bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of ultrasound-guided biopsy and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in 2 cases with phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor and literature review
Authors: Xian Meng-Fei , Pan Kang-Ming , Zhang Jian-Chao , Cheng Mei-Qing , Huang Hui , Chen Li-Da , Zhao Zhen-Xian , Wang Wei
Published: September 2020

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a vanishingly rare paraneoplastic syndrome which is usually caused by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs). The conventional treatment for PMTs is total resection, and ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can also be used for the treatment of PMTs patients, especially for patients in whom complete resection may lead to serious complications. We report two cases with PMT who presented syndrome with progressive musculoskeletal complaints and performed ultrasound-guided biopsy and RFA. Ultrasound-guided RFA, which is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option, appears to be a valuable alternative to surgery for patients presenting with PMT. We are the first reported case of RFA guided by ultrasonography in the treatment of PMT.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided thrombin injection in the management of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm (PSA): A case report and review of literatures
Authors: Li Xiao-Long , Xie Chen-Yi , Xu Hui-Xiong , Yu Song-Yuan
Published: September 2020

Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation is the most common arterial complication of endovascular procedures requiring arterial puncture. The present study reported a case of a 72-year-old male patient with iatrogenic femoral artery PSA treated with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-guided thrombin injection. Conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS were used to diagnose, guide treatment, and evaluate the treatment efficacy. In the case, the PSA was successfully occluded with 1000 IU of thrombin. During the follow-up after 48 hours of thrombin injection, US found that the PSA had complete thrombosis without arterial supply. No complications occurrence in the course of the treatment. CEUS-guided thrombin injection for the treatment of PSA was effective and safety and the associated literatures were also reviewed.
Dynamic changes in platelets caused by shear stress in aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Kanda Hideaki , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Mukaihara Kosuke , Shigehisa Yoshiya , Tachioka Shuji , Okawa Masashi , Takenouchi Kazunori , Oyama Yoko , Hashiguchi Teruto , Imoto Yutaka
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Turbulent blood flow in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) results in morphological and functional changes in platelets and coagulation factors. The aim of this study is to determine how shear stress affects platelets and coagulation factors. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from 78 patients who underwent AVR to treat AS between March 2008 and July 2017 at Kagoshima University Hospital. RESULTS: Platelet (PLT) count obviously decreased at three days after AVR, and increased above preoperative levels at the time of discharge. In contrast, platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) increased three days after AVR, then decreased to below preoperative levels. No differences were evident between groups with higher (HPPG > 100 mmHg) and lower (LPPG < 100 mmHg) peak pressure gradients (PPG) before AVR, whereas PLT count, PDW, MPV and P-LCR improved more in the HPPG group. Plateletcrit (PCT), which represents the total volume of platelets, increased after AVR due to decreased shear stress. High increasing rate of PCT was associated with lower PLT count, higher PDW and lower fibrinogen. CONCLUSION: Shear stress affects PLT count, PDW, and fibrinogen in patients with AS.
Abnormal nailfold videocapillaroscopic findings in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Yüksel Serkan , Yüksel Esra Pancar , Meriç Murat
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Microvascular dysfunction is one of the pathophysiological mechanisms in heart failure. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a noninvasive technique used to examine the microvasculature. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the nailfold capillaroscopic abnormalities in heart failure patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction and compare those with control group. METHODS: Three groups of patients were recruited for the study: HFrEF group includes the patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HFpEF group, patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and control group, healthy asymptomatic individuals. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy was performed with a videodermatoscope and all nailfold images were evaluated for enlargement and hemorrhages. RESULTS: Abnormal videocapillaroscopic findings including enlargement and/or hemorrhages were present in 7 (24%) patients in HFrEF group, 19 (66%) patients in HFpEF group and 11 (37%) in control group. The number of patients with abnormal videocapillaroscopic findings were significantly greater in HFpEF group compared to HFrEF (p < 0.05) and control groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in videocapillaroscopic findings between HFrEF and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that microvascular abnormalities demonstrated by videodermatoscopic examination of nailfold capillaries are considerably more common in HFpEF patients compared to HFrEF and control groups.
Functional ultrasound imaging of the venous valve of the great saphenous vein in the area around the crosse using the novel vector flow technique
Authors: Kammerer S. , Stroszczynski C. , Jung E.M.
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE: The aim of our pilot study is to consider if the new flow presentation of the vector flow (V-flow) allows an assessment of the valve morphology of the crosses with respect to an insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a total of 50 investigations in which we documented a complete valve closure at the so called “crosse” at the valve of the large saphenous vein, a delayed valve closure or an incomplete valve closure with consecutive insufficiency at the crosse. The valve function of the crosse is crucial for the development of varicosis. For our study we recorded age and gender of the patients. One patient in the study was suffering from Covid19. For the examinations we used a 3–9 MHz probe and a high-end ultrasound device. The examination was performed in a lying position and under quiet conditions. Before examination we practiced inhalation and exhalation as well as “pressing” or coughing with the patients, which resulted in a physiological closure of the venous valves. To rule out thrombosis, we carried out compression sonography on the legs. During the examination we documented the B-scan, the Color-Coded Duplex Sonography, the HR-flow and the V-flow for 3 seconds at the estuary of the crosses and incorporated these parameters into our measurements. Via V-flow, vectors can be imaged by representing the flow of erythrocytes and visually indicate a possible insufficiency due to delayed or incomplete valve closure. RESULTS: 31 of 50 patients (age 19–81years) showed a complete valve closure of the crosses, three of them suffered from thrombosis. In eight of the 50 study participants (age 45–79 years) a delayed valve closure could be diagnosed by V-flow within 1–2 seconds. None of them had a thrombosis, but six of them suffered from cancer. In eleven patients we derived an incomplete valve closure with insufficiency (age 51–88 years). With reflux it took >2 seconds to close the valve. The patient with Covid19 also showed an incomplete valve closure with insufficiency. At the same time this patient showed a Covid19-associated deep vein thrombosis. Eight additional patients also had a thrombosis. Six of them suffered from cancer. Overall, the results were best visualized by V-Flow. CONCLUSION: The crosse as a significant venous structure can be well investigated by V-flow with respect to hemodynamic changes and a resulted reflux. Also associated changes close to the valve can be visualized well.
The novel iron chelator, DIBI, attenuates inflammation and improves outcome in colon ascendens stent peritonitis-induced experimental sepsis
Authors: Fokam Danielle , Aali Maral , Dickson Kayle , Scott Cassidy , Holbein Bruce , Zhou Juan , Lehmann Christian
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is the result of a dysregulated host immune response to an infection. An ideal therapy would target both the underlying infection and the dysregulated immune response. DIBI, a novel iron-binding polymer, was specifically developed as an antimicrobial agent and has also demonstrated in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to further investigate the effects of DIBI with and without the antibiotic imipenem (IMI) in colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP)-induced experimental sepsis. METHODS: Vehicle, DIBI and/or IMI were administered in C57BL/6 mice after CASP surgery. Intestinal leukocyte activation and capillary perfusion was evaluated by intravital microscopy. Moreover, bacterial load in peritoneal lavage fluid and blood, and plasma cytokine levels were assessed. In a second series of experiments, surgery to repair the colon was performed at 5 hr and these mice were followed for long-term survival over 7 days. RESULTS: DIBI reduced leukocyte adhesion, improved capillary blood flow, and decreased key plasma cytokines levels. DIBI also improved survival of infected mice and greatly improved IMI efficacy. Survivors treated with IMI and DIBI were found to be free of systemic infection. CONCLUSIONS: DIBI has promising potential for sepsis treatment including its use as a sole or an adjunct therapeutic with antibiotics.
Functional requirements for polymeric implant materials in head and neck surgery
Authors: Rickert Dorothee , Steinhart Helmut , Lendlein Andreas
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: The pharyngeal reconstruction is a challenging aspect after pharyngeal tumor resection. The pharyngeal passage has to be restored to enable oral alimentation and speech rehabilitation. Several techniques like local transposition of skin, mucosa and/or muscle, regional flaps and free vascularized flaps have been developed to reconstruct pharyngeal defects following surgery, in order to restore function and aesthetics. The reconstruction of the pharynx by degradable, multifunctional polymeric materials would be a novel therapeutical option in head and neck surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of an ethylene-oxide sterilized polymer (diameter 10 mm, 200μm thick) were implanted for the reconstruction of a standardized defect of the gastric wall in rats in a prospective study. The stomach is a model for a “worst case” application site to test the stability of the implant material under extreme chemical, enzymatical, bacterial, and mechanical load. RESULTS: Fundamental parameters investigated in this animal model were a local tight closure between the polymer and surrounding tissues, histological findings of tissue regeneration and systemic responses to inflammation. A tight anastomosis between the polymer and the adjacent stomach wall was found in all animals after polymer implantation (n = 42). Histologically, a regeneration with glandular epithelium was found in the polymer group. No differences in the systemic responses to inflammation were found between the polymer group (n = 42) and the control group (n = 21) with primary wound closure of the defect of the gastric wall. CONCLUSIONS: A sufficient stability of the polymeric material is a requirement for the pharyngeal reconstruction with implant materials.
Cutaneous microcirculation in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease: Comparison of capillary blood circulation in the nail fold of finger and toe
Authors: Mrowietz C. , Sievers H. , Pindur G. , Hiebl B. , Jung F.
Published: September 2020

In patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) a restricted circulation in cutaneous microvessels has been reported. In this study the velocity of erythrocytes (very) in finger nailfold capillaries - a vascular area without upstream macroangiopathy - and also in toe nailfold capillaries - a post-stenotic area –was investigated using capillary microscopy in apparently healthy subjects and patients with PAOD. Already in finger nailfold capillaries very of patients with PAOD under resting conditions was significantly lower than in capillaries of healthy subjects. This was also true for the circulation in toe capillaries. In addition, the erythrocyte velocities under resting conditions in the toe capillaries were significantly lower than in the finger capillaries. Similar results were found for the duration and the maximum velocity of postocclusive hyperemia. It is concluded that the resting blood flow in the skin microcirculation is impaired in PAOD patients, both under resting conditions and during postocclusive hyperemia in finger as well in toe nailfold capillaries.
Unconventional immunotherapy with an unconventional target
Authors: Glassy Mark C.
Published: September 2020

Pritumumab, a natural human IgG1 kappa antibody was obtained from a regional draining lymph node of a patient with cervical carcinoma through traditional hybridoma technology. Specificity analysis of the target antigen, an altered form of vimentin called, ecto-domain vimentin (EDV), shows it to be limited to cell surface expression on cancer cells. Clinically, 249 brain cancer patients were treated with a low dose pritumumab regimen, either at 1 mg once a week or 1 mg twice a week, and of those evaluated overall response rates of between 25–30% were seen with several complete and partial responses. A clinical trial assessing higher doses of pritumumab as a therapeutic for brain cancer is expected to begin this year. Overall, these data together suggest pritumumab is suitable for further development as an anti-tumor therapeutic.
Do platforms favour dissidents? Characterizing political actor types based on social media uses and gratifications
Authors: Rathnayake Chamil , Winter Jenifer Sunrise
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: The rise of social media has resulted in a dramatic change in citizen engagement in political processes. This raises the question of whether affordances of social network sites motivate alternative politics more than more conventional form of political engagement. OBJECTIVE: 1) identify differences in social media uses and gratifications among four political personality types (i.e., potential dissidents, allegiants, subordinates, and the alienated), and 2) examine the extent to which political personality types can be discerned using social media uses and gratifications. METHODS: 313 United States citizens above the age of 18 completed a survey using the revised MAIN model scale to measure social media uses and gratifications. Subjects were categorised into political personality types based on the Gamson Hypothesis and Paige’s conceptualisation of actor types. We developed a multinomial logistic regression model to examine the relationship between predictors (uses and gratifications) and political personality types. RESULTS: Potential allegiants and dissidents are driven by a similar set of social media uses and gratifications as opposed to political subordinates and the alienated. CONCLUSION: Social media can provide more gratifications for potential dissidents and allegiants, ‘favouring’ personality types with high political efficacy.
Back pain in a group of computer workers assessed in a physiotherapy unit
Authors: Drăgoi Iulia Iovanca , Popescu Florina Georgeta , Lăzurean Pompilia Camelia , Anculia Ramona , Ghigulescu Melania , Marin Ioana , Păuncu Elena-Ana
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Modern society work implies computer-based activities generating back pain because of prolonged sitting positions and non-ergonomic postures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the back-pain characteristics in a group of office workers in comparison with potential risk factors. METHODS: The design of the study was retrospective; a group of 109 computer workers with back pain was selected from a private physiotherapy unit between Jan 2018 - Dec 2019. Anthropometric, occupational and behaviour data, symptoms, the diagnosis on the first visit, previous medical diagnosis and specific physical activities were collected from medical records. RESULTS: The studied group (research sample) is formed of information technology operators, engineers and economists, had the mean age 38.91±10.25, with 14.04±9.12 years seniority at work. Most of them addressed to the physiotherapist directly, or they were referred by their family physician; 60% had MRI investigation on the first physiotherapy visit with no medical referral or diagnosis. The symptoms were not reported to the occupational physician. The back pain appeared independent of BMI; the low back pain had higher prevalence in males. Patients reported 6 months of back pain in 57,8% of all cases. The pain was favoured by continuous activity, more than 4 hours, in the sitting posture. CONCLUSIONS: A complex and interdisciplinary team that included an occupational physician, an ergonomist and a physiotherapist could prevent and control back pain in computer workers. Workplace conditions adaptation, proper physiotherapy and periodical medical check-ups could improve the health status of these workers.
Neuro-Retina Might Reflect Alzheimer’s Disease Stage
Authors: Santangelo Roberto , Huang Su-Chun , Bernasconi Maria Paola , Falautano Monica , Comi Giancarlo , Magnani Giuseppe , Leocani Letizia
Published: September 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathological hallmarks were found in retinas of AD patients. Several studies showed a significant reduction of neuro-retina thickness measured through optical coherence tomography (OCT) in AD patients, but possible correlations between retina morphology, cognition, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers (Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau) have been poorly investigated so far. Objective: In the present cross-sectional study, we measured the thickness of neuro-retinal layers through OCT searching for possible correlations with patients’ cognitive performances and CSF AD biomarkers. Methods: 137 consecutive subjects [43 with AD, 37 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 57 healthy controls (HC)], received an OCT scan acquisition to measure the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. In a subsample of 21 AD, 18 MCI, and 18 HC, the macular volume of ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and inner nuclear layer was computed. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and CSF AD biomarkers’ concentrations were available in AD and MCI patients. Results: Peripapillary RNFL, global, and in superior quadrant was significantly thinner in AD and MCI patients when compared to HC, while macular GCL volume was significantly reduced only in AD. RNFL thickness in nasal and inferior quadrants was correlated with single CSF AD biomarker concentrations, but no differences were found in retina morphology depending on the presence of a CSF profile typical for AD. Memory performances were positively associated with GCL and IPL volume. Conclusion: Our findings might propose OCT as a reliable and easy to handle tool able to detect neuro-retinal atrophy in AD in relation with cognitive performances.
Sulforaphane Reverses the Amyloid-β Oligomers Induced Depressive-Like Behavior
Authors: Wang Wei , Wei Cuibai , Quan Meina , Li Tingting , Jia Jianping
Published: September 2020

Background: Depression is one of the most common behavioral and psychological symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To date, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical association between depression and AD remained elusive. Objective: Here, we study the relationship between memory impairment and depressive-like behavior in AD animal model, and investigate the potential mechanisms. Methods: Male SD rats were administered amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) by intracerebroventricular injection, and then the depressive-like behavior, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and the serotonergic system were measured in the brain. Sulforaphane (SF), a compound with dual capacities of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress, was injected intraperitoneally to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Results: The results showed that AβOs induced both memory impairment and depressive-like behavior in rats, through the mechanisms of inducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and impairing the serotonergic axis. SF could reduce both inflammatory factors and oxidative stress parameters to protect the serotonergic system and alleviate memory impairment and depressive-like behavior in rats. Conclusion: These results provided insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the clinical link between depressive disorder and AD, and offered new drug options for the treatment of depressive symptoms in dementia.
White Matter Changes on Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the FINGER Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stephen Ruth ,   for the FINGER study group, Solomon Alina , Ngandu Tiia , Levälahti Esko , Rinne Juha O. , Kemppainen Nina , Parkkola Riitta , Antikainen Riitta , Strandberg Timo , Kivipelto Miia , Soininen Hilkka , Liu Yawu
Published: September 2020

Background: Early pathological changes in white matter microstructure can be studied using the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). It is not only important to study these subtle pathological changes leading to cognitive decline, but also to ascertain how an intervention would impact the white matter microstructure and cognition in persons at-risk of dementia. Objectives: To study the impact of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on white matter and cognitive changes during the 2-year Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER), a randomized controlled trial in at-risk older individuals (age 60–77 years) from the general population. Methods: This exploratory study consisted of a subsample of 60 FINGER participants. Participants were randomized to either a multidomain intervention (diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk management, n = 34) or control group (general health advice, n = 26). All underwent baseline and 2-year brain DTI. Changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), diffusivity along domain (F1) and non-domain (F2) diffusion orientations, mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AxD), radial diffusivity (RD), and their correlations with cognitive changes during the 2-year multidomain intervention were analyzed. Results: FA decreased, and cognition improved more in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with no significant intergroup differences for changes in F1, F2, MD, AxD, or RD. The cognitive changes were significantly positively related to FA change, and negatively related to RD change in the control group, but not in the intervention group. Conclusion: The 2-year multidomain FINGER intervention may modulate white matter microstructural alterations.
Cognitive, Genetic, Brain Volume, and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Markers as Early Indicators of Dementia
Authors: Müller Theresa , Payton Nicola M. , Kalpouzos Grégoria , Jessen Frank , Grande Giulia , Bäckman Lars , Laukka Erika J.
Published: September 2020

Background: Although associated with dementia and cognitive impairment, microstructural white matter integrity is a rarely used marker of preclinical dementia. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of multiple markers, with special focus on microstructural white matter integrity, in detecting individuals with increased dementia risk. Methods: A dementia-free subsample (n = 212, mean age = 71.33 years) included in the population-based Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC-K) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (T1-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion tensor imaging), neuropsychological testing (perceptual speed, episodic memory, semantic memory, letter and category fluency), and genotyping (APOE). Incident dementia was assessed during six years of follow-up. Results: A global model (global cognition, APOE, total brain tissue volume: AUC = 0.920) rendered the highest predictive value for future dementia. Of the models based on specific markers, white matter integrity of the forceps major tract was included in the most predictive model, in combination with perceptual speed and hippocampal volume (AUC = 0.911). Conclusion: Assessment of microstructural white matter integrity may improve the early detection of dementia, although the added benefit in this study was relatively small.
Brain FDG PET for the Etiological Diagnosis of Clinically Uncertain Cognitive Impairment During Delirium in Remission
Authors: Mathies Franziska , Lange Catharina , Mäurer Anja , Apostolova Ivayla , Klutmann Susanne , Buchert Ralph
Published: September 2020

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) of the brain with 2-[F-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is widely used for the etiological diagnosis of clinically uncertain cognitive impairment (CUCI). Acute full-blown delirium can cause reversible alterations of FDG uptake that mimic neurodegenerative disease. Objective: This study tested whether delirium in remission affects the performance of FDG PET for differentiation between neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative etiology of CUCI. Methods: The study included 88 patients (82.0±5.7 y) with newly detected CUCI during hospitalization in a geriatric unit. Twenty-seven (31%) of the patients were diagnosed with delirium during their current hospital stay, which, however, at time of enrollment was in remission so that delirium was not considered the primary cause of the CUCI. Cases were categorized as neurodegenerative or non-neurodegenerative etiology based on visual inspection of FDG PET. The diagnosis at clinical follow-up after ≥12 months served as ground truth to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FDG PET. Results: FDG PET was categorized as neurodegenerative in 51 (58%) of the patients. Follow-up after 16±3 months was obtained in 68 (77%) of the patients. The clinical follow-up diagnosis confirmed the FDG PET-based categorization in 60 patients (88%, 4 false negative and 4 false positive cases with respect to detection of neurodegeneration). The fraction of correct PET-based categorization did not differ between patients with delirium in remission and patients without delirium (86% versus 89%, p = 0.666). Conclusion: Brain FDG PET is useful for the etiological diagnosis of CUCI in hospitalized geriatric patients, as well as in patients with delirium in remission.
High Cholesterol Diet Exacerbates Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in LDLr–/– Mice: Impact on Cognitive Function
Authors: de Oliveira Jade , Engel Daiane F. , de Paula Gabriela C. , dos Santos Danúbia B. , Lopes Jadna B. , Farina Marcelo , Moreira Eduardo L.G. , de Bem Andreza F.
Published: September 2020

Background: Evidence has revealed an association between familial hypercholesterolemia and cognitive impairment. In this regard, a connection between cognitive deficits and hippocampal blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown was found in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice (LDLr–/–), a mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia. Objective: Herein we investigated the impact of a hypercholesterolemic diet on cognition and BBB function in C57BL/6 wild-type and LDLr–/–mice. Methods: Animals were fed with normal or high cholesterol diets for 30 days. Thus, wild-type and LDLr–/–mice were submitted to memory paradigms. Additionally, BBB integrity was evaluated in the mice’s prefrontal cortices and hippocampi. Results: A tenfold elevation in plasma cholesterol levels of LDLr–/–mice was observed after a hypercholesterolemic diet, while in wild-type mice, the hypercholesterolemic diet exposure increased plasma cholesterol levels only moderately and did not induce cognitive impairment. LDLr–/–mice presented memory impairment regardless of the diet. We observed BBB disruption as an increased permeability to sodium fluorescein in the prefrontal cortices and hippocampi and a decrease on hippocampal claudin-5 and occludin mRNA levels in both wild-type and LDLr–/–mice treated with a hypercholesterolemic diet. The LDLr–/–mice fed with a regular diet already presented BBB dysfunction. The BBB-increased leakage in the hippocampi of LDLr–/–mice was related to high microvessel content and intense astrogliosis, which did not occur in the control mice. Conclusion: Therefore, LDLr–/–mice seem to be more susceptible to cognitive impairments and BBB damage induced by exposure to a high cholesterol diet. Finally, BBB disruption appears to be a relevant event in hypercholesterolemia-induced brain alterations.
Impact of Air Pollution on Cognitive Impairment in Older People: A Cohort Study in Rural and Suburban China
Authors: He Fan , Tang James J. , Zhang Tao , Lin Junfen , Li Fudong , Gu Xue , Chen Ruoling
Published: September 2020

Background: The impact of air pollution on cognitive impairment in older people has not been fully understood. It is unclear which air pollutants are the culprit. Objective: We assessed the associations of six air pollutants and air quality index (AQI) with cognitive impairment. Methods: We examined 7,311 participants aged ≥60 years from the ZJMPHS cohort in China. They were interviewed for baseline socio-demographic and disease risk factors in 2014, and re-interviewed in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The presence of cognitive impairment was determined by the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Daily area-level data monitored for air pollution during 2013-2015 was then examined for associations with cognitive impairment in logistic regression models. Results: Over the two years follow-up, 1,652 participants developed cognitive impairment, of which 917 were severe cases. Continuous air pollution data showed the risk of cognitive impairment increased with exposure to PM2.5 (fully adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08), PM10 (1.03, 1.001–1.06), and SO2 (1.04, 1.01–1.08), but not with NO2, CO, O3, and AQI. Categorized data analysis for low, middle, and high level exposure demonstrated that the aOR increased with PM2.5 and AQI, somehow with PM10 and CO, but not significantly with SO2 and NO2, and decreased with O3. The patterns for these associations with severe cognitive impairment were stronger. Conclusion: Lowering PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO level could reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in older Chinese. Strategies to target most important air pollutants should be an integral component of cognitive interventions.
Voxelwise Meta-Analysis of Gray Matter Abnormalities in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Subjective Cognitive Decline Using Activation Likelihood Estimation
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Xu Wenwen , Xue Chen , Hu Guanjie , Ma Wenying , Qi Wenzhang , Dong Lin , Lin Xingjian , Chen Jiu
Published: September 2020

Background: Voxel-based morphometry studies have not yielded consistent results among patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Objective: Therefore, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of gray matter (GM) abnormalities acquired from these studies to determine their respective neuroanatomical changes. Methods: We systematically searched for voxel-based whole-brain morphometry studies that compared MCI or SCD subjects with healthy controls in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. We used the coordinate-based method of activation likelihood estimation to determine GM changes in SCD, MCI, and MCI sub-groups (amnestic MCI and non-amnestic MCI). Results: A total of 45 studies were included in our meta-analysis. In the MCI group, we found structural atrophy of the bilateral hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), amygdala, right lateral globus pallidus, right insula, and left middle temporal gyrus. The aMCI group exhibited GM atrophy in the bilateral hippocampus, PHG, and amygdala. The naMCI group presented with structural atrophy in the right putamen, right insula, right precentral gyrus, left medial/superior frontal gyrus, and left anterior cingulate. The right lingual gyrus, right cuneus, and left medial frontal gyrus were atrophic GM regions in the SCD group. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis identified unique patterns of neuroanatomical alternations in both the MCI and SCD group. Structural changes in SCD patients provide new evidence for the notion that subtle impairment of visual function, perception, and cognition may be related to early signs of cognitive impairment. In addition, our findings provide a foundation for future targeted interventions at different stages of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Examining Sex Differences in Markers of Cognition and Neurodegeneration in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease: Preliminary Findings from the Colombian Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative Biomarker Study
Authors: Vila-Castelar Clara , Guzmán-Vélez Edmarie , Pardilla-Delgado Enmanuelle , Buckley Rachel F. , Bocanegra Yamile , Baena Ana , Fox-Fuller Joshua T. , Tirado Victoria , Muñoz Claudia , Giraldo Margarita , Acosta-Baena Natalia , Rios-Romenets Silvia , Langbaum Jessica B. , Tariot Pierre N. , Lopera Francisco , Reiman Eric M. , Quiroz Yakeel T.
Published: September 2020

Background: Growing evidence suggests that there may be a sex-specific biological risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Individuals with autosomal dominant AD due to a mutation (E280A) in Presenilin-1 (PSEN1) are genetically determined to develop early-onset dementia and thus, have few age-related risk factors for AD that are known to vary by sex (i.e., cardiovascular disease, menopause, life expectancy). Objective: Investigate sex differences in markers of cognition and neurodegeneration in autosomal dominant AD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 19 cognitively-unimpaired PSEN1 mutation carriers (age range 20–44; 11 females), 11 symptomatic carriers (age range 42–56; 8 females), and 23 matched non-carriers family members (age range 20–50; 13 females). We examined hippocampal volume ratio, CERAD Total Score, and CERAD Word List (i.e., Learning, Delayed Recall, and Recognition). Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman correlations and regression models were conducted. Results: There were no differential associations between age, CERAD Total Score, CERAD Word List–Learning, Delayed Recall, Recognition, and hippocampal volume ratio in male and female carriers and non-carriers. Cognitively-unimpaired female carriers showed better CERAD Total scores and CERAD Word List-Learning than cognitively-unimpaired male carriers, despite having similar hippocampal volume ratios. The interaction of sex and hippocampal volume ratio did not predict cognitive performance across groups. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest that cognitively-unimpaired female carriers showed a verbal memory reserve, and as disease progresses, female carriers did not exhibit a cognitive susceptibility to AD-related neurodegeneration. Future studies with larger samples of autosomal dominant AD are warranted to further understand sex differences in AD-related clinical and pathological markers.
Psychometric Properties of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory: A Review
Authors: Saari Toni , Koivisto Anne , Hintsa Taina , Hänninen Tuomo , Hallikainen Ilona
Published: September 2020

Neuropsychiatric symptoms cause a significant burden to individuals with neurocognitive disorders and their families. Insights into the clinical associations, neurobiology, and treatment of these symptoms depend on informant questionnaires, such as the commonly used Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). As with any scale, the utility of the NPI relies on its psychometric properties, but the NPI faces unique challenges related to its skip-question and scoring formats. In this narrative review, we examined the psychometric properties of the NPI in a framework including properties pertinent to construct validation, and health-related outcome measurement in general. We found that aspects such as test-retest and inter-rater reliability are major strengths of the NPI in addition to its flexible and relatively quick administration. These properties are desired in clinical trials. However, the reported properties appear to cover only some of the generally examined psychometric properties, representing perhaps necessary but insufficient reliability and validity evidence for the NPI. The psychometric data seem to have significant gaps, in part because small sample sizes in the relevant studies have precluded more comprehensive analyses. Regarding construct validity, only one study has examined structural validity with the NPI subquestions. Measurement error was not assessed in the reviewed studies. For future validation, we recommend using data from all subquestions, collecting larger samples, paying specific attention to construct validity and formulating hypotheses a priori. Because the NPI is an outcome measure of interest in clinical trials, examining measurement error could be of practical importance.
An Operational Definition of ‘Abnormal Cognition’ to Optimize the Prediction of Progression to Dementia: What Are Optimal Cut-Off Points for Univariate and Multivariate Normative Comparisons?
Authors: de Vent Nathalie R. , Agelink van Rentergem Joost A. , Huizenga Hilde M. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Sikkes Sieske A.M. , Murre Jaap M.J. , van den Bosch Karlijn A. , Scheltens Philip , Schmand Ben A.
Published: September 2020

Background: In neuropsychology and neurology, there is no consensus on the definition of abnormal cognition. Objective: To operationally define ‘abnormal cognition’ for optimally predicting progression to dementia in a memory clinic sample, and to test whether multivariate profile analysis of cognitive test results improves this prediction compared to standard clinical evaluation. Methods: We used longitudinal data from 835 non-demented patients of the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. For 10 cognitive measures at baseline, we determined which number of abnormal tests and which magnitude of score deviations best predicted progression. Results: Predictive ability for progression to dementia of one, two, and three abnormal test scores out of 10 is highly similar (Cox hazard ratios: 3.7–4.1) provided cut-off values are adapted appropriately. Cut-offs have to be less stringent if the number of abnormal tests required increases: the optimal cut-off is z < –1.45 when one deviating score is required, z < –1.15 when two abnormal tests are required, and z < –0.70 when three abnormal tests are required. The profile analysis has similar predictive ability at the cut-off of p < 0.22 (hazard ratio 3.8). A likelihood ratio test showed that this analysis improves prediction of progression to dementia when added to standard clinical evaluation (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Abnormal cognition may be defined as one, two, or three abnormal test scores out of 10 if the magnitude of score deviations is adapted accordingly. An abnormal score profile predicts decline to dementia equally well, and improves the prediction when used complimentary to standard clinical evaluation.
Wave packet separation based corrosion damage detection for aircraft structures
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Taifeng , Guo Yu , Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao , Wang De
Published: September 2020

To guarantee the safety and reliability of aircraft structures, Lamb wave based structural health monitoring has been widely used in recent years. However, there are several factors that severely restrict its practical application, such as dispersion effect and complex boundary reflection. The overlap and deformation in wave packets make it difficult to extract the damage characteristics from the complex Lamb wave signals. To tackle this problem, a latent variable model based wave packet separation method is developed in this paper. Aimed at corrosion damage detection, several damage indices are investigated experimentally. By choosing the most sensitive damage index, the validity and the accuracy of the proposed method in corrosion damage detection are demonstrated through the corrosion experiments.
Metallographic image segmentation of GCr15 bearing steel based on CGAN
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Jin Wuyin , Wang Meng
Published: September 2020

A novel deep learning segmentation method based on Conditional Generative Adversarial Nets (CGAN) is proposed, being U-GAN in this paper to overtake shortcomings of the metallographic images of GCr15 bearing steel, such as multi-noise, low contrast and difficult to segment. The results of experiment indicate that the proposed model is the most accurate comparing with the digital image processing methods and deep learning methods on carbide particle segmentation. The average Dice’s coefficient of similarity measure function is 0.9158, which is the state-of-the-art performance on dataset.
Leakage magnetic field variation induced by inner surface grooves during loading in geomagnetic environment
Authors: Hu Bin , Li Tao Yun , Shen GongTian , Wan Benli
Published: September 2020

The leakage magnetic field which induced by the inner surface groove during loading had been measured from the outer surface in geomagnetic environment. Compared the variation of the leakage magnetic field along the load with the location and development of the groove, it was found that two phenomena are relate to the magnetic field aberration. The relation can be described by the pink-pink value and the gradient of the magnetic field aberration. This result can be used to evaluate and monitor the inner defect by the magnetic field aberration characters.
Design of fuzzy logic controller for load frequency control in an isolated hybrid power system
Authors: Kirn Kumar N. , Indra Gandhi V.
Published: September 2020

As the world is moving towards green energy generation to reduce the pollution by renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and more. These sources are intermittent in nature, to coordinate and control with traditional power generating units a control technique is necessary. This paper mainly focuses on the design of fuzzy based classical controller using a PSO algorithm for optimal controller gains to control the frequency variations in island hybrid power system. The considered mathematical model comprises of a diesel generating model, wind turbine generator and a battery storage system. Fuzzy is an intelligent controller which is designed with trial and error rules or on the basis of past experience provided by experts or by optimization methods for optimized gains using computational algorithms. To give best solution for these kinds of problems with FLCs traditional controllers are integrated with fuzzy logic. The PSO algorithm is applied to tune the classical controller gains to decrease the frequency deviation of the island power system, during the different load and wind disturbances. The Fuzzy PID classical controller shows the best performance compared with the only fuzzy and Fuzzy-PI controller configurations by illustrating the under shoot, overshoot and settling time and the proposed method is robust for various loading conditions and different wind changes.
Data-driven disruption prediction in GOLEM Tokamak using ensemble classifiers
Authors: Chandrasekar Jayakumar , Madhawa Surendar , Sangeetha J.
Published: September 2020

A robust disruption prediction system is mandatory in a Tokamak control system as the disruption can cause malfunctioning of the plasma-facing components and impair irrecoverable structural damage to the vessel. To mitigate the disruption, in this article, a data-driven based disruption predictor is developed using an ensemble technique. The ensemble algorithm classifies disruptive and non-disruptive discharges in the GOLEM Tokamak system. Ensemble classifiers combine the predictive capacity of several weak learners to produce a single predictive model and are utilized both in supervised and unsupervised learning. The resulting final model reduces the bias, minimizes variance and is unlikely to over-fit when compared to the individual model from a single algorithm. In this paper, popular ensemble techniques such as Bagging, Boosting, Voting, and Stacking are employed on the time-series Tokamak dataset, which consists of 117 normal and 70 disruptive shots. Stacking ensemble with REPTree (Reduced Error Pruning Tree) as a base learner and Multi-response Linear Regression as meta learner produced better results in comparison to other ensembles. A comparison with the widely employed stand-alone machine learning algorithms and ensemble algorithms are illustrated. The results show the excellent performance of the Stacking model with an F1 score of 0.973. The developed predictive model would be capable of warning the human operator with feedback about the feature(s) causing the disruption.
Embedding information reversibly in medical images for e-health
Authors: Kamili Asra , Fatima Izat , Hassan Muzamil , Parah Shabir A. , Vijaya Kumar V. , Ambati L. S.
Published: September 2020

Embedding information in medical images is considered as one of the significant methods for safeguarding the integrity and authenticity of medical images besides providing security to electronic patient records (EPR). The conventional embedding methods deteriorate the perceptual quality of medical images making them unsuitable for proper diagnosis. To preserve the perceptual quality of medical images reversible embedding is used. The reversible embedding schemes, however, have less embedding capacity. In this work, a reversible scheme based on histogram bin shifting and RGB plane concatenation has been proposed which offers high embedding capacity as well. We have exploited the fact that medical images, unlike general images, consist of a large number of peaks and zero points that can be employed for reversibly embedding the data. Reversibility ensures that original image restoration takes place after the extraction of embedded data, which is of great importance in medical images for proper diagnosis and treatment. We have used various subjective and objective image quality metrics for analyzing the scheme. The proposed scheme has been shown to provide a Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) value of above 56 dB for an embedding capacity of 0.58 bits per pixel (bpp). The results obtained show that the performance of scheme presented is far better in comparison to the state-of-the-art.
Physical modeling of an automated ship’s list control system
Authors: Chernyi Sergei G. , Vyngra Aleksei V. , Novak Bogdan P.
Published: September 2020

In order to implement and demonstrate all the processes associated with the real stability trial system on vessels, a ship’s model was made. The developed model consists of electrical and hardware parts. It is concluded that the model is applicable for the study of issues of automatic control of the ship’s list, simulating various loading options. Scalable loading studies of various types and sizes of cargo were carried out. The results of the study showed the correct operation of the model according to a specified algorithm. To work with the microcontroller and to code, the mathematical modeling environment Matlab/Simulink was used. The results of the study showed that the created control system is able to secure the vessel during various types of loading operations, speed up the loading process, thus reducing the time spent at the port stay and save port costs.