bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Ovarian Cancer Cell Cytotoxic Drug Resistance Phenotype with Xanthium strumarium L. Extract
Authors: Francisco Fernandez Marbelis , Charfi Cyndia , Piloto-Ferrer Janet , Lidia González Maria , Lamy Sylvie , Annabi Borhane
Published: November 2019

Emerging drugs aim at targeting the genomic integrity and replication machinery in ovarian cancer. While the antiproliferative activity of Xanthium strumarium L. extract (XFC), a traditional herbal medicine, is believed to alter the mitotic apparatus of Chinese hamster ovary epithelial cells, its capacity to target and overcome the chemoresistance phenotype in ovarian cancer is unknown. Among the cancer cell lines tested, we found that the best proliferation inhibitory effect for XFC was against ovarian cancer cells and ranged from 30 to 35 μg/mL. XFC efficiently targeted both the cytotoxic drug chemoresistance phenotype of SKOV-3 cells and of the chemosensitive ES-2 cells. Early apoptosis and late apoptosis were effectively induced by XFC extract in ES-2 cells, whereas late apoptosis and necrosis events were triggered in SKOV-3 cells. Cell cycling regulation was trapped by XFC extract in the G2/M phase in both the ES-2 and SKOV-3 cell models. This effect was, in part, attributable to increased dose-dependent tubulin polymerization, which was increased in SKOV-3 cells. Whereas XFC extract triggered poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in both ES-2 and SKOV-3 cells, it only lowered Nrf2 in ES-2 cells and phosphorylated Akt levels in SKOV-3 cells. Interestingly, cell cycling regulators Cdk4, Cyclin D3, and p27 were all decreased in SKOV-3 cells. XFC extracts were effective in inhibiting in vitro migration in both ovarian cancer cell models. Our data support the potential anticancer targeting of chemoresistant human ovarian cancer cells phenotype by XFC extract.
Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation Therapy) before Intense Progressive Running Test of High-Level Soccer Players: Effects on Functional, Muscle Damage, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Stress Markers—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tomazoni Shaiane Silva , Machado Caroline dos Santos Monteiro , De Marchi Thiago , Casalechi Heliodora Leão , Bjordal Jan Magnus , de Carvalho Paulo de Tarso Camillo , Leal-Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto
Published: November 2019

The effects of preexercise photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to enhance performance, accelerate recovery, and attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress were still not fully investigated, especially in high-level athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PBMT (using infrared low-level laser therapy) applied before a progressive running test on functional aspects, muscle damage, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in high-level soccer players. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed. Twenty-two high-level male soccer players from the same team were recruited and treated with active PBMT and placebo. The order of interventions was randomized. Immediately after the application of active PBMT or placebo, the volunteers performed a standardized high-intensity progressive running test (ergospirometry test) until exhaustion. We analyzed rates of oxygen uptake (VO2 max), time until exhaustion, and aerobic and anaerobic threshold during the intense progressive running test. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), levels of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and carbonylated proteins, and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured before and five minutes after the end of the test. PBMT increased the VO2 max(both relative and absolute values—p<0.0467andp<0.0013, respectively), time until exhaustion (p<0.0043), time (p<0.0007) and volume (p<0.0355) in which anaerobic threshold happened, and volume in which aerobic threshold happened (p<0.0068). Moreover, PBMT decreased CK (p<0.0001) and LDH (p<0.0001) activities. Regarding the cytokines, PBMT decreased only IL-6 (p<0.0001). Finally, PBMT decreased TBARS (p<0.0001) and carbonylated protein levels (p<0.01) and increased SOD (p<0.0001)and CAT (p<0.0001) activities. The findings of this study demonstrate that preexercise PBMT acts on different functional aspects and biochemical markers. Moreover, preexercise PBMT seems to play an important antioxidant effect, decreasing exercise-induced oxidative stress and consequently enhancing athletic performance and improving postexercise recovery. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03803956.
Nonautonomous Motion Study on Accelerated and Decelerated Lump Waves for a (3 + 1)‐Dimensional Generalized Shallow Water Wave Equation with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Chen Wei-Qin , Guan Qing-Feng , Jiang Chao-Fan , Zhang Fei-Fan , Wang Lei
Published: November 2019

Under investigation in this paper is a (3 + 1)‐dimensional variable‐coefficient generalized shallow water wave equation. The exact lump solutions of this equation are presented by virtue of its bilinear form and symbolic computation. Compared with the solutions of the previous cases, these solutions contain two inhomogeneous coefficients, which can show some interesting nonautonomous characteristics. Three types of dispersion coefficients are considered, including the periodic, exponential, and linear modulations. The corresponding nonautonomous lump waves have different characteristics of trajectories and velocities. The periodic fission and fusion interaction between a lump wave and a kink soliton is discussed graphically.
Efficacy of “Pinggan Formula” in Controlling Acute Type B Aortic Dissection Perioperative Blood Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Danying , Sun Yudong , Lu Ye , Feng Jiaxuan , Zhang Lei , Song Chao , Jing Zaiping , Yu Chaoqin , Lu Qingsheng
Published: November 2019

Objective. To explore a new treatment that can proceed from the whole, control blood pressure smoothly and coordinate the treatment of multiple factors causing blood pressure fluctuations. Method. We conducted a single-center, double-blinded, and randomized controlled clinical trial. 48 patients with acute Type B aortic dissection were randomly assigned into two groups: the experimental group, who received pinggan formula treatment, and the control group, who received placebo treatment. The drug was taken orally after meals three times a day. Only when the patients’ blood pressure fluctuated, conventional antihypertensive drugs were given to maintain the blood pressure within the target range and the dosage was recorded to convert the DDD value. Meanwhile, the international standardized score was used to evaluate the defecation, sleep, pain, anxiety, and depression of patients in the two groups during the hospitalization. Result. Univariate analysis was conducted on variables that might affect the assessment results, and it was found that grouping factors had a significant impact on the outcome variables, that is, after the intervention, the mean value of DDDs used in the perioperative period in the control group was 2.19 (0.38, 4.00). (P=0.0219), defecation score (2.13 (1.59, 2.67); P<0.0001), sleep score (0.95 (0.40, 1.50); P=0.0014), pain score (1.77 (0.61, 2.93); P=0.0045), depression score (4.04 (2.95, 5.12); and P<0.0001) were significantly higher than that of the experimental group, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion. Pinggan formula has a clear therapeutic regulation effect on the overall hemodynamics of acute Stanford type B aortic dissection during the perioperative period and can be recommended as an auxiliary drug for conventional antihypertensive drugs at the current stage.
Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Impairs Energy Metabolism and Reduces Stress Resistance and Longevity ofC. elegans
Authors: Dilberger Benjamin , Baumanns Stefan , Schmitt Fabian , Schmiedl Tommy , Hardt Martin , Wenzel Uwe , Eckert Gunter P.
Published: November 2019

Introduction. Mitochondria supply cellular energy and are key regulators of intrinsic cell death and consequently affect longevity. The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansis frequently used for lifespan assays. Using paraquat (PQ) as a generator of reactive oxygen species, we here describe its effects on the acceleration of aging and the associated dysfunctions at the level of mitochondria.Methods. Nematodes were incubated with various concentrations of paraquat in a heat-stress resistance assay (37°C) using nucleic staining. The most effective concentration was validated under physiological conditions, and chemotaxis was assayed. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured using rhodamine 123, and activity of respiratory chain complexes determined using a Clark-type electrode in isolated mitochondria. Energetic metabolites in the form of pyruvate, lactate, and ATP were determined using commercial kits. Mitochondrial integrity and structure was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Live imaging after staining with fluorescent dyes was used to measure mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS. Expression of longevity- and mitogenesis-related genes were evaluated using qRT-PCR.Results. PQ (5 mM) significantly increased ROS formation in nematodes and reduced the chemotaxis, the physiological lifespan, and the survival in assays for heat-stress resistance. The number of fragmented mitochondria significantly increased. The ∆Ψm, the activities of complexes I-IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and the levels of pyruvate and lactate were significantly reduced, whereas ATP production was not affected. Transcript levels of genetic marker genes,atfs-1,atp-2,skn-1, andsir-2.1, were significantly upregulated after PQ incubation, which implicates a close connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress response. Expression levels ofaak-2anddaf-16were unchanged.Conclusion. Using paraquat as a stressor, we here describe the association of oxidative stress, restricted energy metabolism, and reduced stress resistance and longevity in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansmaking it a readily accessiblein vivomodel for mitochondrial dysfunction.
Enhancing Modbus-RTU Communications for Smart Metering in Building Energy Management Systems
Authors: Urrea Claudio , Morales Claudio
Published: November 2019

In this work, a method for detecting and correcting errors in Modbus-RTU communications is designed, implemented, and assessed in a smart metering application. This is a low-cost solution for improving communication quality in conventional Modbus-RTU architectures with copper fieldbus. It consists of introducing error detection and correction devices in the network segments most susceptible to errors caused by electromagnetic interference. Experimental validations were conducted and demonstrated the effectiveness of this method for isolating noisy segments in the communication bus, maintaining full compatibility with commercial devices and improving the performance of the entire network.
Antioxidant Properties and Digestive Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of the Aqueous Extract from Leafy Stems of Cissus polyantha
Authors: Talba Mahamad Abba , Miaffo David , Poualeu Kamani Sylviane Laure , Kamanyi Albert , Wansi Sylvie Léa
Published: November 2019

Cissus polyantha (Vitaceae) is a plant used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the aqueous extract of Cissus polyantha leafy stems. The enzyme inhibitory activity was determined in vitro on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, followed by confirmative study in vivo on normal rats (oral starch and sucrose tolerance tests at doses of 111, 222, and 444 mg/kg). The ferric reducing antioxidant power and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antiradical activity of the extract were examined to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extract. The total content of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins of the extract were also determined. The results showed an inhibitory effect of the extract on the α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities with IC50 values of 216.14 and 182.40 μg/mL, respectively. The extract at doses of 222 and 444 mg/kg induced a significant decrease in postprandial glycaemia during the starch and sucrose tolerance tests. A remarkable antiradical activity of the extract was obtained although lower than that of the standard product. The aqueous extract of leafy stems of Cissus polyantha has an interesting inhibitory activity on the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, as well as an antioxidant potential, thus validating its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications.
An Italian Case of Disseminated Histoplasmosis Associated with HIV
Authors: Papalini Chiara , Belfiori Barbara , Martino Giovanni , Papili Rita , Pitzurra Lucia , Ascani Stefano , Pasticci Maria Bruna
Published: November 2019

Histoplasma capsulatumis a dimorphic fungus, endemic in the Americas, Africa (var.duboisii), India, and Southeast Asia.H. capsulatuminfection is rarely diagnosed in Italy, while in Latin America, progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) is one of the most frequent AIDS-defining illnesses and causes of AIDS-related deaths. We report a case of PDH and new HIV infection diagnosis in a Cuban patient, who has been living in Italy for the past 10 years. Bone marrow aspirate and peripheral blood smear microscopy suggestedH. capsulatuminfection. The diagnosis was confirmed with the culture method identifying its thermal dimorphism. Liposomal amphotericin B was administered alone for 10 days and then for another 2 days, accompanied with voriconazole; the former was stopped for probable side effects (persistent fever and worsening thrombocytopenia), and voriconazole was continued to complete 4 weeks. PDH maintenance treatment consisted of itraconazole for one year. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was started on the third week of antifungal treatment. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient is adherent on ART, the virus was suppressed, and she has an optimal immune recovery. This case highlights the need to suspect histoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised persons, native to or who have traveled to endemic countries.
Enhancement of Endometrial Receptivity by Cnidium officinale through Expressing LIF and Integrins
Authors: Chung Tae-Wook , Park Mi-Ju , Lee Hoyoung , Kim Keuk-Jun , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Choi Hee-Jung , Ha Ki-Tae
Published: November 2019

Improvement of endometrial receptivity is necessary for successful embryo implantation, and its impairment is associated with female infertility. In this study, we investigated the effect of the roots of Cnidium officinale Makino (CoM) on endometrial receptivity in both in vitro and in vivo model of embryo implantation. We found that CoM enhanced the adhesion of JAr cells to Ishikawa cells by stimulating expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrins. In addition, blocking of LIFR using hLA or neutralization of integrins αV, β3, and β5 using antibodies significantly reduced the enhanced adhesion between JAr cell and CoM-treated Ishikawa cells, indicating that LIF and integrin play an important role in trophoblast-endometrium adhesion for embryo implantation. Furthermore, we identified that CoM significantly improved the implantation rate of blastocysts in the mouse model of RU-induced implantation failure. By collecting these results, here, we suggest that CoM has a therapeutic potential against female infertility associated with decreased endometrial receptivity.
Mathematical Analysis and Clinical Implications of an HIV Model with Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Danane Jaouad , Allali Karam
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a mathematical model describing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis with adaptive immune response is presented and studied. The mathematical model includes six nonlinear differential equations describing the interaction between the uninfected cells, the exposed cells, the actively infected cells, the free viruses, and the adaptive immune response. The considered adaptive immunity will be represented by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes cells (CTLs) and antibodies. First, the global stability of the disease-free steady state and the endemic steady states is established depending on the basic reproduction number R0, the CTL immune response reproduction number R1z, the antibody immune response reproduction number R1w, the antibody immune competition reproduction number R2w, and the CTL immune response competition reproduction number R3z. On the other hand, different numerical simulations are performed in order to confirm numerically the stability for each steady state. Moreover, a comparison with some clinical data is conducted and analyzed. Finally, a sensitivity analysis for R0 is performed in order to check the impact of different input parameters.
Physical Layer Security in Nonorthogonal Multiple Access Wireless Network with Jammer Selection
Authors: Hu Langtao , Zheng Xin , Chen Chunsheng
Published: November 2019

The physical layer security of downlink nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network is analyzed. In order to improve the secrecy probability, friendly jammers are jointed in the NOMA network. Two jammer schemes are proposed in the NOMA network. All the jammers transmit jamming signal without jammer selection in the first scheme (NO JS scheme). Jammers are selected to transmit jamming signal if their interfering power on scheduled users is below a threshold in the second scheme (JS scheme). A stochastic geometry approach is applied to analyze the outage probability and the secrecy probability. Compared with the NO JS scheme and traditional scheme (without jointing jammers), the jammer selection scheme provides a good balance between the user outage probability and secrecy probability. Numerical results demonstrate that the security performance of the two proposed schemes can be improved by jointing the jammers in the NOMA wireless network.
Effects of Laminaria Japonica Polysaccharides on the Survival of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells
Authors: Yao Mengxing , Qian XiaoJun , Qin Houying
Published: November 2019

Objective. To investigate the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) on the survival of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells and its mechanism. Methods. In vitro: the cells were randomly divided into control group, LJP (5 mg/ml) group, LJP (10 mg/ml) group, and LJP (20 mg/ml) group. After corresponding treatment, the survival rate and the expression of proteins related to proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and signaling pathway were detected by CCK8 assay and Western blot, respectively. In vivo: a xenograft model was established to detect the tumor volume and mass and the expression of the above pathway proteins. Results. Compared with the control group, LJP decreased the survival rate of A549 cells (P<0.05), inhibited the protein expression of Ki67 and PCNA (P<0.05), downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 while upregulated the expression of Bax, cl-caspase-3, and cl-caspase-9 (P<0.05), upregulated the expression of E-cadherin, downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and N-cadherin (P<0.05), and downregulated β-catenin, transcription factor-4 (TCF4), and c-Myc protein expression levels (P<0.05). In vivo: LJP decreased the volume and mass of the xenograft tumors and downregulated β-catenin, TCF4, and c-Myc protein expression levels compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion. LJP can inhibit the survival of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells in vitro, and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of activation of β-catenin/TCF4 pathway activation.
Modular Organization of Muscle Synergies to Achieve Movement Behaviors
Authors: Zhao Kunkun , Zhang Zhisheng , Wen Haiying , Wang Zihan , Wu Jiankang
Published: November 2019

Muscle synergy has been applied to comprehend how the central nervous system (CNS) controls movements for decades. However, it is not clear about the motion control mechanism and the relationship between motions and muscle synergies. In this paper, we designed two experiments to corroborate the hypothesis: (1) motions can be decomposed to motion primitives, which are driven by muscle synergy primitives and (2) variations of motion primitives in direction and scale are modulated by activation coefficients rather than muscle synergy primitives. Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from nine muscles of the upper limb. Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) was applied to extract muscle synergy vectors and corresponding activation coefficients. We found that synergy structures of different movement patterns were similar (α=0.05). The motion modulation indexes (MMI) among movement patterns in reaching movements showed apparent differences. Merging coefficients and reconstructed similarity of synergies between simple motions and complex motions were significant. This study revealed the motion control mechanism of the CNS and provided a rehabilitation and evaluation method for patients with motor dysfunction in exercise and neuroscience.
A New Technique for Determining Approximate Center of a Polytope
Authors: Inayatullah Syed , Aman Maria , Rani Asma , Zaheer Hina , Siddiqi Tanveer Ahmed
Published: November 2019

In this article, we have presented a method for finding the approximate center of a linear programming polytope. This method provides a point near the center of a polytope in few simple and easy steps. Geometrical interpretation and some numerical examples have also been presented to demonstrate the proposed approach and comparison of quality of the center obtained by using the new method with existing methods of finding exact and approximate centers. At the end, we also presented computational results on the randomly generated polytopes to compare the quality of the center obtained by using the new method.
Biomechanics for Orthodontic Intrusion of Severely Extruded Maxillary Molars for Functional Prosthetic Rehabilitation
Authors: Taffarel Ivan Pedro , Meira Thiago Martins , Guimarães Lara Karolina , Antelo Oscar Mario , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro
Published: November 2019

The objective of this clinical case is thus to present a Class II, division 1, subdivision malocclusion with a severely extruded maxillary left hemiarch, which, due to the loss of mandibular teeth, makes prosthetic rehabilitation of the edentulous spaces impossible. A significant intrusion was performed with mini-implants followed by miniplates associated with fixed appliance and elastomeric chains. The results of this process showed that the biological responses of the teeth and the surrounding bony structure to the intrusion were demonstrated to be normal and acceptable. A clinically significant intrusion of the left maxillary molars, along with the recovery of the interocclusal space and the prosthetic rehabilitation, was obtained with a fixed orthodontic appliance that was associated to the biomechanics with TADs. It also allowed the obtaining of Class I canine relationship, demonstrated periodontal health and favored the prosthetic rehabilitation with good occlusion, aesthetics, and satisfactory function.
Evidence‐Based Multidisciplinary Design Optimization with the Active Global Kriging Model
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Ming , Li Lei , Ren Hu , Wu Jianbo
Published: November 2019

This article presents an approach that combines the active global Kriging method and multidisciplinary strategy to investigate the problem of evidence‐based multidisciplinary design optimization. The global Kriging model is constructed by introducing a so‐called learning function and using actively selected samples in the entire optimization space. With the Kriging model, the plausibility, Pl, of failure is obtained with evidence theory. The multidisciplinary feasible and collaborative optimization strategies of multidisciplinary design optimization are combined with the evidence‐based reliability analysis. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. The numerical results show that the proposed algorithm is effective and valuable, which is valuable in engineering application.
Bone Augmentation of Peri-Implant Dehiscence Defects Using Multilaminated Small Intestinal Submucosa as a Barrier Membrane: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Wang Siwen , Wu Weiyi , Liu Yuhua , Wang Xinzhi , Tang Lin , You Pengyue , Han Jianmin , Li Bowen , Zhang Yi , Wang Mei
Published: November 2019

Objective. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of multilaminated small intestinal submucosa (mSIS) combined with bone substitute material to repair peri-implant defects during guided bone regeneration procedures.Methods. Twelve implants were placed in bilateral lower premolars of three beagle dogs, and a peri-implant buccal bone defect (3 mm width and 4 mm height) was created at each implant site. A total of 12 sites were filled with a particulate bone substitute material and then randomly divided into three treatment groups: covered by mSIS membrane (mSIS group), covered by collagen membrane (BG group), and no treatment (control group), each group of four sites. After 12 weeks of healing, all of the animals were euthanized and dissected blocks were obtained for micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analyses.Results. Micro-CT results revealed similar horizontal width of augmented tissue and new bone formation between mSIS and BG groups (P<0.05). Histological analyses revealed that the differences in horizontal widths of newly formed bone and bone-to-implant contact between mSIS and BG groups were not significant (P>0.05). All of these parameters were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusions. These findings confirmed that mSIS combined with the bone substitute material enhanced bone regeneration in peri-implant defects, in a manner similar to that of a collagen membrane.
Wideband and High-Efficiency SIW Cavity-Backed Magneto-Electric Dipole Antenna Array
Authors: Sun Guang , Liu Yi , Liu Taolin , Yang Hu
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a compact, wideband, and high-efficiency substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) feeding cavity-backed aperture-coupled magneto-electric (ME) dipole antenna element and its array are proposed. Firstly, an SIW cavity-backed and a modified bowtie dipole are designed for the antenna element which makes it possess a high gain and wide impedance bandwidth. The antenna element covers an impedance bandwidth of 66.3% from 10.7 to 21.3 GHz with a peak gain of 10.3 dBi. Secondly, a 4 × 4 array is designed using the proposed antenna element. And a full-corporate substrate integrated waveguide feeding network is introduced to excite the array elements for the antenna application with wide bandwidth and high efficiency. For validation, a prototype of 4 × 4 array is fabricated by standard printed circuit board (PCB) facilities and further measured. The measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed 4 × 4 antenna array is 30% (12.75–17.25 GHz) with its gain being 18.2–20.9 dBi within the entire band. The measured maximum aperture efficiency of the antenna array is 94% at 14.92 GHz. Notably, the measured results agree well with simulations, and it shows great advantages over other similar antennas on efficiency and bandwidth.
Chinese Herbal Medicine in Ameliorating Diabetic Kidney Disease via Activating Autophagy
Authors: Wang Yuyang , Zhao Hailing , Wang Qian , Zhou Xuefeng , Lu Xiaoguang , Liu Tongtong , Zhan Yongli , Li Ping
Published: November 2019

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), has become a serious public health problem worldwide and lacks effective therapies due to its complex pathogenesis. Recent studies suggested defective autophagy involved in the pathogenesis and progression of DKD. Chinese herbal medicine, as an emerging option for the treatment of DKD, could improve diabetic kidney injury by activating autophagy. In this review, we briefly summarize underlying mechanisms of autophagy dysregulation in DKD, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and the sirtuin (Sirt) pathways, and we particularly concentrate on the current status of Chinese herbal medicine treating DKD by regulating autophagy. The advances in our understanding regarding the treatment of DKD via regulating autophagy with Chinese herbal medicine will enhance the clinical application of Chinese medicine as well as discovery of novel therapeutic agents for diabetic patients.
Efficient Variable Thickness Radome Design with Insertion Phase Delay Correction
Authors: Xu Wanye , Li Peng , Qiu Yuanying
Published: November 2019

Variable thickness design is capable of yielding excellent electromagnetic (EM) performance for streamlined airborne radomes. The traditional optimization method using evolutionary computation (EC) techniques can yield variable thickness radome (VTR) design with optimal EM performance but uncontrollable thickness profile, leading to manufacturing difficulties. Thickness profile design based on average incident angle is an efficient way for VTR design with smooth thickness profile, whereas the boresight error (BSE) is relatively large. In this work, insertion phase delay (IPD) correction is introduced in the efficient thickness profile design process to realize a better balance between EM performance and thickness profile smoothness of airborne radomes. The thickness profile obtained from average incident angle is adjusted for IPD distribution symmetry with respect to the antenna axis under scan angles with large BSE. Results indicate that the proposed method can effectively improve the BSE characteristics at the expense of slight deterioration of computational efficiency and thickness profile smoothness.
Low-Dose Mitomycin C Decreases the Postoperative Recurrence Rate of Pterygium by Perturbing NLRP3 Inflammatory Signalling Pathway and Suppressing the Expression of Inflammatory Factors
Authors: Guo Qie , Li Xiao , Cui Meng-Na , Liang Yu , Li Xiang-Peng , Zhao Jun , Wei Li-Na , Zhang Xiao-Lei , Quan Xiang Hua
Published: November 2019

A pterygium is generally believed to be a chronic inflammatory lesion caused by external stimuli that develops from the conjunctiva and grows onto the cornea. Simple bare sclera excision is the most commonly used method to treat pterygium. However, the high postoperative recurrence rate of pterygium remains a persistent challenge. Mitomycin C (MMC) is an antineoplastic antibiotic that inhibits DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. In recent years, although MMC has proven useful for the treatment of pterygium, its application has been controversial because of its clear toxicity and the possibility of ocular complications. In the current study, we prospectively recruited patients to receive or not receive a local injection of MMC (0.4 mg/ml). Follow-up was conducted with the patients to determine the postoperative recurrence rate of pterygium and/or to observe any ocular complications. The remarkable results demonstrated that MMC can decrease the postoperative recurrence rate of pterygium without leading to serious eye complications. Further results indicated that MMC can inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammatory signalling pathway and thus downregulate the expression of downstream molecules, including IL-18 and IL-1β. MMC also reduced the expression of inflammatory factors TGF-β1, VEGF, and IL-6. In addition to influencing these factors, MMC suppressed neovascularization and the proliferation of corneal fibroblasts to effectively reduce the recurrence rate of pterygium. Taken together, our results provide a theoretical basis for the development of prevention and treatment strategies for pterygium and suggest that MMC is highly effective as an adjunctive treatment after excision of primary pterygia.
The lncRNA SOX2OT rs9839776 C>T Polymorphism Indicates Recurrent Miscarriage Susceptibility in a Southern Chinese Population
Authors: Fang Zhenzhen , Che Di , Qing Shuang , Li Qingfeng , Men Hui , Yuan Lianxiong , Li Li , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: November 2019

Genetic susceptibility may be involved in the onset of recurrent miscarriage. Previous studies have shown that some genetic polymorphisms that regulate cell migration are associated with susceptibility to recurrent miscarriage. The SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) may regulate the migration and invasion of multiple tumor cells and is related to susceptibility to various diseases. However, whether lncRNA SOX2OT polymorphisms are related to recurrent miscarriage susceptibility is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the lncRNA SOX2OT rs9839776 C>T polymorphism and recurrent miscarriage susceptibility. We recruited 570 subjects with recurrent miscarriage and 578 healthy control subjects from a population in southern China and used the TaqMan method for genotyping. We found a significant association between the rs9839776 CT genotype in the SOX2OT gene and an increased risk for recurrent miscarriage (CT vs CC: adjusted OR=1.357, 95%CI=1.065−1.728, P=0.0134). However, we did not observe any significant associations between the recurrent miscarriage risk and the number of miscarriages in different age groups. In conclusion, our study indicated that the rs9839776 CT genotype may contribute to an increased risk of recurrent miscarriage in the southern Chinese population and that rs9839776 may act as a prognostic biomarker in recurrent miscarriage patients. However, an experiment-based study with a larger sample size should be performed to confirm these results.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Cemented Paste Backfill under Temperature-Chemical Coupling Conditions
Authors: Liu Yin , Li Hao , Wu Haifeng
Published: November 2019

To investigate the effect of temperature-chemical coupling on the mechanical properties of cemented paste backfill, three temperatures (20°C, 35°C, and 50°C) and sodium sulfate solution mass concentrations (3%, 5%, and 7%) are applied to simulate the complex environment in a mine. Uniaxial compressive strength and the CPB stress-strain relationship are investigated by applying stress, and the deterioration mechanism was analyzed theoretically according to physical and chemical reactions. At the same time, a structural model of the CPB deterioration mechanism under TC coupling is constructed. Combined with analysis through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, it is shown that ettringite and gypsum are the main erosive substances that destroy the structure of CPB and that increased temperatures accelerate the chemical reaction. The concentration change consumes calcium hydroxide, changing the relationship between ettringite and gypsum. Sodium sulphate crystallization is the main form of physical deterioration. The continuous load accelerates the inelastic deformation time of CPB, resulting in a large yield deformation process.
Avaliação do tratamento antirretroviral de pessoas convivendo com HIV/aids que participam de um grupo de adesão
Authors: Silva Hilana Francisca Nascimento , Dourado Carla Solange de Melo Escórcio , Silva Hengrid Graciely Nascimento , Silva Hisamara Fernanda Nascimento
Published: November 2019

Modelo de estudo: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo observacional, descritivo e transversal. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento de adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral de pessoas convivendo com HIV/aids que participam de um Grupo de Adesão. Métodos: O questionário foi respondido por 15 pacientes maiores de 18 anos, independente do sexo, com diagnóstico confirmado de AIDS que participam de um Grupo de Adesão em um serviço de dispensação de antirretrovirais, e que após receberem informações pertinentes ao estudo, aceitaram participar voluntariamente, por meio da assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Resultado: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino, acima de 40 anos (73,3%) e 26,6% eram economicamente ativos. Quanto à sexualidade, 80% dos entrevistados declararam ser heterossexual. Quanto à escolaridade, 60% não havia completado o ensino médio. O tempo de diagnóstico da doença predominante foi entre 10 e 16 anos, sendo que 46,6% referiram possuir outros problemas de saúde, como toxoplasmose, herpes, tuberculose e leishmaniose. A análise do questionário de adesão mostrou que 33,3% possuía uma boa adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral. Entre as interações droga-droga identificadas, 44,4% ocorreram entre os antirretrovirais. Conclusão: A partir da realização deste estudo foi possível concluir que 66,66% dos entrevistados relataram que em algum momento houve uma descontinuidade do tratamento, revelando uma dificuldade na manutenção do uso dos antirretrovirais em indivíduos convivendo com HIV/AIDS. No contexto da farmacoepidemiologia antirretroviral, as potenciais interações medicamentosas identificadas neste estudo foram eventos que afetam a resposta terapêutica levando a toxicidade.
Perfil epidemiológico da hipospádia na região Bragantina do estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Conrado Marco Aurélio Veiga , Conrado André Luiz Veiga , Silva Cibele , Silvestre Daniela , Izzo Pedro
Published: November 2019

Modelo de estudo: Estudo de prevalência. Objetivo do estudo: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de hipospádia atendidos no Hospital São Francisco na Providência de Deus da Universidade São Francisco (HUSF), Bragança Paulista/SP nos últimos 10 anos (2007-2017), relacionando os tipos de hipospádia com as malformações associadas e idade à primeira cirurgia corretiva. Metodologia: Foi realizado um levantamento de casos de hipospádia atendidos entre 2007 e 2017 no HUSF, com pacientes oriundos das cidades da Região Bragantina do estado de São Paulo. Os tipos de hipospádia foram relacionados com as malformações associadas. Foram pesquisados nos prontuários: tipo de hipospádia, idade à primeira cirurgia, laudo de exame ultrassonográfico, etnia, local de nascimento e malformação associada. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando os testes Qui-quadrado, teste F e de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Em 1401 atendimentos pediátricos no período avaliado, foram encontrados 45 casos de hipospádia com prevalência igual a 0,7/1000 nascidos vivos. Do total de casos, 29 foram classificados como do tipo distal, seis casos de hipospádia média e 10 casos do tipo proximal [F-test (2,8)=5,552; P=0,003; χ2=9,3117; P=0,009]. Nos casos de hipospádia distal, foram detectadas 16 malformações associadas e, nos tipos média e proximal, foram observadas sete malformações associadas em cada uma (KW=3,322, P=0,19). O maior número de casos foi abordado cirurgicamente no intervalo entre os três e quatro anos de idade. Conclusão: A hipospádia distal foi a mais prevalente, com idade à primeira cirurgia em desacordo com o intervalo proposto para a correção da hipospádia.
Estudo retrospectivo de fatores de risco materno, pré e perinatal para paralisia cerebral na rede pública de saúde
Authors: Felice Thamires Máximo Neves , Santos Jair Licio Ferreira , Pfeifer Luzia Iara
Published: November 2019

Estudo retrospectivo. Objetivo: Verificar os fatores de risco para paralisia cerebral no período de 5 anos (2010-2014) no município de Ribeirão Preto – SP, buscando identificar a proporção de crianças nascidas na rede pública e que foram identificadas como apresentando risco de atraso de desenvolvimento e, dentre estas, as diagnosticadas com paralisia cerebral, além de identificar os fatores de riscos mais prevalentes e associá-los ao diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral contribuindo, desta forma, para o desenvolvimento de estratégias locais de prevenção e assistência no município. Metodologia: A coleta de dados identificou os bebês de risco e os riscos materno, pré e perinatais nos prontuários das crianças que frequentaram o serviço de referência, onde o desfecho final era o diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral Foram realizadas análises descritivas e testes de associação. Resultados: Dos nascidos vivos no período, 23,3% foram considerados com risco de atraso do desenvolvimento. Foram analisados 481 prontuários e em 76,92% não havia informação da saúde prévia da mãe e a maioria não planejou a gravidez. Cerca de 65% das crianças apresentavam indícios de alterações neurológicas e 73,4% tiveram alta por abandono. Conclusão: O estudo identificou as crianças que tiveram risco de atraso e verificou os riscos mais frequentes e o perfil das características pré e perinatais. Devido ao número de altas por abandono, não foi possível verificar o desfecho, comprometendo as análises de associação, estimativa da prevalência de paralisia cerebral e uma intervenção mais direcionada no período de maior neuroplasticidade e melhor prognóstico, sendo necessárias adequações no serviço.
Perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes acometidos por abdome agudo em um hospital de referência em Salvador
Authors: Magalhães Bruna Souza , Azevedo Alan Rodrigues , Cunha André Gusmão
Published: November 2019

Modelo do estudo: Corte transversal. Objetivo: O presente estudo possui o objetivo de descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes acometidos por abdome agudo em um hospital de referência em Salvador, gerando um maior conhecimento quanto à epidemiologia do abdome agudo, e dessa forma, auxiliando a prática clínica dos profissionais de saúde da região. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, com a amostra composta por pacientes admitidos no Hospital do Subúrbio, no ano de 2016, vítimas de abdome agudo. Resultados: Dentre os tipos de abdome agudo, o inflamatório mostrou-se o mais prevalente. As etiologias mais comuns neste estudo foram apendicite aguda e neoplasia do trato gastrointestinal. Quase a totalidade dos pacientes foram abordados cirurgicamente (95,1%). O tempo médio de internamento foi de 192 horas. Vinte e dois por cento dos pacientes necessitaram de cuidados em terapia intensiva. A letalidade dos pacientes foi calculada em 17,1%. Vinte e nove pacientes apresentaram complicações que não o óbito. O tipo de abdome agudo cujos pacientes necessitaram mais de cuidados intensivos foi o vascular. O tipo de abdome agudo de maior letalidade neste estudo foi o abdome agudo obstrutivo. Conclusões: O abdome agudo é uma patologia de alta letalidade, sendo importante seu diagnóstico e manejo precoce. O perfil mais encontrado neste estudo foi paciente acometido por abdome agudo inflamatório, de etiologia mais provável a apendicite aguda.
Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da tuberculose em pacientes com HIV/aids
Authors: Santos Júnior Claudio José Dos , Rocha Thiago José Matos , Soares Valquíria de Lima
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da tuberculose em indivíduos HIV+ no estado de Alagoas. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal e retrospectivo que analisou as notificações de coinfecção TB-HIV no período de 2001 a 2016 no estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Para elaboração de perfil da coinfecção foram empregadas variáveis clínicas e epidemiológicas dos casos novos de TB-HIV obtidas junto à Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde do Estado de Alagoas. Resultados: Houve ascensão do número de coinfectados no período de 2001 a 2016. Os pacientes soropositivos residentes no Estado apresentaram-se como sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (74,2%), em idade economicamente produtiva (93,7%), com baixa escolaridade e de cor negra (92,5%). A tuberculose pulmonar foi a forma clínica mais presente (77,3%), seguida do subtipo extrapulmonar ganglionar periférico (7,5%). A estratégia diagnóstica mais elucidativa para o raciocínio clínico foi o exame radiográfico do tórax (72,5%). Houve óbito por tuberculose em 9,5% das investigações. O percentual de cura de casos novos de tuberculose em indivíduos HIV+ no estado de Alagoas ficou abaixo da meta de 85% pactuada pela OMS. Conclusão: Os resultados evidenciam a relevância epidemiológica da tuberculose como uma comorbidade de grande impacto na saúde dos indivíduos soropositivos para o HIV+ no âmbito estadual.
Anemia
Authors: De Santis Gil Cunha
Published: November 2019

Anemia é a redução da massa de hemoglobina e, portanto, da massa eritrocitária. Sua consequência é a hipóxia tecidual. A anemia é a manifestação de uma doença de base que muitas vezes está oculta. Ela afeta mais de um bilhão de pessoas em todo o mundo. A anemia pode ser classificada de várias formas, mas, na prática clínica, a mais usada é de acordo com o volume corpuscular médio das hemácias. Os dois tipos mais prevalentes de anemia são a ferropriva e a decorrente da doença inflamatória. A anemia ferropriva decorre do esgotamento das reservas de ferro, na maioria das vezes, por perda crônica de sangue, por exemplo, por fluxo menstrual aumentado e sangramento por trato gastrointestinal. A anemia da doença inflamatória decorre do bloqueio do ferro no sistema reticuloendotelial, da redução da eritropoese e da menor sobrevida das hemácias. A ferritina está diminuída na anemia ferropriva e aumentada na anemia da doença inflamatória. Outros tipos mais comuns de anemia são a anemia da gestação, a secundária à insuficiência renal e a do idoso. O tratamento da anemia depende de sua causa, como a reposição de ferro ou de eritropoetina, entre outros. A transfusão de hemácias pode ser necessária nas situações mais graves, independentemente do tipo da anemia, ou em caráter periódico e perene, como na talassemia maior. Nesse artigo de revisão, discute-se a prevalência da anemia, sua classificação, fisiopatologia, os tipos mais comuns e o tratamento.
A política de produção das áreas verdes municipais: análise histórica e projetual
Authors: Casimiro Matheus De Vasconcelos , Lima Ana Gabriela Godinho
Published: November 2019

A partir do século XX, a Administração Municipal de São Paulo passou a formular planos que norteavam a política para as áreas verdes públicas. Neste artigo discutimos as modificações observadas em duas experiências distintas, ocorridas, respectivamente, em 1974 e 2014. A análise desdobra-se em duas perspectivas: 1. com base em indicadores históricos, fundamentada na leitura de documentos oficiais; e 2. a partir de indicadores projetuais, nos quais são examinadas as práticas projetuais dos arquitetos envolvidos em cada experiência analisada. Para tanto, são descritos os modos como os indicadores foram formulados, bem como seu emprego nesta análise. Os resultados mostram uma tendência histórica de ênfase progressiva nos valores de conservação e recuperação ambiental, e diminuição da importância do papel social dos parques e áreas verdes urbanas, levando a modificações significativas na função do projeto arquitetônico para essas áreas.
A dinâmica espacial da paisagem de Chapecó (SC): interpretação do processo de constituição do mosaico antropizado
Authors: Villela Ana Laura Vianna , Valentini Daiane Regina , Matiello Alexandre Maurício , Coletti Tomé , Tângari Vera Regina
Published: November 2019

Este artigo aborda a estruturação, transformação e dinâmica da paisagem na Sub-Bacia do Lajeado São José, no município de Chapecó, estado de Santa Catarina – Brasil, a partir de revisão bibliográfica e o uso da ferramenta GIS para o mapeamento e a interpretação tipo-morfológica dos processos que constituem essa estrutura. Como critério teórico, assume-se a interpretação ecológica da paisagem como um meio de compreender o território, considerando nesse processo suas problemáticas, conflitos e dinâmicas de estruturação do espaço, bem como as potencialidades de ordem social, econômica, cultural e ambiental. Nesse contexto, é revelado o mosaico antropizado das heterogeneidades/homogeneidades dos processos de constituição que possibilitam identificar e definir as unidades de paisagem, sendo essas um meio de estruturar o território e articular ações efetivas para o planejamento na escala da cidade/fragmento/sub-bacia. A partir dos dados levantados, demonstra-se como o pensamento ecológico fundamenta o necessário aprimoramento das políticas públicas – neste caso, ao propor o redesenho dos macrozoneamentos à luz da dinâmica espacial da paisagem de Chapecó – e, assim, se apresentando como uma alternativa viável para o macroplanejamento dos municípios.
A função modalizadora dos auxiliares verbais da língua japonesa
Authors: Fukasawa Lídia Masumi
Published: November 2019

Parte da tese de doutorado, apresentada junto à Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas da USP.