bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
eSkin: Study on the Smartphone Application for Early Detection of Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Jaworek-Korjakowska Joanna , Kleczek Pawel
Published: March 2018

Background. Malignant melanoma is among the fastest increasing malignancies in many countries. With the help of new tools, such as teledermoscopy referrals between primary healthcare and dermatology clinics, the diagnosis of these patients could be made more efficient. The introduction of a high‐quality smartphone with a built‐in digital camera may make the early detection more convenient. This study presents novel directions for early detection of malignant melanoma based on a smartphone application. Objectives and Methods. In this study, we concentrate on a precise description of a complex infrastructure of a fully automated computer‐aided diagnostic system for early detection of malignant melanoma. The framework has been customized for a dermoscope that is customized to attach to the smartphone to be able to carry out mobile teledermoscopy. The application requirements, architecture, and computational methods as well as behavioral and dynamic aspects have been presented in this paper. Conclusion. This paper presents a broad application architecture, which can be easily customized for rapid deployment of a sophisticated health application. Mobile teledermoscopy is a new horizon that might become in the future the basis of the early detection of pigmented skin lesions as a screening tool for primary care doctors and inexperienced dermatologists.
Artemisia Extract Suppresses NLRP3 and AIM2 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibition of ASC Phosphorylation
Authors: Kwak Su-Bin , Koppula Sushruta , In Eun-Jung , Sun Xiao , Kim Young-Kyu , Kim Myong-Ki , Lee Kwang-Ho , Kang Tae-Bong
Published: March 2018

Artemisia princeps var. orientalis (Asteraceae, A. princeps) is a well-known traditional medicinal herb used for treating various inflammatory disorders in Korea, Japan, China, and other Asian countries. In the present study, we investigated the effects of A. princeps extract (APO) on interleukin- (IL-) 1β regulation and inflammasome activation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and monosodium urate- (MSU-) induced peritonitis mouse model in vivo. The APO treatment to BMDMs primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) attenuated the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation induced by danger signals, such as ATP, nigericin, silica crystals, and poly (dA:dT), respectively. Mechanistic study revealed that APO suppressed the ASC oligomerization and speck formation, which are required for inflammasome activation. APO treatment also reduced the ASC phosphorylation induced by the combination of LPS and a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. In vivo evaluation revealed that intraperitoneal administration of APO reduced IL-1β levels, significantly (p<0.05) and dose dependently, in the MSU-induced peritonitis mouse model. In conclusion, our study is the first to report that the extract of A. princeps inhibits inflammasome activation through the modulation of ASC phosphorylation. Therefore, APO might be developed as therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammasome-mediated inflammatory disorders, such as gouty arthritis.
Human Umbilical Cord MSC-Derived Exosomes Suppress the Development of CCl4-Induced Liver Injury through Antioxidant Effect
Authors: Jiang Wenqian , Tan Youwen , Cai Mengjie , Zhao Ting , Mao Fei , Zhang Xu , Xu Wenrong , Yan Zhixin , Qian Hui , Yan Yongmin
Published: March 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been increasingly applied into clinical therapy. Exosomes are small (30–100 nm in diameter) membrane vesicles released by different cell types and possess the similar functions with their derived cells. Human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Ex) play important roles in liver repair. However, the effects and mechanisms of hucMSC-Ex on liver injury development remain elusive. Mouse models of acute and chronic liver injury and liver tumor were induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection, followed by administration of hucMSC-Ex via the tail vein. Alleviation of liver injury by hucMSC-Ex was determined. We further explored the production of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the development of liver injury and compared the antioxidant effects of hucMSC-Ex with frequently used hepatic protectant, bifendate (DDB) in liver injury. hucMSC-Ex alleviated CCl4-induced acute liver injury and liver fibrosis and restrained the growth of liver tumors. Decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis were found in hucMSC-Ex-treated mouse models and liver cells. Compared to bifendate (DDB) treatment, hucMSC-Ex presented more distinct antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. hucMSC-Ex may suppress CCl4-induced liver injury development via antioxidant potentials and could be a more effective antioxidant than DDB in CCl4-induced liver tumor development.
Thermodynamics of Ricci-Gauss-Bonnet Dark Energy
Authors: Iqbal Ayesha , Jawad Abdul
Published: March 2018

We investigate the validity of generalized second law of thermodynamics of a physical system comprising newly proposed dark energy model called Ricci-Gauss-Bonnet and cold dark matter enveloped by apparent horizon and event horizon in flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) universe. For this purpose, Bekenstein entropy, Renyi entropy, logarithmic entropy, and power law entropic corrections are used. It is found that this law exhibits the validity on both apparent and event horizons except for the case of logarithmic entropic correction at apparent horizon. Also, we check the thermodynamical equilibrium condition for all cases of entropy and found its vitality in all cases of entropy.
Axial Spondyloarthritis and Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in Two Siblings: A Rare Cooccurrence
Authors: Yurdakul Ozan Volkan , Tamer Abdulkerim Furkan , Küçükakkaş Okan , Rezvani Aylin
Published: March 2018

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most frequently occurring hereditary kidney disease, and axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) is one of the most frequently occurring rheumatic diseases. Treatment-related decisions for axial SpA may pose a challenge in case of renal involvement. The authors describe two siblings with cooccurrence of these two diseases. The association of these two diseases is not well known. Practitioners should monitor renal function in SpA patients and take treatment-related decisions regarding renal involvement. Antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents may be used in case nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cannot be utilized.
Resolution of Right Hemidiaphragm Paralysis following Cervical Foraminotomies
Authors: Singleton Neal , Bowman Matthew , Bartle David
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Hemidiaphragm paralysis secondary to phrenic nerve palsy is a well-recognised medical condition. There are few case reports in the literature documenting resolution of hemidiaphragm paralysis following cervical spine surgery. This case report documents our experience with one such case. Case Presentation. A 64-year-old man was referred to the orthopaedic service with right hemidiaphragm paralysis. He had a previous history of asbestos exposure and polio and was initially seen and investigated by the respiratory physicians. He also reported intermittent neck pain and an MRI scan showed right-sided cervical foraminal stenosis. He underwent posterior right C3/4 and C4/5 foraminotomies, and by three months postoperatively, his hemidiaphragm paralysis had resolved and his shortness of breath had also improved. Conclusion. This report documents a unique case of resolution of hemidiaphragm paralysis following posterior unilateral cervical foraminotomies.
Combination Immunotherapy Approaches for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Authors: Cheng Xianliang , Zhao Gang , Zhao Yunqi
Published: March 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal malignant disease with a very low medium survival. Currently, metastatic pancreatic cancer poorly responds to conventional treatments and exhibits an acute resistance to most chemotherapy. Few approaches have been shown to be effective for metastatic pancreatic cancer treatment. Novel therapeutic approaches to treat patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma are in great demand. Last decades, immunotherapies have been evaluated in clinical trials and received great success in many types of cancers. However, it has very limited success in treating pancreatic cancer. As pancreatic cancer poorly responds to many single immunotherapeutic agents, combination immunotherapy was introduced to improve efficacy. The combination therapies hold great promise for enhancing immune responses to achieve better therapeutic effects. This review summarizes the existing and potential combination immunotherapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Remaining Physiological Barriers in Porcine Kidney Xenotransplantation: Potential Pathways behind Proteinuria as well as Factors Related to Growth Discrepancies following Pig-to-Kidney Xenotransplantation
Authors: Shah Jigesh A. , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Tanabe Tatsu , Watanabe Hironosuke , Johnson Richard J. , Yamada Kazuhiko
Published: March 2018

Considerable shortages in the supply of available organs continue to plague the field of solid organ transplantation. Despite changes in allocation, as well as the utilization of extended criteria and living donors, the number of patients waiting for organs continues to grow at an alarming pace. Xenotransplantation, cross-species solid organ transplantation, offers one potential solution to this dilemma. Previous extensive research dedicated to this field has allowed for resolution of xenograft failure due to acute rejection, leaving new areas of unresolved challenges as barriers to success in large animal models. Specific to kidney xenotransplantation, recent data seems to indicate that graft compromise can occur due to discrepancies in growth between breeds of donors and significant proteinuria leading to nephrotic syndrome in the recipient. Given these potential limitations, herein, we review potential pathways behind proteinuria, as well as potential causative factors related to growth discrepancies. Control of both of these has the potential to allow xenotransplantation to become clinically applicable in an effort to resolve this organ shortage crisis.
Microstructure and Hardness of Cold Work Vanadis 6 Steel after Subzero Treatment at −140°C
Authors: Ďurica Juraj , Ptačinová Jana , Hudáková Mária , Kusý Martin , Jurči Peter
Published: March 2018

The microstructure, phase constitution, and hardness of Cr‐V ledeburitic tool steel Vanadis 6 subjected to subzero treatment at −140°C and for different soaking times have been investigated. The light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction have been used for microstructural investigations. The hardness has been evaluated by the Vickers method. The obtained results assist to draw that subzero treatment reduces the retained austenite amount and increases the population density of carbides, compared to conventional heat treatment. The extent of decrease in the retained austenite amount makes around 85%, and the increase in population density of small globular carbides was approximately fivefold. High compressive stresses were identified in the retained austenite, and their values follow the increase in carbide count. This makes a serious support to the theory explaining the formation of “extra” carbides as a by‐product of more complete martensitic transformation. As a result of the mentioned microstructural changes, the material hardness increased from 875 ± 16 HV 10 up to 954.6 ± 14 HV 10 for conventionally quenched and SZT steels, respectively.
The Quantum Effect on Friedmann Equation in FRW Universe
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kuang Xiao-Mei
Published: March 2018

We study the modified Friedmann equation in the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe with quantum effect. Our modified results mainly stem from the new entropy-area relation and the novel idea of Padmanabhan, who considers the cosmic space to be emerging as the cosmic time progresses, so that the expansion rate of the universe is determined by the difference of degrees of freedom between the holographic surface and the bulk inside. We also discuss the possibility of having bounce cosmological solution from the modified Friedmann equation in spatially flat geometry.
Low‐Level Laser Therapy Reduces Lung Inflammation in an Experimental Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Involving P2X7 Receptor
Authors: da Cunha Moraes Gabriel , Vitoretti Luana Beatriz , de Brito Auriléia Aparecida , Alves Cintia Estefano , de Oliveira Nicole Cristine Rigonato , dos Santos Dias Alana , Matos Yves Silva Teles , Oliveira-Junior Manoel Carneiro , Oliveira Luis Vicente Franco , da Palma Renata Kelly , Candeo Larissa Carbonera , Lino-dos-Santos-Franco Adriana , Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestine , Gimenes Júnior João Antonio , Aimbire Flavio , Vieira Rodolfo Paula , Ligeiro-de-Oliveira Ana Paula
Published: March 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by irreversible airflow limitation, airway inflammation and remodeling, and enlargement of alveolar spaces. COPD is in the top five leading causes of deaths worldwide and presents a high economic cost. However, there are some preventive measures to lower the risk of developing COPD. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is a new effective therapy, with very low cost and no side effects. So, our objective was to investigate if LLLT reduces pulmonary alterations in an experimental model of COPD. C57BL/6 mice were submitted to cigarette smoke for 75 days (2x/day). After 60 days to smoke exposure, the treated group was submitted to LLLT (diode laser, 660 nm, 30 mW, and 3 J/cm2) for 15 days and euthanized for morphologic and functional analysis of the lungs. Our results showed that LLLT significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells and the proinflammatory cytokine secretion such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We also observed that LLLT decreased collagen deposition as well as the expression of purinergic P2X7 receptor. On the other hand, LLLT increased the IL‐10 release. Thus, LLLT can be pointed as a promising therapeutic approach for lung inflammatory diseases as COPD.
Adaptive Gain Control Method of a Phase-Locked Loop for GNSS Carrier Signal Tracking
Authors: Luo Zhibin , Ding Jicheng , Zhao Lin
Published: March 2018

The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) has been widely used in both military and civil fields. This study focuses on enhancing the carrier tracking ability of the phase-locked loop (PLL) in GNSS receivers for high-dynamic application. The PLL is a very popular and practical approach for tracking the GNSS carrier signal which propagates in the form of electromagnetic wave. However, a PLL with constant coefficient would be suboptimal. Adaptive loop noise bandwidth techniques proposed by previous researches can improve PLL tracking behavior to some extent. This paper presents a novel PLL with an adaptive loop gain control filter (AGCF-PLL) that can provide an alternative. The mathematical model based on second- and third-order PLL was derived. The error characteristics of the AGCF-PLL were also derived and analyzed under different signal conditions, which mainly refers to the different combinations of carrier phase dynamic and signal strength. Based on error characteristic curves, the optimal loop gain control method has been achieved to minimize tracking error. Finally, the completely adaptive loop gain control algorithm was designed. Comparable test results and analysis using the new method, conventional PLL, FLL-assisted PLL, and FAB-LL demonstrate that the AGCF-PLL has stronger adaptability to high target movement dynamic.
On the Use of Interval Extensions to Estimate the Largest Lyapunov Exponent from Chaotic Data
Authors: Nepomuceno Erivelton G. , Martins Samir A. M. , Lacerda Márcio J. , Mendes Eduardo M. A. M.
Published: March 2018

A method to estimate the (positive) largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) from data using interval extensions is proposed. The method differs from the ones available in the literature in its simplicity since it is only based on three rather simple steps. Firstly, a polynomial NARMAX is used to identify a model from the data under investigation. Secondly, interval extensions, which can be easily extracted from the identified model, are used to calculate the lower bound error. Finally, a simple linear fit to the logarithm of lower bound error is obtained and then the LLE is retrieved from it as the third step. To illustrate the proposed method, the LLE is calculated for the following well-known benchmarks: sine map, Rössler Equations, and Mackey-Glass Equations from identified models given in the literature and also from two identified NARMAX models: a chaotic jerk circuit and the tent map. In the latter, a Gaussian noise has been added to show the robustness of the proposed method.
Controlled Release of Ursodeoxycholic Acid from Pullulan Acetate Nanoparticles to Modulate Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity in PC-12 Cells
Authors: Yu Kwang Sik , Oh Jun Young , Kim Min Cheol , Kang Seong Hee , Lee Nam Seob , Han Seung-Yun , Ryu Ki Hyun , Jeong Young Gil , Kim Do Kyung
Published: March 2018

The neuroprotective effects of the ursodeoxycholic acid- (UDCA-) loaded pullulan acetate (PA) (UDCA-PA) nanospheres stabilized by poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were identified by in vitro study. The UDCA-PA nanospheres were constructed by nanoemulsion process. The UDCA-PA nanospheres were analyzed using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Then, the UDCA-PA nanospheres were used to treat PC-12 neuronal cells, which were formerly triggered by glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. As a result, the cells treated with the UDCA-PA nanospheres showed higher survival rate against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Furthermore, the UDCA-PA nanospheres decreased immunoreactivity of Annexin V, a membrane marker for apoptotic cells, in PC-12 with glutamate-induced injury. Particularly, the UDCA-PA nanospheres decreased the level of apoptosis-related proteins such as caspase-3. Taken together, the UDCA-PA nanospheres increased neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neuronal damage via inhibition of apoptosis at low concentration.
Ecological and Bioengineering Studies for Stabilizing the Wad Medani‐Sennar Roadside Slope Linking the Gezira and Sennar States
Authors: Mohammed Altaeb , Wennian Xu , Zhenyao Xia
Published: March 2018

The erosion of the highway embankment slope′s soil along the Wad Medani‐Sennar road is a significant issue, as there are many traffic accidents on this road, with an average of 15 to 25 fatalities per annum. It was thus decided to investigate this issue to find a method to protect slope from erosion on this road and to provide new approaches to slope erosion knowledge gap in Sudan. An engineering survey was carried out, followed by geotechnical studies, experimental work and interviews with academic experts regarding native vegetation in the survey area. These include measuring the eroded parts of the road; studying cross‐ sections of the road; soil experiments to check the strength, compaction and particle size distribution; and a native vegetation survey to check for suitable plants that could be used to control the slope erosion. It was found that an appropriate bio‐engineering method to stabilize the slope soil against erosion due to rainfall was to cultivate the grasses Cynodon Dactylon and Vetiver on the slopes. In conclusion, that using native vegetation for eco ‐protection, was an excellent solution to the problem based on the climate, native vegetation, and type of soil in Sudan and it reduces the accidents.
Association between Growth Hormone-Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Axis Gene Polymorphisms and Short Stature in Chinese Children
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Zhang Mei , Chu Yuntian , Ji Baolan , Shao Qian , Ban Bo
Published: March 2018

Objective. This study was designed to analyze the association between the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH-IGF-1) axis gene polymorphisms and short stature in Chinese children. Methods. 181 growth hormone deficiency (GHD) patients and 206 normal stature controls were enrolled to attend this study. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the GH receptor (GHR) and 5 SNPs within the GH-signaling pathway were genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. We conducted an association study between these SNPs and the risk of developing short stature. Linkage disequilibrium analysis was performed using Haploview software and the associations of the SNPs frequencies with short stature were analyzed using X2 tests. Results. No significant difference was found in gender, weight, height, and BMI between the GHD and control groups, except that the age of GHD group was older than the control one. Allele and genotype frequencies were consistent with those expected from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Compared with the controls, heterozygous genotype frequencies (CT) of rs12515480 and rs6873545 of GHR gene were significantly lower. Genotype frequencies of the other 8 SNPs did not show significant difference between these two groups. Considering a dominant model, an OR < 1 was observed for genotypes rs12515480 (OR = 0.532, P=0.019) and rs6873545 (OR = 0.587, P=0.017). Conclusions. The heterozygous genotypes of rs12515480 and rs6873545 of GHR gene were associated with decreased risk of GHD in Chinese children.
A Recurrent Cervical Neurenteric Cyst Treated Anteriorly: Safe, Gross-Total Excision Facilitated by Prophylactic Unilateral Vertebral Artery Exposure, Microdissection, and Spinal Cord Monitoring—A Case Report and Technical Note
Authors: Kida Kazunobu , Tani Toshikazu , Kawazoe Tateo , Hiroi Makoto
Published: March 2018

This study reports on a 67-year-old woman with partial Brown-Séquard syndrome due to a recurrent cervical neurenteric cyst at C3 to C4. The myelopathic symptoms reappeared 22 years after a previous shunting operation performed posteriorly with a silicone tube connecting the intradural cervical cyst cavity to the subarachnoid space. We have now succeeded in removing the cyst nearly completely with the anterior approach. The surgical procedure consisted of right vertebral artery exposure at C3 and C4 and a subtotal corpectomy of C3 followed by microdissection of the cyst, duraplasty, and iliac strut graft fusion. Spinal cord monitoring with motor-evoked potential studies helped us safely dissect the cyst wall tightly adhering to the spinal cord. Duraplasty with Gore-Tex patch-grafting in conjunction with postoperative lumbar subarachnoid drainage worked well in preventing a spinal fluid fistula. At two years after surgery, the patient showed a nearly complete return of function without any recurrence of the cyst.
Evolutionary Games in the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Information System: A Multiagent Simulation Approach
Authors: Su Xin , Duan Shengsen , Guo Shubing , Liu Haolong
Published: March 2018

This paper aims at identifying the key factors to maintain the quality and safety of agricultural products in the agricultural product quality and safety information system (APQSIS). Based on the theoretical framework of information entropy and complexity, this paper uses the dynamic evolutionary game model and the multiagent modeling and simulation to discuss the APQSIS agents’ equilibrium strategies and the effects of their interactive behaviors on the APQSIS evolutionary stability with asymmetric information. The results show that the governmental supervision and intermediary organizations are significant to assuring agricultural product quality and safety (APQS) as well as the effective transmission of APQS information in stable environments with low complexity.
Construction and Evaluation of the Tumor-Targeting, Cell-Penetrating Multifunctional Molecular Probe iCREKA
Authors: Wang Li-juan , Li Hong-sheng , Wang Quan-shi , Wu Hu-bing , Han Yan-jiang , Zhou Wen-lan , Wang Meng , Huang Shun
Published: March 2018

A novel tumor stroma targeting and membrane-penetrating cyclic peptide, named iCREKA, was designed and labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and positron emitter 18F to build the tumor-targeting tracers. The FITC-iCREKA was proved to have significantly higher cellular uptake in the glioma U87 cells in the presence of activated MMP-2 than that in absence of activated MMP-2 by cells fluorescence test in vitro. The tumor tissue fluorescence microscope imaging demonstrated that FITC-iCREKA accumulated in the walls of the blood vessels and the surrounding stroma in the glioma tumor at 1 h after intravenous injection. While at 3 h after injection, FITC-iCREKA was found to be uptaken in the tumor cells. However, the control FITC-CREKA can only be found in the tumor stroma, not in the tumor cells, no matter at 1 h or 3 h after injection. The whole-animal fluorescence imaging showed that the glioma tumor could be visualized clearly with high fluorescence signal. The microPET/CT imaging further demonstrated that 18F-iCREKA could target U87MG tumor in vivo from 30 min to 2 h after injection. The present study indicated the iCREKA had the capacity of tumor stroma targeting and the membrane-penetrating. It was potential to be developed as the fluorescent and PET tracers for tumor imaging.
Prevalence of Selected Eye Diseases Using Data Harvested from Ophthalmic Checkup Examination of a Cohort of Two Thousand Middle Eastern and North African Subjects
Authors: Samy El Gendy Nehal M. , Abdel-Kader Ahmed A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To highlight the prevalence of selected ophthalmic diseases accidentally discovered at first-time screening of a large sample of patients from the Middle East and North Africa visiting a large referral university hospital checkup unit based in Cairo. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study of two thousand and thirteen subjects coming for routine ophthalmic medical checkups from different Middle East countries (mainly Egypt, Sudan, and Yemen). Patients were evaluated for prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, cataract, and amblyopia. Patients’ demographic data and medical history were collected. Complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Investigations were done when needed to confirm suspected conditions. Results. The study included 1149 males and 864 females. 652 Sudanese patients, 568 Yemeni patients, 713 Egyptian patients, and 63 patients from different Gulf and North African countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, and Jordan. Sudanese patients showed a higher percentage of glaucoma (13.3%) and ocular hypertension (8.3%). Yemeni patients showed the highest prevalence of amblyopia (6.7%), diabetic retinopathy (8.6%), and cataract (4.2%). The group of relatively higher economic classification seemed to show fewer prevalences of these ophthalmic conditions. Yemeni patients tended to have a high percentage of persistent myelinated nerve fibers. Conclusion. Different ophthalmic conditions were discovered for the first time at the general checkup clinic. Certain conditions were more common than others in certain countries. The lack of regular checkups and the unavailability of medical services due to low to moderate socioeconomic status as well as political turbulence may account for the delay in initial diagnosis of many treatable conditions.
Icatibant for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema in Intubated Patients: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Yeung Erin K. , Saikumar Haritha , Castaneda-Nerio Jose , Adams Sandra G. , Wong Mark
Published: March 2018

Purpose. A case series of icatibant use in intubated patients with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor- (ACEI-) induced angioedema is presented along with a relevant literature review and recommendations for utilization. Summary. Three intubated patients admitted to the intensive care unit for ACEI-induced angioedema were treated with icatibant. A literature search identified one controlled study and four case reports describing the use of icatibant in intubated ACEI-induced angioedema patients. Conclusion. Icatibant administration in intubated patients may be beneficial in decreasing time to extubation and length of intensive care unit stay. In the three cases described, icatibant administration did not appear to elicit a response in intubated patients, which has been described in previous case reports. For clinicians considering icatibant in the treatment of ACEI-induced angioedema, earlier administration upon arrival to the ED or immediately upon arriving to the intensive care unit is strongly advised. The suggested benefit of icatibant in intubated ACEI-induced angioedema patients should be verified by randomized clinical trials and cost-benefit analyses should be performed at individual institutions.
Black Seed Thymoquinone Improved Insulin Secretion, Hepatic Glycogen Storage, and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Abdelrazek Heba M. A. , Kilany Omnia E. , Muhammad Muhammad A. A. , Tag Hend M. , Abdelazim Aaser M.
Published: March 2018

Diabetes mellitus is one of the metabolic diseases having several complications. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) might have beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetic complications. Thirty‐two mature male Wistar rats were equally divided into four experimental groups: control, control NSO 2 mL/kg, streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced diabetic, and diabetic (STZ‐induced) treated with oral NSO 2 mg/kg for 30 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, and lipid profile levels were determined. Pancreatic and hepatic tissues were used for catalase and GSH. Histopathology, hepatic glycogen contents, insulin immunohistochemistry, and pancreatic islet morphometry were performed. NSO 2 mL/kg was noticed to decrease (P < 0.05) FBG and increase (P < 0.05) insulin levels in diabetic rats than in diabetic nontreated animals. Lipid profile showed significant (P < 0.5) improvement in diabetic rats that received NSO 2 mL/kg than in the diabetic group. Both pancreatic and hepatic catalase and GSH activities revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increment in the diabetic group treated with NSO than in the diabetic animals. NSO improved the histopathological picture and hepatic glycogen contents of the diabetic group as well as increased (P < 0.05) insulin immunoreactive parts % and mean pancreatic islet diameter. NSO exerts ameliorative and therapeutic effects on the STZ‐induced diabetic male Wistar rats.
Calorimetric Study of Helix aspersa Maxima Hemocyanin Isoforms
Authors: Todinova Svetla , Raynova Yuliana , Idakieva Krassimira
Published: March 2018

The thermal unfolding of hemocyanin isoforms, β-HaH and αD+N-HaH, isolated from the hemolymph of garden snails Helix aspersa maxima, was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). One transition, with an apparent transition temperature (Tm) at 79.88°C, was detected in the thermogram of β-HaH in 20 mM HEPES buffer, containing 0.1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, and 5 mM MgCl2, pH 7.0, at scan rate of 1.0°C min−1. By means of successive annealing procedure, two individual transitions were identified in the thermogram of αD+N-HaH. Denaturation of both hemocyanins was found to be an irreversible process. The scan-rate dependence of the calorimetric profiles indicated that the thermal unfolding of investigated hemocyanins was kinetically controlled. The thermal denaturation of the isoforms β-HaH and αD+N-HaH was described by the two-state irreversible model, and parameters of the Arrhenius equation were calculated.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy as Augmentation for Sertraline in Treating Patients with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness
Authors: Yu Yi-Chuan , Xue Hui , Zhang Ying-xin , Zhou Jiying
Published: March 2018

Background. Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common vestibular disorder. This study was conducted to assess whether the addition of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) could significantly improve the efficacy and acceptability of sertraline in treating PPPD. Methods. PPPD patients were recruited and randomly assigned to control and experiment groups. Patients in both groups received sertraline 50–200 mg/day, and only patients in the experiment group received CBT (twice a week, one hour per time). The treatment was continued for eight weeks. At baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 8, the 25-item Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were used to assess the self-perceived handicapping effects caused by PPPD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively. The dose of sertraline used and the adverse events in both groups were recorded and analyzed. Results. In total, 91 PPPD patients were randomly assigned to the control group n=45 and experiment group n=46. After eight weeks of treatment, the average DHI scores, HDRS scores, and HARS scores were significantly decreased in both groups. But compared to the control group, the experiment group had significantly lower average DHI score, HDRS score, and HARS score at weeks 4 and 8. Moreover, the dose of sertraline used in the experiment group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and adverse events occurred more frequently in the control group than in the experiment group (48.9% versus 26.1%, p=0.025). Conclusion. These results demonstrated that the addition of CBT could significantly improve the efficacy and acceptability of sertraline in treating PPPD and reduce the dose of sertraline used.
The Change of Left Ventricular Function in Rats with Subclinical Hypothyroid and the Effects of Thyroxine Replacement
Authors: Chen Xuedi , Gao Cuixia , Gong Ningning , Wang Yu , Tian Limin
Published: March 2018

Objective. The main purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between serca2a, Ryr2, adipokines, and the left ventricular function in the subclinical hypothyroidism with different TSH levels and to determine the impact of L-T4 treatment on these indexes. Methods. Sixty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group; sHT A, B, and C group; and sHT + T4 group. The sHT rats were induced by methimazole (MMI), and the sHT + T4 rats were administered with L-T4 treatment after 8 weeks of MMI administration. Serum TT4, TSH, APN, chemerin, and TNF-α were detected by radioimmunoassay kits and ELISA kits; left ventricular function was measured by PowerLab system via subclavian artery catheter. The expression of Serca2a, Ryr2, APN, chemerin, and TNF-α were detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Results. The sHT groups had significantly higher TSH, chemerin, and TNF-α and lower Serca2a, Ryr2, and APN. The left ventricular pressure and heart rate in sHT groups were significantly lower in control and sHT + T4 group. Histopathological examination revealed the pathological changes in the sHT rats’ heart. L-T4 administration reduced TSH level and improved left ventricular function. Conclusions. TSH can impair left ventricular function by regulating several factors, and L-T4 treatment ameliorates it in sHT rats.
Diagnosis and Thrombolytic Management of Massive Intraoperative Pulmonary Embolism Guided by Point of Care Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Dudaryk Roman , Benitez Lopez Julio , Louro Jack
Published: March 2018

Perioperative pulmonary embolism can go undetected until the sudden onset of cardiopulmonary collapse. Point of care echocardiography in such setting can narrow the differential diagnosis of precipitous instability and facilitate tailored, rather than empiric, therapy in the event of a massive pulmonary embolism. We describe the diagnosis and successful multidisciplinary management of intraoperative massive pulmonary embolism aided by both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Key aspects regarding the classification and treatment of pulmonary embolism are subsequently reviewed.
Improved Hybrid Fireworks Algorithm‐Based Parameter Optimization in High‐Order Sliding Mode Control of Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Yin Xiaomeng , Wei Xing , Liu Lei , Wang Yongji
Published: March 2018

With respect to the nonlinear hypersonic vehicle (HV) dynamics, achieving a satisfactory tracking control performance under uncertainties is always a challenge. The high‐order sliding mode control (HOSMC) method with strong robustness has been applied to HVs. However, there are few methods for determining suitable HOSMC parameters for an efficacious control of HV, given that the uncertainties are randomly distributed. In this study, we introduce a hybrid fireworks algorithm‐ (FWA‐) based parameter optimization into HV control design to satisfy the design requirements with high probability. First, the complex relation between design parameters and the cost function that evaluates the likelihood of system instability and violation of design requirements is modeled via stochastic robustness analysis. Subsequently, we propose an efficient hybrid FWA to solve the complex optimization problem concerning the uncertainties. The efficiency of the proposed hybrid FWA‐based optimization method is demonstrated in the search of the optimal HV controller, in which the proposed method exhibits a better performance when compared with other algorithms.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Liver Cell Failure: A New Direction and Option
Authors: Cao Yantian , Zhang Bangjie , Lin Rong , Wang Qingzhi , Wang Jie , Shen Fangfang
Published: March 2018

Background and Aims. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT) became available with liver failure (LF), while the advantages of MSCs remain controversial. We aimed to assess clinical advantages of MSCT in patients with LF. Methods. Clinical researches reporting MSCT in LF patients were searched and included. Results. Nine articles (n=476) related with LF patients were enrolled. After MSCT, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) baseline decreased largely at half a month (P<0.05); total bilirubin (TBIL) baseline declined to a certain stable level of 78.57 μmol/L at 2 and 3 months (P<0.05). Notably, the decreased value (D value) of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (MELD) of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) group was higher than that of chronic liver failure (CLF) group (14.93 ± 1.24 versus 4.6 ± 5.66, P<0.05). Moreover, MELD baseline of ≥20 group was a higher D value of MELD than MELD baseline of <20 group with a significant statistical difference after MSCT (P=0.003). Conclusion. The early assessment of the efficacy of MSCT could be based on variations of ALT at half a month and TBIL at 2 and 3 months. And it had beneficial effects for patients with LF, especially in ACLF based on the D value of MELD.
A Seizure and Hemiplegia following Contrast Exposure: Understanding Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy
Authors: Donepudi Bhargavi , Trottier Steven
Published: March 2018

Contrast-induced encephalopathy is a rare, reversible phenomenon known to occur after intravenous or intra-arterial contrast exposure. This report describes a case involving a 73-year-old female admitted for an elective thoracic aortic aneurysm repair. During the procedure, a large volume of nonionic iodinated contrast was necessary for arteriography. Postoperatively, the patient developed seizure activity followed by left-sided hemiplegia. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain without contrast and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were negative for acute stroke but did show residual contrast surrounding the brain. Antiepileptic medications were administered with resolution of the seizure activity. The patient was treated with supportive management and improved to baseline over the next seven days. This case demonstrates a rare, nonionic iodinated contrast-induced encephalopathy with seizure activity and transient hemiplegia. The unique imaging findings differentiate it from other neurologic conditions.
Grinspan’s Syndrome: A Rare Case with Malignant Transformation
Authors: Kökten Numan , Uzun Lokman , Karadağ Ayşe Serap , Zenginkinet Tülay , Kalcıoğlu M. Tayyar
Published: March 2018

Aim. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the common chronic inflammatory, noninfectious, and precancerous oral mucosal diseases that affect the stratified squamous epithelium in adults. Grinspan et al. reported an association of OLP with diabetes mellitus and vascular hypertension and called that Grinspan’s syndrome in 1966. We aim to present a case of Grinspan’s syndrome with malignant transformation. Case Presentation. A 60-year-old man who presented with a ten-year history of OLP diagnosed clinically and histologically was referred to our otolaryngology department with a painless swallowing in the left buccal mucosa for 3 months. Clinical examination revealed several plaques, striated white lesions in the buccal mucosa bilaterally, and an exophytic tumor in the left buccal mucosa. Histopathological examination showed lichen planus bilaterally and oral squamous cell carcinoma in the left buccal mucosa. The tumor had been developed on the preexisting areas of lichen planus which had been histologically proven before. The tumor was removed completely, and the tissue defect on the buccal mucosa was repaired with a split-thickness skin graft. Conclusion. Patients with OLP should be followed up periodically in a long term at close intervals for early diagnosis of malignant transformation.
Dynamics Behavior Analysis of Parallel Mechanism with Joint Clearance and Flexible Links
Authors: Xiulong Chen , Yonghao Jia , Yu Deng , Qing Wang
Published: March 2018

In this study, the dynamics behaviors analysis of parallel mechanism considering joint clearance and flexible links are investigated using a computational methodology. The nonlinear dynamic model of 4‐UPS‐RPS spatial parallel mechanism with clearance in spherical joint and flexible links is established by combining KED method and Lagrange method. The dynamic responses including collision force and motion characteristics of the moving platform are obtained. Chaos and bifurcation are analyzed. The effects of different clearances on the dynamics behaviors of the parallel mechanism are studied. The results show that 4‐UPS‐RPS spatial parallel mechanism is very sensitive to joint clearance and flexible links, and small variations in the clearance value can cause the mechanism change from periodic motion to chaotic motion. This research provides a methodology for forecasting the dynamics behavior of parallel mechanisms with clearance and flexible links.
Time to Exhale: Additional Value of Expiratory Chest CT in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Gawlitza Joshua , Trinkmann Frederik , Scheffel Hans , Fischer Andreas , Nance John W. , Henzler Claudia , Vogler Nils , Saur Joachim , Akin Ibrahim , Borggrefe Martin , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Henzler Thomas
Published: March 2018

Objectives. Diagnostic guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are based on spirometry and clinical criteria. However, this does not address the pathophysiological complexity of the disease sufficiently. Until now, inspiratory chest computed tomography (CT) has been considered as the preferred imaging method in these patients. We hypothesized that expiratory CT may be superior to demonstrate pathophysiological changes. The aim of this prospective study was to systematically compare lung function tests with quantified CT parameters in inspiration and expiration. Materials and Methods. Forty-six patients with diagnosed COPD underwent spirometry, body plethysmography, and dose-optimized CT in maximal inspiration and expiration. Four quantified CT parameters were acquired in inspiration, expiration, and their calculated delta values. These parameters were correlated with seven established lung function parameters. Results. For inspiratory scans, a weak-to-moderate correlation with the lung function parameters was found. These correlations significantly improved when adding the expiratory scan (p<0.05). Moreover, some parameters showed a significant correlation only in expiratory datasets. Calculated delta values showed even stronger correlation with lung function testing. Conclusions. Expiratory quantified CT and calculated delta values significantly improve the correlation with lung function parameters. Thus, an additional expiratory CT may improve image-based phenotyping of patients with COPD.
Antinociceptive Activity of Methanolic Extract ofClinacanthus nutansLeaves: Possible Mechanisms of Action Involved
Authors: Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Abdul Rahim Mohammad Hafiz , Roosli Rushduddin Al Jufri , Mohd Sani Mohd Hijaz , Omar Maizatul Hasyima , Mohd. Tohid Siti Farah , Othman Fezah , Ching Siew Mooi , Abdul Kadir Arifah
Published: March 2018

Methanolic extract ofClinacanthus nutansLindau leaves (MECN) has been proven to possess antinociceptive activity that works via the opioid and NO-dependent/cGMP-independent pathways. In the present study, we aimed to further determine the possible mechanisms of antinociception of MECN using various nociceptive assays. The antinociceptive activity of MECN was (i) tested against capsaicin-, glutamate-, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, bradykinin-induced nociception model; (ii) prechallenged against selective antagonist of opioid receptor subtypes (β-funaltrexamine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine); (iii) prechallenged against antagonist of nonopioid systems, namely,α2-noradrenergic (yohimbine),β-adrenergic (pindolol), adenosinergic (caffeine), dopaminergic (haloperidol), and cholinergic (atropine) receptors; (iv) prechallenged with inhibitors of various potassium channels (glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, and tetraethylammonium chloride). The results demonstrated that the orally administered MECN (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reversed the nociceptive effect of all models in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the antinociceptive activity of 500 mg/kg MECN was significantly (p<0.05) inhibited by (i) antagonists of μ-,δ-, andκ-opioid receptors; (ii) antagonists ofα2-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and (iii) blockers of different K+channels (voltage-activated-, Ca2+-activated, and ATP-sensitive-K+channels, resp.). In conclusion, MECN-induced antinociception involves modulation of protein kinase C-, bradykinin-, TRVP1 receptors-, and glutamatergic-signaling pathways; opioidergic,α2-noradrenergic,β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and nonopioidergic receptors as well as the opening of various K+channels. The antinociceptive activity could be associated with the presence of several flavonoid-based bioactive compounds and their synergistic action with nonvolatile bioactive compounds.
Classification of Complete Proteomes of Different Organisms and Protein Sets Based on Their Protein Distributions in Terms of Some Key Attributes of Proteins
Authors: Guo Hao-Bo , Ma Yue , Tuskan Gerald A. , Yang Xiaohan , Guo Hong
Published: March 2018

The existence of complete genome sequences makes it important to develop different approaches for classification of large-scale data sets and to make extraction of biological insights easier. Here, we propose an approach for classification of complete proteomes/protein sets based on protein distributions on some basic attributes. We demonstrate the usefulness of this approach by determining protein distributions in terms of two attributes: protein lengths and protein intrinsic disorder contents (ID). The protein distributions based on L and ID are surveyed for representative proteome organisms and protein sets from the three domains of life. The two-dimensional maps (designated as fingerprints here) from the protein distribution densities in the LD space defined by ln(L) and ID are then constructed. The fingerprints for different organisms and protein sets are found to be distinct with each other, and they can therefore be used for comparative studies. As a test case, phylogenetic trees have been constructed based on the protein distribution densities in the fingerprints of proteomes of organisms without performing any protein sequence comparison and alignments. The phylogenetic trees generated are biologically meaningful, demonstrating that the protein distributions in the LD space may serve as unique phylogenetic signals of the organisms at the proteome level.