bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugate words and intersections of geodesics in ℍ2
Authors: Gitik Rita
Published: April 2019

We investigate intersections of geodesic lines in [Formula: see text] and in an associated tree [Formula: see text], proving the following result. Let [Formula: see text] be a punctured hyperbolic torus and let [Formula: see text] be a closed geodesic in [Formula: see text]. Any edge of any triangle formed by distinct geodesic lines in the preimage of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is shorter than [Formula: see text]. However, a similar result does not hold in the tree T. Let [Formula: see text] be a reduced and cyclically reduced word in [Formula: see text]. We construct several examples of triangles in [Formula: see text] formed by distinct axes in [Formula: see text] stabilized by conjugates of [Formula: see text] such that an edge in those triangles is longer than [Formula: see text]. We also prove that if [Formula: see text] overlaps two of its conjugates in such a way that the overlaps cover all of [Formula: see text] and the overlaps do not intersect, then there exists a decomposition [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] a terminal subword of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] an initial subword of [Formula: see text].
Predicting precision matrices for color matching problem
Authors: Nakamoto Takayoshi , Nishii Ryuei , Eguchi Shinto
Published: April 2019

In this paper, as data, ellipsoids in a color coordinate called the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE)-Lab system are given as data for 19 colors. Each ellipsoid is a region where all points are visually recognized as the same color at the center of the coordinate system. Our aim here is to predict the shape of an ellipsoid whose center is given by a new color. We proposed two prediction methods of positive definite matrices determining ellipsoids.

The first one is a nonparametric method with Gaussian kernel. The prediction is provided as a weighted sum of positive definite matrices corresponding to 19 ellipsoids in the training data. The second one is to use a matrix-valued regression model applied to a logarithm of positive definite matrices where explanatory variables are three elements of color centers. The best result was obtained by the nonparametric methods with three bandwidth parameters. The log normal regression had a weaker performance, but even so the model estimation was easily carried out.
Learning How to Learn is More Than Learning
Authors: Mota Ronaldo
Published: April 2019

This paper addresses the importance of independent learning and how to educate people to a world where innovation is becoming more central and related to digital technologies. The five socio-emotional factors, associated with the metacognitive skills, which directly interfere in the learning processes, are described. In particular, the Learning Analytics is emphasized as the methodology that enables educators to make decisions by taking into account systematic and elaborate analyses of learners’ data and the educational contexts in which learning develops. The set of characteristics referring to the educational demands associated with the so-called “shallow works” are presented, as well as the main characteristics associated to the “deep works”. As a main conclusion, in this panorama in which innovation is strategic to meet the new educational requirements, learning how to learn is demonstrated to become more important than “just” learning.
Ensuring Secure Application Execution and Platform-Specific Execution in Embedded Devices
Authors: Lee Robert P. , Markantonakis Konstantinos , Akram Raja Naeem
Published: April 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding at a large rate, with devices found in commercial and domestic settings from industrial sensors to home appliances. However, as the IoT market grows, so does the number of attacks made against it with some reports claiming an increase of 600% in 2017. This work seeks to prevent code replacement, injection, and exploitation attacks by ensuring correct and platform specific application execution. This combines two previously studied problems: secure application execution and binding hardware and software. We present descriptions of both problems and requirements for ensuring both simultaneously. We then propose a scheme extending previous work that meets these requirements, and describe our implementation of the soft-core Secure Execution Processor developed and tested on Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA. Finally, we analyse the scheme and our implementation according to performance and the requirements listed.
Derecho
Authors: Jha Sagar , Behrens Jonathan , Gkountouvas Theo , Milano Mae , Song Weijia , Tremel Edward , Renesse Robbert Van , Zink Sydney , Birman Kenneth P.
Published: April 2019

Cloud computing services often replicate data and may require ways to coordinate distributed actions. Here we present Derecho, a library for such tasks. The API provides interfaces for structuring applications into patterns of subgroups and shards, supports state machine replication within them, and includes mechanisms that assist in restart after failures. Running over 100Gbps RDMA, Derecho can send millions of events per second in each subgroup or shard and throughput peaks at 16GB/s, substantially outperforming prior solutions. Configured to run purely on TCP, Derecho is still substantially faster than comparable widely used, highly-tuned, standard tools. The key insight is that on modern hardware (including non-RDMA networks), data-intensive protocols should be built from non-blocking data-flow components.
Cache Reconfiguration Using Machine Learning for Vulnerability-aware Energy Optimization
Authors: Ahmed Alif , Huang Yuanwen , Mishra Prabhat
Published: April 2019

Dynamic cache reconfiguration has been widely explored for energy optimization and performance improvement for single-core systems. Cache partitioning techniques are introduced for the shared cache in multicore systems to alleviate inter-core interference. While these techniques focus only on performance and energy, they ignore vulnerability due to soft errors. In this article, we present a static profiling based algorithm to enable vulnerability-aware energy-optimization for real-time multicore systems. Our approach can efficiently search the space of cache configurations and partitioning schemes for energy optimization while task deadlines and vulnerability constraints are satisfied. A machine learning technique has been employed to minimize the static profiling time without sacrificing the accuracy of results. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach can achieve 19.2% average energy savings compared with the base configuration, while drastically reducing the vulnerability (49.3% on average) compared to state-of-the-art techniques. Furthermore, the machine learning technique enabled more than 10x speedup in static profiling time with a negligible prediction error of 3%.
Compact and Flexible FPGA Implementation of Ed25519 and X25519
Authors: Turan Furkan , Verbauwhede Ingrid
Published: April 2019

This article describes a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) cryptographic architecture, which combines the elliptic curve--based Ed25519 digital signature algorithm and the X25519 key establishment scheme in a single module. Cryptographically, these are high-security elliptic curve cryptography algorithms with short key sizes and impressive execution times in software. Our goal is to provide a lightweight FPGA module that enables them on resource-constrained devices, specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. In addition, we aim at extensibility with customisable countermeasures against timing and differential power analysis side-channel attacks and fault-injection attacks. For the former, we offer a choice between time-optimised versus constant-time execution, with or without
Z
-coordinate randomisation and base-point blinding; and for the latter, we offer enabling or disabling default-case statements in the Finite State Machine (FSM) descriptions. To obtain compactness and at the same time fast execution times, we make maximum use of the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) slices on the FPGA. We designed a single arithmetic unit that is flexible to support operations with two moduli and non-modulus arithmetic. In addition, our design benefits in-place memory management and the local storage of inputs into DSP slices’ pipeline registers and takes advantage of distributed memory. These eliminate a memory access bottleneck. The flexibility is offered by a micro-code supported instruction-set architecture. Our design targets 7-Series Xilinx FPGAs and is prototyped on a Zynq System-on-Chip (SoC). The base design combining Ed25519 and X25519 in a single module, and its implementation requires only around 11.1K Lookup Tables (LUTs), 2.6K registers, and 16 DSP slices. Also, it achieves performance of 1.6ms for a signature generation and 3.6ms for a signature verification for a 1024-bit message with an 82MHz clock. Moreover, the design can be optimised only for X25519, which gives the most compact FPGA implementation compared to previously published X25519 implementations.
Visual Stabilization of Balance in Virtual Reality Using the HTC Vive
Authors: Kelly Jonathan W. , Klesel Brenna C. , Cherep Lucia A.
Published: April 2019

Vision in real environments stabilizes balance compared to an eyes-closed condition. For virtual reality to be safe and fully effective in applications such as physical rehabilitation, vision in virtual reality should stabilize balance as much as vision in the real world. Older virtual reality technology was previously found to stabilize balance but by less than half as much as real-world vision. Recent advancements in display technology might allow for vision in virtual reality to be as stabilizing as vision in the real world. This study evaluated whether viewing a virtual environment through the HTC Vive—a new consumer-grade head-mounted display—stabilizes balance, and whether visual stabilization is similar to that provided by real-world vision. Participants viewed the real laboratory or a virtual replica of the laboratory and attempted to maintain an unstable stance with eyes open or closed while standing at one of two viewing distances. Vision was significantly stabilizing in all conditions, but the virtual environment provided less visual stabilization than did the real environment. Regardless of the environment, near viewing led to greater visual stabilization than did far viewing. The smaller stabilizing influence of viewing a virtual compared to real environment might lead to greater risk of falls in virtual reality and smaller gains in physical rehabilitation using virtual reality.
An Optimized Cost Flow Algorithm to Spread Cells in Detailed Placement
Authors: Monteiro Jucemar , Johann Marcelo , Behjat Laleh
Published: April 2019

Placement is an important and challenging step in VLSI physical design. The placement solution can significantly impact timing and routability. In sub-nanometric technology nodes, several restrictions have been imposed on the placement solutions. These restrictions make designing an optimized and legal solution very hard. Achieving optimized placement solutions is especially challenging in regions with high-density utilization. The quality of placement solution can significantly impact the final circuit implementation. In this work, we present a cell spreading algorithm to move cells out from high-density utilization regions. Our algorithm opens up new spaces in regions with high cell concentration. These spaces can then be exploited by detailed placement algorithms to further optimize the placement solution. The objective of our technique is to reduce area density utilization while considering cell displacement and circuit delay. The outcome of the proposed algorithm is to obtain a uniform distribution of cells in the placement area while having minimal effects on the delay. To achieve this goal, our proposed algorithm uses branch and cut, and network flow techniques. Experimental results on industrial and academic circuits illustrate that our proposed algorithm can minimize circuit delay (up to 25%), cell displacement (up to 17μ
m
), dynamic power consumption (up to 5.3%), and leakage power (up to 15%).
Cross-Modal Audiovisual Modulation of Corticospinal Motor Synergies in Professional Piano Players: A TMS Study during Motor Imagery
Authors: Rossi Simone , Spada Danilo , Emanuele Marco , Ulivelli Monica , Santarnecchi Emiliano , Fadiga Luciano , Prattichizzo Domenico , Rossi Alessandro , Perani Daniela
Published: April 2019

Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to investigate corticospinal output changes in 10 professional piano players during motor imagery of triad chords in C major to be “mentally” performed with three fingers of the right hand (thumb, index, and little finger). Five triads were employed in the task; each composed by a stable 3rd interval (C4-E4) and a varying third note that could generate a 5th (G4), a 6th (A4), a 7th (B4), a 9th (D5), or a 10th (E5) interval. The 10th interval chord was thought to be impossible in actual execution for biomechanical reasons, as long as the thumb and the index finger remained fixed on the 3rd interval. Chords could be listened from loudspeakers, read on a staff, or listened and read at the same time while performing the imagery task. The corticospinal output progressively increased along with task demands in terms of mental representation of hand extension. The effects of audio, visual, or audiovisual musical stimuli were generally similar, unless motor imagery of kinetically impossible triads was required. A specific three-effector motor synergy was detected, governing the representation of the progressive mental extension of the hand. Results demonstrate that corticospinal facilitation in professional piano players can be modulated according to the motor plan, even if simply “dispatched” without actual execution. Moreover, specific muscle synergies, usually encoded in the motor cortex, emerge along the cross-modal elaboration of musical stimuli and in motor imagery of musical performances.
Protective Effect of the Total Triterpenes ofEuscaphis konishiiHayata Pericarp on Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Plus Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Huang Wei , Ding Hui , Chen Lu-yao , Ni Lin , Ruan Yi-fang , Zou Xiao-xing , Ye Min , Zou Shuang-quan
Published: April 2019

Background. Liver injury has been recognized as a primary cause of hepatic morbidity and mortality.Euscaphis konishiiHayata, also calledEuscaphis fukienensisHsu, is usually used as a detumescent and analgesic agent to improve liver function in South China, but its mechanism of action and chemical composition are unclear.Objective. The main aim of the study was to investigate the constituent and potential hepatoprotective mechanism of the total triterpenes ofE. konishiipericarp (TTEP).Methods.The constituent of TTEP was analyzed by a series of silica gel column to get single compounds and then identified by NMR and MS.In vitroassays were conducted to test the free radical scavenging activity of TTEP. The BCG/LPS-induced immunological livery injury mice model was established to clarify the hepatoprotective effect of TTEPin vivo.Results.8 pentacyclic triterpene acids were separated and identified by NMR and MS. TTEP treatment (50, 100, and 200 mg/Kg) improved the immune function of the BCG/LPS-infected mice, dose-dependently alleviated the BCG/LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and ameliorated the hepatocyte apoptosis in the liver tissue.Conclusion. The pericarp ofE. konishiimay be further considered as a potent natural food for liver disease treatment.
One-Pot Synthesis of Photoluminescent Self-Assembled Carbon Dot Monolayer Films
Authors: Guo Hongchong , Li Wei , Sun Gang , You Bo
Published: April 2019

We propose a facile and simple synthesis of photoluminescent (PL) carbon dot self-assembled monolayer films (CD-SAMFs) at oil-water interfaces. By using styrene both as the carbon source and the oil phase medium, we got our amazing CD-SAMFs under the copper acetate and hydrogen peroxide (Cu(Ac)2-H2O2) catalytic-oxidation system. Without any surface modification, the spontaneously formed CD-SAMFs exhibit ultrathin thickness (<10 nm), bright luminescence, high transparency, and hydrophobicity, which have the potential as a new alternative to be used on multifunctional coating films, anticounterfeiting, displays, sensors, and optical devices.
A Plurisensorial Device to Support Human Smell in Hazardous Environment and Prevent Respiratory Disease
Authors: Ferraro Venere , Rampino Lucia , Stepanovic Mila
Published: April 2019

Products embedded with wearable technologies can be a useful tool to support humans’ senses in situations where they can be insufficient, mistaken, or misleading. In this article, we discuss the findings of a two-year Transnational European Research Project named “POD: Plurisensorial Device to Prevent Occupational Disease.” The research was based on the evidence that human senses are not always reliable in making objective judgments. The specific field of application was coating plant, an environment that exposes workers to the risk of inhaling dangerous particles. The results obtained in the first part of the research pointed out that workers, largely relying on their sense of smell, which instead is often untrustworthy, do not protect themselves enough. Based on this ground, we designed a wearable system for providing workers with objective data both on their respiration activity and on the quality of the air in the working environment, with the ultimate goal of engaging them in wearing their personal protecting equipment (PPE). The article describes the development and testing of the solution; an example of how wearable technologies can enhance senses and improve workers’ health.
Heterogeneous Enhancement Pattern in DCE-MRI Reveals the Morphology of Normal Lymph Nodes: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bontempi Pietro , Busato Alice , Conti Giamaica , Della Sala Sabino Walter , Marzola Pasquina , Farace Paolo
Published: April 2019

Purpose. To investigate the heterogeneous enhancement pattern in normal lymph nodes of healthy mice by different albumin-binding contrast agents. Methods. The enhancement of normal lymph nodes was assessed in mice by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) after the administration of two contrast agents characterized by different albumin-binding properties: gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) and gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA). To take into account potential heterogeneities of the contrast uptake in the lymph nodes, k-means cluster analysis was performed on DCE-MRI data. Cluster spatial distribution was visually assessed. Statistical comparison among clusters and contrast agents was performed on semiquantitative parameters (AUC, wash-in rate, and wash-out rate) and on the relative size of the segmented clusters. Results. Cluster analysis of DCE-MRI data revealed at least two main clusters, localized in the outer portion and in the inner portion of each lymph node. With both contrast agents, AUC (p<0.01) and wash-in (p<0.05) rates were greater in the inner cluster, which also showed a steeper wash-out rate than the outer cluster (Gd-BOPTA, p<0.01; Gd-DTPA, p=0.056). The size of the outer cluster was greater than that of the inner cluster by Gd-DTPA (p<0.05) and Gd-BOPTA (p<0.01). The enhancement pattern of Gd-DTPA was not significantly different from the enhancement pattern of Gd-BOPTA. Conclusion. DCE-MRI in normal lymph nodes shows a characteristic heterogeneous pattern, discriminating the periphery and the central portion of the lymph nodes. Such a pattern deserves to be investigated as a diagnostic marker for lymph node staging.
Hirsutella sinensis Treatment Shows Protective Effects on Renal Injury and Metabolic Modulation in db/db Mice
Authors: Lu Zhenyao , Li Sijia , Sun Runbin , Jia Xue , Xu Chen , Aa Jiye , Wang Guangji
Published: April 2019

Hirsutella sinensis (HS) is the anamorph of the traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis. Although the renal protective effect of HS has been reported, its effect on diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unclear. In this study, db/db mice were used as the DN model, and the renal protective effect was evaluated after oral administration of HS for 6 and 12 weeks. Plasma, urine, and kidney samples were collected, and biochemical indicator measurements, pathological analysis, and metabolomics studies were performed. Biochemical assays showed that HS reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and increased the creatinine clearance (Ccr). HS alleviated glomerular and tubular glycogen accumulation and fibrosis and normalized the disordered ultrastructure of the glomerular filtration barrier. Metabolomics analysis of metabolites in the plasma, urine, and kidney indicated that HS modulated the perturbed glycolipid metabolism and amino acid turnover. HS reduced the elevated levels of metabolites involved in energy metabolism (TCA cycle, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathway) and nucleotide metabolism (pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism) in the kidneys of db/db mice. These results suggest that HS can protect against renal injury and that its efficacy involved metabolic modulation of the disturbed metabolome in db/db mice.
Mesenchymal Progenitors Derived from Different Locations in Long Bones Display Diverse Characteristics
Authors: Lu Weiguang , Gao Bo , Fan Jing , Cheng Pengzhen , Hu Yaqian , Jie Qiang , Luo Zhuojing , Yang Liu
Published: April 2019

Mesenchymal progenitors within bone marrow have multiple differentiation potential and play an essential role in the maintenance of adult skeleton homeostasis. Mesenchymal progenitors located in bone regions other than the bone marrow also display bone-forming properties. However, owing to the differences in each distinct microenvironment, the mesenchymal characteristics of skeletal progenitor cells within different regions of long bones may show some differences. In order to clearly elucidate these differences, we performed a comparative study on mesenchymal progenitors from different regions of long bones. Here, we isolated mesenchymal progenitors from the periosteum, endosteum, and bone marrow of rat long bones. The three groups exhibited similar cellular morphologies and expressed the typical surface markers associated with mesenchymal stem cells. Interestingly, after cell proliferation assays and bidirectional differentiation analysis, periosteal mesenchymal progenitors showed a higher proliferative ability and adipogenic differentiation potential. In contrast, endosteal mesenchymal progenitors were more prone to osteogenic differentiation. Using in vitro osteoclast culture systems, conditioned media from different mesenchymal progenitor cultures were used to induce osteoclastic differentiation. Osteoclast formation was found to be significantly promoted by the secretion of RANKL and IL-6 by endosteal progenitors. Overall, our results provide strong evidence for the importance of selecting the appropriate source of skeletal progenitors for applications in future skeleton regeneration therapies.
Performance of a Novel Blood-Based Early Colorectal Cancer Screening Assay in Remaining Serum after the Blood Biochemical Test
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhao Guodong , Sun Chuang , Ma Yong , Zhang Linyan , Zheng Minxue , Li Hongchun
Published: April 2019

Background. Combination of multiple biomarkers was an effective strategy to improve sensitivity in cancer diagnosis and screening. However, the performance of the combination of methylated SEPT9 and SDC2 for detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) has yet to be reported. Methods. A new qPCR-based assay combining the detection of methylated SEPT9 and SDC2 was used. Methylation statuses of SEPT9 and SDC2 were examined in 19 sets of cancer tissues and paired adjacent tissues and further evaluated with 225 serum samples, including 111 CRC patients and 114 no evidence of disease individuals. Results. SEPT9 and SDC2 methylation levels were higher in 94.7% and 100.0% of cancer tissues than in their paired adjacent tissues. The sensitivities for detecting CRC by SEPT9 methylation alone and SDC2 methylation alone were 73.0% (95% CI: 63.6–80.8%) and 71.2% (95% CI: 61.8–79.2%), respectively, with the same specificity of 95.6% (95% CI: 89.6–98.4%). However, when SEPT9 methylation was combined with SDC2 methylation to detect CRC, the sensitivity was improved to 86.5% (95% CI: 78.4–92.0%) with a specificity of 92.1% (95% CI: 85.1–96.1%). Conclusion. The combination of methylated SEPT9 and SDC2 detection in serum has the potential to be a noninvasive strategy for CRC screening.
Syk and Hrs Regulate TLR3-Mediated Antiviral Response in Murine Astrocytes
Authors: Mielcarska Matylda B. , Bossowska-Nowicka Magdalena , Gregorczyk-Zboroch Karolina P. , Wyżewski Zbigniew , Szulc-Dąbrowska Lidia , Gieryńska Małgorzata , Toka Felix N.
Published: April 2019

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense the presence of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Nevertheless, the mechanisms modulating TLR-triggered innate immune responses are not yet fully understood. Complex regulatory systems exist to appropriately direct immune responses against foreign or self-nucleic acids, and a critical role of hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (HRS), endosomal sorting complex required for transportation-0 (ESCRT-0) subunit, has recently been implicated in the endolysosomal transportation of TLR7 and TLR9. We investigated the involvement of Syk, Hrs, and STAM in the regulation of the TLR3 signaling pathway in a murine astrocyte cell line C8-D1A following cell stimulation with a viral dsRNA mimetic. Our data uncover a relationship between TLR3 and ESCRT-0, point out Syk as dsRNA-activated kinase, and suggest the role for Syk in mediating TLR3 signaling in murine astrocytes. We show molecular events that occur shortly after dsRNA stimulation of astrocytes and result in Syk Tyr-342 phosphorylation. Further, TLR3 undergoes proteolytic processing; the resulting TLR3 N-terminal form interacts with Hrs. The knockdown of Syk and Hrs enhances TLR3-mediated antiviral response in the form of IFN-β, IL-6, and CXCL8 secretion. Understanding the role of Syk and Hrs in TLR3 immune responses is of high importance since activation and precise execution of the TLR3 signaling pathway in the brain seem to be particularly significant in mounting an effective antiviral defense. Infection of the brain with herpes simplex type 1 virus may increase the secretion of amyloid-βby neurons and astrocytes and be a causal factor in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Errors in TLR3 signaling, especially related to the precise regulation of the receptor transportation and degradation, need careful observation as they may disclose foundations to identify novel or sustain known therapeutic targets.
Diosgenin and Its Fenugreek Based Biological Matrix Affect Insulin Resistance and Anabolic Hormones in a Rat Based Insulin Resistance Model
Authors: Kiss Rita , Pesti-Asbóth Georgina , Szarvas Mária Magdolna , Stündl László , Cziáky Zoltán , Hegedűs Csaba , Kovács Diána , Badale Andrea , Máthé Endre , Szilvássy Zoltán , Remenyik Judit
Published: April 2019

Fenugreek is known since ancient times as a traditional herbal medicine of its multiple beneficial effects. Fenugreek’s most studied and employed effect is its hypoglycemic property, but it can also be useful for the treatment of certain thyroid disorders or for the treatment of anorexia. The regulation of glucose homeostasis is a complex mechanism, dependent on the interaction of different types of hormones and neurotransmitters or other compounds. For the study of how diosgenin and fenugreek seeds modify insulin sensitivity, we used a rat insulin resistance model induced by high-fat diet. Diosgenin in three different doses (1mg/bwkg, 10mg/bwkg, and 50 mg/bwkg, respectively) and fenugreek seed (0.2 g/bwkg) were administered orally for 6 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was determined by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp method. Our research group found that although glucose infusion rate was not significantly modified in either group, the increased insulin sensitivity index and high metabolic clearance rate of insulin found in the 1 mg/kg diosgenin and the fenugreek seed treated group suggested an improved peripheral insulin sensitivity. Results from the 10 mg/kg diosgenin group, however, suggest a marked insulin resistance. Fenugreek seed therapy results on the investigated anabolic hormones support the theory that, besides insulin and gastrointestinal peptides, the hypothalamic-hypopituitary axis regulated hormones synchronized action with IGF-1 also play an important role in the maintaining of normal glucose levels. Both diosgenin and fenugreek seeds are capable of interacting with substrates of the above-mentioned regulatory mechanisms, inducing serious hormonal disorders. Moreover, fenugreek seeds showed the ability to reduce the thyroid hormone levels at the periphery and to modify the T4/T3 ratio. It means that in healthy people this effect could be considered a severe side effect; however, in hypothyroidism this effect represents a possibility of alternative natural therapy.
The Insidious Cardiac Tumor: A Primary Left Atrium Intimal Cardiac Sarcoma in a Young Patient
Authors: Ogechukwu Chika-Nwosuh , Christopher Nnaoma , Christoph Sossou , Etinosasere Okundaye , Jose Bustillo
Published: April 2019

This case presentation discusses a rare cardiac malignancy initially thought to be a benign tumor. A 36-year-old presented with syncope, dyspnea, Computed Tomography Pulmonary angiography study obtained was negative for pulmonary emboli but revealed a left atrial mass. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) confirmed a mass with multiple lobes and a broad base attached to the septum, encroaching into the right atrium, aortic root wall, base of the anterior mitral leaflet flowing to the mitral orifice in diastole also obstructing the right pulmonary vein. Despite a quick diagnosis and plan to begin treatment, the patient rapidly declined owing to the extent and aggressive nature of this cardiac malignancy. This case reports the insidious nature of these tumors as well as how challenging and life threatening they are at the time of their clinical manifestation.
Using CHIRPS Dataset to Assess Wet and Dry Conditions along the Semiarid Central-Western Argentina
Authors: Rivera Juan A. , Hinrichs Sofía , Marianetti Georgina
Published: April 2019

The Climate Hazards group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) dataset was conceived as a tool for monitoring drought and environmental change over land. Recent validation efforts along South America have assessed its suitability for reproducing the main spatial and temporal features of precipitation. Nevertheless, little has been done regarding the ability of CHIRPS for the assessment of wet and dry conditions, particularly in areas where in situ precipitation records are scarce. In this paper, we investigated the performance of CHIRPS for monitoring wet and dry events along the semiarid Central-Western Argentina. Using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), we compared the CHIRPS database with records from 49 meteorological stations along the study area for the period 1987–2016. Results indicate that the CHIRPS dataset adequately reproduced the temporal variability of SPI on multiple timescales (1 month, 3 months, and 6 months), particularly in the region dominated by warm season precipitation. The large overestimation of the seasonal precipitation in the region dominated by cold season precipitation can introduce errors that are reflected in the performance of CHIRPS over the western portion of the domain. The frequency of wet and dry classes was accurately reproduced by CHIRPS on timescales larger than 1 month (SPI1), given the existence of a wet bias that produces an underestimation of the frequency of zero values. This bias is further translated to the evaluation of the SPI1 during the spatial and temporal assessment of historical dry (1998) and wet (2016) events, especially for the classification of extreme dry/wet months. The results from the evaluation indicate that CHIRPS is a suitable tool for assessing dry and wet conditions for timescales longer than 1 month and can support decision-making process within the hydrometeorological agencies over the region.
An Investigation about Gene Modules Associated with hDPSC Differentiation for Adolescents
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Li Jianqiang , Li Juan , Yang Ji-Jiang , Wang Qing , Liu Bo , Qiu Weiliang
Published: April 2019

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have the property of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation so that they have the potential for future regenerative therapy of various diseases. The latest breakthrough in the biology of stem cells and the development of regenerative biology provides an effective strategy for regenerative therapy. However, in the medium promoting differentiation during long-term passage, DPSCs would lose their differentiation capability. Some efforts have been made to find genes influencing human DPSC (hDPSC) differentiation based on hDPSCs isolated from adults. However, hDPSC differentiation is a very complex process, which involves multiple genes and multielement interactions. The purpose of this study is to detect sets of correlated genes (i.e., gene modules) that are associated to hDPSC differentiation at the crown-completed stage of the third molars, by using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Based on the gene expression dataset GSE10444 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we identified two significant gene modules: yellow module (742 genes) and salmon module (9 genes). The WEB-based Gene SeT AnaLysis Toolkit showed that the 742 genes in the yellow module were enriched in 59 KEGG pathways (including Wnt signaling pathway), while the 9 genes in the salmon module were enriched in one KEGG pathway (neurotrophin signaling pathway). There were 660 (7) genes upregulated at P10 and 82 (2) genes downregulated at P10 in the yellow (salmon) module. Our results provide new insights into the differentiation capability of hDPSCs.
Mendelian Randomization Study for Genetically Predicted Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Levels on Overall Cancer Risk and Mortality
Authors: Liyanage Upekha E. , Ong Jue-Sheng , An Jiyuan , Gharahkhani Puya , Law Matthew H. , MacGregor Stuart
Published: April 2019

Background:

Observational studies evaluating the link between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and cancers have yielded mixed findings. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate whether genetic evidence supports a causal role for PUFAs on overall cancer outcomes.

Methods:

We identified genetic instruments for six PUFAs from previous literature and evaluated their association with overall cancer risk (46,155 cases, 270,342 controls) and cancer mortality (6,998 deaths, 270,342 controls) among the UK Biobank cohort. We used the inverse variance weighted model to combine SNP estimates, and derived log (OR) estimates per SD change in each PUFA.

Results:

None of the six PUFAs showed association with overall cancer risk or mortality, with narrow confidence interval (CI) ruling out all but very small effects, for example, arachidonic acid (AA) overall cancer risk (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00–1.03). Sex-specific analysis revealed no associations except α-linolenic acid for potentially reducing cancer risk in men (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86–0.98; P = 0.02); however, this was nonsignificant after multiple testing correction. From individual cancers, only colorectal cancer showed evidence for a causal association for higher AA levels (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03–1.07), with similar results for the other correlated PUFAs.

Conclusions:

Our study provides no support for the hypothesis that PUFAs reduce overall cancer risk or mortality. Higher AA levels increased the risk for colorectal cancer.

Impact:

Our well-powered MR study provides robust causal inferences for the PUFAs on overall cancer risk and mortality. Future larger studies are warranted to replicate the individual cancer findings.
Impact of Forced Migration on Communication and Social Adaptation
Authors: Grech Helen
Published: April 2019

Forced migration has spread and grown across continents in recent decades. This has had an impact at various levels such as societal communication, health and education priorities, as well as political agendas and economic stability. As a result of the combined forces of migration, globalisation, advances in communication technology and education, there is an exceptional research interest in individuals seeking refugee status or asylum. The literature is sporadic on forced migrants’ communication and social adaptation. The perception of residents and professionals who encounter the challenges faced by these individuals on a regular basis needs to be evaluated, as well as the perception of the migrants themselves. This paper presents the current state of affairs and reviews the relevant literature with the intention of providing a more coordinated overview of forced migrants’ and relevant stakeholders’ views. A case scenario is presented that discusses the communication challenges faced by forced migrants. Strategic recommendations are also discussed.
The Positive Predictive Value of High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion on Cytology for the Histological Diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2 or Higher: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karia Nina , Van Loon Alison , Simoens Cindy , Benoy Ina , Bogers Johannes
Published: April 2019

Cervical cancer is a major worldwide health problem. Therefore, regular cervical screening in order to make an early diagnosis can help to prevent cervical cancer, through identifying and treating preinvasive cervical lesions. The aim of this review is to evaluate the correlation between the cytological screening result and the final gold standard histological outcome in the diagnosis of cervical lesions. More specifically, the correlation between high-grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) on cytology and histological cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) was intended, by calculating the positive predictive value (PPV). PPV is an important value from a clinical point of view. An electronic search was carried out in the electronic databases MEDLINE (through PubMed) and the Cochrane Library (last searched beginning of December 2017), supplemented with the related article feature in PubMed and snowballing. Article selection (predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria) and data extraction were evaluated by two independent reviewers (N.K. and A.V.L.). After identifying 1,146 articles, 27 articles were finally included in this systematic review, representing 28,783 cytological HSIL diagnoses in total. The PPV of HSIL was 77.5% (range: 45.4–95.2%) for the histological diagnosis of CIN2+ and 55.4% (range: 36.4–67.6%) for the diagnosis of CIN3+. In this systematic review, 77.5% of the HSIL-positive women eventually had a CIN2+ diagnosis. The diagnostic value of a cytological HSIL result (conventional or liquid-based cytology) in the diagnosis of CIN2+ lesions is good, but a combination of tests could raise this value.
Reduced Sensitivity to Non-Fear-Related Stimulus Changes in Panic Disorder
Authors: Rentzsch Johannes , Thoma Lars , Gaudlitz Katharina , Tänzer Nicole , Gallinat Jürgen , Kathmann Norbert , Ströhle Andreas , Plag Jens
Published: April 2019

Panic disorder (PD) is associated with increased body vigilance and reduced cognitive resources directed at non-fear-related stimuli, particularly in the absence of stimulus-rich environments. To date, only few studies have investigated whether this deficit in PD is reflected in reduced mismatch negativity (MMN), an event-related potential indexing preattentive sensitivity to unexpected stimulus changes. We tested 35 patients affected by PD and 42 matched healthy controls in an oddball paradigm, using frequency and duration deviant stimuli to measure auditory MMN. PD patients displayed reduced duration MMN amplitudes in comparison to healthy controls. No group differences were detected for duration MMN latency, as well as frequency MMN indices. Results support the notion of reduced processing of non-fear-related stimuli in PD patients, particularly with regard to the preattentive processing of sound duration deviants. Additionally, our findings are in line with clinical studies reporting divergent deficits in preattentive processing of frequency and duration deviants.
Prescription of a THC/CBD-Based Medication to Patients with Dementia: A Pilot Study in Geneva
Authors: Broers Barbara , Patà Zacharie , Mina Aline , Wampfler James , de Saussure Christian , Pautex Sophie
Published: April 2019

Background: Dementia is increasing worldwide. No effective medication is currently available for the treatment of the underlying disease and accompanying behavioral symptoms. Cannabinoids might have a beneficial effect, but clinical studies with (low-dose) synthetic THC have not been conclusive. Objective: To test the acceptability, practical aspects, and clinical outcomes of the introduction of a THC/CBD-based oral medication in severely demented patients in a specialized nursing home in Geneva. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Results: Ten female demented patients with severe behavior problems received oral medication with on average 7.6 mg THC/13.2 mg CBD daily after 2 weeks, 8.8 mg THC/17.6 mg CBD after 1 month, and 9.0 mg THC/18.0 mg CBD after 2 months. The THC/CBD-based oil was preferred. Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory score, and a behavior problem visual analog scale decreased by 40% after 2 months, rigidity score by 50%. Half of the patients decreased or stopped other psychotropic medications. The staff appreciated the decrease in rigidity, making daily care and transfers easier, the improved direct contact with the patients, the improvement in behavior, and the decrease in constipation with less opioids. There was no withholding of the medication for reasons of side effects, and the effects persisted after 2 months. Conclusions: An oral cannabis extract with THC/CBD, in higher dosages than in other studies, was well tolerated and greatly improved behavior problems, rigidity, and daily care in severely demented patients.
Phase Angle and Dry Weight Benefit Nutritional Management of a Patient with Primary Myelofibrosis Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Novelli Isabelle , Fatobene Giancarlo , Silva Ana Carolina , Rodrigues Ana Lucia , Severine Ariane , Rocha Vanderson , Hirose Erika Yuri
Published: April 2019

Background: Progressive, involuntary weight loss (WL) is common in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and the etiology of this manifestation is multifactorial. A triad of ascites, edema, and splenomegaly is common; therefore, the body weight may be overestimated due to fluid overload. A comprehensive nutritional assessment, including measurement of dry weight, is necessary for monitoring disease progression and to allow the effective planning of nutritional interventions. Also, the phase angle (PA) has been suggested as an important prognostic and muscle mass marker in patients with cancer. To date, there have been no reports of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) of patients with PMF. Case Presentation: A 56-year-old man with PMF underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with fatigue and postprandial abdominal fullness, exhibiting splenomegaly (> 10 cm) and bilateral lower-extremity edema. On day –13, a BIA was performed. The patient had a body weight of 73.5 kg, with a fluid balance of +9.2 L and a PA at 50 kHz of 3.15°. A nutritional intervention was administered for 26 days, and on day +13 of HSCT, a repeat BIA revealed an estimated body weight of 69.7 kg with a fluid balance of +5.8 L and a PA at 50 kHz of 3.17°, as well as nonsignificant WL (3.1% in 1 month). Conclusions: This case report is an important addition to the nutritional assessment of PFM patients, since we could provide a better nutritional intervention due to our understanding of the estimated dry weight and assess the PA to investigate a new element of prognosis. Additional studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of BIA in these patients.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Monden Kazuteru , Sadamori Hiroshi , Hioki Masayoshi , Ohno Satoshi , Rikimaru Mitsue , Saneto Hiromi , Ueki Toru , Yabushita Kazuhisa , Sakaguchi Kousaku , Takakura Norihisa
Published: April 2019

Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is caused by thiamine deficiency and classically appears as changes in mental status, oculomotor manifestations, and gait ataxia. WE is mostly found in patients with chronic alcoholism and malnutrition, and has rarely been reported following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Case Presentation: A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of loss of appetite and weakness of the lower extremities. No abnormalities were found on blood examination. One year earlier, she had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy for bile duct cancer, and pancreatic fistula developed as a postoperative complication. On hospital day 8, her level of consciousness deteriorated, and she experienced difficulty bending the lower limbs and walking. Computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal series showed dilatation of the residual stomach and stenosis of the gastrojejunostomy. Laboratory test results were normal except for blood gas analysis, which revealed severe lactic acidosis. A diagnosis of WE was suspected due to lactic acidosis secondary to thiamine deficiency. Definitive diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Intravenous infusion of high-dose thiamine (1,200 mg/day) was commenced, leading to improvement of her neurological condition. Conclusions: Physicians should recognize that pancreaticoduodenectomy, when complicated by gastrojejunostomy stenosis resulting in pancreatic fistula, can lead to WE. In this case, blood gas analysis was helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis. A high degree of suspicion should be maintained if any of the classical features of WE are observed following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Critical Appraisal of Oral Pre- and Probiotics for Caries Prevention and Care
Authors: Zaura Egija , Twetman Svante
Published: April 2019

In recent years, the concept of preventing caries-related microbial dysbiosis by enhancing the growth and survival of health-associated oral microbiota has emerged. In this article, the current evidence for the role of oral pre- and probiotics in caries prevention and caries management is discussed. Prebiotics are defined as “substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.” With regard to caries, this would include alkali-generating substances such as urea and arginine, which are metabolized by some oral bacteria, resulting in ammonia production and increase in pH. While there is no evidence that urea added to chewing gums or mouth rinses significantly contributes to caries inhibition, multiple studies have shown that arginine in consumer products can exert an inhibitory effect on the caries process. Probiotics are “live microorganisms which when administrated in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” Clinical trials have suggested that school-based programs with milk supplemented with probiotics and probiotic lozenges can reduce caries development in preschool children and in schoolchildren with high caries risk. Due to issues with research ethics (prebiotics) and risk of bias (prebiotics, probiotics), the confidence in the effect estimate is however limited. Further long-term clinical studies are needed with orally derived probiotic candidates, including the health-economic perspectives. In particular, the development and evaluation of oral synbiotic products, containing both prebiotics and a probiotic, would be of interest in the future management of dental caries.