bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy-Approximation-Based Novel Back-Stepping Control of Flexible Air-Breathing Hypersonic Vehicles with Nonaffine Models
Authors: Li Xingge , Li Gang
Published: June 2019

This article investigates a novel fuzzy-approximation-based nonaffine control strategy for a flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle (FHV). Firstly, the nonaffine models are decomposed into an altitude subsystem and a velocity subsystem, and the nonaffine dynamics of the subsystems are processed by using low-pass filters. For the unknown functions and uncertainties in each subsystem, fuzzy approximators are used to approximate the total uncertainties, and norm estimation approach is introduced to reduce the computational complexity of the algorithm. Aiming at the saturation problem of actuator, a saturation auxiliary system is designed to transform the original control problem with input constraints into a new control problem without input constraints. Finally, the superiority of the proposed method is verified by simulation.
On a New Stability Problem of Radical nth-Degree Functional Equation by Brzdęk’s Fixed-Point Method
Authors: Kang Dongseung , Kim Hoewoon B.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we introduce the radical nth-degree functional equation of the form f(xn+ynn)=f(x)+f(y) with a positive integer n, discuss its general solutions, and prove new Hyers-Ulam-type stability results for the equation by using Brzdęk’s fixed-point method.
The Properties of Solvent-Based and Water-Borne Butyl Acrylate/Styrene Copolymer Films
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Zhonghua
Published: June 2019

With the increasing demands of environmental protection, the properties of water-borne coatings film must meet or exceed current solvent-based coatings. It is an important part of coating science for characterizing the film properties of polymers which was used in the water-borne and the solvent-based coating. In this study, UV-visible spectroscopy, gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the properties of the water-borne and the solvent-based poly(butyl acrylate/styrene) (P(BA/St)) copolymer films. The water-borne and the solvent-based P(BA/St) copolymer was synthesized by two methods. The copolymer had a Tg of approximately 14.4°C, which was close to room temperature. The water-borne copolymers were prepared via a three-step film formation process, while the solvent-based copolymer films were prepared in two steps. Comparing the properties of the water-borne and the solvent-based films, the water absorption capacities decreased with increasing film formation times, and the film barrier properties and electrochemical properties of both films improved as the film formation time increased.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Fushui , You Jianyu , Li Qi , Fang Ting , Chen Mei , Tang Nana , Yan Xiaojun
Published: June 2019

Objectives. Acupuncture has been widely used to relieve chronic pain-related insomnia (CPRI). However, the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI. Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if acupuncture was compared to sham acupuncture or conventional drug therapies for treating CPRI. Two reviewers screened each study and extracted data independently. Statistical analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. Results. A total of nine studies involving 944 patients were enrolled. The pooled analysis indicated that acupuncture treatment was significantly better than control group in improving effective rate (OR = 8.09, 95%CI = [4.75, 13.79], P < 0.00001) and cure rate (OR = 3.17, 95%CI = [2.35, 4.29], P < 0.00001), but subgroup analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and sham acupuncture in improving cure rate (OR =10.36, 95% CI [0.53, 201.45], P=0.12) based on one included study. In addition, meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture group was superior to control group in debasing PSQI score (MD = -2.65, 95%CI = [-4.00, -1.30], P = 0.0001) and VAS score (MD = -1.44, 95%CI = [-1.58, -1.29], P < 0.00001). And there was no significant difference in adverse events (OR =1.73, 95%CI = [0.92, 3.25], P =0.09) between the two groups. Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for CPRI, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of patients with CPRI. Due to the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more rigorously designed RCTs with high quality and large sample size are recommended in future.
Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Multiple Sclerosis: Changing Paradigms in the Era of Novel Agents
Authors: Gavriilaki Maria , Sakellari Ioanna , Gavriilaki Eleni , Kimiskidis Vasilios K. , Anagnostopoulos Achilles
Published: June 2019

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is established as a standard of care for diseases ranging from hematological malignancies to other neoplastic pathologies and severe immunological deficiencies. In April 1995, our group performed the first AHSCT in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Since then, a plethora of studies have been published with encouraging but controversial results. Major challenges in the field include appropriate patient selection, improvements in AHSCT procedure, and timing of this treatment modality. Beyond AHSCT, several new intravenous or oral agents have been developed and approved over the last 20 years in MS. The emergence of multiple effective therapies for MS has created a challenging scenario for both treating physicians and patients. Novel cell-based therapies other than AHSCT are also currently investigated in MS patients with promising results. Our review is aimed at summarizing state-of-the-art knowledge on basic principles and results of AHSCT in MS and its role compared to novel agents.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Ovarian Cancer Patients with Low CA125 Concentration
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Huo Qianyu , Huang Lunhui , Cheng You , Liu Yunde , Bao Huijing
Published: June 2019

Ovarian cancer cases with low CA125 concentration are problematic and increase the high false negative results ratio during routine physical examination testing. Unfortunately, patients without early discovery have very low survival rates. In our study, we investigated the possible role of differential leukocyte counts and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in ovarian cancer patients to identify an additional discriminative marker to avoid missing diagnoses in normal physical examinations. One hundred seventy-three patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and 70 healthy controls were involved in our study. Based on the results, compared with the healthy controls, NLR was significantly different both in the low CA125 concentration group and in the complete patient group, indicating that NLR could be an effective marker for ovarian cancer screening. According to ROC, sensitivity, specificity, and NPV results, CA125 >35 U/ml is a good indicator for cancer in routine physical examination. However, in patients with low CA125 concentration, the CA125>7.65 U/ml and NLR >1.72 group yielded increased sensitivity with appropriate specificity and higher NPV results than the CA125 >35 U/ml group. We believe CA125>7.65 U/ml and NLR >1.72 should be effective makers for patients with low CA125 concentration. As a more sensitive and cost-effective strategy, this method could be conducted during routine ovarian cancer screening.
Cardiac Inotropic Effect of Long-Term Administration of Oral Thymoquinone
Authors: Asoom Lubna Ibrahim Al , Al-Hariri Mohammad Taha
Published: June 2019

Back Ground. Long-term administration of Nigella sativa showed cardiac hypertrophic and positive inotropic effects. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient in Nigella sativa. Therefore, we aimed to test the cardiac effects of long-term TQ administration. Materials and Methods. Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing (150-250 g) were divided into two groups: control and TQ. A TQ-olive oil solution was administered orally to the TQ group (dose 10 mg/kg) for two months. An equivalent volume of olive oil was given to the control group. Langendorff isolated hearts were studied. Peak tension, time to peak tension, half relaxation time, and myocardial flow rate were determined. Heart and left ventricle weights and ratios were recorded. Results. The TQ group exhibited significantly higher peak tension than the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in time to peak tension, half relaxation time, and myocardial flow rate. Likewise, there were no signs of cardiac hypertrophy. Conclusions. Long-term administration of oral TQ induced a positive inotropic effect in the form of an increase in peak tension. TQ administration did not result in cardiac hypertrophy or an increased cardiac metabolic demand at the studied dose. TQ may be a promising inotropic agent.
Efficacy and Safety of Fire Needle Therapy for Nodular Prurigo: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Luo Yue , Kuai Le , Song Ningjing , Ding Xiaojie , Sun Xiaoying , Luo Ying , Ru Yi , Hong Seokgyeong , Xing Meng , Zhou Mi , Li Bin , Li Xin
Published: June 2019

In this quantitative study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of fire needle therapy for nodular prurigo. We systematically searched several databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, the China Network Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and the China Science and Technology Journal Database, and retrieved randomized controlled trials comparing conventional therapies (control group) with fire needle therapy alone or in combination with conventional therapies. Revman 5.2 software was used to calculate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In total, 14 trials with 1176 participants were included. Our quantitative study showed that the effectiveness rate of fire needle therapy combined with conventional therapies was significantly higher than that of conventional therapies alone (fire needle + traditional Chinese medicine [TCM] vs. TCM: RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.18; fire needle + oral thalidomide + topical glucocorticoid [TGC] vs. thalidomide + TGC: RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.70; fire needle + TGC vs. TGC only: RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.31). Similar results were obtained for the Symptom Score Reducing Index (fire needle + TCM vs. TCM: mean difference [MD], −3.39; 95% CI: −5.39 to −1.39), visual analog scale scores for itching severity (fire needle vs. halometasone cream: MD, −0.93; 95% CI, −1.29 to −0.58; fire needle + TCM vs. TCM: MD, −1.18; 95% CI, −1.78 to −0.58), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (fire needle vs. halometasone cream: MD, −3.03; 95% CI, −3.43 to −2.63; fire needle + TCM vs. TCM: MD, −2.53; 95% CI, −3.12 to −1.94). Adverse event and recurrence rates were comparable between groups. Thus, fire needle therapy alone or combined with conventional treatments may be effective for nodular prurigo, without any additional side effects.
Nonfunctionalized Cation of an Ionic Liquid as a Ligand in the Synthesis of a New Coordination Compound and Assessment of Its Biological Activity
Authors: Tigineh Getinet Tamiru , Abebe Atakilt
Published: June 2019

Literature evidences reveal the affinity of ionic liquids for biomembranes that they are readily absorbed into the cell, resulting in a variety of biological effects, including broad antibacterial potential and anticancer activity. Recent research directions considered the ions of this class of compounds as a new choice of ligands in the synthesis of transition metal complexes for various applications. Based on this, the present work reports the synthesis, structural characterization, and in vitro antibacterial activities of a tetrahedral hexacationic Co(II) complex formed by coordinating with the cation of an ionic liquid, N-butyl-4,4-bipyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([C4Bip][Tf2N]). It has been demonstrated by the isolation and characterization of tetrakis-(N-butyl-4,4′-bipyridinium)cobalt(II)dichloride-tetrakis-(bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, ([(C4Bip)4Co]Cl2(Tf2N)4). The ligand and complex are characterized spectroscopically (1H, 13C, and 19F NMR, ESI MS, ICP OES), and by CHNS elemental analysis, halide estimation, and conductivity studies. The antibacterial activities of the compounds against two bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), are screened using the agar well-diffusion method and were compared with a reference (gentamicin). The metal complex demonstrated better inhibition than the ionic liquid and the reference.
Real-Time Needle Force Modeling for VR-Based Renal Biopsy Training with Respiratory Motion Using Direct Clinical Data
Authors: Li Feiyan , Tai Yonghang , Li Qiong , Peng Jun , Huang Xiaoqiao , Chen Zaiqing , Shi Junsheng
Published: June 2019

Realistic tool-tissue interactive modeling has been recognized as an essential requirement in the training of virtual surgery. A virtual basic surgical training framework integrated with real-time force rendering has been recognized as one of the most immersive implementations in medical education. Yet, compared to the original intraoperative data, there has always been an argument that these data are represented by lower fidelity in virtual surgical training. In this paper, a dynamic biomechanics experimental framework is designed to achieve a highly immersive haptic sensation during the biopsy therapy with human respiratory motion; it is the first time to introduce the idea of periodic extension idea into the dynamic percutaneous force modeling. Clinical evaluation is conducted and performed in the Yunnan First People’s Hospital, which not only demonstrated a higher fitting degree (AVG: 99.36%) with the intraoperation data than previous algorithms (AVG: 87.83%, 72.07%, and 66.70%) but also shows a universal fitting range with multilayer tissue. 27 urologists comprising 18 novices and 9 professors were invited to the VR-based training evaluation based on the proposed haptic rendering solution. Subjective and objective results demonstrated higher performance than the existing benchmark training simulator. Combining these in a systematic approach, tuned with specific fidelity requirements, haptically enabled medical simulation systems would be able to provide a more immersive and effective training environment.
Chemical Oxidation for Oil Separation from Oilfield Produced Water under UV Irradiation Using Titanium Dioxide as a Nano-Photocatalyst by Batch and Continuous Techniques
Authors: Hassan Ali A. , Al-zobai Khalid M. Mousa
Published: June 2019

This research describes the photocatalytic design for oil removal from produced water. It involves batch and continuous processes. The photocatalytic degradation of oil has been conducted in glass reactors. The effects of nano-TiO2 concentration, the number of lamps, and the time of radiation were studied in the batch system, while in the continuous treatment, the number of lamps, the direction of light radiation, and the time of processes were studied. The results showed that all the oil was removed in the batch system and the maximum percentage of oil removal was 71% in the continuous system.
Neuroprotective Effects of Musk of Muskrat on Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Lee Donghun , Kim Young-Sik , Song Jungbin , Kim Hocheol
Published: June 2019

Musk of musk deer has been one of the most precious traditional medicinal materials for treatment of stroke, but trading is prohibited. Musk of muskrat,Ondatra zibethicus, is an accessible substitute for musk of musk deer. However, neuroprotective effects of the musk of muskrat on stroke model are so far unclear. Aim of the study is to determine neuroprotective effects of the musk of muskrat on focal cerebral ischemia. The protective effects against focal cerebral ischemia were evaluated using a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (90-minute occlusion followed by 24-hour reperfusion). Musk of muskrat was collected from scent bag of muskrat and orally administered at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg twice at times of 0 and 90 min after occlusion. The effects on sensorimotor dysfunction were investigated by using balance beam test and rotarod test after brain ischemia. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Oral administration of musk at 300 mg/kg significantly reduced (p<0.001) the infarct volume by 32.4% compared with a vehicle-treated group. Oral administration of musk at 300 mg/kg also ameliorated ischemia-induced spontaneous and vestibule sensorimotor dysfunction in balance beam test and rotarod test compared with control group and COX-2 upregulation. Musk of muskrat may have neuroprotective effects against transient focal cerebral ischemia with recovery of sensorimotor dysfunction. Regarding the immunohistochemistry, the effects of muskrat may be due to anti-inflammatory properties through inhibition of COX-2 expressions.
TRIM67 Activates p53 to Suppress Colorectal Cancer Initiation and Progression
Authors: Wang Shiyan , Zhang Yanquan , Huang Junzhe , Wong Chi Chun , Zhai Jianning , Li Chuangen , Wei Guifeng , Zhao Liuyang , Wang Guoping , Wei Hong , Zhao Zengren , Yu Jun
Published: June 2019

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins participate in a variety of important cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, DNA repair, and senescence. In this study, we demonstrated that a novel TRIM family member, TRIM67, was commonly silenced in colorectal cancer and its downregulation was associated with poor survival. Trim67 knockout in ApcMin/+ mice increased the incidence, multiplicity, and burden of colorectal tumors. Similarly, colon-specific knockout of Trim67 significantly accelerated azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in mice. RNA sequencing revealed that the antitumor effect of TRIM67 was mediated by activation of the p53 signaling pathway. TRIM67 interacted directly with the C-terminus of p53, inhibiting p53 degradation by its ubiquitin ligase MDM2. TRIM67 was also a transcriptional target of p53; upon cellular stress, p53 bound to the TRIM67 promoter and induced significant upregulation of TRIM67, thereby forming a TRIM67/p53 self-amplifying loop that boosts p53-induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. Consequently, loss of this p53-positive regulatory program profoundly compromised p53-mediated responses to chemotherapy-induced DNA damage. Dampened p53 response was also observed in tumors of Trim67 knockout mice and Trim67 knockout embryonic fibroblasts. TRIM67 reactivation restored p53 activation and sensitized colorectal cancer cells to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. TRIM67 thus functions as a pivotal tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer and is a potential target for improving chemotherapy responsiveness.

Significance:

The TRIM67/p53 axis represents a novel therapeutic target that could be harnessed to improve chemotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer expressing wild-type p53 but with repressed p53 signaling.
Predictive Significance of Radiographic Density of Sinus Opacity and Bone Thickness in Unilateral Maxillary Sinus Mycetoma
Authors: Huang Zhenxiao , Xu Huifang , Xiao Nianci , Li Yunxia , Dong Yi , Li Yunchuan , Zhou Bing
Published: June 2019

Objectives: To identify the optimal cutoff value in Hounsfield units (HU) of maxillary sinus (MS) opacity and bone thickness (neo-osteogenesis) of MS as radiological predictors for mycetoma. Methods: One hundred and sixty-four patients, including 59 patients with unilateral MS mycetoma, 31 with unilateral odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, 44 with chronic rhinosinusitis and 30 with rhinitis, who underwent sinus or turbinate surgery were recruited. The bone thickness, HU of the MS posterolateral wall and sinus opacity were evaluated using computed tomography scan. Results: The bone thickness of the MS posterolateral wall in the mycetoma group was significantly higher than that in the odontogenic sinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) groups (p < 0.0001). The HU of the sinus opacity in the mycetoma group were significantly higher than those in the odontogenic and CRS groups (p < 0.0001). An optimal cutoff HU of sinus opacity >101.17 yielded a sensitivity of 96.6 and specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of MS mycetoma. An optimal cutoff of bone thickness >0.305 cm yielded a sensitivity of 84.7 and specificity of 60% for the diagnosis of MS mycetomas. Conclusions: The radiographic density measurement of MS opacification has a high predictive value for the diagnosis of MS mycetoma while radiographic neo-osteogenesis has not.
Association of MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, and MTRR A66G Polymorphisms with Neural Tube Defects in Tunisian Parents
Authors: Nasri Kaouther , Midani Fatma , Kallel Amani , Ben Jemaa Nadia , Aloui Mariem , Boulares Miryam , Lassoued Mehdi , Ben Halima Meriam , Ben Wafi Safa , Soussi Mariem , Mahjoubi Imen , Baara Abir , Ben Fradj Mohamed Kacem , Omar Souhail , Feki Moncef , Jemaa Riadh , Gaigi Soumeya Siala , Marrakchi Raja
Published: June 2019

Objective: This study aims to investigate the association of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR A66G) gene polymorphisms with neural tube defects (NTDs) in a Tunisian population. Methods: Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPs) using the restriction enzymes. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between mothers and fathers of fetuses with NTDs with matched controls based on an association analysis using SPSS software. Results: MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and MTRR A66G polymorphisms were found to be protector factors for NTD fetuses in the mother group. In addition, a combination of the three wild-type alleles C677/A1298/A66 has increased four-fold the incidence of NTDs (p = 0.004, OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.53–10.23). In the father group, MTHFR C677T was a risk factor for NTDs. However, no association was found between MTHFR A1298C, MTRR A66G, and the occurrence of this anomaly. The analysis of MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G polymorphisms has demonstrated a significant difference in vitamin B12 levels between recessive and dominant genotypes in case mothers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Additional studies are required to better understand the roles of parental gene polymorphisms related to folate-homocysteine metabolism in the pathogenesis of NTD.
Comparison of Quantitative Analysis of Methylated Alleles Real-Time PCR and Methylation-Specific MLPA for Molecular Diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Authors: Bergallo Massimiliano , Galliano Ilaria , Montanari Paola , Calvi Cristina , Daprà Valentina , Carli Diana , Russo Silvia , Mussa Alessandro , Ferrero Giovanni Battista
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a congenital overgrowth disorder predisposing to tumorigenesis caused by abnormal expression or function of imprinted genes of the chromosome 11p15.5 imprinting gene cluster. This real-time PCR-based assay determines the methylation status of a selected CpG island and has been proposed for use in high-throughput methylation analysis. Methods: Here, we use quantitative analysis of methylated alleles (QAMA) for the detection of methylation status of the KCNQ10T1 gene, in a region immediately upstream of the transcription initiation site, and the CTCF binding site 6, located approximately 2 kb upstream of the SmaI site currently used for clinical laboratory testing. We assayed a series of controls and patients diagnosed with BWS at two different loci at 11p15.5 to assess the diagnostic yield of QAMA PCR for clinical laboratory testing. Results: These results compare favorably with methylation-specific multiple ligation probe amplification (MS-MLPA) analysis at both differentially methylated region (DMR)1 and DMR2. There are several advantages of the QAMA PCR over MS-MLPA. The QAMA PCR is less labor-intensive and therefore more cost-effective and does not require dedicated analysis software. A second advantage is that the assay is amenable to high-throughput analysis. Conclusions: The small sample size reflects the rare nature of this epigenetic disorder, and the range of ages was quite wide, as was the degree of disease severity. Therefore, further validation with larger cohorts is warranted.
Sylvian Fissure Meningioma in Childhood: Report of 3 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Amirjamshidi Abbas , Khalatbari Mahmoud Reza  , Abbasioun Kazem , Ghasemi Babak
Published: June 2019

Objective: Sylvian fissure-based meningioma is a rare occurrence during childhood. We report a small series including 3 such cases, all attached to the arachnoid leaflets of the Sylvian fissure. We present a review of the literature and discuss the impact of possibly effective clinical, imaging, and surgical variables on the outcome. Methods: In a retrospective chart review of children with intracranial meningioma, we encountered 3 cases with Sylvian fissure meningioma operated within the past 32 years. Results: Two girls, 5 and 7 years old, and 1 boy, 7 years of age, presented with epilepsy, headache, diplopia, and hemiparesis. The duration of illness was 3, 4, and 2 months, respectively. All three tumors were attached to the arachnoid layer of the adjacent Sylvian fissure, and they were not dural based. Gross total resection could be achieved, and no recurrences were encountered after 13, 7, and 2 years. Conclusion: We report 3 very rare cases of Sylvian arachnoid-based meningiomas. To our knowledge, this is the study with the longest follow-up period (mean 7.3 years, median 7 years). Even though the overall prognosis of pediatric meningiomas may be worse than that of adult illness, we would like to emphasize that the “rare location” of the Sylvian fissure was not an important factor contributing to the outcome in our children.
Risk Factors and Nomogram for Pancreatic Stone Formation in Chronic Pancreatitis over a Long-Term Course: A Cohort of 2,153 Patients
Authors: Hao Lu , Liu Yu , Xie Ting , Wang Teng , Guo Hong-Lei , Pan Jun , Wang Dan , Bi Ya-Wei , Ji Jun-Tao , Xin Lei , Du Ting-Ting , Lin Jin-Huan , Zhang Di , Zeng Xiang-Peng , Zou Wen-Bin , Chen Hui , Li Bai-Rong , Liao Zhuan , Cong Zhi-Jie , Shi Rui-Hua , Li Zhao-Shen , Hu Liang-Hao
Published: June 2019

Background: Pancreatic stones are pathognomonic of chronic pancreatitis (CP). This study aimed to determine the incidence, identify risk factors, and develop a nomogram for pancreatic stones in CP patients. Methods: Patients with CP admitted to our center from January 2000 to December 2013 were enrolled. Cumulative rates of pancreatic stones after the onset of CP and after the diagnosis of CP were calculated. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, to the training and validation cohort. Based on the training cohort, risk factors were identified through Cox proportional hazards regression model, and nomogram was developed. Internal and external validations were performed based on the training and validation cohort, respectively. Results: With a total of 2,153 CP patients, pancreatic stones were detected in 1,626 (75.5%) patients, with a median follow-up of 7.8 years. Age at the onset of CP, body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic pseudocyst, biliary stricture, severe acute pancreatitis, and type of pain were identified risk factors for pancreatic stones development. The nomogram with these 8 factors achieved good accuracy. Conclusions: The nomogram achieved an individualized prediction of pancreatic stones development in CP. It may help the management of pancreatic stones.
Markers of Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction Predict Haemodialysis Patients Survival
Authors: Suvakov Sonja , Jerotic Djurdja , Damjanovic Tatjana , Milic Natasa , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Djukic Tatjana , Jelic-Ivanovic Zorana , Savic Radojevic Ana , Pljesa-Ercegovac Marija , Matic Marija , McClements Lana , Dimkovic Nada , Garovic Vesna D. , Albright Robert C. , Simic Tatjana
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Overall survival of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains poor. Oxidative stress is one of the major risk factors associated with mortality in this patient group. As glutathione S-transferases (GST) are well-established antioxidants, we hypothesized that a model including GST gene polymorphisms, oxidative damage byproducts and cell adhesion markers has a prognostic role in ESRD patient survival. Methods: A prospective study of 199 patients with ESRD on haemodialysis was conducted. GST genotype, oxidative stress byproducts and cell adhesion molecules were measured in plasma. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to test the predictive ability of these parameters in the 8-year follow-up period. Results: GSTM1-null genotype was associated with significantly shorter overall (HR 1.6, p = 0.018) and cardiovascular-specific (HR 2.1, p = 0.010) survival. Oxidative stress byproducts (advanced oxidation protein products [AOPP], prooxidant-antioxidant balance [PAB], malondialdehyde [MDA]) and cell adhesion molecules (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1] and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1]) demonstrated a significant predictive role in terms of overall and cardiovascular survival. When 6 biomarkers (GSTM1 genotype, high AOPP/PAB/MDA/­sVCAM-1/sICAM-1) were combined into a scoring model, a significantly shorter overall and cardiovascular survival was observed for patients with the highest score (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We identified a novel panel of biomarkers that can be utilized in predicting survival in ESRD patients. This biomarker signature could enable better monitoring of patients and stratification into appropriate treatment groups.
Presentación
Authors: Olmos Ana Cecilia , Minelli María Alejandra
Published: June 2019

b
A condição fotográfica do relato: Sergio Chejfec e suas narrativas documentais
Authors: Garramuño Florencia
Published: June 2019

Algumas das escrituras contemporâneas mais radicais dos últimos anos elaboram relatos que já não se sustentam sobre o predomínio do humano e do individual. Figuras do impessoal e anônimo evidenciam uma saída do subjetivo e do pessoal. Qual é a potência do impessoal nessas escrituras? Que tipo de problemas elas tornam visíveis? Neste artigo me interessa pensar quanto essa saída do subjetivo e do pessoal repercute na exposição de uma experiência que se distancia do prisma subjetivo, e que tipo de consequências, estéticas e políticas, essas escrituras acarretam, a partir da leitura de Modo linterna, de Sergio Chejfec.
A tentação do relato: formas fantasiadas e desejo de escritura na narrativa contemporânea
Authors: Alves Wanderlan
Published: June 2019

Neste trabalho analisamos como certas fantasias acerca do relato na literatura estão associadas à escritura na narrativa contemporânea, por meio do investimento nas indefinições estruturais, na forma errante e na expansão do literário como forma cognitiva. Para isso, dialogamos com diferentes narrativas latinoamericanas pós-1990, centrando-nos em Shiki Nagaoka: una nariz de ficción, de Bellatin, 2666, de Bolaño, e El olvido que seremos, de Faciolince.
“Hablar a los ojos”: formaciones poéticas del entorno digital
Authors: Ledesma Germán
Published: June 2019

Con el objetivo de pensar ciertos aspectos del presente, en el siguiente artículo abordamos un corpus de formaciones poéticas del entorno digital. Partimos de la hipótesis de que estas reflejan especularmente el medio que las contiene pero al mismo tiempo ponen en cuestión un ideario extendido sobre la inmaterialidad del nuevo entorno. En principio, indagamos la descentralización del hipertexto como un mensaje textual en sí mismo y la condición multimedia que las caracteriza, pero para analizar cómo la recreación de este “aparato soft” (Vilém Flusser) se ve tensionada por la vocación de cierta materialidad que, en el caso de las formaciones seleccionadas, sigue los patrones del arte concreto..
Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Trisomy 13 and 18: An Analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database
Authors: Cooper David S. , Riggs Kyle W. , Zafar Farhan , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Hill Kevin D. , Pasquali Sara K. , Swanson Sara K. , Gelehrter Sarah K. , Wallace Amelia , Jacobs Marshall L. , Morales David L. S. , Bryant Roosevelt
Published: June 2019

Background

Congenital heart disease is common in patients with Trisomy 13 (T13) and Trisomy 18 (T18), but offering cardiac surgery to these patients has been controversial. We describe the landscape of surgical management across the United States, perioperative risk factors, and surgical outcomes in patients with T13 and T18.

Methods and Results

Patients in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database with T13 and T18 who underwent cardiac surgery (2010–2017) were included. There were 343 operations (T13: n=73 and T18: n=270) performed on 304 patients. Among 125 hospitals, 87 (70%) performed at least 1 operation and 26 centers (30%) performed ≥5 T13/T18 operations. Operations spanned the full spectrum of complexity with 29% (98/343) being in the highest categories of estimated risk. The operative mortality rate was 15%, with a 56% complication rate. Preoperative mechanical ventilation was associated with an odds ratio of mortality >8 for both patients with T13 and T18 (both
P
<0.012) while presence of a gastrostomy tube (odds ratio, 0.3;
P
=0.03) or prior cardiac surgery (odds ratio, 0.2;
P
=0.02) was associated with better survival in patients with T18 but not patients with T13.

Conclusions

Data from this nationally representative sample indicate that most centers offer surgical intervention for both patients with T13 and T18, even in highly complex patients. However, the overall mortality rate was high in this select patient cohort. The association of preoperative mechanical ventilation with mortality suggests that this subset of patients with T13 and T18 should perhaps not be considered surgical candidates. This information is valuable to clinicians and families for counseling and deciding what interventions to offer.
Evidence of Augmented Intrarenal Angiotensinogen Associated With Glomerular Swelling in Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia: Clinical Implications
Authors: Mistry Hiten D. , Kurlak Lesia O. , Gardner David S. , Torffvit Ole , Hansen Alastair , Broughton Pipkin Fiona , Strevens Helena
Published: June 2019

Background

AGT (angiotensinogen) synthesis occurs in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells, independent from systemic
AGT
, as a component of the intrarenal renin–angiotensin system. We investigated urinary
AGT
, as a biomarker for renin–angiotensin system activation, and electrolyte concentrations, in relation to glomerular volume, as a proxy for glomerular endotheliosis in renal biopsy tissue from pregnant normotensive control and hypertensive women.

Methods and Results

Urine samples were collected from normotensive control (n=10), gestational hypertensive (n=6), and pre‐eclamptic (n=16) women at the time a renal biopsy was obtained. Samples were collected from Lund University Hospital between November 1999 and June 2001. Urinary
AGT
, potassium, and sodium were measured, normalized to urinary creatinine. Mean glomerular volume was estimated from biopsy sections.
AGT
protein expression and localization were assessed in renal biopsies by immunohistochemistry. Urinary
AGT
concentrations were higher in hypertensive pregnancies (median, gestational hypertension: 11.3 ng/mmol [interquartile range: 2.8–13.6]; preeclampsia: 8.4 ng/mmol [interquartile range: 4.2–29.1]; normotensive control: 0.6 ng/mmol [interquartile range: 0.4–0.8];
P
<0.0001) and showed a positive relationship with estimated mean glomerular volume. Urinary potassium strongly correlated with urinary
AGT
(
P
<0.0001). Although numbers were small,
AGT
protein was found in both glomeruli and proximal tubules in normotensive control but was present only in proximal tubules in women with hypertensive pregnancy.

Conclusions

This study shows that pregnant women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have increased urinary
AGT
and potassium excretion associated with signs of glomerular swelling. Our data suggest that the kidneys of women with hypertensive pregnancies and endotheliosis have inappropriate intrarenal renin–angiotensin system activation, which may contribute toward the pathogenesis of hypertension and renal injury.
Evaluating Computational Language Models with Scaling Properties of Natural Language
Authors: Takahashi Shuntaro , Tanaka-Ishii Kumiko
Published: June 2019

In this article, we evaluate computational models of natural language with respect to the universal statistical behaviors of natural language. Statistical mechanical analyses have revealed that natural language text is characterized by scaling properties, which quantify the global structure in the vocabulary population and the long memory of a text. We study whether five scaling properties (given by Zipf’s law, Heaps’ law, Ebeling’s method, Taylor’s law, and long-range correlation analysis) can serve for evaluation of computational models. Specifically, we test n-gram language models, a probabilistic context-free grammar, language models based on Simon/Pitman-Yor processes, neural language models, and generative adversarial networks for text generation. Our analysis reveals that language models based on recurrent neural networks with a gating mechanism (i.e., long short-term memory; a gated recurrent unit; and quasi-recurrent neural networks) are the only computational models that can reproduce the long memory behavior of natural language. Furthermore, through comparison with recently proposed model-based evaluation methods, we find that the exponent of Taylor’s law is a good indicator of model quality.
New species of Spauligodon (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) in Xenosaurus platyceps (Squamata: Xenosauridae) from Mexico
Authors: BURSEY CHARLES R. , GOLDBERG STEPHEN R. , TELFORD SAM R.
Published: June 2019

During a helminthological examination of flathead knob-scaled lizards, Xenosaurus platyceps King and Thompson 1968, from Mexico, 4 of 10 were found to harbor 56 (14 male, 42 female) nematodes of an undescribed species of Spauligodon Skrjabin, Schikhobalova and Lagodovskaja, 1960. The lizard family Xenosauridae is composed of two well-differentiated genera: Shinisaurus in southern China and Xenosaurus in Mexico and Guatemala (Pérez-Ramos et al., 2000). Xenosaurus platyceps is a stocky, medium-sized species endemic to the Mexican state of Tamaulipas where it occurs in dry oak and tropical deciduous forests of the Sierra Madre Oriental (Flores-Villela 1993; Flores-Villela and Gerez, 1994). The ecology of X. platyceps has been studied (Lemos-Espinal, 1997), but, to our knowledge, there are no helminthological reports for it.
Chrysopidae of Canada and Alaska (Insecta, Neuroptera): revised checklist, new and noteworthy records, and geo-referenced localities. Zootaxa, 1486, 1–84. (ERRATUM)
Authors: GARLAND J.A. , KEVAN D.K. MCE.
Published: June 2019

ERRATUM
A new Argyrodiaptomus (Copepoda: Calanoida: Diaptomidae) from the southwestern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: PREVIATTELLI DANIEL , SANTOS-SILVA EDINALDO NELSON DOS
Published: June 2019

Argyrodiaptomus paggii n. sp. is described from specimens collected in the Igarapé Boa Esperança, in the vicinity of the Samuel Reservoir, State of Rondônia, Brazil. The new species differs from its congeners by the following autapomorphies: (1) Schmeil's organ large at apex, constricted at medial portion; (2) row of setules on the outer margin of basis first leg; (3) a peculiar disposition and structure of the spinules on the inner border of the basis of male's left and right fifth leg; and (4) female's second urosomite partially fused and telescoped into the genital somite. We provide a discussion about some aspects of the morphology and geographical distribution of all members of the genus.
Description of immature stages and adult diagnosis of Stilobezzia coquilletti Kieffer 1917 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: RONDEROS MARÍA M. , CAZORLA CARLA G. , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R. , CARRASCO DAIANE SILVEIRA
Published: June 2019

The pupa and larva of Stilobezzia (Stilobezzia) coquilletti Kieffer are described, and a diagnosis of the adult is given. All described stages were photomicrographed and illustrated by using phase-contrast microscope, plus Scanning Electron Microscope in the case of the larva. Immature stages were collected in a shallow stream of sandy bottom nearby Manaus, Brazil. The pupa is compared with S. (S.) fiebrigi Kieffer, and the larva with S. (S.) antennalis Coquillett.
A new species of Eriococcus (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae) and redescriptions of Eriococcus roboris Goux and E. thymelaeae Newstead, with a key to the Eriococcus species on Quercus in the western Palaearctic
Authors: HODGSON CHRIS , TRENCHEVA KATIA
Published: June 2019

This paper describes a new species of felt scale, Eriococcus melnikensis Hodgson & Trencheva (Eriococcidae), from the western Palaearctic, off Quercus pubescens (Fagaceae) and Myrtus communis (Myrtaceae). It is close to Eriococcus roboris Goux In addition, this paper reviews the Eriococcidae currently known from oaks (Quercus spp) in the western Palaearctic and redescribes the adult females of Eriococcus roboris and E. thymelaeae Newstead. It also describes all other stages (apart from the prepupa) of E. melnikensis and various immature stages of E. roboris, E. thymelia and E. aceris (Signoret). A key is provided for the separation of the adult females of the five species of Eriococcidae now known off oaks from the western Palaearctic.
Description of the first two tropical Indo-Pacific species of Dendronotus (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) with new data of the poorly known species Dendronotus gracilis Baba, 1949
Authors: POLA MARTA , STOUT CARLA C.
Published: June 2019

Dendronotus regius sp. nov. and Dendronotus noahi sp. nov. are the first two species of the genus Dendronotus Alder & Hancock described from tropical western Pacific waters. Both have unique color patterns as well as radulae that are distinct from other known species of the genus. Dendronotus regius sp. nov. is recorded from Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia while Dendronotus noahi sp. nov. is found in Papua New Guinea. Along with these descriptions, new data on D. gracilis Baba, 1949 are given to provide supplemental information on its morphology and report an increase in its range to include the tropical waters of Okinawa, Japan. A comparative table as well as scanning electron micrographs for almost all recognized species is also provided.
C-heterochromatin variation in the karyotype reflects species level distinction between Erinaceus roumanicus and E. concolor (Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae) in Turkey
Authors: ARSLAN ATILLA , ZIMA JAN , ÖZPARLAK HALUK
Published: June 2019

The distributions of C-heterochromatin blocks and nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were studied in hedgehogs from the European (Thrace) and the Asiatic (Anatolia) parts of Turkey. Karyotypes with 48 chromosomes were found in all the specimens examined. The distribution of large heterochromatic blocks in autosomes was different between samples from Thrace and Anatolia in respect of the presence of a distal block in the autosome no. 15. These two chromosomal types correspond to the karyotypes designated as E II and E I by Mandahl (1978). The comparison with other published data shows that the karyotype E II is found within the range of Erinaceus roumanicus, whereas the karyotype EI occurs within the range of E. concolor. Both the species thus differ consistently in the distribution of C-heterochromatin blocks in their karyotypes. The NORs were found in five autosomal pairs of E. roumanicus, and in four autosomal pairs of E. concolor. The position of NORs in individual autosomal pairs may be variable, and two distinct variants were observed in the samples from northern and central/southern Anatolia, respectively. This variation may reflect the presence of two lineages within E. concolor that were indicated in previous phylogeographic studies.
One new and four newly recorded species of the genus Macrobrachium (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemoindae) from Guangdong Province, southern China
Authors: GUO ZHAO-LIANG , HE SHUN-LIAN
Published: June 2019

The present study, based on a faunistic and ecological survey of the genus Macrobrachium from Guangdong Province, expands the knowledge of morphology, coloration, and distribution of an undescribed species and four new records for M. formosense Bate, 1868, M. inflatum Liang & Yan, 1985, M. maculatum Liang & Yan, 1980 and M. meridionalis Liang & Yan, 1983. A more complete diagnosis of these five species is presented. Macrobrachium heterorhynchos, new species, can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters which includes rostral sexual dimorphism, the two teeth at the proximal part of the cutting edge of the fixed finger of the second pereiopod, the non-inflated palm, and the distinctly longer merus compared which is distinctly longer than the palm or the ischium.
An Analog Approach for Weather Estimation Using Climate Projections and Reanalysis Data
Authors: Clemins Patrick J. , Bucini Gabriela , Winter Jonathan M. , Beckage Brian , Towler Erin , Betts Alan , Cummings Rory , Chang Queiroz Henrique
Published: June 2019

General circulation models (GCMs) are essential for projecting future climate; however, despite the rapid advances in their ability to simulate the climate system at increasing spatial resolution, GCMs cannot capture the local and regional weather dynamics necessary for climate impacts assessments. Temperature and precipitation, for which dense observational records are available, can be bias corrected and downscaled, but many climate impacts models require a larger set of variables such as relative humidity, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation. To address this need, we develop and demonstrate an analog-based approach, which we call a “weather estimator.” The weather estimator employs a highly generalizable structure, utilizing temperature and precipitation from previously downscaled GCMs to select analogs from a reanalysis product, resulting in a complete daily gridded dataset. The resulting dataset, constructed from the selected analogs, contains weather variables needed for impacts modeling that are physically, spatially, and temporally consistent. This approach relies on the weather variables’ correlation with temperature and precipitation, and our correlation analysis indicates that the weather estimator should best estimate evaporation, relative humidity, and cloud cover and do less well in estimating pressure and wind speed and direction. In addition, while the weather estimator has several user-defined parameters, a sensitivity analysis shows that the method is robust to small variations in important model parameters. The weather estimator recreates the historical distributions of relative humidity, pressure, evaporation, shortwave radiation, cloud cover, and wind speed well and outperforms a multiple linear regression estimator across all predictands.