bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive index of sympathetic activity based on time-frequency spectral analysis of electrodermal activity
Authors: Posada-Quintero Hugo F. , Florian John P. , Orjuela-Cañón Álvaro D. , Chon Ki H.
Published: July 2016

Time-domain indices of electrodermal activity (EDA) have been used as a marker of sympathetic tone. However, they often show high variation between subjects and low consistency, which has precluded their general use as a marker of sympathetic tone. To examine whether power spectral density analysis of EDA can provide more consistent results, we recently performed a variety of sympathetic tone-evoking experiments (43). We found significant increase in the spectral power in the frequency range of 0.045 to 0.25 Hz when sympathetic tone-evoking stimuli were induced. The sympathetic tone assessed by the power spectral density of EDA was found to have lower variation and more sensitivity for certain, but not all, stimuli compared with the time-domain analysis of EDA. We surmise that this lack of sensitivity in certain sympathetic tone-inducing conditions with time-invariant spectral analysis of EDA may lie in its inability to characterize time-varying dynamics of the sympathetic tone. To overcome the disadvantages of time-domain and time-invariant power spectral indices of EDA, we developed a highly sensitive index of sympathetic tone, based on time-frequency analysis of EDA signals. Its efficacy was tested using experiments designed to elicit sympathetic dynamics. Twelve subjects underwent four tests known to elicit sympathetic tone arousal: cold pressor, tilt table, stand test, and the Stroop task. We hypothesize that a more sensitive measure of sympathetic control can be developed using time-varying spectral analysis. Variable frequency complex demodulation, a recently developed technique for time-frequency analysis, was used to obtain spectral amplitudes associated with EDA. We found that the time-varying spectral frequency band 0.08–0.24 Hz was most responsive to stimulation. Spectral power for frequencies higher than 0.24 Hz were determined to be not related to the sympathetic dynamics because they comprised less than 5% of the total power. The mean value of time-varying spectral amplitudes in the frequency band 0.08–0.24 Hz were used as the index of sympathetic tone, termed TVSymp. TVSymp was found to be overall the most sensitive to the stimuli, as evidenced by a low coefficient of variation (0.54), and higher consistency (intra-class correlation, 0.96) and sensitivity (Youden's index > 0.75), area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (>0.8, accuracy > 0.88) compared with time-domain and time-invariant spectral indices, including heart rate variability.
(Pro)Renin receptor regulates potassium homeostasis through a local mechanism
Authors: Xu Chuanming , Lu Aihua , Wang Hong , Fang Hui , Zhou Li , Sun Peng , Yang Tianxin
Published: July 2016

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is highly expressed in the distal nephron, but it has an unclear functional implication. The present study was conducted to explore a potential role of renal PRR during high K+ (HK) loading. In normal Sprague-Dawley rats, a 1-wk HK intake increased renal expression of full-length PRR and urinary excretion of soluble PRR (sPRR). Administration of PRO20, a decoy peptide antagonist of PRR, in K+-loaded animals elevated plasma K+ level and decreased urinary K+ excretion, accompanied with suppressed urinary aldosterone excretion and intrarenal aldosterone levels. HK downregulated Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC) expression but upregulated CYP11B2 (cytochrome P-450, family 11, subfamily B, polypeptide 2), renal outer medullary K+ channel (ROMK), calcium-activated potassium channel subunit α1 (α-BK), α-Na+-K+-ATPase (α-NKA), and epithelial Na+ channel subunit β (β-ENaC), all of which were blunted by PRO20. After HK loading was completed, urinary, but not plasma renin, was upregulated, which was blunted by PRO20. The same experiments that were performed using adrenalectomized (ADX) rats yielded similar results. Interestingly, spironolactone treatment in HK-loaded ADX rats attenuated kaliuresis but promoted natriuresis, which was associated with the suppressed responses of β-ENaC, α-NKA, ROMK, and α-BK protein expression. Taken together, we discovered a novel role of renal PRR in regulation of K+ homeostasis through a local mechanism involving intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and coordinated regulation of membrane Na+- and K+-transporting proteins.
The central pattern generator underlying swimming in Dendronotus iris: a simple half-center network oscillator with a twist
Authors: Sakurai Akira , Katz Paul S.
Published: July 2016

The nudibranch mollusc, Dendronotus iris, swims by rhythmically flexing its body from left to right. We identified a bilaterally represented interneuron, Si3, that provides strong excitatory drive to the previously identified Si2, forming a half-center oscillator, which functions as the central pattern generator (CPG) underlying swimming. As with Si2, Si3 inhibited its contralateral counterpart and exhibited rhythmic bursts in left-right alternation during the swim motor pattern. Si3 burst almost synchronously with the contralateral Si2 and was coactive with the efferent impulse activity in the contralateral body wall nerve. Perturbation of bursting in either Si3 or Si2 by current injection halted or phase-shifted the swim motor pattern, suggesting that they are both critical CPG members. Neither Si2 nor Si3 exhibited endogenous bursting properties when activated alone; activation of all four neurons was necessary to initiate and maintain the swim motor pattern. Si3 made a strong excitatory synapse onto the contralateral Si2 to which it is also electrically coupled. When Si3 was firing tonically but not exhibiting bursting, artificial enhancement of the Si3-to-Si2 synapse using dynamic clamp caused all four neurons to burst. In contrast, negation of the Si3-to-Si2 synapse by dynamic clamp blocked ongoing swim motor patterns. Together, these results suggest that the Dendronotus swim CPG is organized as a “twisted” half-center oscillator in which each “half” is composed of two excitatory-coupled neurons from both sides of the brain, each of which inhibits its contralateral counterpart. Consisting of only four neurons, this is perhaps the simplest known network oscillator for locomotion.
Contribution of synchronized GABAergic neurons to dopaminergic neuron firing and bursting
Authors: Morozova Ekaterina O. , Myroshnychenko Maxym , Zakharov Denis , di Volo Matteo , Gutkin Boris , Lapish Christopher C. , Kuznetsov Alexey
Published: July 2016

In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), interactions between dopamine (DA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons are critical for regulating DA neuron activity and thus DA efflux. To provide a mechanistic explanation of how GABA neurons influence DA neuron firing, we developed a circuit model of the VTA. The model is based on feed-forward inhibition and recreates canonical features of the VTA neurons. Simulations revealed that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABAR) stimulation can differentially influence the firing pattern of the DA neuron, depending on the level of synchronization among GABA neurons. Asynchronous activity of GABA neurons provides a constant level of inhibition to the DA neuron and, when removed, produces a classical disinhibition burst. In contrast, when GABA neurons are synchronized by common synaptic input, their influence evokes additional spikes in the DA neuron, resulting in increased measures of firing and bursting. Distinct from previous mechanisms, the increases were not based on lowered firing rate of the GABA neurons or weaker hyperpolarization by the GABAR synaptic current. This phenomenon was induced by GABA-mediated hyperpolarization of the DA neuron that leads to decreases in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration, thus reducing the Ca2+-dependent potassium (K+) current. In this way, the GABA-mediated hyperpolarization replaces Ca2+-dependent K+ current; however, this inhibition is pulsatile, which allows the DA neuron to fire during the rhythmic pauses in inhibition. Our results emphasize the importance of inhibition in the VTA, which has been discussed in many studies, and suggest a novel mechanism whereby computations can occur locally.
The ionic mechanism of membrane potential oscillations and membrane resonance in striatal LTS interneurons
Authors: Song S. C. , Beatty J. A. , Wilson C. J.
Published: July 2016

Striatal low-threshold spiking (LTS) interneurons spontaneously transition to a depolarized, oscillating state similar to that seen after sodium channels are blocked. In the depolarized state, whether spontaneous or induced by sodium channel blockade, the neurons express a 3- to 7-Hz oscillation and membrane impedance resonance in the same frequency range. The membrane potential oscillation and membrane resonance are expressed in the same voltage range (greater than −40 mV). We identified and recorded from LTS interneurons in striatal slices from a mouse that expressed green fluorescent protein under the control of the neuropeptide Y promoter. The membrane potential oscillation depended on voltage-gated calcium channels. Antagonism of L-type calcium currents (CaV1) reduced the amplitude of the oscillation, whereas blockade of N-type calcium currents (CaV2.2) reduced the frequency. Both calcium sources activate a calcium-activated chloride current (CaCC), the blockade of which abolished the oscillation. The blocking of any of these three channels abolished the membrane resonance. Immunohistochemical staining indicated anoctamin 2 (ANO2), and not ANO1, as the CaCC source. Biophysical modeling showed that CaV1, CaV2.2, and ANO2 are sufficient to generate a membrane potential oscillation and membrane resonance, similar to that in LTS interneurons. LTS interneurons exhibit a membrane potential oscillation and membrane resonance that are both generated by CaV1 and CaV2.2 activating ANO2. They can spontaneously enter a state in which the membrane potential oscillation dominates the physiological properties of the neuron.
Association of Aortic Compliance and Brachial Endothelial Function with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Assessment with High-Resolution MRI
Authors: Shan Yan , Lin Jiang , Xu Pengju , Zeng Mengsu , Lin Huandong , Yan Hongmei
Published: July 2016

Objective. To assess the possible association of aortic compliance and brachial endothelial function with cerebral small vessel disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients by using 3.0 T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging.Methods. Sixty-two clinically confirmed DM2 patients (25 women and 37 men; mean age:56.8±7.5years) were prospectively enrolled for noninvasive MR examinations of the aorta, brachial artery, and brain. Aortic arch pulse wave velocity (PWV), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of brachial artery, lacunar brain infarcts, and periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were assessed. Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis were performed to analyze the association between PWV and FMD with clinical data and biochemical test results. Univariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the association between PWV and FMD with cerebral small vessel disease. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to find out the independent predictive factors of cerebral small vessel disease.Results. Mean PWV was6.73±2.00 m/s and FMD was16.67±9.11%. After adjustment for compounding factors, PWV was found significantly associated with lacunar brain infarcts (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.14–3.2;P<0.05) and FMD was significantly associated with periventricular WMHs (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71–0.95;P<0.05).Conclusions. Quantitative evaluation of aortic compliance and endothelial function by using high-resolution MRI may be potentially useful to stratify DM2 patients with risk of cerebral small vessel disease.
Chinese Herbal Mixture, Tien‐Hsien Liquid, Induces G2/M Cycle Arrest and Radiosensitivity in MCF‐7 Human Breast Cancer Cells through Mechanisms Involving DNMT1 and Rad51 Downregulation
Authors: Yao Chih-Jung , Chow Jyh-Ming , Yang Chia-Ming , Kuo Hui-Ching , Chang Chia-Lun , Lee Hsin-Lun , Lai I-Chun , Chuang Shuang-En , Lai Gi-Ming
Published: July 2016

The Chinese herbal mixture, Tien‐Hsien Liquid (THL), has been proven to suppress the growth and invasiveness of cancer cells and is currently regarded as a complementary medicine for the treatment of cancer. Our previous study using acute promyelocytic leukemia cells uncovered its effect on the downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) which is often overexpressed in cancer cells resulting in the repression of tumor suppressors via hypermethylation. Herein, we explored the effects of THL in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells that also demonstrate elevated DNMT1. The results show that THL dose‐dependently downregulated DNMT1 accompanied by the induction of tumor suppressors such as p21 and p15. THL arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase and decreased the protein levels of cyclin A, cyclin B1, phospho‐pRb, and AKT. DNMT1 inhibition was previously reported to exert a radiosensitizing effect in cancer cells through the repression of DNA repair. We found that THL enhanced radiation‐induced clonogenic cell death in MCF‐7 cells and decreased the level of DNA double‐strand break repair protein, Rad51. Our observations may be the result of DNMT1 downregulation. Due to the fact that DNMT1 inhibition is now a mainstream strategy for anticancer therapy, further clinical trials of THL to confirm its clinical efficacy are warranted.
Antibiotic Utilization Patterns in Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Canadian Context
Authors: Chin Tracy , Kushner Barry , Dersch-Mills Deonne , Zuege Danny J.
Published: July 2016

This retrospective cohort study describes the patterns of antibiotic use for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the Calgary Zone of Alberta Health Services. Timing, appropriateness, and duration of antibiotics were evaluated in two hundred consecutive cases of VAP derived from 4 adult intensive care units (ICU). Antibiotic therapy was initiated in less than 24 hours from VAP diagnosis in 83% of cases. Although most patients (89%) received empiric therapy that demonstratedin vitrosensitivity to the identified pathogens, only 24% of cases were congruent with the 2008 Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) guidelines. Both ICU (p=0.001) and hospital (p=0.015) mortality were significantly lower and there was a trend for shorter ICU length of stay (p=0.051) in patients who received appropriate versus inappropriate initial antibiotics. There were no outcome differences related to compliance with AMMI guidelines. This exploratory study provides insight into the use of antimicrobials for the treatment of VAP in a large Canadian health region. The discordance between the assessments of appropriateness of empiric therapy based on recovered pathogens versus AMMI guidelines is notable, emphasizing the importance of using as much as possible local microbiologic and antimicrobial resistance data.
Effects of Ving Tsun Chinese Martial Art Training on Upper Extremity Muscle Strength and Eye‐Hand Coordination in Community‐Dwelling Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fong Shirley S. M. , Ng Shamay S. M. , Cheng Yoyo T. Y. , Wong Janet Y. H. , Yu Esther Y. T. , Chow Gary C. C. , Chak Yvonne T. C. , Chan Ivy K. Y. , Zhang Joni , Macfarlane Duncan , Chung Louisa M. Y.
Published: July 2016

Objectives. To evaluate the effects of Ving Tsun (VT) martial art training on the upper extremity muscle strength and eye‐hand coordination of middle‐aged and older adults. Methods. This study used a nonequivalent pretest‐posttest control group design. Forty‐two community‐dwelling healthy adults participated in the study; 24 (mean age ± SD = 68.5 ± 6.7 years) underwent VT training for 4 weeks (a supervised VT session twice a week, plus daily home practice), and 18 (mean age ± SD = 72.0 ± 6.7 years) received no VT training and acted as controls. Shoulder and elbow isometric muscle strength and eye‐hand coordination were evaluated using the Lafayette Manual Muscle Test System and a computerized finger‐pointing test, respectively. Results. Elbow extensor peak force increased by 13.9% (P = 0.007) in the VT group and the time to reach peak force decreased (9.9%) differentially in the VT group compared to the control group (P = 0.033). For the eye‐hand coordination assessment outcomes, reaction time increased by 2.9% in the VT group and decreased by 5.3% in the control group (P = 0.002). Conclusions. Four weeks of VT training could improve elbow extensor isometric peak force and the time to reach peak force but not eye‐hand coordination in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults.
An Uncommon Case of Adolescent Ovarian Teratoma Incarcerated in Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Pensabene Marco , Girgenti Vincenza , Cimador Marcello , Li Voti Giuseppe , Rodolico Vito , Siracusa Fortunato
Published: July 2016

Mature cystic teratoma is the most frequent benign ovarian neoplastic lesion in adolescents and is generally composed of fully differentiated tissue arising from multipotential three germinal layers. It accounts for approximately 50% of benign ovarian tumors in childhood. Rarely, a bilateral, synchronous, or metachronous presentation can be observed, supporting a conservative approach as the first surgical approach. We report a case of an ovarian mature cystic incarcerated in indirect inguinal hernia in a 15-year-old girl undergoing ovary-sparing surgery. To our knowledge this is the first case of such lesion incarcerated in an inguinal hernia reported in literature.
Unobtrusive Support System for Prevention of Dangerous Health Conditions in Wheelchair Users
Authors: Arias Diego E. , Pino Esteban J. , Aqueveque Pablo , Curtis Dorothy W.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents an assistive device for wheelchair users with severe disability. It consists of several sensors deployed on a wheelchair, able to sense pressure relief habits, activity level, vital signs, and ambient conditions. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the potential capabilities of the system and the feasibility of implementing alarms. During a period of two weeks, six full-time wheelchair users were monitored. Results show that the system is able to capture pressure relief patterns and tilt-in-space usage, a mechanism required to avoid pressure ulcers. Data analysis shows that none of the volunteers fully complied with the tilting recommendations. It also shows varied activity levels, both within and between patients, indicating their engagement in daily activities. The system is also able to estimate heart and respiration rate during passive activities (e.g., watching TV and/or resting). Also, high temperatures in summer were monitored while patients were outside, to prevent heatstroke events. All the monitored variables are acquired with unobtrusive sensors, producing no discomfort to the patient and providing valuable information for better care. The final recommendation and alarm system is implemented in a single board computer, to be embedded in the wheelchair.
Cord Blood Adiponectin and Visfatin Concentrations in relation to Oxidative Stress Markers in Neonates Exposed and Nonexposed In Utero to Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Chełchowska Magdalena , Ambroszkiewicz Jadwiga , Gajewska Joanna , Rowicka Grażyna , Maciejewski Tomasz M. , Mazur Joanna
Published: July 2016

Aims. Maternal smoking is considered as a source of oxidative stress, which has been implicated to disrupted adipokines expression in adipose tissue. We examined the relationship between selected adipokines and markers of oxidative stress/antioxidant defence in the umbilical cord of neonates exposed and nonexposed in utero to tobacco smoke. Methods. Subjects including 85 healthy neonates (born to 41 smokers and 44 nonsmokers) were tested for adiponectin, visfatin, oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results. Cord serum visfatin, ox‐LDL, and TOC were significantly higher (p < 0.001) but adiponectin and TAC were lower (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, resp.) in smoking group than in tobacco abstinents. In whole group of children (adjusted for smoking status, gender, and birth weight) adiponectin showed negative and visfatin positive correlations with ox‐LDL. In the model estimated separately for smokers ox‐LDL explained 36% of adiponectin and 35.5% of visfatin variance, while in the model of nonsmokers it explained 36.8% and 69.4%, respectively. Conclusion. Maternal smoking enhances oxidative status and depletes antioxidant potential in newborns. Lower level of adiponectin and higher visfatin concentration seem to be related with a less beneficial oxidative stress profile and higher level of lipid peroxidation in neonates exposed and nonexposed in utero to tobacco smoke.
Evaluation of Toxicological Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Shells from the Pecan Nut Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch and the Possible Association with Its Inorganic Constituents and Major Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Porto Luiz Carlos S. , Silva Juliana da , Sousa Karen , Ambrozio Mariana L. , de Almeida Aline , dos Santos Carla Eliete I. , Dias Johnny F. , Allgayer Mariangela C. , dos Santos Marcela S. , Pereira Patrícia , Ferraz Alexandre B. F. , Picada Jaqueline N.
Published: July 2016

Background. Industrial processing of the pecan nut Carya illinoinensis K. Koch generated a large amount of shells, which have been used to prepare nutritional supplements and medicinal products; however, the safe use of shells requires assessment. This study evaluated the toxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects of pecan shell aqueous extract (PSAE) and the possible contribution of phenolic compounds, ellagic and gallic acids, and inorganic elements present in PSAE to induce toxicity. Results. Levels of inorganic elements like K, P, Cl, and Rb quantified using the Particle‐Induced X‐Ray Emission method were higher in PSAE than in pecan shells, while Mg and Mn levels were higher in shells. Mice showed neurobehavioral toxicity when given high PSAE doses (200–2,000 mg kg−1). The LD50 was 1,166.3 mg kg−1. However, PSAE (50–200 mg·kg−1) and the phenolic compounds (10–100 mg·kg−1) did not induce DNA damage or mutagenicity evaluated using the comet assay and micronucleus test. Treatment with ellagic acid (10–100 mg·kg−1) decreased triglyceride and glucose levels, while treatments with PSAE and gallic acid had no effect. Conclusion. Pecan shell toxicity might be associated with high concentrations of inorganic elements such as Mn, Al, Cu, and Fe acting on the central nervous system, besides phytochemical components, suggesting that the definition of the safe dose should take into account the consumption of micronutrients.
Helicobacter pyloriCagA and IL-1βPromote the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in a Nontransformed Epithelial Cell Model
Authors: Arévalo-Romero Haruki , Meza Isaura , Vallejo-Flores Gabriela , Fuentes-Pananá Ezequiel M.
Published: July 2016

Gastric cancer is the third cause of cancer death worldwide and infection byHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is considered the most important risk factor, mainly by the activity of its virulence factor CagA.H. pylori/CagA-induced chronic inflammation triggers a series of gastric lesions of increased severity, starting with gastritis and ending with cancer. IL-1βhas been associated with tumor development and invasiveness in different types of cancer, including gastric cancer. Currently, it is not clear if there is an association between CagA and IL-1βat a cellular level. In this study, we analyzed the effects of IL-1βand CagA on MCF-10A nontransformed cells. We found evidence that both CagA and IL-1βtrigger the initiation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition characterized byβ-catenin nuclear translocation, increased expression ofSnail1andZEB1, downregulation ofCDH1, and morphological changes during MCF-10A acini formation. However, only CagA induced MMP9 activity and cell invasion. Our data support that IL-1βand CagA target theβ-catenin pathway, with CagA leading to acquisition of a stage related to aggressive tumors.
Horner’s Syndrome due to a Spontaneous Internal Carotid Artery Dissection after Deep Sea Scuba Diving
Authors: Alonso Formento Jose Enrique , Fernández Reyes Jose Luis , Envid Lázaro Blanca Mar , Fernández Letamendi Teresa , Yeste Martín Ryth , Jódar Morente Francisco José
Published: July 2016

Internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a rare entity that either results from traumatic injury or can be spontaneously preceded or not by a minor trauma such as sporting activities. It represents a major cause of stroke in young patients. The diagnosis should be suspected with the combination of Horner’s syndrome, headache or neck pain, and retinal or cerebral ischaemia. The confirmation is frequently made with a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Although anticoagulation with heparin followed by vitamin-K-antagonists is the most common treatment, there is no difference in efficacy of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs at preventing stroke and death in patients with symptomatic carotid dissection. We describe a patient with ICAD following deep sea scuba diving, who presented with Horner’s syndrome and neck pain and was successfully treated with anticoagulants.
Optimal Bounds for the Variance of Self-Intersection Local Times
Authors: Deligiannidis George , Utev Sergey
Published: July 2016

For a Zd-valued random walk (Sn)n∈N0, let l(n,x) be its local time at the site x∈Zd. For α∈N, define the α-fold self-intersection local time as Ln(α)≔∑xl(n,x)α. Also let LnSRW(α) be the corresponding quantities for the simple random walk in Zd. Without imposing any moment conditions, we show that the variance of the self-intersection local time of any genuinely d-dimensional random walk is bounded above by the corresponding quantity for the simple symmetric random walk; that is, var(Ln(α))=O(var⁡(LnSRW(α))). In particular, for any genuinely d-dimensional random walk, with d≥4, we have var⁡(Ln(α))=O(n). On the other hand, in dimensions d≤3 we show that if the behaviour resembles that of simple random walk, in the sense that lim infn→∞var⁡Lnα/var⁡(LnSRW(α))>0, then the increments of the random walk must have zero mean and finite second moment.
Utilization of Waste Materials for Microbial Carrier in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Le H. T. , Jantarat N. , Khanitchaidecha W. , Ratananikom K. , Nakaruk A.
Published: July 2016

This research focused on the ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) removal from the domestic wastewater using the attached growth reactors. Two types of waste material of corncob (biodegradable material) and concrete (nonbiodegradable material) were used as the carrier for microorganisms’ attachment. During operation, both reactors achieved absolutely high performance of ammonium removal (up to 99%) and total nitrogen removal (up to 95%). The significant advantage of corncob carrier was that the corncob was able to be a source of carbon for biological denitrification, leading to no external carbon requirement for operating the system. However, the corncob caused an increasing turbidity of the effluent. On the other hand, the concrete carrier required the minimal external carbon of 3.5 C/N ratio to reach the good performance. Moreover, a longer period for microorganisms’ adaptation was found in the concrete carrier rather than the corncob carrier. Further, the same physiological and biochemical characteristics of active bacteria were found at the two carriers, which were negative gram, cocci shape, and smooth and white-turbid colony. Due to the effluent quality, the concrete was more appropriate carrier than the corncob for wastewater treatment.
TCM Pattern Questionnaire for Lateral Elbow Pain: Development of an Instrument via a Delphi Process
Authors: Gadau Marcus , Zhang Shi-Ping , Yeung Wing-Fai , Bian Zhao-Xiang , Lu Ai-Ping
Published: July 2016

Individualized acupuncture treatment has been practiced for pain therapy. This study used acupuncture treatment for lateral elbow pain (LEP) as an example to study the diagnostic practice of individualized acupuncture treatment. A provisional version of LEP pattern questionnaire was developed based on a recent systematic review on TCM pattern diagnosis for LEP. A Delphi panel of 33 clinical experts from seven different countries was formed, and the Delphi survey was conducted in Chinese and English language for two rounds. Consensus was achieved from all 26 panelists who responded to the second round on 243 items of the instrument, which included a 72‐question‐long questionnaire. The mean level of expert consensus on the items of the final questionnaire was 85%. Consensus was found on four TCM patterns that could underlie LEP, namely, the wind-cold-dampness pattern, the qi stagnation and blood stasis pattern, the dual deficiency of qi and blood pattern, and the retained dampness-heat pattern. A list of signs and symptoms indicating one of the four TCM patterns and a list of preferred treatment modalities for each pattern were also generated. Our instrument shows considerable content validity. Further validity and reliability studies are under way.
Molecular Characterization of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Women in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Authors: Traore Ina Marie Angèle , Zohoncon Théodora Mahoukèdè , Dembele Adama , Djigma Florencia W. , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas , Traore Germain , Bambara Moussa , Ouedraogo Charlemagne , Traore Yves , Simpore Jacques
Published: July 2016

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in over 99% of cervical cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in a population of women in Bobo-Dioulasso and to identify the high-risk types present in these women. From May to June, 2015, 181 women who came for consultation at the Souro Sanou University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso have been included in this study. Uterine endocervical swabs have been taken in these women. DNA obtained by extraction from the samples thus collected was used to determine the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes through real-time PCR. The age of the women ranged from 20 to 56 years with a mean of35.3±8.1years. The prevalence of infection by high-risk HPV types was 25.4% (46/181). The most common high-risk HPV genotypes were HPV 39 (18.5%), HPV 52 (16.7%), HPV 18 (14.8%), and HPV 35 (13.0%). HPV 16 which is included in the HPV vaccines was not found in the population studied. This type of study which is the first one in Bobo-Dioulasso has showed a high prevalence of genotypes HPV 39, HPV 52, and HPV 35 which are not yet covered by a vaccine.
A Rare Case of Tuberculosis with Sacrococcygeal Involvement Miming a Neoplasm
Authors: Osman Walid , Braiki Meriem , Alaya Zeineb , Mouelhi Thabet , Nawar Nader , Ben Ayeche Mohamed
Published: July 2016

Infection of the lumbosacral junction by tuberculosis is quite rare and occurs in only 1 to 2% of all cases of spinal tuberculosis; moreover, isolated sacrococcygeal or coccygeal tuberculosis is much rarer. Failure to identify and treat these areas of involvement at an early stage may lead to serious complications such as vertebral collapse, spinal compression, and spinal deformity. In the present paper, we report an uncommon case of spinal tuberculosis with sacrococcygeal location revealed by a chronic low back pain that was successfully managed. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed a lytic lesion affecting both of sacrum and coccyx causing osseous destruction and suggesting a malignant process. A surgical biopsy was performed to establish the tissue diagnosis. Histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of skeletal tuberculosis. The patient was treated with antibacillary chemotherapy for a period of 9 months. The follow-up period was of 36 months. There was a full recovery and the patient was asymptomatic.
Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG Activation of Dendritic Cells and Neutrophils Depends on the Dose and Time of Exposure
Authors: Cai Shirong , Kandasamy Matheswaran , Rahmat Juwita N. , Tham Sin Mun , Bay Boon Huat , Lee Yuan Kun , Mahendran Ratha
Published: July 2016

This study evaluates the ability ofLactobacillus rhamnosusGG (LGG) to activate DC and neutrophils and modulate T cell activation and the impact of bacterial dose on these responses. Murine bone marrow derived DC or neutrophils were stimulated with LGG at ratios of 5 : 1, 10 : 1, and 100 : 1 (LGG : cells) and DC maturation (CD40, CD80, CD86, CD83, and MHC class II) and cytokine production (IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-12p70) were examined after 2 h and 18 h coculture and compared to the ability of BCG (the present immunotherapeutic agent for bladder cancer) to stimulate these cells. A 2 h exposure to 100 : 1 (high dose) or an 18 h exposure to 5 : 1 or 10 : 1 (low dose), LGG : cells, induced the highest production of IL-12 and upregulation of CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC II on DC. In DCs stimulated with LGG activated neutrophils IL-12 production decreased with increasing dose. LGG induced 10-fold greater IL-12 production than BCG. T cell IFNγand IL-2 production was significantly greater when stimulated with DC activated with low dose LGG. In conclusion, DC or DC activated with neutrophils exposed to low dose LGG induced greater Th1 polarization in T cells and this could potentially exert stronger antitumor effects. Thus the dose of LGG used for immunotherapy could determine treatment efficacy.
Mechanism Underlying Bonding Water Film Effect on Rheological Parameters
Authors: Lv Yiyan , Zhu Wei , Han Tingting
Published: July 2016

From experiments on bonding water of different slurries and the analysis of flow curves, the bilinear fluid model has been improved. The results showed that the rheological parameters correspond to physical processes at different stages of shear strain. As shear rate increases, slurries evolve from high-viscosity Bingham fluids to low-viscosity Bingham fluids. Specific surface area determines the number of edge-to-face arrangements; mineral composition influences the binding strength of each edge-to-face arrangement; and the volume fraction of particles regulates the distance between clay particles and number of edge-to-face arrangements.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Is Expressed by Most Ovarian Cancer Subtypes and Is a Safe and Effective Immunotherapeutic Target
Authors: Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Svoronos Nikolaos , Rutkowski Melanie R. , Allegrezza Michael J. , Tesone Amelia J. , Payne Kyle K. , Wickramasinghe Jayamanna , Nguyen Jenny M. , O'Brien Shane W. , Gumireddy Kiranmai , Huang Qihong , Cadungog Mark G. , Connolly Denise C. , Tchou Julia , Curiel Tyler J. , Conejo-Garcia Jose R.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To define the safety and effectiveness of T cells redirected against follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)-expressing ovarian cancer cells.

Experimental Design: FSHR expression was determined by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and qPCR in 77 human ovarian cancer specimens from 6 different histologic subtypes and 20 human healthy tissues. The effectiveness of human T cells targeted with full-length FSH in vivo was determined against a panel of patient-derived xenografts. Safety and effectiveness were confirmed in immunocompetent tumor-bearing mice, using constructs targeting murine FSHR and syngeneic T cells.

Results: FSHR is expressed in gynecologic malignancies of different histologic types but not in nonovarian healthy tissues. Accordingly, T cells expressing full-length FSHR-redirected chimeric receptors mediate significant therapeutic effects (including tumor rejection) against a panel of patient-derived tumors in vivo. In immunocompetent mice growing syngeneic, orthotopic, and aggressive ovarian tumors, fully murine FSHR-targeted T cells also increased survival without any measurable toxicity. Notably, chimeric receptors enhanced the ability of endogenous tumor-reactive T cells to abrogate malignant progression upon adoptive transfer into naïve recipients subsequently challenged with the same tumor. Interestingly, FSHR-targeted T cells persisted as memory lymphocytes without noticeable PD-1–dependent exhaustion during end-stage disease, in the absence of tumor cell immunoediting. However, exosomes in advanced tumor ascites diverted the effector activity of this and other chimeric receptor–transduced T cells away from targeted tumor cells.

Conclusions: T cells redirected against FSHR+ tumor cells with full-length FSH represent a promising therapeutic alternative against a broad range of ovarian malignancies, with negligible toxicity even in the presence of cognate targets in tumor-free ovaries. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 441–53. ©2016 AACR.
Diplophonia Disturbs Jitter and Shimmer Measurement
Authors: Aichinger Philipp , Hagmüller Martin , Roesner Imme , Bigenzahn Wolfgang , Schneider-Stickler Berit , Schoentgen Jean
Published: July 2016

Objectives: The aims of this study are to investigate the effects of diplophonia on jitter and shimmer and to identify measurement limitations with regard to material selection and clinical interpretation. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and ninety-eight audio samples of sustained phonations were analyzed. The audio samples were assessed for the grade of hoarseness and the presence of diplophonia. Jitter and shimmer were reported with regard to perceptual ratings. We investigated cycle marker positions exemplarily and qualitatively to understand their implications for perturbation measurements. Results: Medians of jitter and shimmer were higher for diplophonic voices than for nondiplophonic voices with equal grades of hoarseness. The variance of jitter for moderately dysphonic voices was larger than the variance observed in a corpus from which diplophonic samples had been discarded. The positions of cycle markers in diplophonic voices did not match the positions of the pulses, indicating that the validity of jitter and shimmer values for these voices were questionable. Conclusion: Diplophonia biases the reporting of dysphonia severity via perturbation measures, and their validity is questionable for these voices. In addition, diplophonia is an influential source of variance in jitter measurements. Thus, diplophonic fragments of voice samples should be excluded prior to perturbation analysis.
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody-Positive Meningoencephalitis in the Preclinical Period of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Shibahara Tomoya , Matsushita Tomonaga , Matsuo Ryu , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Fukuda Kenji , Sugimori Hiroshi , Kamouchi Masahiro , Kitazono Takanari , Ago Tetsuro
Published: July 2016

Rheumatoid meningoencephalitis (RM) is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This report describes a 63-year-old man with complaints of high-grade fever, headache, and vomiting for several days before admission. Both his serum and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody and rheumatoid factor, and contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed abnormal gadolinium enhancement of the meninges and high-intensity lesions in the subarachnoid spaces. The patient was diagnosed with RM despite lack of signs suggesting RA. His symptoms drastically improved with intravenous infusion of high-dose methylprednisolone. Two months later, he developed RA. The findings in this patient suggest that RM could develop prior to the onset of RA. Anti-CCP antibody and MRI findings may be useful for the diagnosis of RM, regardless of RA history.
Atopic Predilection among Kawasaki Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1,187,757 Teenagers
Authors: Hassidim Ayal , Merdler Ilan , Chorin Odelia , Merdler-Rabinowicz Rona , Dallal Ilan , Perlman Maxim , Chorin Ehud
Published: July 2016

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, systemic vasculitis in children, with an etiology that is not completely understood. It is assumed that the development of KD is mediated by an immunologic response. Several reports from East Asia have found a higher prevalence of atopic diseases among patients with KD, but a large-scale study of a non-Asian population regarding this correlation is still lacking. The purpose of this article was to achieve this goal. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, large-scale study to estimate the correlation of KD with allergic diseases. The medical history of 1,187,757 Israeli teenagers (aged 16-20 years during the years 1998-2013) was retrieved. The study population was divided into 3 groups according to a past history of noncomplicated and complicated KD and a control group. The prevalence of allergic diseases among these groups was further investigated. Results: The prevalence of atopic diseases in the 3 study groups was presented (asthma in 11.4, 8.1 and 3.5%, respectively; angioedema/urticaria in 7.1, 0 and 0.46%, respectively; allergic rhinitis in 20, 12.1 and 6.7%, respectively). In noncomplicated KD, a statistically significant link to asthma [odds ratio (OR) 2.4; p = 0.048] and a borderline significant link to allergic rhinitis (OR 1.9; p = 0.06) were found. In KD complicated with cardiac disease, statistically significant links were found for all the allergic conditions, asthma (OR 3.5; p = 0.003), allergic rhinitis (OR 3.5; p < 0.001) and angioedema/urticaria (OR 16.48; p < 0.001). Conclusion: KD is associated with allergic diseases. This association increases with the severity of the disease.
Advancing the Adoption of Integrative Medicine: A Quick Guide to Publishing Research in Integrative Medicine International
Authors: Pan Weidong , Jones Caryn
Published: July 2016

Researchers and clinicians in integrative medicine (IM) are well aware that the research and reporting methods they use should be as scientifically rigorous as those used in conventional medicine. To establish the scientific evidence needed to promote the further adoption of traditional medicine (TM) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into healthcare systems worldwide, it is important that doctors of IM publish their findings in English. The English-language, cross-disciplinary journal Integrative Medicine International aims to publish such work, by focusing on reporting ‘new methods in [TM/CAM] research and therapy to complement and extend the methods of Western medicine'. The journal acts as a portal for the latest innovations, developments, trends, opinions, and achievements in TM. The purpose of this editorial is to encourage and support authors across a wide range of disciplines to report their research and clinical findings in IM. The article starts by explaining the process of preparing a suitable manuscript for the journal and then describes the general process of manuscript preparation, peer review, and publication that is common to many international journals. Some advices are also given to authors who are nonnative speakers to help them submit manuscripts of sufficient quality of English for review and in accordance with ethical publishing standards.
Sobre a escrita adolescente
Authors: Lima Maria Celina Peixoto
Published: July 2016

Confrontado à desilusão das referências parentais, o sujeito adolescente encontra-se diante da tarefa da mudança de endereçamento, passagem da família ao laço social. A escrita adolescente expressa essa ambigüidade entre singular e coletivo, entre público e privado, entre o corpo próprio e o olhar do outro. A construção do texto revela uma originalidade gráfica pela utilização de uma multiplicidade de recursos, tais como colagens, dobraduras, desenhos. Trata-se assim de propor uma interpretação dos elementos que compõem o hibridismo da escrita, a partir do conceito lacaniano de letra, ressaltando o valor da imagem como estratégia de reconstituição dos contornos do corpo.
Age and Human Regenerative Capacity Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Al Mheid Ibhar , Hayek Salim S. , Ko Yi-An , Akbik Faysal , Li Qunna , Ghasemzadeh Nima , Martin Greg S. , Long Qi , Hammadah Muhammad , Maziar Zafari A. , Vaccarino Viola , Waller Edmund K. , Quyyumi Arshed A.
Published: July 2016

Rationale:

We investigated aging of human endogenous reparative capacity and aimed to clarify whether it is affected by presence of cardiovascular disease or its risk factors (RFs).

Objective:

Circulating progenitor cell (PC) levels reflect endogenous regenerative potential. The effect on PC of healthy aging compared with aging with RFs or cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unknown. We examined whether exposure to RF and CVD leads to an accelerated decline in circulating PC with increasing age.

Methods and Results:

In 2792 adult subjects, 498 were free of RFs (smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia), 1036 subjects had 1 to 2 RF, and 1253 had ≥3 RFs or CVD. PC were enumerated by flow cytometry as CD45
med+
mononuclear cells expressing CD34 and subsets coexpressing CD133, CXCR4, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 epitopes. Younger age, male sex, and larger body size correlated with higher PC counts (
P
<0.01). After multivariable adjustment, both age and RF categories were independently associated with PC counts (
P
<0.05), with lower PC counts in older subjects and those with higher RF burden or CVD. PC counts remained unchanged with increasing age in healthy individuals. There were significant interactions between age and RF categories (
P
≤0.005), such that for younger subjects (<40 years), RFs were associated with increased PC counts, whereas for older subjects (>60 years), RFs and CVD were associated with lower PC counts.

Conclusions:

Circulating PC levels do not decline with healthy aging; RF exposure at a younger age stimulates PC mobilization, whereas continued exposure is associated with lower PC levels in later life. Over the lifespan, exposure to RFs and CVD is associated with an initial stimulation and subsequent decline in circulating PC levels, which reflect endogenous regenerative capacity.
Description of a new species of Sitana Cuvier, 1829 from southern India
Authors: DEEPAK V. , KHANDEKAR AKSHAY , VARMA SANDEEP , CHAITANYA R.
Published: July 2016

A new species of Sitana to the ponticeriana group is described herein from southern Tamil Nadu, India. Sitana marudhamneydhal sp.nov. is most similar to Sitana visiri, from which it differs in body scalation and dewlap size. Much like Sitana visiri, the breeding of this species coincides with the North-East monsoon rains (October to December), an adaptation related to its geographic location which receives higher rainfall during the North-East monsoon than the South-West monsoon.
An Operational Statistical Scheme for Tropical Cyclone Induced Wind Gust Forecasts
Authors: Li Qinglan , Xu Pengcheng , Wang Xingbao , Lan Hongping , Cao Chunyan , Li Guangxin , Zhang Lijie , Sun Liqun
Published: July 2016

This study provides a quantitative forecast method for predicting the potential maximum wind gust at certain automatic weather stations (AWSs) in South China through the investigation of the relationship between the wind gusts observed at the stations and tropical cyclones’ (TCs) main characteristics: TC intensity, TC distance to the station, TC azimuth relative to the station, and TC size. Historical TC data from 1968 to June 2014 within a distance of 700 km to several AWSs in South China are analyzed. The wind gust data available for the same period taken from six coastal AWSs: Yantian International Container Terminal (YICT), Mawan Port (MWP), and Shekou Ferry Terminal (SFT) in Shenzhen, and Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), Cheung Chau Island (CCH), and Waglan Island (WGL) in Hong Kong, are used to build the statistical relationship. The probability of gust gale occurrence (wind gust ≥ 17 m s−1) at these six stations is also computed. Results show that the wind induced by offshore TCs is strongly affected by the surrounding terrain conditions of the stations. Coastal stations open to the wind direction suffer a greater wind influence than do stations with obstructions located in the wind direction. When TCs are approaching the coast in South China, the most dangerous area is the northeast quadrant of TCs. In this quadrant, typhoons might incur gust gales at coastal stations in South China even at a distance of more than 400 km from the stations.