bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic Exercise Training Decreases Hepatic Asprosin in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ko Jeong Rim , Seo Dae Yun , Kim Tae Nyun , Park Se Hwan , Kwak Hyo-Bum , Ko Kyung Soo , Rhee Byoung Doo , Han Jin
Published: May 2019

Asprosin, a novel hormone released from white adipose tissue, regulates hepatic glucose metabolism and is pathologically elevated in the presence of insulin resistance. It is unknown whether aerobic exercise training affects asprosin levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The aim of this study was to determine whether (1) aerobic exercise training could decrease asprosin levels in the liver of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and (2) the reduction in asprosin levels could induce asprosin-dependent downstream pathways. Five-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, STZ-induced diabetes (STZ), and STZ with aerobic exercise training groups (n = 6/group). T1DM was induced by a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)). The exercise group was made to run on a treadmill for 60 min at a speed of 20 m/min, 4 days per week for 8 weeks. Aerobic exercise training reduced the protein levels of asprosin, PKA, and TGF-β but increased those of AMPK, Akt, PGC-1β, and MnSOD. These results suggest that aerobic exercise training affects hepatic asprosin-dependent PKA/TGF-β and AMPK downstream pathways in T1DM.
Association between CT-Measured Abdominal Skeletal Muscle Mass and Pulmonary Function
Authors: Choe Eun Kyung , Lee Young , Kang Hae Yeon , Choi Seung Ho , Kim Joo Sung
Published: May 2019

A relationship between lung function and sarcopenia has been suggested. This study aimed to evaluate the association between lung function and abdominal skeletal muscle mass, as measured by computed tomography (CT). The clinical records of 1907 subjects (1406 males, mean age 53.1 ± 9.2 years), who underwent routine health check-ups, including spirometry and abdominal CT, were retrospectively reviewed. The CT-measured skeletal muscle index (SMICT, cm2/(kg/m2) was defined as the skeletal muscle area of the third lumbar vertebrae (L3) level that is normalized by the body mass index. The mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) gradually increased as the SMICT quartiles increased (all p for trend < 0.05). The proportions of subjects with less than 80% of the predicted FVC (%) and predicted FEV1 (%) significantly decreased as the SMICT quartiles increased (all p for trend < 0.05). The β regression coefficients for FVC and FEV1 significantly increased as the SMICT quartiles increased after adjusting for other confounding variables (p for trend < 0.05). This study showed that abdominal muscle mass, which was precisely measured by CT, independently affected lung function proportionally after adjusting for confounding factors in relatively healthy adults.
A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Algorithms in Predicting Severe Complications after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Cao Yang , Fang Xin , Ottosson Johan , Näslund Erik , Stenberg Erik
Published: May 2019

Background: Severe obesity is a global public health threat of growing proportions. Accurate models to predict severe postoperative complications could be of value in the preoperative assessment of potential candidates for bariatric surgery. So far, traditional statistical methods have failed to produce high accuracy. We aimed to find a useful machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict the risk for severe complication after bariatric surgery. Methods: We trained and compared 29 supervised ML algorithms using information from 37,811 patients that operated with a bariatric surgical procedure between 2010 and 2014 in Sweden. The algorithms were then tested on 6250 patients operated in 2015. We performed the synthetic minority oversampling technique tackling the issue that only 3% of patients experienced severe complications. Results: Most of the ML algorithms showed high accuracy (>90%) and specificity (>90%) in both the training and test data. However, none of the algorithms achieved an acceptable sensitivity in the test data. We also tried to tune the hyperparameters of the algorithms to maximize sensitivity, but did not yet identify one with a high enough sensitivity that can be used in clinical praxis in bariatric surgery. However, a minor, but perceptible, improvement in deep neural network (NN) ML was found. Conclusion: In predicting the severe postoperative complication among the bariatric surgery patients, ensemble algorithms outperform base algorithms. When compared to other ML algorithms, deep NN has the potential to improve the accuracy and it deserves further investigation. The oversampling technique should be considered in the context of imbalanced data where the number of the interested outcome is relatively small.
Role of Biofilms in Children with Chronic Adenoiditis and Middle Ear Disease
Authors: Torretta Sara , Drago Lorenzo , Marchisio Paola , Ibba Tullio , Pignataro Lorenzo
Published: May 2019

Chronic adenoiditis occurs frequently in children, and it is complicated by the subsequent development of recurrent or chronic middle ear diseases, such as recurrent acute otitis media, persistent otitis media with effusion and chronic otitis media, which may predispose a child to long-term functional sequalae and auditory impairment. Children with chronic adenoidal disease who fail to respond to traditional antibiotic therapy are usually candidates for surgery under general anaesthesia. It has been suggested that the ineffectiveness of antibiotic therapy in children with chronic adenoiditis is partially related to nasopharyngeal bacterial biofilms, which play a role in the development of chronic nasopharyngeal inflammation due to chronic adenoiditis, which is possibly associated with chronic or recurrent middle ear disease. This paper reviews the current evidence concerning the involvement of bacterial biofilms in the development of chronic adenoiditis and related middle ear infections in children.
Validating a Failure Surface Developed for ABS Fused Filament Fabrication Parts through Complex Loading Experiments
Authors: Mazzei Capote Gerardo A. , Redmann Alec , Osswald Tim A.
Published: May 2019

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is arguably the most widely available additive manufacturing technology at the moment. Offering the possibility of producing complex geometries in a compressed product development cycle and in a plethora of materials, it has gradually started to become attractive to multiple industrial segments, slowly being implemented in diverse applications. However, the high anisotropy of parts developed through this technique renders failure prediction difficult. The proper performance of the part, or even the safety of the final user, cannot be guaranteed under demanding mechanical requirements. This problem can be tackled through the development of a failure envelope that allows engineers to predict failure by using the knowledge of the stress state of the part. Previous research by the authors developed a failure envelope for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) based, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) parts by use of a criterion that incorporates stress interactions. This work validates the first quadrant of the envelope by performing uniaxial tensile tests with coupons produced with a variety of raster angles, creating a combined loading stress state in the localized coordinate system. Results show the safe zone encompassed by the failure envelope proved adequate.
Ultrasound Assisted Adsorptive Removal of Cr, Cu, Al, Ba, Zn, Ni, Mn, Co and Ti from Seawater Using Fe2O3-SiO2-PAN Nanocomposite: Equilibrium Kinetics
Authors: Ramutshatsha-Makhwedzha Denga , Ngila Jane Catherine , Ndungu Patrick G. , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo
Published: May 2019

This work reports the preparation and application of Fe2O3-SiO2-PAN nanocomposite for the removal of Cr3+, Cu2+, Al3+, Ba2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Ti3+ from seawater. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) characterized the synthesized composite. The following experimental parameters (Extraction time, adsorbent mass and pH) affecting the removal of major and trace metals were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The applicability of the RSM model was verified by performing the confirmation experiment using the optimal condition and the removal efficiency ranged from 90% to 97%, implying that the model was valid. The adsorption kinetic data was described by the pseudo-second order model. The applicability of the materials was tested on real seawater samples (initial concentration ranging from 0.270–203 µg L−1) and the results showed satisfactory percentage efficiency removal that range from 98% to 99.9%. The maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 4.36, 7.20, 2.23, 6.60, 5.06, 2.60, 6.79, 6.65 and 3.00 mg g−1, for Cr3+, Cu2+, Al3+, Ba2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Ti4+, respectively.
Statistical Deviations in Shoreline Detection Obtained with Direct and Remote Observations
Authors: Pugliano Giovanni , Robustelli Umberto , Di Luccio Diana , Mucerino Luigi , Benassai Guido , Montella Raffaele
Published: May 2019

Remote video imagery is widely used for shoreline detection, which plays a fundamental role in geomorphological studies and in risk assessment, but, up to now, few measurements of accuracy have been undertaken. In this paper, the comparison of video-based and GPS-derived shoreline measurements was performed on a sandy micro-tidal beach located in Italy (central Tyrrhenian Sea). The GPS survey was performed using a single frequency, code, and carrier phase receiver as a rover. Raw measurements have been post-processed by using a carrier-based positioning algorithm. The comparison between video camera and DGPS coastline has been carried out on the whole beach, measuring the error as the deviation from the DGPS line computed along the normal to the DGPS itself. The deviations between the two dataset were examined in order to establish possible spatial dependence on video camera point of view and on beach slope in the intertidal zone. The results revealed that, generally, the error increased with the distance from the acquisition system and with the wash up length (inversely proportional to the beach slope).
A Diesel Engine Modelling Approach for Ship Propulsion Real-Time Simulators
Authors: Altosole Marco , Campora Ugo , Figari Massimo , Laviola Michele , Martelli Michele
Published: May 2019

A turbocharged diesel engine numerical model, suitable for real-time ship manoeuvre simulation, is presented in this paper. While some engine components (mainly the turbocharger, intercooler and manifolds) are modelled by a filling and emptying approach, the cylinder simulation is based on a set of five-dimensional numerical matrices (each matrix is generated by means of a more traditional thermodynamic model based on in-cylinder actual cycle). The new cylinder calculation approach strongly reduces the engine transient computation time, making it possible to transform the simulation model into a real-time executable application. As a case study, the simulation methodology is applied to a high speed four stroke turbocharged marine diesel engine, whose design and off design running data are available from the technical sheet. In order to verify the suitability of the proposed model in real-time simulation applications, a yacht propulsion plant simulator is developed. Numerical results in ship acceleration and deceleration manoeuvres are shown, reducing the simulation running time of 99% in comparison with the corresponding in-cylinder actual cycle engine model.
Field Test on Buoyancy Variation of a Subsea Bottom-Supported Foundation Model
Authors: Fang Tianyi , Liu Guojun , Ye Guanlin , Pan Shang , Shi Haibin , Zhang Lulu
Published: May 2019

The bottom-supported foundation is the most important component of offshore platforms, as it provides the major support to the upper structure. The buoyancy of the bottom-supported foundation is a critical issue in platform design because it counteracts parts of the vertical loads. In this paper, a model box was designed and installed with earth pressure transducers and pore pressure transducers to simulate the sitting process of the bottom-supported foundation. The buoyancy acting on the model box was calculated on the basis of two different methods, i.e., the water pressure difference between top and bottom surface and the effective stress at the bottom of the model. Field tests with different sitting times were carried out on the saturated soft clay seabed. Numerical coupled analysis was performed to verify the dissipation of the excess pore pressure at the bottom of the model. The results showed that the buoyancy of the model could reach twice the calculated value of Archimedes’ law in the initial stage, however, it eventually stabilized near the theoretical value as the excess pore pressure dissipated. There was a slight fluctuation in buoyancy due to the phase lag of the pore pressure response caused by the low permeability of the seabed.
Protobiotic Systems Chemistry Analyzed by Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Kahana Amit , Lancet Doron
Published: May 2019

Systems chemistry has been a key component of origin of life research, invoking models of life’s inception based on evolving molecular networks. One such model is the graded autocatalysis replication domain (GARD) formalism embodied in a lipid world scenario, which offers rigorous computer simulation based on defined chemical kinetics equations. GARD suggests that the first pre-RNA life-like entities could have been homeostatically-growing assemblies of amphiphiles, undergoing compositional replication and mutations, as well as rudimentary selection and evolution. Recent progress in molecular dynamics has provided an experimental tool to study complex biological phenomena such as protein folding, ligand-receptor interactions, and micellar formation, growth, and fission. The detailed molecular definition of GARD and its inter-molecular catalytic interactions make it highly compatible with molecular dynamics analyses. We present a roadmap for simulating GARD’s kinetic and thermodynamic behavior using various molecular dynamics methodologies. We review different approaches for testing the validity of the GARD model by following micellar accretion and fission events and examining compositional changes over time. Near-future computational advances could provide empirical delineation for further system complexification, from simple compositional non-covalent assemblies towards more life-like protocellular entities with covalent chemistry that underlies metabolism and genetic encoding.
Synthesis of 1H-3-{4-[(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)aminomethyl]phenyl}-2-phenylindole and Evaluation of Its Antiprotozoal Activity
Authors: Guillon Jean , Boudot Clotilde , Cohen Anita , Savrimoutou Solène , Rubio Sandra , Milano Vittoria , Marchivie Mathieu , Azas Nadine , Mullié Catherine , Sonnet Pascal , Courtioux Bertrand
Published: May 2019

1H-3-{4-[(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)aminomethyl]phenyl}-2-phenylindole was synthesized via a multi-step pathway starting from 2-iodoaniline. Structure characterization of this new indole compound was achieved by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and ESI-MS spectral analysis. The title compound was screened in vitro against three protozoan parasites (Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma brucei brucei). Biological results showed antiparasitic activity with IC50 values in the μM range.
The Design of a New Manual Wheelchair for Sport
Authors: Quaglia Giuseppe , Bonisoli Elvio , Cavallone Paride
Published: May 2019

In this paper, an innovative system of propulsion inspired by a rowing gesture for manual wheelchairs is shown. The innovative system of propulsion, named Handwheelchair.q, can be applied to wheelchairs employed in everyday life and to sports wheelchairs for speed races, such as Handbike and Wheelchair racing. The general features of the innovative system of propulsion and the functional designs of the different solutions are described in detail. In addition, the design of the mechanism for the transmission of motion, employed in a second prototype, Handwheelchair.q02, is presented and analysed. Finally, the dynamic model of the Handwheelchair.q has been developed in order to obtain important results for the executive design of Handwheelchair.q.
Functional Analysis of Piedmont (Italy) Ancient Water Mills Aimed at Their Recovery or Reconversion
Authors: Franco Walter , Ferraresi Carlo , Revelli Roberto
Published: May 2019

Since ancient times and for hundreds of years, grain mills, hammers, sawmills, spinning mills, and hemp rollers have been powered by water wheels. In the nineteenth century there were hundreds of thousands of mills in all of Europe. It is an enormous historical and cultural heritage of inestimable value, which is for the most part, abandoned today. Recently, there is a renewed interest in their reuse, both for their widespread diffusion in the territory and for the excellent environmental integration and intrinsic sustainability. Even when, for economic reasons, their recovery for the original tasks is not suitable, the conversion into mini plants for the production of electricity can be advantageous. In the paper, analyzing some typical examples of the old water mill of the Piemonte region, in North-West of Italy, the mechanical architecture of old water mill, from water wheels to millstones, is described and the functional details of various mechanisms are provided. In fact, by knowing only the specifics of the ancient mills, it is possible to enhance their potential and restore them from the perspective of a renewed high quality production, or reconvert them in mini-plants for the production of electricity.
Predicting Maximal Gaps in Sets of Primes
Authors: Kourbatov Alexei , Wolf Marek
Published: May 2019

Let q > r ≥ 1 be coprime integers. Let P c = P c ( q , r , H ) be an increasing sequence of primes p satisfying two conditions: (i) p ≡ r (mod q) and (ii) p starts a prime k-tuple with a given pattern H. Let π c ( x ) be the number of primes in P c not exceeding x. We heuristically derive formulas predicting the growth trend of the maximal gap G c ( x ) = max p ′ ≤ x ( p ′ − p ) between successive primes p , p ′ ∈ P c. Extensive computations for primes up to 10 14 show that a simple trend formula G c ( x ) ∼ x π c ( x ) · ( log π c ( x ) + O k ( 1 ) ) works well for maximal gaps between initial primes of k-tuples with k ≥ 2 (e.g., twin primes, prime triplets, etc.) in residue class r (mod q). For k = 1, however, a more sophisticated formula G c ( x ) ∼ x π c ( x ) · log π c 2 ( x ) x + O ( log q ) gives a better prediction of maximal gap sizes. The latter includes the important special case of maximal gaps in the sequence of all primes (k = 1 , q = 2 , r = 1). The distribution of appropriately rescaled maximal gaps G c ( x ) is close to the Gumbel extreme value distribution. Computations suggest that almost all maximal gaps satisfy a generalized strong form of Cramér’s conjecture. We also conjecture that the number of maximal gaps between primes in P c below x is O k ( log x ).
Third-Order Hankel and Toeplitz Determinants for Starlike Functions Connected with the Sine Function
Authors: Zhang Hai-Yan , Srivastava Rekha , Tang Huo
Published: May 2019

Let S s * be the class of normalized functions f defined in the open unit disk D = { z : | z | < 1 } such that the quantity z f ′ ( z ) f ( z ) lies in an eight-shaped region in the right-half plane and satisfying the condition z f ′ ( z ) f ( z ) ≺ 1 + sin z ( z ∈ D ) . In this paper, we aim to investigate the third-order Hankel determinant H 3 ( 1 ) and Toeplitz determinant T 3 ( 2 ) for this function class S s * associated with sine function and obtain the upper bounds of the determinants H 3 ( 1 ) and T 3 ( 2 ) .
A New Parameter Estimator for the Generalized Pareto Distribution under the Peaks over Threshold Framework
Authors: Zhao Xu , Zhang Zhongxian , Cheng Weihu , Zhang Pengyue
Published: May 2019

Techniques used to analyze exceedances over a high threshold are in great demand for research in economics, environmental science, and other fields. The generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) has been widely used to fit observations exceeding the tail threshold in the peaks over threshold (POT) framework. Parameter estimation and threshold selection are two critical issues for threshold-based GPD inference. In this work, we propose a new GPD-based estimation approach by combining the method of moments and likelihood moment techniques based on the least squares concept, in which the shape and scale parameters of the GPD can be simultaneously estimated. To analyze extreme data, the proposed approach estimates the parameters by minimizing the sum of squared deviations between the theoretical GPD function and its expectation. Additionally, we introduce a recently developed stopping rule to choose the suitable threshold above which the GPD asymptotically fits the exceedances. Simulation studies show that the proposed approach performs better or similar to existing approaches, in terms of bias and the mean square error, in estimating the shape parameter. In addition, the performance of three threshold selection procedures is assessed by estimating the value-at-risk (VaR) of the GPD. Finally, we illustrate the utilization of the proposed method by analyzing air pollution data. In this analysis, we also provide a detailed guide regarding threshold selection.
A Modified Asymptotical Regularization of Nonlinear Ill-Posed Problems
Authors: Pornsawad Pornsarp , Sapsakul Nantawan , Böckmann Christine
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we investigate the continuous version of modified iterative Runge–Kutta-type methods for nonlinear inverse ill-posed problems proposed in a previous work. The convergence analysis is proved under the tangential cone condition, a modified discrepancy principle, i.e., the stopping time T is a solution of ∥ F ( x δ ( T ) ) − y δ ∥ = τ δ + for some δ + > δ , and an appropriate source condition. We yield the optimal rate of convergence.
Generalized Implicit Set-Valued Variational Inclusion Problem with ⊕ Operation
Authors: Ahmad Rais , Ali Imran , Husain Saddam , Latif A. , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we consider a resolvent operator which depends on the composition of two mappings with ⊕ operation. We prove some of the properties of the resolvent operator, that is, that it is single-valued as well as Lipschitz-type-continuous. An existence and convergence result is proven for a generalized implicit set-valued variational inclusion problem with ⊕ operation. Some special cases of a generalized implicit set-valued variational inclusion problem with ⊕ operation are discussed. An example is constructed to illustrate some of the concepts used in this paper.
Azaspiracids Increase Mitochondrial Dehydrogenases Activity in Hepatocytes: Involvement of Potassium and Chloride Ions
Authors: Pelin Marco , Kilcoyne Jane , Florio Chiara , Hess Philipp , Tubaro Aurelia , Sosa Silvio
Published: May 2019

Background: Azaspiracids (AZAs) are marine toxins that are produced by Azadinium and Amphidoma dinoflagellates that can contaminate edible shellfish inducing a foodborne poisoning in humans, which is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms. Among these, AZA1, -2, and -3 are regulated in the European Union, being the most important in terms of occurrence and toxicity. In vivo studies in mice showed that, in addition to gastrointestinal effects, AZA1 induces liver alterations that are visible as a swollen organ, with the presence of hepatocellular fat droplets and vacuoles. Hence, an in vitro study was carried out to investigate the effects of AZA1, -2, and -3 on liver cells, using human non-tumor IHH hepatocytes. Results: The exposure of IHH cells to AZA1, -2, or -3 (5 × 10−12–1 × 10−7 M) for 24 h did not affect the cell viability and proliferation (Sulforhodamine B assay and 3H-Thymidine incorporation assay), but they induced a significant concentration-dependent increase of mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity (MTT reduction assay). This effect depends on the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I and II, being counteracted by rotenone and tenoyl trifluoroacetone, respectively. Furthermore, AZAs-increased mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity was almost totally suppressed in the K+-, Cl−-, and Na+-free media and sensitive to the specific inhibitors of KATP and hERG potassium channels, Na+/K+, ATPase, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channels. Conclusions: These results suggest that AZA mitochondrial effects in hepatocytes derive from an imbalance of intracellular levels of K+ and, in particular, Cl− ions, as demonstrated by the selective reduction of toxin effects by CFTR chloride channel inhibition.
Cytotoxic, Anti-Migration, and Anti-Invasion Activities on Breast Cancer Cells of Angucycline Glycosides Isolated from a Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Qu Xin-Ying , Ren Jin-Wei , Peng Ai-Hong , Lin Shi-Qi , Lu Dan-Dan , Du Qian-Qian , Liu Ling , Li Xia , Li Er-Wei , Xie Wei-Dong
Published: May 2019

Four angucycline glycosides were previously characterized from marine-derived Streptomyces sp. OC1610.4. Further investigation of this strain cultured on different fermentation media from that used previously resulted in the isolation of two new angucycline glycosides, vineomycins E and F (1–2), and five known homologues, grincamycin L (3), vineomycinone B2 (4), fridamycin D (5), moromycin B (7), and saquayamycin B1 (8). Vineomycin F (2) contains an unusual ring-cleavage deoxy sugar. All the angucycline glycosides isolated from Streptomyces sp. OC1610.4 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and BT-474. Moromycin B (7), saquayamycin B1 (8), and saquayamycin B (9) displayed potent anti-proliferation against the tested cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.16 to 0.67 μM. Saquayamycin B (9) inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, as detected by Transwell and wound-healing assays.
Cyanobacterial Siderophores—Physiology, Structure, Biosynthesis, and Applications
Authors: Årstøl Erland , Hohmann-Marriott Martin F.
Published: May 2019

Siderophores are low-molecular-weight metal chelators that function in microbial iron uptake. As iron limits primary productivity in many environments, siderophores are of great ecological importance. Additionally, their metal binding properties have attracted interest for uses in medicine and bioremediation. Here, we review the current state of knowledge concerning the siderophores produced by cyanobacteria. We give an overview of all cyanobacterial species with known siderophore production, finding siderophores produced in all but the most basal clades, and in a wide variety of environments. We explore what is known about the structure, biosynthesis, and cycling of the cyanobacterial siderophores that have been characterized: Synechobactin, schizokinen and anachelin. We also highlight alternative siderophore functionality and technological potential, finding allelopathic effects on competing phytoplankton and likely roles in limiting heavy-metal toxicity. Methodological improvements in siderophore characterization and detection are briefly described. Since most known cyanobacterial siderophores have not been structurally characterized, the application of mass spectrometry techniques will likely reveal a breadth of variation within these important molecules.
Radiation-Induced Heart Diseases: Protective Effects of Natural Products
Authors: Musa Ahmed , Shabeeb Dheyauldeen
Published: May 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for the majority of deaths worldwide. Radiation-induced heart diseases (RIHD) is one of the side effects following exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Exposure could be from various forms such as diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy for cancer treatment, as well as nuclear disasters and nuclear accidents. RIHD is mostly observed after radiotherapy for thoracic malignancies, especially left breast cancer. RIHD may affect the supply of blood to heart muscles, leading to an increase in the risk of heart attacks to irradiated persons. Due to its dose-limiting consequence, RIHD has a negative effect on the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy. Several methods have been proposed for protection against RIHD. In this paper, we review the use of natural products, which have shown promising results for protection against RIHD.
A Systematic Review of the Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ng Qin , Loke Wayren , Venkatanarayanan Nandini , Lim Donovan , Soh Alex , Yeo Wee
Published: May 2019

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition typically characterized by deficits in social and communicative behaviors as well as repetitive patterns of behaviors. Despite its prevalence (affecting 0.1% to 1.8% of the global population), the pathogenesis of ASD remains incompletely understood. Patients with ASD are reported to have more frequent gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. There is some anecdotal evidence that probiotics are able to alleviate GI symptoms as well as improve behavioral issues in children with ASD. However, systematic reviews of the effect of prebiotics/probiotics on ASD and its associated symptoms are lacking. Methods: Using the keywords (prebiotics OR probiotics OR microbiota OR gut) AND (autism OR social OR ASD), a systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Clinicaltrials.gov and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were original clinical trials, published in English between the period 1st January 1988 and 1st February 2019. Results: A total of eight clinical trials were systematically reviewed. Two clinical trials examined the use of prebiotic and/or diet exclusion while six involved the use of probiotic supplementation in children with ASD. Most of these were prospective, open-label studies. Prebiotics only improved certain GI symptoms; however, when combined with an exclusion diet (gluten and casein free) showed a significant reduction in anti-sociability scores. As for probiotics, there is limited evidence to support the role of probiotics in alleviating the GI or behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. The two available double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials found no significant difference in GI symptoms and behavior. Conclusion: Despite promising preclinical findings, prebiotics and probiotics have demonstrated an overall limited efficacy in the management of GI or behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. In addition, there was no standardized probiotics regimen, with multiple different strains and concentrations of probiotics, and variable duration of treatments.
Possible Serological Markers to Predict Mortality in Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Hachisu Yoshimasa , Murata Keisuke , Takei Kousuke , Tsuchiya Takuma , Tsurumaki Hiroaki , Koga Yasuhiko , Horie Takeo , Takise Atsushi , Hisada Takeshi
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has a particularly poor prognosis, and most IPF-related deaths are due to acute exacerbation (AE) of this condition. Few reports about biomarkers to predict prognosis of AE-IPF have been published since the release of the new AE-IPF criteria in 2016. The present study investigated relationships between serological markers and in-hospital mortality after the onset of AE-IPF. Methods: Demographic, serological, and imaging data from patients hospitalized at the Maebashi Red Cross Hospital (Gunma, Japan) between 1 January 2013, and 31 December 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Subjects fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for AE-IPF were divided into those who survived or died; statistical analysis of risk factors was performed using data from these two groups. Results: Diagnostic criteria for AE-IPF were fulfilled by 84 patients (59 males (70.2%)), with a median age of 78 years (range, 56–95 years). IPF was diagnosed before hospitalization in 50 (59.5%) patients and 38 (45.2%) died in hospital. Among the serological markers at hospitalization in the deceased group, C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher than in the survivor group (p = 0.002), while total serum protein (p = 0.031), albumin (p = 0.047) and total cholesterol (p = 0.039) were significantly lower. Cox hazard analysis of factors predicting mortality, corrected for age, sex and BMI, revealed the following: CRP (hazard ratio (HR) 1.080 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.022–1.141); p = 0.006), LDH (HR 1.003 (95% CI 1.000–1.006); p = 0.037), and total cholesterol (HR 0.985 (95% CI 0.972–0.997); p = 0.018). Conclusions: Our data suggest that CRP, LDH, and total cholesterol may be biomarkers predicting mortality in patients with AE-IPF. However, only prospective controlled studies can confirm or not our observation as a generalizable one.
Expression of Sigma-Class Glutathione-S-Transferase in Fetal and Pediatric Filum Terminale Samples: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kural Cahit , Oguztuzun Serpil , Şimşek Gülçin Güler , Guresci Servet , Kaygın Pınar , Yasar Soner , Tehli Ozkan , Izci Yusuf
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: The pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children is not well elucidated. An inelastic filum terminale (FT) is the main factor underlying the stretching of the spinal cord in TCS. Our study aimed to investigate the expression of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in children and fetal FT samples in order to understand the relationship between this enzyme expression and the development of TCS. Materials and Methods: FT samples were obtained from ten children with TCS (Group 1) and histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. For comparison, FT samples from fifteen normal human fetuses (Group 2) were also analyzed using the same techniques. Statistical comparison was made using a Chi-square test. Results: Positive GST-sigma expression was detected in eight (80%) of 10 samples in Group 1. The positive GST-sigma expression was less frequent in nine (60%) of 15 samples from Group 2. No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups (p = 0.197). Conclusions: Decreased FT elasticity in TCS may be associated with increased GST expression in FT. More prospective studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of the GST–TCS relationship in children.
Evidence for Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Isoliquiritigenin, 18β Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Ursolic Acid, and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Plants Glycyrrhiza glabra and Eriobotrya japonica, at the Molecular Level
Authors: Zhou Jun-Xian , Wink Michael
Published: May 2019

Background: We investigated the effect of root extracts from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plants Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and the leaf extract of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl., and their six major secondary metabolites, glycyrrhizic acid, 18β glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, paeoniflorin, and ursolic acid, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB expression and NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory factors in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: The cytotoxicity of the substances was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with LPS (1 μg/mL) or LPS plus single substances; the gene expression levels of NF-κB subunits (RelA, RelB, c-Rel, NF-κB1, and NF-κB2), and of ICAM-1, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 were measured employing real-time PCR; nitric oxide (NO) production by the cells was quantified with the Griess assay; nuclear translocation of NF-κB was visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy with NF-κB (p65) staining. Results: All the substances showed moderate cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells except paeoniflorin with an IC50 above 1000 μM. Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and Eriobotrya japonica extract, as well as 18β glycyrrhetinic acid and isoliquiritigenin at low concentrations, inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner. LPS upregulated gene expressions of NF-κB subunits and of ICAM-1, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 within 8 h, which could be decreased by 18β glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritigenin and ursolic acid similarly to the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. NF-κB translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus was observed after LPS stimulation for 2 h and was attenuated by extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Eriobotrya japonica, as well as by 18β glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritigenin, and ursolic acid. Conclusions: 18β glycyrrhetinic acid, isoliquiritigenin, and ursolic acid inhibited the gene expressions of ICAM-1, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS, partly through inhibiting NF-κB expression and attenuating NF-κB nuclear translocation. These substances showed anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms and to assess their usefulness in therapy.
Grain Coarsening and Texture Evolution of Pre-Stretched 2219 Aluminum Alloy Sheets during Subsequent Solution Treatment
Authors: An Lihui , Li Jiguang , Yuan Shijian
Published: May 2019

During the two-pass stretch forming process for manufacturing of thin-walled aluminum alloy sheet components, abnormal grain growth may happen if an improper pre-deformation degree was conducted before solution heat treatment, which is negative to the performance and surface quality of the final components. In order to overcome this problem, the effect of pre-stretching deformation was investigated on the change of grain structures of 2219 aluminum alloy sheets. The 2219 aluminum alloy sheets were pre-stretched with various deformation degrees, and then were heated to 540 °C for about 50 min for solution treatment. The grain structures before and after solution treatment were characterized using an optical microscope (OM) and electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD). Results show that the grains grew up gradually during the solution treatment with an increase of pre-stretching. The critical pre-stretching degree is about 3%. Once the pre-deformation exceeds 3%, the grain growth is significant, especially when it reaches 5%. Moreover, the pre-stretching has little influence on the orientation distribution. Some near a copper texture {112}<111> were generated as the pre-stretching degree was increased to 5%. All the results suggest that the pre-stretching before solution treatment cannot be larger than 3% in the two-pass stretch forming of a 2219 aluminum sheet.
Design of High Temperature Ti–Al–Cr–V Alloys for Maximum Thermodynamic Stability Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Jha Rajesh , Dulikravich George S.
Published: May 2019

Data generated for the Ti–Al–Cr–V system of metallic alloys from our previous publication, where the composition of 102 alloys were computationally Pareto optimized with the objective of simultaneously maximizing the Young’s modulus and minimizing density for a range of temperatures, was the starting point of the current research, where compositions at different temperatures of these alloys were analyzed for phase stability in order to generate new data for compositions and volume fractions of stable phases at various temperatures. This resulted in a large dataset where a lot of data were still missing as all the phases are not stable at a given temperature for all the compositions. The concept of Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) was then applied to determine correlations between alloy compositions, stabilities of desired phases at various temperatures, associated Young’s moduli and densities, and the effect of the composition of phases on these properties. This work should help alloy designers to determine the required chemical composition of a new alloy with reference to the temperature of application of that alloy and see the effect of temperature and composition on stable phases and associated properties of alloys.
Effects of In Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of In–Bi Alloys During Isothermal Aging
Authors: Jin Sanghun , Mokhtari Omid , Kanayama Shutetsu , Nishikawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

Bulk In–Bi binary alloys with 50, 40, 33.7, and 30 mass% Bi and low melting temperatures were prepared and aged at 40 °C for 168, 504, and 1008 h in an oil bath. Tensile tests were performed on the bulk alloys, followed by fracture surface analysis of the tensile test samples. The effect of In content on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the alloys during thermal aging was analyzed. Ultimately, the tensile strength of the In–Bi alloys was found to decrease with aging time, while the elongation of the In–Bi alloys increased after thermal aging. The results of the tensile tests indicate that a higher In content improved the ductility of the In–Bi alloys significantly and reduced their strength. In addition, the fracture surfaces exhibited ductile fractures in the neck shapes. A comparative analysis of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the aforementioned alloys during thermal aging was also conducted.
Predicting the Tensile Behaviour of Cast Alloys by a Pattern Recognition Analysis on Experimental Data
Authors: Fragassa Cristiano , Babic Matej , Bergmann Carlos Perez , Minak Giangiacomo
Published: May 2019

The ability to accurately predict the mechanical properties of metals is essential for their correct use in the design of structures and components. This is even more important in the presence of materials, such as metal cast alloys, whose properties can vary significantly in relation to their constituent elements, microstructures, process parameters or treatments. This study shows how a machine learning approach, based on pattern recognition analysis on experimental data, is able to offer acceptable precision predictions with respect to the main mechanical properties of metals, as in the case of ductile cast iron and compact graphite cast iron. The metallographic properties, such as graphite, ferrite and perlite content, extrapolated through macro indicators from micrographs by image analysis, are used as inputs for the machine learning algorithms, while the mechanical properties, such as yield strength, ultimate strength, ultimate strain and Young’s modulus, are derived as output. In particular, 3 different machine learning algorithms are trained starting from a dataset of 20–30 data for each material and the results offer high accuracy, often better than other predictive techniques. Concerns regarding the applicability of these predictive techniques in material design and product/process quality control are also discussed.
The Effect of Sensor Dimensions on the Performance of Flexible Hot Film Shear Stress Sensors
Authors: Wang Jin-Jin , Hu Hong , Chen Chao-Zhan
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a study to determine the effect of sensor dimensions (length, width, and thickness) on the performance of flexible hot film shear stress sensors. The sensing component of a hot film sensor is nickel thermistor, and the flexible substrate material is polyimide. Several groups of flexible hot film shear stress sensors with different lengths, widths, and thicknesses were studied. The temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) was measured. The TCR increased slightly with increasing thickness. The frequency response (time constant) of the flexible hot film shear stress sensor was obtained by the square wave, while the sensitivity was tested in a wind tunnel. The study found that as the sensor length was shortened, the frequency response increased, and the sensitivity decreased.
Role of Gut Microbiota in Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Gupta Haripriya , Youn Gi Soo , Shin Min Jea , Suk Ki Tae
Published: May 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading causes of death worldwide, has a causal nexus with liver injury, inflammation, and regeneration that accumulates over decades. Observations from recent studies have accounted for the involvement of the gut–liver axis in the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for HCC. The human intestine nurtures a diversified colony of microorganisms residing in the host ecosystem. The intestinal barrier is critical for conserving the normal physiology of the gut microbiome. Therefore, a rupture of this barrier or dysbiosis can cause the intestinal microbiome to serve as the main source of portal-vein endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharide, in the progression of hepatic diseases. Indeed, increased bacterial translocation is a key sign of HCC. Considering the limited number of clinical studies on HCC with respect to the microbiome, we focus on clinical as well as animal studies involving the gut microbiota, with the current understandings of the mechanism by which the intestinal dysbiosis promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Future research might offer mechanistic insights into the specific phyla targeting the leaky gut, as well as microbial dysbiosis, and their metabolites, which represent key pathways that drive HCC-promoting microbiome-mediated liver inflammation and fibrosis, thereby restoring the gut barrier function.
Microbial and Functional Profile of the Ceca from Laying Hens Affected by Feeding Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Synbiotics
Authors: Pineda-Quiroga Carolina , Borda-Molina Daniel , Chaves-Moreno Diego , Ruiz Roberto , Atxaerandio Raquel , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , García-Rodríguez Aser
Published: May 2019

Diet has an essential influence in the establishment of the cecum microbial communities in poultry, so its supplementation with safe additives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics might improve animal health and performance. This study showed the ceca microbiome modulations of laying hens, after feeding with dry whey powder as prebiotics, Pediococcus acidilactici as probiotics, and the combination of both as synbiotics. A clear grouping of the samples induced per diet was observed (p < 0.05). Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified as Olsenella spp., and Lactobacillus crispatus increased their abundance in prebiotic and synbiotic treatments. A core of the main functions was shared between all metagenomes (45.5%), although the genes encoding for the metabolism of butanoate, propanoate, inositol phosphate, and galactose were more abundant in the prebiotic diet. The results indicated that dietary induced-changes in microbial composition did not imply a disturbance in the principal biological roles, while the specific functions were affected.
Biosynthesis of Polyketides in Streptomyces
Authors: Risdian Chandra , Mozef Tjandrawati , Wink Joachim
Published: May 2019

Polyketides are a large group of secondary metabolites that have notable variety in their structure and function. Polyketides exhibit a wide range of bioactivities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antiviral, immune-suppressing, anti-cholesterol, and anti-inflammatory activity. Naturally, they are found in bacteria, fungi, plants, protists, insects, mollusks, and sponges. Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that has a filamentous form like fungi. This genus is best known as one of the polyketides producers. Some examples of polyketides produced by Streptomyces are rapamycin, oleandomycin, actinorhodin, daunorubicin, and caprazamycin. Biosynthesis of polyketides involves a group of enzyme activities called polyketide synthases (PKSs). There are three types of PKSs (type I, type II, and type III) in Streptomyces responsible for producing polyketides. This paper focuses on the biosynthesis of polyketides in Streptomyces with three structurally-different types of PKSs.