bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memetic Algorithm Image Enhancement for Preserving Mean Brightness Without Losing Image Features
Authors: Montazeri Mitra
Published: December 2019

In the image processing application, contrast enhancement is a major step. Conventional contrast enhancement methods such as Histogram Equalization (HE) do not have satisfactory results on many different low contrast images and they also cannot automatically handle different images. These problems result in specifying parameters manually to produce high contrast images. In this paper, an automatic image contrast enhancement on Memetic algorithm (MA) is proposed. In this study, simple exploiter is proposed to improve the current image contrast. The proposed method accomplishes multi goals of preserving brightness, retaining the shape features of the original histogram and controlling excessive enhancement rate, suiting for applications of consumer electronics. Simulation results shows that in terms of visual assessment, peak signal-to-noise (PSNR) and Absolute Mean Brightness Error (AMBE) the proposed method is better than the literature methods. It improves natural looking images specifically in images with high dynamic range and the output images were applicable for products of consumer electronic.
The three kinds of degree distributions and nash equilibrium on the limiting random network
Authors: Han Dong , Xia Min
Published: December 2019

A generalized dynamically evolving random network and a game model taking place on the evolving network are presented. We show that there exists a high-dimensional critical curved surface of the parameters related the probabilities of adding or removing vertices or edges such that the evolving network may exhibit three kinds of degree distributions as the time goes to infinity when the parameters belong to the super-critical, critical and sub-critical curved surfaces, respectively. Some sufficient conditions are given for the existence of a regular Nash equilibrium which depends on the three kinds of degree distributions in the game model on the limiting random network.
Random time change and related evolution equations. Time asymptotic behavior
Authors: Kochubei Anatoly N. , Kondratiev Yuri G. , da Silva José L.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we investigate the time asymptotic behavior of solutions to fractional in time evolution equations which appear as results of random time changes in Markov processes. We consider inverse subordinators as random times and use the subordination principle for the solutions to forward Kolmogorov equations. The classes of subordinators for which asymptotic analysis may be realized are described.
Poisson approximation related to spectra of hierarchical Laplacians
Authors: Bendikov Alexander , Cygan Wojciech
Published: December 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a locally compact separable ultrametric space. Given a measure [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] and a function [Formula: see text] defined on the set of all non-singleton balls [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], we consider the hierarchical Laplacian [Formula: see text]. The operator [Formula: see text] acts in [Formula: see text] is essentially self-adjoint and has a purely point spectrum. Choosing a sequence [Formula: see text] of i.i.d. random variables, we consider the perturbed function [Formula: see text] and the perturbed hierarchical Laplacian [Formula: see text] Under certain conditions, the density of states [Formula: see text] exists and it is a continuous function. We choose a point [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and build a sequence of point processes defined by the eigenvalues of [Formula: see text] located in the vicinity of [Formula: see text]. We show that this sequence converges in distribution to the homogeneous Poisson point process with intensity [Formula: see text].
Association between lumbopelvic motion and muscle activation in patients with non-specific low back pain during forward bending task: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wattananon Peemongkon , Sinsurin Komsak , Somprasong Sirikarn
Published: December 2019

Background: Evidence suggests patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) have altered lumbar and pelvic movement patterns. These changes could be associated with altered patterns of muscle activation.

Objective: The study aimed to determine: (1) differences in the relative contributions and velocity of lumbar and pelvic movements between people with and without NSLBP, (2) the differences in lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns between people with and without NSLBP, and (3) the association between lumbar and pelvic movements and lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns.

Methods: Subjects (8 healthy individuals and 8 patients with NSLBP) performed 2 sets of 3 repetitions of active forward bending, while motion and muscle activity data were collected simultaneously. Data derived were lumbar and pelvic ranges of motion and velocity, and ipsilateral and contralateral lumbopelvic muscle activities (internal oblique[Formula: see text]transverse abdominis (IO[Formula: see text]TA), lumbar multifidus (LM), erector spinae (ES) and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles).

Results: Lumbar and pelvic motions showed trends, but exceeded 95% confidence minimal detectable difference (MDD[Formula: see text]), for greater pelvic motion [Formula: see text], less lumbar motion [Formula: see text] among patients with NSLBP. Significantly less activity was observed in the GM muscles bilaterally [Formula: see text] in the NSLBP group. A significant association [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] was found between ipsilateral ES muscle activity and lumbar motion, while moderate, but statistically non-significant associations, were found between GM muscle activity bilaterally and lumbar velocity [Formula: see text]ipsilateral: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]; contralateral: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in the NSLBP group.

Conclusion: Findings indicated patients had greater pelvic contribution, but less lumbar contribution which was associated with less activation of the GM bilaterally.
Gynura divaricataEffect on Blood Glucose Levels in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes Mice
Authors: Sovia Evi , Anggraeny Dian , Kristiana Ris , Maulida Firhan Hamdi , Susparini Mutia
Published: December 2019

Gynura divaricata (GD) also known as Dewa leaf is one of the Indonesian medicinal plants which are also native to India, Thailand and China. GD is widely used as antidiabetic, antihypertensive and other diseases including several tumors. However, research on the effects of GD as antidiabetic is still not widely practiced, especially in Indonesia. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of GD ethanolic extract on blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetes mice. This research is an experimental research with pre- and post-test design using 24 male DDY strain mice. Animals experiment is divided into four groups, that are one normal group and three alloxan-induced diabetes mice group that give 1% CMC (control), 400[Formula: see text]mg/kg GD ethanolic extract and 0.65[Formula: see text]mg/kg glibenclamide, respectively. Treatment was given for 14 days. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after inducing alloxan, and after 14 days treatment. At the end of study, all of animals experiment were sacrificed for histological examination. Phytochemical analysis revealed that polyphenols, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, terpenoids and and quinones were present in ethanol extract of GD. The results of this study showed significant ([Formula: see text]) decrease of blood glucose levels after GD ethanolic extract and glibenclamide treatment. The results of histological examination showed improvement in pancreas damage and significant increase in the number of beta cells in GD and glibenclamide groups. The results indicate that dewa leaf ethanolic extract has antidiabetic activity and the effectiveness is the same as glibenclamide. GD also could repair damage of pancreas caused by alloxan induction.
Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the SMC-selective blood pressure-associated gene, ARHGAP42
Authors: Mangum Kevin D. , Freeman Emily J. , Magin Justin C. , Taylor Joan M. , Mack Christopher P.
Published: December 2019

We previously showed that ARHGAP42 is a smooth muscle cell (SMC)-selective, RhoA-specific GTPase activating protein that regulates blood pressure and that a minor allele single nucleotide variation within a DNAse hypersensitive regulatory element in intron1 (Int1DHS) increased ARHGAP42 expression by promoting serum response factor binding. The goal of the current study was to identify additional transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms that control ARHGAP42 expression. Using deletion/mutation, gel shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, we showed that recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin κ-J region (RBPJ) and TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1) binding to a conserved core region was required for full IntDHS transcriptional activity. Importantly, overexpression of the notch intracellular domain (NICD) or plating SMCs on recombinant jagged-1 increased IntDHS activity and endogenous ARHGAP42 expression while siRNA-mediated knockdown of TEAD1 inhibited ARHGAP42 mRNA levels. Re-chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that RBPJ and TEAD1 were bound to the Int1DHS enhancer at the same time, and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicated that these factors interacted physically. Our results also suggest TEAD1 and RBPJ bound cooperatively to the Int1DHS and that the presence of TEAD1 promoted the recruitment of NICD by RBPJ. Finally, we showed that ARHGAP42 expression was inhibited by micro-RNA 505 (miR505) which interacted with the ARHGAP42 3′-untranslated region (UTR) to facilitate its degradation and by AK124326, a long noncoding RNA that overlaps with the ARHGAP42 transcription start site on the opposite DNA strand. Since siRNA-mediated depletion of AK124326 was associated with increased H3K9 acetylation and RNA Pol-II binding at the ARHGAP42 gene, it is likely that AK124326 inhibits ARHGAP42 transcription.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY First, RBPJ and TEAD1 converge at an intronic enhancer to regulate ARHGAP42 expression in SMCs. Second, TEAD1 and RBPJ interact physically and bind cooperatively to the ARHGAP42 enhancer. Third, miR505 interacts with the ARHGAP42 3′-UTR to facilitate its degradation. Finally, LncRNA, AK124326, inhibits ARHGAP42 transcription.
Relation between right ventricular wall stress, fibrosis, and function in right ventricular pressure loading
Authors: Gold Jonathan , Akazawa Yohei , Sun Mei , Hunter Kendall S. , Friedberg Mark K.
Published: December 2019

Right ventricle (RV) pressure loading can lead to RV fibrosis and dysfunction. We previously found increased RV, septal hinge-point and left ventricle (LV) fibrosis in experimental RV pressure loading. However, the relation of RV wall stress to biventricular fibrosis and dysfunction is incompletely defined. Rabbits underwent progressive pulmonary artery banding (PAB) over 3 wk with hemodynamics, echocardiography, and myocardial samples obtained at a terminal experiment at 6 wk. An additional group received PAB and treatment with an endothelin receptor antagonist. The endocardial and epicardial borders of short-axis echo images were traced and analyzed with invasive pressures to yield regional end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) wall stress. To increase clinical translation, computer model-derived wall stress was compared with Laplace wall stress. The relation of wall stress with fibrosis (picrosirius red staining) and ventricular function was analyzed. ED wall stress in all regions and RV and LV free-wall ES wall stress were increased in PAB rabbits versus sham animals. Laplace wall stress correlated well with computational models. In PAB, fibrosis was highest in the RV free wall, then septal hinge regions, and lowest in the septum and LV free wall. Fibrosis was moderately related to ED ( r = 0.47, P = 0.0011), but not ES wall stress. RV ED wall stress was strongly related to echo indexes of function (strain rate: r = 0.71, P = 0.048; E′, r = −0.75, P = 0.0077; tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: r = 0.85, P = 0.0038) and RV fractional area change ( r = 0.77, P = 0.027). ED, more than ES, wall stress is related moderately to fibrosis and strongly to function in experimental RV pressure loading, especially at the septal hinge-point regions, where fibrosis is prominent. This suggests that wall stress partially links RV pressure loading, fibrosis, and dysfunction and may be useful to follow clinically.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Biventricular fibrosis and dysfunction impact outcomes in RV pressure loading, but their relation to wall stress is poorly defined. Using a pulmonary artery band rabbit model, we entered echocardiography and catheter data into a computer model to yield regional end-diastolic (EDWS) and end-systolic (ESWS) wall stress. EDWS, more than ESWS, correlated with fibrosis and dysfunction, especially at the fibrosis-intense septal hinge-point regions. Thus, wall stress may be clinically useful in linking RV pressure loading to regional fibrosis and dysfunction.
Age-dependent changes in electrophysiology and calcium handling: implications for pediatric cardiac research
Authors: Swift Luther M. , Burke Morgan , Guerrelli Devon , Reilly Marissa , Ramadan Manelle , McCullough Damon , Prudencio Tomas , Mulvany Colm , Chaluvadi Ashika , Jaimes Rafael , Posnack Nikki Gillum
Published: December 2019

Rodent models are frequently employed in cardiovascular research, yet our understanding of pediatric cardiac physiology has largely been deduced from more simplified two-dimensional cell studies. Previous studies have shown that postnatal development includes an alteration in the expression of genes and proteins involved in cell coupling, ion channels, and intracellular calcium handling. Accordingly, we hypothesized that postnatal cell maturation is likely to lead to dynamic alterations in whole heart electrophysiology and calcium handling. To test this hypothesis, we employed multiparametric imaging and electrophysiological techniques to quantify developmental changes from neonate to adult. In vivo electrocardiograms were collected to assess changes in heart rate, variability, and atrioventricular conduction (Sprague-Dawley rats). Intact, whole hearts were transferred to a Langendorff-perfusion system for multiparametric imaging (voltage, calcium). Optical mapping was performed in conjunction with an electrophysiology study to assess cardiac dynamics throughout development. Postnatal age was associated with an increase in the heart rate (181 ± 34 vs. 429 ± 13 beats/min), faster atrioventricular conduction (94 ± 13 vs. 46 ± 3 ms), shortened action potentials (APD80: 113 ± 18 vs. 60 ± 17 ms), and decreased ventricular refractoriness (VERP: 157 ± 45 vs. 57 ± 14 ms; neonatal vs. adults, means ± SD, P < 0.05). Calcium handling matured with development, resulting in shortened calcium transient durations (168 ± 18 vs. 117 ± 14 ms) and decreased propensity for calcium transient alternans (160 ± 18- vs. 99 ± 11-ms cycle length threshold; neonatal vs. adults, mean ± SD, P < 0.05). Results of this study can serve as a comprehensive baseline for future studies focused on pediatric disease modeling and/or preclinical testing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to assess cardiac electrophysiology and calcium handling throughout postnatal development, using both in vivo and whole heart models.
Anti-PLA2R1 Antibodies Containing Sera Induce In Vitro Cytotoxicity Mediated by Complement Activation
Authors: Lateb Maël , Ouahmi Hajar , Payré Christine , Brglez Vesna , Zorzi Kevin , Dolla Guillaume , Zaidan Mohamad , Boyer-Suavet Sonia , Knebelmann Bertrand , Crépin Thomas , Courivaud Cécile , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Esnault Vincent , Lambeau Gérard , Seitz-Polski Barbara
Published: December 2019

The phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R1) is the major autoantigen in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN). However, the pathogenic role of anti-PLA2R1 autoantibodies is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of anti-PLA2R1 antibodies mediated by complement. Forty-eight patients with PLA2R1-related MN from the prospective cohort SOURIS were included. Anti-PLA2R1 titer, epitope profile, and anti-PLA2R1 IgG subclasses were characterized by ELISA. Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by immunofluorescence in HEK293 cells overexpressing PLA2R1 incubated with patient or healthy donor sera in the presence or absence of rabbit complement or complement inhibitors. Mean cytotoxicity of anti-PLA2R1 sera for HEK293 cells overexpressing PLA2R1 was 2±2%, which increased to 24±6% after addition of rabbit complement (p<0.001) (n=48). GVB-EDTA, which inhibits all complement activation pathways, completely blocked cell cytotoxicity, whereas Mg-EGTA, which only inhibits the classical and lectin pathways, highly decreased suggesting a limited role of the alternative pathway. A higher diversity of IgG subclasses beyond IgG4 and high titer of total IgG anti-PLA2R1 were associated with increased cytotoxicity (p=0.01 and p=0.03 respectively). In a cohort of 37 patients treated with rituximab, high level of complement-mediated cytotoxicity was associated with less and delayed remission at month 6 after rituximab therapy (5/12 vs. 20/25 (p=0.03) in 8.5 months±4.4 vs. 4.8±4.0 (p=0.02)). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that high level of cytotoxicity (≥40%) (p=0.005), epitope spreading (defined by immunization beyond the immunodominant CysR domain) (p=0.002), and high titer of anti-PLA2R1 total IgG (p=0.01) were factors of poor renal prognosis. Anti-PLA2R1 antibodies containing sera can induce in vitro cytotoxicity mediated by complement activation, and the level of cytotoxicity increases with the diversity and the titer of anti-PLA2R1 IgG subclasses. These patients with high level of complement-mediated cytotoxicity could benefit from adjuvant therapy using complement inhibitor associated with rituximab to induce earlier remission and less podocyte injury.
HLA Polymorphisms and Haplotype Diversity in Transylvania, Romania
Authors: Vică Mihaela L. , Matei Horea V. , Bondor Cosmina I. , Nicula Gheorghe Z. , Siserman Costel V. , Loga Luminița , Dican Lucia
Published: December 2019

Transylvania is a historical region in the northwestern part of Romanian with a rather heterogeneous population. Our study is the first to determine human leukocyte antigen (HLA) profiles in a large population sample from this region and to compare them with other European population groups. HLA genes were examined in 2,794 individuals using the Single Specific Primer-Polymerase Chain Reaction (SSP-PCR) and Polymerase Chain Reaction Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) methods. All samples were tested for the HLA-A locus, 2,773 for HLA-B, 1,847 for HLA-C, and 2,719 for HLA-DRB1 loci. HLA gene frequency data from several European population groups (as presented in studies involving more than 1,000 individuals) served as reference in comparison with the local sample. The distribution of HLA genes in the studied population group was heterogeneous, as the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was statistically significant (P value < 0.01). The most common genes found in our sample group were A∗02 (0.27%), B∗35 (0.14%), C∗07 (0.25%), and DRB1∗11 (0.19%). The most common haplotype was A∗01~B∗08~C∗07~DRB1∗03 (1.26% in 1,770 individuals with complete data). This analysis confirmed the known heterogeneity of the Transylvanian population. The study indicates that the European population groups located in close vicinity (those from Serbia, Hungary, Wallachia, and Croatia) are genetically closest to the Transylvanian population.
A Classification Algorithm by Combination of Feature Decomposition and Kernel Discriminant Analysis (KDA) for Automatic MR Brain Image Classification and AD Diagnosis
Authors: Elahifasaee Farzaneh , Li Fan , Yang Ming
Published: December 2019

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a widely used imaging modality for detection of brain anatomical variations caused by brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). AD considered as an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder with progressive memory impairment moreover cognitive functions, while MCI would be considered as a transitional phase amongst age-related cognitive weakening. Numerous machine learning approaches have been examined, aiming at AD computer-aided diagnosis through employing MR image analysis. Conversely, MR brain image changes could be caused by different effects such as aging and dementia. It is still a challenging difficulty to extract the relevant imaging features and classify the subjects of different groups. This paper would propose an automatic classification technique based on feature decomposition and kernel discriminant analysis (KDA) for classifications of progressive MCI (pMCI) vs. normal control (NC), AD vs. NC, and pMCI vs. stable MCI (sMCI). Feature decomposition would be based on dictionary learning, which is used for separation of class-specific components from the non-class-specific components in the features, while KDA would be applied for mapping original nonlinearly separable feature space to the separable features that are linear. The proposed technique would be evaluated by employing T1-weighted MR brain images from 830 subjects comprising 198 AD patients, 167 pMCI, 236 sMCI, and 229 NC from the Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that classification accuracy (ACC) of 90.41%, 84.29%, and 65.94% can be achieved for classification of AD vs. NC, pMCI vs. NC, and pMCI vs. sMCI, respectively, indicating the promising performance of the proposed method.
Vesicle-Mediated Dendritic Cell Activation in Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolate, which Contributes to Th2 Response
Authors: Cai Wei , Kesavan Dinesh Kumar , Cheng Jianjun , Vasudevan Aparna , Wang Huixuan , Wan Jie , Abdelaziz Mohamed Hamed , Su Zhaoliang , Wang Shengjun , Xu Huaxi
Published: December 2019

Acinetobacter baumannii, as a nonfermentation Gram-negative bacterium, mainly cause nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. With the widespread of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, the urgency of developing effective therapy options has been emphasized nowadays. Outer membrane vesicles derived from bacteria show potential vaccine effects against bacterial infection in recent study. Our present research is aimed at investigating the mechanisms involved in immune protection of mice after outer membrane vesicle immunization. As our data showed, the outer membrane vesicle from an Acinetobacter baumannii clinical strain could activate bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) to promote Th2 activity together with humoral immune responses to Acinetobacter baumannii-induced sepsis, which might enlighten people to have a better understanding of OMVs’ role as a vaccine to prevent bacterial infections.
Dangerous Liaison: Helicobacter pylori, Ganglionitis, and Myenteric Gastric Neurons: A Histopathological Study
Authors: Sticlaru Liana , Stăniceanu Florica , Cioplea Mirela , Nichita Luciana , Bastian Alexandra , Micu Gianina , Popp Cristiana
Published: December 2019

Chronic inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays a major role in development of gastric cancer. However, recent findings suggested that progression of inflammation and neoplastic transformation in H. pylori infection are more complex than previously believed and could involve different factors that modulate gastric microenvironment and influence host-pathogen interaction. Among these factors, gastric myenteric plexus and its potential adaptive changes in H. pylori infection received little attention. This study is aimed at identifying the impact of H. pylori-associated gastritis on number and morphology of nerve cells in the stomach. The distribution of density, inflammation, and programmed cell death in neurons was immunohistochemically assessed in full-thickness archival tissue samples obtained from 40 patients with H. pylori infection who underwent surgery for gastric cancer and were compared with findings on samples collected from 40 age- and sex-matched subjects without bacteria. Overall, significant differences were noted between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative patients. The analysis of tissue specimens obtained from those with infection revealed higher density and larger surface of the myenteric nervous plexus, as well as a significant increase in the number of gastric neuronal cell bodies and glial cells compared to controls. A predominant CD3-immunoreactive T cell infiltrate confined to the myenteric plexus was observed in infected subjects. The presence of mature B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils was also noted, but to a lesser extent, within the ganglia. Myenteric ganglionitis was associated with degeneration and neuronal loss. Our results represent the first histopathological evidence supporting the hypothesis that H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation may induce morphological changes in myenteric gastric ganglia. These findings could help gain understanding of some still unclear aspects of pathogenesis of H. pylori infection, with the possibility of having broader implications for gastric cancer progression.
Study on the Adsorption and Activation Behaviours of Carbon Dioxide over Copper Cluster (Cu4) and Alumina-Supported Copper Catalyst (Cu4/Al2O3) by means of Density Functional Theory
Authors: Thu Ha Nguyen Thi , Minh Hue Van Thi , Trinh Bui Cong , Ha Nguyen Ngoc , Cam Le Minh
Published: December 2019

The adsorption and activation of carbon dioxide over copper cluster (Cu4) and copper doped on the alumina support (Cu4/Al2O3) catalytic systems have been investigated by using density functional theory and climbing image nudged elastic band. The adsorption energies, geometrical configurations, and electronic properties are analysed. The results show the strong chemical interaction between the copper cluster and the alumina support. Both the Cu4 cluster and Cu4/Al2O3 systems have a high adsorption ability for CO2, and the adsorption process is of chemical nature. The role of the alumina support in the adsorption and activation of CO2 has been addressed. The calculated results show that the “synergistic effect” between Al2O3 and Cu4 is the key factor in the activation of CO2.
Preparation and Progress in Application of Gold Nanorods
Authors: Meng Liqing , Zhang Jinsheng , Li Huiqin , Zhao Weiwei , Zhao Tonggang
Published: December 2019

Gold nanorods (Au NRs) have attracted extensive research interest due to their unique optical properties, adjustable aspect ratio, and easy surface modification in the fields of biosensing, bioimaging, and disease diagnosis and detection. In this review, we present a comprehensive review of various methods for preparing gold nanorods including hard template method, electrochemistry method, photochemistry method, seed-mediated growth method, secondary growth method, and amorphous seed method. The unique optical properties of the gold nanorods and its applications in biomedical, detection, catalysis, and information storage will also be discussed in detail.
Prevalence of Poultry Coccidiosis and Associated Risk Factors in Intensive Farming System of Gondar Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimu Anteneh , Mesfin Ermias , Bayu Yehualashet
Published: December 2019

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 in Gondar town, Ethiopia, with the objectives to determine the prevalence of coccidiosis and to assess the associated risk factors. The floatation technique was used for isolation of coccidian oocysts obtained from 384 fecal samples of chicken, and the prevalence revealed was 42.2%. The result showed 43.6% of male and 41.2% female chickens found infected with Eimeria. From the examined chickens, higher degree of infection was observed in the younger age group (51.0%) than adult chickens (36.7%). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The study showed relatively higher prevalence in poor body condition chickens (72.6%) than medium (36.1%) and good body condition (30.5%) with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The result also showed higher prevalence of coccidiosis in the floor system (50.4%) than in the cage system (19.0%), and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The prevalence based on the management system was 63.7%, 39.4%, and 29.3% in poor, medium, and good management, respectively. Significant difference was seen in the prevalence of poultry coccidiosis, between poorly and properly managed chickens (p<0.05). In addition, the study reported 46.1%, 36.7%, and 26.3% prevalence in Bovan Brown, White Leg Horn, and Rhode Red Island chicken breeds, respectively. Coccidiosis is a major problem in the farm with inadequate hygienic measures and factors such as age, breed, body conditions, and biosecurity which are the most common factors that contribute for the occurrence of coccidiosis. Therefore, appropriate control strategies should be designed considering important risk factors such as, breed, age, management system, and housing system. Especially, focus should be given to biosecurity practices in the prevention and control of coccidiosis, and in addition, further studies are needed to be conducted to identify the prevalent Eimeria species for strategic control.
Diversity and Species Composition of Microbiota Associated with Mosquito Breeding Habitats: A Study from Kurunegala District in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasinghe L. D. , Ranasinghe H. A. K.
Published: December 2019

The pool of microbiota associated with mosquito breeding habitats varies with the habitat type and its characteristic features. The pool of microbiota in a given mosquito breeding habitat can include free living, symbiotic, noncompetitive, parasitic, predatory, and toxin producing species. However, in Sri Lanka the studies on the microbiota associated with mosquito breeding habitats are scarce. The present study was conducted to identify microbiota species/taxa associated with a variety of mosquito breeding habitats in selected areas of the Kurunegala district in Sri Lanka to determine the relationship, if any, the microbiota has with mosquito larvae breeding. A total of 44 microbiota species/taxa belonging to 10 phyla, namely, Bacillariophyta, Charophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanobacteria/Cyanophyta, Ochrophyta/Heterokontophyta, Amoebozoa, Euglenozoa, Ciliophora, Arthropoda, and Rotifera were identified. Vorticella microstoma (Ciliophora) showed a constant occurrence frequency in rice field habitats occupied mainly by Culex tritaeniorhynchus while the rest of the species had an accidental or rare frequency of occurrence. Nineteen species/taxa were identified as common species. Trophont stages of Vorticella microstoma and Zoothamnium spp. were found attached to the cuticle of mosquito larvae but only V. microstoma caused a lethal effect. The autotrophic protist, Euglena geniculate, Closterium spp., and Pinnularia spp. served as the diet items to mosquito larvae. The majority of the microbiota identified had no observable effect on mosquito larvae breeding.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Investigation of Aerodynamic Characters inside Nasal Cavity towards Surgical Treatments for Secondary Atrophic Rhinitis
Authors: Zhang Ya , Zhou Xudong , Lou Miao , Gong Minjie , Zhang Jingbin , Ma Ruiping , Zhang Luyao , Huang Fen , Sun Bin , Zhu Kang , Tong Zhenbo , Zheng Guoxi
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology to fundamentally understand (1) the effect of surgical treatments on nasal physiology for secondary atrophic rhinitis and (2) the priority of operations. Subjects and Methods: With the aid of medical imaging and CFD modeling, three virtual operations (nasoseptal perforation repair, cavity narrowing, and a combination of both) were performed to analyze airflow, nasal resistance, and wall shear stress. Results. Compared with the cavity‐narrowing virtual operation, nasal resistance was not significantly altered by septal perforation repair virtual operation. Airflow allocation changed with more air flowing through the olfactory area and less though the nasal floor after all operations, especially the cavity‐narrowing operation. Wall shear stress at the original epistaxis area and the nasal floor was reduced after the cavity‐narrowing operation. Conclusions. Simulation results suggest that the cavity‐narrowing operation takes priority over septal perforation repair if a staged surgery approach is adopted. If only one operation can be chosen, the cavity‐narrowing operation is better than the septal perforation repair. This work shows that CFD‐based modeling may aid precision medicine.
Influence of Endogenous Cardiac Glycosides, Digoxin, and Marinobufagenin in the Physiology of Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ogazon del Toro Alejandro , Jimenez Lidia , Hinojosa Lorena , Martínez-Rendón Jacqueline , Castillo Aida , Cereijido Marcelino , Ponce Arturo
Published: December 2019

Cardiac glycosides are a group of compounds widely known for their action in cardiac tissue, some of which have been found to be endogenously produced (ECG). We have previously studied the effect of ouabain, an endogenous cardiac glycoside, on the physiology of epithelial cells, and we have shown that in concentrations in the nanomolar range, it affects key properties of epithelial cells, such as tight junction, apical basolateral polarization, gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), and adherent junctions. In this work, we study the influence of digoxin and marinobufagenin, two other endogenously expressed cardiac glycosides, on GJIC as well as the degree of transepithelial tightness due to tight junction integrity (TJ). We evaluated GJIC by dye transfer assays and tight junction integrity by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurements, as well as immunohistochemistry and western blot assays of expression of claudins 2 and 4. We found that both digoxin and marinobufagenin improve GJIC and significantly enhance the tightness of the tight junctions, as evaluated from TER measurements. Immunofluorescence assays show that both compounds promote enhanced basolateral localization of claudin-4 but not claudin 2, while densitometric analysis of western blot assays indicate a significantly increased expression of claudin 4. These changes, induced by digoxin and marinobufagenin on GJIC and TER, were not observed on MDCK-R, a modified MDCK cell line that has a genetically induced insensitiveα1 subunit, indicating that Na-K-ATPase acts as a receptor mediating the actions of both ECG. Plus, the fact that the effect of both cardiac glycosides was suppressed by incubation with PP2, an inhibitor of c-Src kinase, PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen extracellular kinase-1 and Y-27632, a selective inhibitor of ROCK, and a Rho-associated protein kinase, indicate altogether that the signaling pathways involved include c-Src and ERK1/2, as well as Rho-ROCK. These results widen and strengthen our general hypothesis that a very important physiological role of ECG is the control of the epithelial phenotype and the regulation of cell-cell contacts.
The Interplay between Immune System and Microbiota in Diabetes
Authors: Moffa Simona , Mezza Teresa , Cefalo Chiara M. A. , Cinti Francesca , Impronta Flavia , Sorice Gian Pio , Santoro Antonio , Di Giuseppe Gianfranco , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Giaccari Andrea
Published: December 2019

Diabetes is not a single and homogeneous disease, but a cluster of metabolic diseases characterized by the common feature of hyperglycemia. The pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (and all other intermediate forms of diabetes) involves the immune system, in terms of inflammation and autoimmunity. The past decades have seen an increase in all types of diabetes, accompanied by changes in eating habits and consequently a structural evolution of gut microbiota. It is likely that all these events could be related and that gut microbiota alterations might be involved in the immunomodulation of diabetes. Thus, gut microbiota seems to have a direct, even causative role in mediating connections between the environment, food intake, and chronic disease. As many conditions that increase the risk of diabetes modulate gut microbiota composition, it is likely that immune-mediated reactions, induced by alterations in the composition of the microbiota, can act as facilitators for the onset of diabetes in predisposed subjects. In this review, we summarize recent evidence in the field of gut microbiota and the role of the latter in modulating the immune reactions involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
The Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Potential of Adaptive Immune Receptor Repertoire Profiling in Cancer
Authors: Cowell Lindsay G.
Published: December 2019

Lymphocytes play a critical role in antitumor immune responses. They are directly targeted by some therapies, and the composition and spatial organization of intratumor T-cell populations is prognostic in some cancer types. A better understanding of lymphocyte population dynamics over the course of disease and in response to therapy is urgently needed to guide therapy decisions and to develop new therapy targets. Deep sequencing of the repertoire of antigen receptor–encoding genes expressed in a lymphocyte population has become a widely used approach for profiling the population's immune status. Lymphocyte antigen receptor repertoire deep sequencing data can be used to assess the clonal richness and diversity of lymphocyte populations; to track clone members over time, between tissues, and across lymphocyte subsets; to detect clonal expansion; and to detect the recruitment of new clones into a tissue. Repertoire sequencing is thus a critical complement to other methods of lymphocyte and immune profiling in cancer. This review describes the current state of knowledge based on repertoire sequencing studies conducted on human cancer patients, with a focus on studies of the T-cell receptor beta chain locus. The review then outlines important questions left unanswered and suggests future directions for the field.
Autologous Serum Eye Drops versus Artificial Tear Drops for Dry Eye Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Leying , Cao Kai , Wei Zhenyu , Baudouin Christophe , Labbé Antoine , Liang Qingfeng
Published: December 2019

Objective: To compare the efficacy of autologous serum (AS) eye drops and artificial tears (AT) in dry eye disease (DED). Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wanfang Database) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Efficacy was evaluated in terms of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and fluorescein and rose bengal staining of ocular surface. The estimated effects of AS or AT were expressed as a proportion with the 95% confidence interval and plotted on a forest plot. Results: Seven RCTs with 267 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. For most of the studies, subjects’ age was around 50 years old, and the mostly treatment duration was within 8 weeks. The follow-up results showed that the OSDI after AS treatment was lower than that after the AT treatment: the mean difference (MD) was –10.75 (95% CI, –18.12; –3.39) points. There was no difference on the Schirmer I test after treatment between the two groups: the MD was 1.68 (95% CI, –0.65; 4.00) mm. The TBUT of the AS group was longer than that of the AT group, with an MD of 4.53 (95% CI, 2.02; 7.05) s. There was no statistically significant difference on fluorescein staining score of the ocular surface between the AS group and the AT group, the MD was –2.53 (95% CI, –6.08; 1.03) points. The rose bengal staining score of the AS group was slightly lower than that of the AT group after treatment: the MD was –0.78 (95% CI, –1.34; –0.22) points. Conclusion: AS could be an effective treatment for DED, improving OSDI, TBUT, and rose bengal staining score. Further RCTs with large samples and long-term follow-up are still needed to determine the exact role of AS in the management of DED.
Avaliação da repercussão dos sintomas depressivos na qualidade de vida de pacientes com DPOC
Authors: Alves Ana Cristina Guimarães Mendes , Ramos Ana Paula Vieira Machado , Paixão Bárbara Oliveira , Freitas Jéssica Faria , Garib Júnia Rios , Freitas Natália Costa
Published: December 2019

A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) associa-se frequentemente a múltiplas comorbidades, sendo a depressão frequente e na maioria das vezes, subdiagnosticada. Sua prevalência em pacientes portadores de DPOC varia de 10 a 42% - uma proporção muito maior que na população geral - e está relacionada a maiores taxas de exacerbações e admissões hospitalares, a maior gravidade dos sintomas, a piora da funcionalidade e por fim, ao aumento da mortalidade. Nesse contexto, a detecção do quadro depressivo em pacientes portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica contribui para melhor qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Com o objetivo de avaliar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes portadores de DPOC e analisar a repercussão desses sintomas na qualidade de vida, nas taxas de exacerbações, nas admissões hospitalares e na gravidade dos sintomas dos pacientes portadores dessa doença foi realizado um estudo não intervencional, descritivo e transversal no período de março de 2018 a outubro de 2018 no ambulatório de pneumologia da Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais. Entre os resultados, a prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi de 25%. Ao contrário do que se esperava os sintomas foram mais comuns na população idosa e não houve associação significativa entre sexo e índice da função pulmonar. Os indivíduos com DPOC e sintomas depressivos apresentaram piores desfechos relacionados à qualidade de vida, exacerbações e internações hospitalares. Não foi possível comprovar se pacientes com piores padrões respiratórios desenvolvem sintomas depressivos ou se portadores de sintomas depressivos desenvolvem mais exacerbações por possivelmente apresentarem sintomatologia mais grave. Sendo necessário novos estudos para elucidar essas hipóteses.
Benzodiazepínicos
Authors: Faria Jamille Sara Silva , Rossi Stephani Vogt , Andreatta Thayná , Simões Vanessa Paganini , Pombo Bruno Hosken , Moreira Roberta Bitencourt
Published: December 2019

Introdução: Os benzodiazepínicos (BZDs) são drogas psicotrópicas do subgrupo dos ansiolíticos. Nos últimos anos muitos pacientes se tornaram adictos e por isso é essencial conhecer suas indicações e seus riscos. Objetivo: Revisão da literatura sobre os BZDs, seu mecanismo de ação, indicações, efeitos colaterais, além dos perfis dos usuários e a necessidade de rever a importância da desprescrição deste fármaco. Método: As seguintes bases de dados científicas eletrônicas foram consultadas para a revisão da literatura: NCBI/PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information) e SciELO (Scientific Eletronic Library Online). Foram pesquisados artigos de 2014 a 2018. Resultados: Estudos incluídos nesta pesquisa apontam a necessidade de um controle mais rigoroso quanto às indicações e uso correto desses agentes psicofarmacológicos. Assim sendo, é relevante a capacitação dos profissionais prescritores com o intuito de dirimir a frequência do seu uso crônico e indiscriminado. Além disso, esse estudo chama a atenção para programas de saúde com o objetivo de orientar/educar a população sobre a influência dos BZDs na qualidade de vida, minimizando os agravos do seu uso inadequado. Conclusão: BZDs são utilizados em todo mundo e habitualmente de maneira inadequada, isso impacta na morbimortalidade e contribui com o aumento dos gastos de recursos públicos da área da saúde.
AS MARCAS DO TEMPO E A POLÍTICA MAQUIAVELIANA
Authors: Santos Daniel
Published: December 2019

O texto articula elementos e conceitos que, na filosofia política de Maquiavel, giram ao redor da força do tempo, ou melhor, da relação dos seres humanos - entendidos como atores políticos, vidas políticas - com as temporalidades que fundam desde o corpo político à sua segurança, ou, do contrário, favorecem a corrupção, as revoltas e as sedições - provocando, assim, o enfraquecimento ou mesmo o fim da civilidade. Para que a questão seja razoavelmente colocada, faço acompanhar essas análises a centralidade dos conflitos nessa filosofia política.
Critical Role of Cytosolic DNA and Its Sensing Adaptor STING in Aortic Degeneration, Dissection, and Rupture
Authors: Luo Wei , Wang Yidan , Zhang Lin , Ren Pingping , Zhang Chen , Li Yanming , Azares Alon R. , Zhang Michelle , Guo Jiao , Ghaghada Ketan B. , Starosolski Zbigniew A. , Rajapakshe Kimal , Coarfa Cristian , Li Yumei , Chen Rui , Fujiwara Keigi , Abe Jun-ichi , Coselli Joseph S. , Milewicz Dianna M. , LeMaire Scott A. , Shen Ying H.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Sporadic aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD), caused by progressive aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) loss and extracellular matrix degradation, is a highly lethal condition. Identifying mechanisms that drive aortic degeneration is a crucial step in developing an effective pharmacologic treatment to prevent disease progression. Recent evidence has indicated that cytosolic DNA and abnormal activation of the cytosolic DNA sensing adaptor STING (stimulator of interferon genes) play a critical role in vascular inflammation and destruction. Here, we examined the involvement of this mechanism in aortic degeneration and sporadic AAD formation.

Methods:

The presence of cytosolic DNA in aortic cells and activation of the STING pathway were examined in aortic tissues from patients with sporadic ascending thoracic AAD. The role of STING in AAD development was evaluated in
Sting
-deficient (
Sting

gt/gt

) mice in a sporadic AAD model induced by challenging mice with a combination of a high-fat diet and angiotensin II. We also examined the direct effects of STING on SMC death and macrophage activation in vitro.

Results:

In human sporadic AAD tissues, we observed the presence of cytosolic DNA in SMCs and macrophages and significant activation of the STING pathway. In the sporadic AAD model,
Sting

gt/gt

mice showed significant reductions in challenge-induced aortic enlargement, dissection, and rupture in both the thoracic and abdominal aortic regions. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that aortic challenge in wild-type mice induced the DNA damage response, the inflammatory response, dedifferentiation and cell death in SMCs, and matrix metalloproteinase expression in macrophages. These changes were attenuated in challenged
Sting

gt/gt

mice. Mechanistically, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage in SMCs and the subsequent leak of DNA to the cytosol activated STING signaling, which induced cell death through apoptosis and necroptosis. In addition, DNA from damaged SMCs was engulfed by macrophages in which it activated STING and its target interferon regulatory factor 3, which directly induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. We also found that pharmacologically inhibiting STING activation partially prevented AAD development.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that the presence of cytosolic DNA and subsequent activation of cytosolic DNA sensing adaptor STING signaling represent a key mechanism in aortic degeneration and that targeting STING may prevent sporadic AAD development.