bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential Measurement and Analysis of Large Underground Retaining Structures by Diaphragm Wall Anchor for the Spring Area
Authors: Shu Jicheng , Sun Jianping , Zhang Dingwen , Wei Huanwei
Published: November 2019

The performance of a diaphragm wall‐anchor structure in spring area in Jinan city, China, is studied. Based on field measured data, lateral wall deflections, lateral soil movements, horizontal displacement of the capping beam, the maximum lateral wall deflection, ground surface settlement, lateral earth pressures on diaphragm wall, internal force of diaphragm wall, axial anchoring forces, settlements of adjacent building, and pore‐water pressure are investigated. The results indicate that the maximum deflections of the lateral wall are 0.07%∼0.18% of the excavation depth (He). The ground surface settlement influence zone extends beyond 2.5He from the pit for this project. The δv,max ranges from 0.67 δh,max to 1.0 δh,max. The maximum lateral active earth pressures on diaphragm walls above the excavation bases range between 0.4He and 0.6He. The axial anchoring forces of the top three layers of anchors change significantly during the excavation while the axial anchoring force of the fourth layer of anchor is constant. The deformation of surrounding building has three stages, including a uniform subsidence stage, an accelerated subsidence stage, and a stable subsidence stage.
The New C-Shaped Parasitic Strip for the Single-Feed Circularly Polarized (CP) Microstrip Antenna Design
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Lin , Wei Kun , Xie Jian , Li Jian-Ying , Wang Ling
Published: November 2019

A new single-feed circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna with the C-shaped parasitic strip is proposed in this paper. The proposed CP antenna is designed for the transmitting terminal in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The square patch is surrounded by a C-shaped parasitic strip. By adjusting the parasitic strip dimension, the antenna CP operation is achieved. The main advantage of this method is that those two resonant modes for achieving the CP operation are independent from each other, which is liable to design and debug the proposed CP microstrip antenna. The designed CP microstrip antenna has the good impedance matching, the good CP radiation pattern, and the stable CP gain across the 3 dB AR (axial ratio) bandwidth.
Mechanical Performance and Numerical Simulation of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete (BFRC) Using Double‐K Fracture Model and Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT)
Authors: Zhao Yawei , Sun Xinjian , Cao Peng , Ling Yifeng , Gao Zhen , Zhan Qibing , Zhou Xinjie , Diao Mushuang
Published: November 2019

This paper mainly investigates the fracture parameters of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete (BFRC) with various fiber lengths and dosages using Double‐K fracture model. The model was developed by fracture criterion using ABAQUS Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT), and the results of the model and experiments were compared. The basalt fiber with length of 6 mm and 12 mm was added into concrete in the dosage of 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% by volume of concrete, respectively. Concrete specimens were cast into three dimensions, i.e., 60 mm × 180 mm × 480 mm, 80 mm × 240 mm × 640 mm, and 100 mm × 300 mm × 800 mm. Then, three‐point bending test was conducted on precast‐notched beams. The load versus cracking mouth opening displacement (P‐CMOD curve) was developed in order to evaluate cracking and breaking load. The initial fracture toughness and unstable fracture toughness were derived from the Double‐K fracture model aimed to optimize the fiber length and dosage. The results showed that the initial fracture toughness and unstable fracture toughness increased first and then decreased with the increase in fiber dosage, and basalt fiber with length of 6 mm and dosage of 0.2% performed the best toughening effect on concrete. The comparison results showed that numerical simulation can better simulate the initiation and propagation of BFRC fractures and achieve the dynamic propagation process of fractures.
Coordinated Dispersion and Aggregation of Gold Nanorod in Aptamer-Mediated Gestational Hypertension Analysis
Authors: Bao Xiucui , Huo Gaoxiang , Li Li , Cao Xuebin , Liu Yamei , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Chen Yeng , Hariri Firdaus , Gopinath Subash C. B.
Published: November 2019

Gestational hypertension is one of the complicated disorders during pregnancy; it causes the significant risks, such as placental abruption, neonatal deaths, and maternal deaths. Hypertension is also responsible for the metabolic and cardiovascular issues to the mother after the years of pregnancy. Identifying and treating gestational hypertension during pregnancy by a suitable biomarker is mandatory for the healthy mother and foetus development. Cortisol has been found as a steroid hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland and plays a pivotal role in gestational hypertension. A normal circulating level of cortisol is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, and it is necessary to monitor the changes in the level of cortisol during pregnancy. In this work, aptamer-based colorimetric assay is demonstrated as a model with gold nanorod to quantify the level of cortisol using the coordinated aggregation (at 500 mM of NaCl) and dispersion (with 10 μM of aptamer), evidenced by the scanning electron microscopy observation and UV-visible spectroscopy analysis. This colorimetric assay is an easier visual detection and reached the limit of detection of cortisol at 0.25 mg/mL. This method is reliable to identify the condition of gestational hypertension during the pregnancy period.
Antimetabolic Syndrome Effect of Phytosome Containing the Combined Extracts of Mulberry and Ginger in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Palachai Nut , Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Muchimapura Supaporn , Thukham-mee Wipawee
Published: November 2019

Due to the antimetabolic syndrome effect of mulberry and ginger together with the advantages of the synergistic effect and phytosome encapsulation technique, we hypothesized that phytosome containing the combined extracts of mulberry and ginger (PMG) should be able to manage MetS. PMG was developed and assessed the phenolic content and biological activities associated with the pathophysiology of MetS. The antimetabolic syndrome effect and the possible underlying mechanisms in the animal model of MetS were also assessed. Male Wistar rats induced MetS by subjecting to a 16-week high-carbohydrate high-fat diet. MetS rats were orally given PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 21 days. They were determined metabolic parameter changes in serum, histomorphology changes of adipose tissue, the inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, oxidative stress status, PPAR-γ, and HDAC3 in adipose tissue. Ourin vitrodata showed that PMG increased phenolic contents and biological activities. PMG significantly improved MetS parameters including body weight gain, lipid profiles, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and ACE. In addition, the density and size of adipocyte, adiposity index, and weights of adipose tissues were also improved. Moreover, the decrease in TNF-αand IL-6, oxidative stress status, and HDAC3 expression together with the increase in PPAR-γexpression in adipose tissue was also observed. These data suggest that PMG exhibit antimetabolic syndrome and the possible underlying mechanism may be associated partly with the modulation effect on HDAC3, PPAR-γ, and adipose tissue. In addition, PMG also improves oxidative stress and inflammation in MetS. Therefore, PMG can be served as the potential supplement to manage MetS. However, a clinical trial study is essential to confirm this health benefit.
Mechanical and Coal Burst Breeding Mechanism of Coal Samples under True Triaxial Loading and Unloading
Authors: Shen Wei , Dou Lin-ming , He Hu
Published: November 2019

A true triaxial loading and unloading experiment entailing “y‐direction stress loading, z‐direction stress unloading, and x‐direction displacement fixing” of coal samples was conducted. Through analysis of the stress characteristics, fracture characteristics, and energy evolution in coal samples, the mechanical and coal burst breeding mechanisms of coal samples under true triaxial loading and unloading were revealed. The experiment found that the yield stress and peak stress of coal samples were not only affected by the initial loading and unloading of lateral stress but also had a negative exponential relationship with the ratio of the unloading rate and the loading rate (RURLR), thereby establishing the stress equation of coal samples under a true triaxial loading and unloading. There was a yield turning point in the stress‐time curve of coal samples, and the difference in triaxial stress and acoustic emission before, and after, yield was significant. It was found that a high unloading rate and high initial stress are precursors to coal sample bursting. During loading and unloading, the high‐energy area expanded, but its location was always fixed to within a certain area. The energy in this area was rapidly released to form a burst source when the sample was subjected to high‐speed unloading. The nonbursting coal samples and the burst coal samples showed characteristic slabbing and bursting behaviours, respectively: the former corresponding to the acoustic emission energy value being two orders of magnitude lower than the latter. The research results can provide a reference for the study of mechanical behaviours and coal burst criteria in the rock surrounding a coal roadway excavation.
Anti-Shigellosis Activity ofCola anomalaWater/Ethanol Pods Extract onShigella flexneri-Induced Diarrhea in Rats
Authors: Wambe Henri , Noubissi Paul Aimé , Fokam Tagne Michel Archange , Foyet Fondjo Angèle , Fankem Gaëtan Olivier , Kamtchouing Idrice , Ngakou Mukam Joseph , Nguelefack Télesphore Bénoît , Kamgang René
Published: November 2019

This study was undertaken to evaluate the activities of water/ethanolCola anomalapods extract.In vitroantimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method; the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by agar dilution technique.In vivo, shigellosis was induced in healthy Wistar albino rats by oral administration ofShigella flexneriinoculum, 12 × 108 CFU/mL. At the onset of diarrhea, infected and normal control animals were subdivided into various groups treated with distilled water, with water/ethanolCola anomalapods extract at 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, or with ciprofloxacin, 2.5 mg/kg. After one-week treatment, rats were sacrificed, and blood and colon were collected. Blood was used for blood cell count. A portion of the colon served for histological studies while homogenate from the remaining part was centrifuged and the supernatant was collected for the determination of NO, PGE2, IL-1β, and TNF-αlevels.In vitro, water/ethanolCola anomalapods extract showed to be bactericidal, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.0 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 3.0 mg/mL. In diarrheic rats, the extract significantly (P<0.01) increased the white blood cells and significantly (P<0.01) decreased stoolShigelladensity from the first to the seventh day of treatment. It partially restored the structure of eroded intestine epithelium and prevented weight loss; the dose dependently and significantly (P<0.001) decreased NO, IL-1β, and TNF-αproduction in the colon and was found to have no significant effect on PGE2production. These results support the use of this plant in traditional medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Plasmacytoid and Myeloid Dendritic Cells in Peripheral Blood and Gastric Mucosa of Children
Authors: Helmin-Basa Anna , Wiese-Szadkowska Małgorzata , Szaflarska-Popławska Anna , Kłosowski Maciej , Januszewska Milena , Bodnar Magdalena , Marszałek Andrzej , Gackowska Lidia , Michalkiewicz Jacek
Published: November 2019

Purpose. To investigate the frequency and activation status of peripheral plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and myeloid DCs (mDCs) as well as gastric mucosa DC subset distribution in Helicobacter pylori- (H. pylori-) infected and noninfected children. Materials and Methods. Thirty-six children were studied; twenty-one had H. pylori. The frequencies of circulating pDCs (lineage-HLA-DR+CD123+) and mDCs (lineage-HLA-DR+CD11c+) and their activation status (CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR expression) were assessed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the densities of CD11c+, CD123+, CD83+, CD86+, and LAMP3+ cells in the gastric mucosa were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results. The frequency of circulating CD83+ mDCs was higher in H. pylori-infected children than in the noninfected controls. The pDCs demonstrated upregulated HLA-DR surface expression, but no change in CD86 expression. Additionally, the densities of gastric lamina propria CD11c+ cells and epithelial pDCs were increased. There was a significant association between frequency of circulating CD83+ mDCs and gastric lamina propria mDC infiltration. Conclusion. This study shows that although H. pylori-infected children had an increased population of mature mDCs bearing CD83 in the peripheral blood, they lack mature CD83+ mDCs in the gastric mucosa, which may promote tolerance to local antigens rather than immunity. In addition, this may reduce excessive inflammatory activity as reported for children compared to adults.
Short Communication: Interaction of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Groh Adrian , Jahn Kirsten , Gröschl Michael , Hillemacher Thomas , Kornhuber Johannes , Bleich Stefan , Frieling Helge , Heberlein Annemarie
Published: November 2019

NGF and VEGF are known to be involved in different psychiatric diseases. In order to verify hints from basic research that both neurotrophines interact with each other, serum levels of NGF and VEGF were measured in a cohort of 33 healthy individuals and correlated. NGF level was 126.30 pg/mL (±155.43), and VEGF level was 57.28 pg/mL (±44.48). Both factors were significantly correlated, confirming their interaction and legitimising the usage of their respective ratio (0.8 (±0.42)) as a less varying additional marker in prospective studies.
Lung and Gut Microbiota as Potential Hidden Driver of Immunotherapy Efficacy in Lung Cancer
Authors: Carbone Carmine , Piro Geny , Di Noia Vincenzo , D’Argento Ettore , Vita Emanuele , Ferrara Miriam Grazia , Pilotto Sara , Milella Michele , Cammarota Giovanni , Gasbarrini Antonio , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio
Published: November 2019

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest and most common malignancies in the world, representing one of the greatest challenges in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy is rapidly changing standard treatment schedule and outcomes for patients with advanced malignancies. However, several ongoing studies are still attempting to elucidate the biomarkers that could predict treatment response as well as the new strategies to improve antitumor immune system response ameliorating immunotherapy efficacy. The complex of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, termed microbiota, that live on the epithelial barriers of the host, are involved in the initiation, progression, and dissemination of cancer. The functional role of microbiota has attracted an accumulating attention recently. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that commensal microorganisms are required for the maturation, education, and function of the immune system regulating the efficacy of immunotherapy in the anticancer response. In this review, we discuss some of the major findings depicting bacteria as crucial gatekeeper for the immune response against tumor and their role as driver of immunotherapy efficacy in lung cancer with a special focus on the distinctive role of gut and lung microbiota in the efficacy of immunotherapy treatment.
Three‐Dimensional Upper Bound Limit Analysis on the Collapse of Shallow Soil Tunnels considering Roof Stratification and Pore Water Pressure
Authors: Wang Hong-Tao , Liu Ping , Liu Chi , Zhang Xin , Yang Yong , Liu Lu-Yao
Published: November 2019

Based on the plastic upper bound theorem, a three‐dimensional kinematically admissible velocity field is constructed for the collapse of the soil masses above a shallow tunnel. In this field, this paper considers the influences of the roof stratification, pore water pressure, ground overload, and support pressure. This study deduced the upper bound solutions of the weight of the collapsed soil masses and the corresponding collapse surfaces by utilizing the nonlinear failure criterion, associated flow rule, and variation principle. Furthermore, we verified the validity of the proposed method in this paper by comparing this research with the existing work and numerical simulation results. This study obtains the influence laws of varying parameters on the area and weight of the collapsed soil masses. The results reveal that the area and weight of the collapsed soil masses increase with increasing support pressure and soil cohesion, but decrease with increasing thickness of the upper soil layer, nonlinear coefficient, pore water pressure, and ground overload. Among them, the roof stratification, pore water pressure, soil cohesion, and nonlinear coefficient have a significant influence on tunnel collapse, which should be given special consideration in engineering design.
Effect of Basalt Fiber Addition on Static‐Dynamic Mechanical Behaviors and Microstructure of Stabilized Soil Compositing Cement and Fly Ash
Authors: Cao Ziming , Ma Qinyong , Wang Hongwei
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of basalt fiber content on the static‐dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure of cement‐fly ash‐stabilized soil. The optimum mixed contents of cement and fly ash were obtained from the results of a series of physical and mechanical experiments. Based on the optimum mixed contents of cement and fly ash, the static‐dynamic mechanical performances and microstructure of cement‐fly ash‐stabilized soil reinforced with basalt fiber were studied by means of the unconfined compression test, dynamic compression test (namely, SHPB test), and SEM test. The results demonstrated that the addition of basalt fiber in cement‐fly ash‐stabilized soil significantly enhanced the static‐dynamic mechanical properties of stabilized soil. With basalt fiber content varying from 0% to 1.2%, the unconfined compressive strength, dynamic compressive strength, dynamic increase factor, and specific energy absorption of stabilized soil showed an upward trend first and a downward trend subsequently. The unconfined compressive strength, dynamic compressive strength, and energy absorption ability have a maximum improvement under the optimum basalt fiber content of 0.6%. In addition, the inclusion of basalt fiber can change the failure pattern of cement‐fly ash‐stabilized soil. The fractal dimension of broken fragments decreased gradually with the increasing basalt fiber content and increased correspondingly with the increasing impact loading pressure. With the basalt fiber content of 0.6%, a stable internal space structure produced inside stabilized soil. However, there are many fiber‐fiber weak interfaces that appeared inside stabilized soil under the basalt fiber content of 1.2%. The microstructural observations can be considered as the good interpretations to verify the macroscopic mechanical characteristics.
Application Topics of Amorphous Wire CMOS IC Magneto-Impedance Micromagnetic Sensors for I-o-T Smart Society
Authors: Mohri Kaneo , Yamamoto Michiharu , Uchiyama Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2019

We proposed ten requisite conditions for successful development of wearable I-o-T smart magnetic sensors considering recent development of some successful micromagnetic sensors. We reported application topics using the amorphous wire CMOS IC magnetoimpedance micromagnetic sensor (MI sensor) on the geomagnetic field sensor for the electronic compass installed in the smartphones, the pitching ball self-spin analyzer installed in the professional baseball, self-driving magnetic guidance system, and the biomagnetic field sensing. Performances of the MI sensor overcoming the ten requisite conditions are discussed as a smart micromagnetic sensor on the basis of the magnetoimpedance effect in the amorphous wire.
Panoramic Observation of Crystalline Lenses with 25 MHz Ultrasonography
Authors: Xue Wenwen , Zou Haidong
Published: November 2019

Purpose. To visualize and assess in vivo the age-related changes in crystalline lens size and contour. Methods. Seventy-nine healthy volunteers, 39 females and 40 males, with a mean age of 41.53 + 11.32 years (range: 21 to 60 years) were enrolled in this study. The axial lens thickness (ALT), equatorial lens diameter (ELD), and anterior (Ra) and posterior (Rp) lens surface radii of curvatures of the subjects’ left eyes were measured with a 25 MHz ultrasound probe. Results. The mean ALT and ELD were 4.178 mm + 0.288 mm and 9.209 mm + 0.214 mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in both ALT (slope = 11 μm/year, r = 0.88, p<0.01) and ELD (slope = 6 μm/year, r = 0.60, p<0.01) with age. Ra negatively correlated, and Rp did not change with age. Conclusion. There were no statistically significant relationships between any studied values and gender. Independent of gender, the lens grows equatorially and axially with age while its central anterior lens surface steepens and its posterior central surface curvature does not change.
Identification of the Constituents of Percutaneous Absorption from Duhaldea nervosa Based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS and Microdialysis Technique
Authors: Liu Lianghong , Zhu Lian , Gong Kaiyan , Zhi Xinjun , Guan Ying , Cai Wei
Published: November 2019

Duhaldea nervosa (D. nervosa) has been used for treatment of bone fracture by external use. Thus, the percutaneous absorption was crucial to the effect of D. nervosa, especially the constituents of percutaneous absorption. However, the constituents in vivo were never investigated to date. In this study, an efficient method was developed for the identification of constituents of percutaneous absorption using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS and microdialysis technique. A total of 20 constituents including 15 chlorogenic acid analogues, 3 amino acids, and 2 organic acids were unambiguously or tentatively identified based on high-resolution mass data including MS and MS2, chromatography retention time, and bibliography data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the constituents of percutaneous absorption from D. nervosa, which will be very helpful for understanding the bioactive compounds and quality control.
Optical Identification of Plasmodium falciparum Malarial Byproduct for Parasite Density Estimation
Authors: Opoku-Ansah Jerry , Eghan Moses Jojo , Anderson Benjamin , Boampong Johnson Nyarko , Edziah Raymond , Osei-Wusu Adueming Peter , Amuah Charles Lloyd Yeboah
Published: November 2019

Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malarial degree of infection, termed as parasite density (PD), estimation is vital for point-of-care diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In this work, we present application of optical techniques: optical absorption and multispectral imaging for P. falciparum malarial byproduct (hemozoin) detection in human‐infected blood samples to estimate PD. The blood samples were collected from volunteers who were tested positive for P. falciparum infections (i-blood), and after treatment, another set of blood samples (u-blood) were also taken. The i-blood samples were grouped based on PD (+, ++, +++, and ++++). Optical densities (ODs) of u-blood samples and i-blood samples at blood absorption bands of 405 nm, 541 nm, and 577 nm showed different optical absorption characteristics. Empirical computation of ratio of the ODs for the blood absorption bands revealed reduction in the ODs with increasing PD. Multispectral images containing uninfected red blood cells (u-RBCs) and P. falciparum‐infected red blood cells (i-RBCs) on unstained blood smear slides exhibited spectrally determined decrease in both reflected and scattered pixel intensities and increase in transmitted pixel intensities with increasing PD. We further propose a linear classification model based on Fisher’s approach using reflected, scattered, and transmitted pixel intensities for easy and inexpensive estimation of PD as an alternative to manual estimation of PD, currently, the widely used technique. Application of the optical techniques and the proposed linear classification model are therefore recommended for improved malaria diagnosis and therapy.
Heat-Resistant Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Extract (Klamin®) as a Functional Ingredient in Food Strategy for Prevention of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Nuzzo D. , Contardi M. , Kossyvaki D. , Picone P. , Cristaldi L. , Galizzi G. , Bosco G. , Scoglio S. , Athanassiou A. , Di Carlo M.
Published: November 2019

Microalgae are generally considered an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive molecules that make them suitable to be introduced in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), an edible microalga, contains numerous biomolecules potentially able to prevent some pathologies including age-related disorders. With the aim to include an AFA extract (Klamin®) as a functional ingredient in baked products, we investigated if its bioactive molecules are destroyed or inactivated after standard cooking temperature. The AFA extract was exposed to heat stress (AFA-HS), and no significant decrease in pigment, polyphenol, and carotenoid content was detected by spectroscopic analysis. Thermal stability of AFA-HS extract was demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and no change in the morphology of the granules of the powder was noticed by SEM microscopic observation. By Folin-Ciocalteu, ORAC, and ABTS assays, no change in the antioxidant activity and polyphenol contents was found after high-temperature exposition. When added in cell culture, solubilized AFA-HS lost neither its scavenging ability against ROS generation nor its protective role against Abeta, the main peptide involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Prebiotic and antioxidant activities of AFA extract that are not lost after thermal stress were verified on E. coli bacteria. Finally, AFA-HS cookies, containing the extract as one of their ingredients, showed increased polyphenols. Here, we evaluate the possibility to use the AFA extract to produce functional food and prevent metabolic and age-related diseases.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of UHPC Exposed to High-Temperature Thermal Cycling
Authors: Yang In-Hwan , Park Jihun
Published: November 2019

The effects of high-temperature thermal cycling (temperatures up to 500°C) and steel fiber contents on the mechanical and thermal properties of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) containing polypropylene (PP) fibers were investigated in this study. The different maximum temperatures for thermal cycling included 300, 400, and 500°C. The mechanical properties, including the compressive strength and tensile strength, and thermal properties, including the unit weight and thermal conductivity, of the UHPC specimens were measured. The experimental results indicated that the compressive strength, tensile strength, unit weight, and thermal conductivity decreased as the temperature increased to 500°C. Test results showed that for each maximum temperature, the reduction of the thermal conductivities from one to six thermal cycles was not significant. The thermal conductivity of the UHPC decreased as the unit weight of the UHPC decreased, and the thermal conductivity also decreased as the compressive strength of the UHPC decreased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the microstructures of the UHPC specimens exposed to high temperatures contained voids due to the PP fiber melting. The porosity of the UHPC specimens increased as the maximum temperature of the thermal cycles increased, which decreased the unit weights and thermal conductivities of the UHPC specimens. Moreover, the porosity at a temperature of 500°C increased by 60.0, 74.5, and 123.4% for steel fiber contents of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%, respectively. It might be due to incompatible thermal expansion between the concrete matrix and steel fiber.
Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide-Polydatin Reduces the Painful Symptomatology in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Authors: Cervigni M. , Nasta L. , Schievano C. , Lampropoulou N. , Ostardo E.
Published: November 2019

Aims. To assess the efficacy of a micronized-palmitoylethanolamide-polydatin (m-PEA-Pol) based product on chronic pelvic pain and severity of other symptoms in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients refractory to conventional therapies. Methods. A pilot, open-label bicentric study was carried out involving 32 IC/BPS patients. Chronic, oral m-PEA-Pol treatment lasted 6 months. Bladder pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale, while changes from baseline in other urinary symptoms were evaluated by means of the O’Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index and the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) symptom scale questionnaires. The generalized linear mixed model was used to evaluate significant mean changes across time. Results. A significant and progressive reduction of pain intensity was observed during m-PEA-Pol treatment (p<0.0001 for reduction over time). The effect was associated with a reduction in severity of patients’ symptoms evaluated with the O’Leary-Sant questionnaire (p=0.0110 and p=0.0014 for cystitis symptoms and problem mean scores, respectively) and the PUF scale (p=0.0163 and p=0.0005 for symptom and bother mean scores, respectively). m-PEA-Pol therapy elicited a significant reduction over time in the urinary frequency evaluated with voiding diary (p=0.0005) and a small but not significant improvement of bladder capacity. Conclusions. These data highlight the potential benefit of m-PEA-Pol in patients with rare pathology such as IC/BPS and confirm the good safety profile of micronized PEA-based products.
Increasing Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults
Authors: Loomans-Kropp Holli A. , Umar Asad
Published: November 2019

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality has been declining in the U.S. Despite success in reducing CRC incidence, incidence of early-onset CRC has increased markedly. In this study, we identified age-related disparities in CRC incidence and mortality, and investigated differences in anatomical distribution of colon cancers between populations.Methods.CRC trends were evaluated using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program Data from 1980–2016 for individuals under age 50 and 50 years and older. Rates and ratios were calculated using SEER∗Stat. Regression analyses were calculated using Joinpoint.Results.Increased CRC incidence among individuals under age 50 was observed. Among individuals under age 50, incidence-based mortality (IBM) stabilized, while incidence and IBM decreased for individuals aged 50 years and older. Normalized trends indicated increased rectal cancer incidence for individuals under age 50, particularly among individuals aged 30–39. Similar incidence of proximal and distal colon cancers in individuals under age 50 was observed, while colon cancers in individuals aged 50 and older were primarily distal.Conclusions.We found age-related disparities in CRC incidence and IBM between individuals under age 50 and age 50 years and older. Increasing incidence rates of rectal cancer substantially accounts for this disparity among individuals under age 50. The escalating trends of early-onset CRC warrant investigation into the factors leading to the population-level trends.
Therapeutic Targeting of MDR1 Expression by RORγ Antagonists Resensitizes Cross-Resistant CRPC to Taxane via Coordinated Induction of Cell Death Programs
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Huang Zenghong , Chen Christopher Z. , Liu Chengfei , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C. , Zhou Fangjian , Chen Hong-Wu
Published: November 2019

Overexpression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1)–encoded multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) constitutes a major mechanism of cancer drug resistance including docetaxel (DTX) and cabazitaxel (CTX) resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, no therapeutics that targets MDR1 is available at clinic for taxane sensitization. We report here that retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ), a nuclear receptor family member, unexpectedly mediates MDR1/ABCB1 overexpression. RORγ plays an important role in controlling the functions of subsets of immune cells and has been an attractive target for autoimmune diseases. We found that its small-molecule antagonists are efficacious in resensitizing DTX and CTX cross-resistant CRPC cells and tumors to taxanes in both androgen receptor–positive and –negative models. Our mechanistic analyses revealed that combined treatment with RORγ antagonists and taxane elicited a robust synergy in killing the resistant cells, which involves a coordinated alteration of p53, Myc, and E2F-controlled programs critical for both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, survival, and cell growth. Our results suggest that targeting RORγ with small-molecule inhibitors is a novel strategy for chemotherapy resensitization in tumors with MDR1 overexpression.
Diabetisches Makulaödem: Strukturelle und funktionelle Ergebnisse der sequentiellen Dexamethason- und Aflibercept-Therapie nach einem Jahr Behandlung
Authors: Di Carlo Emiliano
Published: November 2019

Objective: The aim of this paper is to compare intravitreous aflibercept versus dexamethasone implant followed by aflibercept (sequential treatment group) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective study in naïve DME patients, 15 treated only with aflibercept (a monthly injection for the first 5 consecutive doses, followed by an injection every 2 months), and 15 treated with a single dexamethasone implant followed by bimonthly aflibercept. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and qualitative features as well as adverse events were assessed at baseline and at 2, 6, and 12 months. Results: BCVA increased from 70.8 ± 4.1 to 83.5 ± 2.7 letters with aflibercept and from 75.6 ± 2.7 to 86.5 ± 2.5 with sequential treatment (p = 0.551). CMT decreased from 411 ± 26.1 to 288.1 ± 10.5 with aflibercept and from 411.4 ± 24.3 to 260.8 ± 17.9 in the sequential treatment group. The differences between the 2 groups, in terms of visual gain and decreased MT, were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Nine and 6 injections and 9 and 7 monitoring visits were performed. t>Conclusion: Sequential treatment in DME, starting with dexamethasone and followed by aflibercept, is a promising alternative that can reduce the treatment burden in the first year without statistically significant differences in terms of visual gain and decreased MT compared to aflibercept only.
Fundusbildanalyse durch selbstlernende Maschine: Computer ermittelt Risikofaktoren bei Bluthochdruck
Authors: Strauß Olaf
Published: November 2019

Traditionally, medical discoveries are made by observing associations, making hypotheses from them and then designing and running experiments to test the hypotheses. However, with medical images, observing and quantifying associations can often be difficult because of the wide variety of features, patterns, colours, values and shapes that are present in real data. Here, we show that deep learning can extract new knowledge from retinal fundus images. Using deep-learning models trained on data from 284,335 patients and validated on two independent datasets of 12,026 and 999 patients, we predicted cardiovascular risk factors not previously thought to be present or quantifiable in retinal images, such as age (mean absolute error within 3.26 years), gender (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.97), smoking status (AUC = 0.71), systolic blood pressure (mean absolute error within 11.23 mmHg) and major adverse cardiac events (AUC = 0.70). We also show that the trained deep-learning models used anatomical features, such as the optic disc or blood vessels, to generate each prediction.
МОЖЛИВОСТІ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ СТАНДАРТИЗОВАНОГО ОПИТУВАЛЬНИКА ДЛЯ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ АВТОНОМНИХ ДИСФУНКЦІЙ В ОСІБ МОЛОДОГО ВІКУ
Authors: Sheiko N. I. , Feketa V. P.
Published: November 2019

Синдром автономних дисфункцій – це поліетіологічний синдром, що характеризується дисфункцією автономної нервової системи і функціональними порушеннями всіх систем організму. Поширеність САД, за даними деяких авторів, складає від 20 до 56 % всіх захворювань у осіб молодого віку, поступаючись лише ГРВІ. Мета – виявити студентів з автономними дисфункціями та оцінити функціональний стан їх організму кількісно за допомогою показника активності регуляторних систем (ПАРС). Матеріал і методи. До дослідження було залучено 100 студентів іноземців 2–3 курcів медичного факультету (1 група), та 100 студентів-українців молодших курсів інших факультетів (2 група) обох статей віком 17–23 роки. Для скринінгу автономних дисфункцій здійснювали анкетування за стандартним опитувальником А. М. Вейна. Для об’єктивної характеристики функціонального стану автономної нервової системи використовували показники варіабельності серцевого ритму, отримані шляхом 5-хвилинної реєстрації ІІ відведення зa допомогою комп’ютерного діагностичного комплексу «КардіоЛаб» («ХАІ-Медіка»,Україна). Зниження пристосувальних можливостей організму визначали за допомогою показника активності регуляторних систем (ПАРС). Результати. За даними опитувальника А. М. Вейна, серед студентів-іноземців ознаки вегетативних змін мали 32 студенти (32 %), а серед українців – 21 (21 %). Однак об’єктивно автономні дисфункції, підтверджені показниками варіабельності серцевого ритму, серед іноземців мали лише 18 осіб (18 %), а серед українців – 11 осіб (11 %) відповідно до загальної кількості опитаних студентів. Зокрема, 50 % студентів-іноземців та 54,5 % студентів-українців мали помірну функціональну напругу, тобто донозологічні стани, ПАРС 2–4; 22,2 % студентів-іноземців та 27,3 % студентів-українців мали виражену функціональну напругу, тобто преморбідний стан, ПАРС 5–6; 11,1 % студентів-іноземців та 9,1 % студентів-українців мали різко виражену функціональну напругу, стан незадовільної адаптації, ПАРС 7-8; 16,7 % студентів-іноземців та 9,1 % студентів-українців мали астенізацію (виснаження) регуляторних систем, ПАРС 9–10. Висновки. Опитувальник А. М. Вейна може бути використаний для скринінгу синдрому автономних дисфункцій, однак необхідним є об’єктивне підтвердження за допомогою вимірювання показників варіабельності серцевого ритму.
INFLUENCE OF LEAD ACETATE IN CONJUNCTION WITH STEARATES ON THE BONE BRAIN AND PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF SUSPICIOUS ANIMALS
Authors: Fedoriv O. E. , Kopach O. E. , Melnyk N. A.
Published: November 2019

In modern conditions, industrial pollution of the environment with lead is quite significant and has an adverse effect on the body. It has pronounced cumulative properties and is accumulated in bones in the form of insoluble tri-phosphorus. However, under the influence of certain conditions, its reserves in the bones become mobile; it transits into the bloodstream and can cause poisoning, even in the sharp form.

The aim – to study the effect of lead acetate in the body at sub-toxic doses on the background of drinking water with stearates content.

Materials and Methods. To study the influence of low-frequency lead in isolation and in combination with stearates under conditions of a subacute sanitary-toxicological experiment, the animals were divided into four groups of 7 animals each. The group 1 of animals was a control group. The group 2 of animals consumed dechlorinated water from the city water supply (water + AcPb). Animals of the groups 3 and 4 also consumed dechlorinated water from the city water supply, but with an admixture of sodium stearate (group 3 StNa + AcPb) and potassium stearate (group 4 StK + AcPb) at a dose of 1/250 LD50. After a 30-day application of these waters to animals, the groups 2, 3 and 4 were orally administered lead acetate at a dose of 7 mg/100 g of body weight (1/110 LD50).

Results and Discussion. As a result of the action of lead acetate in a dose of 70 mg/kg and stearates, there was an increase in the bone marrow of the number of promyelocytes, stem cells, segmental neutrophils of lymphocytes and normocytes. However, the number of myelocytes and metamyelocytes decreased. Lead acetate and stearates caused an increase in the number of rodenuclear neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and a decrease in the number of segmental neutrophils in the blood of experimental animals. Unlike intact animals in the groups 2, 3 and 4, there were observed events of functional failure of the erythrocytes system such as anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and hypochromia.

Conclusions. 1. Thus, with the action of lead acetate at a dose of 70 mg/kg in combination with sodium and potassium stearates, there was an increase in the bone marrow of promyelocytes, stabnoid, segmented neutrophils of lymphocytes and normocytes. The number of myelocytes and metamyelocytes decreased.

Lead acetate in combination with sodium and potassium stearates caused an increase in the number of stab neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and a decrease in the number of segmented neutrophils in the blood of experimental animals.
ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ PRP ТА PRF ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ПІДГОТОВЦІ ДО ВИКОНАННЯ РАДІОЧАСТОТНОЇ АБЛЯЦІЇ ВЕН У ХВОРИХ НА ВАРИКОЗНУ ХВОРОБУ НИЖНІХ КІНЦІВОК, УСКЛАДНЕНУ ТРОФІЧНОЮ ВИРАЗКОЮ
Authors: Goshchynsky V. B. , Migenko B. O. , Svidersky U. U.
Published: November 2019

Застосування малоінвазивних технологій є сучасним напрямком у лікуванні варикозної хвороби нижніх кінцівок. Однак показання до виконання цих операцій на тлі трофічних виразок є обмеженими.

Мета – дати клінічне обґрунтування застосуванню PRP, PRF технологій для лікування трофічної виразки у хворих із хронічною венозною недостатністю в стадії декомпенсації з метою їх підготовки до наступного виконання радіочастотної абляції вен.

Матеріал і методи. Проведено клінічне обґрунтування застосування PRP та PRF для лікування трофічної виразки у 35 хворих. Контрольною групою були 30 хворих, яким місцево застосовували метилурацилову або актовегінову мазі. Перед лікуванням хворих виконували УЗД для встановлення особливостей гемодинаміки у поверхневій та глибокій венозній системі, локалізації перфорантних вен. Усім хворим проведена оцінка стану трофічних виразок на момент лікування та в процесі його виконання із застосуванням системи МЕASURE.

Результати. Застосування PRP та PRF для лікування трофічної виразки суттєво посилює процеси регенерації в трофічній виразці, про що свідчить зменшення термінів появи грануляційної тканини, крайової епітелізації.

Також у пацієнтів, порівняно з контрольною групою хворих, зменшилася площа і глибина ранових дефектів на 23,1 %, 37,4 % і 79,9 % відповідно, на 5–6, 8–9, 12–14 добу, порівняно з вихідними даними. До 8 дня у більшості хворих відмічається зміна характеру цитограм на регенераторно-запальний тип. Зникають детрит, мікробні тіла. Характерною ознакою є виражена епітелізація. У 24 пацієнтів трофічна виразка загоїлась. Іншим 11 хворим виконана аутодермопластика трофічної виразки під час проведення РЧА вен. Середній день передопераційної підготовки хворих із трофічними виразками, в яких була застосована PRP та PRF технологія, склав (7,8±4,6) доби, проти (14,6±3,7) доби в контрольній групі. Це дало можливість провести повноцінну РЧА варикозно трансформованих вен із додатковою ліквідацією горизонтального рефлюксу в ділянці трофічних змін шляхом застосування склеротерапії неспроможних перфорантних вен під УЗ-навігацією.

Висновки. 1. Застосування технології PRP та PRF активізує процеси регенерації в хронічній трофічній виразці, що дозволяє скоротити передопераційну підготовку хворих.

PRP та PRF технологія лікування трофічних виразок у комбінації з малотравматичними операціями (РЧА та склеротерапія) є перспективним напрямком лікування хворих із варикозною хворобою нижніх кінцівок у стадії декомпенсації.
АДАПТАЦІЯ ТА ВАЛІДАЦІЯ УКРАЇНОМОВНОГО ВАРІАНТА МОДИФІКОВАНОЇ ВЕРСІЇ ШКАЛИ «DAIBETES KNOWLEDGE TEST»
Authors: Matyukha L. F. , Protsiuk O. V. , Smal B. O.
Published: November 2019

Метою нашого дослідження була мовно-культурна адапатація українською мовою англомовного варіанта модифікованої версії шкали «Diabetes Knowledge Test» та аналіз її валідності. Матеріал і методи. Переклад та культурну адаптацію оригінальної англомовної модифікованої версії шкали «Diabetes Knowledge Test» було виконано відповідно до рекомендацій ВООЗ та ISPOR. Анкетування проведено шляхом опитування пацієнтів з попередньо верифікованим діагнозом ЦД 2 типу відповідно до критеріїв включення. Валідацію адаптованої україномовної версії було виконано шляхом оцінювання валідності змісту та структури, роздільної кореляції та повторюваності. Результати. Середній показник правильних відповідей у досліджуваній групі становив (61,77±1,35) %. Сильний позитивний кореляційний зв’язок отриманого результату очікувано виявлено у зіставленні з попередньою участю в навчанні та позитивним досвідом отриманої медичної допомоги (за результатами PACIC+). Середній показник значення Гутмана (а саме λ 2) становив 0,531, а для кожної з груп запитань 0,629 – 0,844. Методом головних компонентів було виокремлено 6 основних компонентів, які відображали 71,75 % змінних. Компонентність відповідала характеру запитань. Попарна ретестова кореляція була у межах від 0,573 до 0,849 (р≤0,01), а для загального результату коефіцієнт Спірмена становив 0,956 (р≤0,01), що свідчить про надійну повторюваність тесту. Висновки. Україномовна версія модифікованої Мічиганської Шкали знань діабету, адаптована відповідно до міжнародних стандартів, надійно зарекомендувала себе в умовах клінічної практики, що було підтверджено відповідною процедурою випробування її валідності. Отримана версія, як і її оригінальний варіант, не є універсальним інструментом оцінювання знань у пацієнтів з ЦД і має використовуватись з огляду на цілі конкретного оцінювання з урахуванням її змісту, що було підтверджено результатами компонентного аналізу.