bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels Based on Polyglycerol Crosslinked with Citric and Fatty Acids
Authors: Solano-Delgado Leidy C. , Bravo-Sanabria César A. , Ardila-Suárez Carolina , Ramírez-Caballero Gustavo E.
Published: February 2018

Polyglycerol-based hydrogels from biodegradable raw materials were synthesized by crosslinking reactions of polyglycerol with citric and fatty acids. Three hydrogels were studied varying molar ratios of crosslinking agent. It was found that crosslink amount, type, and size play a crucial role in swelling, thermal, mechanical, and stimuli-responsive properties. The hydrogels absorption capacity changed in response to temperature and pH external stimuli. The hydrogel with the highest swelling capacity absorbed more than 7 times its own weight at room temperature and pH 5. This material increased 14 times its own weight at pH 10. Creep-recovery tests were performed to study the effect of crosslinking agent on mechanical properties. Deformation and percentage of recovery of synthesized hydrogels were obtained. Formation of hydrogels was confirmed using FTIR, and physicochemical properties were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). This paper aims to give a contribution to biobased hydrogel knowledge from chemical, physicochemical, and mechanical point of view.
A Subfamily of Univalent Functions Associated with q-Analogue of Noor Integral Operator
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Haq Miraj Ul , Liu Jin-Lin
Published: February 2018

The main objective of the present paper is to define a new subfamily of analytic functions using subordinations along with the newly defined q-Noor integral operator. We investigate a number of useful properties such as coefficient estimates, integral representation, linear combination, weighted and arithmetic means, and radius of starlikeness for this class.
Estimation of Crop Evapotranspiration Using Satellite Remote Sensing-Based Vegetation Index
Authors: Reyes-González Arturo , Kjaersgaard Jeppe , Trooien Todd , Hay Christopher , Ahiablame Laurent
Published: February 2018

Irrigation water is limited and scarce in many areas of the world, including Comarca Lagunera, Mexico. Thus better estimations of irrigation water requirements are essential to conserve water. The general objective was to estimate crop water demands or crop evapotranspiration (ETc) at different scales using satellite remote sensing-based vegetation index. The study was carried out in northern Mexico (Comarca Lagunera) during four growing seasons. Six, eleven, three, and seven clear Landsat images were acquired for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively, for the analysis. The results showed thatETcwas low at initial and early development stages, whileETcwas high during mid-season and harvest stages. These results are not new but give us confidence in the rest of ourETcresults. DailyETcmaps helped to explain the variability of crop water use during the growing season. Based on the results we can conclude thatETcmaps developed from remotely sensed multispectral vegetation indices are a useful tool for quantifying crop water consumption at regional and field scales. UsingETcmaps at the field scale, farmers can supply appropriate amounts of irrigation water corresponding to each growth stage, leading to water conservation.
Robust Matching Pursuit Extreme Learning Machines
Authors: Yuan Zejian , Wang Xin , Cao Jiuwen , Zhao Haiquan , Chen Badong
Published: February 2018

Extreme learning machine (ELM) is a popular learning algorithm for single hidden layer feedforward networks (SLFNs). It was originally proposed with the inspiration from biological learning and has attracted massive attentions due to its adaptability to various tasks with a fast learning ability and efficient computation cost. As an effective sparse representation method, orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) method can be embedded into ELM to overcome the singularity problem and improve the stability. Usually OMP recovers a sparse vector by minimizing a least squares (LS) loss, which is efficient for Gaussian distributed data, but may suffer performance deterioration in presence of non-Gaussian data. To address this problem, a robust matching pursuit method based on a novel kernel risk-sensitive loss (in short KRSLMP) is first proposed in this paper. The KRSLMP is then applied to ELM to solve the sparse output weight vector, and the new method named the KRSLMP-ELM is developed for SLFN learning. Experimental results on synthetic and real-world data sets confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Leukocyte Image Segmentation Using Novel Saliency Detection Based on Positive Feedback of Visual Perception
Authors: Pan Chen , Xu Wenlong , Shen Dan , Yang Yong
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a novel method for salient object detection in nature image by simulating microsaccades in fixational eye movements. Due to a nucleated cell usually stained that is salient obviously, the proposed method is suitable to segment nucleated cell. Firstly, the existing fixation prediction method is utilized to produce an initial fixation area. Followed EPELM (ensemble of polyharmonic extreme learning machine) is trained on-line by the pixels sampling from the fixation and nonfixation area. Then the model of EPELM could be used to classify image pixels to form new binary fixation area. Depending upon the updated fixation area, the procedure of “pixel sampling-learning-classification” could be performed iteratively. If the previous binary fixation area and the latter one were similar enough in iteration, it indicates that the perception is saturated and the loop should be terminated. The binary output in iteration could be regarded as a kind of visual stimulation. So the multiple outputs of visual stimuli can be accumulated to form a new saliency map. Experiments on three image databases show the validity of our method. It can segment nucleated cells successfully in different imaging conditions.
Influence of the Choice of Lunar Gravity Model on Orbit Determination for Lunar Orbiters
Authors: Kim Young-Rok , Song Young-Joo , Bae Jonghee , Kim Bang-Yeop
Published: February 2018

We examine the influence of the lunar gravity model on the orbit determination (OD) of a lunar orbiter operating in a 100 km high, lunar polar orbit. Doppler and sequential range measurements by three Deep Space Network antennas and one Korea Deep Space Antenna were used. For measurement simulation and OD analysis, STK11 and ODTK6 were utilized. GLGM2, LP100K, LP150Q, GRAIL420A, and GRAIL660B were used for investigation of lunar gravity model selection effect. OD results were assessed by position and velocity uncertainties with error covariance and an external orbit comparison using simulated true orbit. The effect of the lunar gravity models on the long-term OD, degree and order level, measurement-acquisition condition, and lunar altitude was investigated. For efficiency verification, computational times for the five lunar gravity models were compared. Results showed that significant improvements to OD accuracy are observed by applying a GRAIL-based model; however, applying a full order and degree gravity modeling is not always the best strategy, owing to the computational burden. Consequently, we consider that OD using GRAIL660B with 70 × 70 degree and order is the most efficient strategy for mission preanalysis. This study provides useful guideline for KPLO OD analysis during nominal mission operation.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a Nonagenarian with Aortic Aneurysm: Futility or Utility?
Authors: Fennelly Evelyn , Lee Marcus , Da Costa Mark , Sultan Sherif , Sharif Faisal , Mylotte Darren
Published: February 2018

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as the standard of care for older patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) at high or excessive operative risk. There remain patients that are of such considerable risk that even TAVI can be futile. Such patients present ethical conundrums for institutional heart teams. Herein we present a case of a 90-year-old female patient with symptomatic severe AS and significant comorbidities including diffuse peripheral vascular disease and a large ascending aortic aneurysm. Would TAVI be utile or futile in this patient?
Microstructure of Al‐Si Slurry Coatings on Austenitic High‐Temperature Creep Resisting Cast Steel
Authors: Kochmańska Agnieszka E.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the results of microstructural examinations on slurry aluminide coatings using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray microanalysis, and X‐ray diffraction. Aluminide coatings were produced in air atmosphere on austenitic high‐temperature creep resisting cast steel. The function of aluminide coatings is the protection of the equipment components against the high‐temperature corrosion in a carburising atmosphere under thermal shock conditions. The obtained coatings had a multilayered structure composed of intermetallic compounds. The composition of newly developed slurry was powders of aluminium and silicon; NaCl, KCl, and NaF halide salts; and a water solution of a soluble glass as an inorganic binder. The application of the inorganic binder in the slurry allowed to produce the coatings in one single step without additional annealing at an intermediate temperature as it is when applied organic binder. The coatings were formed on both: the ground surface and on the raw cast surface. The main technological parameters were temperature (732–1068°C) and time of annealing (3.3–11.7 h) and the Al/Si ratio (4–14) in the slurry. The rotatable design was used to evaluate the effect of the production parameters on the coatings thickness. The correlation between the technological parameters and the coating structure was determined.
Development of Electrohydraulic Steering Control System for Tractor Automatic Navigation
Authors: Yin Chengqiang , Sun Qun , Wu Jian , Liu Chengqiang , Gao Jie
Published: February 2018

The most of tractors employed in agriculture are equipped with an electrohydraulic actuator to implement steering control to realize automatic navigation. Electrohydraulic steering system plays an important role in realizing accurate steering control for an automatic navigation tractor because of its complicated characteristics. The objective of this paper is to develop an electrohydraulic steering control system used for automatically guided agricultural tractors. As for the identified electrohydraulic steering system model, a modified Smith control structure was discussed. Based on the structure, an improved design method for voltage servo controller and disturbance rejection controller was proposed to enhance the performance of the steering control subsystem. The effectiveness and the superiority of the proposed method were verified by simulation under Matlab. Simulation results demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed method by showing fast response, control accuracy, and robust performance for the steering control system.
The Dangers of Rooting: Data Leakage Detection in Android Applications
Authors: Casati Luca , Visconti Andrea
Published: February 2018

Mobile devices are widely spread all over the world, and Android is the most popular operative system in use. According to Kaspersky Lab’s threat statistic (June 2017), many users are tempted to root their mobile devices to get an unrestricted access to the file system, to install different versions of the operating system, to improve performance, and so on. The result is that unintended data leakage flaws may exist. In this paper, we (i) analyze the security issues of several applications considered relevant in terms of handling user sensitive information, for example, financial, social, and communication applications, showing that 51.6% of the tested applications suffer at least of an issue and (ii) show how an attacker might retrieve a user access token stored inside the device thus exposing users to a possible identity violation. Notice that such a token, and a number of other sensitive information, can be stolen by malicious users through a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack.
Comparison of Three Sample Preparation Procedures for the Quantification of L-Arginine, Asymmetric Dimethylarginine, and Symmetric Dimethylarginine in Human Plasma Using HPLC-FLD
Authors: Schou-Pedersen Anne Marie Voigt , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: February 2018

Increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in human plasma has been associated with reduced generation of nitric oxide, leading to atherosclerotic diseases. ADMA may therefore be an important biomarker for cardiovascular disease. In the present study, three sample preparation techniques were compared regarding the quantification of L-arginine and ADMA in human plasma: (A) protein precipitation (PP) based on aqueous trichloroacetic acid (TCA), (B) PP using a mixture of ammonia and acetonitrile, and (C) solid-phase extraction (SPE). The samples were analysed by using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). The analytical performance of (A) was comparable with that of (C), demonstrating recoveries of >90%, coefficient of variations (CVs, %) of <8, and a resolution (Rs) between ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) of 1.2. (B) was disregarded due to recoveries below 75%. (A) was validated with good results regarding linearity (>0.994), precision (<5%), and sensitivity (lower limit of quantification (LLOQ)) of 0.14 µM and 12 nM for L-arginine and ADMA, respectively. Due to the simplicity and speed of procedure (A), this approach may serve as preferred sample preparation of human plasma samples before HPLC-FLD in providing important information regarding elevated ADMA concentrations.
Alveolar Ridge Preservation Using a Novel Synthetic Grafting Material: A Case with Two-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Fairbairn Peter , Leventis Minas , Mangham Chas , Horowitz Robert
Published: February 2018

This case report highlights the use of a novel in situ hardening synthetic (alloplastic), resorbable, bone grafting material composed of beta tricalcium phosphate and calcium sulfate, for alveolar ridge preservation. A 35-year-old female patient was referred by her general dentist for extraction of the mandibular right first molar and rehabilitation of the site with a dental implant. The nonrestorable tooth was “atraumatically” extracted without raising a flap, and the socket was immediately grafted with the synthetic biomaterial and covered with a hemostatic fleece. No membrane was used, and the site was left uncovered without obtaining primary closure, in order to heal by secondary intention. After 12 weeks, the architecture of the ridge was preserved, and clinical observation revealed excellent soft tissue healing without loss of attached gingiva. At reentry for placement of the implant, a bone core biopsy was obtained, and primary implant stability was measured by final seating torque and resonance frequency analysis. Histological analysis revealed pronounced bone regeneration while high levels of primary implant stability were recorded. The implant was successfully loaded 12 weeks after placement. Clinical and radiological follow-up examination at two years revealed stable and successful results regarding biological, functional, and esthetic parameters.
Application of Combustion Module Coupled with Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy for Simultaneous Measurement of SOC and δ13C-SOC
Authors: Liu Dan , Yu Zhiguo , Lin Junjie
Published: February 2018

Quantifying the decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions under climate change is essential to predict carbon-climate feedbacks. The accuracy and utility of a combustion module coupled with cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CM-CRDS) system were assessed for simultaneously determining SOC and δ13C-SOC. Using a range of standard materials as well as soil samples, we compared the results of the CM-CRDS system with those from other systems for determining C content and δ13C value. The CM-CRDS system can determine a vast range of δ13C values from −7.639‰ to −34.318‰. The δ13C values measured at C content > 0.2 mg C, corresponding to 1000 ppmv of CO2, were relatively stable. However, below a content of 0.2 mg C, the δ13C values appeared unsteady and seemed to be affected by background signal. We found that, with the increase of C content, the recovery rates (RRs) for soil samples also increased. On the contrary, the RRs for inorganic materials were much lower than organic material and soil samples. Overall, the CM-CRDS system provides a valid alternative method to determine SOC and δ13C-SOC for a sample simultaneously.
Cardiac Development and Transcription Factors: Insulin Signalling, Insulin Resistance, and Intrauterine Nutritional Programming of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Govindsamy Annelene , Naidoo Strinivasen , Cerf Marlon E.
Published: February 2018

Programming with an insult or stimulus during critical developmental life stages shapes metabolic disease through divergent mechanisms. Cardiovascular disease increasingly contributes to global morbidity and mortality, and the heart as an insulin-sensitive organ may become insulin resistant, which manifests as micro- and/or macrovascular complications due to diabetic complications. Cardiogenesis is a sequential process during which the heart develops into a mature organ and is regulated by several cardiac-specific transcription factors. Disrupted cardiac insulin signalling contributes to cardiac insulin resistance. Intrauterine under- or overnutrition alters offspring cardiac structure and function, notably cardiac hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and hypertension that precede the onset of cardiovascular disease. Optimal intrauterine nutrition and oxygen saturation are required for normal cardiac development in offspring and the maintenance of their cardiovascular physiology.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of a Novel Trisazo Dye from 3-Amino-4H-thieno[3,4-c][1]benzopyran-4-one
Authors: Tsemeugne Joseph , Sopbué Fondjo Emmanuel , Tamokou Jean-de-Dieu , Rohand Taoufik , Ngongang Arnaud Djintchui , Kuiate Jules Roger , Sondengam Beibam Luc
Published: February 2018

A new trisazo dye has been synthesized by coupling the diazonium ion of 3-amino-4H thieno[3,4-c][1]benzopyran-4-one with 2-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol. The newly prepared trisazo dye was characterized by its physical, elemental, and spectroscopic data. 2D-NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) techniques were used to secure the structural assignments. The new trisazo dye (compound 7) along with precursors 3, 4, and 6 was screened by microdilution susceptibility assay for antibacterial and antifungal activities towards eight bacterial strains and three yeasts selected on the basis of their relevance as human pathogens. The results showed that compound 7 (MIC = 2–128 μg/mL) was the most active as compared with its precursors. The most resistant microorganisms were V. cholerae NB2 and V. cholerae SG24, whereas the most sensitive microorganism was C. neoformans. The overall results of this study indicated that compound 7 had the greatest potential value against both yeasts and multidrug-resistant bacteria, so further investigation is warranted.
A High-Speed Train Operation Plan Inspection Simulation Model
Authors: Rui Yang , Ruifang Mou , Feng Jiang
Published: February 2018

We developed a train operation simulation tool to inspect a train operation plan. In applying an improved Petri Net, the train was regarded as a token, and the line and station were regarded as places, respectively, in accordance with the high-speed train operation characteristics and network function. Location change and running information transfer of the high-speed train were realized by customizing a variety of transitions. The model was built based on the concept of component combination, considering the random disturbance in the process of train running. The simulation framework can be generated quickly and the system operation can be completed according to the different test requirements and the required network data. We tested the simulation tool when used for the real-world Wuhan to Guangzhou high-speed line. The results showed that the proposed model can be developed, the simulation results basically coincide with the objective reality, and it can not only test the feasibility of the high-speed train operation plan, but also be used as a support model to develop the simulation platform with more capabilities.
Fuzzy Triangular Aggregation Operators
Authors: Simo Ulrich Florian , Gwét Henri
Published: February 2018

We present a new class of fuzzy aggregation operators that we call fuzzy triangular aggregation operators. To do so, we focus on the situation where the available information cannot be assessed with exact numbers and it is necessary to use another approach to assess uncertain or imprecise information such as fuzzy numbers. We also use the concept of triangular norms (t-norms and t-conorms) as pseudo-arithmetic operations. As a result, we get notably the fuzzy triangular weighted arithmetic (FTWA), the fuzzy triangular ordered weighted arithmetic (FTOWA), the fuzzy generalized triangular weighted arithmetic (FGTWA), the fuzzy generalized triangular ordered weighted arithmetic (FGTOWA), the fuzzy triangular weighted quasi-arithmetic (Quasi-FTWA), and the fuzzy triangular ordered weighted quasi-arithmetic (Quasi-FTOWA) operators. Main properties of these operators are discussed as well as their comparison with other existing ones. The fuzzy triangular aggregation operators not only cover a wide range of useful existing fuzzy aggregation operators but also provide new interesting cases. Finally, an illustrative example is also developed regarding the selection of strategies.
Effects of Grain Orientation on Stress State near Grain Boundary of Austenitic Stainless Steel Bicrystals
Authors: Yang Fu-qiang , Xue He , Zhao Ling-yan , Fang Xiu-Rong
Published: February 2018

The stress state at the crack tip of structural components in nuclear power plants used in the SCC quantitative prediction models is based on the assumption that the polycrystalline material is isotropic and homogeneous at present. However, the crystals in polycrystalline materials are anisotropic with different orientations, which would induce a nonuniform stress to cause the initiation and propagation of SCC. By using a finite element method, the elastic responses of anisotropic behaviors of austenitic stainless steel bicrystals are studied. The results indicate that the stress distribution near GBs depends strongly on the crystal orientation. A larger Mises stress concentration exists on the GB with larger stiffness along the load direction. The Mises stress difference is higher in the bicrystal with bigger elastic modulus difference of two neighboring grains along the tensile axis. In the bicrystal with GB perpendicular to the tensile axis, the grain orientation has little effects on the Mises stress far from the GB in both grains. The strain inconsistency in bicrystals is affected by the mismatch of two neighboring grains. The larger the elastic modulus differences between two neighboring grains caused by misorientation, the larger the strain inconsistency in the bicrystal.
Multitarget Effects of Danqi Pill on Global Gene Expression Changes in Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Wang Qiyan , Meng Hui , Zhang Qian , Shi Tianjiao , Zhang Xuefeng , Shao Mingyan , Lu Linghui , Wang Jing , Wang Wei , Li Chun , Wang Yong
Published: February 2018

Danqi pill (DQP) is a widely prescribed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study is to systematically characterize altered gene expression pattern induced by myocardial ischemia (MI) in a rat model and to investigate the effects of DQP on global gene expression. Global mRNA expression was measured. Differentially expressed genes among the sham group, model group, and DQP group were analyzed. The gene ontology enrichment analysis and pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes were carried out. We quantified 10,813 genes. Compared with the sham group, expressions of 339 genes were upregulated and 177 genes were downregulated in the model group. The upregulated genes were enriched in extracellular matrix organization, response to wounding, and defense response pathways. Downregulated genes were enriched in fatty acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, PPAR signaling pathways, and so forth. This indicated that energy metabolic disorders occurred in rats with MI. In the DQP group, expressions of genes in the altered pathways were regulated back towards normal levels. DQP reversed expression of 313 of the 516 differentially expressed genes in the model group. This study provides insight into the multitarget mechanism of TCM in the treatment of complex diseases.
Suprasellar Ganglioglioma: Expanding the Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Resta Isabella Tondi , Singh Arminder , Gilbert Bruce C. , Rojiani Mumtaz V. , Alleyne Cargill , Rojiani Amyn M.
Published: February 2018

This case study describes a young man with symptoms suggestive of the presence of a space-occupying lesion within the cranial cavity. Imaging studies confirmed a lesion in the suprasellar region and surgical intervention to remove the tumor yielded an unexpected diagnosis. Neuroimaging characteristics and histopathology including immunohistochemistry are described. Gangliogliomas are uncommon CNS neoplasms and are most commonly found in the temporal and frontal lobes of young, male adults. They are rarely seen in the suprasellar region and only a handful of cases have been reported to date. The differential diagnoses associated with these suprasellar region lesions can be dependent on the age of the patient and neuroimaging characteristics. The present report highlights the importance of histopathological examination and the need to consider a wide range of diagnostic entities in the differential diagnosis of lesions in this topographic distribution, including rarely encountered tumors such as gangliogliomas.
Parametric Studies of Flat Plate Trajectories Using VIC and Penalization
Authors: Morency François , Beaugendre Héloïse
Published: February 2018

Flying debris is generated in several situations: when a roof is exposed to a storm, when ice accretes on rotating wind turbines, or during inflight aircraft deicing. Four dimensionless parameters play a role in the motion of flying debris. The goal of the present paper is to investigate the relative importance of four dimensionless parameters: the Reynolds number, the Froude number, the Tachikawa number, and the mass moment of inertia parameters. Flying debris trajectories are computed with a fluid-solid interaction model formulated for an incompressible 2D laminar flow. The rigid moving solid effects are modelled in the Navier-Stokes equations using penalization. A VIC scheme is used to solve the flow equations. The aerodynamic forces and moments are used to compute the acceleration and the velocity of the solid. A database of 64 trajectories is built using a two-level full factorial design for the four factors. The dispersion of the plate position at a given horizontal position decreases with the Froude number. Moreover, the Tachikawa number has a significant effect on the median plate position.
Qualitative Analysis of a Generalized Virus Dynamics Model with Both Modes of Transmission and Distributed Delays
Authors: Hattaf Khalid , Yousfi Noura
Published: February 2018

We propose a generalized virus dynamics model with distributed delays and both modes of transmission, one by virus-to-cell infection and the other by cell-to-cell transfer. In the proposed model, the distributed delays describe (i) the time needed for infected cells to produce new virions and (ii) the time necessary for the newly produced virions to become mature and infectious. In addition, the infection transmission process is modeled by general incidence functions for both modes. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis of the model is rigorously established and many known viral infection models with discrete and distributed delays are extended and improved.
T-cell Homing Therapy for Reducing Regulatory T Cells and Preserving Effector T-cell Function in Large Solid Tumors
Authors: Hu Jiemiao , Sun Chuang , Bernatchez Chantale , Xia Xueqing , Hwu Patrick , Dotti Gianpietro , Li Shulin
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Infused autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and tumor-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells typically surround malignant lesions or penetrate small tumor nodules but fail to penetrate large solid tumors, significantly compromising their antitumor impact. Strategies to overcome this primary challenge are largely required.

Experimental Design: We tested the effects of IL12 plus doxorubicin on T-cell penetration and efficacy in solid tumors in a murine lung cancer model, a murine breast carcinoma lung metastasis model, and two human xenograft tumor models bearing large tumors (>10 mm).

Results: Intriguingly, this simple approach increased the numbers, the distribution, and the depth of penetration of infused CD8+ T cells in these tumors, including both TILs and CAR T cells. This combined treatment halted tumor progression and significantly extended survival time. Studies of the underlying mechanism revealed multiple effects. First, the combined treatment maintained the high ratios of immune-stimulatory receptors to immune-inhibitory receptors on infiltrated CD8+ T cells, reduced the accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, and enhanced the numbers of T-bet+ effector T cells in the tumors. Second, doxorubicin induced chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, which may attract NKG2D+CD8+ T cells to tumors, and this effect was boosted by IL12-induced IFNγ accumulation in tumors, promoting the penetration of NKG2D+CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions: The deep penetration of infused T cells associated with combined IL12 plus doxorubicin yielded striking therapeutic effects in murine and human xenograft solid tumors. This approach might broaden the application of T-cell therapy to a wider range of solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2920–34. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Berraondo et al., p. 2716
Does the Novel Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker Vonoprazan Cause More Hypergastrinemia than Conventional Proton Pump Inhibitors? A Multicenter Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kojima Yuichi , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Sanomura Makoto , Higashino Ken , Kojima Keishi , Fukumoto Kenji , Takata Kou , Sakamoto Hiroki , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Tominaga Kazunari , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: February 2018

Background/Aim: The long-term administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is useful for preventing recurrent reflux esophagitis. On the other hand, several adverse reactions, such as an increase in the blood gastrin level, have been reported. The aim of the present study was to examine the increase in the blood gastrin level due to the long-term administration of conventional PPIs compared with vonoprazan. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. We examined the blood gastrin levels of patients taking vonoprazan or conventional PPIs in whom the grade of atrophic gastritis had been endoscopically evaluated in the last year. Results: The blood gastrin level was significantly higher in the vonoprazan group than that in the PPI group in patients with milder or no atrophic gastritis, irrespective of the administration periods. However, no significant difference was observed between the groups in patients with severe atrophic gastritis. Conclusion: Vonoprazan more markedly increased the blood gastrin level compared with conventional PPIs in patients with milder or no atrophic gastritis. This indicates that vonoprazan may have stronger acid-suppressing effects in such patients than conventional PPIs. Key Message: We should be aware of the potential development of hypergastrinemia during the long-term administration of vonoprazan, especially in patients with mild or no atrophic gastritis.
Increasing Burden of Stroke: The Dijon Stroke Registry (1987–2012)
Authors: Guéniat Julien , Brenière Céline , Graber Mathilde , Garnier Lucie , Mohr Sophie , Giroud Marie , Delpont Benoit , Blanc-Labarre Christelle , Durier Jérôme , Giroud Maurice , Béjot Yannick
Published: February 2018

Background: We aimed to provide a representation of the global burden of stroke. Methods: All cases of stroke were prospectively identified through the population-based registry of Dijon, France (1987–2012). Attack rates and mortality rates (defined as stroke leading to death within 30 days) were standardized to the European standard. Sex differences and temporal trends were evaluated by calculating rate ratios (RRs). Results: In all, 5,285 stroke cases (52.7% women) were recorded. The standardized attack rate was 98.2/100,000/year and the mortality rate was 12/100,000/year, and both were lower in women than in men (RR 0.67, p < 0.001, and RR 0.70, p < 0.001, respectively). Attack rates increased over time (RR 1.016; 95% CI 1.013–1.020) irrespective of the stroke subtype. In contrast, mortality rates declined (RR 0.985; 95% CI 0.976–0.995) with decreasing rates for ischemic stroke but no change for intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The sex gap in both attack and mortality rates remained stable. Between the first (1987–1991) and the last (2007–2012) study periods, the annual number of stroke patients who survived beyond 30 days rose by 55%, Conclusions: Increasing attack rates and decreasing mortality have led to a rise in the number of stroke survivors in the population, thus indicating a growing need for the implementation of dedicated services.
Effect of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Postoperative Pain after Colorectal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Lin , Xie Yan-Hu , Zhang Wei , Chai Xiao-Qing
Published: February 2018

Objectives: To assess the analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in patients undergoing colorectal surgery (CRS). Materials and Methods: The databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Embase were searched, and randomized controlled studies (RCTs) that compared TAP block to control for relief of postoperative pain in patients who underwent CRS were included. Outcomes, including postoperative pain at rest and with movement, morphine use, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and the length of hospital stay, were analyzed using STATA software. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) or relative risk with 95% CI were used to present the strength of associations. Results: A total of 7 RCTs with 511 patients were included. The results of this study suggested that TAP block significantly relieved postoperative pain during postanesthetic recovery after CRS at rest and during movement (WMDs were –0.98 [95% CI –1.57 to –0.38] and –0.68 [–1.07 to –0.30], respectively), and also decreased pain intensity during movement 24 h after CRS (WMD: –0.57 [95% CI –1.06 to –0.08]). TAP block significantly reduced opioid consumption within 24 h when compared to controls, with a WMD of 15.66 (95% CI –23.93 to –7.39). However, TAP block did not shorten the length of hospital stay. Conclusions: TAP block was an effective approach for relief of postoperative pain and reduced postoperative consumption of morphine. More RCTs with large sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.
ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ ТА ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ САМОСТІЙНОЇ ДОСЛІДНИЦЬКОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ СТУДЕНТІВ ЧОРТКІВСЬКОГО МЕДИЧНОГО КОЛЕДЖУ
Authors: Valynuk A. B. , Konovalenko S. O.
Published: February 2018

У статті проаналізовано теоретико-методологічні засади організації самостійної дослідницької діяльності та розроблено підходи до спрямування самостійної роботи студентів медичного коледжу на розвиток знань, вмінь та якостей, що будуть необхідними для вирішення навчальних завдань.
ОТРУЄННЯ ДИКОРОСЛИМИГРИБАМИ: ПРИЧИНИ, ДІАГНОСТИКА, КЛІНІЧНІ ПРОЯВИ ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ. СУЧАСНІ АСПЕКТИ.
Authors: Lokay B. A. , Tsyhankova S. V.
Published: February 2018

У статті розглянуто питання епідеміології, клініки та основних принципів лікування гострих отруєнь дикорослими грибами. Наведено дані щодо захворюваності отруєння грибами в Україні за останні роки.
ЕТИКО-ПРОФЕСІЙНІ АСПЕКТИ ФОРМУВАННЯ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ПСИХОЛОГІЧНИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ОСОБИСТОСТІ МЕДСЕСТРИ В УМОВАХ АТО
Authors: Lytvynova O. N. , Mezentseva O. Y.
Published: February 2018

У даній статті показано необхідність і алгоритм дослідження системи формування психологічних, соціальних та етичних аспектів роботи середнього медичного персоналу в процесі підготовки до роботи в зоні АТО та в інших екстремальних умовах.
ВПЛИВ МЕДСЕСТРИНСЬКОГО ДОГЛЯДУ НА ЯКІСТЬ ЖИТТЯ ПАЛІАТИВНИХ ПАЦІЄНТІВ
Authors: Tomchuk T. V. , Bob A. O.
Published: February 2018

Якість життя – один із феноменів, що відображає особливості переживання людиною актуальної життєвої ситуації у зв’язку з порушенням здоров’я. Забезпечення, підтримка і покращення якості життя тяжкохворих – основна мета паліативної медицини. Медична сестра, співпрацюючи з членами мультидисциплінарної команди, здійснюючи кваліфікований професійний догляд та підтримку паліативних пацієнтів, допомагає покращити їхню якість життя.
Características da estrutura organizacional dos clubes de futebol brasileiros: o que dizem os estatutos?
Authors: Oliveira Monique Cristiane de , Borba José Alonso , Ferreira Denize Demarche Minatti , Lunkes Rogério João
Published: February 2018

Este estudo objetiva identificar as características da estrutura organizacional dos clubes profissionais de futebol no Brasil. A análise de conteúdo nos estatutos sociais de 17 clubes da “Série A” do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2016 identificou os órgãos e as funções atribuídas a cada um nos estatutos. Os órgãos presentes em todos os clubes são Assembleia Geral, Conselho Fiscal e Conselho Deliberativo. O desenho dos estatutos leva à interpretação de que o Conselho Deliberativo, pelas suas atribuições, tem influência sobre os demais órgãos, apesar de a Assembleia Geral ser mencionada como ‘soberana’. Os estatutos são omissos a respeito da responsabilidade financeira que prejudique o patrimônio, e também, sobre a definição da remuneração da Diretoria. Os estatutos, também, são omissos quanto ao estabelecimento da responsabilidade financeira, seja presente ou futura. Como implicações, as omissões ou lacunas estatutárias potencializam conflitos e podem afetar a interação de gestores, dirigentes e torcedores, prejudicando a gestão e a governança dos clubes brasileiros.
Quality of infant care in primary health services in Southern and Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Santos Andréia Soprani dos , Duro Suele Manjourany Silva , Cade Nágela Valadão , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Tomasi Elaine
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of the health care provided to children aged under one year old performed by primary health services in the South and Northeast regions of Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study carried out in 2010 with 7,915 children aged from one to four years, whose homes are located in the areas of health service coverage. We described the prevalence of procedures and guidelines, such as weight and height measurement, vaccination, newborn blood spot screening, evaluation of umbilical cord, instruction on breastfeeding and introduction of new food, and their respective 95% confidence intervals. The differences were analyzed using the chi-square test of heterogeneity and linear trend. We considered the main outcome of high-quality infant care if the child had received all recommended procedures and guidelines in the first year of life. For this analysis, we used the Poisson regression considering hierarchical model. RESULTS: There was low prevalence for the instruction on breastfeeding in the first week of life (58.8%, 95%CI 57.5–60.0) and on the introduction of new food in the fourth month care. The prevalence of high-quality in childcare was 42.0% (95%CI 40.5–43.5). The adjusted analysis according to hierarchical model indicated greater probability of this outcome in the Northeast region (PR = 1.17, 95%CI 1.09–1.26), in smaller municipalities (PR = 1.17, 95%CI 1.03–1.33), and in municipalities with 50,000 and 99,000 inhabitants (PR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.09–1.34). CONCLUSIONS: The Northeast region has higher-quality infant care services, which can be explained by the consolidation of the Family Health Strategy in that region.
Why precision medicine is not the best route to a healthier world
Authors: Rey-López Juan Pablo , Sá Thiago Herick de , Rezende Leandro Fórnias Machado de
Published: February 2018

Precision medicine has been announced as a new health revolution. The term precision implies more accuracy in healthcare and prevention of diseases, which could yield substantial cost savings. However, scientific debate about precision medicine is needed to avoid wasting economic resources and hype. In this commentary, we express the reasons why precision medicine cannot be a health revolution for population health. Advocates of precision medicine neglect the limitations of individual-centred, high-risk strategies (reduced population health impact) and the current crisis of evidence-based medicine. Overrated “precision medicine” promises may be serving vested interests, by dictating priorities in the research agenda and justifying the exorbitant healthcare expenditure in our finance-based medicine. If societies aspire to address strong risk factors for non-communicable diseases(such as air pollution, smoking, poor diets, or physical inactivity), they need less medicine and more investment in population prevention strategies.
Tendência de mortalidade por câncer de boca e faringe no Brasil no período 2002-2013
Authors: Perea Lillia Magali Estrada , Peres Marco Aurélio , Boing Antonio Fernando , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira
Published: February 2018

OBJETIVO: Analisar a tendência das taxas de mortalidade por câncer de boca e de faringe no período de 2002–2013 no Brasil segundo sexo, sítio anatômico e macrorregião do país. MÉTODOS: Os dados sobre mortalidade foram obtidos junto ao Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e os dados das populações foram obtidos junto ao Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. A tendência das taxas padronizadas por sexo e faixa etária foi calculada por regressão de Prais-Winstein, obtendo a sua variação percentual anual e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%, analisados segundo sexo, macrorregião e sítio anatômico. RESULTADOS: O coeficiente médio de mortalidade por câncer de boca foi de 1,87/100.000 habitantes e permaneceu estável durante o período estudado. O coeficiente de mortalidade por câncer de faringe foi de 2,04/100.000 habitantes e apresentou variação percentual anual de -2,6%. Aproximadamente oito em cada 10 óbitos ocorreram entre homens. Observou-se aumento nas taxas por câncer de boca na região Nordeste (variação percentual anual de 6,9%) e diminuição na região Sudeste (variação percentual anual -2,9%). Mortalidade por câncer de faringe diminuiu nas regiões Sudeste e Sul com variação percentual anual de -4,8% e -5,1% respectivamente. Mortalidade por câncer de amígdala, outras glândulas salivares maiores, hipofaringe e outras partes não especificas de boca e faringe, apresentaram tendência de declínio enquanto os demais sítios apresentaram estabilidade. CONCLUSÕES: A mortalidade por câncer de faringe apresentou diminuição no período 2002–2013. O câncer de boca apresentou aumento só na região Nordeste. Mortalidade por câncer de amígdala, outras glândulas maiores, hipofaringe e outras localizações mal definidas de lábio, cavidade oral e faringe mostraram declínio.
Avaliação dos efeitos de um programa educativo em diabetes: ensaio clínico randomizado
Authors: Torres Heloísa de Carvalho , Pace Ana Emília , Chaves Fernanda Figueredo , Velasquez-Melendez Gustavo , Reis Ilka Afonso
Published: February 2018

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade do programa educativo em diabetes mellitus na atenção primária à saúde. MÉTODOS: Este ensaio clínico randomizado por conglomerados foi realizado em amostra de 470 pessoas com diabetes mellitus tipo 2, provenientes de oito unidades de saúde, alocadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: intervenção (n = 231) e controle (n = 239). O grupo intervenção participou do programa educativo composto de três estratégias: educação em grupo, visita domiciliar e intervenção telefônica. Simultaneamente, o grupo controle foi acompanhado individualmente. O acompanhamento dos grupos ocorreu ao longo de nove meses no ano de 2012. Foram realizadas avaliações clínicas no tempo inicial (T0), três (T3), seis (T6) e nove (T9)meses depois do início da intervenção. RESULTADOS: Após nove meses de seguimento, permaneceram no estudo 341 usuários, 171 no grupo controle e 170 no grupo intervenção. A média de idade dos usuários era de 60,6 anos. Em ambos os grupos, observou-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos níveis médios de HbA1c ao longo do tempo de acompanhamento (p < 0,05). Porém, o nível médio de HbA1c nos tempos T3,T6 e T9 foi significativamente menor entre as pessoas do grupo intervenção (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: O modelo do programa educativo desenvolvido foi efetivo para a melhora do controle glicêmico dos participantes do grupo intervenção.
Cardiovascular Disease and Breast Cancer: Where These Entities Intersect: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Mehta Laxmi S. , Watson Karol E. , Barac Ana , Beckie Theresa M. , Bittner Vera , Cruz-Flores Salvador , Dent Susan , Kondapalli Lavanya , Ky Bonnie , Okwuosa Tochukwu , Piña Ileana L. , Volgman Annabelle Santos
Published: February 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women, yet many people perceive breast cancer to be the number one threat to women’s health. CVD and breast cancer have several overlapping risk factors, such as obesity and smoking. Additionally, current breast cancer treatments can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health (eg, left ventricular dysfunction, accelerated CVD), and for women with pre-existing CVD, this might influence cancer treatment decisions by both the patient and the provider. Improvements in early detection and treatment of breast cancer have led to an increasing number of breast cancer survivors who are at risk of long-term cardiac complications from cancer treatments. For older women, CVD poses a greater mortality threat than breast cancer itself. This is the first scientific statement from the American Heart Association on CVD and breast cancer. This document will provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of these diseases, shared risk factors, the cardiotoxic effects of therapy, and the prevention and treatment of CVD in breast cancer patients.