bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FinDroidHR
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gu Tao , Luo Chu , Kostakos Vassilis , Seneviratne Aruna
Published: March 2018

We present FinDroidHR, a novel gesture input technique for off-the-shelf smartwatches. Our technique is designed to detect 10 hand gestures on the hand wearing a smartwatch. The technique is enabled by analysing features of the Photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that optical heart-rate sensors capture. In a study with 20 participants, we show that FinDroidHR achieves 90.55% accuracy and 90.73% recall. Our work is the first study to explore the feasibility of using optical sensors on the off-the-shelf wearable devices to recognise gestures. Without requiring bespoke hardware, FinDroidHR can be readily used on existing smartwatches.
Lactic Acid Bacteria Exopolysaccharides in Foods and Beverages: Isolation, Properties, Characterization, and Health Benefits
Authors: Lynch Kieran M. , Zannini Emanuele , Coffey Aidan , Arendt Elke K.
Published: March 2018

Exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria are a diverse group of polysaccharides produced by many species. They vary widely in their molecular, compositional, and structural characteristics, including mechanisms of synthesis. The physiochemical properties of these polymers mean that they can be exploited for the sensorial and textural enhancement of a variety of food and beverage products. Traditionally, lactic acid bacteria exopolysaccharides have an important role in fermented dairy products and more recently are being applied for the improvement of bakery products. The health benefits that are continually being associated with these polysaccharides enable the development of dual function, added-value, and clean-label products. To fully exploit and understand the functionality of these exopolysaccharides, their isolation, purification, and thorough characterization are of great importance. This review considers each of the above factors and presents the current knowledge on the importance of lactic acid bacteria exopolysaccharides in the food and beverage industry.
Milk Glycans and Their Interaction with the Infant-Gut Microbiota
Authors: Kirmiz Nina , Robinson Randall C. , Shah Ishita M. , Barile Daniela , Mills David A.
Published: March 2018

Human milk is a unique and complex fluid that provides infant nutrition and delivers an array of bioactive molecules that serve various functions. Glycans, abundant in milk, can be found as free oligosaccharides or as glycoconjugates. Milk glycans are increasingly linked to beneficial outcomes in neonates through protection from pathogens and modulation of the immune system. Indeed, these glycans influence the development of the infant and the infant-gut microbiota. Bifidobacterium species commonly are enriched in breastfed infants and are among a limited group of bacteria that readily consume human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and milk glycoconjugates. Given the importance of bifidobacteria in infant health, numerous studies have examined the molecular mechanisms they employ to consume HMOs and milk glycans, thus providing insight into this unique enrichment and shedding light on a range of translational opportunities to benefit at-risk infants.
The insulin receptor is expressed and functional in cultured blood-brain barrier endothelial cells but does not mediate insulin entry from blood to brain
Authors: Hersom Maria , Helms Hans C. , Schmalz Christoffer , Pedersen Thomas Å. , Buckley Stephen T. , Brodin Birger
Published: March 2018

Insulin and its receptor are known to be present and functional in the brain. Insulin cerebrospinal fluid concentrations have been shown to correlate with plasma levels of insulin in a nonlinear fashion, indicative of a saturable transport pathway from the blood to the brain interstitial fluid. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether insulin was transported across brain endothelial cells in vitro via an insulin receptor-dependent pathway. The study showed that the insulin receptor was expressed at both the mRNA and protein levels in bovine brain endothelial cells. Luminally applied radiolabeled insulin showed insulin receptor-mediated binding to the endothelial cells. This caused a dose-dependent increase in Akt-phosphorylation, which was inhibited by coapplication of an insulin receptor inhibitor, s961, demonstrating activation of insulin receptor signaling pathways. Transport of insulin across the blood-brain barrier in vitro was low and comparable to that of a similarly sized paracellular marker. Furthermore, insulin transport was not inhibited by coapplication of an excess of unlabeled insulin or an insulin receptor inhibitor. The insulin transport and uptake studies were repeated in mouse brain endothelial cells demonstrating similar results. Although it cannot be ruled out that culture-induced changes in the cell model could have impaired a potential insulin transport mechanism, these in vitro data indicate that peripheral insulin must reach the brain parenchyma through alternative pathways rather than crossing the blood-brain barrier via receptor mediated transcytosis.
Endometriosis Malignant Transformation: Epigenetics as a Probable Mechanism in Ovarian Tumorigenesis
Authors: He Jiaxing , Chang Weiqin , Feng Chunyang , Cui Manhua , Xu Tianmin
Published: March 2018

Endometriosis, defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, is a chronic, hormone-dependent gynecologic disease affecting millions of women across the world, with symptoms including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dysuria, and subfertility. In addition, there is well-established evidence that, although endometriosis is considered benign, it is associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation, with the involvement of various mechanisms of development. More and more evidence reveals an important contribution of epigenetic modification not only in endometriosis but also in mechanisms of endometriosis malignant transformation, including DNA methylation and demethylation, histone modifications, and miRNA aberrant expressions. In this present review, we mainly summarize the research progress about the current knowledge regarding the epigenetic modifications of the relations between endometriosis malignant transformation and ovarian cancer in an effort to identify some risk factors probably associated with ectopic endometrium transformation.
Effect of Powder Size on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 2A12Al Compacts Fabricated by Hot Isostatic Pressing
Authors: Huang Xina , Lang Lihui , Wang Gang , Alexandrov Sergei
Published: March 2018

This paper studied the effects of powder size on densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the hot isostatic‐pressed 2A12 aluminum alloy powder compact. The results show that the near‐fully dense powder compact can be successfully achieved and the smaller the powder is, the higher the relative density is. In addition, as the powder size decreases, the precipitated phases in the powder compact change from continuously point‐like distribution at the junctions among powder particles to the concentrated distribution at the three‐way intersections. Compared with the large powder, the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the compact with the small powder were improved by 14%, 30.8%, and 48.6%, respectively.
Time‐Varying Modal Parameters Identification by Subspace Tracking Algorithm and Its Validation Method
Authors: Zhou Haotian , Yu Kaiping , Chen Yushu , Zhao Rui , Bai Yunhe
Published: March 2018

This article presents a time‐varying modal parameter identification method based on the novel information criterion (NIC) algorithm and a post‐process method for time‐varying modal parameter estimation. In the practical application of the time‐varying modal parameter identification algorithm, the identified results contain both real modal parameters and aberrant ones caused by the measurement noise. In order to improve the quality of the identified results as well as sifting and validating the real modal parameters, a post‐process procedure based on density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm is introduced. The efficiency of the proposed approach is first verified through a numerical simulation of a cantilever Euler‐Bernoulli beam with a time‐varying mass. Then the proposed approach is experimentally demonstrated by composite sandwich structure in a time‐varying high temperature environment. The identified results illustrate that the proposed approach can obtain real modal frequencies in low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) scenarios.
Colopancreatic Fistula: An Uncommon Complication of Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Abu Ghanimeh Mouhanna , Abughanimeh Omar , Abuamr Khalil , Yousef Osama , Sadeddin Esmat
Published: March 2018

Colonic complications, including colopancreatic fistulas (CPFs), are uncommon after acute and chronic pancreatitis. However, they have been reported and are serious. CPFs are less likely to close spontaneously and are associated with a higher risk of complications. Therefore, more definitive treatment is required that includes surgical and endoscopic options. We present a case of a 62-year-old male patient with a history of heavy alcohol intake and recurrent acute pancreatitis who presented with a 6-month history of watery diarrhea and abdominal pain. His abdominal imaging showed a possible connection between the colon and the pancreas. A further multidisciplinary workup by the gastroenterology and surgery teams, including endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and colonoscopy, resulted in a diagnosis of CPF. A distal pancreatectomy and left hemicolectomy were performed, and the diagnosis of CPF was confirmed intraoperatively. The patient showed improvement afterward.
Synthesis and Properties of Adhesive Polymer-Methylmethacrylate Materials
Authors: Khromiak Ulyana , Levytskyi Volodymyr , Stepova Kateryna , Tarnawsky Andry
Published: March 2018

Kinetics of emulsion polymerization of hydrophilic vinyl monomers in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone and technological principles of their synthesis are determined. Reasonable technological parameters in the synthesis of copolymers are determined. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized copolymers (surface tension, the size of latex particles, and pH) are determined. Synthesized graft copolymers were used to create high-adhesion polymer-monomer compositions. These compositions have high reactivity at room temperature. It can be regulated by the nature of the polymer matrix and the introduction of comonomers and fillers due to the influence of physicochemical factors on the process of polymer formation. The rate of polymerization and the degree of monomer conversion largely depend on the nature of the polymer matrix. The highest polymerization rate and the maximum degree of conversion are observed when using a copolymer of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polymethylmethacrylate. Materials based on the developed compositions are characterized by a low residual monomer content and high operational properties, such as surface hardness, Vicat softening temperature, and adhesive bond strength to supports of different nature.
The Correlation of Dyslipidemia with the Extent of Coronary Artery Disease in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Abd alamir Moshrik , Goyfman Michael , Chaus Adib , Dabbous Firas , Tamura Leslie , Sandfort Veit , Brown Alan , Budoff Mathew
Published: March 2018

Background.The extent of coronary artery calcium (CAC) improves cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. The association between common dyslipidemias (combined hyperlipidemia, simple hypercholesterolemia, metabolic Syndrome (MetS), isolated low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and isolated hypertriglyceridemia) compared with normolipidemia and the risk of multivessel CAC is underinvestigated.Objectives.To determine whether there is an association between common dyslipidemias compared with normolipidemia, and the extent of coronary artery involvement among MESA participants who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline.Methods.In a cross-sectional analysis, 4,917 MESA participants were classified into six groups defined by specific LDL-c, HDL-c, or triglyceride cutoff points. Multivessel CAC was defined as involvement of at least 2 coronary arteries. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis evaluated the association of each group with multivessel CAC after adjusting for CVD risk factors.Results.Unadjusted analysis showed that all groups except hypertriglyceridemia had statistically significant prevalence ratios of having multivessel CAC as compared to the normolipidemia group. The same groups maintained statistical significance prevalence ratios with multivariate analysis adjusting for other risk factors including Agatston CAC score [combined hyperlipidemia 1.41 (1.06–1.87), hypercholesterolemia 1.55 (1.26–1.92), MetS 1.28 (1.09–1.51), and low HDL-c 1.20 (1.02–1.40)].Conclusion.Combined hyperlipidemia, simple hypercholesterolemia, MetS, and low HDL-c were associated with multivessel coronary artery disease independent of CVD risk factors and CAC score. These findings may lay the groundwork for further analysis of the underlying mechanisms in the observed relationship, as well as for the development of clinical strategies for primary prevention.
Reactive Oxygen Species‐Mediated Tumor Microenvironment Transformation: The Mechanism of Radioresistant Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gu Huifeng , Huang Tianhe , Shen Yicheng , Liu Yin , Zhou Fuling , Jin Yanxia , Sattar Haseeb , Wei Yongchang
Published: March 2018

Radioresistance is one of the primary causes responsible for therapeutic failure and recurrence of cancer. It is well documented that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the initiation and development of gastric cancer (GC), and the levels of ROS are significantly increased in patients with GC accompanied with abnormal expressions of multiple inflammatory factors. It is also well documented that ROS can activate cancer cells and inflammatory cells, stimulating the release of a variety of inflammatory cytokines, which subsequently mediates the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promotes cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance as well as renewal and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), ultimately resulting in radioresistance and recurrence of GC.
The Effect of C-Arm Mobility and Field of Vision on Radiation Exposure in the Treatment of Proximal Femoral Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kalem Mahmut , Başarır Kerem , Kocaoğlu Hakan , Şahin Ercan , Kınık Hakan
Published: March 2018

Objectives. To examine the effect of fluoroscopy devices with different sizes of image intensifier and C-arm maneuverability on operating time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose and reduction, and fixation quality at intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Design. Single-center, randomized, prospective study. Setting. Academic Level I trauma hospital. Patients and Intervention. 34 patients treated with cephalomedullary nailing for a stable, intertrochanteric proximal femur fracture (OTA A1). Main Outcome Measurement. The total working time of the fluoroscopy device, the dose-area product (DAP), operating time, reduction quality (cortical continuity, symmetrical collodiaphyseal angle, and shortness), and fixation quality (Bosworth quadrants, the tip-apex distance, TAD). Results. There were no cases of poor reduction; also the placement of the blade was optimal for 14 patients and suboptimal in 3 patients in each group. Superior-posterior placement of the blade or TAD > 25 mm was not seen in any patient. Total operating time was significantly shorter when using device A compared to the use of device B (20.1±3.4 mins versus 25.3±5.4 mins, p<0.001). Total radiation time was significantly shorter with device A compared to the use of device B (58.1±19.4 secs versus 98.9  ±  55.4 secs, p=0.008). The measured radiation dose was lower with the use of device A compared to device B (3.5  ±  1.2 Gy·cm2 versus 7.3  ±  4.5 Gy·cm2, p=0.002). Conclusion. Physical properties of fluoroscopy devices used during the fixation of intertrochanteric fractures could yield significant differences in operating times and the radiation dose while having comparable clinical results.
Analytical Modeling of an Oblique Edge Crack in Rolling Contact Fatigue
Authors: Di Puccio Francesca
Published: March 2018

Surface cracks represent a frequent cause of damage and even failure in rolling contacts, observed in gears, cams, rails, and so on. In the literature, different approaches have been applied to describe the crack behaviour by means of Fracture Mechanics parameters, such as the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and the J-integral. In this paper, a general procedure for dealing with plane problems is presented, which is based on Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics hypotheses. It combines the Weight Function Method for evaluating the SIFs in a loading cycle with the Kolosov-Muskhelishvili complex variable approach for estimating the nominal stress field. In this way, a completely analytical procedure can be applied for a general loading condition, assuming that the real geometry can be simplified in a half-plane with an oblique edge crack. As test case, a travelling load has been considered representing a combination of three contributions: Hertzian pressure distribution, traction force due to friction, and pressurization of the crack faces. A comparison with literature results proved that the proposed approach can be an efficient tool for SIFs estimation and crack growth description.
Impact Exerted by Nutritional Risk Screening on Clinical Outcome of Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wang Rui , Cai Hongfei , Li Yang , Chen Caiwen , Cui Youbin
Published: March 2018

Objective. Preoperative nutritional status of patients is closely associated with their recovery after the surgery. This study aims to ascertain the impact exerted by the nutritional risk screening on clinical outcome of patients with esophageal cancer. Methods. 160 patients with esophageal cancer aged over 60, having got therapy at the First Hospital of Jilin University from Jun 2016 to Feb 2017 were evaluated by adopting the NRS2002. 80 cases of patients got active therapy of nutritional support, and the other patients not supported nutritionally were selected as the control group. The comparison was drawn between two groups in serum albumin, serum immunoglobulin, postoperative complications, hospitalization, and hospitalization expenses. Results. For all the patients, in 3 and 7 days after the surgery, the serum albumin in the nutritionally supported group outstripped that in group without nutritional support (P<0.05) regardless of the nutritional risk. For the patients in the risk of nutrition, the IgA in the nutritionally supported group outstripped that of group without nutritional support (P<0.05) in 3 and 7 days before the surgery, and the serum IgG outstripped that of the group without nutritional support in 1 and 3 days before the surgery (P<0.05). In terms of the patients in the risk of nutrition, the average hospitalization of nutritionally supported group was shorter (P<0.05), and the average hospitalization expenses were lower compared with those of the group without nutritional support. And for the patients in no risk, the hospitalization expenses of supported group surmounted those of group without nutritional support (P<0.05), whereas the average hospitalization took on no statistic difference (P>0.05). Conclusion. For the patients in the risk of nutrition, preoperative nutritional support can facilitate the nutritional status and immunization-relative result after surgery, which shall also decrease the average hospitalization and hospitalization cost.
Transanal Drainage of Coloanal Anastomotic Leaks
Authors: Sherman Bradley , Arnold Mark , Husain Syed
Published: March 2018

The conventional operative intervention for leaks following coloanal anastomoses has been proximal fecal diversion with or without take-down of anastomosis. A few of these cases are also amenable to percutaneous drainage. Ostomies created in this situation are often permanent, specifically in cases where coloanal anastomoses are taken down at the time of reoperation. We present two patients who developed perianastomotic pelvic abscesses that were treated with transanal large bore catheter drainage resulting in successful salvage of coloanal anastomoses without the need for a laparotomy or ostomy creation. We propose this to be an effective therapeutic approach to leaks involving low coloanal anastomoses in the absence of generalized peritonitis.
Synthesis of Ti2SnC under Optimized Experimental Parameters of Pressureless Spark Plasma Sintering Assisted by Al Addition
Authors: Lu Chen , Wang Yue , Wang Xiaofan , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: March 2018

As an effective and novel rapid sintering technology with the advantages of fast heating speed and short sintering time, SPS has been applied to the research and development of various materials. After sintering at 1325°C, Ti5Sn3 and Sn occurred as impurities accompanying the synthesis of Ti2SnC with a raw powder mixture of Ti/Sn/C = 2/1/1 (molar ratio). But by addition of 0.2 molar Al, and further optimization of sintering parameters at 1400°C for 10 min, almost fully pure Ti2SnC was obtained with a clear layered microstructure. The reaction mechanism analysis suggests that this beneficial effect of Al could be attributed to the suppression of decomposition of Ti2SnC by formation of Ti2SnxAl1−xC solid solution at a high sintering temperature. The present study reports a novel route to synthesize Ti2SnC by PL‐SPS with a self‐designed graphite die, and Al was also proposed as a sintering aid to remove impurities.
Improving CART-Cell Therapy of Solid Tumors with Oncolytic Virus–Driven Production of a Bispecific T-cell Engager
Authors: Wing Anna , Fajardo Carlos Alberto , Posey Avery D. , Shaw Carolyn , Da Tong , Young Regina M. , Alemany Ramon , June Carl H. , Guedan Sonia
Published: March 2018

T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CART) have shown significant promise in clinical trials to treat hematologic malignancies, but their efficacy in solid tumors has been limited. Oncolytic viruses have the potential to act in synergy with immunotherapies due to their immunogenic oncolytic properties and the opportunity of incorporating therapeutic transgenes in their genomes. Here, we hypothesized that an oncolytic adenovirus armed with an EGFR-targeting, bispecific T-cell engager (OAd-BiTE) would improve the outcome of CART-cell therapy in solid tumors. We report that CART cells targeting the folate receptor alpha (FR-α) successfully infiltrated preestablished xenograft tumors but failed to induce complete responses, presumably due to the presence of antigen-negative cancer cells. We demonstrated that OAd-BiTE–mediated oncolysis significantly improved CART-cell activation and proliferation, while increasing cytokine production and cytotoxicity, and showed an in vitro favorable safety profile compared with EGFR-targeting CARTs. BiTEs secreted from infected cells redirected CART cells toward EGFR in the absence of FR-α, thereby addressing tumor heterogeneity. BiTE secretion also redirected CAR-negative, nonspecific T cells found in CART-cell preparations toward tumor cells. The combinatorial approach improved antitumor efficacy and prolonged survival in mouse models of cancer when compared with the monotherapies, and this was the result of an increased BiTE-mediated T-cell activation in tumors. Overall, these results demonstrated that the combination of a BiTE-expressing oncolytic virus with adoptive CART-cell therapy overcomes key limitations of CART cells and BiTEs as monotherapies in solid tumors and encourage its further evaluation in human trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(5); 605–16. ©2018 AACR.
Rapid Construction of Antitumor T-cell Receptor Vectors from Frozen Tumors for Engineered T-cell Therapy
Authors: Tsuji Takemasa , Yoneda Akira , Matsuzaki Junko , Miliotto Anthony , Ryan Courtney , Koya Richard C. , Odunsi Kunle
Published: March 2018

T cells genetically engineered with tumor antigen–specific T-cell receptor (TCR) genes have demonstrated therapeutic potential in patients with solid tumors. In order to achieve broader application, an efficient method to identify TCR genes for an array of tumor antigens and HLA restriction elements is required. Here, we have developed a method to construct a TCR-expression library from specimens, including frozen tumor biopsies, that contain antigen-specific T cells. TCR-expressing cassettes were constructed and cloned in a retroviral plasmid vector within 24 hours by unbiased PCR amplification of TCR α and β chain variable regions assembled with TCR constant regions. The method was validated by constructing TCR-expressing vectors from tumor antigen–specific T-cell clones and functionally assessing TCR gene–transduced T cells. We applied this method to frozen ovarian tumor specimens that were infiltrated by tumor antigen–specific T cells. The tumor-derived TCR libraries were expressed in peripheral T cells from healthy volunteers and screened for tumor antigen–specific TCR pairs with the use of an MHC/peptide tetramer reagent. Tumor antigen–specific TCR-expressing transgenes were recovered from isolated tetramer-positive T cells. Peripheral T cells that were engineered with library-derived TCR gene showed potent therapeutic antitumor effect in a tumor xenograft model. Our method can efficiently and rapidly provide tumor-specific TCR-expressing viral vectors for the manufacture of therapeutic and personalized antitumor T-cell products. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(5); 594–604. ©2018 AACR.
Prävention psychischer Probleme und von Verhaltensauffälligkeiten von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Migrationshintergrund und deren Müttern: Ergebnisse eines 10-Jahres-Follow-up
Authors: Schulz Wolfgang , Bothe Tim , Hahlweg Kurt
Published: March 2018

Hintergrund: Das empirische Wissen über die psychischen Belastungen und Auffälligkeiten von Familien mit Migrationshintergrund (MH) ist gering. Die wenigen vorhandenen Studien sprechen für eine etwas stärkere Belastung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit MH im Vergleich zu solchen ohne MH, wobei dieser Unterschied vermutlich durch ihre schlechteren Lebensbedingungen und den geringeren sozioökonomischen Status bedingt ist. Methode: In einer Längsschnittstudie wurden psychische Auffälligkeiten von Kindern mit und ohne MH verglichen, zunächst im Kindergartenalter und noch einmal 10 Jahre später im Jugendalter. Zusätzlich wurden explorativ Unterschiede zwischen Migranten und Nichtmigranten im Hinblick auf ein im Kindergartenalter durchgeführtes Elterntraining (Triple P) untersucht. Die Daten stammten aus dem längsschnittlich angelegten Projekt «Zukunft Familie III». Die Untersuchungsstichprobe bestand aus 70 Familien mit (19,4%) und 291 Familien ohne MH (80,6%). Das durchschnittliche Alter der Kinder im Kindergartenalter betrug 4,2 Jahre, derjenigen im Jugendalter 14,1 Jahre; 45,7% waren Mädchen. Ergebnisse: Die Unterschiede zwischen den Kindern und Jugendlichen mit und ohne MH waren gering. Sie verringerten sich vom Kindergarten- zum Jugendalter. Bei Jugendlichen mit MH zeigten sich vermehrt Hinweise auf eine Computerspielabhängigkeit, und sie verbrachten mehr Zeit mit Social-Networking. Jugendliche ohne MH wiesen ein größeres Risiko für Essstörungen und riskantes Sexualverhalten auf. Für die Vorhersage von psychischen Auffälligkeiten im Jugendalter spielten weder der MH noch der soziale Status eine Rolle, relevant waren ausschließlich die psychischen Auffälligkeiten im Kindergartenalter. Migranten und Nichtmigranten profitierten gleichermaßen vom angebotenen Elterntraining. Migranten, die eine Teilnahme ablehnten, zeigten im Vergleich zu den Nichtmigranten deutlich ungünstigere Werte. Schlussfolgerungen: Der Heterogenität von Migranten muss in künftigen Studien stärker Rechnung getragen werden. Aufgrund der Zunahme von Familien mit MH in Deutschland sollten vermehrt Anstrengungen unternommen werden, Kinder, Jugendliche und deren Eltern zu untersuchen. Zum besseren Verständnis der Auswirkungen von Migration sind Längsschnittstudien unabdingbar.
Behaviour and Ecology of Male Aye-Ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) in the Kianjavato Classified Forest, South-Eastern Madagascar
Authors: Randimbiharinirina Doménico Roger , Raharivololona Brigitte M. , Hawkins Melissa T.R. , Frasier Cynthia L. , Culligan Ryan R. , Sefczek Timothy M. , Randriamampionona Richard , Louis Edward E.
Published: March 2018

Previous studies found that aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) consume a variety of non-invertebrate resources, supporting the hypothesis that aye-ayes are too large-bodied to focus feeding efforts on insects. However, these conclusions were based on introduced populations, with little known about aye-aye behaviour and ecology in its natural habitat. This study investigates activity budgets, diet, and home range/territories of 2 male aye-ayes in the Kianjavato Classified Forest, a disturbed forest in south-eastern Madagascar, from October 2013 to October 2014. We used radiotelemetry and focal-animal sampling methods to collect behavioural data. We recorded GPS coordinates of the focal animal every 20 min, calculating the home range size for each individual. Results showed that male aye-ayes spent most of their time feeding and travelling. Their feeding time primarily focussed on larvae and adult insects from various substrates, and to a lesser extent Canarium spp. seeds. Home range sizes of the 2 males varied between individuals, overlapped greatly, and appeared to be related to the location of females. Our findings indicate that aye-aye behaviours are strongly indicative of insect-centric feeding ecology.
Verbascoside Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Symptoms in Mice via Its Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Authors: Li Yongxi , Yu Haiyang , Jin Yan , Li Min , Qu Caijie
Published: March 2018

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the interplay between multiple genetic and environmental factors. The pathogenesis of AD remains incompletely understood. Treatment with topical steroids for chronic AD symptoms has severe side effects and so a new treatment is required. Verbascoside is a hydrophilic phenylethanoid glycoside with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: Verbascoside was evaluated in AD-like lesions induced by the repetitive and alternative application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in BALB/c mice. Overall symptomatic score and serological and molecular changes of the skin lesions were investigated. Results: Verbascoside relieved the overall AD-like symptoms such as scratching behavior and skin lesion severity. At whole-body level, verbascoside significantly reduced DNCB-induced IgE and Th2 cytokines in the peripheral blood. At the skin lesion site, verbascoside also inhibited DNCB-induced production of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-4 mRNA. In a human monocyte THP-1 model, verbascoside could suppress DNCB-induced upregulation of CD86 and CD54 at the cell surface, the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and the activation of NFκB signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that verbascoside could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.
Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Cardiovascular and Renal Events in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Everolimus-Eluting Stent: Risk Stratification with C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Dan Kazuhiro , Miyoshi Toru , Nakahama Makoto , Mizuno Tomofumi , Kagawa Kenzo , Naito Yoichiro , Kawada Satoshi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and inflammation play critical roles in atherosclerosis. There is limited evidence regarding the relationship between CKD and patients receiving second-generation drug-eluting stents for coronary artery disease. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of CKD on cardiovascular and renal events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with everolimus-eluting stents (EES). Methods: We analyzed 504 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris and significant coronary artery stenosis treated with EES. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 before coronary angiography. The primary outcome was the occurrence of major adverse renal and cardiovascular events (MARCE) including cardiac death, revascularization, heart failure, cerebral infarction, worsening renal function > 25% from baseline, and renal replacement therapy at 1 year. Results: Patients were divided into the a MARCE (n = 126) and a non-MARCE (n = 378) group. The incidence of CKD was 51% in all subjects (including those on hemodialysis) and was significantly higher in the MARCE group than in the non-MARCE group (p = 0.00001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that CKD was independently associated with MARCE (adjusted odds ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.21–3.39, p = 0.007). Patients were divided into four groups based on CKD and C-reactive protein (CRP) level prior to initial coronary angiography. Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that patients with CKD and high CRP (≥0.3 mg/dL) had the worst prognosis (hazard ratio 4.371, 95% confidence interval 2.634–7.252, p = 0.00001) compared to patients without CKD and with low CRP. Conclusion: CKD combined with CRP predicted more clinical events in patients undergoing PCI with EES.
Narrow-Band Imaging: Clinical Application in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Barbeiro Sandra , Libânio Diogo , Castro Rui , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro
Published: March 2018

Narrow-band imaging is an advanced imaging system that applies optic digital methods to enhance endoscopic images and improves visualization of the mucosal surface architecture and microvascular pattern. Narrow-band imaging use has been suggested to be an important adjunctive tool to white-light endoscopy to improve the detection of lesions in the digestive tract. Importantly, it also allows the distinction between benign and malignant lesions, targeting biopsies, prediction of the risk of invasive cancer, delimitation of resection margins, and identification of residual neoplasia in a scar. Thus, in expert hands it is a useful tool that enables the physician to decide on the best treatment (endoscopic or surgical) and management. Current evidence suggests that it should be used routinely for patients at increased risk for digestive neoplastic lesions and could become the standard of care in the near future, at least in referral centers. However, adequate training programs to promote the implementation of narrow-band imaging in daily clinical practice are needed. In this review, we summarize the current scientific evidence on the clinical usefulness of narrow-band imaging in the diagnosis and characterization of digestive tract lesions/cancers and describe the available classification systems.
Development of an Immunoassay for Detection of Torque Teno Virus (TTV) Antibodies Using the N22 Expression Product from TTV Genotype 2
Authors: Mankotia Dhananjay Singh , Irshad Mohammad
Published: March 2018

Aims: This study describes an immunoassay to detect anti-torque teno virus (TTV) antibodies using a peptide obtained from expression of the N22 region of TTV genotype 2. Methods: The N22 region (∼500 bp) of TTV genotype 2 was cloned in a pET-28a(+) vector and expressed in ZYM-5052 autoinduction medium. Following metal affinity chromatography, a purified polypeptide was used as an antigen for the development of an immunoassay to detect anti-TTV antibodies in human sera. Results: Recombinant protein (∼25-kDa) was obtained after 24 h of incubation at 25°C in ZYM-5052 autoinduction medium. A blot assay developed using this polypeptide as an antigen and TTV-positive sera as the primary antibody produced a distinct spot on the nitrocellulose membrane. Serum samples from 36 of 42 patients with renal disease and 29 of 48 patients with liver diseases produced a positive signal using this immunoassay. Simultaneously, 18 of 48 healthy controls were also detected to be positive for anti-TTV antibodies. These results were found to be comparable with TTV detection using PCR, and the assay showed a high sensitivity and specificity (i.e., 97.44 and 91.67%, respectively). Moreover, this assay could detect TTV infection irrespectively of the genotype, including cases of mixed infection. Conclusion: The present immunoassay using the N22 expression product may be used as an alternative to PCR to detect TTV infection in large populations.
Avascular Necrosis of Bone following Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients with Coagulopathy: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Hsu Hui-Ching , Liao Tzu-Yao , Chen Dave Wei-Chih , Juan Yu-Hsiang , Liaw Chuang-Chi
Published: March 2018

We report 2 cases of patients with solid tumors and coagulopathy who experienced avascular necrosis (AVN) of the bone following chemotherapy. Both cases exhibited nontraumatic bilateral AVN of the femoral heads, and one also showed bilateral AVN of the humeral heads. One case had multiple thromboembolic complications, including pulmonary obstructive syndrome and paraneoplastic pain. The other showed multiple paraneoplastic syndromes, with hypercalcemia and thrombocytosis. Groin pain and claudication of the lower extremities developed and persisted. Both patients eventually received bilateral hip arthroplasty due to AVN of both femoral heads.
Pregnancy Outcomes in French Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Normand Gabrielle , Xu Xiaoli , Panaye Marine , Jolivot Anne , Lemoine Sandrine , Guebre-Egziabher Fitsum , Decullier Evelyne , Bin Sylvie , Doret Muriel , Juillard Laurent
Published: March 2018

Background: Pregnancy in hemodialysis (HD) women is a rare event and often associated with maternal and fetal complications. Scarcity of available data from large cohorts impedes fair medical counseling. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective, multi-centric study. Pregnant women on HD during the period from 1985 to 2015 in France were included. The primary outcome was a living infant discharged from hospital, while secondary outcomes included gestational age and birth weight. Results: We identified 100 pregnancies in 84 women on HD, from 41 centers. Chronic HD was initiated during pregnancy for 17.7% (14/79) of patients explaining a 19.8% prevalence of catheter (19/96) and a preserved residual diuresis for 50% of pregnancy (43/86). Seventy-six (89.4%) women performed daily dialysis during the third trimester (6 times per week). Our primary outcome was met for 78% of newborns with a mean gestational age of 33.2 ± 3.9 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1,719 ± 730 g. Conclusions: Our study is one of the largest series of ­pregnancies in HD patients. Despite recent progresses, these pregnancies remain at high risk, reinforcing the need for an early nephrologist-obstetrician skilled team co-management.
Overexpression of PTPN2 in Visceral Adipose Tissue Ameliorated Atherosclerosis via T Cells Polarization Shift in Diabetic Apoe-/- Mice
Authors: Li Ya , Zhou Huimin , Wang Feng , Han Lu , Liu Minghao , Li Yihui , Wang Zhihao , Tang Mengxiong , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Dysregulated inflammation in adipose tissue, marked by increased pro-inflammatory T-cell accumulation and reduced regulatory T cells (Treg), contributes to diabetes-associated insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell-mediated inflammation in adipose tissue remain largely unknown. Methods: Sixty apolipoprotein E (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into chow and diabetes groups. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin. Then we transferred a recombinant adenovirus carrying the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene into epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) of ApoE-/- mice. After transfection, all mice were euthanized to evaluate the effects of PTPN2 on T cells polarization and atherosclerosis. Results: PTPN2 was downregulated in EWAT of diabetic ApoE-/- mice. PTPN2 overexpression in EWAT reversed the high Th1/Treg and Th17/Treg ratios in EWAT of diabetic mice. In addition, PTPN2 overexpression in EWAT could significantly reduce macrophages infiltration, the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in EWAT, improving insulin resistance. In aortic root lesions, the vulnerability index were significantly decreased by overexpression of PTPN2 in EWAT. Conclusion: These data suggested that PTPN2 overexpression in EWAT would inhibit systemic inflammation and increase the plaque stability via T cells polarization shift in diabetic mice.
Improving Bone Regeneration Using Chordin siRNA Delivered by pH-Responsive and Non-Toxic Polyspermine Imidazole-4,5-Imine
Authors: Wang Chuandong , Xiao Fei , Gan Yaokai , Yuan Weien , Zhai Zhanjing , Jin Tuo , Chen Xiaodong , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Bone nonunion remains a challenge for orthopaedists. The technological advancements that have been made in precisely silencing target genes have provided promising methods to address this challenge. Methods: We detected the expression levels of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibitors Chordin, Gremlin and Noggin using realtime PCR in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) isolated from patients with normal fracture healing and those with bone nonunion. Moreover, we detected the expression of Chordin, Gremlin and Noggin during the osteogenic differentiation of human BMSCs (hBMSCs) using real-time PCR and Western blot. We delivered Chordin siRNA to hBMSCs using a previously reported cationic polymer, polyspermine imidazole-4,5-imine (PSI), as a pH-responsive and non-cytotoxic transfection agent. The apoptosis and cellular uptake efficiency were analysed by flow cytometry. Results: We identified Chordin as the most appropriate potential therapeutic target gene for enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Chordin knockdown rescued the osteogenic capacity of hBMSCs isolated from patients with bone nonunion. Highly efficient knockdown of Chordin was achieved in hBMSCs using PSI. Chordin knockdown promoted hBMSC osteogenesis and bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Chordin is a potential target for improving osteogenesis and bone nonunion therapy and that responsive and non-toxic cationic polyimines such as PSI are therapeutically feasible carriers for the packaging and delivery of Chordin siRNA to hBMSCs.
Krüppel-Like Factor 4 Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis by Down-Regulating Caveolin-1 Expression
Authors: Zhu Zhonglin , Yu Zhilong , Wang Jianfeng , Zhou Lisheng , Zhang Jing , Yao Bin , Dou Jin , Qiu Zhengjun , Huang Chen
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a member of the KLF family of zinc finger transcription factors, has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in a variety of tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms by which KLF4 inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Methods: KLF4 expression in pancreatic cancer was analyzed using public datasets (Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas). The expression of KLF4, caveolin-1 (Cav-1), E-cadherin, and vimentin, and their correlations with clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in pancreatic cancer tissues. The biological functions and underlying mechanisms of KLF4 expression on EMT and metastasis were also investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results: Public datasets showed that KLF4 expression was significantly decreased in pancreatic cancer and correlated with the depth of invasion and disease stage. The expression of KLF4, Cav-1, E-cadherin, and vimentin protein in pancreatic cancer tissues was closely associated with pathological grade, disease stage, and metastasis. KLF4 expression was also positively correlated with E-cadherin expression and negatively correlated with vimentin expression, whereas Cav-1 expression was negatively associated with E-cadherin expression and positively correlated with vimentin expression. Knockdown of KLF4 expression promoted EMT and facilitated pancreatic cancer cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) results indicated that KLF4 expression was negatively correlated with Cav-1 expression. Furthermore, down-regulating KLF4 expression increased Cav-1 and vimentin expression and decreased E-cadherin expression. Mechanistically, KLF4 could transcriptionally inhibit Cav-1 expression by binding directly to the promoter domain of Cav-1. Conclusions: KLF4 inhibits pancreatic cancer EMT and metastasis by down-regulating Cav-1 expression, suggesting that the KLF4/Cav-1 signaling pathway may be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Produção de resenha acadêmica: uma abordagem dos gêneros do discurso
Authors: Campos Maria Inês Batista , Rodrigues Maria das Graças Soares
Published: March 2018

A escrita acadêmica recebeu muitos estudos desde o final da década de 1970, mas há alguns gêneros acadêmicos que trazem dificuldades aos estudantes universitários, como a resenha. O objetivo do artigo é discutir essa produção de graduandos em Letras, a partir da concepção bakhtiniana de gênero discursivos e de ponto de vista, segundo Rabatel (2015, 2016, 2016a, 2017, 2018), o que significa tratar as resenhas dentro de um contexto de circulação, produção e recepção. Na primeira parte, apresentaremos os pressupostos teóricos que norteiam essa discussão, particularmente, a noção de resenha como gênero discursivo. Na segunda parte, tendo em vista considerarmos a categoria do ponto de vista (PDV) como intrínseca à organização linguística, textual, discursiva e enunciativa da resenha, focalizaremos algumas noções teóricas seguidas de análises de dados, que ancorarão nossa reflexão. A análise de uma resenha publicada em revista acadêmica de graduação revelou que o L1/E1 se engajou com o objeto de discurso, ao construir o ponto de vista (PDV), certamente, para influenciar os interlocutores, acerca da obra resenhada. Em suma, a natureza do propósito comunicativo do gênero discursivo resenha leva o L1/E1 a assumir um PDV favorável ou não.
A escrita na universidade: dificuldades na redação do vestibular e perspectivas para alunos do curso de Direito
Authors: Marquesi Sueli Cristina , Cabral Ana Lúcia Tinoco
Published: March 2018

Neste artigo, refletimos sobre dificuldades de escrita de alunos ingressantes  de uma universidade brasileira. A partir dos dados levantados em resultados de vestibular para curso de Direito e da análise de uma redação, propomos reflexões que orientam o trabalho de escrita na universidade, com vistas à superação das referidas dificuldades. Os procedimentos analíticos que adotamos conjugam  noções de plano de texto (ADAM, 2011) e de contexto (VAN DIJK, 2012; 2016), bem como estudos sobre revisão de escrita (PINTO, 2015; HEURLEY, 2006). Para a discussão, recorremos a uma redação retirada de corpus constituído por redações de um processo seletivo de 2017 para o curso de Direito.