bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Studies in Neuroscience: Lack of inhibitory synaptic plasticity in the substantia nigra pars reticulata of a patient with lithium-induced tremor
Authors: Milosevic Luka , Dallapiazza Robert F. , Munhoz Renato P. , Kalia Suneil K. , Popovic Milos R. , Hutchison William D.
Published: August 2019

Tremor is a well-known side effect from many psychiatric medications, including lithium and dopamine antagonists. In patients whose psychiatric symptoms are stabilized and only respond to certain medications, deep brain stimulation may offer relief of the consequent motor complications. We report the case of an elderly male with disabling tremor related to lithium therapy for bipolar affective disorder, who was subsequently treated with deep brain stimulation. In this patient, we obtained recordings from the substantia nigra pars reticulata and performed a high-frequency stimulation protocol that robustly elicits long-term potentiation (LTP)-like changes in patients with Parkinson’s disease. We hypothesized that in this patient, who did not have Parkinson’s disease, the levels of inhibitory plasticity would be much greater. However, we found an unanticipated lack of plasticity in the patient with lithium-induced tremor, compared with two de novo control patients with Parkinson’s disease. This patient was successfully treated with deep brain stimulation in the vicinity of the ventral oral posterior nucleus, an area of the thalamus that receives inputs from the basal ganglia. We postulate that the lithium-induced blockade of LTP may bring about motor complications such as tremor while simultaneously contributing to the therapeutic mechanism for treating the symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar affective disorder.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Use of a dual-microelectrode technique enabled us to compare long-term potentiation (LTP)-like changes in a patient with lithium-induced tremor to that of patients with Parkinson’s disease. This study corroborated the findings in rodent brain slices that chronic lithium treatment may block LTP. Whereas a deficit in LTP may underlie the therapeutic mechanism for treating psychiatric disorders such as bipolar affective disorder, it may simultaneously contribute to consequent appearance of tremor.
Animal models of developmental motor disorders: parallels to human motor dysfunction in cerebral palsy
Authors: Cavarsan Clarissa F. , Gorassini Monica A. , Quinlan Katharina A.
Published: August 2019

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in children. Much of the previous research on CP has focused on reducing the severity of brain injuries, whereas very few researchers have investigated the cause and amelioration of motor symptoms. This research focus has had an impact on the choice of animal models. Many of the commonly used animal models do not display a prominent CP-like motor phenotype. In general, rodent models show anatomically severe injuries in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to insults associated with CP, including hypoxia, ischemia, and neuroinflammation. Unfortunately, most rodent models do not display a prominent motor phenotype that includes the hallmarks of spasticity (muscle stiffness and hyperreflexia) and weakness. To study motor dysfunction related to developmental injuries, a larger animal model is needed, such as rabbit, pig, or nonhuman primate. In this work, we describe and compare various animal models of CP and their potential for translation to the human condition.
Correction of Vertical Smile Discrepancy through Ceramic Laminate Veneers and Surgical Crown Lengthening
Authors: Bernardon Paula , Lagustera Carlos Estevão , Manhães Junior Luiz Roberto Coutinho , de Castro Figuêiredo Bruno , Luize Danielle Shima , Pezzini Rolando Plumer , de Freitas George Borja , Junqueira José Luiz Cintra
Published: August 2019

In cases where malocclusion is associated with intrinsic discoloration and/or discrepancies in tooth size and shape, such as peg-shaped laterals, orthodontics alone may not improve the aesthetics. In these situations, veneers may be considered as an adjunct to orthodontic treatment to improve the overall aesthetics. The aim of this study is to report a clinical case where an uneven occlusal plane was corrected, and the positioning of gingival zeniths, color, shape, and size of the dental elements involved were improved by means of gingivectomy and rehabilitation with 10 ceramic laminate veneers. It was possible to conclude that multidisciplinary treatment, when properly planned and indicated, respecting the limits and established techniques of periodontics, prosthesis, and dentistry, makes small occlusal leveling predictable and possible through these tools.
Prevalence of Anti-JC Virus (JCV) Antibodies in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Population in Cyprus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lambrianides Sakis , Demetriou Christiana A. , Tillyris Andis , Kkolou Elena , Gaglia Eftychia , Agkastinioti Eleni , Leonidou Eleni , Christou Yiolanda-Panayiota , Papacostas Savvas S. , Kleopa Kleopas A. , Kyriakides Theodoros , Pantzaris Marios
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a debilitating disease of the central nervous system caused by the ubiquitous polyomavirus JC (JCV) in immunocompromised hosts. In recent years, a new subpopulation of patients at risk for PML has emerged, due to the growing use of immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapies in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The anti-JCV antibody index is used as a stratification tool in assessing the risk of developing PML. The objective of this study was to retrospectively describe the prevalence of anti-JCV antibodies in the MS population in Cyprus. Methods. We retrospectively collected the demographics of 214 MS patients in Cyprus who were screened for anti-JCV antibodies using the STRATIFY JCV™ assay between September 2011 and June 2018. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effect of demographic variables on seropositivity, and bivariate tests were used to assess the association between demographic characteristics and JCV AI index. Results. A total of 214 MS patients in Cyprus were tested. Overall anti-JCV antibody prevalence was 45.8% (95% confidence interval 37.2%–55.8%). We could not establish a significant association between seropositivity and increasing age or sex. In the subgroup analysis of natalizumab-treated patients, the annual seroconversion rate was 4.5%. Conclusions. Overall seroprevalence of anti-JCV antibodies in MS patients in Cyprus using the STRATIFY JCV assay was lower than the worldwide reported mean. Although previously reported, in our study, the anti-JCV antibody seropositivity was not associated with increasing age or sex.
The RNA-Binding Protein KSRP Modulates Cytokine Expression of CD4+T Cells
Authors: Käfer Rudolf , Schmidtke Lisa , Schrick Katharina , Montermann Evelyn , Bros Matthias , Kleinert Hartmut , Pautz Andrea
Published: August 2019

The KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) is a RNA-binding protein, which regulates the stability of many mRNAs encoding immune-relevant proteins. As KSRP regulates innate immune responses, for instance by the modulation of type I interferon mRNA stability, we were interested whether knockdown of the protein (KSRP-/-) interferes with T cell activation and polarization. Polyclonally stimulated KSRP-/-CD4+T cells proliferated at a higher extent and higher frequency and expressed the activation marker CD25 more than wild-type T cells. In supernatants of stimulated KSRP-/-CD4+T cells, levels of IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13 were observed to be increased compared to those of the control group. KSRP-/-CD8+T cells showed no altered proliferative capacity upon polyclonal stimulation, but supernatants contained lower levels of interferon-γ. Similar changes in the cytokine expression patterns were also detected in T cells derived from KSRP-/-mice undergoing arthritis induction indicative of a pathophysiological role of KSRP-dependent T cell polarization. We demonstrated the direct binding of KSRP to the 3′untranslated region of IL-13, IL-10, and IFN-γmRNA in in vitro experiments. Moreover, since IL-4 mRNA decay was reduced in KSRP-/-CD4+T cells, we identify KSRP as a negative regulator of IL-4 expression. These data indicate that overexpression of IL-4, which constitutes the primary inducer of Th2 polarization, may cause the Th2 bias of polyclonally stimulated KSRP-/-CD4+T cells. This is the first report demonstrating that KSRP is involved in the regulation of T cell responses. We present strong evidence that T cells derived from KSRP-/-mice favor Th2-driven immune responses.
A Rare Case of Supinator Intramuscular Myxoma with Encasement of the Posterior Interosseous Nerve
Authors: Lim Chiao Yee , Duski Suryasmi , Chye Ping Ching
Published: August 2019

Intramuscular myxomas are rare, benign mesenchymal tumors. Tumor location in the forearm is very rare among all the intramuscular myxomas. To the best of our knowledge, there were two cases of supinator intramuscular myxoma reported in the literature, and we intend to report the third case of supinator myxoma with encasement of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). A 67-year-old lady presented with history of left proximal forearm swelling for the past 5 years. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lobulated multiseptated lesion seen within left supinator muscle, which was hyperintense on T2-weighted images (T2WI) and hypointense on T1-weighted images (T1WI), with peripheral enhancement post contrast. The tissue diagnosis of myxoma was confirmed via an open biopsy. She underwent en bloc resection of the tumor. The PIN was encased by the tumor; it was preserved and carefully released from the tumor. The nerve sheath served as an excision margin. In conclusion, we present a rare case of an intramuscular myxoma in the supinator muscle. In view of the location, extra attention should be paid during excision surgery to locate the PIN and to avoid damaging the surrounding structures.
Mechanical Properties and Numerical Analyses of Basalt Fiber Crumb Rubber Mortars in Soft Rock Roadways
Authors: Qin Jun-Ling , Qiao Wei-Guo , Lin Deng-Ge , Zhang Shuai , Wang Ji-Yao
Published: August 2019

The strength of crumb rubber mortars can be improved by the addition of basalt fibers. However, limited studies have been conducted on basalt fiber crumb rubber mortars (BF‐CRM), and the constitutive model is still very immature. In this paper, uniaxial compressive stress‐strain curves are obtained for several groups of BF‐CRM specimens with different contents. By comparison with the GZH model, modified GZH parameters that can be used in a BF‐CRM constitutive model are obtained. Then, taking the support scheme of the main substation of a mine as the background, FLAC3D is used to simulate the roadway support, BF‐CRM replaces the ordinary mortars in the original support, and triaxial compression tests are performed at different confining pressures. In this way, the application of BF‐CRM in roadway support is studied and analyzed.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Findings in Patients Diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency by Low Fecal Elastase-1
Authors: Shobassy Mazen , Husainat Nedaa , Tabash Abdalaziz , Patel Kalpesh , El-Serag Hashem B. , Othman Mohamed O.
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims. Fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) as a screening test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is gaining popularity in clinical practice. The role of imaging in patients with FE-1-related suspicion of EPI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) findings for patients with low FE-1. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in 40 patients who had low FE-1 and underwent EUS to evaluate the pancreas. We obtained data on demographic and lifestyle factors, EUS findings, and histopathology results. We compared these variables between patients with FE‐1<100 mcg/g vs. 100-200 mcg/g. Results. Most patients (82.5%) established one or more new diagnoses from EUS. Diagnoses included: definitive chronic pancreatitis (n=29, 72.5%), fatty pancreas (n=9, 22.5%), and pancreatic solid mass or cyst (n=9, 22.5%). Half (n=4) of the solid or cystic lesions were neoplastic. All patients with a solid pancreatic mass also had concurrent chronic pancreatitis. There were no significant differences in EUS findings or demographic or lifestyle factors between groups with FE‐1<100 mcg/g vs. 100-200 mcg/g. Conclusion. Chronic pancreatitis is the most common EUS finding in patients with low FE-1 levels. EUS appears helpful in determining the cause of EPI in most patients with low FE-1 and may detect unsuspected pancreatic neoplasia.
Recent Advances in the Pharmacological Activities of Dioscin
Authors: Yang Longfei , Ren Shengnan , Xu Fei , Ma Zhiming , Liu Xin , Wang Lufei
Published: August 2019

Dioscin is a typical saponin with multiple pharmacological activities. The past few years have seen an emerging interest in and growing research on this pleiotropic saponin. Here, we review the emerging pharmacological activities reported recently, with foci on its antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and tissue-protective properties. The potential use of dioscin in therapies of diverse clinical disorders is also discussed.
Microscopy and Spectroscopy Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes Grown at Different Temperatures Using Cyclohexanol as Carbon Source
Authors: Ordoñez Casanova Elsa G. , Trejo Mandujano Héctor A. , Aguirre Manuel Román
Published: August 2019

We present the structural and spectroscopy characterization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown by the spray pyrolysis technique, using ferrocene as catalyzer and cyclohexanol as the carbon source, and synthetized in a temperature range of 750 to 1000°C. The structural morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The spectroscopy response was obtained by UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopy. We observed morphological changes and found that the product yield seems to increase with temperature. The optical characterization corroborated the presence of n – π∗ transitions and Van Hove singularities as result of possible electrical conductivity changes.
Understanding Acupoint Sensitization: A Narrative Review on Phenomena, Potential Mechanism, and Clinical Application
Authors: Tan Huijuan , Tumilty Steve , Chapple Cathy , Liu Lizhou , McDonough Suzanne , Yin Haiyan , Yu Shuguang , Baxter G. David
Published: August 2019

As part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupoints are considered a dynamic functional area, which can reflect the internal condition of the body. When the body is suffering from disease or injury, corresponding acupoints are believed to be activated and manifest in several sensitized forms, including expansion of the receptive field, pain sensitization, and heat sensitization. Such phenomena are believed to gradually disappear concomitantly with recovery from the disease. Acupoint states are therefore changeable according to health status, a phenomenon known as acupoint sensitization. This review aims to provide an overview of acupoint sensitization based on existing research results and determine priorities for future research. Systematic literature retrieval was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and AMED from inception to 18 July 2018. Current evidence from research findings to date indicate that acupoint sensitization is based on neurogenic inflammation and that stimulation of sensitized acupoints presents a potential trend of generating a better clinical effect when compared with stimulation of unsensitized points.
RIPK2-Mediated Autophagy and Negatively Regulated ROS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling in GMCs Stimulated with High Glucose
Authors: Gao Chenlin , Chen Jiao , Fan Fang , Long Yang , Tang Shi , Jiang Chunxia , Wang Jiying , Xu Youhua , Xu Yong
Published: August 2019

Background. Hyperglycemia plays a vital role in diabetic nephropathy (DN); autophagy and its potential upregulator receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) are associated with ROS, which play a potential role in regulating NLRP3, and may be involved in inflammation in DN. Aim. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanisms mediated by RIPK2 in autophagy and the relationship with ROS-NLRP3 of DN, by investigating the levels of RIPK2 and autophagy in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) stimulated with high glucose. Material and Methods. GMCs were divided into the following groups: normal group (NC), high glucose group (HG), and RIPK2 siRNA group. RIPK2, LC3, caspase1, and IL-1β levels were measured by western blotting and RT-PCR. Autophagosomes were measured by GFP-RFP-LC3; ROS were detected by DCFH-DA. Results. High glucose upregulated RIPK2 and LC3 in GMCs during short periods (0-12 h) (p<0.01), while RIPK2 and LC3 were significantly downregulated in the long term (12-72 h) (p<0.01); these changes were positively correlated with glucose concentration (p<0.01). In addition, levels of ROS, caspase1, and IL-1β increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the high glucose group, even with an increased expression of LC3 (p<0.01). However, LC3 expression decreased in the siRIPK2 group, while levels of ROS, caspase1, and IL-1β increased (p<0.01). Conclusions. Autophagy was activated by high glucose at short time periods but was inhibited in the long term, demonstrating a dual role for high glucose in autophagy of GMCs. RIPK2 regulates ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling through autophagy and may be involved in the pathogenesis of DN.
Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Drug Delivery of Chitosan-Silica Hybrid Microspheres for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Niu Niu , Teng Shu-Hua , Zhou Hua-Jian , Qian Hai-Sheng
Published: August 2019

Chitosan-silica (CS-SiO2) hybrid microspheres were prepared through the combined process of sol-gel and emulsification-crosslinking. Their composition, morphology, in vitro bioactivity, and drug release behavior were investigated. The results showed that, when 20 wt% SiO2 was incorporated, the as-prepared CS-SiO2 hybrid microspheres exhibited a regular spherical shape, a high dispersity, and a uniform microstructure. Their average particle diameter was determined to be about 24.0 μm. The in situ deposited inorganic phase of the hybrid microspheres was identified as amorphous SiO2, and its actual content was determined by the TG analysis. As compared with the pure chitosan microspheres, the CS-SiO2 hybrid microspheres displayed a greatly improved in vitro bioactivity. Vancomycin hydrochloride (VH) was selected as a model drug. It was demonstrated that the CS-SiO2 hybrid microspheres presented a good capacity for both loading and sustained release of VH. Moreover, the increase of the SiO2 content efficiently slowed down the drug release rate of the CS-SiO2 hybrid microspheres.
Evaluation of Male Fertility-Enhancing Activities of Water Seed Extract of Hunteria umbellata in Wistar Rats
Authors: Adeneye Adejuwon Adewale , Olagunju Joseph Abayomi , Murtala Babatunde Adekunle
Published: August 2019

Background. In this study, the male fertility-enhancing activity of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day of Hunteria umbellata water seed extract (HU) in Wistar rats was studied for 60 days. In doing this, effect of repeated doses of HU was studied on the weight gain pattern, gonadosomatic index (GSI), serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (TS), prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (ES)} as well as testicular antioxidant status of the treated rats as a way of elucidating the mechanism(s) of action of HU. Method. Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (I-VI) of six rats per group. Group I rats were gavaged with 10 ml/kg/day of distilled water and served as an untreated control; Group II rats were gavaged with 0.3 mg/kg/day of clomiphene in distilled water; Groups III-V rats received 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day of HU, respectively, and Group VI rats received 20 mg/kg/day of Vitamin C all in distilled water. All treatments were for 60 days after which the treated rats were humanely sacrificed. Sera of blood samples were processed for the above stated hormonal profile. Similarly, testicular tissues obtained were processed for semen analysis and complete antioxidant profile of the HU-treated testicles by assaying for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and Thiobarbituric Reactive Species (TBARS). Results. Prolonged treatments with 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day of HU for 60 days induced dose dependent reductions in weight gain pattern with the most significant (p<0.001) effect recorded with the highest dose of HU. Conversely, significant (p<0.001) increase was recorded for GSI at the same HU dose. Clomiphene and HU also induced significant (p<0.01, p<0.001) dose dependent increases in the total sperm count, %live sperm, but reverse effects on %dead sperm and %abnormal sperm. On the hormonal profile, oral treatment with 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day of the extract induced profound (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001) dose related increases in the sera TS, LH, and FSH while it caused reverse effect on serum PRL but caused no significant alterations in the serum ES levels. Similarly, oral treatment with vitamin C and 100-400 mg/kg/day of HU induced profound (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001) increases in the antioxidant enzyme activities. Conclusion. Overall, prolonged oral treatment with 100-400 mg/kg body weight of HU for 60 days significantly improved sperm function which was mediated via enhanced spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, and antioxidant mechanisms.
Effects of Xuesaitong on the Pharmacokinetics of Losartan: An In Vivo UPLC-MS/MS Study
Authors: Ma Weina , Lv Lei , Guo Jungang , Meng Yongjun , Wang Yinghua , Yang Xiaoliang , Zhu Lijun , Nian Hua , Zhao Liang
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to examine whether Xuesaitong, a multiherbal formulation for coronary heart disease, alters the pharmacokinetics of losartan. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats randomly received losartan (10 mg/kg) or losartan plus Xuesaitong (10 mg/kg) through an oral gavage (n = 6). Multiple blood samples were obtained for up to 36 h to determine the concentrations of losartan and its active metabolite, EXP3174, through ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Pharmacokinetics were estimated using a noncompartmental model. The half-life (t1/2) of losartan was decreased by Xuesaitong (4.26 ± 1.51 vs. 6.35 ± 2.10 h; P<0.05). The apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of losartan was also decreased by the combination of losartan and Xuesaitong (4.41 ± 1.61 vs. 7.20 ± 2.41 mL; P<0.05). The time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of losartan was increased by Xuesaitong (1.06 ± 1.04 vs. 0.13 ± 0.05 h; P<0.05). Xuesaitong also decreased the t1/2 of EXP3174 (8.22 ± 1.41 vs. 6.29 ± 1.38 h; P<0.05). These results suggest that there is a complex interaction between losartan and Xuesaitong. In addition to enhanced elimination of losartan and EXP3174, Xuesaitong may also decrease the absorption rate and Vd of losartan.
Modelling Cell Origami via a Tensegrity Model of the Cytoskeleton in Adherent Cells
Authors: Wang Lili , Chen Weiyi
Published: August 2019

Cell origami has been widely used in the field of three-dimensional (3D) cell-populated microstructures due to their multiple advantages, including high biocompatibility, the lack of special requirements for substrate materials, and the lack of damage to cells. A 3D finite element method (FEM) model of an adherent cell based on the tensegrity structure is constructed to describe cell origami by using the principle of the origami folding technique and cell traction forces. Adherent cell models contain a cytoskeleton (CSK), which is primarily composed of microtubules (MTs), microfilaments (MFs), intermediate filaments (IFs), and a nucleoskeleton (NSK), which is mainly made up of the nuclear lamina and chromatin. The microplate is assumed to be an isotropic linear-elastic solid material with a flexible joint that is connected to the cell tensegrity structure model by spring elements representing focal adhesion complexes (FACs). To investigate the effects of the degree of complexity of the tensegrity structure and NSK on the folding angle of the microplate, four models are established in the study. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of the NSK can increase the folding angle of the microplate, indicating that the cell is closer to its physiological environment, while increased complexity can reduce the folding angle of the microplate since the folding angle is depended on the cell types. The proposed adherent cell FEM models are validated by comparisons with reported results. These findings can provide theoretical guidance for the application of biotechnology and the analysis of 3D structures of cells and have profound implications for the self-assembly of cell-based microscale medical devices.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factors as an Alternative Source of Treatment Strategy for Cancer
Authors: Akanji Musbau Adewumi , Rotimi Damilare , Adeyemi Oluyomi Stephen
Published: August 2019

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that activate the transcription of genes necessary to circumvent to hypoxic (low oxygen level) environments. In carcinogenesis, HIFs play a critical role. Indeed, HIF-1α has been validated as a promising target for novel cancer therapeutics, even as clinical investigations have linked increased levels of HIF-1α with aggressive cancer progression as well as poor patient prognosis. More so, inhibiting HIF-1 activity restricted cancer progression. Therefore, HIF-1 is a viable target for cancer therapy. This may be expected considering the fact that cancer cells are known to be hypoxic. In order to survive the hypoxic microenvironment, cancer cells activate several biochemical pathways via the HIF-1α. Additionally, cellular and molecular insights have proved prospects of the HIF-1α pathway for the development of novel anticancer treatment strategies. The biochemical importance of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) cannot be overemphasized as carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and HIFs are intricately linked. Therefore, this review highlights the significance of these linkages and also the prospects of HIFs as an alternative source of cancer therapies.
Pressure Ulcer Associated with Testicular Prosthesis as a Rare Cause of Spinal Epidural Abscess
Authors: Prakash Amulya , Raj Rishi , Jacob Aasems , Ross Douglas
Published: August 2019

Spinal epidural abscess is a neurologic emergency with a potential complication to the spinal cord such as paralysis. Frequently, it has a nonspecific initial presentation such as neck or back pain, and hence there is a delay in diagnosis. We present the case of a 60-year-old Caucasian male who presented to emergency room with one week of numbness and weakness of all four extremities. Neurological examination showed variable quadriparesis. Urgent MRI of spine with contrast revealed epidural abscess in the cervical region C4–C6 with resultant cord compression, the underlying etiology for hematogenous spread of infection being pressure ulcer associated with testicular prosthesis. Urgent neurosurgical intervention was done to achieve spinal cord decompression. Both blood and pus cultures were positive for Streptococcus intermedius, requiring prolonged administration of intravenous antibiotics. Clinical outcome was encouraging with progressive gain in motor and sensory function. Spinal epidural abscess is a rare diagnosis; hence, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis.
Thyroid Dysfunction and Cytological Patterns among Patients Requested for Thyroid Function Test in an Endemic Goiter Area of Gondar, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Asmelash Daniel , Tesfa Kumlgn , Biadgo Belete
Published: August 2019

Background. Thyroid dysfunction is the most common endocrine disorder in clinical practice, and about half of the population with thyroid dysfunction remains undiagnosed. There is a fairly wide spectrum of thyroid dysfunction, which can be identified by patterns of thyroid function test results. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the population varies in different studies. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 8th to April 8th, 2017, among patients who requested for the thyroid function test in an endemic goiter area at the Gondar Hospital, University of Gondar. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Three milliliters of blood samples was collected in a plain test tube and centrifuged for serum separation. The thyroid function test was done by using the MINI-VIDAS automation following the manufacturer manual (Setema PLC, Italy). Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used for data presentation, and P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Result. Of the total 384 study participants, 346 (90.1%) were females and the study participants’ mean age was 38 ± 13.9 years. The overall thyroid dysfunction prevalence was 26.3% (101): 1.6% was identified as subclinical hypothyroidism, 0.5% hypothyroidism, 9.6% subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 14.6% hyperthyroidism, and 23.4% had goiter. Furthermore, for cytological pattern analysis, 144 study participants who fulfilled indications for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in thyroid nodules were included. Of the total, 3 (2.1%) had thyroid carcinoma, 46 (32%) had cystic degenerated follicular cells, and 82 (57%) had nodular thyroid goiter. In addition, a clinical presentation of a total of 144 study participants, showed lymphadenites in 7 participants (4.8%), hypertension in 9 (6.2%), and cardiac failure in 12 (8.3%). Conclusion. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was high. The majority of thyroid dysfunction cases were newly diagnosed and more common in females. In addition, the most common disorders were subclinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Follicular cell with cyst degeneration and thyroid nodular goiter were the predominant FNAC findings. For early diagnosis and appropriate intervention in goiter endemic areas, the thyroid function test should be closely monitored.
OCT Biometry (B-OCT): A New Method for Measuring Ocular Axial Dimensions
Authors: Sikorski Bartosz L. , Suchon Pawel
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To present a new method of measuring ocular axial dimensions, termed OCT biometry (B-OCT). Design. Observational cross-sectional study and evaluation of new diagnostic technology. Methods. B-OCT was implemented in the spectral domain OCT device for posterior and anterior segment imaging (REVO NX, Optopol Technology). A total of 349 eyes (214 of healthy subjects, 115 of patients with cataract, and 20 with severe macular diseases) were enrolled in the study. The results of B-OCT were compared to swept source OCT-based IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Differences in measurement values between the two biometers were determined using the paired t-test. Agreement was assessed through intraclass correlation coefﬁcients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman plots. Results. B-OCT obtained with REVO NX provides excellent interobserver reproducibility (ICC for: axial length (AXL) = 1.000; central corneal thickness (CCT) = 0.933; anterior chamber depth (ACD) = 0.933; lens thickness (LT) = 0.985) and intraobserver repeatability (ICC for: AXL = 1.000; CCT ≥ 0.994; ACD = 0.998; LT ≥ 0.993). The correlation between measurements made using both devices was outstanding (ICC for: AXL, healthy = 1.000; AXL, cataractous = 1.000; ACD, healthy = 0.998; ACD, cataractous = 0.997; LT, healthy = 0.998; LT, cataractous = 0.997; CCT, healthy = 0.989; CCT, cataractous = 0.979). The mean AXL measurement difference in healthy eyes was −0.001 ± 0.016 mm (the 95% LoA ranged from −0.034 to 0.031); mean ACD difference was 0.000 ± 0.024 mm (95% LoA, −0.047 to 0.047); mean LT difference was −0.002 ± 0.024 mm (95% LoA, −0.050 to 0.046); and mean CCT difference  was −0.8 ± 5.1 μm (95% LoA, −10.81 to 9.26). The mean AXL measurement difference in cataractous eyes was −0.003 ± 0.022 mm (95% LoA, −0.046 to 0.039); mean ACD difference was 0.003 ± 0.029 mm (95% LoA, −0.054 to 0.059); mean LT difference was −0.002 ± 0.025 (95% LoA, −0.051 to 0.048); and mean CCT difference was 2.7 ± 6.4 μm (95% LoA, −9.80 to 15.7). Conclusion. The study shows small, nonsignificant differences between the biometric measurements obtained with REVO NX B-OCT and IOLMaster 700, which is of high significance for IOL power selection. As B-OCT utilizes a conventional OCT device, the measurements of the ocular axial dimensions are combined with high-resolution macular scans for the simultaneous assessment of central retina as a part of screening for macular pathology. The presented method is the first spectral domain OCT-based biometry technique and the only one integrated into a standard OCT device. Thus, it brings novel functionality to OCT technology.
Effects of Moxibustion and Moxa Smoke on Behavior Changes and Energy Metabolism in APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Ha Lue , Yu Mengyun , Yan Zhiyi , Rui Zhang , Zhao Baixiao
Published: August 2019

Objective. To investigate the antiaging effects of moxibustion and moxa smoke on APP/PS1 mice and to illustrate the mechanism of moxibustion improving Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods. 36 male APP/PS1 mice were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 12), including a model control group, a moxibustion group, and a moxa smoke group. In addition, 12 C57BL/6 normal mice served as a normal (negative) control group. Mice in the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention using Guanyuan (RN4) acupoint. Mice in the moxa smoke group received moxa smoke exposure with the same frequency as the moxibustion group. Behavioral tests were implemented in the 9th week, 3 days after the completion of the intervention. Tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acid metabolomics assessments of the mice were determined after behavioral tests. Results. In this study, relative to normal mice, we found that AD mice showed altered tricarboxylic and fatty acid metabolism and showed behavioral changes consistent with the onset of AD. However, both the moxibustion and moxa smoke interventions were able to mitigate these effects to some degree in AD mice. Conclusions. The data suggest that tricarboxylic acid cycle and unsaturated fatty acid metabolomics changes may be a target of AD, and the beneficial effects of moxibustion on cognitive behaviors may be mediated by the energy metabolism system.
A Syrian Child with Intussusception Caused by a Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Toutounji Rahaf , Ghazal Ahmad , Danial Aghyad kudra , Toutounji Bayan , Toutounji Tayf
Published: August 2019

Intussusception is the invagination of a segment of the bowel into an adjacent segment. Here, we describe a middle-eastern case of an 11-year-old boy who presented to our institution with an intussusception caused by lymphoma but with nonspecific symptoms such as acute abdominal pain and a history of weight loss. His abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) showed ileocolic intussusception with a mass leading it. We resected the mass with the affected bowel and related lymph nodes, and the histological examination showed features of diffuse large B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (an uncommon histologic type in the Middle East). Known as intussusception, this urgent condition could distress infants and young children. However, in older children, the presentation is subtler. So, a lead point should be observed and the chance of malignancy should be kept in mind.
PSO-CFDP: A Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Automatic Density Peaks Clustering Method for Cancer Subtyping
Authors: Zhu Xuhui , Shang Junliang , Sun Yan , Li Feng , Liu Jin-Xing , Yuan Shasha
Published: August 2019

Cancer subtyping is of great importance for the prediction, diagnosis, and precise treatment of cancer patients. Many clustering methods have been proposed for cancer subtyping. In 2014, a clustering algorithm named Clustering by Fast Search and Find of Density Peaks (CFDP) was proposed and published in Science, which has been applied to cancer subtyping and achieved attractive results. However, CFDP requires to set two key parameters (cluster centers and cutoff distance) manually, while their optimal values are difficult to be determined. To overcome this limitation, an automatic clustering method named PSO-CFDP is proposed in this paper, in which cluster centers and cutoff distance are automatically determined by running an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm multiple times. Experiments using PSO-CFDP, as well as LR-CFDP, STClu, CH-CCFDAC, and CFDP, were performed on four benchmark data­sets and two real cancer gene expression datasets. The results show that PSO-CFDP can determine cluster centers and cutoff distance automatically within controllable time/cost and, therefore, improve the accuracy of cancer subtyping.
Ouabain Decreases Regulatory T Cell Number in Mice by Reducing IL-2 Secretion
Authors: da Silva Joyle Moreira Carvalho , Azevedo Augusto das Neves , Barbosa Rebeca Pinheiro dos Santos , Teixeira Mariana Pires , Vianna Thais Andressa Gonçalves , Fittipaldi Juliana , Cabral Vinicius Ribeiro , Paiva Luciana Souza de
Published: August 2019

Background: Ouabain (OUA) is a cardiotonic glycoside originally extracted from African plants. It has also been described as an endogenous component in mammals, being released in stress situations mainly by the adrenal gland. OUA has been reported to be capable of inhibiting mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and also affects B and T lymphocytes. Objectives: The aim of this work is to show the effects of OUA in peripheral T lymphocytes. Methods: In the in vivo experiments, mice were injected intraperitoneally for 3 consecutive days with RPMI medium (control group) or 0.56 mg/kg of OUA diluted in RPMI medium (OUA group). On the fourth day, spleen or mesenteric lymph nodes were removed. Results: OUA significantly reduced the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the spleen, especially regulatory T cells (Tregs). In vitro OUA did not inhibit the proliferation of CD4+T lymphocytes stimulated with anti-CD3 neither was able to induce the apoptosis of CD4+ nor Tregs. There was no increase in the number or percentage of T lymphocytes in the mesenteric lymph nodes, suggesting that there was no preferential accumulation of these cells in this organ. Secretion of IL-2 by activated T lymphocytes was decreased by the OUA, explaining at least in part the reduction of Tregs, since this cytokine is involved in the peripheral conversion and maintenance of Tregs. Conclusion: The impact of this reduction in autoimmune diseases, allergy and cancer as well as the potential use of OUA as a therapeutic approach in tumor treatment still needs more investigation.
Adipose Tissue: A Tertiary Lymphoid Organ: Does It Change with Age?
Authors: Frasca Daniela , Blomberg Bonnie B.
Published: August 2019

In this manuscript, we summarize published results showing that obesity and aging are inflammatory conditions associated with serious health problems, increased risk for disease and death. We show that fat mass increases with age and represents a major contributor to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. We summarize the effects of age on the adipose tissue (AT), related to the abundance, distribution, cellular composition, endocrine signaling and function of the tissue. The AT is an immunological tissue, with several hallmarks of innate and adaptive immune responses. We show that in both mice and humans, the AT is heavily infiltrated by immune cells that have receptors for pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secreted by the adipocytes and also by the immune cells that have infiltrated the AT. We also show that the AT provides an environment for the secretion of IgG antibodies with anti-self (autoimmune) reactivity. As we have previously shown, this is due to the release of self antigens following cell death due to hypoxia, as well as to the expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase, the enzyme of class switch recombination, and the transcription factor T-bet by the resident B cells, which also express the membrane marker CD11c, both involved in the production of autoimmune IgG antibodies. We show data in support of the AT as a tertiary lymphoid organ (TLO), showing the examples of TLOs that develop within the AT, such as fat-associated lymphoid clusters and milky spots, as well as artery TLOs that develop in the adventitia areas of the aorta.
Guidelines for the Management of Retinal Vein Occlusion by the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA)
Authors: Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Garcia-Arumi José , Gerendas Bianca S. , Midena Edoardo , Sivaprasad Sobha , Tadayoni Ramin , Wolf Sebastian , Loewenstein Anat
Published: August 2019

The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease particularly in the elderly population is associated with retinal vascular disease. Retinal vein occlusions represent severe disturbances of the hypoxia-sensitive neurosensory retina. Acute and excessive leakage leads to the diagnostic hallmarks of retinal hemorrhage and edema with substantial retinal thickening. Advanced diagnostic tools such as OCT angiography allow to evaluate retinal ischemia and identify the risk for late complications and will soon reach clinical routine besides fluorescein angiography. Accordingly, the duration of non-perfusion is a crucial prognostic factor requiring timely therapeutic intervention. With immediate inhibition of vascular leakage, anti-VEGF substances excel as treatment of choice. Multiple clinical trials with optimal potential for functional benefit or a lesser regenerative spectrum have evaluated aflibercept, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab. As retinal vein occlusion is a chronic disease, long-term monitoring should be individualized to combine maintenance with practicability. While steroids may be considered in patients with systemic cardiovascular risk, surgery remains advisable only for very few patients. Destructive laser treatment is an option if reliable monitoring is not feasible. Ophthalmologists are also advised to perform a basic systemic workup to recognize systemic concomitants. The current edition of the EURETINA guidelines highlights the state-of-the-art recommendations based on the literature and expert opinions in retinal vein occlusion.
Reflexões sobre o “Projeto Torcedor” alemão
Authors: Teixeira Rosana Da Câmara , Lopes Felipe Tavares Paes
Published: August 2019

Este texto apresenta a história, o papel e os desafios dos trabalhos sociopedagógicos desenvolvidos pelo Fanprojekt (“Projeto Torcedor”) na transformação criativa e pacífica dos conflitos no futebol alemão e discute sua recepção no debate público sobre a violência no futebol brasileiro. Ao promover essa discussão, analisa em que medida e como ele pode servir de alternativa para a nossa realidade. Para alcançar esses objetivos, fizemos um levantamento bibliográfico sobre o tema e realizamos pesquisa de campo na Alemanha. Entre outras coisas, concluímos que o referido projeto nos indica a necessidade de as autoridades públicas e do futebol desenvolverem projetos sociopedagógicos dirigidos aos torcedores organizados brasileiros, estabelecer novos canais de comunicação com eles e valorizar seus aspectos positivos.
Povo onça, povo larva
Authors: Matos Beatriz De Almeida
Published: August 2019

Este artigo trata de concepções e práticas matses relativas ao crescimento e constituição de pessoas, tomando-as como parte do que vem sendo definido pela etnologia amazônica como o processo da constituição do parentesco. Busco demonstrar como relações com sujeitos extrassociais – vegetais e animais – são fundamentais na constituição de pessoas matses, e como a partir delas se efetuam diferenciações internas ao próprio círculo de parentes próximos, inclusive de gênero. Assim, a constituição da pessoa matses, tanto masculina quanto feminina, se dá tanto na “consubstancialização” com os seus parentes (cunmatses) como também com outros sujeitos. Esses dois movimentos produzem parentes, que diferem entre si. Como parte dessa apresentação da constituição da pessoa e parentesco matses proponho uma releitura do dualismo bëdibo-macubo. A variante matses do dualismo pano tem sido analisada na chave sociológica como expressa em metades patrilineares que representariam uma o interior, outra o exterior da sociedade; uma os valores do feminino, outra do masculino. Ela será aqui abordada em relação à produção do parentesco e à diferenciação entre parentes.
“Segredos do Brasil”
Authors: Welper Elena Monteiro
Published: August 2019

Entre novembro de 1938 e abril de 1939, financiado por Robert Lowie, Curt Nimuendajú viajou pelos estados da Bahia, Minas Gerais e Espírito Santo, com o propósito de pesquisar os povos Jê setentrionais. O presente artigo recupera um conjunto de cinco cartas inéditas enviadas por Nimuendajú a Lowie no contexto de realização dessa viagem, tendo como objetivo não apenas a apresentação das informações etnográficas produzidas pelo autor sobre os grupos do nordeste, especialmente os Kamakã, Maxacali e Botocudo, mas também refletir sobre a sua relação com seu principal interlocutor teórico.
The Stories of the Others
Authors: Vanzolini Marina
Published: August 2019

As many other Amazonian indigenous peoples, the Aweti – a Tupi-speaking people who live in the upper reaches of the Xingu River – habitually name a specific kind of narrative, which we usually call myths, by an expression that could be translated as “stories of the ancient people”. Most of the time, however, they simply call them “stories” or, more precisely, tomowkap, which literally means “something that orients”, tales about an event that may have happened at anytime in the recent past or even in the present. This article is an attempt to explore the epistemological and ontological implications of this indiscernibility between myths and other kinds of narrative. The assumption here is that this may tell us something about the way the Aweti think, not only in what concerns the nature of what we call myth, but also about the nature of knowledge one can have about the world and, furthermore, about the nature of the world itself.
Após o anoitecer e Kafka à beira-mar, de Haruki Murakami: relações com o mítico e o maravilhoso
Authors: Namekata Márcia Hitomi
Published: August 2019

This article intends to analyze two works of Haruki Murakami, After Dark and Kafka on the Shore, by the viewpoint of myths, fairy tales and mukashi banashi, considering the references constantly made by the author to the fantastic and marvelous elements in his work.