bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between clinical characteristics including presence of exposed lesions and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriasis: analysis from the nationwide epidemiologic study for psoriasis in Korea (EPI‐PSODE study)
Authors: Youn S.W. , Lee J.‐H. , Yu D.Y. , Kim Y. , Kim B.S. , Seo S.J. , Choe Y.B. , Yun S.‐K. , Park J. , Kim N.I. , Choi C.W. , Youn J.I. , Lee S.‐J. , Lee M.‐G. , Kim K.J. , Park C.J. , Ro Y.S. , Song H.J. , Shin B.S. , Ahn S.K. , Lee J.Y. , Won Y.H. , Jang M.S. , Kim K.H. , Kim M.H. , Kim T.Y. , Choi J.‐H.
Published: February 2018

Background

Psychological aspect and quality of life should be considered in treating patients with psoriasis.

Objective

We sought to ascertain which clinical characteristics including presence of exposed lesions are associated with impairment of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

The EPI‐PSODE study was a nationwide, multicenter, cross‐sectional study conducted in Korea that included 1260 adult patients with psoriasis. In addition to clinical characteristics including presence of exposed lesions, data were collected using the Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Screening and Evaluation (PASE), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), MOS 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire Psoriasis (WPAI: PSO) and Medication Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ).

Results

Patients with a DLQI score > 5 (n = 990) were younger, had an earlier onset of psoriasis, scored higher on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), had higher body surface area (BSA) and had higher PASE scores than patients with DLQI ≤ 5 (n = 266). The group of patients with exposed lesions (n = 871) were younger and male predominance, earlier onset of psoriasis, longer disease duration, higher PASI/BSA score and a higher proportion with drinking and smoking history each than the group of patients without exposed lesions (n = 389). Presence of exposed lesions negatively influenced DLQI, 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) (mental component), presenteeism, total work productivity impairment and total activity impairment in the WPAI: PSO. In multiple regression model, PASI score was the only variable which was significantly associated with all HRQoL measures. Presence of exposed lesions was a significant factor affecting DLQI and SF‐36 (mental).

Conclusion

The presence of exposed lesions has a negative impact on quality of life, mental health and work productivity. Therefore, effective treatments are particularly needed for psoriasis patients with exposed lesions.
Cutaneous infiltration of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and T regulatory cells in skin lesions of polymorphic light eruption
Authors: Rossi M.T. , Arisi M. , Lonardi S. , Lorenzi L. , Ungari M. , Serana F. , Fusano M. , Moggio E. , Calzavara‐Pinton P.G. , Venturini M.
Published: February 2018

Background

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is the most common autoimmune photodermatosis. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) are important mediators of innate antimicrobial immunity involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory skin diseases. In addition to PDCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in controlling inflammation and adaptive immunity in skin by their immunosuppressive capacity.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of PDCs and Tregs in photoexposed skin from PLE compared to healthy skin.

Methods

Patients with PLE diagnosis and healthy controls were recruited and underwent a photoprovocative test. A 4‐mm punch biopsy was taken from the site of positive photoprovocation test reaction, and immunohistochemistry for BDCA2 as marker for PDCs, CD4 and FOXP3 as markers for Tregs was performed. Double immunostain for FOXP3 and CD4 was performed as well. Absolute counts for CD4, BDCA2 and FOXP3 were performed in at least 5 High Power Fields (HPF). Percentage of CD4‐, BDCA2‐ and CD4FOXP3‐positive cells over the total inflammatory infiltrate was assessed for each case.

Results

We enrolled 23 patients and controls. BDCA2+ cells were present in 91.3% of PLE skin samples and 100% of healthy volunteer. Both in PLE patients and healthy controls, PDCs distribution was mainly dermic (P < 0.05). Compared to healthy controls, both epidermic and dermic BDCA2+ cells count were significantly higher in PLE patients (P < 0.05). Both in PLE patients and healthy controls, Tregs distribution was mainly dermic (P < 0.05). The presence of both CD4+ cells and FOXP3+ cells was significantly higher in the dermis of PLE patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Relative percentages of cellular infiltrations confirmed these results.

Conclusions

D‐PDCS and Tregs may play a significant role in the development of PLE, and dermal distribution of PDCs in PLE skin biopsies seems to confirm a possible overlap with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).
Remembering the Good Times: The Influence of Relationship Nostalgia on Relationship Satisfaction Across Time
Authors: Mallory Allen B. , Spencer Chelsea M. , Kimmes Jonathan G. , Pollitt Amanda M.
Published: February 2018

We conducted two studies to understand if reminiscing about early parts of a romantic relationship can increase positive affect and relationship satisfaction. In Study 1, we examined the psychometrics of an adapted relationship nostalgia measure, if relationship nostalgia changes positive affect, and if relationship nostalgia and relationship satisfaction are associated. In Study 2, we tested the longitudinal link between relationship nostalgia and relationship satisfaction. Rather than increasing positive affect, relationship nostalgia is associated with a movement toward emotional homeostasis. Additionally, relationship nostalgia is positively associated with relationship satisfaction at the same time point but in the short term, the association is negative—long term, this association disappears. Implications for using a relationship history in therapy are discussed.
Serum bilirubin level predicts postoperative overall survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Hongchuang , Li Gang , Zhu Zaiou , Zheng Yang , Wu Yunong , Zhang Wei , Gu Ning , Wang Xiang , Song Xiaomeng
Published: February 2018

Background

Aberrant level of serum bilirubin, marker of hepatobiliary and hematological disorders, was associated with patient prognosis in several human malignancies. In this study, we aim to evaluate the predictive value of serum bilirubin for clinicopathologic characteristics and survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 129 patients with OSCC and 129 normal controls matched for age and sex. The association between levels of preoperative direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), total bilirubin (TBIL), and clinical variables was analyzed. A proportional hazards regression model was used to find out the independent predictors of survival.

Results

Significantly lower TBIL (P = .009) and IBIL (P < .001) were found in OSCC patients compared with normal controls. DBIL (P = .011) and lymph‐node metastasis (P = .031) were found to be independent prognostic factors. Patients with higher DBIL (≥4.0 μmol/L) had longer overall survival than those with lower DBIL (P = .002). Patients with both lymph‐node metastasis and lower DBIL showed the shortest overall survival (P = .001).

Conclusions

Lower DBIL was associated with a poorer prognosis and may be regarded as an independent prognostic marker for patients with OSCC.
From an open‐access fishery to a regulated aquaculture business: the case of the most important Latin American bay scallop (Argopecten purpuratus)
Authors: Kluger Lotta C. , Taylor Marc H. , Wolff Matthias , Stotz Wolfgang , Mendo Jaime
Published: February 2018

The South Pacific bay scallop Argopecten purpuratus represents a high‐value species harvested along the Peruvian and Chilean coastline for more than 60 years. Following the strong El Niño event of 1983/84, both countries experienced a boom in scallop fisheries, but catches dropped as soon as environmental conditions normalized. Aquaculture production began in Chile, which dominated the Latin American scallop market in the 1990s. Peruvian production remained small until the early 2000s, but has increased dramatically ever since, with a single location in northern Peru, Sechura Bay, contributing most (50%) to the Latin American scallop production. We review the historical trends of this species’ production and analyse the ecological and socio‐economic factors that have favoured Sechura Bay's progress, and largely displaced Chilean production through dominance of the market. Advantageous environmental conditions in Sechura Bay (e.g. low water depths, higher temperatures, high natural seed supply) result in improved scallop growth and production, and the socio‐economic factors, causing lower operational costs than those of the Chilean production favoured this development. The bottom‐up initiation of aquaculture operations by small‐scale producers likely created a personal incentive for the long‐term sustainable use, which differs from the more industrialized aquaculture activities in Chile.
BLIMP‐1 is insufficient to induce antibody secretion in the absence of IRF4 in DT40 cells
Authors: Budzyńska P. M. , Kyläniemi M. K. , Lassila O. , Nera K.‐P. , Alinikula J.
Published: February 2018

Differentiation of B cells into antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs), plasmablasts and plasma cells is regulated by a network of transcription factors. Within this network, factors including PAX5 and BCL6 prevent ASC differentiation and maintain the B cell phenotype. In contrast, BLIMP‐1 and high IRF4 expression promote plasma cell differentiation. BLIMP‐1 is thought to induce immunoglobulin secretion, whereas IRF4 is needed for the survival of ASCs. The role of IRF4 in the regulation of antibody secretion has remained controversial. To study the role of IRF4 in the regulation of antibody secretion, we have created a double knockout (DKO) DT40 B cell line deficient in both IRF4 and BCL6. Although BCL6‐deficient DT40 B cell line had upregulated BLIMP‐1 expression and secreted antibodies, the DKO cell line did not. Even enforced BLIMP‐1 expression in DKO cells or IRF4‐deficient cells could not induce IgM secretion while in WT DT40 cells, it could. However, enforced IRF4 expression in DKO cells induced strong IgM secretion. Our findings support a model where IRF4 expression in addition to BLIMP‐1 expression is required to induce robust antibody secretion.
Identifying the target genes of SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1, a master transcription factor controlling DNA damage response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ogita Nobuo , Okushima Yoko , Tokizawa Mutsutomo , Yamamoto Yoshiharu Y. , Tanaka Maho , Seki Motoaki , Makita Yuko , Matsui Minami , Okamoto‐Yoshiyama Kaoru , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Kurata Tetsuya , Hiruma Kei , Saijo Yusuke , Takahashi Naoki , Umeda Masaaki
Published: February 2018

In mammalian cells, the transcription factor p53 plays a crucial role in transmitting DNA damage signals to maintain genome integrity. However, in plants, orthologous genes for p53 and checkpoint proteins are absent. Instead, the plant‐specific transcription factor SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1 (SOG1) controls most of the genes induced by gamma irradiation and promotes DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and stem cell death. To date, the genes directly controlled by SOG1 remain largely unknown, limiting the understanding of DNA damage signaling in plants. Here, we conducted a microarray analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐sequencing, and identified 146 Arabidopsis genes as direct targets of SOG1. By using ChIP‐sequencing data, we extracted the palindromic motif [CTT(N)7AAG] as a consensus SOG1‐binding sequence, which mediates target gene induction in response to DNA damage. Furthermore, DNA damage‐triggered phosphorylation of SOG1 is required for efficient binding to the SOG1‐binding sequence. Comparison between SOG1 and p53 target genes showed that both transcription factors control genes responsible for cell cycle regulation, such as CDK inhibitors, and DNA repair, whereas SOG1 preferentially targets genes involved in homologous recombination. We also found that defense‐related genes were enriched in the SOG1 target genes. Consistent with this finding, SOG1 is required for resistance against the hemi‐biotrophic fungus Colletotrichum higginsianum, suggesting that SOG1 has a unique function in controlling the immune response.
The effect of 3 resuscitative fluid therapies on hemostasis as measured by rotational thromboelastometry in dogs
Authors: Seshia Sunita , Casey Gaunt M. , Kidney Beverly A. , Jackson Marion L.
Published: February 2018

Background

Evidence suggests that administration of intravenous fluids impairs hemostasis. Thromboelastometry (TEM) may provide a more sensitive measure of the fluid effects on hemostasis than traditional coagulation tests.

Objective

The study aim was to determine if resuscitative fluid therapy affects hemostasis, as measured by TEM.

Materials and Methods

Using a randomized crossover design, 6 healthy dogs were administered intravenous colloid, crystalloid, and hypertonic saline at therapeutic doses. Whole blood samples were taken at baseline, 1, 4, and 8 h posttreatment for TEM analysis and measurement of PT, APTT, and fibrinogen. Univariate ANOVA on transformed data evaluated differences between groups and within groups. When significant differences were noted (P = .003), a Tukey test was performed.

Results

A statistically significant interaction between individual dogs and treatment was noted for most TEM variables. There was a significant decrease in clot firmness from baseline in the TEM assessment of the intrinsic pathway. Colloid treatment correlated with significantly higher clot firmness in the TEM extrinsic pathway assessment, which decreased over time, and PT was significantly shorter in colloid‐treated dogs. Overall, PT was significantly prolonged at one hour; however, all PT values were within the RI. The fibrinogen concentration was significantly different between all treatments.

Conclusions

Clinically relevant doses of resuscitative fluids resulted in a decreased clot firmness in the intrinsic pathway, as measured by TEM, which affected hemostatic variables in healthy dogs. There was also a significant individual response to treatment. The changes noted in this study are not expected to result in clinically apparent bleeding.
ASVCP guidelines: Allowable total error hematology
Authors: Nabity Mary B. , Harr Kendal E. , Camus Melinda S. , Flatland Bente , Vap Linda M.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this document is to provide total allowable error (TEa) recommendations for commonly analyzed hematology measurands for veterinary personnel. These guidelines define relevant terminology and highlight considerations specific to hematology measurands. They also provide reasons and guidelines for using TEa in instrument performance evaluation, including recommendations for when the total observed error exceeds the recommended TEa. Biological variation‐based quality specifications are briefly discussed. The appendix describes the derivation of the hematology TEa recommendations and provides resources for external quality assurance/proficiency testing programs and a worksheet for implementation of the guidelines.
Urinary Metabolomic Study of Chlorogenic Acid in a Rat Model of Chronic Sleep Deprivation Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ma Wei-ni , Zhou Ming-mei , Gou Xiao-jun , Zhao Le , Cen Fang , Xu Ying , Shen Hong-yi
Published: February 2018

The urinary metabolomic study based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) had been developed to investigate the possible antidepressant mechanism of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a rat model of sleep deprivation (SD). According to pattern recognition analysis, there was a clear separation among big platform group (BP), sleep deprivation group (SD), and the CGA (model + CGA), and CGA group was much closer to the BP group by showing a tendency of recovering towards BP group. Thirty-six significantly changed metabolites related to antidepressant by CGA were identified and used to explore the potential mechanism. Combined with the result of the classic behavioral tests and biochemical indices, CGA has significant antidepressant effects in a rat model of SD, suggesting that the mechanism of action of CGA might be involved in regulating the abnormal pathway of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and arginine and proline metabolism. Our results also show that metabolomics analysis based on GC-MS is a useful tool for exploring biomarkers involved in depression and elucidating the potential therapeutic mechanisms of Chinese medicine.
A Novel Performance Framework and Methodology to Analyze the Impact of 4D Trajectory Based Operations in the Future Air Traffic Management System
Authors: Ruiz Sergio , Lopez Leones Javier , Ranieri Andrea
Published: February 2018

The introduction of new Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts such as Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) may produce a significant impact in all performance areas, that is, safety, capacity, flight efficiency, and others. The performance framework in use today has been tailored to the operational needs of the current ATM system and must evolve to fulfill the new needs and challenges brought by the TBO content. This paper presents a novel performance assessment framework and methodology adapted to the TBO concept. This framework can assess the key performance areas (KPAs) of safety, capacity, and flight efficiency; equity and fairness are also considered in this research, in line with recent ATM trends. A case study is presented to show the applicability of the framework and to illustrate how some of the complex interdependencies among KPAs can be captured with the proposed approach. This case study explores the TBO concept of “strategic 4D trajectory deconfliction,” where the early separation tasks of 4D trajectories at multisector level are assessed. The framework presented in this paper could potentially support the target-setting and performance requirements identification that should be fulfilled in the future ATM system to ensure determined levels of performance.
Surficial Failure of Expansive Soil Cutting Slope and Its Flexible Support Treatment Technology
Authors: Xiao Jie , Yang He-ping , Zhang Jun-hui , Tang Xian-yuan
Published: February 2018

The surficial failure of most expansive soil cutting slopes, subjected to the repeated wet‐dry cycles, often occurs during or after rainfall following a long drought. The reason for this, however, is still unclear. Therefore, the laboratory tests were conducted to gain the saturated drained shear strength of the natural Nanning expansive soil considering the combined effects of swelling with loading and wet‐dry cycles. The findings indicate that the envelope of shear strength, which significantly drops close or equal to zero, can be well fitted by the generalized power function. At the same time, the effect of shear strength parameters on the stability of the expansive soil cutting slope was investigated. The reasons for the shear strength attenuation of the natural expansive soil and the surficial failure of the expansive soil cutting slopes were analyzed. It is evident that the effective cohesion being small is a vital factor influencing the occurrence of surficial failure of an expansion soil slope. Moreover, an effective flexible support treatment measure was provided.
Dynamic Analysis of the Abnormal Isometric Strength Movement Pattern between Shoulder and Elbow Joint in Patients with Hemiplegia
Authors: Liu Yali , Hong Yuezhen , Ji Linhong
Published: February 2018

Patients with hemiplegia usually have weak muscle selectivity and usually perform strength at a secondary joint (secondary strength) during performing a strength at one joint (primary strength). The abnormal strength pattern between shoulder and elbow joint has been analyzed by the maximum value while the performing process with strength changing from 0 to maximum then to 0 was a dynamic process. The objective of this study was to develop a method to dynamically analyze the strength changing process. Ten patients were asked to perform four group asks (maximum and 50% maximum voluntary strength in shoulder abduction, shoulder adduction, elbow flexion, and elbow extension). Strength and activities from seven muscles were measured. The changes of secondary strength had significant correlation with those of primary strength in all tasks (R>0.76, p<0.01). The antagonistic muscles were moderately influenced by the primary strength (R>0.4, p<0.01). Deltoid muscles, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and brachioradialis had significant influences on the abnormal strength pattern (all p<0.01). The dynamic method was proved to be efficient to analyze the different influences of muscles on the abnormal strength pattern. The muscles, deltoid muscles, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and brachioradialis, much influenced the stereotyped movement pattern between shoulder and elbow joint.
Elevated Serum Levels of Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like Protein Predict Survival of Patients during Intensive Care Unit Treatment
Authors: Vucur Mihael , Roderburg Christoph , Kaiser Lukas , Schneider Anne Theres , Roy Sanchari , Loosen Sven Heiko , Luedde Mark , Trautwein Christian , Koch Alexander , Tacke Frank , Luedde Tom
Published: February 2018

Mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL), a crucial regulator of necroptotic cell death, was shown to play a role in inflammatory diseases. However, its role as a biomarker in critical illness and sepsis is currently unknown. We analyzed serum levels of MLKL in 136 critically ill patients at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and after three days of ICU treatment. Results were compared with 36 healthy controls and correlated with clinical and laboratory patients’ data. MLKL serum levels of critically ill patients at admission to the ICU were similar compared to healthy controls. At ICU admission, MLKL serum concentrations were independent of disease severity, presence of sepsis, and etiology of critical illness. In contrast, median serum levels of MLKL after three days of ICU treatment were significantly lower compared to those at admission to the ICU. While serum levels of MLKL at admission were not predictive for short-term survival during ICU treatment, elevated MLKL concentrations at day three were an independent negative predictor of patients’ ICU survival. Thus, elevated MLKL levels after three days of ICU treatment were predictive for patients’ mortality, indicating that sustained deregulated cell death is associated with an adverse prognosis in critical illness.
Qi‐Dong‐Huo‐Xue‐Yin Inhibits Inflammation in Acute Lung Injury in Mice via Toll‐Like Receptor 4/Caveolin‐1 Signaling
Authors: Xu Li-Ying , Cai Wan-Ru , Ma Chun-Fang , Shou Qi-Yang , Qian Jing-Li , Huseyin Turan S.
Published: February 2018

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical illness with no current effective treatment. Caveolin‐1 indirectly activates inflammation‐associated signaling pathways by inhibiting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This induces an imbalance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels, which are involved in the pathogenesis of ALI. The compound Chinese prescription Qi‐Dong‐Huo‐Xue‐Yin (QDHXY) is efficacious for ALI treatment via an anti‐inflammatory effect; however, the exact underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore, we explored the protective effect of QDHXY against lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) induced ALI in mice. Histopathological changes in mouse lung tissues were studied. Furthermore, alterations in the serum levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were investigated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐)α, interleukin‐ (IL‐) 6, IL‐1β, and interferon‐γ‐induced protein 10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured. Additionally, the expression levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), caveolin‐1, and eNOS were assessed. QDHXY significantly reduced lung infiltration with inflammatory cells and the production of serum pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, caveolin‐1, and MyD88 but not eNOS. These indicate that QDHXY significantly improved the balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels, possibly by inhibiting the caveolin‐1 signaling pathway. Therefore, QDHXY may be a potential treatment for ALI.
A Stochastic Model for Malaria Transmission Dynamics
Authors: Mbogo Rachel Waema , Luboobi Livingstone S. , Odhiambo John W.
Published: February 2018

Malaria is one of the three most dangerous infectious diseases worldwide (along with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis). In this paper we compare the disease dynamics of the deterministic and stochastic models in order to determine the effect of randomness in malaria transmission dynamics. Relationships between the basic reproduction number for malaria transmission dynamics between humans and mosquitoes and the extinction thresholds of corresponding continuous-time Markov chain models are derived under certain assumptions. The stochastic model is formulated using the continuous-time discrete state Galton-Watson branching process (CTDSGWbp). The reproduction number of deterministic models is an essential quantity to predict whether an epidemic will spread or die out. Thresholds for disease extinction from stochastic models contribute crucial knowledge on disease control and elimination and mitigation of infectious diseases. Analytical and numerical results show some significant differences in model predictions between the stochastic and deterministic models. In particular, we find that malaria outbreak is more likely if the disease is introduced by infected mosquitoes as opposed to infected humans. These insights demonstrate the importance of a policy or intervention focusing on controlling the infected mosquito population if the control of malaria is to be realized.
Reference Sharing Mechanism-Based Self-Embedding Watermarking Scheme with Deterministic Content Reconstruction
Authors: Niu Dongmei , Wang Hongxia , Cheng Minquan , Shi Canghong
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a reference sharing mechanism-based self-embedding watermarking scheme. The host image is embedded with watermark bits including the reference data for content recovery and the authentication data for tampering location. The special encoding matrix derived from the generator matrix of selected systematic Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) code is adopted. The reference data is generated by encoding all the representative data of the original image blocks. On the receiver side, the tampered image blocks can be located by the authentication data. The reference data embedded in one image block can be shared by all the image blocks to restore the tampered content. The tampering coincidence problem can be avoided at the extreme. The maximal tampering rate is deduced theoretically. Experimental results show that, as long as the tampering rate is less than the maximal tampering rate, the content recovery is deterministic. The quality of recovered content does not decrease with the maximal tampering rate.
Doxorubicin-Loaded Melanin Particles for Enhanced Chemotherapy in Drug-Resistant Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Kun , Wang Shouju , Chen Kun , Zhao Yijing , Ma Xingqun , Wang Lin
Published: February 2018

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is highly aggressive and tends to develop drug resistance to standard chemotherapies. To overcome the drug resistance of ATC, we synthesized dopamine-melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) loaded with doxorubicin (Dox) molecules. The Dox-loaded MNPs (Dox-MNPs) developed exhibited increased cellular uptake and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in drug-resistant ATC cell line HTh74R, compared with free Dox. The native MNPs were found to have excellent biocompatibility, which suggests that Dox-MNPs may have potential in the treatment of ATC.
Application of MRI for the Diagnosis of Neoplasms
Authors: Bejer-Oleńska Ewa , Thoene Michael , Włodarczyk Andrzej , Wojtkiewicz Joanna
Published: February 2018

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the most commonly diagnosed neoplasms in the MRI scanned patient population and indicate correlations based on the descriptive variables. Methods. The SPSS software was used to determine the incidence of neoplasms within the specific diagnoses based on the descriptive variables of the studied population. Over a five year period, 791 patients and 839 MRI scans were identified in neoplasm category (C00-D48 according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems ICD-10). Results. More women (56%) than men (44%) represented C00-D48. Three categories of neoplasms were recorded. Furthermore, benign neoplasms were the most numerous, diagnosed mainly in patients in the fifth decade of life, and included benign neoplasms of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Conclusions. Males ≤ 30 years of age with neoplasms had three times higher MRI scans rate than females of the same age group; even though females had much higher scans rate in every other category. The young males are more often selected for these scans if a neoplasm is suspected. Finally, the number of MRI-diagnosed neoplasms showed a linear annual increase.
Carbon Nanotube Fiber Pretreatments for Electrodeposition of Copper
Authors: Hannula Pyry-Mikko , Junnila Minttu , Janas Dawid , Aromaa Jari , Forsén Olof , Lundström Mari
Published: February 2018

There is increasing interest towards developing carbon nanotube‐copper (CNT‐Cu) composites due to potentially improved properties. Carbon nanotube macroscopic materials typically exhibit high resistivity, low electrochemical reactivity, and the presence of impurities, which impede its use as a substrate for electrochemical deposition of metals. In this research, different CNT fiber pretreatment methods, such as heat treatment, immersion in Watts bath, anodization, and exposure to boric acid (H3BO3), were investigated to improve the electrochemical response for copper deposition. It was shown that these treatments affect the surface activity of CNTs, including electrical resistivity, polarization resistance, and active surface area, which influence the electrodeposition process of copper. Properties of CNT structures and CNT‐Cu composites were researched by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic copper deposition, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and four‐point electrical resistance measurements. Heat treatment, Watts bath, anodization, and boric acid treatments were shown to be effective for modifying the CNT surface reactivity for subsequent electrochemical deposition of copper.
A Systematic Optimization Design Method for Complex Mechatronic Products Design and Development
Authors: Jiang Jie , Ding Guofu , Zhang Jian , Zou Yisheng , Qin Shengfeng
Published: February 2018

Designing a complex mechatronic product involves multiple design variables, objectives, constraints, and evaluation criteria as well as their nonlinearly coupled relationships. The design space can be very big consisting of many functional design parameters, structural design parameters, and behavioral design (or running performances) parameters. Given a big design space and inexplicit relations among them, how to design a product optimally in an optimization design process is a challenging research problem. In this paper, we propose a systematic optimization design method based on design space reduction and surrogate modelling techniques. This method firstly identifies key design parameters from a very big design space to reduce the design space, secondly uses the identified key design parameters to establish a system surrogate model based on data-driven modelling principles for optimization design, and thirdly utilizes the multiobjective optimization techniques to achieve an optimal design of a product in the reduced design space. This method has been tested with a high-speed train design. With comparison to others, the research results show that this method is practical and useful for optimally designing complex mechatronic products.
WenTong HuoXue Cream Can Inhibit the Reduction of the Pain‐Related Molecule PLC‐β3 in the Dorsal Root Ganglion of a Rat Model of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Feng Chengcheng , Xu Lijuan , Guo Shiyun , Chen Qian , Shen Yuguo , Zang Deng , Ma Li
Published: February 2018

WenTong HuoXue Cream (WTHX‐Cream) has been shown to effectively alleviate clinical symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This study investigated the gene and protein expression of the pain‐related molecule PLC‐β3 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of DPN rats. 88 specific pathogen‐free male Wistar rats were randomly divided into placebo (10 rats) and DPN model (78 rats) groups, and the 78 model rats were used to establish the DPN model by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and were then fed a high‐fat diet for 8 weeks. These rats were randomly divided into the model group, the high‐, medium‐, and low‐dose WTHX‐Cream + metformin groups, the metformin group, the capsaicin cream group, and the capsaicin cream + metformin group. After 4 weeks of continuous drug administration, the blood glucose, body weight, behavioral indexes, and sciatic nerve conduction velocity were measured. The pathological structure of the DRG and the sciatic nerve were observed. PLC‐β3 mRNA and protein levels in the DRG of rats were measured. Compared with the model group, the high‐dose WTHX‐Cream group showed increased sciatic nerve conduction velocity, improved sciatic nerve morphological changes, and increased expression of PLC‐β3 mRNA and protein in the DRG. This study showed that WTHX‐Cream improves hyperalgesia symptoms of DPN by inhibiting the reduction of PLC‐β3 mRNA and protein expression in the diabetic DRG of DPN rats.
Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber‐Reinforced Magnesium Phosphate Cement Mortar
Authors: Feng Hu , Chen Gang , Gao Danying , Zhao Kunpeng , Zhang Chong
Published: February 2018

A new cement‐based mortar with high early strength and toughness was developed by adding micro steel fibers (MSF) in magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) mortar. The compressive and flexural tests were carried out to investigate the effect of curing time, MSF volume fraction, sand‐cement mass ratio, and water‐cement mass ratio on the strength and flexural toughness of MSF‐reinforced MPC mortar (MSFRMM). Also, the flexural toughness and ductility of MSFRMM were evaluated according to ASTM C1609. The results of this study showed that the addition of MSF from 0% to 1.6% by volume significantly improved the compressive strength of MSFRMM. The MSFRMM showed high early strength, especially during the first 3 days. The addition of MSFs changed the flexural failure mode of MPC‐based mortar from brittleness to ductility, and the flexural toughness of MSFRMM remarkably increased with the increase of MSF volume fraction from 0% to 1.6%. The toughness and ductility of MSFRMM slightly increased with the increase of the dosage of cement. The toughness and ductility of MSFRMM increased with the decrease of the water‐cement mass ratio due to the improved density of the mortar caused by the reduction of water.
Comparison of Two Toric IOLs with Different Haptic Design: Optical Quality after 1 Year
Authors: Miháltz Kata , Lasta Michael , Burgmüller Michael , Vécsei-Marlovits Pia Veronika , Weingessel Birgit
Published: February 2018

Background. The purpose of this prospective, randomised study was to interocularly compare the visual performance after implantation of two different toric IOLs with different haptic design. Methods. 59 subjects with corneal astigmatism greater than 1.25 diopter (D) were implanted with an AT TORBI 709M IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) in one eye and with a Tecnis toric aspheric IOL (Abbot Medical Optics) in the other eye. Observation procedure was performed 12 months postoperatively. Main outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction, IOL rotation, and IOL position. Results. Mean UCDVA was 0.04 ± 0.14 logMAR for AT TORBI eyes and 0.06 ± 0.15 logMAR for Tecnis eyes (p=0.3). The postoperative spherical equivalent values were significantly lower in the AT TORBI group. Mean toric IOL axis rotation was 3.0 ± 2.26 degrees for AT TORBI eyes and 3.27 ± 2.37 for Tecnis eyes (p=0.5). The mean vertical IOL tilt and vertical decentration values measured with the Visante OCT were significantly larger in the AT TORBI group (p<0.05). Conclusions. Both the Tecnis and the AT TORBI toric IOLs successfully reduced ocular astigmatism. Emmetropia could be better achieved with the AT TORBI IOL, whereas the Tecnis showed better positional stability. This trial is registered with ICMJE NCT03371576.
The Epidemiology of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in China
Authors: Yang Shang-Chen , Hu Sindy , Zhang Sheng-Zheng , Huang Jin-wen , Zhang Jing , Ji Chao , Cheng Bo
Published: February 2018

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are life-threatening disease. However, there are only few epidemiologic studies of SJS/TEN from China. To analyze the clinical characteristics, causality, and outcome of treatment for SJS/TEN in China, we reviewed case reports of patients with SJS/TEN from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database from 2006 to 2016 and patients with SJS/TEN who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University during the same period. There were 166 patients enrolled, including 70 SJS, 2 SJS/TEN overlap, and 94 TEN. The most common offending drugs were antibiotics (29.5%) and anticonvulsants (24.1%). Carbamazepine, allopurinol, and penicillins were the most common single offending drugs (17.5%, 9.6%, and 7.2%). Chinese patent medicines accounted for 5.4%. There were 76 (45.8%) patients receiving systemic steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in combination therapy, especially for TEN (80.3%), and others were treated with systemic steroids alone. Mortality rate of combination treatment comparing with steroid alone in TEN patients had no statistical significance. In conclusion, carbamazepine and allopurinol were the leading causative drugs for SJS/TEN in China. Combination of IVIG and steroids is a common treatment for TEN, but its efficacy in improving mortality needs further investigation.
Availability of Dental Prosthesis Procedures in Brazilian Primary Health Care
Authors: Cunha Maria Aparecida Gonçalves Melo , Matta-Machado Antônio Thomaz Gonzaga , Lucas Simone Dutra , Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães
Published: February 2018

Objectives. To describe dental prosthesis provision in the Brazilian public health service and report the performance of dental prosthesis procedures according to the Brazilian macroregions. Methods. A structured interview was conducted with senior-level health professionals from each of the 18,114 oral health teams (OHT). The dependent variables were performance of removable prostheses and prosthesis procedures, including provision of fixed prostheses by OHT. Descriptive statistics were produced together with performing a cluster analysis using SPSS version 19.0. Results. The manufacture of any type of prosthesis was done by a minority of OHT (43%). The most commonly provided types of dental prosthesis were removable full and partial dentures. Cluster 1 (teams that performed prosthesis procedures the most) was composed of a smaller number of teams (n = 5,531), and Cluster 2 (composed of teams that do not perform prosthetics or that perform them in small amounts) consisted of 12,583 teams. The geographic distribution of clusters reveals that the largest proportion of Cluster 1 teams is located in the Northeast (33.9%) and Southeast (33.6%). Conclusions. A minority of OHT produce dental prostheses. There is an unequal geographical distribution of clusters.
The Air Traffic Controller Work-Shift Scheduling Problem in Spain from a Multiobjective Perspective: A Metaheuristic and Regular Expression-Based Approach
Authors: Tello Faustino , Mateos Alfonso , Jiménez-Martín Antonio , Suárez Adán
Published: February 2018

We address an air traffic control operator (ATCo) work-shift scheduling problem. We consider a multiple objective perspective where the number of ATCos is fixed in advance and a set of ATCo labor conditions have to be satisfied. The objectives deal with the ATCo work and rest periods and positions, the structure of the solution, the number of control center changes, or the distribution of the ATCo workloads. We propose a three-phase problem-solving methodology. In the first phase, a heuristic is used to derive infeasible initial solutions on the basis of templates. Then, a multiple independent run of the simulated annealing metaheuristic is conducted aimed at reaching feasible solutions in the second phase. Finally, a multiple independent simulated annealing run is again conducted from the initial feasible solutions to optimize the objective functions. To do this, we transform the multiple to single optimization problem by using the rank-order centroid function. In the search processes in phases 2 and 3, we use regular expressions to check the ATCo labor conditions in the visited solutions. This provides high testing speed. The proposed approach is illustrated using a real example, and the optimal solution which is reached outperforms an existing template-based reference solution.
Impact of Age on Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Iyer Vivek N. , Brinjikji Waleed , Apala Dinesh , Pannu Bibek S. , Kotecha Aditya , Leise Michael D. , Kamath Patrick S. , Misra Sanjay , Lanzino Giuseppe , Krowka Michael J. , Wood Christopher P. , Swanson Karen L.
Published: February 2018

Background. There is little published literature regarding the impact of age on outcomes amongst hospitalized HHT (hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia) patients. Methods. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to obtain data on all hospital discharges occurring in HHT patients from 2000 to 2012. The association between admission age and HHT-related complications and outcomes were studied. Results. 10293 hospitalizations in HHT patients from 2000 to 2012 were included. Patients > 50 accounted for 77% of all admissions with 30% of admissions occurring in the 51–65 age group. Bleeding related complications were the most frequent (62.7%, n=6455 hospitalizations), followed by cardiovascular (41%, n=4216), neurological (12.4%, n=1276), and hepatobiliary (6.4%, n=660) complications. Patients older than 50 accounted for 83% of bleeding events, 90% of cardiovascular events, 58% of neurologic events, and 81% of hepatobiliary events. The vast majority (83%) of medical and surgical procedures were performed in those older than 50 years of age. Older patients also experienced higher rates of death. Conclusion. Aging has significant adverse impacts on rates of hospitalization, complications, and outcomes amongst HHT patients in the United States. Except for neurologic complications, the vast majority of this disease burden is borne by patients older than 50 years.
No Relation between Psoriasis and Renal Abnormalities: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tehranchinia Zohreh , Ghanei Esmat , Mohammadi Nahid , Partovi-Kia Masoud , Rahimi Hoda , Mozafari Nikoo
Published: February 2018

Multiple observational studies have demonstrated that psoriasis is associated with nephropathy; however, the renal involvement in psoriasis remains largely a matter of debate. The current study was designed to investigate if psoriatic patients are at increased risk of renal abnormalities, in absence of any other comorbidities. Forty patients (11 women, 29 men, mean age 44.9 ± 15.45 years) with moderate to severe chronic plaque type psoriasis who were not under systemic therapy and 40 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. Patients and controls with history of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic renal disease were excluded. Urinalysis by dipstick and microscopic evaluation and 24 h proteinuria and albuminuria were measured in all patients and controls. Patients with psoriasis and controls were not significantly different with respect to the prevalence of abnormal urinalysis (7.5% versus 5%, P = 1.0), mean 24 h proteinuria (70.40 ± 24.38 mg/24 h versus 89.40 ± 26.78 mg/24 h, P = 0.30), and albuminuria (14.15 ± 8.12 mg/24 h versus 16.62 ± 8.21 mg/24 h, P = 0.18). The presence of abnormal urinalysis was not more common in patients with psoriasis than in controls. Our study demonstrated that psoriatic patients without any other comorbidities are not at increased risk of kidney disease.
Corneal Vibrations during Intraocular Pressure Measurement with an Air-Puff Method
Authors: Koprowski Robert , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: February 2018

Introduction. The paper presents a commentary on the method of analysis of corneal vibrations occurring during eye pressure measurements with air-puff tonometers, for example, Corvis. The presented definition and measurement method allow for the analysis of image sequences of eye responses—cornea deformation. In particular, the outer corneal contour and sclera fragments are analysed, and 3D reconstruction is performed. Methods. On this basis, well-known parameters such as eyeball reaction or corneal response are determined. The next steps of analysis allow for automatic and reproducible separation of four different corneal vibrations. These vibrations are associated with (1) the location of the maximum of cornea deformation; (2) the cutoff area measured in relation to the cornea in a steady state; (3) the maximum of peaks occurring between applanations; and (4) the other characteristic points of the corneal contour. Results. The results obtained enable (1) automatic determination of the amplitude of vibrations; (2) determination of the frequency of vibrations; and (3) determination of the correlation between the selected types of vibrations. Conclusions. These are diagnostic features that can be directly applied clinically for new and archived data.
Effects of Nano‐CaCO3/Limestone Composite Particles on the Hydration Products and Pore Structure of Cementitious Materials
Authors: Yang Huashan , Che Yujun
Published: February 2018

The agglomeration of nano‐CaCO3 (NC) is the largest bottleneck in applications in cementitious materials. If nano‐CaCO3 modifies the surface of micron‐scale limestone powder (LS), then it will form nano‐CaCO3/limestone composite particles (NC/LS). It is known that micron‐scale limestone is easily dispersed, and the “dispersion” of NC is governed by that of LS. Therefore, the dispersion of nano‐CaCO3 can be improved by the NC/LS in cementitious materials. In this work, the preparation of NC/LS was carried out in a three‐necked flask using the Ca(OH)2‐H2O‐CO2 reaction system. The morphology of NC/LS was observed by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM). The effects of NC/LS on the hydration products and pore structure of cementitious materials are proposed. 5% NC/LS was added into cement paste and mortar, and the mechanical properties of the specimens were measured at a certain age. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TG), and backscattered electron imaging (BSE) were conducted on the specimens to investigate the hydration products and pore structure. The properties of specimens with NC/LS were compared to that of control specimens (without NC/LS). The results revealed that NC/LS reduced the porosity and improved the mechanical properties of the cementitious materials.