Sexual dimorphism in shape and size of the neurocranium

International Journal of Legal Medicine - Sex identification is a primary step in forensic analysis of skeletal remains. The accuracy of sex estimation methods greatly depends on the sexual...     

Numerical and In Vitro Investigation of a Novel Mechanical Circulatory Support Device Installed in the Descending Aorta

Traditional implantation techniques of assist devices from the apex of left ventricle to the ascending or descending aorta are highly invasive and carry substantial complications for end‐stage heart failure patients. This study has shown that the descending aorta can be a promising location to install an implantable mechanical circulatory support with minimally invasive surgery. Herein, the hemodynamic effect of an in‐house prototyped pump implanted in the descending aorta was investigated numerically as well as experimentally. The objective of the experimental study is met by using the in‐house simulator of the cardiovascular loop replicating congestive heart failure conditions. The objective of the numerical study was met by using the modified version of the concentrated lumped parameter model developed by the same team. The results show that the pump placement in the descending aorta can lead to an improvement in pulsatility. The pressure drop, generated at the upstream of the pump, facilitates the cardiac output as a result of after‐load reduction, but at the same time, it induces a slight drop in the carotid as well as the coronary perfusion. The pressure rise, generated at the downstream of the pump, improves the blood perfusion in the renal circulation.     

Machine learning approaches for sex estimation using cranial measurements

International Journal of Legal Medicine - The aim of the present study is to apply support vector machines (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN) as sex classifiers and to generate useful...     

LMO3 reprograms visceral adipocyte metabolism during obesity

Journal of Molecular Medicine - Obesity and body fat distribution are important risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Evidence has accumulated that this risk...     

The food additives inulin and stevioside counteract oxidative stress

Prebiotics such as inulin (Inu)-type fructans and alternative natural sweeteners such as stevioside (Ste) become more popular as food ingredients. Evidence is accumulating that carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing biomolecules can be considered true antioxidants, capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we report on the ROS scavenging abilities of Inu and Ste in comparison with other sugars, sugar derivatives and arbutin. It is found that Inu and Ste are superior scavengers of both hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, more effective than mannitol and sucrose. Other compounds, such as 1-kestotriose, trehalose, raffinose and L-malic acid, also showed good reactivity to at least one of the two oxygen free radicals. The strong antioxidant properties of Inu and Ste are discussed. Within the plant vacuole, these compounds could play a crucial role in antioxidant defense mechanisms to help survive stresses. Addition to food assists in natural sweetening, food stabilization and maximizes health impact.     

Review of the evidence of gender-focused interventions including men to reduce HIV risk and violence against women in sub-Saharan Africa

This review investigates gender-informed intervention studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa that measure an outcome related to HIV. The review included 20,340 abstracts published between January 1990 and July 2015, 84 of which met our inclusion criteria for full review, resulting in 17 articles that are the current analysis. The findings demonstrate a wide variation in the types of interventions, from low-intensity educational content to multicomponent interventions. The review groups study outcomes into biological, HIV risk interventions, behavioral, violence, and risk reduction. Most interventions showed positive effects, and although research methodologies varied considerably, longer interventions appeared to be more effective. Cultural and behavioral practices require a multidimensional interventional approach to prevent the spread of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies of sexual violence, oppressive cultural norms, and cultural acceptance of men having multiple partners may contribute to disproportionate HIV rates in the region.