bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Human Enterochromaffin Cells with Human Enteric Adenovirus 41 Leads to Serotonin Release and Subsequent Activation of Enteric Glia Cells
Authors: Westerberg Sonja , Hagbom Marie , Rajan Anandi , Loitto Vesa , Persson B. David , Allard Annika , Nordgren Johan , Sharma Sumit , Magnusson Karl-Eric , Arnberg Niklas , Svensson Lennart
Published: January 2018

Human adenovirus 41 (HAdV-41) causes acute gastroenteritis in young children. The main characteristics of HAdV-41 infection are diarrhea and vomiting. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism of HAdV-41-induced diarrhea is unknown, as a suitable small-animal model has not been described. In this study, we used the human midgut carcinoid cell line GOT1 to investigate the effect of HAdV-41 infection and the individual HAdV-41 capsid proteins on serotonin release by enterochromaffin cells and on enteric glia cell (EGC) activation. We first determined that HAdV-41 could infect the enterochromaffin cells. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the cells expressed HAdV-41-specific coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR); flow cytometry analysis supported these findings. HAdV-41 infection of the enterochromaffin cells induced serotonin secretion dose dependently. In contrast, control infection with HAdV-5 did not induce serotonin secretion in the cells. Confocal microscopy studies of enterochromaffin cells infected with HAdV-41 revealed decreased serotonin immunofluorescence compared to that in uninfected cells. Incubation of the enterochromaffin cells with purified HAdV-41 short fiber knob and hexon proteins increased the serotonin levels in the harvested cell supernatant significantly. HAdV-41 infection could also activate EGCs, as shown in the significantly altered expression of glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in EGCs incubated with HAdV-41. The EGCs were also activated by serotonin alone, as shown in the significantly increased GFAP staining intensity. Likewise, EGCs were activated by the cell supernatant of HAdV-41-infected enterochromaffin cells.

IMPORTANCE
The nonenveloped human adenovirus 41 causes diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and low-grade fever mainly in children under 2 years of age. Even though acute gastroenteritis is well described, how human adenovirus 41 causes diarrhea is unknown. In our study, we analyzed the effect of human adenovirus 41 infection on human enterochromaffin cells and found it stimulates serotonin secretion in the cells, which is involved in regulation of intestinal secretion and gut motility and can also activate enteric glia cells, which are found in close proximity to enterochromaffin cells
in vivo
. This disruption of gut barrier homeostasis as maintained by these cells following human adenovirus 41 infection might be a mechanism in enteric adenovirus pathogenesis in humans and could indicate a possible serotonin-dependent cross talk between human adenovirus 41, enterochromaffin cells, and enteric glia cells.
In Situ
Analyses Directly in Diarrheal Stool Reveal Large Variations in Bacterial Load and Active Toxin Expression of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Begum Yasmin Ara , Rydberg Hanna A. , Thorell Kaisa , Kwak Young-Keun , Sun Lei , Joffré Enrique , Qadri Firdausi , Sjöling Åsa
Published: January 2018

The cause of diarrheal disease is usually determined by screening for several microorganisms by various methods, and sole detection is used to assign the agent as the cause of disease. However, it has become increasingly clear that many infections are caused by coinfections with several pathogens and that the dose of the infecting pathogen is important. We quantified the absolute numbers of enterotoxigenic
E. coli
(ETEC) and
Vibrio cholerae
directly in diarrheal fluid. We noted several events where both pathogens were found but also a large dose dependency. In three samples, we found ETEC as the only pathogen sought for. These isolates belonged to globally distributed ETEC clones and were the dominating species in stool with active toxin expression. This suggests that certain superior virulent ETEC lineages are able to outcompete the gut microbiota and be the sole cause of disease and hence need to be specifically monitored.
RcaE-Dependent Regulation of Carboxysome Structural Proteins Has a Central Role in Environmental Determination of Carboxysome Morphology and Abundance in
Fremyella diplosiphon
Authors: Rohnke Brandon A. , Singh Shailendra P. , Pattanaik Bagmi , Montgomery Beronda L.
Published: January 2018

Carboxysomes are proteinaceous subcellular compartments, or bacterial organelles, found in cyanobacteria that consist of a protein shell surrounding a core primarily composed of the enzyme ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) that is central to the carbon dioxide-concentrating mechanism (CCM) and carbon fixation. Whereas significant insights have been gained regarding the structure and synthesis of carboxysomes, limited attention has been given to how their size, abundance, and protein composition are regulated to ensure optimal carbon fixation in dynamic environments. Given the centrality of carboxysomes in photosynthesis, we provide an analysis of the role of a photoreceptor, RcaE, which functions in matching photosynthetic pigmentation to the external environment during complementary chromatic acclimation and thereby optimizing photosynthetic efficiency, in regulating carboxysome dynamics. Our data highlight a role for RcaE in perceiving external light cues and regulating carboxysome structure and function and, thus, in the cellular capacity for carbon fixation and organismal fitness.
Role of Asic3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia in a Mouse Model of Fibromyalgia Pain
Authors: Yen Liang-Ta , Hsu Yu-Chan , Lin Jaung-Geng , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: January 2018

Background

The mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia (FM) pain are not understood. The US Food and Drug Administration has recommended three drugs for treating FM—namely, pregabalin, duloxetine and milnacipran; however, these medications are associated with severe side effects.

Objective

To create a mouse model of FM pain using dual injections of acidic saline to cause mechanical hyperalgesia and test whether ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 are involved in this process and whether electroacupuncture (EA) can reverse these phenomena.

Methods

The FM model was established by injecting acidic saline twice into 40 ICR mice. The mice were assigned to subgroups (n=8 each) treated with different EA frequencies (2, 15 and 50 Hz). ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 expression levels were measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Significant mechanical hyperalgesia was induced on day 8 in FM mice, which was reversed by 2, 15 and 50 Hz EA. ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 protein levels increased significantly in both the dorsal root ganglion and in the spinal cord of FM model mice. These changes were further attenuated by 2, 15 and 50 Hz EA.

Conclusion

Reduced nociceptive ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 proteins are involved in the preventive effects of EA against FM, and this series of molecules may represent targets for FM treatment.
Effect of interventions incorporating personalised cancer risk information on intentions and behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Usher-Smith Juliet A , Silarova Barbora , Sharp Stephen J , Mills Katie , Griffin Simon J
Published: January 2018

Objective

To provide a comprehensive review of the impact on intention to change health-related behaviours and health-related behaviours themselves, including screening uptake, of interventions incorporating information about cancer risk targeted at the general adult population.

Design

A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis.

Data sources

An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO from 1 January 2000 to 1 July 2017.

Inclusion criteria

Randomised controlled trials of interventions including provision of a personal estimate of future cancer risk based on two or more non-genetic variables to adults recruited from the general population that include at least one behavioural outcome.

Results

We included 19 studies reporting 12 outcomes. There was significant heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes between studies. There is evidence that interventions incorporating personalised cancer risk information do not affect intention to attend or attendance at screening (relative risk 1.00 (0.97–1.03)). There is limited evidence that they increase smoking abstinence, sun protection, adult skin self-examination and breast examination, and decrease intention to tan. However, they do not increase smoking cessation, parental child skin examination or intention to protect skin. No studies assessed changes in diet, alcohol consumption or physical activity.

Conclusions

Interventions incorporating personalised cancer risk information do not affect uptake of screening, but there is limited evidence of effect on some health-related behaviours. Further research, ideally including objective measures of behaviour, is needed before cancer risk information is incorporated into routine practice for health promotion in the general population.
Parathyroid hormone analogues for fracture healing: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lou Shenghan , Lv Houchen , Li Zhirui , Tang Peifu , Wang Yansong
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Fracture healing is a complex physiological process. Impaired healing will increase the need for care and cause serious complications. Thus, identifying strategies to accelerate the rate of healing, preventing delayed unions and non-unions, is essential. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a key systemic regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism. It has been determined that intermittent administration of PTH and its analogue can exert anabolic effect on bone, increase bone mass and reduce bone loss, leading to an increase in bone formation. Owing to their anabolic effect, there is an increasing interest in its potential in promoting the process of fracture healing. However, in clinical studies, the results are in conflict. This objective of this study is to determine the role of PTH analogues for fracture healing in adults.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases will be searched to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compare the different effects between PTH analogues and any other treatments in adults with any type of fracture. The primary outcome is the functional recovery. And the secondary outcomes are fracture union and adverse events. The meta-analysis will be performed using a random effects model. Heterogeneity will be assessed by the P values and I² statistic. And subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses will be used to explore the heterogeneity. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane tool and the quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required because this proposed systematic review and meta-analysis is based on published data, without including confidential personal data or data on interventions on patients. The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journaland presented at a relevant conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017062093.
Field investigation of lateral monotonic and cyclic performance of reinforced helical pulldown micropiles
Authors: El Sharnouby M.M. , El Naggar M.H.
Published: January 2018

Different forms of grouted helical piles are increasingly used to support new and existing foundations. In particular, different methods are used to enhance the lateral and cyclic performance of helical piles for applications in seismic regions. This paper presents a field study on the lateral monotonic and cyclic behaviour of steel fibre–reinforced helical pulldown micropiles (RHPM) and fibre-reinforced polymer – steel fibre–reinforced helical pulldown micropiles (FRP–RHPM). The study shows that the grout shaft and (or) the fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) sleeve significantly improve the helical pile lateral performance. In addition, the piles showed a significant ductility (no observed failure up to 75 mm displacement or 50% of pile diameter). Two-way cyclic loading resulted in overall degradation in pile response relative to its static performance. Degradation is found to stem from the formation of gaps between the pile and soil, rather than soil stiffness degradation. Formation of gaps leads to the piles having a “preferential direction” with one side providing higher resistance (i.e., stiffness) than the other side. Design charts of various pile configurations are presented.
Magnetization age from paleomagnetism of the Copper Harbor red beds, Northern Michigan, USA, and its Keweenawan geologic consequences
Authors: Symons David T.A. , Kawasaki Kazuo , Diehl Jimmy F.
Published: January 2018

The Copper Harbor Formation on Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Peninsula records the transition from volcanic to sedimentary infilling of North America’s 1.1 Ga Keweenawan rift. Radiometric dating shows that the formation’s primary mafic sediments and interbedded “Lake Shore” flows were deposited between ∼1092 and ∼1082 Ma. Our regional paleomagnetic results for the Copper Harbor’s red beds yield a dominantly prefolding normal-polarity secondary chemical characteristic remanent magnetization in hematite at 18 of 21 sites with a mean direction of declination = 274.9°, inclination = +10.9° (k = 69.5, α95= 4.2°), and a paleopole at 7.4°N, 181.7°E (A95= 3.3°). Using paleopoles from Keweenawan volcanic rocks with U–Pb zircon age dates, an apparent polar wander path is constructed from 1106 ± 2 to 1087 ± 2 Ma. Extrapolation of this path dates oxidation of the Copper Harbor’s primary gray beds to red beds at 1060 ± 5 Ma. The path implies an apparent polar wander rate of ∼18 cm per year from ∼1108 to 1096 Ma and of 6.8 cm per year from 1096 to 1087 Ma, along with a consistent clockwise rotation of 0.30 ± 0.05°per million years for the Laurentian Shield from ∼1108 to ∼1160 Ma. Further, most Keweenawan volcanic rocks around the Lake Superior region carry an endemic ∼1060 Ma normal-polarity hematite remanence overprint, acquired during the initial stages of Grenvillian tectonic uplift, that has caused asymmetry in a unit’s normal and reverse paleopoles. Also, the Copper Harbor paleopole dates emplacement of the White Pine stratiform sedimentary copper mineralization more precisely at 1060 ± 5 Ma.
The role of sensory modalities in producing nonconsumptive effects for a crayfish–bass predator–prey system
Authors: Clark Jessica L. , Moore Paul A.
Published: January 2018

The impact of nonconsumptive effects (NCEs) in structuring predator–prey interactions and trophic cascades is a prominent area of ecological research. For NCEs to occur, prey need to be able to detect the presence of predators through sensory mechanisms. The investigation of the role of different sensory modalities in predator detection has lagged behind the development of NCE-based theories. This study aimed to determine whether a hierarchy in the reliance upon sensory modalities exists in the rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus (Girard, 1852) = Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852)) for predator detection and if this hierarchy is altered across different sensory environments (flowing and nonflowing environments). Rusty crayfish were exposed to largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède, 1802)) odor in either a flowing or nonflowing arena where behavior was recorded under different sensory lesions. Linear mixed models were conducted to determine the impact of lesions, flowing environments, and the interactive effects of lesions and flowing environments on the rusty crayfish ability to respond to predatory stimuli. Results from this study support the significance of sensory multimodality in the rusty crayfish for accurately detecting and assessing predatory threats. Results from this study also suggest a hierarchy in the reliance upon sensory modalities in the rusty crayfish that is dependent upon the environment and the location of rusty crayfish within an environment.
Experimentally altered plumage brightness of female Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) influences nest site retention and reproductive success
Authors: Berzins Lisha L. , Dawson Russell D.
Published: January 2018

That ornamental traits of females can act as signals of quality has gained empirical support, but whether and how such ornaments of females mediate social interactions with conspecifics remains less clear. Female Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)) aggressively compete for and defend nest sites, and as such, nest site intrusions by conspecific females challenging ownership of a nest may prevent territory-owning females from dishonestly displaying ornamented plumage. We tested whether plumage brightness of female Tree Swallows influences nest site retention and reproductive success by experimentally enhancing or reducing their plumage brightness relative to controls prior to breeding. Females with reduced brightness were more likely to retain their nests sites and breed relative to control females and females with experimentally enhanced brightness. Females displaying enhanced brightness also tended to initiate clutches later than females with control and reduced brightness. Overall, lower nest site retention and reproductive success for females with enhanced brightness is consistent with social costs imposed on individuals dishonestly signalling high quality. Future studies in female birds should consider whether costs of losing a nest site to intruding conspecific females, especially in species where nest sites are limited, is a mechanism that maintains the honesty of signals of quality.
Finite-T correlations and free exchange-correlation energy of quasi-one-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Garg Vinayak , Sharma Akariti , Moudgil R. K.
Published: January 2018

We have studied the effect of temperature on static density–density correlations and plasmon excitation spectrum of quasi-one-dimensional electron gas (Q1DEG) using the random phase approximation (RPA). Numerical results for static structure factor, pair-correlation function, static density susceptibility, free exchange-correlation energy and plasmon dispersion are presented over a wide range of temperature and electron density. As an interesting result, we find that the short-range correlations exhibit a non-monotonic dependence on temperature T, initially growing stronger (i.e. the pair-correlation function at small inter-electron spacing assuming relatively smaller values) with increasing T and then weakening above a critical T. The cross-over temperature is found to increase with increasing coupling among electrons. Also, the [Formula: see text] peak in the static density susceptibility [Formula: see text] at T = 0 K smears out with rising T. The free exchange-correlation energy and plasmon dispersion show a significant variation with T, and the trend is qualitatively the same as in higher dimensions.
Black holes thermodynamics in a new kind of noncommutative geometry
Authors: Faizal Mir , Amorim R. G. G. , Ulhoa S. C.
Published: January 2018

Motivated by the energy-dependent metric in gravity’s rainbow, we will propose a new kind of energy-dependent noncommutative geometry. It will be demonstrated that like gravity’s rainbow, this new noncommutative geometry is described by an energy-dependent metric. We will analyze the effect of this noncommutative deformation on the Schwarzschild black holes and Kerr black holes. We will perform our analysis by relating the commutative and this new energy-dependent noncommutative metrics using an energy-dependent Moyal star product. We will also analyze the thermodynamics of these new noncommutative black hole solutions. We will explicitly derive expression for the corrected entropy and temperature for these black hole solutions. It will be demonstrated that, for these deformed solutions, black remnants cannot form. This is because these corrections increase rather than reduce the temperature of the black holes.
Closed Form Solutions for Vibration and Sound Radiation of Orthotropic Plates under Thermal Environment
Authors: Zhou Kai , Su Jinpeng , Hua Hongxing
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a closed form solution for the vibration and acoustic problem of orthotropic plates under a thermal environment. Hamilton’s principle is utilized to derive the governing equation of motion for the orthotropic plate with thermal loads, which is then solved by the method of separation of variables. The frequency equations and mode functions obtained for the orthotropic heated plates with at least two adjacent edges clamped are much simpler than those by the conventional methods. Several numerical examples are carried out for the modal, dynamic and acoustic analysis of orthotropic heated plates with different combinations of thermal loads and boundary conditions. The results of the parametric study for the orthotropic plate with different thermal loads are discussed in detail. The validity of the present formulation is confirmed by comparing the results obtained with the numerical ones. Due to its accuracy, efficiency and versatility, the present method offers an efficient tool for the structural and acoustic analysis of the orthotropic plate under the thermal environment.
Influence of the Realistic Artery Geometry Parameters on a Coronary Stent Fatigue Life
Authors: Cui Xinyang , Ren Qingshuai , Li Gaoyang , Li Zihao , Qiao Aike
Published: January 2018

The stents’ adaptability and safety in realistic and idealized stenotic coronary model were compared to investigate the influence of artery geometry parameter on stent fatigue life. The stents’ fatigue resistance ability was calculated using Goodman diagram, and the cycle to failure, the fatigue life, and the fatigue safety factor (FSF) were analyzed. Although the peak top of the von Mises stress was located at the bending area of crowns, the stress distributions were different in the two models. Considering the safety and accuracy, it is necessary to use a realistic geometric model to calculate the stent fatigue performance.
Reviving the Dragon: Social Ideas and Social Policy Development in Modern China
Authors: SHI SHIH-JIUNN
Published: January 2018

Social policy development in China is closely related to the generation and diffusion of social knowledge through which political and social elites define social problems and elaborate policy solutions. Drawing on theoretical insights from the ideational institutionalism, this paper seeks to trace the origin and evolution of the social ideas in order to map common threads spanning different phases of modern Chinese history. It argues that the “social” idea has been essentially shaped by the continuous desire for national resurgence in response to China’s perceived existential crisis triggered by Western imperialism at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Starting from the late Qing dynasty, the majority of the Chinese intelligentsia advocated for the restraint of individual rights in the service of promoting a strong statehood able to pursue commonweal and restore national pride. Social policy and social rights appeared more as a means to achieve other elevated goals than as an end in itself. In this light, the contemporary People’s Republic of China represents political undertakings that initially addressed the “national question” using a socialist approach, and later switched to market economic reforms. In various phases, the social ideas have been constantly reframed to accommodate changing political and economic circumstances with profound implications for social welfare developments with a clear disposition in favor of the statist approach.
Optimization of Ni0.95−xZnxCo0.05Fe1.90Mn0.02O4 ceramics with promising magneto-dielectric properties for VHF antenna miniaturization
Authors: Xiao Zhuohao , Wang Chuanhu , Liu Lie , Yang Zhihong , Kong Ling Bing
Published: January 2018

Magnetic, dielectric and DC conductive properties of Ni[Formula: see text]ZnxCo[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O4 (with [Formula: see text]-0.20 at an interval of 0.05) ferrite ceramics were studied, in order to develop magneto-dielectric materials with almost equal values of relative permeability and permittivity, for the miniaturization of HF (3–30[Formula: see text]MHz) and VHF (30–90[Formula: see text]MHz and 100–300[Formula: see text]MHz) antennas. The ferrite ceramics were prepared by using the conventional two-step sintering process. The real part of relative permeability is increased almost linearly with increasing concentration of Zn, while that of relative permittivity keeps nearly unchanged. It is found that promising magneto-dielectric materials, with close values of real permeability and permittivity over 30–90 MHz (VHF), can be obtained for the samples at Zn concentrations between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Views from the top
Authors: Matsudaira Kate
Published: January 2018

Try to see things from a manager's perspective.
CrowdLoc
Authors: Bhandari Ravi , Raman Bhaskaran , Ramakrishnan K. K. , Chander Deepthi , Aggarwal Naveen , Bansal Divya , Choudhary Mahima , Moond Nisha , Bansal Aneesh , Chaudhary Megha
Published: January 2018

Determining the location of a mobile user is central to several crowd-sensing applications. Using a Global Positioning System is not only power-hungry, but also unavailable in many locations. While there has been work on cellular-based localization, we consider an unexplored opportunity
to improve location accuracy by combining cellular information across multiple mobile devices located near each other.
For instance, this opportunity may arise in the context of public transport units having multiple travelers.

Based on theoretical analysis and an extensive experimental study on several public transportation routes in two cities, we show that combining cellular information across nearby phones considerably improves location accuracy. Combining information across phones is especially useful when a phone has to use another phone’s fingerprint database, in a fingerprinting-based localization scheme. Both the median and 90 percentile errors reduce significantly. The location accuracy also improves irrespective of whether we combine information across phones connected to the same or different cellular operators.

Sharing information across phones can raise privacy concerns. To address this, we have developed an id-free broadcast mechanism, using audio as a medium, to share information among mobile phones. We show that such communication can work effectively on smartphones, even in real-life, noisy-road conditions.
A large-scale comparative study of beta testers and regular users
Authors: Stavova Vlasta , Dedkova Lenka , Ukrop Martin , Matyas Vashek
Published: January 2018

Beta testers should represent a future product's target users as much as possible.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension: cause, effect, or both
Authors: Marshall Jeffrey D. , Bazan Isabel , Zhang Yi , Fares Wassim H. , Lee Patty J.
Published: January 2018

Pulmonary hypertension describes a heterogeneous disease defined by increased pulmonary artery pressures, and progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance due to pathologic remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature involving pulmonary endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. This process occurs under various conditions, and although these populations vary, the clinical manifestations are the same: progressive dyspnea, increases in right ventricular (RV) afterload and dysfunction, RV-pulmonary artery uncoupling, and right-sided heart failure with systemic circulatory collapse. The overall estimated 5-yr survival rate is 72% in highly functioning patients, and as low as 28% for those presenting with advanced symptoms. Metabolic theories have been suggested as underlying the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension with growing evidence of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction involving the major proteins of the electron transport chain, redox-related enzymes, regulators of the proton gradient and calcium homeostasis, regulators of apoptosis, and mitophagy. There remain more studies needed to characterize mitochondrial dysfunction leading to impaired vascular relaxation, increase proliferation, and failure of regulatory mechanisms. The effects on endothelial cells and resulting interactions with their microenvironment remain uncharted territory for future discovery. Additionally, on the basis of observations that the “plexigenic lesions” of pulmonary hypertension resemble the unregulated proliferation of tumor cells, similarities between cancer pathobiology and pulmonary hypertension have been drawn, suggesting interactions between mitochondria and angiogenesis. Recently, mitochondria targeting has become feasible, which may yield new therapeutic strategies. We present a state-of-the-art review of the role of mitochondria in both the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension and potential therapeutic targets in pulmonary vascular processes.
First Report of blaCTX-M-28 in Enterobacteriaceae Isolates in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alfaresi Mubarak , Kim Sing Garwin , Senok Abiola
Published: January 2018

Background. The CTX-M family of extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) enzymes is comprised of over 60 blaCTX-M gene variants with the predominance of blaCTX-M-15 in many regions. In this report, we present the first description of blaCTX-M-28 in the United Arab Emirates. Methods. Forty-five non-duplicate ESBL producing isolates identified in a secondary care facility in the United Arab Emirates from June to July 2016 were studied. Gene sequencing was performed and DNA sequences were annotated using the BLAST program to identify the gene subtypes. Results. The majority of the ESBL positive isolates were E. coli (n/N=39/45; 86.6%) followed by K. pneumoniae (n=5) and K. oxytoca (n=1). All isolates harboured blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes, 18 had blaSHV, and 2 were blaVIM positive. Thirty-seven isolates (82.2%) were positive for blaCTX-M-28. Other blaCTX-M genes identified include blaCTX-M-167 (n=2; isolates #1 and 26) and one each for blaCTX-M-38, blaCTX-M-163, and blaCTX-M-198. No blaCTX-M-15 was identified. The predominant blaTEM subtype was blaTEM-171 (n=8) followed by one of each of blaTEM-120, blaTEM-163, and blaTEM-206. The blaSHV subtypes were blaSHV-148 and blaSHV-187. Conclusion. The findings indicate the first description of blaCTX-M-28 in a setting where blaCTX-M-15 was previously predominant.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Mediates the Protective Effect of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor on Renal Fibrosis via Reducing the Phenotypic Conversion of Renal Microvascular Cells in Monocrotaline-Treated Rats
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Jingjing , Cheng Yusheng , Li Xiang , He Mengyu , Zhu Jiali , Han Honghao , Wei Guihong , Kong Hui , Xie Weiping , Wang Hong , Zuo Xiangrong
Published: January 2018

Chronic kidney diseases are characterized by renal fibrosis with excessive matrix deposition, leading to a progressive loss of functional renal parenchyma and, eventually, renal failure. Renal microcirculation lesions, including the phenotypic conversion of vascular cells, contribute to renal fibrosis. Here, renal microcirculation lesions were established with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg). Sitagliptin (40 mg/kg/d), a classical dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, attenuated the renal microcirculation lesions by inhibiting glomerular tuft hypertrophy, glomerular mesangial expansion, and microvascular thrombosis. These effects of sitagliptin were mediated by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), since they were blocked by the GLP-1R antagonist exendin-3 (Ex-3, 40 ug/kg/d). The GLP-1R agonist liraglutide showed a similar renal protective effect in a dose-independent manner. In addition, sitagliptin, as well as liraglutide, alleviated the MCT-induced apoptosis of renal cells by increasing the expression of survival factor glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), which was abolished by the GLP-1R antagonist Ex-3. Sitagliptin and liraglutide also effectively ameliorated the conversion of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from a synthetic phenotype to contractile phenotype. Moreover, sitagliptin and liraglutide inhibited endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) via downregulating transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Collectively, these findings suggest that DPP-4 inhibition can reduce microcirculation lesion-induced renal fibrosis in a GLP-1-dependent manner.
Antimicrobial Activity of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Opportunistic Microorganisms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Farias Isabela Albuquerque Passos , Santos Carlos Christiano Lima dos , Sampaio Fábio Correia
Published: January 2018

An evaluation of studies of biologically active nanoparticles provides guidance for the synthesis of nanoparticles with the goal of developing new antibiotics/antifungals to combat microbial resistance. This review article focuses on the physicochemical properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) with antimicrobial activity. Method. This systematic review followed the Guidelines for Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results. Studies have confirmed the antimicrobial activity of CeNPs (synthesized by different routes) using nitrate or chloride salt precursors and having sizes less than 54 nm. Conclusion. Due to the lack of standardization in studies with respect to the bacteria and CeNP concentrations assayed, comparisons between studies to determine more effective routes of synthesis are difficult. The mechanism of CeNP action likely occurs through oxidative stress of components in the cell membrane of the microorganism. During this process, a valence change occurs on the CeNP surface in which an electron is gained and Ce4+ is converted to Ce3+.
Qualitative Analysis of Primary Fingerprint Pattern in Different Blood Group and Gender in Nepalese
Authors: KC Sudikshya , Maharjan Niroj , Adhikari Nischita , Shrestha Pragya
Published: January 2018

Dermatoglyphics, the study of epidermal ridges on palm, sole, and digits, is considered as most effective and reliable evidence of identification. The fingerprints were studied in 300 Nepalese of known blood groups of different ages and classified into primary patterns and then analyzed statistically. In both sexes, incidence of loops was highest in ABO blood group and Rh +ve blood types, followed by whorls and arches, while the incidence of whorls was highest followed by loops and arches in Rh −ve blood types. Loops were higher in all blood groups except “A –ve” and “B –ve” where whorls were predominant. The fingerprint pattern in Rh blood types of blood group “A” was statistically significant while in others it was insignificant. In middle and little finger, loops were higher whereas in ring finger whorls were higher in all blood groups. Whorls were higher in thumb and index finger except in blood group “O” where loops were predominant. This study concludes that distribution of primary pattern of fingerprint is not related to gender and blood group but is related to individual digits.
Inexact SA Method for Constrained Stochastic Convex SDP and Application in Chinese Stock Market
Authors: Chen Shuang , Pang Li-Ping , Lv Jian , Xia Zun-Quan
Published: January 2018

We propose stochastic convex semidefinite programs (SCSDPs) to handle uncertain data in applications. For these models, we design an efficient inexact stochastic approximation (SA) method and prove the convergence, complexity, and robust treatment of the algorithm. We apply the inexact method for solving SCSDPs where the subproblem in each iteration is only solved approximately and show that it enjoys the similar iteration complexity as the exact counterpart if the subproblems are progressively solved to sufficient accuracy. Numerical experiments show that the method we proposed was effective for uncertain problem.
Adsorption Characteristics of Bixin on Acid- and Alkali-Treated Kaolinite in Aprotic Solvents
Authors: Rahmalia Winda , Fabre Jean-François , Usman Thamrin , Mouloungui Zéphirin
Published: January 2018

The adsorption of bixin in aprotic solvents onto acid- and alkali-treated kaolinite was investigated. Kaolinite was treated three times, for 6 h each, with 8 M HCl or 5 M KOH. The adsorbents were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, EDS, and BET-N2. The effects of contact time and dye concentration on adsorption capacity and kinetics, electronic transition of bixin before and after adsorption, and also mechanism of bixin-kaolinite adsorption were investigated. Dye adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics and was faster in acetone than in dimethyl carbonate. The best adsorption results were obtained for KOH-treated kaolinite. In both of the solvents, the adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model and adsorption capacity was higher in dimethyl carbonate (qm = 0.43 mg/g) than in acetone (0.29 mg/g). The adsorption capacity and kinetics of KOH-treated kaolinite (qm = 0.43 mg/g,k2 = 3.27 g/mg·min) were better than those of HCl-treated kaolinite (qm = 0.21 mg/g,k2 = 0.25 g/mg·min) and natural kaolinite (qm = 0.18 mg/g,k2 = 0.32 g/mg·min). There are shift in the band position of maximum intensity of bixin after adsorption on this adsorbent. Adsorption in this system seemed to be based essentially on chemisorption due to the electrostatic interaction of bixin with the strong basic and reducing sites of kaolinite.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Colistin, Sulbactam, and Fosfomycin and a Synergism Study of Colistin in Combination with Sulbactam or Fosfomycin against Clinical Isolates of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Leelasupasri Sombat , Santimaleeworagun Wichai , Jitwasinkul Tossawan
Published: January 2018

This in vitro study aimed to determine the activity of colistin plus sulbactam and colistin plus fosfomycin against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB). Fifteen clinical isolates were obtained from patients admitted to Phyathai II International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, from August 2014 to April 2015. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of colistin, sulbactam, and fosfomycin were evaluated using the E-test or broth microdilution and the synergistic activity of the antibacterial combinations (colistin plus sulbactam or fosfomycin) was determined using the chequerboard method. Clonal relationships were explored using repetitive element palindromic- (REP-) PCR. The CRAB isolates were categorized by REP-PCR in 8 groups [A-H]. All CRAB isolates were universally susceptible to colistin but only 20.0% were susceptible to sulbactam. The MIC ranges for colistin, sulbactam, and fosfomycin were 0.75–2 mg/L, 2–96 mg/L, and 64–256 mg/L, respectively. A chequerboard assay revealed that the rates of synergistic and additive effect rates of colistin plus sulbactam and colistin plus fosfomycin were 53.3% and 73.3% of isolates, respectively. No antagonistic effect in any colistin-based combination was observed. However, almost CRAB strains in clone A showed the synergy or additive effects of colistin-sulbactam combination, whereas the other clone (B-H) mostly showed indifferent effects. In conclusion, colistin plus sulbactam and colistin plus fosfomycin against CRAB seem to be interesting option but the efficacy in clinical use has to be evaluated.
Mammographic Breast Density and Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes: The Kenyan-African Aspect
Authors: Shaikh Asim Jamal , Mullooly Maeve , Sayed Shahin , Ndumia Rose , Abayo Innocent , Orwa James , Wasike Ronald , Moloo Zahir , Gierach Gretchen L.
Published: January 2018

Introduction. Data examining mammographic breast density (MBD) among patients in Sub-Saharan Africa are sparse. We evaluated how MBD relates to breast cancer characteristics in Kenyan women undergoing diagnostic mammography. Methods. This cross-sectional study included women with pathologically confirmed breast cancers (n=123). Pretreatment mammograms of the unaffected breast were assessed to estimate absolute dense area (cm2), nondense area (cm2), and percent density (PD). Relationships between density measurements and clinical characteristics were evaluated using analysis of covariance. Results. Median PD and dense area were 24.9% and 85.3 cm2. Higher PD and dense area were observed in younger women (P<0.01). Higher dense and nondense areas were observed in obese women (P-trend < 0.01). Estrogen receptor (ER) positive patients (73%) had higher PD and dense area than ER-negative patients (P≤0.02). Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients (17%) had lower PD and dense area (P≤0.01) compared with non-TNBCs. No associations were observed between MBD and tumor size and grade. Conclusions. Our findings show discordant relationships between MBD and molecular tumor subtypes to those previously observed in Western populations. The relatively low breast density observed at diagnosis may have important implications for cancer prevention initiatives in Kenya. Subsequent larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Morphology Evolution of Mn-Si Composition Gradient Micro/Nanomaterials Prepared by Oxygen Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Tang Siwei
Published: January 2018

The micro/nanostructure of manganese silicide (Mn-Si) compounds with various morphologies (nanowires, films, particles, and polyhedron shape structure) has been synthesized through oxygen assisted chemical vapor deposition by changing the stacking geometry of manganese powder. Polyhedrons prepared in the Mn-Si contact area were identified to be chemical composition gradient functionally graded materials which were verified by analyzing atomic ratio of Mn/Si from top to bottom. Evolution of morphology greatly depended on the stacking shape correlated distance from precursor to the substrate, resulting in distinctive growth mechanisms. Main structures on the substrate have been verified to be Mn5Si3 and Mn4Si7 with different Mn stacking in bumps comparing to sole Mn4Si7 with flat surface.
A Two-Stream Deep Fusion Framework for High-Resolution Aerial Scene Classification
Authors: Yu Yunlong , Liu Fuxian
Published: January 2018

One of the challenging problems in understanding high-resolution remote sensing images is aerial scene classification. A well-designed feature representation method and classifier can improve classification accuracy. In this paper, we construct a new two-stream deep architecture for aerial scene classification. First, we use two pretrained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as feature extractor to learn deep features from the original aerial image and the processed aerial image through saliency detection, respectively. Second, two feature fusion strategies are adopted to fuse the two different types of deep convolutional features extracted by the original RGB stream and the saliency stream. Finally, we use the extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier for final classification with the fused features. The effectiveness of the proposed architecture is tested on four challenging datasets: UC-Merced dataset with 21 scene categories, WHU-RS dataset with 19 scene categories, AID dataset with 30 scene categories, and NWPU-RESISC45 dataset with 45 challenging scene categories. The experimental results demonstrate that our architecture gets a significant classification accuracy improvement over all state-of-the-art references.
Novel Nonsense Mutation in SLC39A13 Initially Presenting as Myopathy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dusanic Maja , Dekomien Gabriele , Lücke Thomas , Vorgerd Matthias , Weis Joachim , Epplen Joerg T. , Köhler Cornelia , Hoffjan Sabine
Published: January 2018

Myopathies comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by variable phenotypes. The increasing use of next-generation sequencing allows identification of the causative genes in a much higher percentage of patients with hereditary muscle disorders and also illustrates a considerable degree of overlap with other clinical entities, including connective tissue disorders. Here, we present a 14-year-old German patient who was initially suspected to suffer from myopathy based on his clinical, radiological, and muscle biopsy findings. Exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in the SLC39A13 gene, causative for spondylocheiro dysplastic Ehlers Danlos syndrome (SCD-EDS), suggesting a connective tissue disorder. Including our patient, only 9 affected individuals from 4 families have been described for SCD-EDS so far. The previously reported patients did not show obvious evidence of myopathy, suggesting a broader clinical presentation than originally suspected. We summarize herein the current knowledge on clinical features as well as pathophysiological pathways for this rare connective tissue disease and discuss the high degree of clinical overlap between myopathic and connective tissue disorders.
ДОСВІД ОСВОЄННЯ ПРАКТИЧНИХ НАВИЧОК ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНОЇ РОБОТИ СТУДЕНТІВ 5 КУРСУ МЕДИЧНОГО ФАКУЛЬТЕТУ НА КАФЕДРІ ВНУТРІШНЬОЇ МЕДИЦИНИ № 3
Authors: Boiko T. V.
Published: January 2018

Мета роботи – вивчити досвід освоєння практичних навичок та особливості організації індивідуальної роботи студентів (ІРС) на кафедрі внутрішньої медицини № 3.Основна частина. Відпрацювання в умовах відділень терапевтичного профілю є дієвим та перспективним методом передачі навчальної інформації шляхом практичних дій. Максимально наближені до реальних умов практичні заняття та позааудиторна робота студентів підвищують їх мотивацію та зацікавленість до самостійного виконання практичних навичок.ІРС − це самостійне освоєння студентом частини навчальної програми, що здійснюється за партнерської участі викладача в її плануванні і оцінці досягнення конкретного результату. При організації ІРС співробітники кафедри внутрішньої медицини № 3 враховують індивідуальні здібності студента, допомагають розкрити його творчий потенціал, кращі якості як майбутнього лікаря-фахівця. Контроль ІРС проводиться шляхом усного опитування та виконання письмових контрольних завдань  під час практичних занять, проміжного та поточного контролю. При контролі засвоєння матеріалу при ІРС викладач  оцінює не тільки рівень освоєння студентом навчального матеріалу, а і його вміння використовувати отримані знання при постановці діагнозу. Необхідно враховувати  чіткість викладу й обґрунтованість відповіді, рівень володіння матеріалом, наявність творчого підходу при ІРС, ступінь уявлення студента про нові медичні технології, знання показань та протипоказань до призначення лікування. Види ІРС, що використовуються при викладанні предмета внутрішньої медицини на кафедрі внутрішньої медицини № 3 ТДМУ студентам п’ятого курсу, – це ІРС на аудиторних заняттях, позааудиторна ІРС, самостійна робота під контролем викладача (індивідуальні заняття з викладачем). Висновок. Організація ІРС сприяє повноціннішому засвоєнню матеріалу та формуванню знань і умінь, що допомагає у підготовці кваліфікованих лікарів європейського рівня.