bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Solution of Some Class of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations Using Wavelet-Based Full Approximation Scheme
Authors: Shiralashetti S. C. , Angadi L. M. , Deshi A. B.
Published: February 2019

In the last decades, wavelets have become a dominant tool for having applications in almost all the areas of engineering and science such as numerical simulation of partial differential equations (PDEs). The performance of the conventional numerical methods has been found to involve some difficulty to observe fast convergence in low computational time. To overcome this difficulty, we presented wavelet-based full approximation scheme (WFAS) for the numerical solution of some class of nonlinear PDEs using Daubechies wavelet intergrid operators. The numerical results obtained by this scheme are compared with the exact solution to reveal the accuracy and also speed up convergence in lesser computational time as compared with the existing schemes. Some test problems are presented to show the applicability and attractiveness of WFAS.
Isolation and Characterization of Nanofibrillar Cellulose from Agave tequilana Weber Bagasse
Authors: Palacios Hinestroza Hasbleidy , Hernández Diaz Javier A. , Esquivel Alfaro Marianelly , Toriz Guillermo , Rojas Orlando J. , Sulbarán-Rangel Belkis C.
Published: February 2019

The bagasse of Agave tequilana Weber is one of the most abundant agroindustrial wastes in the state of Jalisco. However, at the present time, there is no technical use for this waste, and its high availability makes it an environmental problem. The objective of this research was to take advantage of this waste and give it an added value to be used in the elaboration of advanced materials. In this sense, the agave bagasse cellulose was obtained using an organosolv method. To obtain the nanofibrils, the cellulose was passed through 6 cycles of a microfluidizer. The material was classified by FTIR, confirming the presence of the functional groups (O-H, C-H, C-C, and C-O-C), characteristics of cellulose, and the elimination of hemicellulose and lignin present in agave bagasse without treatment. The X-ray diffraction technique allowed the determination of the degree of crystallinity of the cellulose nanofibers, which was 68.5%, with a negative zeta potential of −42 mV. The images from the atomic force microscopy helped for the observation of the degree of fibrillation in the cellulose, and with the software ImageJ, the average diameter of the nanofibers was determined to be 75 ± 5 nm with a relatively uniform length of 1.0–1.2 μm. Finally, by means of thermogravimetric analysis, it was found that the obtained cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) supported high temperatures of thermal decomposition, so it was concluded that due to the diameter of the fibrils, the high resistance to pressure, and elasticity, the nanofibrils obtained in this investigation can be used in the elaboration of advanced materials.
A Multiquark Approach to Excited Hadrons and Regge Trajectories
Authors: Afonin S. S.
Published: February 2019

We propose a novel approach to construction of hadron spectroscopy. The case of light nonstrange mesons is considered. By assumption, all such mesons above 1 GeV appear due to creation of constituent quark-antiquark pairs inside π or ρ(ω) mesons. These spin-singlet or triplet pairs dictate the quantum numbers of formed resonance. The resulting classification of light mesons turns out to be in a better agreement with the experimental observations than the standard quark model classification. It is argued that the total energy of quark components should be proportional to the hadron mass squared rather than the linear mass. As a byproduct a certain relation expressing the constituent quark mass via the gluon and quark condensate is put forward. We show that our approach leads to an effective mass counting scheme for meson spectrum and results in the linear Regge and radial Regge trajectories by construction. An experimental observation of these trajectories might thus serve as evidence not for string but for multiquark structure of highly excited hadrons.
Optimal System and Group Invariant Solutions of the Whitham-Broer-Kaup System
Authors: Hu Xiaorui , Jin Yongyang , Zhou Kai
Published: February 2019

From the nonlocal symmetries of the Whitham-Broer-Kaup system, an eight-dimensional Lie algebra is found and the corresponding one-dimensional optimal system is constructed to provide an inequivalent classification. Six types of inequivalent group invariant solutions are demonstrated, some of which reflect the interactions between soliton and other nonlinear waves.
A Fault Diagnosis Model for Rotating Machinery Using VWC and MSFLA‐SVM Based on Vibration Signal Analysis
Authors: You Lei , Fan Wenjie , Li Zongwen , Liang Ying , Fang Miao , Wang Jin
Published: February 2019

Fault diagnosis of rotating machinery mainly includes fault feature extraction and fault classification. Vibration signal from the operation of machinery usually could help diagnosing the operational state of equipment. Different types of fault usually have different vibrational features, which are actually the basis of fault diagnosis. This paper proposes a novel fault diagnosis model, which extracts features by combining vibration severity, dyadic wavelet energy time‐spectrum, and coefficient power spectrum of the maximum wavelet energy level (VWC) at the feature extraction stage. At the stage of fault classification, we design a support vector machine (SVM) based on the modified shuffled frog‐leaping algorithm (MSFLA) for the accurate classifying machinery fault method. Specifically, we use the MSFLA method to optimize SVM parameters. MSFLA can avoid getting trapped into local optimum, speeding up convergence, and improving classification accuracy. Finally, we evaluate our model on real rotating machinery platform, which has four different states, i.e., normal state, eccentric axle fault (EAF), bearing pedestal fault (BPF), and sealing ring wear fault (SRWF). As demonstrated by the results, the VWC method is efficient in extracting vibration signal features of rotating machinery. Based on the extracted features, we further compare our classification method with other three fault classification methods, i.e., backpropagation neural network (BPNN), artificial chemical reaction optimization algorithm (ACROA‐SVM), and SFLA‐SVM. The experiment results show that MSFLA‐SVM achieves a much higher fault classification rate than BPNN, ACROA‐SVM, and SFLA‐SVM.
Reproductive-Age Women’s Knowledge and Care Seeking for Malaria Prevention and Control in Ghana: Analysis of the 2016 Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Ayanore Martin Amogre , Tetteh John , Ameko Asiwome , Axame Wisdom Kudzo , Alhassan Robert Kaba , Adoliba Ayanore Augustine , Mogre Victor , Owusu-Agyei Seth
Published: February 2019

Introduction. Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, requiring individual and environmental level controls to prevent its adverse morbidity effects. This study examined reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria prevention and control in Ghana. Methods. The 2016 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey data for reproductive-age women was analysed (n=5,150). Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria. Results. 62.3%, 81.3%, and 64.6% knowledge levels on causes, signs/symptoms, and prevention of malaria were found, respectively, among respondents. Age, wealth and educational status, religion, region, and place of residence (rural) were found to significantly influence respondents’ knowledge of causes, signs/symptoms, and care-seeking practices for malaria. A 15% differential among Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) awareness and use was found. Increasing age (≥35 years) was associated with increasing knowledge of malaria. Regional variations were observed to significantly influence knowledge of malaria treatment. Conclusion. Though ownership of ITNs and knowledge of malaria prevention were high, it did not necessarily translate into use of ITNs. Thus, there is a need to intensify education on the importance and the role of ITNs use in the prevention of malaria.
Hybrid Genetic Grey Wolf Algorithm for Large‐Scale Global Optimization
Authors: Gu Qinghua , Li Xuexian , Jiang Song
Published: February 2019

Most real‐world optimization problems tackle a large number of decision variables, known as Large‐Scale Global Optimization (LSGO) problems. In general, the metaheuristic algorithms for solving such problems often suffer from the “curse of dimensionality.” In order to improve the disadvantage of Grey Wolf Optimizer when solving the LSGO problems, three genetic operators are embedded into the standard GWO and a Hybrid Genetic Grey Wolf Algorithm (HGGWA) is proposed. Firstly, the whole population using Opposition‐Based Learning strategy is initialized. Secondly, the selection operation is performed by combining elite reservation strategy. Then, the whole population is divided into several subpopulations for cross‐operation based on dimensionality reduction and population partition in order to increase the diversity of the population. Finally, the elite individuals in the population are mutated to prevent the algorithm from falling into local optimum. The performance of HGGWA is verified by ten benchmark functions, and the optimization results are compared with WOA, SSA, and ALO. On CEC’2008 LSGO problems, the performance of HGGWA is compared against several state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, CCPSO2, DEwSAcc, MLCC, and EPUS‐PSO. Simulation results show that the HGGWA has been greatly improved in convergence accuracy, which proves the effectiveness of HGGWA in solving LSGO problems.
Evaluation of Smart Portable Device for Food Diagnostics: A Preliminary Study on Cape Hake Fillets (M. capensis and M. paradoxus)
Authors: Castrica Marta , Panseri Sara , Siletti Elena , Borgonovo Federica , Chiesa Luca , Balzaretti Claudia M.
Published: February 2019

The new smartphone-based food diagnostic technologies offer significant advantages over traditional methods as they can be easily applied in various steps of the agrifood supply chain including household use and also in the food recovery field for charitable purposes, aimed at helping to reduce food waste. Further advantages include the low cost, the minimal equipment, and nonspecialized personnel required. This study evaluated the performance of two instrumental measurements of the sensors: an electronic nose (PEN3; WinMuster Airsense Analytics) and a smart portable device (FOODsniffer; ARS LAB US). The preliminary study was conducted on cape hake fillets. In order to test the performance of PEN3 and FOODsniffer, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values were considered as the reference. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation were performed in order to compare PEN3 with TVB-N, and for the FOODsniffer evaluation, a one-way ANOVA was carried out. A significant correlation was shown between PEN3, first component, and TVB-N (r = 0.92, P=0.01). The ANOVA results also confirmed a good agreement between FOODsniffer, TVB-N (F = 519.9, P=0.01), and PEN3 (F = 143.17, P=0.01). Our simulation results confirmed good performance in both methods.
Multiple Slip Effects on MHD Unsteady Flow Heat and Mass Transfer Impinging on Permeable Stretching Sheet with Radiation
Authors: Mabood Fazle , Shateyi Stanford
Published: February 2019

This paper reports multiple slip effects on MHD unsteady flow heat and mass transfer over a stretching sheet with Soret effect; suction/injection and thermal radiation are numerically analyzed. We consider a time-dependent applied magnetic field and stretching sheet which moves with nonuniform velocity. Suitable similarity variables are used to transform governing partial differential equations into a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The transformed equations are then solved numerically by applying an implicit finite difference method with quasi-linearization technique. The influences of the various parameters on the velocity temperature and concentration profiles as well as on the skin friction coefficient and Sherwood and Nusselt numbers are discussed by the aid of graphs and tables.
Shoulder Joint Infections with Negative Culture Results: Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Abdou Mohamed Attia , Jo Ahreum , Choi Ik-Sun , Iim Chae-Jin , Park Hyeng-Kyu , Oh Hee-Kyun , Kim Sung-Min , Kim Myung-Sun
Published: February 2019

Background. The incidence of septic arthritis of the shoulder joint is increasing as the population ages. The prevalence of shoulder infection is also increasing because of the growing use of arthroscopy and expansion of procedures in the shoulder. However, cultures do not always identify all microorganisms, even in symptomatic patients. The incidence of negative cultures ranges from 0% to 25%. Few studies have reported clinical features and treatment outcomes of culture-negative shoulder infections. This cohort study addresses culture-negative shoulder joint infections in nonarthroplasty patients. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with culture-negative results to those with culture-positive results. Our hypothesis was that culture-negative infections would have more favorable outcomes than culture-positive infections.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed data of 36 patients (17 culture-negative and 19 culture-positive) with shoulder infections between June 2004 and March 2015. The minimum follow-up duration was 1.2 years (mean, 5 ± 3.8 years; range, 1.2-11 years). We assessed preoperative demographic data and characteristics, laboratory markers, imaging and functional scores, intraoperative findings, and postoperative findings of both groups.Results. Culture-negative patients (17/36, 47.2%) had a significantly lower occurrence of repeated surgical debridement (culture-negative vs. culture-positive: 1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7,p= 0.002) without osteomyelitis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the presence of osteomyelitis [odds ratio (OR) = 9.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-91.8,p=0.04)] and the number of surgical debridements (OR = 5.3, 95% CI: 1.3-21.6,p=0.02) were significantly associated with culture-positive infections.Conclusions. Culture-negative infections without osteomyelitis are less severe than culture-positive infections. Culture-negative infections can be controlled more easily and are not necessarily a negative prognostic factor for shoulder joint infections.
HMGB1 as a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Wang Yanbin , Jiang Zhaoqiang , Yan Jianing , Ying Shibo
Published: February 2019

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare, aggressive, and highly lethal cancer that is substantially induced by exposure to asbestos fibers. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an intriguing proinflammatory molecule involved in MM. In this review, we describe the possible crucial roles of HMGB1 in carcinogenic mechanisms based on in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence and outline the clinical findings of epidemiological investigations regarding the possible roles of HMGB1 as a biomarker for MM. We conclude that novel strategies targeting HMGB1 may suppress MM cells and interfere with asbestos-induced inflammation.
Clinical Classification of Bone Augmentation Procedure Failures in the Atrophic Anterior Maxillae: Esthetic Consequences and Treatment Options
Authors: Checchi Vittorio , Gasparro Roberta , Pistilli Roberto , Canullo Luigi , Felice Pietro
Published: February 2019

Although the number of complications and failures in bone augmentation procedures is still relatively high, these problems remain poorly documented. Moreover, the literature concerning reconstructive techniques and the treatment of their complications in the anterior areas rarely considers the final esthetic result. The aim of this paper is to propose a new classification of bone augmentation complications in the esthetic area, providing treatment guidelines useful for the management of these cases. Failures of bony regeneration procedures can be mainly divided into partial failures and complete failures. A partial failure can be solved with a corrective surgical intervention: this second surgery can have success or may not be able to provide the desired esthetic result. When the bone reconstructive procedure fails totally, a complete failure occurs and the whole procedure has to be repeated. This new intervention can have success but also this new reconstructive surgery can fail in the same way as the first, causing important damage and a compromise solution that will hardly be acceptable from an esthetic point of view. Bone augmentation techniques are not completely predictable and are not always able to guarantee the expected result, especially in the atrophic anterior maxilla. Complications and failures can often occur and this possibility must always be clearly explained to those patients with high esthetic demands and expectations.
A Systematic Review of Potential Therapeutic Use of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides in Disease
Authors: Kwok Sum Sum , Bu Yashan , Lo Amy Cheuk-Yin , Chan Tommy Chung-Yan , So Kwok Fai , Lai Jimmy Shiu-Ming , Shih Kendrick Co
Published: February 2019

Objective. To evaluate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases of different etiologies and systems. Methods. We performed an Entrez PubMed literature search using keywords “lycium”, “barbarum”, “polysaccharides”, “anti-fibrotic”, “anti-apoptotic”, “anti-oxidizing”, “anti-aging”, “neuroprotection”, “metabolism”, “diabetes”, “hyperlipidemia”, “neuroprotection”, and “immunomodulation” on the 14th of August 2018, resulting in 207 papers, of which 20 were chosen after filtering for ‘English language’ and ‘published within 10 years’ as well as curation for relevance by the authors. Results. The 20 selected papers included 2 randomized control trials (1 double-blinded RCT and 1 double-blinded placebo-controlled RCT), 11 in vivo studies, 5 in vitro studies, 1 study with both in vivo and in vitro results, and 1 chemical study. There is good evidence from existing studies on the antifibrotic, antioxidizing, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. However, there is a need for further studies in the form of large-scale clinical trials to support its use in humans. There is also significant potential for LBP as a safe and effective topical treatment in ocular surface diseases, owing to promising in vitro results and a lack of demonstrated toxic effects to corneal epithelial cells. Conclusion. Results from existing studies suggest that LBP is a promising therapeutic agent, particularly in the management of liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. One major limitation of current research is a lack of standardization and quality control for the LBP used. The availability of research-grade LBP will inevitably promote future research in this field worldwide.
Electronic Transport in the V-Shaped Edge Distorted Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons with Substitutional Doping
Authors: Tien Nguyen Thanh , Ut Nguyen Van , Hoc Bui Thai , Ngoc Thao Tran Thi , Khanh Nguyen Duy
Published: February 2019

Density-functional theory (DFT) in combination with the nonequilibrium Green’s function formalism is used to study the effect of substitutional doping on the electronic transport properties of V-shaped edge distorted zigzag graphene nanoribbons (DZGNRs), in which DZGNRs with the various widths of four-, six-, and eight-zigzag chains are passivated by H atoms. In this work, Si atoms are used to substitute carbon atoms located at the center of the samples. Our calculated results have determined that Si can change the material type by the number of dopants. We found that the transmission spectrum strongly depends on the various widths. The width of eight-zigzag chains exhibits the largest transmission among four- and six-zigzag chains, and the single Si substitution presents larger transmission than the double case. The obtained results are explained in terms of electron localization in the system due to the presence of distortion at edge and impurities. The relationships between the transmission spectrum, the device density of states, and the I-V curves indicate that DZGNRs are the highly potential material for electronic nanodevices.
A Continuous Approximation Approach Based on Regular Hexagon Partition for the Facility Location Problem under Disruptions Risk
Authors: Wang Jiguang , Wu Yucai
Published: February 2019

Today’s business environment is complex, dynamic, and uncertain which makes a supply chain facility increasingly vulnerable to disruption from various risk accidents as one of the main threats to the whole supply chain’s operation. However, in general, most of the studies on facility location problems assume that the facilities, once built, will always run availably and reliably. In fact, although the probability is very low, supply chain disruptions often incur disastrous consequences. Therefore, it is critical to account for disruptions during designing supply chain networks. To accomplish planned outcomes and greater supply chain resiliency, this article proposes a continuous approximation approach based on regular hexagon partition to address the reliable facility location problems with consideration of facility disruptions risk. The optimization goal is to determine the best facility location that minimizes the expected total system cost on the premise that the supply chain network is not disrupted as a whole when one or some facilities are subject to probabilistic failure. Our numerical experiment discusses the performance of the proposed solution approaches which demonstrates that the benefits of considering disruptions in the supply chain design can be significant. In addition, considering the impact of disruption probability estimation error on the optimal decision, the misestimating of the disruption probability is also investigated in this paper.
Isolated Silymarin Flavonoids Increase Systemic and Hepatic Bilirubin Concentrations and Lower Lipoperoxidation in Mice
Authors: Šuk Jakub , Jašprová Jana , Biedermann David , Petrásková Lucie , Valentová Kateřina , Křen Vladimír , Muchová Lucie , Vítek Libor
Published: February 2019

Bilirubin is considered to be one of the most potent endogenous antioxidants in humans. Its serum concentrations are predominantly affected by the activity of hepatic bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1). Our objective was to analyze the potential bilirubin-modulating effects of natural polyphenols from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a hepatoprotective herb. Human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells were exposed to major polyphenolic compounds isolated from milk thistle. Based on in vitro studies, 2,3-dehydrosilybins A and B were selected as the most efficient compounds and applied either intraperitoneally or orally for seven days to C57BL/6 mice. After, UGT1A1 mRNA expression, serum, intrahepatic bilirubin concentrations, and lipoperoxidation in the liver tissue were analyzed. All natural polyphenols used increased intracellular concentration of bilirubin in HepG2 cells to a similar extent as atazanavir, a known bilirubinemia-enhancing agent. Intraperitoneal application of 2,3-dehydrosilybins A and B (the most efficient flavonoids from in vitro studies) to mice (50 mg/kg) led to a significant downregulation of UGT1A1 mRNA expression (46±3% of controls, p<0.005) in the liver and also to a significant increase of the intracellular bilirubin concentration (0.98±0.03vs.1.21±0.02 nmol/mg, p<0.05). Simultaneously, a significant decrease of lipoperoxidation (61±2% of controls, p<0.005) was detected in the liver tissue of treated animals, and similar results were also observed after oral treatment. Importantly, both application routes also led to a significant elevation of serum bilirubin concentrations (125±3% and 160±22% of the controls after intraperitoneal and oral administration, respectively, p<0.005 in both cases). In conclusion, polyphenolic compounds contained in silymarin, in particular 2,3-dehydrosilybins A and B, affect hepatic and serum bilirubin concentrations, as well as lipoperoxidation in the liver. This phenomenon might contribute to the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin.
Presence of Circulating miR-145, miR-155, and miR-382 in Exosomes Isolated from Serum of Breast Cancer Patients and Healthy Donors
Authors: Gonzalez-Villasana Vianey , Rashed Mohammed H. , Gonzalez-Cantú Yessica , Bayraktar Recep , Menchaca-Arredondo Jorge Luis , Vazquez-Guillen Jose Manuel , Rodriguez-Padilla Cristina , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Resendez-Perez Diana
Published: February 2019

miR-145, miR-155, and miR-382 have been proposed as noninvasive biomarkers to distinguish breast cancer patients from healthy individuals. However, it is unknown if these three miRNAs are secreted by exosomes. Thus, we hypothesized that miR-145, miR-155, and miR-382 in breast cancer patients are present in exosomes. We isolated exosomes from serum of breast cancer patients and healthy donors, then we characterized them according to their shape, size, and exosome markers by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blot and determined the exosome concentration in all samples by NTA. Later, exosomal small RNA extraction was done to determine the expression levels of miR-145, miR-155, and miR-382 by qRT-PCR. We observed a round shape of exosomes with a mean size of 119.84 nm in breast cancer patients and 115.4 nm in healthy donors. All exosomes present the proteins CD63, Alix, Tsg, CD9, and CD81 commonly used as markers. Moreover, we found a significantly high concentration of exosomes in breast cancer patients with stages I, III, and IV compared to healthy donors. We detected miR-145, miR-155, and miR-382 in the exosomes isolated from serum of breast cancer patients and healthy donors. Our results show that the exosomes isolated from the serum of breast cancer patients and healthy donors contains miR-145, miR-155, and miR-382 but not in a selective manner in breast cancer patients. Moreover, our data support the association between exosome concentration and the presence of breast cancer, opening the possibility to study how miRNAs packaged into exosomes play a role in BC progression.
Melatonin Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Cultured Mouse Mammary Tissue
Authors: Yu Guang-Min , Tan Wen
Published: February 2019

To determine whether melatonin can protect cultured mouse mammary tissue from lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced damage, we investigated the effects of melatonin on the mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in LPS-stimulated mammary tissuein vitro. This study also examined the IgG level in both cultured mammary tissue and the culture medium. In addition, we investigated the potential benefits of melatonin on the expression of antioxidant relative genes following LPS treatment in cultured mammary tissue and evaluated ROS level in the culture medium. The results demonstrate that melatonin inhibited the mRNA expression ofTNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,CXCL1,MCP-1, andRANTESand the production of these cytokines and chemokines and IgG in LPS-stimulated mouse mammary tissuein vitro. In addition, melatonin increasedNrf2but decreasediNOSandCOX-2mRNA expression after LPS stimulation. Similarly, the decreased level of dityrosine in the culture medium was increased by treatment with melatonin, while increased nitrite level was suppressed. This study confirms that melatonin inhibited LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in cultured mouse mammary tissue. It might contribute to mastitis therapy while treating antibiotic resistance.
On (p,q)-Analogue of Gamma Operators
Authors: Cheng Wen-Tao , Zhang Wen-Hui
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a kind of new analogue of Gamma type operators based on (p,q)-integers is introduced. The Voronovskaja type asymptotic formula of these operators is investigated. And some other results of these operators are studied by means of modulus of continuity and Peetre K-functional. Finally, some direct theorems concerned with the rate of convergence and the weighted approximation for these operators are also obtained.
Health Benefits of Polyphenols and Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Diseases
Authors: Bungau Simona , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Tit Delia Mirela , Ghanem Esraa , Sato Shimpei , Maruyama-Inoue Maiko , Yamane Shin , Kadonosono Kazuaki
Published: February 2019

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a critical role in the initiation and progression of age-related ocular abnormalities as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Therefore, phytochemicals with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, could be of benefit in these diseases. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases for original studies investigating the benefits of different carotenoids and polyphenols in age-related ophthalmic diseases. Our results showed that several polyphenols (such as anthocyanins, Ginkgo biloba, quercetin, and resveratrol) and carotenoids (such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and mezoxanthin) have shown significant preventive and therapeutic benefits against the aforementioned conditions. The involved mechanisms in these findings include mitigating the production of reactive oxygen species, inhibiting the tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways, suppressing p53-dependent apoptosis, and suppressing the production of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin- (IL-) 8, IL-6, IL-1a, and endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1. Consumption of products containing these phytochemicals may be protective against these diseases; however, adequate human data are lacking. This review discusses the role and mechanisms of polyphenols and carotenoids and their possible synergistic effects on the prevention and treatment of age-related eye diseases that are induced or augmented by oxidative stress and inflammation.
Time Evolution of Underwater Sensor Networks Coverage and Connectivity Using Physically Based Mobility Model
Authors: Bouabdallah Fatma
Published: February 2019

Underwater mobile acoustic sensor networks (UW-ASNs) require the design of new networking protocols due to fundamental differences with terrestrial wireless sensor networks. The performance of these protocols is highly impacted by the mobility of sensors, especially when they are freely floating. In such mobile UW-ASNs, nodes move with the water currents but are constrained by the gravitational weight of the sensor along with the water resistance and the buoyant force. A realistic mobility model that can reflect the physical movement of randomly scattered and freely floating sensor nodes under ocean currents provides clearer understanding of the communication challenges and hence helps conceiving efficient communication protocols. In this paper, we first propose an exhaustive physically inspired mobility model which meticulously captures the dynamics of underwater environments. We, then, study the resulting time evolution of network coverage and connectivity. Our objective is to provide the underwater network research community with a realistic mobility model that could be exploited in conceiving networking communication protocols such as routing, localization, and medium access. Namely, we show that the network mobility effect on coverage and connectivity is more significant in intermediately dense UW-ASNs. Less effect is recorded on the coverage and connectivity for low- and high-density UW-ASNs.
Low-Dose Apatinib Optimizes Tumor Microenvironment and Potentiates Antitumor Effect of PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade in Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Sha , Ren Shengxiang , Jiang Tao , Zhu Bo , Li Xuefei , Zhao Chao , Jia Yijun , Shi Jinpeng , Zhang Limin , Liu Xiaozhen , Qiao Meng , Chen Xiaoxia , Su Chunxia , Yu Hui , Zhou Caicun , Zhang Jun , Camidge D. Ross , Hirsch Fred R.
Published: February 2019

The lack of response to treatment in most lung cancer patients suggests the value of broadening the benefit of anti–PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Judicious dosing of antiangiogenic agents such as apatinib (VEGFR2-TKI) can modulate the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, which contributes to resistance to anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. We therefore hypothesized that inhibiting angiogenesis could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Here, using a syngeneic lung cancer mouse model, we demonstrated that low-dose apatinib alleviated hypoxia, increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells, reduced recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor and decreased TGFβ amounts in both tumor and serum. Combining low-dose apatinib with anti–PD-L1 significantly retarded tumor growth, reduced the number of metastases, and prolonged survival in mouse models. Anticancer activity was evident after coadministration of low-dose apatinib and anti–PD-1 in a small cohort of patients with pretreated advanced non–small cell lung cancer. Overall, our work shows the rationale for the treatment of lung cancer with a combination of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and low-dose apatinib.
Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: Is There a Real Advantage? The Baltic View
Authors: Mikalauskas Saulius , Uselis Simonas , Jurkeviciutė Digne , Poskus Tomas , Poskus Eligijus , Strupas Kestutis
Published: February 2019

Background: The novel surgical procedure transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has rapidly become an interest of research in order to overcome the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer. taTME is a new natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery modality combining three rectal surgery techniques. Methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted in a single centre for a period of 3 years, and herein we report on our first 25 taTME procedures in patients with middle and lower third rectal adenocarcinoma. Results: The main demographics were evaluated. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 12 years. There were predominantly males (72%) and 7 female patients (28%) with an average body mass index of 29 ± 4.8 kg/m2. High blood pressure, obesity, chronic heart insufficiency, chronic atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus were commonly diagnosed in all patients. A circumferential resection margin >1 mm was achieved in 16% (n = 4), >2 mm in 40% (n = 10), and >3 mm in 44% (n = 11) of operated patients. The average CRM was 1.8 ± 0.9 cm. In 24% of cases, the distance of a tumour from the mesorectal fascia (MRF) was <1 mm; meanwhile, for 76% of patients, the tumour margin was >1 mm from the MRF. Recovery to flatus was 3 ± 1 days. The average length of hospital stay was 11 ± 3 days. The overall postoperative morbidity was 8%, i.e. one (4%) complication classified as Clavien-Dindo degree I and one (4%) major (IIIb) complication. Subsequently, all patients successfully recovered and were discharged from hospital. During the follow-up period no cancer recurrence was observed. Conclusion: Our results nicely demonstrate that taTME can be safely performed with acceptable perioperative complications in patients with middle or lower third rectal cancer. In addition, the perioperative morbidity is also acceptable. However, taTME remains a technically highly demanding operation but is feasible and safe after the appropriate experience is gained. Nevertheless, larger multi-centre prospective randomised studies are ongoing to confirm the safety and to verify oncological results when compared to laparoscopic rectal surgery.
Soft Tissue Cancer Management: Isolated Limb Infusion for Sarcoma
Authors: Teras Jyri , Mägi Andrus , Teras Marina , Pata Pille , Teras Roland M. , Randhawa Neena , Kalling Kristjan
Published: February 2019

Background: Sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies comprising almost 80 subtypes of bone and soft tissue cancers. Previously, all subtypes were managed identically. Advancements in biological and genetic studies have revealed that sarcoma subtypes display varying characteristics and therefore require tailored treatments. Locally advanced soft tissue malignancies of both the trunk and the extremities can present significant challenges for treatment. At present, a negative surgical resection margin is the only definitive treatment despite attempts to use neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies. In patients with locally advanced non-resectable soft tissue sarcoma (STS), the current practice would advocate amputation. However, studies suggest that limb salvage may be possible with radiotherapy or regional chemotherapy using isolated limb perfusion or isolated limb infusion (ILI). An ideal treatment modality for non-resectable STS would strive for preservation of anatomy and functionality as well as improve quality of life. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of isolated limb infusion as an alternative treatment modality for non-resectable locally advanced STS. Methods: The efficacy of ILI was retrospectively investigated in 10 patients with STS. All patients received ILI with melphalan and actinomycin at the North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation, Tallinn, Estonia from September 1, 2014 to May 31, 2018. The procedures were performed in a lower extremity in 8 patients and in an upper extremity in 2 patients. The 6-month overall response rate was 78% and the overall limb salvage rate was 100%. The distant metastatis-free survival was longer for responders than for non-responders. Results and Conclusions: ILI is an alternative treatment modality for regional disease control and limb preservation in patients with cutaneous and soft tissue malignant neoplasms of the extremities. The short-term response rates are encouraging and the median overall survival shows good results in this highly complex patient population.
What Does the Pipeline Promise about Upcoming Biosimilar Antibodies in Oncology?
Authors: Busse Antonia , Lüftner Diana
Published: February 2019

The introduction of biosimilars of biological agents for which the patents and exclusivity periods have expired is an attractive way of reducing healthcare spending through price competition with the reference product. In oncology, biosimilars of growth factors for supportive therapy were the pioneers; now, monoclonal antibody biosimilars are conquering the market. In Europe, this is currently limited to biosimilars of the monoclonal antibodies trastuzumab and rituximab. However, the pipeline is full and several monoclonal antibody biosimilars in oncology are now in late-stage development. We are expecting not only more biosimilar versions of the top 3 blockbuster monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab, rituximab and bevacizumab, to enter the market; as patent expiration of multiple other cancer biologicals will occur in the next few years, the biosimilar landscape will become much more diversified. Several biosimilars of monoclonal antibodies used in targeted therapy such as cetuximab, pertuzumab, or denosumab are in early development.
Progression after Immunotherapy for Fibrolamellar Carcinoma
Authors: Bauer Ulrike , Mogler Carolin , Braren Rickmer F. , Algül Hana , Schmid Roland M. , Ehmer Ursula
Published: February 2019

Background: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare malignancy of the liver that differs from typical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in several aspects such as the absence of underlying liver disease and occurrence in younger patients. Even though the survival rates in FLC are slightly better than in typical HCC, the prognosis of metastatic FLC remains deleterious. Several reports suggest that systemic chemotherapy regimens can successfully be used to halt disease progression in FLC, while targeted tumor therapy with sorafenib seems to be of limited efficiency. However, results from controlled clinical trials investigating systemic therapies in FLC are virtually nonexistent. Therefore, the choice of treatment often relies on case series with limited numbers of patients. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging cancer therapy in several solid malignancies including HCC. Currently, there do not exist any reports on the use of checkpoint inhibitors in FLC. Case Report: Here, we describe a case of advanced FLC in a young man receiving immunotherapy, who progressed after 3 months of treatment – similar to 2 other patients with advanced FLC at our hospital. Conclusion: While immunotherapy seems to be a promising treatment with limited side effects in several other tumor entities, there is currently no data supporting tumor response in FLC.
Aproximación etnográfica del hábitat yhabitus auto-representados en las realizaciones audiovisuales de los productores informales en la ciudad de Santo Domingo de los Colorados (Ecuador)
Authors: Henriquez Mendoza Eduardo Fabio
Published: February 2019

La presente es una aproximación etnográfica que hace uso de las herramientas de la antropología audiovisual para acceder a las percepciones del hábitat y habitus auto-representados en las realizaciones audiovisuales (películas en formato DVD) de los productores informales en la ciudad de Santo Domingo de los Colorados (Ecuador). A través de las herramientas de la etnografía audiovisual se analizan aspectos de la cultura material, condición económica y parte de sus trayectorias biográficas y profesionales. Este acercamiento ayuda a deducir cómo se representa su percepción de la realidad y cómo estos aspectos influyen directamente en la preproducción, producción y postproducción de sus trabajos. Con estos interrogantes se abordaron también los procesos de realización en cuanto a temáticas, estilos, escenarios y distribución comercial. Teniendo en cuenta el concepto “bricoleur” en cuanto a su actuación espontánea, las escenas improvisadas, y el aprovechamiento de espacios y tiempos.
Aspectos ético-metodológicos do fazer etnográfico a partir do convívio com usuários de crack
Authors: Alves Ygor Diego Delgado , Pereira Pedro Paulo Gomes
Published: February 2019

A etnografia em ambientes onde ocorrem práticas ilícitas, certamente nos impõem questões ético-metodológicas da maior relevância. Conviver com as pessoas, nestes casos, envolve riscos específicos, tanto ao pesquisador quanto a seus interlocutores. Incorrer em atos ilegais pode se revelar uma contingência para se permanecer no campo, onde as barreiras legais se somam aos limites fixados pelos corpos. O uso da droga é capaz de sugestionar uma ética própria que não é inerente a ela, mas condicionada por uma situação que foge radicalmente ao controle do antropólogo. Os usuários de crack se revelaram detentores de conhecimento acurado sobre sua condição de vida e bons parceiros na produção de conhecimento acadêmico a respeito deles mesmos.
Do corpo ao pó
Authors: Marcurio Gabriela de Paula
Published: February 2019

MORAIS, Bruno Martins. Do corpo ao pó: crônicas da territorialidade Kaiowá e guarani nas adjacências da morte. São Paulo: Elefante, 2017, 368p.
“If you suspect a case of Ebola... free call 177”:
Authors: Pimenta Denise
Published: February 2019

Nos últimos anos, tenho me debruçado sobre as questões sociais que circundam a epidemia de Ebola no Oeste Africano, mais precisamente em Serra Leoa. De outubro de 2015 a janeiro de 2016 viajei para a região, fazendo trabalho de campo tanto na capital de Serra Leoa (Freetown) quanto nos demais distritos do país. Em todo o país existiam ckeckpoints, instrumento do controle dos corpos. Além disso, por todas as cidades eram comum cartazes e outdoors mobilizando a população a se manter atenta a casos de Ebola, sugerindo  inclusive “denúncias” como: “If you suspect of someone with Ebola, call 177”. Desta maneira, é notório o uso de uma linguagem militar para tratar da epidemia. Porém, a militarização não encontra-se apenas nas metáforas, partindo para o contexto das práticas diárias como ameaças, privações de liberdade como lockdowns, quarentenas e até prisões. Ou seja, o controle da epidemia sempre esteve diretamente ligado à militarização da saúde.
Angiopoietin-2 Inhibition Rescues Arteriovenous Malformation in a Smad4 Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Mouse Model
Authors: Crist Angela M. , Zhou Xingyan , Garai Jone , Lee Amanda R. , Thoele Janina , Ullmer Christoph , Klein Christian , Zabaleta Jovanny , Meadows Stryder M.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder caused by heterozygous, loss-of-function mutations in 4 transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway members, including the central transcriptional mediator of the TGFβ pathway, Smad4. Loss of Smad4 causes the formation of inappropriate, fragile connections between arteries and veins called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which can hemorrhage leading to stroke, aneurysm, or death. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms underlying AVM pathogenesis remain poorly understood, and the TGFβ downstream effectors responsible for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia–associated AVM formation are currently unknown.

Methods:

To identify potential biological targets of the TGFβ pathway involved in AVM formation, we performed RNA- and chromatin immunoprecipitation–sequencing experiments on BMP9 (bone morphogenetic protein 9)-stimulated endothelial cells (ECs) and isolated ECs from a Smad4-inducible, EC-specific knockout (
Smad4
-iECKO) mouse model that develops retinal AVMs. These sequencing studies identified the angiopoietin-Tek signaling pathway as a downstream target of SMAD4. We used monoclonal blocking antibodies to target a specific component in this pathway and assess its effects on AVM development.

Results:

Sequencing studies uncovered 212 potential biological targets involved in AVM formation, including the EC surface receptor, TEK (TEK receptor tyrosine kinase) and its antagonistic ligand, ANGPT2 (angiopoietin-2). In
Smad4
-iECKO mice,
Angpt2
expression is robustly increased, whereas
Tek
levels are decreased, resulting in an overall reduction in angiopoietin-Tek signaling. We provide evidence that SMAD4 directly represses
Angpt2
transcription in ECs. Inhibition of ANGPT2 function in
Smad4
-deficient mice, either before or after AVMs form, prevents and alleviates AVM formation and normalizes vessel diameters. These rescue effects are attributed to a reversion in EC morphological changes, such as cell size and shape that are altered in the absence of
Smad4.

Conclusions:

Our studies provide a novel mechanism whereby the loss of
Smad4
causes increased
Angpt2
transcription in ECs leading to AVM formation, increased blood vessel calibers, and changes in EC morphology in the retina. Blockade of ANGPT2 function in an in vivo Smad4 model of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia alleviated these vascular phenotypes, further implicating ANGPT2 as an important TGFβ downstream mediator of AVM formation. Therefore, alternative approaches that target ANGPT2 function may have therapeutic value for the alleviation of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia symptoms, such as AVMs.