bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses' attitudes towards older people care: An integrative review
Authors: Rush Kathy L , Hickey Stormee , Epp Sheila , Janke Robert
Published: June 2017

Aims and objectives

To examine hospital nurses' attitudes towards caring for older adults and delineate associated factors contributing to their attitudes.

Background

Population ageing is of international significance. A nursing workforce able to care for the ageing population is critical for ensuring quality older adult care. A synthesis of research related to nurses' attitudes towards older adult care is important for informing care quality and the nursing workforce issues.

Methods

A systematic integrative review process guided the review. Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Medline databases were searched for primary research published between 2005–2017. A total of 1,690 papers were screened with 67 papers read in‐depth and eight selected for this review that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results

Nurses' held coexisting positive and negative attitudes towards generic and specific aspects of older adult care. Negative attitudes, in particular, were directed at the characteristics of older adults, their care demands or reflected in nurses' approaches to care. Across jurisdictions, work environment, education, experience and demographics emerged as influences on nurses' attitudes.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of research examining nurses' attitudes towards older adult care. The limited evidence indicates that attitudes towards older people care are complex and contradictory. Influences on nurses' attitudes need further study individually and collectively to build a strong evidence base. Interventional studies are needed as are the development of valid and reliable instruments for measuring nurses' attitudes towards older adult care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Bolstering postgraduate gerontological preparation is critical for promoting nurses' attitudes towards older adult care. Creating age‐friendly work environments, including appropriate resource allocation, is important to support older people care and facilitate positive nursing attitudes.
Additive effect of radiosensitization by 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose delays DNA repair kinetics and suppresses cell proliferation in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kawata Mayumi , Ogi Kazuhiro , Nishiyama Koyo , Miyamoto Sho , Nakagaki Takafumi , Shimanishi Makoto , Miyazaki Akihiro , Hiratsuka Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2017

Background

It has well known that, compared to normal cells, tumor cells have a different manner of energy metabolism, which influences the sensitivity of radiotherapy. However, whether inhibition of glycolysis enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy is a matter of debate in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study was to characterize whether the combination of radiotherapy with the glucose inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG) affected DNA repair kinetics.

Methods

To compare the synergistic effect of 2‐DG, we examined the cell survival after treatment with radiation, 2‐DG, and a combination of the two in five OSCC cell lines and one lip fibroblast cell line, determined using clonogenic survival assay. Changes in the protein levels of DNA repair kinetics such as PARP, Rad51, and Ku‐70 were analyzed by Western blotting. Then, using one of the five OSCC cell lines, we assessed the inhibition of xenograft tumor growth in vivo.

Results

We found that 2‐DG with radiation induced significant inhibition of cell proliferation in cell line SAS (P<.01, one‐way ANOVA). Radiation treatment was associated with decreased expression of the DNA repair markers. In additional, combinational treatment with 2‐DG and radiation significantly inhibited the xenograft tumor growth compared to the control (P<.05), and treatment with 2‐DG or radiation alone.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that 2‐DG has synergistic cytotoxic effects when combined with radiotherapy, which might lead to the design of an effective metabolic target therapy in vitro and in vivo.
Efficacy of Azithromycin and Compounded Atovaquone for Treatment of Babesia gibsoni in Dogs
Authors: Kirk S.K. , Levy J.K. , Crawford P.C.
Published: June 2017

Background

Approximately one‐third of dogs confiscated during dogfighting investigations are infected with Babesia gibsoni. Traditional management of B. gibsoni with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐screening, treatment with commercially available azithromycin and atovaquone, and PCR testing after 60 and 90 days is costly and impractical for large numbers of dogs at a time.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To assess the efficacy of an alternative protocol in which commercial atovaquone was replaced by compounded medication and PCR monitoring was initiated at 30 days after the end of treatment to decrease the total management time.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Forty‐two pit bull‐type dogs confiscated as part of an investigation of dogfighting, diagnosed with B. gibsoni infection, and judged to be suitable for adoption were treated with azithromycin (10 mg/kg PO q24h) and compounded atovaquone (13.4 mg/kg PO q8h with a fatty meal) for 10 days. PCR testing was repeated at 30 and 60 days after end of treatment if dogs with positive PCR tests at either time were tested at 90 days. Treatment was considered successful; 2 PCR tests 30 days apart were negative.

Results

Treatment was successful in 39 dogs (93%) as defined by 2 consecutive PCR‐negative test results 30 days apart. In 38 dogs (90%), PCR results were the same at 30 and 60 days.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Use of compounded atovaquone and a reduced monitoring period can reduce costs and holding times without compromising treatment efficacy. This more economical protocol can remove barriers to mass screening and management of B. gibsoni infections in dogfighting cases.
Selection on trait combinations along environmental gradients
Authors: Dwyer John M. , Laughlin Daniel C.
Published: June 2017

Plant species are sorted into communities along environmental gradients. In this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, Schellenberger Costa et al. report how the means and dispersion of community trait distributions change with temperature, precipitation, soil nutrients and anthropogenic disturbance. We highlight the value of existing trait metrics for understanding habitat filtering and describe a new approach using trait covariance.
Primordial‐like enzymes from bacteria with reduced genomes
Authors: Ferla Matteo P. , Brewster Jodi L. , Hall Kelsi R. , Evans Gary B. , Patrick Wayne M.
Published: June 2017

The first cells probably possessed rudimentary metabolic networks, built using a handful of multifunctional enzymes. The promiscuous activities of modern enzymes are often assumed to be relics of this primordial era; however, by definition these activities are no longer physiological. There are many fewer examples of enzymes using a single active site to catalyze multiple physiologically‐relevant reactions. Previously, we characterized the promiscuous alanine racemase (ALR) activity of Escherichia coli cystathionine β‐lyase (CBL). Now we have discovered that several bacteria with reduced genomes lack alr, but contain metC (encoding CBL). We characterized the CBL enzymes from three of these: Pelagibacter ubique, the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Drosophila melanogaster (wMel) and Thermotoga maritima. Each is a multifunctional CBL/ALR. However, we also show that CBL activity is no longer required in these bacteria. Instead, the wMel and T. maritima enzymes are physiologically bi‐functional alanine/glutamate racemases. They are not highly active, but they are clearly sufficient. Given the abundance of the microorganisms using them, we suggest that much of the planet's biochemistry is carried out by enzymes that are quite different from the highly‐active exemplars usually found in textbooks. Instead, primordial‐like enzymes may be an essential part of the adaptive strategy associated with streamlining.
Variation in host preferences of malaria mosquitoes is mediated by skin bacterial volatiles
Authors: BUSULA A. O. , TAKKEN W. , DE BOER J. G. , MUKABANA W. R. , VERHULST N. O.
Published: June 2017

The host preferences of the anthropophilic mosquito species in the Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera: Culicidae) are mediated by skin bacterial volatiles. However, it is not known whether these mosquitoes respond differentially to skin bacterial volatiles from non‐human host species. In this study, the responses of two malaria mosquito species in the An. gambiae complex, Anopheles gambiae s.s. (hereafter, An. gambiae) and Anopheles arabiensis, with different host preferences, to volatiles released from skin bacteria were tested. Skin bacteria collected from human, cow and chicken skin significantly increased trap catches; traps containing bacteria collected from human skin caught the highest proportions of An. gambiae and An. arabiensis. Traps with bacteria of human origin caught a significantly higher proportion of An. gambiae than of An. arabiensis, whereas bacterial volatiles from the chicken attracted significantly higher numbers of An. arabiensis than of An. gambiae. Additionally, An. gambiae showed a specialized response to volatiles from four specific bacteria, whereas An. arabiensis responded equally to all species of bacteria tested. Skin bacterial volatiles may therefore play important roles in guiding mosquitoes with different host preferences. The identification of these bacterial volatiles can contribute to the development of an odour blend that attracts mosquitoes with different host preferences.
Modulation of tumor microenvironment by chemopreventive natural products
Authors: Park Sin‐Aye , Surh Young‐Joon
Published: June 2017

The tumor microenvironment provides a niche in which cancer cells and their surrounding stromal cells reside and in which their interactions occur. The cross talk between cancer and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment promotes many biological processes to support cancer cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Recently, not only cancer cells but also multiple types of surrounding stromal cells, including endothelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment, have been recognized to be attractive targets for reducing resistance to anticancer therapy and tumor recurrence. Many natural products present in fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and some marine organisms have been reported to inhibit, delay, or reverse multistage carcinogenesis and to inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells and the self‐renewal capacity of preexisting cancer stem‐like cells. Some of these naturally occurring chemopreventive and anticarcinogenic substances can modulate the signal transduction involved in maintaining the activities/functions of stromal cells and their interactions with cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment.
The Impact of Health on Labour Force Participation in South Africa
Authors: Nwosu Chijioke O. , Woolard Ingrid
Published: June 2017

This paper estimates the effect of self‐assessed health (SAH) on labour force participation (LFP) in South Africa. This is motivated by a high disease burden and declining LFP in South Africa during the study period. Data is sourced from the four waves of the National Income Dynamics Study. The results indicate a positive and significant effect of self‐reporting excellent, very good or good health on LFP (relative to fair or poor health). The effect is more pronounced for men relative to women. The result indicates that health policy can be a tool for significantly improving LFP in South Africa.
New Dancing Couple: PD‐L1 and MicroRNA
Authors: Grenda A. , Krawczyk P.
Published: June 2017

Lung cancer (LC) is the most common cause of cancer death in the world. A great challenge in treating NSCLC is the discovery of advanced, molecular tools to diagnose the disease in early stages as well as the development of immunotherapy. MicroRNAs are regulatory molecules (~20 nt in length) with the ability to regulate the expression of genes. The recently described PD‐1 and PD‐L1 molecules have great importance for potential use in immunotherapy of many cancers. These molecules are associated with immune checkpoints and provide an opportunity for the treatment of advanced NSCLC patients with synthetic monoclonal antibodies. PD‐L1 expression is strictly associated with microRNA function in lung cancer cells. The group of microRNAs related to PD‐L1 includes, among others, miR‐200, miR‐197 or miRNA‐34. Expression of these molecules may be useful in lung cancer diagnosis, qualification to anti‐PD‐1 or anti‐PD‐L1 antibody therapy and could be a potential therapeutic target. However, studies on PD‐L1‐related microRNAs are necessary to develop advanced targeted molecular therapies.
Acoustic performance of gratings of cylindrical voids in a soft elastic medium with a steel backing
Authors: Sharma Gyani Shankar , Skvortsov Alex , MacGillivray Ian , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: June 2017

An approximate analytical model is presented to investigate sound transmission, reflection and absorption of a rubber-like medium comprising a single layer of periodic cylindrical voids attached to a steel backing. The layer of voids is modelled as a homogeneous medium with effective material and geometric properties. A numerical model based on the finite element method is developed to validate results from the homogenization model, as well as to show further insights into the physical mechanisms associated with the system acoustic performance. Monopole resonance of the voids is shown to reduce sound transmission through the voided medium due to increased reflection, resulting in poor sound absorption around this frequency. Peaks of high sound absorption are attributed to Fabry–Pérot resonance with the frequency of the first peak derivable by a lumped spring-mass analogy. Sound absorption for a single layer of voids in a soft elastic medium with a steel backing is shown to be similar to the sound absorption in the same elastic medium but without the steel backing, for a single layer of voids and its mirror image in the direction of sound propagation.
Protein Malnutrition Alters Tryptophan and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Homeostasis and Adaptive Immune Responses in Human Rotavirus-Infected Gnotobiotic Pigs with Human Infant Fecal Microbiota Transplant
Authors: Fischer David D. , Kandasamy Sukumar , Paim Francine C. , Langel Stephanie N. , Alhamo Moyasar A. , Shao Lulu , Chepngeno Juliet , Miyazaki Ayako , Huang Huang-Chi , Kumar Anand , Rajashekara Gireesh , Saif Linda J. , Vlasova Anastasia N.
Published: June 2017

Malnutrition leads to increased morbidity and is evident in almost half of all deaths in children under the age of 5 years. Mortality due to rotavirus diarrhea is common in developing countries where malnutrition is prevalent; however, the relationship between malnutrition and rotavirus infection remains unclear. In this study, gnotobiotic pigs transplanted with the fecal microbiota of a healthy 2-month-old infant were fed protein-sufficient or -deficient diets and infected with virulent human rotavirus (HRV). After human rotavirus infection, protein-deficient pigs had decreased human rotavirus antibody titers and total IgA concentrations, systemic T helper (CD3+CD4+) and cytotoxic T (CD3+CD8+) lymphocyte frequencies, and serum tryptophan and angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2. Additionally, deficient-diet pigs had impaired tryptophan catabolism postinfection compared with sufficient-diet pigs. Tryptophan supplementation was tested as an intervention in additional groups of fecal microbiota-transplanted, rotavirus-infected, sufficient- and deficient-diet pigs. Tryptophan supplementation increased the frequencies of regulatory (CD4+or CD8+CD25+FoxP3+) T cells in pigs on both the sufficient and the deficient diets. These results suggest that a protein-deficient diet impairs activation of the adaptive immune response following HRV infection and alters tryptophan homeostasis.
Validation of a New Web Application for Identification of Fungi by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Normand A. C. , Becker P. , Gabriel F. , Cassagne C. , Accoceberry I. , Gari-Toussaint M. , Hasseine L. , De Geyter D. , Pierard D. , Surmont I. , Djenad F. , Donnadieu J. L. , Piarroux M. , Ranque S. , Hendrickx M. , Piarroux R.
Published: June 2017

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry has emerged as a reliable technique to identify molds involved in human diseases, including dermatophytes, provided that exhaustive reference databases are available. This study assessed an online identification application based on original algorithms and an extensive in-house reference database comprising 11,851 spectra (938 fungal species and 246 fungal genera). Validation criteria were established using an initial panel of 422 molds, including dermatophytes, previously identified via DNA sequencing (126 species). The application was further assessed using a separate panel of 501 cultured clinical isolates (88 mold taxa including dermatophytes) derived from five hospital laboratories. A total of 438 (87.35%) isolates were correctly identified at the species level, while 26 (5.22%) were assigned to the correct genus but the wrong species and 37 (7.43%) were not identified, since the defined threshold of 20 was not reached. The use of the Bruker Daltonics database included in the MALDI Biotyper software resulted in a much higher rate of unidentified isolates (39.76 and 74.30% using the score thresholds 1.7 and 2.0, respectively). Moreover, the identification delay of the online application remained compatible with real-time online queries (0.15 s per spectrum), and the application was faster than identifications using the MALDI Biotyper software. This is the first study to assess an online identification system based on MALDI-TOF spectrum analysis. We have successfully applied this approach to identify molds, including dermatophytes, for which diversity is insufficiently represented in commercial databases. This free-access application is available to medical mycologists to improve fungal identification.
Structural Mimicry of the Dengue Virus Envelope Glycoprotein Revealed by the Crystallographic Study of an Idiotype–Anti-idiotype Fab Complex
Authors: Wong Yee Hwa , Goh Boon Chong , Lim She Yah , Teo En Wei , Lim Angeline P. C. , Dedon Pete C. , Hanson Brendon J. , MacAry Paul A. , Lescar Julien
Published: June 2017

A detailed understanding of the fine specificity of serotype-specific human antibodies is vital for the development and evaluation of new vaccines for pathogenic flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus. In this study, we thoroughly characterize the structural footprint of an anti-idiotype antibody (E1) specific for a potent, fully human DENV serotype 1-specific antibody, termed HM14c10, derived from a recovered patient. The crystal structure at a resolution of 2.5 Å of a complex between the Fab fragments of E1 and HM14c10 provides the first detailed molecular comparison of an anti-idiotype paratope specific for a human antibody with its analogous epitope, a discontinuous quaternary structure located at the surface of the viral particle that spans adjacent envelope (E) proteins. This comparison reveals that the footprints left by E1 and E on HM14c10 largely overlap, explaining why the formation of binary complexes is mutually exclusive. Structural mimicry of the DENV E epitope by the E1 combining site is achieved via the formation of numerous interactions with heavy chain complementarity domain regions (CDRs) of HM14c10, while fewer interactions are observed with its light chain than for the E protein. We show that E1 can be utilized to detect HM14c10-like antibodies in sera from patients who recovered from DENV-1, infection suggesting that this is a public (common) idiotype. These data demonstrate the utility of employing an anti-idiotype antibody to monitor a patient's specific immune responses and suggest routes for the improvement of E “mimicry” by E1 by increasing its recognition of the Fab HM14c10 light chain CDRs.

IMPORTANCE
A chimeric yellow fever-dengue live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine is now being marketed. Dengue remains a significant public health problem, because protection conferred by this vaccine against the four circulating serotypes is uneven. Reliable tools must be developed to measure the immune responses of individuals exposed to DENV either via viral infection or through vaccination. Anti-idiotypic antibodies provide precision tools for analyzing the pharmacokinetics of antibodies in an immune response and also for measuring the amount of circulating anti-infective therapeutic antibodies. Here, we characterize how an anti-idiotypic antibody (E1) binds antibody HM14c10, which potently neutralizes DENV serotype 1. We report the crystal structure at a resolution of 2.5 Å of a complex between the Fab fragments of E1 and HM14c10 and provide the first detailed molecular comparison between the anti-idiotype surface and its analogous epitope located at the surface of the dengue virus particle.
Detecting optic nerve head swelling on ultrasound and optical coherence tomography in children and young people: an observational study
Authors: Dahlmann-Noor Annegret Hella , Adams Gillian W , Daniel Moritz Claudius , Davis Alison , Hancox Joanne , Hingorani Melanie , Ibanez Patricia , McPhee Becky , Patel Himanshu , Restori Marie , Roberts Clare , Theodorou Maria , Acheson James
Published: June 2017

Background

Following high-profile cases, referrals for evaluation of ‘suspicious optic discs’ to eye clinics in the UK have sharply increased, asking ophthalmologists to reliably distinguish between true and pseudopapilloedema. Optic nerve sheath dilatation (ONSD) on ocular ultrasound (US) is considered a reliable sign of true papilloedema, but this test is not widely available. Recently, anterior bowing of Bruch’s membrane (BM) and increased retinal nerve fibre layer thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT) have emerged as indicators of intracranial hypertension, and OCT is widely available. We aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of the diagnostic workup in our service, with particular emphasis of diagnostic reliability of US and OCT.

Methods

Retrospective service evaluation/cohort study of children and young people younger than 16 years investigated for ‘suspicious discs’ over a 7-month period in 2016 at a single eye care provider in London, UK. 61 children and young people underwent clinical assessment, US scan and OCT.

Results

Of 61 cases, 3 had intracranial pathology. At presentation, only one had ONSD on US and anterior bowing of BM on OCT. Increased nerve fibre layer thickness in at least one of three relevant sectors was observed in two cases. All three cases of intracranial pathology, however, had significant points in their presenting or medical history.

Conclusion

Ophthalmologists and optometrists must not rely on funduscopy and ocular imaging when assessing a child for possible intracranial disease; history and basic neurological assessment are critical in the diagnostic workup.
Interventions for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission: protocol of an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Wariki Windy Mariane Virenia , Ota Erika , Mori Rintaro , Wiysonge Charles S , Horvath Hacsi , Read Jennifer S
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Various interventions to prevent mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV have been investigated and implemented. A number of systematic reviews assessing the efficacy of interventions for the prevention of MTCT of HIV reported antiretroviral prophylaxis, caesarean section before labour and before ruptured membranes, and complete avoidance of breastfeeding were efficacious for preventing MTCT of HIV. Recent WHO guidelines recommend lifelong antiretroviral therapy for all pregnant women for treatment of the woman’s own HIV infection and for prevention of MTCT of HIV. Therefore, the objective of this overview is to evaluate the currently available systematic reviews of interventions for preventing MTCT of HIV, and to identify the current best evidence-based interventions for reducing the risk of MTCT of HIV.

Methods and analysis

We will include only peer-reviewed systematic reviews of randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of interventions for preventing MTCT of HIV that target both HIV-infected women and children aged 2 years and younger born to HIV-infected women. We will search the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE. We will assess review eligibility, the methodological quality of included systematic reviews using A Measurement Tool to Assess The Systematic Reviews and will extract data, comparing our results and resolving discrepancies by consensus. Finally, we will independently assess the certainty of the evidence using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal and present at conferences, which will inform future research and will be useful for healthcare managers, administrators and policymakers to guide resource allocation decisions and optimisation of interventions to prevent the MTCT of HIV.
Some properties of Grauert type surfaces
Authors: Mongodi Samuele , Slodkowski Zbigniew , Tomassini Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

In a previous work, we classified weakly complete surfaces which admit a real analytic plurisubharmonic exhaustion function; we showed that, if they are not proper over a Stein space, then they admit a pluriharmonic function, with compact Levi-flat level sets foliated with dense complex leaves. We called these Grauert type surfaces. In this note, we investigate some properties of these surfaces. Namely, we prove that the only compact curves that can be contained in them are negative in the sense of Grauert and that the level sets of the pluriharmonic function are connected, thus completing the analogy with the Cartan–Remmert reduction of a holomorphically convex space. Moreover, in our classification theorem, we had to pass to a double cover to produce the pluriharmonic function; the last part of the present paper is devoted to the construction of an example where passing to a double cover cannot be avoided.
On non-invariant hypersurfaces of a nearly hyperbolic Sasakian manifold
Authors: Ahmad Mobin , Ahmad Khan Shadab , Khan Toukeer
Published: June 2017

We consider a nearly hyperbolic Sasakian manifold equipped with [Formula: see text]-structure and study non-invariant hypersurface of a nearly hyperbolic Sasakian manifold equipped with [Formula: see text]-structure. We obtain some properties of nearly hyperbolic Sasakian manifold equipped with [Formula: see text]-structure. Further, we find the necessary and sufficient conditions for totally umbilical non-invariant hypersurface with [Formula: see text]-structure of nearly hyperbolic Sasakian manifold to be totally geodesic. We also calculate the second fundamental form of a non-invariant hypersurface of a nearly hyperbolic Sasakian manifold with [Formula: see text]-structure under the condition when f is parallel.
Lipopolysaccharide downregulates macrophage-derived IL-22 to modulate alcohol-induced hepatocyte cell death
Authors: Liu Yaming , Verma Vikas K. , Malhi Harmeet , Gores Greg J. , Kamath Patrick S. , Sanyal Arun , Chalasani Naga , Gao Bin , Shah Vijay H.
Published: June 2017

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a Th17 cell hepatoprotective cytokine that is undergoing clinical trials to treat patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation of macrophage is implicated in hepatocyte cell death and pathogenesis of AH. The role of IL-22 production from macrophage, its regulation by LPS, and effects on alcohol-induced hepatocyte cell death are unexplored and were examined in this study. Low levels of IL-22 mRNA/protein were detected in macrophage but were significantly upregulated by 6.5-fold in response to the tissue reparative cytokine IL-10. Conversely, LPS significantly decreased IL-22 mRNA levels in a temporal and concentration-dependent manner with a maximum reduction of 5-fold. LPS downregulation of IL-22 mRNA levels was rescued in the presence of a pharmacological inhibitor of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and by JNK knockdown. Next, we explored whether macrophage-derived IL-22 regulated ethanol-induced hepatocyte death. Conditioned media from IL-10-stimulated macrophages attenuated ethanol-induced hepatocyte caspase-3/7 activity, and apoptosis as assessed by fluorometric assay and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. This effect was diminished in conditioned media from macrophages with IL-22 knockdown. Cytokine analysis in sera samples of patients with AH revealed that IL-22 levels were significantly elevated compared with healthy controls and heavy-drinking controls, implying a state of IL-22 resistance in human AH. Macrophage-derived IL-22 protects hepatocytes from ethanol-induced cell death. IL-22 downregulation is a new regulatory target of LPS in the pathogenesis of AH.
Quantum Cosmology of Quadratic f(R) Theories with a FRW Metric
Authors: Vázquez-Báez V. , Ramírez C.
Published: June 2017

We study the quantum cosmology of a quadratic fR theory with a FRW metric, via one of its equivalent Horndeski type actions, where the dynamic of the scalar field is induced. The classical equations of motion and the Wheeler-DeWitt equation, in their exact versions, are solved numerically. There is a free parameter in the action from which two cases follow: inflation + exit and inflation alone. The numerical solution of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation depends strongly on the boundary conditions, which can be chosen so that the resulting wave function of the universe is normalizable and consistent with Hermitian operators.
Modulatory Effect of Monochromatic Blue Light on Heat Stress Response in Commercial Broilers
Authors: Abdo Safaa E. , El-Kassas Seham , El-Nahas Abeer F. , Mahmoud Shawky
Published: June 2017

In a novel approach, monochromatic blue light was used to investigate its modulatory effect on heat stress biomarkers in two commercial broiler strains (Ross 308 and Cobb 500). At 21 days old, birds were divided into four groups including one group housed in white light, a second group exposed to blue light, a 3rd group exposed to white light + heat stress, and a 4th group exposed to blue light + heat stress. Heat treatment at 33°C lasted for five h for four successive days. Exposure to blue light during heat stress reduced MDA concentration and enhanced SOD and CAT enzyme activities as well as modulated their gene expression. Blue light also reduced the degenerative changes that occurred in the liver tissue as a result of heat stress. It regulated, though variably, liver HSP70, HSP90, HSF1, and HSF3 gene expression among Ross and Cobb chickens. Moreover, the Cobb strain showed better performance than Ross manifested by a significant reduction of rectal temperature in the case of H + B. Furthermore, a significant linear relationship was found between the lowered rectal temperature and the expression of all HSP genes. Generally, the performance of both strains by most assessed parameters under heat stress is improved when using blue light.
Reactive Oxygen Species‐Mediated Mechanisms of Action of Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Teppo Hanna-Riikka , Soini Ylermi , Karihtala Peeter
Published: June 2017

Targeted cancer therapies, involving tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, for example, have recently led to substantial prolongation of survival in many metastatic cancers. Compared with traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, where reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been directly linked to the mediation of cytotoxic effects and adverse events, the field of oxidative stress regulation is still emerging in targeted cancer therapies. Here, we provide a comprehensive review regarding the current evidence of ROS‐mediated effects of antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, use of which has been indicated in the treatment of solid malignancies and lymphomas. It can be concluded that there is rapidly emerging evidence of ROS‐mediated effects of some of these compounds, which is also relevant in the context of drug resistance and how to overcome it.
Antioxidant System Response and cDNA-SCoT Marker Profiling inPhoenix dactyliferaL. Plant under Salinity Stress
Authors: Al-Qurainy Fahad , Khan Salim , Nadeem Mohammad , Tarroum Mohamed , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z.
Published: June 2017

ManyPhoenix dactylifera(date palm) cultivars are grown in the arid and semiarid regions of the world, including Saudi Arabia.P. dactyliferais highly tolerant to salinity stress. To investigate the response of Khalas cultivar ofP. dactylifera, two-month-old plants were treated with sodium chloride (50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) for three months. Our result showed that proline content was higher in all treated plants compared to control plants. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were increased at 100 and 150 mM NaCl treatments; however, the result was found nonsignificant between control and plants treated at 50 mM NaCl. Similarly, enzyme activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were 0.805 and 0.722 U/mg protein/min, respectively, and were greater at 100 and 150 mM NaCl treatments compared to the control plants. Total chlorophyll content and fresh weight of shoots and roots decreased substantially with the increase of salinity. A cDNA start codon-targeted (cDNA-SCoT) marker showed a variation in different gene expressions profiling between treated and untreated plants under various NaCl concentrations.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Citral on Acetaminophen‐Induced Liver Toxicity in Mice
Authors: Uchida Nancy Sayuri , Silva-Filho Saulo Euclides , Cardia Gabriel Fernando Esteves , Cremer Edivaldo , Silva-Comar Francielli Maria de Souza , Silva Expedito Leite , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida , Cuman Roberto Kenji Nakamura
Published: June 2017

High doses of acetaminophen (APAP) lead to acute liver damage. In this study, we evaluated the effects of citral in a murine model of hepatotoxicity induced by APAP. The liver function markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γGT) were determined to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of citral. The livers were used to determine myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production and in histological analysis. The effect of citral on leukocyte migration and antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro. Citral pretreatment decreased significantly the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and γGT, MPO activity, and NO production. The histopathological analysis showed an improvement of hepatic lesions in mice after citral pretreatment. Citral inhibited neutrophil migration and exhibited antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that citral protects the liver against liver toxicity induced by APAP.
A Brief Review on the Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Peptides Revealed in Mud Crabs from the Genus of Scylla
Authors: Wan Yusof Wan Roslina , Badruddin Ahmad Fasihuddin , Swamy Mummedy
Published: June 2017

Mud crab from the genus Scylla is also known as mangrove crab, which has been well-accepted as a good source of protein. Recently, the antioxidant properties present in mud crabs have been reported to have a part in the protection of cells against free radicals. Meanwhile, numerous antimicrobial peptides from mud crabs have managed to be characterized through the display of antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Hence, this paper is an effort to collect recent literatures on antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in every part of mud crabs which include muscle tissue, hemolymph, and crab shell. Moreover, the effort to understand the biological properties of mud crabs is important to enhance its production in aquaculture industry. Therefore, this review hoped to attract the attention of natural product researchers to focus on the potential therapeutic applications of mud crabs.
Serum Concentrations of Betatrophin and Its Association with Indirect Indices of Insulin Resistance and Beta Cell Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Adamska Agnieszka , Łebkowska Agnieszka , Jacewicz Małgorzata , Krentowska Anna , Hryniewicka Justyna , Wołczyński Sławomir , Górska Maria , Kowalska Irina
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Data underline the role of betatrophin in glucose homeostasis. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by insulin resistance (IR). The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship of serum betatrophin concentrations with indirect indices of IR and insulin secretion in women with PCOS, compared to the control group. Methods. The study group comprised 43 women with PCOS and 16 controls. IR was assessed by HOMA-IR and Matsuda index. Insulin secretion was evaluated with HOMA-B. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with estimation of serum betatrophin concentrations was performed. Results. Glucose load resulted in an increase in serum betatrophin concentrations in the control group (p=0.02). Serum betatrophin concentrations at 120 min of OGTT were lower in women with PCOS than in the control group (p=0.02). We observed positive correlations between baseline serum betatrophin concentrations and HOMA-IR (r=0.39, p=0.008), negative correlations with Matsuda index (r=−0.31, p=0.004), and a positive relationship with HOMA-B (r=0.38, p=0.01) in women with PCOS. Multiple regression analysis revealed that HOMA-B (β=0.47, p=0.001) was an independent factor connected to serum betatrophin levels in PCOS. Conclusions. Serum concentrations of betatrophin are connected with insulin resistance and beta cell function and did not change after glucose load in women with PCOS.
Personalized Recommendation via Suppressing Excessive Diffusion
Authors: Chen Guilin , Zhu Xuzhen , Yang Zhao , Tian Hui
Published: June 2017

Efficient recommendation algorithms are fundamental to solve the problem of information overload in modern society. In physical dynamics, mass diffusion is a powerful tool to alleviate the long‐standing problems of recommendation systems. However, popularity bias and redundant similarity have not been adequately studied in the literature, which are essentially caused by excessive diffusion and will lead to similarity estimation deviation and recommendation performance degradation. In this paper, we penalize the popular objects by appropriately dividing the popularity of objects and then leverage the second‐order similarity to suppress excessive diffusion. Evaluation on three real benchmark datasets (MovieLens, Amazon, and RYM) by 10‐fold cross‐validation demonstrates that our method outperforms the mainstream baselines in accuracy, diversity, and novelty.
Characterization of Native and Graft Copolymerized Albizia Gums and Their Application as a Flocculant
Authors: Afolabi T. Adeniyi , Adekanmi Daniel G.
Published: June 2017

The functional properties and flocculation efficiency of purified Albizia saman (AS) and Albizia glaberrima (AG) gum exudates modified by graft copolymerization with acrylamide were investigated. The grafting efficiency of AS and AG was 54 and 58%, respectively. The cold water-insoluble gel of native AS and AG was 38.23 and 35.55%, which increased to 39.75 and 40.55% after graft copolymerization. Graft copolymerization of AS and AG gums reduced their oil binding and emulsion capacity from 4.89 and 3.44% to 3.69 and 2.40%, respectively. The dissolution kinetics of the native gums between 40 and 90°C and 0 and 150 min revealed a steady increase in solubility of the native gums from 6.05 to 9.53 g/L (AS) and 5.90 to 8.78 g/L (AG). The flocculation efficiency of the native AS and AG gums at 50 ppm concentration was 74.30 and 74.73%, which increased to 98.46% and 98.29% in the graft copolymerized gums, respectively.
Current Status and Future Perspective of Stenting for Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Zhong-Hao , Zhou Zhen-Hua , Zhu Xian-Jin , Liu Wei , Chen Ya-Wen , Chen Zi-Yao , Liu Zun-Jing
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) by conducting a meta-analysis. Two independent observers searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies up to 31 December 2016. A meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Three studies involving 581 cases were included. The meta-analysis indicated that any stroke (RR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.80–5.42), ischemic stroke (RR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.19–3.89), and intracranial hemorrhage (RR = 14.71; 95% CI: 1.96–110.48) within 30 days in medical therapy alone were lower compared with PTAS plus medical therapy, but there were no significant differences in any stroke and ischemic stroke beyond 30 days between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in any death and myocardial infarction between the two groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that, compared with medical therapy alone, PTAS for ICAD had a high risk of complication, but most complications in PTAS group occurred within 30 days after the operation, and beyond 30 days the PTAS was not inferior compared with medical therapy alone. Further studies are needed to reduce the periprocedural complications and reappraise the PTAS.
Lower Extremity Abscess Formation in Premature Infants due to Routine Infant Vaccinations
Authors: Sun Yuhang , Mundluru Surya N. , Chu Alice
Published: June 2017

Since the introduction of vaccines, the impact of vaccinations has been immeasurable. Under the current immunization guidelines, infants receive the first of their routine infant vaccinations at 2 months of age. While the benefits of routine infant vaccinations in premature infants have been demonstrated, there is relatively little data on the dosing of these vaccines in premature infants. The medical records of two premature infants who developed intramuscular abscesses after receiving their routine infant vaccinations were reviewed. Both patients developed pain in the area of the injection after receiving their vaccinations. Magnetic resonance imaging findings confirmed the formation of an abscess. No other causes of abscess formation were observed. Both patients required surgical intervention and were treated with a course of antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to suggest routine vaccinations as a potential cause of abscess formation in premature infants.
Enhanced Transmit-Antenna Selection Schemes for Multiuser Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Lee Byung-Jin , Ju Sang-Lim , Kim Nam-il , Kim Kyung-Seok
Published: June 2017

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are a core technology designed to achieve the performance objectives defined for 5G wireless communications. They achieve high spectral efficiency, reliability, and diversity gain. However, the many radio frequency chains required in base stations equipped with a high number of transmit antennas imply high hardware costs and computational complexity. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate the use of a transmit-antenna selection scheme, with which the number of required radio frequency chains in the base station can be reduced. This paper proposes two efficient transmit-antenna selection (TAS) schemes designed to consider a trade-off between performance and computational complexity in massive MIMO systems. The spectral efficiency and computational complexity of the proposed schemes are analyzed and compared with existing TAS schemes, showing that the proposed algorithms increase the TAS performance and can be used in practical systems. Additionally, the obtained results enable a better understanding of how TAS affects massive MIMO systems.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Natural Convection in an Annulus between a Hexagonal Cylinder and a Square Enclosure
Authors: El Moutaouakil L. , Zrikem Z. , Abdelbaki A.
Published: June 2017

Laminar natural convection in a water filled square enclosure containing at its center a horizontal hexagonal cylinder is studied by the lattice Boltzmann method. The hexagonal cylinder is heated while the walls of the cavity are maintained at the same cold temperature. Two orientations are treated, corresponding to two opposite sides of the hexagonal cross‐section which are horizontal (case I) or vertical (case II). For each case, the results are presented in terms of streamlines, isotherms, local and average convective heat transfers as a function of the dimensionless size of the hexagonal cylinder cross‐section (0.1 ≤ B ≤ 0.4), and the Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106).
Long-Term Safety of Transplanting Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells into the Extravascular Spaces of the Choroid of Rabbits
Authors: Tzameret Adi , Kalish Sapir E. , Sher Ifat , Twito Lea , Meir Amilia , Levy Itay , Margel Shlomo , Moroz Iris , Rosner Mordechai , Treves Avraham J. , Nagler Arnon , Belkin Michael , Rotenstreich Ygal
Published: June 2017

Incurable neuroretinal degeneration diseases cause severe vision loss and blindness in millions of patients worldwide. In previous studies, we demonstrated that transplanting human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) in the extravascular spaces of the choroid (EVSC) of the Royal College of Surgeon rats ameliorated retinal degeneration for up to 5 months. Assessing the safety of hBMSC treatment and graft survival in a large animal is a crucial step before initiating clinical trials. Here, we transplanted hBMSCs into the EVSC compartment of New Zealand White rabbits. No immunosuppressants were used. Transplanted cells were spread across the EVSC covering over 80 percent of the subretinal surface. No cells were detected in the sclera. Cells were retained in the EVSC compartment 10 weeks following transplantation. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and histopathology analysis demonstrated no choroidal hemorrhages, retinal detachment, inflammation, or any untoward pathological reactions in any of transplanted eyes or in the control noninjected contralateral eyes. No reduction in retinal function was recorded by electroretinogram up to 10 weeks following transplantation. This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of transplanting hBMSCs in the EVSC compartment in a large eye model of rabbits.
Evaluation of Sensibility Threshold for Interocclusal Thickness of Patients Wearing Complete Dentures
Authors: Shala Kujtim Sh. , Dula Linda J. , Pustina-Krasniqi Teuta , Bicaj Teuta , Ahmedi Enis F. , Lila-Krasniqi Zana , Tmava-Dragusha Arlinda
Published: June 2017

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness in experienced and nonexperienced denture wearers after the insertion of new complete dentures.Materials and Methods. A total of 88 patients with complete dentures have participated in this study. The research was divided into two experimental groups, compared with the previous experience prosthetic dental treatment. The sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness was measured with metal foil with 8 μm thickness and width of 8 mm, placed between the upper and lower incisor region. Statistical analysis was performed using standard software package BMDP (biomedical statistical package).Results. Results suggest that time of measurement affects the average values of the sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness (F= 242.68,p= 0.0000). Gender appeared to be a significant factor when it interacted with time measurement resulting in differences in sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness (gender:F= 9.84,p= 0.018;F= 4.83,p= 0.0003).Conclusion. The sensibility threshold for interocclusal thickness was the most important functional adaptation in patient with complete dentures. A unique trait of this indicator is the progressive reduction of initial values and a tendency to reestablish the stationary state in the fifteenth week after dentures is taken off.