bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children and motorcycles: a systematic review of risk factors and interventions
Authors: Brown Julie , Schonstein Lisa , Ivers Rebecca , Keay Lisa
Published: February 2017

Objective

To (i) identify person, vehicle and environmental risk factors for injury among children using motorcycles, and (ii) identify and appraise studies of interventions designed to reduce the occurrence or severity of injury among children using these vehicles.

Method

A systematic approach was used to collate data from published and grey literature globally on risk factors for motorcycles injury, and studies reporting evaluation of interventions to counter this injury. Academic data sets and public search engines (including Google and Yahoo!) were used. Websites of major conferences, organisations and networks were also searched. Finally, researchers and units working in this area were also contacted by email or phone seeking relevant research. All study types were eligible, excluding clinical case studies. The Haddon Matrix was used as a framework for synthesising the data.

Results

The review revealed that robust investigations of risk factors for injury among children using motorcycles are relatively scarce, and there are few interventional studies reporting effectiveness of countermeasures to this problem. Epidemiological literature is generally limited to discussion of human factors, and less attention has been given to vehicle and environmental factors. Furthermore, much of the literature is commentaries and descriptive studies. There has been little rigorous study of risk factors unique to children riding motorcycles.

Conclusions

This first attempt at extensively reviewing literature related to risk factors and interventions for children and motorcycles using the Haddon Matrix as a framework clearly highlights need for more rigorous study as information is lacking in all cells of this matrix.
Methylation in the Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Gene is Associated with Cerebral Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Fen , Hsi Edward , Huang Ling-Chun , Liao Yi-Chu , Juo Suh-Hang H , Lin Ruey-Tay
Published: February 2017

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is involved in the pathophysiology of stroke. Previous studies have shown that MMP-2 activity is increased in stroke; however, evidence of epigenetic regulation of the MMP-2 in stroke is still limited. We examined methylation of the MMP-2 promoter in patients with ischemic stroke. This study included 298 patients with ischemic stroke and 258 age-matched and sex-matched controls. MMP-2 promoter methylation levels were measured by pyrosequencing at eight potential cytosine-guanine (CpG) sites. Multivariate regression analysis was used to adjust for general stroke risk factors, and the specific effects of sex and stroke subtype were analysed. The methylation levels of MMP-2 in the peripheral blood of the patients with stroke were lower than controls in all eight CpG sites, especially at site 1, site 5, site 7, and site 8 (adjusted p=0.036, 0.002, 0.021, and 0.041, respectively). In subgroup analysis by sex, a significant association was found only in men but not in women. When the stroke subtype was considered, men with small-vessel stroke had significantly lower methylation levels at all MMP-2 CpG sites than the controls (3.01% vs 3.65%, adjusted p=0.018). Although men with large-artery atherosclerosis stroke also had lower MMP-2 methylation levels, no significant difference was found (3.25% vs 3.65%, adjusted p=0.253). Demethylation of the MMP-2 promoter in patients with ischemic stroke was in a sex and stroke subtype-specific manners. These findings may add to the understanding of epigenetic modification of MMP-2 on ischemic stroke.
Pneumocystis Colonization in Asthmatic Patients not Receiving Oral Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Davey Emma L , Colombo Rhonda E , Fiorentino Charles , Fahle Gary , Davey Richard T , Olivier Kenneth N , Kovacs Joseph A
Published: February 2017

Pneumocystis jirovecii can colonize patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To determine if colonization occurs in asthma patients, sputum samples from 10 patients with mild asthma, who were not receiving oral corticosteroids, were evaluated by a sensitive real-time PCR assay that targets a multicopy gene of P. jirovecii. 2 patients (20%) had Pneumocystis DNA detected; 1 patient had 3 positive samples over an 11-day period. Thus, Pneumocystis colonization occurs in asthma patients, and further studies are warranted to evaluate its role in airways disease.

Trial registration number

NCT01113034.
Relative tail entropy for random bundle transformations
Authors: Ma Xianfeng , Yang Junqi , Chen Ercai
Published: February 2017

We introduce the relative tail entropy to establish a variational principle for continuous bundle random dynamical systems. We also show that the relative tail entropy is conserved by the principal extension.
China’s Role in the Middle East: Current Debates and Future Trends
Authors: Jin Liangxiang
Published: February 2017

There are two prevailing arguments among international observers about China’s role in the Middle East. One is that China has been a “security free-rider;” the other is that China is fundamentally a business-seeker. Yet neither of the two is well-grounded. If viewed comprehensively rather than in terms of military engagement alone, China’s contribution to stability and security of the region is enormous, and its role in the Middle East can be described as a combination of a major economic partner, a low-profile mediator and a modest but important provider of security public goods. As China has proposed various new concepts and initiatives as guidelines of its foreign policy, its future policy toward the Middle East can be best understood through its increasing efforts to promote the “Belt and Road” initiative, to develop a new-type major-power relationship, and to uphold justice and pursue shared interests with all related countries. With ever more Chinese engagement in the region, China’s Middle East policy is expected to be delivered in a more comprehensive way. However, China is not likely to seek dominant presence in the region in the foreseeable future.
Cerebellar Cathodal Transcranial Direct Stimulation and Performance on a Verb Generation Task: A Replication Study
Authors: Spielmann K. , van der Vliet R. , van de Sandt-Koenderman W. M. E. , Frens M. A. , Ribbers G. M. , Selles R. W. , van Vugt S. , van der Geest J. N. , Holland P.
Published: February 2017

The role of the cerebellum in cognitive processing is increasingly recognized but still poorly understood. A recent study in this field applied cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (c-tDCS) to the right cerebellum to investigate the role of prefrontal-cerebellar loops in language aspects of cognition. Results showed that the improvement in participants’ verbal response times on a verb generation task was facilitated immediately after cathodal c-tDCS, compared to anodal or sham c-tDCS. The primary aim of the present study is to replicate these findings and additionally to investigate possible longer term effects. A crossover within-subject design was used, comparing cathodal and sham c-tDCS. The experiment consisted of two visits with an interval of one week. Our results show no direct contribution of cathodal c-tDCS over the cerebellum to language task performance. However, one week later, the group receiving cathodal c-tDCS in the first visit show less improvement and increased variability in their verbal response times during the second visit, compared to the group receiving sham c-tDCS in the first visit. These findings suggest a potential negative effect of c-tDCS and warrant further investigation into long term effects of c-tDCS before undertaking clinical studies with poststroke patients with aphasia.
Assessment of 105 Patients with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-Inhibitor Induced Angioedema
Authors: Rasmussen Eva Rye , von Buchwald Christian , Wadelius Mia , Prasad Sumangali Chandra , Kamaleswaran Shailajah , Ajgeiy Kawa Khaled , Authried Georg , Pallesen Kristine Appel U. , Bygum Anette
Published: February 2017

Objective. To asses a cohort of 105 consecutive patients with angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitor induced angioedema with regard to demographics, risk factors, family history of angioedema, hospitalization, airway management, outcome, and use of diagnostic codes used for the condition. Study Design. Cohort study. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of 105 patients with angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitor induced angioedema in the period 1995–2014. Results. The cohort consisted of 67 females and 38 males (F : M ratio 1.8), with a mean age of 63 [range 26–86] years. Female gender was associated with a significantly higher risk of angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitor induced angioedema. 6.7% had a positive family history of angioedema. Diabetes seemed to be a protective factor with regard to angioedema. 95% experienced angioedema of the head and neck. 4.7% needed intubation or tracheostomy. 74 admissions took place during the study period with a total of 143 days spent in the hospital. The diagnosis codes most often used for this condition were “DT783 Quincke’s oedema” and “DT78.4 Allergy unspecified”. Complement C1 inhibitor was normal in all tested patients. Conclusion. Female gender predisposes to angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitor induced angioedema, whereas diabetes seems to be a protective factor.
Prokaryotic Expression of α-13 Giardin Gene and Its Intracellular Localization in Giardia lamblia
Authors: Yu Xingang , Abdullahi Auwalu Yusuf , Wu Sheng , Pan Weida , Shi Xianli , Hu Wei , Tan Liping , Li Kangxin , Wang Zhen , Li Guoqing
Published: February 2017

To study prokaryotic expression and subcellular localization of α-13 giardin in Giardia lamblia trophozoites, α-13 giardin gene was amplified and cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a(+). The positive recombinant plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) for expression by using IPTG and autoinduction expression system (ZYM-5052). The target protein was validated by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting and purified by Ni-NTA Resin. Rabbits were immunized with purified fusion proteins for preparation of polyclonal antibody; then the intracellular location of α-13 giardin was determined by fluorescence immunoassay. The results showed that the length of α-13 giardin gene was 1038 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 345 amino acids. The expressed product was a fusion protein with about 40 kDa largely present in soluble form. The target protein accounted for 21.0% of total proteins after being induced with IPTG, while it accounted for 28.8% with ZYM-5052. The anti-α13-giardin polyclonal antibody possessed good antigenic specificity as well as excellent binding activity with recombinant α-13 giardin. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that α-13 giardin was localized in the cytoplasm of G. lamblia trophozoite, suggesting that it is a cytoplasm-associated protein. The present study may lay a foundation for further functional research on α-13 giardin of G. lamblia.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Reveals Abnormal Hemodynamics in the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex of Menopausal Depression Patients
Authors: Ma Xiang-Yun , Wang Yong-Jun , Xu Bo , Feng Kun , Sun Gao-Xiang , Zhang Xiao-Qian , Liu Xiao-Min , Shen Chen-Yu , Ren Xia-Jin , Sun Jing-Jing , Liu Po-Zi
Published: February 2017

Background/Objective. Menopausal depression (MD) is characterized by depressive symptoms along with hormonal fluctuations. We investigate brain function alteration between major depressive disorder (MDD) and MD.Methods. The difference in oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) for the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was compared retrospectively among 90 females presented with 30 MDD, 30 MD, and 30 healthy controls (HCs) using verbal fluency task (VFT) with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).Results. We observed a significant difference in Oxy-Hb alteration in the left dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) using VFT with NIRS (channel 18,P=0.007) between the MD and MDD groups. A significant difference in Oxy-Hb levels was observed among the three groups in the bilateral DLPFC (channels 18, 27, 33, 39, 41, and 45;P<0.05). Compared to the HCs, the MD group presented lower Oxy-Hb activation in the right DLPFC (channel 41;P=0.048) and the left DLPFC (channels 18, 39, and 45;P<0.05), and the MDD group presented lower Oxy-Hb activation in the right DLPFC (channels 27, 33, and 41;P<0.05) and the left DLPFC (channels 39 and 45;P<0.05).Conclusion. Abnormal hemodynamics of the left DLPFC can differentiate MD from MDD by NIRS.
Basic Sets of Special Monogenic Polynomials in Fréchet Modules
Authors: Farghaly Hassan Gamal , Aloui Lassaad , Bakali Allal
Published: February 2017

This article is concerned with the study of the theory of basic sets in Fréchet modules in Clifford analysis. The main aim of this account, which is based on functional analysis consideration, is to formulate criteria of general type for the effectiveness (convergence properties) of basic sets either in the space itself or in a subspace of finer topology. By attributing particular forms for the Fréchet module of different classes of functions, conditions are derived from the general criteria for the convergence properties in open and closed balls. Our results improve and generalize some known results in complex and Clifford setting concerning the effectiveness of basic sets.
Food Waste to Energy: An Overview of Sustainable Approaches for Food Waste Management and Nutrient Recycling
Authors: Paritosh Kunwar , Kushwaha Sandeep K. , Yadav Monika , Pareek Nidhi , Chawade Aakash , Vivekanand Vivekanand
Published: February 2017

Food wastage and its accumulation are becoming a critical problem around the globe due to continuous increase of the world population. The exponential growth in food waste is imposing serious threats to our society like environmental pollution, health risk, and scarcity of dumping land. There is an urgent need to take appropriate measures to reduce food waste burden by adopting standard management practices. Currently, various kinds of approaches are investigated in waste food processing and management for societal benefits and applications. Anaerobic digestion approach has appeared as one of the most ecofriendly and promising solutions for food wastes management, energy, and nutrient production, which can contribute to world’s ever-increasing energy requirements. Here, we have briefly described and explored the different aspects of anaerobic biodegrading approaches for food waste, effects of cosubstrates, effect of environmental factors, contribution of microbial population, and available computational resources for food waste management researches.
The Effect of Different Attentional Focus Instructions during Finger Movement Tasks in Healthy Subjects: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Rossettini Giacomo , Testa Marco , Vicentini Marco , Manganotti Paolo
Published: February 2017

External focus of attention (EFA) and internal focus of attention (IFA) represent commonly used strategies to instruct subjects during exercise. Several studies showed EFA to be more effective than IFA to improve motor performance and learning. To date the role of these strategies on motor performance during finger movement was less studied. The objective of the study was to investigate motor performance, patient’s preference induced by IFA and EFA, and the focus during control condition. Ten healthy right-handed participants performed a finger movement task in control, EFA, and IFA conditions (counterbalanced). Errors, patient’s preference, and type of attentional focus spontaneously adopted during the control condition were recorded. EFA determined less error (p<0.01) compared to control and IFA. Participants preferred EFA against IFA and control condition. In the control group 10% of subjects adopted a purely EFA, 70% of subjects adopted a purely IFA, and 20% of subjects adopted a mixture of the two foci. Our results confirm that EFA is more effective than IFA and control in finger movement task. Due its clinical relevance, the interaction between attention and finger movement should be further investigated.
Effective Packet Number for 5G IM WeChat Application at Early Stage Traffic Classification
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Yu Xiangzhan
Published: February 2017

Accurate network traffic classification at early stage is very important for 5G network applications. During the last few years, researchers endeavored hard to propose effective machine learning model for classification of Internet traffic applications at early stage with few packets. Nevertheless, this essential problem still needs to be studied profoundly to find out effective packet number as well as effective machine learning (ML) model. In this paper, we tried to solve the above-mentioned problem. For this purpose, five Internet traffic datasets are utilized. Initially, we extract packet size of 20 packets and then mutual information analysis is carried out to find out the mutual information of each packet onnflow type. Thereafter, we execute 10 well-known machine learning algorithms using crossover classification method. Two statistical analysis tests, Friedman and Wilcoxon pairwise tests, are applied for the experimental results. Moreover, we also apply the statistical tests for classifiers to find out effective ML classifier. Our experimental results show that 13–19 packets are the effective packet numbers for 5G IM WeChat application at early stage network traffic classification. We also find out effective ML classifier, where Random Forest ML classifier is effective classifier at early stage Internet traffic classification.
Development of a Motion Sensing and Automatic Positioning Universal Planisphere Using Augmented Reality Technology
Authors: Tarng Wernhuar , Pan Jiong-Kai , Lin Chiu-Pin
Published: February 2017

This study combines the augmented reality technology and the sensor functions of GPS, electronic compass, and 3-axis accelerometer on mobile devices to develop a motion sensing and automatic positioning universal planisphere. It can create local star charts according to the current date, time, and position and help users locate constellations on the planisphere easily through motion sensing operation. By holding the mobile device towards the target constellation in the sky, the azimuth and elevation angles are obtained automatically for mapping to its correct position on the star chart. The proposed system combines observational activities with physical operation and spatial cognition for developing correct astronomical concepts, thus making learning more effective. It contains a built-in 3D virtual starry sky to enable observation in classroom for supporting teaching applications. The learning process can be shortened by setting varying observation date, time, and latitude. Therefore, it is a useful tool for astronomy education.
Developing an App by Exploiting Web-Based Mobile Technology to Inspect Controlled Substances in Patient Care Units
Authors: Lu Ying-Hao , Lee Li-Yao , Chen Ying-Lan , Cheng Hsing-I , Tsai Wen-Tsung , Kuo Chen-Chun , Chen Chung-Yu , Huang Yaw-Bin
Published: February 2017

We selected iOS in this study as the App operation system, Objective-C as the programming language, and Oracle as the database to develop an App to inspect controlled substances in patient care units. Using a web-enabled smartphone, pharmacist inspection can be performed on site and the inspection result can be directly recorded into HIS through the Internet, so human error of data translation can be minimized and the work efficiency and data processing can be improved. This system not only is fast and convenient compared to the conventional paperwork, but also provides data security and accuracy. In addition, there are several features to increase inspecting quality: (1) accuracy of drug appearance, (2) foolproof mechanism to avoid input errors or miss, (3) automatic data conversion without human judgments, (4) online alarm of expiry date, and (5) instant inspection result to show not meted items. This study has successfully turned paper-based medication inspection into inspection using a web-based mobile device.
Seismic Response of Long‐Span Triple‐Tower Suspension Bridge under Random Ground Motion
Authors: Jiao Chang-ke , Dong Xin , Li Ai-qun , Zhou Guang-dong , Wu Xiao-ping
Published: February 2017

Multitower suspension bridge is of different style compared to the traditional suspension bridge with two towers, and consequently the dissimilarity of static and dynamic behaviors is distinct. As a special case of multitower suspension bridge, two long‐span triple‐tower suspension bridges have been constructed in China and the seismic random response of triple‐tower suspension bridges is studied in this paper. A nonlinear dynamic analysis finite element model is established in ABAQUS and the Python language is utilized to facilitate the preprocess and postprocess during the finite element analysis. The procedure for random response calculation of structures based on the pseudoexcitation method is presented, with the initial equilibrium state of structure considered, which may be ignored for long‐span bridges during calculating of stochastic response. The stationary seismic random responses of triple‐tower suspension bridge under uniform excitation in firm, medium, and soft soil conditions and under spatially varying excitation in soft soil are investigated. The distribution of RMS of random responses of displacements and internal forces of the stiffening girder and towers is presented and discussed in detail. Results show that spatially variable ground motions should be considered in the stochastic analysis of triple‐tower suspension bridge.
Determination of Ten Corticosteroids in Illegal Cosmetic Products by a Simple, Rapid, and High-Performance LC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Giaccone Vita , Polizzotto Giuseppe , Macaluso Andrea , Cammilleri Gaetano , Ferrantelli Vincenzo
Published: February 2017

The aim of our present work was the development of a rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method with electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-ESI-MS/MS) for the determination of several corticosteroids in cosmetic products. Corticosteroids are suspected to be illegally added in cosmetic preparations in order to enhance the curative effect against some skin diseases. Sample preparation step consists in a single extraction with acetonitrile followed by centrifugation and filtration. The compounds were separated by reversed-phase chromatography with water and acetonitrile (both with 0.1% formic acid) gradient elution and detected by ESI-MS positive and negative ionization mode. The method was validated at the validation level of 0.1 mg kg−1. Linearity was studied in the 5–250 μg L−1 range and linear coefficients (r2) were all over 0.99. The accuracy and precision of the method were satisfactory. The LOD ranged from 0.085 to 0.109 mg kg−1 and the LOQ from 0.102 to 0.121 mg kg−1. Mean recoveries for all the analytes were within the range 91.9–99.2%. The developed method is sensitive and useful for detection, quantification, and confirmation of these corticosteroids in cosmetic preparations and can be applied in the analysis of the suspected samples under investigation.
Beneficial Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes of Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Blumenthal Norman J. , Eastman Creswell J.
Published: February 2017

Background. Hypothyroidism and raised thyroid antibody levels have been associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes. Several studies have investigated causal associations, but results have been inconsistent and few studies have reported the effects of thyroxine replacement therapy on pregnancy outcomes in hypothyroid patients.Objective. The primary study objective was to determine the outcome of pregnancies in women diagnosed with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) (serum TSH > 2.5 mIU/L) and those with elevated circulating thyroid autoantibody levels in the first trimester of pregnancy and after the institution of appropriate thyroxine replacement therapy to maintain the serum TSH ≤ 2.5 mIU/L.Study Design. This prospective observational study was undertaken between 2013 and 2016. Blood samples were taken from 1025 women at presentation for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). Those with a TSH > 2.5 mIU/L were treated with thyroxine and managed appropriately to ensure that the TSH was maintained ≤2.5 mIU/L. Outcomes in these patients were compared to those in euthyroid patients. Maternal antenatal complications and perinatal outcomes were recorded.Results. There were a total of 1025 patients of whom 382 (37.5%) were nulliparous. 10.1% had a TSH level > 2.5 mIU/L and 18.2% had at least one raised thyroid antibody level. No differences in adverse outcomes of pregnancy were evident in women treated for SCH or overt hypothyroidism compared to the euthyroid group. There was also no association between raised thyroid antibodies and adverse pregnancy outcomes in either group.Conclusion. There were no adverse outcomes of pregnancy found in pregnant women who had been diagnosed and treated with thyroxine for SCH at the time of presentation when compared to euthyroid patients. There was also no relationship with thyroid antibodies and adverse pregnancy outcomes in the two groups. It is not possible to unequivocally advocate for thyroxine replacement in pregnant women with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism until large scale randomized controlled trials are performed.
Phase I and Phase II Therapies for Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Update on Currently Studied Drugs in Clinical Research
Authors: Reis Cesar , Akyol Onat , Ho Wing Mann , Araujo Camila , Huang Lei , Applegate II Richard , Zhang John H.
Published: February 2017

Acute ischemic stroke is a devastating cause of death and disability, consequences of which depend on the time from ischemia onset to treatment, the affected brain region, and its size. The main targets of ischemic stroke therapy aim to restore tissue perfusion in the ischemic penumbra in order to decrease the total infarct area by maintaining blood flow. Advances in research of pathological process and pathways during acute ischemia have resulted in improvement of new treatment strategies apart from restoring perfusion. Additionally, limiting the injury severity by manipulating the molecular mechanisms during ischemia has become a promising approach, especially in animal research. The purpose of this article is to review completed and ongoing phases I and II trials for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, reviewing studies on antithrombotic, thrombolytic, neuroprotective, and antineuroinflammatory drugs that may translate into more effective treatments.
Low Temperature Conductivity inn-Type Noncompensated Silicon below Insulator-Metal Transition
Authors: Danilyuk A. L. , Trafimenko A. G. , Fedotov A. K. , Svito I. A. , Prischepa S. L.
Published: February 2017

We investigate the transport properties ofn-type noncompensated silicon below the insulator-metal transition by measuring the electrical and magnetoresistances as a function of temperatureTfor the interval 2–300 K. Experimental data are analyzed taking into account possible simple activation and hopping mechanisms of the conductivity in the presence of two impurity bands, the upper and lower Hubbard bands (UHB and LHB, resp.). We demonstrate that the charge transport develops with decreasing temperature from the band edge activation (110–300 K) to the simple activation with much less energy associated with the activation motion in the UHB (28–90 K). Then, the Mott-type variable range hopping (VRH) with spin dependent hops occurs (5–20 K). Finally, the VRH in the presence of the hard gap (HG) between LHB and UHB (2–4 K) takes place. We propose the empiric expression for the lowTdensity of states which involves both the UHB and LHB and takes into account the crossover from the HG regime to the Mott-type VRH with increasing temperature. This allows us to fit the lowTexperimental data with high accuracy.
Cell-Based Models for Development of Antiatherosclerotic Therapies
Authors: Zakiev Emile R. , Nikiforov Nikita G. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: February 2017

The leading cause of death worldwide is cardiovascular disease. Among the conditions related to the term, the most prominent one is the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of arteries. The situation gets even worse with the fact that the plaque development may stay asymptomatic for a prolonged period of time. When it manifests as a cardiovascular disorder, it is already too late: the unfortunate individual is prescribed with a plethora of synthetic drugs, which are of debatable efficacy in the prevention of atherosclerotic lesions and safety. Cell models could be useful for the purpose of screening substances potentially effective against atherosclerosis progression and effective in reduction of already present plaques. In this overview, we present studies making use of in vitro and ex vivo models of atherosclerosis development that can prove valuable for clinical applications.
Epigenetic Guardian: A Review of the DNA Methyltransferase DNMT3A in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and Clonal Haematopoiesis
Authors: Chaudry Sabah F. , Chevassut Timothy J. T.
Published: February 2017

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematological malignancy characterized by clonal stem cell proliferation and aberrant block in differentiation. Dysfunction of epigenetic modifiers contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of AML. One frequently mutated gene involved in epigenetic modification is DNMT3A (DNA methyltransferase-3-alpha), a DNA methyltransferase that alters gene expression by de novo methylation of cytosine bases at CpG dinucleotides. Approximately 22% of AML and 36% of cytogenetically normal AML cases carry DNMT3A mutations and around 60% of these mutations affect the R882 codon. These mutations have been associated with poor prognosis and adverse survival outcomes for AML patients. Advances in whole-exome sequencing techniques have recently identified a large number of DNMT3A mutations present in clonal cells in normal elderly individuals with no features of haematological malignancy. Categorically distinct from other preleukaemic conditions, this disorder has been termed clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Further insight into the mutational landscape of CHIP may illustrate the consequence of particular mutations found in DNMT3A and identify specific “founder” mutations responsible for clonal expansion that may contribute to leukaemogenesis. This review will focus on current research and understanding of DNMT3A mutations in both AML and CHIP.
Mirror Nuclei of17O and17F in Relativistic and Nonrelativistic Shell Model
Authors: Mousavi M. , Shojaei M. R.
Published: February 2017

We have investigated energy levels mirror nuclei of the17O and17F in relativistic and nonrelativistic shell model. The nuclei17O and17F can be modeled as a doubly magic17O = n + (N = Z = 8) and17F = p + (N = Z = 8), with one additional nucleon (valence) in the ld5/2level. Then we have selected the quadratic Hellmann potential for interaction between core and single nucleon. Using Parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov method, we have calculated the energy levels and wave function in Dirac and Schrodinger equations for relativistic and nonrelativistic, respectively. Finally, we have computed the binding and excited energy levels for mirror nuclei of17O and17F and compare with other works. Our results were in agreement with experimental values and hence this model could be applied for similar nuclei.
Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies against Immunoglobulin Proteins of the Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Kirchenbaum Greg A. , Ross Ted M.
Published: February 2017

The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) serves as an animal model for the study of several viruses that cause human disease, most notably influenza. Despite the importance of this animal model, characterization of the immune response by flow cytometry (FCM) is severely hampered due to the limited number of commercially available reagents. To begin to address this unmet need and to facilitate more in-depth study of ferret B cells including the identification of antibody-secreting cells, eight unique murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with specificity for ferret immunoglobulin (Ig) were generated using conventional B cell hybridoma technology. These mAb were screened for reactivity against ferret peripheral blood mononuclear cells by FCM and demonstrate specificity for CD79β+B cells. Several of these mAb are specific for the light chain of surface B cell receptor (BCR) and enable segregation of kappa and lambda B cells. Additionally, a mAb that yielded surface staining of nearly all surface BCR positive cells (i.e., pan ferret Ig) was generated. Collectively, these MαF-Ig mAb offer advancement compared to the existing portfolio of polyclonal anti-ferret Ig detection reagents and should be applicable to a wide array of immunologic assays including the identification of antibody-secreting cells by FCM.
Mechanical Stress Regulates Osteogenesis and Adipogenesis of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells through PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Song Fanglong , Jiang Dawei , Wang Tianchen , Wang Yi , Lou Yi , Zhang Yinquan , Ma Hui , Kang Yifan
Published: February 2017

Osteogenesis and adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are regarded as being of great importance in the regulation of bone remodeling. In this study, rat BMSCs were exposed to different levels of cyclic mechanical stress generated by liquid drops and cultured in general medium or adipogenic medium. Markers of osteogenic (Runx2 and Collagen I) and adipogenic (C/EBPα, PPARγ, and lipid droplets) differentiation were detected using Western blot and histological staining. The protein levels of members of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β)/β-catenin signaling pathway were also examined. Results showed that small-magnitude stress significantly upregulated Runx2 and Collagen I and downregulated PPARγand C/EBPαexpression in BMSCs cultured in adipogenic medium, while large-magnitude stress reversed the effect when compared with unloading groups. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway could be strongly activated by mechanical stimulation; however, large-magnitude stress led to decreased activation of the signaling pathway when compared with small-magnitude stress. Activation ofβ-catenin with LiCl led to increased expression of Runx2 and Collagen I and reduction of C/EBPαand PPARγexpression in BMSCs. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling partially blocked the expression ofβ-catenin. Taken together, our results indicate that mechanical stress-regulated osteogenesis and adipogenesis of rat BMSCs are mediated, at least in part, by the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Synchronous Seminoma in Abdominopelvic and Inguinal Testes: A Rare Presentation with Unusual Morphology
Authors: Prabhakar Neha , Sethi Bhawna , Nagger Seema , Saxena Arun
Published: February 2017

The development of testes occurs in the abdomen during fetal life, after which they migrate into the scrotal sacs during the third trimester. During their descent, they may get arrested anywhere along the tract. Risk of testicular cancer is higher in patients with undescended testes, abdominal testis being more prone than inguinal. Seminoma is the commonest cancer in undescended testis. However, synchronous seminoma involving bilateral cryptorchid testis is rare. Present case is uncommon due to synchronous involvement of abdominopelvic and inguinal testes in extended age. It also exhibited unusual morphology with marked heterogeneity grossly as well as microscopically, instead of a common homogenous appearance.
On Modeling and Constrained Model Predictive Control of Open Irrigation Canals
Authors: Cen Lihui , Wu Ziqiang , Chen Xiaofang , Zou Yanggui , Zhang Shaohui
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a model predictive control of open irrigation canals with constraints. The Saint-Venant equations are widely used in hydraulics to model an open canal. As a set of hyperbolic partial differential equations, they are not solved explicitly and difficult to design optimal control algorithms. In this work, a prediction model of an open canal is developed by discretizing the Saint-Venant equations in both space and time. Based on the prediction model, a constrained model predictive control was firstly investigated for the case of one single-pool canal and then generalized to the case of a cascaded canal with multipools. The hydraulic software SICC was used to simulate the canal and test the algorithms with application to a real-world irrigation canal of Yehe irrigation area located in Hebei province.
Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide Induced MCP-1 Expression in Primary Astrocyte
Authors: Liu Huan , Davis Jacques R. J. , Wu Zhi-Lin , Faez Abdelgawad Amro
Published: February 2017

Background. Neuroinflammation which presents as a possible mechanism of delirium is associated with MCP-1, an important proinflammatory factor which is expressed on astrocytes. It is known that dexmedetomidine (DEX) possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of DEX on the production of MCP-1 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated astrocytes.Materials and Methods. Astrocytes were treated with LPS (10 ng/ml, 50 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, and 1000 ng/ml), DEX (500 ng/mL), LPS (100 ng/ml), and DEX (10, 100, and 500 ng/mL) for a duration of three hours; expression levels of MCP-1 were measured by real-time PCR. The double immunofluorescence staining protocol was utilized to determine the expression ofα2-adrenoceptors (α2AR) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) on astrocytes.Results. Expressions of MCP-1 mRNA in astrocytes were induced dose-dependently by LPS. Administration of DEX significantly inhibited the expression of MCP-1 mRNA (P<0.001). Double immunofluorescence assay showed thatα2AR colocalize with GFAP, which indicates the expression ofα2-adrenoceptors in astrocytes.Conclusions. DEX is a potent suppressor of MCP-1 in astrocytes induced with lipopolysaccharide throughα2A-adrenergic receptors, which potentially explains its beneficial effects in the treatment of delirium by attenuating neuroinflammation.
SiC Conversion Coating Prepared from Silica-Graphite Reaction
Authors: Sung Back-Sub , Yun Young-Hoon
Published: February 2017

The β-SiC conversion coatings were successfully synthesized by the SiO(v)-graphite(s) reaction between silica powder and graphite specimen. This paper is to describe the effects on the characteristics of the SiC conversion coatings, fabricated according to two different reaction conditions. FE-SEM, FE-TEM microstructural morphologies, XRD patterns, pore size distribution, and oxidation behavior of the SiC-coated graphite were investigated. In the XRD pattern and SAD pattern, the coating layers showed cubic SiC peak as well as hexagonal SiC peak. The SiC coatings showed somewhat different characteristics with the reaction conditions according to the position arrangement of the graphite samples. The SiC coating on graphite, prepared in reaction zone (2), shows higher intensity of beta-SiC main peak (111) in XRD pattern as well as rather lower porosity and smaller main pore size peak under 1 μm.
Influence of Parameters of Screen Printing on Photoluminescence Properties of Nanophotonic Labels for Smart Packaging
Authors: Hrytsenko Olha , Shvalagin Vitaliy , Grodziuk Galyna , Granchak Vasyl
Published: February 2017

Smart packaging is becoming more popular on world market as a new type of packaging able to react to changes in a packaged product during storage and informs a customer about the safety of consumption of packaged food. This article investigates the main technological issues of the use of nanophotonic printing inks based on ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for printing active elements of smart packaging on paper substrates, concerning material properties and parameters of screen printing. It is determined that the use of ink compositions with medium content of ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles allows obtaining blue-green and blue shades of luminescence color of screen printed images by changing ink layer thickness on papers with different contents of optical brightness agents (OBAs). The minimum content of ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles in the developed fluorescent inks leads to blue luminescence colors regardless the contents of OBAs of the papers and ink layer thickness. The luminescence intensity is directly proportional to ink layer thickness and partly depends on the content of OBAs in the selected paper. In order to fabricate nanophotonic elements of smart packaging with predetermined photoluminescence properties, the influence of investigated factors on photoluminescence properties of printed nanophotonic labels should be taken into account.
Distributed Secure Service Composition with Declassification in Mobile Clouds
Authors: Xi Ning , Lu Di , Sun Cong , Ma Jianfeng , Shen Yulong
Published: February 2017

The regional and dynamic characteristics of mobile clouds pose a great challenge on information flow security during service composition. Although secure verification approaches based on standard noninterference provide a solid assurance on information flow security of composite service, too strict constraints on service components may cause the failure of composition procedure. In order to ensure the availability of composite service, we specify the declassification policies based on cryptographic operations to allow data to be legally declassified. And we propose the improved distributed secure service composition framework and approach, which can realize different cloud platforms in multiple domains, cooperate with each other to complete the declassification, and secure composition procedure. Through the experiment and evaluation, it is indicated that our approach provides a more reliable and efficient way for secure service composition in mobile clouds.
The Strategy to Prevent and Regress the Vascular Calcification in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Chen Nai-Ching , Hsu Chih-Yang , Chen Chien-Liang
Published: February 2017

The high prevalence of arterial calcification in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is far beyond the explanation by common cardiovascular risk factors such as aging, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The finding relies on the fact that vascular and valvular calcifications are predictors of cardiovascular diseases and mortality in persons with chronic renal failure. In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and blood pressure control, other ESRD-related risks such as phosphate retention, excess calcium, and prolonged dialysis time also contribute to the development of vascular calcification. The strategies are to reverse “calcium paradox” and lower vascular calcification by decreasing procalcific factors including minimization of inflammation (through adequate dialysis and by avoiding malnutrition, intravenous labile iron, and positive calcium and phosphate balance), correction of high and low bone turnover, and restoration of anticalcification factor balance such as correction of vitamin D and K deficiency; parathyroid intervention is reserved for severe hyperparathyroidism. The role of bone antiresorption therapy such as bisphosphonates and denosumab in vascular calcification in high-bone-turnover disease remains unclear. The limited data on sodium thiosulfate are promising. However, if calcification is to be targeted, ensure that bone health is not compromised by the treatments.
The Impact of tagSNPs in CXCL16 Gene on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Xu Shun , Cheng Jie , Cai Meng-yun , Liang Li-li , Cen Jin-ming , Yang Xi-li , Chen Can , Liu Xinguang , Xiong Xing-dong
Published: February 2017

CXCL16 has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (MI). Nonetheless, the role of the CXCL16 polymorphisms on MI pathogenesis is far to be elucidated. We herein genotyped four tagSNPs in CXCL16 gene (rs2304973, rs1050998, rs3744700, and rs8123) in 275 MI patients and 670 control subjects, aimed at probing into the impact of CXCL16 polymorphisms on individual susceptibility to MI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that C allele (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.66, and P=0.029) and CC genotype (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.11–3.06, and P=0.018) of rs1050998 were associated with increased MI risk; and C allele (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60–0.98, and P=0.036) of rs8123 exhibited decreased MI risk, while the other two tagSNPs had no significant effect. Consistently, the haplotype rs2304973T-rs1050998C-rs3744700G-rs8123A containing the C allele of rs1050998 and A allele of rs8123 exhibited elevated MI risk (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.02–1.96, and P=0.037). Further stratified analysis unveiled a more apparent association with MI risk among younger subjects (≤60 years old). Taken together, our results provided the first evidence that CXCL16 polymorphisms significantly impacted MI risk in Chinese subjects.
The Efficacy of Acupuncture for Treating Depression-Related Insomnia Compared with a Control Group: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dong Bo , Chen Zeqin , Yin Xuan , Li Danting , Ma Jie , Yin Ping , Cao Yan , Lao Lixing , Xu Shifen
Published: February 2017

Objective.To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as monotherapy and as an alternative therapy in treating depression-related insomnia.Data Source.Seven databases were searched starting from 1946 to March 30, 2016.Study Eligibility Criteria.Randomized-controlled trials of adult subjects (18–75 y) who had depression-related insomnia and had received acupuncture.Results.18 randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were introduced in this meta-analysis. The findings determined that the acupuncture treatment made significant improvements in PSQI score (MD = −2.37, 95% CI −3.52 to −1.21) compared with Western medicine. Acupuncture combined with Western medicine had a better effect on improving sleep quality (MD = −2.63, 95% CI −4.40 to −0.86) compared with the treatment of Western medicine alone. There was no statistical difference (MD = −2.76, 95% CI −7.65 to 2.12) between acupuncture treatment and Western medicine towards improving the HAMD score. Acupuncture combined with Western medicine (MD = −5.46, CI −8.55 to −2.38) had more effect on improving depression degree compared with the Western medicine alone.Conclusion. This systematic review indicates that acupuncture could be an alternative therapy to medication for treating depression-related insomnia.
Evaluation of a Pilot Project to Introduce Simulation-Based Team Training to Pediatric Surgery Trauma Room Care
Authors: Lehner Markus , Heimberg Ellen , Hoffmann Florian , Heinzel Oliver , Kirschner Hans-Joachim , Heinrich Martina
Published: February 2017

Introduction. Several studies in pediatric trauma care have demonstrated substantial deficits in both prehospital and emergency department management.Methods. In February 2015 the PAEDSIM collaborative conducted a one and a half day interdisciplinary, simulation based team-training course in a simulated pediatric emergency department. 14 physicians from the medical fields of pediatric surgery, pediatric intensive care and emergency medicine, and anesthesia participated, as well as four pediatric nurses. After a theoretical introduction and familiarization with the simulator, course attendees alternately participated in six simulation scenarios and debriefings. Each scenario incorporated elements of pediatric trauma management as well as Crew Resource Management (CRM) educational objectives. Participants completed anonymous pre- and postcourse questionnaires and rated the course itself as well as their own medical qualification and knowledge of CRM.Results. Participants found the course very realistic and selected scenarios highly relevant to their daily work. They reported a feeling of improved medical and nontechnical skills as well as no uncomfortable feeling during scenarios or debriefings.Conclusion. To our knowledge this pilot-project represents the first successful implementation of a simulation-based team-training course focused on pediatric trauma care in German-speaking countries with good acceptance.