bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pSTAT3 Levels Have Divergent Expression Patterns and Associations with Survival in Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Oesophagus
Authors: O’ Sullivan Katie E. , Michielsen Adriana J. , O’ Regan Esther , Cathcart Mary C. , Moore Gillian , Breen Eamon , Segurado Ricardo , Reynolds John V. , Lysaght Joanne , O’ Sullivan Jacintha
Published: June 2018

Signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 is activated in cancers, where it promotes growth, inflammation, angiogenesis, and inhibits apoptosis. Tissue microarrays were generated using tissues from 154 patients, with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) (n = 116) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 38) tumours. The tissues were stained for pSTAT3 and IL-6R using immunohistochemistry. The OE33 (OAC) and OE21 (SCC) cell lines were treated with the STAT3 inhibitor, STATTIC. The Univariate cox regression analysis revealed that a positive pSTAT3 in SCC was adversely associated with survival (Hazard ratio (HR) 6.382, 95% CI 1.266–32.184), while a protective effect was demonstrated with the higher pSTAT3 levels in OAC epithelium (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.574–0.953). The IL-6R intensity levels were higher in the SCC tumours compared with the OAC tumours for the core and leading edge tumour tissue. The pSTAT3 levels correlated positively with the IL-6R levels in both the OAC and SCC. The treatment of OE21 and OE33 cells with the STAT3 inhibitor STATTIC in vitro resulted in decreased survival, proliferation, migration, and increased apoptosis. The pSTAT3 expression was associated with adverse survival in SCC, but not in the OAC patients. The inhibition of STAT3 in both of the tumour subtypes resulted in alterations in the survival, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, suggesting a potential role for therapeutically targeting STAT3.
Long Non-Coding RNA Malat1 Regulates Angiogenesis in Hindlimb Ischemia
Authors: Zhang Xuejing , Tang Xuelian , Hamblin Milton H. , Yin Ke-Jie
Published: June 2018

Angiogenesis is a complex process that depends on the delicate regulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of transcription during angiogenesis often leads to various human diseases. Emerging evidence has recently begun to show that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may mediate angiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions; concurrently, underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unexplored. Previously, our lab identified metastasis associates lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Malat1) as an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-responsive endothelial lncRNA. Here we reported that genetic deficiency of Malat1 leads to reduced blood vessel formation and local blood flow perfusion in mouse hind limbs at one to four weeks after hindlimb ischemia. Malat1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) levels were found to be increased in both cultured mouse primary skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cells (SMMECs) after 16 h OGD followed by 24 h reperfusion and in mouse gastrocnemius muscle that underwent hindlimb ischemia followed by 28 days of reperfusion. Moreover, Malat1 silencing by locked nucleic acid (LNA)-GapmeRs significantly reduced tube formation, cell migration, and cell proliferation in SMMEC cultures. Mechanistically, RNA subcellular isolation and RNA-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that Malat1 directly targets VEGFR2 to facilitate angiogenesis. The results suggest that Malat1 regulates cell-autonomous angiogenesis through direct regulation of VEGFR2.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Warming-Related Genes in Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis
Authors: Song Hayoung , Dong Xiangshu , Yi Hankuil , Ahn Ju Young , Yun Keunho , Song Myungchul , Han Ching-Tack , Hur Yoonkang
Published: June 2018

For sustainable crop cultivation in the face of global warming, it is important to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to a warming climate and apply this information to breeding. Thermomorphogenesis and ambient temperature signaling pathways have been well studied in model plants, but little information is available for vegetable crops. Here, we investigated genes responsive to warming conditions from two Brassica rapa inbred lines with different geographic origins: subtropical (Kenshin) and temperate (Chiifu). Genes in Gene Ontology categories “response to heat”, “heat acclimation”, “response to light intensity”, “response to oxidative stress”, and “response to temperature stimulus” were upregulated under warming treatment in both lines, but genes involved in “response to auxin stimulus” were upregulated only in Kenshin under both warming and minor-warming conditions. We identified 16 putative high temperature (HT) adaptation-related genes, including 10 heat-shock response genes, 2 transcription factor genes, 1 splicing factor gene, and 3 others. BrPIF4, BrROF2, and BrMPSR1 are candidate genes that might function in HT adaptation. Auxin response, alternative splicing of BrHSFA2, and heat shock memory appear to be indispensable for HT adaptation in B. rapa. These results lay the foundation for molecular breeding and marker development to improve warming tolerance in B. rapa.
Gene Profiling in Late Blight Resistance in Potato Genotype SD20
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Guo Xiao , Yang Yu , Ye Pei , Xiong Xingyao , Liu Jun , Dong Daofeng , Li Guangcun
Published: June 2018

Late blight caused by the oomycete fungus Phytophthora infestans (Pi) is the most serious obstacle to potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in the world. A super race isolate, CN152, which was identified from Sichuan Province, China, could overcome nearly all known late blight resistance genes and caused serious damage in China. The potato genotype SD20 was verified to be highly resistant to CN152; however, the molecular regulation network underlying late blight resistance pathway remains unclear in SD20. Here, we performed a time-course experiment to systematically profile the late blight resistance response genes using RNA-sequencing in SD20. We identified 3354 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which mainly encoded transcription factors and protein kinases, and also included four NBS-LRR genes. The late blight responsive genes showed time-point-specific induction/repression. Multi-signaling pathways of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene signaling pathways involved in resistance and defense against Pi in SD20. Gene Ontology and KEGG analyses indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in metabolic process, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Forty-three DEGs were involved in immune response, of which 19 were enriched in hypersensitive response reaction, which could play an important role in broad-spectrum resistance to Pi infection. Experimental verification confirmed the induced expression of the responsive genes in the late blight resistance signaling pathway, such as WRKY, ERF, MAPK, and NBS-LRR family genes. Our results provided valuable information for understanding late blight resistance mechanism of potato.
Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid-Enriched Cheeses Influence the Levels of Circulating n-3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Humans
Authors: Murru Elisabetta , Carta Gianfranca , Cordeddu Lina , Melis Maria Paola , Desogus Erika , Ansar Hastimansooreh , Chilliard Yves , Ferlay Anne , Stanton Catherine , Coakley Mairéad , Ross R. Paul , Piredda Giovanni , Addis Margherita , Mele Maria Cristina , Cannelli Giorgio , Banni Sebastiano , Manca Claudia
Published: June 2018

n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFA) directly and indirectly regulate lipid metabolism, energy balance and the inflammatory response. We investigated changes to the n-3 HUFA score of healthy adults, induced by different types and amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched (ENCH) cheeses consumed for different periods of time, compared to dietary fish oil (FO) pills (500 mg, each containing 100 mg of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids—EPA+DHA) or α-linolenic acid (ALA)-rich linseed oil (4 g, containing 2 g of ALA). A significant increase in the n-3 HUFA score was observed, in a dose-dependent manner, after administration of the FO supplement. In terms of the impact on the n-3 HUFA score, the intake of ENCH cheese (90 g/day) for two or four weeks was equivalent to the administration of one or two FO pills, respectively. Conversely, the linseed oil intake did not significantly impact the n-3 HUFA score. Feeding ENCH cheeses from different sources (bovine, ovine and caprine) for two months improved the n-3 HUFA score by increasing plasma DHA, and the effect was proportional to the CLA content in the cheese. We suggest that the improved n-3 HUFA score resulting from ENCH cheese intake may be attributed to increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) activity. This study demonstrates that natural ENCH cheese is an alternative nutritional source of n-3 HUFA in humans.
Anti-Atherogenic Effects of Vaspin on Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell/Macrophage Responses and Hyperlipidemic Mouse Plaque Phenotype
Authors: Sato Kengo , Shirai Remina , Yamaguchi Maho , Yamashita Tomoyuki , Shibata Koichiro , Okano Taisuke , Mori Yusaku , Matsuyama Taka-aki , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Hirano Tsutomu , Watanabe Takuya
Published: June 2018

Vaspin (visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor) was recently identified as a novel adipocytokine with insulin-sensitizing effects. Serum vaspin levels are reported either increased or decreased in patients with coronary artery disease. Our translational research was performed to evaluate the expression of vaspin in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions, and its effects on atherogenic responses in human macrophages and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC), as well as aortic atherosclerotic lesion development in spontaneously hyperlipidemic Apoe−/− mice, an animal model of atherosclerosis. Vaspin was expressed at high levels in macrophages/vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within human coronary atheromatous plaques. Vaspin significantly suppressed inflammatory phenotypes with nuclear factor κB down-regulation in human macrophages. Vaspin significantly suppressed oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation with CD36 and acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase-1 down-regulation and ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 and G1, and scavenger receptor class B type 1 up-regulation in human macrophages. Vaspin significantly suppressed angiotensin II-induced migration and proliferation with ERK1/2 and JNK down-regulation, and increased collagen production with phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Akt up-regulation in HASMCs. Chronic infusion of vaspin into Apoe−/− mice significantly suppressed the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions, with significant reductions of intraplaque inflammation and the macrophage/VSMC ratio, a marker of plaque instability. Our study indicates that vaspin prevents atherosclerotic plaque formation and instability, and may serve as a novel therapeutic target in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
Preoperative and Postoperative Assessment of Ultrasonographic Measurement of Inferior Vena Cava: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Kaydu Ayhan , Gokcek Erhan
Published: June 2018

Background: Ultrasound measurement of dynamic changes in inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and collapsibility index (CI) are used to estimate the fluid responsiveness and intravascular volume status. We conducted an analysis to quantify the sonographic measurement of IVC diameter changes in adult patients at the preoperative and postoperative periods. Methods: Ultrasonography was performed on 72 patients scheduled for surgery with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III. Quantitative assessments of the end-expiration (Dmin), end-inspiration (Dmax), and CI at preoperative and postoperative period were compared in a prospective, observational study. The patients received intravenous fluid according to standard protocol regimes peroperatively. Results: Ultrasonography of IVC measurement was unsuccessful in 12.5% of patients and 63 patients remained for analyses. The mean age was 43.29 ± 17.22 (range 18–86) years. The average diameter of the Dmin, Dmax, and dIVC preoperative and postoperative were 1.99 ± 0.31 vs. 2.05 ± 0.29 cm, 1.72 ± 0.33 vs. 1.74 ± 0.32 cm, 14.0 ± 9.60% vs. 15.14 ± 11.18%, respectively (p > 0.05). CI was positively associated preoperatively and postoperatively (regression coefficient = 0.438, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The diameter of the IVC did not change preoperatively and postoperatively in adult patients with standard fluid regimens. The parameters of the IVC diameter increased postoperatively according to the preoperative period.
Numerical Simulation and Uncertainty Analysis of an Axial-Flow Waterjet Pump
Authors: Qiu Ji-Tao , Yang Chen-Jun , Dong Xiao-Qian , Wang Zong-Long , Li Wei , Noblesse Francis
Published: June 2018

Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations of an axial-flow pump for waterjet propulsion are carried out at model scale, and the numerical uncertainties are analyzed mainly according to the procedure recommended by the twenty-eighth International Towing Tank Conference. The two-layer realizable k-ε model is adopted for turbulence closure, and the flow in viscous sub-layer is resolved. The governing equations are discretized with second-order schemes in space and first-order scheme in time and solved by the semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations. The computational domain is discretized into block-structured hexahedral cells. For an axial-flow pump consisting of a seven-bladed rotor and a nine-bladed stator, the uncertainty analysis is conducted by using three sets of successively refined grids and time steps. In terms of the head and power over a range of flow rates, it is verified that the simulation uncertainty is less than 4.3%, and the validation is successfully achieved at an uncertainty level of 4.4% except for the lowest flow rate. Besides this, the simulated flow features around rotor blade tips and between the stator and rotor blade rows are investigated.
Expansion of Commercial Sugarcane Cultivation among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: Implications for Household Food Security
Authors: Mwavu Edward N. , Kalema Vettes K. , Bateganya Fred , Byakagaba Patrick , Waiswa Daniel , Enuru Thomas , Mbogga Michael S.
Published: June 2018

Understanding the impact of commercial agriculture in the face of global change is critical to support strategies that ensure food security and alleviate poverty among households. We assessed the contribution of commercial sugarcane cultivation to household-level food security among smallholder farmers in Busoga sub-region, eastern Uganda. Land use changes are motivated by quick commercial gains rather than sustained food production; a situation that influences food security. The majority of households cultivate few crop varieties, lack adequate and nutritious foods, and have inadequate income to purchase food to meet their needs. Inadequacy of food within some commercial sugarcane-cultivating households suggests that generating income does not necessarily increase food security. To cope with food insecurity, households offer labour in exchange for food, borrow food, ration food, and at times steal. This is exacerbated by increasing food crop failures, large family sizes, trade in food items, and declining availability of food and land for food production. Commercial sugarcane cultivation is the main driver of food insecurity but given its perceived economic benefits, future sugarcane plantations expansion in the region is probably inevitable. Therefore, future policy should be designed to provide triple-win strategies (i.e., food security, poverty alleviation, and climate change adaptation) that provide sustainable livelihoods.
An Approach for Measuring the Dielectric Strength of OLED Materials
Authors: Sudheendran Swayamprabha Sujith , Kumar Dubey Deepak , Song Wei-Chi , Lin You-Ting , Ashok Kumar Yadav Rohit , Singh Meenu , Jou Jwo-Huei
Published: June 2018

Surface roughness of electrodes plays a key role in the dielectric breakdown of thin-film organic devices. The rate of breakdown will increase when there are stochastic sharp spikes on the surface of electrodes. Additionally, surface having spiking morphology makes the determination of dielectric strength very challenging, specifically when the layer is relatively thin. We demonstrate here a new approach to investigate the dielectric strength of organic thin films for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The thin films were deposited on a substrate using physical vapor deposition (PVD) under high vacuum. The device architectures used were glass substrate/indium tin oxide (ITO)/organic material/aluminum (Al) and glass substrate/Al/organic material/Al. The dielectric strength of the OLED materials was evaluated from the measured breakdown voltage and layer thickness.
Rapid Sintering of Li2O-Nb2O5-TiO2 Solid Solution by Air Pressure Control and Clarification of Its Mechanism
Authors: Nakano Hiromi , Kamimoto Konatsu , Yamamoto Takahisa , Furuta Yoshio
Published: June 2018

We first successfully synthesized Li1+x−yNb1−x−3yTix+4yO3 (LNT) solid solutions (0.13 ≤ x ≤ 0.18, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.06) rapidly at 1373 K for one hour under 0.35 MPa by the controlling of air pressure using an air-pressure control atmosphere furnace. The composition is a formation area of a superstructure for LNT, in which the periodical intergrowth layer was formed in the matrix, and where it can be controlled by Ti content. Therefore, the sintering time depended on Ti content, and annealing was repeated for over 24 h until a homogeneous structure was formed using a conventional electric furnace. We clarified the mechanism of the rapid sintering using various microscale to nanoscale characterization techniques: X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope (TEM), a Cs-corrected scanning TEM equipped with electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy.
The relationship between panoramic radiomorphometric indices of the mandible and calcaneus bone mineral density
Authors: Jagelavičienė Eglė , Kubilius Ričardas , Krasauskienė Aurelija
Published: June 2018

Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between bone mineral density in the calcaneus measured using the dual x-ray and laser osteodensitometry technique and bone mineral density in the mandible calculated using the panoramic radiomorphometric indices obtained by applying linear measurements in panoramic radiograms of postmenopausal women. Material and methods. The participants of this study were postmenopausal women (n=129) aged 50 and more. The subjects underwent panoramic radiography of the mandibles, followed by the calculation of the panoramic radiomorphometric indices indicating bone mineral density of the mandible. The dual x-ray and laser osteodensitometer DXL Calscan were used for the measurements of bone mineral density in the calcaneus. Statistical analysis was preformed to find the relationship between bone mineral density measurements in the two anatomically different bones. Results. Following the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis recommended by the World Health Organization (1994), the subjects were distributed according to the calcaneus bone mineral density T-score into the normal bone mineral density (group 1), osteopenia (group 2), and osteoporosis (group 3) groups. Mean bone mineral density in the calcaneus in the general studied population was 0.38±0.07; the mean value of bone mineral density of the calcaneus in the group 1 (n=34) was 0.47±0.04 (g/cm²), in the group 2 (n=65) was 0.37±0.03 (g/cm²), and in the group 2 (n=30) was 0.29±0.03 (g/cm²). Differences in bone mineral density between the groups were determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) F=285.31; df=2; P<0.001 (T1 vs. T2, P<0.001; T1 vs. T3, P<0.001; T2 vs. T3; P<0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found in the general group between the mental index and bone mineral density in the calcaneus (r=0.356, P<0.001), and between the panoramic mandibular index and bone mineral density in the calcaneus (r=0.397, P<0.001). Conclusion. Bone mineral density in the calcaneus and the mandible measured using dual energy x-ray and laser osteodensitometer DXL Calscan and by applying panoramic radiography reflect general changes in the mineralization of these bones, characteristic of the postmenopausal period.
Identification of predictors of inhospital postreperfusion mode of death in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Vaicekavičius Edvardas , Navickas Ramūnas , Survila Leonas , Štuikys Vytautas , Janavičius Arnoldas , Valančius Kęstutis
Published: June 2018

Objectives. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of the postreperfusion mode of death using the distinctions in clinical characteristics of patients who died and survived after reperfusion therapy, treated due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Material and methods. This consecutive study has involved 36 patients: 18 patients who died from progressive heart failure (PHF) (group 1, n=13) or from cardiac rupture (CR) (group 2, n=5) after primary coronary intervention. The control group consisted of 18 randomly selected patients who survived inhospital period (group 3). The initial and postreperfusion heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic arterial pressures (SAP and DAP), maximal ST elevation (max ST­) and depression (max ST¯), ST score, TIMI flow grade, coronary score (CS), and their perireperfusion changes were assessed for each patient. The complex prognostic predictors – TIMI Risk Score and TIMI Risk Index – were also assessed. The data analysis was performed by standard statistical and machine learning approach methods. Results. The comparison of three patients’ groups according to simple ECG or circulatory characteristics showed that more significant differences were seen in postreperfusion characteristics or their perireperfusion changes. Herewith, the major part of significantly different characteristics (baseline SAP, DAP, and HR, postreperfusion SAP, DAP, ST score, and TIMI flow grade, resolution of ST score) was observed comparing both the groups of dead patients with survivors (control group). The differences in the complex predictors (TIMI Risk Score and TIMI Risk Index) were similar. However, the smallest number of significantly different characteristics was seen comparing both the groups of dead patients. The baseline DAP (P=0.045), postreperfusion SAP (P=0.04) and DAP (P=0.03), and ST score (P=0.0025) were higher in the patients who died from CR. The postreperfusion ST score and SAP were also identified as necessary components in the assessment of informative prognostic sets according to feature selection methods used in data mining field. Conclusion. The postreperfusion ST score, SAP, and DAP could be useful for the prediction of inhospital postreperfusion mode of death in patients with STEMI; evidently more clinical predictors could be useful for the prediction of general occurrence of postreperfusion deaths.
Pleuros empiemos ir komplikuoto parapneumoninio pleurito priežastys ir rizikos veiksniai
Authors: Zablockis Rolandas , Petruškevičienė Rūta , Nargėla Remigijus
Published: June 2018

Tyrimo tikslas. Išnagrinėti pleuros empiemos ir komplikuoto parapneumoninio pleurito priežastis ir rizikos veiksnius. Tirtųjų kontingentas ir tyrimo metodai. Ištirta 120 ligonių, sirgusių pleuros empiema (n=67) ir komplikuotu parapneumoniniu pleuritu (n=53). Pleuros empiema diagnozuota radus pūlingo pleuros skysčio. Komplikuotas parapneumoninis pleuritas diagnozuotas ultragarsiniu tyrimu, aptikus inkapsuliuoto skysčio pleuros ertmėje, pleuros skysčio pH<7,0 bei pleuros skystyje nustačius neutrofilų daugiau kaip 50 proc. visų leukocitų. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti tiriamųjų amžių, lytį, gretutinę patologiją, nustatyti laikotarpį, per kurį ligoniai kreipėsi į gydytoją, įvertinti, kokiais antibiotikais ligoniai buvo gydomi iki diagnozės nustatymo. Rezultatai. Pleuros empiema ir komplikuotu parapneumoniniu pleuritu sirgo vidutinio amžiaus tiriamieji (53 metų), vyrai du kartus dažniau nei moterys. 46 proc. ligonių nustatytas bent vienas rizikos veiksnys, dažniausiai neoplazija (37 proc.), imunosupresuojamųjų vaistų (15 proc.) ir nesaikingas alkoholinių gėrimų vartojimas (15 proc.). Atsiradus ligos simptomams, tiriamieji į gydytojus kreipėsi vidutiniškai po 12 dienų. Ligoniams, kuriems buvo diagnozuota pleuros empiema, rizikos veiksniai buvo dažnesni (pleuros empiemos – 50,75 proc., komplikuoto parapneumoninio pleurito – 39,62 proc. atvejų), į gydytojus jie kreipėsi vėliau (21±28,6 dienos) nei sirgusieji komplikuotu parapneumoniniu pleuritu (9,5±9,8 dienos, p=0,0052). 75 proc. tiriamųjų buvo gydyti antibiotikais, daugelis gydyti monoterapija (86 proc. atvejų). Dažniausiai buvo skiriama penicilinų (29 proc.), cefalosporinų (25 proc.), aminoglikozidų (20 proc.), makrolidų (10 proc.). 25 proc. tiriamųjų dažniausiai dėl klaidingai diagnozuotos tarpšonkaulinės neuralgijos antibiotikų neskirta. Išvada. Pleuros empiemos ir komplikuoto parapneumoninio pleurito priežastys yra daugialypės: tiriamieji, atsiradus ligos simptomams, per vėlai kreipiasi į gydytoją, beveik pusei tiriamųjų nustatytos imunosupresinę būklę galinčios sukelti patologijos, daliai ligonių neskirta antibiotikų arba jų buvo skiriama netinkamai.
Kūno sandara ir policistinių kiaušidžių sindromas
Authors: Zabulienė Lina , Tutkuvienė Janina
Published: June 2018

Policistinių kiaušidžių sindromas (PKS) yra viena svarbiausių reprodukcinio amžiaus moterų endokrininių metabolinių ligų, lemianti androgenų perteklių, mėnesinių ciklo sutrikimus, nevaisingumą, nutukimą ir kitus organizmo pokyčius. Įvairių autorių duomenimis, PKS pasitaiko 2–28 proc. reprodukcinio amžiaus moterų. Dažniausi klinikiniai policistinių kiaušidžių sindromo požymiai yra susiję su hiperandrogenemija, anovuliacija, mėnesinių ciklo bei kitais metaboliniais sutrikimais. PKS sunku identifikuoti, nes iki šiol diskutuojama dėl konkrečių ir visuotinai priimtų diagnostikos kriterijų. Mažai nagrinėta ir PKS fenotipinė raiška, kūno sandaros ir PKS sąsajos, taip pat sąsajos su moters augimo ir brendimo ypatybėmis bei su daugeliu išorinių veiksnių (mityba, fiziniu krūviu, stresu ir kitais veiksniais). Stinga žinių apie PKS raidą ir prognozę atsižvelgiant į individualius bei išorinius veiksnius. Žmogaus kūno sandaros įvairovės ribos yra labai plačios: daugelis fizinės būklės rodiklių (ūgis, svoris, kūno sandara ir proporcijos) yra žmogaus evoliucijos ilgo proceso, prisitaikymo prie aplinkos rezultatas. Tad akivaizdu, kad morfologiniai kūno parametrai, fiziologiniai ir biocheminiai rodikliai yra sudėtingais ryšiais susijusi sistema. Literatūros duomenimis, daugiau kaip pusė PKS sergančių moterų turi antsvorį arba nutukimą. Jeigu PKS sergančių moterų juosmens apimtis bei juosmens ir klubų rodiklis didėja, tai moters reprodukcinė būklė ir medžiagų apykaita sutrinka labiau nei tais atvejais, kai nėra šių rodiklių minėtų pokyčių. Tiriant riebalinio audinio topografiją – stipriausią lytinio dimorfizmo požymį, nustatyta, kad PKS sergančių moterų vidaus organų, juosmens srities ir rankų riebalinio audinio masė yra didesnė nei kontrolinės grupės moterų. Tam tikri lytinio dimorfizmo požymiai gali būti vertinami kaip hiperandrogenizacijos morfologiniai rodikliai – tai rankų jėga, pečių ir dubens pločio santykis, plaštakų ir pėdų dydis, antrojo ir ketvirtojo piršto ilgio santykis (2P:4P), veido bruožų savitumai. Tačiau tarp PKS sergančių moterų tirtas tik 2P:4P santykis. Ankstyvieji fizinės būklės morfologiniai pokyčiai padėtų numatyti ir tam tikras medžiagų apykaitos savybes, taip pat PKS raidą ir šio sindromo pasekmes.
The need and reasons for referrals to specialists among Lithuanian general dentists
Authors: Pečiulienė Vytautė , Rimkuvienė Jūratė , Manelienė Rasmutė , Drukteinis Saulius
Published: June 2018

Objective. To analyze the need for referral to a specialist and to identify the reasons of referrals among Lithuanian general dental practitioners. Material and methods. Questionnaires were sent to all 2879 Lithuanian dental practitioners registered on the Lithuanian Dental Chamber license registry. The questionnaire was made with multiple-choice answers. Respondents were asked to choose only one category of answer that best fitted their clinical attitude. Questions included in the questionnaire concerned general and specific information regarding the need and main reasons for endodontic referral. Results. Of the 2879 questionnaires mailed, 1532 questionnaires containing useful information were returned. The response rate was 53.2%. Of the 1532 respondents, 1431 were general dental practitioners. Majority (72.1%) of the respondents performed complicated root canal treatment by themselves. Almost half (49.6%) of them would like to refer patients to an endodontist. Two of the reasons, which restricted their decision, were the shortage of endodontists and high cost of the procedures in the specialized clinics. Approximately 19% of the respondents referred patients to an endodontist. The main reasons for referral were fractured instruments (86.6%), dental trauma (83.6%), difficulties in diagnostics (79%) followed by persistent symptoms (78.1%). Conclusion. The findings of the present study suggest that the need for referral of patients to an endodontist among Lithuanian dental practitioners exists. The main reasons for referrals were complications of endodontic treatment, traumatic injuries, difficulties in diagnostic procedures, and persistent symptoms.
Impedanskardiografijos metodo galimybės diagnozuojant plaučių hipertenziją
Authors: Sadauskas Saulius , Naudžiūnas Albinas , Unikauskas Alvydas , Gargasas Liudas , Ruseckas Rimtautas , Jurkonienė Rūta
Published: June 2018

Tyrimo tikslas. Ištirti klinikinių, impedanskardiografijos, echokardioskopijos, krūtinės ląstos rentgenografijos duomenų sąsajas diagnozuojant plaučių hipertenziją sergantiesiems širdies ir kraujagyslių arba kvėpavimo sistemų ligomis. Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. 181 pacientui (80 pacientų, sergančių širdies ir kraujagyslių sistemos patologija, kai echokardioskopiškai nustatyta plaučių arterijos hipertenzija; 69 pacientams, sergantiems širdies ir kraujagyslių sistemos patologija, kai echokardioskopiškai plaučių arterijos hipertenzijos nerasta; 19 pacientų, sergančių plaučių patologija, kai echokardioskopiškai plaučių arterijos hipertenzijos rasta; 13 pacientų, sergančių plaučių patologija, kai plaučių arterijos hipertenzijos nerasta) ištirti buvo taikomi klinikiniai, dvimatės širdies echoskopijos, impedanskardiografijos, kiti instrumentiniai tyrimai siekiant įvertinti, sergančiųjų plaučių hipertenzija duomenų pokyčius. Rezultatai. Impedanskardiografijos metodo jautrumas, diagnozuojant plaučių hipertenziją pagal vidutinį kraujo spaudimą plaučių arterijoje, 72 proc., specifiškumas – 90 proc., pagal sistolinį kraujo spaudimą plaučių arterijoje jautrumas – 96 proc., specifiškumas – 90 proc. Sudarytas matematinis dvejetainės logistinės regresijos modelis, pagal kurį 96,7 proc. tikslumu galima diagnozuoti plaučių hipertenziją. Svarbiausi impedanskardiografijos duomenys: sistolinis spaudimas plaučių arterijoje bei sistolinio laiko indeksas. Išvados. Impedanskardiografijos tyrimo metu nustatomi vidutinio ir sistolinio kraujo spaudimo plaučių arterijoje parametrai yra informatyvūs. Plaučių hipertenzijos diagnostikos algoritmuose galima būtų naudoti šiuos požymius: prieširdžių virpėjimas, giliųjų venų trombozė, dusulys, cianozė, II tono akcentas plaučių arterijos vožtuvo išklausymo taške, sistolinis ūžesys ties triburiu vožtuvu, plaučių rentgenografijoje rastas padidėjęs plaučių arterijos spindis ≥18 mm, padidėjęs dešiniojo skilvelio diametras, impedanskardiografijos metodu apskaičiuotas sistolinis spaudimas plaučių arterijoje bei sistolinio laiko indeksas.
Prognostication of long-term outcomes for patients with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Umbrasienė Jelena , Jankauskienė Edita , Kupstytė Nora , Babarskienė Marija , Venclovienė Jonė , Gustienė Olivija
Published: June 2018

Cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD), is the leading cause of death among elderly adults across many European countries. In 2005, the Clinic of Cardiology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (former Kaunas University of Medicine), started to gather the clinical data of patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes according to the standards set by the Cardiology Audit and Registration Data Standards Project. The aim of our study was to evaluate one-year mortality after inpatient treatment for acute and chronic coronary syndromes in different risk groups. Material and methods. A total of 3268 patients who were treated for coronary heart disease - acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stable angina – at the Clinic of Cardiology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (former Kaunas University of Medicine) in 2005 were randomly selected. Clinical data of the patients were collected by means of a standardized questionnaire. After one year, 1908 patients were reexamined, and predominant symptoms, treatment during one-year period, outcomes were evaluated. Results. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that one-year mortality after acute coronary syndromes was most influenced by age of 70–80 years, history of stroke, Killip class III-IV, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. For patients who were treated for chronic coronary syndromes, reduced EF (<40%) and increased heart rate (>70 beats per minute) were the strongest independent predictors of one-year mortality. Conclusion. A scoring system for the assessment of mortality risk within one year for patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes was constructed, which could be useful for cardiologists as well as family physicians for risk evaluation in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Vidutinės tikėtinos gyvenimo be negalios trukmės Lietuvoje įvertinimas
Authors: Petrauskienė Jadvyga , Ambrozaitienė Dalia , Kalėdienė Ramunė , Starkuvienė Skirmantė
Published: June 2018

Tyrimo tikslas. Įvertinti ir palyginti Lietuvos vyrų ir moterų vidutinę tikėtiną gyvenimo be negalios trukmę (VGT be negalios) 2001 m. Duomenų šaltiniai ir metodai. Statistiniai duomenys apie Lietuvos gyventojus ir mirusiuosius, reikalingi išgyvenimo lentelėms sudaryti, gauti iš Statistikos departamento prie Lietuvos Respublikos Vyriausybės (toliau – Statistikos departamentas) demografinės statistikos, o apie negalios paplitimą – iš 2001 m. vykusio Lietuvos Respublikos visuotinio gyventojų ir būstų surašymo rezultatų. Vidutinė tikėtina gyvenimo be negalios trukmė apskaičiuota pagal D. F. Sullivan (1971) metodiką. Rezultatai. Lietuvos vyrų VGT be negalios 2001 m. buvo 60,6 metų, moterų – 70,6 metų ir sudarė 91,9 proc. vyrų ir 91,0 proc. moterų bendrosios VGT. Sulaukusių 65 metų vyrų šis rodiklis sumažėjo iki 6,2, moterų – iki 11,7 metų ir sudarė atitinkamai – 45,8 ir 64,9 proc. bendrosios VGT. Su amžiumi intensyviau trumpėjo VGT be negalios nei bendrasis VGT rodiklis. Moterų VGT be negalios buvo 10 metų ilgesnė nei vyrų, o vyrų ir moterų VGT, esant negaliai, mažai skyrėsi. Išvada. VGT be negalios stebėsena, atliekama remiantis oficialiąja mirtingumo ir negalios paplitimo statistika, yra svarbi siekiant įvertinti socialinę ir ekonominę negalios naštą visuomenei bei valstybei.
Mechanical and Microstructural Features of Plasma Cut Edges in a 15 mm Thick S460M Steel Plate
Authors: Aldazabal Javier , Martín-Meizoso Antonio , Klimpel Andrzej , Bannister Adam , Cicero Sergio
Published: June 2018

In general, the thermal cutting processes of steel plates are considered to have an influence on microstructures and residual stress distribution, which determines the mechanical properties and performance of cut edges. They also affect the quality of the surface cut edges, which further complicates the problem, because in most cases the surface is subjected to the largest stresses. This paper studies the influence of plasma cutting processes on the mechanical behavior of the cut edges of steel and presents the characterization results of straight plasma arc cut edges of steel plate grade S460M, 15 mm thick. The cutting conditions used are the standard ones for industrial plasma cutting. The metallography of CHAZ (Cut Heat Affected Zones) and hardness profiles versus distance from plasma cut edge surface are tested; the mechanical behavior of different CHAZ layers under the cut edge surface were obtained by testing of instrumented mini-tensile 300 µm thick specimens. Also, the residual stress distribution in the CHAZ was measured by X-ray diffraction. The results for the mechanical properties, microstructure, hardness, and residual stresses are finally compared and discussed. This work concludes that the CHAZ resulting from the plasma cutting process is narrow (about 700 µm) and homogeneous in plate thickness.
Magnetic Isotropy/Anisotropy in Layered Metal Phosphorous Trichalcogenide MPS3 (M = Mn, Fe)Single Crystals
Authors: Ur Rehman Zia , Muhammad Zahir , Adetunji Moses Oyawale , Zhu Wen , Wu Chuanqiang , He Qun , Habib Muhammad , Song Li
Published: June 2018

Despite the fact that two-dimensional layered magnetic materials hold immense potential applications in the field of spintronic devices, tunable magnetism is still a challenge due to the lack of controllable synthesis. Herein, high-quality single crystals MPS3 (M= Mn, Fe) of millimeter size were synthesized through the chemical vapor transport method. After systemic structural characterizations, magnetic properties were studied on the bulk MPS3 layers through experiments, along with first principle theoretical calculations. The susceptibilities as well as the EPR results evidently revealed unique isotropic and anisotropic behavior in MnPS3 and FePS3 crystals, respectively. It is worth noting that both of these materials show antiferromagnetic states at measured temperatures. The estimated antiferromagnetic transition temperature is 78 K for bulk MnPS3 and 123 K for FePS3 crystals. The spin polarized density functional theory calculations confirmed that the band gap of the antiferromagnetic states could be generated owing to asymmetric response all over the energy range. The ferromagnetic state in MnPS3 and FePS3 is less stable as compared to the antiferromagnetic state, resulting in antiferromagnetic behavior. Additionally, frequency-dependent dielectric functions for parallel and perpendicular electric field component vectors, along with the absorption properties of MPS3, are thoroughly investigated.
Micro-Injection Moulding In-Line Quality Assurance Based on Product and Process Fingerprints
Authors: Baruffi Federico , Calaon Matteo , Tosello Guido
Published: June 2018

Micro-injection moulding (μIM) is a replication-based process enabling the cost-effective production of complex and net-shaped miniaturized plastic components. The micro-scaled size of such parts poses great challenges in assessing their dimensional quality and often leads to time-consuming and unprofitable off-line measurement procedures. In this work, the authors proposed a novel method to verify the quality of a three-dimensional micro moulded component (nominal volume equal to 0.07 mm3) based on the combination of optical micro metrology and injection moulding process monitoring. The most significant dimensional features of the micro part were measured using a focus variation microscope. Their dependency on the variation of µIM process parameters was studied with a Design of Experiments (DoE) statistical approach. A correlation study allowed the identification of the product fingerprint, i.e., the dimensional characteristic that was most linked to the overall part quality and critical for product functionality. Injection pressure and velocity curves were recorded during each moulding cycle to identify the process fingerprint, i.e., the most sensitive and quality-related process indicator. The results of the study showed that the dimensional quality of the micro component could be effectively controlled in-line by combining the two fingerprints, thus opening the door for future µIM in-line process optimization and quality assessment.
Flow, Staging, Wayfinding, Personalization: Evaluating User Experience with Mobile Museum Narratives
Authors: Roussou Maria , Katifori Akrivi
Published: June 2018

A multitude of challenges comes into play when attempting to design (and evaluate) an interactive digital storytelling experience for use by visitors in a museum. This paper reports on the evaluation of the prototype mobile-based storytelling “guides” designed, developed and deployed as part of a research project at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece. Experiences designed for different visitor profiles were evaluated several times throughout the iterative design process, in a number of on-site studies, and with more than 180 museum visitors of all ages (with this paper reporting on two studies conducted with a total of 53 users visiting individually or in pairs). The evaluation methods included ethnography (i.e., observation of visitors in the Museum’s galleries), pre- and post-experience in-depth interviews and questionnaires to measure the Users’ Experience (UX), as well as data logging. The analysis of the data focused on themes representing components of the experiences, such as interactive story plot and narration, staging and way-finding in the physical space, personalization and social interaction. Our findings confirmed that understanding UX and what makes it effective or not in the rich context of a cultural setting is a complex endeavor. The paper discusses our findings and proposes relevant recommendations for the design of digital experiences for cultural, educational, and recreational purposes.
Polarization- and Angular-Resolved Optical Response of Molecules on Anisotropic Plasmonic Nanostructures
Authors: Šubr Martin , Procházka Marek
Published: June 2018

A sometimes overlooked degree of freedom in the design of many spectroscopic (mainly Raman) experiments involve the choice of experimental geometry and polarization arrangement used. Although these aspects usually play a rather minor role, their neglect may result in a misinterpretation of the experimental results. It is well known that polarization- and/or angular- resolved spectroscopic experiments allow one to classify the symmetry of the vibrations involved or the molecular orientation with respect to a smooth surface. However, very low detection limits in surface-enhancing spectroscopic techniques are often accompanied by a complete or partial loss of this detailed information. In this review, we will try to elucidate the extent to which this approach can be generalized for molecules adsorbed on plasmonic nanostructures. We will provide a detailed summary of the state-of-the-art experimental findings for a range of plasmonic platforms used in the last ~ 15 years. Possible implications on the design of plasmon-based molecular sensors for maximum signal enhancement will also be discussed.
Piezoelectric Response of Aligned Electrospun Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Carbon Nanotube Nanofibrous Membranes
Authors: Wu Chang-Mou , Chou Min-Hui , Zeng Wun-Yuan
Published: June 2018

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) shows piezoelectricity related to its β-phase content and mechanical and electrical properties influenced by its morphology and crystallinity. Electrospinning (ES) can produce ultrafine and well-aligned PVDF nanofibers. In this study, the effects of the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and optimized ES parameters on the crystal structures and piezoelectric properties of aligned PVDF/CNT nanofibrous membranes were examined. The optimal β content and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of the aligned electrospun PVDF reached 88% and 27.4 pC/N; CNT addition increased the β-phase content to 89% and d33 to 31.3 pC/N. The output voltages of piezoelectric units with aligned electrospun PVDF/CNT membranes increased linearly with applied loading and showed good stability during cyclic dynamic compression and tension. The sensitivities of the piezoelectric units with the membranes under dynamic compression and tension were 2.26 mV/N and 4.29 mV/%, respectively. In bending tests, the output voltage increased nonlinearly with bending angle because complicated forces were involved. The output of the aligned membrane-based piezoelectric unit with CNT was 1.89 V at the bending angle of 100°. The high electric outputs indicate that the aligned electrospun PVDF/CNT membranes are potentially effective for flexible wearable sensor application with high sensitivity.
Complex Magnetization Harmonics of Polydispersive Magnetic Nanoclusters
Authors: Trisnanto Suko Bagus , Takemura Yasushi
Published: June 2018

Understanding magnetic interparticle interactions within a single hydrodynamic volume of polydispersed magnetic nanoparticles and the resulting nonlinear magnetization properties is critical for their implementation in magnetic theranostics. However, in general, the field-dependent static and dynamic magnetization measurements may only highlight polydispersity effects including magnetic moment and size distributions. Therefore, as a complement to such typical analysis of hysteretic magnetization curves, we spectroscopically examined the complex magnetization harmonics of magnetic nanoclusters either dispersed in a liquid medium or immobilized by a hydrocolloid polymer, later to emphasize the harmonic characteristics for different core sizes. In the case of superparamagnetic nanoclusters with a 4-nm primary size, particularly, we correlated the negative quadrature components of the third-harmonic susceptibility with an insignificant cluster rotation induced by the oscillatory field. Moreover, the field-dependent in-phase components appear to be frequency-independent, suggesting a weak damping effect on the moment dynamics. The characteristic of the Néel time constant further supports this argument by showing a smaller dependence on the applied dc bias field, in comparison to that of larger cores. These findings show that the complex harmonic components of the magnetization are important attributes to the interacting cores of a magnetic nanocluster.
Prediction of the Tensile Response of Carbon Black Filled Rubber Blends by Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kopal Ivan , Labaj Ivan , Harničárová Marta , Valíček Jan , Hrubý Dušan
Published: June 2018

The precise experimental estimation of mechanical properties of rubber blends can be a very costly and time-consuming process. The present work explores the possibilities of increasing its efficiency by using artificial neural networks to study the mechanical behavior of these widely used materials. A multilayer feed-forward back-propagation artificial neural network model, with a strain and the carbon black content as input parameters and stress as an output parameter, has been developed to predict the uniaxial tensile response of vulcanized natural rubber blends with different contents of carbon black in the form of engineering stress-strain curves. A novel procedure has been created for the simulation of the optimized artificial neural network model with input datasets generated by a regression model of an experimental dependence of tensile strain-at-break on the carbon black content in the investigated blends. Errors of the prediction of experimental stress-strain curves, as well as of tensile strain-at-break, tensile stress-at-break and M100 tensile modulus were estimated for all simulated stress-strain curves. The present study demonstrated that the performance of a developed neural network model to predict the stress-strain curves of rubber blends with different contents of carbon black is also exceptionally high in the case of a network that had never learned the input data, which makes it a suitable tool for extensive use in practice.