bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of outcome in dogs that undergo secondary amputation as an end‐point for managing complications related to limb salvage surgery for treatment of appendicular osteosarcoma
Authors: Wustefeld‐Janssens Brandan G. , Séguin Bernard , Ehrhart Nicole P. , Worley Deanna R.
Published: June 2019

Appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) remains a prevalent musculoskeletal cancer in dogs and definitive local control followed by adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy is considered the gold standard approach. Several studies support surgical limb salvage as a means of local control with similar outcomes compared with limb amputation. Complications are well described for limb salvage but little is known of dogs that undergo secondary amputation as a result of complications and outcomes specific to this group. A retrospective analysis of dogs in an institutional primary bone tumour registry was performed to identify dogs diagnosed with histologically confirmed OSA treated with surgical limb salvage with a technique that required an implant to reconstruct the osseous defect. A total of 192 dogs were identified with 31 dogs undergoing secondary amputation representing a limb preservation rate of 84%. A total of 111 dogs were analysed: 31 secondary amputation cases and 80 controls were selected for comparison. The most common reasons for secondary amputation were local recurrence (LR) and surgical site infection (SSI), with odds ratios of 3.6 and 1.7, respectively. Dogs that underwent secondary amputation had a significantly (P= .05) longer median disease specific survival time (ST) (604 days) compared with the control group (385 days). Dogs lived for a median of 205 days beyond secondary amputation and 97% had good functional outcome. Significant independent factors that positively influenced ST were secondary amputation, moderate SSI, severe SSI and age.
Diurnal properties of voltage‐gated Ca2+ currents in suprachiasmatic nucleus and roles in action potential firing
Authors: McNally Beth A. , Plante Amber E. , Meredith Andrea L.
Published: June 2019

Key points

Circadian oscillations in spontaneous action potential firing in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) translate time‐of‐day throughout the mammalian brain.

The ion channels that regulate the circadian pattern of SCN firing have not been comprehensively identified.

Ca2+ channels regulate action potential activity across many types of excitable cells, and the activity of L‐, N‐, P/Q‐ and R‐type channels are required for normal daytime firing frequency in SCN neurons and circuit rhythms.

Only the L‐type Ca2+ current exhibits a day versus night difference in current magnitude, providing insight into the mechanism that produces rhythmic action potential firing in SCN.

The mammalian circadian clock encodes time via rhythmic action potential activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which governs daily rhythms in physiology and behaviour. SCN neurons exhibit 24 h oscillations in spontaneous firing, with higher firing during day compared to night. Several ionic currents have been identified that regulate SCN firing, including voltage‐gated Ca2+ currents, but the circadian regulation of distinct voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC) components has not been comprehensively addressed. In this study, whole‐cell L‐ (nimodipine‐sensitive), N‐ and P/Q‐ (ω‐agatoxin IVA, ω‐conotoxin GVIA, ω‐conotoxin MVIIC‐sensitive), R‐ (Ni2+‐sensitive) and T‐type (TTA‐P2‐sensitive) currents were recorded from day and night SCN slices. Using standard voltage protocols, Ni2+‐sensitive currents comprised the largest proportion of total VGCC current, followed by nimodipine‐, ω‐agatoxin IVA‐, ω‐conotoxin GVIA‐ and TTA‐P2‐sensitive currents. Only the nimodipine‐sensitive current exhibited a diurnal difference in magnitude, with daytime current larger than night. No diurnal variation was observed for the other Ca2+ current subtypes. The difference in nimodipine‐sensitive current was due to larger peak current activated during the day, not differences in inactivation, and was eliminated by Bay K8644. Blocking L‐type channels decreased firing selectively during the day, consistent with higher current magnitudes, and reduced SCN circuit rhythmicity recorded by multi‐electrode arrays. Yet blocking N‐, P/Q‐ and R‐type channels also decreased daytime firing, with little effect at night, and decreased circuit rhythmicity. These data identify a unique diurnal regulation of L‐type current among the major VGCC subtypes in SCN neurons, but also reveal that diurnal modulation is not required for time‐of‐day‐specific effects on firing and circuit rhythmicity.
Analysis of Intake Silencer Insertion Loss in a Marine Diesel Engine Turbocharger Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics and Acoustic Finite Element Method
Authors: Liu Chen , Cao Yipeng , Liu Yang , Zhang Wenping , Zhang Xinyu , Ming Pingjian
Published: June 2019

The analysis of intake silencer insertion loss (IL) was conducted using a hybrid numerical method, which combined computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and acoustic finite element method (FEM). First, an experimental test was conducted to obtain the compressor intake noise spectrum under two different conditions: the turbocharger directly connected to the substitution duct and to the intake silencer, respectively. Then, the hybrid numerical method was introduced to predict the intake noise propagation. The compressor unsteady flow was calculated under the two different conditions, the pressure fluctuation on the impeller inlet plane was then extracted as noise source. The noise propagation under two different conditions were obtained. The comparison of numerical and experimental results indicates that the hybrid method used in this paper can predict the IL in different conditions as the IL under three different compressor working conditions was consistent with the experimental values. Furthermore, the noise spectral characteristics and acoustic directivity of compressor intake noise were also discussed.
Observer-Based Nonlinear Robust Control of Floating Container Cranes Subject to Output Hysteresis
Authors: Tuan Le Anh , Ha Quang , Van Trieu Pham
Published: June 2019

A container crane mounted on a pontoon is utilized to transfer containers to smaller ships when a large container ship cannot reach the shallow water port. The shipboard container is considered as an underactuated system having complicated kinematic constraints and hysteretic nonlinearities, with only two actuators to conduct simultaneous tasks: tracking the trolley to destination, lifting the container to the desired cable length, and suppressing the axial container oscillations and container swing. Parameter variations, wave-induced motions of the ship, wind disturbance, and nonlinearities remain challenges for control of floating container cranes. To deal with these problems, this study presents the design of two nonlinear robust controllers, taking into account the influence of the output hysteresis, and using velocity feedback from a state observer. Control performance of the proposed controllers is verified in both simulation and experiments. Together with consistently stabilizing outputs, the proposed control approach well rejects hysteresis and disturbance.
High-Intensity Training in Water Polo: Swimming Versus Ball Drills
Authors: Botonis Petros G. , Malliaros Ioannis , Arsoniadis Gavriil G. , Platanou Theodoros I. , Toubekis Argyris G.
Published: June 2019

Purpose: To examine the acute physiological responses and internal training load of long-interval swimming and water polo–specific drills in high-level water polo players. Methods: A total of 10 water polo players performed both a high-intensity swimming without ball (SW) with intensity corresponding to 90% of their maximum speed previously attained during a 300-m swimming test or a counterattack ball drill (CA). Both SW and CA conditions were designed to provide equal time exposure. Thus, 3 bouts of 4 minutes duration and a 3-minute passive rest were performed in each condition. The players’ physiological responses were assessed by continuous monitoring heart rate (HR) during CA and SW as well as by measuring blood lactate at the end of each condition. Rating of perceived exertion was recorded at the end of each bout. The Edwards summated HR zones were used to measure internal training load. Results: Both peak and mean HR were similar between SW and CA, and no difference was detected between conditions in the percentage time spent at 90% to 100% of HRpeak. Postexercise blood lactate (8.5 [4.1] vs 11.5 [1.9] mmol·L−1) and rating of perceived exertion (8.1 [0.8] vs 8.7 [0.5] a.u.) values were lower in CA compared with SW (P < .05). Conclusions: SW compared with CA showed similar cardiac stress but increased anaerobic metabolism activation and higher rating of perceived exertion. Either CA or SW may be both used in training practice as a means to effectively train physical conditioning of water polo players, whereas CA may also facilitate tactical preparation.
In Vivo
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Targets of Levonadifloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus in a Neutropenic Murine Lung Infection Model
Authors: Bhagwat Sachin S. , Periasamy Hariharan , Takalkar Swapna S. , Chavan Rajesh , Tayde Pavan , Kulkarni Amol , Satav Jaikumar , Zope Vineet , Patel Mahesh
Published: June 2019

Levonadifloxacin is a novel benzoquinolizine subclass of fluoroquinolone, active against quinolone-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. A phase 3 trial for levonadifloxacin and its oral prodrug was recently completed. The present study identified area under the concentration-time curve for the free, unbound fraction of a drug divided by the MIC (
f
AUC/MIC) as an efficacy determinant for levonadifloxacin in a neutropenic murine lung infection model.
The Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF34 Protein Interacts and Stabilizes HIF-2α via Binding to the HIF-2α bHLH and PAS Domains
Authors: Haque Muzammel , Kousoulas K. G.
Published: June 2019

Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and HIF-2α are transcription factors which play important roles in the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latent and lytic gene replication. Herein, we show that the
ORF34
gene is involved in the regulation of KSHV lytic gene expression, since deletion of
ORF34
resulted in reduced immediate early and early lytic gene expression and blocked late gene expression. In addition, we demonstrate that the KSHV ORF34 protein binds and stabilizes HIF-2α, in contrast to its role in binding HIF-1α and causing its degradation via the proteasome pathway. Thus, the KSHV ORF34 protein plays a regulatory role in the KSHV life cycle by regulating HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Thiobacimonas
sp. Strain D13, a Phthalate Ester-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Deep-Sea Sediments
Authors: Liu Yang , Luo Tuyan , Lin Qiu , Zeng Runying
Published: June 2019

Thiobacimonas
sp. strain D13, newly isolated from the sediments of the southeastern Pacific, can effectively degrade phthalate ester. Here, we report the 5.22-Mbp draft genome sequence of this strain, which will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its degradation ability.
Winter movement behavior by swift foxes (Vulpes velox) at the northern edge of their range
Authors: Butler Andrew R. , Bly Kristy L.S. , Harris Heather , Inman Robert M. , Moehrenschlager Axel , Schwalm Donelle , Jachowski David S.
Published: June 2019

Winter can be a limiting time of year for many temperate species, who must access depressed prey resources to meet energetic demands. The swift fox (Vulpes velox (Say, 1823)) was extirpated from Canada and Montana (USA) by 1969, but was reintroduced in the 1980s to Canada, and subsequently spread into northern Montana. Swift foxes in this region are at the current northern range edge where winter conditions are harsher and persist longer than in their southern range (i.e., Colorado (USA) to Texas (USA)). We collected fine-scale locational data from swift foxes fitted with global positioning system collars to examine movement and resource-use patterns during winter of 2016–2017 in northeastern Montana. Our results suggest that swift foxes displayed three distinct movement patterns (i.e., resting, foraging, and travelling) during the winter. Distance to road decreased relative probability of use by 39%–46% per kilometre across all movement states and individuals, whereas the influence of topographic roughness and distance to crop field varied among movement states and individuals. Overall, while our findings are based on data from three individuals, our study suggests that across movement states during the critical winter season, swift foxes are likely using topography and areas near roads to increase their ability to detect predators.
Tantalizing new physics from the cosmic purview
Authors: Melia Fulvio
Published: June 2019

The emergence of a highly improbable coincidence in cosmological observations speaks of a remarkably simple cosmic expansion. Compelling evidence now suggests that the Universe’s gravitational horizon, coincident with the better known Hubble sphere, has a radius improbably equal to the distance light could have traveled since the Big Bang. The confirmation of this unexpected result would undoubtedly herald the influence of new physics, yet appears to be unavoidable after a recent demonstration that the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker metric is valid only for the so-called zero active mass equation of state. As it turns out, a cosmic fluid with this property automatically produces the aforementioned equality, leaving little room for a cosmological constant. The alternative — a dynamical dark energy — would suggest an extension to the Standard Model of particle physics and a serious re-evaluation of the Universe’s early history.
Robust Destination Jamming Aided Secrecy Precoding for an AF MIMO Untrusted Relay System
Authors: Zhou Feng , Wang Rugang , Bian Jiahong
Published: June 2019

We consider a secrecy dual-hop amplify-and-forward (AF) untrusted relay network, where the relay is willing to forward the signal to the destination while acting as a potential eavesdropper. Assuming that all these nodes are equipped with multiple antennas, we propose a joint destination aided cooperative jamming and precoding at both the source and the relay scheme, with the objective to maximize the worst case secrecy rate. The formulated problem is highly non-convex due to the maximization of the difference of several logarithmic determinant (log-det) functions in the CSI uncertainty region. To handle this challenge, we propose to linearize these log-det terms. After linearization, we tackle the CSI uncertainty based on epigraph reformulation and the sign-definiteness lemma. Finally, an alternating optimization (AO) algorithm is proposed to solve the reformulated problem. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed scheme.
Applications of Graph Kannan Mappings to the Damped Spring-Mass System and Deformation of an Elastic Beam
Authors: Younis Mudasir , Singh Deepak , Petruşel Adrian
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this article is twofold. Firstly, combining concepts of graph theory and of fixed point theory, we will present a fixed point result for Kannan type mappings, in the framework of recently introduced, graphicalb-metric spaces. Appropriate examples of graphs validate the established theory. Secondly, our focus is to apply the proposed results to some nonlinear problems which are meaningful in engineering and science. Some open problems are proposed.
A Cause Analysis of the High-Content Nitrogen and Low-Content Hydrocarbon in Shale Gas: A Case Study of the Early Cambrian in Xiuwu Basin, Yangtze Region
Authors: Huang Yizhou , Zhang Kun , Jiang Zhenxue , Song Yan , Jiang Shu , Jia Chengzao , Liu Weiwei , Wen Ming , Xie Xuelian , Liu Tianlin , Li Xin , Wang Xin , Liu Xiaoxue , Zhang Ye , Tang Ling
Published: June 2019

There are successes and failures in the exploration of marine shale gas in South China. In some shale gas plays with great basis for hydrocarbon generation, a phenomenon exists that gas loggings reflect low gas bearing in some of the wells and the gas is dominated by nitrogen rather than hydrocarbon gas. The study of nitrogen concentration in shale gas contributes to solve the question that how shale gas diffuses in complex tectonic areas, which helps to figure out the preservation requirements and accumulation mechanisms of shale gas and avoid exploration crisis. This study focused on the lower Cambrian shale in Xiuwu Basin, Lower Yangtze Region, with emphasis on the well Jiangye-1, using gas component analysis, stable nitrogen isotope analysis, overburden permeability tests in parallel and perpendicular directions, and FIB-HIM experiments, also combining with core description, outcrop observation, and seismic interpretation to explore the causes of the high-content nitrogen and low-content hydrocarbon in the lower Cambrian shale gas. The results show that the nitrogen of the lower Cambrian shale in Xiuwu Basin is derived from the atmosphere and the deep crust-upper mantle. The bedding planes and the detachment layer at the bottom of the lower Cambrian compose the lateral pathways, and the widespread deep faults are the vertical pathways for shale gas migration and diffusion. Combining these two, an effective pathway network was built, favorable to gas exchange between the shale gas interval and the atmosphere, partly leading to the concentration of nitrogen and the diffusion of hydrocarbon gas. In the Jurassic, the magmatic activities occurred frequently in the surrounding areas, which not only brought nitrogen from the deep crust-upper mantle but also increased the value of paleo-heat flow even though the basin began to uplift, which promoted the graphitization of organic matter and the collapse of organic pores and accelerated the loss of shale gas. Based on the study above, an explanation model was summarized to expound the causes of high-content nitrogen and low-content hydrocarbon in shale gas plays near the plate-active region in Xiuwu Basin, Lower Yangtze Region.
Irisin Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Prevents the Memory and Cognitive Deterioration in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wang Kexin , Song Feng , Xu Kai , Liu Zhi , Han Shuhong , Li Fangna , Sun Yu
Published: June 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients experience memory and cognitive deficits. The mechanisms underlying this dysfunction in the brain of DM patients are not fully understood, and therefore, no optimized therapeutic strategy has been established so far. The aim of the present study was to assess whether irisin was able to improve memory and cognitive performance in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. A diabetic mouse model was established and behavioral tests were performed. We also set up primary cultures for mechanism studies. Western blots and EMSA were used for molecular studies. Significant impairment of cognition and memory was observed in these DM mice, which could be effectively prevented by irisin cotreatment. We also found upregulated levels of GFAP protein, reduced synaptic protein expression, and increased levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brains; however, irisin significantly attenuated these cellular responses. Meanwhile, our results demonstrated that irisin inhibited the activation of P38, STAT3, and NFκB proteins of DM mice. Furthermore, our results suggested that irisin might regulate the function of P38, STAT3, and NFκB in hippocampal tissues of DM mice. Collectively, irisin inhibited neuroinflammation in STZ-induced DM mice by inhibiting cytokine release and improving their cognitive function. Our findings revealed the mechanism of irisin’s anti-inflammatory effect in the CNS.
Time‐Delayed Feedback Tristable Stochastic Resonance Weak Fault Diagnosis Method and Its Application
Authors: Li Zhixing , Han Songjiu , Wang Jianguo , Ren Xueping , Zhang Chao
Published: June 2019

Pulses caused by rotating mechanical faults are weak and often submerged in strong background noise, which can affect the accuracy of fault detection. To solve this problem, we study the stochastic resonance phenomenon of a tristable potential system based on strong noise background and also investigate the influence of time‐delayed feedback on this stochastic resonance model. The effects of time‐delayed feedback strength on potential energy, steady‐state probability density function, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are discussed. The results show that stochastic resonance can be enhanced or suppressed by adjusting the delay time and feedback strength. Combined with bearing fault diagnosis simulation research and experimental verification evaluation, the proposed time‐delayed feedback tristable stochastic resonance fault diagnosis method is more effective than the classical stochastic resonance method.
Morris Sensitivity Analysis for Hydrothermal Coupling Parameters of Embankment Dam: A Case Study
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhang Wenbing , Yang Jie
Published: June 2019

Recently, the use of the temperature tracer method has attracted a great deal of attention to study the dam leakage. Accurate estimation of temperature variations inside the dam is critical, and the task can be achieved by identifying which variables play more important roles in the hydrothermal coupling model (HTCM). In the present study, the HTCM of an embankment dam is defined based on the thermal conductivity model proposed by Lu et al. (2007). The thermal conductivity model needs several input parameters, many of which are usually determined by pedotransfer functions, which may introduce a certain degree of uncertainty. Using the Morris method, the embankment dam of a reservoir, located in Shaanxi province of China, was chosen as the case study to investigate the sensitivity of each parameter of the HTCM on the temperature field of the embankment dam. The sensitivity analysis showed that the hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of HTCM has the highest effect on the dam temperature field. On the other hand, the saturated water content (θs), residual water content (θr), and porosity (n) only slightly influence the temperature estimation of the model. Accordingly, the effects of these three parameters on the heat conduction and the subsequent temperature field of the dam can be neglected. Results of this study showed that the model correction workload can be substantially reduced. Hence, the efficiency of the model correction procedure leads to reasonable selection of decision parameters and can be significantly improved by reducing the number of these parameters for the HTCM of the embankment dam.
Ursolic Acid Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition through the Axl/NF-κB Pathway in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Jinxia , Dai Chunyan , Shen Li
Published: June 2019

Background. Ursolic acid (UA) is an antitumor component derived from Chinese herbal medicine; this study is to observe the effects of UA on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cancer. Methods. (1) In vitro experiments: 25μmol/L and 50μmol/L UA were applied to BGC-823, AGS, MGC-803, and HGC-27 cells; MTT staining, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to assess cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis, respectively. Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of N-Cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Twist, Axl, p-Axl, IKK, p-IKK, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB. (2) In vivo experiments: Ten BALB/c-nu mice were used to establish gastric cancer xenograft model. Five were orally given UA for 4 weeks and five were given normal saline. Expressions of N-Cadherin and Snail were examined by immunohistochemical assay; expressions of N-Cadherin, Snail, Twist, Axl, p-Axl, IKK, and p-IKK were detected by Western blot. Results. (1) UA inhibited cell proliferation in BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells in dose-dependent manners. (2) UA inhibited cell migration in BGC-823, AGS, and MGC-803 cells while inducing apoptosis in BGC-823 cells. (3) UA significantly decreased the expressions of N-Cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Twist p-Axl, p-IKKα/β, and p-NF-κB in BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. (4) UA distinctly decreased the expressions of N-Cadherin, Snail, p-Axl, and p-IKKα/β in gastric cancer xenograft model rats. Conclusion. UA can effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. The antitumor effect of UA is conducted by EMT inhibition, which may be associated with the regulation of Axl/NF-κB signaling pathway.
A Case Report of Overcoming an Obstructive, Pedunculated Cervical Fibroid at the Time of Uterine Evacuation
Authors: Tigdi Jayesh , Chan Cynthia
Published: June 2019

Background. Fibroids, which can impact pregnancies at later gestations, such as obstructing delivery, may also affect the pregnancy termination process. Case. We present the case of a 28-year-old G1 at 18 weeks who consented for a genetic pregnancy termination via dilation and evacuation. During the typical preparatory procedure with laminaria, it was noted that a 5-6cm cervical fibroid prolapsed into the vagina obstructing access to the uterine cavity. Through osmotic dilation followed by cervical Foley catheter ripening, a planned myomectomy was possible with minimal blood loss prior to uterine evacuation. Conclusion. Through appropriate counselling, planning, and effective cervical dilatation, a planned myomectomy for prolapsing fibroids at the time of termination of pregnancy is possible. This can prevent unnecessary hysterotomy and avoid need for subsequent cesarean section.
Analysis of Potential Genes and Pathways Involved in the Pathogenesis of Acne by Bioinformatics
Authors: Chen Biao , Zheng Yan , Liang Yanhua
Published: June 2019

Acne is the eighth most frequent disease worldwide. Inflammatory response runs through all stages of acne. It is complicated and is involved in innate and adaptive immunity. This study aimed to explore the candidate genes and their relative signaling pathways in inflammatory acne using data mining analysis. Microarray data GSE6475 and GSE53795, including 18 acne lesion tissues and 18 matched normal skin tissues, were obtained. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered and subjected to functional and pathway enrichment analyses. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and module analyses were also performed based on the DEGs. In this work, 154 common DEGs, including 145 upregulated and 9 downregulated, were obtained from two microarray profiles. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment of DEGs were clustered using significant enrichment analysis. A PPI network containing 110 nodes/DEGs was constructed, and 31 hub genes were obtained. Four modules in the PPI network, which mainly participated in chemokine signaling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, and Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, were extracted. In conclusion, aberrant DEGs and pathways involved in acne pathogenesis were identified using bioinformatic analysis. The DEGs included FPR2, ITGB2, CXCL8, C3AR1, CXCL1, FCER1G, LILRB2, PTPRC, SAA1, CCR2, ICAM1, and FPR1, and the pathways included chemokine signaling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, and Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis. This study could serve as a basis for further understanding the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of inflammatory acne.
Morphology of Peripheral Vitreoretinal Interface Abnormalities Imaged with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Chu Rachel L. , Pannullo Nicole A. , Adam Christopher R. , Rafieetary Mohammad R. , Sigler Eric J.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study is to describe the clinical utility and morphologic characteristics of peripheral vitreoretinal interface abnormalities with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). A prospective imaging analysis of 43 patients with peripheral vitreoretinal interface abnormalities seen on binocular indirect examination with scleral indentation was done. SD-OCT was evaluated for image quality and structural findings. Laser retinopexy was performed to surround all retinal breaks containing a full-thickness component via SD-OCT. Acceptable image quality for inclusion was obtained in 39/43 (91%) patients. Mean age was 41 ± 22 years, and mean follow-up was 14 ± 1.6 months. Decision to treat was altered following SD-OCT in 5% of the patients. Two cases of previously diagnosed operculated holes were found on SD-OCT to be partial-thickness operculated breaks or focal operculated schisis. Peripheral SD-OCT is a reliable and useful technique to examine the structural features of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities in vivo. This imaging modality is useful in the clinical management of suspected retinal breaks identified with indirect ophthalmoscopy.
The Influence ofTLR4,CD14,OPG, andRANKLPolymorphisms in Periodontitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Zacarias Joana Maira Valentini , de Alencar Josiane Bazzo , Tsuneto Patrícia Yumeko , Souza Victor Hugo de , Silva Cléverson O. , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Sell Ana Maria
Published: June 2019

The pathogenesis of periodontitis involves a complex interaction between the microbial challenge and the host immune response. The individual immunoinflammatory response has a great contribution in the pathogenesis of the disease and becomes a trigger in the process of bone remodeling which is a characteristic of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of theTLR4A896G (rs4986790),TLR4C1196T (rs4986791),CD14C-260T (rs2569190),RANKL(TNFSF11, rs2277438), andOPG(TNFSF11BC163T, rs3102735) polymorphisms in periodontitis. A case-control study was conducted on patients with periodontitis (N=203) and controls (N=213) over 30 years of age, without diabetes mellitus, acute infections, and osteoarthritis, and patients without aggressive periodontitis, i.e., stage IV and C degree of periodontitis, and any periodontal treatment performed in the last 6 months. Genotypes were determined by the PCR-RFLP and sequencing method. The frequency comparisons between case and controls were performed using the chi-square test and logistic regression (OpenEpi and SNPStats software). The risk (OR) was evaluated for values ofP<0.05. Differences inTLR4,CD14,RANKL, andOPGgenotype and allele frequency distributions were not observed between patients and controls. However, some variants were a risk factor for the development of periodontitis when considering gender and smoking habits. TheTLR4896 A/G genotype was a risk factor for periodontitis in males (OR=2.86), and theTLR41196C/C genotype was a risk factor for nonsmoking males (OR=1.85) when compared to women. TheRANKLA/A and theOPGT/C genotype was associated with the risk of the disease in nonsmoking men compared to nonsmoking women with the same genotype (OR=1.96andOR=2.9, respectively). In conclusion,TLR4,CD14,RANKL, andOPGvariants were not associated with periodontitis. However,TLR4,RANKL, andOPGpolymorphisms could be a risk for periodontitis in males regardless of smoking habits.
Exosomes Play an Important Role in the Progression of Plasma Cell Mastitis via the PI3K-Akt-mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Han Yong , Liu Jian , Zhang Yingzhe , Cheng Kai , Guo Jiwei , Guo Qingqun , Liu Song , Sun Hongguang , Hua Yitong , Zhang Guoqiang , Xu Shujian , Guo Fengli , Yang Zhenlin
Published: June 2019

Background. Plasma cell mastitis (PCM) is one of the most frequently encountered inflammatory diseases of the nonlactating breast. However, its pathogenesis has remained unknown.Methods. In this study, we observed the ultrastructure changes of PCM by a transmission electron microscope. The transcriptome expression difference of exosomes was detected by RNA-Seq; then, we confirmed the key difference genes by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Finally, we established the mouse PCM model by tissue homogenate injection to validate the role of exosomes on the progression of PCM.Results. The analysis of the exosomal transcriptome expression difference between PCM and normal mammary tissues using RNA-Seq showed the differential genes and enrichment pathways involved in the course of PCM. The decreased HSP90AA1 and EEF2, excessive production of p-AKT, and p-mTOR were consistent with clinical specimens. Inhibition of exosome secretion significantly inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, and the mammary duct had maintained a better structure in the PCM mouse model.Conclusion. Our results revealed the role of exosomes acting as critical signal introduction facilitators in the progression of plasma cell mastitis and identified potential key genes in the regulation of this process. These results will help to dissect the molecular mechanism of PCM and provide therapeutic targets.
Performance Improvement of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell- (DSSC-) Based Natural Dyes by Clathrin Protein
Authors: Trihutomo Prihanto , Soeparman Sudjito , Widhiyanuriyawan Denny , Yuliati Lilis
Published: June 2019

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a solar cell device that works using electrochemical principles in which sensitive dyes are absorbed in the TiO2 photoelectrode layer. The problem of DSSC-based natural dyes is the lower efficiency than silicon solar cells. This low efficiency is due to the barrier of electron transfer in the TiO2 semiconductor layer. In this study, the addition of clathrin protein to the TiO2 layer was used to increase electron transfer in the semiconductor layer resulting in improved DSSC performance. Clathrin is a protein that plays a role in the formation of transport vesicle membrane in eukaryotic cells. The method used in this study is clathrin protein with a concentration of 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% added to TiO2 in DSSC structure. Photovoltaic characteristics of DSSC were measured using a data logger to determine the performance of DSSC, layer morphology was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the element content in DSSC was analyzed using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and functional groups in DSSC layers were analyzed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The result of this study is the addition of clathrin protein can improve DSSC performance, which resulted in the highest performance of DSSC on 75% clathrin protein addition with efficiency=1.465%, Isc=5.247 mA, and Voc=657 mV. From the results of SEM analysis, it appears that clathrin protein molecules fill the cavities in TiO2 molecules. EDS analysis shows an increase in carbon, oxygen, and phosphorus content in TiO2 layers with increasing clathrin protein concentration. FTIR analysis shows an increasingly sharp absorption in the FTIR spectrum of protein-forming functional groups by increasing clathrin protein concentration in DSSC.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Diagnostic Challenges in Pediatric Patient
Authors: Krishnaprasadh Dharshana , Kaminecki Inna , Sechser Perl Anna , Teitelbaum Jonathan
Published: June 2019

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, life-threatening hematologic stem cell disorder characterized by hemoglobinuria, thrombosis, and tendency for bone marrow failure. The rare incidence of PNH in children, its nonspecific clinical presentation, and occasional absence of hemoglobinuria make the diagnosis challenging. We present a case of a 17-year-old boy who was hospitalized with a history of recurrent abdominal pain, fever, and dark-colored urine. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated inflammatory markers. Urinalysis was positive for protein and red blood cells, too many to be counted. Complement studies were within normal limits. Abdominal computed tomography showed a segment of the small bowel with wall thickening and signs of possible microperforation. Exploratory laparotomy revealed necrosis of the small bowel, and histological evaluation was suggestive of an autoimmune process with small vessel vasculitis. Bone marrow biopsy showed hypocellular marrow with a decreased number of myeloid cells, normal number of megakaryocytes, and signs of erythroid hyperplasia. Flow cytometry detected deficiency of CD59 leading to the diagnosis of PNH. The patient was treated with eculizumab infusions resulting in significant improvement. This case highlights the need for high clinical suspicion for rare entities such as PNH in patients presenting without hemoglobinuria.
Determination of Inorganic Elements in the Rhizome of Paris polyphylla Smith Var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara by Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Tiezhu , Lin Juan , Yang Jun , Tang Yina , Zhang Chunmei , Zhang Tao , Wen Feiyan , Fang Qingmao , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the concentrations of inorganic elements in the rhizome of Paris polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara of different planting years and cultivation conditions. Twenty-five inorganic elements including Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn in the rhizome were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analytical method was validated by measuring several parameters including linearity, correlation coefficient, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and recovery. The linear working ranges were three, 0–300 μg/L, 0–500 μg/L, and 0–1000 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients (r) values were higher than 0.998. LOD varied from 0.001 μg/L (Be) to 11.957 μg/L (P), and LOQ varied from 0.003 μg/L (Be) to 35.870 μg/L (P). The recoveries spanned from 95.2 (Co) to 105.3% (Pb). Validation parameters showed the possibility of using whole of the sample preparation procedures used in this study. Based on the determined results, it is indicated that the toxic elements As, Cd, and Pb had no ingestion risk. The planting years and cultivation conditions had significant effects on the concentrations of inorganic elements of P. polyphylla var. chinensis. The concentrations of inorganic elements in cultivated samples were different from those in wild samples. The results can provide useful theoretical basis for the quality control and rational use of P. polyphylla var. chinensis.
High Expression and Clinical Significance of Elafin in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Yun , Tian Yu , Wu Ting , Dai Yun , Wang Weihong , Teng Guigen
Published: June 2019

Objective. The decrease of Elafin is associated with several inflammatory diseases. Exogenous Elafin may be a treatment for IBD. Little data has shown the expression of Elafin in patients of colorectal cancer. Here, we tried to explore Elafin expression in human tissues of colorectal cancer. Methods. We examined the protein expression of Elafin in human tissues of adjacent nontumor and colorectal tumor by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), then analyzed the clinical and RNA-seq data presented in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to confirm the relationship between Elafin levels and colorectal tumor. Results. Of the 88 paired samples, 68 colorectal cancer tissues indicated a high expression of Elafin compared with 52 matched adjacent noncancerous tissues. And the mRNA levels of Elafin in 35 paired tissues showed a similar trend. The RNA-seq and clinical data were available in 438 colorectal cancer tissues and 41 normal tissues in TCGA database. The RNA-seq data showed that Elafin mRNA was upregulated about twofold in colorectal cancer samples as compared to adjacent noncancerous samples (176.42±402.13 vs. 96.75±150.07; P=0.208). No statistically significant correlation was found between the Elafin expression and the age, gender, tumor invasive stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis both at the protein and mRNA levels. However, the Elafin expression was correlated with clinical stage based on the AJCC guidelines at protein levels but not mRNA levels. Conclusions. Elafin was upregulated in patients of colorectal cancer, resulting to potential limitations for exogenous Elafin treatment.
A Heuristic Algorithm of Cooperative Agents Communication for Enhanced GAF Routing Protocol in WSNs
Authors: Aznaoui Hanane , Raghay Said , Ouakrim Youssef , Aziz Layla
Published: June 2019

Rapid progress in technologies has led to the development of small sensor nodes. A wireless sensor network (WSN) is an interconnected collection of a large number of these small sensor nodes that is used to monitor and record the physical environment. WSNs have applications in diverse scenarios. They play an important role in tracking and monitoring in different domains, such as environmental research, military, and health care. In most of these applications, the WSN is composed of a large number of nodes deployed in an area of interest, and not all nodes are directly connected to the base station (BS). In some cases, batteries of nodes cannot be recharged or changed. For that, the most solution required to overcome these problems is to optimize energy consumed during communication. Data transmission in networks is maintained by routing protocols, which are responsible for discovering the required paths. This paper presents an improvement of the Geographic Adaptive Fidelity (GAF) routing protocol created on a smart actives node selection. The routing process works on cooperative agents communication where another node is activated in the same grid if the data collected are considered as important data, and a heuristic method is used to find an optimal path in terms of energy to transmit data collected until reaching the BS. Simulation results prove that the cooperative agents GAF (CAGAF) routing protocol proposed is more efficient compared to the basic version in terms of considering important data, energy consumed, and dead nodes.
A Rare Case of Pericardial Effusion in a Patient with Silicosis
Authors: Saku Kosuke , Yamamoto Keisuke , Inoue Hironori , Ueno Masahiro
Published: June 2019

Silicosis is an occupational lung disorder caused by inhalation of silica dust. It not only causes respiratory disorders but also affects other organs. We report an extremely rare case of silicosis complicated by pericarditis in an 83-year-old male. He had been working as a coal miner and was diagnosed with silicosis at the age of 63. Because he had experienced repeated pericardial effusions, he was referred for a surgical pericardial biopsy to elucidate the cause of his repeated pericardial effusion and to perform pericardial fenestration. Thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The pericardium was resected, and a drain was placed in the left thoracic cavity. Histopathological examination revealed the pericardial degeneration due to silicosis, suggesting that pericarditis and pericardial effusion are related to silicosis. The operation was successful, and he experienced no recurrence of pericardial effusion at the 7-month follow-up.
Betulinic Acid Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis and S-Phase Arrest by Inhibiting the NF-κB Pathway in Human Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Shen Min , Hu Yiqiang , Yang Yan , Wang Lanlan , Yang Xin , Wang Bo , Huang Mei
Published: June 2019

Betulinic acid (BA), as a prospective natural compound, shows outstanding antitumor bioactivities against many solid malignancies. However, its mechanism against multiple myeloma (MM) remains elusive. Herein, for the first time, we studied the antitumor activity of BA against MM both in vivo and in vitro. We showed that BA mediated cytotoxicity in MM cells through apoptosis, S-phase arrest, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, and overwhelming reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Moreover, when the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) effectively abated elevated ROS, the BA-induced apoptosis was partially reversed. Our results revealed that BA-mediated ROS overproduction played a pivotal role in anticancer activity. Molecularly, we found that BA resulted in marked inhibition of the aberrantly activated NF-κB pathway in MM. As demonstrated by using the NF-κB pathway-specific activator TNF-α and the inhibitor BAY 11-7082, BA-mediated inhibition of the NF-κB pathway directly promoted the overproduction of ROS and, ultimately, cell death. Furthermore, BA also exerted enormous tumor-inhibitory effects via repressing proliferation and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in our xenograft model. Overall, by blocking the NF-κB pathway that breaks redox homeostasis, BA, as a potent NF-κB inhibitor, is a promising therapeutic alternative for MM.
Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Roussel Jordan , Pandit Sudha , Jordan Paul , Boktor Moheb , Knowles Kurt , Dela Cruz Nester , Samant Hrishikesh
Published: June 2019

The common causes of abnormal liver chemistries in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients are multifactorial. Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in HIV infected patients is intriguing but data is scarce. Unmasking of AIH during immune reconstitution in HIV patients after starting antiretroviral therapy is reported but not with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Here we present a fascinating case of 32-year-old African-American man with advanced AIDS who presented with elevated transaminases. He was diagnosed with AIH before starting antiretroviral therapy and successfully treated with prednisolone and azathioprine with antiretroviral therapy despite very low CD4 count.
Novel UV Sensing and Photocatalytic Properties of DyCoO3
Authors: Michel Carlos R. , Lopez-Alvarez Miguel A. , Martínez-Preciado Alma H. , Carbajal-Arízaga Gregorio G.
Published: June 2019

Oxides with the perovskite type structure of formula LnCoO3, where Ln is a rare earth element, have unique physical and chemical properties. These materials are applied in catalysis, gas sensors, and electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells, among others. In this work, single-phase DyCoO3 was obtained at 900°C using the solution-polymerization method. The microstructure of this material corresponds to a dendritic-type shape, with grain size between 0.2 and 8 μm and abundant porosity. The ultraviolet (UV) sensing characterization was performed on sintered pellets made with the as-prepared DyCoO3 powder. The UV source was a light emitting diode (LED) of wavelength (λ) of 365 nm. The detection of this radiation, with constant optical irradiance (Ee), produced uniform and reproducible response patterns. When Ee was increased, the graphs revealed a quantitative detection of the light. Analogous results were obtained using light of larger wavelengths: λ = 400, 449, and 642 nm. The graphs display a decrease on the variation of the photocurrent by increasing λ, corresponding to a decrease on the energy of the incoming photons. On the other hand, the photocatalytic decomposition of malachite green under UV radiation was investigated using powder of DyCoO3. The results show a decrease of the absorbance by increasing the UV exposure time, indicating the degradation of the dye. Since DyCoO3 is a p-type semiconductor material, the generation of electrical charge carriers under UV radiation explains its photocurrent and photocatalytic properties. In general, these properties can be applied in UV sensors to prevent skin cancer, photoconductive materials for solar photocells, and photocatalysis to decompose organic dyes.
Concurrent Negative-Pressure Pulmonary Edema (NPPE) and Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) after Upper Airway Obstruction
Authors: Harmon Evan , Estrada Sebastian , Koene Ryan J. , Mazimba Sula , Kwon Younghoon
Published: June 2019

Upper airway obstruction is a potentially life-threatening emergency often encountered in the acute care, perioperative, and critical care settings. One important complication of acute obstruction is negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE). We describe two cases of acute upper airway obstruction, both of which resulted in flash pulmonary edema complicated by acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Though NPPE was suspected, these patients were also found to have Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Neither patient had prior cardiac disease, and both subsequently had a negative ischemic workup. Because TTS is a condition triggered by hyperadrenergic states, the acute airway obstruction alone or in combination with NPPE was the likely explanation for TTS in each case. These cases highlight the importance of also considering cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema in the setting of upper airway obstruction, which we suspect generates a profound catecholamine surge and places patients at increased risk of TTS development.