bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Cutting Date and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Forage Yield, and Quality of Sudan Grass in a Semiarid Environment
Authors: Ziki S. J. L. , Zeidan E. M. I. , El-Banna A. Y. A. , Omar A. E. A.
Published: September 2019

Sudan grass is less sensitive to water shortage and produces large amounts of biomass. For these reasons, it is a promising summer forage crop for arid and semiarid regions where natural pastures are rare and water scarcity limits summer forage production. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of cutting date (early and late, for three cuts) and three nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels (35, 70, and 105 kg N/ha/cut) on Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense(Piper) Stapf.). The study was carried out in the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, during 2016 and 2017 summer seasons using a split-plot design. The results obtained revealed significant differences between the two cutting dates on growth, forage yield, and quality of Sudan grass. The late cutting date (56 days after sowing DAS and 42 days after the 1stcut) gave the highest values for almost all the growth characters, dry forage yield in addition to total dry yield (TDY) in both seasons. The highest number of shoots/plant (1.911), leaf area/plant (2841.6 cm2), and dry forage weight (g)/plant (76.65 g) were obtained by late cutting (56 DAS) with the application of 105 kg N/ha/cut. The lowest values of these characters were recorded with 35 kg N/ha/cut. Quality parameters were significantly affected by N levels during both seasons, while cutting date significantly affected the protein yield (kg/ha). The interaction result apparently indicated that the highest dry forage yield of Sudan grass (16.26 ton/ha) was achievable at the 1stcut with the application of the highest N level (105 kg N/ha/cut).
Clinical Outcomes of Steep-Axis One-Handed Phacoemulsification under the Guidance of a Verion Image-Guided System
Authors: Li Panpan , Tu Yuanyuan , Chen Xiang , Song Yu , Guan Huaijin
Published: September 2019

Purpose. To compare the efficiency and safety of steep-axis one-handed phacoemulsification with steep-axis two-handed phacoemulsification.Patients and Methods. Patients with cataracts underwent steep-axis one-handed (steep-axis one-handed group) or steep-axis two-handed (steep-axis two-handed group) phacoemulsification with a 2.4 mm clear corneal incision (CCI) under the guidance of the Verion Image-Guided System. Intraoperative phacoparameters, such as visual acuity, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), total corneal astigmatism (TCA), angle of error (AE), corneal volume (CV), and corneal endothelial cells, were compared.Results. There were no significant differences in the intraoperative phacoparameters between the two groups. The visual outcomes were significantly better in the steep-axis one-handed group than in the two-handed group at 1 week postoperatively (allp<0.05) but not at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. TCAs were significantly decreased in both groups at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (allp<0.05). There were no significant differences at any follow-up points in both groups (allp<0.001). At 3 months postoperatively, the SIA was 0.95 ± 0.44 D in the steep-axis one-handed group and 1.01 ± 0.50 D in the steep-axis two-handed group; there was no significant difference between the groups. The AE was 39.45 ± 26.53° in the steep-axis one-handed group and 49.75° ± 26.23° in the steep-axis two-handed group, which were significantly different (p=0.005). Endothelial cell loss was significantly lower in the steep-axis one-handed group than that in the steep-axis two-handed group at all follow-up points (allp<0.05).Conclusions. Both the steep-axis one-handed and the steep-axis two-handed techniques could significantly decrease TCA. Compared with the steep-axis two-handed technique, the steep-axis one-handed technique has the advantage of decreasing the AE and reducing trauma to the cornea in soft-to-moderate nuclei.
Trypanosoma cruziMexican Strains Differentially Modulate Surface Markers and Cytokine Production in Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells from C57BL/6 and BALB/c Mice
Authors: Barbosa Cecilia Gomes , Carvalho Costa Tamires Marielem , Desidério Chamberttan Souza , Ferreira Paula Tatiana Mutão , Silva Mariana de Oliveira , Hernández César Gómez , Santos Malú Mateus , Trevisan Rafael Obata , Bovi Weslley Guimarães , Rodrigues Virmondes , Machado Juliana Reis , Ramirez Luiz Eduardo , de Oliveira Carlo José Freire , da Silva Marcos Vinícius
Published: September 2019

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a type of antigen-presenting cells that play an important role in the immune response againstTrypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease.In vitroandin vivostudies have shown that the modulation of these cells by this parasite can directly affect the innate and acquired immune response of the host in order to facilitate its biological cycle and the spreading of the species. Many studies show the mechanisms by whichT. cruzimodulates DCs, but the interaction of these cells with the Mexican strains ofT. cruzisuch as Ninoa and INC5 has not yet been properly investigated. Here, we evaluated whether Ninoa and INC5 strains evaded the immunity of their hosts by modulating the biology and function of murine DCs. The CL-Brener strain was used as the reference strain. Herein, it was demonstrated that Ninoa was more infective toward bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) than INC5 and CL-Brener strains in both BMDCs of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Mexican strains ofT. cruziinduced different cytokine patterns. In BMDCs obtained from BALB/c mice, Ninoa strain led to the reduction in IL-6 and increased IL-10 production, while in C57BL/6 mice Ninoa strain considerably increased the productions of TNF-αand IL-10. Also, Ninoa and INC5 differentially modulated BMDC expressions of MHC-II, TLR2, and TLR4 in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice compared to Brazilian strain CL-Brener. These results indicate thatT. cruziMexican strains differentially infect and modulate MHC-II, toll-like receptors, and cytokine production in DCs obtained from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, suggesting that these strains have developed particular modulatory strategies to disrupt DCs and, consequently, the host immune responses.
Biometric-Based Attendance Tracking System for Education Sectors: A Literature Survey on Hardware Requirements
Authors: Hoo Seng Chun , Ibrahim Haidi
Published: September 2019

The application of biometric recognition in personal authentication enables the growth of this technology to be employed in various domains. The implementation of biometric recognition systems can be based on physical or behavioral characteristics, such as the iris, voice, fingerprint, and face. Currently, the attendance tracking system based on biometric recognition for education sectors is still underutilized, thus providing a good opportunity to carry out interesting research in this area. As evidenced in a typical classroom, educators tend to take the attendance of their students by using conventional methods such as by calling out names or signing off an attendance sheet. Yet, these types of methods are proved to be time consuming and tedious, and sometimes, fraud occurs. As a result, significant progress had been made to mark attendance automatically by making use of biometric recognition. This progress enables a new and more advanced biometric-based attendance system being developed over the past ten years. The setting-up of biometric-based attendance systems requires both software and hardware components. Since the software and hardware sections are too broad to be discussed in one paper, this literature survey only provides an overview of the types of hardware used. Emphasis is then placed on the microcontroller platform, biometric sensor, communication channel, database storage, and other components in order to assist future researchers in designing the hardware part of biometric-based attendance systems.
Evaluation of Compression Performance of APM Aluminum Foam-Polymer Filled Pipes Prepared via Different Epoxy Resin Bonding Processes
Authors: Wang Yanli , Guo Qiaoyu , Wang Lucai , Xu Hong
Published: September 2019

The composite structure<?tex id="Q1" staff-cmt="It is very important for the corresponding author to have a linked ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) account on MTS. To register a linked ORCID account, please go to the Account Update page (http://mts.hindawi.com/update/) in our Manuscript Tracking System and after you have logged in click on the ORCID link at the top of the page. This link will take you to the ORCID website where you will be able to create an account for yourself. Once you have done so, your new ORCID will be saved in our Manuscript Tracking System automatically."?> with aluminum foam not only has the strength and toughness of the dense material but also reduces the weight of the component and increases specific deformation energy absorption performance. In this paper, advanced pore morphology (APM) foam elements are combined with thin-walled circular steel pipes by epoxy-bonding and epoxy foam-bonding processes to prepare composite circular pipes. The direct epoxy-bonding process using epoxy resin refers to coating the surface of APM spheres, whereas the epoxy foam-bonding process involves the mixing of the epoxy resin with the epoxy foaming agent and then coating the surface of APM spheres with this mixed epoxy resin. The compression performances and energy absorption performances were analyzed by quasistatic compression tests. Results indicate that the different bonding modes change the deformation mode of the specimen under compression. The epoxy foam-bonding APM composite pipe has a higher compression load level than the epoxy-bonding APM filled pipe. The epoxy foam-bonding APM composite pipe is superior to the epoxy-bonding APM composite and thin-wall hollow pipe. Hence, the combination of foaming and bonding of epoxy can be used as a new filling process for APM fillers.
Homogeneously Dispersed Carbon Nanofiber/High-Density Polyethylene Nanocomposite Compatibilized by Dilakylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Samuel J. , Al-Enezi S. , Al-Banna A. , Abraham G.
Published: September 2019

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was used in this study as a matrix for accommodating carbon nanofiber (CNF) along with ionic liquid, to investigate the effect of nanofibers loading on the morphological thermal and rheological properties of the composites. The nanocomposite materials were prepared via melt processing using dilakylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (ionic liquid) as a compatibilizing agent. The samples blended with imidazolium ionic liquid exhibited higher thermal stability, while DSC analysis showed the clear miscibility of ionic liquid in the HDPE matrix with a single endothermic peak. The influence of CNF (ranging from 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt.%) and ionic liquid concentration on the viscoelastic parameters was investigated. The rheological analysis showed the shear-thinning behavior of the composites. An improvement in the viscoelastic properties was observed as the nanofiber concentration increased. Composites blended with ionic liquid (HDPE/CNF/IL) exhibited slightly lower values of complex viscosity and modulus over the corresponding HDPE/CNF nanocomposites. Therefore, it is also significant that the reduction in melt viscosity is an additional benefit for polymer composite processing as a result of the wetting effect by polymer-ionic liquid combinations.
Using Chinese Body Constitution Concepts and Measurable Variables for Assessing Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Huang Yi-Chia , Lin Chien-Jung , Cheng Shu-Meng , Lin Chi-Kuei , Lin Sunny Jui-Shan , Su Yi-Chang
Published: September 2019

Background. Identifying patients with high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is often difficult in outpatient clinic settings. This study aimed to explore if the measurement of body constitution can be adopted to predict the risk of CAD diagnosis. The objective of this study is to conduct a prospective observational study and a case-control study to answer the research question. Study Design. Part 1 (prospective observational study): a total of 143 patients with chest pain and admitted to receive cardiac catheterization were enrolled, and 108 of them were diagnosed with CAD. Part 2 (case-control study): the above 108 CAD patients and 476 healthy controls matched by age and gender from the participants of Taiwan Biobank were adopted for comparison. Main Outcome Measures. The body constitution of both patients and healthy controls were measured by the Body Constitution Questionnaire (BCQ). Each one received scores of Yang-Xu (Yang-deficiency), Yin-Xu (Yin-deficiency), and Stasis. These 3 scores together with demographic characteristics and CAD risk factors were used in the logistic multiple regression model to predict the risk of CAD. Results. (Part 1) No difference was found between the scores of Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and Stasis between the patients with and without CAD. (Part 2) The scores of Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and Stasis of the CAD patients were significant higher those of the healthy controls. Yang-Xu and Stasis scores were obtained with age, BMI, and hypertension in the model with prediction rate 89.0%. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of this model was 0.896. Conclusions. This study is the first to apply Chinese body constitution concepts and measurable variables to assess the risk of having CAD of the patients with chest pain prior to receiving cardiac catheterization. The higher scores of Yang-Xu and Stasis were found to be risk factors. Our results revealed that BCQ has the potential to be a first-line diagnostic tool for patients with chest pain to facilitate early recognition and diagnosis of CAD.
Severe Presentation of NontypeableHaemophilus influenzae(NTHi) Infection in a Previously Healthy Toddler
Authors: Al Boloushi Eiman , Al Amri Abdulla , Ghatasheh Ghassan , Al Dhanhani Huda
Published: September 2019

Background. Cellulitis is the inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is usually caused by Gram-positive organisms such asStaphylococcus and Streptococcus pyogenesinfection. NontypeableHaemophilus influenzae(NTHi) is an uncommon cause of cellulitis. Hence, we report on this case.Case Presentation. A previously healthy 19-month-old girl presented with a fever and two-day history of progressive right leg swelling and redness. Her physical examination revealed significant induration and swelling of her right lower leg but no obvious signs of abscess formation. Given the clinical picture, she was admitted as a case of cellulitis. Parenteral clindamycin was started empirically, as the blood culture preliminary report showed Gram-negative rods. Ceftriaxone was added to broaden the coverage. Final blood culture grew NTHi. Despite the use of proper antibiotics (amoxicillin clavulanic acid), the clinical course was complicated with abscess formation that required surgical intervention.Conclusions. We are reporting a previously healthy child who developed NTHi cellulitis of the lower leg. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no formal reports pertaining to leg cellulitis following infection by NTHi, yet published in UAE, and reports of HIB cellulitis of the extremities still appear to be rare; hence, we report on this case.
Biosynthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract from Crinum latifolium Leaf and Their Applications Forward Antibacterial Effect and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Vo Thanh-Truc , Nguyen Thi Thanh-Ngan , Huynh Thi Thanh-Tam , Vo Thi Thuy-Trang , Nguyen Thi Thuy-Nhung , Nguyen Dinh-Truong , Dang Van-Su , Dang Chi-Hien , Nguyen Thanh-Danh
Published: September 2019

Crinum latifolium (CL) leaf is a source of various biologically active compounds such as alkaloid and phenolic compounds, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial effects. In the purpose of expanding applications for the field of bionanotechnology, we report biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by using aqueous extract from C. latifolium leaf and explore antibacterial activity and catalytic performance for degradation of pollutants. The formation of CL-AgNPs and CL-AuNPs is confirmed and optimized by UV-visible spectroscopy with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks at around 402 and 539 nm, respectively. The spherical CL-AgNPs have an average diameter of 20.5 nm and the multishaped CL-AuNPs possess an average size of 17.6 nm. The actions of four bacterial strains were strongly inhibited by using the CL-AgNPs. Furthermore, the biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibited the excellent catalytic degradation performance of pollutants.
A Retrospective Study on the Use of Dermis Micrografts in Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Resurfacing of Massive and Chronic Full-Thickness Burns
Authors: Andreone Alessandro , den Hollander Daan
Published: September 2019

The coverage of massive burns still represents a big challenge, even if several strategies are to date available to deal with this situation. In this study, we describe the use of a combination of platelet-rich fibrin and micrograft spray-on skin in order to increase the yield of grafted cells in patients. We treated a total of five patients, of which two were affected by massive burns and three with chronic burn wounds. Briefly, autologous micrografts were obtained by Rigenera technology using a class I medical device called Rigeneracons. The micrografts were then combined with PRF and sprayed on the wound bed by a Spraypen. Before applying PRF/micrograft spray-on skin, the wound bed was covered with an Integra® dermal template, and the wounds were dressed with a layer of antimicrobial dressing applied directly over the silicone layer. When the silicone layer of the dermal template started showing signs of separation, the wound was considered ready for grafting. In all cases, we observed a fast and complete skin graft on average after 7-10 days by PRF/micrograft spray-on skin treatment. In particular, two patients with massive burns reported rapid reepithelialization, and three patients with chronic burn wounds, two of whom had failed skin grafts before the procedure, had complete wound healing within a week. In conclusion, the results showed in this study suggest that the use of PRF/micrograft spray-on skin represents a promising approach in the management of burns or chronic burn wounds.
The Possible Role of Neutrophils in the Induction of Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Moonen Carolyn G. J. , de Vries Teun J. , Rijkschroeff Patrick , Poubelle Patrice E. , Nicu Elena A. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: September 2019

The ligand of the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANKL) is a key molecule in the formation of osteoclasts, the key cells that cause the disease-associated alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. We hypothesized that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), found as the most prominent cells of inflamed periodontal tissues, could play an important role in providing signals to trigger osteoclastogenesis and thus activating pathological bone resorption in periodontitis. RANKL expression was investigated on circulatory PMNs (cPMNs) and oral PMNs (oPMNs) taken from both controls and periodontitis patients. On average, 2.3% and 2.4% RANKL expression was detected on the cPMNs and oPMNs from periodontitis patients, which did not differ significantly from healthy controls. Since cPMNs may acquire a more osteoclastogenesis-facilitating phenotype while migrating into the inflamed periodontium, we next investigated whether stimulated (with LPS, TNF-α, or IL-6) cPMNs have the capacity to contribute to osteoclastogenesis. Enduring surface expression of RANKL for short-lived cells as cPMNs was achieved by fixating stimulated cPMNs. RANKL expression on stimulated cPMNs, as assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, was limited (6.48±0.72%,mean expression±SEM) after 24 and 48 hours of stimulation with LPS. Likewise, stimulation with TNF-αand IL-6 resulted in limited RANKL expression levels. These limited levels of expression did not induce osteoclastogenesis when cocultured with preosteoclasts for 10 days. We report that, under the aforementioned experimental conditions, neither cPMNs nor oPMNs directly induced osteoclastogenesis. Further elucidation of the key cellular players and immune mediators that stimulate alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis will help to unravel its pathogenesis.
Chelating Effect of Cellulose Acetate Hydrogel Crosslinked with EDTA Dianhydride Used as a Platform for Cell Growth
Authors: Melero Anna , Senna Andre , Domingues Juliana , Motta Adriana , Haussen Moema , Junior Antonio Riul , Duek Eliana , Botaro Vagner
Published: September 2019

The use of biomaterials capable of achieving controlled release of drugs or chemical and physical interactions with living organisms causes these new materials to be studied in depth to better target their future applications. An example of this is the use of materials that have in their physical structure elements with chelating effects, capable of interacting with the ions and cations present in the cell culture media, drugs, and other elements capable of interacting with the human body. In this work, cellulose acetate hydrogel (HAC) crosslinked with EDTAD (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dianhydride) showed a significant chelating effect capable of altering the adhesion of mesenchymal cells in the first days of in vitro tests. This result became our main question in this work, and by using new cell viability assays, it was verified that the hydrogel interacted with the culture medium, removed the salts present, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, and promoted a decrease in the amount of cells adhered to the material but not cell death. After saturation of Ca2+ and Mg2+, we obtained an improvement in cell adhesion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results also verified the dynamics of linked or mobile loads in the volume and interface regions of HAC-EDTA and the presence of characteristic bands related to the interaction between calcium and magnesium present in the culture medium with HAC-EDTA. The DMA traction test showed that there was no dynamic-mechanical change in the structure of the material at temperatures between 20 and 60°C, which is ideal for this studied biomaterial. The purpose of these tests is to aid in the characterization of future biomaterials, where the physicochemical interaction of some of them is often confused with a false cytotoxicity, which in fact may only be an easily identifiable and adaptable structural feature.
Pathological Features of Diabetic Retinopathy in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Fatty Rats
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiaki , Takagi Rina , Ohta Takeshi , Sasase Tomohiko , Kobayashi Mina , Toyoda Fumihiko , Shimmura Machiko , Kinoshita Nozomi , Takano Hiroko , Kakehashi Akihiro
Published: September 2019

Objective. The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rat, established by introducing the fa allele (obesity gene) of the Zucker fatty rat into the SDT rat genome, is a new model of obese type 2 diabetes. We studied the pathologic features of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in this animal. Methods. The eyes of SDT fatty, SDT (controls), and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (normal controls) were enucleated at 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 weeks of age (n=5‐6 for each rat type at each age). The retinal thicknesses, numbers of retinal folds, and choroidal thicknesses were evaluated. Immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was performed. Quantitative analyses of the immunopositive regions were performed using a cell-counting algorithm. Results. The retinas tended to be thicker in the SDT fatty rats and SDT rats than in the SD rats; the choroids tended to be thicker in the SDT fatty rats than in the SD rats. The retinal folds in the SDT fatty rats developed earlier and were more severe than in the SDT rats. Quantitative analyses showed that the GFAP- and VEGF-positive regions in the retinas of the SDT fatty rats were significantly larger than those of the SDT rats. Conclusions. SDT fatty rats developed more severe DR earlier than the SDT rats. The SDT fatty rats might be useful as a type 2 diabetes animal model to study DR.
AURKA rs8173 G>C Polymorphism Decreases Wilms Tumor Risk in Chinese Children
Authors: Lu Tongyi , Li Li , Zhu Jinhong , Liu Jiabin , Lin Ao , Fu Wen , Liu Guochang , Xia Huimin , Zhang Tiesong , He Jing
Published: September 2019

Wilms tumor is the most common type of renal malignancy in children. Previous studies have demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AURKA gene could predispose to several human malignancies. We recruited 145 cases and 531 cancer-free controls to investigate whether AURKA gene variants modify Wilms tumor susceptibility. Three AURKA SNPs (rs1047972 C>T, rs2273535 T>A, and rs8173 G>C) were genotyped by the Taqman methodology. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association between AURKA SNPs and Wilms tumor risk. We found that only the rs8173 G>C polymorphism was significantly associated with Wilms tumor risk (GC vs. GG: adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.35–0.73, P=0.0002; GC/CC vs. GG: AOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.42–0.88, P=0.008). Stratification analysis revealed that rs8173 GC/CC genotypes were associated with Wilms tumor risk among children aged >18 months (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34–0.93, P=0.024), male children (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.33–0.90, P=0.017), and children with clinical stage III + IV diseases (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.35–0.90, P=0.017). Haplotype analysis indicated that the CAG haplotype was significantly associated with increased Wilms tumor risk. In conclusion, our findings indicated that the AURKA rs8173 G>C polymorphism was associated with decreased Wilms tumor risk in Chinese children.
Dental Follicle Cells: Roles in Development and Beyond
Authors: Zhou Tao , Pan Jinhai , Wu Peiyao , Huang Ruijie , Du Wei , Zhou Yachuan , Wan Mian , Fan Yi , Xu Xin , Zhou Xuedong , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Xin
Published: September 2019

Dental follicle cells (DFCs) are a group of mesenchymal progenitor cells surrounding the tooth germ, responsible for cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone formation in tooth development. Cascades of signaling pathways and transcriptional factors in DFCs are involved in directing tooth eruption and tooth root morphogenesis. Substantial researches have been made to decipher multiple aspects of DFCs, including multilineage differentiation, senescence, and immunomodulatory ability. DFCs were proved to be multipotent progenitors with decent amplification, immunosuppressed and acquisition ability. They are able to differentiate into osteoblasts/cementoblasts, adipocytes, neuron-like cells, and so forth. The excellent properties of DFCs facilitated clinical application, as exemplified by bone tissue engineering, tooth root regeneration, and periodontium regeneration. Except for the oral and maxillofacial regeneration, DFCs were also expected to be applied in other tissues such as spinal cord defects (SCD), cardiomyocyte destruction. This article reviewed roles of DFCs in tooth development, their properties, and clinical application potentials, thus providing a novel guidance for tissue engineering.
Predictive Control of Vehicle ISD Suspension Based on a Hydraulic Electric Inerter
Authors: Liu Yanling , Zhao Wentao , Yang Xiaofeng , Chen Long , Shen Yujie
Published: September 2019

As a two‐terminal mechanical element, the inerter has been successfully applied in various mechanical fields, such as automotive engineering and civil engineering, for passive control and semiactive control. In this paper, a hydraulic electric inerter is considered an active device to suppress the vibration of a vehicle suspension system. The components and working principle of the hydraulic electric inerter are first introduced. On the basis of a force test of the hydraulic electric inerter, nonlinear factors such as friction, the damping force, and the elastic effect are analyzed, and parameter identification methods are adopted to identify the detailed parameters. A dynamic model of the vehicle suspension system employing a nonlinear hydraulic electric inerter is established, and the predictive controller is designed to further improve the vibration isolation performance of the suspension system. Numerical simulations show that the performance of the vehicle ISD (inerter‐spring‐damper) suspension system is significantly improved compared to the passive suspension. Finally, bench tests are carried out, and the advantages of vehicle ISD suspension are demonstrated. The RMS (root‐mean‐square) value of the vehicle body acceleration and the RMS value of the suspension working space are reduced by 16.1% and 8.9%, respectively.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Cross-Sectional Study of Two Tertiary Hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazy Mohammed H.
Published: September 2019

Objectives. This study is aimed at elucidating the prevalence of depression in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and examining the risk factors associated with depression. Methods. We evaluated adult patients with MG who were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in the central region (Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected with a two-part standardized questionnaire: the first part included data on sociodemographic and clinical features of MG including disease type and duration, therapies, prednisolone dose, time of the last relapse, previous critical care unit admissions, MG status (controlled, partially controlled, or uncontrolled), and comorbid diseases; the second part included items from the previously validated Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results. In total, 104/150 (69.3%) patients participated (72 females) with a mean age of 38.0±16.0 years. The mean PHQ-9 score was 7.02±6.1. Among all the participants, 27 (26.0%) patients had depression (PHQ‐9≥10). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that uncontrolled MG status (OR=12.31, 95%CI=1.13‐133.8, P=0.04) was the only factor independently associated with depression. Collectively, the prevalence of depression among patients of the primary care clinics (PCC) as reported by 5 previous studies across multiple regions of the country was 15.8%. The odds of depression among MG patients were twofold higher than those among PCC patients (OR=2.05, 95%CI=1.30‐3.22, P=0.002). Conclusions. Approximately a quarter of MG patients have depression. Achieving a minimal manifestation or better MG status may decrease the depression rate in these patients.
Preterm Birth, Low Gestational Age, Low Birth Weight, Parity, and Other Determinants of Breech Presentation: Results from a Large Retrospective Population-Based Study
Authors: Noli Stefania Antonia , Baini Ilaria , Parazzini Fabio , Mauri Paola Agnese , Vignali Michele , Gerli Sandro , Favilli Alessandro , Cipriani Sonia
Published: September 2019

Aim of this study is to analyze determinants of breech presentation using information from two regional databases of Lombardy (Italy) including data on consecutive singleton breech and vertex deliveries occurred in the Region, between January 2010 and December 2015. Breech presentation occurred in 3.8% of all single deliveries. Main determinants of breech presentation at birth were: gestational age and birth weight (the lower, the higher the incidence of breech presentation), maternal age (the older the mother, the higher the risk of breech presentation), parity (the frequency of breech decreased with increasing parity) and previous cesarean section. Breech presentation resulted more frequent after assisted reproduction procedures.
A Review of the Genetics and Pathogenesis of Syndactyly in Humans and Experimental Animals: A 3-Step Pathway of Pathogenesis
Authors: Al-Qattan Mohammad M.
Published: September 2019

Embryology of normal web space creation and the genetics of syndactyly in humans and experimental animals are well described in the literature. In this review, the author offers a 3-step pathway of pathogenesis for syndactyly. The first step is initiated either by the overactivation of the WNT canonical pathway or the suppression of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) canonical pathway. This leads to an overexpression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 (FGF8). The final step is the suppression of retinoic acid in the interdigital mesenchyme leading to suppression of both apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, resulting in syndactyly.
A Modified Newmark Method for Calculating Permanent Displacement of Seismic Slope considering Dynamic Critical Acceleration
Authors: Cui Yulong , Liu Aijuan , Xu Chong , Zheng Jun
Published: September 2019

Newmark permanent displacement is an important index for evaluating seismic slope stability, which has been widely used in recent years. The traditional Newmark sliding method assumes that the critical acceleration is constant but does not consider the inhomogeneity and dynamic reduction process of shear strength on the sliding surface, presumably leading to underestimation of the permanent displacement. In this paper, this problem is analyzed, and a new method for calculating permanent displacement of seismic slope considering dynamic critical acceleration is proposed, in which the Monte Carlo simulation is used. Example calculations indicate that this approach permits to show the dropping cohesion and the dynamic critical acceleration of the slide block during the earthquake time history. The improved method for calculating seismic slope permanent displacement presented in this paper solves the problem that the calculated value from the Newmark sliding method is smaller than the real value and is a useful improvement.
Effect of Rising Temperature on Lyme Disease:Ixodes scapularisPopulation Dynamics andBorrelia burgdorferiTransmission and Prevalence
Authors: Wallace Dorothy , Ratti Vardayani , Kodali Anita , Winter Jonathan M. , Ayres Matthew P. , Chipman Jonathan W. , Aoki Carissa F. , Osterberg Erich C. , Silvanic Clara , Partridge Trevor F. , Webb Mariana J.
Published: September 2019

Warmer temperatures are expected to increase the incidence of Lyme disease through enhanced tick maturation rates and a longer season of transmission. In addition, there could be an increased risk of disease export because of infected mobile hosts, usually birds. A temperature-driven seasonal model ofBorrelia burgdorferi(Lyme disease) transmission among four host types is constructed as a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The model is developed and parametrized based on a collection of lab and field studies. The model is shown to produce biologically reasonable results for both the tick vector (Ixodes scapularis) and the hosts when compared to a different set of studies. The model is used to predict the response of Lyme disease risk to a mean annual temperature increase, based on current temperature cycles in Hanover, NH. Many of the risk measures suggested by the literature are shown to change with increased mean annual temperature. The most straightforward measure of disease risk is the abundance of infected questing ticks, averaged over a year. Compared to this measure, which is difficult and resource-intensive to track in the field, all other risk measures considered underestimate the rise of risk with rise in mean annual temperature. The measure coming closest was “degree days above zero.” Disease prevalence in ticks and hosts showed less increase with rising temperature. Single field measurements at the height of transmission season did not show much change at all with rising temperature.
Iron Support in Erythropoietin Treatment in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients Affected by Low-Risk Refractory Anaemia: Real-Life Evidence from an Italian Setting
Authors: Giordano Giulio , Cutuli Marco Alfio , Lucchesi Alessandro , Magnifico Irene , Venditti Noemi , Vergalito Franca , Gasperi Maurizio , Di Marco Roberto
Published: September 2019

Refractory anaemia (RA) among myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is associated with a partial functional iron deficit and may require transfusions. In low-risk lymphoma and solid tumour patients, iron support improves erythropoietin (EPO) cost-effectiveness in treating anaemia. The aim of this study is to see if oral sucrosomial iron support improves the cost-effectiveness of EPO treatment in MDS patients affected by low-risk RA. We treated patients with EPO only or with EPO plus oral sucrosomial iron or intravenous (i.v.) iron. The need for transfusions was lowest in the group taking oral iron (p = 0.016) or not receiving supplementation at all (p = 0.022). We compared costs of EPO with i.v. ferric gluconate or oral sucrosomial iron supplementation or no iron supplementation. The oral iron group had fewer side effects, fewer patient medical visits in the out-patient setting, and fewer transfusions; this led to higher savings on direct hospital costs and indirect patient costs (lost days at work) and translated into a 50% abatement of overall expenditures. EPO treatment-related expenditures in MDS-RA patients were lowest with oral sucrosomial iron supplementation (Sideral®), with a longer interval between EPO administration in maintenance treatment, quicker hemoglobin recovery, lower ferritin increase and fewer blood transfusions.
Pharmacodynamic Effect of Ellagic Acid on Ameliorating Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Yeye , Wu Ying , Liang Chen , Tan Renxiang , Tan Liwei , Tan Rui
Published: September 2019

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury causes a larger population of disable patients and deaths annually. Three Tibetan prescriptions have been applied in alleviating the I/R injury for a 1,000 years. Interestingly, ellagic acid (EA) is one of the commonly dominated phytochemicals in these 3 prescriptions. Therefore, it is noteworthy to evaluate the association between the pharmacodynamics effects of EA and I/R injury alleviation. In this study, we reveal that the EA can effectively reduce the infarction area, and prevent the neuron from apoptosis and damage in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model. The results of the histopathological study indicate that alleviation of brain damage is positively correlated with the EA dose. Further by biochemical analysis, it indicates that the EA can alleviate the brain damage by the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative response mediated by EA. The upregulation of zonula occludens-1 and down-regulation of Aquaporin 4 and matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9) in injured brain tissues after being treated with EA suggested that the reconstruction of brain-blood-barrier (BBB), which can further prevent the brain from further injury by the other xenobiotics. In addition, EA will not activate the coagulation factors XII to induce coagulation formation during the treatment process. Therefore, EA is a promising candidate oral drug for I/R injury therapy.
The new species Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. (Diptera: Keroplatidae) from Neotropical Region
Authors: Falaschi Rafaela Lopes , Johnson Grant A. , Stevani Cassius Vinicius
Published: September 2019

The species Neoceroplatus betaryiensis sp. nov. is presented here with the diagnosis of the species with indication of the ZooBank number, making this publication the valid description of the species.
Detection of antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in horses, dogs and cat
Authors: Koch Marilia De Oliveira , Laskoski Luciane Maria , Aguiar Daniel Moura de , Silva Bianca Ressetti da , Régio Reinaldo Ramos , Ishikura Juliana Ikeda , Vaz Frederico Fontanelli , Locatelli-Dittrich Rosangela
Published: September 2019

The occurrence and distribution of antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii was investigated in horses, dogs and cats from Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil. Serum samples were selected from 100 horses, 100 dogs and 100 cats from the routine of the Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory in the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Paraná (UFPR). The 100 dog samples were divided into two groups: 35 samples from dogs with neurological sign (convulsion) and 65 samples from dogs without neurological signs. The animals were adults of different breeds, males and females. Samples were analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for protozoa S. neurona, N. caninum andT. gondii at the following cut-off dilutions: horses: 1:50, 1:50 and 1:16; dogs: 1:50, 1:50 and 1:16; cats: 1:50, 1:50 and 1:50, respectively. The obtained results were 42% of horses, 7% of dogs and 5% of cats seropositive for S. neurona; 58% of horses, 68% of dogs and 42% of cats seropositive to N. caninum, and 36% of horses, 20% of dogs and 21% of cats seropositive for T. gondii. Among the dogs with neurological signs, 8.6%, 68.6% and 25.7% were seropositive for S. neurona, N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. Among the dogs without neurological signs, 6.2% 67.7% and 16.9% were seropositive for S. neurona, N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. No statistical difference was found between groups of seropositive dogs for the three protozoa with neurological signs and without neurological signs. Co-infection and high antibody titers were detected. The antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii were found widely distributed among horses, dogs and cats in the region of Curitiba, state of Paraná, Brazil.
Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) ticks in dogs and their domestic environment in Cuiaba, MT, Brazil
Authors: Costa Jackeliny Santos , Melo Andréia Lima Tome , Witter Rute , Pacheco Thabata Anjos , Chitarra Cristiane Silva , Carvalho Izabelle Thayná Soares , Nakazato Luciano , Dutra Valeria , Pacheco Richard Campos , Aguiar Daniel Moura de
Published: September 2019

The central region of Brazil is known to be an endemic area for canine ehrlichiosis. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence rates of E. canis infection in dogs and in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks collected from the dogs and their home environments. Serum samples and genomic DNA from the blood of 20 dogs and 299 ticks were analyzed by IFA and PCR assays in order to detect Ehrlichia canis antibodies and DNA. Nine (45%) of the 20 dogs were seropositive for E. canis, with titers ranging from 80 to 10240, and 6 dogs (30%) were positive for Ehrlichia spp. by PCR. Five free-living ticks were positive (2.89%, 95% confidence interval: 0.94-6.62%), as were six ticks attached to dogs (4.76%; 95% CI: 1.77-10.0%). The two groups showed a similar infection rate (P=0.395). Partial dsb DNA sequences of two samples from ticks were identical to each other and 100% (350/350 nucleotides) were identical to E. canis. Despite the high serological and molecular rates of canine ehrlichiosis in Cuiabá, the prevalence among infected ticks was lower than that found among dogs. However, adult ticks may remain infective much longer to ensure their infestation and infection of susceptible dogs.
Breve história ambiental e sociocultural da alimentação no Brasil: do descobrimento a meados do século XX
Authors: Khatounian Carlos Armênio
Published: September 2019

A alimentação resulta de fatores sócioculturais e ambientais ao longo da história. No Brasil, o primeiro momento foi o encontro das tradições culinárias e da agrobiodiversidade do Mediterrâneo com o trópico americano, na porção nordestina da Mata Atlântica, e a mandioca foi seu elemento central. O segundo momento se associou à mineração nos planaltos do Sudeste, tendo como principais elementos o milho e o feijão. No final dos 1700, já havia uma dieta brasileira, com predomínio de produtos tropicais. Com a transferência da sede do Império Português para o Brasil, em 1808, os valores sócio-culturais da corte influenciaram fortemente a dieta, em detrimento da adaptação ecológica e do rendimento agronômico. Cresce a participação do arroz, ao qual se atribuía maior status social que ao milho, à mandioca e ao feijão. Com a imigração europeia a partir das últimas décadas do século XIX, cresce a participação do trigo, importado. A alimentação dos brasileiros urbanos se afasta do meio tropical e se vincula aos portos. Um dos maiores desafios para a sustentabilidade da alimentação no Brasil é retropicalizá-la.
Para além das fronteiras: patrimônio cultural, educação e territórios educativos
Authors: Siviero Fernando Pascuotte
Published: September 2019

As ações preservacionistas em sítios e bens urbanos geram impactos socioeconômicos, às vezes positivos, outras negativos. A distância entre os realizadores de restauros, revitalizações e requalificações e a vida cotidiana da qual os bens culturais fazem parte atinge sua materialidade, seus valores e, principalmente, suas dinâmicas sociais. A educação patrimonial, que tradicionalmente serve para mediar conflitos ou conscientizar o outro, será abordada nesse texto como uma ferramenta para o desenvolvimentode processos preservacionistas participativos. Para isso, o conceito de território educativo será destrinchado como um exercício reflexivo e criativo. Sob este viés, a educação abre-se como um campo de relações de ensino-aprendizagem, de trocas de experiências, informações e valores no qual as pessoas, vistas como seres incompletos, sempre tem o que ensinar e o que aprender. Dentro desse campo, as hierarquias de valor entre conhecimentos técnicos, acadêmicos e populares é rompido para criar situações em que as diversas sabedorias de um grupo de pessoas são somadas em prol de si mesmo. Todas as ciências que compõem um território são convocadas a contribuir em um processo de preservação patrimonial, ao mesmo tempo em que esse processo não estará apenas baseado na materialidade dos bens culturais, mas em toda a complexidade de vida, relações e valores que o compõem. Assim, o conceito de territórios educativos abre novas possibilidades às práticas e aos problemas dos processos preservacionistas, criando perspectivas cidadãs e democráticas para as instituições públicas de proteção ao patrimônio cultural.
Educação patrimonial e construção de identidades: diálogos, dilemas e interfaces
Authors: Tolentino Átila Bezerra
Published: September 2019

Este artigo procura esboçar uma visão crítica sobre o processo de constituição dos patrimônios culturais e sua relação com os processos educativos que tenham como base o patrimônio cultural, sobretudo nos trabalhos que envolvem comunidades. A partir de autores que consideram o patrimônio cultural e a memória como categorias de pensamento, delineia os dilemas, conflitos e jogos de poder que envolvem a conformação de patrimônios e memórias coletivas e como esse processo deve ser considerado na perspectiva da educação patrimonial.
Conhecer para preservar: uma ideia fora do tempo
Authors: Scifoni Simone
Published: September 2019

O artigo se propõe repensar a relação entre conhecimento sobre o patrimônio cultural e a sua preservação, situando-se para além dos discursos de senso comum, os quais têm se reproduzido ao longo do tempo e de maneira acrítica, seja nas instituições públicas de cultura ou nas escolas. O objetivo é problematizar o tema alertando para os riscos de uma visão ingênua e da despolitização do debate em educação patrimonial. A pergunta essencial é: afinal, quem deve ser ensinado e sensibilizado para a preservação? Essa questão torna-se central em um contexto contemporâneo no qual os grupos sociais se mobilizam, cada vez mais, buscando a proteção de seus patrimônios culturais, enquanto em contrapartida o Estado tem se recusado a reconheceros valores atribuídos socialmente a determinados bens e, em consequência, permitido demolições. É preciso reconhecer que a discussão da educação patrimonial não passa mais, necessariamente, pela questão do seu desconhecimento social, já que os grupos sociais estão cada vez mais engajados na preservação do patrimônio. Parte-se, assim, da perspectiva que educação não é solução redentora para o patrimônio, mas, antes de tudo, um direito social e uma necessidade. Portanto, ela é condição inerente à preservação umavez que, a partir dela, pode-se problematizar a memória oficial e o passado, as políticas públicas de preservação e reconectar as pessoas ao patrimônio.