bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerosol Effects on Climate via Mixed-Phase and Ice Clouds
Authors: Storelvmo T.
Published: May 2017

Clouds in Earth's atmosphere can be composed of liquid droplets, ice crystals, or a combination of the two. Clouds’ thermodynamic phase is largely controlled by temperature, but other factors can also have a significant effect. Aerosols—i.e., particles suspended in Earth's atmosphere—affect cloud properties differently depending on cloud phase and can potentially have a strong influence on climate via any cloud type. Aerosol-cloud-climate interactions have been a topic of active research for more than two decades, but these interactions nevertheless currently represent one of the most uncertain forcings of climate change over the past century. Most research to date has focused on how aerosols can impact climate via liquid clouds, which are better understood and observed than their ice-containing counterparts. Thus, the problem of how liquid clouds mediate aerosols’ effects on climate is a more tractable one. However, there is no a priori reason to think that mixed-phase and ice clouds are any less affected by changes in atmospheric aerosol composition than liquid clouds, and estimates of how aerosols can influence these ice-containing clouds have started to emerge. Laboratory and field work, as well as satellite observations, is now shifting attention to this new frontier in the field of aerosol-cloud-climate interactions, allowing for improved representation of ice processes in numerical models. Here, we review this recent progress in our understanding of aerosol effects on mixed-phase and ice clouds, focusing on the four underpinning research pillars of laboratory experiments, field observations, satellite retrievals, and numerical modeling of global climate. Evident from this review is the possibility of a powerful yet poorly constrained climate forcing, which is uncertain in terms of both its magnitude and its sign.
Brain on Fire: Incentive Salience, Hedonic Hot Spots, Dopamine, Obesity, and Other Hunger Games
Authors: Cameron Jameason D. , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Sjödin Anders M. , Goldfield Gary S.
Published: May 2017

This review examines human feeding behavior in light of psychological motivational theory and highlights the importance of midbrain dopamine (DA). Prospective evidence of both reward surfeit and reward deficit pathways to increased body weight are evaluated, and we argue that it is more complex than an either/or scenario when examining DA's role in reward sensitivity, eating, and obesity. The Taq1A genotype is a common thread that ties the contrasting models of DA reward and obesity; this genotype related to striatal DA is not associated with obesity class per se but may nevertheless confer an increased risk of weight gain. We also critically examine the concept of so-called food addiction, and despite growing evidence, we argue that there is currently insufficient human data to warrant this diagnostic label. The surgical and pharmacological treatments of obesity are discussed, and evidence is presented for the selective use of DA-class drugs in obesity treatment.
Sustained increases in skin blood flow are not a prerequisite to initiate sweating during passive heat exposure
Authors: Ravanelli Nicholas , Jay Ollie , Gagnon Daniel
Published: May 2017

Some studies have observed a functional relationship between sweating and skin blood flow. However, the implications of this relationship during physiologically relevant conditions remain unclear. We manipulated sudomotor activity through changes in sweating efficiency to determine if parallel changes in vasomotor activity are observed. Eight young men completed two trials at 36°C and two trials at 42°C. During these trials, air temperature remained constant while ambient vapor pressure increased from 1.6 to 5.6 kPa over 2 h. Forced airflow across the skin was used to create conditions of high (HiSeff) or low (LoSeff) sweating efficiency. Local sweat rate (LSR), local skin blood flow (SkBF), as well as mean skin and esophageal temperatures were measured continuously. It took longer for LSR to increase during HiSeff at 36°C (HiSeff: 99 ± 11 vs. LoSeff: 77 ± 11 min, P < 0.01) and 42°C (HiSeff: 72 ± 16 vs. LoSeff: 51 ± 15 min, P < 0.01). In general, an increase in LSR preceded the increase in SkBF when expressed as ambient vapor pressure and time for all conditions ( P < 0.05). However, both responses were activated at a similar change in mean body temperature (average across all trials, LSR: 0.26 ± 0.15 vs. SkBF: 0.30 ± 0.18°C, P = 0.26). These results demonstrate that altering the point at which LSR is initiated during heat exposure is paralleled by similar shifts for the increase in SkBF. However, local sweat production occurs before an increase in SkBF, suggesting that SkBF is not necessarily a prerequisite for sweating.
Gender difference in kidney electrolyte transport. I. Role of AT1a receptor in thiazide-sensitive Na+-Cl− cotransporter activity and expression in male and female mice
Authors: Li Jing , Hatano Ryo , Xu Shuhua , Wan Laxiang , Yang Lei , Weinstein Alan M. , Palmer Lawrence , Wang Tong
Published: May 2017

We studied gender differences in Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC) activity and expression in wild-type (WT) and AT1a receptor knockout (KO) mice. In renal clearance experiments, urine volume (UV), glomerular filtration rate, absolute Na+ (ENa) and K+ (EK), and fractional Na+ (FENa) and K+ excretion were measured and compared at peak changes after bolus intravenous injection of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ; 30 mg/kg). In WT, females responded more strongly than males to HCTZ, with larger fractional increases of UV (7.8- vs. 3.4-fold), ENa (11.7- vs. 5.7-fold), FENa (7.9- vs. 4.9-fold), and EK (2.8- vs. 1.4-fold). In contrast, there were no gender differences in the responses to the diuretic in KO mice; HCTZ produced greater effects on male KO than on WT but similar effects on females. In WT, total (tNCC) and phosphorylated (pNCC) NCC protein expressions were 1.8- and 4.6-fold higher in females compared with males ( P < 0.05), consistent with the larger response to HCTZ. In KO mice, tNCC and pNCC increased significantly in males to levels not different from those in females. There were no gender differences in the expression of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3) in WT; NHE3 protein decreased to similar extents in male and female KO animals, suggesting AT1a-mediated NHE3 expression in proximal tubules. The resulting increase in delivery of NaCl to the distal nephron may underlie increased NCC expression and activity in mice lacking the AT1a receptor.
Inhibition of HDAC enhances STAT acetylation, blocks NF-κB, and suppresses the renal inflammation and fibrosis in Npr1 haplotype male mice
Authors: Kumar Prerna , Gogulamudi Venkateswara R. , Periasamy Ramu , Raghavaraju Giri , Subramanian Umadevi , Pandey Kailash N.
Published: May 2017

Guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA) plays a critical role in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid volume homeostasis. Mice lacking functional Npr1 (coding for GC-A/NPRA) exhibit hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely less clear. The objective of the present study was to determine the physiological efficacy and impact of all- trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and sodium butyrate (NaBu) in ameliorating the renal fibrosis, inflammation, and hypertension in Npr1 gene-disrupted haplotype (1-copy; +/−) mice (50% expression levels of NPRA). Both ATRA and NaBu, either alone or in combination, decreased the elevated levels of renal proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and lowered blood pressure in Npr1+/− mice compared with untreated controls. The treatment with ATRA-NaBu facilitated the dissociation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and 2 from signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and enhanced its acetylation in the kidneys of Npr1+/− mice. The acetylated STAT1 formed a complex with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, thereby inhibiting its DNA-binding activity and downstream proinflammatory and profibrotic signaling cascades. The present results demonstrate that the treatment of the haplotype Npr1+/− mice with ATRA-NaBu significantly lowered blood pressure and reduced the renal inflammation and fibrosis involving the interactive roles of HDAC, NF-κB (p65), and STAT1. The current findings will help in developing the molecular therapeutic targets and new treatment strategies for hypertension and renal dysfunction in humans.
Mesoscale-duration activated states gate spiking in response to fast rises in membrane voltage in the awake brain
Authors: Singer Annabelle C. , Talei Franzesi Giovanni , Kodandaramaiah Suhasa B. , Flores Francisco J. , Cohen Jeremy D. , Lee Albert K. , Borgers Christoph , Forest Craig R. , Kopell Nancy J. , Boyden Edward S.
Published: May 2017

We analyzed subthreshold activity preceding spikes in hippocampus and barrel cortex of awake mice. Aperiodic voltage ramps extending over tens to hundreds of milliseconds consistently precede and facilitate spikes, in a manner dependent on both their amplitude and their duration. These voltage ramps represent a “mesoscale” activated state that gates spike production in vivo.
Activation of ganglion cells and axon bundles using epiretinal electrical stimulation
Authors: Grosberg Lauren E. , Ganesan Karthik , Goetz Georges A. , Madugula Sasidhar S. , Bhaskhar Nandita , Fan Victoria , Li Peter , Hottowy Pawel , Dabrowski Wladyslaw , Sher Alexander , Litke Alan M. , Mitra Subhasish , Chichilnisky E. J.
Published: May 2017

Epiretinal prostheses for treating blindness activate axon bundles, causing large, arc-shaped visual percepts that limit the quality of artificial vision. Improving the function of epiretinal prostheses therefore requires understanding and avoiding axon bundle activation. This study introduces a method to detect axon bundle activation on the basis of its electrical signature and uses the method to test whether epiretinal stimulation can directly elicit spikes in individual retinal ganglion cells without activating nearby axon bundles. Combined electrical stimulation and recording from isolated primate retina were performed using a custom multielectrode system (512 electrodes, 10-μm diameter, 60-μm pitch). Axon bundle signals were identified by their bidirectional propagation, speed, and increasing amplitude as a function of stimulation current. The threshold for bundle activation varied across electrodes and retinas, and was in the same range as the threshold for activating retinal ganglion cells near their somas. In the peripheral retina, 45% of electrodes that activated individual ganglion cells (17% of all electrodes) did so without activating bundles. This permitted selective activation of 21% of recorded ganglion cells (7% of expected ganglion cells) over the array. In one recording in the central retina, 75% of electrodes that activated individual ganglion cells (16% of all electrodes) did so without activating bundles. The ability to selectively activate a subset of retinal ganglion cells without axon bundles suggests a possible novel architecture for future epiretinal prostheses.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Large-scale multielectrode recording and stimulation were used to test how selectively retinal ganglion cells can be electrically activated without activating axon bundles. A novel method was developed to identify axon activation on the basis of its unique electrical signature and was used to find that a subset of ganglion cells can be activated at single-cell, single-spike resolution without producing bundle activity in peripheral and central retina. These findings have implications for the development of advanced retinal prostheses.
The stochastic nature of action potential backpropagation in apical tuft dendrites
Authors: Short Shaina M. , Oikonomou Katerina D. , Zhou Wen-Liang , Acker Corey D. , Popovic Marko A. , Zecevic Dejan , Antic Srdjan D.
Published: May 2017

The bAP-Ca2+ signal amplitudes in some apical tuft branches randomly vary from moment to moment. In repetitive measurements, successful AP invasions are followed by complete failures. Passive spread of voltage from the apical trunk into the tuft occasionally reaches the threshold for local Na+ spike, resulting in stronger Ca2+ influx. During a burst of three somatic APs, the peak of dendritic Ca2+ in the apical tuft occurs with a delay of 20-50 ms depending on AP frequency.
Why Do the Youths in Northeast India Use Tobacco?
Authors: Ladusingh Laishram , Dhillon Preeti , Narzary Pralip Kumar
Published: May 2017

This study is an assessment of the influence of parent’s tobacco use on prospective tobacco use trajectories among young offspring. The study is based on unit level data from District Level Household and Facility Survey-4 (2012-2013) comprising 27,706 youths in 15–24 years’ age group from northeastern states of India and used multilevel regression to identify the potential risk factors of tobacco consumption. The likelihood of using tobacco was found to be 3.4 and 1.14 times more, respectively, for the youths coresiding with mothers who use tobacco and fathers who use tobacco, in comparison to youths staying with parents not taking tobacco. The significant effect of peers on tobacco consumption among youths was also observed. School-going youths had significantly lower risk of tobacco use. The estimated likelihood of a young person from a household to use any tobacco, use smokeless tobacco, and smoke was found to be 28, 12, and 17 percent, respectively. There is an urgent need to extend National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) to the community level involving civil societies and young and adult generations for spreading awareness about the health hazards of tobacco use, providing support and facilitating quitting tobacco use.
Vertical and Transverse Management with Transpalatal Arches in an Adult with Class III Malocclusion
Authors: Yañez-Vico R. M. , Perula M. Cadenas de Llano , Solano-Reina E.
Published: May 2017

The transpalatal arch might be one of the most common intraoral auxiliary fixed appliances used in orthodontics in order to provide dental anchorage. The aim of the present case report is to describe a case in which an adult patient with a tendency to class III, palatal compression, and bilateral posterior crossbite was treated with double transpalatal bars in order to control the torque of both the first and the second molars. Double transpalatal arches on both first and second maxillary molars are a successful appliance in order to control the posterior sectors and improve the torsion of the molars. They allow the professional to gain overbite instead of losing it as may happen with other techniques and avoid enlarging of Wilson curve, obtaining a more stable occlusion without the need for extra help from bone anchorage.
Balancing African Elephant Conservation with Human Well-Being in Rombo Area, Tanzania
Authors: Mmbaga Naza Emmanuel , Munishi Linus Kasian , Treydte Anna Christina
Published: May 2017

The critical assessment of the nature and extent of human-elephant conflict (HEC) and its impact on conservation efforts are essential if we are to meet the challenges related to extinction of local population, as well as loss biodiversity. Conservationists need detailed information on HEC in areas where these challenges prevail to improve intervention in the face of limited funds/resources. We assessed the status of HEC at Rombo area over the last six years. Data based on household surveys, focus group discussions, spatiotemporal analysis of site observations, and reported incidents of damage within the last six years were mapped. Out of all HEC cases analyzed, the most were crop damage which took place at night and the damage was severe between May and July, when cereal crops were mature. In upland areas of Rombo, HEC hotspots were observed inside the protected forest plantation where local people cultivated their annual crops. Cold spots concentrated in upland areas outside the protected forest plantation dominated by settlement and agroforestry less preferred by elephants. In lowland areas, HEC hotspots were observed in village lands close to the PAs, within settlement and farmland dominated by seasonal crops. This suggests that HEC management efforts such as establishment of buffer zones should be directed around the areas adjacent to PAs and prevention should focus on cultivation of the alternative crops and farming systems that are less preferred by elephants. Our study highlights the importance of using a combination of data collection techniques to pinpoint fine-scale HEC hotspots in a highly conflict-prone location of Tanzania.
Reliability-Based Analysis of Sight Distance Modelling for Traffic Safety
Authors: de Santos-Berbel César , Essa Mohamed , Sayed Tarek , Castro María
Published: May 2017

Sight distance is of the utmost importance for traffic safety. The consideration of three-dimensional (3D) available sight distance (ASD) in geometric design has been supported by several researchers. However, existing ASD estimation methods are two-dimensional (2D) in nature, which do not evaluate varying visibility conditions. This paper compares different methodologies of modelling the ASD. The ASD of 402 horizontal curves, located in twelve in-service two-lane rural highways, was analyzed. Three ASD estimation methods were used which include a 2D method and two different 3D methods. The ASD results obtained through 2D and 3D methodologies are compared. Also, the different conditions of the existing roadside features or geometric elements, under which the 3D ASD estimation is important, were identified. Next, reliability theory is utilized to evaluate the risk level (probability of noncompliance,Pnc) associated with limited sight distance for each ASD modelling method. The results of the comparison emphasized the importance of considering the 3D modelled sight distance when evaluating the associated risk either in highway design or during the service life. In addition, the results indicated that the ASD modelling approach can have a significant impact on the estimation of the safety of highway design.
Riverbed Sediments as Reservoirs of MultipleVibrio choleraeVirulence-Associated Genes: A Potential Trigger for Cholera Outbreaks in Developing Countries
Authors: Abia Akebe Luther King , Ubomba-Jaswa Eunice , Momba Maggy Ndombo Benteke
Published: May 2017

Africa remains the most cholera stricken continent in the world as many people lacking access to safe drinking water rely mostly on polluted rivers as their main water sources. However, studies in these countries investigating the presence ofVibrio choleraein aquatic environments have paid little attention to bed sediments. Also, information on the presence of virulence-associated genes (VAGs) in environmentalctx-negativeV. choleraestrains in this region is lacking. Thus, we investigated the presence ofV. choleraeVAGs in water and riverbed sediment of the Apies River, South Africa. Altogether, 120 samples (60 water and 60 sediment samples) collected from ten sites on the river (January and February 2014) were analysed using PCR. Of the 120 samples, 37 sediment and 31 water samples were positive for at least one of the genes investigated. The haemolysin gene(hlyA)was the most isolated gene. The cholera toxin(ctxAB)and non-O1 heat-stable(stn/sto)genes were not detected. Genes were frequently detected at sites influenced by human activities. Thus, identification ofV. choleraeVAGs in sediments suggests the possible presence ofV. choleraeand identifies sediments of the Apies River as a reservoir for potentially pathogenicV. choleraewith possible public health implications.
Risk Assessment of Drought in the Yangtze River Delta Based on Natural Disaster Risk Theory
Authors: Fan Gaofeng , Zhang Yong , He Yue , Wang Kuo
Published: May 2017

The risk of drought in the Yangtze River Delta Region (YRDR) was assessed using the method of natural disaster risk assessment. Based on the index of disaster risk, the assessment results of risk elements such as drought hazard and vulnerability were calculated in the YRDR. The division of relative drought risk levels in the YRDR was produced at the scale of county (city, district) and township. The results indicated that the areas of highest hazard of drought are located in the northern area of the YRDR. Areas with the greatest vulnerability of drought included Shanghai, Jiaxing, Wuxi, and Hangzhou. The highest risks of drought were mainly distributed in the north of the YRDR; the proportion of slightly high and extremely high risk areas in Shanghai, Nantong, Zhenjiang, Yangzhou, and Taizhou (Jiangsu province) is over 95%. The lowest-risk areas included the southeast coastal area of the YRDR, especially in Hangzhou, and Taizhou (Zhejiang province), where the proportion of slightly high and extremely high risk areas is below 5%. Based on this drought risk assessment, it is critical to establish a drought assessment system including both guarding against and addressing drought.
Rapid Elimination of Blood Alcohol Using Erythrocytes: Mathematical Modeling and In Vitro Study
Authors: Alexandrovich Yuliya G. , Kosenko Elena A. , Sinauridze Elena I. , Obydennyi Sergey I. , Kireev Igor I. , Ataullakhanov Fazoil I. , Kaminsky Yuriy G.
Published: May 2017

Erythrocytes (RBCs) loaded with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALD) can metabolize plasma ethanol and acetaldehyde but with low efficiency. We investigated the rate-limiting factors in ethanol oxidation by these enzymes loaded into RBCs. Mathematical modeling and in vitro experiments on human RBCs loaded simultaneously with ADH and ALD (by hypoosmotic dialysis) were performed. The simulation showed that the rate of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) generation in RBC glycolysis, but not the activities of the loaded enzymes, is the rate-limiting step in external ethanol oxidation. The rate of oxidation could be increased if RBCs are supplemented by NAD+and pyruvate. Our experimental data verified this theoretical conclusion. RBCs loaded with the complete system of ADH, ALD, NAD+, and pyruvate metabolized ethanol 20–40 times faster than reported in previous studies. The one-step procedure of hypoosmotic dialysis is the optimal method to encapsulate ADH and ALD in RBCs after cell recovery, encapsulation yield, osmotic resistance, and RBC-indexes. Consequently, transfusion of the RBCs loaded with the complete metabolic system, including ADH, ALD, pyruvate, and NAD+in the patients with alcohol intoxication, may be a promising method for rapid detoxification of blood alcohol based on metabolism.
Actinidia chinensis Planch. Improves the Indices of Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammation Status of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Activating Keap1 and Nrf2 via the Upregulation of MicroRNA‐424
Authors: Sun Longfeng , Li Xiaofei , Li Gang , Dai Bing , Tan Wei
Published: May 2017

The fruit juice of Actinidia chinensis Planch. has antioxidant and anti‐inflammation properties on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the molecular mechanism was unclear. The patients took the juice and the serum level of antioxidant miR‐424, Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (Nrf2), and biochemical indices were measured. The juice increased the levels of serum microRNA‐424, Keap1, and Nrf2 and reduced the levels of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) beta and IL‐6 in T2DM patients. The levels of SOD and GSH were higher while the levels of ALT and AST were lower in the patients consuming the juice when compared to the patients without taking the juice. The Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the serum levels of miR‐424 were positively related to Keap1 and Nrf2 levels while Keap1 and Nrf2 levels were positively related to the levels of SOD and GSH and negatively related to IL‐1 beta and IL‐6. Thus, FJACP improves the indices of antioxidant and anti‐inflammation status by activating Keap1 and Nrf2 via the upregulation of miR‐424 in the patients with T2DM. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-ONC-17011087 on 04/07/2017.
Synchronization and Electronic Circuit Application of Hidden Hyperchaos in a Four-Dimensional Self-Exciting Homopolar Disc Dynamo without Equilibria
Authors: Feng Yu , Wei Zhouchao , Kocamaz Uğur Erkin , Akgül Akif , Moroz Irene
Published: May 2017

We introduce and investigate a four-dimensional hidden hyperchaotic system without equilibria, which is obtained by augmenting the three-dimensional self-exciting homopolar disc dynamo due to Moffatt with an additional control variable. Synchronization of two such coupled disc dynamo models is investigated by active control and sliding mode control methods. Numerical integrations show that sliding mode control provides a better synchronization in time but causes chattering. The solution is obtained by switching to active control when the synchronization errors become very small. In addition, the electronic circuit of the four-dimensional hyperchaotic system has been realized in ORCAD-PSpice and on the oscilloscope by amplitude values, verifying the results from the numerical experiments.
An Exploration of Gene-Gene Interactions and Their Effects on Hypertension
Authors: Meng Ying , Groth Susan , Quinn Jill R. , Bisognano John , Wu Tong Tong
Published: May 2017

Hypertension tends to perpetuate in families and the heritability of hypertension is estimated to be around 20–60%. So far, the main proportion of this heritability has not been found by single-locus genome-wide association studies. Therefore, the current study explored gene-gene interactions that have the potential to partially fill in the missing heritability. A two-stage discovery-confirmatory analysis was carried out in the Framingham Heart Study cohorts. The first stage was an exhaustive pairwise search performed in 2320 early-onset hypertensive cases with matched normotensive controls from the offspring cohort. Then, identified gene-gene interactions were assessed in an independent set of 694 subjects from the original cohort. Four unique gene-gene interactions were found to be related to hypertension. Three detected genes were recognized by previous studies, and the other 5 loci/genes (MAN1A1, LMO3, NPAP1/SNRPN, DNAL4, and RNA5SP455/KRT8P5) were novel findings, which had no strong main effect on hypertension and could not be easily identified by single-locus genome-wide studies. Also, by including the identified gene-gene interactions, more variance was explained in hypertension. Overall, our study provides evidence that the genome-wide gene-gene interaction analysis has the possibility to identify new susceptibility genes, which can provide more insights into the genetic background of blood pressure regulation.
Per-Spectral Characterizations of Bicyclic Networks
Authors: Wu Tingzeng , Lü Huazhong
Published: May 2017

Spectral techniques are used for the study of several network properties: community detection, bipartition, clustering, design of highly synchronizable networks, and so forth. In this paper, we investigate which kinds of bicyclic networks are determined by their per-spectra. We find that the permanental spectra cannot determine sandglass graphs in general. When we restrict our consideration to connected graphs or quadrangle-free graphs, sandglass graphs are determined by their permanental spectra. Furthermore, we construct countless pairs of per-cospectra bicyclic networks.
Longitudinal Patterns of Stability and Change in Tenacious Goal Pursuit and Flexible Goal Adjustment among Older People over a 9-Year Period
Authors: Martinent Guillaume , Bailly Nathalie , Ferrand Claude , Gana Kamel , Giraudeau Caroline , Joulain Michèle
Published: May 2017

Using the dual-process model of assimilative-tenacity (TGP) and accommodative-flexibility (FGA), the study aims to identify trajectories of TGP and FGA over five time points within a 9-year period, explore the relationships between the trajectories of TGP and FGA, and explore if participants from distinct TGP and FGA trajectories differed in indicators of well-being and depression. Latent class growth analysis was used in a five-wave longitudinal design among an older population of 747 participants over 65 years. Results highlight (1) emergence of four trajectories for flexibility (low and increasing, moderate and increasing, moderately high and stable, and high and stable trajectories) and three trajectories for tenacity (low and stable, moderate and stable, and high and decreasing trajectories), (2) that older people belonging to particular trajectories of FGA are not more likely to belong to particular trajectories of TGP, and (3) that participants from the high and decreasing TGP and high or moderately high and stable FGA trajectories were characterized by high score of perceived health, satisfaction with life, and self-esteem and low score of depression moods. These results highlight that the heterogeneity in longitudinal TGP and FGA scores throughout the life span needs to be accounted for in future research.
Elucidation of the Role of Lectin-Like oxLDL Receptor-1 in the Metabolic Responses of Macrophages to Human oxLDL
Authors: Kimmel Danielle W. , Dole William P. , Cliffel David E.
Published: May 2017

Atherogenesis is the narrowing of arteries due to plaque build-up that results in cardiovascular disease that can lead to death. The macrophage lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), also called the oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1), is currently thought to aid in atherosclerotic disease progression; therefore metabolic studies have potential to both provide mechanistic validation for the role of LOX-1 in disease progression and provide valuable information regarding biomarker strategies and clinical imaging. One such mechanistic study is the upregulation of LOX-1 by methylated bacterial DNA and deoxy-cytidylate-phosphate-deoxy-guanylate-DNA (CpG)-DNA exposure. CpG-DNA is known to promote oxidative burst responses in macrophages, due to its direct binding to toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) leading to the initiation of an NF-κB mediated immune response. In addition to the upregulation of macrophage LOX-1 expression, these studies have also examined the macrophage metabolic response to murine LOX-1/OLR1 antibody exposure. Our data suggests the antibody exposure effectively blocks LOX-1 dependent oxLDL metabolic activation of the macrophage, which was quantified using the multianalyte microphysiometer (MAMP). Using the MAMP to examine metabolic fluctuations during various types of oxLDL exposure, LOX-1 upregulation and inhibition provide valuable information regarding the role of LOX-1 in macrophage activation of oxidative burst.
Initial Development of the Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Parental Self-Efficacy Scale: A Pilot Study
Authors: Blocher-Rubin Aaron , Krabill Paige
Published: May 2017

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is an effective treatment for children with autism. However, it is known that some parents struggle to fully implement the program, and providers are not always able to identify the specifics of each family’s individualized challenges. The purpose of this pilot study was to begin the process of developing a new instrument, the EIBI Parental Self-Efficacy (EPSE) Scale, to help providers better assess and assist parents in regard to EIBI implementation. The methodology included four phases: scale construction, expert review, pretest administration, and a large sample pilot study (N = 192). The final 29-item EPSE Scale contained strong reliability properties (Cronbach’s alpha = .900). Factor analysis established five subscales: Family Well-Being, Preparing for Successful Sessions, Team Participation, Not Giving Up, and Working with your Child. Following this pilot study, future research is recommended to refine and validate the EPSE Scale as a useful clinical tool for EIBI providers.
Development of a Cancer Risk Prediction Tool for Use in the UK Primary Care and Community Settings
Authors: Lophatananon Artitaya , Usher-Smith Juliet , Campbell Jackie , Warcaba Joanne , Silarova Barbora , Waters Erika A. , Colditz Graham A. , Muir Kenneth R.
Published: May 2017

Several multivariable risk prediction models have been developed to asses an individual's risk of developing specific cancers. Such models can be used in a variety of settings for prevention, screening, and guiding investigations and treatments. Models aimed at predicting future disease risk that contains lifestyle factors may be of particular use for targeting health promotion activities at an individual level. This type of cancer risk prediction is not yet available in the UK. We have adopted the approach used by the well-established U.S.-derived "YourCancerRisk" model for use in the UK population, which allow users to quantify their individual risk of developing individual cancers relative to the population average risk. The UK version of “YourCancerRisk" computes 10-year cancer risk estimates for 11 cancers utilizing UK figures for prevalence of risk factors and cancer incidence. Because the prevalence of risk factors and the incidence rates for cancer are different between the U.S. and the UK population, this UK model provides more accurate estimates of risks for a UK population. Using an example of breast cancer and data from UK Biobank cohort, we demonstrate that the individual risk factor estimates are similar for the U.S. and UK populations. Assessment of the performance and validation of the multivariate model predictions based on a binary score confirm the model's applicability. The model can be used to estimate absolute and relative cancer risk for use in Primary Care and community settings and is being used in the community to guide lifestyle change. Cancer Prev Res; 10(7); 421–30. ©2017 AACR.
Association Study of Three Gene Polymorphisms Recently Identified by a Genome-Wide Association Study with Obesity-Related Phenotypes in Chinese Children
Authors: Song Qi-Ying , Song Jie-Yun , Wang Yang , Wang Shuo , Yang Yi-De , Meng Xiang-Rui , Ma Jun , Wang Hai-Jun , Wang Yan
Published: May 2017

Objective: This study aimed to examine associations of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with obesity-related phenotypes in Chinese children. These SNPs were identified by a recent genome-wide association (GWA) study among European children. Given that varied genetic backgrounds across different ethnicity may result in different association, it is necessary to study these associations in a different ethnic population. Methods: A total of 3,922 children, including 2,191 normal-weight, 873 overweight and 858 obese children, from three independent studies were included in the study. Logistic and linear regressions were performed, and meta-analyses were conducted to assess the associations between the SNPs and obesity-related phenotypes. Results: The pooled odds ratios of the A-allele of rs564343 in PACS1 for obesity and severe obesity were 1.180 (p = 0.03) and 1.312 (p = 0.004), respectively. We also found that rs564343 was nominally associated with BMI, BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We showed for the first time that the rs564343 in PACS1 was associated with risk of severe obesity in a non-European population. This SNP was also found to be associated with common obesity and various obesity-related phenotypes in Chinese children, which had not been reported in the original study. The results demonstrated the value of conducting genetic researches in populations with different ethnicity.
The Metabolic Phenotype in Obesity: Fat Mass, Body Fat Distribution, and Adipose Tissue Function
Authors: Goossens Gijs H.
Published: May 2017

The current obesity epidemic poses a major public health issue since obesity predisposes towards several chronic diseases. BMI and total adiposity are positively correlated with cardiometabolic disease risk at the population level. However, body fat distribution and an impaired adipose tissue function, rather than total fat mass, better predict insulin resistance and related complications at the individual level. Adipose tissue dysfunction is determined by an impaired adipose tissue expandability, adipocyte hypertrophy, altered lipid metabolism, and local inflammation. Recent human studies suggest that adipose tissue oxygenation may be a key factor herein. A subgroup of obese individuals - the ‘metabolically healthy obese' (MHO) - have a better adipose tissue function, less ectopic fat storage, and are more insulin sensitive than obese metabolically unhealthy persons, emphasizing the central role of adipose tissue function in metabolic health. However, controversy has surrounded the idea that metabolically healthy obesity may be considered really healthy since MHO individuals are at increased (cardio)metabolic disease risk and may have a lower quality of life than normal weight subjects due to other comorbidities. Detailed metabolic phenotyping of obese persons will be invaluable in understanding the pathophysiology of metabolic disturbances, and is needed to identify high-risk individuals or subgroups, thereby paving the way for optimization of prevention and treatment strategies to combat cardiometabolic diseases.
Chicken Microchromosomes in the Lampbrush Phase: A Cytogenetic Description
Authors: Galkina Svetlana , Fillon Valerie , Saifitdinova Alsu , Daks Aleksandra , Kulak Maria , Dyomin Alexander , Koshel Elena , Gaginskaya Elena R.
Published: May 2017

Lampbrush chromosomes are giant, transcriptionally active, meiotic chromosomes found in oocytes of all vertebrates with the exception of mammals. Lampbrush chromosomes offer a convenient tool for cytogenetic mapping and, in particular, have been instrumental in mapping genes and linkage groups on chicken (GGA) chromosomes. Whereas cytogenetic maps of macrochromosome GGA1-10 and microchromosome GGA11-16 lampbrush bivalents have been established, identification and description of smaller microchromosome bivalents are still missing. In this work, we used specific FISH probes for the identification of 12 chicken lampbrush chromosomes formed by GGA17-28. Our observations on chromomere and lateral loop arrangement and chiasma position allowed us to construct the respective cytogenetic maps for these microchromosomes. For the 10 smallest chicken microchromosomes, GGA29-38, no individual molecular tags are available, yet they can be collectively marked using the PO41 repeat. The reported results contribute to building of working cytogenetic maps of the chicken karyotype.
Oral Vancomycin and Gentamicin for Treatment of Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lev-Tzion Raffi , Ledder Oren , Shteyer Eyal , Tan Michelle Li Nien , Uhlig Holm H. , Turner Dan
Published: May 2017

Background: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex and involves the contribution of genetic and environmental factors. Many patients with very early onset IBD are difficult to treat. The current antibiotic medication that targets gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria provides only moderate efficacy in subsets of patients with IBD. Methods: We report a case series of 5 children with a mean age of 1.6 years (range 6 months to 2.7 years) during IBD onset, who were previously refractory to standard treatments and who received oral vancomycin with or without gentamicin. Results: Four out of 5 children demonstrated substantial therapeutic effect, and the effect was sustained in 3 children over a follow-up period of 12-33 months. Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with model systems and suggest that randomized trials are required to establish whether a change in therapeutic paradigm, that is, targeting gram-positive bacteria with nonabsorbable antibiotics, may have therapeutic benefits.
Skin Perfusion Changes within 12 h after Axillary Plexus Block
Authors: Wenger Andrea , Amr Amro , Schaller Hans-Eberhard , Rothenberger Jens
Published: May 2017

Background/Purpose: An improvement of the blood flow would be beneficial in microvascular upper-extremity reconstruction and in digit replantation. In the present work, skin perfusion changes and their duration due to axillary plexus block were quantified. Methods: The peripheral blood flow of the upper extremities in 20 patients undergoing trapeziectomy under axillary plexus block was analyzed. Results: Laser Doppler spectrophotometry was used to measure perfusion factors over a 12-h period, with the contralateral hand acting as the control. Axillary plexus block produced a significant increase of peripheral oxygen saturation (117 ± 35% vs. control 93 ± 22%, p = 0.019), peripheral blood flow (220 ± 166% vs. 130 ± 77%, p = 0.037), and velocity (164 ± 58% vs. 117 ± 45%, p = 0.011). Conclusion: Axillary plexus block produces an improvement of peripheral tissue oxygen saturation of the upper extremities over the first 6 h after the inception of anesthesia. This suggests a potential benefit especially for critically perfused tissues.
Life-Threatening Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Previously Undiagnosed Acute T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Blast Crisis: A Nightmare in Neurosurgeon's Life?
Authors: Singh Abhay , Gupta Rahul , Chhonker Devender , Gunjan Gangesh , Bhatoe Harjinder Singh
Published: May 2017

Spontaneous, nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cancer diagnosed in children. According to the literature, only 6 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting as intracerebral hemorrhage have been reported. Five out of the 6 patients were managed conservatively; 3 out of these 6 patients survived with correction of coagulopathy. Surgical intervention was performed in only 1 of the previously reported cases in which the patient could not be salvaged. We report a case of life-threatening intracerebral hemorrhage in previously undiagnosed acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia with blast crisis, in which the patient was salvaged from the catastrophic complication after surgical intervention.
Impact of Diabetes on Extracellular Volume Status in Patients Initiating Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Udo Aniema , Goodlad Catriona , Davenport Andrew
Published: May 2017

Background: Recent reports have highlighted that diabetic patients with kidney failure are at increased risk of technique failure and transfer to haemodialysis within 90 days of initiating peritoneal dialysis (PD). We wished to determine whether there were differences between diabetic and non-diabetic patients within the first 3 months of starting PD. Methods: We reviewed results of corresponding bioimpedance and the 1st test of peritoneal membrane function (PET) in consecutive patients, 6-10 weeks after initiating PD electively. Results: Adult patients numbering 386 - 230 males (59.6%), 152 (39.4%) diabetic, 188 (48.7%) white, mean age 57.3 ±16.9 years - were studied. Although weight, residual renal function and peritoneal clearances were not different, diabetic patients had greater extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TBW; 40.4 ± 1.1 vs. 39.2 ± 1.4) and % ECW excess (9.6 [6.3-12.3] vs. 4.9 [0.7-8.9]), lower serum albumin (35.2 ± 4.7 vs. 37.8 ± 4.9 g/L), greater fat mass index (9.5 ± 4.2 vs. 7.7 ± 4.2), and although mean arterial blood pressure was similar, arterial pulse pressure was greater (66.9 ± 10.8 vs. 54.3 ± 17.3 mm Hg, all p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, glycated haemoglobin was associated with pulse pressure (standardised β 0.24, p < 0.001), N terminal brain natriuretic peptide (β 0.24, p < 0.001), ECW/TBW (β 0.19, p = 0.012) and negatively with serum albumin (β -0.14, p = 0.033) and creatinine (β -0.18, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Diabetic patients electively starting PD were found to have greater ECW/TBW ratios and ECW excess 6-10 weeks after starting PD compared to non-diabetics, despite similar PET. Increased ECW could predispose diabetic patients to be at greater risk of volume overload.
Correlation between clinical signs of feline conjunctivitis and molecular detection of felid herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, chlamydophila felis and mycoplasma felis in cats from shelters in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Baumworcel Natasha , Soares Ana Maria Barros , Silva Sheila Bruna , Almeida Núbia Karla Oliveira , Castro Tatiana Xavier de
Published: May 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar diagnóstico molecular de agentes microbiológicos (FHV-1, FCV, Mycoplasma felis e Chlamydophila felis) em gatos filhotes e associar a presença dos patógenos à gravidade dos sinais clínicos de conjuntivite. Foram coletadas um total de 108 amostras de suabe conjuntival de filhotes felinos assintomáticos (G1; n = 40) e sintomáticos (G2; n = 68). Animais do G2 foram categorizados de 1 (leve) até 4 (grave), de acordo com o quadro clínico de conjuntivite. As 108 amostras foram submetidas à PCR e RT-PCR. O FHV-1 foi detectado em 57,4% das amostras, o FCV em 37%, o M. felis em 10,2% e o C. felis em 24,1%. Coinfecções, por sua vez, foram detectadas em 36,1%. No G1, 70% das amostras foram positivas para um ou mais patógenos. No G2, 85,3% apresentavam infecções (P = 0,03). No G1, monoinfecções por FHV-1 foram diagnosticadas em 52,5% das amostras, por FCV em 5%, por C. felis em 2,5%, e em 30% das amostras analisadas nenhum dos patógenos estudados foi encontrado. Coinfecções, por sua vez, estavam presentes em 72,5% das amostras. No G2, monoinfecções por FHV-1 foram encontradas em 45,6% das amostras, por FCV em 14,7 %, por M. felis em 3% e por C. felis também em 3%. Nenhum dos patógenos estudados foi encontrado em 14,7% das amostras analisadas. Coinfecções, responsáveis por 52% dos casos, foram categorizados como Grau 1 (29,4%), Grau 2 (20,6%), Grau 3 (30,9%) e Grau 4 (19,1%). A presença de FHV-1 e FCV está igualmente distribuída entre as quatro categorias. Os sinais clínicos mais graves (graus 3 e 4) estão relacionados a coinfecções por C. felis e M. felis. Os agentes microbiológicos FHV-1, FCV, C. felis e M. felis foram encontrados em animais com conjuntivite. Coinfecções estão relacionadas aos casos mais graves. Por fim, concluiu-se que o diagnóstico molecular, além de detectar portadores assintomáticos, é um método rápido e acurado para o diagnóstico do patógeno causador da conjuntivite felina.
Effect of extreme severe heat stress on respiratory rate in unshorn and shorn Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia
Authors: López Armengol María Fernanda , Freund Ronina Paola , Giménez Gustavo Néstor , Rubio Natalia
Published: May 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito do estresse térmico extremamente severo sobre a frequência respiratória (ofego) em carneiros com lã e tosquiados, em pé ou deitados, e analisar dois índices de temperatura e umidade (ITU). Seis carneiros Merino Australiano da Patagônia Norte, três com lã e três tosquiados, foram expostos durante 40 horas a aumento gradual de temperatura de 25 a 40°C (oito horas durante cinco dias), garantindo quatro horas diárias a 40°C em uma câmara de calor. A frequência respiratória foi registrada continuamente mediante a contagem dos movimentos do flanco. A temperatura e a umidade relativa ambiente foram registradas a cada cinco minutos dentro da câmara. A partir de 1.413 frequências respiratórias registradas, uma análise descritiva foi realizada e um modelo calculado. A variável de resposta do ofego foi dividida em cinco categorias e os efeitos fixos considerados foram: ITU, lã (com lã ou tosquiado) e posição (em pé ou deitado). Não se observaram diferenças significativas nas frequências de ofego nos carneiros com lã (em pé ou deitados) nem entre os carneiros em pé (com lã e tosquiados), mas foram observadas diferenças significativas nos carneiros tosquiados deitados. Essas diferenças podem ser atribuídas à perda de calor com o solo, facilitada nos carneiros com mecha mais curta (pelo menos 1,8 cm), e à baixa produção de calor de atividade de músculo. Nos carneiros lanados, a lã atua como isolante tanto com o ar quanto com o solo. Os carneiros Merino Australianos do Norte da Patagônia foram adaptados a temperaturas ambiente entre 31,5 e 42°C e 32 e 48% de umidade durante 40 horas em cinco dias. Os carneiros permaneceram na primeira fase do ofego e as temperaturas retais diárias, que se registraram ao deixar a câmara de calor, permaneceram dentro da normalidade, o que demonstra que eles puderam regular a temperatura corporal. Além disso, foram analisados comparativamente os ajustes à frequência respiratória dos ITUs: LPHSI e National Research Council.