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La lymphohistiocytose hémophagocytaire est un syndrome rare, de pronostic péjoratif, caractérisée par une dérégulation incontrôlée du système immunitaire. La rareté de cette maladie rend difficile l'obtention de cohorte de grande taille. Dans cette étude, nous avons analysé les données de 66 patients ; l'objectif étant d'en décrire les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques, biologiques et thérapeutiques puis de comparer nos résultats à ceux de la littérature. Nous avons conduit une étude rétrospective au CHU de Montpellier de 2015 à 2021. Les patients étaient inclus lorsque le diagnostic de HLH était mentionné sur le compte rendu d'hospitalisation et lorsque le HSCORE était supérieur à 50 % (169). Les analyses pronostiques ont été effectuées en comparant les patients décédés ou non. Parmi les 66 patients, 62 % sont des hommes ; l'âge moyen est de 49,2 ans. Le pourcentage de décès était de 45,9 %. Les lymphomes représentaient la principale étiologie, suivis des infections, puis des maladies auto-immunes/auto-inflammatoires. Cliniquement, la fièvre, la splénomégalie, l'hépatomégalie et les défaillances d'organes étaient majoritairement retrouvées. Une pancytopénie était présente dans 62 % des cas. La ferritine, les triglycérides, les LDH et les ASAT étaient très augmentés. L'âge avancé, un lymphome associé, ainsi que la présence et la sévérité des cytopénies étaient associés à un pronostic défavorable. L'étude des données clinicobiologiques, épidémiologiques et de survie des patients de notre cohorte a permis de confirmer des données déjà publiées mais également d'en discuter d'autres. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare syndrome with a poor prognosis, characterized by an uncontrolled dysregulation of the immune system. The rarity of this disease makes it difficult to obtain large cohorts. In this study, we analyzed the data of 66 patients: the objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, biological and therapeutic characteristics and to compare our results with those already published. We conducted a retrospective study at the University Hospital of Montpellier from 2015 to 2021. Patients were included when the diagnosis of HLH was mentioned on the hospitalization report and when the HSCORE was higher than 50% (169). Prognostic analyses were performed by comparing the patients who died from HMH to those who didn't. The mean age the 66 patients included was 49.2 years, 62% were men. The percentage of deaths was 45.9%. Lymphoma was the main etiology, followed by infections, then autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases. Fever, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and organ failure were the main clinical manifestations. Pancytopenia was present in 62% of cases. Ferritin, triglycerides, LDH and AST were highly increased. Advanced age, associated lymphoma, and the severity of cytopenias were linked to a poor prognosis. The study of the clinico-biological, epidemiological and survival data of the patients in our cohort allowed us to confirm previously published data but also to discuss some of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most common cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI); however, treatment options are limited. Mas is a G protein-coupled receptor whose role in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity has not yet been examined. Intrahepatic Mas expression was determined in both human and mouse DILI models. Mas1 -/-, Alb cre Mas1 f/f, Ppara -/-, Mas1 -/- Ppara -/- and wild-type mice were challenged with APAP for the in vivo analyses of Mas-AKT-FOXO1 axis-dependent lipophagy and fatty acid oxidation (FAO), using pharmacological compounds and genetic tools. Liver samples were collected for RNA-sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and metabolic flux analysis. Live-imaging of liver and histological, biochemical, and molecular studies were performed to evaluate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Primary hepatocytes and hepatic cell lines were exposed to APAP for in vitro analysis. Intrahepatic Mas expression was significantly upregulated in human and mouse DILI models. Mice with systemic, liver-specific, or hepatocyte-specific Mas1 deficiency were vulnerable to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. They exhibited substantially impaired lipophagy and downstream FAO, which was accompanied by the activation of AKT and suppression of FOXO1. In addition, the prophylactic activation of Mas conferred strong protection against APAP challenge in mice, with remarkably enhanced lipophagy and FAO dependent on the AKT-FOXO1 axis. Moreover, the protective effects of AVE0991 were substantially diminished by the inhibition of either lipophagy or FAO. The activation of Mas on hepatocytes enhanced AKT-FOXO1-dependent lipophagy and downstream FAO, protecting mice from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and indicating that hepatocyte-specific Mas might be a novel therapeutic target for DILI. Mas signalling arises as a novel therapeutic target for patients with APAP-induced liver injury. The Mas-AKT/FOXO1-fatty acid degradation pathway could be critical for the development of treatment strategies for APAP overdose. When Mas signalling is targeted, the extent of liver injury should be considered at the time of administration. These findings obtained from APAP-challenged mice still need to be confirmed in a clinical context. [Display omitted] • Intrahepatic Mas expression is upregulated in patients with DILI, and mice with APAP-induced liver injury. • Mas1 -/- mice are vulnerable to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. • Mas activation shows protective effects in hepatocytes by enhancing lipophagy and FAO, which are dependent on the AKT-FOXO1 axis. • Mas arises as a novel therapeutic target for patients with APAP-induced liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Berry skin color is one of the most important and extensively studied quality traits in grapevines. • Various molecular markers linked to berry color traits and genotyping strategies have been proposed, but none have proved robustness and effectiveness on different genetic backgrounds. • Deciphering the whole genome sequencing data revealed three high polymorphic regions linked to the berry color trait. • A High-Resolution Melting genotyping strategy involving three selected molecular markers proved an effective molecular-assisted selection strategy across diverse grapevine genetic backgrounds. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) represents one of the most effective strategies to reduce costs and time in plant breeding programs. MAS benefits from the identification of markers in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with causative genes and from the development of fast, scalable, and reproducible screening techniques. In grape, berry color is a valuable trait, highly related to the sensory characteristics of fresh grape and wine quality. The present work aims to develop a MAS strategy to select skin color by High-Resolution Melting (HRM), a 'close-tube' method capable of detecting polymorphisms within PCR-amplified DNA fragments. To identify molecular markers associated with the berry skin color phenotypic trait, the total genome of 3 white-berry and 3 red-berry accessions were sequenced using Illumina technology and aligned to the reference genome PN40024 v4. The sequencing results revealed the presence of three highly polymorphic regions on chromosome 2 between 15 Kbp and 17 Kbp for red berry genotypes. HRM analyses were carried out on a total of 95 genotypes, 70 of which comprised a berry color segregating population: ['Italia' (white berry) x cv 'Crimson Seedless' (red berry)] and 25 genotypes belonging to a commercial grapevine germplasm collection consisting of 11 red and 14 white berry accessions. The HRM profiles of the three regions tested strongly correlated with the phenotypic trait of color. The results of this work represent an effective, fast, and reliable genotyping strategy that enables the discrimination of genotypes based on the presence or absence of berry pigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to evaluate the evidence supporting the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injections in lower limb of hemiplegic patients, after stroke or cerebrovascular accident, and their gait analysis. This study included: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) or cluster trials, clinical trials of various phases (I-III), interrupted time series (ITS) studies with at least three data points before and after the intervention, controlled before and after (CBA) studies, prospective and retrospective comparative cohort studies, case-control and multicentred studies. The patients included in these studies had similar characteristics: age over 18 years, history of stroke and following hemiplegia, minimum modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score of 2 and duration since stroke over 6 months. The number of studies included in this review was 21. A meta-analysis was performed on a fraction of them depending on the reported index and the methodology as reported in detail in the results section. MAS score, following BTA injections, was significantly improved (Hedges' g: −1.17; 95% CI: −1.66, 0.67; p < 0.001). The same applied for the 10 Meter Walk Test (MWT) (−0.35; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.02; p = 0.016). The gait velocity showed improvement, yet without statistical significance (0.27; 95% CI: −0.09, 0.63; p = 0.285). We concluded that botulinum toxin injections showed effectiveness on lower limb hypertonia reduction of hemiplegic patients after stroke. Apart from significantly reducing the MAS scores, 10 MWT was also improved. However, more research is required in order to determine the advancement in specific gait and posture parameters. • Our review showed that BTA injections reduce spasticity and improve the gait indices of post-stroke patients. • The aforementioned improvement of spasticity and gait using the MAS and 10 MWT was statistically significant. • Even though an increase of gait velocity was also observed, it did not reach statistical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mas receptor has been reported to promote migration and invasion of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells via Ang-(1-7)-dependent AKT signaling. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of Mas function remains unknown. Here, eight PDZ domain-containing proteins were identified as Mas interactors using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). NHERF4 was the only downregulated gene across multiple independent ccRCC datasets. GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed physical interaction between NHERF4 and Mas. Using NHERF4 overexpression and knockdown assays, we found that NHERF4 inhibited Mas-induced migration, invasion and in vivo metastasis of ccRCC cells. Mechanistically, NHERF4 suppressed Mas-stimulated AKT phosphorylation and the PLC/Ca2+ response. We further demonstrated that NHERF4 compromised Mas-mediated migration and invasion of ccRCC cells via regulation of the PLC/AKT signaling axis. Analysis of the ccRCC dataset revealed that low levels of NHERF4 expression were correlated with higher TNM stage, and independently predicted poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. Overall, our study identified NHERF4 as a novel regulator of ccRCC invasiveness, and a prognostic biomarker, which may be beneficial for determining optimal therapeutic strategies for ccRCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is the third most important oil crop worldwide and it has a high demand for its industrial characteristics that make it suitable for human consumption and production of biofuels. The main yield losses of the crop are produce by blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans (Desmaz.) Ces. and of Not. [Anamorph Phoma lingam (Tode ex Fr.) Desmaz]. In this context, 469 inbred lines (ILs) of the INTA-EEA Paraná breeding program were phenotypic characterized for its resistance to Blackleg by artificial inoculations with a local isolation. From the initial 469 ILs, a total of 59 (13%) were identified as phenotypically resistant and were characterized by molecular makers associated to resistant genes (Rlm1, Lepr3, Rpg3Dun, and Rlm4) with the aim to identify lines carrying different resistance genes to be selected as parental lines in the development of new resistant genotypes. Moreover, the resistant ILs were characterized for its agronomics performance, including yield; percentage of oil; and content of fatty acids, over two crop seasons (2018 and 2019). A Generalized Procrustes Analysis was conducted to correlate all the traits evaluated and identify elite lines. From the 59 resistants ILs, four lines were selected based on their high performances and multiple resistant gene combinations, as started lines to develop a pyramiding gene strategy. The selection of these elite lines to combine traditional breeding and gene-pyramiding based on MAS in our breeding program is a useful strategy to develop superior rapeseed genotypes. • Blackleg or stem canker is the main disease affecting yield in rapeseed. • Screened 59 resistant ILs from 459 ILs based on its responses to blackleg. • The R gene distribution and ILs agronomic performance were evaluated. • New resistant genes (L. maculans) were identified by molecular markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods and software enabling the estimation of efficiency and the comparisons of alternative designs of industrial plants are discussed. Problem of efficiency estimation for investment projects of industrial plants is formulated in the terms of decision theory. Presented approach is based on the reduction of multicriterion problem of investment project estimating to one-criterion problem. Application of simulation and artificial intelligence (AI) methods for estimation of technological and structural decisions, is the central feature of presented approach. Designed simulation model refers to discrete-event class. Object-oriented approach was applied for designing of the model and programming language C++ for its implementation. After it's successful implementation this model was improved, in order to obtain robust, adaptive, re-configurable and responsive system. That was done with self-organization, self-learning, self-adaptation, self-optimization. This approach is based on application of AI methods (multi-agent systems (MAS), in particular) for simulation model development. MAS is a bio-inspired paradigm that allows to design systems based on autonomous and cooperative agents, exhibiting modularity, robustness, flexibility, adaptability and re-configurability. Presented methodology is tried-and-true method which applies on the phase of designing and engineering of industrial plant. This approach is discussed on the example of foundry plant with moulding line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined with the port distributed characteristics and role behavior model, the marine ship production scheduling system based on Multi-Agent System (MAS) is studied. The problems existing in the overall process of port scheduling are analyzed, such as longitudinal multi-level scheduling, low information sharing, local rationality, overall conflict, poor operation of scheduling plan, etc. The planning and scheduling model based on MAS and the cooperative framework of port dispatching system based on MAS are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study emphasized a new approach for modeling the activated sludge process with a membrane separation (MASM) for organic carbon removal of tannery wastewaters. The new model, differing from the commonly used activated sludge models 1, relied on a modified chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation considering the particle size distribution of the organic matter. A new COD fraction, entrapped COD, was included into the model related to the effective filtration size of the membrane module. Modeling studies were conducted for high rate; conventional and extended aeration activated sludge systems operated at sludge age levels of 4, 8-12, and 15-18 d, respectively. Model simulations were carried out for parallel systems both with gravity settling and membrane filtration. Comparative evaluation reflected a better effluent quality for the activated sludge systems with membrane separation at all sludge ages when both systems were designed for the same reactor volume. At a high rate operation, the effluent soluble COD level was estimated as 198 mg/L for membrane separation, below the threshold of 200 mg/L and 63% lower than the conventional scheme. Even for conventional and extended type of operation, the effluent COD remained around 170 mg/L, where it fluctuated between 300-350 mg/L including the particulate COD in the supernatant for the conventional scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Partial substitution of MgO by ZnO caused a decrease in T g , a slight increase in the T X and improved sinterability. • The addition of ZnO resulted in the crystallization of cristobalite, enstatite, gahnite an willemite. • ZnO lowered H and E for the glass and glass-ceramic but did not affect fracture strength. • The glass and glass-ceramic with lower concentration of MgO were the most wear resistance. • The glass-ceramic with ZnO had a similar wear resistance than the composition with higher MgO content. The sintering, crystallization and mechanical behavior of three glass compositions in the SiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 -MgO/ZnO system were investigated. Partial substitution of MgO by ZnO causes a decrease in T g , a slight increase in the crystallization temperature and improves sinterability. Cordierite and enstatite were crystallized in bulk glasses heat treated at 1000 °C. Addition of ZnO resulted in the crystallization of cordierite, willemite and gahnite for the heat treated bulk glasses and cristobalite, enstatite, gahnite and willemite for the sintered glass powders. The first phase to crystallize is the β-quartz solid solution at 850−900 °C for all compositions. The glass and glass-ceramic with ZnO had the lowest hardness and elastic modulus. There was no variation of fracture strength with composition. The glass-ceramic with ZnO had a similar wear resistance in comparison to the composition with higher MgO content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of passive vs. active recovery at different percentages of maximum aerobic speed (MAS) on performance in a repeated sprint test and testosterone/cortisol ratio in basketball. Sixteen basketball players performed a 20 m shuttle run test and randomly 4 repeated 10 × 30 m shuttle sprint tests with different types of recovery: passive and active at 50%, 35% and 20% of the MAS. Heart rate, RPE, Cortisol (C), testosterone (T) and blood lactate concentrations were measured during the sprint tests. The results showed that the total time (TT) and best time (BT) for repeated sprints are significantly higher during the passive recovery than the active ones. The performance recorded during active recovery at 20% of the MAS is significantly higher than those obtained at 35 and 50% of the MAS. There was no significant difference in lactate concentrations and T/C ratio between passive and active recovery. Significant correlations (r2 > 50%) were recorded between total time and MAS for both types of recovery. Passive recovery provides the best performance in repeated sprints. Also by comparing active recoveries, those of intensity below 35% of the MAS lead to a better performance in basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a self-adaptive mechanism for traffic regulation based on cooperative agents. We focus our study on the intersection behaviour, using intelligent agents to represent the infrastructure elements, which cooperate among each other in order to minimize traffic congestion. While the agents are capable of cooperating among themselves, the cooperative behaviour is not pre-defined, as it emerges from the agent interactions at a local level. We also explain our results from simulation experiments involving the proposed mechanism, comparing it with other traffic congestion regulation systems currently in use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Bulked segregant analysis coupled with whole-genome sequencing (BSA-seq) was used to excavate major loci and genes for anemone type flower in chrysanthemum. • Three out of twenty-two key candidate genes were screened out by a combination of gene functional annotation, transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses. • The developed KASP markers would help in marker-assisted selection of anemone type flower in chrysanthemum molecular breeding. Chrysanthemum is one of the most leading commercial flower crops well-known for its flower shape diversity. Anemone type chrysanthemums receive increasing market attention that are distinguished by their pigmented and elongated disk florets. However, there are few reports on quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and the identification genes for anemone in chrysanthemum. In this study, bulked segregant analysis coupled with whole-genome sequencing (BSA-seq) approach was employed to detect candidate genomic regions controlling anemone type flower. Two mixed DNA pools composed of 28 anemone type and 20 non-anemone type F 1 lines derived from a cross between 'Nannong Xuefeng' and 'Monalisa' together with two parents were used for high-throughput sequencing. A total of 42 consistent QTLs covering 30.00 Mb were simultaneously identified by |△(SNP/InDel-index)| and Euclidean distance (ED) algorithms based on 15,783,313 SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) and 1,546,200 small InDels (insertions and deletions). Twenty-two key candidate genes were screened out by a combination of gene functional annotation and transcriptome analysis, in which evm.model.scaffold_915.436 (CBF5), evm.model.scaffold_24.208 (U2AF65A), and a uncharacterized gene evm.model.scaffold_260.201 were highlighted by qRT-PCR. Furtherly, four associations were successfully converted to KASP (kompetitive allele specific PCR) markers, among them, the KASP markers developed for SNP locus Chr6__33961007 and Chr6__179207697 were proven to efficiently discriminate anemone and non-anemone type chrysanthemums being a couple of diagnostic markers in two populations. The results presented herein provide insights for further research on elucidating the formation mechanism of anemone type flower, and the anemone-specific KASP marker will be highly useful for applying MAS to accelerate breeding improvement of chrysanthemum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telerehabilitation in older adults is most needed in the patient environments, rather than in formal ambulatories or hospitals. Supporting such practices brings significant advantages to patients, their family, formal and informal caregivers, clinicians, and researchers. This paper presents a focus group with experts in physiotherapy and telerehabilitation, debating on the requirements, current techniques and technologies developed to facilitate and enhance the effectiveness of telerehabilitation, and the still open challenges. Particular emphasis is given to (i) the body-parts requiring the most rehabilitation, (ii) the typical environments, initial causes, and general conditions, (iii) the values and parameters to be observed, (iv) common errors and limitations of current practices and technological solutions, and (v) the envisioned and desired technological support. Consequently, it has been performed a systematic review of the state of the art, investigating what types of systems and support currently cope with telerehabilitation practices and possible matches with the outcomes of the focus group. Technological solutions based on video analysis, wearable devices, robotic support, distributed sensing, and gamified telerehabilitation are examined. Particular emphasis is given to solutions implementing agent-based approaches, analyzing and discussing strength, limitations, and future challenges. By doing so, it has been possible to relate functional requirements expressed by professional physiotherapists and researchers, with the need for extending multi-agent systems (MAS) peculiarities at the sensing level in wearable solutions establishing new research challenges. In particular, to be employed in safety-critical cyber-physical scenarios with user-sensor and sensor-sensor interactions, MAS are requested to handle timing constraints, scarcity of resources and new communication means, crucial to providing real-time feedback and coaching. Therefore, MAS pillars such as the negotiation protocol and the agent's internal scheduler have been investigated, proposing solutions to achieve the aforementioned real-time compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a self-adaptive mechanism for traffic regulation based on cooperative agents. We focus our study on the intersection behaviour, using intelligent agents to represent the infrastructure elements, which cooperate among each other in order to minimize traffic congestion. While the agents are capable of cooperating among themselves, the cooperative behaviour is not pre-defined, as it emerges from the agent interactions at a local level. We also explain our results from simulation experiments involving the proposed mechanism, comparing it with other traffic congestion regulation systems currently in use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates the consensus problem of the second-order nonlinear multi-agent systems (MAS) with unknown periodic time-varying parameters (UPTVP) and imprecise communication topology structure (ICTS). T–S fuzzy models is used to express the ICTS, and the concept of fuzzy union connected (FUC) is defined. Under the condition that the ICTS is FUC, an adaptive repetitive learning control protocol is presented such that all the followers can track the leader asymptotically. With the information of leader agent is known to a small portion of following agents, an auxiliary control term was presented for each follower agent to handle leaders dynamics. The distributed MAS consensus is analyzed based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Furthermore, the proposed protocol is further promoted to solve the formation control problem. Finally, simulation results are shown to demonstrate the validity of the proposed design methods in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract L-NAME-induced hypertension is commonly used to study endothelial dysfunction and related vascular effects. It has been reported that genetic deletion of A 1 adenosine receptor (AR) reduces blood pressure (BP) increases in mice and thus, suggesting the involvement of A 1 AR. Thus, we sought to determine whether A 1 AR-induced vascular responses were altered in this mouse model of hypertension. L-NAME (1 mg/ml) was given in the drinking water for 28 days to mice. The BP was monitored using non-invasive tail-cuff system. Muscle tension studies were performed using DMT for mesenteric arteries (MAs) and organ bath for aorta. Protein expression was analyzed by western blot. Significantly, higher systolic and mean arterial blood pressure was noted in L-NAME mice. In MAs, higher 2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA, selective A 1 AR agonist) induced contractions in hypertensive mice were observed. This enhanced contraction was inhibited by HET0016 (Cytochrome 450 4A inhibitor, 10 µM, 15 min). Contrary, 5′-(N-Ethylcarboxamido) adenosine (NECA, non-selective AR agonist) induced vascular responses were comparable in both groups. Pinacidil (K ATP channel opener) induced relaxation was significantly increased in hypertensive mice. In aorta, CCPA-induced contractions were enhanced and inhibited by HET0016 in hypertensive mice. Notably, NECA-induced contractions in aorta were enhanced in hypertensive mice. Higher expressions of A 1 AR and Cyp4A were noted in MAs of hypertensive mice. In addition, in aorta, higher A 1 AR and comparable Cyp4A levels were observed in hypertensive mice. A 1 AR-induced vascular contractions were enhanced in hypertensive mice aorta and MAs. Cyp4A plays a role in altered vascular responses in MAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Minimal access surgery (MAS) allows for an early return to systemic and radiation therapy in patients with cancer, leading to its increasing usage in the treatment of spinal metastases. Systematic examination of surgical indications resulted in the development of an algorithm for implementation of MAS in the treatment of spinal metastases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate a spine tumor MAS treatment algorithm using patient-reported outcomes for patients with cancer undergoing treatment of spinal metastases. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of patients who had undergone spinal percutaneous instrumented stabilization with the addition of MAS spinal cord or nerve root decompression and/or kyphoplasty when indicated at a tertiary cancer center from December 2013 to August 2016. Validated patient-reported outcome measures, including the Brief Pain Inventory and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–spine module, were used. The patient-reported outcome measures were collected and compared at baseline, 3 months, and long-term follow-up (range, 4.5–12 months). Results A total of 51 patients were included. MAS resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the severity of pain and improved activity, ability to work, and enjoyment of life (P < 0.001). The improvement was reported at the short- and long-term follow-up points. Conclusions We present our treatment algorithm for MAS implementation in the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal metastases. Prospectively collected data have demonstrated that using this algorithm, MAS surgery for the treatment of spinal metastases results in significant decreases in pain severity and symptom interference with daily activities. Highlights • We have presented our treatment algorithm for MAS implementation in the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal metastases. • Prospectively collected PRO data were used to demonstrated the validity of the treatment algorithm. • MAS for spinal metastases resulted in significant decreases in pain severity and symptom interference with daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • There have been very few cases of pituitary calcified associated with McCune Albright syndrome. • Pituitary calcification is quite rare by itself. • Unlike this is a benign disease, its behavior is very aggressive and this highlights the need of a multidisciplinary team. • It is mandatory to rule out a whole work up when McCune Albright syndrome is suspected to stratify risks and survival. Abstract Background McCune-Albright's syndrome (MAS) is a rare disorder that is characterized by café-au-lait macules, fibrous dysplasia of the skull and endocrinopathies like excessive secretion of growth hormone by a hyper-functional pituitary adenoma (PA). Case We describe the case of a 43-year-old male with history of Gigantism in 1990 secondary to a GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma that was treated via microscopic transsphenoidal surgery at that time. He was reported as asymptomatic for 26 years until he developed headache and right temporal hemianopia with left amaurosis. Also ptosis and proptosis was found caused by a re-growth of the tumor on the follow up MRI. A second surgical procedure was performed via a dorsolateral craniotomy. Gross total resection was also achieved with a Neuropathology report of a pituitary adenoma tissue accompanied by extended dystrophic calcification and bone formation. Conclusion This is a rare case of MAS. Gigantism within the context of a pituitary calcification raises special diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The cause of the excessive secretion of GH in MAS is not well understood concluding that it seems to be a different etiology of patients with Acromegaly and Gigantism in non-MAS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus ) is a valuable flatfish with current selection programs to increase growth rate in the fifth generation. Disentangling the genetic architecture of growth traits has biological and productive relevance. Growth-related quantitative trait loci (QTL) and associated markers have been previously reported in turbot. Here, we tested the performance of 39 markers associated with three growth-related traits (body weight (BW), body length (BL) and condition factor (FK)) in 18 families for their potential application in marker assisted selection (MAS) in this species. A cost-effective selective genotyping approach was developed by checking the statistical power of small samples at the extreme of the phenotypic distributions. Associations between growth traits and markers were performed using two statistical approaches (contingency chi-square tests and stepwise regression analysis) to identify the most robust set of markers. Twenty markers were detected by both methods, mostly linked to previously reported growth-related QTL and encompassing 11 linkage groups (LGs). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that a subset of seven markers explained nearly 40% and 60% of the phenotypic variation at genotypic and allelic level, respectively, for BW and BL. Seven markers for BW and BL and other two for FK showed association at population level, when all family data were pooled. Validated markers might be useful to go a step forward to improve growth performance through more refined MAS, and as physical anchors for identifying causal genes underpinning growth traits in turbot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The correlation analysis method is proposed to verify the MAS effect in the recording process. • It is confirmed that the medium-dependent gain corresponds to the FMR frequency change between the media. • This is the world's first report on the quantification of the MAS effect in the recording process. Frequency matching is the most important key point for designing microwave-assisted switching (MAS) and microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR). It is necessary to quantitatively compare an assist effect by MAS (MAS effect) of some media when designing and optimizing a medium from the viewpoint of frequency matching experimentally. However, it is difficult to directly compare the MAS effect between media because the differences in the resolution and saturation characteristics of the medium strongly influence the recording properties. In this study, we propose a new method for appropriately removing these effects other than the MAS effect by evaluating the relationship of recording characteristics between media. By using this method, the difference of the MAS effect between any media can be quantitatively compared and used as an index for medium design to optimize MAMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objectives: The study aimed to prospectively evaluate the radiation dose reduction potential and image quality (IQ) of a high-concentration contrast media (HCCM) injection protocol in combination with a low tube current (mAs) in coronary computed tomography angiography.Materials and Methods: Eighty-one consecutive patients (mean age: 62 years; 34 females; body mass index: 18-31) were included and randomized-assigned into two groups. All computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed in two groups with the same tube voltage (100 kV), flow rate of contrast medium (5.0 mL/s), and iodine dose (22.8 g). An automatic mAs and low concentration contrast medium (300 mgI/mL) were used in group A, whereas effective mAs was reduced by a factor 0.6 along with HCCM (400 mgI/mL) in group B. Radiation dose was assessed (CT dose index [CTDIvol] and dose length product), and vessel-based objective IQ for various regions of interest (enhancement, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio), subjective IQ, noise, and motion artifacts were analyzed overall and vessel-based with a 5-point Likert scale.Results: The CT attenuation of coronary arteries and image noise in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (ranges: 507.5-548.1 Hounsfield units vs 407.5-444.5 Hounsfield units; and 20.3 ± 8.6 vs 17.7 ± 8.0) (P ≤ 0.0166). There was no significant difference between the two groups in signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and subjective IQ of coronary arteries (29.4-31.7, 30.0-37.0, and medium score of 5 in group A vs 29.4-32.4, 27.7-36.3, and medium score of 5 in group B, respectively, P ≥ 0.1859). Both mean CTDIvol and dose length product in group B were 58% of those of group A.Conclusions: HCCM combined with low tube current allows dose reduction in coronary computed tomography angiography and does not compromise IQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for maternal anaemia and low birth weight (LBW) in pregnant women living in Maharashtra state, India. Study design: This is a prospective study. Methods: Women between 3 and 5 months of pregnancy were recruited from 34 villages based in Maharashtra state. Baseline data collection, anthropometric measurements and blood investigations were performed. Participants were followed-up to record birth weight. Results: In total, 303 women were eligible, and 287 (95%) provided data. 77% were anaemic, defined as haemoglobin less than 11.0 g/dl at the time of recruitment, with a mean corpuscular volume of 80.5 fl/cell (standard deviation: 7.22, range: 53.4-93.8). The increased risk of anaemia was seen in women with consanguineous marriages (odds ratio [OR]: 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-5.01, P = 0.01) after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Postdelivery data from full-term singleton live births demonstrated a 7% prevalence of LBW. Consanguineous marriage was a major risk factor for LBW (OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.25-13.41, P = 0.02). The presence of maternal anaemia during 3-5 months of pregnancy was associated with lower risk of LBW (unadjusted OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13-0.92, P = 0.03). Conclusion: About 30% of our study participants were in a consanguineous marriage, which was identified as a potentially avoidable risk factor for both anaemia and LBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH; hemophagocytic syndrome) and sepsis is critically important because the life-saving aggressive immunosuppressive treatment, required in the effective HLH therapy, is absent in sepsis guidelines. Moreover, HLH may be complicated by sepsis. Hyperinflammation, present in both states, gives an overlapping clinical picture including fever and performance status deterioration. The aim of this review is to provide aid in this challenging diagnostic process. Analysis of clinical features and laboratory results in multiple groups of patients (both adult and pediatric) with either HLH or sepsis allows to propose criteria differentiating these two conditions. The diagnosis of HLH is supported by hyperferritinemia, splenomegaly, marked cytopenias, hypofibrinogenemia, low CRP, characteristic cytokine profile and, only in adults, hypertriglyceridemia. In the presence of these parameters (especially the most characteristic hyperferritinemia), the other HLH criteria should be assessed. Genetic analyses can reveal familial HLH. Hemophagocytosis is neither specific nor sensitive for HLH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to identify the GH/HaeIII gene polymorphism and to determine its association with growth traits in Salsk sheep bred in the Southern region of the Russian Federation. The identification of the GH gene polymorphism was performed by the PCR-RFLP method using the endonuclease HaeIII for restriction of an amplified fragment. During the experiment, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes of the Salsk breed sheep were identified at a frequency of 57, 36, and 7%, respectively. The values of the weight at weaning, at the age of 9 months and the average daily gain of the ram lamb with the AB genotype exceeded the values of the these parameters of the ram lamb with the AA genotype by 0.92 kg, 10.67 kg, and 47.3 g, respectively. The carcass weight, the weight of meat, the slaughter weight, and the slaughter yield of the ram lamb with the AB/GH genotype were found to be more as compared with the parameters of the ram lamb with the AA/GH genotype by 4.97 kg, 1.83 kg, 4.83 kg, and 2.04%, respectively. The ram's AB genotype also caused a greater weight of heart and kidney by 75.21 and 75.44 g, respectively. Thus, the presence of a heterozygous AB genotype in Salsk sheep breed has a positive effect on the growth traits. The rams of the AB/GH genotype significantly exceeded the rams of the AA/GH genotype and were found to have the best meat productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The G protein-coupled receptor, MAS, is the receptor of the endogenous ligand, Angiotensin (Ang)-(1−7). It is a promising drug target since the Ang-(1−7)/MAS axis is protective in the cardiovascular system. Therefore, a characterization of MAS signalling is important for developing novel therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, we show that Ang-(1−7) increases intracellular calcium in transiently MAS -transfected HEK293 cells. The calcium influx induced by the activation of MAS is dependent on plasma membrane Ca2+ channels, phospholipase C, and protein kinase C. Specifically, we could demonstrate that MAS employs non-selective, transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) for calcium entry. • Angiotensin-1–7 induces calcium influx via the G-protein coupled receptor Mas. • Mas signalling involves phospholipase C and and protein kinase C. • Trp channels are mediating the calcium influx induced by Mas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the consensus control of nonlinear impulsive distributed parameter multi-agent systems (IDPMASs), whose dynamic behavior depends on time and space. First, to achieve the complete consensus for nonlinear parabolic IDPMAS, a distributed P -type iterative learning consensus control protocol is proposed that includes network topologies information and nearest neighbor knowledge. Using impulsive Gronwall inequality and mild solution formula based on operator semigroup, the rigorous convergence analysis of consensus errors is provided, and convergence conditions are established as well. Furthermore, the consensus control of nonlinear second-order hyperbolic IDPMAS is investigated that employ an open-closed-loop P -type consensus control protocol, which uses both currents iterative consensus error and last iterative consensus error. The theoretical result of this paper shows the consensus errors between any 2 agents can converge to 0 with the increase in iterations under given conditions. Finally, two numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) around the world is stymied by mortality events triggered by Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1). In Tomales Bay, California, where OsHV-1 is endemic, breeding through family-based pedigree selection has achieved considerable genetic gains in survival to mortality events. In this study, a genome-wide association study with unselected and selected oyster families was performed that led to the detection of one quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 8 of the Pacific oyster genome that was associated with survival to mortality events in Tomales Bay and explained 13% of the phenotypic variance. RT-qPCR was used to determine that the basal upregulation of two antiviral genes, IRF2 and Viperin , was also associated with this QTL. Marker-assisted selection for this QTL was performed and families selected in this manner had 47% greater survival breeding values than families selected using pedigree selection alone. Future fine-mapping of this QTL could potentially provide a mechanistic understanding of OsHV-1 tolerance in Tomales Bay. • A QTL associated with survival to OsHV-1 mortality events was discovered in a Pacific oyster breeding population. • This QTL was associated with basal gene expression of two antiviral genes, IRF2 and Viperin. • Marker-assisted selection for this QTL increased genetic gain for survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fog–Cloud computing environments have become attractive focus areas for scheduling workflow automation of different processes in different domains. The planning of workflow containing tasks having different characteristics, in Fog-Cloud computing, can affect the gain in terms of resources. The main objective of this article is to efficiently schedule a workflow in such heterogeneous environments under conflicting constraints between the user and the resource provider. In this paper, we propose a new approach to designing an environment that combines partitioning, sequencing, and scheduling algorithms while guaranteeing a multi-objective optimization of users' and providers' conflicting requirements. Our approach also integrates a distributed resolution with Multi-Agent System (MAS), in order to reduce the complexity of the problem, and a fuzzy inference system to deal with the uncertainty problem. To study and confirm the effectiveness of our approach, we conducted an experimental study on different data collections. We compared our approach with the main related approaches that we studied. The analysis of the obtained results clearly shows the limits of these studied approaches and confirms the performance of our approach, as well as its effectiveness in planning workflows on Fog–Cloud computing while taking into account the utilization of resources. In terms of Makespan, our solution recorded a reduction of 48% compared to the Energy Makespan Multi-Objective Optimization (EM-MOO) approach, and 41% compared to the Multi-Agent System based Genetic Algorithm (MAS-GA), while respecting the time constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vehicular ad -hoc networks (VANETs) are a specific type of Mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). However, the main problem related to it is the potential high speed of moving vehicles. This special property causes frequent changing in network topology and instability of communication routes. Consequently, some of the challenges that researchers focus on are routing protocols for VANETs. They have proved that the existing MANET proactive routing protocols are the most used for vehicular communication. Yet, they are not as adequate as they are for VANETs. The main problem with these protocols in dynamic environment is their route instability. This paper combines multi-agent system approach and PSO algorithm to solve the above mentioned problems. We carried out a set of simulations tests to evaluate the performance of our scheme. The simulation part shows promising results regarding the adoption of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation has become an indispensable tool for researchers to explore systems without having recourse to real experiments. Depending on the characteristics of the modeled system, methods used to represent the system may vary. Multi-agent systems are often used to model and simulate complex systems. In any cases, increasing the size and the precision of the model increases the amount of computation, requiring the use of parallel systems when it becomes too large. In this paper, we focus on parallel platforms that support multi-agent simulations and their execution on high performance resources as parallel clusters. Our contribution is a survey on existing platforms and their evaluation in the context of high performance computing. We present a qualitative analysis of several multi-agent platforms, their tests in high performance computing execution environments, and the performance results for the only two platforms that fulfill the high performance computing constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state 17 O Magic-Angle Spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of 17 O-enriched hexagonal ice, [ 17 O]- I h , between 173 and 253 K were presented. Marked changes in the line shape were clearly observed, indicating water molecular reorientation in the crystal structure. At 173 K, molecular motions were considered to be frozen and analysis of the 1D MAS spectrum yielded the following parameters: quadrupole coupling constant ( C Q ) = 6.6 ± 0.2 MHz and asymmetry parameter (η Q ) = 0.95 ± 0.05. At 232 K and above, contrary to the conventional explanation, pseudo-symmetric line shapes appeared in the 17 O MAS NMR spectra arising from the contribution of second-order quadrupole interactions. As a chemical exchange model to describe these isotropic 17 O MAS NMR spectra, a modified Ratcliffe model, which consider the effects of proton disorder, was proposed, and the resulting theoretical spectra could well reproduce the experimental spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A genetic map spanning 1287.99 cM across 11 linkage groups was constructed following the segregation of microsatellite markers in an F 2:3 mapping population generated by crossing high yielding cultivar Priyanka (M. charantia var. charantia) and M. charantia var. muricata accession IC634896. QTLs were identified for 24 traits including yield-contributing traits such as fruit length, breadth, weight and number, flesh thickness, node number and days taken for first pistillate flower emergence, numbers of staminate and pistillate flowers, and other seed-, vine- and leaf-related traits. Inclusive Composite Interval Mapping (ICIM) has revealed 60 QTLs on seven chromosomes, including 37 major QTLs with LOD values ranging from 3.1 to 15.2, explaining 1.8–35.9% phenotypic variation (PVE%). Twenty three QTLs for fruit traits (LOD 3.1 to 7.6, PVE% 5.5 to 35.9), 13 for flower traits (LOD 3.1 to 15.2, PVE% 7.0 to 26.0), seven each for seed and leaf traits (LOD 3.2 to 10.8 and 3.5 to 6.5, PVE% 5.6 to 26.3 and 3.2 to 15.8, respectively), 10 for vine traits (LOD 3.2 to 8.7, PVE% 1.8 to 17.6), were identified. Single marker analysis identified 129 hits for the marker-trait association (LOD >3.0, PVE% 11.62 to 29.34). Using the least and best performing F 2:3 plants, markers S13, KAUBG_5 and KAUBG_11 were validated for co-segregation with fruit breadth, first pistillate flower node, and number of pistillate flowers and fruits per plant, respectively. QTL map and trait-tagged markers identified in this first microsatellite-based linkage map will significantly assist in marker assisted breeding in bitter gourd. • SSR-based QTL mapping in F2:3 population of M. charantia var. charantia x M. c. muricata. • Linkage map spanned 1287.99 cM across 11 LGs with 85 SSR markers. • Sixty QTLs for 24 yield traits with LOD scores 3.1–15.2, explaining 1.8–35.9% PVE. • Co-segregating alleles for important fruit and flower traits were identified by SMA. • Allelic markers for earliness, fruit breadth and fruit number were validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA marker-assisted selection (MAS) has become an indispensable component of breeding. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are the most frequent polymorphism in the rice genome. However, SNP markers are not readily employed in MAS because of limitations in genotyping platforms. Here the authors report a Golden Gate SNP array that targets specific genes controlling yield-related traits and biotic stress resistance in rice. As a first step, the SNP genotypes were surveyed in 31 parental varieties using the Affymetrix Rice 44K SNP microarray. The haplotype information for 16 target genes was then converted to the Golden Gate platform with 143-plex markers. Haplotypes for the 14 useful allele are unique and can discriminate among all other varieties. The genotyping consistency between the Affymetrix microarray and the Golden Gate array was 92.8%, and the accuracy of the Golden Gate array was confirmed in 3 F 2 segregating populations. The concept of the haplotype-based selection by using the constructed SNP array was proofed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the energy management issue of a Distributed Generation System (DGS) for ensuring energy supply with high security. Firstly, considering that the DGS is composed of many types of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and a group of loads, a Multi-Agents System (MAS) based two hierarchical decentralized coordinated control scheme is constructed to deal with the complex energy management problem of the DGS, and JADE platform is applied to implement the MAS based energy management strategies. Then, the mode switching behaviors of each DER or load unit are described based on Petri Net (PN) models. And a Voltage Security Assessment (VSA) L- index is constructed. According to the L -index, four different operating modes of the DGS are determined and the coordinated control commands in the upper level agent are drafted. Based on PN models, according to the coordinated control commands, the switching control strategies are designed in the lower level respective unit agent to ensure secure energy supply against variable operating conditions. Moreover, the decentralized continuous controller in the lower level unit agent is also presented to dynamically regulate the output performance. Finally, the validity of proposed control scheme is demonstrated by means of simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, the use of agent-based models (ABMs) to model and simulate the dynamics of complex systems has increased significantly among various scientific fields, including architecture. Based on a systematic literature review, this paper presents a classification for agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) in architecture based on the individual entities being modeled as agents. The classification is based on a reproducible search method capable of incorporating findings from different domain-specific databases to systematically retrieve relevant literature for ABMS in architecture. Subsequently, in each of the ABMs encountered in the selected literature, we identify what entity an agent in the model represents. Based on this identification, a comprehensive classification for ABMs in architecture is achieved. By describing each of the resulting categories, we provide new insights into the field of ABMS in architecture. Finally, we discuss limitations, as well as future trends and possibilities for ABMS in architecture. [Display omitted] • We present a literature retrieval approach for domain-specific ABMS publications. • Our literature review is based on more than 600 relevant publications. • We propose an agent-centered model classification with 6 categories. • Any model encountered in the review can be classified using only 6 categories. • We identify future trends for each category and for ABMS in architecture in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blocking the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can reduce the risk of diabetes. Meanwhile, the angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2)/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis has recently been proposed to function as a negative regulator of the RAS. In previous studies, we first demonstrated that ACE2 knockout (ACE2-/y) mice exhibit impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. However the precise roles of ACE2 on glucose metabolism are unknown. Here we show that the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis can ameliorate insulin resistance in the liver. Activation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis increases glucose uptake and decreases glycogen synthesis in the liver accompanied by increased expression of glucose transporters, insulin receptor substrates and decreased expression of enzymes for glycogen synthesis. ACE2 knockout mice displayed elevated levels of oxidative stress and exposure to Ang-(1-7) reduced the stress in hepatic cells. As a consequence of anti-oxidative stress, activation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis led to improved hepatic insulin resistance through the Akt/PI3K/IRS-1/JNK insulin signaling pathway. This is the first time documented that the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis can ameliorate insulin resistance in the liver. As insulin resistance in the liver is considered to be the primary cause of the development of type 2 diabetes, this axis may serve as a new diabetes target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A MAS based decentralized coordinated control scheme is built. [•] Transient stability is analyzed based on controlling unstable equilibrium point method. [•] Both decentralized and decentralized coordinated controllers are designed respectively. [•] The simulations testify the effectiveness of the proposed decentralized coordinated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work we describe the Agent World Editor, a graphical editor that supports the development and validation of multi-agent systems in JIAC V. For the development of this editor, which complies with the OSGi technology, a model-driven approach was used. Concepts that support the developer to design multi-agent systems in JIAC V have been developed as well. Developers do not need to configure their systems by hand, but can model them in a graphical manner. Errors are detected at design time, and the adaptive user interface offers additional guidance in the development process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stress ulcers can develop with severe physiological stress, and have been proposed as being brain-driven events. New findings continue to suggest that stress ulcers can be more effectively managed through central manipulation rather than by simply altering local gastric factors. Angiotensin (1–7) (Ang (1–7)) is present as an endogenous constituent of the brain and stomach. The beneficial effects of Ang (1–7) have been confirmed in the vessels, brain, heart, kidney, liver and lungs, but not in the stomach. Given the accumulating evidence suggesting the anti-stress activities of Ang (1–7), its potential gastroprotective effect in the context of stress requires further investigation. In the present study, rat gastric mucosal lesions were induced by 2h of cold-restraint stress. We observed that these lesions were significantly attenuated after 1 week of intracerebroventricular treatment with Ang (1–7). This gastroprotective effect was associated with attenuated oxidative stress and suppressed acid secretion. Brain Ang (1–7) administration profoundly modified responses to stress, indicated by altered levels of several stress hormones, including Ang II, glucocorticoid, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, in blood or stress-related brain regions. These findings indicate that Ang (1–7) exerts anti-stress activities by restoring the gastric microenvironment and modulating the stress pathways. Ang (1–7) may be a promising agent for stress ulcer prophylaxis and therapy, administered through brain-permeable mimics or carriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• 8789 genic-SSR markers were identified in the transcriptome of Stevia rebaudiana. • 3069 CCGS were associated with functional genes. • 1617 CCGS were mapped to 530 proteins in KEGG database. • 185 CCGS associated with defense and stress responses, SGs and flowering genes were identified. • 14 markers (3 polymorphic) were cross-amplified in three different Stevia varieties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway (UA). One treatment option is a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) which protrudes the lower jaw, stabilizing the airway. However not all patients respond to MAS therapy and individual effects are not well understood. Simulations of airway behavior may represent a non-invasive means to understand OSA and individual treatment responses. Our aims were (1) to analyze UA occlusion and flow dynamics in OSA using the fluid structure interaction (FSI) method, and (2) to observe changes with MAS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained at baseline and with MAS in a known treatment responder. Computational models of the patients' UA geometry were reconstructed for both conditions. The FSI model demonstrated full collapse of the UA (maximum 5.83 mm) pre-treatment (without MAS). The UA collapse was located at the oropharynx with low oropharyngeal pressure ( - 51.18 Pa to - 39.08 Pa) induced by velopharyngeal jet flow (maximum 10.0 m/s). By comparison, simulation results from the UA with MAS, showed smaller deformation (maximum 2.03 mm), matching the known clinical response. Our FSI modeling method was validated by physical experiment on a 1:1 flexible UA model fabricated using 3D steriolithography. This is the first study of airflow dynamics in a deformable UA structure and inspiratory flow. These results expand on previous UA models using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and lay a platform for application of computational models to study biomechanical properties of the UA in the pathogenesis and treatment of OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is now unequivocal evidence that the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)–Ang-(1–7)–Mas axis is a key component of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) cascade, which is closely correlated with ischemic insult occurrence. Our previous studies demonstrated that the Ang-(1–7), was an active member of the brain RAS. However, the ACE2–Ang-(1–7)–Mas axis expression after cerebral ischemic injury are currently unclear. In the present study, we investigated the time course of ACE2–Ang-(1–7) and Mas receptor expression in the acute stage of cerebral ischemic stroke. The content of Ang-(1–7) in ischemic tissues and blood serum was measured by specific EIA kits. Real-time PCR and western blot were used to determine messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the ACE2 and Mas. The cerebral ischemic lesion resulted in a significant increase of regional cerebral and circulating Ang-(1–7) at 6–48h compared with sham operation group following focal ischemic stroke (12h: 7.276±0.320ng/ml vs. 2.466±0.410ng/ml, serum; 1.024±0.056ng/mg vs. 0.499±0.032, brain) (P <0.05). Both ACE2 and Mas expression were markedly enhanced compared to the control in the ischemic tissues (P <0.05). Mas immunopositive neurons were also seen stronger expression in the ischemic cortex (19.167±2.858 vs. 7.833±2.483) (P <0.05). The evidence collected in our present study will indicate that, ACE2–Ang-(1–7)–Mas axis are upregulated after acute ischemic stroke and would play a pivotal role in the regulation of acute neuron injury in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tick-borne disease is one of the most harmful tropical diseases in dairy production. Selection of dairy cows for tolerance to tick-borne disease is a challenging concept for dairy breeders in the tropics. The objectives of this study were (1) to detect specific tick-borne pathogen in cattle of different genetics and (2) to examine the polymorphisms of DRB3.2 alleles in Thai dairy cattle and find the allelic association with tick-borne disease tolerance. Specific primers to Anaplasma marginale (AM), Babesia bigemina (BG) and Babesia bovis (BB) were used to detect the infections by PCR. The results showed that the high proportion of infections were found in Bos indicus (Sahiwal, n =95) and crossbred Holstein×Zebu (75:25 Holstein:Zebu, n =101), compared to high Holstein fraction crossbreed (≥87.5% Holstein, n =187). The proportion of triple infections was also highly found in high Holstein fractions crossbreed. This study confirmed that Zebuine (Bos indicus) had a higher degree of tolerance, even when infected by tick-borne pathogens, compared to high Holstein fraction crossbred. The associated alleles of DRB3.2 for tick-borne pathogen infection tolerance were found: DRB3*14 and *41 were found to be tolerant to A. marginale; *14 to B. bovis; and *10 and *51 to B. bigemina. These tolerance alleles could be used as potential markers for selection in dairy genetic evaluation. The associated alleles for susceptibility were also found: *2 was found to be susceptible to A. marginale; *3 and *16 to B. bovis; and *20 to B. bigemina. These susceptibility alleles could be used as markers for culling, and selection favoring susceptibility alleles should be considered to maintain heterozygote advantage and pathogen-specific memories in the herd. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previously we demonstrated that central administration of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] into rats elicits significant cerebroprotection against ischemic stroke elicited by endothelin-1 induced middle cerebral artery occlusion. Ang-(1-7), acting via its receptor Mas, reduced cerebral infarct size, and rats exhibited improved performance on neurological exams. These beneficial actions of Ang-(1-7) were not due to inhibition of the effects of endothelin-1 on cerebral vasoconstriction or effects on cerebral blood flow, and so we considered other potential mechanisms. Here we investigated the possibility that the Ang-(1-7)-induced cerebroprotection involves an anti-inflammatory effect, since stroke-induced cerebral damage includes an excessive intracerebral inflammatory response. Our quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that central Ang-(1-7) treatment attenuates the increased expression of mRNAs for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), several pro-inflammatory cytokines and cluster of differentiation molecule 11b (microglial marker) within the cerebral cortex following endothelin-1 induced stroke. Western blotting confirmed similar changes in iNOS protein expression in the cerebral cortex. In support of these observations, immunostaining revealed the presence of immunoreactive Mas on activated microglia within the cerebral cortical infarct zone, and in vitro experiments demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide-induced increases in nitric oxide production in glial cultures are attenuated by Ang-(1-7) acting via Mas. Collectively these findings demonstrate an anti-inflammatory action of Ang-(1-7) in the brain, and suggest that the cerebroprotective action of this peptide in ischemic stroke may involve effects on nitric oxide generation by microglia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The multi-agent systems (MAS) paradigm provides an interesting alternative for the design of ambient intelligence (AmI) systems. However, the verification of the resulting MAS and their constituent agents still requires a suitable model that meets AmI systems requirements. The HoA model presented in this paper, aims at representing the mental evolution of a BDI agent, in order to be handled in further verification approaches. This model captures the reasoning of a BDI agent and its plan, whose expression is defined from AgLOTOS, an original agent algebraic language dedicated to AmI features and capabilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aimed to identify chromosomal regions associated with genetic variation in pre-weaning growth traits in Angora goats. A genome-wide scan was performed by genotyping 1042 offspring from 12 half-sib families using 88 microsatellite caprine markers covering 1368cM. Phenotypes were recorded at birth (BW) and weaning (WW) and analysed using GridQTL software. A total of six putative QTL were detected on six different chromosomes, all at chromosome-wide significance level. Four QTL were identified for BW on CHI 4, 8, 17 and 27 and two QTL for WW on CHI 16 and 19. QTL effects ranged from −0.32 to 0.25 in units of residual standard deviation in different families. Some of these QTL correspond to chromosomes where QTL associated with growth have been identified in other species. These chromosomal segments hold potential to influence weight gain in young goats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]