bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkin overexpression protects from ageing‐related loss of muscle mass and strength
Authors: Leduc‐Gaudet Jean‐Philippe , Reynaud Olivier , Hussain Sabah N. , Gouspillou Gilles
Published: January 2019

Key points

Recent evidence suggests that impaired mitophagy, a process in charge of removing damaged/dysfunctional mitochondria and in part regulated by Parkin, could contribute to the ageing‐related loss of muscle mass and function.

In the present study, we show that Parkin overexpression attenuates ageing‐related loss of muscle mass and strength and unexpectedly causes hypertrophy in adult skeletal muscles. We also show that Parkin overexpression leads to increases in mitochondrial content and enzymatic activities. Finally, our results show that Parkin overexpression protects from ageing‐related increases in markers of oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis.

Our findings place Parkin as a potential therapeutic target to attenuate sarcopenia and improve skeletal muscle health and performance.

The ageing‐related loss of muscle mass and strength, a process called sarcopenia, is one of the most deleterious hallmarks of ageing. Solid experimental evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunctions accumulate with ageing and are critical in the sarcopenic process. Recent findings suggest that mitophagy, the process in charge of the removal of damaged/dysfunctional mitochondria, is altered in aged muscle. Impaired mitophagy represents an attractive mechanism that could contribute to the accumulation of mitochondrial dysfunctions and sarcopenia. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the impact of Parkin overexpression in skeletal muscles of young and old mice. Parkin was overexpressed for 4 months in muscles of young (3 months) and late middle‐aged (18 months) mice using i.m. injections of adeno‐associated viruses. We show that Parkin overexpression increased muscle mass, fibre size and mitochondrial enzyme activities in both young and old muscles. In old mice, Parkin overexpression increased muscle strength, primordial germ cell‐1α content and mitochondrial density. Parkin overexpression also attenuated the ageing‐related increase in 4‐hydroxynonenal content (a marker of oxidative stress) and type I collagen content (a marker of fibrosis), as well as the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labelling‐positive myonuclei (a marker of apoptosis). Overall, our results indicate that Parkin overexpression attenuates sarcopenia and unexpectedly causes hypertrophy in adult muscles. They also show that Parkin overexpression leads to increases in mitochondrial content and enzymatic activities. Finally, our results show that Parkin overexpression protects against oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis. These findings highlight that Parkin may be an attractive therapeutic target with respect to attenuating sarcopenia and improving skeletal muscle health and performance.
Investigation of Novel
pmrB
and
eptA
Mutations in Isogenic Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Associated with Colistin Resistance and Increased Virulence
In Vivo
Authors: Gerson Stefanie , Betts Jonathan W. , Lucaßen Kai , Nodari Carolina Silva , Wille Julia , Josten Michaele , Göttig Stephan , Nowak Jennifer , Stefanik Danuta , Roca Ignasi , Vila Jordi , Cisneros José M. , La Ragione Roberto M. , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G.
Published: January 2019

Colistin resistance in
Acinetobacter baumannii
is of great concern and is a threat to human health. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms of colistin resistance in four isogenic pairs of
A. baumannii
isolates displaying an increase in colistin MICs.
Host-Derived Metabolites Modulate Transcription of
Salmonella
Genes Involved in
l
-Lactate Utilization during Gut Colonization
Authors: Gillis Caroline C. , Winter Maria G. , Chanin Rachael B. , Zhu Wenhan , Spiga Luisella , Winter Sebastian E.
Published: January 2019

During
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium infection, host inflammation alters the metabolic environment of the gut lumen to favor the outgrowth of the pathogen at the expense of the microbiota. Inflammation-driven changes in host cell metabolism lead to the release of
l
-lactate and molecular oxygen from the tissue into the gut lumen.
Managing vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Nielsen Ole Haagen , Hansen Thomas Irgens , Gubatan John Mark , Jensen Kim Bak , Rejnmark Lars
Published: January 2019

Management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is generally cumbersome for patients and is a massive health-economic burden. In recent years, the immunomodulating effects of vitamin D have gained a huge interest in its possible pathogenic influence on the pathophysiology of IBD. Vitamin D deficiency is frequent among patients with IBD. Several clinical studies have pointed to a critical role for vitamin D in ameliorating disease outcomes. Although causation versus correlation unfortunately remains an overwhelming issue in the illusive chicken versus egg debate regarding vitamin D and IBD, here we summarise the latest knowledge of the immunological effects of vitamin D in IBD and recommend from available evidence that physicians regularly monitor serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with IBD. Moreover, we propose an algorithm for optimising vitamin D status in patients with IBD in clinical practice. Awaiting well-powered controlled clinical trials, we consider vitamin D supplementation to be an affordable and widely accessible therapeutic strategy to ameliorate IBD clinical outcomes.
Regional and muscle-specific adaptations in knee extensor hypertrophy using flywheel versus conventional weight-stack resistance exercise
Authors: Lundberg Tommy R. , García-Gutiérrez Maria T. , Mandić Mirko , Lilja Mats , Fernandez-Gonzalo Rodrigo
Published: January 2019

This study compared the effects of the most frequently employed protocols of flywheel (FW) versus weight-stack (WS) resistance exercise (RE) on regional and muscle-specific adaptations of the knee extensors. Sixteen men (n = 8) and women (n = 8) performed 8 weeks (2–3 days/week) of knee extension RE employing FW technology on 1 leg (4 × 7 repetitions), while the contralateral leg performed regular WS training (4 × 8–12 repetitions). Maximal strength (1-repetition maximum (1RM) in WS) and peak FW power were determined before and after training for both legs. Partial muscle volume of vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), vastus intermedius (VI), and rectus femoris (RF) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, quadriceps cross-sectional area was assessed at a proximal and a distal site. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between FW versus WS in muscle hypertrophy of the quadriceps femoris (8% vs. 9%), VL (10% vs. 11%), VM (6% vs. 8%), VI (5% vs. 5%), or RF (17% vs. 17%). Muscle hypertrophy tended (P = 0.09) to be greater at the distal compared with the proximal site, but there was no interaction with exercise method. Increases in 1RM and FW peak power were similar across legs, yet the increase in 1RM was greater in men (31%) than in women (20%). These findings suggest that FW and WS training induces comparable muscle-specific hypertrophy of the knee extensors. Given that these robust muscular adaptations were brought about with markedly fewer repetitions in the FW compared with WS, it seems FW training can be recommended as a particularly time-efficient exercise paradigm.
Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation frequency on postprandial glycemia, current-related discomfort, and muscle soreness. A crossover study
Authors: Guzmán-González Benjamín , Llanos Pablo , Calatayud Joaquín , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Cruz-Montecinos Carlos
Published: January 2019

Consensus is lacking regarding optimal neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameters for postprandial glycemic control. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the NMES frequency inducing the greatest hypoglycemic effect in healthy individuals. The secondary aim was to compare current-related discomfort and muscle soreness between different frequencies. We conducted an experimental clinical study with a randomized crossover design. Sixteen healthy and sedentary participants received NMES for 20 min at 5, 10, or 50 Hz (pulse duration: 400 μs, on-off ratio: 4:12 s) following a standardized meal. Glycemia, discomfort, and muscle soreness during and after NMES were compared between conditions. Five-hertz NMES generated a significant hypoglycemic effect, contrary to 10 Hz and 50 Hz. Ten-hertz and 50-Hz NMES resulted respectively in lower current-related discomfort and greater muscle soreness compared with the other frequencies. Women reported higher discomfort than men. These findings contribute towards the possibility of more efficient long-term NMES treatments in terms of glycemic response and patient tolerance.
The effect of phenolic compounds on salicylaldimine nickel-catalyzed ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Wang Jun , Xie Junyi , Wang Libo , Jiang Yan , Zhang Na
Published: January 2019

A salen nickel complex has been prepared in good yield with ethylenediamine, salicylaldehyde, and NiCl2·6H2O as raw materials. The structure of the complex was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, UV, and ESI-MS. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), the precatalyst showed high activity for ethylene oligomerization. To reduce the simultaneous production of insoluble polymers during the nickel-catalyzed ethylene oligomerization, a series of phenolic compounds were introduced as modifiers for the production of linear α-olefins. The researched result showed that the phenolic compounds have a significant impact on the selectivity of oligomers and the concentration of polymers. With the increase of phenolic compounds, the content of polymers decreased and the distribution of oligomers gradually shifted toward lighter olefins. The sterically hindered 4-tert-butyphenol proved to be an especially efficient polymer-retarding modifier among the studied phenolic compounds in this work. Furthermore, the retarding effect of phenolic compounds toward insoluble polymers may be mainly related to their interaction with MAO, giving rise to larger MAO aggregates.
On the Existence of Chaos in a Discontinuous Area-Preserving Map Arising in Financial Markets
Authors: Gu En-Guo
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we further study a discontinuous piecewise-linear financial market model established in our previous paper. The model dynamics is driven by a two-dimensional discontinuous area-preserving map. We exploit its complex dynamics from the viewpoint of open conservative systems. We first give the classification of fixed points, and then theoretically present the existence of periodic saddle orbit and a homoclinic chaos for some parameter setting. We finally apply the Conley–Moser conditions to verify the existence of Smale horseshoe-like dynamics and chaos for another parameter setting. The result is helpful for understanding the internal change rule of the finance market.
Gate Planning and Control of a Nine-Link Biped Robot with Toe Joints via Impact Effects
Authors: Mobinipour Vahid
Published: January 2019

The adaptation of a biped’s foot motion to the ground conditions and maintaining stability of the robot is an undeniable necessity that is the focus of this research. In this research, dynamics equations will be obtained for single support phase (SSP), double support phase (DSP), and impact. The results of impact dynamics have been used to correlate the gait parameters with the contact event following impact. In this study, in addition to explaining impact equations for a nine-link biped robot with toe and heel in first and second impact phases, a clear response for the external impulses is obtained in a compact form for the first time. In this paper, the trajectory of the foot and toe is done by determining the constraints of motion parameters with and without impact effect. Then, a method based on smooth hip motion with the largest stability margin using only two parameters, is implemented through iterative calculations, to ensure stability of the robot in accordance with the criterion of zero-moment point (ZMP). Finally, the response of a model-based controller, called feed-forward algorithm (FA), and a non-model-based controller, called the transposes Jacobian algorithm (TJ), will be used to control the robot.
Some results on normal GCR-lightlike submanifolds of indefinite nearly Kaehler manifolds
Authors: Megha  , Kumar Sangeet
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to study normal [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifolds of indefinite nearly Kaehler manifolds. We find some necessary and sufficient conditions for an isometrically immersed [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifold of an indefinite nearly Kaehler manifold to be a normal [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifold. Further, we derive a characterization theorem for holomorphic bisectional curvature of a normal [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifold of an indefinite nearly Kaehler manifold.
Modern Biophysical Approaches to Study Protein–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Biswas Priyanka
Published: January 2019

Protein–ligand interactions act as a pivot to the understanding of most of the biological interactions. The study of interactions between proteins and cellular molecules has led to the establishment and identification of various important pathways that control biological systems. Investigators working in different fields of biological sciences have an intrinsic interest in this field and complement their findings by the application of different biophysical approaches and tools to quantify protein–ligand interactions that include protein–small molecules, protein–DNA, protein–RNA, protein–protein both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper, the various biophysical techniques that can be employed to study such interactions will be discussed. In addition to native gel electrophoresis and fluorescence-based methods, more details will be discussed, on the broad range of modern day biophysical tools such as Circular Dichroism, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Surface Plasmon Resonance, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Fluorimetry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Mass Spectroscopy, Single Molecule Spectroscopy, Dual Polarization Interferometry, Micro Scale Thermophoresis and Electro–switchable Biosensors that can be used to study the different aspects of protein–ligand interactions.
Deformation-driven emplacement-differentiation in the Closepet pluton, Dharwar Craton, South India: an alternate view
Authors: Bhattacharya Abhijit
Published: January 2019

In the Late Archean north-trending Closepet pluton, trains of euhedral K-feldspar phenocrysts and matrix-supported idiomorphic K-feldspar crystals in the central part of the pluton define oblique-to-pluton margin steep-dipping east/ENE-trending magmatic fabrics. The magmatic fabric is defined by phenocryst-rich and phenocryst-poor layers, with the euhedral porphyries continuous across the layers. The fabrics are near-orthogonal to the gently-dipping gneissic layers in the host gneisses. The fabrics curve adjacent to locally-developed north/NNE-trending melt-hosted dislocations parallel to the axial planes of horizontal/gently-plunging north-trending upright folds in the host gneisses. In the pluton interior, both fabrics in the intrusives formed at supra-solidus conditions, although the volume fraction of melts diminished drastically due to cooling/melt expulsion. At the pluton margin, the north-trending fabric is penetrative and post-dates magma solidification. Within the pluton, the major element oxides, rare earth elements, anorthite contents in plagioclase, and (Mg/Fe + Mg) ratios in biotite decrease with increasing SiO
2
from phenocryst-rich (up to 75% by volume) granodiorite to phenocryst-poor (<15 vol%) granite that broadly correspond to minimum melt composition. The chemical-mineralogical variations in the pluton is attributed to deformation-driven ascent of magma with heterogeneous crystal content, ascending at variable velocities (highest in crystal-poor magma) along oblique-to-pluton margin east/ENE-trending extensional fractures induced by dextral shearing.
UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS Analysis of Flavonoids from 12 Varieties of Korean Mulberry Fruit
Authors: Kwon O-Chul , Ju Wan-Taek , Kim Hyun-Bok , Sung Gyoo-Byung , Kim Yong-Soon
Published: January 2019

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) has been used in East Asia (Korea, China, and Japan) as a medicine because of its various pharmacological effects including the excellent antioxidant properties of its fruit. This study analyzed extracts from 12 varieties of Korean mulberry fruit for flavonoids using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS). Six quercetin derivatives were identified by mass spectrometry (MS) based on the [quercetin + H]+ ion (m/z 303), while four kaempferol derivatives were identified based on the [kaempferol + H]+ ion (m/z 287). Two new compounds (morkotin A and morkotin C, quercetin derivatives) were identified for the first time in mulberry fruit. The total flavonoid contents of the mulberry fruits ranged from 35.0 ± 2.3 mg/100 g DW in the Baek Ok Wang variety (white mulberry) to 119.9 ± 7.0 mg/100 g DW in the Dae Shim variety. This study has, for the first time, evaluated the flavonoid chromatographic profiles of 12 varieties of Korean mulberry fruits in a following quali-quantitative approach, which will contribute to improved utilization of these fruits as health foods.
A Brief Reminder of Systems of Production and Chromatography-Based Recovery of Recombinant Protein Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Owczarek B. , Gerszberg A. , Hnatuszko-Konka K.
Published: January 2019

Recombinant proteins are produced for various applications in laboratory and industrial settings. Among them, therapeutic applications have evolved into a mature field in recent years, affecting the face of contemporary medical treatment. This, in turn, has stimulated an ever-greater need for innovative technologies for the description, expression, and purification of recombinant protein biopharmaceuticals. Therefore, many biopharmaceuticals are synthesized in heterologous systems to obtain satisfactory yields that cannot be provided by natural sources. As more than 35 years has passed since the first recombinant biopharmaceutical (human insulin) successfully completed clinical trials in humans, we provide a brief review of the available prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems, listing the advantages and disadvantages of their use. Some examples of therapeutic proteins expressed in heterologous hosts are also provided. Moreover, technologies for the universal extraction of protein molecules are mentioned here, as is the methodology of their purification.
Protective Effects of Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold Fruit Extract against Palmitate-Induced Lipotoxicity in Mesangial Cells
Authors: Kim Donghee , Kim Hyo-Jin , Cha Seon-Heui , Jun Hee-Sook
Published: January 2019

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. Lipotoxicity in glomerular mesangial cells is associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Paper mulberry, Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold (BK), has been used in oriental medicine for human health problems. However, to date, the beneficial effect of BK fruit has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of an ethanolic extract of BK fruit (BKFE) against palmitate- (PA-) induced toxicity in mesangial cells. BKFE significantly increased the viability of PA-treated SV40 MES13 cells. BKFE significantly inhibited PA-induced apoptosis and decreased the expression of apoptotic genes, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP. Moreover, BKFE inhibited the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes, such as BiP, phosphorylated eIF2α, cleaved ATF6, and spliced XBP-1, in PA-treated SV40 MES13 cells. BKFE decreased PA-induced ROS production. In addition, BKFE activated the transcription factor Nrf2 and increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, knockdown of Nrf2 using siRNA suppressed this BKFE-induced increase in antioxidant enzyme expression. Furthermore, the protective effect of BKFE on PA-induced apoptosis was significantly reduced by Nrf2 knockdown. In conclusion, BKFE induced the expression of antioxidant enzymes via activation of Nrf2 and protected against PA-induced lipotoxicity in mesangial cells.
Design, Antileishmanial Activity, and QSAR Studies of a Series of Piplartine Analogues
Authors: Nóbrega Flávio R. , Silva Larisse V. , Bezerra Filho Carlos da Silva M. , Lima Tamires C. , Castillo Yunierkis P. , Bezerra Daniel P. , Lima Tatjana K. Souza , Sousa Damião P. de
Published: January 2019

Piplartine is an alkamide found in different Piper species and possesses several biological activities, including antiparasitic properties. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate a series of 32 synthetic piplartine analogues against the Leishmania amazonensis promastigote forms and establish the structure-activity relationship and 3D-QSAR of these compounds. The antileishmanial effect of the compounds was determined using the MTT method. Most compounds were found to be active against L. amazonensis. Among 32 assayed derivatives, compound (E)-(−)-bornyl 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-acrylate exhibited the most potent antileishmanial activity (IC50 = 0.007 ± 0.008 μM, SI > 10), followed by benzyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (IC50 = 0.025 ± 0.009 μM, SI > 3.205) and (E)-furfuryl 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-acrylate (IC50 = 0.029 ± 0.007 μM, SI > 2.688). It was found that the rigid substituents contribute to increasing antiparasitic activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes. The presence of the unsaturated heterocyclic substituent in the phenylpropanoid chemical structure (furfuryl group) resulted in a bioactive derivative. Molecular simplification of benzyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate by omitting the spacer group contributed to the bioactivity of this compound. Furthermore, bornyl radical appears to be important for antileishmanial activity, since (E)-(−)-bornyl 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-acrylate exhibited the most potent antileishmanial activity. These results show that some derivatives studied would be useful as prototype molecules for the planning of new derivatives with profile of antileishmanial drugs.
Expression of Sclerostin in Osteoporotic Fracture Patients Is Associated with DNA Methylation in the CpG Island of the SOST Gene
Authors: Cao Yanming , Wang Bin , Wang Ding , Zhan Dongxiang , Mai Caiyuan , Wang Peng , Wei Qiushi , Liu Yamei , Wang Haibin , He Wei , Xu Liangliang
Published: January 2019

Purpose. SOST gene is one of the key factors in regulating bone absorption. Although there are reports showing diverse transcription factors, epigenetic modification could be responsible for regulating SOST gene expression. There is still little exploration on promoter methylation status of SOST gene in osteoporotic bone tissues. The aim of this study is to investigate the involvement of CpG methylation in regulation of SOST expression in patients with primary osteoporosis. Methods. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was established on the basis of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure BMD. All femoral bone tissues were separated in surgeries. After extracting total RNA and protein, we checked the relative expression levels of SOST by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Also, immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the expression of SOST protein in the bone samples. The genomic DNA of non-OPF (non-osteoporotic fracture bone tissues) and OPF (osteoporotic fracture bone tissues) were treated by bisulfite modification, and methylation status of CpG sites in the CpG island of SOST gene promoter was determined by DNA sequencing. Results. SOST gene expression in the non-OPF group was lower than that in OPF group. Bisulfite sequencing result showed that SOST gene promoter was slightly demethylated in the OPF group, as compared with non-OPF group. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that DNA methylation influenced the transcriptional expression of SOST gene, which probably may play an important role in the pathogenesis of primary osteoporosis.
Kidney Transplant Outcome Is Associated with Regulatory T Cell Population and Gene Expression Early after Transplantation
Authors: Krajewska Magdalena , Kościelska-Kasprzak Katarzyna , Kamińska Dorota , Żabińska Marcelina , Myszka-Kozłowska Marta , Gomułkiewicz Agnieszka , Dzięgiel Piotr , Klinger Marian
Published: January 2019

Successful long-term kidney allograft survival with parallel reduction of complications resulting from prolonged immunosuppressive treatment is a goal in kidney transplantation. We studied the immune changes in cell phenotypes and gene expression induced by kidney transplantation. Our goal was to find a phenotypic and/or transcriptional pattern that might be considered prognostic for the kidney transplant outcome. The analysis was performed prospectively on 36 KTx recipients sampled during the first year and followed for five years after transplantation and on 40 long-term KTx recipients (7.9±2.2 y. post-KTx). The research involved flow cytometry assessment of lymphocyte subpopulations (including Tregs and CD3+CD8+CD28− lymphocytes) and gene expression analysis of immune-related genes (CD4, CD8, CTLA4, GZMB, FOXP3, IL10, IL4, ILR2A, NOTCH, PDCD1, PRF1, TGFB, and TNFA). The analysis of patterns observed over the first post-KTx year was confronted with control, pretransplant, and long-term transplant results. Treg counts at months one and three post-KTx correlated positively with the current and future allograft function. FOXP3 gene expression at month one post-KTx was also associated with long-term allograft function. The KTx-induced CD3+CD8+CD28− population correlated with GZMB and PRF1 expression and suggested their cytotoxic properties. The size of the Treg population and regulatory FOXP3 gene expression in the early period after transplantation are associated with kidney transplant outcome. The outlined predictive power of the Treg population needs to be investigated further to be confirmed as one of the immune monitoring strategies that may help achieve the best long-term kidney allograft outcomes.
Naringenin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via cGMP-PKGIα Signaling and In Vivo and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Yu Li-Ming , Dong Xue , Zhang Jian , Li Zhi , Xue Xiao-Dong , Wu Hong-Jiang , Yang Zhong-Lu , Yang Yang , Wang Hui-Shan
Published: January 2019

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress contribute greatly to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Naringenin, a flavonoid derived from the citrus genus, exerts cardioprotective effects. However, the effects of naringenin on ER stress as well as oxidative stress under MI/R condition and the detailed mechanisms remain poorly defined. This study investigated the protective effect of naringenin on MI/R-injured heart with a focus on cyclic guanosine monophosphate- (cGMP-) dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with naringenin (50 mg/kg/d) and subjected to MI/R surgery with or without KT5823 (2 mg/kg, a selective inhibitor of PKG) cotreatment. Cellular experiment was conducted on H9c2 cardiomyoblasts subjected to simulated ischemia-reperfusion treatment. Before the treatment, the cells were incubated with naringenin (80 μmol/L). PKGIα siRNA was employed to inhibit PKG signaling. Our in vivo and in vitro data showed that naringenin effectively improved heart function while it attenuated myocardial apoptosis and infarction. Furthermore, pretreatment with naringenin suppressed MI/R-induced oxidative stress as well as ER stress as evidenced by decreased superoxide generation, myocardial MDA level, gp91phox expression, and phosphorylation of PERK, IRE1α, and EIF2α as well as reduced ATF6 and CHOP. Importantly, naringenin significantly activated myocardial cGMP-PKGIα signaling while inhibition of PKG signaling with KT5823 (in vivo) or siRNA (in vitro) not only abolished these actions but also blunted naringenin’s inhibitory effects against oxidative stress and ER stress. In summary, our study demonstrates that naringenin treatment protects against MI/R injury by reducing oxidative stress and ER stress via cGMP-PKGIα signaling. Its cardioprotective effect deserves further clinical study.
Superelasticity Evaluation of the Biocompatible Ti-17Nb-6Ta Alloy
Authors: Keshtta Alaa , Gepreel Mohamed A.-H.
Published: January 2019

Recently, studying the shape memory effect of the biocompatible Ti alloys takes much attention in the biomedical and healthcare applications. This study concerns about characterizing the superelasticity of the new biocompatible Ti-17Nb-6Ta (TNT) alloy. Microstructure of TNT was observed using optical and confocal microscopes. The alloy consists of two phases: β (predominant phase) and α″ martensite phase. The influence of cold rolling deformation on the microstructure was illustrated in which the martensitic-induced transformation appeared by cold rolling. The alloy is ductile as only the fracture dimples appeared in its fracture surface. Multicyclic loading and deloading tensile testing was applied to TNT specimens (flat and wire shapes) in order to evaluate the superelasticity. A superelastic strain as high as 3.5% was recorded for this TNT alloy. Therefore, TNT alloy has high potential for many biomedical and healthcare applications.
Parameter Estimation for Fractional Diffusion Process with Discrete Observations
Authors: Su Yuxia , Wang Yutian
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with the problem of estimating the parameters for fractional diffusion process from discrete observations when the Hurst parameter H is unknown. With combination of several methods, such as the Donsker type approximate formula of fractional Brownian motion, quadratic variation method, and the maximum likelihood approach, we give the parameter estimations of the Hurst index, diffusion coefficients, and volatility and then prove their strong consistency. Finally, an extension for generalized fractional diffusion process and further work are briefly discussed.
A Homozygous CASQ2 Mutation in a Japanese Patient with Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Fujisawa Taishi , Aizawa Yoshiyasu , Katsumata Yoshinori , Udo Akihiro , Ito Shogo , Hatakeyama Kazumasa , Hirose Makoto , Miyama Hiroshi , Nakajima Kazuaki , Nishiyama Takahiko , Kimura Takehiro , Nitta Masamitsu , Misumi Kazuo , Takatsuki Seiji , Kosaki Kenjiro , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: January 2019

A 62-year-old female had suffered from recurrent syncopal episodes triggered by physical and emotional stress since childhood. She had no family history of sudden death. An intensive examination could not detect any structural disease, and exercise stress testing provoked polymorphic ventricular ectopy followed by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia accompanied with syncope leading to a diagnosis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). A genetic analysis with a next generation sequencer identified a homozygous W361X mutation in the CASQ2 gene. Careful history taking disclosed that her parents had a consanguineous marriage. Here we present a Japanese patient with a recessive form of CPVT.
Assessment of Cardiac Masses by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Histological Correlation and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Mousavi Negareh , Cheezum Michael K. , Aghayev Ayaz , Padera Robert , Vita Tomas , Steigner Michael , Hulten Edward , Bittencourt Marcio Sommer , Dorbala Sharmila , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Kwong Raymond Y. , Dunne Ruth , Blankstein Ron
Published: January 2019

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (
CMR
) provides useful information for characterizing cardiac masses, but there are limited data on whether
CMR
can accurately distinguish benign from malignant lesions. We aimed to describe the distribution and imaging characteristics of cardiac masses identified by
CMR
and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of
CMR
for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors.

Methods and Results

We examined consecutive patients referred for
CMR
between May 2008 and August 2013 to identify those with a cardiac mass. In patients for whom there was histological correlation, 2 investigators blinded to all data analyzed the
CMR
images to categorize the mass as benign or malignant. For benign masses, readers were also asked to specify the most likely diagnosis. Benign masses were defined as benign neoplastic or non‐neoplastic. Malignant masses were defined as primary cardiac or metastatic. Of 8069 patients (mean age: 58±16 years; 55% female) undergoing
CMR
, 145 (1.8%) had a cardiac mass. In most cases (142, 98%), there was a known cardiac mass before the
CMR
study. Among 145 patients with a cardiac mass, 93 (64%) had a known history of malignancy. Among 53 cases that had histological correlation, 25 (47%) were benign, 26 (49%) were metastatic, and 2 (4%) were malignant primary cardiac masses. Blinded readers correctly diagnosed 89% to 94% of the cases as benign versus malignant, with a 95% agreement rate (κ=0.83).

Conclusions

Although C
MR
can be highly effective in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, pathology remains the gold standard in accurately determining the type of mass.
Adherence to Statin Therapy Among US Adults Between 2007 and 2014
Authors: Colantonio Lisandro D. , Rosenson Robert S. , Deng Luqin , Monda Keri L. , Dai Yuling , Farkouh Michael E. , Safford Monika M. , Philip Kiran , Mues Katherine E. , Muntner Paul
Published: January 2019

Background

Prior studies suggest that persistence with and adherence to statin therapy is low. Interventions to improve statin persistence and adherence have been developed over the past decade.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective cohort study of adults aged ≥21 y with commercial or government health insurance in the MarketScan (Truven Health Analytics) and Medicare databases who initiated statins in 2007–2014 and (1) started treatment after a myocardial infarction (n=201 573), (2) had diabetes mellitus but without coronary heart disease (CHD; n=610 049), or (3) did not have CHD or diabetes mellitus (n=2 244 868). Persistence with (ie, not discontinuing treatment) and high adherence to statin therapy were assessed using pharmacy fills in the year following treatment initiation. In 2007 and 2014, the proportions of patients persistent with statin therapy were 78.1% and 79.1%, respectively, among those initiating treatment following myocardial infarction; 66.5% and 67.3%, respectively, for those with diabetes mellitus but without CHD; and 64.3% and 63.9%, respectively, for those without CHD or diabetes mellitus. Between 2007 and 2014, high adherence to statin therapy increased from 57.9% to 63.8% among patients initiating treatment following myocardial infarction and from 34.9% to 37.6% among those with diabetes mellitus but without CHD (each
P
trend
<0.001). Among patients without CHD or diabetes mellitus, high adherence did not improve between 2007 (35.7%) and 2014 (36.8%;
P
trend
=0.14). In 2014, statin adherence was lower among younger, black, and Hispanic patients versus white patients and those initiating a high‐intensity statin dosage. Statin adherence was higher among men and patients with cardiologist care following treatment initiation.

Conclusions

Persistence with and adherence to statin therapy remain low, particularly among those without CHD.
Marine red algae (Rhodophyta) of economic use in the algal drifts from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: NÚÑEZ RESENDIZ MARÍA LUISA , DRECKMANN KURT M. , SENTÍES ABEL , WYNNE MICHAEL J. , LEÓN TEJERA HILDA
Published: January 2019

Red algae are the most conspicuous component in algal drifts that periodically arrive on the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula. Given the presence of agars and carrageenans in their cell wall and the synthesis of secondary metabolites that act as antitumors or antioxidants, most of these species are highly valued in the international market. However, in this region of Mexico they are not used but represent a problem of waste from beaches. Our aim was to determine the composition of marine red algae of economic use in the algal drifts of the Yucatan Peninsula, providing brief descriptions, photographs that facilitate their identification and possible explanations for their causes and routes of origin. 13 samplings were carried out at 14 sites, collecting fresh and complete thalli from which the species of economic importance were described. 24 species distributed in six orders and seven families were identified. The most abundant families for both the number of species and the amount of biomass were Gracilariaceae (10 species), Rhodomelaceae (6 species) and Solieriaceae (3 species). The localities with the greatest diversity and biomass were those belonging to Campeche: Sabancuy (11 species), Punta Xen (14 species), Tortuga Bay (13 species) and Playa Bonita (13 species). From the present study we contributed six new records endemic to Campeche, including the first record of the genus Codiophyllum for the Western Atlantic Ocean. Our data on diversity, biomass, periodicity and growth rates of red algal drifts allow us to suggest that the Campeche and Yucatan drifts are a sustainable source of raw material.
Taxonomical notes on Oriental and Pacific jewel bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)
Authors: TSAI JING-FU , RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: January 2019

Taxonomical problems of various species of Oriental and Pacific jewel bugs are discussed. The identities of problematic species are clarified and their diagnostic characters are presented and illustrated. Coleotichus borealis Distant, 1899, erroneously synonymized with C. excellens Walker, 1867; and Brachyaulax cyaneovitta (Walker, 1867), erroneously synonymized with B. oblonga (Westwood, 1837) by previous authors, are recognized as distinct species. The following new synonymies are proposed: Poecilocoris lewisi (Distant, 1883) = P. separabilis Yang, 1934, syn. n.; P. rufigenis Dallas, 1851 = P. capitatus Yang, 1934, syn. n.; P. druraei (Linnaeus, 1771) = P. heissi Ahmad & Kamaluddin, 1982, syn. n.; Cantao ocellatus (Thunberg, 1784) = C. pakistanensis Ahmad & Kamaluddin, 1996, syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for Tectocoris (now Brachyaulax) oblonga, P. capitatus, P. separabilis, Poecilocoris lewisi var. peipingensis Yang, 1934, and Callidea (now Lamprocoris) obtusa Westwood, 1837. A neotype is designated for Scutellera (now Lamprocoris) lateralis Guérin-Méneville, 1838. As a consequence of the neotype designation, Lamprocoris lateralis will become a junior objective synonym of L. obtusus. Reversion to the senior name L. obtusus is considered to be undesirable, therefore, in order to preserve stability, no nomenclatural changes are proposed in this paper, but an application has been submitted to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to suppress L. obtusus.
Taxonomy of Pseudopimpla Habermehl (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) with description of a new species
Authors: MAZÓN MARINA , BORDERA SANTIAGO
Published: January 2019

Pseudopimpla propodeumpunctata sp. nov., collected in Spain, is described. Differences and similarities between both West-Palaearctic species, P. algerica and P. pygidiator, were checked by mean of morphometric survey and multivariate analysis. The morphometric results showed no differences between both species, and as a consequence they were synonymized. A key for the world species of Pseudopimpla is provided. A new host, Hartigia nigra (Harris) (Hymenoptera, Cephidae) and two new host food plants (Rosa sp and Rubus ulmifolius Schott) are reported for P. algerica. Pseudopimpla is recorded for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula and Serbia.
Checklist of the Adriatic Sea Fishes
Authors: LIPEJ LOVRENC , DULČIĆ JAKOV
Published: January 2019

An updated checklist is presented for the marine fish fauna in the Adriatic Sea. According to historical and recent sources in scientific literature 440 fish species were up to date recorded in the Adriatic Sea. Only a minor number of species are considered to be a consequence of recent processes known to have occurred in the Mediterranean sea, such as Lessepsian migration, Atlantic influx, northward spreading and cases of escape from mariculture.
Description of Erwiniinae, new subfamily of Dryinidae from Ecuador (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea)
Authors: OLMI MASSIMO , GUGLIELMINO ADALGISA
Published: January 2019

Erwiniinae, a new subfamily of Dryinidae, based on Erwinius prognatus, new genus and a new species is described from Ecuador, Napo Province. A new key to subfamilies of Dryinidae is presented.
Remarks on the genus Alloxiphidiopsis Liu & Zhang, 2007 (Orthoptera, Meconematinae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: SHI FU-MING , LI RUI-LIAN
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with seven species, two species of which are new, i.e. Alloxiphidiopsis quadratis sp. nov., A. fingera sp. nov.. A key to the species of the genus Alloxiphidiopsis from Yunnan, China is provided.
Tropical Cyclone Forecasts Impact Assessment from the Assimilation of Hourly Visible, Shortwave, and Clear-Air Water Vapor Atmospheric Motion Vectors in HWRF
Authors: Lim Agnes H. N. , Jung James A. , Nebuda Sharon E. , Daniels Jaime M. , Bresky Wayne , Tong Mingjing , Tallapragada Vijay
Published: January 2019

The assimilation of atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) provides important wind information to conventional data-lacking oceanic regions, where tropical cyclones spend most of their lifetimes. Three new AMV types, shortwave infrared (SWIR), clear-air water vapor (CAWV), and visible (VIS), are produced hourly by NOAA/NESDIS and are assimilated in operational NWP systems. The new AMV data types are added to the hourly infrared (IR) and cloud-top water vapor (CTWV) AMV data in the 2016 operational version of the HWRF Model. In this study, we update existing quality control (QC) procedures and add new procedures specific to tropical cyclone assimilation. We assess the impact of the three new AMV types on tropical cyclone forecasts by conducting assimilation experiments for 25 Atlantic tropical cyclones from the 2015 and 2016 hurricane seasons. Forecasts are analyzed by considering all tropical cyclones as a group and classifying them into strong/weak storm vortices based on their initial model intensity. Metrics such as track error, intensity error, minimum central pressure error, and storm size are used to assess the data impact from the addition of the three new AMV types. Positive impact is obtained for these metrics, indicating that assimilating SWIR-, CAWV-, and VIS-type AMVs are beneficial for tropical cyclone forecasting. Given the results presented here, the new AMV types were accepted into NOAA/NCEP’s operational HWRF for the 2017 hurricane season.
Evaluation of an Electronic Dosing Calculator to Reduce Pediatric Medication Errors
Authors: Murray Brian , Streitz Matthew J. , Hilliard Michael , Maddry Joseph K.
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Adverse medication events are a potential source of significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients, where dosages frequently rely on weight-based formulas. The most frequent occurrence of medication errors occurs during the ordering phase. Methods. Through a prospective cohort analysis, we followed medication errors through patient safety reports (PSRs) to determine if the use of a medication dosage calculator would reduce the number of PSRs per patient visits. Results. The number of PSRs for medication errors per patient visit occurring due to errors in ordering decreased from 10/28 417 to 1/17 940, a decrease by a factor of 6.31, with a χ2 value of 4.063, P = .0463. Conclusion. We conclude that the use of an electronic dosing calculator is able to reduce the number of medication errors, thereby reducing the potential for serious pediatric adverse medication events.
Attendance at Well-Child Visits After Reach Out and Read
Authors: Needlman Robert D. , Dreyer Benard P. , Klass Perri , Mendelsohn Alan L.
Published: January 2019

Attendance at well-child visits (WCVs) is a sine qua non of preventive care. We hypothesized that Reach Out and Read (ROR) would be associated with better WCV attendance. Parents of children 76 to 72 months at 8 clinics who did not yet have ROR reported how many WCVs their child had attended in the previous year; separate samples at the same clinics were interviewed 16 months after the ROR program was instituted. Comparing 267 parents before ROR and 254 after, the percentage who had attended the minimum number of WCVs required by the American Academy of Pediatrics periodicity schedule rose from 67.4% (180/267) to 78.3% (199/254; P < .01). This difference remained significant after controlling for multiple potential confounding factors (estimated odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-3.5). The largest differences were among Latino children and children of less-educated parents. Programs to enhance early literacy may increase attendance at WCVs among at-risk families.
The Black Messiah: Writing Equiano
Authors: Unigwe Chika
Published: January 2019

In this essay, Nigerian author Chika Unigwe discusses the challenges involved in writing the biographical novel The Black Messiah (currently published only in Dutch translation as De zwarte messias), which imaginatively retraces the life of Olaudah Equiano. Unigwe’s first attempt to reimagine Equiano took the form of a children’s book in the late 1990s. This project immediately drew her attention to the two primary, antithetical difficulties of writing biographical fiction: on the one hand, one needs to rely on historical information to recreate the past accurately but, on the other, fiction — being art — cannot impart a great deal of such information without becoming too didactic.

Unigwe abandoned this early project but eventually took it up again in the form of an adult novel. Some of her creative choices in writing this book were guided by the imaginative spaces left in Equiano’s autobiography — for example, he hardly mentions his white wife and remains vague about his time as a plantation overseer. This prompted a series of questions for Unigwe to explore: how did a black man experience an interracial marriage in the eighteenth century? How did Equiano handle “stubborn” slaves as an overseer? How could a twenty-first century writer recreate Equiano’s state of mind without judging him by contemporary standards? There were additional challenges too. One pertained to the type of language to be used to recount Equiano’s story, another to the constraints involved in writing about a real figure, many aspects of whose life and death are on the historical record. Ultimately, Unigwe tried to find a balance between fact and fiction, history and imagination, so as to highlight the magnitude of Equiano’s accomplishments, while also exploring him as a human being whose story remains particularly relevant today.
The Experience of a Skeptic.
Authors: Taft Lorado
Published: January 2019

[Few who read these lines will need an introduction to Lorado Taft. Like John LaFarge, he is an artist who combines with creative faculties of a high order the rarest gifts as an interpreter of the work of other men. As a lecturer on his favorite subject he has perhaps charmed more audiences than any other American. It was his fame in this connection which led to the invitation to which he so modestly alludes.—Editor.]