bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the longitudinal risk of social vigilance on atherosclerosis: study protocol for the North Texas Heart Study
Authors: Ruiz John M , Taylor Daniel J , Uchino Bert N , Smith Timothy W , Allison Matthew , Ahn Chul , Johnson Jillian J , Smyth Joshua M
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Psychosocial factors are increasingly recognised as important determinants of cardiovascular disease risk. The North Texas Heart Study aims to understand the mechanisms responsible for this association with a focus on social vigilance (ie, scanning the environment for social threats). There is also growing interest in supplementing traditional methods (eg, survey assessment of psychosocial risk paired with cross-sectional and longitudinal health outcomes) with daily or repeated momentary assessment of psychosocial factors. However, there are relatively few longitudinal studies directly comparing these approaches with hard endpoints.

Methods and analysis

The North Texas Heart Study proposes a longitudinal measurement burst design to examine psychosocial determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis. A sample of 300 healthy community participants, stratified by age and gender, will complete survey measures, as well as 2 days of ecological momentary assessment at baseline and at a 2-year follow-up. A range of psychosocial and behavioural factors, objective biomarkers, as well as carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) will be assessed at both time points. Unadjusted and adjusted models will evaluate cross-sectional associations and determinants of change in the cIMT.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Review Board at the study coordinating institute (University of North Texas) has approved this study. Positive, negative or inconclusive primary and ancillary findings will be disseminated in scientific journals and conferences.
Living in a burned landscape: woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) use of postfire residual patches for calving in a high fire – low anthropogenic Boreal Shield ecozone
Authors: Skatter H.G. , Charlebois M.L. , Eftestøl S. , Tsegaye D. , Colman J.E. , Kansas J.L. , Flydal K. , Balicki B.
Published: August 2017

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) calculated that 55% of Saskatchewan’s Boreal Shield has been disturbed by wildfire in the last 40 years. The 2012 Canadian Federal Recovery Strategy for woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) states that these large-scale natural disturbances can cause caribou to cease use of portions of their range. This assumption neglects the potential habitat value of postfire residuals. We tested this assumption using 2 years of GPS data obtained from 56 female caribou to identify calving site selection. Seventy-nine calving events were identified from 91 individual calving seasons. For both calving and postcalving periods, woodland caribou preferred nonburned (>40 years) over burned habitats (≤40 years). Within burned areas, residual patches dominated by bogs–fens were preferred, indicating that burns with residuals are important woodland caribou calving habitat. The residuals may act as island refuges providing food–security, while surrounding burns provide reduced visual obstruction from which caribou can detect approaching predators. Although more data are necessary to make robust conclusions, this study provides novel insight into the ecological interactions of forest fires with woodland caribou in northern Saskatchewan, and offers important considerations regarding critical habitat identification and range-level planning to ensure all suitable caribou habitats are identified.
Thermodynamics of Schwarzschild–Beltrami–de Sitter black hole
Authors: Liu Hang , Meng Xin-He
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we investigate the thermodynamical properties of Schwarzschild–Beltrami–de Sitter (S–BdS) black hole introduced by Yan et al. in 2013 by introducing inertial Beltrami coordinates to traditional non-inertial Schwarzschild–de Sitter (S–dS) metric which is the exact static spherical symmetry solution of Einstein equation with a positive cosmological constant [Formula: see text]. Based on this new metric, we compute entropy on all horizons and we give the entropy bound of the black hole. Hawking temperatures are calculated by considering a perturbation to entropy relations due to that the spacetime described by these inertial coordinates is no longer a stationary spacetime in which surface gravity related to Hawking temperature is defined well on killing horizon. We also get the Smarr relations and the first law of thermodynamics. We find that the S–BdS black hole seems to have similar thermodynamical properties to S–dS black hole in the comparison between their corresponding thermodynamical quantities, although the new black hole metric is described by inertial coordinates which exclude the effects of inertial force.
Hormuz salt distribution and influence on structural style in NE Saudi Arabia
Authors: Stewart S. A.
Published: August 2017

This study uses previously unpublished reflection seismic data and wells to map part of the western margin of the Hormuz salt basin for the first time, and to link Hormuz facies distribution to the evolution of major structures in NE Saudi Arabia. Most of these major structures host giant or supergiant oil fields in Mesozoic reservoirs. This study is based on seismic interpretation of structural style because the Hormuz occurs at up to 10 km or more depth present day and is not penetrated by any wells. In the eastern part of the study area, seismically transparent zones with structural elements diagnostic of salt tectonics pass laterally into layered seismic facies with local clinoform geometries. The transparent facies are interpreted as mobile salt, the layered facies as immobile evaporite basin-margin strata. The layered facies display onlap and fault-bound relationships with older basement domains, and in map view the boundary between layered and transparent seismic facies at the Hormuz level forms embayments and promontories on the west margin of the salt basin. Areas of mobile salt underlie domal and periclinal structures, such as Karan, Hasbah, Dammam and Khursaniyah. These structures display steeply dipping reflections at depth that can be interpreted as salt pillow flanks, with base salt locally interpretable, and have plan-view aspect ratios of 2 or less. Beyond the limits of layered seismic facies, between the embayments and westwards towards the Arabian Shield, seismic and well data indicate that the major structures are not salt cored, including Berri, Manifa, Safaniya, Jauf, Juraybi'at and Haba.
Dapagliflozin slows the progression of the renal and liver fibrosis associated with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tang Li , Wu Yuanyuan , Tian Mi , Sjöström C. David , Johansson Ulrika , Peng Xiao-Rong , Smith David M. , Huang Yufeng
Published: August 2017

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetic oral agents indicating promising effects on cardiovascular and renal end points. However, the renoprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are not fully understood. Also, metabolic effects of SGLT2 inhibition on other organ systems, such as effects on hepatic steatosis, are not fully understood. This study sought to address these questions by treating 18-wk-old uninephrectomized db/db mice with the selective SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin. Untreated db/db mice developed progressive albuminuria, glomerular mesangial matrix expansion, and fatty liver associated with increased renal expression of TGFβ1, PAI-1, type IV collagen and fibronectin, and liver deposition of fibronectin, type I and III collagen, and laminin. Treatment with dapagliflozin (1 mg·kg−1·day−1) via gel diet from 18 to 22 wk of age not only reduced blood glucose (371.14 ± 55.02 mg/dl in treated db/db vs. 573.53 ± 21.73 mg/dl in untreated db/db, P < 0.05) and Hb A1c levels (9.47 ± 0.79% in treated db/db vs. 12.1 ± 0.73% in untreated db/db, P < 0.05) but also ameliorated the increases in albuminuria and markers of glomerulosclerosis and liver injury seen in untreated db/db mice. Furthermore, both renal expressions of NF-kB p65, MCP-1, Nox4, Nox2, and p47phox and urine TBARS levels and liver productions of myeloperoxidase and reactive oxygen species, the markers of tissue inflammation and oxidative stress, were increased in untreated db/db mice, which were reduced by dapagliflozin administration. These results demonstrate that dapagliflozin not only improves hyperglycemia but also slows the progression of diabetes-associated glomerulosclerosis and liver fibrosis by improving hyperglycemia-induced tissue inflammation and oxidative stress.
Accuracy of Preoperative Scoring Systems for the Prognostication and Treatment of Patients with Spinal Metastases
Authors: Hibberd Catherine S. , Quan Gerald M. Y.
Published: August 2017

Background. In patients with spinal metastatic disease, survival prognosis is a key consideration in selection for surgery and determining the extent of treatment. Individual survival prediction however remains difficult. We sought to validate the prognostic accuracy of seven preoperative scoring systems. Methods. 61 patients surgically treated for spinal metastases were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative scores were calculated for Tokuhashi, Revised Tokuhashi, Bauer, Modified Bauer, Sioutos, Tomita, and van der Linden scoring systems. Prognostic value was determined by comparison of predicted and actual survival. Results. The Revised Tokuhashi and Modified Bauer scoring systems had the best survival predictive accuracy. Rate of agreement for survival prognosis was the greatest for the Modified Bauer score. There was a significant difference in survival of the prognostic groups for all but the van der Linden score, being most significant for the Revised Tokuhashi, Bauer, Modified Bauer, and Tomita scoring systems (p≤0.001). Conclusion. Overall, the scoring systems are accurate at differentiating patients into short-, intermediate-, and long-term survivors. More precise prediction of actual survival is limited and the decision for or against surgery should never be based on survival prognostication alone but should take into account symptoms such as neurological deficit or pain from pathological fracture and instability.
Snakebite Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy Leading to Renal Cortical Necrosis
Authors: Gn Ying Mao , Ponnusamy Arvind , Thimma Vikram
Published: August 2017

Renal complications from snakebite result in high mortality and morbidity. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 5–30% of cases. Renal manifestation could include acute tubular necrosis, cortical necrosis, interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis, and vasculitis. We present a case of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) resulting in renal cortical necrosis. Renal biopsy showed fibrin thrombi in glomeruli and arterioles with cortical necrosis. Our patient progressed to end-stage renal disease.
Two-Phase Optimal Guidance Law considering Impact Angle Constraint with Bearings-Only Measurements
Authors: Wang Tianning , Tang Shengjing , Guo Jie , Zhang Haoqiang
Published: August 2017

The implementation of advanced guidance laws with bearings-only measurements requires estimation of the range information. To improve estimation accuracy and satisfy the impact angle constraint, this paper proposes a two-phase optimal guidance law consisting of an observing phase and an attacking phase. In the observing phase, the determinant of Fisher information matrix is maximized to achieve the optimal observability and a suboptimal solution expressed by leading angle is derived analytically. Then, a terminal sliding-mode guidance law is designed to track the desired leading angle. In the followed attacking phase, an optimal guidance law is integrated with a switching term to satisfy both the impact angle constraint and the field-of-view constraint. Finally, comparison studies of the proposed guidance law and a traditional optimal guidance law are conducted on stationary targets and maneuvering targets cases. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed guidance law is able to improve the range observability and achieve better terminal performances including impact angle accuracy and miss distance.
Intracellular pH Regulates TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis and Necroptosis in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhu-Xu , Gan Ingrid , Pavlosky Alexander , Huang Xuyan , Fuhrmann Benjamin , Jevnikar Anthony M.
Published: August 2017

During ischemia or inflammation of organs, intracellular pH can decrease if acid production exceeds buffering capacity. Thus, the microenvironment can expose parenchymal cells to a reduced extracellular pH which can alter pH-dependent intracellular functions. We have previously shown that while silencing caspase-8 in anin vivoischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model results in improved organ function and survival, removal of caspase-8 function in a donor organ can paradoxically result in enhanced receptor-interacting protein kinase 1/3- (RIPK1/3-) regulated necroptosis and accelerated graft loss following transplantation. In our current study, TRAIL- (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-) induced cell deathin vitroat neutral pH and caspase-8 inhibition-enhanced RIPK1-dependent necroptotic death were confirmed. In contrast, both caspase-8 inhibition and RIPK1 inhibition attenuated cell death at a cell pH of 6.7. Cell death was attenuated with mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) silencing, indicating that MLKL membrane rupture, a distinctive feature of necroptosis, occurs regardless of pH. In summary, there is a distinct regulatory control of apoptosis and necroptosis in endothelial cells at different intracellular pH. These results highlight the complexity of modulating cell death and therapeutic strategies that may need to consider different consequences on cell death dependent on the model.
AAV-KLF7 Promotes Descending Propriospinal Neuron Axonal Plasticity after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Li Wen-Yuan , Wang Ying , Zhai Feng-Guo , Sun Ping , Cheng Yong-Xia , Deng Ling-Xiao , Wang Zhen-Yu
Published: August 2017

DPSN axons mediate and maintain a variety of normal spinal functions. Unsurprisingly, DPSN tracts have been shown to mediate functional recovery following SCI. KLF7 could contribute to CST axon plasticity after spinal cord injury. In the present study, we assessed whether KLF7 could effectively promote DPSN axon regeneration and synapse formation following SCI. An AAV-KLF7 construct was used to overexpress KLF7.In vitro, KLF7 and target proteins were successfully elevated and axonal outgrowth was enhanced.In vivo, young adult C57BL/6 mice received a T10 contusion followed by an AAV-KLF7 injection at the T7–9 levels above the lesion. Five weeks later, overexpression of KLF7 was expressed in DPSN. KLF7 and KLF7 target genes (NGF, TrkA, GAP43, and P0) were detectably increased in the injured spinal cord. Myelin sparring at the lesion site, DPSN axonal regeneration and synapse formation, muscle weight, motor endplate morphology, and functional parameters were all additionally improved by KLF7 treatment. Our findings suggest that KLF7 promotes DPSN axonal plasticity and the formation of synapses with motor neurons at the caudal spinal cord, leading to improved functional recovery and further supporting the potential of AAV-KLF7 as a therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury.
Use of Genotype MTBDRplus Assay for Diagnosis of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Nepal
Authors: Maharjan Elina , Pant Narayan Dutt , Neupane Sanjeev , Amatya Jyoti , Shrestha Bhawana
Published: August 2017

The main aims of this study were to study the patterns of mutations in rpoB, katG, and inhA genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from patients from Nepal and to evaluate the performance of genotype MTBDRplus assay, taking conventional drug susceptibility testing as gold standard for diagnosis of MDR-TB. A total of 69 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from 73 smear positive sputum samples from patients suspected of suffering from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis were used in our study. The drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from these sputum specimens was determined by using genotype MTBDRplus assay taking conventional drug susceptibility testing as reference. The sensitivity and specificity of the genotype MTBDRplus assay for the detection of MDR-TB were found to be 88.7% and 100%, respectively. 88.7% of the rifampicin resistant isolates had mutations in rpoB gene. Similarly, 79.7% and 9.4% of isoniazid resistant isolates had mutations in katG and inhA genes, respectively. Genotype MTBDRplus assay was found to be very rapid and highly sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of MDR-TB and will be very helpful for early diagnosis of MDR-TB in high tuberculosis burden countries.
Severe Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in a Child with Caroli Syndrome
Authors: De Jesus-Rojas W. , McBeth K. , Yadav A. , Stark J. M. , Mosquera R. A. , Jon C.
Published: August 2017

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a potential complication of chronic liver disease and is more commonly seen in the adult population. Caroli Syndrome is a rare inherited disorder characterized by intrahepatic ductal dilation and liver fibrosis that leads to portal hypertension. In children with liver disease, HPS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of prolonged, otherwise unexplained, hypoxemia. The presence of HPS can improve patient priority on the liver transplantation wait list, despite their Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score. We present a 6-year-old girl with Caroli Syndrome and End-Stage Renal Disease who presented with persistent hypoxemia. The goal of this report is to increase awareness of HPS in children.
Atractylodin Induces Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation and Promotes Gastric Emptying through Ghrelin Receptor
Authors: Bai Yu , Zhao Yan-hua , Xu Jian-ya , Yu Xi-zhong , Hu Yun-xia , Zhao Zhi-qiang
Published: August 2017

Atractylodin is one of the main constituents in the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea Thunb., being capable of treating cancer cachexia‐anorexia and age‐related diseases as an agonist of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GHSR was herein expressed in human gastric smooth muscle cells (HGSMCs) and activated by ghrelin receptor agonist L‐692,585. Like L‐692,585, atractylodin also increased Ca2+ and enhanced the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) through GHSR in HGSMCs. In addition, atractylodin promoted gastric emptying and MLC phosphorylation in the gastric antrum of mice also through GHSR. Collectively, atractylodin can activate GHSR in gastric smooth muscle, as a potential target in clinical practice.
5G Development in China: From Policy Strategy to User-Oriented Architecture
Authors: Liu Qian , Shi Xiaochuan , Wang Xu , Li Jia
Published: August 2017

5G encompasses the development of various key wireless communication technology standards. The development entails both technological advancement and social interaction. This paper analyzes 5G development and its significant shift from a strategy policy to a user-oriented development showing the coplay of technology and society in China. Based on this theory, relevant proposals are recommended for future technical development and industrial regulation. Also, to increase the throughput and spectrum efficiency, channel assignment and load balance are considered. A hybrid routing protocol TOHRP (tree-based and on-demand hybrid routing protocol) and a distributed channel assignment algorithm LBCA (Load Based Channel Assignment) in the multichannel environment are proposed and they solve the traditional problem of (1) waste of spectrum and (2) self-interference. The computer-simulated experiment shows that the algorithm improves the performance.
The Influence of Natural Head Position on the Cervical Sagittal Alignment
Authors: Wang Kuan , Deng Zhen , Li Zhengyan , Wang Huihao , Zhan Hongsheng
Published: August 2017

Introduction. This study investigated the relationship between the parameters related to the natural head position and cervical segmental angles and alignment of patients with neck pain. Material and Methods. The lateral radiographs of the cervical spine were collected from 103 patients and were used to retrospectively analyze the correlation between the natural head position, cervical local sagittal angles, and alignment. Sagittal measurements were as follows: cervical curvature classification, slope of McGregor’s line (McGS), local sagittal angles (C0–C2 angle, C2–C5 angle, C5–C7 angle, and C2–C7 angle), T1 slope, center of gravity of the head to sagittal vertical axis (CG–C7 SVA), and local sagittal alignment (C0–C2 SVA and C2–C7 SVA). Results. McGS was significantly correlated to C0–C2 angle (r=0.57), C0–C2 SVA (r=−0.53), C2–C7 SVA (r=−0.28), and CG–C7 SVA (r=−0.47). CG–C7 SVA was also significantly correlated to curvature type (r=0.27), C5–C7 angle (r=−0.37), and C2–C7 angle (r=−0.39). Conclusions. A backward shift with an extended head position may accompany a relatively normal curvature of the cervical spine. The effect of posture control in relieving abnormal mechanical state of the cervical spine needs to be further confirmed by biomechanical analysis.
Genetic Association Study of KCNQ5 Polymorphisms with High Myopia
Authors: Liao Xuan , Yap Maurice K. H. , Leung Kim Hung , Kao Patrick Y. P. , Liu Long Qian , Yip Shea Ping
Published: August 2017

Identification of genetic variations related to high myopia may advance our knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of refractive error. This study investigated the role of potassium channel gene (KCNQ5) polymorphisms in high myopia. We performed a case-control study of 1563 unrelated Han Chinese subjects (809 cases of high myopia and 754 emmetropic controls). Five tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KCNQ5 were genotyped, and association testing with high myopia was conducted using logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex and age to give Pasym values, and multiple comparisons were corrected by permutation test to give Pemp values. All five noncoding SNPs were associated with high myopia. The SNP rs7744813, previously shown to be associated with refractive error and myopia in two GWAS, showed an odds ratio of 0.75 (95% CI 0.63–0.90; Pemp = 0.0058) for the minor allele. The top SNP rs9342979 showed an odds ratio of 0.75 (95% CI 0.64–0.89; Pemp = 0.0045) for the minor allele. Both SNPs are located within enhancer histone marks and DNase-hypersensitive sites. Our data support the involvement of KCNQ5 gene polymorphisms in the genetic susceptibility to high myopia and further exploration of KCNQ5 as a risk factor for high myopia.
Analysis of T Cell Subsets in Adult Primary/Idiopathic Minimal Change Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Salcido-Ochoa Francisco , Hue Susan Swee-Shan , Haase Doreen , Choo Jason Chon Jun , Yusof Nurhashikin , Li Reiko Lixiang , Allen John Carson , Iqbal Jabed , Loh Alwin Hwai Liang , Rotzschke Olaf
Published: August 2017

Aim. To characterise infiltrating T cells in kidneys and circulating lymphocyte subsets of adult patients with primary/idiopathic minimal change disease.Methods. In a cohort of 9 adult patients with primary/idiopathic minimal change recruited consecutively at disease onset, we characterized (1) infiltrating immune cells in the kidneys using immunohistochemistry and (2) circulating lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry. As an exploratory analysis, association of the numbers and percentages of both kidney-infiltrating immune cells and the circulating lymphocyte subsets with kidney outcomes including deterioration of kidney function and proteinuria, as well as time to complete clinical remission up to 48 months of follow-up, was investigated.Results. In the recruited patients with primary/idiopathic minimal change disease, we observed (a) a dominance of infiltrating T helper 17 cells and cytotoxic cells, comprising cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, over Foxp3+ Treg cells in the renal interstitium; (b) an increase in the circulating total CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood; and (c) an association of some of these parameters with kidney function and proteinuria.Conclusions. In primary/idiopathic minimal change disease, a relative numerical dominance of effector over regulatory T cells can be observed in kidney tissue and peripheral blood. However, larger confirmatory studies are necessary.
Structural and Optical Properties of Spray Coated Carbon Hybrid Materials Applied to Transparent and Flexible Electrodes
Authors: Wroblewski Grzegorz , Swatowska Barbara , Powroznik Wieslaw , Jakubowska Malgorzata , Stapinski Tomasz
Published: August 2017

Transparent and flexible electrodes were fabricated with cost-effective spray coating technique on polyethylene terephthalate foil substrates. Particularly designed paint compositions contained mixtures of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphene platelets to achieve their desired rheology and electrooptical layers parameters. Electrodes were prepared in standard technological conditions without the need of clean rooms or high temperature processing. The sheet resistance and optical transmittance of fabricated layers were tuned with the number of coatings; then the most suitable relation of these parameters was designated through the figure of merit. Optical measurements were performed in the range of wavelengths from 250 to 2500 nm with a spectrophotometer with the integration sphere. Spectral dependence of total and diffusive optical transmission for thin films with graphene platelet covered by multiwalled carbon nanotubes was designated which allowed determining the relative absorbance. Layer parameters such as thickness, refractive index, energy gap, and effective reflectance coefficient show the correlation of electrooptical properties with the technological conditions. Moreover the structural properties of fabricated layers were examined by means of the X-ray diffraction.
A New Generalized Orthogonal Matching Pursuit Method
Authors: Zhao Liquan , Liu Yulong
Published: August 2017

To improve the reconstruction performance of the generalized orthogonal matching pursuit, an improved method is proposed. Columns are selected from the sensing matrix by generalized orthogonal matching pursuit, and indices of the columns are added to the estimated support set to reconstruct a sparse signal. Those columns contain error columns that can reduce the reconstruction performance. Therefore, the proposed algorithm adds a backtracking process to remove the low-reliability columns from the selected column set. For any k-sparse signal, the proposed method firstly computes the correlation between the columns of the sensing matrix and the residual vector and then selects s columns that correspond to the s largest correlation in magnitude and adds their indices to the estimated support set in each iteration. Secondly, the proposed algorithm projects the measurements onto the space that consists of those selected columns and calculates the projection coefficient vector. When the size of the support set is larger than k, the proposed method will select k high-reliability indices using a search strategy from the support set. Finally, the proposed method updates the estimated support set using the selected k high-reliability indices. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has a better recovery performance.
Cigarette Lighter Fluid Induced Gastric Ulcer: A Severe Complication of Delayed Foreign Body Removal
Authors: Harris Ciel , Stemboroski Lauren , Shuja Asim
Published: August 2017

The majority of foreign bodies ingested pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract without endoscopic intervention. Nevertheless, certain ingested objects pose a greater risk for complications and are more challenging to remove than others. This case report describes a 49-year-old male who swallowed a cigarette lighter causing a gastric ulcer. The lighter was successfully removed by flexible endoscopy using a polypectomy snare. Urgent removal is required due to the shape of the object and its hazardous contents. This is the first case report published in the United States describing cigarette lighter ingestion and management.
Inflammatory Markers as Prognostic Factors of Survival in Patients Affected by Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Rebonato A. , Graziosi L. , Maiettini D. , Marino E. , De Angelis V. , Brunese L. , Mosca S. , Metro G. , Rossi M. , Orgera G. , Scialpi M. , Donini A.
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a good choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment when surgery and liver transplantation are not feasible. Few studies reported the value of prognostic factors influencing survival after chemoembolization. In this study, we evaluated whether preoperative inflammatory factors such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio affected our patient survival when affected by hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods. We retrospectively evaluated a total of 72 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma that underwent TACE. We enrolled patients with different etiopathogeneses of hepatitis and histologically proven HCC not suitable for surgery. The overall study population was dichotomized in two groups according to the median NLR value and was analyzed also according to other prognostic factors.Results. The global median overall survival (OS) was 28 months. The OS in patients with high NLR was statistically significantly shorter than that in patients with low NLR. The following pretreatment variables were significantly associated with the OS in univariate analyses: age, Child-Pugh score, BCLC stage, INR, and NLR. Pretreated high NLR was an independently unfavorable factor for OS.Conclusion. NLR could be considered a good prognostic factor of survival useful to stratify patients that could benefit from TACE treatment.
SIRT1 Activation by Resveratrol Alleviates Cardiac Dysfunction via Mitochondrial Regulation in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Mice
Authors: Ma Sai , Feng Jing , Zhang Ran , Chen Jiangwei , Han Dong , Li Xiang , Yang Bo , Li Xiujuan , Fan Miaomiao , Li Congye , Tian Zuhong , Wang Yabin , Cao Feng
Published: August 2017

Background. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major threat for diabetic patients. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) has a regulatory effect on mitochondrial dynamics, which is associated with DCM pathological changes. Our study aims to investigate whether resveratrol, a SRIT1 activator, could exert a protective effect against DCM. Methods and Results. Cardiac‐specific SIRT1 knockout (SIRT1KO) mice were generated using Cre‐loxP system. SIRT1KO mice displayed symptoms of DCM, including cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction, insulin resistance, and abnormal glucose metabolism. DCM and SIRT1KO hearts showed impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and function, while SIRT1 activation by resveratrol reversed this in DCM mice. High glucose caused increased apoptosis, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, and function in cardiomyocytes, which was alleviated by resveratrol. SIRT1 deletion by both SIRT1KO and shRNA abolished the beneficial effects of resveratrol. Furthermore, the function of SIRT1 is mediated via the deacetylation effect on peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PGC‐1α), thus inducing increased expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF‐1), NRF‐2, estrogen‐related receptor‐α (ERR‐α), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Conclusions. Cardiac deletion of SIRT1 caused phenotypes resembling DCM. Activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol ameliorated cardiac injuries in DCM through PGC‐1α‐mediated mitochondrial regulation. Collectively, SIRT1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for DCM.
Contrast Microsphere Destruction by a Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device: An In Vitro Evaluation Using a Mock Circulation Loop
Authors: Platts David G. , Bartnikowski Nicole , Gregory Shaun D. , Scalia Gregory M. , Fraser John F.
Published: August 2017

Objectives. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is fundamental in managing patients supported with ventricular assist devices (VAD). However imaging can be difficult in these patients. Contrast improves image quality but they are hydrodynamically fragile agents. The aim was to assess contrast concentration following passage through a VAD utilising a mock circulation loop (MCL). Methods. Heartware continuous flow (CF) VAD was incorporated into a MCL. Definity® contrast was infused into the MCL with imaging before and after CF-VAD. 5 mm2 regions of interest were used to obtain signal intensity (decibels), as a surrogate of contrast concentration. Results. Four pump speeds revealed significant reduction in contrast signal intensity after CF-VAD compared to before CF-VAD (all p<0.0001). Combined pre- and postpump data at all speeds showed a 22.2% absolute reduction in contrast signal intensity across the CF-VAD (14.8 ± 0.8 dB prepump versus 11.6 ± 1.4 dB postpump; p<0.0001). Mean signal intensity reduction at each speed showed an inverse relationship between speed and relative reduction in signal intensity. Conclusion. Contrast microsphere transit through a CF-VAD within a MCL resulted in significant reduction in signal intensity, consistent with destruction within the pump. This was evident at all CF-VAD pump speeds but relative signal drop was inversely proportional to pump speed.
Green Tea Extracts Epigallocatechin-3-gallate for Different Treatments
Authors: Chu Chenyu , Deng Jia , Man Yi , Qu Yili
Published: August 2017

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component extracted from green tea, has been proved to have multiple effects on human pathological and physiological processes, and its mechanisms are discrepant in cancer, vascularity, bone regeneration, and nervous system. Although there are multiple benefits associated with EGCG, more and more challenges are still needed to get through. For example, EGCG shows low bioactivity via oral administration. This review focuses on effects of EGCG, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticollagenase, and antifibrosis effects, to express the potential of EGCG and necessity of further studies in this field.
Reconstruction of 3D Micro Pore Structure of Coal and Simulation of Its Mechanical Properties
Authors: Deng Guang-zhe , Zheng Rui
Published: August 2017

This article takes the low permeability coal seam in the coalfield of South Judger Basin in Xinjiang, as a research object. The pore structure characteristics of coal rock mass in low permeability coal seam were analyzed quantitatively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) through the methods of statistics and digital image analysis. Based on the pore structure parameters and the distribution function of the coal rock mass, a three-dimensional porous cylinder model with different porosity was reconstructed by FLAC3D. The numerical simulation study of reconstructed pore model shows that (1) the porosity and the compressive strength have obvious nonlinear relation and satisfy the negative exponential relation; (2) the porosity significantly affects the stress distribution; with the increase of micro porosity, the stress distribution becomes nonuniform; (3) the compressive failures of different models are mainly shear failures, and the shape of fracture section is related to porosity; (4) the variation of seepage coefficient of the pore reconstruction model is consistent with the development of micro cracks. The micro mechanism of the deformation and failure of coal and the interaction of multiphase flow with porosity are revealed, which provides a theoretical reference for the clean development of the low permeability coal seam.
Helicobacter pyloriInfection Is Associated with Type 2 Diabetes, Not Type 1 Diabetes: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jun-Zhen , Li Jie-Yao , Wu Ting-Feng , Xu Ji-Hao , Huang Can-Ze , Cheng Di , Chen Qi-Kui , Yu Tao
Published: August 2017

Background. Extragastric manifestations ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection have been reported in many diseases. However, there are still controversies about whetherH. pyloriinfection is associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). This study was aimed at answering the question.Methods. A systematic search of the literature from January 1996 to January 2016 was conducted in PubMed, Embase databases, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Wanfang Data, China national knowledge database, and SinoMed. Published studies reportingH. pyloriinfection in both DM and non-DM individuals were recruited.Results. 79 studies with 57,397 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection in DM group (54.9%) was significantly higher than that (47.5%) in non-DM group (OR = 1.69,P<0.001). The difference was significant in comparison between type 2 DM group and non-DM group (OR = 2.05), but not in that between type 1 DM group and non-DM group (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.77–1.96,P=0.38).Conclusion. Our meta-analysis suggested that there is significantly higher prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection in DM patients as compared to non-DM individuals. And the difference is associated with type 2 DM but not type 1 DM.
Enhanced Bearing Fault Detection Using Step-Varying Vibrational Resonance Based on Duffing Oscillator Nonlinear System
Authors: Liu Yongbin , Dai Zhijia , Lu Siliang , Liu Fang , Zhao Jiwen , Shen Jiale
Published: August 2017

Bearing is a key part of rotary machines, and its working condition is critical in normal operation of rotary machines. Vibrational signals are usually analyzed to monitor the status of bearing. However, information on the status of bearing is always buried in heavy background noise; that is, status information of bearing is weaker than the background noise. Extracting the status features of bearing from signals buried in noise is difficult. Given this, a step-varying vibrational resonance (SVVR) method based on Duffing oscillator nonlinear system is proposed to enhance the weak status feature of bearing by tuning different parameters. Extraction ability of SVVR was verified by analyzing simulation signal and practical bearing signal. Experimental results show that SVVR is more effective in extracting weak characteristic information than other methods, including multiscale noise tuning stochastic resonance (SR), Woods–Saxon potential-based SR, and joint Woods–Saxon and Gaussian potential-based SR. Two evaluation indices are investigated to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the fault detection capability of the SVVR method. The results show that the SVVR can effectively identify the weak status information of bearing.
Effects of Polyphenol Intake on Metabolic Syndrome: Current Evidences from Human Trials
Authors: Chiva-Blanch Gemma , Badimon Lina
Published: August 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors which severely increases the risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Several epidemiological studies have observed a negative association between polyphenol intake and MetS rates. Nevertheless, there are relatively small numbers of interventional studies evidencing this association. This review is focused on human interventional trials with polyphenols as polyphenol‐rich foods and dietary patterns rich in polyphenols in patients with MetS. Current evidence suggests that polyphenol intake has the potential to alleviate MetS components by decreasing body weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose and by improving lipid metabolism. Therefore, high intake of polyphenol‐rich foods such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, seasoning with aromatic plants, spices, and virgin olive oil may be the cornerstone of a healthy diet preventing the development and progression of MetS, although there is no polyphenol or polyphenol‐rich food able to influence all MetS features. However, inconsistent results have been found in different trials, and more long‐term randomized trials are warranted to develop public health strategies to decrease MetS rates.
Differential Contribution of Jasmine Floral Volatiles to the Aroma of Scented Green Tea
Authors: Shen Jian-Xia , Rana Mohammad M. , Liu Guo-Feng , Ling Tie-Jun , Gruber Margaret Y. , Wei Shu
Published: August 2017

Tea volatiles’ generation and retention over manufacturing processes are crucial for tea quality. In this study, floral volatile adsorption and retention in green tea scented with Jasminum sambac flowers were examined over the scenting process. Out of 34 enhanced volatiles in the scented tea, β-ionone, β-linalool, indole, and methyl anthranilate were the most potent odorants with 5.1–45.2-fold higher odor activity values than the corresponding controls in the nonscented tea. Scenting efficiencies for the floral volatiles retained in the scented tea (the percentage of volatile abundance over its corresponding amount in jasmine flowers) ranged from 0.22% for α-farnesene to 75.5% for β-myrcene. Moreover, due to additional rounds of heat treatment for scented green tea manufacturing, some volatiles such as carotenoid-derived geraniol and β-ionone and lipid-derived (Z)-jasmone were heat-enhanced and others such as nonanal were heat-desorbed in the scented green tea. Our study revealed that dynamic volatile absorption and desorption collectively determined tea volatile retention and tea aroma. Our findings may have a great potential for practical improvement of tea aroma.
Stochastic Analysis of Natural Convection in Vertical Channels with Random Wall Temperature
Authors: Chiba Ryoichi
Published: August 2017

This study attempts to derive the statistics of temperature and velocity fields of laminar natural convection in a heated vertical channel with random wall temperature. The wall temperature is expressed as a random function with respect to time, or a random process. First, analytical solutions of the transient temperature and flow velocity fields for an arbitrary temporal variation in the channel wall temperature are obtained by the integral transform and convolution theorem. Second, the autocorrelations of the temperature and velocity are formed from the solutions, assuming a stationarity in time. The mean square values of temperature and velocity are computed under the condition that the fluctuation in the channel wall temperature can be considered as white noise or a stationary Markov process. Numerical results demonstrate that a decrease in the Prandtl number or an increase in the correlation time of the random process increases the level of mean square velocity but does not change its spatial distribution tendency, which is a bell‐shaped profile with a peak at a certain horizontal distance from the channel wall. The peak position is not substantially affected by the Prandtl number or the correlation time.
Implementation of a Time-Domain Random-Walk Method into a Discrete Element Method to Simulate Nuclide Transport in Fractured Rock Masses
Authors: Wu Yuexiu , Liu Quansheng , Chan Andrew H. C. , Liu Hongyuan
Published: August 2017

It is essential to study nuclide transport with underground water in fractured rock masses in order to evaluate potential radionuclide leakage in nuclear waste disposal. A time-domain random-walk (TDRW) method was firstly implemented into a discrete element method (DEM), that is, UDEC, in this paper to address the pressing challenges of modelling the nuclide transport in fractured rock masses such as massive fractures and coupled hydromechanical effect. The implementation was then validated against analytical solutions for nuclide transport in a single fracture and a simple fracture network. After that, the proposed implementation was applied to model the nuclide transport in a complex fracture network investigated in the DECOVALEX 2011 project to analyze the effect of matrix diffusion and stress on the nuclide transport in the fractured rock masses. It was concluded that the implementation of the TDRW method into UDEC provided a valuable tool to study the nuclide transport in the fractured rock masses. Moreover, it was found that the total travel time of the nuclide particles in the fractured rock masses with the matrix diffusion and external stress modelled was much longer than that without the matrix diffusion and external stress modelled.
Time of Application of Sodium Ascorbate on Bonding to Bleached Dentin
Authors: Jung Kyoung-Hwa , Seon Eun-Mi , Choi An-Na , Kwon Yong-Hoon , Son Sung-Ae , Park Jeong-Kil
Published: August 2017

This study examined the effects of different application times of sodium ascorbate (SA) on the bond strength of composite resin to bleached dentin. Specimens with an exposed dentin surface were divided into 3 groups according to the type of bleaching agent used: Group A, mixture of sodium perborate (SP) and distilled water (DW); Group B, mixture of SP and hydrogen peroxide (HP); control group, no bleaching. Each group was classified into 10 subgroups. Subgroups IB and DB underwent immediate bonding and delayed bonding, respectively. 10% SA was applied to 3, 5, 10, and 30 minutes and 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured after restoration, and the data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Scheffé’s test. Before restoration, the dentin surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SEM showed that most dentin surfaces were filled with crystals when SA was applied to more than 24 hours. EDS revealed peaks of calcium, carbon, oxygen, and sodium. The application of SA for 5 minutes to 48 hours or for 30 minutes to 24 hours is suggested when a mixture of SP and DW or HP is used, respectively.
Dietary Polyphenols, Mediterranean Diet, Prediabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review of the Evidence
Authors: Guasch-Ferré Marta , Merino Jordi , Sun Qi , Fitó Montse , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: August 2017

Dietary polyphenols come mainly from plant‐based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, coffee, tea, and nuts. Polyphenols may influence glycemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) through different mechanisms, such as promoting the uptake of glucose in tissues, and therefore improving insulin sensitivity. This review aims to summarize the evidence from clinical trials and observational prospective studies linking dietary polyphenols to prediabetes and T2D, with a focus on polyphenol‐rich foods characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. We aimed to describe the metabolic biomarkers related to polyphenol intake and genotype‐polyphenol interactions modulating the effects on T2D. Intakes of polyphenols, especially flavan‐3‐ols, and their food sources have demonstrated beneficial effects on insulin resistance and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Several prospective studies have shown inverse associations between polyphenol intake and T2D. The Mediterranean diet and its key components, olive oil, nuts, and red wine, have been inversely associated with insulin resistance and T2D. To some extent, these associations may be attributed to the high amount of polyphenols and bioactive compounds in typical foods conforming this traditional dietary pattern. Few studies have suggested that genetic predisposition can modulate the relationship between polyphenols and T2D risk. In conclusion, the intake of polyphenols may be beneficial for both insulin resistance and T2D risk.
A Comprehensive Review of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Other Methods in the Assessment of Nutritional Status in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Cichoż-Lach Halina , Michalak Agata
Published: August 2017

It is assumed that approximately 24–66% of patients with liver cirrhosis develop malnutrition. Numerous pathological processes lead to serious disorders of nutritional status in this group of patients. Malnutrition in the course of liver cirrhosis is associated with increased morbidity, complications, and low quality of life. Under these conditions, detection of malnutrition is of crucial importance. This review explores the complex mechanisms that lead to malnutrition in the course of liver cirrhosis and focuses on methods used in the assessment of nutritional status in cirrhotic patients. Among others, the role of bioelectrical impedance is highlighted. This noninvasive tool is promising and quite an accurate method of estimating body composition.