bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in the Prevalence and Modulators of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kroner T. , Arzt M. , Rheinberger M. , Gorski M. , Heid I. M. , Böger C. A. , Stadler S.
Published: April 2018

In patients with type 2 diabetes, sleep-disordered breathing is a widespread cause of deteriorated quality of life. However, robust prevalence estimates for sleep-disordered breathing in patients with type 2 diabetes are limited due to scarce data. We investigated sex differences in sleep-disordered breathing prevalence and its modulators in the DIACORE SDB substudy, a sample of outpatient type 2 diabetes. 721 participants were tested for sleep-disordered breathing using a two-channel sleep apnoea monitoring device. Patients were stratified according to the severity of sleep-disordered breathing, defined as an apnoea-hypopnoea index < 15, ≥15 to 29, and ≥30 events per hour as no/mild, moderate, and severe sleep-disordered breathing, respectively. In the 679 analysed patients (39% women, age 66 ± 9 years, body mass index 31.0 ± 5.4 kg/m2), the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing was 34%. The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing was higher in men than in women (41% versus 22%,p<0.001) and increased with age (15%, 21%, and 30% in women and 35%, 40%, and 47% in men in those aged 18–59, 60–69, or ≥70, respectively; age trendp=0.064in women andp=0.15in men). In linear regression analysis, age, BMI, and waist-hip ratio were associated with apnoea-hypopnoea index. Modulators for higher apnoea-hypopnoea index seem to be similar in men and women.
Effect of Long-Term Sodium Salicylate Administration on Learning, Memory, and Neurogenesis in the Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Niu Haichen , Ding Sheng , Li Haiying , Wei Jianfeng , Ren Chao , Wu Xiujuan , Huma Tanzeel , Zhang Qiang
Published: April 2018

Tinnitus is thought to be caused by damage to the auditory and nonauditory system due to exposure to loud noise, aging, or other etiologies. However, at present, the exact neurophysiological basis of chronic tinnitus remains unknown. To explore whether the function of the limbic system is disturbed in tinnitus, the hippocampus was selected, which plays a vital role in learning and memory. The hippocampal function was examined with a learning and memory procedure. For this purpose, sodium salicylate (NaSal) was used to create a rat animal model of tinnitus, evaluated with prepulse inhibition behavior (PPI). The acquisition and retrieval abilities of spatial memory were measured using the Morris water maze (MWM) in NaSal-treated and control animals, followed by observation of c-Fos and delta-FosB protein expression in the hippocampal field by immunohistochemistry. To further identify the neural substrate for memory change in tinnitus, neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus (DG) was compared between the NaSal group and the control group. The results showed that acquisition and retrieval of spatial memory were impaired by NaSal treatment. The expression of c-Fos and delta-FosB protein was also inhibited in NaSal-treated animals. Simultaneously, neurogenesis in the DG was also impaired in tinnitus animals. In general, our data suggest that the hippocampal system (limbic system) may play a key role in tinnitus pathology.
Biomaterial Scaffolds in Regenerative Therapy of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Wang Yanchao , Tan Hong , Hui Xuhui
Published: April 2018

The central nervous system (CNS) is the most important section of the nervous system as it regulates the function of various organs. Injury to the CNS causes impairment of neurological functions in corresponding sites and further leads to long-term patient disability. CNS regeneration is difficult because of its poor response to treatment and, to date, no effective therapies have been found to rectify CNS injuries. Biomaterial scaffolds have been applied with promising results in regeneration medicine. They also show great potential in CNS regeneration for tissue repair and functional recovery. Biomaterial scaffolds are applied in CNS regeneration predominantly as hydrogels and biodegradable scaffolds. They can act as cellular supportive scaffolds to facilitate cell infiltration and proliferation. They can also be combined with cell therapy to repair CNS injury. This review discusses the categories and progression of the biomaterial scaffolds that are applied in CNS regeneration.
Is a Technically Challenging Procedure More Likely to Fail? A Prospective Single-Center Study on the Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Berndsen M. R. , Gudbjartsson Tomas , Berndsen Fritz Hendrik
Published: April 2018

Background and Aims. The aim of this prospective single-center study was to evaluate the outcome of inguinal hernia repair. Materials and Methods. A total of 485 inguinal hernias (452 patients and 33 patients with bilateral hernias) were operated between January 2004 and December 2010. Mean age was 56 years, and 93% were male. Patient demographics and operative data were collected, and the operating surgeon assessed the technical difficulty of the operation. Five years after surgery, a questionnaire evaluated recurrence and chronic discomfort according to the Cunningham scale. 372 responded (82%), and mean follow-up was 5.5 years. Results. There were 390 repairs for a primary and 62 for a recurrent hernia. Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) operation was most frequently performed (56%), transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) operation in 31%, and Lichtenstein and Shouldice in 12% and 2%, respectively. At 5-year follow-up, the primary outcome of chronic discomfort was 19.5%. The independent positive predictors were young age and operation for a recurrent hernia (OR: 3.7), with TEP operation reducing the risk of chronic discomfort (OR: 0.5). The secondary outcome was the recurrence rate of 2.5%. Risk factors were strenuous work (OR: 13.7), technically difficult repairs (OR: 7.2), and chronic discomfort (OR: 6.7). Conclusions. Every fifth patient had chronic discomfort in long-term follow-up. The recurrence rate was 2.5%, and a technically difficult procedure was a risk factor.
Determination of Cyclopropane Fatty Acids in Food of Animal Origin by1H NMR
Authors: Lolli Veronica , Marseglia Angela , Palla Gerardo , Zanardi Emanuela , Caligiani Augusta
Published: April 2018

Cyclopropane fatty acids (CPFAs) are unusual fatty acids of microbial origin, recently detected in milk and dairy products. CPFAs have been demonstrated to be interesting molecular markers for authentication of dairy products obtained without ensiled feeds. Moreover, they can also be recognized as a new secondary component of human diet. Information is lacking on the presence of cyclic fatty acids in other food sources. Cyclopropane fatty acids have been detected by GC-MS analysis in cheese and other animal fats in concentration ranging from 200 to 1000 mg/kg fat, but in some cases, the complex fatty acid profile and the possible presence of interfering peaks make the separation not straightforward and the quantification uneasy. Therefore, a new reliable1H NMR method was developed to detect and measure CPFA content in different foods of animal origin, based on the detection of the characteristic signals of cyclopropane ring. The1H NMR (600 MHz) method showed detection limits comparable with those of full scan GC-MS, and it allowed the identification and quantitation of the cyclopropane fatty acids in different foods.
Factors Influencing Hemoglobin Variability and Its Association with Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Bal Zeynep , Demirci Bahar Gurlek , Karakose Suleyman , Tutal Emre , Erkmen Uyar Mehtap , Acar Nurhan Ozdemir , Sezer Siren
Published: April 2018

Purpose. We aimed to investigate the factors influencing hemoglobin variability with inflammatory and nutritional parameters and its associations with all-cause mortality among hemodialysis patients. Methods. One hundred and sixty-nine patients during the entire 12 months were enrolled into the study. Fasting plasma glucose, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum iron, serum iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation were analyzed. We defined six groups: low, target range, high, low-amplitude fluctuation with low hemoglobin levels, low-amplitude fluctuation with high hemoglobin levels, and high-amplitude fluctuation. Body mass index (BMI), malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS), and Charlson Comorbidity Index were evaluated. Results. Hemoglobin variability was significantly correlated with age, platelet count, and number of hospitalization instances and inversely correlated with erythropoietin dose per body surface area. The coefficient of variation of hemoglobin showed a correlation with MIS and ferritin. The absolute level of hemoglobin showed a negative correlation between PTH, CRP, MIS, number of hospitalization instances and a positive correlation with albumin and BMI. High, low, and target-range groups showed survival advantage compared to the other three groups. In regression analysis, age, CRP levels, MIS, and BMI were the predictors of mortality. Conclusion. Inflammation and duration of anemia were the major predictors of hemoglobin variability. High-amplitude fluctuation predicts high mortality; on the contrary low-amplitude fluctuations is related to better survival. MIS was independently associated with mortality. This trial is registered with NCT03454906.
The Development of Endoscopic Techniques for Treatment of Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Jagielski Mateusz , Smoczyński Marian , Jabłońska Anna , Adrych Krystian
Published: April 2018

Background. Endotherapy is a common method of treatment in patients with symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). The aim of this study is to indicate the potential therapeutic possibilities created by the combination of several new endoscopic techniques and the evaluation of their efficacy in the treatment of WOPN. Methods. The retrospective analysis of results and complications in the group of 101 patients, who underwent endoscopic treatment of symptomatic WOPN between years 2011 and 2015. Results. Endoscopic treatment was started in 101 patients (71 men, 30 women; mean age 50.97 years) with symptomatic WOPN. Single transluminal gateway technique (SGT) was used in 93/101 (92.08%) patients. SGT in combination with multiple transluminal gateway technique (MTGT) was exploited in 4/93 (4.30%) patients, while in combination with single transluminal gateway transcystic multiple drainage (SGTMD) in 22/93 (23.66%) patients. Transpapillary access was used in 11/101 (10.89%) patients. 20/101 (19.80%) patients underwent percutaneous drainage. Fluoroscopy-guided endoscopic necrosectomy was performed in 19/101 (18.81%) patients. The combinations of endoscopic techniques depended on the extent of necrosis. Procedure-related complications occurred in 16/101 (15.84%) patients. The mortality rate was 0.99% (1/101 patient). Therapeutic success was achieved in 99/101 (98.02%) patients. The long-term success of endoscopic treatment was achieved in 97/101 (96.04%) patients with symptomatic WOPN. Conclusions. Application of new endoscopic techniques in the treatment of the patients with symptomatic WOPN significantly improves the efficiency of endotherapy with an acceptable amount of complications.
Mandibular Flexure and Peri-Implant Bone Stress Distribution on an Implant-Supported Fixed Full-Arch Mandibular Prosthesis: 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Martin-Fernandez Elena , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Ignacio , deLlanos-Lanchares Hector , Mauvezin-Quevedo Mario Andres , Brizuela-Velasco Aritza , Alvarez-Arenal Angel
Published: April 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of three mandibular full-arch superstructures on the peri-implant bone stress distribution during mandibular flexure caused by mid-opening (27 mm) and protrusion mandibular movements. Materials and Methods. Three-dimensional finite element models were created simulating six osseointegrated implants in the jawbone. One model simulated a 1-piece framework and the other simulated 2-piece and 3-piece frameworks. Muscle forces with definite direction and magnitude were exerted over areas of attachment to simulate multiple force vectors of masticatory muscles during mandibular protrusion and opening. Results. During the movement of 27.5 mm jaw opening, the 1-piece and 3-piece superstructures showed the lowest values of bone stress around the mesial implants, gradually increasing towards the distal position. During the protrusion movement, bone stress increased compared to opening for any implant situation and for a divided or undivided framework. The 3-piece framework showed the highest values of peri-implant bone stress, regardless of the implant situation. Conclusions. The undivided framework provides the best biomechanical environment during mandibular protrusion and opening. Protrusion movement increases the peri-implant bone stress. The most mesial implants have the lowest biomechanical risk.
Predictive Role of Serum Cytokine Profiles in Acute Kidney Injury after Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Chae Min Suk , Kim Youngchan , Chung Hyun Sik , Park Chul Soo , Lee Jaemin , Choi Jong Ho , Hong Sang Hyun
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Previous studies have shown that a higher serum interleukin- (IL-) 6 level is associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) development after major nontransplant surgery. Our study investigated the potential association of preoperative serum cytokine profiles with new AKI development in patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods. Serum levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α were measured in 226 LDLT recipients preoperatively and analyzed retrospectively. Recipients with a preoperative functional impairment of the kidney were excluded. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Results. In a univariate regression model, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α levels showed an association with AKI development after LDLT. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association of the preoperative serum IL-6 level with AKI development after LDLT and a significant relationship between higher serum IL-6 levels and a greater likelihood of developing AKI. Serum IL-6 levels were higher in patients with stage 3 AKI than in patients who did not develop AKI. Conclusions. Our results support the need for further investigations of IL-6 as a predictor of AKI development in patients undergoing LDLT.
Prognostics for State of Health of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Zhou Di , Yin Hongtao , Fu Ping , Song Xianhua , Lu Wenbin , Yuan Lili , Fu Zuoxian
Published: April 2018

Accurate estimation and prediction of the lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries’ performance has important theoretical and practical significance to make better use of lithium-ion battery and to avoid unnecessary losses. State of health (SOH) estimation is used as a qualitative measure of the capability of a lithium-ion battery to store and deliver energy in a system. To evaluate and predict the SOH of batteries, the Gaussian process regression with neural network (GPRNN) as its variance function is proposed. Experimental results confirm that the proposed method can be effectively applied to Li-ion battery monitoring and prognostics by quantitative comparison with basic GPR, combination LGPFR, combination QGPFR, and the multiscale GPR (SMK-GPR, P-MGPR, and SE-MGPR). The criteria of RMSE and MAPE of the proposed three models are reduced significantly compared to those of other existing methods.
Head Impact Exposure in Junior and Adult Australian Football Players
Authors: Hecimovich Mark , King Doug , Dempsey Alasdair , Murphy Myles
Published: April 2018

This study measured and compared the frequency, magnitude, and distribution of head impacts sustained by junior and adult Australian football players, respectively, and between player positions over a season of games. Twelve junior and twelve adult players were tracked using a skin-mounted impact sensor. Head impact exposure, including frequency, magnitude, and location of impacts, was quantified using previously established methods. Over the collection period, there were no significant differences in the impact frequency between junior and adult players. However, there was a significant increase in the frequency of head impacts for midfielders in both grades once we accounted for player position. A comparable amount of head impacts in both junior and adult players has implications for Australian football regarding player safety and medical coverage as younger players sustained similar impact levels as adult players. The other implication of a higher impact profile within midfielders is that, by targeting education and prevention strategies, a decrease in the incidence of sports-related concussion may result.
Comparison of Immunological Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Periodontal Ligament, Umbilical Cord, and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Kim Jin-Hee , Jo Chris H. , Kim Hang-Rae , Hwang Young-il
Published: April 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of therapeutic importance in the fields of regenerative medicine and immunological diseases. Accordingly, studies evaluating MSCs for clinical applications are increasing. In this study, we characterized MSCs from the periodontal ligament, umbilical cord (UC-MSCs), and adipose tissue, which were relatively easy to obtain with limited ethical concerns regarding their acquisition, and compared their immunological characteristics. Among MSCs isolated from the three different tissues, UC-MSCs grew the fastest in vitro. The three types of MSCs were shown to inhibit proliferation of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to a similar degree, via the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 pathways. They were also shown to inhibit the proliferation of PBMCs using HLA-G, which was most prominent in UC-MSCs. Unlike the other two types of MSCs, UC-MSCs showed minimal expression of HLA-DR after activation, suggesting that they pose minimal risk of initiating an allogeneic immune response when administered in vivo. These characteristics, the ease of collection, and the minimal ethical concerns regarding their use suggest UC-MSCs to be suitable MSC therapeutic candidates.
Soluble CD163 as a Potential Biomarker in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Frantz Camelia , Pezet Sonia , Avouac Jerome , Allanore Yannick
Published: April 2018

Objective. To evaluate the performance of serum and urinary sCD163 concentrations as possible biomarker in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. Urine and serum samples were obtained from SSc patients and age- and sex-matched controls. Serum and urinary sCD163 concentrations were measured by commercially available ELISA kit. SSc patients were assessed following international guidelines. Cross-sectional analyses were performed. Results. Two hundred and three SSc patients were included. The control group consisted of 47 age- and sex-matched patients having noninflammatory diseases, mainly osteoporosis. Serum sCD163 levels were significantly higher in SSc patients compared with controls (mean ± SD: 529 ± 251 versus 385 ± 153 ng/mL; p<0.001). Urinary sCD163 concentrations were higher in SSc patients than controls, but this did not reach significance (236 ± 498 versus 176 ± 173 ng/mg uCr; p=0.580). The sCD163 concentrations were not associated with clinical, laboratory, and instrumental characteristics of SSc patients. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of both serum and urinary sCD163 levels in SSc. Our results show a significant difference for sera values that should be prioritized for further studies as compared to urinary measurements. Our results further support that the M2 macrophages/CD163 signaling system may play a role in the pathogenesis of SSc, although we could not identify a subset of SSc patients with higher concentrations.
Delayed Development of Coronary Ostial Stenosis following Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Case Report of Unusual Presentation
Authors: Shin Doosup , Huang Kevin , Sunjic Igor , Berlowitz Michael , Prida Xavier
Published: April 2018

Coronary ostial stenosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that occurs in 1%–5% of patients who undergo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Symptoms typically appear within the first 6 months and almost always within a year after SAVR. We report an unusually delayed presentation of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction due to coronary ostial stenosis 22 months after SAVR. A 71-year-old woman underwent uncomplicated SAVR with a bioprosthetic valve in August 2015 for severe aortic stenosis. A preoperative coronary angiogram demonstrated widely patent left and right coronary arteries. In June 2017, the patient presented to the hospital with chest pain. An electrocardiogram demonstrated 1 mm ST segment depression in the anterolateral leads, and serum troponin I level was elevated to 2.3 ng/ml. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed severe ostial stenosis (99%) of the right coronary artery. A bare-metal stent was successfully placed with an excellent angiographic result, and the patient was asymptomatic at 4 months of follow-up after the procedure. As seen in our case, coronary ostial stenosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain or arrhythmia in patients presenting with a history of SAVR, even if the procedure was performed more than 1 year prior to presentation.
In-Network Data Processing in Software-Defined IoT with a Programmable Data Plane
Authors: Kim Ki-Wook , Min Sung-Gi , Han Youn-Hee
Published: April 2018

Making an SDN data plane flexible enough to satisfy the various requirements of heterogeneous IoT applications is very desirable in terms of software-defined IoT (SD-IoT) networking. Network devices with a programmable data plane provide an ability to dynamically add new packet- and data-processing procedures to IoT applications. The previously proposed solutions for the addition of the programmability feature to the SDN data plane provide extensibility for the packet-forwarding operations of new protocols, but IoT applications need a more flexible programmability for in-network data-processing operations (e.g., the sensing-data aggregation from thousands of sensor nodes). Moreover, some IoT models such as OMG DDS, oneM2M, and Eclipse SCADA use the publish-subscribe model that is difficult to represent using the operations of the existing message-centric data-plane models. We introduce a new in-network data-processing scheme for the SD-IoT data plane that defines an event-driven data-processing model that can express a variety of in-network data-processing cases in the SD-IoT environment. Also, the proposed model comprises a language for the programming of the data-processing procedures, while a flexible data-plane structure that can install and execute the programs at runtime is additionally presented. We demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed scheme by using sample programs in a number of example SD-IoT cases.
An Efficient SCMA Codebook Optimization Algorithm Based on Mutual Information Maximization
Authors: Dong Chao , Gao Guili , Niu Kai , Lin Jiaru
Published: April 2018

An efficient codebook optimization algorithm is proposed to maximize mutual information in sparse code multiple access (SCMA). At first, SCMA signal model is given according to superposition modulation structure, in which the channel matrix is column‐extended. The superposition model can well describe the relationship between the codebook matrix and received signal. Based on the above model, an iterative codebook optimization algorithm is proposed to maximize mutual information between discrete input and continuous output. This algorithm can efficiently adapt to multiuser channels with arbitrary channel coefficients. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has good performance in both AWGN and non‐AWGN channels. In addition, message passing algorithm (MPA) works well with the codebook optimized according to the proposed algorithm.
Treatment of Sarcoma Lung Metastases with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Lindsay Adam D. , Haupt Edward E. , Chan Chung M. , Spiguel Andre R. , Scarborough Mark T. , Zlotecki Robert A. , Gibbs Parker C.
Published: April 2018

Background. The most common site of sarcoma metastasis is the lung. Surgical resection of pulmonary metastases and chemotherapy are treatment options that have been employed, but many patients are poor candidates for these treatments for multiple host or tumor-related reasons. In this group of patients, radiation might provide a less morbid treatment alternative. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy in the treatment of metastatic sarcoma to the lung. Methods. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) was used to treat 117 pulmonary metastases in 44 patients. Patients were followed with serial computed tomography imaging of the chest. The primary endpoint was failure of control of a pulmonary lesion as measured by continued growth. Radiation-associated complications were recorded. Results. The majority of patients (84%) received a total dose of 50 Gy per metastatic nodule utilizing an image-guided SBRT technique. The median interval follow-up was 14.2 months (range 1.6–98.6 months). Overall survival was 82% at two years and 50% at five years. Of 117 metastatic nodules treated, six nodules showed failure of treatment (95% control rate). Twenty patients (27%) developed new metastatic lesions and underwent further SBRT. The side effects of SBRT included transient radiation pneumonitis n=6, cough n=2, rib fracture n=1, chronic pain n=1, dermatitis n=1, and dyspnea n=1. Conclusion. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for the ablation of pulmonary metastasis from sarcoma. Further work is needed to evaluate the optimal role of SBRT relative to surgery or chemotherapy for treatment of metastatic sarcoma.
Classification of Targets and Distractors Present in Visual Hemifields Using Time-Frequency Domain EEG Features
Authors: Sweeti  , Joshi Deepak , Panigrahi B. K. , Anand Sneh , Santhosh Jayasree
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a classification system to classify the cognitive load corresponding to targets and distractors present in opposite visual hemifields. The approach includes the study of EEG (electroencephalogram) signal features acquired in a spatial attention task. The process comprises of EEG feature selection based on the feature distribution, followed by the stepwise discriminant analysis- (SDA-) based channel selection. Repeated measure analysis of variance (rANOVA) is applied to test the statistical significance of the selected features. Classifiers are developed and compared using the selected features to classify the target and distractor present in visual hemifields. The results provide a maximum classification accuracy of 87.2% and 86.1% and an average classification accuracy of 76.5 ± 4% and 76.2 ± 5.3% over the thirteen subjects corresponding to the two task conditions. These correlates present a step towards building a feature-based neurofeedback system for visual attention.
Shockley’s Equation Fit Analyses for Solar Cell Parameters from I-V Curves
Authors: Diantoro Markus , Suprayogi Thathit , Hidayat Arif , Taufiq Ahmad , Fuad Abdulloh , Suryana Risa
Published: April 2018

Some of the technical problems that appear are obtaining solar cell parameters from I-V curve measurement data. One simple method is using linear graphical fit at zero current or voltage conditions. Although the accuracy of the obtained values is acceptable, other problems may arise regarding the number of parameters which could be obtained. We report a comparison between manual or graphical fit and fit using Shockley’s equation. The single I-V curve under the lighting was inferred to obtain the intrinsic parameters of the solar cells’ performance. The fittings were performed using the nonlinear equation of Shockley by determining some initial values of fittings such as Rs, Rsh, n, I0, Iph, and T. In the case of the Shockley equation fit, the iteration was performed several times to obtain the least possible inferred parameters. We have successfully obtained a better result of nonlinear Shockley fitting compared to the manual linear fit.
Blockage of High-Affinity Choline Transporter Increases Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rats with Chronic Stress
Authors: Zhao Chen , Lin Mengjuan , Pan Yasi , Yu Baoping
Published: April 2018

Background. Visceral hypersensitivity is a common feature of irritable bowel syndrome. Cholinergic system involves in the development of visceral hypersensitivity, and high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1) is of crucial importance in choline uptake system. However, involvement of CHT1 in visceral hypersensitivity remains unknown. The research aimed to study the CHT1 expression in dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) and the role of CHT1 in visceral hypersensitivity. Methods. Repetitive water avoidance stress (WAS) was used to induce visceral hypersensitivity in rats. Colorectal distension (CRD) was determined, and the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) and threshold intensity data were recorded to measure the visceral sensitivity. After intraperitoneal injection of hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), the specific inhibitor of CHT1, CRD data were also recorded. The CHT1 expression of DRGs was investigated by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR. Acetylcholine levels in the DRGs were detected by the assay kit. Results. Repetitive WAS increased the AWR score of CRD at high distension pressure and decreased the mean threshold of rats. The CHT1 expression and acetylcholine concentration of DRG were significantly increased in WAS rats. After the administration of HC-3, the AWR score in WAS group was significantly increased at higher distension pressure while the threshold intensity was significantly reduced compared to the normal saline group. Acetylcholine concentration was significantly lower than the normal saline rats. Conclusion. Our research firstly reports that CHT1 is overexpressed in noninflammatory visceral hypersensitivity, and blockage of CHT1 can enhance the visceral hypersensitivity. CHT1 may play an inhibitory role in visceral hypersensitivity.
Long-Term Outcomes of a Multimodal Day-Clinic Treatment for Chronic Pain under the Conditions of Routine Care
Authors: Preis Mira A. , Vögtle Elisabeth , Dreyer Nele , Seel Stefanie , Wagner Ruth , Hanshans Klaus , Reyersbach Renate , Pieh Christoph , Mühlberger Andreas , Probst Thomas
Published: April 2018

Chronic pain has high prevalence rates and is one of the top causes of years lived with disability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a multimodal day-clinic treatment for chronic pain. The sample included 183 chronic pain patients (114 females and 69 males; 53.3 ± 9.8 years) who participated in a four-week multimodal day-clinic treatment for chronic pain. The patients’ average current pain intensity (NRS), sensory and affective pain (Pain Perception Scale), and depression and anxiety (HADS) were assessed at pre- and posttreatment, as well as at three follow-ups (one month, six months, and twelve months after completion of the treatment). Multilevel models for discontinuous change were performed to evaluate the change of the outcome variables. Improvements from pretreatment to posttreatment and from pretreatment to all follow-ups emerged for pain intensity (NRS; 0.54 ≤ d ≤ 0.74), affective pain (Pain Perception Scale; 0.24 ≤ d ≤ 0.47), depression (HADS; 0.38 ≤ d ≤ 0.53), and anxiety (HADS; 0.26 ≤ d ≤ 0.43) (allp<0.05). Sensory pain as assessed with the Pain Perception Scale did not show any significant change. Patients suffering from chronic pain benefited from the multimodal pain treatment up to twelve months after completion of the treatment.
BER Performance of Stratified ACO-OFDM for Optical Wireless Communications over Multipath Channel
Authors: Gebeyehu Zelalem Hailu , Langat Philip Kibet , Maina Ciira Wa
Published: April 2018

In intensity modulation/direct detection- (IM/DD-) based optical OFDM systems, the requirement of the input signal to be real and positive unipolar imposes a reduction of system performances. Among previously proposed unipolar optical OFDM schemes for optical wireless communications (OWC), asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM (ACO-OFDM) and direct current biased optical OFDM (DCO-OFDM) are the most accepted ones. But those proposed schemes experience either spectral efficiency loss or energy efficiency loss which is a big challenge to realize high speed OWC. To improve the spectral and energy efficiencies, we previously proposed a multistratum-based stratified asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM (STACO-OFDM), and its performance was analyzed for AWGN channel. STACO-OFDM utilizes even subcarriers on the first stratum and odd subcarriers on the rest of strata to transmit multiple ACO-OFDM frames simultaneously. STACO-OFDM provides equal spectral efficiency as DCO-OFDM and better spectral efficiency compared to ACO-OFDM. In this paper, we analyze the BER performance of STACO-OFDM under the effect of multipath fading. The theoretical bit error rate (BER) bound is derived and compared with the simulation results, and good agreement is achieved. Moreover, STACO-OFDM shows better BER performance compared to ACO-OFDM and DCO-OFDM.
Study on Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate Based on Titanium Oxide Nanorods Coated with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Cheng Xiulan , Yu Xufeng , Quan Xueling
Published: April 2018

A 3D surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on titanium oxide nanorods (TiOx-NRs) coated with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) was fabricated by a simple hydrothermal, no-template process. The nanostructure of TiOx-NRs influenced by the concentrations of hydrochloric (HCl) acid and sodium chloride (NaCl) was studied in detail. The substrate showed the strongest Raman enhancement, when the diameters of Au-NPs were around 40 nm and the gaps of Au-NPs were in the range of 5 nm to 10 nm. The surface electric field of our substrate was examined by finite-different time-domain (FDTD) solutions. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) was chosen as the probe molecule to study the SERS performance of the substrates. The Raman signal of 10−10 M R6G was detected clearly by the substrate with the enhancement factor of 2.64 × 108. All relative standard deviation (RSD) values of the major peaks for R6G were within the scope of 10.4% to 16.7%. The substrate could work efficiently even after immersed in water for one month.
A Rare Case of Lemierre-Like Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ibrahim Judy , Noureddin Muhammad Bassel , Lootah Ali , Al Khalidi Aisha , Ghatasheh Ghassan , Al Tatari Hossam
Published: April 2018

Lemierre’s syndrome (LS) is a serious rare complication of oropharyngeal infections. It is characterized by thrombosis of internal jugular vein that rapidly progresses into sepsis and is typically caused by anaerobes. Most of the reported cases have been linked to Fusobacterium necrophorum; however, there are a handful of reported cases due to aerobes. It is primarily the disease of healthy young adults and can present in school-aged children. The early recognition and treatment of this complication results in resolution of the illness; nevertheless, there have been some concerns about chronic venous insufficiency as a long-term complication. We report a case of a 6-year-old boy, who presented with fever and headache with a history of sore throat. His blood culture was positive for group A Streptococcus (GAS) and was subsequently found to have internal jugular vein, sigmoid, and transverse sinus vein thrombosis.
Functional Connectivity Changes in Behavioral, Semantic, and Nonfluent Variants of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Reyes P. , Ortega-Merchan M. P. , Rueda A. , Uriza F. , Santamaria-García Hernando , Rojas-Serrano N. , Rodriguez-Santos J. , Velasco-Leon M. C. , Rodriguez-Parra J. D. , Mora-Diaz D. E. , Matallana D.
Published: April 2018

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects behavior, language, and personality. This study aims to explore functional connectivity changes in three FTD variants: behavioral (bvFTD), semantic (svPPA), and nonfluent variant (nfvPPA). Seventy-six patients diagnosed with FTD by international criteria and thirty-two controls were investigated. Functional connectivity from resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was estimated for the whole brain. Two types of analysis were done: network basic statistic and topological measures by graph theory. Several hubs in the limbic system and basal ganglia were compromised in the behavioral variant apart from frontal networks. Nonfluent variants showed a major disconnection with respect to the behavioral variant in operculum and parietal inferior. The global efficiency had lower coefficients in nonfluent variants than behavioral variants and controls. Our results support an extensive disconnection among frontal, limbic, basal ganglia, and parietal hubs.
Applying a Nonspin-Flip Reaction Scheme to Explain for the Doublet Sulfide Oxides SMO2 Observed for the Reactions of SO2 with V(4F), Nb(6D), and Ta(4F)
Authors: Velásquez Carlos , Torres Ana E. , Seminario Jorge M. , Colmenares Fernando
Published: April 2018

Energy profiles linking the reactants M + SO2 (M = V(4F), Nb(6D;4F), and Ta(4F)) with the products observed for these reactions under matrix-isolation conditions, mainly the oxide complex OV(η2-SO) and the sulfide oxides SVO2, SNbO2, and STaO2, have been obtained from DFT and CASSCF-MRMP2 calculations. For each of these interactions, the radical fragments MO + SO can be reached from the lowest-lying quadruplet electronic states of the reactants. As the quadruplet and doublet radical asymptotes that vary only in the spin of the unpaired parallel electrons of the nonmetallic fragment are degenerated, a second reaction leading to the rebounding of the radical fragments can take place through both multiplicity channels. Reaction along the doublet pathway leads in each case to the most stable structure for the oxide SMO2. For the vanadium interaction, recombination of the radical species through the quadruplet channel explains for the oxide product OV(η2-SO).
Diagnosing Cervical Neoplasia in Rural Brazil Using a Mobile Van Equipped withIn VivoMicroscopy: A Cluster-Randomized Community Trial
Authors: Hunt Brady , Fregnani José Humberto Tavares Guerreiro , Schwarz Richard A. , Pantano Naitielle , Tesoni Suelen , Possati-Resende Júlio César , Antoniazzi Marcio , de Oliveira Fonseca Bruno , de Macêdo Matsushita Graziela , Scapulatempo-Neto Cristovam , Kerr Ligia , Castle Philip E. , Schmeler Kathleen , Richards-Kortum Rebecca
Published: April 2018

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in underserved areas of Brazil. This prospective randomized trial involved 200 women in southern/central Brazil with abnormal Papanicolaou tests. Participants were randomized by geographic cluster and referred for diagnostic evaluation either at a mobile van upon its scheduled visit to their local community, or at a central hospital. Participants in both arms underwent colposcopy, in vivo microscopy, and cervical biopsies. We compared rates of diagnostic follow-up completion between study arms, and also evaluated the diagnostic performance of in vivo microscopy compared with colposcopy. There was a 23% absolute and 37% relative increase in diagnostic follow-up completion rates for patients referred to the mobile van (102/117, 87%) compared with the central hospital (53/83, 64%; P = 0.0001; risk ratio = 1.37, 95% CI, 1.14–1.63). In 229 cervical sites in 144 patients, colposcopic examination identified sites diagnosed as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more severe (CIN2+; 85 sites) with a sensitivity of 94% (95% CI, 87%–98%) and specificity of 50% (95% CI, 42%–58%). In vivo microscopy with real-time automated image analysis identified CIN2+ with a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI, 84%–97%) and specificity of 48% (95% CI, 40%–56%). Women referred to the mobile van were more likely to complete their diagnostic follow-up compared with those referred to a central hospital, without compromise in clinical care. In vivo microscopy in a mobile van provides automated diagnostic imaging with sensitivity and specificity similar to colposcopy. Cancer Prev Res; 11(6); 359–70. ©2018 AACR.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae Adaptation to Innate Immune Clearance Mechanisms in the Lung
Authors: Riquelme Sebastian A. , Ahn Danielle , Prince Alice
Published: April 2018

Many different species of gram-negative bacteria are associated with infection in the lung, causing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis (CF), and ventilator-associated pneumonias. These airway pathogens must adapt to common host clearance mechanisms that include killing by antimicrobial peptides, antibiotics, oxidative stress, and phagocytosis by leukocytes. Bacterial adaptation to the host is often evident phenotypically, with increased extracellular polysaccharide production characteristic of some biofilm-associated organisms. Given the relatively limited repertoire of bacterial strategies to elude airway defenses, it seems likely that organisms sharing the same ecological niche might also share common strategies to persistently infect the lung. In this review, we will highlight some of the major factors responsible for the adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the lung, addressing how growth in biofilms enables persistent infection, relevant to, but not limited to, the pathogenesis of infection in CF. In contrast, we will discuss how carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae evade immune clearance, an organism often associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia and health-care-acquired pneumonias, but not a typical pathogen in CF.
MiR-19b-3p Regulates MAPK1 Expression in Embryonic Fibroblasts from the Great Tit (Parus Major) Under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Chen Xiumin , Qu Yanhua , Cheng Yalin , Wang Jing , Lei Xiaohua , Song Gang , Zhang Huishan , Wang Haitao , Lei Fumin
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Genomic adaptations to high altitudes have been well studied in the last several years; however, the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are essential modulators of a variety of genes and key cellular processes, have rarely been explored. Here, we explored the interactions between miRNAs and their target genes as an adaptation to high altitude in an avian species, the great tit (Parus major), which is widely distributed across the Eurasian continent at altitudes between 4500 m and sea level. Because the MAPK signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the hypoxia response in the great tit, we chose MAPK1 as a target candidate gene. Methods: We established a great tit embryonic fibroblast line and subsequently studied the relationship between miRNA-19b-3p and MAPK1 in normoxia and hypoxia groups. Meanwhile, the great tit embryonic fibroblasts (GEFs) were treated or transfected with miR-19b-3p mimics, inhibitors, or si-MAPK1, and their proliferation was subsequently assessed using the MTT assay. The expression of the miRNAs and MAPK1 was measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results: We identified 14 miRNAs in the cardiac tissues of great tits that are related to hypoxia adaptation. MAPK1 binds only to miR-19b-3p of the 14 miRNAs predicted by both TargetScan and miRanda software. Specifically, we validated the computational prediction of miR-19b-3p binding to the 3’UTR of MAPK1 using a luciferase reporter assay. Our results show that miR-19b-3p promotes GEFs proliferation and up-regulates MAPK1 expression. Moreover, miR-19b-3p mimics and MAPK1 knockdown induce GEFs apoptosis and regulate the cell cycle under hypoxic conditions. Conclusions: Our study is the first to describe an important miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism of high altitude adaptation in a non-model wild songbird and highlights the importance of studies on miRNA-mediated mechanisms of hypoxic adaptations in other animals.
Highly complex respiratory changes in calf
Authors: Souza Rodrigo Malzoni de , Batista Camila Freitas , Santos Kamila Reis , Gomes Renata Caminha , Bertagnon Heloisa Godoi , Libera Alice Maria Melville Paiva Della
Published: April 2018

The bronchopneumonia of calves represents a risk to national supply chain because it is an ecopathy and weakens the more intensive production systems. It is characterized by inflammatory changes in the bronchi, bronchioles, lung parenchyma, and pleura. It is a disease of multifactorial traits called Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). The association of infectious agents with host defense and management to which the animal is subjected leads to the emergence of major clinical manifestations of the disease. The clinical evolution of BRD can also have serious secondary changes such as pulmonary edema, sepsis, and pulmonary hypertension, or even be consequent to the involvement of other structures, such as in cases of myocarditis leading to congestive heart failure. Although this report refers to a non-experimental framework, the circumstances that caused the calf to be subjected to a protocol-specific respiratory assessment involving non-routine reviews has made it possible to associate circulatory and respiratory conditions, rarely considered in ruminant clinic. The focus of this report was pulmonary edema. Modern clinical vision requires of the veterinarian work with cost-benefit relation, so that the more accurate and the earlier the clinical diagnosis the less expensive the treatment.
Fatores associados à manutenção do uso da internet, estudo longitudinal EpiFloripa Idoso
Authors: Krug Rodrigo de Rosso , Xavier André Junqueira , D’Orsi Eleonora
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Descrever o uso de internet e identificar os fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde associados a mudanças no uso de internet ao longo de quatro anos em idosos participantes do estudo EpiFloripa Idoso. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal de base populacional e domiciliar com 1.197 idosos residentes na área urbana de Florianópolis, SC. Aplicou-se entrevista face a face. A descrição do uso de internet foi realizada segundo a frequêcia, o local, os aparelhos e os motivos de uso da internet. Para identificar os fatores associados a mudanças no uso de internet, o desfecho foi categorizado em: manteve o não uso de internet; passou a não usar internet; passou a usar internet; e manteve o uso de internet. As variáveis independentes foram sexo, idade, renda familiar, escolaridade, arranjo familiar, status conjugal, presença de cuidador, trabalho remunerado e rastreamento de déficit cognitivo. Utilizou-se regressão multinomial logística com estimativas de razão risco relativo (RRR) e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança (IC95%). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de uso de internet aumentou de 22,9% em 2009–2010 para 26,6% em 2013–2014. Do total de idosos participantes do estudo, 7,5% passaram a usar internet, 3,2% deixaram de usar, 19,1% mantiveram o uso e 70,2% mantiveram o não uso no período analisado. Dos idosos que usavam internet, a maioria usava todos os dias ou quase todos os dias da semana, em sua própria casa, em computadores de mesa ou portáteis, com o principal objetivo de enviar e receber mensagens, buscar informações para aprender ou investigar alguma coisa, encontrar informações sobre bens e serviços e usar sites de notícias, de redes sociais e de informações sobre saúde. Os fatores associados à manutenção, ao longo de quatro anos, do uso da internet foram: ser do sexo masculino (RRR = 2,19; IC95% 1,48–3,26), ter maior renda salarial mensal familiar (RRR = 3,53; IC95% 1,35–9,23), ter maior escolaridade (RRR = 2,64; IC95% 1,57–4,43) e não ter cuidador (RRR = 0,08; IC95% 0,02–0,31). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de o uso da internet estar aumentando entre os idosos, a maior parte dessa população ainda é digitalmente excluída, especialmente as mulheres de menor renda e escolaridade. Estratégias que promovam a inclusão digital de idosos devem ser estimuladas visando à universalização do uso de internet e devem levar em consideração as desigualdades socioeconômicas e de gênero.