bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of HE4, CA125, Risk of Malignancy Index and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Index to Detect Ovarian Cancer in Women with Presumed Benign Ovarian Tumours: A Prospective, Multicentre Trial
Authors: Dochez Vincent , Randet Mélanie , Renaudeau Céline , Dimet Jérôme , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Winer Norbert , Thubert Thibault , Vaucel Edouard , Caillon Hélène , Ducarme Guillaume
Published: October 2019

Background: Presumed benign ovarian tumours (PBOT) are defined by the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group, without suspected sonographic criteria of cancer, without ascites or metastasis. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), the risk of malignancy index (RMI) and the risk of ovarian malignancy index (ROMA) to predict ovarian cancer in women with PBOT. Methods: It is a prospective, observational, multicentre, laboratory-based study including women with PBOT in four hospitals from 11 May 2015 through 12 May 2016. Preoperative CA125 and HE4 plasma levels were measured for all women. The primary endpoint was the specificity of CA125 and HE4 for diagnosing ovarian cancer. The main secondary endpoints were specificity and likelihood ratio of RMI, ROMA and tumours markers. Results: Two hundred and fifty patients were initially enrolled and 221 patients were finally analysed, including 209 benign ovarian tumours (94.6%) and 12 malignant ovarian tumours (5.4%). The malignant group had significantly higher mean values of HE4, CA125, RMI and ROMA compared to the benign group (p < 0.001). Specificity was significantly higher using a combination of HE4 and CA125 (99.5%) compared to either HE4 or CA125 alone (90.4% and 91.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). Moreover, the positive likelihood ratio for combination HE4 and CA125 was significantly higher (104.5; 95% CI 13.6–800.0) compared to HE4 alone (5.81; 95% CI 2.83–11.90) or CA125 alone (6.97; 95% CI 3.91–12.41). Conclusions: The combination of HE4 and CA125 represents the best tool to predict the risk of ovarian cancer in patients with a PBOT.
Influence of Transfusion on the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury: ABO-Compatible versus ABO-Incompatible Liver Transplantation
Authors: Yu Je Hyuk , Kwon Yongsuk , Kim Jay , Yang Seong-Mi , Kim Won Ho , Jung Chul-Woo , Suh Kyung-Suk , Lee Kook Hyun
Published: October 2019

ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABO-i LT) is associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to ABO-compatible liver transplantation (ABO-c LT). We compared the risk of AKI associated with transfusion between ABO-c and ABO-i living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In 885 cases of LDLT, we used a propensity score analysis to match patients who underwent ABO-c (n = 766) and ABO-i (n = 119) LDLT. Baseline medical status, laboratory findings, and surgical- and anesthesia-related parameters were used as contributors for propensity score matching. AKI was defined according to the “Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes” criteria. After 1:2 propensity score matching, a conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the intraoperative transfusion of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on the risk of AKI. The incidence of AKI was higher in ABO-i LT than in ABO-c LT before and after matching (after matching, 65.8% in ABO-i vs 39.7% in ABO-c, p < 0.001). The incidence of AKI increased in direct proportion to the amount of transfusion, and this increase was more pronounced in ABO-i LT. The risk of pRBC transfusion for AKI was greater in ABO-i LT (multivariable adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.32 per unit) than in ABO-c LT (OR 1.11 per unit). The risk of FFP transfusion was even greater in ABO-i LT (OR 1.44 per unit) than in ABO-c LT (OR 1.07 per unit). In conclusion, the association between transfusion and risk of AKI was stronger in patients with ABO-i LT than with ABO-c LT. Interventions to reduce perioperative transfusions may attenuate the risk of AKI in patients with ABO-i LT.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Treatment of Gastric Varices Using Coils and Cyanoacrylate Glue Injections: Results after 1 Year of Experience
Authors: Kozieł Sławomir , Pawlak Katarzyna , Błaszczyk Łukasz , Jagielski Mateusz , Wiechowska-Kozłowska Anna
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims: Gastric varices (GVs) occur in 20% of patients with portal hypertension. GVs are associated with a 65% risk of bleeding over the course of 2 years and have a mortality rate of up to 20%. The standard treatment for GVs is obliteration with cyanoacrylate (CYA). This study presents our experience with combined therapy (vascular coils and CYA) under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. Methods: 16 patients (9 male and 7 female) were included into our study. Etiology of portal hypertension included: portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (31.0%), isolated splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) (25.0%), alcoholic cirrhosis (12.5%), hepatitis C cirrhosis (19.0%), and alcoholic cirrhosis with PVT (12.5%). Varices type GOV-2 were diagnosed in 8 patients, type IGV-1 and IGV-2 in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. Indications for treatment were based on endoscopic and endosonographic evaluations of GVs. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also specified. Technique depended on the size of varices (different size of coils + CYA additionally). The results were based on the achievement of technical success, therapeutic effects, and number of adverse events. Average follow-up period was 327 days. Results: From January to August 2017, 16 patients were treated with EUS-guided obliteration of GVs using vascular coils only or coils with CYA injections. 6 (37.5%) and 10 (62.5%) patients underwent primary and secondary prophylaxis for hemorrhage, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 15 patients (94.0%). Mean numbers of implanted coils and CYA volume during one procedure were 1.7 and 2 mL, respectively. Therapeutic success was achieved in all patients treated with the combination. There were no serious complications such as embolization or death due to the procedure. Three patients (19.0%) had transient abdominal pain and two (12.5%) had transient fever. 1 patient had clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions: Based on our retrospective research we have concluded, that EUS-guided implantation of intravascular coils combined with cyanoacrylate injections is an effective method of treatment with an acceptable number of complications.
The Effect of Adjustment of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure during Scarless Remote Access Endoscopic and Robotic Thyroidectomy on Laryngo-Pharyngeal Complications: Prospective Randomized and Controlled Trial
Authors: Koo Chang-Hoon , Sohn Hye-Min , Choi Eun-Su , Choi June-Yong , Oh Ah-Young , Jeon Young-Tae , Ryu Jung-Hee
Published: October 2019

Scarless remote access endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy has been recently performed as a safe and feasible method. However, little is known about the laryngo-pharyngeal complications after surgery and the effect of adjusting the endotracheal tube cuff pressure during surgery on laryngo-pharyngeal complications. Patients were randomized into two groups: the control group (n = 52) and adjusted group (n = 52). The initial cuff pressure was set to 25 mmHg and then monitored without adjustment (control group) or with adjustment at approximately 25 mmHg (adjusted group) throughout surgery. The incidences and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST), hoarseness, dysphagia, and cough were recorded at 1, 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Cuff pressures of the control group changed significantly over time and were higher than those of the adjusted group. The incidence of POST was lower in the adjusted group at 24 h postoperatively (p = 0.035), and there was a significant difference in the severity of POST at 6 and 24 h postoperatively between the two groups. There were no differences in the incidence of hoarseness, dysphagia, and cough between the two groups, except dysphagia and cough at 6 h postoperatively. Therefore, intraoperative monitoring and adjustment of the cuff pressure can reduce the incidence of laryngo-pharyngeal complications.
Potential Therapeutic Targets of Quercetin and Its Derivatives: Its Role in the Therapy of Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Jakaria Md. , Azam Shofiul , Jo Song-Hee , Kim In-Su , Dash Raju , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: October 2019

Quercetin (QC) is a flavonoid and crucial bioactive compound found in a variety of vegetables and fruits. In preclinical studies, QC has demonstrated broad activity against several diseases and disorders. According to recent investigations, QC is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of nervous system illnesses because of its protective role against oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. QC acts on several molecular signals, including ion channels, neuroreceptors, and inflammatory receptor signaling, and it also regulates neurotrophic and anti-oxidative signaling molecules. While the study of QC in neurological disorders has focused on numerous target molecules, the role of QC on certain molecular targets such as G-protein coupled and nuclear receptors remains to be investigated. Our analysis presents several molecular targets of QC and its derivatives that demonstrate the pharmacological potential against cognitive impairment. Consequently, this article may guide future studies using QC and its analogs on specific signaling molecules. Finding new molecular targets of QC and its analogs may ultimately assist in the treatment of cognitive impairment.
C-Reactive Protein and Neutrophil/Lymphocytes Ratio: Prognostic Indicator for Doubling Overall Survival Prediction in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Schlick Konstantin , Magnes Teresa , Huemer Florian , Ratzinger Lukas , Weiss Lukas , Pichler Martin , Melchardt Thomas , Greil Richard , Egle Alexander
Published: October 2019

Background: Despite modern chemotherapy regimens, survival of patients with locally advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer remains dismal. Long-term survivors are rare and there are no prognostic scores to identify patients benefitting most from chemotherapy. Methods: This retrospective study includes 240 patients with pancreatic cancer who were treated in a primary palliative setting between the years 2007 to 2016 in a single academic institution. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic models including laboratory and clinical parameters were calculated using Cox proportional models in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 67 years (range 29–90 years), 52% were female and a majority had an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer was diagnosed in 23.3% (n = 56) and primary metastatic disease in 76.7% (n = 184) of all patients. Median overall survival of the whole study cohort was 8.3 months. Investigating potential risk factors like patient characteristics, tumor marker or inflammatory markers, multivariate survival analysis found CRP (c-reactive protein) and NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio) elevation before the start of palliative chemotherapy to be independent negative prognostic factors for OS (overall survival) (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). Grouping patients with no risk factor versus patients with one or two of the above mentioned two risk factors, we found a median OS of 16.8 months and 9.4 months (p < 0.001) respectively. By combining these two factors, we were also able to identify pancreatic cancer patients that were more likely to receive any post first line therapy. These two risk factors are predictive for improved survival independent of disease stage (III or IV) and applied chemotherapy agents in first line. Conclusion: By combining these two factors, CRP and NLR, to create a score for OS, we propose a simple, new prognostic tool for OS prediction in pancreatic cancer.
Biophysical Submesoscale Processes in the Wake of Hurricane Ivan: Simulations and Satellite Observations
Authors: Smith Travis A. , Jolliff Jason K. , Walker Nan D. , Anderson Stephanie
Published: October 2019

Tropical cyclone induced phytoplankton productivity is examined using a tropical cyclone version of the Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS®). A four-component Nutrient–Phytoplankton–Detritus biological model is integrated into COAMPS to create a fully integrated air-ocean-wave-biology model. This study investigates the upper ocean physical and biological states before and after Hurricane Ivan traversed the central Gulf of Mexico, in mid-September 2004. Elevated concentrations of surface chlorophyll-a appear in the simulation two days after the passage of the tropical cyclone, and these results are spatially and temporally coherent with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data for this time period. Model results reveal enhancement of chlorophyll-a in submesoscale filaments on the periphery of a warm-core eddy that are dominated by large values of lateral strain and relative vorticity at the surface. The vertical circulation of the filament, with its associated upward vertical motion, permits surface ventilation of cold, nitrogen-rich water and subsequent stimulation of primary biological production. Here, we show for the first time that coupled biological-physical submesoscale processes may be simulated via a fully integrated air-sea-wave-biology tropical cyclone model that provides a mechanistic explanation of the conspicuous features revealed in satellite ocean color imagery following Ivan.
Ocean Energy Systems Wave Energy Modelling Task: Modelling, Verification and Validation of Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Wendt Fabian , Nielsen Kim , Yu Yi-Hsiang , Bingham Harry , Eskilsson Claes , Kramer Morten , Babarit Aurélien , Bunnik Tim , Costello Ronan , Crowley Sarah , Gendron Benjamin , Giorgi Giuseppe , Giorgi Simone , Girardin Samuel , Greaves Deborah , Heras Pilar , Hoffman Johan , Islam Haﬁzul , Jakobsen Ken-Robert , Janson Carl-Erik , Jansson Johan , Kim Hyun Yul , Kim Jeong-Seok , Kim Kyong-Hwan , Kurniawan Adi , Leoni Massimiliano , Mathai Thomas , Nam Bo-Woo , Park Sewan , Rajagopalan Krishnakumar , Ransley Edward , Read Robert , Ringwood John V. , Rodrigues José Miguel , Rosenthal Benjamin , Roy André , Ruehl Kelley , Schoﬁeld Paul , Sheng Wanan , Shiri Abolfazl , Thomas Sarah , Touzon Imanol , Yasutaka Imai
Published: October 2019

The International Energy Agency Technology Collaboration Programme for Ocean Energy Systems (OES) initiated the OES Wave Energy Conversion Modelling Task, which focused on the verification and validation of numerical models for simulating wave energy converters (WECs). The long-term goal is to assess the accuracy of and establish confidence in the use of numerical models used in design as well as power performance assessment of WECs. To establish this confidence, the authors used different existing computational modelling tools to simulate given tasks to identify uncertainties related to simulation methodologies: (i) linear potential flow methods; (ii) weakly nonlinear Froude–Krylov methods; and (iii) fully nonlinear methods (fully nonlinear potential flow and Navier–Stokes models). This article summarizes the code-to-code task and code-to-experiment task that have been performed so far in this project, with a focus on investigating the impact of different levels of nonlinearities in the numerical models. Two different WECs were studied and simulated. The first was a heaving semi-submerged sphere, where free-decay tests and both regular and irregular wave cases were investigated in a code-to-code comparison. The second case was a heaving float corresponding to a physical model tested in a wave tank. We considered radiation, diffraction, and regular wave cases and compared quantities, such as the WEC motion, power output and hydrodynamic loading.
Temporal-Spatial Differentiation and Optimization Analysis of Cultivated Land Green Utilization Efficiency in China
Authors: Chen Qianru , Xie Hualin
Published: October 2019

Cultivated land is closely related to national food security, rural economic development and social stability. The cultivated land pollution and carbon emissions caused by chemical fertilizers, pesticides, film residues, etc., in the process of cultivated land utilization pose a serious threat to the cultivated land ecosystem in China. The comprehensive analysis on the cultivated land green utilization efficiency (GUECL), its influencing factors, and optimization direction provides a valuable basis for the green utilization of cultivated land. Based on a panel data of 30 provinces (cities or districts) in China from 2001 to 2016, the GUECL in China under the constraints of pollution and carbon emissions was measured by using a super-efficient SBM-VRS (slack based model-variable return to scale) model. The influencing factors and optimization directions of the GUECL were analyzed through the Tobit model and slack values, respectively. The results show that the GUECL in China rose with fluctuations from 2001 to 2016. Since 2014, the eastern region has surpassed the western region and has become the region with the highest mean GUECL value. The room for resource conservation and pollution reduction varies in different regions of China. Farmers’ dependence on cultivated land and agricultural added value are positively related to the GUECL in China. Farmers’ occupational differentiation, agricultural machinery density, and agricultural disaster rate have had negative effects on the GUECL in China. The loss of the GUECL in China is mainly due to the redundancies of land input, pollution emission, and mechanical input. By analyzing these influencing factors and optimization directions, it is concluded that improving rural land transfer market and agricultural infrastructure construction, establishing a new agricultural technology extension system, and vigorously cultivating new professional farmers are the targeted measures to improve the GUECL.
Deep Tillage Improves Degraded Soils in the (Sub) Humid Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Abidela Hussein Misbah , Muche Habtamu , Schmitter Petra , Nakawuka Prossie , Tilahun Seifu A. , Langan Simon , Barron Jennie , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: October 2019

Intensification of rainfed agriculture in the Ethiopian highlands has resulted in soil degradation and hardpan formation, which has reduced rooting depth, decreased deep percolation, and increased direct runoff and sediment transport. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential impact of subsoiling on surface runoff, sediment loss, soil water content, infiltration rate, and maize yield. Three tillage treatments were replicated at five locations: (i) no tillage (zero tillage), (ii) conventional tillage (ox-driven Maresha plow, up to a depth of 15 cm), and (iii) manual deep ripping of the soil’s restrictive layers down to a depth of 60 cm (deep till). Results show that the posttreatment bulk density and penetration resistance of deep tillage was significantly less than in the traditional tillage and zero-tillage systems. In addition, the posttreatment infiltration rate for deep tillage was significantly greater, which resulted in significantly smaller runoff and sedimentation rates compared to conventional tillage and zero tillage. Maize yields were improved by 6% under deep tillage compared to conventional tillage and by 29% compared to no tillage. Overall, our findings show that deep tillage can be effective in overcoming some of the detrimental effects of hardpans in degraded soils.
Chemical Ecosystem Selection on Mineral Surfaces Reveals Long-Term Dynamics Consistent with the Spontaneous Emergence of Mutual Catalysis
Authors: Vincent Lena , Berg Michael , Krismer Mitchell , Saghafi Samuel T. , Cosby Jacob , Sankari Talia , Vetsigian Kalin , Cleaves H. James , Baum David A.
Published: October 2019

How did chemicals first become organized into systems capable of self-propagation and adaptive evolution? One possibility is that the first evolvers were chemical ecosystems localized on mineral surfaces and composed of sets of molecular species that could catalyze each other’s formation. We used a bottom-up experimental framework, chemical ecosystem selection (CES), to evaluate this perspective and search for surface-associated and mutually catalytic chemical systems based on the changes in chemistry that they are expected to induce. Here, we report the results of preliminary CES experiments conducted using a synthetic “prebiotic soup” and pyrite grains, which yielded dynamical patterns that are suggestive of the emergence of mutual catalysis. While more research is needed to better understand the specific patterns observed here and determine whether they are reflective of self-propagation, these results illustrate the potential power of CES to test competing hypotheses for the emergence of protobiological chemical systems.
Characterization of Oxide Film of Implantable Metals by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Okazaki Yoshimitsu
Published: October 2019

The oxide film resistance (RP) and capacitance (CCPE) diagrams of implantable metals (commercially pure Ti, four types of Ti alloys, Co–28Cr–6Mo alloy, and stainless steel) were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The thin oxide film formed on each implantable metal surface was observed in situ by field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM). The Ti–15Zr–4Nb–1Ta and Ti–15Zr–4Nb–4Ta alloys had higher oxygen concentrations in the oxide films than the Ti–6Al–4V alloy. The thickness (d) of the TiO2 oxide films increased from approximately 3.5 to 7 nm with increasing anodic polarization potential from the open-circuit potential to a maximum of 0.5 V vs. a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in 0.9% NaCl and Eagle’s minimum essential medium. RP for the Ti–15Zr–4Nb–1Ta and Ti–15Zr–4Nb–4Ta alloys was proportional to d obtained by FE-TEM. CCPE was proportional to 1/d. RP tended to decrease with increasing CCPE. RP was large (maximum: 13 MΩ·cm2) and CCPE was small (minimum: 12 μF·cm−2·sn−1, n = 0.94) for the Ti–15Zr–4Nb–(0 to 4)Ta alloys. The relative dielectric constant (εr) and resistivity (kOX) of the oxide films formed on these alloys were 136 and 2.4 × 106–1.8 × 107 (MΩ·cm), respectively. The Ta-free Ti–15Zr–4Nb alloy is expected to be employed as an implantable material for long-term use.
Study of the Self-Healing Performance of Semi-Flexible Pavement Materials Grouted with Engineered Cementitious Composites Mortar based on a Non-Standard Test
Authors: Cai Xu , Huang Wenke , Wu Kuanghuai
Published: October 2019

Semi-flexible pavement (SFP) materials, with their characteristics of good high temperature stability, strong durability, and lower cost, are suitable for heavy-duty roads, but their cracking problem has hindered the development and popularization of this kind of pavement to a certain extent. In this study, engineered cementitious composites (ECC) were used to form ECC-SFP materials. The self-healing properties of ECC-SFP materials with three kinds of voids of matrix asphalt mixtures were studied. The test results showed that the fluidity and strength of the ECC mortars met the specification requirements when the water–cement ratio was 0.23 and the ECC fiber dosage was 1–2%. The flexural strength of ECC mortar is better than that of ordinary mortar. The higher the ECC fiber dosage, the higher the flexural strength. Increasing the void of the matrix asphalt mixture and the amount of ECC mortar increased the toughness of the ECC-SFP material, which was seen as an increase of the flow value. Curing conditions are key factor affecting the self-healing properties of ECC mortar and ECC-SFP materials. The self-healing effect of materials in 60 °C water is the best. When an ECC fiber dosage of 1% was used, the HImor of ECC mortar and HImix of ECC-SFP material were 27.5% and 24.8%, respectively. With the addition of ECC material, ECC-SFP material achieved a certain degree of self-healing, but this still needs to be further optimized. Studies of grouting process optimization and increasing the ECC fiber dosage are feasible directions to explore in order to improve the self-healing properties of ECC-SFP materials in the future.
New Approach to Preparation of Heat-Resistant “Lola-M” Fiber
Authors: Ponomarev Igor I. , Skvortsov Ivan Y. , Volkova Yulia A. , Ponomarev Ivan I. , Varfolomeeva Lydia A. , Razorenov Dmitry Y. , Skupov Kirill M. , Kuzin Mikhail S. , Serenko Olga A.
Published: October 2019

A new approach to the synthesis of polynaphthoylenebenzimidazoles and heat resistant fiber spinning has been developed using an environmentally friendly and energy efficient method, which operates with solutions of pre-polymers based on 3,3’,4,4’-tetraaminodiphenyl ether and 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride in N-methylpyrrolidone. Rheological properties of polymer reaction solutions and appropriate coagulant mixtures were investigated for further wet spinning process. The coagulation process was investigated through microscopic observation of solution droplets which imitate jet/fiber cross section surrounded with coagulants of different composition. For the case of the most optimal viscoelastic properties of dopes the best coagulant was found to be a ternary mixture ethanol/water/NMP (20/10/70). Fibers were prepared through the wet spinning from pre-polymers of various molecular weight characterized by intrinsic viscosity. As a result, complex yarns were spun, and their morphology was characterized and mechanical properties were measured. The strength of ~300 MPa and elastic modulus of ~2 GPa and elongation at break of ~20% were reached for the best fibers at average diameter of ~20 µm. After heat treatment “Lola-M” fibers do not burn and do not support combustion in open flame.
Characterisation of UHMWPE Polymer Powder for Laser Sintering
Authors: Khalil Yas , Hopkinson Neil , Kowalski Adam , Fairclough John Patrick Anthony
Published: October 2019

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a thermoplastic semicrystalline polymer that has outstanding mechanical properties, low friction coefficient, excellent wear resistance, and is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals. UHMWPE is found in many applications including artificial joints and filtration. However, UHMWPE parts cannot be produced easily by traditional techniques, such as injection moulding and extrusion because of its very high melt viscosity owing to the extremely long polymer chains. Few attempts were made to process UHMWPE by additive manufacturing, particularly laser sintering. This is due to the lack of understanding of the powder properties of UHMWPE. Therefore, the aim of the powder characterisation process in this study is to gain a better understanding of the material requirements and provide a detailed insight on whether UHMWPE is a suitable material for laser sintering. The characterisation process includes powder morphological and flow characteristics, thermal behaviour and stability, and crystallinity of UHMWPE. The study reveals that the sintering behaviour of polymers is controlled by the morphology of the particles in addition to the viscous flow of UHMWPE. There are still difficulties of processing UHMWPE due to highly agglomerated structure of smaller particles with the presence of fibrils in the UHMWPE particles.
On Two Open Problems on Double Vertex-Edge Domination in Graphs
Authors: Miao Fang , Fan Wenjie , Chellali Mustapha , Khoeilar Rana , Sheikholeslami Seyed Mahmoud , Soroudi Marzieh
Published: October 2019

A vertex v of a graph G = ( V , E ) , ve-dominates every edge incident to v, as well as every edge adjacent to these incident edges. A set S ⊆ V is a double vertex-edge dominating set if every edge of E is ve-dominated by at least two vertices of S. The double vertex-edge domination number γ d v e ( G ) is the minimum cardinality of a double vertex-edge dominating set in G. A subset S ⊆ V is a total dominating set (respectively, a 2-dominating set) if every vertex in V has a neighbor in S (respectively, every vertex in V − S has at least two neighbors in S). The total domination number γ t ( G ) is the minimum cardinality of a total dominating set of G, and the 2-domination number γ 2 ( G ) is the minimum cardinality of a 2-dominating set of G . Krishnakumari et al. (2017) showed that for every triangle-free graph G , γ d v e ( G ) ≤ γ 2 ( G ) , and in addition, if G has no isolated vertices, then γ d v e ( G ) ≤ γ t ( G ) . Moreover, they posed the problem of characterizing those graphs attaining the equality in the previous bounds. In this paper, we characterize all trees T with γ d v e ( T ) = γ t ( T ) or γ d v e ( T ) = γ 2 ( T ) .
Degrees of L-Continuity for Mappings between L-Topological Spaces
Authors: Xiu Zhenyu , Li Qinghua
Published: October 2019

By means of the residual implication on a frame L, a degree approach to L-continuity and L-closedness for mappings between L-cotopological spaces are defined and their properties are investigated systematically. In addition, in the situation of L-topological spaces, degrees of L-continuity and of L-openness for mappings are proposed and their connections are studied. Moreover, if L is a frame with an order-reversing involution ′ , where b ′ = b → ⊥ for b ∈ L , then degrees of L-continuity for mappings between L-cotopological spaces and degrees of L-continuity for mappings between L-topological spaces are equivalent.
On a Generalized Langevin Type Nonlocal Fractional Integral Multivalued Problem
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Ahmad Bashir , Alghanmi Madeaha , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: October 2019

We establish sufficient criteria for the existence of solutions for a nonlinear generalized Langevin-type nonlocal fractional-order integral multivalued problem. The convex and non-convex cases for the multivalued map involved in the given problem are considered. Our results rely on Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative for multivalued maps and Covitz and Nadler’s fixed point theorem. Illustrative examples for the main results are included.
When Is the Number of True Different Permutation Polynomials Equal to 0?
Authors: Trifina Lucian , Tarniceriu Daniela
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we have obtained the prime factorization form of positive integers N for which the number of true different fourth- and fifth-degree permutation polynomials (PPs) modulo N is equal to zero. We have also obtained the prime factorization form of N so that the number of any degree PPs nonreducible at lower degree PPs, fulfilling Zhao and Fan (ZF) sufficient conditions, is equal to zero. Some conclusions are drawn comparing all fourth- and fifth-degree permutation polynomials with those fulfilling ZF sufficient conditions.
Modulation of Doxorubicin Intracellular Accumulation and Anticancer Activity by Triterpene Glycoside Cucumarioside A2-2
Authors: Menchinskaya Ekaterina , Gorpenchenko Tatiana , Silchenko Alexandra , Avilov Sergey , Aminin Dmitry
Published: October 2019

The effect of treatment of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells with multidrug resistance by holothurian triterpene glycoside, cucumarioside A2-2 (CA2-2) was evaluated. Calcein-AM efflux assay and doxorubicin (DOX) uptake and retention measurement in cancer cells, as well as determination of DOX cytotoxic and anticancer effects were applied. Treatment of EAC cells with CA2-2 (0.01–0.1 μM) blocked Calcein-AM and DOX efflux from cancer cells and increased the accumulation and cytotoxicity of DOX in EAC cells. Moreover, pre-treatment of mice with EAC by CA2-2 (10 μg/kg/5 days, intraperitoneal injection (i.p.)), then transplantation of tumor cells into fresh animals and subsequent treatment of these mice with DOX (2 mg/kg/3 days i.p.) significantly increased average life span (ALS) of mice bearing a tumor and therefore boosted the antitumor effect of doxorubicin in vivo.
Fungal Diversity in Intertidal Mudflats and Abandoned Solar Salterns as a Source for Biological Resources
Authors: Heo Young Mok , Lee Hanbyul , Kim Kyeongwon , Kwon Sun Lul , Park Min Young , Kang Ji Eun , Kim Gyu-Hyeok , Kim Beom Seok , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: October 2019

Intertidal zones are unique environments that are known to be ecological hot spots. In this study, sediments were collected from mudflats and decommissioned salterns on three islands in the Yellow Sea of South Korea. The diversity analysis targeted both isolates and unculturable fungi via Illumina sequencing, and the natural recovery of the abandoned salterns was assessed. The phylogeny and bioactivities of the fungal isolates were investigated. The community analysis showed that the abandoned saltern in Yongyudo has not recovered to a mudflat, while the other salterns have almost recovered. The results suggested that a period of more than 35 years may be required to return abandoned salterns to mudflats via natural restoration. Gigasporales sp. and Umbelopsis sp. were selected as the indicators of mudflats. Among the 53 isolates, 18 appeared to be candidate novel species, and 28 exhibited bioactivity. Phoma sp., Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Penicillium sp. and Pseudeurotium bakeri, and Aspergillus urmiensis showed antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibition, antifungal, and quorum-sensing inhibition activities, respectively, which has not been reported previously. This study provides reliable fungal diversity information for mudflats and abandoned salterns and shows that they are highly valuable for bioprospecting not only for novel microorganisms but also for novel bioactive compounds.
Prenylated Phenol and Benzofuran Derivatives from Aspergillus terreus EN-539, an Endophytic Fungus Derived from Marine Red Alga Laurencia okamurai
Authors: Li Hong-Lei , Li Xiao-Ming , Yang Sui-Qun , Meng Ling-Hong , Li Xin , Wang Bin-Gui
Published: October 2019

Three new prenylated phenol derivatives, terreprenphenols A–C (1–3), along with four known related compounds (4–7), were isolated from Aspergillus terreus EN-539, an endophytic fungus obtained from the marine red alga Laurencia okamurai. The structures of these compounds were established by extensive analysis of 1D/2D NMR data, mass spectrometric data, and optical rotation (OR). The corresponding relationship between absolute configuration and optical rotation for known compounds anodendroic acid (4) and asperterreusine C (5) was ambiguous in literature, and their absolute configurations were therefore discussed and confirmed for the first time by time-dependent density functional (TDDFT) ECD and OR calculations. Compounds 1–7 inhibited some common aquatic bacteria with MIC values ranging from 2 to 64 μg/mL.
Effect of Ishophloroglucin A, A Component of Ishige okamurae, on Glucose Homeostasis in the Pancreas and Muscle of High Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Yang Hye-Won , Son Myeongjoo , Choi Junwon , Oh Seyeon , Jeon You-Jin , Byun Kyunghee , Ryu BoMi
Published: October 2019

Ishophloroglucin A (IPA), a component of Ishige okamurae (IO), was previously evaluated to standardize the antidiabetic potency of IO. However, the potential of IPA as a functional food for diabetes prevention has not yet been evaluated. Here, we investigated if 1.35 mg/kg IPA, which is the equivalent content of IPA in 75 mg/kg IO, improved glucose homeostasis in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes after 12 weeks of treatment. IPA significantly ameliorated glucose intolerance, reducing fasting glucose levels as well as 2 h glucose levels in HFD mice. In addition, IPA exerted a protective effect on the pancreatic function in HFD mice via pancreatic β-cells and C-peptide. The level of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the muscles of HFD mice was stimulated by IPA intake. Our results suggested that IPA, which is a component of IO, can improve glucose homeostasis via GLUT4 in the muscles of HFD mice. IO may be used as a functional food for the prevention of diabetes.
Macroalgae as a Valuable Source of Naturally Occurring Bioactive Compounds for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Olasehinde Tosin A. , Olaniran Ademola O. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: October 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological condition that affects mostly aged individuals. Evidence suggests that pathological mechanisms involved in the development of AD are associated with cholinergic deficit, glutamate excitotoxicity, beta-amyloid aggregation, tau phosphorylation, neuro-inflammation, and oxidative damage to neurons. Currently there is no cure for AD; however, synthetic therapies have been developed to effectively manage some of the symptoms at the early stage of the disease. Natural products from plants and marine organisms have been identified as important sources of bioactive compounds with neuroprotective potentials and less adverse effects compared to synthetic agents. Seaweeds contain several kinds of secondary metabolites such as phlorotannins, carotenoids, sterols, fucoidans, and poly unsaturated fatty acids. However, their neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of action have not been fully explored. This review discusses recent investigations and/or updates on interactions of bioactive compounds from seaweeds with biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of AD using reports in electronic databases such as Web of science, Scopus, PubMed, Science direct, Scifinder, Taylor and Francis, Wiley, Springer, and Google scholar between 2015 and 2019. Phlorotannins, fucoidans, sterols, and carotenoids showed strong neuroprotective potentials in different experimental models. However, there are no data from human studies and/or clinical trials.
Nutraceutical Extract from Dulse (Palmaria palmata L.) Inhibits Primary Human Neutrophil Activation
Authors: Millan-Linares Maria C , Martin Maria E , Rodriguez Noelia M , Toscano Rocio , Claro Carmen , Bermudez Beatriz , Pedroche Justo , Millan Francisco , Montserrat-de la Paz Sergio
Published: October 2019

Palmaria palmata L. (Palmariaceae), commonly known as “dulse”, is a red alga that grows on the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and is widely used as source of fiber and protein. Dulse is reported to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, albeit no study has investigated these effects in primary human neutrophils. Implication strategies to diminish neutrophil activation have the potential to prevent pathological states. We evaluated the ability of a phenolic dulse extract (DULEXT) to modulate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated activation of primary human neutrophils. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by fluorescence analysis and nitric oxide (NO) production using the Griess reaction. Inflammatory enzymes and cytokines were detected by ELISA and RT-qPCR. The results show that DULEXT diminished the neutrophil activation related to the down-regulation of TLR4 mRNA expression, deceased gene expression and the LPS-induced release of the chemoattractant mediator IL-8 and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. ROS, NO, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also depressed. The data indicated that DULEXT has the potential to disrupt the activation of human primary neutrophils and the derived inflammatory and prooxidant conditions, and suggest a new role for Palmaria palmata L. in the regulation of the pathogenesis of health disorders in which neutrophils play a key role, including atherosclerosis.
Current Therapeutic Strategies in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Perez-Favila Aurelio , Martinez-Fierro Margarita L , Rodriguez-Lazalde Jessica G , Cid-Baez Miguel A , Zamudio-Osuna Michelle de J , Martinez-Blanco Ma. del Rosario , Mollinedo-Montaño Fabiana E , Rodriguez-Sanchez Iram P , Castañeda-Miranda Rodrigo , Garza-Veloz Idalia
Published: October 2019

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are the fastest growing chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, with more than 400 million people diagnosed globally, and the condition is responsible for lower extremity amputation in 85% of people affected, leading to high-cost hospital care and increased mortality risk. Neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease trigger deformities or trauma, and aggravating factors such as infection and edema are the etiological factors for the development of DFUs. DFUs require identifying the etiology and assessing the co-morbidities to provide the correct therapeutic approach, essential to reducing lower-extremity amputation risk. This review focuses on the current treatment strategies for DFUs with a special emphasis on tissue engineering techniques and regenerative medicine that collectively target all components of chronic wound pathology.
Characterization and Transcriptional Regulation of n-Alkane Hydroxylase Gene Cluster of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1
Authors: Gibu Namiko , Kasai Daisuke , Ikawa Takumi , Akiyama Emiko , Fukuda Masao
Published: October 2019

Gram-positive actinomycete Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 is able to grow on C10 to C19 n-alkanes as a sole source of carbon and energy. To clarify, the n-alkane utilization pathway—a cluster of 5 genes (alkBrubA1A2BalkU) which appeared to be involved in n-alkane degradation—was identified and the transcriptional regulation of these genes was characterized. Reverse transcription-PCR analyses revealed that these genes constituted an operon and were transcribed in the presence of n-alkane. Inactivation of alkB led to the absence of the ability to utilize n-undecane. The alkB mutation resulted in reduction of growth rates on C10 and C12 n-alkanes; however, growths on C13 to C19 n-alkanes were not affected by this mutation. These results suggested that alkB was essential for the utilization of C10 to C12 n-alkanes. Inactivation of alkU showed the constitutive expression of alkB. Purified AlkU is able to bind to the putative promoter region of alkB, suggesting that AlkU played a role in repression of the transcription of alk operon. The results of this study indicated that alkB was involved in the medium-chain n-alkanes degradation of strain RHA1 and the transcription of alk operon was negatively regulated by alkU-encoded regulator. This report is important to understand the n-alkane degradation pathway of R. jostii, including the transcriptional regulation of alk gene cluster.
Xylitol Production: Identification and Comparison of New Producing Yeasts
Authors: Carneiro Clara Vida G. C. , Silva Flávia Cristina de Paula e , Almeida João R. M.
Published: October 2019

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with five carbons that can be used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. It is industrially produced by chemical route; however, a more economical and environmentally friendly production process is of interest. In this context, this study aimed to select wild yeasts able to produce xylitol and compare their performance in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate. For this, 960 yeast strains, isolated from soil, wood, and insects have been prospected and selected for the ability to grow on defined medium containing xylose as the sole carbon source. A total of 42 yeasts was selected and their profile of sugar consumption and metabolite production were analyzed in microscale fermentation. The six best xylose-consuming strains were molecularly identified as Meyerozyma spp. The fermentative kinetics comparisons on defined medium and on sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate showed physiological differences among these strains. Production yields vary from YP/S = 0.25 g/g to YP/S = 0.34 g/g in defined medium and from YP/S = 0.41 g/g to YP/S = 0.60 g/g in the hydrolysate. Then, the xylitol production performance of the best xylose-consuming strain obtained in the screening, which was named M. guilliermondii B12, was compared with the previously reported xylitol producing yeasts M. guilliermondii A3, Spathaspora sp. JA1, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus 740 in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate under oxygen-limited conditions. All the yeasts were able to metabolize xylose, but W. anomalus 740 showed the highest xylitol production yield, reaching a maximum of 0.83 g xylitol/g of xylose in hydrolysate. The screening strategy allowed identification of a new M. guilliermondii strain that efficiently grows in xylose even in hydrolysate with a high content of acetic acid (~6 g/L). In addition, this study reports, for the first time, a high-efficient xylitol producing strain of W. anomalus, which achieved, to the best of our knowledge, one of the highest xylitol production yields in hydrolysate reported in the literature.
Elucidation of the Initial Growth Process and the Infection Mechanism of Penicillium digitatum on Postharvest Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Authors: Qian Xin , Yang Qiya , Zhang Qidi , Abdelhai Mandour H. , Dhanasekaran Solairaj , Serwah Boateng Nana Adwoa , Gu Ning , Zhang Hongyin
Published: October 2019

Green mold disease, a common citrus post-harvest disease caused by Penicillium digitatum, has an unresolved initial infection mechanism. Understanding the infection mechanism leads to the development of potential controls and preventive measures against the disease. The present study aimed to delineate the infection mechanism by investigating spore germination, changes of organic molecules and enzyme activity, and differential expression of genes in the P. digitatum infection. P. digitatum spore germination was observed by a pathology section scanner and it was found that in vivo germination was 3 h behind the in vitro germination. In addition, cell wall degrading enzymes and soluble sugar and titratable acid content during the infection process measured dynamically. The level of pectinase reached its maximum of 6067 U/g before 48 hpi, while cellulase increased rapidly after 48 hpi. The soluble sugar and organic acid content increased considerably with the progression of the infection. The transcriptomic profile of P. digitatum before and after infection was analyzed by RNA-seq. The genes related to cell wall degrading enzymes were significantly up-regulated and annotated to participate in two major carbon source synthesis pathways. The study delineated the initial infection mechanism of P. digitatum which eventually opened the gate way for the development of new control strategies in the future.
Microbial Community Structure and Methane Cycling Potential along a Thermokarst Pond-Peatland Continuum
Authors: Vigneron Adrien , Cruaud Perrine , Bhiry Najat , Lovejoy Connie , Vincent Warwick F.
Published: October 2019

The thawing of ice-rich permafrost soils in northern peatlands leads to the formation of thermokarst ponds, surrounded by organic-rich soils. These aquatic ecosystems are sites of intense microbial activity, and CO2 and CH4 emissions. Many of the pond systems in northern landscapes and their surrounding peatlands are hydrologically contiguous, but little is known about the microbial connectivity of concentric habitats around the thermokarst ponds, or the effects of peat accumulation and infilling on the microbial communities. Here we investigated microbial community structure and abundance in a thermokarst pond-peatland system in subarctic Canada. Several lineages were ubiquitous, supporting a prokaryotic continuum from the thermokarst pond to surrounding peatlands. However, the microbial community structure shifted from typical aerobic freshwater microorganisms (Betaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria) in the pond towards acidophilic and anaerobic lineages (Acidobacteria and Choroflexi) in the connected peatland waters, likely selected by the acidification of the water by Sphagnum mosses. Marked changes in abundance and community composition of methane cycling microorganisms were detected along the thermokarst pond-peatland transects, suggesting fine tuning of C-1 carbon cycling within a highly connected system, and warranting the need for higher spatial resolution across the thermokarst landscape to accurately predict net greenhouse gas emissions from northern peatlands.