bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mining competition in a multi-cryptocurrency ecosystem at the network edge
Authors: Altman Eitan , Reiffers Alexandre , Menasche Daniel S. , Datar Mandar , Dhamal Swapnil , Touati Corinne
Published: January 2019

We model the competition over several blockchains characterizing multiple cryptocurrencies as a non-cooperative game. Then, we specialize our results to two instances of the general game, showing properties of the Nash equilibrium. In particular, leveraging results about congestion games, we establish the existence of pure Nash equilibria and provide efficient algorithms for finding such equilibria.
Mine with it or sell it
Authors: Bruschi Francesco , Rana Vincenzo , Gentile Lorenzo , Sciuto Donatella
Published: January 2019

In proof of work blockchain systems, there are strong incentives towards designing hardware that can mine faster and/or with less power consumption. There are two ways of taking advantage of such devices: one can use them to mine more coins with less power, or he can sell it to other miners. The two strategies are not independent, of course: if everybody has the boosting technology, the difficulty will rise, and it won't be an advantage anymore. On the other hand, if the boost is above a certain threshold, being used only by a small subset of miners might mean centralizing the system, with potentially dangerous consequences on the platform credibility. In this paper we analyse the impact of different strategies to exploit a significant increase in mining hardware efficiency. To do so, we developed a multi-agent based simulator, that mimics the relevant mechanics of the mining ecosystem, as well as some features of the miners as economic actors. We then characterized different significant sell-it-or-mine-with-it strategies, and observed the simulated outcome.
Robust URL Classification With Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Trevisan Martino , Drago Idilio
Published: January 2019

Classifying URLs is essential for different applications, such as parental control, URL filtering and Ads/tracking protection. Such systems historically identify URLs by means of regular expressions, even if machine learning alternatives have been proposed to overcome the time-consuming maintenance of classification rules. Classical machine learning algorithms, however, require large samples of URLs to train the models, covering the diverse classes of URLs (i.e., a ground truth), which somehow limits the applicability of the approach. We here give a first step towards the use of Generative Adversarial Neural Networks (GANs) to classify URLs. GANs are attractive for this problem for two reasons. First, GANs can produce samples of URLs belonging to specific classes even if exposed to a limited training set, outputting both synthetic traces and a robust discriminator. Second, a GAN can be trained to discriminate a class of URLs without being exposed to all other URLs classes - i.e., GANs are robust even if not exposed to uninteresting URL classes during training. Experiments on real data show that not only the generated synthetic traces are somehow realistic, but also the URL classification is accurate with GANs.
MalAlert
Authors: Piskozub Michal , Spolaor Riccardo , Martinovic Ivan
Published: January 2019

In recent years, we witness the spreading of a significant variety of malware, which operate and propagate relying on network communications. Due to the staggering growth of traffic in the last years, detecting malicious software has become infeasible on a packet-by-packet basis. In this paper, we address this challenge by investigating malware behaviors and designing a method to detect them relying only on network flow-level data. In our analysis we identify malware types with regards to their impact on a network and the way they achieve their malicious purposes. Leveraging this knowledge, we propose a machine learning-based and privacy-preserving method to detect malware. We evaluate our results on two malware datasets (MalRec and CTU-13) containing traffic of over 65,000 malware samples, as well as one month of network traffic from the University of Oxford containing over 23 billion flows. We show that despite the coarse-grained information provided by network flows and the imbalance between legitimate and malicious traffic, MalAlert can distinguish between different types of malware with the F1 score of 90%.
On Runtime and Classification Performance of the Discretize-Optimize (DISCO) Classification Approach
Authors: Garcia Johan , Korhonen Topi
Published: January 2019

Using machine learning in high-speed networks for tasks such as flow classification typically requires either very resource efficient classification approaches, large amounts of computational resources, or specialized hardware. Here we provide a sketch of the discretize-optimize (DISCO) approach which can construct an extremely efficient classifier for low dimensional problems by combining feature selection, efficient discretization, novel bin placement, and lookup. As feature selection and discretization parameters are crucial, appropriate combinatorial optimization is an important aspect of the approach. A performance evaluation is performed for a YouTube classification task using a cellular traffic data set. The initial evaluation results show that the DISCO approach can move the Pareto boundary in the classification performance versus runtime trade-off by up to an order of magnitude compared to runtime optimized random forest and decision tree classifiers.
An Update on the Emerging Role of Resistin on the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhao Cheng-Wu , Gao Yu-Hang , Song Wen-Xia , Liu Bo , Ding Lu , Dong Ning , Qi Xin
Published: January 2019

Background. Resistin may be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), but a systematic understanding of the role of resistin in OA is lacking. Methods. We reviewed studies that evaluated the role of resistin in OA. The expression levels of resistin in vitro experiments and OA/rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were analyzed. We also studied potential resistin receptors and the signaling pathways that these receptors activate, ultimately leading to cartilage degeneration. Results. Resistin levels in both the serum and synovial fluid were higher in OA and RA patients than in healthy subjects. Overall, resistin levels are much higher in serum than in synovial fluid. In human cartilage, resistin induces the expression of proinflammatory factors such as degradative enzymes, leading to the inhibition of cartilage matrix synthesis, perhaps by binding to Toll-like receptor 4 and the adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 receptor, which then activates the p38-mitogen-activated phosphate kinase, protein kinase A–cyclic AMP, nuclear factor-κB, and C/enhancer-binding protein β signaling pathways. Conclusion. Resistin levels are higher in OA patients than in healthy controls; however, the precise role of resistin in the pathogenesis of OA needs to be studied further. Resistin may be a novel therapeutic target in OA in the future.
A Spherical Micro Satellite Design and Detection Method for Upper Atmospheric Density Estimation
Authors: Zhao Zeyang , Wang Zhaokui , Zhang Yulin
Published: January 2019

A spherical microsatellite, aimed at technology verification of upper atmospheric density detection and precision orbit determination in low Earth orbit (LEO), has been developed by Tsinghua University and is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2019. In order to reduce the influence of other nonconservative forces, the area-to-mass ratio of the satellite was designed to ensure that the aerodynamic drag of the satellite is more than one to two orders of magnitude greater than the solar pressure perturbation. The influence of the components of the antenna, separation support, and solar cell arrays (SCAs) on the spherical structure for the area-to-mass ratio is reduced by reasonable design of the satellite flight attitude. In addition, a novel method has been developed to estimate and correct the parameters for atmospheric density (correlated to the drag) calculation, using precise orbit data (POD) obtained from an onboard dual-frequency global position system (GPS) receiver. The method is used to obtain the partial derivative of the total acceleration of the satellite to the initial state (position, velocity) and Harris-Priester (HP) density model parameters (antapex and apex density). Further, the least squares estimation method is used to solve the overdetermined linear equations and obtain the change of initial state of the satellite and the HP density model parameters relative to change of the satellite state. The validity of this method has been verified through numerical simulations with the parametric setup of the satellite. The estimated density precision was found to be higher than two to three orders of the initial HP density model with continuous iteration.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cold Thermal Therapy on Allergic Skin Inflammation Induced by Trimellitic Anhydride in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Piao Chun Hua , Kim Minjoo , Bui Thi Tho , Hyeon Eunjin , Fan Yanjing , Song Chang Ho , Jeong Hwan-Jeong , Chai Ok Hee
Published: January 2019

Cold and hot thermal therapies are widely used as a traditional therapy in many cultures and are often prescribed in the treatment of various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions which present themselves to primary care physicians. However, there are no reports that investigated either the effects of cold and hot thermal therapies on the skin inflammation of trimellitic anhydride- (TMA-) induced dermatitis-like contact hypersensitivity (CHS) mouse model, or the mechanism of thermal therapy on allergic skin inflammation. Therefore, in this study, to reveal the anti-inflammatory effect of thermal therapy and its mechanism on TMA-induced CHS, we analyzed ear-swelling response (ear edema), vascular permeability, serum IgE levels, histological examination, and histamine and Th2 cytokine levels. Cold thermal therapy reduced the ear-swelling response, the vascular permeability, the serum IgE levels, and the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells as well as the mast cell degranulation. To determine the mechanism by which cold thermal therapy inhibits allergic skin inflammation, detailed studies were carried out revealing that cold thermal therapy suppressed IL-4 and IL-5 secretion and mast cell activation. These results indicated that cold thermal therapy cures skin inflammation of TMA-induced CHS by decreasing Th2 cytokine release, especially IL-4 and IL-5, and mast cell activation. These data suggest that new insight into the mechanism of robust therapeutic effects of cold thermal therapy against allergic dermatitis, and cold thermal therapy may prove to be a useful therapeutic modality on allergic inflammatory diseases as traditional use as well as Th2- or mast cell-mediated allergic responses.
Reinforcement of PMMA Denture Base Material with a Mixture of ZrO2Nanoparticles and Glass Fibers
Authors: Gad Mohammed M. , Al-Thobity Ahmad M. , Rahoma Ahmed , Abualsaud Reem , Al-Harbi Fahad A. , Akhtar Sultan
Published: January 2019

This study is aimed at evaluating the hybrid reinforcement effects of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZrO2) and glass fibers (GFs) at different ratios on the flexural and impact strengths of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base. A total of 160 specimens were fabricated from heat-polymerized acrylic resins using the water bath technique. For the control group, the specimens did not receive any additions; for the test group, different concentrations of nano-ZrO2/GFs at 5% of the PMMA polymer were added. The concentrations of nano-ZrO2/GFs were as follows: 5%–0%, 4%–1%, 3%–2%, 2.5%–2.5%, 2%–3%, 1%–4%, and 0%–5%. The flexural strength was measured using the three-point bending test. The impact strength was measured using the Charpy impact test. Results were tabulated and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test (p≤0.05). The flexural and impact strengths of PMMA-nano-ZrO2 + GF composites were significantly improved when compared with those of pure PMMA (p<0.05). The maximum flexural strength (94.05 ± 6.95 MPa) and impact strength (3.89 ± 0.46 kJ/m2) were obtained with PMMA (2.5%)/nano-ZrO2 + 2.5% GF mixtures and could be used for removable prosthesis fabrication.
Determination of Electrospinning Parameters’ Strength in Poly(D,L)-lactide-co-glycolide Micro/Nanofiber Diameter Tailoring
Authors: Chen Yi-Pin , Liu Hsin-Yi , Liu Yen-Wei , Lee Tzung-Yan , Liu Shih-Jung
Published: January 2019

Electrospinning has received increasing interest and attention in recent years for fabricating micro/nanofibers of various materials; this is due to its versatility and capability of multiple field applications, including filtration, biosensors, tissue engineering, wound dressings, drug delivery, and composites. Nonetheless, the optimization of the electrospinning process is based on a time-consuming trial-and-error procedure. An empirical study, in conformity with the Taguchi orthogonal matrix design, was carried out to investigate the influence of various processing variables on the electrospinning of resorbable poly(D,L)-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA). Three different solvents, hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP), dichloromethane (DCM), and trichloromethane (TCM), were employed. Five variables were selected for evaluation, including PLGA concentration, the solution’s flow rate from the nozzle, the distance between the nozzle and ground collection, the voltage, and the type of solvents. After electrospinning, we performed a morphological analysis of nanofibers by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and measured the fiber size by the evaluation of SEM images. Among the variables selected, the type of solvent and the applied voltage were found to be the principal variables influencing the diameter distribution of electrospun PLGA fibers. Nanofibers with the smallest fiber size (466.25±158.38 nm) could be obtained with HFIP solvent and an applied voltage of 15 kV.
Excessive Oxidative Stress Contributes to Increased Acute ER Stress Kidney Injury in Aged Mice
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ruihua , Huang Lianghu , Zheng Zihan , Vlassara Helen , Striker Gary , Zhang Xiaoyan , Guan Youfei , Zheng Feng
Published: January 2019

The aged kidney is susceptible to acute injury due presumably to its decreased ability to handle additional challenges, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This was tested by giving tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer, to either old or young mice. Injection of high dose caused renal failure in old mice, not in young mice. Moreover, injection of low dose resulted in severe renal damage in old mice, confirming the increased susceptibility of aged kidney to ER stress. There existed an abnormality in ER stress response kinetics in aged kidney, characterized by a loss of XBP-1 splicing and decreased PERK-eIF2α phosphorylation at late time point. The presence of excessive oxidative stress in aged kidney may play a role since high levels of oxidation increased ER stress-induced cell death and decreased IRE1 levels and XBP-1 splicing. Importantly, treatment with antioxidants protected old mice from kidney injury and normalized IRE1 and XBP-1 responses. Furthermore, older mice (6 months old) transgenic with antioxidative stress AGER1 were protected from ER stress-induced kidney injury. In conclusion, the decreased ability to handle ER stress, partly due to the presence of excessive oxidative stress, may contribute to increased susceptibility of the aging kidney to acute injury.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aurantiochytrium limacinum 4W-1b Ethanol Extract on Murine Macrophage RAW264 Cells
Authors: Takahashi Shinya , Yoshida Masaki , Watanabe Makoto M. , Isoda Hiroko
Published: January 2019

Aurantiochytrium limacinum 4W-1b (AL4W-1b) is a newly discovered microalgal strain with unique features. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethanol extracts of AL4W-1b on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammatory responses in RAW264 murine macrophage cells. Pretreatment of RAW264 cells with the AL4W-1b extract significantly reduced the production of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes, including tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-6. Treatment with the AL4W-1b extract also decreased the production of IL-1β and IL-6. These results suggest that AL4W-1b might have anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264 cells. The NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7082, synergistically prevented LPS-induced NO production after pretreatment with the AL4W-1b extract. Thus, the AL4W-1b extract may affect not only the NF-κB pathway but also other inflammatory pathways. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the anti-inflammatory effects of AL4W-1b extract and its mechanism of action in LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cells.
Anemia, Blood Transfusion, and Filter Life Span in Critically Ill Patients Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Al-Dorzi Hasan M. , Alhumaid Nora Ali , Alwelyee Nouf Hamad , Albakheet Nouf Mubark , Nazer Ramah Ibrahim , Aldakhil Sadal Khalid , AlSaif Shahad Abdulaziz , Masud Nazish
Published: January 2019

Background. Filter clotting is frequent during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), which increases anemia risk. We studied anemia and blood transfusion in critically ill patients requiring CRRT for acute kidney injury and assessed the relationship between CRRT filter life span and PRBC transfusion.Methods. A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary-care intensive care unit (ICU) where CRRT cases were matched with controls for age, gender, admission category, and severity of illness. Daily hemoglobin levels, blood transfusions, and life span of CRRT filter were noted. CCRT patients were categorized according to the median of the filter life span (20 hours).Results. Ninety-five cases and 102 controls were enrolled. The hemoglobin level on admission was similar in the two groups, yet cases had significantly lower hemoglobin levels than controls (72.8 ± 15.3 versus 82.5 ± 20.7 g/L,p<0.001) during ICU stay. Anemia <70 g/L occurred in 50% of cases and 19% of controls (p<0.001). Most (56.3%) cases were transfused compared with 29.9% for controls (p<0.001) with higher number of transfused packed red blood cell (PRBC) units in cases (2.6 ± 4.0 versus 1.5 ± 3.2 units per patient,p=0.03). Patients with shorter versus longer filter life had similar hemoglobin level in the first 7 days of CRRT with no difference in PRBC transfusion requirement. Prefilter heparin use and hemodialysis access location were not associated with longer filter life span. The mortality was similar in patients with shorter versus longer filter life.Conclusions. CRRT in ICU was associated with larger drop in hemoglobin and more PRBC transfusion. Shorter (<20 hours) versus longer CCRT filter life was not associated with increased PRBC transfusion.
Practitioner Learning Curve in Fitting Scleral Lenses in Irregular and Regular Corneas Using a Fitting Trial
Authors: Macedo-de-Araújo Rute J. , van der Worp Eef , González-Méijome José M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To assess the learning curve of a novel practitioner with minor previous experience with scleral lenses (SL) fitting in the initial 156 consecutive fittings in irregular and regular corneas using a fitting trial.Methods. Prospective dispensing case series involving a total of 85 subjects (156 eyes), 122 eyes with irregular corneas (IC Group) and 34 eyes with regular corneas (RC Group). All lenses were fitted by the same practitioner with minimal previous knowledge and practice on SL fitting. The first 156 consecutive fits were studied to estimate the number of trial lenses required to achieve the optimal fit and the number of reorders required. The results were divided into 8 chronological groups of 20 fittings (eyes) each.Results. There was a decrease in the number of trial lenses required to achieve the optimal fit from 2.35±0.18 lenses in the first 20 fittings to 1.56±0.13 in the last fittings (p<0.05, Wilcoxon). There were no statistically significant differences between IC and RC groups. Regarding the number of reorders, there was also a decrease from 0.95±0.17 in the first fittings to 0.25±0.11 in the last fittings (p<0.05, Wilcoxon). Thought not statistically significant, there was an increase in the use of toric designs with increasing experience.Conclusions. Practitioner fitting experience reduced both the number of trial lenses required to achieve the best fit and the number of reorders with time. After the first 60 cases, there was a significant reduction in the trial lenses and reorders necessity.
Synthesis of Ag@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Photothermal Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Bing , Zhou Jian , Zhang Bin , Qu Jing
Published: January 2019

Photothermal therapy is a promising approach for cancer treatment. In our study, we investigate the photothermal effect of different concentrations of the Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles on apoptosis and proliferation in the human epithelial ovarian cancer cells SKOV3. Ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 were treated with the Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles under an 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation at different concentrations. The cell proliferation was measured by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The results show that the Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles with NIR laser irradiation could markedly inhibit the proliferation of the ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 independent of a concentration-time manner. Meanwhile, the cell morphology was also seriously damaged under the treatment of high-concentration nanoparticles. However, Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles have almost no obvious effect on the growth of SKOV3 cells without NIR laser illumination treatment. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that the Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles have promising applications in photothermal treatment of cancer cells.
Early Refractive and Clinical Outcomes of High-Myopic Photorefractive Keratectomy as an Alternative to LASIK Surgery in Eyes with High Preoperative Percentage of Tissue Altered
Authors: Sorkin Nir , Rosenblatt Amir , Smadja David , Cohen Eyal , Santhiago Marcony R. , Varssano David , Yatziv Yossi
Published: January 2019

Objective. To analyze the safety and efficacy of high-myopic PRK as an alternative to LASIK surgery in patients with a high preoperative percentage tissue altered (PTA).Design. Retrospective interventional case series.Participants.Charts of 256 consecutive eyes that underwent PRK with application of mitomycin-C 0.02% for high myopia were retrospectively reviewed.Methods. Refractive (refraction and refractive accuracy) and visual outcomes (uncorrected and corrected visual acuities), as well as occurrence of haze in the eyes with preoperative PTA expected to be higher than 40% with a 110-micron flap if undergoing LASIK surgery, were analyzed.Results. Mean follow-up was 7.3 ± 4.8 months. A total of 187 of 256 eyes (73.0%) were included in the analysis because they were expected to have a PTA greater than 40%, should they have undergone LASIK surgery. The actual mean PTA of those eyes following PRK was 31.8 ± 2.2%, and none had a PTA ≥ 40%. UDVA of 20/16, 20/20, and 20/25 or better was achieved in 1.2% (2 eyes), 65.5% (112 eyes), and 85.4% (146 eyes), respectively. The percentage of eyes with postoperative SE within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D of planned SE was 71% and 93%, respectively. None of the eyes lost 2 or more lines of CDVA. The rate of stromal haze, managed successfully with topical steroids only, was 4.8%.Conclusion. High-myopic PRK with application of mitomycin-C in the eyes at risk of developing ectasia because of high preoperative PTA was demonstrated to be a safe and effective alternative to the LASIK procedure.
Pyomyositis in a Patient with IgA Nephropathy and Kidney Transplant
Authors: Xipell M. , Ventura-Aguiar P. , Revuelta I. , Bodro M. , Diekmann F.
Published: January 2019

Infections are among the most common complications transplant physicians face when dealing with solid organ transplant recipients. We present a case of pyomyositis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a patient with IgA nephropathy and a kidney transplant, under treatment with mTOR inhibitors and prednisone. This entity is a rare intramuscular infection, given the resistance of healthy muscle to colonization. We review the most frequent agents, the diagnostic algorithm, and therapeutic alternatives. We also comment on the role of mTOR inhibitors in this case as possible predisposing factor for the infection.
Novel Prediction Method for Highway Distresses in Permafrost Regions Based on Qualitative Reasoning of Multidimensional and Multirules Cloud Model
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zhang Hong , Zhang Min , Gong Quanli
Published: January 2019

Highway in permafrost regions has numerous diseases during operation, due to instability and degradation of permafrost. To predict distress sections of a newly built highway in permafrost regions, we proposed a new method based on the multidimensional and multirules reasoning cloud model. Herein, the evaluation parameters affecting the highway distresses in permafrost regions, i.e., annual average ground temperature, ice content, and frozen‐heave factor, were as the data input, whereas the distress degree was as the data output; all of the aforementioned were described by a cloud model. Based on the analysis of distress large data, inference rules and a cloud reasoning prediction model were established. Subsequently, distress degrees of the 10 equidistance highway sections were predicted on the Qinghai‐Tibet highway by using the cloud model, and actual distress degree and predicted distress degree were compared by using the regression analysis algorithm. The results showed that the relevance between the actual distress degree and the predicted distress degree was 0.738. The study provides a feasible and effective method to predict the potential distress sections of the newly built highway and better plan infrastructure project on permafrost regions.
Minimizing Device-to-Device Variation in the Spectral Response of Portable Spectrometers
Authors: Choi Sunwoong , Kim Youngsik , Lee Jae-Hyung , You Hanjong , Jang Byung-Jun , Jung Kyeong-Hoon
Published: January 2019

As portable spectrometers have been developed, the research of spectral analysis has evolved from a traditional laboratory-based closed environment to a network-connected open environment. Consequently, its application areas are expanding in combination with machine learning techniques. The device-to-device variation in the spectral response of portable spectrometers is a critical issue in a machine learning-based service scenario since the classification performance is highly dependent on the consistency of spectral responses from each spectrometer. To minimize device-to-device variation, a cuboid prism is employed instead of a combination of mirrors and prism to construct an optical system for the spectrometer. The spectral responses are calibrated to correct pixel shift on the image sensor. Experimental results show that the proposed method can minimize the device-to-device variation in spectral response of portable spectrometers.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Coated by the Extracellular Matrix Promote Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Linhao , Wang Fang , Zhao Liling , Yang Wenjun , Wan Xinxing , Yue Chun , Mo Zhaohui
Published: January 2019

Objective. To investigate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) coated by the extracellular matrix (ECM) on wound healing in diabetic rats. Methods. Mesenchymal stem cells were cocultured with ECM. Cell viabilities were evaluated using MTT assay. The diabetes model was established using both STZ and high-glucose/fat methods in SD rats. A wound area was made on the middle of the rats’ back. MSCs or ECM-MSCs were used to treat the rats. HE staining and CD31 immunohistochemistry were used to detect the skin thickness and angiogenesis. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were conducted to determine the level of VEGF-α, PDGF, and EGF. Results. It was observed that treatment of ECM had no significant effects on the cell viability of ECM-MSCs. Wound area assay showed that both MSCs and ECM-MSCs could enhance the wound healing of diabetic rats and ECM-MSCs could further promote the effects. Both MSCs and ECM-MSCs could enhance angiogenesis and epithelialization of the wounds, as well as the expression of VEGF-α, PDGF, and EGF in wound tissues, while ECM-MSC treatment showed more obvious effects. Conclusion. Mesenchymal stem cells coated by the extracellular matrix could promote wound healing in diabetic rats. Our study may offer a novel therapeutic method for impaired diabetic wound healing.
BRCA1 Promoter Methylation Is Linked to Defective Homologous Recombination Repair and Elevated miR-155 to Disrupt Myeloid Differentiation in Myeloid Malignancies
Authors: Poh Weijie , Dilley Robert L. , Moliterno Alison R. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Pratz Keith W. , McDevitt Michael A. , Herman James G.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Defective homologous recombination (HR) has been reported in multiple myeloid disorders, suggesting a shared dysregulated pathway in these diverse malignancies. Because targeting HR-defective cancers with PARP inhibition (PARPi) has yielded clinical benefit, improved understanding of HR defects is needed to implement this treatment modality.

Experimental Design:

We used an ex vivo irradiation-based assay to evaluate HR repair, HR gene promoter methylation, and mRNA expression in primary myeloid neoplastic cells. In vitro BRCA1 gene silencing was achieved to determine the consequences on HR repair, sensitivity to PARPi, and expression of miR-155, an oncogenic miRNA.

Results:

Impaired HR repair was frequently detected in myeloid neoplasm samples (9/21, 43%) and was linked to promoter methylation-mediated transcriptional repression of BRCA1, which was not observed for other members of the HR pathway (BRCA2, ATM, ATR, FANC-A). In vitro BRCA1 knockdown increased sensitivity to PARP inhibition, and BRCA1 expression is inversely correlated with miR-155 expression, a finding reproduced in vitro with BRCA1 knockdown. Increased miR-155 was associated with PU.1 and SHIP1 repression, known myeloid differentiation factors that are frequently downregulated during leukemic transformation.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates frequent defective HR, associated with BRCA1 epigenetic silencing, in a broad range of myeloid neoplasms. The increased prevalence of BRCA1 promoter methylation, resulting in repressed BRCA1, may have an additional role in leukemogenesis by increasing miR-155 expression, which then inhibits transcription factors associated with normal myeloid differentiation. Further study of HR defects may facilitate the identification of HR-defective myeloid neoplasms sensitive to PARPi.
Endometrial Tumor Immune Response: Predictive Biomarker of Response to Immunotherapy
Authors: Mullen Mary M. , Mutch David G.
Published: January 2019

The tumor-specific immune response in endometrial cancer is variable within molecular subtypes. Thus, the tumor immune response offers a novel biomarker, separate from molecular subtypes, to predict which patients might respond to immunotherapy.

See related article by Talhouk et al., p. 2537
Enhancing Visibility of the Hypopharyngeal-Esophageal Region by Introduction of a Physiological Eructation Maneuver
Authors: Politz Svetlana , Wagner Martin , Schwub Degenhart , Cattenberg Sandra , Thurnheer Robert , Schelosky Ludwig
Published: January 2019

Background: In routine medical examination, the hypopharyngeal-esophageal area (HER) is difficult to assess due to its position and anatomical complexity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a volitional eructation maneuver during transnasal flexible laryngoscopy and its influence on the visibility of the HER. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers underwent flexible laryngoscopy. Once the larynx was freely visible during laryngoscopy, the subjects were asked to trigger a “burp.” The volitional belching during the study was assisted by drinking a carbonated cold drink. The triggered relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter along with the widening of the hypopharynx region was recorded and subsequently analyzed frame by frame. Results: Out of 20 volunteers, 16 (80%) were able to volitionally induce an eructation. Significant widening of the hypopharynx region up to the relaxant upper esophageal sphincter could be recorded. The structures were clearly visible in the offline analysis. In 13 (81%) of the 16 subjects who could induce an eructation, the upper esophageal sphincter was partially visible or free for full inspection. Conclusion: The eructation method as a simple physiological function can be used as a complementary method during flexible transnasal endoscopy to enhance visibility of the entire hypopharynx region as well as the upper esophageal sphincter.
Panax Notoginseng Extract Possesses Significant Antibacterial Activity against Pathogenic Streptococci
Authors: Wajima Takeaki , Kinugawa Reina , Yamada Tetsuya , Ikoshi Hideaki , Noguchi Norihisa
Published: January 2019

Background: In traditional Chinese medicine, Panax notoginseng is used to treat inflammation and bleeding but has not been shown to affect bacterial pathogens. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the antibacterial potential of Panax notoginseng extract (PNE) against bacterial pathogens. Methods: PNE was dissolved in autoclaved distilled water. Antimicrobial activity was measured by the disc diffusion test and bacterial growth curve assays, in which the concentration of bacterial colony forming units was monitored at several time points in the presence or absence of PNE. Results: Disc diffusion and growth curve assays demonstrated that PNE significantly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae (p < 0.05). In contrast, the growth of the oral commensal bacteria Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus anginosus was not inhibited. Therefore, S. pyogenes clinical isolates were analyzed. PNE had antimicrobial effects on all tested isolates in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In addition, when S. pyogenes was co-cultured with S. intermedius in the presence of PNE, PNE inhibited the growth of S. pyogenes, but did not inhibit the growth of S. intermedius. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that PNE inhibited S. pyogenes without affecting oral commensal bacteria. Therefore, PNE could be used for the treatment of S. pyogenes infections.
ВПЛИВ ФІЗИЧНОЇ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ НА ЯКІСТЬ ЖИТТЯ ХВОРИХ НА ХРОНІЧНЕ ОБСТРУКТИВНЕ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯ ЛЕГЕНЬ
Authors: Grygus I. M. , Nesterchuk N. E. , Nogas A. O. , Prymachok L. L. , Zacharchenko I. V.
Published: January 2019

Хронічне обструктивне захворювання легень (ХОЗЛ) посідає провідне місце серед основних причин смертності й інвалідності в більшості країн світу і зумовлює значні економічні витрати на лікування та реабілітацію хворих. Проблема ХОЗЛ набула не лише медичного, а й соціально-економічного значення, оскільки захворювання впливає не тільки на життя пацієнта, порушуючи його працездатність та знижуючи якість життя, а й на членів його родини.

Мета роботи – вивчити ефективність впливу запропонованої методики фізичної реабілітації на якість життя хворих на ХОЗЛ помірного ступеня тяжкості.

Матеріал і методи. У дослідженні брали участь 78 хворих на ХОЗЛ помірного ступеня тяжкості, які методом рандомізації були поділені на дві групи. Хворі контрольної групи отримували лікування та реабілітацію за загальноприйнятою методикою, а хворі основної групи – лікування за тим самим протоколом і реабілітацію за запропонованою методикою.

Результати. Застосування стандартного лікування та фізичної реабілітації у хворих на ХОЗЛ помірного ступеня тяжкості приводить до суттєвого підвищення якості життя. За результатами фізичної реабілітації в основній групі настає статистично значимо більша динаміка зростання різниці між значеннями після і до реабілітації. Після застосування запропонованої програми фізичної реабілітації для кожного хворого ОГ на ХОЗЛ ми спостерігали підвищення загальної якості життя та стану здоров’я за рахунок збільшення показників у проблемних субсферах.

Висновки. Застосування фізичної реабілітації дозволяє значно поліпшити якість життя хворих, істотно впливаючи на психоемоційну сферу. Достовірне (р<0,05) підвищення загальної якості життя і стану здоров’я хворих на ХОЗЛ помірного ступеня тяжкості жіночої статі основної групи відбулося за всіма сферами і субсферами якості життя, за винятком духовної.
АНАЛІЗ ФІЗИЧНОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ СТУДЕНТОК ПЕРШОГО РОКУ НАВЧАННЯ В ТЕРНОПІЛЬСЬКОМУ ДЕРЖАВНОМУ МЕДИЧНОМУ УНІВЕРСИТЕТІ ІМЕНІ І. Я. ГОРБАЧЕВСЬКОГО
Authors: Popovych D. V. , Sopel O. O. , Bondarchuk V. I. , Diachenko M. M.
Published: January 2019

Навчання у вищому навчальному закладі потребує зусиль, напруженої розумової праці. Побут і навчання студенток проходять в умовах обмеженої рухової активності та великого навчального навантаження, стресових ситуацій та неповноцінного харчування.

Мета – вивчити та оцінити рівень фізичної активності студенток першого року навчання в ДВНЗ «Тернопільський державний медичний університет імені І. Я. Горбачевського МОЗ України».

Матеріал і методи. Проведено анкетування 333 студенткок ДВНЗ «Тернопільський державний медичний університет імені І. Я. Горбачевського МОЗ України», вік опитаних складав 17–19 років. Їм було запропоновано заповнити анкету з демографічної та загальної фізичної активності. В якості методу дослідження використано повну версію анкети «Міжнародна фізична активність» (IPAQ).

Результати. Результати проведеного анкетування продемонстрували доволі високий рівень загальної фізичної активності студенток. Найвищий рівень фізичної активності був під час заняття спортом, а найнижчий – під час домашньої праці. Згідно з дослідженням, більшість опитаних студенток мали нормальну вагу тіла. За результатами дослідження рівня фізичної активності в залежності від кількості вільного часу виявлено, що студентки, які вважали, що вони не мають вільного часу, мали найвищий рівень загальної фізичної активності, так само як і у всіх видах фізичної активності (у роботі, вдома та у спорті). Цілеспрямована праця щодо усвідомлення негативних ефектів гіподинамії повинна була відобразитися на динаміці зміни рівня фізичної активності в бік зменшення. Проте серед студенток на першому році навчання в Університеті простежується різке збільшення кількості осіб із високим рівнем фізичної активності.

Висновки. Студентки першого курсу навчання мають високий рівень фізичної активності (5590,2 МЕТ×хв/тиж­день відповідно). Більшість опитаних студенток мали нормальну вагу, лише у 6 % студенток була надмірна маса тіла. Студентки, які вважали, що вони не мають вільного часу, мали найвищий рівень загальної фізичної активності, а також у всіх видах фізичної активності; таким чином, ці люди більш обґрунтовано та раціонально проводили свій вільний час.
Ichthyofauna of Trairí river basin, Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil: a century after the study of the naturalist Edwin Starks in the Papari lagoon
Authors: Medeiros Lucas Silva de , Ramos Telton Pedro Anselmo , Silva Márcio Joaquim Da , Paiva Roney Emanuel Costa de , Lira Mateus Germano Souza , Lima Sergio Maia Queiroz
Published: January 2019

Fishes from the coastal basins of the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion (MNCE) were first sampled by the Stanford expedition at the beginning of the 20th century, and published by Edwin C. Starks in 1913. This material included specimens from the Papary lake (= Papari lagoon) in the lower portion of the Trairí river basin, draining towards the eastern coast of Rio Grande do Norte State. In 1941, Henry Fowler provided a broad taxonomic study of the freshwater fishes from northeastern Brazil, including material from the Papari lagoon, besides describing four species assigned to this locality. However, these previous surveys focused only in the lower portion of the Trairí river basin and might be incomplete. Given this framework, the present study aimed at perform a wide ichthyofaunal inventory of Trairí river basin and compared with previously surveys performed in the regions. In 2013 and 2014, four expeditions along the whole basin, including the Papari lagoon itself, resulted in 28 species of fishes belonging to 17 families and seven orders. At Papari lagoon area 16 species were registered whereas 26 and 18 species were recorded by Starks and Fowler’s studies, respectively. Considering all records, 50 species were documented in the basin with 14 (28%) new records, including Serrapinnus potiguar, whose distribution was extended to the south. Two species described by Fowler, Pimelodella papariae and Pseudancistrus papariae, were not found in this study or in any fish collection, and are only known from their type-material. These two species can be naturally rare, locally extinct, or there were inaccuracies in their type-locality. However, species of these genera are only found in larger basins of the MNCE, which drains to the north, corroborating the latter assumption. Although not being a definitive list, the recent extensive fish surveys conducted in the MNCE’s coastal basins are helping to elucidate species’ geographic distribution and little knowing taxonomic issues.
Tradicionalismo maquiado de progressismo: análise semiótica dos discursos do Padre Fábio de Melo
Authors: Camargo Felipe Ribeiro
Published: January 2019

O catolicismo, em terras brasileiras, dotado ainda de certo prestígio histórico-social, tem procurado reformar os seus discursos, elaborando novas estratégias de comunicação, sobretudo nos meios midiáticos. Este artigo se propõe a examinar as novas estratégias de comunicação adotadas pelo discurso religioso católico, a partir da análise do discurso do Padre Fábio de Melo no programa televisivo “Direção Espiritual”. A pesquisa objetivou examinar as estratégias discursivas adotadas por Padre Fábio de Melo em sua exortação, avaliando as relações contratuais entre enunciador e enunciatário, bem como analisar o recobrimento temático-figurativo dos seus conselhos, para deles depreender os valores semânticos subjacentes, a qualificação axiológica que os orienta. Para a análise do conteúdo do vídeo selecionado, utilizamos o instrumental teórico-metodológico oferecido pela semiótica greimasiana, que visa a descrever e explicar, através do percurso gerativo do sentido, como o texto diz o que diz, ou seja, como o sentido é construído em determinado discurso. Com base em um dos programas, cujo tema era o aborto, mostramos como o discurso proferido por um dos padres mais celebrados atualmente no contexto católico brasileiro tende a constituir valores implícitos que procuram responder às necessidades da Igreja em recuperar os fiéis perdidos, desprovendo-se de sanções explicitamente punitivas.
Hábito versus rotina: um estudo sobre os regimes de sentido no filme As horas
Authors: Oliveira Taís De
Published: January 2019

Utilizamos conceitos da sociossemiótica (vertente landowskiana da semiótica discursiva francesa), sobretudo aqueles relativos ao hábito e à rotina, para analisar os regimes de sentido experienciados pelas personagens centrais do filme As horas (The Hours, 2002), dirigido por Stephen Daldry. A obra trata do entrelace das histórias de três mulheres ligadas pelo romance de Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway. A primeira vive no início do século XX, a segunda, em sua metade, e a terceira, no primeiro ano do presente século. A primeira personagem é a autora do romance mencionado, a segunda mulher está lendo esse livro em algumas cenas em que a vemos e a terceira possui diversas características em comum com a personagem principal do romance de Virginia Woolf, a ponto de ter o nome da obra como apelido, atribuído por seu ex-namorado. Buscamos explicitar a complexa construção dos efeitos de sentido a partir da interação das personagens nucleares do filme analisado e o entrelaçamento entre seus percursos. Explicitamos a articulação entre regimes de sentido e regimes de interação, privilegiando aqueles que regem o hábito e a rotina, isto é, o regime da manipulação e o regime da programação, respectivamente. Encontramos uma construção homóloga das três narrativas intercaladas no filme, sendo todas elas configuradas a partir da convivência problemática entre uma personagem que vive modalizada pelo querer e outra pelo dever, aquele regente do hábito e este da rotina.
Associations of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids From Plant and Animal Sources With Total and Cause-Specific Mortality in Two US Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Guasch-Ferré Marta , Zong Geng , Willett Walter C. , Zock Peter L. , Wanders Anne J. , Hu Frank B. , Sun Qi
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

Dietary monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) can come from both plant and animal sources with divergent nutrient profiles that may potentially obscure the associations of total MUFAs with chronic diseases.

Objective:

To investigate the associations of
cis
-MUFA intake from plant (MUFA-P) and animal (MUFA-A) sources with total and cause-specific mortality.

Methods and Results:

We followed 63 412 women from the NHS (Nurses’ Health Study; 1990–2012) and 29 966 men from the HPFS (Health Professionals Follow-Up Study; 1990–2012). MUFA-Ps and MUFA-As were calculated based on data collected through validated food frequency questionnaires administered every 4 years and updated food composition databases. During 1 896 864 person-years of follow-up, 20 672 deaths occurred. Total MUFAs and MUFA-Ps were inversely associated with total mortality after adjusting for potential confounders, whereas MUFA-As were associated with higher mortality. When MUFA-Ps were modeled to isocalorically replace other macronutrients, hazard ratios (HRs, 95% CIs) of total mortality were 0.84 (0.77–0.92;
P
<0.001) for replacing saturated fatty acids, 5% of energy); 0.86 (0.82–0.91;
P
<0.001) for replacing refined carbohydrates (5% energy); 0.91 (0.85–0.97;
P
<0.001) for replacing
trans
fats (2% energy), and 0.77 (0.71–0.82;
P
<0.001) for replacing MUFA-As (5% energy). For isocalorically replacing MUFA-As with MUFA-Ps, HRs (95% CIs) were 0.74 (0.64–0.86;
P
<0.001) for cardiovascular mortality; 0.73 (0.65–0.82;
P
<0.001) for cancer mortality, and 0.82 (0.73–0.91;
P
<0.001) for mortality because of other causes.

Conclusions:

Higher intake of MUFA-Ps was associated with lower total mortality, and MUFA-As intake was associated with higher mortality. Significantly lower mortality risk was observed when saturated fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, or
trans
fats were replaced by MUFA-Ps, but not MUFA-As. These data suggest that other constituents in animal foods, such as saturated fatty acids, may confound the associations for MUFAs when they are primarily derived from animal products. More evidence is needed to elucidate the differential associations of MUFA-Ps and MUFA-As with mortality.
Role of Postintervention Fractional Flow Reserve to Improve Procedural and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Hakeem Abdul , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: January 2019

The value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in determining the appropriateness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been well established and incorporated into current guidelines and appropriate use criteria. However, the value of performing FFR after intervention is uncertain. This review provides the current evidence base highlighting the clinical and prognostic implications of post-PCI FFR. It provides evidence for improvement in post-PCI FFR with subsequent interventions (functional optimization) challenging the notion that FFR after angiographic optimization is fixed because of the underlying plaque burden. Multiple large observational studies and post hoc analyses of randomized trials have established that post-PCI FFR value is independently predictive of long-term outcomes (higher is better). The accumulated evidence suggests that post-PCI FFR be incorporated into routine practice in those patients having undergone pre-PCI FFR as part of clinical decision making.