bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elective Splenectomy Combined with Modified Hassab’s or Sugiura Procedure for Portal Hypertension in Decompensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Ya-wu , Wei Feng-xian , Wei Zhen-gang , Wang Gen-nian , Wang Man-cai , Zhang You-cheng
Published: April 2019

Objective. Portal hypertension is a major complication of decompensated cirrhosis. In China, modified Hassab’s and Sugiura procedure are the two major methods of nonshunting surgery. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of the two procedures for portal hypertension.Method. Between January 1994 and December 2009, 172 elective patients diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis with significant hypersplenism adopted elective splenectomy for hypersplenism, and also modified Hassab’s (n= 91) or Sugiura (n= 81) procedure was additionally performed to reduce the risk of variceal bleeding. Postoperative mortality and morbidity data were collected, and a retrospectively comparative analysis was conducted.Results. All of the patients were treated successfully without death during operation, and no variceal bleeding occurred during hospitalization. There were 4 (4.4%) deaths in Hassab’s group and 3 (3.7%) deaths in Sugiura group postoperatively (P > 0.05). During follow-up, the survival rate was 90.2%, 82.42%, and 71.43% in Hassab’s group and 96.29%, 81.48%, and 75.31% in Sugiura group in 1, 3, and 5 years (P > 0.05). There were 22/71 and 12/63 patients in each groups who suffered no deadly variceal bleeding (P = 0.11). Bleeding related death and no bleeding related death occurred in 7/23 and 3/13 patients in each group (P = 0.26 and 0.14, respectively).Conclusion.Elective splenectomy combined with modified Sugiura procedure seemed to be associated with a reduced trend of no deadly variceal bleeding compared with Hassab’s procedure. As statistical significance was not found, further large scale and prospective study was warranted.
The Dosage of the Derivative ofClostridium Ghonii(DCG) Spores Dictates Whether an IFNγ/IL-9 or a Strong IFNγResponse Is Elicited in TC-1 Tumour Bearing Mice
Authors: Ni Guoying , Wang Yong , Good David , Yuan Jianwei , Pan Xuan , Wei Jou , Liu Xiaosong , Wei Ming Q.
Published: April 2019

Background. AnaerobicClostridialspores (CG) cause significant oncolysis in hypoxic tumour microenvironment and result in tumour regression in both animal models and clinical trials. The immune mediated response plays a critical role in the antitumour effect by the anaerobic spore treatment.Method. Human papillomavirus 16 E6/E7 transformed TC-1 tumour bearing mice were intravenously administered with low (1 × 108CFU/kg) or high dosage (3 × 108CFU/kg) of DerivativeClostridialspore (DCG).Results. Intravenous administration of the derivative ofClostridial ghonii(DCG) spores leads to both tumour and systemic inflammatory responses characterized by increased IFNγ/IL-9 secreting T cells in the spleen and the tumour. Low numbers of antigen specific T cells (<20/106spleen cells) in the spleen of the tumour bearing mice are also detected after intravenous DCG delivery. Interestingly, our results showed that a mixed IL-9/IFNγsecreting T cell response was induced when the tumour bearing mice received a low dose of DCG spore (1 × 108CFU/kg), while a strong IFNγresponse was elicited with a high dosage of DCG spore (3 × 108CFU/kg).Conclusion. The dosage of DCG spore will determine the types of the DCG induced immune responses.
The First Autopsy Case of Fatal Acute Cardiac Failure after Administration of Carfilzomib in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Takakuwa Teruhito , Otomaru Ippei , Araki Taku , Miura Akiko , Fujitani Yotaro , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Miyagi Yoshimi , Senzaki Hideto , Yamamura Ryosuke
Published: April 2019

Carfilzomib (CFZ) improves progression-free survival for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) but has shown higher frequency of cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs) than other proteasome inhibitors. We report the first autopsy case of acute death from cardiac failure shortly after administration of carfilzomib. A 74-year-old female was diagnosed with IgA MM after a 2-year period of smoldering MM. She was refractory to both bortezomib plus dexamethasone and lenalidomide plus dexamethasone therapies, so she subsequently received CFZ in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The day after the start of the therapy, she complained of severe dyspnea with a significant decline in left ventricular ejection fraction. Her acute cardiac failure rapidly progressed, and she died on day 7 of the start of CFZ. The autopsy showed invasion of inflammatory cells between the myocardial cells and very little myocardial necrosis. There was no obvious thrombus in the coronary artery of the heart, and no infarction or amyloid deposition was observed in the myocardium. Pathological findings of hypersensitivity myocarditis, a drug-induced cardiomyopathy, appeared to agree with this case except for absence of an eosinophilic infiltration of the myocardium. A CFZ-induced CVAE is generally considered reversible. However, rapidly progressing fatal heart failure like in our case is rare. To characterize CFZ-associated CVAE, further case collection is needed.
Postharvest Handling Practices and Perception of Potato Safety among Potato Traders in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Musita Consolata Nolega , Okoth Michael Wandayi , Abong’ George Ooko
Published: April 2019

Postharvest handling of the potato is an important factor not only in preventing postharvest losses but also in maintaining its safety and nutritional quality. Exposure of the potato to unfavorable conditions such as light, extreme temperatures, and bruising can result in accumulation of glycoalkaloids, which are toxic substances. This study was a cross-sectional survey which aimed to investigate the postharvest handling practices of potatoes and perception of potato safety among open air market traders in Nairobi County, Kenya. Information was collected from 100 potato traders using a semistructured questionnaire that assessed postharvest handling practices such as potato transportation, exposure to sunlight, and storage. Results indicated that most of the potatoes (88%) took one day to be transported to the market, with the storage period at the market ranging from 2 to 3 days for most traders (42%). Forty-seven percent (47%) of the vehicles and hand-pulled carts used to transport potatoes had open backs, while 53% had closed backs. Over half (69%) of the potatoes in the markets were directly exposed to sunlight, with 75% of the traders leaving their potatoes in the open covered with a polythene bag after the day’s activities. Greening, sprouting, or bruised potatoes were mostly sold as seed, sold to restaurants and French fries vendors, or sold to consumers at a lower price. More than half of the traders did not think that consumption of greened potatoes is harmful to health. The results clearly show that there is poor handling of the potatoes by the traders which increases the risk of consumer exposure to glycoalkaloids. There is, therefore, a need to create awareness among traders on appropriate postharvest handling of potatoes to protect consumer health and reduce economic losses as well.
Assessment of Electrocardiogram Rhythms by GoogLeNet Deep Neural Network Architecture
Authors: Kim Jeong-Hwan , Seo Seung-Yeon , Song Chul-Gyu , Kim Kyeong-Seop
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study is to design GoogLeNet deep neural network architecture by expanding the kernel size of the inception layer and combining the convolution layers to classify the electrocardiogram (ECG) beats into a normal sinus rhythm, premature ventricular contraction, atrial premature contraction, and right/left bundle branch block arrhythmia. Based on testing MIT-BIH arrhythmia benchmark databases, the scope of training/test ECG data was configured by covering at least three and seven R-peak features, and the proposed extended-GoogLeNet architecture can classify five distinct heartbeats; normal sinus rhythm (NSR), premature ventricular contraction (PVC), atrial premature contraction (APC), right bundle branch block (RBBB), and left bundle brunch block(LBBB), with an accuracy of 95.94%, an error rate of 4.06%, a maximum sensitivity of 96.9%, and a maximum positive predictive value of 95.7% for judging a normal or an abnormal beat with considering three ECG segments; an accuracy of 98.31%, a sensitivity of 88.75%, a specificity of 99.4%, and a positive predictive value of 94.4% for classifying APC from NSR, PVC, APC beats, whereas the error rate for misclassifying APC beat was relative low at 6.32%, compared with previous research efforts.
A Rare Case of HHV-8 Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Stable HIV Patient
Authors: Osakwe Nonso , Johnson Diane , Klein Natalie , Azim Dalia Abdel
Published: April 2019

Background. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare condition associated with viral infections including HIV. Cases have been reported mainly in advanced HIV/AIDS. This is a rare case that reports HLH associated with human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) associated multicentric Castleman disease in a stable HIV patient. Case Presentation. A 70-year-old Asian male patient with history of stable HIV on medications with CD 4 cell count above 200 presented with cough and fever and was initially treated for pneumonia as an outpatient. Persisting symptoms prompted presentation to the hospital. The patient was found to have anemia which persisted despite repeated transfusion of packed red cells. A bone marrow biopsy to investigate anemia revealed hemophagocytosis. A CT scan revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly. An excisional lymph node biopsy revealed HHV-8 associated multicentric Castleman disease. The patient deteriorated despite initiation of treatment. Conclusion. HLH can occur at any stage of HIV, rapid diagnosis to identify possible underlying reactive infectious etiology and prompt initiation of treatment is crucial to survival.
Magnetic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children: The Attractive Hazards
Authors: Lin Anna , Chan Lawrence Chi Ngong , Hon Kam Lun Ellis , Tsui Siu Yan Bess , Pang Kristine Kit Yi , Cheung Hon Ming , Leung Alexander K. C.
Published: April 2019

Foreign body ingestions are frequent in the childhood population. Most foreign bodies are passed spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract. However, on occasion, they can also be a rare cause of morbidity and even mortality, such as in the case of multiple magnetic foreign body ingestion, which can cause injury via magnetic attraction through bowel walls. We present two cases of multiple magnetic foreign body ingestion, which to our knowledge are the first ones reported in Hong Kong. One patient presented with shock and intestinal necrosis requiring extensive intestinal resection, whereas the other patient had no gastrointestinal injury but surgical removal was deemed necessary.
Influences of Urban Viaduct Pier Caps on Uneven Settlement of Roadbed
Authors: Hu Bin , Li Xiaoqing , Zheng Lifei
Published: April 2019

Uneven settlement widely occurs on the roadbed under urban viaducts in operation. Previous studies focused on the effect of soft soil foundation on the uneven settlement of roadbed, without considering the phenomenon and mechanism of uneven settlement at the junction of pier cap and the roadbed under viaduct. The interaction is now considered between the buried depth of cap, the relative stiffness between cap and road subgrade, and the uneven settlement of roadbed. Using the Midas GTS NX software, a numerical analysis model of the deformation of roadbed under viaduct is constructed to study the influence of viaduct cap foundation on the uneven settlement of roadbed under viaduct. The simulated results of uneven settlement of roadbed caused by urban viaduct pier cap show that (1) when the buried depth of cap exceeds 2.35 m, with the increase of buried depth, the fall of roadbed settlement tends to decrease, but the decreased amount is not significant. Considering the factors such as construction cost and complications of construction technology, it is suggested that the best buried depth of cap is about 2.5 m. (2) The fall of roadbed settlement decreases with the decrease of relative stiffness between cap and roadbed. When the relative stiffness exceeds 6.3, the decreasing trend of settlement fall is not significant. The concrete roadbed should have more stiffness in order to reduce the settlement.
Synthesis and Characterization of β-Diketimine Schiff Base Complexes with Ni(II) and Zn(II) Ions: Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Saraireh Ibrahim A. M. , Altarawneh Mohammednoor , Alhawarin Jibril , Salman Mahmoud , Abu-Yamin Abdel Aziz , Alasad Randa
Published: April 2019

Schiff base diethyl 4,4-(pentane-2,4-diylidenebis(azanylylidene))benzoate (1) as a new ligand (L) was prepared by the reaction of acetylacetone with benzocaine in the ratio of 1 : 1. Two transition-metal complexes, [Ni(II)(LCl(HOEt))] (2) and [Zn(II)(LCl(HOEt))] (3), have been synthesized from metal salts with didentate Schiff base ligand (L) and characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR UV-Vis spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility. The biological activity of the complexes was studied. In addition, the M06-2x density function theory method and the 6-31G(d) basic set were applied to determine the optimized structures of 1–3 and to determine their IR and 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra theoretically. The data are in good agreement with the experimental results. The geometries of complexes 2 and 3 were determined to be square-planar for 2 and tetrahedral for 3.
TB Meningitis and TB Peritonitis: Abdominal Pseudocyst and VP-Shunt Link
Authors: Ahmed Manzoor , ElGamal Essameldin Ali , Ahmad Anwar , Zaman Muhammad Badar
Published: April 2019

TB meningitis (TBM) carries high morbidity and mortality and is a relatively common extrapulmonary TB in the third world countries. TBM as thick exudative disease manifests on MRI and CT as nodular basal leptomeningitis, hydrocephalus, basal infarcts, and tuberculomas. Hydrocephalus is treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS). Shunt malfunction and revision are common. We report a case of multidrug-resistant TBM with spinal involvement and dissemination of the disease via VPS causing TB peritonitis (TBP). TBP presented as a large abdominal pseudocyst around the catheter tip with shunt malfunction. There was no evidence for any other site of extra-CNS disease. TBP per se is relatively less common. This is the first case reporting VPS as a means of TB spread.
Antithrombotic Dilemmas after Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Watchman Device Placement
Authors: Ahuja Tania , Murphy Scarlett , Sartori Daniel J.
Published: April 2019

Antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has dramatically shifted from warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, to the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban. In patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices, such as the Watchman™ device, may be considered; however, temporary postimplantation antithrombotic therapy is still a recommended practice. We present a case of complex antithrombotic management, post LAAO device implantation, designed to avoid drug interactions with concomitant rifampin use and remained necessary secondary to subsequent device leak. This case highlights the challenges of antithrombotic therapy post LAAO device placement in a complex, but representative, patient.
Preparation of Graphene Nanoplatelets by Thermal Shock Combined with Ball Milling Methods for Fabricating Flame-Retardant Polymers
Authors: Tran Vinh Q. , Doan Hai T. , Nguyen Nhiem T. , Do Cuong V.
Published: April 2019

Graphene nanoplatelets were successfully prepared from graphite powder by simple and scalable thermal shock combined with ball milling methods. The formation of the graphene nanoplatelets were observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopes and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller methods with the much smaller number of layers and the considerable increase of specific surface area in comparison to the initial expanded graphite material. The other characterizations such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction methods of graphene nanoplatelets showed unchanged structure. These graphene nanoplatelets were combined with aluminum trihydroxide and zinc borate to prepare flame-retardant polycarbonate plastic and chlorine-sulfonated polyethylene rubber. The prepared composites showed the improvement of flame resistance properties with V0 level according to the UL-94 test method, and the limiting oxygen index value was higher than 27.
Encapsulated Mulberry Fruit Extract Alleviates Changes in an Animal Model of Menopause with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Kawvised Supannika , Thukham-mee Wipawee
Published: April 2019

Currently, the therapeutic strategy against metabolic syndrome and its complications is required due to the increasing prevalence and its impact. Due to the benefits of both mulberry fruit extract and encapsulation technology, we hypothesized that encapsulated mulberry fruit extract (MME) could improve metabolic parameters and its complication risk in postmenopausal metabolic syndrome. To test this hypothesis, female Wistar rats were induced experimental menopause with metabolic syndrome by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. Then, they were orally given MME at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg BW for 8 weeks and the parameters, such as percentage of body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, atherogenic index, fasting blood glucose, plasma glucose area under the curve, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), oxidative stress status, histology, and protein expression of PPAR-γ, TNF-α, and NF-κB in adipose tissues were determined. MME improved body weight gain, adiposity index, glucose intolerance, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, ACE, oxidative stress status, and protein expression of TNF-αand NF-κB. Moreover, MME attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and enhanced PPAR-γexpression. Taken altogether, MME decreased metabolic syndrome and its complication via the increased PPAR-γexpression. Therefore, MME is the potential candidate for improving metabolic syndrome and its related complications. However, further research in clinical trial is still necessary.
A Fast Modeling Technique for the Vertical Train‐Track‐Bridge Interactions
Authors: Liu Hanyun , Yu Zhiwu , Guo Wei
Published: April 2019

This paper proposed a fast modeling technique (FMT) for the vertical dynamic analysis of the coupled train‐track‐bridge (TTB) systems, which combines the train subsystems and track‐bridge subsystems by the client‐server technique to complete the entire TTB analysis on simplex OpenSees simulation platform. Thus, the FMT could dramatically reduce the time consumed of programming and modeling and significantly reduce the amount of data transmission between subsystems for TTB interaction. Moreover, FMT could take full advantage of OpenSees in nonlinear and seismic analysis. So FMT is a practical and convenient approach to analyze the TTB coupling vibration, and especially it is suitable for the junior researchers of TTB interaction. FMT could improve the modeling efficiency to save time.
Speciation Analysis of Arsenic Compounds by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography in Combination with Inductively Coupled Plasma Dynamic Reaction Cell Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry: Application for Vietnamese Rice Samples
Authors: Vu Hai Anh , Nguyen Manh Ha , Vu-Thi Hong-An , Do-Hong Quan , Dang Xuan Hoang , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich , Trinh Hong Quan , Ly Bich Thuy , Nguyen Tien-Thanh , Le-Van Dung , Tu Minh Binh , Chu Dinh Binh
Published: April 2019

In this work, high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell quadrupole mass spectrometry was introduced and optimized for speciation analysis of five major arsenic species including arsenobetain (AsB), arsenite (As(III)), monomethylarsonic (MMA), dimethylarsenonic acid (DMA), and arsenate (As(V)) in rice samples. Five arsenic compounds were separated on a Hamilton PRP X100 strong anion-exchange column employed with the mobile phase that is compatible with mass spectrometry, containing ammonium carbonate, methanol, and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Arsenic compounds were detected online by inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell quadrupole mass spectrometry utilizing oxygen as the reaction gas at a flow rate of 0.7 mL·min−1. Five selected arsenic species were baseline separated at the optimum experimental conditions. The excellent LOD and LOQ values of the developed method were achieved in the range of 0.5 to 2.9 μg·kg−1 and 1.7 to 9.6 μg·kg−1 for all species of arsenic, respectively. The ionization effect in plasma during chromatographic gradient elution was systematically investigated by using postcolumn injector. Arsenic compounds in rice samples were extracted by diluted nitric acid at elevated temperature. The extraction efficiency and the interconversion of target compounds during sample preparation were also assessed. The full validation of the developed method was performed by using certified reference material, BRC 211, from European Institute of Reference and Standard for speciation analysis. The recovery of all selected arsenic species was in the range of 70 to 135.5%. The validated method was also applied to analyze rice samples collected from some contaminated rice fields. The results showed that As(III), DMA, and As(V) were found in all rice samples. Average concentration (range) of inorganic arsenic and DMA in all rice samples were 130.3 (65.5–228.1) and 32 (8.2–133.01) μg·kg−1, respectively. However, total concentration of inorganic arsenic in most of investigated rice samples was below the maximum residual level according to US-FDA and European Union standards.
Enhancing Constitutive Models for Soils: Adding the Capability to Model Nonlinear Small Strain in Shear
Authors: Seyedan S. , Sołowski W. T.
Published: April 2019

The deviatoric stress‐deviatoric strain relationship in soils is highly nonlinear, especially in the small strain range. However, the constitutive models which aim to replicate the small strain nonlinearity are often complex and rarely used in geotechnical engineering practice. The goal of this study is to offer a simple way for updating the existing constitutive models, widely used in geotechnical practice, to take into account the small strain shear modulus changes. The study uses an existing small strain relationship to derive a yield surface. When the yield surface is introduced to an existing soil model, it enhances the model with the nonlinear deviatoric stress‐deviatoric strain relationship in the small strain range. The paper also gives an example of such a model enhancement by combining the new yield surface with the Modified Cam Clay constitutive model. The validation simulations of the undrained triaxial tests on London Clay and Ham River sand with the upgraded constitutive models replicate the experiments clearly better than the base models, without any changes to existing model parameters and the core source code associated with the base model.
Assessment of Salivary Levels of RANKL and OPG in Aggressive versus Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Teodorescu Alexandra Cornelia , Martu Ioana , Teslaru Silvia , Kappenberg-Nitescu Diana Cristala , Goriuc Ancuta , Luchian Ionut , Martu Maria Alexandra , Solomon Sorina Mihaela , Mârțu Silvia
Published: April 2019

RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-βligand) and OPG (osteoprotegerin) are two proteins involved in bone remodelling. During the active phase of periodontal disease, an imbalance between the ratios of the two elements can be noticed. While the expression of RANKL is elevated compared with that of OPG, the RANKL is available to bond with RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β). This study was conducted on 41 patients: 19 with generalized aggressive periodontitis, 18 with severe chronic periodontitis, and 4 periodontal healthy subjects. For each patient included, we determined the salivary levels of RANKL and OPG with the help of two Human ELISA kits. The results show that the patients affected by periodontitis, either aggressive or chronic, have significant higher values of RANKL and RANKL/OPG ratio. This values correlate with the local inflammation status.
Digital Workflow for Indirect Bonding with 2D Lingual Brackets: A Case Report and Procedure Description
Authors: Rosti Federico , Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Bressani Davide , Vitale Marina Consuelo , Gandini Paola , Scribante Andrea
Published: April 2019

Objective. During orthodontic therapy, accuracy in bonding procedures makes it easier to correct tooth alignment by decreasing the need for midcourse corrections by changing bracket positions. Indirect bonding allows the transfer of the appliance components from model casts to patient’s teeth potentially meaning shorter appointments for bracket bonding and rebonding and best comfort during chairside practice. At the same time, there has been a steady increase in requests for invisible lingual orthodontic treatment.Clinical Considerations. Accordingly, the aim of the present report is to illustrate the workflow to realize a complete digital indirect bonding for lingual brackets (2D, Forestadent). The procedure starts with intraoral digital scans, digital 3D model, and virtual bracket positioning, ending with the realization of a CAD-CAM prototyped transfer tray. A 3D intraoral scanner (True Definition, 3M) is used to create digital scans and digital models. A virtual bracket positioning is performed using software (NemoCast, Dentaurum), and a prototyped transfer tray is created by a CAD-CAM device. 2D lingual brackets were positioned inside the tray, so the appliance was bonded to the dental surface using light curing adhesive resin.Conclusions. During orthodontic treatment, CAD/CAM technology could help clinicians. Computer-constructed transfer trays can reduce clinician error and improve the everyday workflow in the office.
HIF1α-Induced Glycolysis in Macrophage Is Essential for the Protective Effect of Ouabain during Endotoxemia
Authors: Shao Chao , Lin Shengwei , Liu Sudan , Jin Peipei , Lu Wenbin , Li Na , Zhang Yan , Bo Lulong , Bian Jinjun
Published: April 2019

Ouabain, a steroid binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase, has several pharmacological effects. In addition to the recognized effects of blood pressure, there is more convincing evidence suggesting that ouabain is involved in immunologic functions and inflammation. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a metabolic regulator which plays a considerable role in immune responses. Previous studies had shown that HIF-1α-induced glycolysis results in functional reshaping in macrophages. In this study, we investigated the role of glycolytic pathway activation in the anti-inflammatory effect of ouabain. We found that ouabain is involved in anti-inflammatory effects both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, ouabain can inhibit LPS-induced upregulation of GLUT1 and HK2 at the transcriptional level. GM-CSF pretreatment almost completely reversed the inhibitory effect of ouabain on LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines. Alterations in glycolytic pathway activation were required for the anti-inflammatory effect of ouabain. Ouabain can significantly inhibit the upregulation of HIF-1α at the protein level. Our results also revealed that the overexpression of HIF-1α can reverse the anti-inflammatory effect of ouabain. Thus, we conclude that the HIF-1α-dependent glycolytic pathway is essential for the anti-inflammatory effect of ouabain.
Embolic Stroke and Meningitis Secondary to Staphylococcus lugdunensis Native Valve Endocarditis
Authors: AlDhaleei Wafa Ali , Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Aldoghaither Rabia
Published: April 2019

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus that leads to destructive infective endocarditis. The clinical course of S. lugdunensis endocarditis is usually aggressive with a high mortality rate compared to endocarditis caused by other coagulase-negative staphylococcal species. Despite that, it is usually sensitive to Penicillin G, and surgical intervention is sometimes warranted. Here, we report a case of S. lugdunensis endocarditis complicated by both embolic stroke and meningitis.
Audit of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices for Neonatal Sepsis and Measurement of Outcome in New Born Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Tank Priti Jagdishbhai , Omar Anjumanara , Musoke Rachel
Published: April 2019

Background. Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. A high index of suspicion is required since features of sepsis are nonspecific. Auditing of antibiotic use is necessary to reduce misuse and minimise development of antibiotic resistance. Objectives. To assess the antibiotic prescribing practices in NBU at KNH against recommended Kenyan guidelines for neonatal sepsis. In addition, outcome within 7 days was described. Methods. This was a prospective audit of 320 neonates over a 2-month period at NBU of KNH. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, stored in MS-EXCEL, and analysed using STATA. Results. Documentation of perinatal risk factors and clinical features at admission and at the time of change of antibiotics was very poor. The rate of investigations to confirm infection was very low. Blood cultures were done only in 13 (4%) neonates on admission, while complete blood count and C reactive protein were done in 224 (70%) and 198 (62%), respectively. Appropriate antibiotics as per the Kenyan guidelines were prescribed in 313 (97.8%) of neonates on admission. However, these were not stopped at 48-72 hours for the 148 (53.62%) who had improved. Overall mortality was high in neonates at 80 (25%). Majority (55%) died within 48 hours. Mortality was high among preterm neonates; 70 (43.8%) died out of 160. Conclusion. Overall documentation and investigations to confirm infection was poor. The continuation of antibiotics was inappropriate. Overall mortality was high especially in the first 48 hours of admission. To improve documentation, availability of a checklist on admission is recommended.
Simultaneous, Bilateral Acute Subscapularis Ruptures and Their Arthroscopic Management
Authors: Schwartz Andrew M. , Wilson Jacob M. , Hammond Kyle
Published: April 2019

We present the first known case of bilateral, acute ruptures of the subscapularis tendons following a bicycle accident in a 43-year-old male. He underwent right shoulder arthroscopic, anatomic subscapularis tendon repair two weeks postinjury, with the left side staged for surgical treatment six weeks after the index procedure. Postoperatively, the patient remained in a sling for 6 weeks before advancing with therapy protocols. The interval between arthroscopic treatments allowed for independence with activities of daily living and focused, early therapy for each shoulder. This approach yielded a right-sided constant score of 89 and subjective shoulder value of 90%; the left side was 87 and 90%, respectively, at 33 months postoperatively. The patient’s only postoperative complaint was slightly diminished external rotation, a near-universal limitation after unilateral repair. This represents a successful outcome that balances functional independence, concentrated rehabilitation, and adherence to safe indications for primary repair. While bilateral traumatic shoulder injuries in a young person is a rare clinical entity, early and staged treatment can lead to good patient outcomes.
Clear-Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary with Bilateral Breast Metastases
Authors: Galili Yehuda , Lytle Meghan , Bartolomei Jonathan , Amandeep Kataria , Allen Nichole , Carlan S. J. , Madruga Mario
Published: April 2019

Ovarian clear-cell carcinoma is an uncommon subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. It carries a generally poor prognosis because of its resistance to standard treatment and metastatic spread to vital organs. Metastasis to the breast is rare and bilateral breast metastasis is unreported. A 61-year-old white female with a 5-year status poststandard therapy for stage IC clear-cell ovarian carcinoma presented with widespread metastasis. Tissue analysis revealed ovarian cancer metastasis to the breasts bilaterally. Clinical awareness of this metastatic potential is important when staging and developing a treatment plan for patients with ovarian clear-cell cancer.
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations (PAVMs) and Pregnancy: A Rare Case of Hemothorax and Review of the Literature
Authors: Di Guardo Federica , Lo Presti Viviana , Costanzo Giuliana , Zambrotta Elisa , Di Gregorio Luisa Maria , Basile Antonio , Palumbo Marco
Published: April 2019

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are anatomical abnormalities consisting in a direct connection between pulmonary arteries and veins. Most of PAVMs are related to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Teleangiectasia, whereas only 10 to 20% are isolated sporadic cases. PAVMs tend to increase in size naturally; however, several factors can influence their growth such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, puberty, and pregnancy. Clinical manifestations are related to the right-to-left shunting and include dyspnoea, hypoxia, and pulmonary hypertension. The presence of PAVMs during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications such as their rupture, haemothorax, and hypovolemic shock. The treatment reserved to PAVMs was the surgical resection of the lung lobe involving the malformation. Due to the worldwide acceptance of endovascular technique, the transcatheter embolization (TCE) is today considered as the mainstay of treatment. Recent studies reported the safeness of the TCE during pregnancy if performed by an experienced radiologist, at second or third trimesters when radiation exposure is believed to have minimal effect on the foetus. However, although the TCE during pregnancy represents an option, the treatment prior to pregnancy has to be considered the auspicial solution. Our study reports the case of a dyspnoeic pregnant woman with unknown pAVM causing hemothorax and simultaneously treated for pAVM reparation, left lower lobe resection, and hysterectomy. Postoperative treatment of embolization was performed to definitively close the pAVM.
Numerical Study on Flow and Heat Transfer Mechanisms in the Heat Exchanger Channel with V-Orifice at Various Blockage Ratios, Gap Spacing Ratios, and Flow Directions
Authors: Boonloi Amnart , Jedsadaratanachai Withada
Published: April 2019

Numerical assessments in the square channel heat exchanger installed with various parameters of V-orifices are presented. The V-orifice is installed in the heat exchanger channel with gap spacing between the upper-lower edges of the orifice and the channel wall. The purposes of the design are to reduce the pressure loss, increase the vortex strength, and increase the turbulent mixing of the flow. The influence of the blockage ratio and V-orifice arrangement is investigated. The blockage ratio, b/H, of the V-orifice is varied in the range 0.05–0.30. The V-tip of the V-orifice pointing downstream (V-downstream) is compared with the V-tip pointing upstream (V-upstream) by both flow and heat transfer. The numerical results are reported in terms of flow visualization and heat transfer pattern in the test section. The thermal performance assessments in terms of Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal enhancement factor are also concluded. The numerical results reveal that the maximum heat transfer enhancement is found to be around 26.13 times higher than the smooth channel, while the optimum TEF is around 3.2. The suggested gap spacing for the present configuration of the V-orifice channel is around 5–10%.
The Variations of Satellite-Based Ecosystem Water Use and Carbon Use Efficiency and Their Linkages with Climate and Human Drivers in the Songnen Plain, China
Authors: Li Bo , Huang Fang , Chang Shuai , Sun Ning
Published: April 2019

Ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE) and carbon use efficiency (CUE), as two of the most important ecological indicators of an ecosystem, represent the carbon assimilation rate of unit water consumption and the capacity of transferring carbon from the atmosphere to potential carbon sinks. Revealing WUE and CUE changes and their impact factors is vital for regional carbon-water interactions and carbon budget assessment. Climate affects carbon and water processes differently. Compared to WUE, the variations in CUE in response to climate factors and human activity remain inadequately understood. In this study, ecosystem-level WUE and CUE variations in the Songnen Plain (SNP), Northeast China, during 2001–2015, were investigated using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data. The relationships between WUE, CUE, main climate factors, and human impacts were explored. The results showed that ecosystem WUE and CUE have fluctuated over time, with regional average values of 1.319 gC·kg−1H2O and 0.516, respectively. Deciduous broad-leaved forests had the highest average WUE but the lowest CUE. The multiyear average CUE of grassland ranked in first place, while the lowest WUE indicated that a lesser capacity of net productivity was generated by the use of limited water supply. WUE and CUE showed a downward trend in most areas of the SNP, indicating that the carbon sequestration capacity of the terrestrial ecosystem became weaker in the past 15 years. Annual precipitation and relative humidity had positive influences on WUE and CUE in more than 60% of the study area. The total annual sunshine duration and annual average temperature negatively affected WUE and CUE in most areas. Human activities had a positive effect on ecosystem WUE changes in the SNP but might inhibit CUE variations. Our findings aid in understanding the biological regulation mechanisms of carbon-water cycle coupling and provide a scientific basis for formulating sustainable regional development strategies and guiding water and land resources management.
Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Lannea microcarpa Engl. and K. Krause (Anacardiaceae) Trunk Barks Corrects Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction in Mice
Authors: Nitiéma Mathieu , Soleti Raffaella , Koffi Camille , Belemnaba Lazare , Mallegol Patricia , Ouédraogo Noufou , Kini Félix Bondo , Ouédraogo Sylvin , Guissou Innocent Pierre , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson
Published: April 2019

Traditional remedies prepared from Lannea microcarpa leaves, barks, roots, and fruits are used to treat many diseases including hypertension. This study investigated whether oral administration of the ethyl acetate fraction of Lannea microcarpa trunk barks (LMAE) corrects angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension in mice. Its effects on vascular function were specifically investigated. Experiments explored hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters in vivo and vascular reactivity to acetylcholine (ACh) and CaCl2ex vivo on isolated aortas. Mice received LMAE for 3 weeks (50 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage. In the last two weeks of treatment, mice were implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering NaCl (0.9%) or Ang II (0.5 mg/kg/day). LMAE completely prevented the increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure induced by Ang II. Echocardiographic and kidney parameters were not affected by the different conditions. LMAE abrogated Ang II-induced impairment of ACh-induced relaxation without affecting that of sodium nitroprusside. LMAE also completely prevented CaCl2-induced contraction in KCl-exposed aorta ex vivo. The extract alone did not modify superoxide (O2-) and nitric oxide (NO⋅) production in femoral arteries from control mice but significantly limited Ang II-induced O2- production. These effects were associated with reduced expression of inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase isoform NOX-2 in aortas. Finally, phytochemical analysis showed that LMAE contains sterols, triterpenes, coumarins, and anthraquinone. These results showed that LMAE prevents Ang II-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction through a reduction of oxidative stress linked to COX-2 and NOX-2 pathway and inhibition of calcium entry. This study provides pharmacological basis of the empirical use of Lannea microcarpa trunk bark extract against hypertension.
Analytic Formula for the Vibration and Sound Radiation of a Nonlinear Duct
Authors: Lee Yiu-Yin
Published: April 2019

This paper addresses the vibration and sound radiation of a nonlinear duct. Many related works assume that the boundaries are linearly vibrating (i.e., their vibration amplitudes are small), or that the duct panels are rigid, and their vibrations can thus be neglected. A classic method combined with Vieta’s substitution technique is adopted to develop an analytic formula for computing the nonlinear structural and acoustic responses. The development of the analytic formula is based on the classical nonlinear thin plate theory and the three‐dimensional wave equation. The main advantage of the analytic formula is that no nonlinear equation solver is required during the solution procedure. The results obtained from the proposed classic method show reasonable agreement with those from the total harmonic balance method. The effects of excitation magnitude, panel length, damping, and number of flexible panels on the sound and vibration responses are investigated.
Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis of Master Regulators in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Pan Zongfu , Li Lu , Fang Qilu , Qian Yangyang , Zhang Yiwen , Zhu Junfeng , Ge Minghua , Huang Ping
Published: April 2019

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive and rapidly lethal tumors. However, limited advances have been made to prolong the survival and to reduce the mortality over the last decades. Therefore, identifying the master regulators underlying ATC progression is desperately needed. In our present study, three datasets including GSE33630, GSE29265, and GSE65144 were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus with a total of 32 ATC samples and 78 normal thyroid tissues. A total of 1804 consistently changed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from three datasets. KEGG pathways enrichment suggested that upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, key gene modules in PPI network were identified by Cytoscape plugin MCODE and they were mainly associated with DNA replication, cell cycle process, collagen fibril organization, and regulation of leukocyte migration. Additionally, TOP2A, CDK1, CCNB1, VEGFA, BIRC5, MAPK1, CCNA2, MAD2L1, CDC20, and BUB1 were identified as hub genes of the PPI network. Interestingly, module analysis showed that 8 out of 10 hub genes participated in Module 1 network and more than 70% genes of Module 2 consisted of collagen family members. Notably, transcription factors (TFs) regulatory network analysis indicated that E2F7, FOXM1, and NFYB were master regulators of Module 1, while CREB3L1 was the master regulator of Module 2. Experimental validation showed that CREB3L1, E2F7, and FOXM1 were significantly upregulated in ATC tissue and cell line when compared with normal thyroid group. In conclusion, the TFs regulatory network provided a more detail molecular mechanism underlying ATC occurrence and progression. TFs including E2F7, FOXM1, CREB3L1, and NFYB were likely to be master regulators of ATC progression, suggesting their potential role as molecular therapeutic targets in ATC treatment.
Les sources britanniques de l’ethnographie de la communication et de l’analyse de conversation.
Authors: Leon Jacqueline
Published: April 2019

Dans cet article nous proposons d'examiner les fondements britanniques de l'ethnographie de la communication et de l'analyse de conversation. Ce thème, très peu représenté dans l'histoire des théories linguistiques, devrait intéresser les étudiants en sciences du langage. Nous nous attacherons à explorer comment apparaissent dans les travaux de B. Malinowski et de J.R. Firth certaines notions comme celles de variation et de répertoire, ainsi que les notions conversationnelles de tour de parole et de séquence d'actions. On distinguera deux étapes: (i) l'élaboration de la notion de contexte de situation par Malinowski et Firth dans les années 1930; (ii) l'établissement par Firth des catégories du contexte de situation dans les années 1950.
La falacia del historiador Whig
Authors: Battista Emiliano
Published: April 2019

Nuestro trabajo tiene un propósito doble. Por un lado, buscamos analizar el “modo de historización” (Auroux, 2006) desplegado por Noam Chomsky en su Lingüística cartesiana (1966), una obra de fuerte motivación propagandística en la que procuró interpretar el devenir de ciertas ideas sobre el lenguaje que, a su criterio, actuaron como antecedentes de la gramática generativa; según observamos, al valorar los hechos del pasado desde la óptica de su tiempo, Chomsky incurrió en la “falacia del historiador whig” (Butterfield, 1931; Kragh, 1987), dando lugar a una representación absolutamente selectiva, anacrónica, auxiliar y deliberadamente funcional a su propuesta teórica. Por el otro, procuramos recuperar el escenario en el que irrumpió la obra, cuya inadecuación metodológica fue tan marcada en términos historiográficos que contribuyó a la apertura de un debate específico (Aarsleff, 1970; Koerner, 1978; Newmeyer, 1980; entre otros) en el que es posible identificar la emergencia y consolidación de los fundamentos epistemológicos de la historiografía de la lingüística.
Free-Standing Lipid Bilayers Based on Nanopore Array and Ion Channel Formation
Authors: Tan Shengwei , Zhang Ling , Yu Lijuan , Xu Lei
Published: May 2019

Integrated nanopores are novel and versatile single-molecule sensors for individual label-free biopolymer detection and characterization. However, their studies and application requires a stable lipid bilayer to maintain protein function. Herein, we describe a method for producing lipid
bilayers across a nanopore array on a silicon nitride substrate. We used a painting technique commonly used with Teflon films to embed α-hemolysin (α-HL) into bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) to form an ion channel. This was carried out in nanofluid developed in our
lab. The membrane formation process, stability of BLMs and ion channel recordings were monitored by patch clamp in real-time. BLM formation was demonstrated by electrical recording (<10 pS conductance) of suspended lipid bilayers spanning a nanopore in the range of ±100 mV. Membrane
resistance (Rm) and capacitance (Cm) of the device with the bilayer were assessed by membrane test as above 1.0 GΩ and ~20±2 pF, respectively. The silicon nitride surface and aperture edge were smooth at the nanometer lever leading to remarkable
membrane stability. The membrane lifetime was 5–24 h. A single α-HL channel inserted in 30–60 min applied a potential of +100 mV. The α-HL channel currents were recorded at ~100±10 pA. Such integrated nanopores enable analysis of channel functions
under various solution conditions from the same BLM. This will open up a variety of applications for ion channels including high-throughput medical screening and diagnosis.