bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Syndrome Exacerbates the Recognition Memory Impairment and Oxidative‐Inflammatory Response in Rats with an Intrahippocampal Injection of Amyloid Beta 1–42
Authors: Diaz Alfonso , Escobedo Claudia , Treviño Samuel , Chávez Raúl , Lopez-Lopez Gustavo , Moran Carolina , Guevara Jorge , Venegas Berenice , Muñoz-Arenas Guadalupe
Published: August 2018

An important worldwide health problem as the result of current lifestyle is metabolic syndrome (MS). It has been shown that MS induced by a high‐calorie diet (HCD) in rats produces cognitive deterioration in the novel object recognition test (NORt) and decreases synaptic connections and dendritic order in the hippocampus and temporal cortex. However, it is unknown whether MS induced by an HCD participates in the cognitive process observed with the injection of Aβ1–42 into the hippocampus of rats as a model of Alzheimer disease (AD). The induction of MS in rats produces a deterioration in NORt; however, rats with MS injected with Aβ1–42 show a major deterioration in the cognitive process. This event could be explained by the increment in the oxidative stress in both cases studied (MS and Aβ1–42): together, the hippocampus and temporal cortex produce an enhancer effect. In the same way, we observed an increment in interleukin‐1β, TNF‐α, and GFAP, indicative of exacerbated inflammatory processes by the combination of MS and Aβ1–42. We can conclude that MS might play a key role in the apparition and development of cognitive disorders, including AD. We propose that metabolic theory is important to explain the apparition of cognitive diseases.
Humic Acid Enhances Wound Healing in the Rat Palate
Authors: Çalışır Metin , Akpınar Aysun , Talmaç Ahmet Cemil , Lektemur Alpan Aysan , Göze Ömer Fahrettin
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Humic acid was previously shown to enhance cutaneous wound healing and show antibacterial properties; however, it has not been used for wound healing in the oral cavity. Thus, the goal of this study was the evaluation of the effect of the humic acid on the healing of excisional wounds in an experimental rat study. Materials and Methods. A circular wound on mid‐palatal surfaces was made on a total of 77 Wistar rats by using a 3‐mm biopsy punch under anesthesia. The animals were divided into 4 groups as baseline, saline control (0.09%), chlorhexidine gluconate (0.05%), and humic acid (80 mg/kg) and were treated with these materials for 7 days. Results. The rats were observed for 3 weeks in order to track the wound closure rates. Both humic acid treatment and chlorhexidine gluconate treatment resulted in statistically significant enhanced rate of wound closure compared to the saline control on both the 1st and 2nd weeks of treatment. Humic acid treatment for the wounds in the palate resulted in enhanced recovery compared to not only saline control but also chlorhexidine gluconate treatment. Conclusion. In this study, humic acid was shown to enhance healing of oral wounds for the first time in the literature. These findings indicate that humic acid can be used as an alternative to current treatment methods for oral wounds.
Efficacy and Safety of Immunosuppressive Therapy for PBC–AIH Overlap Syndrome Accompanied by Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Real-World Study
Authors: Fan Xiaoli , Zhu Yongjun , Men Ruoting , Wen Maoyao , Shen Yi , Lu Changli , Yang Li
Published: August 2018

Aim. To explore the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis (PBC-AIH) overlap syndrome accompanied by decompensated cirrhosis. Methods. A cohort study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of immunosuppressive therapy in this unique group. This cohort study was performed between October 2013 and June 2017 and included 28 biopsy-proven patients diagnosed according to the Paris criteria. The therapies included ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) alone (N=14) or in combination with immunosuppression (IS) therapy (N=14). The primary endpoints were biochemical remission, liver-related adverse events, transplant-free survival, and drug side-effects. Results. The frequency of biochemical remission for the AIH features was significantly higher in the UDCA+IS group than in the UDCA-only group (60.0 versus 9.1%, P=0.024) after 12 months of therapy but not after 3 and 6 months (28.6 versus 0%, P=0.165; 35.7 versus 7.1%, P=0.098). The rates of liver-related adverse events were lower in the combined group (2/14 versus 9/14, P=0.018). The Kaplan-Meier estimate showed that the transplant-free survival was distinct between the two groups (P=0.019). In the UDCA+IS group, mild and transient leukopenia occurred in two patients receiving azathioprine (AZA), and an infection was observed in one patient receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Conclusions. PBC-AIH patients with decompensated cirrhosis receiving a combination of UDCA and immunosuppressors presented with higher biochemical remission rates and experienced fewer liver-related adverse events, implying that the combined treatment might be a better therapeutic option for strictly defined decompensated PBC-AIH overlap syndrome.
Development and Commissioning of High Temperature FBG Solid Pressure Sensors
Authors: Guo Hong-Ying , Wang Zhao-Ba , Li Hai-yang
Published: August 2018

In this work, a new type of high temperature fiber grating diaphragm pressure sensor is described, including the physical design structure, in-depth analysis of optical response to changes in pressure, and a discussion of the temperature compensation method. Mathematical model of high-temperature compressive shape change and normal-temperature compressive shape change is built, and effective temperature compensation method is proposed, which can both contribute to solve temperature interference of pressure sensor at high temperature. In addition, the simulation computation is conducted for the external encapsulation of the sensor under the high-temperature and pressure according to the design model. Through analysis and comparison of data affecting the changing position of grating signal, the correctness of the simulation result is verified by the development of the prototype. The temperature compensation method is proposed to realize pressure measurement of sensor with a relative error below 4.6%F.S. and range to 50 MPa in the environment of 300, which meets with the safety research requirement of the cartridge system.
Failure Characteristics and Confined Permeability of an Inclined Coal Seam Floor in Fluid‐Solid Coupling
Authors: Sun Jian , Wang Lianguo , Zhao Guangming
Published: August 2018

Secondary development of FLAC3D software was carried out based on FISH language, and a 3D fluid‐solid coupling numerical calculation model was established for an inclined seam mining above a confined aquifer in Taoyuan Coal Mine. A simulation study was implemented on the mining failure depth of an inclined coal seam floor, conducting height of confined water, and the position of workface floor with easy water inrush during advancement of workface. Results indicated that, during the advancement of the inclined coal seam’s workface, obvious equivalent stress concentration areas existed in the floor strata, and the largest equivalent stress concentration area was located at the low region of workface floor. When the inclined coal seam workface advanced to about 80 m, the depth of floor plastic failure zone reached the maximum at approximately 15.0 m, and the maximum failure depth was located at the low region of the workface floor. Before the inclined workface mining, original confined water conducting existed on the top interface of the confined aquifer. The conducting height of the confined water reached the maximum at about 11.0 m when the workface was pushed forward from an open‐off cut at about 80 m. Owing to the barrier effect of the “soft‐hard‐soft” compound water‐resistant strata of the workface floor, pore water pressure and its seepage velocity in the floor strata were unchanged after the workface advanced to about 80 m. After the strata parameters at the workface floor were changed, pore water pressure of the confined water could pass through the lower region of the inclined workface floor strata and break through the barrier of the “soft‐hard‐soft” compound water‐resistant strata of the workface floor and into the mining workface, resulting in the inclined coal seam floor water inrush. Results of this study can provide a basis for predicting, preventing, and governing the inclined coal seam floor water inrush above confined aquifer.
Analysis of Nonsevere Crashes on Two- and Four-Lane Urban and Rural Highways: Effects of Wet Pavement Surface Condition
Authors: Kassu Aschalew , Anderson Michael
Published: August 2018

This study examines the effects of wet pavement surface conditions on the likelihood of occurrences of nonsevere crashes in two- and four-lane urban and rural highways in Alabama. Initially, sixteen major highways traversing across the geographic locations of the state were identified. Among these highways, the homogenous routes with equal mean values, variances, and similar distributions of the crash data were identified and combined to form crash datasets occurring on dry and wet pavements separately. The analysis began with thirteen explanatory variables covering engineering, environmental, and traffic conditions. The principal terms were statistically identified and used in a mathematical crash frequency models developed using Poisson and negative binomial regression models. The results show that the key factors influencing nonsevere crashes on wet pavement surfaces are mainly segment length, traffic volume, and posted speed limits.
Adaptive Video with SCReAM over LTE for Remote‐Operated Working Machines
Authors: Johansson Ingemar , Dadhich Siddharth , Bodin Ulf , Jönsson Tomas
Published: August 2018

Remote operation is a step toward the automation of mobile working machines. Safe and efficient teleremote operation requires good‐quality video feedback. Varying radio conditions make it desirable to adapt the video sending rate of cameras to make the best use of the wireless capacity. The adaptation should be able to prioritize camera feeds in different directions depending on motion, ongoing tasks, and safety concerns. Self‐Clocked Rate Adaptation for Multimedia (SCReAM) provides a rate adaptation algorithm for these needs. SCReAM can control the compression used for multiple video streams using differentiating priorities and thereby provide sufficient congestion control to achieve both low latency and high video throughput. We present results from the testing of prioritized adaptation of four video streams with SCReAM over LTE and discuss how such adaptation can be useful for the teleremote operation of working machines.
Simple Modeling of the Ratio of Fields at a Tip and a Contacting Surface with External Illumination
Authors: Bortchagovsky E.
Published: August 2018

The analysis of the relation of fields generated at a tip and a contacting surface is performed in the Rayleigh approximation of a simple dipole model for the standard configuration of tip-enhanced Raman scattering experiments with external excitation. A comparison of the present results with the previous ones obtained for the case of tip-source reveals the role of tip-surface configuration as the amplifier of the exciting field and the stronger influence of roughness on the field distribution at external illumination, as roughness is directly excited by the external field producing second source of field in addition to the tip.
Closed Reduction of an Acute Volar Dislocation of the Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint by a Modified Technique
Authors: Larrivée Samuel , Matthewson Graeme , Barron Laurie
Published: August 2018

There is scarce literature describing treatment of volar dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ). Irreducible dislocation is usually treated surgically. We present the case of a 37-year-old male with acute right wrist pain and loss of pronation. A diagnosis of volar DRUJ dislocation was made. Reduction using conventional technique was unsuccessful. A second attempt was successful by applying pressure over the interosseous membrane of the forearm and manipulating the ulnar head. At three weeks, the patient had minimal pain, a stable DRUJ, and near complete range of motion. This modified technique for reduction of a locked anterior DRUJ dislocation can be used to avoid an unnecessary surgical intervention.
Wet Oxidation Behavior of Near-Stoichiometric SiC Fibres in the Simulated Aeroengine Circumstance
Authors: Li Liang , Jian Ke , Mao Xianhe , Wang Yifei
Published: August 2018

The precursor-derived and near-stoichiometric SiC fibres (KD-S) were exposed at 1000–1500°C for 1 h in the simulated aeroengine circumstance of PH2O:O2:Ar = 14:8:78 KPa with the gas rate of 200 ml/min. The results indicated that the oxidized KD-S fibres were covered by silica layer. The oxygen content, grain size of silica, and oxide layer thickness increased, whereas the tensile strength decreased with rising annealing temperature. KD-S fibres treated under simulated aeroengine circumstances showed larger SiO2 grain size, thicker silica layer, and better residual strength than those annealed in dry air. The steam could accelerate the oxidation on KD-S fibres by reducing the active energy. The influence of water vapour on the oxidation behavior of KD-S SiC fibres was investigated and discussed as well.
Stabilization of Silver Nanoparticles with a Dithiocarbamate Ligand and Formation of Nanocomposites by Combination with Polythiophene Derivative Nanoparticles
Authors: Reynoso-García Paris Jonathan , Güizado-Rodríguez Marisol , Barba Victor , Ramos-Ortiz Gabriel , Martínez-Gutiérrez Hugo
Published: August 2018

Spherical morphology for silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) stabilized with dithiocarbamate (DTC) by reducing silver nitrate with sodium borohydride was obtained, while the addition of sodium citrate and hydrogen peroxide allowed the formation of silver nanotriangles (Ag NTs). Solutions of bright yellow and blue colors characteristic of both morphologies were observed. UV-vis optical analysis of NPs stabilized with DTC showed a plasmonic absorption band at 393 nm characteristic for spherical morphology, while two bands were observed at 332 nm and 762 nm, and a shoulder around 500 nm for the triangular morphology; with these spectra each morphology was confirmed. In these spectra an absorption band between 250 and 260 nm confirms the presence of DTC ligand. The stability of the NPs was achieved using an 8.69 × 10-3 mM solution of 4-(ethylaminodithiocarbamate) methylpyridine di-n-butyltin (IV) through a transmetallation reaction. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with spherical morphology of average diameter of 12.7 ± 1.2 nm and triangular morphology with 28.9 ± 0.8 nm for each side of the triangles were analyzed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). UV-vis spectra also showed the stability of NPs with DTC for more than three months. A copolymer derived of 3-hexylthiophene with (E)-2-(ethyl(4-((4-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) phenyl) amino) ethyl 2-(thiophen-3-yl) acetate (PA) was tested to get polymer NPs by reprecipitation method using THF/water systems. PA Polymer NPs having average diameter of 9.0 ± 1.7 nm were found. By quick and easy procedure, the formation of nanocomposite (NC) of spherical Ag NPs and PA polymer NPs was reached. This NC could be used as imaging agent, electrochemical biosensor, and photonic and optoelectronic device materials.
2‐Methoxyestradiol Attenuates Testosterone‐Induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Rats through Inhibition of HIF‐1α/TGF‐β/Smad2 Axis
Authors: Abdel-Naim Ashraf B. , Neamatallah Thikryat , Eid Basma G. , Esmat Ahmed , Alamoudi Abdulmohsin J. , Abd El-Aziz Gamal S. , Ashour Osama M.
Published: August 2018

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disorder in the male population. 2‐Methoxyestradiol (2ME) is an end metabolite of estrogens with pleiotropic pharmacological properties. This study aimed to explore the potential ameliorative effects of 2ME against testosterone‐induced BPH in rats. 2‐Methoxyestradiol (50 and 100 mg/kg, dissolved in DMSO) prevented the rise in prostatic index and weight in comparison to testosterone‐alone‐treated animals for 2 weeks. Histological examination indicated that 2ME ameliorated pathological changes in prostate architecture. This was confirmed by the ability of 2ME to decrease the glandular epithelial height when compared to the testosterone group. Also, 2ME improved testosterone‐induced oxidative stress as it inhibited the rise in lipid peroxide content and the exhaustion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The beneficial effects of 2ME against the development of BPH were substantiated by assessing proliferation markers, preventing the rise in cyclin D1 protein expression and enhancing Bax/Bcl2 mRNA ratio. It significantly reduced prostate content of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β). In addition, 2ME reduced hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐α (HIF‐1α) and phospho‐Smad2 (p‐Smad2) protein expression compared to the testosterone group. In conclusion, 2ME attenuates experimentally induced BPH by testosterone in rats through, at least partly, inhibition of HIF‐1α/TGF‐β/Smad2 axis.
A Robust Control for an Aerial Robot Quadrotor under Wind Gusts
Authors: Ding Li , Wang Zhenwei
Published: August 2018

A robust flight controller based on linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) is proposed for stability control of an aerial robot quadrotor under wind gusts. The nonlinear dynamical model of the quadrotor, considering the wind disturbance, is firstly established through Newton-Euler method. Subsequently, a robust LADRC technique is proposed to design the controllers for the inner loop and outer loop of the aircraft. In this control scheme, the linear extended state observer (LESO) serves as a compensator which can effectively reject the wind gusts. Then, a method of parameter tuning is introduced to obtain the optimized control performance. Finally, the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed controller are demonstrated through series of simulation case.
Research on Local Government Governance and Enterprise Social Responsibility Behaviors under the Perspective of Cournot Duopoly Competition: Analyzing Taxi Companies and Online Car-Hailing Service Companies
Authors: Li Xintao , Zhang Zaisheng
Published: August 2018

Clarifying the rational choice strategy of local governments and enterprises is crucial for promoting control on the failure of taxis and online car-hailing service companies to fulfill their social responsibilities. The local government can reduce the negative externalities and irresponsibility of such companies by improving the regulatory system; thus, it is important to build a governance model that bridges tradition and modernity. This paper, on the basis of summarizing the achievements of the predecessors, builds a mixed dynamic game model among the local government, online car-hailing service companies, and taxi companies; analyzes the relationship between local government preference, execution, and governance of irresponsible enterprise behaviors; and analyzes the equilibrium solution between local government and duopoly enterprises behavior game deeply. The results show that the key to governance irresponsible companies is to make the punishment cost higher than the cost savings for irresponsible behaviors; no matter what the preference of the local government no-governance of online car-hailing service companies’ irresponsible behaviors may persist; and local government ambivalence when regulating irresponsible companies is derived from the complex relationship between social benefits and company interests. Finally, through the analysis of the equilibrium results for the above model, this paper provides suggestions on regulatory policies so as to provide theoretical support and a decision-making basis for establishing scientific, universal, and feasible governance policies and offering responsible methods of urban transportation.
Secreted Frizzled‐Related Protein‐2 Inhibits Doxorubicin‐Induced Apoptosis Mediated through the Akt‐mTOR Pathway in Soleus Muscle
Authors: Merino Hilda , Singla Dinender K.
Published: August 2018

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug known for its dose‐dependent and serious adverse effects, such as cardiotoxicity and myotoxicity. Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) and muscle toxicity (DIMT) have been studied; however, the mechanisms of Dox‐induced apoptosis in soleus muscle are not well defined. Our data shows that with Dox treatment, there is a significant increase in oxidative stress, apoptosis, proapoptotic protein BAX, pPTEN levels, and wnt3a and β‐catenin activity (p < 0.05). Moreover, Dox treatment also resulted in decreased antioxidant levels, antiapoptotic BCL2, pAKT, p‐mTOR, and endogenous levels of sFRP2 in the soleus muscle tissue (p < 0.05). Secreted frizzled‐related protein 2 (sFRP2) treatment attenuated the adverse effects of DIMT and apoptosis in the soleus muscle, evidenced by a decrease in oxidative stress, apoptosis, BAX, pPTEN, and wnt3a and β‐catenin activity, as well as an increase in antioxidants, BCL2, pAKT, p‐MTOR, and sFRP2 levels (p < 0.05). This data suggests that Dox‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis is mediated through both the Akt‐mTOR and wnt/β‐catenin pathways. Moreover, the data also shows that sFRP2 modulates these two pathways by increasing signaling of Akt‐mTOR and decreased signaling of the wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Therefore, our data suggests that sFRP2 has valuable therapeutic potential in reversing Dox‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in soleus muscle mediated through the Akt‐mTOR pathway.
miR-34a Regulates Multidrug Resistance via Positively Modulating OAZ2 Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Yong , Gong Ping , Hou Ji-xue , Huang Wei , Ma Xiao-ping , Wang Yu-li , Li Jing , Cui Xiao-bin , Li Na
Published: August 2018

Although aberrant expression of miR-34a, an essential tumor suppressor miRNA, has been frequently observed in colon cancer (CCa), whether miR-34a can regulate CCa progression by modulating other facets of this malignancy (such as multidrug resistance, MDR) remains unknown. Here, we report for the first time that miR-34a expression was significantly downregulated in clinical CCa samples from oxaliplatin-resistant patients and in experimentally established multidrug-resistant CCa cells. By using histoculture drug response assay, we further confirmed that clinical CCa samples with lower miR-34a expression appeared to be more resistant to chemotherapy. Functionally, ectopic expression of exogenous miR-34a resensitized multidrug-resistant HCT-8/OR cells to oxaliplatin treatment, whereas miR-34a inhibition augmented the oxaliplatin resistance in chemosensitive HCT-8 cells. Mechanistically, miR-34a positively regulated the mRNA stability of the ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 2 (OAZ2) by directly targeting its three prime untranslated region (3′UTR). Consequently, suppression of the expression of miR-34a/OAZ2 signaling by chemotherapeutic agents significantly enhanced the activation of MDR-associated ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and antiapoptosis pathways, thus leading to MDR development in CCa cells. Collectively, our combined analysis reveals a critical role of miR-34a/OAZ2 cascade in conferring a proper cellular response to CCa chemotherapy.
Prevalence of Neonatal Sepsis and Associated Factors among Neonates in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Selected Governmental Hospitals in Shashemene Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: Getabelew Aytenew , Aman Mihret , Fantaye Endashaw , Yeheyis Tomas
Published: August 2018

Background. Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates in developing countries accounting for 30-50% of total deaths each year. Childhood mortality is often used as broad indicator of the social development or a specific indicator of health conditions of a country. Objectives. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of neonatal sepsis and associated factors among neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit at two hospitals in Shashemene town, Ethiopia. Method. An institution based cross-sectional study with retrospective document review method was conducted in NICUs of two governmental hospitals in Shashemene town. Sample size was calculated by using single population proportion sample formula and the final sample size was 244. The study subject was selected by using systematic random sampling method, and adopted data collection tool was used. Then the collected data was coded and entered in to SPSS for windows version 20.0 for cleaning, editing, and analysis. Binary and multiple logistic regressions have been used to observe the association between independent variables and dependent variable. Result. The overall prevalence of neonatal sepsis in this study was 77.9%. From this 65% and 35% of neonates developed early onset neonatal sepsis and late onset neonatal sepsis, respectively. This study found out that age of neonates, birth asphyxia, and use of oxygen via mask were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion and Recommendation. The most risk factors of neonatal sepsis were identified as age of neonates, birth asphyxia, and use of oxygen via mask strongly associated with prevalence of NS. Based on this results we recommend the concerned body to focus on the prevention of risk factors rather than treating the disease after it occurs.
A Novel and Facile Nanoclay Aerogel Masterbatch toward Exfoliated Polymer‐Clay Nanocomposites through a Melt‐Mixing Process
Authors: Luecha Wasuthep , Magaraphan Rathanawan
Published: August 2018

This research employed a novel and facile approach called nanoclay aerogel masterbatch.. This innovative technique was conducted by attaching the clay layers directly onto a mobile polymer, for example, polyethylene glycol (PEG), in order to modify the clay layer through PEG‐clay intercalation and PEG‐hydrogen bonding. This state was maintained with a small amount of the anionic polymer hydrogel, for example, kappa‐carrageenan (KC), and turning it into a highly porous and fragile structure by freeze‐drying, thus a so‐called nanoclay aerogel masterbatch. The facile nanoclay aerogel masterbatch was able to be attained even at high clay loadings (55–67 wt.% of the inorganic clay content) with constant PEG and KC loadings. The interlayer spacing enlargement of the nanoclay galleries was around 17 Å with the typical lamellar morphology like a house of cards structure. The density values were within 0.108–0.122 g·cm−3. The thermal stabilities were up to 270°C, revealing better thermal stability for melt mixing with the commodity plastics at a high melting temperature. The flowability and processability were certified by the melt flow index (MFI) results. The highest nanoclay loading capacity (67 wt.%) of the achieved nanoclay aerogel masterbatch was selected to prepare PS‐clay nanocomposites via a melt‐mixing process. The comparative nanocomposites were produced by using organoclay. The results of the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) exhibited that the exfoliated morphologies were obtained at all clay contents (1–3 wt.%); however, the intercalated structure was gained by using organoclay. The outstanding transparency and brightness were remarked from the specimens prepared by using the nanoclay aerogel masterbatch. The brownish specimens were observed by using organoclay. The significant improvements of tensile properties, glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermal stability were noticed from the nanocomposites prepared using the nanoclay aerogel masterbatch.
Swelling Pressure of Double‐Expansive Material and Its Active Support Effect for Coal Seam Gas Drainage Borehole
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Sun Yuning
Published: August 2018

To improve coal seam gas drainage performance, we developed a double‐expansive (DE) material to seal the borehole. The swelling process of this material includes an initial swelling stage and a secondary swelling stage. We studied the swelling pressure properties of the DE material under four constraint conditions using a self‐made swelling test device. Further, the active support effect of the DE material on the borehole was analyzed by simulating borehole stability with COMSOL Multiphysics software. The results exhibit the following: (1) The swelling pressure of the DE material exhibits time‐dependent behavior, and the mathematical relationship between the swelling pressure and time can be obtained by nonlinear fitting. (2) The radial swelling potential is principally formed during the secondary swelling stage, providing the main active support on the radial constraint. (3) The active support imposed on the hole wall can prevent the extension of plastic and damage regions around the borehole, for improved stability of the gas drainage borehole. Finally, field tests demonstrate improved gas drainage performance of the borehole sealed by the DE material compared to a conventional sealing material.
Feasibility and Compatibility of Minilaparotomy Hysterectomy in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Agarwal Abhilasha , Shetty Jyothi , Pandey Deeksha , Jain Gazal
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Minilaparotomy hysterectomy (MLH) relies on the simplicity of the traditional open technique of abdominal hysterectomy, imparts cosmesis and faster recovery of laparoscopic hysterectomy yet avoids the long learning curve and cost of expensive setup and instrumentation associated with the minimally invasive approaches, namely, laparoscopy and robotics. In the present study, we tried to ascertain whether the results obtained with MLH can be compared to LAVH in terms of its feasibility, intraoperative variables, and complications. The null hypothesis was that both MLH and LAVH are comparable techniques; thus, where cost and surgeon’s experience are the confining issues, patients can be reassured that MLH gives comparable results. Materials and Methods. This was a prospective observational study done over a period of two years at a university teaching hospital. A total of 65 patients were recruited, but only 52 (MLH: 27; LAVH: 25) could be included in final analysis. All surgeries were performed by one of the two gynecologists with almost equal surgical competence, and outcomes were compared. Results. MLH is a feasible option for benign gynecological pathologies as none of the patients required increase in the initial incision (4–6 cm). MLH could be done for larger uteri (MLH: 501.30 ± 327.96 g versus LAVH: 216.60 ± 160.01 g; p<0.001), in shorter duration (MLH: 115.00 ± 21.43 min versus LAVH 172.00 ± 27.91 min; p<0.001), with comparable blood loss (MLH: 354.63 ±227.96 ml; LAVH: 402.40 ± 224.02 ml; p=0.334), without serious complications when compared to LAVH. Conclusion. The technique of MLH should be mastered and encouraged to be used in low-resource setting to get results comparable to laparoscopic surgery. This trial is registered with NCT03548831.
Hybrid Type-2 Fuzzy-Sliding Mode Controller for Navigation of Mobile Robot in an Environment Containing a Dynamic Target
Authors: Ayedi Dorra , Boujelben Maïssa , Rekik Chokri
Published: August 2018

We are interested in developing a new control architecture to command a mobile robot in a partially known environment. For that purpose, a hybrid control architecture is adopted, combining the reactive and the deliberative method. The reactive method consists of the hierarchical fuzzy controllers based on Type-2 Fuzzy Logic System (T2-FLS), dedicated to commanding the robot towards a mobile target while avoiding unexpected obstacles. A comparative study is made to show the efficiency of T2-FLS against Type-1 Fuzzy Logic System (T1-FLS). Additionally, the used deliberative method is the sliding mode, allowing the robot to track the mobile goal trajectory. Simulation results are given finally to test the proposed architecture.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Charcoal Producers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kaase, Ghana
Authors: Senya Benjamin Kwame , Anim Nketiah Bernard , Domson Bright Segu Kobena , Adu Patrick
Published: August 2018

Background. Charcoal production is a significant economic activity in Ghana. However, there is scarcity of data on the risk of acquiring Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among charcoal producers in Ghana, even though persistent smoke exposure is a known predisposition factor. Methods. This cross-sectional study recruited 40 charcoal producers: 6 males and 34 females. Two sets of early morning sputum samples were collected from each participant and examined for the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) using fluorescent microscopy. Structured questionnaires were used to retrieve demographic data from each participant. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and presented as frequencies and proportions. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test. Significant difference was identified as p<0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results. Overall, 2/40 (5%) of the participants demonstrated AFB in their sputum. All participants with AFB positive sputum were females and had 6–10 years of experience in charcoal production. Whereas coughing was the most self-reported symptom by the charcoal producers, none complained of blood in sputum. Also, only 9/40 (22.5%) had knowledge about the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infection risk associated with charcoal production. Moreover, 62.5% (25/40) of participants had no formal education. Conclusion. Education on personal protection equipment must be a public health priority in these charcoal producers in Ghana as sawdust and smoke exposure may predispose charcoal producers to acquisition of tuberculosis.
Sepsis and Oxidative Stress in the Newborn: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Poggi Chiara , Dani Carlo
Published: August 2018

Sepsis is at present one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population. Together with inflammation, oxidative stress is involved in detrimental pathways activated during neonatal sepsis, eventually leading to organ dysfunction and death. The redox cascade during sepsis is mainly initiated by IL‐6 and IL‐8 stimulation in newborns and includes multiple noxious processes, as direct cell damage induced by reactive oxygen species, activation of gene expression leading to amplification of inflammation and oxidative stress, and impairment of mitochondrial function. Once proinflammatory and prooxidant pathways are established as stimulated by causing pathogens, self‐maintaining unfavorable redox cycles ensue, leading to oxidative stress‐related cellular damage, independently from the activating pathogens themselves. Despite antioxidant systems are induced during neonatal sepsis, as an adaptive response to an increased oxidative burden, a condition of redox imbalance favoring oxidative pathways occurs, resulting in increased markers of oxidative stress damage. Therefore, antioxidant treatment would exert beneficial effects during neonatal sepsis, potentially interrupting prooxidant pathways and preventing the maintenance of detrimental redox cycles that cannot be directly affected by antibiotic treatment. Among others, antioxidant agents investigated in clinical settings as adjunct treatment for neonatal sepsis include melatonin and pentoxifylline, both showing promising results, while novel antioxidant molecules, as edaravone and endothelin receptor antagonists, are at present under investigation in animal models. Finally, mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant treatments could represent an interesting line of research in the treatment of neonatal sepsis.
Failure Process Simulation of Interlayered Rocks under Compression
Authors: Yao Chi , Zeng Sizhi , Yang Jianhua
Published: August 2018

Anisotropy in strength and deformation of rock mass induced by bedding planes and interlayered structures is a vital problem in rock mechanics and rock engineering. The modified rigid block spring method (RBSM), initially proposed for modeling of isotropic rock, is extended to study the failure process of interlayered rocks under compression with different confining pressures. The modified rigid block spring method is used to simulate the initiation and propagation of microcracks. The Mohr–Coulomb criterion is employed to determine shear failure events and the tensile strength criterion for tensile failure events. Rock materials are replaced by an assembly of Voronoi‐based polygonal blocks. To explicitly simulate structural planes and for automatic mesh generation, a multistep point insertion procedure is proposed. A typical experiment on interlayered rocks in literature is simulated using the proposed model. Effects of the orientation of bedding planes with regard to the loading direction on the failure mechanism and strength anisotropy are emphasized. Results indicate that the modified RBSM model succeeds in capturing main failure mechanisms and strength anisotropy induced by interlayered structures and different confining pressures.
Alginate/Hydroxyapatite-Based Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Improve Dental Pulp Biomineralization and Differentiation
Authors: Sancilio Silvia , Gallorini Marialucia , Di Nisio Chiara , Marsich Eleonora , Di Pietro Roberta , Schweikl Helmut , Cataldi Amelia
Published: August 2018

Tissue engineering is widely recognized as a promising approach for bone repair and reconstruction. Several attempts have been made to achieve materials that must be compatible, osteoconductive, and osteointegrative and have mechanical strength to provide a structural support. Composite scaffolds consisting in biodegradable natural polymers are very promising constructs. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) can support alginate as inorganic reinforcement and osteoconductive component of alginate/HAp composite scaffolds. Therefore, HAp-strengthened polymer biocomposites offer a solid system to engineer synthetic bone substitutes. In the present work, HAp was incorporated into an alginate solution and internal gelling was induced by addition of slowly acid-hydrolyzing D-gluconic acid delta-lactone for the direct release of calcium ions from HAp. It has been previously demonstrated that alginate-based composites efficiently support adhesion of cancer bone cell lines. Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) identified in human dental pulp are clonogenic cells capable of differentiating in multiple lineage. Thus, this study is aimed at verifying the mineralization and differentiation potential of human DPSCs seeded onto scaffolds based on alginate and nano-hydroxyapatite. For this purpose, gene expression profile of early and late mineralization-related markers, extracellular matrix components, viability parameters, and oxidative stress occurrence were evaluated and analyzed. In summary, our data show that DPSCs express osteogenic differentiation-related markers and promote calcium deposition and biomineralization when growing onto Alg/HAp scaffolds. These findings confirm the use of Alg/HAp scaffolds as feasible composite materials in tissue engineering, being capable of promoting a specific and successful tissue regeneration as well as mineralized matrix deposition and sustaining natural bone regeneration.
CaCO3–Polymer Nanocomposite Prepared with Supercritical CO2
Authors: Wakayama Hiroaki
Published: August 2018

A novel process for generation of a CaCO3–polymer nanocomposite with a controlled three-dimensional shape was developed. Specifically, a nanocomposite with a high CaCO3 content was produced by introducing supercritical CO2 into a polymer matrix containing Ca ions. A mixture of poly(vinyl alcohol), Ca acetate, and poly(acrylic acid) was poured into a mold, the mold was placed in an autoclave, and CO2 was introduced to precipitate CaCO3 within the polymer matrix. Laser Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that this process produced a nanocomposite containing highly dispersed CaCO3 (aragonite) nanoparticles. The flexural strength of the nanocomposite was larger than the flexural strengths of limestone and CaCO3 produced by hydrothermal hot pressing. The use of supercritical CO2 facilitated CO2 dissolution, which resulted in rapid precipitation of CaCO3 in the polymer matrix. The above-described process has potential utility for fixation of CO2.
The Hepatoprotective Effect of Jaboticaba Peel Powder in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Involves the Modulation of Thiol/Disulfide Redox State through the Upregulation of Glutathione Synthesis
Authors: Quatrin Andréia , Conte Lisiane , Silva Dariane Trivisiol da , Figueiredo Cassieli Gehlen , Somacal Sabrina , Roehrs Miguel , Teixeira Cibele Ferreira , Barbisan Fernanda , Augusti Paula Rossini , Maróstica Júnior Mário Roberto , Cruz Ivana Beatrice Mânica da , Emanuelli Tatiana
Published: August 2018

Jaboticaba peel powder (JPP) is rich in bioactive compounds, mainly soluble and insoluble polyphenols with great antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of JPP supplementation on the oxidative stress and hepatic damage in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Diabetic rats received vehicle or JPP at 2.7 (JPP-I), 5.4 (JPP-II), or 10.8 (JPP-III) g/L in drinking water during 8 weeks. JPP-III attenuated hyperglycaemia and dyslipidemia increased by 86% the liver content of nonprotein thiol groups and by 90% the GSH/GSSG ratio by activating glutathione synthesis. Accordingly, JPP supplementation prevented the loss of activity of the sulfhydryl-dependent enzymeδ-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase and attenuated hepatic injury assessed by the reduction of serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and liver hypertrophy. Our results support that JPP supplementation to T2DM rats decreases hepatic damage most likely by increasing glutathione synthesis and modulating the thiol/disulfide redox balance.
Glutamate-Weighted Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detects Glutaminase Inhibition in a Mouse Model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Rong , Bagga Puneet , Nath Kavindra , Hariharan Hari , Mankoff David A. , Reddy Ravinder
Published: August 2018

Glutamate is an important metabolite of glutaminolysis, a metabolic pathway used by many aggressive cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). With the exception of the brain, in vivo detection of glutamate in tissues using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is challenging. Compared with MRS, glutamate-weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer MR imaging (GluCEST MRI) offers a more sensitive detection mechanism that is free of glutamine interference. Here, we developed a robust, highly repeatable GluCEST MRI protocol in mice bearing human TNBC xenografts and treated with a potent glutaminase inhibitor, CB-839. In paired studies, treatment with CB-839 for 2 days reduced the GluCEST asymmetry value compared with baseline (P < 0.05, n = 10). The absolute change of the GluCEST asymmetry value was −2.5 percent points after CB-839 treatment versus +0.3 after vehicle (P < 0.01). Correspondingly, treatment with CB-839 reduced tumor glutamate concentrations by 1.5 mmol/L, consistent with prior calibration between changes of the GluCEST value versus tissue glutamate concentration; CB-839, however, did not change tumor intracellular pH. These results demonstrate in a mouse model of breast cancer the utility of GluCEST MRI to detect the early response to glutaminase inhibition.

Significance: A sensitive method enables noninvasive detection of tumor response to inhibitors of glutamine metabolism. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5521–6. ©2018 AACR.
Replication Protein A Availability during DNA Replication Stress Is a Major Determinant of Cisplatin Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Bélanger François , Fortier Emile , Dubé Maxime , Lemay Jean-François , Buisson Rémi , Masson Jean-Yves , Elsherbiny Abdelhamid , Costantino Santiago , Carmona Euridice , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Wurtele Hugo , Drobetsky Elliot
Published: August 2018

Intrinsic and acquired resistance to cisplatin remains a primary hurdle to treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Cisplatin selectively kills tumor cells by inducing DNA crosslinks that block replicative DNA polymerases. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) generated at resulting stalled replication forks (RF) is bound and protected by heterotrimeric replication protein A (RPA), which then serves as a platform for recruitment and activation of replication stress response factors. Cells deficient in this response are characterized by extensive ssDNA formation and excessive RPA recruitment that exhausts the available pool of RPA, which (i) inhibits RPA-dependent processes such as nucleotide excision repair (NER) and (ii) causes catastrophic failure of blocked RF. Here, we investigated the influence of RPA availability on chemosensitivity using a panel of human HGSOC cell lines. Our data revealed a striking correlation among these cell lines between cisplatin sensitivity and the inability to efficiently repair DNA via NER, specifically during S phase. Such defects in NER were attributable to RPA exhaustion arising from aberrant activation of DNA replication origins during replication stress. Reduced RPA availability promoted Mre11-dependent degradation of nascent DNA at stalled RF in cell lines exhibiting elevated sensitivity to cisplatin. Strikingly, defective S-phase NER, RF instability, and cisplatin sensitivity could all be rescued by ectopic overexpression of RPA. Taken together, our findings indicate that RPA exhaustion represents a major determinant of cisplatin sensitivity in HGSOC cell lines.

Significance: The influence of replication protein A exhaustion on cisplatin sensitivity harbors important implications toward improving therapy of various cancers that initially respond to platinum-based agents but later relapse due to intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5561–73. ©2018 AACR.
Reassessing the Association between Circulating Vitamin D and IGFBP-3: Observational and Mendelian Randomization Estimates from Independent Sources
Authors: Tan Vanessa Y. , Biernacka Kalina M. , Dudding Tom , Bonilla Carolina , Gilbert Rebecca , Kaplan Robert C. , Qibin Qi , Teumer Alexander , Martin Richard M. , Perks Claire M. , Timpson Nicholas J. , Holly Jeff M.P.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) has been associated with prostate cancer. Preclinical studies found that vitamin D regulates IGFBP-3 expression, although evidence from epidemiologic studies is conflicting.

Methods:

Mendelian randomization analyses (MR) were conducted to reassess associations between IGFBP-3 and prostate cancer risk and advanced prostate cancer using summary statistics from the PRACTICAL consortium (44,825 cases; 27,904 controls). Observational and MR analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between inactive vitamin D [25(OH)D] and IGFBP-3 using data from the ProtecT study (1,366 cases;1,071 controls) and summary statistics from the CHARGE consortium (n = 18,995).

Results:

The OR for prostate cancer per SD unit increase in circulating IGFBP-3 was 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.28]. The OR for advanced prostate cancer per SD unit increase in IGFBP-3 was 1.22 (95% CI, 1.07–1.40). Observationally, a SD increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a 0.1SD (95% CI, 0.05–0.14) increase in IGFBP-3. MR analyses found little evidence for a causal relationship between circulating 25(OH)D and IGFBP-3 in the circulation.

Conclusions:

This study provided confirmatory evidence that IGFBP-3 is a risk factor for prostate cancer risk and progression. Observationally, there was evidence that 25(OH)D is associated with IGFBP-3, but MR analyses suggested that these findings were unlikely to be causal. Findings may be limited by the nature of instrumentation of 25(OH)D and IGFBP-3 and the utility of circulating measures. 25(OH)D appears unlikely to be causally related to IGFBP-3 in the circulation, however, our findings do not preclude causal associations at the tissue level.

Impact:

IGFBP-3 is a prostate cancer risk factor but 25(OH)D are unlikely to be causally related to IGFBP-3 in the circulation.