bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local antinociceptive action of fluoxetine in the rat formalin assay: role of l-arginine/nitric oxide/cGMP/KATP channel pathway
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Behnam , Mansouri Mohammad Taghi , Naghizadeh Bahareh , Alboghobeish Soheila
Published: August 2017

The present study was conducted to evaluate the local antinociceptive actions of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and the possible involvement of the l-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway in this effect using the formalin test in rats. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, animals were pre-treated with l-NAME, aminoguanidine, methylene blue, glibenclamide, l-arginine, sodium nitroprusside, or diazoxide. Local ipsilateral, but not contralateral, administration of fluoxetine (10–300 μg/paw) dose-dependently suppressed flinching number during both early and late phases of the test, and this was comparable with morphine also given peripherally. Pre-treatment with l-NAME, aminoguanidine, methylene blue, or glibenclamide dose-dependently prevented fluoxetine (100 μg/paw)-induced antinociception in the late phase. In contrast, administration of l-arginine, sodium nitroprusside, and diazoxide significantly enhanced the antinociception caused by fluoxetine in the late phase of the test. However, these treatments had no significant effect on the antinociceptive response of fluoxetine in the early phase of the formalin test. Our data demonstrate that local peripheral antinociception of fluoxetine during the late phase of the formalin test could be due to activation of l-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway. The peripheral action of fluoxetine raises the possibility that topical application of this drug (e.g., as a cream, ointment, or jelly) may be a useful method for relieving the inflammatory pain states.
Respiratory muscle training decreases diaphragm DNA damage in rats with heart failure
Authors: Jaenisch Rodrigo B. , Stefani Giuseppe P. , Durante Camila , Chechi Chalyne , Hentschke Vítor S. , Rossato Douglas D. , Sonza Anelise , Rhoden Cláudia R. , Dal Lago Pedro
Published: August 2017

Respiratory muscle training (RMT) promotes beneficial effects on respiratory mechanics, heart and lung morphological changes, and hemodynamic variables in rats with heart failure (HF). However, the relation between RMT effects and diaphragm oxidative stress remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the RMT effects on diaphragm DNA damage in HF rats. Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups: sedentary sham (Sed-Sham, n = 8), trained sham (RMT-Sham, n = 8), sedentary HF (Sed-HF, n = 8), and trained HF (RMT-HF, n = 8). The animals underwent a RMT protocol (30 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks), whereas sedentary animals did not exercise. Groups were compared by a two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests. In rats with HF, RMT promoted reduction in pulmonary congestion (p < 0.0001) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (p < 0.0001). Moreover, RMT produced a decrease in the diaphragm DNA damage in HF rats. This was demonstrated through the reduction in the percentage of tail DNA (p < 0.0001), tail moment (p < 0.01), and Olive tail moment (p < 0.001). These findings showed that a 6-week RMT protocol in rats with HF promoted an improvement in hemodynamic function and reduces diaphragm DNA damage.
E0-semigroups of free Araki-Woods factors
Authors: Bikram Panchugopal , Mukherjee Kunal
Published: August 2017

Analyzing endomorphisms and shift E0-semigroups of free products of von Neumann algebras, we construct uncountably many pairwise cocycle inequivalent E0-semigroups on a large class of free Araki-Woods factors. These E0-semigroups are equimodular but not modularly extendable. We also produce conjugate but not cocycle equivalent E0-semigroups on non-type I factors.
Anholonomy according to three formulations of non-null curve evolution
Authors: Gürbüz Nevin
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we present three anholonomy densities and three geometric phases for three formulations of curve evolution in Minkowski 3-space and give applications of three formulation for ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic spin chains.
New technologies, patient experience, theoretical approaches and heuristics in RHM
Authors: Heifferon Barbara
Published: August 2017

In the August 2015Communication Design Quarterly (CDQ)special issue on Rhetoric of Health and Medicine (RHM), Lisa Meloncon and Erin Frost introduced readers to this "emerging field." Since aPoiroicommentary in 2013 written by Scott, Segal, and Keränen, numerous scholars that earlier identified our sub-discipline with the termsmedical rhetoric,have embraced this what might be seen as a more inclusive term, although I would argue that for some of us, the termrhetoricalready included at least every possible manifestation of health, medicine and language. However, RHM does indeed cast a wider net, as pointed out in the 2015 issue, including essays on architecture, social work, and psychology. While rhetoric per se is certainly found within all fields, if writing about such fields and especially from such fields is included in RHM, then such a transdisciplinary impulse takes us very much further indeed. While this particular issue can easily find itself under the RHM umbrella, these particular scholars writing here were invited because they had participated in 2016 as a very successful panel at SIGDOC annual conference. These five scholars have much to share and teach us, as well as move us forward in our thinking, research, writing and participation in health and medical settings.
Patient experience design
Authors: Meloncon Lisa K.
Published: August 2017

Successfully engaging in a health- or medical-related activity is a matter of understanding what one needs to do. This means information used in this context needs to be easy to use. Accomplishing the goals laid out in the essay will facilitate understanding and allow for effective use. Thus, successful medical and health communication are connected to one central concept: usability. But how to achieve this goal? The answer is through patient-focused design practices that help mirror the experiences of patients who are using such materials. This entry overviews such an approach - which I call patient experience design (PXD) - and explains why such an approach is central to best health and medical communication practices.
Design principles for health wearables
Authors: Jones John , Gouge Catherine , Crilley Mariah
Published: August 2017

As wearables become increasingly prevalent, there is a concurrent and growing expectation that we use these devices to track and monitor our bodily states in order to be responsible "biocitizens." To mitigate this, some health, design, and usability scholars have advocated for greater patient control over health data. To support these efforts, this article offers a set of criteria for analyzing wearables, criteria that account for the handling of data and user connections via wearables as they relate to three priorities: accessibility, adaptability, and iterability. These are meant to support analyses that will clarify the ways wearables can more ethically serve end-users'---that is, patients' and wearers'---emerging needs, rather than primarily serving the intermediary goals of care delivery personnel and systems to monitor and manage patient behavior. To do this, this article addresses the usability of wearables as it relates to other critical care issues, such as "information integrity" and enabling patients to maintain their own health records and participate in shared decision making.
The new features of Fortran 2015
Authors: Reid John
Published: August 2017

aim of this paper is to summarize the new features of the Fortran standard that is expected to be published in 2018. It is known informally as Fortran 2015 because the choice of features to include was chosen in 2015. We take as our starting point Fortran 2008 (ISO/IEC 2010).

Two official extensions have been published as Technical Specifications. ISO/IEC (2012) specifies further features for interoperability of Fortran with C and ISO/IEC (2015) specifies additional parallel features. WG5 committed itself to include both of these in Fortran 2015. The introduction of a new IEEE standard for floating-point arithmetic (ISO/IEC/IEEE 2011) necessitated changes to the IEEE modules. Beyond these features, WG5 decided to limit changes to the removal of deficiencies and discrepancies, which by definition are all small.

For an informal description of Fortran 2008, see Metcalf, Reid and Cohen (2011).
BEYOND REALITY
Authors: Cuervo Eduardo
Published: August 2017

Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) have finally reached the point where they can comfortably and affordably transport people to virtual worlds or transform their physical reality by feeding timely information straight to their eyes. However, the technology behind HMDs is still not fully mature. There are plenty of open challenges in wireless networking, cloud computing, security, and privacy, as well as opportunities to create novel applications.
Social Network Analysis in Archaeology
Authors: Mills Barbara J.
Published: August 2017

Social network analysis (SNA) in archaeology has become important for a range of theoretical and methodological approaches that can more generally be characterized as relational. They are relational in that it is the ties between actors (or nodes) that define social connections. Archaeologists are currently employing a diversity of theoretical approaches to networks, and the perspective taken in this review is that SNA can provide insights into a number of different social processes using different theories. Following a brief historical overview, I discuss two aspects of SNA: the structural position of the actor or node, and characterizations of whole networks. I then summarize several broad classes of archaeological networks: historical, spatial, and material. I conclude with a call for more bridging approaches to span alternative theoretical and methodological approaches in the archaeology of networks.
The Three-Dimensional Organization of Mammalian Genomes
Authors: Yu Miao , Ren Bing
Published: August 2017

Animal development depends on not only the linear genome sequence that embeds millions of cis-regulatory elements, but also the three-dimensional (3D) chromatin architecture that orchestrates the interplay between cis-regulatory elements and their target genes. Compared to our knowledge of the cis-regulatory sequences, the understanding of the 3D genome organization in human and other eukaryotes is still limited. Recent advances in technologies to map the 3D genome architecture have greatly accelerated the pace of discovery. Here, we review emerging concepts of chromatin organization in mammalian cells, discuss the dynamics of chromatin conformation during development, and highlight important roles for chromatin organization in cancer and other human diseases.
Evolution of Ecological Niche Breadth
Authors: Sexton Jason P. , Montiel Jorge , Shay Jackie E. , Stephens Molly R. , Slatyer Rachel A.
Published: August 2017

How ecological niche breadth evolves is central to adaptation and speciation and has been a topic of perennial interest. Niche breadth evolution research has occurred within environmental, ecological, evolutionary, and biogeographical contexts, and although some generalities have emerged, critical knowledge gaps exist. Performance breadth trade-offs, although long invoked, may not be common determinants of niche breadth evolution or limits. Niche breadth can expand or contract from specialist or generalist lineages, and so specialization need not be an evolutionary dead end. Whether niche breadth determines diversification and distribution breadth and how niche breadth is partitioned among individuals and populations within a species are important but particularly understudied topics. Molecular genetic and phylogenetic techniques have greatly expanded understanding of niche breadth evolution, but field studies of how niche breadth evolves are essential for providing mechanistic details and allowing the development of comprehensive theory and improved prediction of biological responses under global change.
The Ecology of Mating and Its Evolutionary Consequences in Seed Plants
Authors: Barrett Spencer C.H. , Harder Lawrence D.
Published: August 2017

Mating in seed plants arises from interactions between plant traits and the environmental and demographic context in which individuals reside. These interactions commonly cause nonrandom mating, including selfing and promiscuous outcrossing within local neighborhoods. Shared features of seed plants, specifically immobility, hermaphroditism, and modularity, shape the essential character of mating mediated by animals, wind, and water. In addition, diverse floral strategies promote cross- and self-mating, depending on environmental circumstances. Extrinsic ecological factors influence all stages of the mating process—pollination, pollen-tube growth, ovule fertilization—as well as seed development, determining offspring quantity and quality. Traditionally, measures of plant mating systems have focused on a single axis of variation, the maternal outcrossing rate. Instead, we argue for an expanded perspective encompassing mating portfolios, which include all offspring to which individuals contribute genetically as maternal or paternal parents. This approach should expose key ecological determinants of mating-system variation and their evolutionary consequences.
High-Energy-Density Physics at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Hurricane O.A. , Herrmann M.C.
Published: August 2017

At modern laser facilities, energy densities ranging from 1 Mbar to many hundreds of gigabars can regularly be achieved. These high-energy states of matter last for mere moments, measured in nanoseconds to tens of picoseconds, but during those times numerous high-precision instruments can be employed, revealing remarkable compressed matter physics, radiation–hydrodynamics physics, laser–matter interaction physics, and nuclear physics processes. We review the current progress of high-energy-density physics at the National Ignition Facility and describe the underlying physical principles.
Risk of Fungi Associated with Aflatoxin and Fumonisin in Medicinal Herbal Products in the Kenyan Market
Authors: Keter Lucia , Too Richard , Mwikwabe Nicholas , Mutai Charles , Orwa Jennifer , Mwamburi Lizzy , Ndwigah Stanley , Bii Christine , Korir Richard
Published: August 2017

Utilization of herbal products is a major concern due to the possibility of contamination by toxigenic fungi that are mycotoxin producers such as Aspergillus species during processing and packaging. Research was carried out to determine the presence of aflatoxins and fumonisins in herbal medicinal products sold in Eldoret and Mombasa towns in Kenya. The study employed both exploratory and laboratory experimental design. The herbal products were purchased from the market and transported to Kenya Medical Research Institute for processing and analysis. Fungal contaminants were determined according to Pharmacopoeia specifications. The toxins were quantified using ELISA based technique. The genus Aspergillus was the most dominant followed by Penicillium. Fungal counts ranged between 1 CFU/g and >1000 cfu/g. Analysis of variance showed that the rate of fungal contaminants for Eldoret and Mombasa samples had significant association (p≤0.001). Aflatoxin levels ranged from 1 to 24 ppb, while fumonisin levels ranged from 1 to >20 ppb. Only 31% of samples met the standards for microbial limits as specified in Pharmacopoeia. There is need for product microbial quality improvement through proper harvesting, processing, storage, and marketing. It is recommended that a policy be enacted to enable regulation of herbal products in Kenya.
Silica Based Superhydrophobic Nanocoatings for Natural Rubber Surfaces
Authors: Wimalasiri Veromee Kalpana , Weerathunga Helapiyumi Uthpala , Kottegoda Nilwala , Karunaratne Veranja
Published: August 2017

Silica based nonfluorinated superhydrophobic coatings for natural rubber surfaces have been developed. The coating was synthesized using nanosilica dispersion and a polychloroprene type binder as a compatibilizer. This nanocoating of silica was applied on to the surface of finished natural rubber gloves, by spray coating or dipped coating methods. The nanocoating demonstrates a water contact angle of more than 150° and sliding angle of 7°. The morphological features of the coating have been studied using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to understand the nature of surface functional groups. Both imaging techniques provided evidence for the presence of nanosized particles in the coating. Coated gloves demonstrated comparable mechanical properties and significantly better alcohol resistivity when compared to those of the uncoated gloves.
Experimental Study on the Behavior of TiN and Ti2O3 Inclusions in Contact with CaO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐MgO Slags
Authors: Michelic S. K. , Bernhard C.
Published: August 2017

TiN and Ti2O3 are the predominant inclusion types in Ti-alloyed ferritic chromium stainless steels. In order to ensure the required steel cleanness level, an effective removal of such inclusions in the slag during secondary metallurgy is essential. This inclusion removal predominantly takes place via dissolution of the inclusion in the slag. The dissolution behavior of TiN and Ti2O3 in CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO slags as well as their agglomeration behavior in the liquid steel is investigated using High Temperature Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy and Tammann Furnace experiments. Thermodynamic calculations are performed using FactSage 7.0. The behavior of TiN is observed to be completely different to that of oxides. Ti2O3 dissolves quickly in slags, and its dissolution behavior is comparable to that of other already well examined oxides. In contrast, TiN shows a very intense gas reaction which is attributed to the release of nitrogen during contact with slag. Slags with higher SiO2 content show a significantly higher ability for the dissolution of TiN as compared to Al2O3-rich slags. The gas reaction is found to also significantly influence the final steel cleanness. Despite the easy absorption of TiN in the slag, the formed nitrogen supports the formation of pinholes in the steel.
Effect of Rainfall for the Dynamical Transmission Model of the Dengue Disease in Thailand
Authors: Chanprasopchai Pratchaya , Pongsumpun Puntani , Tang I. Ming
Published: August 2017

The SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered) model is used to describe the transmission of dengue virus. The main contribution is determining the role of the rainfall in Thailand in the model. The transmission of dengue disease is assumed to depend on the nature of the rainfall in Thailand. We analyze the dynamic transmission of dengue disease. The stability of the solution of the model is analyzed. It is investigated by using the Routh-Hurwitz criteria. We find two equilibrium states: a disease-free state and an endemic equilibrium state. The basic reproductive number (R0) is obtained, which indicates the stability of each equilibrium state. Numerical results taking into account the rainfall are obtained and they are seen to correspond to the analytical results.
Different Cellular Response of Human Mesothelial Cell MeT-5A to Short-Term and Long-Term Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Exposure
Authors: Ju Li , Wu Wei , Yu Min , Lou Jianlin , Wu Hao , Yin Xianhong , Jia Zhenyu , Xiao Yun , Zhu Lijin , Yang Jun
Published: August 2017

Despite being a commercially important product, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) continue to raise concerns over human health due to their structural similarity to asbestos. Indeed, exposure to MWCNT has been shown to induce lung cancer and even mesothelioma, but contradictory results also exist. To clarify the potentially carcinogenic effects of rigid and rod-like MWCNT and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the effects of MWCNT on human mesothelial cell MeT-5A were examined throughout 3 months of continuous exposure, including cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and cell motility. It was found that MWCNT did not affect MeT-5A cell proliferation at 10 μg/cm2 within 72 h treatment, but under the same condition, MWCNT induced genotoxicity and perturbed cell motility. In addition, MeT-5A cells demonstrated different cellular responses to MWCNT after short-term and long-term exposure. Taken together, our results indicated a possible carcinogenic potential for MWCNT after long-term treatment, in which Annexin family proteins might be involved.
LncRNA NONRATT021972 Was Associated with Neuropathic Pain Scoring in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yu Wei , Zhao Guo-qing , Cao Rang-juan , Zhu Zhi-hua , Li Kai
Published: August 2017

Background. Long noncoding RNAs were involved in the processes of diabetes. Our study was aimed to explore clinical potential of LncRNA NONRATT021972 in diabetic neuropathic pain and investigate detailed mechanisms. Methods. 154 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled as experimental group paired with control. Patients without diabetes but neuropathy were enrolled to explore exclusive role of LncRNA NONRATT021972 in neuropathy. Real-time PCR and ELISA were performed to examine expression of LncRNA and TNF-α in flood. Neuropathic pain scores were calculated with data from NPQ. Streptozotocin was used for SD adult male rats to establish diabetes for NONRATT021972 siRNA or saline treatment. Neuropathic pain behaviors and expression of TNF-α were assessed. Result. Patients with type 2 diabetes had a significantly higher concentration of LncRNA NONRATT021972 in blood and more severe symptoms of neuropathic pain. LncRNA NONRATT021972 was positively associated with neuropathic pain scores of type 2 diabetes. TNF-α level increased in patients with type 2 diabetes. Animal experiment showed that LncRNA NONRATT021972 siRNA attenuated inflammation via decreasing TNF-α and alleviated neuropathic pain. Conclusion. LncRNA NONRATT021972 increased in type 2 diabetes and was positively associated with neuropathic pain scoring in type 2 diabetes. LncRNA NONRATT021972 exacerbated neuropathic pain via TNF-α related pathways.
Design, Modeling, and Analysis of a Novel Hydraulic Energy-Regenerative Shock Absorber for Vehicle Suspension
Authors: Zou Junyi , Guo Xuexun , Xu Lin , Tan Gangfeng , Zhang Chengcai , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2017

To reduce energy consumption or improve energy efficiency, the regenerative devices recently have drawn the public’s eyes. In this paper, a novel hydraulic energy-regenerative shock absorber (HERSA) is developed for vehicle suspension to regenerate the vibration energy which is dissipated by conventional viscous dampers into heat waste. At first, the schematic of HERSA is presented and a mathematic model is developed to describe the characteristic of HERSA. Then the parametric sensitivity analysis of the vibration energy is expounded, and the ranking of their influences is k1≫m2>m1>k2≈cs. Besides, a parametric study of HERSA is adopted to research the influences of the key parameters on the characteristic of HERSA. Moreover, an optimization of HERSA is carried out to regenerate more power as far as possible without devitalizing the damping characteristic. To make the optimization results more close to the actual condition, the displacement data of the shock absorber in the road test is selected as the excitation in the optimization. The results show that the RMS of regenerated energy is up to 107.94 W under the actual excitation. Moreover it indicates that the HERSA can improve its performance through the damping control.
A New Nonsmooth Bundle-Type Approach for a Class of Functional Equations in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Shen Jie , Tian Miao , Guo Fang-Fang , Zhang Jun-Nan
Published: August 2017

A new bundle-type approach for solving a class of functional equations is presented by combining bundle idea for nonsmooth optimization with common iterative process for functional equations. Our strategy is to approximate the nonsmooth function in functional equation by a sequence of convex piecewise linear functions, as in the bundle method; this makes the problem more tractable and reduces the difficulty of implementation of method. We only require the piecewise linear convex approximate functions, rather than the actual function, to satisfy the uniform boundedness condition with respect to one variable at stability centers. One example is given to demonstrate the application of the proposed method.
Model of Murine Ventricular Cardiac Tissue for In Vitro Kinematic-Dynamic Studies of Electromagnetic and β-Adrenergic Stimulation
Authors: Fassina Lorenzo , Cornacchione Marisa , Pellegrini Manuela , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Gimmelli Roberto , Isidori Andrea Maria , Lenzi Andrea , Magenes Giovanni , Naro Fabio
Published: August 2017

In a model of murine ventricular cardiac tissue in vitro, we have studied the inotropic effects of electromagnetic stimulation (frequency, 75 Hz), isoproterenol administration (10 μM), and their combination. In particular, we have performed an image processing analysis to evaluate the kinematics and the dynamics of beating cardiac syncytia starting from the video registration of their contraction movement. We have found that the electromagnetic stimulation is able to counteract the β-adrenergic effect of isoproterenol and to elicit an antihypertrophic response.
Autoinflammatory Reaction in Dogs Treated for Cancer via G6PD Inhibition
Authors: Nyce Jonathan W.
Published: August 2017

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an oncoprotein that is overexpressed in cancer cells to provide the NADPH required for their increased anabolism. NADPH, sourced from G6PD fuels nucleotide biosynthesis, maintains redox potential of thioredoxin and glutathione and drives the mevalonate pathway that powers many of the basic mechanisms by which cancer cells escape host control. G6PD is thus a target for cancer treatment being addressed by many groups around the world. We have discovered that systemic inhibition of G6PD by high dose dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) causes a severe autoinflammatory response in dogs, which does not occur in mice or rats. Since dogs more closely model the human adrenal androgen system than do common laboratory animals, this finding is relevant to the design of G6PD-inhibiting drugs for humans. The autoinflammatory reaction observed closely resembles mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare autosomal recessive disease in humans characterized by recurrent febrile attacks, arthralgia, skin rash, and aphthous ulcers of mucocutaneous tissues. In a manner comparable to animal models of MKD, the reconstitution of protein geranylgeranylation blocked the autoinflammatory reaction caused by systemic G6PD inhibition. This autoinflammatory response to systemic G6PD inhibition represents an unexpected result that must be taken into consideration when targeting this oncoprotein.
Risk Factors for Acute Unintentional Poisoning among Children Aged 1–5 Years in the Rural Community of Sri Lanka
Authors: Dayasiri M. B. Kavinda Chandimal , Jayamanne Shaluka F. , Jayasinghe Chamilka Y.
Published: August 2017

Background.Acute poisoning in children is a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. However, there is a wide variation in patterns of poisoning and related risk factors across different geographic regions globally. This hospital based case-control study identifies the risk factors of acute unintentional poisoning among children aged 1−5 years of the rural community in a developing Asian country.Methods.This hospital based case-control study included 600 children. Each group comprised three hundred children and all children were recruited at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka, over two years (from February 2012 to January 2014). The two groups were compared to identify the effect of 23 proposed risk factors for unintentional poisoning using multivariate analysis in a binary logistic regression model.Results.Multivariate analysis identified eight risk factors which were significantly associated with unintentional poisoning. The strongest risk factors were inadequate supervision (95% CI: 15.4–52.6), employed mother (95% CI: 2.9–17.5), parental concern of lack of family support (95% CI: 3.65–83.3), and unsafe storage of household poisons (95% CI: 1.5–4.9).Conclusions.Since inadequate supervision, unsafe storage, and unsafe environment are the strongest risk factors for childhood unintentional poisoning, the effect of community education to enhance vigilance, safe storage, and assurance of safe environment should be evaluated.
Impact of Fish Oil Supplementation and Interruption of Fructose Ingestion on Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis of Rats Drinking Different Concentrations of Fructose
Authors: Sulis Paola M. , Motta Katia , Barbosa Amanda M. , Besen Matheus H. , da Silva Julia S. , Nunes Everson A. , Rafacho Alex
Published: August 2017

Background.Continuous fructose consumption may cause elevation of circulating triacylglycerol. However, how much of this alteration is reverted after the removal of fructose intake is not known. We explored this question and compared the efficacy of this approach with fish oil supplementation.Methods.Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), fructose (F) (water intake with 10% or 30% fructose for 9 weeks), fish oil (FO), and fructose/fish oil (FFO). Fish oil was supplemented only for the last 33 days of fructose ingestion. Half of the F group remained for additional 8 weeks without fructose ingestion (FR).Results.Fructose ingestion reduced food intake to compensate for the increased energy obtained through water ingestion, independent of fructose concentration. Fish oil supplementation exerted no impact on these parameters, but the removal of fructose from water recovered both ingestion behaviors. Plasma triacylglycerol augmented significantly during the second and third weeks (both fructose groups). Fish oil supplementation did not attenuate the elevation in triacylglycerol caused by fructose intake, but the interruption of sugar consumption normalized this parameter.Conclusion.Elevation in triacylglyceridemia may be recovered by removing fructose from diet, suggesting that it is never too late to repair improper dietary habits.
Hybrid Adaptive Pinning Control for Function Projective Synchronization of Delayed Neural Networks with Mixed Uncertain Couplings
Authors: Botmart T. , Yotha N. , Niamsup P. , Weera W.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the function projective synchronization problem of neural networks with mixed time-varying delays and uncertainties asymmetric coupling. The function projective synchronization of this model via hybrid adaptive pinning controls and hybrid adaptive controls, composed of nonlinear and adaptive linear feedback control, is further investigated in this study. Based on Lyapunov stability theory combined with the method of the adaptive control and pinning control, some novel and simple sufficient conditions are derived for the function projective synchronization problem of neural networks with mixed time-varying delays and uncertainties asymmetric coupling, and the derived results are less conservative. Particularly, the control method focuses on how to determine a set of pinned nodes with fixed coupling matrices and strength values and randomly select pinning nodes. Based on adaptive control technique, the parameter update law, and the technique of dealing with some integral terms, the control may be used to manipulate the scaling functions such that the drive system and response systems could be synchronized up to the desired scaling function. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Deviation from Regular Shape in the Early Stages of Formation of Strain-Driven 3D InGaAs/GaAs Micro/Nanotubes
Authors: Frigeri Paola , Seravalli Luca , Calicchio Marco , Gombia Enos , Trevisi Giovanna
Published: August 2017

Single-crystalline InGaAs/GaAs semiconductor micro/nanotubes have been obtained by the strain-driven self-rolling mechanism. This approach combines the advantages of bottom-up (epitaxial growth) and top-down (postgrowth processing) techniques, offering an exceptional opportunity to realize complex three-dimensional nanoarchitectures by using conventional photolithography and wet-etching processes. The method employed to obtain micro/nanotubes with selected orientation and length is described in detail. By means of high-resolution scanning electron microscopy characterization, we show a clear shape difference between single-wall and multiwalls tubes and we discuss it on the basis of strain release, taking into account also possible shape deformations induced during micro/nanotubes drying. We analyse the In-segregation profile in the nominal In0.20Ga0.80As/GaAs bilayer and we show its effect on the actual diameter of the tubes, concluding that a more accurate description of the structure should consider an In0.20Ga0.80As/In0.10Ga0.90As/GaAs trilayer. This work will be useful to set up reliable methodologies for the realization of strain-driven micro/nanotubes with controlled properties, necessary for their implementation in a large number of application fields.
Computational Analysis of Gynura bicolor Bioactive Compounds as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitor
Authors: Rozano Lina , Abdullah Zawawi Muhammad Redha , Ahmad Muhamad Aizuddin , Jaganath Indu Bala
Published: August 2017

The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPIV) is a popular route for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Commercially available gliptin-based drugs such as sitagliptin, anagliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, and alogliptin were specifically developed as DPPIV inhibitors for diabetic patients. The use of Gynura bicolor in treating diabetes had been reported in various in vitro experiments. However, an understanding of the inhibitory actions of G. bicolor bioactive compounds on DPPIV is still lacking and this may provide crucial information for the development of more potent and natural sources of DPPIV inhibitors. Evaluation of G. bicolor bioactive compounds for potent DPPIV inhibitors was computationally conducted using Lead IT and iGEMDOCK software, and the best free-binding energy scores for G. bicolor bioactive compounds were evaluated in comparison with the commercial DPPIV inhibitors, sitagliptin, anagliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, and alogliptin. Drug-likeness and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analysis were also performed. Based on molecular docking analysis, four of the identified bioactive compounds in G. bicolor, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and trans-5-p-coumaroylquinic acid, resulted in lower free-binding energy scores when compared with two of the commercially available gliptin inhibitors. The results revealed that bioactive compounds in G. bicolor are potential natural inhibitors of DPPIV.
Dynamics of Endomorphism of Finite Abelian Groups
Authors: Jinxing Zhao , Jizhu Nan
Published: August 2017

We study the dynamics of endomorphisms on a finite abelian group. We obtain the automorphism group for these dynamical systems. We also give criteria and algorithms to determine whether it is a fixed point system.
Measurement of the Euler Angles of Wurtzitic ZnO by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Wu , Li Qiu , Jin Gang , Qiu Wei
Published: August 2017

A Raman spectroscopy-based step-by-step measuring method of Euler angles φ,θ,and  ψ was presented for the wurtzitic crystal orientation on a microscopic scale. Based on the polarization selection rule and coordinate transformation theory, a series of analytic expressions for the Euler angle measurement using Raman spectroscopy were derived. Specific experimental measurement processes were presented, and the measurement of Raman tensor elements and Euler angles of the ZnO crystal were implemented. It is deduced that there is a trigonometric functional relationship between the intensity of each Raman bands of wurtzite crystal and Euler angle ψ, the polarization direction of incident light under different polarization configurations, which can be used to measure the Euler angles. The experimental results show that the proposed method can realize the measurement of Euler angles for wurtzite crystal effectively.
Characterization of Morphological Diversity of Jute Mallow(Corchorus spp.)
Authors: Ngomuo Munguatosha , Stoilova Tsvetelina , Feyissa Tileye , Ndakidemi Patrick A.
Published: August 2017

Jute mallow is a traditional leaf vegetable that is an important part of daily diet for the majority of people in rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Here we employed quantitative and qualitative phenotypic traits to assess the morphological diversity of 90 accessions using univariate and multivariate analyses. Field experiments were conducted for two seasons to identify accessions suitable for leaf yield. The accessions were significantly variable in all traits. Highest variability among accessions was found in harvest index, biomass yield, and weight of 1000 seeds. The traits that significantly correlated with biomass yield include plant height (r=0.448), petiole length (r=0.237), primary branches (r=0.319), and number of leaves per plant (r=0.333). Principal component analysis showed that the first five PCs with eigenvalues ≥1 explained 72.9% of the total variability in the accessions. Pods per plant, primary branches, secondary branches, and number of leaves per plant accounted for highest variability in PC1. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into five major clusters mainly based on their origin. Thus, the collection displayed high variation in morphological traits, particularly those related to leaf yield. These accessions are therefore useful in breeding for the improvement of the crop and germplasm management.
Exclusive Enteral Nutrition versus Infliximab in Inducing Therapy of Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Luo Youyou , Yu Jindan , Lou Jingan , Fang Youhong , Chen Jie
Published: August 2017

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) and infliximab (IFX) therapy in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods. In a prospective study of children initiating EEN or infliximab therapy for CD, we compared clinical outcomes using the pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index (PCDAI), growth improvement, endoscopic mucosal healing, and adverse effects. Data were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy. Results. We enrolled 26 children with CD; of whom, 13 were treated with infliximab, 13 with EEN. Clinical response (PCDAI) reduction ≥ 15 or final PCDAI ≤ 10 was achieved by 83.3% in the EEN group and 90.9% in the IFX group. Body mass index for age (BMIFA) z-scores were significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in PCDAI, height for age (HFA), or BMI recovery between two groups. Adverse effects were detected in 30.7% on infliximab and 0% on EEN. Mucosal healing was achieved in 71.4% cases in the EEN group versus 85.7% in the IFX group. Conclusion. EEN provided similar improvements as IFX in clinical symptoms, mucosal healing, and BMI. EEN therapy has less adverse effects when compared with IFX. This trial is registered with the Clinical Registration Number: ChiCTR-OON-17010834.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Depression, and Physical Activity: Making the Neuroplastic Connection
Authors: Phillips Cristy
Published: August 2017

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that is vital to the survival, growth, and maintenance of neurons in key brain circuits involved in emotional and cognitive function. Convergent evidence indicates that neuroplastic mechanisms involving BDNF are deleteriously altered in major depressive disorder (MDD) and animal models of stress. Herein, clinical and preclinical evidence provided that stress-induced depressive pathology contributes to altered BDNF level and function in persons with MDD and, thereby, disruptions in neuroplasticity at the regional and circuit level. Conversely, effective therapeutics that mitigate depressive-related symptoms (e.g., antidepressants and physical activity) optimize BDNF in key brain regions, promote neuronal health and recovery of function in MDD-related circuits, and enhance pharmacotherapeutic response. A greater knowledge of the interrelationship between BDNF, depression, therapeutic mechanisms of action, and neuroplasticity is important as it necessarily precedes the derivation and deployment of more efficacious treatments.
Detection of a Left Superior Vena Cava during a Pacemaker Implantation in Cotonou
Authors: Sonou A. , Hounkponou M. , Codjo L. , Adjagba P. M. , Houehanou C. , Dohou H. , Assani S. , Tchabi Y. , Houenassi M.
Published: August 2017

Persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly. Its prevalence in the general population is 0.1 to 0.5%. LSVC is 5 times rarer when accompanied by an absence of the right superior vena cava (RSVC). We present the case of a 54-year-old man who carries a persistent LSVC without RSVC. Clinically, this patient presented a regular bradycardia at 40 per minute associated with a heart failure syndrome. The electrocardiogram diagnosed a complete atrioventricular block and transthoracic echocardiography showed dilated left heart cavities and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 50%. During the procedure of pacemaker implantation, the probe followed an unusual LSVC-coronary sinus-right atrium path and it was not easy to pass through the tricuspid orifice. We propose a review of the literature on this subject, focusing on the clinical implications of this malformation in cardiac stimulation and in other areas of cardiology.
Serotonin and Its Receptor as a New Antioxidant Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yang Yu , Huang Hui , Xu Zheng , Duan Jun-kai
Published: August 2017

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a widespread chronic microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), affects almost 30–50% of patients, and represents a leading cause of death of DM. Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a multifunctional bioamine that has crucial roles in many physiological pathways. Recently, emerging evidence from experimental and clinical studies has demonstrated that 5-HT is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. The 5-HT receptor (5-HTR) antagonists exert renoprotective effects by suppressing oxidative stress, suggesting that 5-HTR can be used as a potential target for treating DKD. In this review, therefore, we summarize the published information available for the involvement of 5-HT and 5-HTR antagonists in the pathogenesis of various diabetic complications with a particular focus of DKD. We conclude that 5-HTR is a potential therapeutic target for treating DKD, as it has been successfully applied in animal models and has currently being investigated in randomized and controlled clinical trials.
Intraocular Plasmablastic Lymphoma in a HIV Patient
Authors: Mariano Carolline Fontes Alves , Trevisan Glauce Lunardelli , Cruz Antonio Augusto Velasco e , Chahud Fernando
Published: August 2017

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare B-cell lymphoma occurring mainly in HIV patients. The tumor frequently involves extranodal sites such as the oral cavity, nasal cavity, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and lungs. The neoplastic cells are characterized by a plasmablastic appearance and typical immunophenotype that indicates plasma cell differentiation. Herein, we report a case of intraocular involvement by plasmablastic lymphoma in a HIV patient with a long history of cytomegalovirus retinitis and loss of vision. After an evisceration performed to control the blind, painful eye a diagnosis of PBL was made by examining the eye contents. Two months later, a biopsy of cervical lymph node revealed nodal lymphoma of the same type. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of intraocular PBL reported in English literature.
Spherical Simplex-Radial Cubature Quadrature Kalman Filter
Authors: Li Zhaoming , Yang Wenge
Published: August 2017

A spherical simplex-radial cubature quadrature Kalman filter (SSRCQKF) is proposed in order to further improve the nonlinear filtering accuracy. The Gaussian probability weighted integral of the nonlinear function is decomposed into spherical integral and radial integral, which are approximated by spherical simplex cubature rule and arbitrary order Gauss-Laguerre quadrature rule, respectively, and the novel spherical simplex-radial cubature quadrature rule is obtained. Combined with the Bayesian filtering framework, the general form and the specific form of SSRCQKF are put forward, and the numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can achieve a higher filtering accuracy than CKF and SSRCKF.
An Analysis of Patient Perceptions and Expectations to Dental Implants: Is There a Significant Effect on Long-Term Satisfaction Levels?
Authors: McCrea Shane J. J.
Published: August 2017

Here we present an analysis of patient perceptions and expectations to dental implant placement and their prosthetic reconstruction, to then consider whether they have an effect on long-term satisfaction levels. A Post-Treatment Completion Questionnaire was designed to analyse whether patient satisfaction is influenced by age and/or gender; has an effect on patient-reported self-confidence levels; contributes to increased levels of oral hygiene; provides further insight into the average pain levels during and after the surgical intervention; or influences further acceptance of dental implant surgery. And then whether relationships exist between any of these factors. 182 consecutive patients completed the survey: 68 males and 114 females (age mean 64.68 years ± 11.23 SD); the average number of months since treatment completion was 37.4 (males) and 62.6 (females). There is a significant relationship between comfort rating and “how well informed” the patient was (p=0.015). A significantly positive relationship exists between “considering dental implants in the future” and “overall experience” (p=0.001). A significantly positive relationship exists between “overall satisfaction with appearance” and “satisfaction with comfort” (p=0.011). A significant relationship exists between “overall satisfaction with appearance,” “satisfaction with comfort,” and “overall satisfaction with experience” (p=0.001). The results amplify the need to transmit logical, truthful information to patients when dental implant treatment is being considered. The “fully informed” patient will have realistic expectations that lead to high degrees of satisfaction.
Does Microscope Assistance in Cold Steel Tonsillectomy Reduce the Risk of Postoperative Hemorrhage? Results of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wilhelm Thomas , Wittlinger Jan , Georgiew Robert , Güldner Christian , Hoch Stephan , Teymoortash Afshin , Günzel Thomas , Stankovic Petar
Published: August 2017

Background. Posttonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is the most feared complication. Dissection near the tonsillar capsule under microscopic view (TEmic) could be assumed to decrease PTH compared to traditional tonsillectomy (TEtrad).Methods. In this study, patients were evaluated with respect to the need for surgical control (R/N: return/no return to theater (RTT): the day of surgery[0]or thereafter[1]). The findings at resection site and pain were measured.Results. 869 patients were included (183TEmic; 686TEtrad). PTH requiring RTT was not seen in theTEmicgroup on the day of surgery (R0) while PTH requiring RTT subsequently (R1) was seen in 1.1% of the cases. In theTEmicgroup, hemorrhages without a need for surgical control were observed in 0.6% (N0) and 3.4% (N1), respectively. The corresponding rates forTEtradwere as follows: R0, 0.3%; R1, 1.7%; N0, 0.6%; and N1, 3.6% (p>0.05). Postoperative edema and local infection at resection site were proven to be predictive of PTH (p=0.007).Conclusion. Microscope assistance in tonsillectomy did not statistically have an influence on the PTH even though there was a trend towards lower PTH rate in theTEmicgroup. Benefit forTEmicwas observed in high-volume and long experienced surgeons.