bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intratunical Injection of Genetically Modified Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells with Human Interferon α-2b for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Tunica Albugineal Fibrosis
Authors: Gokce Ahmet , Abd Elmageed Zakaria Y. , Lasker George F. , Bouljihad Mostafa , Braun Stephen E. , Kim Hogyoung , Kadowitz Philip J. , Abdel-Mageed Asim B. , Sikka Suresh C. , Hellstrom Wayne J.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Peyronie's disease (PD) has frequently been associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and may further compromise coitus.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of intratunical injection of genetically modified rat adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) expressing human interferon α-2b (ADSCs-IFN) in decreasing fibrosis and restoring erectile function in a rat model of tunica albugineal fibrosis (TAF).

Methods

A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats (12 weeks old; 300–350 g) were randomly divided in six equal groups: (i) sham group (50 μL saline-injected into the tunica albuginea [TA]); (ii) TAF group (transforming growth factor [TGF]-β1 [0.5 μg/50 μL] injected into the TA); (iii) TGF-β1 plus 5 × 105 control ADSCs injected same day; (iv) TGF-β1 plus 5 × 105 ADSCs-IFN injected same day; (v) TGF-β1 plus 5 × 105 control ADSCs injected after 30 days; and (vi) TGF-β1 plus 5 × 105 ADSCs-IFN injected after 30 days. Rat allogeneic ADSCs were harvested from inguinal fat tissue.

Main Outcome Measures

Forty-five days following the TGF-β1 injection, erectile function was assessed, and penile tissues were harvested for further evaluations.

Results

In the same-day injection groups, intratunical injection of ADSCs and ADSC-IFN improved erectile response observed upon stimulation of cavernous nerve compared with TAF group. Intratunical ADSC-IFN injection at day 30 improved erectile responses 3.1, 1.8, and 1.3 fold at voltages of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.0, respectively, when compared with TAF group. Furthermore, at voltages of 2.5 and 5.0, treatment on day 30 with ADSCs-IFN improved erectile responses 1.6- and 1.3-fold over treatment with ADSCs alone. Local injection of ADSCs or ADSCs-IFN reduced Peyronie's-like manifestations, and these effects might be associated with a decrease in the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.

Conclusion

This study documents that transplantation of genetically modified ADSCs, with or without human IFN α-2b, attenuated Peyronie's-like changes and enhanced erectile function in a rat model of TAF.
Bounds, Breaks and Unit Root Tests
Authors: Carrion‐I‐Silvestre Josep Lluís , Gadea María Dolores
Published: June 2015

The paper addresses the unit root testing when the range of the time series is limited and considering the presence of multiple structural breaks. The structural breaks can affect the level and/or the boundaries of the time series. The paper proposes five unit root test statistics, whose limiting distribution is shown to depend on the number and position of the structural breaks. The performance of the statistics is investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations.
Taxonomic importance of seed macro‐ and micro‐morphology in Abelmoschus (Malvaceae)
Authors: Patil Pravin , Malik Surendra Kumar , Sutar Shrikant , Yadav Shrirang , John Joseph , Bhat Kangila Venkataraman
Published: June 2015

Seed morphology of Abelmoschus is known to be variable, but patterns of variation have never been critically studied. We studied seed macro‐ and micro‐morphological characters, including seed shape/size, seed coat pattern and trichome density/structure in multiple samples to evaluate the taxonomic significance of seed characters. Among the studied characters, seed shape and trichome structure were found to have major taxonomic importance and proved to be valuable characters for separating taxa. Two main seed types were present: seeds with deciduous trichomes and seeds with persistent trichomes. These characters offer significant evidence to the distinctness of certain species (A. esculentus, A. moschatus subsp. moschatus, A. moschatus subsp. tuberosus, A. crinitus and A. angulosus). Further, our results indicate that A. moschatus subsp. tuberosus should be maintained as a separate subspecies while A. manihot subsp. tetraphyllus var. pungens may be merged in A. angulosus. No significant intraspecific variation was observed, except in A. esculentus. We conclude that seed coat sculpturing and seed trichomes do indeed provide stable and diagnostic characters for many morphologically closely related taxa of Abelmoschus and that LM/SEM techniques can be useful in solving systematic problems and management of Abelmoschus genetic resources.
Detection of donor effects in a rye introgression population with genome‐wide prediction
Authors: Mahone Gregory S. , Frisch Matthias , Bauer Eva , Haseneyer Grit , Miedaner Thomas , Falke Karen Christin
Published: June 2015

Introgression populations are developed to make genetic resources for breeding purposes available. In the case that the number of donor segments exceeds the number of lines, genome‐wide prediction (GWP) methods are suggested as promising for the analysis of such populations. Our objectives were to characterize a rye introgression population with the Rye5K SNP assay and to apply a GWP model with a modification of the restricted maximum likelihood procedure that yields heteroscedastic variances to detect significant donor effects. The introgression lines (ILs) carried on average 4.6 donor segments with a mean length of 27 cM and represented 94% of the donor genome. Two donor effects were detected that significantly increased thousand‐kernel weight. We found four donor effects for protein, total pentosan and starch content that can improve baking quality. Three donor effects for protein content were observed for improving feeding purposes and one donor effect for starch content to improve ethanol production. The effects were localized to small genomic regions. Consequently, these ILs can improve rye breeding by directly employing them in breeding programmes for variety development.
Applying Policy Termination Theory to the Abandonment of Climate Protection Initiatives by U.S. Local Governments
Authors: Krause Rachel M. , Yi Hongtao , Feiock Richard C.
Published: June 2015

A considerable amount is known about the factors that influence policy adoption and implementation across different issue areas. Less is known, however, about the factors that influence governments to abandon programs or policies prior to reaching their stated objectives or originally specified end‐points. This article applies termination theory to local climate protection initiatives and examines cities’ withdrawal from the dominant sustainability organization facilitating these efforts. In the face of national government inaction, large numbers of U.S. municipalities voluntarily committed to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and joined the ICLEI's Climate Protection program. After steady membership increases for nearly a decade, ICLEI attained its largest size in 2010 with 565 city members. Over the next 2 years, this number plummeted by 20 percent. Positioned in the literature on policy change, we empirically test three hypotheses for why a substantial portion of cities ended their affiliation with this organization and terminated the explicit climate protection objectives associated with it: (1) political ideology and interest group pressure, (2) fiscal constraints, and (3) perceived program ineffectiveness. Analytical results support the first and third hypotheses. We identify factors that influence the termination of local GHG reduction initiatives and discuss theoretical implications of these findings.
The Salience of Moral Character
Authors: Garthoff Jon
Published: June 2015

In this essay I review an underappreciated strand of thought according to which the best Kantian moral theory has less in common with paradigmatically deontological theories and more in common with virtue theories than is standardly maintained. I then argue this program should be continued further, to provide not only a virtue‐based account of moral judgment but also a virtue‐based account of moral worth. I make a case that this fusion of Kantian theory with virtue theory provides the best account of moral rules, and I close by suggesting that it generates a promising new understanding of moral rights.
Dermal anchoring structures: convex matrix structures at the bottom of the dermal layer that contribute to the maintenance of facial skin morphology
Authors: Ezure T. , Yagi E. , Amano S. , Matsuzaki K.
Published: June 2015

Background/Purpose

Facial skin must be linked to underlying structures to maintain facial morphology and prevent sagging, but the mechanism of facial skin retention is largely unknown. We aimed to elucidate this mechanism.

Methods

Twenty‐two cheek skin specimens (age range: 10s–60s, both genders) were observed histologically. And 30 cheek of healthy Japanese volunteers (age range: 30s–50s, female) was photographed and the severity of sagging was graded. Dermal layer morphology was observed non‐invasively with ultrasound. Skin‐retaining force was measured with a Cutometer MPA 580®, and sagging severity was evaluated by grading criteria.

Results

Histological observation revealed characteristic convex structures at the bottom of the dermal layer. Non‐invasive study showed that the depth of the convex structures, measured by ultrasonography, was significantly negatively related to the ratio of viscoelastic to elastic distention (Uv/Ue) and positively related to the ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation (Ur/Uf) at the cheek of female volunteers, measured by cutometer. It was also negatively related to sagging severity. Further, Ur/Uf was negatively and Uv/Ue was positively related to sagging severity.

Conclusion

Characteristic convex structures at the bottom of the dermal layer serve as anchoring structures to maintain skin morphology.
Poor responder to plasma exchange therapy in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is associated with ADAMTS13 inhibitor boosting: visualization of an ADAMTS13 inhibitor complex and its proteolytic clearance from plasma
Authors: Isonishi Ayami , Bennett Charles L. , Plaimauer Barbara , Scheiflinger Friedrich , Matsumoto Masanori , Fujimura Yoshihiro
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Plasma exchange (PE) is the first‐line treatment for primary acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) with severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:AC). Some patients are poor responders to PE, raising concern over multiple pathogenetic pathways.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Based on 52 aTTP patients in our national cohort study, we monitored plasma levels of ADAMTS13, clinical and laboratory findings, and outcomes. In a representative poor responder to PE, we examined an ADAMTS13 inhibitor (ADAMTS13:INH) complex in plasma milieu, by means of a large‐pore isoelectric focusing (IEF) analysis.

RESULTS

Of 52 aTTP patients, 20 were good responders and 32 were poor responders. In the latter group, plasma ADAMTS13:AC levels never increased to more than 10% of normal during 14 days after PE initiation. Mean (±SD) plasma ADAMTS13:INH titers (Bethesda unit/mL) were 5.7 (±4.5) before PE, but decreased to 1.4 (±0.8) on the fourth PE day and then remarkably increased to 14.8 (±10.0) on the 10th PE day, termed “inhibitor boosting,” and then slowly decreased to undetectable level over 1 month. On admission, none of the routinely available clinical and laboratory markers differentiated these two groups. However, elevated pre‐PE levels of ADAMTS13:INH were correlated with a poor response. We visualized an ADAMTS13:INH (immunoglobulin G) complex in a patient plasma by an IEF analysis and found proteolytic fragment of ADAMTS13 antigen by a two‐dimensional IEF and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this cohort of aTTP patients demonstrated that inhibitor boosting often occurs in aTTP patients in Japan. Poor responders could be predicted by elevated pre‐PE ADAMTS13:INH levels on admission, but not by routinely collected clinical or laboratory data.
Managing Innovation Probabilities: Core-driven vs. Bottleneck-removing Innovations
Authors: Harada Tsutomu
Published: June 2015

This paper provides a simplified framework of focusing devices that generate different patterns of innovation, i.e., core-driven and bottleneck-removing innovations, and discusses the managerial implications. We show that core-driven innovation should be undertaken when technology components are independent (independent technology system), while bottleneck-removing innovation should be pursued when they are interdependent (interdependent technology system). Different types of focusing device should therefore be adopted based primarily on the degree of interdependence among technology components, which in turn maximizes underlying innovation probabilities. One of the implications of the results is that the effective management of innovation is made possible when innovative activities and corresponding focusing devices are appropriately arranged and coordinated to maximize innovation probability. We discuss these managerial challenges in terms of incentives, governance, and competitive strategies.
Description of the AeroForm CO2-Based Tissue Expander and Assessment of the Effect of Pressurized Cabin Air Travel
Authors: Connell Tony , Rice Jacob
Published: June 2015

Background: Tissue expanders are used in breast reconstruction after mastectomy to create a space for placement of permanent breast implants. The AeroForm™ Tissue Expander, developed by AirXpanders™ Inc., utilizes carbon dioxide released from an internal reservoir to inflate the expander. The released gas is contained within a high barrier material pre-formed into a breast shaped shell of the desired volume. During patient travel to higher altitude, a partially inflated expander will increase in volume proportionately to the gas fill volume. At volume levels near full, expansion is governed by the compliance of the inner gas barrier and silicone shell. Therefore, the assessment of the expander performance at altitude consists of the analysis of two operating regimes. The first regime is fill levels < 70% full where the implant, when exposed to cabin pressure, expands without significantly stressing the inner gas barrier. The second is fill levels ~>70% where the response of the inner gas barrier is important, both in terms of structural capability and determination of the volume increase. We assessed the impact of pressurized flight on expander performance in both operating regimes. Findings: The volume increase associated with altitude increase to 8000 feet (maximum cabin altitude per FAA) is typically within the range administered during post-operative fills of saline expanders. Although assessment must be conducted by a clinician, a patient can be typically expected to tolerate the increased volume with some minor discomfort, such as a feeling of tightness. At higher fill levels, the structural capability of shell has been demonstrated to withstand the additional pressure loading. At these fill levels, the expander does not expand as much, due to the structural restraint of the shell. To date, 7 subjects have flown with the expander in situ during clinical trials. All subjects were required to temporarily cease dosing up to two weeks prior. Flight travel was completed uneventfully and they reported discomfort levels ranging from none to moderate. The recommendation to cease dosing two weeks prior to flying was made to allow the expected 1 cc per day of CO2 permeation to occur, which will result in slight deflation to accommodate for the expansion of the CO2 when flying. As expected, subjects reported a sensation of pressure upon ascent which subsided on descent.
Quantitative single‐particle digital autoradiography with α‐particle emitters for targeted radionuclide therapy using the iQID camera
Authors: Miller Brian W. , Frost Sofia H. L. , Frayo Shani L. , Kenoyer Aimee L. , Santos Erlinda , Jones Jon C. , Green Damian J. , Hamlin Donald K. , Wilbur D. Scott , Fisher Darrell R. , Orozco Johnnie J. , Press Oliver W. , Pagel John M. , Sandmaier Brenda M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Alpha‐emitting radionuclides exhibit a potential advantage for cancer treatments because they release large amounts of ionizing energy over a few cell diameters (50–80 μm), causing localized, irreparable double‐strand DNA breaks that lead to cell death. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) approaches using monoclonal antibodies labeled with α emitters may thus inactivate targeted cells with minimal radiation damage to surrounding tissues. Tools are needed to visualize and quantify the radioactivity distribution and absorbed doses to targeted and nontargeted cells for accurate dosimetry of all treatment regimens utilizing α particles, including RIT and others (e.g., Ra‐223), especially for organs and tumors with heterogeneous radionuclide distributions. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize a novel single‐particle digital autoradiography imager, the ionizing‐radiation quantum imaging detector (iQID) camera, for use in α‐RIT experiments.

Methods:

The iQID camera is a scintillator‐based radiation detection system that images and identifies charged‐particle and gamma‐ray/x‐ray emissions spatially and temporally on an event‐by‐event basis. It employs CCD‐CMOS cameras and high‐performance computing hardware for real‐time imaging and activity quantification of tissue sections, approaching cellular resolutions. In this work, the authors evaluated its characteristics for α‐particle imaging, including measurements of intrinsic detector spatial resolutions and background count rates at various detector configurations and quantification of activity distributions. The technique was assessed for quantitative imaging of astatine‐211 (211At) activity distributions in cryosections of murine and canine tissue samples.

Results:

The highest spatial resolution was measured at ∼20 μm full width at half maximum and the α‐particle background was measured at a rate as low as (2.6 ± 0.5) × 10−4 cpm/cm2 (40 mm diameter detector area). Simultaneous imaging of multiple tissue sections was performed using a large‐area iQID configuration (ø 11.5 cm). Estimation of the 211At activity distribution was demonstrated at mBq/μg‐levels.

Conclusions:

Single‐particle digital autoradiography of α emitters has advantages over traditional film‐based autoradiographic techniques that use phosphor screens, in terms of spatial resolution, sensitivity, and activity quantification capability. The system features and characterization results presented in this study show that the iQID is a promising technology for microdosimetry, because it provides necessary information for interpreting alpha‐RIT outcomes and for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of cell‐targeted approaches using α emitters.
Are Birth Weight, Early Growth, and Motor Development Determinants of Physical Activity in Children and Youth? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Øglund Guro Pauck , Hildebrand Maria , Ekelund Ulf
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this systematic review was to explore whether birth weight, early growth and motor development act as determinants of physical activity in children and youth.

Methods:

We performed a systematic literature search on the possible early life determinants. A meta-analysis was performed on the association between birthweight and objectively measured physical activity.

Results:

We identified 9 studies examining birth weight, in which none of the studies with objectively measured physical activity observed an association between birth weight and physical activity. The meta-analysis confirmed this result (b=-3.08, 95% CI -10.20, 4.04). The 3 studies examining early growth and physical activity in youth differ in methodology and the results are inconsistent. Two studies suggest an association between earlier motor development and physical activity and sport participation in youth. This was not confirmed in a third study.

Conclusion:

Our meta-analysis suggests that birth weight is not an important determinant of physical activity in youth. Available data does not allow firm conclusions whether early growth and motor development act as determinants of physical activity in youth.
The dispersal of alien species redefines biogeography in the Anthropocene
Authors: Capinha César , Essl Franz , Seebens Hanno , Moser Dietmar , Pereira Henrique Miguel
Published: June 2015

Emerging patterns in species distribution

Human influences are leading to a shift in the geographical distribution of animal species. Capinha
et al.
compared the distributions of native mollusk species with those introduced to new areas by human activities. The ranges of native species are still broadly constrained by limitations on their capacity for dispersal, whereas those of the introduced aliens are affected more by climate and patterns of human movement. As humans continue to break down barriers to dispersal, more species' distributions will come to be limited by their environmental tolerances.

Science
, this issue p.
1248
Performance of a New Rapid Immunoassay Test Kit for Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Significant Bacteriuria
Authors: Stapleton Ann E. , Cox Marsha E. , DiNello Robert K. , Geisberg Mark , Abbott April , Roberts Pacita L. , Hooton Thomas M.
Published: June 2015

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequently encountered in clinical practice and most commonly caused byEscherichia coliand other Gram-negative uropathogens. We tested RapidBac, a rapid immunoassay for bacteriuria developed by Silver Lake Research Corporation (SLRC), compared with standard bacterial culture using 966 clean-catch urine specimens submitted to a clinical microbiology laboratory in an urban academic medical center. RapidBac was performed in accordance with instructions, providing a positive or negative result in 20 min. RapidBac identified as positive 245/285 (sensitivity 86%) samples with significant bacteriuria, defined as the presence of a Gram-negative uropathogen orStaphylococcus saprophyticusat ≥103CFU/ml. The sensitivities for Gram-negative bacteriuria at ≥104CFU/ml and ≥105CFU/ml were 96% and 99%, respectively. The specificity of the test, detecting the absence of significant bacteriuria, was 94%. The sensitivity and specificity of RapidBac were similar on samples from inpatient and outpatient settings, from male and female patients, and across age groups from 18 to 89 years old, although specificity was higher in men (100%) compared with that in women (92%). The RapidBac test for bacteriuria may be effective as an aid in the point-of-care diagnosis of UTIs especially in emergency and primary care settings.
Airborne Transmission of a Novel Tembusu Virus in Ducks
Authors: Li Xuesong , Shi Ying , Liu Qinfang , Wang Ying , Li Guoxin , Teng Qiaoyang , Zhang Yuee , Liu Sidang , Li Zejun
Published: June 2015

The routes of transmission of a newly emerged Tembusu virus (TMUV,
Flavivirus
) in ducks in China remain unclear. Our epidemiological data show that TMUV is spread in winter, when mosquitos are inactive, which suggests that nonvector transmission routes are involved in the spread of TMUV. Furthermore,
in vivo
studies indicate that TMUV can be transmitted efficiently among ducks by both direct contact and aerosol transmission. This finding has important implications for the control of infection with this novel TMUV in the field.
VP2 Exchange and NS3/NS3a Deletion in African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) in Development of Disabled Infectious Single Animal Vaccine Candidates for AHSV
Authors: van de Water Sandra G. P. , van Gennip René G. P. , Potgieter Christiaan A. , Wright Isabel M. , van Rijn Piet A.
Published: June 2015

African horse sickness virus (AHSV) is a virus species in the genus
Orbivirus
of the family
Reoviridae
. There are nine serotypes of AHSV showing different levels of cross neutralization. AHSV is transmitted by species of
Culicoides
biting midges and causes African horse sickness (AHS) in equids, with a mortality rate of up to 95% in naive horses. AHS has become a serious threat for countries outside Africa, since endemic
Culicoides
species in moderate climates appear to be competent vectors for the related bluetongue virus (BTV). To control AHS, live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are used in Africa. We used reverse genetics to generate “synthetic” reassortants of AHSV for all nine serotypes by exchange of genome segment 2 (Seg-2). This segment encodes VP2, which is the serotype-determining protein and the dominant target for neutralizing antibodies. Single Seg-2 AHSV reassortants showed similar cytopathogenic effects in mammalian cells but displayed different growth kinetics. Reverse genetics for AHSV was also used to study Seg-10 expressing NS3/NS3a proteins. We demonstrated that NS3/NS3a proteins are not essential for AHSV replication
in vitro
. NS3/NS3a of AHSV is, however, involved in the cytopathogenic effect in mammalian cells and is very important for virus release from cultured insect cells in particular. Similar to the concept of the bluetongue disabled infectious single animal (BT DISA) vaccine platform, an AHS DISA vaccine platform lacking NS3/NS3a expression was developed. Using exchange of genome segment 2 encoding VP2 protein (Seg-2[VP2]), we will be able to develop AHS DISA vaccine candidates for all current AHSV serotypes.

IMPORTANCE
African horse sickness virus is transmitted by species of
Culicoides
biting midges and causes African horse sickness in equids, with a mortality rate of up to 95% in naive horses. African horse sickness has become a serious threat for countries outside Africa, since endemic
Culicoides
species in moderate climates are supposed to be competent vectors. By using reverse genetics, viruses of all nine serotypes were constructed by the exchange of Seg-2 expressing the serotype-determining VP2 protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the nonstructural protein NS3/NS3a is not essential for virus replication
in vitro
. However, the potential spread of the virus by biting midges is supposed to be blocked, since the
in vitro
release of the virus was strongly reduced due to this deletion. VP2 exchange and NS3/NS3a deletion in African horse sickness virus were combined in the concept of a disabled infectious single animal vaccine for all nine serotypes.
Camphor: an herbal medicine causing grand mal seizures
Authors: MacKinney Theodore G , Soti Kamal Raj , Shrestha Poojan , Basnyat Buddha
Published: June 2015

Camphor is usually used in the USA to repel insects, but it is widely used in other countries as an herb. We report the case of a 52-year-old previously healthy Nepali man who ingested approximately 10 g of pure camphor with therapeutic intention. He developed grand mal seizures, and was evaluated in an emergency room. He failed to recall the camphor ingestion initially, and was treated with phenytoin for new-onset idiopathic seizures. Examining physicians only later found out about his camphor ingestion. Finding the cause of new-onset seizures is often challenging for emergency room physicians, internists and neurologists. In addition to other well-reported causes of secondary seizures, herbal medications and supplements must also be explored.
Sarcoid lung
Authors: Andrade Carina , Marinho António
Published: June 2015

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease with a varied clinical presentation. The lung disease is common and is responsible for most of the morbidity and mortality associated with sarcoidosis. Tuberculosis remains a prevalent disease in some countries, such as Portugal. There are reports of sequential occurrence of these identities. The authors present a case of a patient with lymphatic tuberculosis who, some years after treatment of this infection, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in an atypical pseudotumoural presentation.
Musical-grade tuning forks for emergent audiometric screening
Authors: McCormick Rodger J , Poling Mikaela I
Published: June 2015

We discuss our experience using high-quality, musical-grade tuning forks for emergent audiometric screening in a 22-year-old woman with sudden-onset unilateral hearing sensation loss. We present a framework for using this method when proper audiometric equipment is unavailable but where musical-grade tuning forks can be rapidly supplied.
Contextual socioeconomic factors associated with childhood mortality in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Adekanmbi Victor T , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Stranges Saverio , Uthman Olalekan A
Published: June 2015

Background

Childhood mortality is a well-known public health issue, particularly in the low and middle income countries. The overarching aim of this study was to examine whether neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with childhood mortality beyond individual-level measures of socioeconomic status in Nigeria.

Methods

Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to data on 31 482 under-five children whether alive or dead (level 1) nested within 896 neighbourhoods (level 2) from the 37 states in Nigeria (level 3) using the most recent 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).

Results

More than 1 of every 10 children studied had died before reaching the age of 5 years (130/1000 live births). The following factors independently increased the odds of childhood mortality: male sex, mother's age at 15–24 years, uneducated mother or low maternal education attainment, decreasing household wealth index at individual level (level 1), residing in rural area and neighbourhoods with high poverty rate at level 2. There were significant neighbourhoods and states clustering in childhood mortality in Nigeria.

Conclusions

The study provides evidence that individual-level and neighbourhood-level socioeconomic conditions are important correlates of childhood mortality in Nigeria. The findings of this study also highlight the need to implement public health prevention strategies at the individual level, as well as at the area/neighbourhood level. These strategies include the establishment of an effective publicly funded healthcare system, as well as health education and poverty alleviation programmes.
Aerobic training decreases bronchial hyperresponsiveness and systemic inflammation in patients with moderate or severe asthma: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: França-Pinto Andrezza , Mendes Felipe A R , de Carvalho-Pinto Regina Maria , Agondi Rosana Câmara , Cukier Alberto , Stelmach Rafael , Saraiva-Romanholo Beatriz M , Kalil Jorge , Martins Milton A , Giavina-Bianchi Pedro , Carvalho Celso R F
Published: June 2015

Background

The benefits of aerobic training for the main features of asthma, such as bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and inflammation, are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of aerobic training on BHR (primary outcome), serum inflammatory cytokines (secondary outcome), clinical control and asthma quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)) (tertiary outcomes).

Methods

Fifty-eight patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (CG) or the aerobic training group (TG). Patients in the CG (educational programme+breathing exercises (sham)) and the TG (same as the CG+aerobic training) were followed for 3 months. BHR, serum cytokine, clinical control, AQLQ, induced sputum and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Results

After 12 weeks, 43 patients (21 CG/22 TG) completed the study and were analysed. The TG improved in BHR by 1 doubling dose (dd) (95% CI 0.3 to 1.7 dd), and they experienced reduced interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and improved AQLQ and asthma exacerbation (p<0.05). No effects were seen for IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, sputum cellularity, FeNO or Asthma Control Questionnaire 7 (ACQ-7; p>0.05). A within-group difference was found in the ACQ-6 for patients with non-well-controlled asthma and in sputum eosinophil and FeNO in patients in the TG who had worse airway inflammation.

Conclusions

Aerobic training reduced BHR and serum proinflammatory cytokines and improved quality of life and asthma exacerbation in patients with moderate or severe asthma. These results suggest that adding exercise as an adjunct therapy to pharmacological treatment could improve the main features of asthma.

Trial registration number

NCT02033122.
TGF-β improves myocardial function and prevents apoptosis induced by anoxia–reoxygenation, through the reduction of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Zong Ligeng , Wang Xiaolei
Published: June 2015

Background: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is known for its role in ventricular remodeling, inflammatory response, cell survival, and apoptosis. However, its role in improving myocardial function in rat hearts subjected to ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) and protecting against apoptosis induced in cardiomyocytes by anoxia–reoxygenation (A/R) has not been elucidated. This study investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β on myocardial function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Methods and results: We used TUNEL staining, we tested cell viability, and we measured mitochondrial membrane potential and levels of mitochondrial ROS after 6 h of simulated anoxia together with various durations of simulated reoxygenation in H9c2 cells. We further observed the contractile function in rat hearts after they were subjected to 30 min global ischemia and 180 min reperfusion. Pretreatment with TGF-β markedly inhibited apoptosis in H9c2 cells, as evidenced by increased cell viability and decreased numbers of TUNEL-positive cells, maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, and diminished mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These changes were associated with the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent markers of apoptosis (GRP78, CHOP, caspase-12, and JNK), and the modulation of the expression of Bcl2/Bax. Furthermore, TGF-β improved I/R-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction. All of these protective effects were concentration-dependent. Conclusion: Our results show that TGF-β prevents A/R-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and improves myocardial function in rat hearts injured by I/R.
T-duality via gerby geometry and reductions
Authors: Bunke Ulrich , Nikolaus Thomas
Published: June 2015

We consider topological T-duality of torus bundles equipped with [Formula: see text]-gerbes. We show how a geometry on the gerbe determines a reduction of its band to the subsheaf of S1-valued functions which are constant along the torus fibers. We observe that such a reduction is exactly the additional datum needed for the construction of a T-dual pair. We illustrate the theory by working out the example of the canonical lifting gerbe on a compact Lie group which is a torus bundle over the associated flag manifold. It was a recent observation of Daenzer and van Erp [16] that for certain compact Lie groups and a particular choice of the gerbe, the T-dual torus bundle is given by the Langlands dual group.
MECHANICS OF BIOLOGICAL BLOOD FLOW ANALYSIS THROUGH CURVED ARTERY WITH STENOSIS
Authors: NADEEM S. , IJAZ SHAGUFTA
Published: June 2015

The viscous fluid model is considered in this article for the study of blood flow through an axis-symmetric stenosis with the effect of three distinct types of arteries i.e., diverging tapering arteries, converging tapering arteries and nontapered arteries. The Cauchy–Euler method has been used for the solution to velocity profile, resistance impedance to flow and the pressure gradient. The characteristics of viscous blood flow on velocity profile, impedance resistance to flow and pressure gradient have been discussed by plotting the graphs of various flow parameters and finally it is found that stenosis dominantes the curvature of curved artery.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ACTIVITIES AND BANK RISKS: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE LISTED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN CHINA (1999–2013)
Authors: YE KANGWEI
Published: June 2015

Based on a broad set of 16 listed commercial banks in China during the period 1999–2013, this paper makes the empirical analysis of the relationship between the development of off-balance sheet (OBS) activities and the banks' overall risk, bankruptcy risk and credit risk. Innovation of this article is mainly reflected in: (1) Considering different types of risk variables, it gives a more comprehensive disclosure of the bank's risk characteristics. (2) Dividing the research object into joint-stock commercial banks and state-owned commercial banks, and get some new test results: The development of OBS business of state-owned commercial banks increases the overall risk, bankruptcy risk and credit risk significantly. While in joint-stock commercial banks sample, the development of OBS business reduces the overall risk significantly.
Famennian survivor turiniid thelodonts of North and East Gondwana
Authors: Hairapetian Vachik , Roelofs Brett P. A. , Trinajstic Kate M. , Turner Susan
Published: June 2015

Microvertebrate samples from the Upper Devonian Hojedk section, southeastern Iran, and the Napier Formation, northwestern Australia, have yielded scales of agnathan thelodonts, dated as early/mid-Famennian (
crepida–marginifera/trachytera
conodont zones). These scales are referred to
Arianalepis megacostata
, a new genus and species, and
Arianalepis
sp. indet., a second indeterminate species of this new turiniid genus. Further recorded scales of
Australolepis seddoni
from the Napier Formation confirm the age range for this taxon as extending into the late Frasnian. The new remains post-date the previously youngest thelodonts from Iran and Western Australia and provide the first evidence of thelodonts surviving the Frasnian–Famennian extinction events.
The Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Auricular Point Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Lin Wei-Chun , Yeh Chao Hsing , Chien Lung-Chang , Morone Natalia E. , Glick Ronald M. , Albers Kathryn M.
Published: June 2015

Background.Auricular point acupressure (APA) is a promising treatment for pain management. Few studies have investigated the physiological mechanisms of APA analgesics.Method.In this pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT), a 4-week APA treatment was used to manage chronic low back pain (CLBP). Sixty-one participants were randomized into a real APA group (n=32) or a sham APA group (n=29). Blood samples, pain intensity, and physical function were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.Results.Subjects in the real APA group reported a 56% reduction of pain intensity and a 26% improvement in physical function. Serum blood samples showed (1) a decrease in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP] and (2) an increase in IL-4. In contrast, subjects in the sham APA group (1) reported a 9% reduction in pain and a 2% improvement in physical function and (2) exhibited minimal changes of inflammatory cytokines and neuropeptides. Statistically significant differences in IL-4 and CGRP expression between the real and sham APA groups were verified.Conclusion.These findings suggest that APA treatment affects pain intensity through modulation of the immune system, as reflected by APA-induced changes in serum inflammatory cytokine and neuropeptide levels.
Impact of Procyanidins from Different Berries on Caspase 8 Activation in Colon Cancer
Authors: Minker Carole , Duban Livine , Karas Daniel , Järvinen Päivi , Lobstein Annelise , Muller Christian D.
Published: June 2015

Scope. The aim of this work is to identify which proapoptotic pathway is induced in human colon cancer cell lines, in contact with proanthocyanidins extracted from various berries.Methods and Results. Proanthocyanidins (Pcys) extracted from 11 berry species are monitored for proapoptotic activities on two related human colon cancer cell lines: SW480-TRAIL-sensitive and SW620-TRAIL-resistant. Apoptosis induction is monitored by cell surface phosphatidylserine (PS) detection. Lowbush blueberry extract triggers the strongest activity. When tested on the human monocytic cell line THP-1, blueberry Pcys are less effective for PS externalisation and DNA fragmentation is absent, highlighting a specificity of apoptosis induction in gut cells. In Pcys-treated gut cell lines, caspase 8 (apoptosis extrinsic pathway) but not caspase 9 (apoptosis intrinsic pathway) is activated after 3 hours through P38 phosphorylation (90 min), emphasizing the potency of lowbush blueberry Pcys to eradicate gut TRAIL-resistant cancer cells.Conclusion. We highlight here that berries Pcys, especially lowbush blueberry Pcys, are of putative interest for nutritional chemoprevention of colorectal cancer in view of their apoptosis induction in a human colorectal cancer cell lines.
Multiantenna Spectrum Sensing in the Presence of Multiple Primary Users over Fading and Nonfading Channels
Authors: Guimarães Dayan Adionel , de Souza Rausley Adriano Amaral , Aquino Guilherme Pedro
Published: June 2015

The basis of this paper is Wei and Tirkkonen, 2012, in which expressions for the key performance metrics of the sphericity test applied to the multiantenna cooperative spectrum sensing of multiple primary transmitters in cognitive radio networks over nonfading channels are provided. The false alarm and the detection probabilities were derived in Wei and Tirkkonen, 2012, based on approximations obtained by matching the moments of the test statistics to the Beta distribution. In this paper we show that the model adopted in Wei and Tirkkonen, 2012, does not apply directly to fading channels, yet being considerably inaccurate for some system parameters and channel conditions. Nevertheless, we show that the original expressions from Wei and Tirkkonen, 2012, can be simply and accurately applied to a modified model that considers fixed or time-varying channels with any fading statistic. We also analyze the performance of the sphericity test and other competing detectors with a varying number of primary transmitters, considering different situations in terms of the channel gains and channel dynamics. Based on our results, we correct several interpretations from Wei and Tirkkonen, 2012, in what concerns the performance of the detectors, both over a fixed-gain additive white Gaussian noise channel and over a time-varying Rayleigh fading channel.
Synthesis and Application of Phenyl Nitrone Derivatives as Acidic and Microbial Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Shijun , Zhao Kang , Chen Gang
Published: June 2015

Nitrone has drawn great attention due to its wide applications as a 1,3-dipole in heterocyclic compounds synthesis and the bioactivities. With the special structure, nitrone can also be used as ligand in inorganic chemistry. Based on the current research, the nitrones are anticipated to be effective inhibitors against acidic and microbial corrosion. The aim of this work is to investigate the inhibitory action of nitrones. In this work, a series of phenyl nitrone derivatives (PN) was synthesized and used as acidic and microbial corrosion inhibitors. The results indicate that several compounds show moderate to high inhibition efficiency (IE) in 3% HCl. Accompanied with HMTA or BOZ, the IEs greatly increase, and the highest efficiency of 98.5% was obtained by using PN4 + BOZ. Investigation of the antibacterial activity against oilfield microorganism shows that the nitrone derivatives can inhibit SRB, IB, and TGB with moderate to high efficiency under 1,000 mg/L, which makes them potential to be used as bifunctional oilfield chemicals.
Purification and Characterization of a Polyextremophilicα-Amylase from an Obligate HalophilicAspergillus penicillioidesIsolate and Its Potential for Souse with Detergents
Authors: Ali Imran , Akbar Ali , Anwar Mohammad , Prasongsuk Sehanat , Lotrakul Pongtharin , Punnapayak Hunsa
Published: June 2015

An extracellularα-amylase from the obligate halophilicAspergillus penicillioidesTISTR3639 strain was produced and enriched to apparent homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G100 gel filtration column chromatography. The mass of the purified amylase was estimated to be 42 kDa by SDS-PAGE. With soluble starch as the substrate it had a specific activity of 118.42 U·mg−1andVmax⁡andKmvalues of 1.05 µmol·min−1·mg−1and 5.41 mg·mL−1, respectively. The enzyme was found to have certain polyextremophilic characteristics, with an optimum activity at pH 9, 80°C, and 300 g·L−1NaCl. The addition of CaCl2at 2 mM was found to slightly enhance the amylase activity, while ZnCl2, FeCl2, or EDTA at 2 mM was strongly or moderately inhibitory, respectively, suggesting the requirement for a (non-Fe2+or Zn2+) divalent cation. The enzyme retained more than 80% of its activity when incubated with three different laundry detergents and had a better performance compared to a commercial amylase and three detergents in the presence of increasing NaCl concentrations up to 300 g·L−1. Accordingly, it has a good potential for use as anα-amylase in a low water activity (high salt concentration) and at high pH and temperatures.
Accelerated Recovery of Endothelium Function after Stent Implantation with the Use of a Novel Systemic Nanoparticle Curcumin
Authors: Lu Qi , Ye Fang , Yang Xiangjun , Gu Qingqing , Wang Peng , Zhu Jianhua , Shen Li , Gong Feirong
Published: June 2015

Curcumin was reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities and significantly prevent smooth muscle cells migration. In the present study, a novel kind of curcumin loaded nanoparticles (Cur-NP) has been prepared and characterized with the aim of inhibiting inflammation formation and accelerating the healing process of the stented arteries. Cur-NP was administrated intravenously after stent implantation twice a week and detailed tissue responses were evaluated. The results demonstrated that intravenous administration of Cur-NP after stent implantation accelerated endothelial cells restoration and endothelium function recovery and may potentially be an effective therapeutic alternative to reduce adverse events for currently available drug eluting stents.
miR-34a and miR-125b Expression in HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Development
Authors: Ribeiro Joana , Marinho-Dias Joana , Monteiro Paula , Loureiro Joana , Baldaque Inês , Medeiros Rui , Sousa Hugo
Published: June 2015

We aimed to characterize miR-125b and miR-34a expression in 114 women with different cervical lesions: normal epithelium with (n= 20) and without (n= 29) HPV infection; LSIL (n= 28); HSIL (n= 29); and ICC (n= 8). miRNA expression analysis was performed by comparing the distinct groups with the reference group (women with normal epithelium without HPV). For miR-125b, we observed a twofold (2-ΔΔCt= 2.11;P= 0.038) increased expression among women with normal epithelium with HPV infection and a trend of downregulation in different cervical lesions including an 80% reduction (2-ΔΔCt= 0.21;P= 0.004) in ICC. Similarly, miR-34a expression analysis revealed an increased expression (2-ΔΔCt= 1.69;P= 0.049) among women with normal cervix and HPV infection, and despite no significant correlation with cervical lesions, its expression was increased by twofold (2-ΔΔCt= 2.08;P= 0.042) in ICC. Moreover, miR-125b levels were able to predict invasive cancers with 88% sensitivity and 69% specificity. Results showed that while miR-34a expression seems to be correlated with invasive cervical cancer, miR-125b expression is significantly changed within the different cervical lesions and their levels should be further investigated as possible predictive/prognostic biomarkers using a noninvasive approach.