bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Physical Therapy Management of Tendon Transfer for Digital/Wrist Extension Due to Multifocal Motor Neuropathy
Authors: Volpe Steve
Published: October 2016

Study Design

Case report.

Background

Multifocal motor neuropathy is a progressive motor nerve disorder characterized by muscle weakness in the extremities. Muscle imbalance and weakness can become so severe that the involved extremity can be rendered nonfunctional. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy postoperative management of a patient who underwent a multiple tendon transfer to correct the loss of digital/wrist extension of the right upper extremity.

Case Description

A 38-year-old woman with a medical diagnosis of multifocal motor neuropathy, which caused muscle imbalance and weakness in the right hand, underwent a multiple tendon transfer to correct the loss of digit and wrist extension. The pronator teres was transferred and attached to the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis. The palmaris longus was transferred and attached to the extensor pollicis longus. The flexor carpi radialis was transferred and attached to the extensor digitorum communis. The patient underwent static and dynamic splinting and a modified tendon transfer protocol starting at 3 weeks and ending at 16 weeks postsurgery. The patient attended therapy 1 to 3 times a week, depending on protocol stage and need for skilled therapy intervention.

Outcomes

Patient-reported outcome measures included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) survey to monitor the return of function and the numeric pain-rating scale to assess pain. At the initial evaluation (3 weeks postsurgery), the patient's DASH score was 87.5 and her pain score was 7/10. At discharge (16 weeks postsurgery), the patient's DASH score was 37.5 and her pain score was 0/10. Strength impairment was monitored with hydraulic hand dynamometers and manual muscle testing. At discharge, her hand grip strength was 4.5 kg, her key pinch strength was 4.1 kg, and her 3-jaw pinch strength was 2.3 kg. Manual muscle testing grades were 5/5 for elbow extension/flexion, 4/5 for forearm pronation/supination, 2/5 for wrist extension, 1/5 for wrist radial deviation, 4−/5 for wrist ulnar deviation, 3/5 for extension from digits 2 through 4, 3+/5 for thumb extension, 5/5 for wrist flexion, and 5/5 for flexion from digits 1 through 5. At 1 year postsurgery, the DASH survey was sent to the patient for completion, at which time she reported a DASH score of 24.17.

Conclusion

This case demonstrated good outcomes for a patient who underwent a multiple tendon transfer to correct digital/wrist extension loss caused by multifocal motor neuropathy. This report provides guidance on the postoperative management of a fairly rare neurological disorder with an established orthopaedic surgery.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(12):1071–1079. Epub 30 Oct 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6707
Intradiploic meningioma- A rare osteolytic calvarial lesion: A case report and review of literature
Authors: V Sandeep B , Roy Kaushik , Banga Manpreet Singh , Ghosh Partha
Published: October 2016

Meningiomas are most commonest benign intracranial neoplasm which are encountered in clinical practice. One of the most uncommon variant is intradiploic meningiomas, which can present as osteoblastic or osteolytic calvarial lesion and should be considered  as differential diagnosis. We here present a rare case report of osteolytic intradiploic meningioma of skull presenting as scalp mass with a background of head injury and discuss its management.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 103-105
Increased H2S synthesizing activity in plasma correlated to fasting blood glucose levels: A study in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Saha Pinaki , Dasgupta Sayantan , Nath Sukla , Ghosh Pradipta , Sen Santanu , Sau Tanmay Jyoti , Kumar Arun , Biswas Utpal Kumar
Published: October 2016

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem not only in India but worldwide. Our country presently is undergoing an epidemic stage of this non-communicable disease.Though several etiological background of type 2 diabetes has been well explained, yet a number of recent literatures suggested a potential role H2S producing enzymes in the etiology and management of this metabolic disorder.Aims and Objectives: Our aim was to elucidate the relationship of H2S synthesizing activity in plasma and fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients and equal number of non-diabetic controls were included in the study. Enzymatic activity of synthesizing H2S in plasma was estimated following methods described earlier with further modification and standardization in our laboratory. All other parameters were estimated by using standardized kits.Results:  FBG, PPBG, HbA1C, Fasting Insulin,  H2S synthesizing activity in plasma in patients are significantly higher (p< 0.05) than the corresponding values in healthy controls H2S synthesizing activity in plasma is positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose and the correlations is significant(p=0.05).Conclusion: Our study though a pilot study with a small sample size, has elucidated that the values of H2S synthesizing activity in plasma are significantly elevated in type 2 diabetic patients and this may help researchers to develop H2S modifying agents and enzyme inhibitors which may open up new horizon in the treatment modalities of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(6) 2016 6-10
Association of perioperative hyperglycemic state with postoperative infection
Authors: Ghildiyal J P , Ghildiyal Archna , Sharma Sarsij , Iqbal Bushra , Singh Shraddha
Published: October 2016

Background: Perioperative hyperglycemia is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Recent evidence suggests that hyperglycemia plays a significant role in the development of postoperative infections (POI). Major focus has been placed on whether hyperglycemia, as an independent risk factor, is associated with increased infection. The optimal targeted blood glucose range to prevent POI remains unclear, especially in the intra-operative period.Aims and Objectives: To study the association between  peri-operative hyperglycemia to the subsequent risk of post-operative infections through a prospective  observational study.Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 101 patients undergoing different types of general surgery procedures followed up to 30 days post-operatively was done. Random  blood Sugar (RBS) was taken (1) Pre-operatively (2) Intra-operatively (3) Postoperatively- after 6, 24 and 48 hours. Primary end points of the study were (1)  Surgical wound infection (2) Urinary tract infection (3) Septicemia.Results: Out of 101 patients 57 developed perioperative hyperglycemia (incidence- 56.4%). In normoglycemic  group of patients infection rate was 4.5% (2/44) as compared to 26.3% (15/57) in perioperative hyperglycemic group.Conclusion: The present study provides a convincing evidence of an association between perioperative hyperglycemia and post-operative infection apart from giving a possible relationship between preoperative blood sugar levels and postoperative infection.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(6) 2016 32-35
Epicardial fat thickness and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mandal Pijush Kanti , Pramanik Subhraprakash , Mondal Koushik , Das Shovan Kumar , Dey Arpan Kumar , Dutta Samaresh , Sarkar Pranabesh , Pramanik Amaresh
Published: October 2016

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness has been considered to be a possible cardiovascular risk indicator in recent reports. Aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness (EFT) with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and Methods: In this hospital based cross sectional observational study a total of 64 patients with T2DM (mean age 54.51±6.60 years and 75.0% male) and 76 age and sex-matched non-diabetic control (mean age 54.97±6.11years and 71.1% male) were evaluated. Echocardiographic EFT and ultrasonographic CIMT were measured in all subjects.Results: Patients with T2DM had significantly increased EFT and CIMT than those of the non-diabetic controls (6.15±0.99 mm versus 4.39±0.61 mm, P< 0.001 and 0.77±0.09 mm versus 0.51±0.05 mm, P< 0.001, respectively). EFT was correlated with CIMT (r = 0.724, P < 0.001), duration of diabetes (r = 0.723, P < 0.001) and fasting plasma glucose level (r = 0.542, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that CIMT (β = 0.358, t = 3.658, P < 0.001) duration of diabetes (β = 0.324, t = 3.268, P = 0.001) and fasting plasma glucose level (β = 0.210, t = 3.302, P = 0.001) were found to be the independent predictors of EFT.Conclusion: The echocardiographic EFT was significantly higher in patients with T2DM; and it was well correlated with CIMT, duration of diabetes and fasting plasma glucose level as being the independent predictors of EFT.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(6) 2016 1-5
Impact of Online Marketing on Teenagers in India
Authors: Tripathi Veena
Published: October 2016

Online Marketing is quickly evolving in front of our eyes and it is almost impossible to reject and hide from this new form of media. “This shift in consumer influence indicates a need and an opportunity for companies to reprioritize the mix of communication channels they use to reach their consumers”. The study discusses the attitude of teens towards brand selection due to Online Marketing comprising apparel market in India.This research is divided in three parts to understand The Impact of Online Marketing on Brand Selection by Teenagers. 1) Strategy behind Online Marketing to Teenagers. 2) Power of Online Marketing on Teens in Brand Selection. 3) Benefits and worries of Online Marketing on Teens.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 3, Issue-4: 277-280
The Impact of Social Networking Sites’ Usage on the Academic Performance of University Students of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Waqas Ali , Afzal Muhammad , Zaman Fakhar , Sabir Muhammad
Published: October 2016

Social networking sites are more common to the young generation worldwide. Pakistan’s major population is comprised of young generation. Thus, usage of social networking sites has become the trend among the youth of Pakistan which has strong effect on the student’s performance and habits. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of social network usage on the university student’s academic performance of Lahore, Pakistan. Cross sectional survey technique has used in the current study. The self-administered questionnaire distributed to the 260 students of four universities of Lahore through convenient random sampling. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data while Chi-square (X2) analysis has performed to test the research hypotheses. The findings of the current study show that the university students of Lahore, Pakistan are using different social networking sites which has negative effect on the student’s academic performance and habits. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 3, Issue-4: 267-276
The Effect of Liquidity and Leverage on Profitability of Property and Real Estate Company in Indonesian Stock Exchange
Authors: Rudin M. , Nurdin Djayani , Fattah Vita Yanti
Published: October 2016

The objectives of this research were to know and analyze the effect of leverage and liquidity simultaneously and partially on profitability at go public real estate and property company in Indonesian stock exchange within the period of 2005 until 2010. In detail, this research aims were: 1) to know the effect of liquidity and leverage on profitability of property and real estate company in Indonesian stock exchange, 2) to know the effect of liquidity on profitability of property and real estate company in Indonesian stock exchange, and 3) to know the effect of leverage on profitability of property and real estate company in Indonesian stock exchange. Based on purposive sampling technique, this research determined 43 companies as research population, since 16 companies provide a comprehensive and complete financial report within the period of research. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 with multiple linear regression test. The result showed that: 1) leverage and liquidity simultaneously have significant effect on profitability, 2) liquidity have an effect partially on profitability, but the effect was not significant, 3) leverage have a significant effect on profitability partially.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 3, Issue-4: 300-304
The Relationship between Input Prices and Energy Intensity in Canadian Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Gamtessa Samuel F.
Published: October 2016

This study analyses the roles that energy and other input prices play in reducing the energy intensity of manufacturing industries in Canada. I find that the average energy price elasticity of energy intensity is about −0.39 for the manufacturing sector, with a 95 percent CI of −0.43 to −0.34. The calculated average elasticities of substitutions indicate that both capital and labour are complementary with energy while both materials and services inputs are substitutes. The industry-specific estimates, however, reveal widespread differences in terms of both the magnitude of the elasticities and the patterns of the relationships among the inputs.
Life and the Technical Transformation of Différance: Stiegler and the Noopolitics of Becoming Non-Inhuman
Authors: Turner Ben
Published: October 2016

Through a re-articulation of Derridean différance, Bernard Stiegler claims that the human is defined by an originary default that displaces all psychic and social life onto technical supplements. His philosophy of technics re-articulates the logic of the supplement as concerning both human reflexivity and its supports, and the history of the différance of life itself. This has been criticised for reducing Derrida's work to a metaphysics of presence, and for instituting a humanism of the relation to the inorganic. By refuting these claims, this article will show that Stiegler's doubling of différance enables him to articulate the human as constituted by both the individuation characteristic of ‘life’, and that of a technical, psychic, and collective individuation. Putting forward a reading of the logic of the trace in life, and emphasising the aspects of Leroi-Gourhan, Simondon, and Canguilhem that Stiegler uses in his reading of Derrida, I will demonstrate that the political stakes of adaption and adoption in his Noopolitics require this re-articulation of différance. Technics shapes the human future, arising from this differential mutation; marking the invention of the human as the site of the political.
Assessment of Ethyl Carbamate Contamination in Cachaça (Brazilian Sugar Cane Spirit)
Authors: Bortoletto Aline , Alcarde André
Published: October 2016

Cachaça is a sugar cane spirit produced in Brazil. Ethyl carbamate (EC), a potential carcinogenic compound, may be present in cachaça above the limit established by law. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of ethyl carbamate in cachaças recently produced in Brazil in order to verify their compliance with the law. The concentration of ethyl carbamate was determined in 376 samples of cachaça through gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The mean value of ethyl carbamate in the cachaças analyzed was 145 µg/L, and 24% of them were not in compliancy with the law (EC < 210 µg/L). However, compared to previous studies, advances have been observed regarding the adjustment of cachaças to the legal limit. Cachaças produced in large distilleries through continuous column distillation presented a mean value of 200 µg/L of ethyl carbamate. Cachaças produced in small distilleries using pot still distillation presented a mean content of 74 µg/L. Small producers have been more engaged in using good manufacturing practices to guarantee the quality of cachaças.
An Alumina-Supported Ni-La-Based Catalyst for Producing Synthetic Natural Gas
Authors: Rivero-Mendoza Daniel , Stanley Jessica , Scott Jason , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-François
Published: October 2016

LaNi5, known for its hydrogen storage capability, was adapted to the form of a metal oxide-supported (γ-Al2O3) catalyst and its performance for the Sabatier reaction assessed. The 20 wt % La-Ni/γ-Al2O3 particles were prepared via solution combustion synthesis (SCS) and exhibited good catalytic activity, achieving a CO2 conversion of 75% with a high CH4 selectivity (98%) at 1 atm and 300 °C. Characteristics of the La-Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst were identified at various stages of the catalytic process (as-prepared, activated, and post-reaction) and in-situ DRIFTS was used to probe the reaction mechanism. The as-prepared catalyst contained amorphous surface La–Ni spinels with particle sizes <6 nm. The reduction process altered the catalyst make-up where, despite the reducing conditions, Ni2+-based particles with diameters between 4 and 20 nm decorated with LaOx moieties were produced. However, the post-reaction catalyst had particle sizes of 4–9 nm and comprised metallic Ni, with the LaOx decoration reverting to a form akin to the as-prepared catalyst. DRIFTS analysis indicated that formates and adsorbed CO species were present on the catalyst surface during the reaction, implying the reaction proceeded via a H2-assisted and sequential CO2 dissociation to C and O. These were then rapidly hydrogenated into CH4 and H2O.
Effects of Boreal Timber Rafting on the Composition of Arctic Driftwood
Authors: Hellmann Lena , Kirdyanov Alexander , Büntgen Ulf
Published: October 2016

Wood from the boreal forest represents an important resource for paper production and sawmill processing. Due to poor infrastructure and high transportation costs on land, timbers are often transported over long distances along large river systems. Industrial river rafting activities started at the end of the 19th century and were intensified in western Russia and central Siberia from the 1920s to the 1980s. After initial single stem rafting, timber is today mostly floated in ship-guided rafts. Lost wood can be transported further to the Arctic Ocean, where it may drift within sea ice over several years and thousands of kilometers before being deposited along (sub-)Arctic coastlines. Here, we introduce dendro-dated tree-ring width series of 383 driftwood samples from logged timber that were collected along different driftwood-recipient coastlines in Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard. The majority of driftwood is Pinus sylvestris from the southern Yenisei region in central Siberia, whereas Larix sp. and Picea sp. from western Russia and eastern Siberia are rare. Although our results are based on a small sample collection, they clearly show the importance of timber rafting on species, age and origin of Arctic driftwood and indicate the immense loss of material during wood industrial river floating.
An Evaluation of Alternatives to Nitrites and Sulfites to Inhibit the Growth of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in Meat Products
Authors: Lamas Alexandre , Miranda José , Vázquez Beatriz , Cepeda Alberto , Franco Carlos
Published: October 2016

In recent years, the use of nitrites and sulfites as food preservatives has been a cause for concern due to the health problems that these additives can cause in humans. Natural products have been studied as an alternative, but most of them have hardly been applied in the food industry for technological and economic reasons. In this sense, organic salts such as sodium acetate are a good alternative due to their affordability. Thus, this study evaluated the capacity of sodium nitrite, sodium sulfite, a sodium acetate product (TQI C-6000), and chitosan to inhibit two important foodborne pathogens, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. The MIC of each chemical was in vitro evaluated and their antibacterial action was subsequently checked in situ using minced meat as a food model. MIC values of sodium nitrite (10,000 mg/L) and sodium sulfite (50,000 mg/L) for Salmonella enterica were higher than the values allowed by legislation (450 mg/L for sulfites and 150 mg/L for nitrites). Additionally, the sodium acetate product caused the inhibition of Salmonella enterica and Listeria at a relative low quantity. The two foodborne pathogens were inhibited in the food model with 1% of the sodium acetate product. Additionally, there were no significant differences between sodium nitrite, sodium sulfite, and sodium acetate products in the inhibition of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in the food model. Thus, products based on sodium acetate can be an alternative to traditional preservatives in food products.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Latina Breast Cancer Survivors’ Symptoms and Functioning
Authors: Rush Christina , Lobo Tania , Serrano Adriana , Blasini Maxie , Campos Claudia , Graves Kristi
Published: October 2016

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used widely in cancer populations, particularly among women, and has shown promise for addressing symptom and functioning outcomes. Few studies to date have evaluated CAM use and associations over time with symptoms and function among Latina breast cancer survivors. We administered a baseline (N = 136) and follow-up (n = 58) telephone survey in Spanish or English assessing Latina breast cancer survivor demographics, physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, satisfaction with social roles, and both CAM activities and devotional and spiritual practices. About one-third of our sample (35% baseline; 36% follow-up) reported using CAM (yoga, meditation, massage, or herbal/dietary supplements). We assessed devotional and spiritual practices separately from CAM (church attendance, prayer, religious groups, and reading devotional and religious texts); the majority of Latina survivors reported devotional and spiritual practices (80% baseline; 81% follow-up). At baseline, CAM demonstrated a positive association with better physical functioning and lower depression. In contrast, CAM use at the time of follow-up appeared to be related to lower levels of satisfaction with social roles and physical function. In longitudinal analyses, devotional and spiritual practices at baseline significantly predicted lower anxiety, depression, and fatigue at follow-up. Findings suggest CAM plays a complex and not always linear role in symptoms and function outcomes for Latina breast cancer survivors. These findings contribute to the literature on longitudinal CAM use and associations with symptom and functioning outcomes among Latina breast cancer survivors.
Construction of a Seasonal Difference-Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (SD-GTWR) Model and Comparative Analysis with GWR-Based Models for Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) in Hubei Province (China)
Authors: Ge Liang , Zhao Youlin , Sheng Zhongjie , Wang Ning , Zhou Kui , Mu Xiangming , Guo Liqiang , Wang Teng , Yang Zhanqiu , Huo Xixiang
Published: October 2016

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is considered a globally distributed infectious disease which results in many deaths annually in Hubei Province, China. In order to conduct a better analysis and accurately predict HFRS incidence in Hubei Province, a new model named Seasonal Difference-Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (SD-GTWR) was constructed. The SD-GTWR model, which integrates the analysis and relationship of seasonal difference, spatial and temporal characteristics of HFRS (HFRS was characterized by spatiotemporal heterogeneity and it is seasonally distributed), was designed to illustrate the latent relationships between the spatio-temporal pattern of the HFRS epidemic and its influencing factors. Experiments from the study demonstrated that SD-GTWR model is superior to traditional models such as GWR- based models in terms of the efficiency and the ability of providing influencing factor analysis.
Preventive Effects of Safety Helmets on Traumatic Brain Injury after Work-Related Falls
Authors: Kim Sang , Ro Young , Shin Sang , Kim Joo
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Work-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by falls is a catastrophic event that leads to disabilities and high socio-medical costs. This study aimed to measure the magnitude of the preventive effect of safety helmets on clinical outcomes and to compare the effect across different heights of fall. Methods: We collected a nationwide, prospective database of work-related injury patients who visited the 10 emergency departments between July 2010 and October 2012. All of the adult patients who experienced work-related fall injuries were eligible, excluding cases with unknown safety helmet use and height of fall. Primary and secondary endpoints were intracranial injury and in-hospital mortality. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of safety helmet use and height of fall for study outcomes, and adjusted for any potential confounders. Results: A total of 1298 patients who suffered from work-related fall injuries were enrolled. The industrial or construction area was the most common place of fall injury occurrence, and 45.0% were wearing safety helmets at the time of fall injuries. The safety helmet group was less likely to have intracranial injury comparing with the no safety helmet group (the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.42 (0.24–0.73)), however, there was no statistical difference of in-hospital mortality between two groups (the adjusted ORs (95% CI): 0.83 (0.34–2.03). In the interaction analysis, preventive effects of safety helmet on intracranial injury were significant within 4 m height of fall. Conclusions: A safety helmet is associated with prevention of intracranial injury resulting from work-related fall and the effect is preserved within 4 m height of fall. Therefore, wearing a safety helmet can be an intervention for protecting fall-related intracranial injury in the workplace.
Associations of Breast Cancer Risk Factors with Premenopausal Sex Hormones in Women with Very Low Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Houghton Lauren , Ganmaa Davaasambuu , Rosenberg Philip , Davaalkham Dambadarjaa , Stanczyk Frank , Hoover Robert , Troisi Rebecca
Published: October 2016

Breast cancer incidence rates are low but rising in urban Mongolia. We collected reproductive and lifestyle factor information and measured anthropometrics and serum sex steroid concentrations among 314 premenopausal women living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Mean differences in hormone concentrations by these factors were calculated using age-adjusted quadratic regression splines. Estrone and estradiol in college-educated women were, respectively, 18.2% (p = 0.03) and 23.6% (p = 0.03) lower than in high-school-educated women. Progesterone concentrations appeared 55.8% lower (p = 0.10) in women residing in modern housing compared with women living in traditional housing (gers), although this finding was not statistically significant. Testosterone concentrations were positively associated with adiposity and central fat distribution; 17.1% difference (p = 0.001) for highest vs. lowest quarter for body mass index and 15.1% difference (p = 0.005) for waist-to-height ratio. Estrogens were higher in the follicular phase of women who breastfed each child for shorter durations. A distinct hormonal profile was associated with an urban lifestyle in premenopausal, Mongol women. In particular, heavier, more-educated women living in urban dwellings had higher testosterone and lower estrogen and progesterone levels. Higher breast cancer incidence in urban compared with rural women suggest that the hormonal profile associated with a more traditional lifestyle may be protective among Mongol women.
Genome Investigations of Vector Competence in Aedes aegypti to Inform Novel Arbovirus Disease Control Approaches
Authors: Severson David , Behura Susanta
Published: October 2016

Dengue (DENV), yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus transmission to humans by a mosquito host is confounded by both intrinsic and extrinsic variables. Besides virulence factors of the individual arboviruses, likelihood of virus transmission is subject to variability in the genome of the primary mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. The “vectorial capacity” of A. aegypti varies depending upon its density, biting rate, and survival rate, as well as its intrinsic ability to acquire, host and transmit a given arbovirus. This intrinsic ability is known as “vector competence”. Based on whole transcriptome analysis, several genes and pathways have been predicated to have an association with a susceptible or refractory response in A. aegypti to DENV infection. However, the functional genomics of vector competence of A. aegypti is not well understood, primarily due to lack of integrative approaches in genomic or transcriptomic studies. In this review, we focus on the present status of genomics studies of DENV vector competence in A. aegypti as limited information is available relative to the other arboviruses. We propose future areas of research needed to facilitate the integration of vector and virus genomics and environmental factors to work towards better understanding of vector competence and vectorial capacity in natural conditions.
Sodium Channel Mutations and Pyrethroid Resistance in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Du Yuzhe , Nomura Yoshiko , Zhorov Boris , Dong Ke
Published: October 2016

Pyrethroid insecticides are widely used to control insect pests and human disease vectors. Voltage-gated sodium channels are the primary targets of pyrethroid insecticides. Mutations in the sodium channel have been shown to be responsible for pyrethroid resistance, known as knockdown resistance (kdr), in various insects including mosquitoes. In Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the principal urban vectors of dengue, zika, and yellow fever viruses, multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms in the sodium channel gene have been found in pyrethroid-resistant populations and some of them have been functionally confirmed to be responsible for kdr in an in vitro expression system, Xenopus oocytes. This mini-review aims to provide an update on the identification and functional characterization of pyrethroid resistance-associated sodium channel mutations from Aedes aegypti. The collection of kdr mutations not only helped us develop molecular markers for resistance monitoring, but also provided valuable information for computational molecular modeling of pyrethroid receptor sites on the sodium channel.
Evidence of the Disassembly of α-Cyclodextrin-octylamine Inclusion Compounds Conjugated to Gold Nanoparticles via Thermal and Photothermal Effects
Authors: Silva Nataly , Moris Silvana , Díaz Maximiliano , Yutronic Nicolás , Lang Erika , Chornik Boris , Kogan Marcelo , Jara Paul
Published: October 2016

Cyclodextrin (CD) molecules form inclusion compounds (ICs), generating dimers that are capable of encapsulating molecules derived from long-chain hydrocarbons. The aim of this study is to evaluate the structural changes experienced by ICs in solution with increasing temperatures. For this, a nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) titration was performed to determinate the stoichiometric α-cyclodextrin (α-CD):octylamine (OA) 2:1 and binding constant (k = 2.16 M−2) of ICs. Solution samples of α-CD-OA ICs conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared, and 1H-NMR spectra at different temperatures were recorded. Comparatively, 1H-NMR spectra of the sample irradiated with a laser with tunable wavelengths, with plasmons of conjugated AuNPs, were recorded. In this work, we present evidence of the disassembly of ICs conjugated with AuNPs. Thermal studies demonstrated that, at 114 °C, there are reversible rearrangements of the host and guests in the ICs in a solid state. Migration movements of the guest molecules from the CD cavity were monitored via temperature-dependent 1H-NMR, and were verified comparing the chemical shifts of octylamine dissolved in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO-d6) with the OA molecule included in α-CD dissolved in the same solvent. It was observed that, at 117 °C, OA exited the α-CD cavity. CD IC dimer disassembly was also observed when the sample was irradiated with green laser light.
Accumulation of Stable Full-Length Circular Group I Intron RNAs during Heat-Shock
Authors: Andersen Kasper , Beckert Bertrand , Masquida Benoit , Johansen Steinar , Nielsen Henrik
Published: October 2016

Group I introns in nuclear ribosomal RNA of eukaryotic microorganisms are processed by splicing or circularization. The latter results in formation of full-length circular introns without ligation of the exons and has been proposed to be active in intron mobility. We applied qRT-PCR to estimate the copy number of circular intron RNA from the myxomycete Didymium iridis. In exponentially growing amoebae, the circular introns are nuclear and found in 70 copies per cell. During heat-shock, the circular form is up-regulated to more than 500 copies per cell. The intron harbours two ribozymes that have the potential to linearize the circle. To understand the structural features that maintain circle integrity, we performed chemical and enzymatic probing of the splicing ribozyme combined with molecular modeling to arrive at models of the inactive circular form and its active linear counterpart. We show that the two forms have the same overall structure but differ in key parts, including the catalytic core element P7 and the junctions at which reactions take place. These differences explain the relative stability of the circular species, demonstrate how it is prone to react with a target molecule for circle integration and thus supports the notion that the circular form is a biologically significant molecule possibly with a role in intron mobility.
Phylogenetic and Diversity Analysis of Dactylis glomerata Subspecies Using SSR and IT-ISJ Markers
Authors: Yan Defei , Zhao Xinxin , Cheng Yajuan , Ma Xiao , Huang Linkai , Zhang Xinquan
Published: October 2016

The genus Dactylis, an important forage crop, has a wide geographical distribution in temperate regions. While this genus is thought to include a single species, Dactylis glomerata, this species encompasses many subspecies whose relationships have not been fully characterized. In this study, the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of nine representative Dactylis subspecies were examined using SSR and IT-ISJ markers. In total, 21 pairs of SSR primers and 15 pairs of IT-ISJ primers were used to amplify 295 polymorphic bands with polymorphic rates of 100%. The average polymorphic information contents (PICs) of SSR and IT-ISJ markers were 0.909 and 0.780, respectively. The combined data of the two markers indicated a high level of genetic diversity among the nine D. glomerata subspecies, with a Nei’s gene diversity index value of 0.283 and Shannon’s diversity of 0.448. Preliminarily phylogenetic analysis results revealed that the 20 accessions could be divided into three groups (A, B, C). Furthermore, they could be divided into five clusters, which is similar to the structure analysis with K = 5. Phylogenetic placement in these three groups may be related to the distribution ranges and the climate types of the subspecies in each group. Group A contained eight accessions of four subspecies, originating from the west Mediterranean, while Group B contained seven accessions of three subspecies, originating from the east Mediterranean.
Substitution Models of Water for Other Beverages, and the Incidence of Obesity and Weight Gain in the SUN Cohort
Authors: Fresán Ujué , Gea Alfredo , Bes-Rastrollo Maira , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Martínez-Gonzalez Miguel
Published: October 2016

Obesity is a major epidemic for developed countries in the 21st century. The main cause of obesity is energy imbalance, of which contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, epigenetic factors and excessive caloric intake through food and beverages. A high consumption of caloric beverages, such as alcoholic or sweetened drinks, may particularly contribute to weight gain, and lower satiety has been associated with the intake of liquid instead of solid calories. Our objective was to evaluate the association between the substitution of a serving per day of water for another beverage (or group of them) and the incidence of obesity and weight change in a Mediterranean cohort, using mathematical models. We followed 15,765 adults without obesity at baseline. The intake of 17 beverage items was assessed at baseline through a validated food-frequency questionnaire. The outcomes were average change in body weight in a four-year period and new-onset obesity and their association with the substitution of one serving per day of water for one of the other beverages. During the follow-up, 873 incident cases of obesity were identified. In substitution models, the consumption of water instead of beer or sugar-sweetened soda beverages was associated with a lower obesity incidence (the Odds Ratio (OR) 0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 0.94) and OR 0.85 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.97); respectively) and, in the case of beer, it was also associated with a higher average weight loss (weight change difference = −328 g; (95% CI −566 to −89)). Thus, this study found that replacing one sugar-sweetened soda beverage or beer with one serving of water per day at baseline was related to a lower incidence of obesity and to a higher weight loss over a four-year period time in the case of beer, based on mathematical models.
Protective Effect of Genistein against Neuronal Degeneration in ApoE−/− Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Park Yoon-Jin , Ko Je , Jeon Sookyoung , Kwon Young
Published: October 2016

Altered cholesterol metabolism is believed to play a causal role in major pathophysiological changes in neurodegeneration. Several studies have demonstrated that the absence of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a predominant apolipoprotein in the brain, leads to an increased susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Previously, we observed that genistein, a soy isoflavone, significantly alleviated apoptosis and tau hyperphosphorylation in SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of dietary genistein supplementation (0.5 g/kg diet) in the cortex and hippocampus of wild-type C57BL/6 (WT) and ApoE knockout (ApoE−/−) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks. Genistein supplementation alleviated neuroinflammation and peripheral and brain insulin resistance. Reductions in oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress were also observed in ApoE−/− mice fed a genistein-supplemented diet. Beta-secretase 1 and presenilin 1 mRNA levels and beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) protein levels were reduced in response to genistein supplementation in ApoE−/− mice but not in WT mice. Although the absence of ApoE did not increase tau hyperphosphorylation, genistein supplementation reduced tau hyperphosphorylation in both WT and ApoE−/− mice. Consistent with this result, we also observed that genistein alleviated activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which are involved in tau hyperphosphorylation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that genistein alleviated neuroinflammation, Aβ deposition, and hyperphosphorylation in ApoE−/− mice fed an HFD.
The Career of the Lógos: A Brief Biography
Authors: Williams D.
Published: October 2016

This paper is a review of the influence that lógos has had on ancient Greek, Jewish, and Christian writings. During the philosophical era known as Middle Platonism, the concept/ontology of the lógos played a unique role in enabling Pagan, Jewish, and Christian intellectuals to communicate on a small space of common ground.
On the Phenomenology of an Accelerated Large-Scale Universe
Authors: Khurshudyan Martiros
Published: October 2016

In this review paper, several new results towards the explanation of the accelerated expansion of the large-scale universe is discussed. On the other hand, inflation is the early-time accelerated era and the universe is symmetric in the sense of accelerated expansion. The accelerated expansion of is one of the long standing problems in modern cosmology, and physics in general. There are several well defined approaches to solve this problem. One of them is an assumption concerning the existence of dark energy in recent universe. It is believed that dark energy is responsible for antigravity, while dark matter has gravitational nature and is responsible, in general, for structure formation. A different approach is an appropriate modification of general relativity including, for instance, f ( R ) and f ( T ) theories of gravity. On the other hand, attempts to build theories of quantum gravity and assumptions about existence of extra dimensions, possible variability of the gravitational constant and the speed of the light (among others), provide interesting modifications of general relativity applicable to problems of modern cosmology, too. In particular, here two groups of cosmological models are discussed. In the first group the problem of the accelerated expansion of large-scale universe is discussed involving a new idea, named the varying ghost dark energy. On the other hand, the second group contains cosmological models addressed to the same problem involving either new parameterizations of the equation of state parameter of dark energy (like varying polytropic gas), or nonlinear interactions between dark energy and dark matter. Moreover, for cosmological models involving varying ghost dark energy, massless particle creation in appropriate radiation dominated universe (when the background dynamics is due to general relativity) is demonstrated as well. Exploring the nature of the accelerated expansion of the large-scale universe involving generalized holographic dark energy model with a specific Nojiri-Odintsov cut-off is presented to finalize the paper.
Experimental and theoretical investigations into the stability of cyclic aminals
Authors: Sawatzky Edgar , Drakopoulos Antonios , Rölz Martin , Sotriffer Christoph , Engels Bernd , Decker Michael
Published: October 2016

Background: Cyclic aminals are core features of natural products, drug molecules and important synthetic intermediates. Despite their relevance, systematic investigations into their stability towards hydrolysis depending on the pH value are lacking.

Results: A set of cyclic aminals was synthesized and their stability quantified by kinetic measurements. Steric and electronic effects were investigated by choosing appropriate groups. Both molecular mechanics (MM) and density functional theory (DFT) based studies were applied to support and explain the results obtained. Rapid decomposition is observed in acidic aqueous media for all cyclic aminals which occurs as a reversible reaction. Electronic effects do not seem relevant with regard to stability, but the magnitude of the conformational energy of the ring system and pKa values of the N-3 nitrogen atom.

Conclusion: Cyclic aminals are stable compounds when not exposed to acidic media and their stability is mainly dependent on the conformational energy of the ring system. Therefore, for the preparation and work-up of these valuable synthetic intermediates and natural products, appropriate conditions have to be chosen and for application as drug molecules their sensitivity towards hydrolysis has to be taken into account.
COMPRESSIBLE RELATIVISTIC MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC TURBULENCE IN MAGNETICALLY DOMINATED PLASMAS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR A STRONG-COUPLING REGIME
Authors: Takamoto Makoto , Lazarian Alexandre
Published: October 2016

In this Letter, we report compressible mode effects on relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (RMHD) turbulence in Poynting-dominated plasmas using three-dimensional numerical simulations. We decomposed fluctuations in the turbulence into 3 MHD modes (fast, slow, and Alfvén) following the procedure of mode decomposition in Cho & Lazarian, and analyzed their energy spectra and structure functions separately. We also analyzed the ratio of compressible mode to Alfvén mode energy with respect to its Mach number. We found the ratio of compressible mode increases not only with the Alfvén Mach number, but also with the background magnetization, which indicates a strong coupling between the fast and Alfvén modes. It also signifies the appearance of a new regime of RMHD turbulence in Poynting-dominated plasmas where the fast and Alfvén modes are strongly coupled and, unlike the non-relativistic MHD regime, cannot be treated separately. This finding will affect particle acceleration efficiency obtained by assuming Alfvénic critical-balance turbulence and can change the resulting photon spectra emitted by non-thermal electrons.
SUBMILLIMETER POLARIZATION OBSERVATION OF THE PROTOPLANETARY DISK AROUND HD 142527
Authors: Kataoka Akimasa , Tsukagoshi Takashi , Momose Munetake , Nagai Hiroshi , Muto Takayuki , Dullemond Cornelis P. , Pohl Adriana , Fukagawa Misato , Shibai Hiroshi , Hanawa Tomoyuki , Murakawa Koji
Published: October 2016

We present the polarization observations toward the circumstellar disk around HD 142527 by using Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array at the frequency of 343 GHz. The beam size is 0.″51 × 0.″44, which corresponds to the spatial resolution of ∼71 × 62 au. The polarized intensity displays a ring-like structure with a peak located on the east side with a polarization fraction of P = 3.26 ± 0.02%, which is different from the peak of the continuum emission from the northeast region. The polarized intensity is significantly weaker at the peak of the continuum where P = 0.220 ± 0.010%. The polarization vectors are in the radial direction in the main ring of the polarized intensity, while there are two regions outside at the northwest and northeast areas where the vectors are in the azimuthal direction. If the polarization vectors represent the magnetic field morphology, the polarization vectors indicate the toroidal magnetic field configuration on the main ring and the poloidal fields outside. On the other hand, the flip of the polarization vectors is predicted by the self-scattering of thermal dust emission due to the change of the direction of thermal radiation flux. Therefore, we conclude that self-scattering of thermal dust emission plays a major role in producing polarization at millimeter wavelengths in this protoplanetary disk. Also, this puts a constraint on the maximum grain size to be approximately 150 μm if we assume compact spherical dust grains.
Identification of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar infection in Maceió, Alagoas State, northeast Brazil
Authors: Santos Rafael V , Fontes Gilberto , Duarte Iasmin A C , Santos-Júnior José A. , Rocha Eliana M M
Published: October 2016

Introduction: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalence of E. histolytica and E. dispar by examining stool samples obtained from 1,003 students of public schools in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Methodology: All stool samples were processed using the spontaneous sedimentation technique and examined microscopically for the presence of Entamoeba species. In order to distinguish infections caused by E. histolytica, fecal samples presenting cysts of Entamoeba were subjected to specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The analysis of the fecal specimens by microscopy identified 6.4% (64/1,003) students positive for E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii cysts. The prevalence of E. histolytica detected by ELISA was 3.0% (30/1,003) and by PCR 2.8% (28/1,003), but the difference is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The prevalence of E. dispar in schoolchildren was 5.0% (50/1,003). Mixed infections with E. histolytica and E. dispar were also detected by PCR.  Even though immunological and molecular methods have shown similar results for identification of E. histolytica, ELISA is advantageous over the PCR since it is relatively cheaper and easier to perform. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the occurrence of E. histolytica in Maceió and highlights the need to introduce a specific diagnostic test to detect amoebiasis cases in public laboratories.