bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status of Knowledge about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among the University Students in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Owaid Alsharari Abdulmajeed , Alduraywish Abdulrahaman , Ali Al-Zarea Ekremah , Ibrahim Salmon Naif , Ali Sheikh Md Sayed
Published: June 2018

Background. Sudden cardiac arrest is a major public health problem in the world. Immediate initiation of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) significantly increased patient survival rate. Therefore, it is very important to train young people and increase public awareness of CPR for the long-term benefit of the community. Objective. We aimed at estimating the level of knowledge and attitude towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among the university students in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology. A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted among the students of four northern region universities of Saudi Arabia (Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk) between March and November 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was prepared in both Arabic and English languages and distributed to all the participants. All the data were collected and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Results. A total of 947 students from four universities completed the questionnaire: Jouf (57%), Hail (15%), Northern Borders (13%), and Tabuk (15%). Although 72% of students have previous knowledge about CPR, 49% of them lack knowledge about a medical emergency. Moreover, 59% failed to answer regarding CPR where only 41% wrote the ABC steps in the correct sequence. However, 67% of the participants had very poor knowledge, 89% of participants desired to receive additional CPR training course, and 49% of the students thought that CPR training should be a mandatory graduation requirement for all universities. There were no significant differences between male and female students. Students from medicine-related colleges have significantly (p<0.001) more knowledge and scored better compared with non-medicine-related colleges. Tabuk University scored better compared to the others, but the overall knowledge and attitude scored were low. Conclusions. Overall knowledge about CPR among the university students was not satisfactory; however, attitude towards CRP training was very positive. Our results suggested that there is a need for improvement of CPR education among Saudi university students, which will help to reduce the cardiac arrest mortality rate among the community.
Significance of Methylation of FBP1 Gene in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dong Yao , Huaying Sheng , Danying Wan , Chihong Zhu , Ruibin Jiang , Xiaojiang Sun , Jianguo Feng
Published: June 2018

Because NSCLC has poor overall prognosis and is frequently diagnosed at later stage, we aimed to seek novel diagnosis biomarkers or therapy target of the disease in this study. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, which was usually lost in NSCLC due to abnormal methylation in promoter DNA sequence. The clinical data indicated that the methylation rate in FBP1 gene promoter was negatively related to the overall survival of the NSCLC patients. DNA methylation transferase inhibitor 5-aza treatment could significantly increase both expression levels of mRNA and protein in A549 cell line. On the other hand, silence of FBP1 in H460 cell line by using specific siRNA against FBP1 dramatically improved the cell proliferation and cell migration according to the date of FACS and transwell assays. All these findings implied the important roles of FBP1 expression in lung cancer development and progression and the potential use of the methylation status detected in FBP1 promoter region as a novel predictor for prognosis and therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.
A Case of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Encephalitis from a Medicolegal Point of View
Authors: Feola Alessandro , Mancuso Anna , Arcangeli Mauro
Published: June 2018

We present a case of herpes simplex virus-1 encephalitis (HSVE) and discuss the difficulty of early diagnosis and the possibility of a wrong or delayed diagnosis and treatment of this encephalitis. We show the importance of considering HSVE to pursue every case of suspicious medical liability.
An Approach to Interval‐Valued Hesitant Fuzzy Multiattribute Group Decision Making Based on the Generalized Shapley‐Choquet Integral
Authors: Zhang Lifei , Meng Fanyong
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to multiattribute group decision making under interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy environment. To do this, this paper defines some new operations on interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy elements, which eliminate the disadvantages of the existing operations. Considering the fact that elements in a set may be interdependent, two generalized interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy operators based on the generalized Shapley function and the Choquet integral are defined. Then, some models for calculating the optimal fuzzy measures on the expert set and the ordered position set are established. Because fuzzy measures are defined on the power set, it makes the problem exponentially complex. To simplify the complexity of solving a fuzzy measure, models for the optimal 2‐additive measures are constructed. Finally, an investment problem is offered to show the practicality and efficiency of the new method.
Reduction of Glucocorticoid Receptor Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Lynn Megan , Maclachlan Laura , Finkelmeyer Andreas , Clark James , Locke James , Todryk Stephen , Ng Wan-Fai , Newton Julia L. , Watson Stuart
Published: June 2018

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function may have aetiopathogenic significance in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), via its essential role in mediating inflammatory responses as well as in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. GR function can be estimated ex vivo by measuring dexamethasone (dex) modulation of cytokine response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), andin vivousing the impact of dex on cortisol levels. This study aimed to compare the GR function between CFS (n=48), primary Sjögren’s syndrome (a disease group control) (n=27), and sedentary healthy controls (HCs) (n=20), and to investigate its relationship with clinical measures. In the GR ex vivo response assay, whole blood was diluted and incubated with LPS (to stimulate cytokine production), with or without 10 or 100 nanomolar concentrations of dex. Cytometric bead array (CBA) and flow cytometry enabled quantification of cytokine levels (TNFα, interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-10) in the supernatants. In thein vivoresponse assay, five plasma samples were taken for determination of total cortisol concentration using ELISA at half-hourly intervals on two consecutive mornings separated by ingestion of 0.5 mg of dex at 11 pm. The association of the data from thein vivoand ex vivo analyses with reported childhood adversity was also examined. CFS patients had reduced LPS-induced IL-6 and TNFαproduction compared to both control groups and reduced suppression of TNFαby the higher dose of dex compared to HCs. Cortisol levels, before or after dex, did not differ between CFS and HCs. Cortisol levels were more variable in CFS than HCs. In the combined group (CFS plus HC), cortisol concentrations positively and ex vivo GR function (determined by dex-mediated suppression of IL-10) negatively correlated with childhood adversity score. The results do not support the hypothesis that GR dysregulation is aetiopathogenic in CFS and suggest that current and future endocrine cross-sectional studies in CFS may be vulnerable to the confounding influence of childhood trauma which is likely increased by comorbid depression.
Applying ADDIE Model to Ideate Precision Medicine in a Polytechnic Biomedical Science Programme
Authors: Woo Wee Hong
Published: June 2018

As a biomedical science programme at polytechnic aims to provide a sound foundation in the biological sciences, the onus is on the curriculum developer to see that the relevance and currency of the programme content are justifiably challenging and work-ready. In other words, the programme needs to prepare its students adequately well for the intended industry. Since the inception of Human Genome Project, the molecular paradigm has been evolving. A biomedical science student who is oblivious to the emerging trend in molecular techniques is very likely to be hearkened back to the yesteryears of technology and bewildered as precision medicine is becoming increasingly important. Using the ADDIE model as the instructional design model, this paper describes the roadmap for creating a molecular techniques module within a diploma programme that percolates with the concept of precision medicine.
GnRH Antagonist Improves Pubertal Cyclophosphamide-Induced Long-Term Testicular Injury in Adult Rats
Authors: Xie Rongrong , Chen Linqi , Wu Haiying , Chen Ting , Wang Fengyun , Chen Xiuli , Sun Hui , Li Xiaozhong
Published: June 2018

Background. Gonadal injury following chemotherapy is of increasing importance with the continuous improvement of survival rates. The protection of gonadotropin hormone antagonist (GnRHant) in long-term adult survivors of adolescent cancers and some autoimmune diseases has not yet been evaluated. Methods. The present study was aimed at longitudinally exploring whether the GnRHant could alleviate testicular damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA) in a rat model. Pubertal male rats were assigned to receive CPA with and without GnRHant. CPA was administrated at a single dose (100 mg/kg). GnRHant was started one hour prior to CPA injection and continued for four weeks (0.1 mg/kg, 3 times a week). Body and testes weights, testicular hormones, histological changes, and expression of androgen receptor (AR) in the testis were analyzed when rats matured into adulthood and completed a round of spermatogenesis. Results. Our results showed that body weight, histological injury, and AR expression in the testis were improved in the GnRHant + CPA group. However, testes weight and testicular hormones (anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and testosterone) did not markedly change. Conclusion. Our results indicate that the GnRHant administration before and after CPA in pubertal rats can protect long-term testicular injury induced by CPA via increased AR expression in the testes.
Video Retrieval System for Meniscal Surgery to Improve Health Care Services
Authors: Amanat Sana , Idrees Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Usman Ghani , Rehman Zahoor , Chang Hangbae , Mehmood Irfan , Baik Sung Wook
Published: June 2018

Meniscal surgery is considered the most general orthopedic process that deals with the treatment of meniscus tears for human health care. It leads to a communal contusion to the cartilage that stabilizes and cushions the knee joints of human beings. Such tears can be classified into different categories based on age group, region, and occupation. Further, a large number of sportsmen and heavy weightlifters even in developed countries are affected by meniscus injuries. These patients are subjected to arthroscopic surgery, and during surgical treatment, the perseverance of meniscus is a very crucial task. Current research provides a significant ratio of meniscal tear patients around the globe, the critical expanse is considered as having strikingly risen with a mean annual of 0.066% due to surgery failure. To decumbent this ratio, an innovative training mechanism is proposed through video retrieval system in this research. This research work is focussed on developing a corpus and video retrieval system for meniscus surgery. Using the proposed system, surgeons can access guidance by watching the videos of surgeries performed by an expert and their seniors. The proposed system is comprised of four approaches to the spatiotemporal methodology to improve health care services. It entails key point, statistical modeling, PCA-scale invariant feature transform (SIFT), and PCA-Gaussian mixture model (GMM) with a combination of sparse-optical flow. The real meniscal surgery dataset is used for testing purposes and evaluation. The results conclude that using PCA-SIFT approach improves the results with an average precision of 0.78.
Weight Mobility and Obesity in a Representative Sample of the US Adult Population
Authors: Isaman Deanna J. M. , Rothberg Amy E.
Published: June 2018

Background. Despite the attention given to the prevalence of obesity, surprisingly little is known about the incidence or reduction of obesity. We report the 1-year incidence and remission of obesity in a representative sample of the US population. Methods. Individuals from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) panel 17 were classified into standard obesity categories at enrollment and one year later. Incidence rates were calculated by age. Results. Although the overall prevalence of obesity remained nearly constant, remission rates from obesity (stratified by age) ranged from 11 to 27% while incidence rates ranged from 6 to 16%. For almost all age levels, the proportion of individuals leaving an obese or overweight state was greater than or equal to the proportion who progressed to a more severe level of overweight or obesity. Overall, 36% of adults lost at least 2.5 kg/m2 in the one-year period; only 8% gained 2.5 kg/m2 or more. Individuals less than 25 years of age had higher rates of leaving overweight (23% versus <16%) and obesity (27% versus 24%) classifications than people of other ages. Conclusions. Prevalence rates of obesity are well documented in the United States, but incidence is understudied. Public health efforts that target young people with overweight or obesity may yield the greatest benefit.
Traumatic Penetrating Neck Injury with Right Common Carotid Artery Dissection and Stenosis Effectively Managed with Stenting: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Richard Seidu A. , Zhang Chang Wei , Wu Cong , Ting Wang , Xiaodong Xie
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Penetrating neck injuries (PNI) are common and associated with arterial and other neuronal injuries. Although many authors have written on penetrating and blunt carotid artery injuries as a result of PNI or traumatic neck injuries, no one has reported a case or case series on PNI that resulted in blunt carotid dissection and stenosis.Case Presentation. We present a case of 40-year-old building and construction male worker who slipped and fell on an iron rod that resulted in penetrating wound on the right side of the anterior neck a week prior to presenting at our facility. He pulled out the iron rod immediately. Computer tomography angiography (CTA) done revealed C2-C4 transverse process fractures on the right side and a fracture at the right lamina of C3 and right common carotid artery dissection with stenosis. He was successfully treated with stenting via endovascular approach.Conclusions. We adopt the view that patient should never pull out objects that result in PNI because of complex neurovascular architecture of the neck. The mortality rate of our patient will have doubled if the iron rode penetrated the common carotid artery. The gold standard treatment option for carotid artery dissection and stenosis is endovascular approaches.
A Projection Neural Network for Circular Cone Programming
Authors: Zhang Yaling , Liu Hongwei
Published: June 2018

A projection neural network method for circular cone programming is proposed. In the KKT condition for the circular cone programming, the complementary slack equation is transformed into an equivalent projection equation. The energy function is constructed by the distance function and the dynamic differential equation is given by the descent direction of the energy function. Since the projection on the circular cone is simple and costs less computation time, the proposed neural network requires less state variables and leads to low complexity. We prove that the proposed neural network is stable in the sense of Lyapunov and globally convergent. The simulation experiments show our method is efficient and effective.
An Investigation into the High Prevalence of Hepatitis B in a Rural Area of Kerala State, India: Hypothesis on Chrysops sp. (Diptera: Tabanidae) Transmission
Authors: Kuriakose Mariamma , Ittyachen Abraham M.
Published: June 2018

Objective. Since 2005 there have been several reports of hepatitis B outbreak in the state of Kerala in southern India. Objective of this study was to analyze such outbreaks and to explore hypothesis pertaining the transmission mode. Methods. Retrospective observational study involving cases of acute hepatitis B acquired between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 and their family members residing in Mazhuvanoor village in Ernakulam district of Kerala State in southern India. Results. 59 houses were included in the survey. The number of patients diagnosed to have acute viral hepatitis B was 59. Majority (66.10%) were over 50 years old. There were no cases below the age of 15 years. All 59 patients claimed to have been bitten frequently by a fly which was identified as “deer fly” belonging to the genus Chrysops. Conclusion. Given the current understanding of mechanical transmission of pathogens in both humans and animals by insects belonging to the Tabanidae family which also includes Chrysops, it is plausible that the same mechanism may hold true for hepatitis B also. However this needs to be proven in further studies both at the laboratory level and at field studies.
On the Design Complexity of Cyberphysical Production Systems
Authors: Ribeiro Luis , Hochwallner Martin
Published: June 2018

Establishing mass‐customization practices, in a sustainable way, at a time of increased market uncertainty, is a pressing challenge for modern producing companies and one that traditional automation solutions cannot cope with. Industry 4.0 seeks to mitigate current practice’s limitations. It promotes a vision of a fully interconnected ecosystem of systems, machines, products, and many different stakeholders. In this environment, dynamically interconnected autonomous systems support humans in multifaceted decision‐making. Industrial Internet of Things and cyberphysical systems (CPSs) are just two of the emerging concepts that embody the design and behavioral principles of these highly complex technical systems. The research within multiagent systems in manufacturing, by embodying most of the defining principles of industrial CPSs (ICPSs), is often regarded as a precursor for many of today’s emerging ICPS architectures. However, the domain has been fuzzy in specifying clear‐cut design objectives and rules. Designs have been proposed with different positioning, creating confusion in concepts and supporting technologies. This paper contributes by providing clear definitions and interpretations of the main functional traits spread across the literature. A characterization of the defining functional requirements of ICPSs follows, in the form of a scale, rating systems according to the degree of implementation of the different functions.
Cybrid Models of Pathological Cell Processes in Different Diseases
Authors: Sazonova Margarita A. , Sinyov Vasily V. , Ryzhkova Anastasia I. , Galitsyna Elena V. , Melnichenko Alexandra A. , Postnov Anton Y. , Orekhov Alexander N. , Sobenin Igor A.
Published: June 2018

Modelling of pathological processes in cells is one of the most sought‐after technologies of the 21st century. Using models of such processes may help to study the pathogenetic mechanisms of various diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyse the literature, dedicated to obtaining and investigating cybrid models. Besides, the possibility of modeling pathological processes in cells and treatment of different diseases using the models was evaluated. Methods of obtaining Rho0 cell cultures showed that, during their creation, mainly a standard technique, based on the use of mtDNA replication inhibitors (ethidium bromide), was applied. Cybrid lines were usually obtained by PEG fusion. Most frequently, platelets acted as donors of mitochondria. According to the analysis of the literature data, cybrid cell cultures can be modeled to study the dysfunction of the mitochondrial genome and molecular cellular pathological processes. Such models can be very promising for the development of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of various human diseases.
Terminal Airspace Capacity Evaluation Model under Weather Condition from Perspective of a Controller
Authors: Liu Lu
Published: June 2018

A route network lays in the terminal airspace. The route network can be divided into multiple subnetworks according to sectors. When severe weather conditions occur, a controller takes measures to obtain safe operation of flights, such as navigation guidance or changing the availability of routes. In such circumstances, the route structure of a subnetwork is changed, and the controller’s attention paid to each route is also changed as well as the unit workload on it. As the subnetwork is handled by one controller, capacities of routes in it are associated. We find the way to determine the “related capacity” of a route in the conditions that whether topological structure of the terminal route network is changed or not. The capacity of the terminal route network calculated by network flow theory represents the capacity of terminal airspace. According to the analysis results, the weather factor reduces capacity of terminal airspace directly by reducing the capacities of routes blocked. Indirectly, it diverts controller’s attention to change capacities of other routes in the subnetwork.
Severe Weather Events over Southeastern Brazil during the 2016 Dry Season
Authors: Rehbein Amanda , Dutra Lívia Márcia Mosso , Ambrizzi Tercio , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Reboita Michelle Simões , da Silva Gyrlene Aparecida Mendes , Gozzo Luiz Felippe , Tomaziello Ana Carolina Nóbile , Campos José Leandro Pereira Silveira , Mayta Victor Raul Chavez , Crespo Natália Machado , Bueno Paola Gimenes , Aliaga Nestares Vannia Jaqueline , Machado Laís Tabosa , De Jesus Eduardo Marcos , Pampuch Luana Albertani , Custódio Maria de Souza , Carpenedo Camila Bertoletti
Published: June 2018

Southeastern Brazil is the most populated and economically developed region of this country. Its climate consists of two distinct seasons: the dry season, extending from April to September, the precipitation is significantly reduced in comparison to that of the wet season, which extends from October to March. However, during nine days of the 2016 dry season, successive convective systems were associated with atypical precipitation events, tornadoes and at least one microburst over the southern part of this region. These events led to flooding, damages to buildings, shortages of electricity and water in several places, many injuries, and two documented deaths. The present study investigates the synoptic and dynamical features related to these anomalous events. The convective systems were embedded in an unstable environment with intense low-level jet flow and strong wind shear and were supported by a sequence of extratropical cyclones occurring over the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. These features were intensified by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in its phase 8 and by intense negative values of the Pacific South America (PSA) 2 mode.
Transient Receptor Potential Canonical Channels 4 and 5 Mediate Escherichia coli‐Derived Thioredoxin Effects in Lipopolysaccharide‐Injected Mice
Authors: Pereira Domingos M. S. , Mendes Saulo J. F. , Alawi Khadija , Thakore Pratish , Aubdool Aisah , Sousa Nágila C. F. , da Silva João F. R. , Castro José A. , P. Pereira Ione C. , Silva Luís C. N. , Grisotto Marcos A. G. , Monteiro-Neto Valério , Costa Soraia K. P. , da Costa Robson , Calixto João B. , Brain Susan D. , Fernandes Elizabeth S.
Published: June 2018

Thioredoxin plays an essential role in bacterial antioxidant machinery and virulence; however, its regulatory actions in the host are less well understood. Reduced human Trx activates transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) in inflammation, but there is no evidence of whether these receptors mediate bacterial thioredoxin effects in the host. Importantly, TRPC5 can form functional complexes with other subunits such as TRPC4. Herein, E. coli‐derived thioredoxin induced mortality in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) injected mice, accompanied by reduction of leukocyte accumulation, regulation of cytokine release into the peritoneum, and impairment of peritoneal macrophage‐mediated phagocytosis. Dual TRPC4/TRPC5 blockade by ML204 increased mortality and hypothermia in thioredoxin‐treated LPS mice but preserved macrophage’s ability to phagocytose. TRPC5 deletion did not alter body temperature but promoted additional accumulation of peritoneal leukocytes and inflammatory mediator release in thioredoxin‐administered LPS mice. Thioredoxin diminished macrophage‐mediated phagocytosis in wild‐type but not TRPC5 knockout animals. TRPC5 ablation did not affect LPS‐induced responses. However, ML204 caused mortality associated with exacerbated hypothermia and decreased peritoneal leukocyte numbers and cytokines in LPS‐injected mice. These results suggest that bacterial thioredoxin effects under LPS stimuli are mediated by TRPC4 and TRPC5, shedding light on the additional mechanisms of bacterial virulence and on the pathophysiological roles of these receptors.
Direct Microscopy of Stool Samples for Determining the Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections among Primary School Children in Kaduwela MOH Area of Sri Lanka following Floods in 2016
Authors: Ubhayawardana Nushka , Gammana Liyanage Ishani , Herath H. M. J. C. B. , Amarasekera Uthpala , Dissanayake Tilanka , de Silva Sujan , Fernando Nayana , Ekanayake Sriyani
Published: June 2018

A descriptive cross-sectional school based study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of soil-transmitted intestinal helminths and the associated factors among school children in Kaduwela Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area in the Colombo district, which was affected by floods in 2016. The study was conducted in 9 selected schools in Kaduwela MOH area from September 2016 to March 2017. Permission was obtained from the relevant authorities. Grade 1 students were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed written consent from their parents/guardian. Interviewer based questionnaire was administered to gather demographic data and other relevant information. Stool samples were collected and examined by direct wet saline smear. Study population comprised 53.4% male students. None of stool samples were positive for soil-transmitted helminths but 17.4% of students complained of nocturnal itching and parents of 23% of them had seen worms passing out from their children’s anus at night. Fourteen stool samples were found to be positive for cyst of Entamoeba coli. Majority of parents (69%) stated that their children always wash their hands with soap and water before meals, whereas 26% stated that their children practice this sometimes. Majority of students (88%) washed their hands after going to the toilet. Almost all students (86%) used water sealed toilets and very few used pit latrines (14%). In this study, 67% of students had received anti-helminthic drugs after the floods. These findings suggest that zero prevalence of helminthic infections could be due to anti-helminthic prophylaxis and good health practices. Further studies should be done in this area with a large sample size to investigate the true prevalence of helminthic infections. Students and parents should be educated on Enterobius vermicularis infection. The source of water supply should be tested for fecal contamination.
An Equivalent Circuit Model for Lithium Battery of Electric Vehicle considering Self-Healing Characteristic
Authors: Pei Zhaodi , Zhao Xiaoxu , Yuan Huimei , Peng Zhen , Wu Lifeng
Published: June 2018

Considering the self-healing phenomenon of lithium batteries during intermittent discharge, a self-healing characteristic-based equivalent circuit model of lithium batteries is proposed. The mathematical description of the lithium battery in the self-healing process is obtained through the analysis of the equivalent circuit model. Based on experimental platform, an experiment considering self-healing characteristic was performed. Result shows that the self-healing characteristic-based lithium battery equivalent circuit model can describe the voltage of the lithium battery accurately during the self-healing process.
Effect of Polyvalence on the Antibacterial Activity of a Synthetic Peptide Derived from Bovine Lactoferricin against Healthcare-Associated Infectious Pathogens
Authors: Vega Chaparro Sandra C. , Valencia Salguero J. Tatiana , Martínez Baquero Diana A. , Rosas Pérez Jaiver E.
Published: June 2018

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gaining interest as potential therapeutic agents. Peptides derived from bovine lactoferricin B (LfcinB) have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity, and the LfcinB RRWQWR sequence is the smallest known motif that exhibits antibacterial and cytotoxic activity. Our goal was to examine the effect of multicopy arrangements of the RRWQWR motif, on its antibacterial activity against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Linear and branched peptides containing the RRWQWR motif were generated using solid phase peptide synthesis-Fmoc/tBu methodology, purified, and characterized using reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. For each peptide, the antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus(ATCC 25923 and 33591 strains) andKlebsiella pneumoniae(ATCC 13883 and 700603 strains) was assessed by measuring the minimum inhibitory and the minimum bactericidal concentrations, in the exponential phase. Cells were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the hemolytic activity of the peptides was assessed. The overall results demonstrate that, compared to linear analogues, polyvalent presentation of the RRWQWR motif enhances its antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria even on resistant strain.
Ordered Semigroups Based on ∈,∈∨qkδ-Fuzzy Ideals
Authors: Khan Faiz Muhammad , Yufeng Nie , Khan Hidayat Ullah , Khan Bakht Muhammad
Published: June 2018

A new trend of using fuzzy algebraic structures in various applied sciences is becoming a central focus due to the accuracy and nondecoding nature. The aim of the present paper is to develop a new type of fuzzy subsystem of an ordered semigroup S. This new type of fuzzy subsystem will overcome the difficulties faced in fuzzy ideal theory of an ordered semigroup up to some extent. More precisely, we introduce ∈,∈∨qkδ-fuzzy left (resp., right, quasi-) ideals of S. These concepts are elaborated through appropriate examples. Further, we are bridging ordinary ideals and ∈,∈∨qkδ-fuzzy ideals of an ordered semigroup S through level subset and characteristic function. Finally, we characterize regular ordered semigroups in terms of ∈,∈∨qkδ-fuzzy left (resp., right, quasi-) ideals.
Long-Lasting Alterations in Gene Expression of Postsynaptic Density 95 and Inotropic Glutamatergic Receptor Subunit in the Mesocorticolimbic System of Rat Offspring Born to Morphine-Addicted Mothers
Authors: Wu Pei-Ling , Yang Yung-Ning , Suen Jau-Ling , Yang Yu-Chen S. H. , Yang Chun-Hwa , Yang San-Nan
Published: June 2018

Prenatal exposure to morphine causes altered glutamatergic neurotransmission, which plays an important pathophysiological role for neurobiological basis of opiate-mediated behaviors in such offspring. However, it is still not clear whether such alteration involves gene expression of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits. In this study, we further studied whether prenatal morphine exposure resulted in long-term changes in the gene expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and postsynaptic density 95 in the mesocorticolimbic area (an essential integration circuitry for drug craving behavior), nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and prefrontal cortex (PFC), of rat offspring from morphine-addicted mothers. Experimental results showed that prenatal morphine exposure led to a persistent downregulation of gene expression in the AMPA and NMDA receptor subunit, with a differential manner of decreased magnitudes, at the age of postnatal days 14 (P14) and P30. However, in PFC, the gene expression of the AMPA receptor subunit was not synchronized in observed rat offspring subjected to prenatal morphine exposure. An upregulation of gene expression in the AMPA receptor subunit 3 (GluR3) was persistently observed at P14 and P30. Furthermore, the gene expressions of PSD-95 in NAc, VTA, and PFC were all decreased concurrently. Collectively, the results suggest that prenatal exposure to morphine may initiate molecular mechanisms leading to a long-lasting, differential alteration in gene expression of the inotropic glutamate receptor subunit and PSD-95 in the mesocorticolimbic circuitry in rat offspring. This study raises a possibility in which differential changes in gene expression with a long-lasting manner may play a role for the development of nearly permanent changes in opiate-mediated behaviors, at least in part for the neurobiological pathogenesis in offspring.
Expert-Performed Endotracheal Intubation-Related Complications in Trauma Patients: Incidence, Possible Risk Factors, and Outcomes in the Prehospital Setting and Emergency Department
Authors: Ono Yuko , Kakamu Takeyasu , Kikuchi Hiroaki , Mori Yusuke , Watanabe Yui , Shinohara Kazuaki
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to determine complication rates and possible risk factors of expert-performed endotracheal intubation (ETI) in patients with trauma, in both the prehospital setting and the emergency department. We also investigated how the occurrence of ETI-related complications affected the survival of trauma patients. This single-center retrospective observational study included all injured patients who underwent anesthesiologist-performed ETI from 2007 to 2017. ETI-related complications were defined as hypoxemia, unrecognized esophageal intubation, regurgitation, cardiac arrest, ETI failure rescued by emergency surgical airway, dental trauma, cuff leak, and mainstem bronchus intubation. Of the 537 patients included, 23.5% experienced at least one complication. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that low Glasgow Coma Scale Score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.98), elevated heart rate (AOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02), and three or more ETI attempts (AOR, 15.71; 95% CI, 3.37–73.2) were independent predictors of ETI-related complications. We also found that ETI-related complications decreased the likelihood of survival of trauma patients (AOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.95), independently of age, male sex, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale Score, and off-hours presentation. Our results suggest that airway management in trauma patients carries a very high risk; this finding has implications for the practice of airway management in injured patients.
Effects of Cyclic Tensile Strain on Oxidative Stress and the Function of Schwann Cells
Authors: Li Shuang , Sun Xiaolei , Ma Xinlong
Published: June 2018

Schwann cells (SCs) are significant due to the way in which they sustain and myelinate axons within the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This study has investigated the effect of cyclic tensile strain (CTS) on the oxidative stress and function of SCs derived from the sciatic nerves of an infant rat population. A group of 20 6-day-old Wistar rats was selected, and SCs were separated from the sciatic nerve. The SCs then underwent a 6-hour period of cyclical straining, and ElectroForce 3200 in combination with the BioDynamic chamber was employed to apply 0% and 5% strains at a 0.25 Hz frequency. The results showed that the control group suffered higher oxidative stress than that in 5% strains group (P<0.05). The results RT-PCR analysis indicated a correlation between 5% CTS and a reduction in Netrin-1 expression (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant upregulation in NGF, GDNF, and Slit-2 gene expression (P<0.05). Finally, the results showed that CTS stimulate SCs by increasing the expression of nerve-oriented factors, and these importantly caused the decrease of oxidative stress, reconstruction of cell skeleton, the promotion of axonal regrowth, and the augmentation of nerves.
Genetic Analysis with Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA of the Multiple Enterocin-Producing Enterococcus lactis 4CP3 Strain and Its Efficient Role in the Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in Raw Beef Meat
Authors: Ben Braïek Olfa , Smaoui Slim , Ennouri Karim , Hani Khaled , Ghrairi Taoufik
Published: June 2018

In this manuscript, a multiple enterocin-producing Enterococcus lactis strain named 4CP3 was used to control the proliferation of Listeria monocytogenes in refrigerated raw beef meat model. Also, the intraspecific genetic differentiation of 4CP3 strain was assessed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) analysis. E. lactis 4CP3 strain was found to produce the enterocins A, B, and P. It displayed activity against L. monocytogenes EGDe 107776 by agar-well diffusion method. The application of E. lactis 4CP3 culture at 107 CFU/g in raw beef meat was evaluated using both ANOVA and ANCOVA linear models in order to examine its effect on the growth of the pathogen L. monocytogenes during refrigerated storage. Hence, a very interesting result in decreasing (P<0.05) and suppressing the growth of L. monocytogenes in refrigerated raw beef meat was shown during 28 days of storage. In conclusion, E. lactis 4CP3 strain might be useful for prevention of the proliferation and survival of L. monocytogenes in raw meat during refrigerated storage.
Indocyanine-Green Fluorescence-GUIDED Liver Resection of Metastasis from Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invading the Biliary Tree
Authors: Benedicenti Sara , Molfino Sarah , Alfano Marie Sophie , Molteni Beatrice , Porsio Paola , Portolani Nazario , Baiocchi Gian Luca
Published: June 2018

Background. The concept of fluorescence-guided navigation surgery based on indocyanine green (ICG) is a developing interest in many fields of surgical oncology. The technique seems to be promising also during hepatic resection. Case Presentation. We reported our experience of ICG-fluorescence-guided liver resection of metastasis located at VIII Couinaud’s segment from colon squamous cell carcinoma of a 74-year-old male patient. Results. After laparotomy, the fluorescing tumour has been clearly identified on the liver surface. We have also identified that a large area of fluorescent parenchyma that gets from the peripheral of the lesion up to the portal pedicle such as the neoplasia would interest the right biliary tree in the form of neoplastic lymphangitis. This datum was not preoperatively known. Conclusion. Fluorescent imaging navigation liver resection could be a feasible and safe technique helpful in identifying additional characteristics of lesion. It could be a powerful tool but further studies are required.
Inter-Laboratory Validation of Method to Determine Residual Enrofloxacin in Chicken Meat
Authors: Chung Joo Hee , Cho Kun , Kim Seongnyeon , Jeon So Hyeon , Shin Jeoung Hwa , Lee Jueun , Ahn Yun Gyong
Published: June 2018

An inter-laboratory study was performed to evaluate the performance of a method developed for the quantification of enrofloxacin in chicken meat. Liquid-liquid extraction combined with a clean-up procedure based on solid-phase extraction followed by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method was used by three individual laboratories. All the investigated results of calibration curves and limits of quantification were within the acceptable range for regulatory testing of enrofloxacin. The three laboratories received blind a certified reference material to analyze in triplicate and assess using statistical analysis. From the results, no statistical differences were found between the laboratories in the precision of the method. Additionally, all the results of the z-score, which is an indication of fixed interval bias criteria for accuracy from the laboratories, fell within the allowable limits (±2σ). Based on this proficiency testing by inter-laboratory comparisons, the analytical method including the sample preparation step was proven to be applicable.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: A New Player of Pathogenesis and Therapy in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Yi Tao , Wang Jinxia , Zhu Kaixi , Tang Yaoliang , Huang Shian , Shui Xiaorong , Ding Yuanlin , Chen Can , Lei Wei
Published: June 2018

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a DNA binding protein that acts as a nuclear receptor mediating xenobiotic metabolism and environmental responses. Owing to the evolutionary conservation of this gene and its widespread expression in the immune and circulatory systems, AhR has for many years been almost exclusively studied by the pharmacological/toxicological field for its role in contaminant toxicity. More recently, the functions of AhR in environmental adaption have been examined in the context of the occurrence, development, and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that AhR is involved in maintaining homeostasis or in triggering pathogenesis by modulating the biological responses of critical cell types in the cardiovascular system. Here, we describe the structure, distribution, and ligands of AhR and the AhR signaling pathway and review the impact of AhR on cardiovascular physiology. We also discuss the potential contribution of AhR as a new potential factor in the targeted treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Intentional Undercorrection by Implantation of Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens With A Central Hole (Hole ICL) For Early Presbyopia
Authors: Takahashi Masahide , Kamiya Kazutaka , Shoji Nobuyuki , Kato Sayaka , Igarashi Akihito , Shimizu Kimiya
Published: June 2018

Purpose. To assess visual performance at near to far distances in early presbyopic patients with undercorrection by implantation of an ICL with a central hole (hole ICL). Methods. This prospective study evaluated forty-two eyes of 21 early presbyopic patients (age, 40 to 53 years) with spherical equivalents of -7.37 ± 3.18 D [mean ± standard deviation] who underwent hole ICL implantation and whose targeted refraction was set at slight myopia (-0.61 ± 0.28 D) for both eyes. We assessed the safety, efficacy at near to far distances, predictability, and adverse events of the surgery, during the 6-month observation period. Results. Corrected distance visual acuity did not improve significantly, from -0.17 ± 0.07 preoperatively to -0.19 ± 0.08 logMAR postoperatively (p=0.066, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Uncorrected distance visual acuity was significantly improved from 1.30 ± 0.24 preoperatively to -0.03 ± 0.20 logMAR postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean binocular visual acuity was 0.02 logMAR or better at all distances (5.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.0, 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 m). All eyes were within ± 0.5 D of the targeted correction. Neither cataract formation, significant intraocular pressure rise, nor other vision-threatening complications occurred in any case during the 6-month observation period. Conclusions. Our pilot study showed that intentional undercorrection by hole ICL implantation for early presbyopia was safe with predictable refractive results and provided good binocular vision at near to far distances, without developing cataract, suggesting its viability as a surgical presbyopic treatment for such patients.
Test-Retest Reliability of Homeostatic Plasticity in the Human Primary Motor Cortex
Authors: Thapa Tribikram , Schabrun Siobhan M.
Published: June 2018

Homeostatic plasticity regulates synaptic activity by preventing uncontrolled increases (long-term potentiation) or decreases (long-term depression) in synaptic efficacy. Homeostatic plasticity can be induced and assessed in the human primary motor cortex (M1) using noninvasive brain stimulation. However, the reliability of this methodology has not been investigated. Here, we examined the test-retest reliability of homeostatic plasticity induced and assessed in M1 using noninvasive brain stimulation in ten, right-handed, healthy volunteers on days 0, 2, 7, and 14. Homeostatic plasticity was induced in the left M1 using two blocks of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied for 7 min and 5 min, separated by a 3 min interval. To assess homeostatic plasticity, 15 motor-evoked potentials to single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded at baseline, between the two blocks of anodal tDCS, and at 0 min, 10 min, and 20 min follow-up. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Moderate-to-good test-retest reliability was observed for the M1 homeostatic plasticity response at all follow-up time points (0 min, 10 min, and 20 min, ICC range: 0.43–0.67) at intervals up to 2 weeks. The greatest reliability was observed when the homeostatic response was assessed at 10 min follow-up (ICC>0.61). These data suggest that M1 homeostatic plasticity can be reliably induced and assessed in healthy individuals using two blocks of anodal tDCS at intervals of 48 hours, 7 days, and 2 weeks.
Explicit Solution of Elastostatic Boundary Value Problems for the Elastic Circle with Voids
Authors: Tsagareli Ivane
Published: June 2018

We solve the static two-dimensional boundary value problems for an elastic porous circle with voids. Special representations of a general solution of a system of differential equations are constructed via elementary functions which make it possible to reduce the initial system of equations to equations of simple structure and facilitate the solution of the initial problems. Solutions are written explicitly in the form of absolutely and uniformly converging series. The question pertaining to the uniqueness of regular solutions of the considered problems is investigated.
Function of Connexins in the Interaction between Glial and Vascular Cells in the Central Nervous System and Related Neurological Diseases
Authors: Zhao Yinan , Xin Yanguo , He Zhiyi , Hu Wenyu
Published: June 2018

Neuronal signaling together with synapse activity in the central nervous system requires a precisely regulated microenvironment. Recently, the blood-brain barrier is considered as a “neuro-glia-vascular unit,” a structural and functional compound composed of capillary endothelial cells, glial cells, pericytes, and neurons, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of the microenvironment in and out of the brain. Tight junctions and adherens junctions, which function as barriers of the blood-brain barrier, are two well-known kinds in the endothelial cell junctions. In this review, we focus on the less-concerned contribution of gap junction proteins, connexins in blood-brain barrier integrity under physio-/pathology conditions. In the neuro-glia-vascular unit, connexins are expressed in the capillary endothelial cells and prominent in astrocyte endfeet around and associated with maturation and function of the blood-brain barrier through a unique signaling pathway and an interaction with tight junction proteins. Connexin hemichannels and connexin gap junction channels contribute to the physiological or pathological progress of the blood-brain barrier; in addition, the interaction with other cell-cell-adhesive proteins is also associated with the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier. Lastly, we explore the connexins and connexin channels involved in the blood-brain barrier in neurological diseases and any programme for drug discovery or delivery to target or avoid the blood-brain barrier.