bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the use of patient decision aids in orthopaedic care: results of a quality improvement project
Authors: Mangla Mahima , Cha Thomas D , Dorrwachter Janet M , Freiberg Andrew A , Leavitt Lauren J , Rubash Harry E , Simmons Leigh H , Wendell Emily L , Sepucha Karen R
Published: November 2017

Objective

To integrate patient decision aid (DA) delivery to promote shared decision-making and provide more patient-centred care within an orthopaedic surgery department for treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis, lumbar herniated disc and lumbar spinal stenosis.

Methods

Different strategies were used across three distinct phases to promote DA delivery. First, we used a quality improvement bonus to generate awareness and interest in the DAs among specialists. Second, we adapted the electronic referral management system to enable DA orders at referral to a specialist. Third, we engaged clinic staff and specialists to design workflows that promoted DA delivery. We tracked the number of patients who received a DA, who ordered the DA, and collected usage data from a subset of patients. Our target was to reach 60% of patients with DAs.

Results

In phase 1, 28% (43/155) of spine patients and 37% (114/308) of hip/knee patients received a DA. In phase 2, 54% (64/118) of spine referrals and 58% (189/324) of hip/knee referrals included a request to send a patient a DA. In phase 3, 56% (90/162) of spine patients and 69% (213/307) of hip/knee patients received a DA, significantly more than in phase 1 (P<0.0001). In phase 3, both more DAs were ordered by clinic staff compared with specialists (56% phase 3 vs 34% phase 1, P<0.001) and sent before the visit (74% phase 3 vs 17% phase 1, P<0.001). Patients were more likely to report reviewing the DA when delivered before the visit (63% before vs 50% after, P=0.005).

Conclusion

DA implementation into clinic workflow is possible and facilitated by engagement of the entire care team and the support of health information technology.
Do socioeconomic inequalities in pain, psychological distress and oral health increase or decrease over the life course? Evidence from Sweden over 43 years of follow-up
Authors: Celeste Roger Keller , Fritzell Johan
Published: November 2017

Background

Inequalities over the life course may increase due to accumulation of disadvantage or may decrease because ageing can work as a leveller. We report how absolute and relative socioeconomic inequalities in musculoskeletal pain, oral health and psychological distress evolve with ageing.

Methods

Data were combined from two nationally representative Swedish panel studies: the Swedish Level-of-Living Survey and the Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old. Individuals were followed up to 43 years in six waves (1968, 1974, 1981, 1991/1992, 2000/2002, 2010/2011) from five cohorts: 1906–1915 (n=899), 1925–1934 (n=906), 1944–1953 (n=1154), 1957–1966 (n=923) and 1970–1981 (n=1199). The participants were 15–62 years at baseline. Three self-reported outcomes were measured as dichotomous variables: teeth not in good conditions, psychological distress and musculoskeletal pain. The fixed-income groups were: (A) never poor and (B) poor at least once in life. The relationship between ageing and the outcomes was smoothed with locally weighted ordinary least squares, and the relative and absolute gaps were calculated with Poisson regression using generalised estimating equations.

Results

All outcomes were associated with ageing, birth cohort, sex and being poor at least once in live. Absolute inequalities increased up to the age of 45–64 years, and then they decreased. Relative inequalities were large already in individuals aged 15–25 years, showing a declining trend over the life course. Selective mortality did not change the results. The socioeconomic gap was larger for current poverty than for being poor at least once in life.

Conclusion

Inequalities persist into very old age, though they are more salient in midlife for all three outcomes observed.
Patient-Centered Assessment on Disease Burden, Quality of Life, and Treatment Satisfaction Associated with Acromegaly
Authors: Liu Shuqian , Adelman Daphne T , Xu Yaping , Sisco Jillone , Begelman Susan M , Webb Susan M , Badia Xavier , Thethi Tina K , Fonseca Vivian , Shi Lizheng
Published: November 2017

The study aimed to assess the economic burden, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and acromegaly treatment satisfaction in the USA. A web-based, cross-sectional survey was distributed to members of Acromegaly Community. Data related to comorbidities, treatment patterns, and treatment satisfaction were collected. The costs over the past 3 months included out-of-pocket cost, sick leave, leave of absence, direct loss of job due to acromegaly, unemployment, assistance to perform household chores, and family member loss of income. The HRQoL was assessed by Acromegaly Quality of Life (AcroQoL) and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires. Among 106 patients who completed the survey (mean age: 46 years, female: 76.4%), 44.3% presented with ≥5 comorbidities, and 90.6% reporting acromegaly-related symptoms. Compared with the low-symptom group 0–3 (n=41), the 4+ symptoms group (n=65) was more likely to have depression (OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.2) and cardiovascular disease (OR=5.8, 95% CI 2.0 to 16.7), and experienced higher costs (loss of job: $8874 vs $1717, P=0.02; unemployment disability: $17,102 vs $429, P=0.003; household chores: $2160 vs $932, P=0.0003; family members’ income loss: $692 vs $122, P=0.03). The high-symptom group had lower HRQoL scores, compared with the low-symptom group (EQ-5D-3L: 0.53 vs 0.75, P<0.0001; AcroQoL: 27 vs 56, P<0.0001). Only 55.7% among patients requiring injections for acromegaly were satisfied. Patients with acromegaly who presented with multiple acromegaly-related symptoms were evidenced to have experienced higher economic burden and poorer quality of life than patients with the same diagnosis but fewer symptoms. The low rate of treatment satisfaction warrants need for further studies.
Meningoencephalitis in a Royal Marine after skinning reindeer in Norway
Authors: Pollard Christopher A , Burns D S , Ho B , Johnston A McD
Published: November 2017

Meningoencephalitis presenting in service personnel overseas may present a diagnostic challenge due to the broad range of potential differential diagnosis as well as the requirement for rapid assessment and treatment. A 25-year-old Royal Marine was evacuated to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham, UK, with a history of rash consistent with erythema chronicum migrans, a seizure, and lymphocytic pleocytosis after skinning reindeer in Norway. Neuroborreliosis was suspected and empirical antibiotics were administered. Despite subsequent negative serology for Borrelia burgdorferi, given the clinical features and lymphocytic pleocytosis, an atypical presentation of neuroborreliosis remains a possible diagnosis in this scenario. This case serves to illustrate that British military personnel on exercise are potentially at risk of contracting borreliosis both in the UK and abroad, serological tests can be unreliable, and the differential diagnosis of meningoencephalitis can be broad with specialist input often required.
The Immunoexpression of Glucocorticoid Receptors in Breast Carcinomas, Lactational Change, and Normal Breast Epithelium and Its Possible Role in Mammary Carcinogenesis
Authors: Alyusuf Raja , Wazir Javed Fayyaz , Brahmi Urmil Prabha , Fakhro Abdul Rahman , Bakhiet Moiz
Published: November 2017

The role of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer biology is well established. In contrast, other steroid hormones are less well studied. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to play a role in mammary development and differentiation; thus, it is of interest to attempt to delineate their immunoexpression across a spectrum of mammary epithelia. Aim. To delineate the distribution pattern of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in malignant versus nonmalignant epithelium with particular emphasis on lactational epithelium. Materials and Methods. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for GRs was performed on archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 96 cases comprising 52 invasive carcinomas, 21 cases with lactational change, and 23 cases showing normal mammary tissue histology. Results. Results reveal an overexpression of GRs in mammary malignant epithelium as compared to both normal and lactational groups individually and combined. GR overexpression is significantly more pronounced in HER-2-negative cancers. Discussion. This is the first study to compare GR expression in human lactating epithelium versus malignant and normal epithelium. The article discusses the literature related to the pathobiology of GCs in the breast with special emphasis on breast cancer. Conclusion. The lactational epithelium did not show overexpression of GR, while GR was overexpressed in mammary NST (ductal) carcinoma, particularly HER-2-negative cancers.
The Impact of Bottom-Up Parking Information Provision in a Real-Life Context: The Case of Antwerp
Authors: Tasseron Geert , Martens Karel
Published: November 2017

A number of studies have analyzed the possible impacts of bottom-up parking information or parking reservation systems on parking dynamics in abstract simulation environments. In this paper, we take these efforts one step further by investigating the impacts of these systems in a real-life context: the center of the city of Antwerp, Belgium. In our simulation, we assume that all on-street and off-street parking places are equipped with technology able to transmit their occupancy status to so-called smart cars, which can receive information and reserve a parking place. We employ PARKAGENT, an agent-based simulation model, to simulate the behavior of smart and regular cars. We obtain detailed data on parking demand from FEATHERS, an activity-based transport model. The simulation results show that parking information and reservation hardly impact search time but do reduce walking distance for smart cars, leading to a reduction in total parking time, that is, the sum of search time and walking time. Reductions in search time occur only in zones with high occupancy rates, while a drop in walking distance is especially observed in low occupancy areas. Societal benefits of parking information and reservation are limited, because of the low impact on search time and the possible negative health effects of reduced walking distance.
Investigation of a Random-Fractal Antenna Based on a Natural Tree-Leaf Geometry
Authors: Rmili Hatem , Oueslati Donia , Trad Imen Ben , Floch Jean Marie , Dobaie Abdullah , Mittra Raj
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we investigate a new printed antenna based on the 2D image of a fractal tree-leaf geometry by studying the effect of the irregular boundary of the proposed antenna on its radiation characteristics. Both the impedance matching properties and the radiation patterns of the antenna are studied over the frequency band 1–6 GHz. Four configurations are designed by increasing the complexity of the structure, which ranges from iteration 0 to iteration 3. The fractal properties of the proposed tree-leaf antenna are then compared to those of a conventional fractal antenna with smooth edges. Following this, the proposed antennas are fabricated and characterized experimentally. Finally, results are analyzed and discussed, and a practical application for this new type of antennas is proposed.
Fractional Critical Damping Theory and Its Application in Active Suspension Control
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Qingyun , Xu Xiaomei , Chen Ning
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the existence condition of critical damping in 1 DOF systems with fractional damping is presented, and the relationship between critical damping coefficient and the order of the fractional derivative is derived. It shows only when the order of fractional damping and its coefficient meet certain conditions, the system is in the critical damping case. Then the vibration characteristics of the systems with different orders located in the critical damping set are discussed. Based on the results, the classical skyhook damping control strategy is extended to the fractional one, where a switching control law is designed to obtain a more ideal control effect. Based on the principle of modal coordinate transformation, a new design method of fractional skyhook damping control for full-car suspension is given. The simulation results show that the proposed control method has a good control effect, even in some special cases, such as roads bumps.
A Single Nonlinear Current Control for PWM Rectifier Robust to Input Disturbances and Dynamic Loads
Authors: Visairo-Cruz Nancy , Núñez-Gutiérrez Ciro , Alcázar Eliseo , Rodríguez Elías
Published: November 2017

The requirements of PWM rectifiers for delivering power to motor drives include power factor correction and output voltage regulation even when strong variations such as voltage sags and dynamic load transients occur simultaneously. To achieve these objectives, the classic approach is to use a two‐loop controller with its d‐q model. In this paper, the authors propose a simplified approach to address that problem by using a feedback linearization‐based nonlinear controller using only a single‐loop current control and avoiding d‐q modeling to reduce processing stages. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, several simulations are presented considering a 1.5 kW PWM rectifier.
A Synthetic Solution for Identification and Extraction of the Effective Microseismic Wave Component Using Decomposition on Time, Frequency, and Wavelet Coefficient Domains
Authors: Zhang Mingwei , Meng Qingbin , Liu Shengdong , Shimada Hideki
Published: November 2017

To reduce noise components from original microseismic waves, a comprehensive fine signal processing approach using the integrated decomposition analysis of the wave duration, frequency spectrum, and wavelet coefficient domain was developed and implemented. Distribution regularities of the wave component and redundant noise on the frequency spectrum and the wavelet coefficient domain were first expounded. The frequency threshold and wavelet coefficient threshold were determined for the identification and extraction of the effective wave component. The frequency components between the reconstructed microseismic wave and the original measuring signal were compared. The noise elimination effect via the scale-changed domain decomposition was evaluated. Interaction between the frequency threshold and the wavelet coefficient threshold in the time domain was discussed. The findings reveal that tri-domain decomposition analysis achieves the precise identification and extraction of the effective microseismic wave component and improves the reliability of waves by eliminating the redundant noise. The frequency threshold and the wavelet coefficient threshold on a specific time window are two critical parameters that determine the degree of precision for the identification of the extracted wave component. This research involves development of the proposed integrated domain decomposition method and provides a diverse view on the fine processing of the microseismic signal.
Persistent Corneal Decompensation due to Anterior Dislocation of Soemmering Ring Cataract
Authors: Peck Travis , Aggarwal Shruti , Johnson Sandra
Published: November 2017

Purpose. We present a case of a patient with Soemmering ring after cataract surgery and a potential complication that can arise as a result of its presence. Observations. A patient with history of ruptured globe status after repair and lensectomy, complicated by aphakic secondary open angle glaucoma, was referred for management of second injury to the same eye. This injury resulted in Soemmering ring dislocation into the anterior chamber. The cortical material caused a significant increase in intraocular pressure and corneal decompensation. Surgical removal of the Soemmering ring and Ahmed glaucoma tube implant was performed with control of intraocular pressures; however corneal edema could not be reversed. Conclusions and Importance. This case report illustrates the serious consequences that can be caused by Soemmering rings without early surgical intervention. Care must be taken to completely remove cortical material during cataract surgery to prevent their formation.
Effect of Neutral Grounding Protection Methods for Compensated Wind/PV Grid-Connected Hybrid Power Systems
Authors: Çetinkaya Nurettin , Umer Farhana
Published: November 2017

The effects of the wind/PV grid-connected system (GCS) can be categorized as technical, environmental, and economic impacts. It has a vital impact for improving the voltage in the power systems; however, it has some negative effects such as interfacing and fault clearing. This paper discusses different grounding methods for fault protection of High-voltage (HV) power systems. Influences of these grounding methods for various fault characteristics on wind/PV GCSs are discussed. Simulation models are implemented in the Alternative Transient Program (ATP) version of the Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP). The models allow for different fault factors and grounding methods. Results are obtained to evaluate the impact of each grounding method on the 3-phase short-circuit fault (SCF), double-line-to-ground (DLG) fault, and single-line-to-ground (SLG) fault features. Solid, resistance, and Petersen coil grounding are compared for different faults on wind/PV GCSs. Transient overcurrent and overvoltage waveforms are used to describe the fault case. This paper is intended as a guide to engineers in selecting adequate grounding and ground fault protection schemes for HV, for evaluating existing wind/PV GCSs to minimize the damage of the system components from faults. This research presents the contribution of wind/PV generators and their comparison with the conventional system alone.
Biomechanical Effects of Posterior Condylar Offset and Posterior Tibial Slope on Quadriceps Force and Joint Contact Forces in Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kang Kyoung-Tak , Koh Yong-Gon , Son Juhyun , Kwon Oh-Ryong , Lee Jun-Sang , Kwon Sae Kwang
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to determine the biomechanical effect of the posterior condylar offset (PCO) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) in posterior-stabilized (PS) fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We developed ±1, ±2, and ±3 mm PCO models in the posterior direction and −3°, 0°, 3°, and 6° PTS models using a previously validated FE model. The influence of changes in the PCO and PTS on the biomechanical effects under deep-knee-bend loading was investigated. The contact stress on the PE insert increased by 14% and decreased by 7% on average as the PCO increased and decreased, respectively, compared to the neutral position. In addition, the contact stress on post in PE insert increased by 18% on average as PTS increased from −3° to 6°. However, the contact stress on the patellar button decreased by 11% on average as PTS increased from −3° to 6° in all different PCO cases. The quadriceps force decreased by 14% as PTS increased from −3° to 6° in all PCO models. The same trend was found in patellar tendon force. Changes in PCO had adverse biomechanical effects whereas PTS increase had positive biomechanical effects. However, excessive PTS should be avoided to prevent knee instability and subsequent failure.
Homogeneous Stabilizer by State Feedback for Switched Nonlinear Systems Using Multiple Lyapunov Functions’ Approach
Authors: Ye Hui , Jiang Bin , Yang Hao
Published: November 2017

This paper investigates the problem of global stabilization for a class of switched nonlinear systems using multiple Lyapunov functions (MLFs). The restrictions on nonlinearities are neither linear growth condition nor Lipschitz condition with respect to system states. Based on adding a power integrator technique, we design homogeneous state feedback controllers of all subsystems and a switching law to guarantee that the closed‐loop system is globally asymptotically stable. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the validity of the proposed control scheme.
Influence of Restorative Materials on Color of Implant-Supported Single Crowns in Esthetic Zone: A Spectrophotometric Evaluation
Authors: Peng Min , Zhao Wei-Jie , Hosseini Mandana , Zhou Wen-Juan , Xiao Ting , Chuan Jun-Lan
Published: November 2017

Restorations of 98 implant-supported single crowns in anterior maxillary area were divided into 5 groups: zirconia abutment, titanium abutment, and gold/gold hue abutment with zirconia coping, respectively, and titanium abutment with metal coping as well as gold/gold hue abutment with metal coping. A reflectance spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the color difference between the implant crowns and contralateral/neighboring teeth, as well as the color difference between the peri-implant soft tissue and the natural marginal mucosa. The mucosal discoloration score was used for subjective evaluation of the esthetic outcome of soft tissue around implant-supported single crowns in the anterior zone, and the crown color match score was used for subjective evaluation of the esthetic outcome of implant-supported restoration. ANOVA analysis was used to compare the differences among groups and Spearman correlation was used to test the relationships. A gold/gold hue abutment with zirconia coping was the best choice for an esthetic crown and the all-ceramic combination was the best for peri-implant soft tissue. Significant correlation was found between the spectrophotometric color difference of peri-implant soft tissue and mucosal discoloration score, while no significant correlation was found between the total spectrophotometric color difference of implant crown and crown color match score.
Effects of Acyclovir and IVIG on Behavioral Outcomes after HSV1 CNS Infection
Authors: Ramakrishna Chandran , Golub Mari S. , Chiang Abby , Hong Teresa , Kalkum Markus , Cantin Edouard M.
Published: November 2017

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV) encephalitis (HSE) has serious neurological complications, involving behavioral and cognitive impairments that cause significant morbidity and a reduced quality of life. We showed that HSE results from dysregulated central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that CNS inflammation is casually involved in behavioral abnormalities after HSE and that treatment with ACV and pooled human immunoglobulin (IVIG), an immunomodulatory drug, would improve outcomes compared to mice treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or ACV alone. Anxiety levels were high in HSV-infected PBS and ACV-treated mice compared to mice treated with ACV + IVIG, consistent with reports implicating inflammation in anxiety induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or stress. Female, but not male, PBS-treated mice were cognitively impaired, and unexpectedly, ACV was protective, while the inclusion of IVIG surprisingly antagonized ACV’s beneficial effects. Distinct serum proteomic profiles were observed for male and female mice, and the antagonistic effects of ACV and IVIG on behavior were paralleled by similar changes in the serum proteome of ACV- and ACV + IVIG-treated mice. We conclude that inflammation and other factors mediate HSV-induced behavioral impairments and that the effects of ACV and IVIG on behavior involve novel mechanisms.
The Prognostic Value of HRAS mRNA Expression in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Wan Xiaohua , Liu Ruping , Li Zhongwu
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of HRAS mRNA expression in cutaneous melanoma. Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive cancer with an increasing incidence. Few studies have focused on the transcriptional level of RAS isoforms (KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS) in cutaneous melanoma. To gain further insight into RAS isoforms at transcriptional level, we obtained the cutaneous melanoma data from cBioPortal and investigated the RAS mRNA expression levels in different stages of melanoma and evaluated their correlation with clinical characteristics and patients’ survival. Furthermore, we retrieved and analyzed the coexpression data and performed pathway enrichment analysis. Totally, 452 cutaneous melanoma cases were included in this study. We found that lower HRAS expression level was associated with longer patient survival. 206 genes that negatively correlated with HRAS expression were positively correlated with KRAS and NRAS expression. In contrast, no gene that positively correlated with HRAS expression was positively correlated with KRAS and NRAS expression. In conclusion, our data showed that transcriptional regulation was different for the three RAS isoforms in cutaneous melanoma. This study highlighted the prognostic value of HRAS mRNA expression and revealed that HRAS greatly differs from KRAS and NRAS at the transcriptional level.
Changes in Etiologies of Hospitalized Patients with Liver Cirrhosis in Beijing 302 Hospital from 2002 to 2013
Authors: Chang Binxia , Li Baosen , Sun Ying , Teng Guangju , Huang Ang , Li Jin , Zou Zhengsheng
Published: November 2017

Background. Over the last 20 years, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China has decreased gradually due to the application of a national HBV vaccination program. In contrast, the prevalence of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury has markedly increased. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of 82,562 hospitalized patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in Beijing 302 Hospital from 2002 to 2013. Results. The top four etiologies of cirrhosis were HBV, HCV, ALD, and autoimmune liver disease. The percentage of HBV cirrhosis decreased from 81.53% in 2002 to 66.0% in 2013, whereas the frequency of alcoholic cirrhosis increased from 3.34% in 2002 to 8.40% in 2013. Females (84.34%) accounted for the majority of cirrhotic patients with autoimmune liver diseases. Males accounted for 80.16% of HBV cirrhosis patients and 98.02% of alcoholic cirrhosis patients. Conclusion. In Beijing 302 Hospital, the top four etiologies of cirrhosis were HBV, HCV, ALD, and autoimmune liver disease. Over the last 12 years, the prevalence of HBV cirrhosis has decreased gradually, whereas that of alcoholic cirrhosis has increased significantly.
Lymphocytes in Placental Tissues: Immune Regulation and Translational Possibilities for Immunotherapy
Authors: Erkers Tom , Stikvoort Arwen , Uhlin Michael
Published: November 2017

Immune modulation at the fetomaternal interface is crucial to ensure that the fetal allograft is not rejected. In the present review, the focus is to describe basic functions of lymphocyte populations and how they may contribute to fetomaternal immune regulation, as well as determining what proportions and effector functions of these cells are reported to be present in placental tissues in humans. Also explored is the possibility that unique cell populations at the fetomaternal interface may be targets for adoptive cell therapy. Increasing the understanding of immune modulation during pregnancy can give valuable insight into other established fields such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and solid organ transplantation. In these settings, lymphocytes are key components that contribute to inflammation and rejection of either patient or donor tissues following transplantation. In contrast, an allogeneic fetus eludes rejection by the maternal immune system.
Infrared Drying as a Quick Preparation Method for Dried Tangerine Peel
Authors: Xu Mingyue , Tian Guifang , Zhao Chengying , Ahmad Aftab , Zhang Huijuan , Bi Jinfeng , Xiao Hang , Zheng Jinkai
Published: November 2017

To establish the most convenient and effective method to dry tangerine peels, different methods (sun drying, hot-air drying, freeze drying, vacuum drying, and medium- and short-wave infrared drying) were exploited. Our results indicated that medium- and short-wave infrared drying was the best method to preserve nutraceutical components; for example, vitamin C was raised to 6.77 mg/g (D.W.) from 3.39 mg/g (sun drying). Moreover, the drying time can be shortened above 96% compared with sun drying. Importantly, the efficiency of DPPH radical scavenging was enhanced from 26.66% to 55.92%. These findings would provide a reliable and time-saving methodology to produce high-quality dried tangerine peels.
Long-Term Variations of Temperature and Precipitation in the Megacity of Istanbul for the Development of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change
Authors: Toros Hüseyin , Abbasnia Mohsen , Sagdic Mustafa , Tayanç Mete
Published: November 2017

Istanbul, as one of the four anchor megacities of Europe, has shown a rise of 0.94°C in average annual temperature over the long period of 1912–2016 under impacts of anthropogenic climate change. A notable increase in temperatures has started after the 1940s, which is in parallel with the beginning of industrialization era in Istanbul. This warming is associated with an extensive population growth and accompanied the decrease in vegetation cover. Increasing in minimum series of temperature is more evident than maximum values and the rising rate of temperature values has been more pronounced during recent decades. The first significant upward trend in precipitation series has periodically started in 1920s, while there has been a stable trend from 2001 till today. The daily average of rainfall amount increased with a mean value of 58 mm during the total study period. Rising rate of daily maximum precipitation has been more evident in the last 3 decades, which is shown by the increased frequency of heavy rainfall. In this regard, both of the temperature and precipitation series had higher mean values (13.9°C and 878 mm) for the final period (1965–2016) compared to the mean values (13.6°C and 799 mm) belonging to the first period (1912–1964).
Salusin‐β Is Involved in Diabetes Mellitus‐Induced Endothelial Dysfunction via Degradation of Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor Gamma
Authors: Sun Hai-Jian , Chen Dan , Wang Pei-Yao , Wan Ming-Yu , Zhang Chen-Xing , Zhang Zhi-Xuan , Lin Wei , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2017

The pathophysiological mechanisms for vascular lesions in diabetes mellitus (DM) are complex, among which endothelial dysfunction plays a vital role. Therapeutic target against endothelial injury may provide critical venues for treatment of diabetic vascular diseases. We recently identified that salusin‐β contributed to high glucose‐induced endothelial cell apoptosis. However, the roles of salusin‐β in DM‐induced endothelial dysfunction remain largely elusive. Male C57BL/6J mice were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in high glucose/high fat (HG/HF) medium. We demonstrated increased expression of salusin‐β in diabetic aortic tissues and high‐glucose/high‐fat‐ (HG/HF‐) incubated HUVECs. Disruption of salusin‐β by shRNA abrogated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammation, and nitrotyrosine content of HUVECs cultured in HG/HF medium. The HG/HF‐mediated decrease in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression was restored by salusin‐β shRNA, and PPARγ inhibitor T0070907 abolished the protective actions of salusin‐β shRNA on endothelial injury in HG/HF‐treated HUVECs. Salusin‐β silencing obviously improved endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and nitrative stress in diabetic aorta. Taken together, our results highlighted the essential role of salusin‐β in pathological endothelial dysfunction, and salusin‐β may be a promising target in treatment of vascular complications of DM.
A Flexible System for Cultivation ofMethanococcusand Other Formate-Utilizing Methanogens
Authors: Long Feng , Wang Liangliang , Lupa Boguslaw , Whitman William B.
Published: November 2017

Many hydrogenotrophic methanogens use either H2or formate as the major electron donor to reduce CO2for methane production. The conventional cultivation of these organisms uses H2and CO2as the substrate with frequent replenishment of gas during growth. H2is explosive and requires an expensive gassing system to handle safely. Formate is as an ideal alternative substrate from the standpoints of both economy and safety but leads to large changes in the culture pH during growth. Here, we report that glycylglycine is an inexpensive and nontoxic buffer suitable for growth ofMethanococcus maripaludisandMethanothermococcus okinawensis. This cultivation system is suitable for growth on liquid as well as solid medium in serum bottles. Moreover, it allows cultivation of liter scale cultures without expensive fermentation equipment. This formate cultivation system provides an inexpensive and flexible alternative for the growth of formate-utilizing, hydrogenotrophic methanogens.
Identification of Circulating Long Noncoding RNA Linc00152 as a Novel Biomarker for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Nandi , Feng Xiao Bo , Tan Qian , Luo Ping , Jing Wei , Zhu Man , Liang Chunzi , Tu Jiancheng , Ning Yong
Published: November 2017

Objective. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play vital roles in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recently, long noncoding RNA Linc00152 has been reported to play important roles in various cancers. In this study, our aim was to investigate its expression pattern and clinical significance and further evaluate its diagnostic value for NSCLC.Methods. The levels of Linc00152 were detected in NSCLC tissues and plasma samples by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were depicted to evaluate the diagnostic value.Results. We found that Linc00152 levels were upregulated in both NSCLC tissues and plasma samples. Plasma Linc00152 levels were significantly lower in postoperative samples than in preoperative samples. Besides, high Linc00152 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size (r=0.293,P=0.005) and tumor stage (r=0.324,P=0.011). The ROC curves indicated that plasma Linc00152 has high diagnostic accuracy for NSCLC, and the area under curve (AUC) for NSCLC versus healthy was 0.816 (95% CI: 0.757–0.875). Moreover, we found that the combination of Linc00152 and CEA could provide a more powerful diagnosis efficiency than Linc00152 or CEA alone (AUC = 0.881, 95% CI: 0.836–0.926).Conclusions. Plasma Linc00152 could serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring NSCLC.
Developing Pavement Distress Deterioration Models for Pavement Management System Using Markovian Probabilistic Process
Authors: Saha Promothes , Ksaibati Khaled , Atadero Rebecca
Published: November 2017

In the state of Colorado, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) utilizes their pavement management system (PMS) to manage approximately 9,100 miles of interstate, highways, and low-volume roads. Three types of deterioration models are currently being used in the existing PMS: site-specific, family, and expert opinion curves. These curves are developed using deterministic techniques. In the deterministic technique, the uncertainties of pavement deterioration related to traffic and weather are not considered. Probabilistic models that take into account the uncertainties result in more accurate curves. In this study, probabilistic models using the discrete-time Markov process were developed for five distress indices: transverse, longitudinal, fatigue, rut, and ride indices, as a case study on low-volume roads. Regression techniques were used to develop the deterioration paths using the predicted distribution of indices estimated from the Markov process. Results indicated that longitudinal, fatigue, and rut indices had very slow deterioration over time, whereas transverse and ride indices showed faster deterioration. The developed deterioration models had the coefficient of determination (R2) above 0.84. As probabilistic models provide more accurate results, it is recommended that these models be used as the family curves in the CDOT PMS for low-volume roads.
Cooperative Full-Duplex Physical and MAC Layer Design in Asynchronous Cognitive Networks
Authors: Febrianto Teddy , Hou Jiancao , Shikh-Bahaei Mohammad
Published: November 2017

In asynchronous cognitive networks (CNs), where there is no synchronization between primary users (PUs) and secondary users (SUs), spectrum sensing becomes a challenging task. By combining cooperative spectrum sensing and full-duplex (FD) communications in asynchronous CNs, this paper demonstrates improvements in terms of the average throughput of both PUs and SUs for particular transmission schemes. The average throughputs are derived for SUs and PUs under different FD schemes, levels of residual self-interference, and number of cooperative SUs. In particular, we consider two types of FD schemes, namely, FD transmit-sense-reception (FDr) and FD transmit-sense (FDs). FDr allows SUs to transmit and receive data simultaneously, whereas, in FDs, the SUs continuously sense the channel during the transmission time. This paper shows the respective trade-offs and obtains the optimal scheme based on cooperative FD spectrum sensing. In addition, SUs’ average throughput is analyzed under different primary channel utilization and multichannel sensing schemes. Finally, new FD MAC protocol design is proposed and analyzed for FD cooperative spectrum sensing. We found optimum parameters for our proposed MAC protocol to achieve higher average throughput in certain applications.
Preparation of P3HB4HB/(Gelatin + PVA) Composite Scaffolds by Coaxial Electrospinning and Its Biocompatibility Evaluation
Authors: Ma Min-Xian , Liu Qin , Ye Chuan , Grottkau Brian , Guo Bing , Song Yu-Feng
Published: November 2017

This study was conducted to prepare coaxial electrospun scaffolds of P3HB4HB/(gelatin + PVA) with various concentration ratios with P3HB4HB as the core solution and gelatin + PVA mixture as the shell solution; the mass ratios of gelatin and PVA in each 10 mL shell mixture were 0.6 g : 0.2 g (Group A), 0.4 g : 0.4 g (Group B), and 0.2 g : 0.6 g (Group C). The results showed that the pore size, porosity, and cell proliferation rate of Group C were better than those of Groups A and B. The ascending order of the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity was Group A < Group B < Group C. The surface roughness was Group C > Group B > Group A. The osteogenic and chondrogenic-specific staining showed that Group C was stronger than Groups A and B. This study demonstrates that when the mass ratio of gelatin : PVA was 0.2 g : 0.6 g, a P3HB4HB/(gelatin + PVA) composite scaffold with a core-shell structure can be prepared, and the scaffold has good biocompatibility that it may be an ideal scaffold for tissue engineering.
Coenzyme Q10 Regulates Antioxidative Stress and Autophagy in Acute Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Liang Shao , Ping Zhang , Ge Jin
Published: November 2017

Background. Oxidative stress and autophagy both play key roles in continuous cardiomyocyte death and cardiac dysfunction after reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury. Coenzyme Q10 (CQ10), which is a fat‐soluble quinone antioxidant, is involved in the pathophysiological processes of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, heart failure, and other diseases. Our objective was to determine if, and by what mechanism, CQ10 can ameliorate acute myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury and improve heart function. Methods and Results. Fat‐soluble CQ10 in soybean oil solvent was preconditioned in rats with acute myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury by intraperitoneal injection. Oxidant and antioxidant levels were compared between the preconditioned and control groups. Autophagy was measured by Western blotting analysis of autophagy proteins. Proapoptotic proteins and immunofluorescence were used to assess cell apoptosis. Infarct size was determined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Evans blue staining and visualized myocardial pathology by tissue staining. Finally, we assessed cardiac function by electrocardiography (ECG) and hemodynamics. Conclusions. This study reveals that CQ10 preconditioning regulates antioxidant levels and the oxidant balance, enhances autophagy, reduces myocardial apoptosis and death, and improves cardiac function in rats with acute ischemia‐reperfusion injury. These results imply that CQ10 protects against acute myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury via the antioxidative stress and autophagy pathways.
Association of Haemodynamic Indices of Central and Peripheral Pressure with Subclinical Target Organ Damage
Authors: Zuo Junli , Chu Shaoli , Tan Isabella , Butlin Mark , Zhao Jiehui , Avolio Alberto
Published: November 2017

Background: Central aortic pressure has often been shown to be more closely associated with markers of vascular function and incidence of cardiovascular events compared to peripheral pressure. However, the potential clinical use of central aortic or peripheral haemodynamic indices as markers of target organ damage (TOD) has not been fully established. Methods: We evaluated associations of TOD with central aortic and peripheral haemodynamic indices (central aortic [cPP] and peripheral pulse pressure [pPP], central aortic augmentation index, and central and peripheral waveform factor) in 770 hospital inpatients (age 60 ± 10 years, 473 males) with primary hypertension. TOD was quantified in terms of arterial stiffness as measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Subclinical TOD was defined as carotid IMT >0.9 mm, urine ACR >3.5 mg/mmol in females and >2.5 mg/mmol in males and/or cfPWV >12 m/s. Results: Both cPP and pPP showed significant correlation with cfPWV (r = 0.41 vs. 0.40; p < 0.01), ACR (r = 0.24 vs. 0.27; p < 0.01) and carotid IMT (r = 0.14 vs. 0.15; p < 0.01). Each SD increase in pPP and cPP was associated with increased risk of cfPWV >12 m/s (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7 and 2.9 for pPP and cPP, respectively), ACR >2.5 mg/mmol (OR = 1.2 and 1.4, respectively), and carotid IMT >0.9 mm (OR = 1.46 and 1.53, respectively). Compared to pPP, cPP had higher predictive power for TOD for age ≥60 years (OR = 3.07, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although both pPP and cPP show an association with TOD in a hypertensive population, cPP provides additional information beyond pPP associated with TOD in a hypertensive cohort. Central aortic haemodynamic indices as potential biomarkers of subclinical TOD need to be validated by further prospective studies.
A Complex Case of Cholestasis in a Patient with ABCB4 and ABCB11 Mutations
Authors: Cardoso Mariana Ferreira , e Branco Joana Carvalho , Anapaz Vera , Rodrigues Catarina Graça , Carvalho Rita , Horta David , Martins Alexandra , Reis Jorge
Published: November 2017

The low-phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis (LPAC) syndrome is a form of symptomatic cholelithiasis occurring in young adults, characterized by recurrence of symptoms after cholecystectomy and presence of hepatolithiasis. The case refers to a healthy 39-year-old Caucasian male who presented with abdominal pain and jaundice. His blood tests showed conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and elevated liver enzymes (total bilirubin 6.65 mg/dL, γ-glutamyltransferase 699 IU/L) and abdominal computed tomography revealed dilation of common bile duct and left intrahepatic ducts. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography identified choledocholithiasis, retrieved by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, after which there was a worsening of jaundice (total bilirubin 23 mg/dL), which persisted for several weeks, possibly due to ciprofloxacin toxicity. After an extensive workup including liver biopsy, the identification of two foci of hepatolithiasis on reevaluation abdominal ultrasound raised the hypothesis of LPAC syndrome and the patient was started on ursodeoxycholic acid, with remarkable improvement. Genetic testing identified the mutation c.1954A>G (p.Arg652Gly) in ABCB4 gene (homozygous) and c.1331T>C (p.Val444Ala) in ABCB11 gene (heterozygous). In conclusion, we describe the unique case of an adult male with choledocholithiasis, hepatolithiasis, and persistent conjugated hyperbilirubinemia after retrieval of stones, fulfilling the criteria for LPAC syndrome and with possible superimposed drug-induced liver injury, in whom ABCB4 and ABCB11 mutations were found, both of which had not been previously described in association with LPAC.
Comparative descriptive anatomy of the femoral artery in crab-eating fox, hoary fox and maned wolf
Authors: Deus Daiane Dos Santos de , Gondim Karime Cássia Silveira , Santos Lázaro Antônio dos , Silva Daniela Cristina De Oliveira , Ribeiro Lucas de Assis , Felipe Rodrigo Lopes de , Silva Gustavo Alexandre De Oliveira , Silva Zenon , CARVALHO-BARROS Roseâmely Angélica De
Published: November 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a anatomia da artéria femoral em canídeos selvagens, como o cachorro do mato (Cerdocyon thous), a raposa do campo (Lycalopex vetulus) e o lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Foram utilizados dois espécimes de cada grupo canídeo. Solução de látex vermelha foi injetada no sistema arterial dos animais, que foram então fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10% e dissecados seguindo as técnicas rotineiras da anatomia macroscópica. Nos três grupos canídeos, o padrão arterial foi semelhante ao descrito para canídeos domésticos, em que a artéria femoral profunda origina da artéria ilíaca externa, ainda na cavidade abdominal, e envia seu primeiro ramo, a artéria femoral circunflexa lateral. Alguns ramos musculares, uma ou duas artérias femorais caudais e os ramos terminais - a artéria genicular descendente, a artéria safena e a artéria poplítea - são originários da artéria femoral. O padrão de origem desses vasos também mostra semelhanças com as de canídeos domésticos, às vezes formando troncos e ocasionalmente originando individualmente. Assim, pode-se concluir que o padrão anatômico da artéria femoral e seus ramos em canídeos selvagens mostra semelhanças com a dos canídeos domésticos, mas variações inerentes em cada espécie também estão presentes.
Histology of the gastrointestinal tract from Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus
Authors: Gogone Izabel Carolina Vargas Pinto , Carvalho Marcelo Pires Nogueira de , Grego Kathleen Fernandes , Sant'anna Sávio Stefanini , Hernandez-Blazquez Francisco Javier , Catão-Dias José Luiz
Published: November 2017

Na atualidade, a importância das serpentes extravasa a conotação em saúde pública (acidentes ofídicos), e pesquisas promissoras têm demonstrado a utilidade dos venenos das serpentes em diversas áreas como oncologia, diagnóstico, terapia anticoagulante e tratamento da dor. Ainda assim, existem lacunas no conhecimento básico sobre esses animais, tais como a caracterização histológica do seu sistema gastrointestinal, que se tornam obstáculos para estudos nos campos da histologia e patologia comparadas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho pretende contribuir com o avanço do conhecimento sobre histologia de serpentes a partir da descrição e análise histológica de amostras do trato gastrointestinal de exemplares das espécies Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus. Para tanto, foram coletadas amostras de 12 indivíduos com até seis meses de idade, seis por espécie (distribuídos igualmente entre machos e fêmeas). A partir dos órgãos colhidos, lâminas histológicas foram preparadas e coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina, bem como PAS com Alcian Blue. As lâminas foram fotografadas por câmera de alta resolução, resultando em um portfólio representativo da histologia do sistema gastrointestinal desses animais.