosity of fresh lumpy soils was also analysed within the homogenization framework. The compression data for a fresh lumpy soil lie initially above the intrinsic line owing to the closure of the inter-lump voids within a low stress range. Later, the compressibility decreases with the consolidation stress and the soil behaves similarly to an overconsolidated soil. Finally, the loading reaches the preconsolidation stress of the lumps, and the whole soil volume becomes normally consolidated. A dry lumpy soil in flooded condition behaves similarly; however, all the test data lie above (or on) the intrinsic line beyond the yield stress. A natural soil with metastable structure behaves in the opposite fashion: all the data lie below (or on) the intrinsic line. Finally, the structural transition of clayfills in the field as a result of weathering factors is discussed.
Remarkable preservation of brain tissues in an Early Cretaceous iguanodontian dinosaur
Authors: Brasier Martin D. , Norman David B. , Liu Alexander G. , Cotton Laura J. , Hiscocks Jamie E. H. , Garwood Russell J. , Antcliffe Jonathan B. , Wacey David
Published: October 2016

It has become accepted in recent years that the fossil record can preserve labile tissues. We report here the highly detailed mineralization of soft tissues associated with a naturally occurring brain endocast of an iguanodontian dinosaur found in
c.
133 Ma fluvial sediments of the Wealden at Bexhill, Sussex, UK. Moulding of the braincase wall and the mineral replacement of the adjacent brain tissues by phosphates and carbonates allowed the direct examination of petrified brain tissues. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and computed tomography (CT) scanning revealed preservation of the tough membranes (meninges) that enveloped and supported the brain proper. Collagen strands of the meningeal layers were preserved in collophane. The blood vessels, also preserved in collophane, were either lined by, or infilled with, microcrystalline siderite. The meninges were preserved in the hindbrain region and exhibit structural similarities with those of living archosaurs. Greater definition of the forebrain (cerebrum) than the hindbrain (cerebellar and medullary regions) is consistent with the anatomical and implied behavioural complexity previously described in iguanodontian-grade ornithopods. However, we caution that the observed proximity of probable cortical layers to the braincase walls probably resulted from the settling of brain tissues against the roof of the braincase after inversion of the skull during decay and burial.

Supplementary material:
Information regarding associated fossil material, and additional images, can be found at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3519984
Gene expression profiling of epigenetic chromatin modification enzymes and histone marks by cigarette smoke: implications for COPD and lung cancer
Authors: Sundar Isaac K. , Rahman Irfan
Published: October 2016

Chromatin-modifying enzymes mediate DNA methylation and histone modifications on recruitment to specific target gene loci in response to various stimuli. The key enzymes that regulate chromatin accessibility for maintenance of modifications in DNA and histones, and for modulation of gene expression patterns in response to cigarette smoke (CS), are not known. We hypothesize that CS exposure alters the gene expression patterns of chromatin-modifying enzymes, which then affects multiple downstream pathways involved in the response to CS. We have, therefore, analyzed chromatin-modifying enzyme profiles and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). We also performed immunoblot analysis of targeted histone marks in C57BL/6J mice exposed to acute and subchronic CS, and of lungs from nonsmokers, smokers, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We found a significant increase in expression of several chromatin modification enzymes, including DNA methyltransferases, histone acetyltransferases, histone methyltransferases, and SET domain proteins, histone kinases, and ubiquitinases. Our qPCR validation data revealed a significant downregulation of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Hdac2, Hdac4, Hat1, Prmt1, and Aurkb. We identified targeted chromatin histone marks (H3K56ac and H4K12ac), which are induced by CS. Thus CS-induced genotoxic stress differentially affects the expression of epigenetic modulators that regulate transcription of target genes via DNA methylation and site-specific histone modifications. This may have implications in devising epigenetic-based therapies for COPD and lung cancer.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and impaired insulin-stimulated blood flow: role of skeletal muscle NO synthase and endothelin-1
Authors: Reynolds Leryn J. , Credeur Daniel P. , Manrique Camila , Padilla Jaume , Fadel Paul J. , Thyfault John P.
Published: October 2016

Increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) and reduced endothelial nitric oxide phosphorylation (peNOS) are hypothesized to reduce insulin-stimulated blood flow in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but studies examining these links in humans are limited. We sought to assess basal and insulin-stimulated endothelial signaling proteins (ET-1 and peNOS) in skeletal muscle from T2D patients. Ten obese T2D [glucose disposal rate (GDR): 6.6 ± 1.6 mg·kg lean body mass (LBM)−1·min−1] and 11 lean insulin-sensitive subjects (Lean GDR: 12.9 ± 1.2 mg·kg LBM−1·min−1) underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with vastus lateralis biopsies taken before and 60 min into the clamp. Basal biopsies were also taken in 11 medication-naïve, obese, non-T2D subjects. ET-1, peNOS (Ser1177), and eNOS protein and mRNA were measured from skeletal muscle samples containing native microvessels. Femoral artery blood flow was assessed by duplex Doppler ultrasound. Insulin-stimulated blood flow was reduced in obese T2D (Lean: +50.7 ± 6.5% baseline, T2D: +20.8 ± 5.2% baseline, P < 0.05). peNOS/eNOS content was higher in Lean under basal conditions and, although not increased by insulin, remained higher in Lean during the insulin clamp than in obese T2D ( P < 0.05). ET-1 mRNA and peptide were 2.25 ± 0.50- and 1.52 ± 0.11-fold higher in obese T2D compared with Lean at baseline, and ET-1 peptide remained 2.02 ± 1.9-fold elevated in obese T2D after insulin infusion ( P < 0.05) but did not increase with insulin in either group ( P > 0.05). Obese non-T2D subjects tended to also display elevated basal ET-1 ( P = 0.06). In summary, higher basal skeletal muscle expression of ET-1 and reduced peNOS/eNOS may contribute to a reduced insulin-stimulated leg blood flow response in obese T2D patients.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although impairments in endothelial signaling are hypothesized to reduce insulin-stimulated blood flow in type 2 diabetes (T2D), human studies examining these links are limited. We provide the first measures of nitric oxide synthase and endothelin-1 expression from skeletal muscle tissue containing native microvessels in individuals with and without T2D before and during insulin stimulation. Higher basal skeletal muscle expression of endothelin-1 and reduced endothelial nitric oxide phosphorylation (peNOS)/eNOS may contribute to reduced insulin-stimulated blood flow in obese T2D patients.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation prior to presleep protein feeding stimulates the use of protein-derived amino acids for overnight muscle protein synthesis
Authors: Dirks Marlou L. , Groen Bart B. L. , Franssen Rinske , van Kranenburg Janneau , van Loon Luc J. C.
Published: October 2016

Short periods of muscle disuse result in substantial skeletal muscle atrophy. Recently, we showed that both neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as well as presleep dietary protein ingestion represent effective strategies to stimulate muscle protein synthesis rates. In this study, we test our hypothesis that NMES can augment the use of presleep protein-derived amino acids for overnight muscle protein synthesis in older men. Twenty healthy, older [69 ± 1 (SE) yr] men were subjected to 24 h of bed rest, starting at 8:00 AM. In the evening, volunteers were subjected to 70-min 1-legged NMES, while the other leg served as nonstimulated control (CON). Immediately following NMES, 40 g of intrinsically l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine labeled protein was ingested prior to sleep. Blood samples were taken throughout the night, and muscle biopsies were obtained from both legs in the evening and the following morning (8 h after protein ingestion) to assess dietary protein-derived l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine enrichments in myofibrillar protein. Plasma phenylalanine concentrations and plasma l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine enrichments increased significantly following protein ingestion and remained elevated for up to 6 h after protein ingestion ( P < 0.05). During overnight sleep, myofibrillar protein-bound l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine enrichments (MPE) increased to a greater extent in the stimulated compared with the control leg (0.0344 ± 0.0019 vs. 0.0297 ± 0.0016 MPE, respectively; P < 0.01), representing 18 ± 6% greater incorporation of presleep protein-derived amino acids in the NMES compared with CON leg. In conclusion, application of NMES prior to presleep protein feeding stimulates the use of dietary protein-derived amino acids for overnight muscle protein synthesis in older men.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as well as presleep dietary protein ingestion represent effective strategies to stimulate muscle protein synthesis rates. Here we demonstrate that in older men after a day of bed rest, the application of NMES prior to presleep protein feeding stimulates the use of dietary protein-derived amino acids for overnight muscle protein synthesis by 18% compared with presleep protein feeding only.
Impact of MYH6 variants in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Tomita-Mitchell Aoy , Stamm Karl D. , Mahnke Donna K. , Kim Min-Su , Hidestrand Pip M. , Liang Huan Ling , Goetsch Mary A. , Hidestrand Mats , Simpson Pippa , Pelech Andrew N. , Tweddell James S. , Benson D. Woodrow , Lough John W. , Mitchell Michael E.
Published: October 2016

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a clinically and anatomically severe form of congenital heart disease (CHD). Although prior studies suggest that HLHS has a complex genetic inheritance, its etiology remains largely unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize a risk gene in HLHS and its effect on HLHS etiology and outcome. We performed next-generation sequencing on a multigenerational family with a high prevalence of CHD/HLHS, identifying a rare variant in the α-myosin heavy chain ( MYH6) gene. A case-control study of 190 unrelated HLHS subjects was then performed and compared with the 1000 Genomes Project. Damaging MYH6 variants, including novel, missense, in-frame deletion, premature stop, de novo, and compound heterozygous variants, were significantly enriched in HLHS cases ( P < 1 × 10−5). Clinical outcomes analysis showed reduced transplant-free survival in HLHS subjects with damaging MYH6 variants ( P < 1 × 10−2). Transcriptome and protein expression analyses with cardiac tissue revealed differential expression of cardiac contractility genes, notably upregulation of the β-myosin heavy chain ( MYH7) gene in subjects with MYH6 variants ( P < 1 × 10−3). We subsequently used patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model HLHS in vitro. Early stages of in vitro cardiomyogenesis in iPSCs derived from two unrelated HLHS families mimicked the increased expression of MYH7 observed in vivo ( P < 1 × 10−2), while revealing defective cardiomyogenic differentiation. Rare, damaging variants in MYH6 are enriched in HLHS, affect molecular expression of contractility genes, and are predictive of poor outcome. These findings indicate that the etiology of MYH6-associated HLHS can be informed using iPSCs and suggest utility in future clinical applications.
Lipid Histiocytosis of the Gallbladder Neck Lymph Node
Authors: Handra-Luca Adriana , Ben Romdhane Mohamed Habib , Straub Beate Katharina
Published: October 2016

Lipid histiocytosis of the gallbladder neck lymph node is rarely reported nowadays. Two obese patients presented with gallbladder lithiasis detected on CT scan. The treatment consisted in coelioscopic cholecystectomy. Microscopy revealed subacute/chronic lithiasic cholecystitis and foci of vacuolated cells in the gallbladder neck lymph node. These cells were positive for CD68, CD31, S100 protein, and adipophilin and negative for cytokeratin and Alcian blue. In conclusion, we report lymph node lipid histiocytosis diagnosed microscopically after cholecystectomy. While such lesions may remain unidentified on imaging procedures, the microscopic analysis may require special stains and immunohistochemistry for ruling out adenocarcinoma metastasis.
Postrenal Failure due to Urinary Stones Associated with Acute Viral Gastroenteritis: Three Case Reports
Authors: Kira Satoru , Mitsui Takahiko , Zakoji Hidenori , Aoki Tadashi , Sawada Norifumi , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Takeda Masayuki
Published: October 2016

Acute gastroenteritis with viral infection in infants causes severe diarrhea and often results in acute renal failure due to severe dehydration. However, a viral infection, particularly rotavirus, rarely induces postrenal failure due to bilateral stones in infants. Herein, we report three cases of postrenal failure in infants due to bilateral ureteral stones induced by acute gastroenteritis with rotavirus. Following immediately nephrostomy, chemical dissolution therapy succeeded to treat postrenal failure. Immediate nephrostomy for the release of upper urinary tract obstruction combined with urinary alkalization as a chemical dissolution therapy should be considered in such cases.
Factor Analysis of Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to the Temporoparietal Junction for Tinnitus
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Bei , Wang Meiye , Li Ming , Yu Dongzhen , Shi Haibo , Yin Shankai
Published: October 2016

Objectives. We investigated factors that contribute to suppression of tinnitus after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).Methods. A total of 289 patients with tinnitus underwent active 1 Hz rTMS in the left temporoparietal region. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess tinnitus loudness. All participants were interviewed regarding age, gender, tinnitus duration, laterality and pitch, audiometric parameters, sleep, and so forth. The resting motor thresholds (RMTs) were measured in all patients and 30 age- and gender-matched volunteers.Results. With respect to different factors that contribute to tinnitus suppression, we found improvement in the following domains: shorter duration, normal hearing (OR: 3.25, 95%CI: 2.01–5.27,p=0.001), and without sleep disturbance (OR: 2.51, 95%CI: 1.56–4.1,p=0.005) adjusted for age and gender. The patients with tinnitus lasting less than 1 year were more likely to show suppression of tinnitus (OR: 2.77, 95%CI: 1.48–5.19,p=0.002) compared to those with tinnitus lasting more than 5 years. Tinnitus patients had significantly lower RMTs compared with healthy volunteers.Conclusion. Active low-frequency rTMS results in a significant reduction in the loudness of tinnitus. Significant tinnitus suppression was shown in subjects with shorter tinnitus duration, with normal hearing, and without sleep disturbance.
Lack of Associations betweenXPCGene Polymorphisms and Neuroblastoma Susceptibility in a Chinese Population
Authors: Zheng Jintao , Zhang Ruizhong , Zhu Jinhong , Wang Fenghua , Yang Tianyou , He Jing , Xia Huimin
Published: October 2016

Neuroblastoma is one of the most malignant solid tumors in infants and young children. No more than 40% of neuroblastoma patients can survive for longer than five years after it has been diagnosed. XPC protein is a pivotal factor that recognizes DNA damage and starts up the nucleotide excision repair (NER) in mammalian cells. This makes up the first group to defend against the cancer. Previous studies have identified thatXPCgene polymorphisms were associated with various types of cancer. However, the associations betweenXPCgene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk have not yet been studied. We investigated the associations between threeXPCgene polymorphisms (rs2228001 A>C, rs2228000 C>T, and rs2229090 G>C) and neuroblastoma risk with 256 neuroblastoma patients and 531 healthy controls in a Chinese Han population. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to access the association between these three polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. No significant association was detected between these three polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in the overall analysis as well as in the stratification analysis. These results suggest that none of these three polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of neuroblastoma in the Chinese Han population.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate the Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses Dampening Arthritis Progression
Authors: Contreras R. A. , Figueroa F. E. , Djouad F. , Luz-Crawford P.
Published: October 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that are able to immunomodulate cells from both the innate and the adaptive immune systems promoting an anti‐inflammatory environment. During the last decade, MSCs have been intensively studied in vitro and in vivo in experimental animal model of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Based on these studies, MSCs are currently widely used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by complex deregulation of the immune systems. However, the therapeutic properties of MSCs in arthritis are still controverted. These controversies might be due to the diversity of MSC sources and isolation protocols used, the time, the route and dose of MSC administration, the variety of the mechanisms involved in the MSCs suppressive effects, and the complexity of arthritis pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the role of the interactions between MSCs and the different immune cells associated with arthritis pathogenesis and the possible means described in the literature that could enhance MSCs therapeutic potential counteracting arthritis development and progression.
Abrupt Geographical Transition between Aposematic Color Forms in the SpittlebugProsapia ignipectus(Fitch) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)
Authors: Thompson Vinton , Carvalho Gervasio S.
Published: October 2016

Over most of its range populations of the spittlebugProsapia ignipectus(Fitch) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) are monomorphic for black dorsal coloration. At the far northeastern margin of the species range in Maine, a cluster of populations is monomorphic for the presence of traverse orange dorsal lines against a black background. The narrow gap separating monomorphic black and monomorphic lined populations is less than 10 km wide, shows no evidence of a hybrid zone, and is without consequential physical barriers or ecological breaks. This sharp and unexpected division of color forms seems to have persisted for at least 90 years. It appears to be the sharpest divide ever recorded between geographically adjacent populations monomorphic for alternative aposematic color forms. About 45 kilometers to the southwest of this dividing line, three closely situated populations, surrounded by monomorphic black populations, are polymorphic for the two color forms. These observations are at variance with several expectations for aposematic species: (1) that local populations will be monomorphic for warning coloration, (2) that adjacent populations monomorphic for different local color forms will be linked by populations with mixed or hybrid forms, and (3) that geographic boundaries between contrasting aposematic color forms should be temporally unstable.
Differential Item Functioning of the Psychological Domain of the Menopause Rating Scale
Authors: Monterrosa-Castro Alvaro , Portela-Buelvas Katherin , Oviedo Heidi C. , Herazo Edwin , Campo-Arias Adalberto
Published: October 2016

Introduction.Quality of life could be quantified with the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), which evaluates the severity of somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms in menopause. However, differential item functioning (DIF) analysis has not been applied previously.Objective. To establish the DIF of the psychological domain of the MRS in Colombian women.Methods. 4,009 women aged between 40 and 59 years, who participated in the CAVIMEC (Calidad de Vida en la Menopausia y Etnias Colombianas) project, were included. Average age was49.0±5.9years. Women were classified in mestizo, Afro-Colombian, and indigenous. The results were presented as averages and standard deviation (X±SD). Apvalue <0.001 was considered statistically significant.Results. In mestizo women, the highestX±SDwere obtained in physical and mental exhaustion (PME) (0.86±0.93) and the lowest ones in anxiety (0.44±0.79). In Afro-Colombian women, an average score of0.99±1.07for PME and0.63±0.88for anxiety was gotten. Indigenous women obtained an increased average score for PME (1.33±0.93). The lowest score was evidenced in depressive mood (0.50±0.81), which is different from other Colombian women (p<0.001).Conclusions. The psychological items of the MRS show differential functioning according to the ethnic group, which may induce systematic error in the measurement of the construct.
Mast Cells: Key Players in the Shadow in Oral Inflammation and in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Gaje Pusa Nela , Amalia Ceausu Raluca , Jitariu Adriana , Stratul Stefan Ioan , Rusu Laura-Cristina , Popovici Ramona Amina , Raica Marius
Published: October 2016

Although mast cells (MCs) have been discovered over 130 years ago, their function was almost exclusively linked to allergic affections. At the time being, it is well known that MCs possess a great variety of roles, in both physiologic and pathologic conditions. In the oral tissues, MCs release different proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), that promote leukocyte infiltration in various inflammatory states of the oral cavity. These cells play a key role in the inflammatory process and, as a consequence, their number changes in different pathologic conditions of the oral cavity, like gingivitis, periodontitis, and so on. MCs also represent a rich source of proteases, especially of mast cell tryptase and chymase, which directly degrade the extracellular matrix through their proteolytic activity and thus indirectly stimulate angiogenesis and facilitate invasion and metastasis. It may be stated that mast cells could have an impact on primary tumor development, progression, and metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma. By understanding the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of different inflammatory and tumor diseases of the oral cavity, these cells may become therapeutic targets that could possibly improve the prognosis and survival of these patients.
New records of petiolate potter wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from Bhutan
Authors: Nidup Tshering , Gyeltshen Thinley , Kumar P. Girish , Klein Wim , Dorji Phurpa
Published: October 2016

A total of seven species from five genera, Delta de Saussure, 1855, Eumenes Latreille, 1802, Pareumenes (de Saussure, 1855), Labus de Saussure, 1867, and Zethus Fabricius, 1804, belonging to the subfamily Eumeninae of the family Vespidae are documented. Pareumenes quadrispinosus acutus Liu, 1941, Delta esuriens (Fabricius, 1787), D. conoideum (Gmelin, 1790), E. gibbosus Nguyen, 2015, Labus pusillus van der Vecht, 1963 and Zethus dolosus Bingham, 1897, including the subspecies P. q. acutus Liu, 1941, are new records for Bhutan.
Cross-Sectional Associations of Flow Reversal, Vascular Function, and Arterial Stiffness in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Bretón-Romero Rosa , Wang Na , Palmisano Joseph , Larson Martin G. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Mitchell Gary F. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Vita Joseph A. , Hamburg Naomi M.
Published: October 2016

Objective—

Experimental studies link oscillatory flow accompanied by flow reversal to impaired endothelial cell function. The relation of flow reversal with vascular function and arterial stiffness remains incompletely defined.

Approach and Results—

We measured brachial diastolic flow patterns along with vasodilator function in addition to tonometry-based central and peripheral arterial stiffness in 5708 participants (age 47±13 years, 53% women) in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Third Generation cohorts. Brachial artery diastolic flow reversal was present in 35% of the participants. In multivariable regression models, the presence of flow reversal was associated with lower flow-mediated dilation (3.9±0.2 versus 5.0±0.2%;
P
<0.0001) and reactive hyperemic flow velocity (50±0.99 versus 57±0.93 cm/s;
P
<0.0001). The presence of flow reversal (compared with absence) was associated with higher central aortic stiffness (carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity 9.3±0.1 versus 8.9±0.1 m/s), lower muscular artery stiffness (carotid–radial pulse wave velocity 9.6±0.1 versus 9.8±0.1 m/s), and higher forearm vascular resistance (5.32±0.03 versus 4.66±0.02 log dyne/s/cm
5
;
P
<0.0001). The relations of diastolic flow velocity with flow-mediated dilation, aortic stiffness, and forearm vascular resistance were nonlinear, with a steeper decline in vascular function associated with increasing magnitude of flow reversal.

Conclusions—

In our large, community-based sample, brachial artery flow reversal was common and associated with impaired vasodilator function and higher aortic stiffness. Our findings are consistent with the concept that flow reversal may contribute to vascular dysfunction.
Plasma Soluble Endoglin Levels Are Inversely Associated With the Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis—Brief Report
Authors: Saita Emi , Miura Kotaro , Suzuki-Sugihara Norie , Miyata Koutaro , Ikemura Nobuhiro , Ohmori Reiko , Ikegami Yukinori , Kishimoto Yoshimi , Kondo Kazuo , Momiyama Yukihiko
Published: October 2016

Objective—

Transforming growth factor-β inhibits migration and proliferation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Endoglin is a transmembrane receptor for transforming growth factor-β1 and transforming growth factor-β3. Endoglin is released into blood as a soluble form (soluble endoglin [sEng]), but plasma sEng levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been elucidated.

Approach and Results—

We measured plasma sEng levels in 244 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was evaluated as the numbers of >50% stenotic vessels and segments. CAD was found in 147 patients, of whom 55 had 1-vessel, 42 had 2-vessel, and 50 had 3-vessel disease. Compared with 97 patients without CAD, 147 with CAD had lower sEng levels (median 4.04 versus 4.37 ng/mL;
P
<0.005). A stepwise decrease in sEng levels was found based on the number of stenotic vessels: 4.37 in CAD(−), 4.23 in 1-vessel, 4.13 in 2-vessel, and 3.74 ng/mL in 3-vessel disease (
P
<0.005). sEng levels inversely correlated with the number of stenotic segments (
r
=−0.25;
P
<0.001). In multivariate analysis, sEng was an independent factor for 3-vessel disease and CAD. Odds ratios for CAD and 3-vessel disease were 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.95–0.99;
P
<0.02) and 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.93–0.99;
P
<0.01) for a 0.1 ng/mL increase in sEng levels, respectively.

Conclusions—

Plasma sEng levels were low in patients with CAD, especially 3-vessel disease, and were inversely associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.