bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Pentaerythrotol and Its Derivatives as Intumescent Flame Retardants for Polypropylene
Authors: Huang Siwen , Xu Jiayou , Deng Haiming , Liu Jie , Xiao Yuanfang
Published: August 2018

Hydroquinol bis[di(2,6,7‐trioxa‐phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]‐octane‐1‐oxo‐4‐hydroxylmethyl)]phosphate (PBPP), which contains caged phosphates and benzene groups, was synthesized. The caged phosphate structure of PBPP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), and phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P‐NMR). The experimental results showed that PBPP had better performance than 1‐oxo‐4‐hydroxymethy1‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]‐octane (PEPA) and pentaerythritol (PER) in water resistance, compatibility with polypropylene (PP), thermal stability, and flame retardancy of intumescent flame retardant PP (IFR‐PP) systems. It was attributed to the symmetrical structure and stereohindrance effect of PBPP. The IFR‐PP systems reached UL94 V‐0 flammability rating when the minimal addition of IFR with PBPP, PEPA, or PER was 25%, 23%, and 28%, respectively. The flame retardant mechanisms of IFR containing PBPP, PEPA, and PER were investigated by FT‐IR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PBPP formed a perfect charring layer, with the high carbon content of PBPP helping it form the charring layer more quickly.
Circulating Heat Shock Protein 70 Is a Novel Biomarker for Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Tang Tielong , Yang Chao , Brown Ham Ebo , Huang Jing
Published: August 2018

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was a highly conserved protein which was significantly induced in response to cellular stresses. HSP70 played an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer which stabilized the production of large amount of oncogenic proteins and finally supported growth and survival of tumor. However, there was no report about the diagnosis of circulating HSP70 in lung cancer patients. In this study, a total of 297 participants (lung cancer: 197, healthy control: 100) were enrolled in the detection of circulating HSP70 level in plasma by ELISA assay. The results indicated that circulating HSP70 significantly decreased in lung cancer patients compared to healthy controls (P<0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that HSP70 (AUC: 82.2%, SN: 74.1%, SP: 80.0%) had higher diagnosis value than clinical existing biomarkers CEA (AUC: 80.1%, SN: 76.8%, SP: 67.3%) and CA 19-9 (AUC: 63.7%, SN: 64.2%, SP: 54.0%). In the analysis of early lung cancer patients, ROC results also revealed that HSP70 (AUC: 83.8%, SN: 71.2%, SP: 84.0%) have higher sensitivity, specificity, and AUC than CEA (AUC: 73.7%, SN: 73.2%, SP: 69.1%) and CA 19-9 (AUC: 61.5%, SN: 69.4%, SP: 53.4%). In analysis of specific histological classifications, HSP70 showed more valuable in the diagnosis of SCC (AUC: 85.9%, SN: 86.1.9%, SP: 81.0%) than ADC (AUC: 81.0%, SN: 69.1%, SP: 81.0%). Combined analysis of HSP70 and existing biomarker: CEA and CA 19-9 exhibited that HSP70 combined CEA and CA 19-9 showed the highest AUC (0.945, 95% CI, 0.855–1.000). The importance of our results was that we found decreased circulating HSP70, in combination with elevated CEA and CA 19-9, could be utilized in the diagnosis of early (stage I and II) lung cancer.
High-Sensitivity Troponin T and Soluble Form of AXL as Long-Term Prognostic Biomarkers after Heart Transplantation
Authors: Mirabet Sonia , García-Osuna Alvaro , Garcia de Frutos Pablo , Ferrero-Gregori Andreu , Brossa Vicens , Lopez Laura , Leta Ruben , Garcia-Picart Joan , Padro Josep M. , Sánchez-Quesada José Luis , Cinca Juan , Ordonez-Llanos Jordi , Roig Eulalia
Published: August 2018

Antecedents. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a frequent complication limiting the long-term (>1 year) survival after heart transplantation (HTx). CAV is initiated by endothelial dysfunction and can lead to severe cardiovascular (CV) complications. Since CAV is often clinically silent, biomarkers could help identifying HTx patients at risk of CAV and their severe complications. Aim. Evaluate the clinical yield of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), marker of cardiomyocyte damage, and the soluble form of AXL (sAXL), biomarker of endothelial dysfunction, to assess the prognosis of long-term cardiovascular (CV) events occurring after HTx. Methods. 96 patients were evaluated at least > 1 year after HTx. CAV was evaluated by coronary angiography or multisliced tomography, and hs-cTnT and sAXL measured 6 months before or after CAV evaluation. Patients were followed during 42 ± 15 months for a combined end point including cardiac death, angina or acute myocardial infarction, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, or heart failure not due to an acute rejection. Results. 51 patients (53%) presented CAV at evaluation; 21 of them had CV events. Hs-cTnT (56 ± 45 versus 20 ± 18 ng/L; p=0.04) and sAXL concentrations (98 ± 51 versus 26 ± 26 ng/L; p=0.01) were significantly higher in patients with CV events. Hs-cTnT (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.015–1.042, p=0.0001) and sAXL (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.001–1.019, p=0.02) were independent predictors of CV events. A hs-cTnT concentration < 21 ng/L, detected by AUC ROC, predicted the absence of CV events with a predictive value of 91%; sAXL did not add more predictive value to hs-cTnT. Survival free of CV events was 92% in patients with hs-cTnT < 21 ng/L and 57% in those with hs-cTnT > 21 ng/L (p<0.001). Conclusion. Hs-cTnT, but not sAXL, measured during the long-term follow-up of HTx patients appears as a helpful biomarker to identify patients at low risk of adverse CV outcomes.
A Descriptive Review of the Prevalence and Usage of Traditional and Complementary Medicine among Saudi Diabetic Patients
Authors: Alsanad Saud , Aboushanab Tamer , Khalil Mohammed , Alkhamees Osama A.
Published: August 2018

Diabetes mellitus represents a major burden in Saudi Arabia where seven million (20% of population) are living with diabetes. This article reviews the literature on usage of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) therapies among Saudi diabetic patients, focusing in particular on identifying the prevalence as well as discussing their safety and efficacy. Three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect) were searched prior to December 10, 2017, for articles published in peer-reviewed journals that reported primary data on the use of traditional and complementary medicine therapies among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. Six studies were selected according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. In conclusion, the prevalence of use of T&CM therapies among diabetics in Saudi Arabia was 32.18%. This review identified that the most used T&CM therapy among diabetics was herbal treatment. The most used herbs were fenugreek, black seeds, neem, myrrh, helteet, harmel, and aloes. There is insufficient or little evidence to support the efficacy of the most identified herbs and therapies. This review is raising the safety concerns about the used herbs and complementary therapies which were commonly used without any medical consultation.
Uranium Transport in F-Cl-Bearing Fluids and Hydrothermal Upgrading of U-Cu Ores in IOCG Deposits
Authors: Xing Yanlu , Mei Yuan , Etschmann Barbara , Liu Weihua , Brugger Joël
Published: August 2018

Uranium mineralization is commonly accompanied by enrichment of fluorite and other F-bearing minerals, leading to the hypothesis that fluoride may play a key role in the hydrothermal transport of U. In this paper, we review the thermodynamics of U(IV) and U(VI) complexing in chloride- and fluoride-bearing hydrothermal fluids and perform mineral solubility and reactive transport calculations to assess equilibrium controls on the association of F and U. Calculations of uraninite and U3O8(s) solubility in acidic F-rich (Cl : F = 100 [ppm-based]) hydrothermal fluids at 25–450°C, 600 bar, show that U(IV)-F complexes (reducing conditions) and uranyl-F complexes (oxidizing conditions) predominate at low temperature (T<~200°C), while above ~250°C, chloride complexes predominate in acidic solutions. In the case of uraninite, solubility is predicted to decrease dramatically as U(IV)Cl22+ becomes the predominant U species at T>260°C. In contrast, the solubility of U3O8(s) increases with increasing temperatures. We evaluated the potential of low-temperature fluids to upgrade U and F concentrations in magnetite-chalcopyrite ores. In our model, an oxidized (hematite-rich) granite is the primary source of F and has elevated U concentration. Hydrothermal fluids (15 wt.% NaCl equiv.) equilibrated with this granite at 200°C react with low-grade magnetite-chalcopyrite ores. The results show that extensive alteration by these oxidized fluids is an effective mechanism for forming ore-grade Cu-U mineralization, which is accompanied by the coenrichment of fluorite. Fluorite concentrations are continuously upgraded at the magnetite-hematite transformation boundary and in the hematite ores with increasing fluid : rock (F/R) ratio. Overall, the model indicates that the coenrichment of F and U in IOCG ores reflects mainly the source of the ore-forming fluids, rather than an active role of F in controlling the metal endowment of these deposits. Our calculations also show that the common geochemical features of hematite-dominated IOCG deposits can be related to a two-phase process, whereby a magnetite-hematite-rich orebody (formed via a number of processes/tectonic settings) is enriched in Cu ± U and F during a second stage (low temperature, oxidized) of hydrothermal circulation.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Associations in People with and without Epilepsy
Authors: Cheng Jocelyn Y.
Published: August 2018

Purpose. Positive airway pressure remains the gold-standard treatment for OSA, but many are intolerant. The neurotransmitter serotonin is involved in respiratory control. Evidence exists for SRIs in reducing OSA severity in the general population and ictal hypoxemia and seizure-induced respiratory arrest in people with epilepsy (PWE). However, the association between SRIs and OSA severity has not been studied in populations consisting of both groups. This study aims to determine if SRIs are associated with OSA severity in both PWE and people without epilepsy (PWO) and whether differences exist between the two groups. Methods. A retrospective study of adults with OSA was conducted. Subjects were categorized as PWE or PWO and for the use (+SRI) or absence (-SRI) of an SRI. The primary outcome was OSA severity relative to SRI status. OSA severity as a function of SRI status was also compared between PWE and PWO and within the PWE and PWO cohorts. Oxygen saturation nadir was a secondary outcome measure. Statistical adjustment of pertinent characteristics was performed. Results. There were 125 subjects (57 PWE, 68 PWO, 80 –SRI, and 45 +SRI). +SRI was associated with reduced odds of severe compared to moderate OSA, in unadjusted and adjusted analysis. Compared to PWO, PWE demonstrated a more robust association between OSA severity and +SRI. When analyzed as separate cohorts, only PWE demonstrated reduced OSA severity, with adjustment for age (OR:0.140, CI:0.021-1.116, and p=0.042). Oxygen saturation nadir was not significant in any model. Conclusions. SRIs represent a potential treatment option for OSA and may demonstrate a more robust association with reduced OSA severity in PWE compared to PWO.
Fault Diagnosis of Intershaft Bearings Using Fusion Information Exergy Distance Method
Authors: Tian Jing , Ai Yanting , Fei Chengwei , Zhao Ming , Zhang Fengling , Wang Zhi
Published: August 2018

For the fault diagnosis of intershaft bearings, the fusion information exergy distance method (FIEDM) is proposed by fusing four information exergies, such as singular spectrum exergy, power spectrum exergy, wavelet energy spectrum exergy, and wavelet space spectrum exergy, which are extracted from acoustic emission (AE) signals under multiple rotational speeds and multimeasuring points. The theory of FIEDM is investigated based on four information exergy distances under multirotational speeds. As for rolling bearings, four faults and one normal condition are simulated on a birotor test rig to collect the AE signals, in which the four faults are inner ring fault, outer ring fault, rolling element fault, and inner race‐rolling element coupling fault. The faults of the intershaft bearings are analyzed and diagnosed by using the FIEDM. From the investigation, it is demonstrated that the faults of the intershaft bearings are accurately diagnosed and identified, and the FIEDM is effective for the analysis and diagnosis of intershaft bearing faults. Furthermore, the fault diagnosis precision of intershaft bearings becomes higher with increasing rotational speed.
Disseminated Granulomatous Disease from Intravesical Instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
Authors: Ghafouri Sayed Ab. Reshad , Brun Alexander , Bhalla Rohit , Margulies Craig , Skole Kevin
Published: August 2018

Intravesical instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is one of the standard treatment options for superficial bladder cancer. While Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy is usually well tolerated with most patients experiencing only cystitis, in rare cases, it can lead to disseminated granulomatous disease. We present a case of a 72-year-old man with disseminated granulomatous disease from intravesical BCG instillation whose treatment was complicated by antimycobacterial drug toxicity.
Pharmacological Management of Diabetic Macular Edema in Real-Life Observational Studies
Authors: Kodjikian Laurent , Bellocq David , Mathis Thibaud
Published: August 2018

Objectives of the Study. Summary of observational studies concerning the pharmacological management of diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database on 1 February 2018 to identify studies evaluating the efficacy of anti-VEGF and dexamethasone (DEX) implants for DME. Studies with more than 10 patients and follow-up of more than 6 months were selected. Analyses were carried out on the overall population and on subgroups defined according to baseline visual acuity (BVA) and the patients’ naïve or non-naïve status. Results. Thirty-two studies evaluating the efficacy of anti-VEGF and 31 studies evaluating the efficacy of DEX-implants were retained, concerning 6,842 and 1,703 eyes, respectively. A mean gain of +4.7 letters for a mean of 5.8 injections (mean follow-up: 15.6 months) and +9.6 letters for a mean of 1.6 injections (10.3 months) was found in the anti-VEGF and DEX-implant studies, respectively. Final VA appears to be similar for both treatment (62 letters for anti-VEGF, 61.2 letters for DEX-implant), and BVA appears lower for DEX-implant, which may partially explain the greater visual gain. The DEX-implant studies show greater gains in VA compared to the anti-VEGF studies, especially for higher BVA. Indeed, mean gains for the subgroups of patients with BVA<50 letters, 50<BVA<60 letters, and BVA>60 letters are +4.3, +5.8, and +3.1 letters, respectively, in the anti-VEGF studies and +10.5, +9.3, and +8.8 letters, respectively, in the DEX-implant studies. Regarding the patient’s initial status, only naïve status appears to confer the best functional response in DEX-implant studies. Conclusion. Observational studies investigating DEX-implant report clinically similar final VA when compared to anti-VEGF, but superior visual gains in real-life practice. This latter difference could be due to the better BVA, but also to the fact that less injections were administered in the anti-VEGF observational studies than in the interventional studies.
MeHg Causes Ultrastructural Changes in Mitochondria and Autophagy in the Spinal Cord Cells of Chicken Embryo
Authors: Ferreira Fabiana F. , Nazari Evelise M. , Müller Yara M. R.
Published: August 2018

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a known neurodevelopmental toxicant, which causes changes in various structures of the central nervous system (CNS). However, ultrastructural studies of its effects on the developing CNS are still scarce. Here, we investigated the effect of MeHg on the ultrastructure of the cells in spinal cord layers. Chicken embryos at E3 were treatedin ovowith 0.1μg MeHg/50μL saline solution and analyzed at E10. Then, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to identify possible damage caused by MeHg to the structures and organelles of the spinal cord cells. After MeHg treatment, we observed, in the spinal cord mantle layer, a significant number of altered mitochondria with external membrane disruptions, crest disorganization, swelling in the mitochondrial matrix, and vacuole formation between the internal and external mitochondrial membranes. We also observed dilations in the Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum cisterns and the appearance of myelin-like cytoplasmic inclusions. We observed no difference in the total mitochondria number between the control and MeHg-treated groups. However, the MeHg-treated embryos showed an increased number of altered mitochondria and a decreased number of mitochondrial fusion profiles. Additionally, unusual mitochondrial shapes were found in MeHg-treated embryos as well as autophagic vacuoles similar to mitophagic profiles. In addition, we observed autophagic vacuoles with amorphous, homogeneous, and electron-dense contents, similar to the autophagy. Our results showed, for the first time, the neurotoxic effect of MeHg on the ultrastructure of the developing spinal cord. Using TEM we demonstrate that changes in the endomembrane system, mitochondrial damage, disturbance in mitochondrial dynamics, and increase in mitophagy were caused by MeHg exposure.
Implementing Medical Technological Equipment in the OR: Factors for Successful Implementations
Authors: Sewberath Misser Navin , van Zaane Bas , Jaspers Joris E. N. , Gooszen Hein , Versendaal Johan
Published: August 2018

Operating rooms (ORs) more and more evolve into high-tech environments with increasing pressure on finances, logistics, and a not be neglected impact on patient safety. Safe and cost-effective implementation of technological equipment in ORs is notoriously difficult to manage, specifically as generic implementation activities omit as hospitals have implemented local policies for implementations of technological equipment. The purpose of this study is to identify success factors for effective implementations of new technologies and technological equipment in ORs, based on a systematic literature review. We accessed ten databases and reviewed included articles. The search resulted in 1592 titles for review, and finally 37 articles were included in this review. We distinguish influencing factors and resulting factors based on the outcomes of this research. Six main categories of influencing factors on successful implementations of medical equipment in ORs were identified: “processes and activities,” “staff,” “communication,” “project management,” “technology,” and “training.” We identified a seventh category “performance” referring to resulting factors during implementations. We argue that aligning the identified influencing factors during implementation impacts the success, adaptation, and safe use of new technological equipment in the OR and thus the outcome of an implementation. The identified categories in literature are considered to be a baseline, to identify factors as elements of a generic holistic implementation model or protocol for new technological equipment in ORs.
A Case of Bing–Neel Syndrome Successfully Treated with Ibrutinib
Authors: O’Neil Daniel S. , Francescone Mark A. , Khan Karen , Bachir Alobeid , O’Connor Owen A. , Sawas Ahmed
Published: August 2018

Bing–Neel syndrome is a rare manifestation of Waldenström macroglobulinemia characterized by lymphoplasmacytic cells’ infiltration into the central nervous system. We present a case of a 74-year-old patient with a known diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia and newly depressed consciousness. Flow cytology of his cerebral spinal fluid demonstrated a lambda light chain-restricted population of B-cells consistent with a CD5+ CD10+ B-cell lymphoma. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested involvement of the left optic nerve sheath and the bilateral orbital and parietal parenchyma and leptomeninges. He was diagnosed with Bing–Neel syndrome and treated with intrathecal liposomal cytarabine, intravenous high-dose methotrexate, and rituximab without improvement. Subsequently, he started treatment with ibrutinib 560 mg daily and concurrent rituximab. Within three months, he showed clinical and radiologic improvement. The patient has continued on ibrutinib and has now been stable for over 36 months. This represents the longest reported period of successful treatment of Bing–Neel syndrome with ibrutinib.
Properties of Raw Saudi Arabian Grey Kaolin Studied by Pyrrole Adsorption and Catalytic Conversion of Methylbutynol
Authors: Alsawalha Murad , Ratemi Elaref
Published: August 2018

This current article demonstrates how X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) was employed to reveal the major constituents of a sample of natural grey Saudi kaolin. The XRF results showed that it contained 52.90 wt.% silica together with 14.84 wt.% alumina. Additionally, this paper presents a study on the effect of holding times (i.e., 6, 12, 18, and 24 h) using pyrrole adsorption and methylbutynol test reaction (MBOH) on the Saudi grey kaolin (raw material). Temperature-programmed desorption of pyrrole (pyrrole-TPD) results indicated that increases in thermal conductivity detector (TCD) signals are directly proportional to increases in the heat activation holding time. Notably, a raw Saudi grey kaolin sample heated at a holding time of twenty-four hours resulted in the most intense TCD signal. Further, the MBOH transformations produced 3-methyl-3-buten-1-yne (MBYNE), as the main product, indicating the dehydration of MBOH due to the acidic sites of Saudi grey kaolin. The basic catalysis route was operative at the beginning of the reaction as acetone was observed only during the initial thirty-five minutes of the reaction then later dispersed entirely. Its disappearance is attributed to the high silica content of the test sample.
Collaborative Penalized Least Squares for Background Correction of Multiple Raman Spectra
Authors: Chen Long , Wu Yingwen , Li Tianjun , Chen Zhuo
Published: August 2018

Although Raman spectroscopy has been widely used as a noninvasive analytical tool in various applications, backgrounds in Raman spectra impair its performance in quantitative analysis. Many algorithms have been proposed to separately correct the background spectrum by spectrum. However, in real applications, there are commonly multiple spectra collected from the close locations of a sample or from the same analyte with different concentrations. These spectra are strongly correlated and provide valuable information for more robust background correction. Herein, we propose two new strategies to remove background for a set of related spectra collaboratively. Based on weighted penalized least squares, the new approaches will use the fused weights from multiple spectra or the weights from the average spectrum to estimate the background of each spectrum in the set. Background correction results from both simulated and real experimental data demonstrate that the proposed collaborative approaches outperform traditional algorithms which process spectra individually.
Semiexact Solutions of the Razavy Potential
Authors: Dong Qian , Serrano F. A. , Sun Guo-Hua , Jing Jian , Dong Shi-Hai
Published: August 2018

In this work, we study the quantum system with the symmetric Razavy potential and show how to find its exact solutions. We find that the solutions are given by the confluent Heun functions. The eigenvalues have to be calculated numerically. The properties of the wave functions depending on m are illustrated graphically for a given potential parameter ξ. We find that the even and odd wave functions with definite parity are changed to odd and even wave functions when the potential parameter m increases. This arises from the fact that the parity, which is a defined symmetry for very small m, is completely violated for large m. We also notice that the energy levels ϵi decrease with the increasing potential parameter m.
Insecticide Resistance and Its Intensity in Populations of Malaria Vectors in Colombia
Authors: Orjuela Lorena I. , Morales Juliana A. , Ahumada Martha L. , Rios Juan F. , González John J. , Yañez Johana , Rosales Angelo , Cabarcas Diana M. , Venegas Juan , Yasnot Maria F. , Quiñones Martha L.
Published: August 2018

Insecticide resistance in malaria vectors threatens malaria prevention and control efforts. In Colombia the three primary vectors, Anopheles darlingi, An. nuneztovari s.l., and An. albimanus, have reported insecticide resistance to pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, and DDT; however, the insecticide resistance monitoring is not continuous, and the data on the prevalence of resistance is scarce and geographically limited. We describe the resistance levels and intensity of previously detected resistant populations among primary malaria vectors from the most endemic malaria areas in Colombia. The study was carried out in 10 localities of five states in Colombia. Bioassays were carried out following the methodology of CDC Bottle Bioassay using the discriminating concentration and in order to quantify the intensity the specimens were exposed to 2, 5, and 10X discriminating concentrations. Five insecticides were tested: deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, alpha-cypermethrin, permethrin, and DDT. The results provide evidence of low resistance intensity and resistance highly localized to pyrethroids and DDT in key malaria vectors in Colombia. This may not pose a threat to malaria control yet but frequent monitoring is needed to follow the evolution of insecticide resistance.
Prediction of Soil Moisture-Holding Capacity with Support Vector Machines in Dry Subhumid Tropics
Authors: Kaingo Jacob , Tumbo Siza D. , Kihupi Nganga I. , Mbilinyi Boniface P.
Published: August 2018

Soil moisture-holding capacity data are required in modelling agrohydrological functions of dry subhumid environments for sustainable crop yields. However, they are hardly sufficient and costly to measure. Mathematical models called pedotransfer functions (PTFs) that use soil physicochemical properties as inputs to estimate soil moisture-holding capacity are an attractive alternative but limited by specificity to pedoenvironments and regression methods. This study explored the support vector machines method in the development of PTFs (SVR-PTFs) for dry subhumid tropics. Comparison with the multiple linear regression method (MLR-PTFs) was done using a soil dataset containing 296 samples of measured moisture content and soil physicochemical properties. Developed SVR-PTFs have a tendency to underestimate moisture content with the root-mean-square error between 0.037 and 0.042 cm3·cm−3 and coefficients of determination (R2) between 56.2% and 67.9%. The SVR-PTFs were marginally better than MLR-PTFs and had better accuracy than published SVR-PTFs. It is held that the adoption of the linear kernel in the calibration process of SVR-PTFs influenced their performance.
Selected Metabolic Markers in Girls with Turner Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Błaszczyk E. , Lorek M. , Francuz T. , Gieburowska J. , Gawlik A.
Published: August 2018

Background. Turner syndrome (TS) predisposes an individual to obesity and related metabolic disorders. As the TS population is at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and malformations, research into laboratory markers of metabolic complications has been ongoing. Special significance has recently been attributed to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their inhibitors (TIMPs), and neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF and GDNF. Objective. To establish whether cardiometabolic risk in patients with TS is reflected in the concentrations of metalloproteinases and neurotrophic factors. Method. The concentrations of circulating MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, BDNF, GDNF, and VEGF were measured in 17 patients with TS. The control group was composed of 11 girls with nonpathologic short stature and normal karyotype. Results. There were no differences in chronological or bone age. No significant differences were observed in mean weight, although the Z-score BMI was higher in the study group. The mean baseline values of MMP-1 and BDNF were significantly lower in the control group than in the study group (p<0.001, p=0.001). Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between MMP-1 concentrations and Z-score BMI (r=0.36, p=0.047) and between BDNF and Z-score BMI (r=0.48, p=0.013). Conclusion. Our pilot study showed that MMP-1 may be a potential indicator of a higher risk of cardiometabolic complications in girls with TS. The elevated concentrations of BDNF in normal-weight girls with TS need to be studied further, taking into consideration the influence of estrogen-androgen imbalance.
Indomethacin Dosing and Constriction of the Ductus Arteriosus During Open Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele Repair
Authors: Howley Lisa W. , Chatterjee Debnath , Patel Sonali S. , Cuneo Bettina F. , Crombleholme Timothy M. , Behrendt Nicholas , Zaretsky Michael V. , Marwan Ahmed I. , Zuk Jeannie , Galan Henry L. , Wood Cristina
Published: August 2018

Introduction: The use of perioperative tocolytic agents in fetal surgery is imperative to prevent preterm labor. Indomethacin, a well-known tocolytic agent, can cause ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction. We sought to determine whether a relationship exists between preoperative indomethacin dosing and fetal DA constriction. Materials and Methods: This is an IRB-approved, single-center retrospective observational case series of 42 pregnant mothers who underwent open fetal myelomeningocele repair. Preoperatively, mothers received either 1 (QD) or 2 (BID) indomethacin doses. Maternal anesthetic drug exposures and fetal cardiac dysfunction measures were collected from surgical and anesthesia records and intraoperative fetal echocardiography. Pulsatility Index was used to calculate DA constriction severity. Comparative testing between groups was performed using t- and chi-square testing. Results: DA constriction was observed in all fetuses receiving BID indomethacin and in 71.4% of those receiving QD dosing (p = 0.0002). Severe DA constriction was observed only in the BID group (35.7%). QD indomethacin group received more intraoperative magnesium sulfate (p < 0.0001). Minimal fetal cardiac dysfunction (9.5%) and bradycardia (9.5%) were observed in all groups independent of indomethacin dosing. Conclusions: DA constriction was the most frequent and severe in the BID indomethacin group. QD indomethacin and greater magnesium sulfate dosing was associated with reduced DA constriction.
Low-Frequency rTMS and Intensive Occupational Therapy Improve Upper Limb Motor Function and Cortical Reorganization Assessed by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in a Subacute Stroke Patient
Authors: Urushidani Naoki , Kinoshita Shoji , Okamoto Takatsugu , Tamashiro Hiroaki , Abo Masahiro
Published: August 2018

There is still no agreement on the most suitable time and modality for application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to improve motor recovery in subacute stroke patients. The underlying mechanism of motor recovery following low-frequency rTMS is considered to be modulation of the interhemispheric asymmetry. On the other hand, the cortical balance of brain activity during the acute to chronic phase of stroke is reported to be unstable. Therefore, we conducted this study to clarify the time course of the interhemispheric asymmetry and the effect of application of low-frequency rTMS combined with occupational therapy on motor recovery and cortical imbalance of brain activity in a subacute stroke patient. The interhemispheric asymmetry in this patient with new-onset subcortical cerebral infarction and upper limb hemiparesis was evaluated longitudinally using functional near-infrared spectroscopy with finger tasks. A nonlesional hemisphere-dominant activation pattern was observed on day 28 after onset. On day 56 after onset, a bilaterally eminent activation pattern was observed. Low-frequency rTMS was applied on day 109 after stroke onset when the cortical activity shifted to the nonlesional hemisphere. The treatment resulted in improvement in motor function of the affected upper limb and a shift in brain activation to the lesional hemisphere. Our report is the first to describe the therapeutic benefits of low-frequency rTMS as assessed by longitudinal neuroimaging for functional recovery and interhemispheric asymmetry in a subacute stroke patient.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome following Ustekinumab Induction for Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Mishra Avantika , Seril Darren N.
Published: August 2018

Biological agents are frequently used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, and it is important to understand the potential adverse effects of these therapies. Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that interferes with interleukin-12 and -23 cytokine signaling and is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. We report 2 cases of neurological adverse events, one of which is consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), in the setting of ustekinumab therapy for Crohn’s disease. The first patient had a seizure and classic neuroimaging features of PRES following induction with ustekinumab. The second patient presented with acute encephalopathy and atypical imaging findings concerning for PRES after ustekinumab induction. Both patients recovered fully following cessation of ustekinumab therapy. PRES associated with ustekinumab is uncommon, but must be a consideration in Crohn’s disease patients receiving this therapy who present with focal neurological symptoms or change in mentation.
Two Cases of Long-Term Survival of Advanced Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Lung Metastases Treated with mFOLFOX6/XELOX + Bevacizumab
Authors: Ushida Yuta , Shinozaki Eiji , Chin Keisho , Suenaga Mitsukuni , Takahari Daisuke  , Ozaka Masato , Ogura Mariko , Ichimura Takashi , Wakatsuki Takeru , Yamaguchi Kensei
Published: August 2018

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) with lung metastases has an unfavorable prognosis. However, nowadays, even advanced CRC can have a favorable outcome in certain cases. A complete response (CR) is a rare event in advanced CRC with lung metastases. Herein, we report 2 rare cases of advanced CRC attaining a CR. Case Presentation: Case 1 was a 58-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection for cecum cancer with multiple metastases to the lungs in 2011. We performed treatment with mFOLFOX6 and bevacizumab chemotherapy in August 2011. After 11 courses, computed tomography (CT) revealed a CR to chemotherapy in February 2012. He has remained disease-free for 5 years and 3 months. Case 2 was a 70-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection for cecum cancer in August 2010. Recurrence of multiple metastases to both lungs was detected in November 2010. We started treatment with XELOX and bevacizumab chemotherapy in January 2011. In January 2011, CT after 14 courses revealed disappearance of the lung lesions, thereby indicating a CR. She has remained disease-free for 5 years and 4 months. Conclusion: We encountered 2 patients with CRC with lung metastases who were treated with chemotherapy leading to a CR. Cases resulting in such a desirable outcome are extremely rare.
Dipeptide (Methionyl-Methionine) Transport and Its Effect on β-Casein Synthesis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wang Caihong , Zhao Fengqi , Liu Jianxin , Liu Hongyun
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the transport properties and utilization of methionyl-methionine dipeptide (Met-Met) in β-casein (β-CN) synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). Methods: The transport properties were studied for the effects of time, pH, concentration, temperature and inhibitors using Met-Met-FITC in BMECs. BMECs were treated with different concentrations of Met-Met (0, 20, 40, 80, 120 and 160 µg/ml). In several experiments, the cells were treated with Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor (tyrphostin AG-490, 50 µM) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (rapamycin, 100 ng/ml). Results: The uptake of Met-Met-FITC by BMECs was rapid during the first fifteen minutes and became saturated after 15 minutes. The transport of Met-Met-FITC in BMECs exhibited a Michaelis constant of 52.4 µM and maximum transport velocity of 14.8 pmol/min/mg protein. The uptake of Met-Met-FITC in BMECs was pH-dependent, peaked at pH 6.5 and was significantly inhibited by other peptides, including Met-Lys, Lys-Lys, Gly-Met, Gly-Leu and Met-Leu. Knocking down the peptide transporter 2 (PepT2) with small interference RNA markedly decreased Met-Met-FITC uptake. Met-Met concentration-dependently increased the PepT2 expression and β-CN synthesis in BMECs with an optimal concentration of 80 µg/ml. At 80 µg/ml, Met-Met also enhanced the cell viability and cyclin D1 expression and promoted cell cycle transition from G1 phase to S phase. In addition, 80 µg/ml Met-Met increased the mRNA abundance of JAK2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and enhanced the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT5, mTOR, p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1. The inhibition of JAK2 and mTOR significantly decreased Met-Met-induced increase in cell viability and β-CN synthesis in BMECs. Conclusion: Our data elucidated the properties of peptide transporter and its effect on β-CN synthesis in BMECs. Met-Met, taken up by PepT2, enhances cell proliferation and promotes β-CN synthesis by activating JAK2-STAT5 and mTOR signaling pathways in BMECs.
Integrated Analysis Reveals That Long Non-Coding RNA TUBA4B Can Be Used as a Prognostic Biomarker in Various Cancers
Authors: Zhang Ting , Wu Dong-ming , Deng Shi-hua , Han Rong , Liu Teng , Li Jing , Xu Ying
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Recent studies have reported the importance of tubulin alpha 4b (TUBA4B), a long non-coding RNA, in the development of several cancers; however, studies on its clinical significance are rare. In the present meta-analysis, we investigated whether TUBA4B can be used as a prognostic biomarker in human cancers. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Hazard ratios from individual studies were calculated and pooled using a random-effects or fix-effects model. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the value of TUBA4B. The expression of TUBA4B was evaluated in lung cancer tissue arrays by fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis and Begg’s test were conducted. Results: We found that TUBA4B was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.16–1.52, P=0.000), disease-free survival (DFS; HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06–1.48, P=0.007), and recurrence-free survival (RFS; HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.26–1.60, P=0.000). In addition, TUBA4B was a risk factor for lung cancer (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.49, P=0.021), colon cancer (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.02–2.74, P=0.042), breast cancer (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10–2.12, P=0.012), and ovarian cancer (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.18–2.36, P=0.004). Moreover, LncRNA-TUBA4B was significantly lower expression in tumor tissues than normal lung tissues (P< 0.001). The expression of lncRNA-TUBA4B was decreased with the progression of lung cancer stage. A subgroup meta-analysis based on data resource, sample size, region, patient numbers, and tumor type was further performed. Our studies revealed that tumor tissues with low levels of TUBA4B was significantly associated with short OS, DFS, and RFS in cancer patients. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that TUBA4B can be a novel biomarker for the prognosis of various cancers.
Down-Regulation of MicroRNA-214 Contributed to the Enhanced Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A and Inhibited Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Kaiming , Ma Jun , Zhan Yanfeng , Liu Kuanzhi , Ye Ziyin , Chen Jianhui , Xu Kaiwu , Huang Hongli , He Yulong
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC), is one of the most common malignant tumors globally. Although significant advances have been made for developing novel therapeutics, the mechanisms of progression of colorectal cancer are still poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we identified down-regulation of microRNA-214 (miR-214) as the contributing factor for CRC. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and miR-214 expression in tumor samples from colorectal cancer patients and cancer cell lines were examined by reverse transcription and real-Time PCR (qPCR) or Western Blotting. Results: Our data demonstrated that miR-214 was significantly down-regulated in the tissue samples from CRC patients as well as CRC derived cell lines. TFAM overexpression was also observed in CRC patients and identified as a target for miR-214. Knockdown of TFAM by miR-214 mimics significantly inhibited the proliferation of CRC cell lines. Also, down-regulation of TFAM inhibited nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) nuclear translocation and the expression of NF-κB depended genes. Conclusion: In conclusion, our data suggested that down-regulation of MiR-214 contributed to the enhanced TFAM expression and decreased proliferation of CRC cells.
Notes for a novel or perhaps a play or score or guide or a creative reimagining/retelling of a re-performance in which two bodies navigate the pleasures and perils of human intimacy, both romantic and platonic. Or as it is commonly referred to by those who have survived it: “An Unyielding Commitment to Matters of that Steady Beat in the Chest”
Authors: Hill EJ
Published: August 2018

Notes for a novel or perhaps a play or score or guide or a creative reimagining/retelling of a re-performance in which two bodies navigate the pleasures and perils of human intimacy, both romantic and platonic. Or as it is commonly referred to by those who have survived it:
Encountering: The Conceptual Body, or a Theory of When, Where, and How Art “Means”
Authors: Jones Amelia
Published: August 2018

The most complex and productive works from the 1960s and ‘70s crossed over conceptual and embodied concerns in ways that began to transform the basic question of art’s value, meaning, significance, and role in society. Attending to the tensions among concept, body, event, and “art” that surface around 1960 in the Western world is thus the most effective way to understand how art becomes “event” in the sense of potentially shifting larger ways of thinking and being.
Carl Weber: 1925–2016
Authors: Syssoyeva Kathryn Mederos
Published: August 2018

Carl Weber, the award-winning director, Brecht collaborator, master teacher, scholar, and translator had a significant impact on American theatre, through his own theatre practice, his writing, and the many students he taught over five decades.
The Dance That Will Not Die: Refracting Imperial Whiteness through The Dying Swan
Authors: Carter Julian B.
Published: August 2018

Michel Fokine’s 1905 ballet The Dying Swan continues to be performed across cultures and genres. Each new Dying Swan registers a particular racial experience of imperial power and privilege and a specific gendered relation to whiteness as an occupying force. Together, these dances illustrate the performance of white fragility as part of the imperial tradition.
Unsettled Matters, Falling Flight: Decolonial Protest and the Becoming-Material of an Imperial Statue
Authors: Evans Joanna Ruth
Published: August 2018

A statue of 19th-century British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes sat at the heart of the University of Cape Town’s colonial façade until 9 April 2015, when it was removed after just one month of student protests known as the Rhodes Must Fall movement. The material alterations made to the body of the statue by protesting students unsettled the dominant epistemology of the university and public discourse by exceeding the bounds and logics of representational politics.
Performing Loitering: Feminist Protest in the Indian City
Authors: Lieder K. Frances
Published: August 2018

Why Loiter is a performative, feminist protest group based in Mumbai. Using strategies developed from the 2011 book of the same name, Why Loiter brings women together in public spaces to loiter as a way to normalize the sight of women taking pleasure in doing nothing. The group is part of a growing movement of young feminists using performative protests to reclaim public spaces for women.
Conceptual and Perceptual Dimensions of Word Meaning Are Recovered Rapidly and in Parallel during Reading
Authors: Borghesani Valentina , Buiatti Marco , Eger Evelyn , Piazza Manuela
Published: August 2018

A single word (the noun “ elephant”) encapsulates a complex multidimensional meaning, including both perceptual (“ big”, “ gray”, “ trumpeting”) and conceptual (“ mammal”, “ can be found in India”) features. Opposing theories make different predictions as to whether different features (also conceivable as dimensions of the semantic space) are stored in similar neural regions and recovered with similar temporal dynamics during word reading. In this magnetoencephalography study, we tracked the brain activity of healthy human participants while reading single words varying orthogonally across three semantic dimensions: two perceptual ones (i.e., the average implied real-world size and the average strength of association with a prototypical sound) and a conceptual one (i.e., the semantic category). The results indicate that perceptual and conceptual representations are supported by partially segregated neural networks: Whereas visual and auditory dimensions are encoded in the phase coherence of low-frequency oscillations of occipital and superior temporal regions, respectively, semantic features are encoded in the power of low-frequency oscillations of anterior temporal and inferior parietal areas. However, despite the differences, these representations appear to emerge at the same latency: around 200 msec after stimulus onset. Taken together, these findings suggest that perceptual and conceptual dimensions of the semantic space are recovered automatically, rapidly, and in parallel during word reading.
Imagining Sounds and Images: Decoding the Contribution of Unimodal and Transmodal Brain Regions to Semantic Retrieval in the Absence of Meaningful Input
Authors: Murphy Charlotte , Rueschemeyer Shirley-Ann , Smallwood Jonathan , Jefferies Elizabeth
Published: August 2018

In the absence of sensory information, we can generate meaningful images and sounds from representations in memory. However, it remains unclear which neural systems underpin this process and whether tasks requiring the top–down generation of different kinds of features recruit similar or different neural networks. We asked people to internally generate the visual and auditory features of objects, either in isolation (car, dog) or in specific and complex meaning-based contexts (car/dog race). Using an fMRI decoding approach, in conjunction with functional connectivity analysis, we examined the role of auditory/visual cortex and transmodal brain regions. Conceptual retrieval in the absence of external input recruited sensory and transmodal cortex. The response in transmodal regions—including anterior middle temporal gyrus—was of equal magnitude for visual and auditory features yet nevertheless captured modality information in the pattern of response across voxels. In contrast, sensory regions showed greater activation for modality-relevant features in imagination (even when external inputs did not differ). These data are consistent with the view that transmodal regions support internally generated experiences and that they play a role in integrating perceptual features encoded in memory.