bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Malta: A Population Based Cohort Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Magro Rosalie , Borg Andrew A.
Published: September 2018

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disorder. The aim of this study was to characterise the SLE patients living in Malta in order to estimate the prevalence and incidence of SLE and characterise the clinical presentation as well as identify any unmet needs. 107 SLE patients who fulfilled SLICC classification criteria were identified. These were invited to participate in the study by means of an interview, blood and urine tests, and filling of the following questionnaires: Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for fatigue, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), VAS for pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ). The estimated prevalence of SLE in Malta is 29.3 patients per 100,000 and the estimated incidence is 1.48 per 100,000 per year. 93.5% of SLE patients were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 33.1 years. 60.8% were overweight or obese and body mass index (BMI) had a significant positive correlation with daily dose of prednisolone (R=0.177, p=0.046). 20.7% and 3.3% had a moderate and high disease activity, respectively, as measured by SLEDAI-2K. Disease activity had a significant positive correlation with functional disability measured by mHAQ (R=0.417, p<0.001). 56.5% had an abnormal level of fatigue (FSS >3.7) and 57.6% had a high level of anxiety (HADS ≥8). This study has identified a number of unmet needs of SLE patients, including obesity, uncontrolled disease activity, fatigue, and anxiety.
Infected Renal Cyst as a Complication of Dropped Gallstones during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Kennedy-Snodgrass Chelsea , Keenan Vivian , Katz Douglas S.
Published: September 2018

Dropped gallstones are a relatively common complication, occurring in 3% to 32% of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed, depending on various intraoperative risk factors. However, complications arising from dropped gallstones are relatively rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of such patients, and can include abscesses and inflammatory masses confined to the subhepatic space, presenting days to years later. We report a patient who developed an infected renal cyst as a result of dropped gallstones, which created a fistula from the duodenum to a previously simple right renal cyst, which was initially identified on an abdominal CT scan. Dropped gallstones can result in substantial morbidity in a minority of patients following cholecystectomy performed for cholecystitis, and a high clinical as well as radiological index of suspicion may be required for accurate early recognition and treatment.
Analysis of the Frost‐Induced Damage of Building Enclosures on the Territory of the Czech Republic
Authors: Kočí Jan , Maděra Jiří , Pommer Vojtěch , Černý Robert
Published: September 2018

A comprehensive analysis of environmental loads across the Czech Republic in terms of frost‐induced damage is presented. Computational simulation of hygrothermal performance of eleven characteristic types of building envelopes, composed of both contemporary and historical materials, is performed at first. The exterior boundary conditions of the computational model are defined by a set of weather data characterizing the environmental conditions in the Czech Republic, which are acquired from 64 weather stations. The results of hygrothermal simulations are assessed using several specific damage functions. In this way, the basic datasets for the frost damage analysis are obtained. Their application as input parameters of a specially developed correction procedure based on elevation makes them possible to obtain a continuous coverage of the geographic area of the Czech Republic. Finally, isopleths of the supposed frost damage are drawn, depending on the envelope type, and damage maps are produced which may help the engineers to enhance the building envelope design process. The presented results indicate the necessity of paying attention to local environmental loads in the building enclosure design process and reveal both critical and favorable locations from the point of view of frost‐induced damage to buildings.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency with Genetic Defects Identified by Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Li Ran , Zheng Yali , Li Yuqian , Zhang Rongbao , Wang Fang , Yang Donghong , Ma Yanliang , Mu Xinlin , Cao Zhaolong , Gao Zhancheng
Published: September 2018

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) belongs to the primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs), presenting a profound heterogeneity in phenotype and genotype, with monogenic or complex causes. Recurrent respiratory infections are the most common clinical manifestations. CVID patients can also develop various autoimmune and lymphoproliferative complications. Genetic testing such as whole exome sequencing (WES) can be utilized to investigate likely genetic defects, helping for better clinical management. We described the clinical phenotypes of three sporadic cases of CVID, who developed recurrent respiratory infections with different autoimmune and lymphoproliferative complications. WES was applied to screen disease-causing or disease-associated mutations. Two patients were identified to have monogenic disorders, with compound heterozygous mutations in LRBA for one patient and a frameshift insertion in NFKB1 for another. The third patient was identified to be a complex form of CVID. Two novel mutations were identified, respectively, in LRBA and NFKB1. A combination of clinical and genetic diagnosis can be more extensively utilized in the clinical practice due to the complexity and heterogeneity of CVID.
Decitabine Induced Delayed Cardiomyopathy in Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Agasthi Pradyumna , Narayanasamy Hemalatha , Sorajja Dan , Slack James , Mookadam Farouk
Published: September 2018

Decitabine is a pyrimidine analogue of nucleoside cytidine, used for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and acute myelogenous leukemia. We present a case of cardiomyopathy associated with decitabine used for secondary acute myelogenous leukemia. The patient presented with new heart failure symptoms and an ejection fraction decline.
Pharmacological Regulation of Oxidative Stress in Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Jungwoon , Cho Yee Sook , Jung Haiyoung , Choi Inpyo
Published: September 2018

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense mechanisms. The regulation of stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation is crucial for early development and tissue homeostasis. Recent reports have suggested that the balance between self‐renewal and differentiation is regulated by the cellular oxidation‐reduction (redox) state; therefore, the study of ROS regulation in regenerative medicine has emerged to develop protocols for regulating appropriate stem cell differentiation and maintenance for clinical applications. In this review, we introduce the defined roles of oxidative stress in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and discuss the potential applications of pharmacological approaches for regulating oxidative stress in regenerative medicine.
Verisyse versus Veriflex Phakic Intraocular Lenses: Refractive Outcomes and Endothelial Cell Density 5 Years after Surgery
Authors: Yaşa Dilek , Ağca Alper
Published: September 2018

Purpose. To compare refractive stability, central endothelial cell density (ECD), and complications between Verisyse (Abbott Medical Optics, Netherlands) and Veriflex (Abbott Medical Optics, Netherlands) phakic intraocular lenses (pIOL) over five years.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent Verisyse or Veriflex pIOL implantation for surgical correction of myopia. Patients with a 5-year follow-up period were included in the study. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent of manifest refraction (SE), and ECD were compared between the groups preoperatively and 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively.Results. The study included 47 eyes in the Verisyse group and 50 eyes in the Veriflex group. There was no significant difference in mean SE, UDVA, CDVA, and ECD preoperatively or postoperatively. In both groups, there was a statistically significant myopic shift between 1-year and 5-year visits (−0.25 ± 0.30 D and −0.23 ± 0.48 D in the Verisyse and Veriflex groups, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of efficacy and safety indexes at 5 years. ECD loss was highest during the first year (3.9% loss in the Verisyse group and 3.9% loss in the Veriflex group,p=0.670). At 5 years, the mean cumulative ECD losses in the Verisyse and Veriflex groups were 7.42% and 7.64%, respectively (p=0.709). Cataracts developed in 2.1% of the eyes in the Verisyse group and in 2.0% of those in the Veriflex group. No sight-threatening complications were observed.Conclusion. Verisyse and Veriflex pIOLs are highly effective for treating high myopia up to 5 years after surgery. Longitudinal studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary to determine the endothelial safety profile.
Multiionic and Permittivity‐Related Effects on the Diffuse Electric Double Layer Structure at Solid‐Electrolyte Solution Interfaces
Authors: López-García J. J. , Horno J. , Grosse C.
Published: September 2018

The structure and differential capacitance of the diffuse part of the electric double layer at solid‐electrolyte solution interfaces are examined using a theoretical model that takes into account the finite ion size by modeling the solution as a suspension of polarizable insulating spheres in water. This formalism is applied to binary and mixed electrolyte solutions using the “Boublik–Mansoori–Carnahan–Starling–Leland” (BMCSL) theory for the steric interactions among ions. It is shown that the ionic size differences have a strong bearing on the diffuse part of the electric double layer structure, as well as on the differential capacitance dependence on the surface potential for mixed electrolytes.
Tremor Types in Parkinson Disease: A Descriptive Study Using a New Classification
Authors: Gironell Alexandre , Pascual-Sedano Berta , Aracil Ignacio , Marín-Lahoz Juan , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: September 2018

Background. The current classification of tremor types in Parkinson disease (PD) is potentially confusing, particularly for mixed tremor, and there is no label for pure resting tremor. With a view to better defining the clinical phenomenological classification of these tremors, our group relabeled the different types as follows: pure resting tremor (type I); mixed resting and action tremor with similar frequencies (type II) divided, according to action tremor presentation, into II-R when there is a time lag and II-C otherwise; pure action tremor (type III); and mixed resting and action tremor with differing frequencies (type IV). We performed a descriptive study to determine prevalence and clinical correlates for this new tremor classification. Patient/Methods. A total of 315 consecutively recruited patients with PD and tremor were clinically evaluated. X2 tests were used to assess tremor type associations with categorical variables, namely, sex, family history of PD, motor fluctuations, and anticholinergic and beta-blocker use. With tremor type as the independent variable, ANOVA was performed to study the relationship between dependent quantitative variables, namely, age, age at PD diagnosis, disease duration, and UPDRS scores for rigidity. Results. The studied patients had tremor types as follows: type I, 30%; type II, 50% (II-R, 25% and II-C, 25%); type III, 19%; and type IV, 1%. No significant association was found between the studied clinical variables and tremor types. Conclusions. Mixed tremor was the most common tremor type in our series of patients with PD according to our proposed classification, which we hope will enhance understanding of the broad clinical phenomenology of PD.
Variables to Be Monitored via Biomedical Sensors for Complete Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Management: An Extension of the “On-Board” Concept
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ignacio , Rodríguez José-Víctor , Zamora-Izquierdo Miguel-Ángel
Published: September 2018

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is a growing disease, and a deep understanding of the patient is required to prescribe the most appropriate treatment, adjusted to the patient’s habits and characteristics. Before now, knowledge regarding each patient has been incomplete, discontinuous, and partial. However, the recent development of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and new biomedical sensors/gadgets, based on automatic continuous monitoring, offers a new perspective on DM1 management, since these innovative devices allow the collection of 24-hour biomedical data in addition to blood glucose levels. With this, it is possible to deeply characterize a diabetic person, offering a better understanding of his or her illness evolution, and, going further, develop new strategies to manage DM1. This new and global monitoring makes it possible to extend the “on-board” concept to other features. This well-known approach to the processing of variable “insulin” describes some inertias and aggregated/remaining effects. In this work, such analysis is carried out along with a thorough study of the significant variables to be taken into account/monitored—and how to arrange them—for a deep characterization of diabetic patients. Lastly, we present a case study evaluating the experience of the continuous and comprehensive monitoring of a diabetic patient, concluding that the huge potential of this new perspective could provide an acute insight into the patient’s status and extract the maximum amount of knowledge, thus improving the DM1 management system in order to be fully functional.
Structural Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Biomedical Application of Astragalus Polysaccharide Degradation Products
Authors: Wang Jian-Min , Sun Xin-Yuan , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: September 2018

To study the antioxidant capacity of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) with different molecular weights, we used hydrogen peroxide to degrade original Astragalus polysaccharide (APS0) with an initial molecular weight of 11.03 kDa and obtained three degraded polysaccharides with molecular weights of 8.38 (APS1), 4.72 (APS2), and 2.60 kDa (APS3). The structures of these polysaccharides were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR, and GC/MS. The degradation process did not cause significant changes in the main chain structure of APS. The monosaccharide component of APS before and after degradation was slightly changed. The antioxidant ability in vitro (removing hydroxyl and ABTS radicals and reducing ability) and in cells (superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde generation) of these polysaccharides is closely related to their molecular weight. If the molecular weight of APS is very high or low, it is not conducive to their activity. Only APS2 with moderate molecular weight showed the greatest antioxidant activity and ability to repair human kidney epithelial (HK-2) cells. Therefore, APS2 can be used as a potential antistone polysaccharide drug.
Comparative Genomics of the First and Complete Genome of “Actinobacillus porcitonsillarum” Supports the Novel Species Hypothesis
Authors: Donà Valentina , Perreten Vincent
Published: September 2018

“Actinobacillus porcitonsillarum” is considered a nonpathogenic member of thePasteurellaceaefamily, which phenotypically resembles the pathogenActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Previous studies suggested that “A. porcitonsillarum” may represent a new species closely related toActinobacillus minor, yet no full genome has been sequenced so far. We implemented the Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing technologies to obtain the highly accurate and complete genome sequence of the “A. porcitonsillarum” strain 9953L55. After validating ourde novoassembly strategy by comparing theA. pleuropneumoniaeS4074Tgenome sequence obtained by Oxford Nanopore Technology combined with Illumina reads with a PacBio-sequenced S4074Tgenome from the NCBI database, we performed comparative analyses of the 9953L55 genome with theA. minortype strain NM305T,A. minorstrain 202, andA. pleuropneumoniaeS4074T. The 2,263,191 bp circular genome of 9953L55 consisted of 2168 and 2033 predicted genes and proteins, respectively. The lipopolysaccharide cluster resembled the genetic organization ofA. pleuropneumoniaeserotypes 1, 9, and 11, possibly explaining the positive reactions observed previously in serotyping tests. In contrast to NM305T, we confirmed the presence of a completeapxIICABDoperon in 9953L55 and 202 accounting for their hemolytic phenotype and Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen (CAMP) reaction positivity. Orthologous gene cluster analysis provided insight into the differential ability of strains of theA. minor/“porcitonsillarum” complex andA. pleuropneumoniaeto ferment lactose, raffinose, trehalose, and mannitol. The four strains showed distinct and shared transposable elements, CRISPR/Cas systems, and integrated prophages. Genome comparisons based on average nucleotide identity andin silicoDNA-DNA hybridization confirmed the close relationship among strains belonging to theA. minor/“porcitonsillarum” complex compared to otherActinobacillusspp., but also suggested that 9953L55 and 202 belong to the same novel species closely related toA. minor, namely, “A. porcitonsillarum.” Recognition of the taxon as a separate species would improve diagnostics and control strategies of pig pleuropneumonia.
The Time-Domain Integration Method of Digital Subtraction Angiography Images
Authors: Huang Shuo , Cheng Le , Zhu Bin , Zhou Ping , Sun Yu , Zhang Bing , Wan Suiren
Published: September 2018

The clarity improvement and the noise suppression of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images are very important. However, the common methods are very complicated. An image time-domain integration method is proposed in this study, which is based on the blood flow periodicity. In this method, the images of the first cardiac cycle after the injection of the contrast agent are integrated to obtain the time-domain integration image. This method can be used independently or as a postprocessing method of the denoising method on the signal image. The experimental results on DSA data from an aortic dissection patient show that the image time-domain integration method is efficient in image denoising and enhancement, which also has a good real-time performance. This method can also be used to improve the denoising and image enhancement effect of some common models.
The Effect of Xialiqi Capsule on Testosterone‐Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats
Authors: Cai Hongcai , Zhang Guowei , Yan Zechen , Shang Xuejun
Published: September 2018

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common among elderly men, of which inflammation, oxidative stress, proliferative, and apoptotic changes play important roles. Xialiqi (XLQ) capsule, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is used as a potential drug in treating BPH. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of XLQ capsule on testosterone propionate‐ (TP‐) induced BPH in rats. Fifty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham control, BPH model, high and low dose of XLQ, and finasteride as a positive control group. All groups were treated with appropriate drugs/normal saline for 28 consecutive days. Prostate weights were recorded; histopathological changes and content of IL‐8, TNF‐α, DHT, SOD, MDA, caspase‐3, and PCNA of the prostate were determined. Animals with BPH demonstrated significantly increased prostate weights and prostate index, higher levels of IL‐8, TNF‐α, DHT, MDA, and PCNA, but lower activity of SOD and reduced expression of caspase‐3. After treatment with XLQ, significant reductions of prostate weights, prostate index, IL‐8, TNF‐α, DHT, MDA, and PCNA, increased activity of SOD, and higher level of caspase‐3 were shown. The present study indicates that XLQ can effectively prevent the development of TP‐induced BPH model through mechanisms of anti‐inflammation, antioxidation, antiproliferation, and proapoptosis.
Prototype of the Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Expert System for Particleboard Identification
Authors: Sandak Anna , Sandak Jakub , Janiszewska Dominika , Hiziroglu Salim , Petrillo Marta , Grossi Paolo
Published: September 2018

The overall goal of this work was to develop a prototype expert system assisting quality control and traceability of particleboard panels on the production floor. Four different types of particleboards manufactured at the laboratory scale and in industrial plants were evaluated. The material differed in terms of panel type, composition, and adhesive system. NIR spectroscopy was employed as a pioneer tool for the development of a two-level expert system suitable for classification and traceability of investigated samples. A portable, commercially available NIR spectrometer was used for nondestructive measurements of particleboard panels. Twenty-five batches of particleboards, each containing at least three independent replicas, was used for the original system development and assessment of its performance. Four alternative chemometric methods (PLS-DA, kNN, SIMCA, and SVM) were used for spectroscopic data classification. The models were developed for panel recognition at two levels differing in terms of their generality. In the first stage, four among twenty-four tested combinations resulted in 100% correct classification. Discrimination precision with PLS-DA and SVMC was high (>99%), even without any spectra preprocessing. SNV preprocessed spectra and SVMC algorithm were used at the second stage for panel batch classification. Panels manufactured by two producers were 100% correctly classified, industrial panels produced by different manufacturing plants were classified with 98.9% success, and the experimental panels manufactured in the laboratory were classified with 63.7% success. Implementation of NIR spectroscopy for wood-based product traceability and quality control may have a great impact due to the high versatility of the production and wide range of particleboards utilization.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of the Extract, Tiliroside, and Patuletin 3‐O‐β‐D‐Glucopyranoside from Pfaffia townsendii (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Corrêa Wallace Ribeiro , Serain Alessandra Freitas , Aranha Netto Leticia , Marinho Jane V. N. , Arena Arielle Cristina , Figueiredo de Santana Aquino Diana , Kuraoka-Oliveira Ângela Midori , Júnior Armando Jorge , Bernal Laura Priscila Toledo , Kassuya Cândida Aparecida Leite , Salvador Marcos José
Published: September 2018

Brazilian ginseng, including Pfaffia townsendii, is used in popular medicine as a natural anti‐inflammatory, tonic, analgesic, and antidiabetic agent. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and evaluated the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of the P. townsendii ethanolic extract as well as the major isolated glycoside flavonoids tiliroside and patuletin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside. Chromatographic techniques and spectroscopic analysis were used for the isolation and identification of the major compounds. The antioxidant potential was determined through DPPH and ORAC‐FL assays. The total phenolic content was measured using Folin‐Ciocalteu reagent. The anti‐inflammatory activity was determined based on a model of paw edema and carrageenan‐ (Cg‐) induced pleurisy. We identified three phenolic acids, one carboxylic acid and two flavonoids, patuletin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, and tiliroside. The ethanol crude extracts, partitions and isolated flavonoids (4581 μmol of Trolox equivalents/g of extract in ORAC and a SC50 of approximately 31.9 μg/mL in the DPPH assay) demonstrated antioxidant activity, and the ethanolic extract as well as isolated flavonoids inhibited paw edema induced by Cg and leukocyte migration in the Cg‐induced pleurisy model. The extract, tiliroside, and patuletin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside obtained from P. townsendii have therapeutic potential against oxidative stress‐related and inflammatory disorders.
Joining of Cf/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites: A Review
Authors: Zhang Keqiang , Zhang Lu , He Rujie , Wang Kaiyu , Wei Kai , Zhang Bing
Published: October 2018

Carbon fiber‐reinforced silicon carbide (Cf/SiC) ceramic matrix composites have promising engineering applications in many fields, and they are usually geometrically complex in shape and always need to join with other materials to form a certain engineering part. Up to date, various joining technologies of Cf/SiC composites are reported, including the joining of Cf/SiC‐Cf/SiC and Cf/SiC‐metal. In this paper, a systematic review of the joining of Cf/SiC composites is conducted, and the aim of this paper is to provide some reference for researchers working on this field.
Piezoelectric and Dielectric Characterization of MWCNT-Based Nanocomposite Flexible Films
Authors: Banerjee S. , Du W. , Sundar U. , Cook-Chennault K. A.
Published: September 2018

PZT-epoxy-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) flexible thick film actuators were fabricated using a sol-gel and spin coat and deposition process. Films were characterized in terms of their piezoelectric and dielectric properties as a function of MWCNT volume fraction and polarization process. Correlations between surface treatment of the MWCNTs and composite performance were made. The surface morphology and filler distribution were observed with the aid of SEM and TEM images. The volume fraction of PZT was held constant at 30%, and the volume fraction of MWCNTs varied from 1% to 10%. Two forms of dielectric polarization were compared. Corona discharge polarization induced enhanced piezoelectric and dielectric properties by a factor of 10 in comparison to the parallel-plate contact method (piezoelectric strain coefficient and dielectric constant were 0.59 pC/N and 61.81, respectively, for the parallel-plate contact method and 9.22 pC/N and 103.59 for the corona polarization method, respectively). The percolation threshold range was observed to occur at a MWCNT volume fraction range between 5% and 6%.
Investigation of Vorticity during Prevalent Winter Precipitation in Iran
Authors: Rousta Iman , Javadizadeh Farshad , Dargahian Fatemeh , Ólafsson Haraldur , Shiri-Karimvandi Amin , Vahedinejad Sayed Hossein , Doostkamian Mehdi , Monroy Vargas Edgar Ricardo , Asadolahi Anayat
Published: September 2018

In this study, precipitation data for 483 synoptic stations, and the U&V component of wind and HGT data for 4 atmospheric levels were respectively obtained from IRIMO and NCEP/NCAR databases (1961–2013). The precipitation threshold of 1 mm and a minimum prevalence of 50% were the criteria based on which the prevalent precipitation of Iran was identified. Then, vorticity of days corresponding to prevalent winter precipitation was calculated and, by performing cluster analysis, the representative days of vorticity were specified. The results showed that prevalent winter precipitation vorticity in Iran is related to the vorticity patterns of low pressure of Mediterranean-low pressure of Persian Gulf dual-core, low pressure closed of central Iran-high pressure of East Europe, Ural low pressure-Middle East High pressure, Saudi Arabia low pressure-Europe high pressure, and high-pressure belt of Siberia-low pressure of central Iran. At the same time, the most intense vorticity occurred when the climate of Iran was influenced by a massive belt pattern of Siberian high pressure-low pressure of central Iran. However, at the time of prevalent winter precipitation in Iran, an intense vorticity is drawn with the direction of Northeast and Northwest from the center of Iraq to the south of Iran.
Purinergic Antagonist Suramin Aggravates Myocarditis and Increases Mortality by Enhancing Parasitism, Inflammation, and Reactive Tissue Damage in Trypanosoma cruzi‐Infected Mice
Authors: Novaes Rômulo D. , Santos Eliziária C. , Cupertino Marli C. , Bastos Daniel S. S. , Mendonça Andréa A. S. , Marques-da-Silva Eduardo de Almeida , Cardoso Sílvia A. , Fietto Juliana L. R. , Oliveira Leandro L.
Published: September 2018

Suramin (Sur) acts as an ecto‐NTPDase inhibitor in Trypanosoma cruzi and a P2‐purinoceptor antagonist in mammalian cells. Although the potent antitrypanosomal effect of Sur has been shown in vitro, limited evidence in vivo suggests that this drug can be dangerous to T. cruzi‐infected hosts. Therefore, we investigated the dose‐dependent effect of Sur‐based chemotherapy in a murine model of Chagas disease. Seventy uninfected and T. cruzi‐infected male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: SAL = uninfected; INF = infected; SR5, SR10, and SR20 = infected treated with 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg Sur. In addition to its effect on blood and heart parasitism, the impact of Sur‐based chemotherapy on leucocytes myocardial infiltration, cytokine levels, antioxidant defenses, reactive tissue damage, and mortality was analyzed. Our results indicated that animals treated with 10 and 20 mg/kg Sur were disproportionally susceptible to T. cruzi, exhibiting increased parasitemia and cardiac parasitism (amastigote nests and parasite load (T. cruzi DNA)), intense protein, lipid and DNA oxidation, marked myocarditis, and mortality. Animals treated with Sur also exhibited reduced levels of nonprotein antioxidants. However, the upregulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase was insufficient to counteract reactive tissue damage and pathological myocardial remodeling. It is still poorly understood whether Sur exerts a negative impact on the purinergic signaling of T. cruzi‐infected host cells. However, our findings clearly demonstrated that through enhanced parasitism, inflammation, and reactive tissue damage, Sur‐based chemotherapy contributes to aggravating myocarditis and increasing mortality rates in T. cruzi‐infected mice, contradicting the supposed relevance attributed to this drug for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Public Awareness regarding the Differences between Ophthalmologists and Optometrists among Saudi Adults Living in Riyadh: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Aldebasi Mohammed Hamad , Alsobaie Nasser Abdalazez , Aldayel Abdulrahman Yousef , Alwusaidi Khalid Mousa , Alasbali Tariq
Published: September 2018

Awareness of the patients to the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists has been recognized as an important factor influencing patient utilization of available eye care services. This study aimed at assessing the public’s knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists among the residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was administered to adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to February in 2018. The number of the respondents was 1579. Results show that 50% (n=789) of the participants had fair knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists, while 32% (n=505) had poor knowledge. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, there was a significant association between satisfactory knowledge and visiting an optometrist (odds ratio (OR): 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57–0.98), age older than 26 (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.17–1.19), higher level of education (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.54–2.4), and wearing spectacles (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.45–0.73). Given the low level of public knowledge regarding the differences in the duties between ophthalmologist and optometrists among a Saudi population, there is great potential for general population education through awareness campaign and social media regarding eye care provider’s duties and practices.
The Causal Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Regulating Insulin Resistance in Diabetes: Link through Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Lin Hung-Yu , Weng Shao-Wen , Chang Yen-Hsiang , Su Yu-Jih , Chang Chih-Min , Tsai Chia-Jen , Shen Feng-Chih , Chuang Jiin-Haur , Lin Tsu-Kung , Liou Chia-Wei , Lin Ching-Yi , Wang Pei-Wen
Published: September 2018

Background. Mitochondrial dynamics (mtDYN) has been proposed as a bridge between mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR), which is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our previous study has identified that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup B4 is a T2D‐susceptible genotype. Using transmitochondrial cybrid model, we have confirmed that haplogroup B4 contributes to cellular IR as well as a profission mtDYN, which can be reversed by antioxidant treatment. However, the causal relationship between mtDYN and cellular IR pertaining to T2D‐susceptible haplogroup B4 remains unanswered. Methods. To dissect the mechanisms between mtDYN and IR, knockdown or overexpression of MFN1, MFN2, DRP1, and FIS1 was performed using cybrid B4. We then examined the mitochondrial network and mitochondrial oxidative stress (mtROS) as well as insulin signaling IRS‐AKT pathway and glucose transporters (GLUT) translocation to plasma membrane stimulated by insulin. We employed Drp1 inhibitor, mdivi‐1, to interfere with endogenous expression of fission to validate the pharmacological effects on IR. Results. Overexpression of MFN1 or MFN2 increased mitochondrial network and reduced mtROS, while knockdown had an opposing effect. In contrast, overexpression of DRP1 or FIS1 decreased mitochondrial network and increased mtROS, while knockdown had an opposing effect. Concomitant with the enhanced mitochondrial network, activation of the IRS1‐AKT pathway and GLUT translocation stimulated by insulin were improved. On the contrary, suppression of mitochondrial network caused a reduction of the IRS1‐AKT pathway and GLUT translocation stimulated by insulin. Pharmacologically inhibiting mitochondrial fission by the Drp1 inhibitor, mdivi‐1, also rescued mitochondrial network, reduced mtROS, and improved insulin signaling of diabetes‐susceptible cybrid cells. Conclusion. Our results discovered the causal role of mtDYN proteins in regulating IR resulted from diabetes‐susceptible mitochondrial haplogroup. The existence of a bidirectional interaction between mtDYN and mtROS plays an important role. Direct intervention to reverse profission in mtDYN provides a novel therapeutic strategy for IR and T2D.
A Study on the Seepage Flow Characteristics and Disaster‐Causing Mechanism of Collapse Column
Authors: Feng Feisheng , Peng Suping , Fu Pingjie , Du Wenfeng , Xu Dongjing
Published: September 2018

Factors such as the hydrogeological conditions, the lithological characteristics of the columns’ components, and the lithological characteristics and stress conditions of the coal seam roof and floor are interrelated and jointly affect column collapse. In this study, the disaster‐causing mechanism of column collapse was studied. Based on the system theory, a collapsed column is divided into the column and the surrounding fissure zone as two subsystems for analysis. And, the permeability coefficient of the broken rock under different conditions was measured by a self‐designed equipment. The variations of the permeability coefficient for rock samples with different particle diameters, different axial pressures Pa, and different seepage velocities were further studied. Through phenomena analysis and experimental data processing, it was concluded that, under the same pressure state, smaller particle diameter meant smaller permeability coefficient; with the increase of axial pressure, the permeability coefficient decreased; and the larger the water flow velocity was, the smaller the permeability coefficient became. For particle diameter Φ = 2.5–5 mm or larger, the tiny particles formed by randomly washing and breaking in the water flow blocked some of the channels. For particle diameters smaller than Φ = 2.5–5 mm, the smaller permeability coefficient was attributed to the turbulence resulting from non‐Darcy flow. The study on the permeability of the fractured rock mass clarified the mechanism of water inrush from the fissure zone of the collapsed column: the collapsed column itself was impermeable, and the permeability of the fissure zone around the collapsed column was related to the lithological characteristics of the rock within the fissure zone and the sequencing of rock strata. When mining coal in areas with collapsed columns, experiments on collapsed columns and fissure zones are prerequisites. This study has a certain referential value for coal mining in this region.
Is the Retinal Vasculature Related to β-Peripapillary Atrophy in Nonpathological High Myopia? An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study in Chinese Adults
Authors: Sun Jiao , Wang Jialin , You Ran , Wang Yanling
Published: September 2018

Purpose. The association between β-peripapillary atrophy and the retinal vasculature in nonpathological high myopia is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether β-peripapillary atrophy contribute to the changes of the retinal vasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, one hundred and thirty eyes with nonpathological high myopia were included. β-peripapillary atrophy was analysed using Image J software based on fundus photographs. A 3.0 × 3.0 mm2 grid and a 4.5 × 4.5 mm2 grid were used to scan parafoveal and peripapillary regions using optical coherence tomography angiography, respectively. Vessel density and fractal dimensions of the retina and foveal avascular zone were analysed and quantified using en face projection images. Correlations between the vascular density, foveal avascular zone, and β-peripapillary atrophy were determined. Results. Using multivariate analysis, β-peripapillary atrophy was negatively correlated with the vessel density in radial peripapillary capillaries (p=0.002) even after adjusting for other variables. This relationship was also confirmed in the macula (superficial retinal plexus: p<0.05; deep retinal plexus: p<0.05). The vessel densities in the nasal and inferior sectors were more strongly correlated with β-peripapillary atrophy. Conclusions. There was a negative correlation between β-peripapillary atrophy and the retinal vasculature in highly myopic eyes, especially in radial peripapillary capillaries and deep retinal plexus. β-peripapillary atrophy can be visualized and is a convenient structural feature that can benefit the early diagnosis and detection of chorioretinal atrophy in high myopia.
Upregulation of BUB1B, CCNB1, CDC7, CDC20, and MCM3 in Tumor Tissues Predicted Worse Overall Survival and Disease-Free Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhuang Liping , Yang Zongguo , Meng Zhiqiang
Published: September 2018

Objective. To evaluate the association between upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. Using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets including GSE45436, GSE55092, GSE60502, GSE84402, and GSE17548, we detected upregulated DEGs in tumors. KEGG, GO, and Reactome enrichment analysis of the DEGs was conducted to clarify their function. The impact of the upregulated DEGs on patients’ survival was analyzed based on TCGA profile. Results. 161 shared upregulated DEGs were identified among GSE45436, GSE55092, GSE60502, and GSE84402 profiles. Cell cycle was the shared pathway/biological process in the gene sets investigation among databases of KEGG, GO, and Reactome. After being validated in GSE17548, 13 genes including BUB1B, CCNA2, CCNB1, CCNE2, CDC20, CDC6, CDC7, CDK1, CDK4, CDKN2A, CHEK1, MAD2L1, and MCM3 in cell cycle pathway were shared in the three databases for enrichment. The expression of BUB1B, CCNB1, CDC7, CDC20, and MCM3 was upregulated in HCC tissues when compared with adjacent normal tissues in 6.67%, 7.5%, 8.06%, 5.56%, and 9.72% of HCC patients, respectively. Overexpression of BUB1B, CCNB1, CDC7, CDC20, and MCM3 in HCC tissues accounted for poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in HCC patients (all log rank P < 0.05). BUB1B, CCNB1, CDC7, CDC20, and MCM3 were all overexpressed in HCC patients with neoplasm histologic grade G3-4 compared to those with G1-2 (all P < 0.05). BUB1B, CCNB1, and CDC20 were significantly upregulated in HCC patients with vascular invasion (all P < 0.05). Additionally, levels of BUB1B, CCNB1, CDC7, and CDC20 were significantly higher in HCC patients deceased, recurred, or progressed (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. Correlated with advanced histologic grade and/or vascular invasion, upregulation of BUB1B, CCNB1, CDC7, CDC20, and MCM3 in HCC tissues predicted worse OS and DFS in HCC patients. These genes could be novel therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
Finite Element Investigation of the Effects of the Low-Frequency Vibration Generated by Vehicle Driving on the Human Lumbar Mechanical Properties
Authors: Fan Ruo-xun , Liu Jie , Li Yong-li , Liu Jun , Gao Jia-zi
Published: September 2018

Long-term exposure to low-frequency vibration generated by vehicle driving impairs human lumbar spine health. However, few studies have investigated how low-frequency vibration affects human lumbar mechanical properties. This study established a poroelastic finite element model of human lumbar spinal segments L2–L3 to perform time-dependent vibrational simulation analysis and investigated the effects of different vibrational frequencies generated by normal vehicle driving on the lumbar mechanical properties in one hour. Analysis results showed that vibrational load caused more injury to lumbar health than static load, and vibration at the resonant frequency generated the most serious injury. The axial effective stress and the radial displacement in the intervertebral disc, as well as the fluid loss in the nucleus pulposus, increased, whereas the pore pressure in the nucleus pulposus decreased with increased vibrational frequency under the same vibrational time, which may aggravate the injury degree of human lumbar spine. Therefore, long-term driving on a well-paved road also induces negative effects on human lumbar spine health. When driving on a nonpaved road or operating engineering machinery under poor navigating condition, the auto seat transmits relatively high vibrational frequency, which is highly detrimental to the lumbar spine health of a driver.
Numerical Model of Plastic Deformation on Cracked Surface under Repeated Pneumatic Impact
Authors: YuanZhou Zhiyuan , Ji Bohai , Sun Tong , Ye Zhi
Published: September 2018

Crack‐closure treatment through repeated impact is supposed to be an effective, economical way to extend the fatigue remaining life for fatigue‐affected structures with less damage. The material plastic behavior under repeated impact between chisel and material bodies was investigated, for the purpose of describing the crack‐closure effect. A numerical model was established associating the impact depth with the number of impact times and device parameters, which is also proved by experiments. The material properties, after repeated impact, was determined via metallographic analysis and microhardness tests, indicating that the material will be hardened within a small affected zone due to the grain refinement caused by repeated impact. The finite‐element method was used, as a supplementary approach, to investigate the relationship between impact depth and horizontal deformation on the cracked surface. A one‐to‐one linear relation was obtained, even under the different chisel tip parameters. Therefore, the contact of fracture surface, i.e. crack closure, can be predicted with the help of this numerical model and the aforementioned relationship.
Medical Treatment of Postendoscopic Submucosal Dissection Phlegmonous Gastritis in an Elderly Diabetic Woman with Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Matsuura Ko , Hiramatsu Shinsuke , Taketani Rika , Ishibashi Kohei , Uraoka Masanao , Baba Shinichi , Nakamura Akihiro , Takihara Hiroshi , Ueda Chie , Inoue Taro
Published: September 2018

Phlegmonous gastritis is a rare, suppurative disease characterized by full-thickness exudative changes, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and edema primarily in the submucosal layer. A 76-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes and myelodysplastic syndrome underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer. Postoperatively, she developed persistent fever and computed tomography displayed full-circumference thickening of the gastric wall and increased levels of fat stranding. Endoscopy showed post-ESD ulcer floor expansion, formation of a false lumen between the ulcer floor and surrounding folds, and adhesion of purulent matter. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans were detected from pus culture and Klebsiella pneumoniae from blood culture, leading to a diagnosis of phlegmonous gastritis. Contrast examination showed no leakage outside the gastric wall; therefore, the patient fasted and was given antibiotics. She was successfully treated with medical therapy, as demonstrated by repeat endoscopy. Based on our experience, we recommend antibiotics before and after ESD in patients thought to be at high risk of infection, as well as careful postoperative management including postoperative endoscopy.
Stepwise-Nanocavity-Assisted Transmissive Color Filter Array Microprints
Authors: Wang Yasi , Zheng Mengjie , Ruan Qifeng , Zhou Yanming , Chen Yiqin , Dai Peng , Yang Zhengmei , Lin Zihao , Long Yuxiang , Li Ying , Liu Na , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Yang Joel K. W. , Duan Huigao
Published: October 2018

Visible-light color filters using patterned nanostructures have attracted much interest due to their various advantages such as compactness, enhanced stability, and environmental friendliness compared with traditional pigment or dye-based optical filters. While most existing studies are based on planar nanostructures with lateral variation in size, shape, and arrangement, the vertical dimension of structures is a long-ignored degree of freedom for the structural colors. Herein, we demonstrate a synthetic platform for transmissive color filter array by coordinated manipulations between height-varying nanocavities and their lateral filling fractions. The thickness variation of those nanocavities has been fully deployed as an alternative degree of freedom, yielding vivid colors with wide gamut and excellent saturation. Experimental results show that the color-rendering capability of the pixelated nanocavities can be still retained as pixels are miniaturized to 500 nm. Crosstalk between closely spaced pixels of a Bayer color filter arrangement was calculated, showing minimal crosstalk for 1 
µ
m
2
square subpixels. Our work provides an approach to designing and fabricating ultracompact color filter arrays for various potential applications including stained-glass microprints, microspectrometers, and high-resolution image sensing systems.