bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Anatomy of the Sensory Nervous System: Updates From the Neuroscience Bench
Authors: Crawford LaTasha K. , Caterina Michael J.
Published: September 2019

The simple tripartite classification of sensory neurons as A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers fails to convey the complexity of the neurons that encode stimuli as diverse as the texture of a surface, the location of a pinprick, or the direction of hair movement as a breeze moves across the skin. It has also proven to be inadequate when investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying pain, which can encompass any combination of chemical, tactile, and thermal modalities. Beginning with a brief overview of visceral and sensory neuroanatomy, this review expands upon sensory innervation of the skin as a prime example of the heterogeneity and complexity of the somatosensory nervous system. Neuroscientists have characterized defining features of over 15 subtypes of sensory neurons that innervate the skin of the mouse. This has enabled the study of cell-specific mechanisms of pain, which suggests that diverse sensory neuron subtypes may have distinct susceptibilities to toxic injury and different roles in pathologic mechanisms underlying altered sensation. Leveraging this growing body of knowledge for preclinical trials and models of neurotoxicity can vastly improve our understanding of peripheral nervous system dysfunction, advancing the fields of toxicologic pathology and neuropathology alike.
Commemorating economic crisis at a liminal site: Memory, creativity and dissent at Achill Henge, Ireland
Authors: Edensor Tim , Smith Thomas SJ
Published: September 2019

This paper draws on a case study of Achill Henge, County Mayo, Ireland, to examine the interplay between economic crisis, rebel creativity and shifting geographies of commemoration. Built in 2011 in a remote part of the west of Ireland, Achill Henge is a highly contested monument. Unfinished and under perennial threat of demolition, the Stonehenge-like structure was originally conceived as a ‘tomb of the Celtic Tiger’, in reference to Ireland’s ill-fated economic ‘miracle’ of the 1990s and 2000s. This paper examines this economic context before adopting two perspectives. Firstly, drawing on critical ideas about commemoration, we identify how the Henge remembers economic and political failure, materialising a unique site of subaltern memory. Situating it within memorial landscapes in Ireland, we explore how it can serve to critically analyse practices of traditional and contemporary commemoration. Secondly, we examine how its unsanctioned liminality produces a valuable, exemplary site at which numerous unregulated, playful, performative and political practices can be carried out, away from mainstream convention and commercial banality.
Blind-Walking Behavior in the Dark Affected by Previewing the Testing Space
Authors: Kelly Susan A.
Published: September 2019

Visual environments affect egocentric distance perceptions in full cue conditions. In this study, the effect of three spatial layouts was tested on the perceived location of a self-illuminated single target viewed in the dark. Blind-walking (BW) estimates of target distance were underestimated in all testing spaces, as expected, but foreshortened significantly more in the shortest of the three testing rooms. Additional experiments revealed that neither changes in the perceived angle of declination nor perceived eye height were responsible for this effect. The possibility that subjects made cognitive adjustments to BW behavior to reduce physical risk was assessed by remeasuring target locations in the three different locations with magnitude estimation and by comparing the BW results obtained from subjects who had no preview of the testing space with those who had. The results support the conclusion that the effect of spatial layout is likely due to cognitive adjustments to BW behavior. The results also indicate that the perceived angle of declination is always overestimated by at least a factor of 1.5. These results can be interpreted within the context of a theory of space perception called the angular expansion theory (AET).
Theoretical and experimental investigations on nano-finishing of internal cylindrical surfaces with a newly developed rotational magnetorheological honing process
Authors: Paswan Sunil K , Singh Anant K
Published: September 2019

In the current scenario, the advanced industries are using highly sophisticated types of machinery. These types of machinery use numerous cylindrical components made with superior materials and technology. For obtaining the nano-level finished interior cylindrical surface with high accuracy and high production rate, a newly developed rotational magnetorheological honing (R-MRH) process is employed on the cylindrical objects. This process is applicable in internal nano-finishing of cylindrical molds, hydraulic and pneumatic valves, aerodynamic bearings, gears, cylindrical barrel, and cylinders used in medical devices, etc. In the present work, the cylindrical workpiece is also made rotational in the reverse direction of the MRH-tool rotation unlike the existing MRH process. The rotating motion of the workpiece cylinder caused an increment in relative motion of the active abrasive particles against the interior surface of the workpiece cylinder. The effect of the rotational speed of the workpiece cylinder along with movements of the MRH-tool on change in surface roughness is investigated theoretically and experimentally in this work. Theoretically, it is found that the simultaneous motions of tool and cylindrical workpiece in the opposite direction to each other increase the finishing rate. To validate the theoretically increased finishing rate due to the rotating cylindrical workpiece, and to examine the effect of the rotational motion of the cylindrical workpiece on finishing performance, the experiments are conducted with the R-MRH process. The reduction in surface roughness is found as 71.71% in 60 min with the existing MRH process for the stationary cylindrical workpiece, whereas it is reduced to 83.83% in only 40 min with the R-MRH process for the rotational cylindrical workpiece. The significant change in surface roughness value with reduced finishing time validates the improved efficacy of present R-MRH process for its more utility in industries.
Characteristics of lupus and lupus nephritis at a tertiary care center in Lebanon
Authors: Koubar S H , Kort J , Kawtharani S , Chaaya M , Makki M , Uthman I
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus affects 4.8–78.5 people per 100,000 worldwide, 90% of whom are females. Geography and ethnicity have been shown to significantly affect the prevalence and natural history of the disease. Lupus nephritis affects around half of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Data about systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis in the Middle East are still scarce. In this study, we aimed to describe the characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis at a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of all biopsy-proven lupus nephritis patients admitted to the American University of Beirut medical center between January 2000 and December 2018. Patients above 12 years of age who had any International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) class of lupus nephritis on their renal biopsy were included in the study.

Results

The study included 55 patients with lupus nephritis. Upon presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common clinical feature was arthritis, seen in 83% of patients, followed by anemia (82%) and malar rash (48%). In total 93% had positive ANA, 89% had positive anti-dsDNA and 98% of patients had proteinuria. The most common ISN/RPS class of lupus nephritis in our series was IV (49%). At the time of the biopsy 15% of patients underwent dialysis. At 6 months, 11/27 had complete remission, 6/27 had partial remission and 10/27 had no remission. At 1 year, 8/23 had complete remission, 4/23 had partial remission and 11/23 had no remission. During the study period, 15 out of 35 patients available for analysis had chronic kidney disease (CKD) and six out of 34 patients developed end-stage kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy. In comparison to other series in the region, our series had more males affected, higher creatinine at the time of biopsy and greater degree of proteinuria.

Conclusion

Our study provided insight on the demographics, characteristics, and outcomes of lupus nephritis in Lebanon. Interestingly, male gender was present in a quarter of patients. This warrants further investigation and confirmation. We are hoping to expand this experience into a national prospective registry to further characterize this entity in our region.
Simulation-Based Training Models for Cleft Palate Repair: A Systematic Review
Authors: Raveendran Maria
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Simulation-based training is a relatively new inclusion to surgical training curricula, with promises of achieving increased competency while maximizing patient safety. Cleft palate, which contributes significantly to the global burden of surgically treatable diseases, is a challenging repair to learn due to the high level of skill and dexterity required, delicate oral tissues, and limited space of an infant oral cavity. Simulation training can allow cleft palate education to move from an observational to a competency-based learning. Hence, this systematic review presents the models described in the literature that simulate cleft palate repair.

Design:

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. An electronic search of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases was performed. Qualitative data were extracted, and the models were stratified based on their anatomical fidelity and realism, forming the basis of the curriculum.

Results:

The database search returned 3261 articles. Twelve articles were considered eligible for inclusion. The anatomical fidelity, human tissue likeness, evidence of improved outcomes, and cost are discussed.

Conclusions:

Cleft palate is a globally significant birth defect and its repair is a difficult procedure to learn. This review presents the 12 models of cleft palate described in the literature, highlighting the advances and gaps in current cleft palate simulation.
Deep Learning in Personalization of Cardiovascular Stents
Authors: Lee Yugyung , Veerubhotla Krishna , Jeong Myung Ho , Lee Chi H.
Published: September 2019

Deep learning (DL) application has demonstrated its enormous potential in accomplishing biomedical tasks, such as vessel segmentation, brain visualization, and speech recognition. This review article has mainly covered recent advances in the principles of DL algorithms, existing DL software, and designing strategies of DL models. Latest progresses in cardiovascular devices, especially DL-based cardiovascular stent used for angioplasty, differential and advanced diagnostic means, and the treatment outcomes involved with coronary artery disease (CAD), are discussed. Also presented is DL-based discovery of new materials and future medical technologies that will facilitate the development of tailored and personalized treatment strategies by identifying and forecasting individual impending risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Radiation oncology outpatient medication management needs and service gaps – A cross-sectional study of patients and clinicians
Authors: Maleki Sam , Alexander Marliese , Liu Chen , Rischin Danny , Lingaratnam Senthil , Fua Tsien
Published: September 2019

Background

Patients receiving radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer can have complex medication requirements related to the management of side-effects and impaired swallowing ability. This study surveyed patients and clinicians to identify service gaps and unmet medication management needs.

Methods

Patient and clinician surveys were developed by a multidisciplinary team based on previously validated questionnaires. The patient survey focused on medication use and adherence. The clinician survey was based around a clinical case study and focused on identifying service gaps and practice variations. This survey was disseminated to radiation oncologists, pharmacists and nurses involved with the care of head and neck or lung cancer patients in Victoria.

Results

A total of 93 surveys were completed including 53 patient surveys and 40 clinician surveys. Radiotherapy patients reported high medication usage with up to 53% taking five or more medications daily. When asked the same set of questions relating to medication education requirements, patients receiving polypharmacy reported greater needs (72%) than recognised by the surveyed multidisciplinary clinician group (58%). They also reported a non-adherence rate of 46%. In addition, further disparities were identified in clinician practices and their approach to clinical situations which may result in conflicting advice and confusion for patients.

Conclusion

While recognising deficiencies relating to the provision of medication information, oncologists, nurses and pharmacists underestimated patient needs for medication information, education and follow-up. Findings support the rationale for integration of pharmacy services within the radiotherapy clinics to support patient care and bridge service gaps relating to medication management.
Distrust persists after subverting atheist stereotypes
Authors: Grove Richard C. , Rubenstein Ayla , Terrell Heather K.
Published: September 2019

Antiatheist prejudice appears to be common. This prejudice may stem from distrust. However, the factors influencing distrust are not fully understood. The current research identified common stereotypes about atheists, tested the intuitiveness of those stereotypes, and determined whether distrust toward atheists depends more on the label “atheist” or the attributes atheists are thought to possess. Study 1 ( N = 100) and Study 2 ( N = 149) identified several attributes thought to be most characteristic of atheists and least characteristic of Christians (or vice versa). Study 3 ( N = 219) demonstrated that atheists and Christians are intuitively associated with the respective traits identified in Studies 1 and 2. Study 4 ( N = 274) and Study 5 ( N = 259) used fake social media profiles to manipulate target religious identification (atheist, Christian, or unspecified) and attributes (stereotypically atheist or stereotypically Christian) to determine the effect on trust ratings. Overall, the results of these studies indicate that atheists and Christians are explicitly and implicitly associated with different attributes and that, even when atheists possess stereotypically Christian attributes, Christians trust atheists significantly less than other Christians. These findings suggest that antiatheist prejudice is relatively insensitive to individual differences of the target.
Nonlinear robust control of high-speed supercavitating vehicle in the vertical plane
Authors: Phuc Bui Duc Hong , Lee Sang-Do , You Sam-Sang , Rathore Natwar Singh
Published: September 2019

The supercavitating vehicle can quickly become unstable under the influence of the planing force and external disturbances due to waves and currents. The planing force demonstrates nonlinear characteristics which can be described by the vehicle state variables. Strict standards for maneuvering strategy are required for high-speed vehicles to operate, particularly guidance, navigation, and control of underwater maneuver. In reality, the high-speed supercavitating vehicle dynamics present various control issues and challenges. This article proposes the nonlinear robust control synthesis to manipulate the vertical plane of the high-speed supercavitating vehicle against the planing force or parameter variations as well as external disturbances. The control synthesis is implemented by solving an algebraic Riccati equation at each iteration of the control algorithm with the updated system states, which is a so-called state-dependent Riccati equation. The control loops in the dive-plane satisfy an [Formula: see text] performance criterion that can reject external disturbances with perturbations. Simulation results show that the controlled vehicle system guarantees fast transient responses with steady-state performance. Besides, the proposed controller can eliminate up to 62% of disturbances and provides the robust performance against large planing force and parametric uncertainties. This new vehicle technology with active controller offers the potential strategy of higher speed and higher maneuverability solutions for various purposes of underwater maneuvering.
Can You Engage in Political Activity Without Internet Access? The Social Effects of Internet Deprivation
Authors: Shandler Ryan , Gross Michael L , Canetti Daphna
Published: September 2019

To what extent can you engage in political activity in the modern age without Internet access? The growing dependence on Internet access to fulfill basic civil functions is threatened by increasing personal and societal cyber vulnerability. In this article, we explore the extent to which citizens are able, or unable, to engage in specific political activities in the absence of Internet connectivity. To concretize the subject, we test how Internet deprivation affects the ability to realize three basic elements of political participation: political expression, civic association, and access to information. To measure this, we develop a new experimental methodology that tests people’s ability to complete tasks related to each function under simulated treatments of Internet access or deprivation. This empirical methodology offers a new framework through which to quantify the realization of social tasks under experimental conditions. Early results suggest that the absence of Internet access significantly reduces task completion for activities related to political expression and political association and conditionally reduces task completion for practices associated with freedom of information. Having substantiated this empirical framework, we encourage its application to additional forms of political activity.
Overexpression of miRNA-21 Promotes the Proliferation and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Suppressing SMAD7
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Ping , Yuan Mei , Li Xiaojie
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of microRNA-21 and smad family member 7 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Method:

A total of 57 participants were divided into control group (healthy participants, n = 10) and hepatocellular carcinoma group (hepatocellular carcinoma patients, n = 37). The expression of microRNA-21 levels were first detected in these two groups. Cell transfection was performed on hepatoma cell lines, followed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Transwell assay to reveal proliferation and invasion ability. Furthermore, the relation between microRNA-21 and smad family member 7 was revealed by luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Finally, a transplantation tumor model of breast cancer in mice was constructed.

Results:

The serum indicators including α-alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin were differentially expressed between hepatocellular carcinoma group and control group. Compared to the control group, there was a high expression of microRNA-21 in hepatocellular carcinoma group. Low expression of microRNA-21 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HepG2.2.15 and Huh7-1.3 cells. Luciferase reporter gene and RNA innumoprecipitation assay showed that smad family member 7 was the target gene of microRNA-21. Moreover, mice model analysis showed that microRNA-21 might regulate the growth of the transplanted tumors in mice by targeting smad family member 7.

Conclusion:

The upregulated microRNA-21 might participate in the proliferation and migration in cells of hepatocellular carcinoma via suppression of smad family member 7. Furthermore, serum indicators such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin might be used as serum diagnostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Berberine protects steatotic donor undergoing liver transplantation via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated reticulophagy
Authors: Zhang Nan , Sheng Mingwei , Wu Man , Zhang Xinyue , Ding Yijie , Lin Yuanbang , Yu Wenli , Wang Shusen , Du Hongyin
Published: September 2019

Steatotic livers are more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury, and increase the risk of primary graft non-function after liver transplantation. The protective effects of berberine have been described in various liver pathological models. However, it is unknown if berberine exerts its beneficial action in steatotic donors undergoing liver transplantation. In the present study, male Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce moderate steatotic liver. Then orthotropic liver transplantation was constructed. Berberine (200 mg/kg/d) was given intragastrically one week before liver transplantation. Thapsigargin (TG) (0.2 mg/kg) was administrated intravenously 24 h before liver transplantation. Liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine were detected by biochemical or histopathological analysis. The morphology of autophagosomes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of CHOP, BIP, the phosphorylation of PERK, LC3-II/I, Beclin-1, and p62 were determined by Western blot assay. The co-localization of endoplasmic reticulum marker (KDEL) and autophagic protein (LC3B) was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. The level of reticulophagy hallmark (FAM134B) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Compared with HFD + LT group, berberine ameliorated hepatocellular damage, decreased the oxidative stress level and inflammatory cytokine release. Simultaneously, berberine inhibited the expression of both endoplasmic reticulum stress parameters and autophagy-related proteins. Additionally, the co-localization of endoplasmic reticulum marker and LC3B was also reduced in HFD + BBR + LT group. berberine down-regulated the level of FAM134B. TG reversed the beneficial effects of berberine. Our study revealed that berberine exerts protective effects on steatotic livers undergoing transplantation by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated reticulophagy.

Impact statement

Berberine is isolated from traditional Chinese medicine plants and has dramatically therapeutic potential against inflammation, diarrhea, and diabetes. But the benefits of BBR on steatotic grafts after liver transplantation remain poorly understood. Our findings might help explain the mechanism of berberine in protecting steatotic livers undergoing transplantation and give advantageous insights that berberine has potential as a suitable candidate for preventing hepatic injury after steatotic liver transplantation by inhibiting ER stress-mediated reticulophagy.
Reduced regional activity and functional connectivity within sensorimotor network in Parkinson’s patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Li Zhe , Chen Jun , Lin Yuwan , Zhou Miaomiao , Cai Qiaodi , Li Xinchun , Wu Zhuohua , Chen Xinjie , Yang Xinling , Zhu Xiaoqin , Lu Jianjun , Zhang Li , Liu Bo , Luo Xiaodong , Xu Pingyi
Published: September 2019

Background

Restless legs syndrome is an important sleep disturbance in Parkinson’s disease. Restless legs syndrome causes an urge to move the legs accompanying sensations which can be difficult to describe but include aching, burning, tingling, or crawling. However, the underlying pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome in Parkinson’s disease remains unknown and no imaging investigation has been conducted to explore its mechanism to date.

Objective

This study is to investigate the brain functional changes in Parkinson’s disease with restless legs syndrome (PD-RLS+) patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Data of functional magnetic resonance imaging were collected from 14 PD-RLS+ patients, 20 Parkinson’s disease without restless legs syndrome (PD-RLS−) patients, as well as 19 normal controls during restless legs syndrome-free periods. Intraregional brain activity was evaluated by regional homogeneity method and compared between each pair of the three groups. Area with significantly altered regional homogeneity between two patient groups was further selected as seed in subsequent functional connectivity analysis. Correlations between clinical variables and the altered regional homogeneity and functional connectivity were then assessed in patient groups.

Results

Compared with PD-RLS−, PD-RLS+ had much reduced brain activity in the right precentral gyrus, which was negatively associated with restless legs scores in Parkinson’s disease patients. Comparison between PD-RLS+ and normal controls revealed that brain activities were increased in the left brainstem and reduced in the left lingual, fusiform and inferior occipital gyri, middle cingulate and paracingulate gyri, and supplement motor area. Further functional connectivity analysis between right precentral gyrus and left postcentral/precentral gyri decreased dramatically within PD-RLS+ patients, which were also negatively correlated with restless legs symptoms in patient groups.

Conclusion

PD-RLS+ patients showed diminished regional homogeneity and functional connectivity within the precentral and postcentral gyri, which implies that the functional abnormalities in sensorimotor network may disrupt the lateral pain pathway, contributing to restless legs syndrome symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. This may provide imaging evidence to explore the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease-related restless legs syndrome.
Involving patients in recognising clinical deterioration in hospital using the Patient Wellness Questionnaire: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Albutt Abigail , O'Hara Jane , Conner Mark , Lawton Rebecca
Published: September 2019

Background

Measures exist to improve early recognition of, and response to deteriorating patients in hospital. Despite these, 7% of the deaths reported to the National Reporting and Learning System from acute hospitals in 2015 related to a failure to recognise or respond to deterioration. Interventions have been developed that allow patients and relatives to escalate patient deterioration to a critical care outreach team. However, there is not a strong evidence base for the clinical effectiveness of these interventions, or patients' ability to recognise deterioration.

Aims

The aims of this study were as follows. (a) To identify methods of involving patients in recognising deterioration in hospital, generated by health professionals. (b) To develop and evaluate an identified method of patient involvement in practice, and explore its feasibility and acceptability from the perspectives of patients.

Methods

The study used a mixed-methods design. A measure to capture patient-reported wellness during observation was developed (Patient Wellness Questionnaire) through focus group discussion with health professionals and patients, and piloted on inpatient wards.

Results

There was limited uptake where patients were asked to record ratings of their wellness using the Patient Wellness Questionnaire themselves. However, where the researcher asked patients about their wellness using the Patient Wellness Questionnaire and recorded their responses during observation, this was acceptable to most patients.

Conclusions

This study has developed a measure that can be used to routinely collect patient-reported wellness during observation in hospital and may potentially improve early detection of deterioration.
The internal temporal dynamic of unconscious inhibition related to weak stimulus–response associations
Authors: Wang Yongchun , Yao Zhao , Wang Yonghui
Published: September 2019

Unconscious inhibition has generally been perceived to be dependent on stimulus–response (S-R) associations. Some research has shown that the inhibition related to strong associations increases with response latency to the target. Although this finding suggests that the inhibitory process may need time to unfold, its exact internal temporal dynamic remains to be elucidated. This study examined the role of spontaneous reaction time (RT) fluctuations on sensorimotor processes using letters (Experiments 1 and 2) and faces (Experiment 3), which are more ubiquitous in our environment and do not contain strong associations as stimuli in fixed and free-choice tasks. The results averaged across trials showed that there was no negative compatibility effect in either fixed or free-choice tasks. However, when trials were classified by their response latency, the results indicated that compatibility effects decreased and became negative with longer RTs in the fixed task. These results suggest that the internal temporal dynamic of unconscious inhibitory mechanisms related to fixed responses remains effective for stimuli that do not contain strong S-R associations.
Urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Wales Keren E , Gray Thomas
Published: September 2019

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It is a common ailment that affects up to 50% of women within their lifetime, and has a detrimental effect on quality of life. There are many effective treatments, including conservative and medical management, available in the community before referral to secondary care. It is essential that GPs have a good understanding of the assessment, primary management and indications for onward referral of this common complaint that has a significant impact on quality of life.
A unique case of bilateral triceps avulsion fracture in a patient with pseudohypoparathyroidism
Authors: Najefi Ali-Asgar , Domos Peter
Published: September 2019

Triceps tendon ruptures and avulsions are rare injuries and are often associated with systemic diseases. This paper illustrates the unique case of a 20-year-old female patient with pseudohypoparathyroidism, who sustained bilateral triceps avulsion fractures after a fall. She underwent suture anchor fixation, augmented with tension band suture as double row repair with excellent post-operative results. We describe the pathophysiology of this injury and the unique method of fixation, which can be an alternative effective method to repair these injuries.
A System-Level Investigation into the Mechanisms of Apigenin Against Inflammation
Authors: Xie Ying , Liang Dongdong , Wu Qingke , Chen Xuemei , Buabeid Manal Ali , Wang Yanfei
Published: September 2019

Apigenin is a natural flavone that possesses excellent biological activities especially against aging and cancer. However, the underlying mode of its action is not yet revealed. The purpose of this study was to examine the pharmacological mechanisms of apigenin using the knowledge of network pharmacology, protein-protein interaction (PPI) databases and biological processes analysis through Cytoscape.

Apigenin targets were retrieved through PASS Prediction and STITCH database and the interactive associations between these targets were studied using STITCH, followed by GO (gene ontology) and pathway enrichment analysis.

As a result of target search, 125 protein targets were retrieved. Moreover, 216 GO terms related to various biological processes, 16 GO terms for various molecular processes, 5 GO terms for the cellular components, and 52 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway terms were achieved by analyzing gene functional annotation clusters and abundance values of these targets. Most of these terms are strongly associated with inflammation through various pathways, for example, FOXO, mammalian target of rapamycin, tumor necrosis factor, p53, AMP-activated protein kinase, p13K-AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, which play an important role in inflammation, aging and cancer.

Apigenin can be used to treat inflammation, aging, and cancer with an underlying mechanism of inflammation suppression. This study contributed excellent information for a better understanding of the modes of action of apigenin. However, further studies such as docking and MD simulation are required to understand the therapeutic and toxicological roles of these targets of apigenin.
Perioperative anaesthesia and coagulation management of haemophilia patients receiving total hip and knee replacement arthroplasty: Experience from a case series
Authors: Li Sibei , Qu Bo , Ma Wuhua , Li Yuhui
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To report 13 consecutive cases of successful triad of anaesthesia, blood and coagulation management (ABC protocol) in haemophilic total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and its feasibility and safety on haemophilic TJA.

Methods:

All the clinical data of 13 consecutive cases were descend from electronic medical record. Patients who suffered from haemophilia A, undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with ABC protocol at the academic hospital from December 2014 to November 2018 were included, and demographic, perioperative characteristics according to the classified method were further analysed.

Results:

All 13 haemophilic patients had undergone successful surgery with ABC protocol. No massive blood loss was observed in perioperative period. The mean external blood loss was 876.92 ± 592.86 mL. The mean change in haemoglobin was 5.42 ± 2.43 g dL−1 at 5 days post-operatively. The mean allogeneic transfusion volume was 1.23 ± 1.35 units, and the mean volume of autotransfusion was 237.5 ± 76.93 mL. The average clotting factor consumption for per operated joint was 458.26 ± 226.45 IU kg−1 in all cases. No severe perioperative complications were occurred.

Conclusion:

ABC-related series of measures were appropriate management mode for patients received THA and/or TKA with mild or moderate haemophilia. However, more robust evidence came from larger samples is needed.
Adverse events associated with medical devices in patients at different clinics and hospitals in Colombia
Authors: Machado-Alba Jorge E , Cardona-Trejos Edwar A , Delgado-Pascuaza Yudy Lorena , Torres-Bahamon Daniel R , Portilla Alfredo
Published: September 2019

Background

The use of medical technology may result in damage to patients. The aim was to determine which adverse events and adverse incidents related to medical–surgical devices were most frequently observed in patients seen at 65 health service providers, clinics and hospitals in Colombia.

Methods

Retrospective study describing reports of adverse events or incidents related to medical devices between 2014 and 2017. From the database of reports, all cases were identified and classified by the type of device, causes and time of identification of the event.

Results

The devices that were most frequently reported as having events or adverse incidents were those belonging to the vascular access category, with 45.2% of cases, followed by surgical equipment, with 20.2%. The causes of the events or adverse incidents were most often failures of the mechanical components, at 50.6%, followed by manufacturing defects, at 28.7%. The professionals who reported these issues most frequently were nurses, who did so in 33.1% of the cases. A total of 86.8% of the reports were non-serious adverse events, and the failure was identified at the time of device use in 72.8% of the cases.

Conclusions

Preventive approaches to events and adverse events related to medical devices can mostly be resolved through stricter quality control measures.
The impact of C-reactive protein levels on headache frequency in the HUNT study 2006–2008
Authors: Hagen Knut , Stovner Lars Jacob , Nilsen Kristian Bernhard , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Winsvold Bendik Slagsvold
Published: September 2019

Background

Increased high sensitivity C- reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels have been found in many earlier studies on migraine, and recently also in persons with migraine and insomnia. The aim of this study was to see whether these findings could be reproduced in a large-scale population-based study.

Methods

A total of 50,807 (54%) out of 94,194 invited aged ≥20 years or older participated in the third wave of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study study performed in 2006–2008. Among these, 38,807 (41%) had valid measures of hs-CRP and answered questions on headache and insomnia. Elevated hs-CRP was defined as > 3.0 mg/L. The cross-sectional association with headache was estimated by multivariate analyses using multiple logistic regression. The precision of the odds ratio (OR) was assessed with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In the fully adjusted model, elevated hs-CRP was associated with migraine (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25) and migraine with aura (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.29). The association was strongest among individuals with headache ≥15 days/month for any headache (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.48), migraine (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.21–2.17), and migraine with aura (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.27–2.67). No clear relationship was found between elevated hs-CRP and headache less than 7 days/month or with insomnia.

Conclusions

Cross-sectional data from this large-scale population-based study showed that elevated hs-CRP was associated with headache ≥7 days/month, especially evident for migraine with aura.
Response to ‘The implications of three major new trials for the effect of water, sanitation and hygiene on childhood diarrhea and stunting: a consensus statement’ by Cumming et al.
Authors: Wilson-Jones Megan , Smith Kyla , Jones Dan , Hamilton Helen , Richardson Leah , Macintyre Alison , Gautam Om Prasad , Harvey Erik , Northover Henry
Published: September 2019

Please see related article: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1410-x
Surfactant Protein A in particles in exhaled air (PExA), bronchial lavage and bronchial wash - a methodological comparison
Authors: Behndig Annelie F. , Mirgorodskaya Ekaterina , Blomberg Anders , Olin Anna-Carin
Published: September 2019

Introduction

At present, there are few methods available for monitoring respiratory diseases affecting distal airways. Bronchoscopy is the golden standard for sampling the lower airways. The recently developed method for collecting non-volatile material from exhaled air – PExA (Particles in Exhaled air) is a promising new tool, but no direct comparison between the two methods has yet been performed. The aim of the present study was to compare sampling using PExA with bronchial wash (BW) representing the larger more proximal airways and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) representing the distal airways.

Methods

15 healthy non-smoking subjects (7 female/8 male), age 28 ± 4 years, with normal lung function were included in the study. PExA-sampling (2 × 250 ng particles) and bronchoscopy with BW (2 × 20 ml) and BAL (3 × 60 ml sterile saline) was performed. Albumin and Surfactant Protein A (SP-A) were analyzed with ELISA, and analyses of correlation were performed.

Results

A significant association was found between BAL-fluid albumin and PExA-albumin (rs:0.65 p = 0.01). There was also an association between SP-A in PExA and BAL, when corrected for albumin concentration (rs:0.61, p = 0.015). When correlating concentrations of albumin and SP-A in bronchial wash and PExA respectively, no associations were found.

Conclusions

This is the first direct comparison between the bronchoscopy-based BW/BAL-fluids and material collected using the PExA methodology. Both albumin and albumin-corrected SP-A concentrations were significantly associated between BAL and PExA, however, no such association was found in either marker between BW and PExA. These results indicate that the PExA method samples the distal airways. PExA is thus considered a new promising non-invasive assessment for monitoring of the distal airways.
Capillary blood as an alternative specimen for enumeration of percentages of lymphocyte subsets
Authors: Srisala Supanart , Pongsakul Nutkridta , Sahakijpicharn Thiantip , Hongeng Suradej , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Apiwattanakul Nopporn
Published: September 2019

Objective

Capillary blood has been increasingly used in point-of-care setting for clinical monitoring in immunology and infectious diseases. We explored whether percentages of lymphocyte subsets (T-cells; CD3+, helper T-cells; CD4+, cytotoxic T-cells; CD8+, B-cells; CD19+, NK cells; CD56+, gamma delta T-cells, and regulatory T-cells) with regard to total lymphocyte count from capillary and venous blood of healthy volunteers were in good agreement.

Results

All percentages of lymphocyte subsets with regard to total lymphocyte count from capillary blood were significantly correlated with those from venous blood (r ≥ 0.9 for every cell type). However, Bland–Altman plots showed high agreement between capillary and venous samples only in those of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells (limit of agreement percentages from mean venous blood < 20%). However, the agreement of percentages of other lymphocyte subsets from venous and capillary blood was mediocre. We concluded that capillary blood could be used as an alternative for venous blood to determine percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells with regard to total lymphocyte count.
Evidence of early amorphous arsenic sulfide production and use in Edo period Japanese woodblock prints by Hokusai and Kunisada
Authors: Vermeulen Marc , Leona Marco
Published: September 2019

This study explores the evolution of the manufacturing process of artificial arsenic sulfide pigments in Edo-period Japan through the analysis of three impressions of the same print dated from the 1830s and attributed to Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), and one from 1852 and attributed to Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865). Colorants in the yellow and green areas of the four prints were investigated by means of non-invasive and microanalytical techniques such as optical microscopy, fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. While the pigments in the green and yellow areas are similar throughout the set of prints—Prussian blue, indigo (for the Hokusai prints) and orpiment were identified—optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy highlighted some variations in the orpiment used in the green areas of the prints. Two of the Hokusai prints present bright yellow particles of larger size and lamellar morphology, identified by Raman spectroscopy as natural orpiment. The third print presents an admixture of bright yellow natural orpiment particles with a smaller number of orange-yellow particles shown by Raman to be partially amorphous arsenic sulfide. Small bright yellow particles identified as fully amorphous arsenic sulfide pigments by Raman were found throughout the green areas of the Kunisada print. Although supported by Japanese historical sources, local production of artificial arsenic sulfide in the early nineteenth century was not previously documented. The simultaneous presence of both crystalline and amorphous domains in a single pigment particle in some of the Hokusai prints suggests that natural orpiment was used as primary source of arsenic for the production of a low grade artificial pigment. The pigment found in the Kunisada print, by contrast, was obtained from arsenic oxide (or arsenolite) and sulfur though a dry-process synthesis, as shown by the sulfur excess, signs of heat treatments and fully amorphous nature of the pigment. These findings set the earliest dates for both the ore sublimation process and the arsenolite dry process, and are of foremost importance to understand the evolution of the amorphous arsenic sulfide production in Edo-period Japan and its introduction in the palette of Japanese woodblock prints.
Leydig Cell Function in Male Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report From the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Chemaitilly Wassim , Liu Qi , van Iersel Laura , Ness Kirsten K. , Li Zhenghong , Wilson Carmen L. , Brinkman Tara M. , Klosky James L. , Barnes Nicole , Clark Karen L. , Howell Rebecca M. , Smith Susan A. , Krasin Matthew J. , Metzger Monika L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Bishop Michael W. , van Santen Hanneke M. , Pui Ching-Hon , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Yasui Yutaka , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Green Daniel M. , Sklar Charles A.
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE

Direct assessment of Leydig cell function in childhood cancer survivors has been limited. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of and risk factors for Leydig cell failure (LCF), Leydig cell dysfunction (LCD), and associated adverse health outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study with cross-sectional health outcomes analysis, we evaluated 1,516 participants (median age, 30.8 years) at a median of 22.0 years after cancer diagnosis. LCF was defined as serum total testosterone less than 250 ng/dL (or 8.67 nmol/L) and luteinizing hormone greater than 9.85 IU/L, and LCD by testosterone as 250 ng/dL or greater and luteinizing hormone greater than 9.85 IU/L. Polytomous logistic regression evaluated associations with demographic and treatment-related risk factors. Log-binomial regression evaluated associations with adverse physical and psychosocial outcomes. Piecewise exponential models assessed the association with all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The prevalence of LCF and LCD was 6.9% and 14.7%, respectively. Independent risk factors for LCF included an age of 26 years or older at assessment, testicular radiotherapy at any dose, and alkylating agents at cyclophosphamide equivalent doses of 4,000 mg/m2 or greater. The risk increased with older age, higher doses of testicular radiotherapy, and cyclophosphamide equivalent doses. LCF was significantly associated with abdominal obesity, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, muscle weakness, and all-cause mortality. LCD was associated with unilateral orchiectomy and the same risk factors as LCF; no significant associations were found with adverse physical or psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Older age, testicular radiotherapy, and exposure to alkylating agents were associated with LCF, which was associated with adverse physical and psychosexual outcomes. LCD, although having similar risk factors, was not associated with adverse health outcomes. Additional studies are needed to investigate the role of sex hormone replacement in mitigating the burden from adverse outcomes in survivors.
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1 Interacts With PGC1α and Modulates Thermogenic Fat Activation
Authors: Qiao Xiaona , Kim Dong-il , Jun Heejin , Ma Yingxu , Knights Alexander J , Park Min-Jung , Zhu Kezhou , Lipinski Jay H , Liao Jiling , Li Yiming , Richard Stéphane , Weinman Steven A , Wu Jun
Published: September 2019

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are enzymes that regulate the evolutionarily conserved process of arginine methylation. It has been reported that PRMTs are involved in many metabolic regulatory pathways. However, until now, their roles in adipocyte function, especially browning and thermogenesis, have not been evaluated. Even though Prmt1 adipocyte-specific–deleted mice (Prmt1fl/flAQcre) appeared normal at basal level, following cold exposure or β-adrenergic stimulation, impaired induction of the thermogenic program was observed in both the interscapular brown adipose tissue and inguinal white adipose tissue of Prmt1fl/flAQcre mice compared with littermate controls. Different splicing variants of Prmt1 have been reported. Among them, PRMT1 variant 1 and PRMT1 variant 2 (PRMT1V2) are well conserved between humans and mice. Both variants contribute to the activation of thermogenic fat, with PRMT1V2 playing a more dominant role. Mechanistic studies using cultured murine and human adipocytes revealed that PRMT1V2 mediates thermogenic fat activation through PGC1α, a transcriptional coactivator that has been shown to play a key role in mitochondrial biogenesis. To our knowledge, our data are the first to demonstrate that PRMT1 plays a regulatory role in thermogenic fat function. These findings suggest that modulating PRMT1 activity may represent new avenues to regulate thermogenic fat and mediate energy homeostasis. This function is conserved in human primary adipocytes, suggesting that further investigation of this pathway may ultimately lead to therapeutic strategies against human obesity and associated metabolic disorders.