bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of Hair and Nail Content of Selected Trace Elements in Nonoccupationally Exposed Patients with Chronic Depression from Different Geographical Regions
Authors: Błażewicz Anna , Liao Kuan-Yung , Liao Heng-Hsin , Niziński Przemysław , Komsta Łukasz , Momčilović Berislav , Jabłońska-Czapla Magdalena , Michalski Rajmund , Prystupa Andrzej , Sak Jarosław J. , Kocjan Ryszard
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to determine if altered levels of selected trace elements manifest themselves during chronic depression. To identify elements strongly associated with chronic depression, relationships between the elemental contents of hair and nails and the interelement correlations were checked. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography were used to evaluate the contents of Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, and Fe in hair and nail samples from a total of 415 subjects (295 patients and 120 healthy volunteers). The study included logistic regression models to predict the probability of chronic depression. To investigate possible intercorrelations among the studied elements, the scaled principal component analysis was used. The research has revealed differences in TE levels in the group of depressed men and women in comparison to the healthy subjects. Statistically significant differences in both hair and nails contents of several elements were observed. Our study also provides strong evidence that the intermediary metabolism of certain elements is age- and gender-dependent. Zn, Mn, Pb, and Fe contents in hair/nails seem to be strongly associated with chronic depression. We found no statistically significant residence-related differences in the contents of studied elements in nonoccupationally exposed patients and healthy subjects.
Rare Gingival Metastasis by Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xue Li-Jun , Mao Xiao-Bei , Geng Jian , Chen Ya-Nan , Wang Qian , Chu Xiao-Yuan
Published: March 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) uncommonly metastasizes to the gingiva, which always means a poor outcome. We reported a rare HCC case with multiple metastases to gingiva, lungs, and brain. A 60-year-old man was initially diagnosed as HCC with metastases to double lungs. He was subjected to a transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (5-fluorouracil, 750 mg) and two cycles of intravenous chemotherapy (gemcitabine 1.8 g at days 1 and 8, oxaliplatin 200 mg at day 2, every 4 weeks). However, the volume of liver tumor still increased. A bean-size gingival nodule growing with occasional bleeding was also found. TACE (5-fluorouracil 750 mg, perarubicin 40 mg, cisplatin 20 mg) was performed again and an oral sorafenib therapy (400 mg, twice per day) was adopted. The disease maintained relatively stable for about 6 months until a second obvious progress. The gingival nodule was then palliatively excised and identified as a poorly differentiated metastatic HCC by histopathological examination. Best supportive treatments were made since the performance score was too bad. Finally, cerebral metastases occurred and the patient died of systemic failure. Upon review of previous reports, we discussed risk factors, clinical and pathological characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of gingival metastasis by HCC.
Endocrine Gland-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/Prokineticin-1 in Cancer Development and Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Corlan Ana Silvia , Cîmpean Anca Maria , Jitariu Adriana-Andreea , Melnic Eugen , Raica Marius
Published: March 2017

A lot of data suggests endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) to be restricted to endocrine glands and to some endocrine-dependent organs. Many evidences show that EG-VEGF stimulates angiogenesis and cell proliferation, although it is not a member of the VEGF family. At the time, a lot of data regarding the role of this growth factor in normal development are available. However, controversial results have been published in the case of pathological conditions and particularly in malignant tumors. Thus, our present paper has been focused on the role of EG-VEGF in normal tissues and various malignant tumors and their angiogenic processes.
HBV Viral Load and Liver Enzyme Levels May Be Associated with the WildMBL2AA Genotype
Authors: Moura Tuane Carolina Ferreira , Amoras Ednelza da Silva Graça , Araújo Mauro Sérgio , Freitas Queiroz Maria Alice , Conde Simone Regina Souza da Silva , Demachki Sâmia , Martins-Feitosa Rosimar Neris , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida , Cayres-Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: March 2017

The present study investigated the frequencies of rs1800450 (MBL ⁎B, G>A), rs1800451 (MBL ⁎C, G>A), and rs5030737 (MBL ⁎D, C>T) polymorphisms in exon 1 of theMBL2gene among patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Blood samples from patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV;n=65), hepatitis C virus (HCV;n=92), and a noninfected control group (n=300) were investigated. The presence of polymorphisms was detected using a real-time polymerase chain reaction to correlate with liver disease pathogenesis and fibrosis staging according to the Metavir classification. The genotypic and allelic frequencies showed no significant differences between the groups, but patients with active HBV and the wildAAgenotype presented a positive correlation between increased transaminase and HBV DNA levels and the presence of mild to moderate fibrosis. Patients with HCV and the wildAAgenotype presented mild inflammation and higher HCV RNA levels, although the same association was not observed for the fibrosis scores. The results suggest that the mutations in exon 1 of theMBL2gene do not contribute directly to the clinical and laboratory features of HCV and HBV infections, but further studies should be performed to confirm whether the wildAAgenotype has indirect effect on disease progression.
Preparation and Evaluation of a Profile Control Agent Base on Waste Drilling Fluid
Authors: Qin Xiaoping , Lu Haiwei , Li Yilin , Peng Tong , Xing Lijie , Xue Haixi , Xu Jing
Published: March 2017

The waste drilling fluid was treated by a flocculant and a pH regulator. And a novel profile control agent base on waste drilling fluid (PCAWDF) was prepared using polymer, formaldehyde, resorcinol, and thiourea as raw materials under mild conditions. PCAWDF was characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Compared with the profile control agent prepared by the recirculated water (PCARW), PCAWDF exhibited comparable or better stability, salt resistance, and viscoelasticity. The results of parallel core plugging experiments showed that the profile improvement capability of PCAWDF was stronger than that of PCARW (for 3000 mg/L: 84.6% versus 83.1%; for 5000 mg/L: 91.8% versus 90.2%). The main performance indexes of PCAWDF could meet the need of profile control for the water injection wells. The method could solve the problem of waste drilling fluid treatment in an economic and environmental way.
Sulforaphane Protects against High Cholesterol‐Induced Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Impairments, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress and Preserves Pancreatic β‐Cells Function
Authors: Carrasco-Pozo Catalina , Tan Kah Ni , Gotteland Martin , Borges Karin
Published: March 2017

Cholesterol plays an important role in inducing pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction, leading to an impaired insulin secretory response to glucose. This study aimed to determine the protective effects of sulforaphane, a natural isothiocyanate Nrf2‐inducer, against cholesterol‐induced pancreatic β‐cells dysfunction, through molecular and cellular mechanisms involving mitochondrial bioenergetics. Sulforaphane prevented cholesterol‐induced alterations in the coupling efficiency of mitochondrial respiration, improving ATP turnover and spare capacity, and averted the impairment of the electron flow at complexes I, II, and IV. Sulforaphane also attenuated the cholesterol‐induced activation of the NFκB pathway, normalizing the expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. In addition, it also inhibited the decrease in sirtuin 1 expression and greatly increased Pgc-1α expression in Min6 cells. Sulforaphane increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes downstream of the Nrf2 pathway and prevented lipid peroxidation induced by cholesterol. The antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of sulforaphane and its ability to protect and improve mitochondrial bioenergetic function contribute to its protective action against cholesterol‐induced pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction. Our data provide a scientifically tested foundation upon which sulforaphane can be developed as nutraceutical to preserve β‐cell function and eventually control hyperglycemia.
A Novel Terpolymer as Fluid Loss Additive for Oil Well Cement
Authors: Li Ming , Xie Dongbo , Guo Zihan , Lu Ya , Guo Xiaoyang
Published: March 2017

A terpolymer comprised of sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS), fumaric acid (FA), and acrylamide (AM) was synthesized by aqueous free radical copolymerization and evaluated as fluid loss additive for oil well cement. The chemical structure and performance of the terpolymer were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA); the molecular weight and its distribution were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The optimum reaction conditions of polymerization were obtained: a reaction temperature of 50°C, a mass ratio of SSS/FA/AM 4 : 2 : 14, initiator 0.1%, and reaction time of 4 h; characterization indicated that the SSS/FA/AM had a certain molecular weight and excellent temperature-resistant and salt-resistant properties. The results show that SSS/FA/AM has a good fluid loss performance, in which the API fluid loss of the oil cement slurry could be controlled within 100 mL at 160°C. In addition, it had little effect on the cement compressive strength. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the filter cake showed that SSS/FA/AM could be adsorbed on the surface of the cement particles and produce a hydrated layer to prevent fluid loss from the oil well cement.
Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate Prevents Radiation‐Induced Toxicity in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Li Yi , Li Rui , Wang Yaya , Zhu Mengwen , Wang Bowen , Li Yanling , Li Dongyun , Xie Ping , Liu Bin
Published: March 2017

The present study was designed to elucidate the key parameters associated with X‐ray radiation induced oxidative stress and the effects of STS on X‐ray‐induced toxicity in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Cytotoxicity of STS and radiation was assessed by MTT. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by SOD and MDA. Apoptosis was measured by the flow cytometry, Hoechst 33258, clonogenic survival assay, and western blot. It was found that the cell viability of H9c2 cells exposed to X‐ray radiation was significantly decreased in a dose‐dependent manner and was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase as well as apoptosis. STS treatment significantly reversed the morphological changes, attenuated radiation‐induced apoptosis, and improved the antioxidant activity in the H9c2 cells. STS significantly increased the Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐2/Bax levels and decreased the Bax and caspase‐3 levels, compared with the cells treated with radiation alone. STS treatment also resulted in a significant increase in p38‐MAPK activation. STS could protect the cells from X‐ray‐induced cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Therefore, we suggest the STS could be useful for the treatment of radiation‐induced cardiovascular injury.
Study of Chemical Intermediates by Means of ATR-IR Spectroscopy and Hybrid Hard- and Soft-Modelling Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares
Authors: Ma Junxiu , Qi Juan , Gao Xinyu , Yan Chunhua , Zhang Tianlong , Tang Hongsheng , Li Hua
Published: March 2017

3,5-Diamino-1,2,4-triazole (DAT) became a significant energetic materials intermediate, and the study of its reaction mechanism has fundamental significance in chemistry. The aim of this study is to investigate the ability of online attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy combined with the novel approach of hybrid hard- and soft-modelling multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (HS-MCR) analysis to monitor and detect changes in structural properties of compound during 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole (DAT) synthesis processes. The subspace comparison method (SCM) was used to obtain the principal components number, and then the pure IR spectra of each substance were obtained by independent component analysis (ICA) and HS-MCR. The extent of rotation ambiguity was estimated from the band boundaries of feasible solutions calculated using the MCR-BANDS procedure. There were five principal components including two intermediates in the process in the results. The reaction rate constants of DAT formation reaction were also obtained by HS-MCR. HS-MCR was used to analyze spectroscopy data in chemical synthesis process, which not only increase the information domain but also reduce the ambiguities of the obtained results. This study provides the theoretical basis for the optimization of synthesis process and technology of energetic materials and provides a strong technical support of research and development of energy material with extraordinary damage effects.
Hierarchical Sea‐Land Segmentation for Panchromatic Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Ma Long , Soomro Nouman Q. , Shen Jinjing , Chen Liang , Mai Zhihong , Wang Guanqun
Published: March 2017

Automatic sea‐land segmentation is an essential and challenging field for the practical use of panchromatic satellite imagery. Owing to the temporal variations as well as the complex and inconsistent intensity contrast in both land and sea areas, it is difficult to generate an accurate segmentation result by using the conventional thresholding methods. Additionally, the freely available digital elevation model (DEM) also difficultly meets the requirements of high‐resolution data for practical usage, because of the low precision and high memory storage costs for the processing systems. In this case, we proposed a fully automatic sea‐land segmentation approach for practical use with a hierarchical coarse‐to‐fine procedure. We compared our method with other state‐of‐the‐art methods with real images under complex backgrounds and conducted quantitative comparisons. The experimental results show that our method outperforms all other methods and proved being computationally efficient.
Cryptosporidium Contamination and Attributed Risks in Yunlong Lake in Xuzhou, China
Authors: Kong Yadong , Lu Ping , Yuan Tao , Niu Jinghui , Li Zhaoji , Yang Baisong
Published: March 2017

Swimming in surface water bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers) can expose the human body to substantial risk of infection by Cryptosporidium. These findings are from a one-year investigation on the occurrence and distribution of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium in Yunlong Lake, Xuzhou, China. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by immunofluorescence microscopy. From January to November of 2015, 180 samples (120 water samples and 60 sediment samples) were collected and analyzed. Among them, 42 (35%) water samples and 28 (47%) sediment samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium. The concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts in the water samples was 0–8/10 L and 0–260/g in sediment samples. Results revealed that July was the highest risk period for both swimming and diving with an estimated probability of infection from swimming of greater than 18 per 10,000 swim sessions. It was concluded that swimming or diving in Yunlong Lake has a higher risk of Cryptosporidium infection than the acceptable risk level set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Thus, regular monitoring of water quality in recreation water bodies is strongly recommended.
New Developments in the Classification, Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, Natural History, and Treatment of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Li Jia , Paulus Yannis M. , Shuai Yuanlu , Fang Wangyi , Liu Qinghuai , Yuan Songtao
Published: March 2017

For years, branch retinal vein occlusion is still a controversial disease in many aspects. An increasing amount of data is available regarding classification, pathogenesis, risk factors, natural history, and therapy of branch retinal vein occlusion. Some of the conclusions may even change our impression of branch retinal vein occlusion. It will be beneficial for our doctors to get a deeper understanding of this disease and improve the treatment skills. The aims of this review is to collect the information above and report new ideas especially from the past a few years.
Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Aerobic Capacity in Cardiac Patients: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Bin , Yan Xianfeng , Cai Xiangna , Li Jilin
Published: March 2017

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (INTERVAL) and moderate-intensity continuous training (CONTINUOUS) on aerobic capacity in cardiac patients.Methods. A meta-analysis identified by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception through December 2016 compared the effects of INTERVAL and CONTINUOUS among cardiac patients.Results. Twenty-one studies involving 736 participants with cardiac diseases were included. Compared with CONTINUOUS, INTERVAL was associated with greater improvement in peak VO2(mean difference 1.76 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 2.46 mL/kg/min,p<0.001) and VO2at AT (mean difference 0.90 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval 0.0 to 1.72 mL/kg/min,p=0.03). No significant difference between the INTERVAL and CONTINUOUS groups was observed in terms of peak heart rate, peak minute ventilation, VE/VCO2slope and respiratory exchange ratio, body mass, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride or low- or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, flow-mediated dilation, or left ventricular ejection fraction.Conclusions. This study showed that INTERVAL improves aerobic capacity more effectively than does CONTINUOUS in cardiac patients. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our observations.
Kiwifruit Alleviates Learning and Memory Deficits Induced by Pb through Antioxidation and Inhibition of Microglia Activation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Xue Wei-Zhen , Yang Qian-Qian , Chen Yiwen , Zou Rong-Xin , Xing Dong , Xu Yi , Liu Yong-Sheng , Wang Hui-Li
Published: March 2017

Lead (Pb) exposure, in particular during early postnatal life, increases susceptibility to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative outcomes. The detrimental effect of Pb exposure is basically due to an increasing ROS production which overcomes the antioxidant systems and finally leads to cognitive dysfunction. Kiwifruit is rich in the antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of kiwifruit to alleviate learning and memory deficits induced by Pb exposure. Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat pups acquired Pb indirectly through their mothers during lactation period and after postnatal day 21 (PND21) directly acquired Pb by themselves. Five kinds of kiwifruits were collected in this study and the amounts of vitamin C and polyphenols in them were measured and the antioxidation effects were determined. Among them, Qinmei kiwifruit (Qm) showed the strongest antioxidation effects in vitro. In vivo, Qm significantly repaired Pb‐induced learning and memory deficits and dendritic spine loss. In addition, Pb compromised the enzymatic activity and transcriptional levels of SOD and GSH‐Px and decreased the microglial activation, which, to some extent, could be reversed by Qm kiwifruit administration. The results suggest that kiwifruit could alleviate Pb‐induced cognitive deficits possibly through antioxidative stress and microglia inactivation. Consequently, kiwifruit could be potentially regarded as the functional food favorable in the prevention and treatment of Pb intoxication.
Esthetic Reconstruction of Diastema with Adhesive Tooth-Colored Restorations and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Authors: Naorungroj Supawadee
Published: March 2017

Objective. This report presents a comprehensive esthetic treatment with adhesive tooth-colored restorations in a combination with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers of diastema in an orthodontic patient with relapse.Case Report. A 36-year-old female patient consulted about 1.5–2 mm midline diastema after an orthodontic relapse of replacing missing central incisors with lateral incisors and dark-colored gingival tissue as a result of a metal post and core with porcelain fused to a metal (PFM) crown at the left lateral incisor. Restorative treatments included replacing the PFM with all-ceramic material and placing a ceramic veneer on the right lateral incisor. To close the space, crown forms of both lateral incisors were altered. A direct resin composite was then used to reform right and left canines to a more ideal lateral incisor shape. An HA fillers injection was used to fill the remaining open gingival embrasure. Eighteen months after treatment, the interdental papilla remained stable and the patient was satisfied with the result.Conclusion. Esthetic reconstruction of diastema and open gingival embrasure in this case can be accomplished without orthodontic retreatment. Tooth-colored restorations and HA filler injection appear as a promising modality to address this patient’s esthetic concern.
The Demographics of Canine Hip Dysplasia in the United States and Canada
Authors: Loder Randall T. , Todhunter Rory J.
Published: March 2017

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common problem in veterinary medicine. We report the demographics of CHD using the entire hip dysplasia registry from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, analyzing differences by breed, sex, laterality, seasonal variation in birth, and latitude. There were 921,046 unique records. Each dog was classified using the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) systems. Statistical analysis was performed with bivariate and logistic regression procedures. The overall CHD prevalence was 15.56%. The OR for CHD was higher in females (1.05), those born in spring (1.14) and winter (1.13), and those in more southern latitudes (OR 2.12). Within AKC groups, working dogs had the highest risk of CHD (OR 1.882) with hounds being the reference group. Within FCI groups, the pinscher/molossoid group had the highest risk of CHD (OR 4.168) with sighthounds being the reference group. The similarities between CHD and DDH are striking. Within DDH there are two different types, the typical infantile DDH and the late onset adolescent/adult acetabular dysplasia, with different demographics; the demographics of CHD are more similar to the later onset DDH group. Comparative studies of both disorders should lead to a better understanding of both CHD and DDH.
Bletilla striata Micron Particles Function as a Hemostatic Agent by Promoting Rapid Blood Aggregation
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zeng Rui , Liao Zhencheng , Fu Chaomei , Luo Hui , Yang Hanshuo , Qu Yan
Published: March 2017

The human body cannot control blood loss without treatment. Available hemostatic agents are ineffective at treating cases of severe bleeding and are expensive or raise safety concerns. Bletilla striata serve as an inexpensive, natural, and promising alternative. However, no detailed studies on its hemostatic approach have been performed. The aim of this study was to examine the hemostatic effects of B. striata Micron Particles (BSMPs) and their hemostatic mechanisms. We prepared and characterized BSMPs of different size ranges and investigated their use as hemostatic agent. BSMPs of different size ranges were characterized by scanning electron microscope. In vitro coagulation studies revealed BSMP‐blood aggregate formation via stereoscope and texture analyzers. In vivo studies based on rat injury model illustrated the BSMP capabilities under conditions of hemostasis. Compared to other BSMPs of different size ranges, BSMPs of 350–250 μm are most efficient in hemostasis. As powder sizes decrease, the degree of aggregation between particles and hemostatic BSMP effects declines. The BSMP in contact with a bleeding surface locally forms a visible particle/blood aggregate as a physical barrier that facilitates hemostasis. Considering the facile preparation, low cost, and long shelf life of B. striata, BSMPs offer great potential as mechanisms of trauma treatment.
Renoprotective Effects of Aldose Reductase Inhibitor Epalrestat against High Glucose-Induced Cellular Injury
Authors: El Gamal Heba , Eid Ali Hussein , Munusamy Shankar
Published: March 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end stage renal disease worldwide. Increased glucose flux into the aldose reductase (AR) pathway during diabetes was reported to exert deleterious effects on the kidney. The objective of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of AR inhibition in high glucose milieu in vitro. Rat renal tubular (NRK-52E) cells were exposed to high glucose (30 mM) or normal glucose (5 mM) media for 24 to 48 hours with or without the AR inhibitor epalrestat (1 μM) and assessed for changes in Akt and ERK1/2 signaling, AR expression (using western blotting), and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (using JC-1 staining), cell viability (using MTT assay), and cell cycle. Exposure of NRK-52E cells to high glucose media caused acute activation of Akt and ERK pathways and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane at 24 hours. Prolonged high glucose exposure (for 48 hours) induced AR expression andG1 cell cycle arrest and decreased cell viability (84% compared to control) in NRK-52E cells. Coincubation of cells with epalrestat prevented the signaling changes and renal cell injury induced by high glucose. Thus, AR inhibition represents a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent DN.
Neuroprotective and Antiamnesic Effects ofMitragyna inermisWilld (Rubiaceae) on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Pahaye David Bougolla , Bum Elisabeth Ngo , Taïwé Germain Sotoing , Ngoupaye Gwladys Temkou , Sidiki Neteydji , Moto Fleur Clarisse Okomolo , Kouemou Nadège , Njapdounke Stephanie Jacqueline Kameni , Nkantchoua Gisele , Kandeda Antoine , Omam Jean Pierre Omam , Mairaira Veronique , Ojong Josiane Lucie
Published: March 2017

Aim. To assess memory improvement and neuroprotective and antioxidant effects ofMitragyna inermis(M. inermis) leaf decoction on the central nervous system.Methodology. Leaf decoction ofM. inermiswas tested on learning and memory in normal and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice using memory behavioral tests such as the Morris water maze, object recognition task, and elevated plus maze. Oxidative stress enzymes—catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, a product of lipid peroxidation—were quantified. In each test, mice 18 to 25 g were divided into groups of 5.Results. The extract reversed the effects of scopolamine in mice. The extract significantly increased discrimination index in the object recognition task test and inflexion ratio in the elevated plus maze test. The times spent in target quadrant in MWM increased while the transfer latency decreased in mice treated byM. inermisat the dose of 196.5 mg/kg. The activity levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased, whereas the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly decreased after 8 consecutive days of treatment withM. inermisat the dose of 393 mg/kg.Conclusion. These results suggest thatM. inermisleaf extract possess potential antiamnesic effects.
Casing Vibration Fault Diagnosis Based on Variational Mode Decomposition, Local Linear Embedding, and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Yang Yizhou , Jiang Dongxiang
Published: March 2017

To diagnose mechanical faults of rotor-bearing-casing system by analyzing its casing vibration signal, this paper proposes a training procedure of a fault classifier based on variational mode decomposition (VMD), local linear embedding (LLE), and support vector machine (SVM). VMD is used first to decompose the casing signal into several modes, which are subsignals usually modulated by fault frequencies. Vibrational features are extracted from both VMD subsignals and the original one. LLE is employed here to reduce the dimensionality of these extracted features and make the samples more separable. Then low-dimensional data sets are used to train the multiclass SVM whose accuracy is tested by classifying the test samples. When the parameters of LLE and SVM are well optimized, this proposed method performs well on experimental data, showing its capacity of diagnosing casing vibration faults.
Flexural Strengthening of Damaged T-Joists with Severe Corrosion Using CFRP Sheets
Authors: Vercher Jose , Gil Enrique , Mas Ángeles , Lerma Carlos , Torner M. Eugenia
Published: March 2017

This paper evaluates the residual safety of isolated T-joists with severe corrosion for the two extreme cases of boundary conditions, simply supported and fixed-ended, in order to help in making decisions about the magnitude of the necessary intervention. When the T-joist is part of a complete slab, the boundary conditions will be in an intermediate situation between these two extreme cases, so that it is possible to assess the safety with respect to its degree of embedding. The research is conducted for the cases of healthy T-joist, T-joist with complete corrosion of the lower reinforcement, and repaired T-joists with a variable number of CFRP sheets. This work is based on the ACI 318 load test to maintain a structure in use and proposes a Load Factor (LF), which estimates the safety reserve. The simply supported T-joists specimens with severe corrosion do not meet the Load Factor or ACI 318 criteria, even with a large number of CFRP sheets. On the other hand, fixed-ended cases can be kept in use despite corrosion by applying light CFRP strengthening, and with four sheets the initial safety is restored.
Prediction Model of Vibration Feature for Equipment Maintenance Based on Full Vector Spectrum
Authors: Chen Lei , Han Jie , Lei Wenping , Guan ZhenHong , Gao Yajuan
Published: March 2017

Establishing a prediction model is a key step for the implementation of prognostic and health management. The prediction model can be used to forecast the change trend of the characteristics of the vibration signal and analyze the potential failure in the future. Taking the vibration of power plant steam turbine as an example, the full vector fusion and fault prediction were studied. Due to the fact that the evaluation of the machine fault with only one transducer may result in a fault judgement with partiality, an information fusion method based on the theory of full vector spectrum was adopted to extract the vibration feature. An autoregressive prediction model was established. The collected vibration signals with pairing channels were fused. The time sequence of the fused vectors and spectrums were used to build the prediction model. The amplitude of main vector of rotating frequency and spectrum order structure were analyzed and predicted. The uncertainty of the spectrum structure can be eliminated by the information fusion. The reliability of the fault prediction was improved. The study on vibration prediction model system laid a technical foundation for the fault prognostic research.
An Examination of Women’s Self-Presentation, Social Physique Anxiety, and Setting Preferences during Injury Rehabilitation
Authors: Driediger Molly V. , McKay Carly D. , Hall Craig R.
Published: March 2017

Objectives. This study investigated whether women experience self-presentational concerns related to rehabilitation settings and explored preferences for characteristics of the social and physical treatment environment in relation to women’s Social Physique Anxiety (SPA).Methods. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted. In Study 1, female undergraduate students (n=134) completed four questionnaires (Social Physique Anxiety Scale; three bespoke questionnaires assessing self-presentation in rehabilitation and social and physical environment preferences) with respect to hypothetical rehabilitation scenarios. Study 2 recruited injured women who were referred for physiotherapy (n=62) to complete the same questionnaires regarding genuine rehabilitation scenarios.Results. Women with high SPA showed less preference for physique salient clothing than women with low SPA in both hypothetical (p=0.001) and genuine settings (p=0.01). In Study 2, women with high SPA also preferred that others in the clinic were female (p=0.01) and reported significantly greater preference for private treatment spaces (p=0.05).Conclusions. Self-presentational concerns exist in rehabilitation as in exercise settings. Results indicated inverse relationships between women’s SPA and preference for the presence of men, physique-enhancing clothing, and open-concept treatment settings. Future studies to determine the effect of self-presentational concerns on treatment adherence are needed.
Arsenic-Redox Transformation and Plant Growth Promotion by Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris CS2 and Rhodopseudomonas faecalis SS5
Authors: Batool Kanza , tuz Zahra Fatima , Rehman Yasir
Published: March 2017

Arsenic (As) is a well-known toxic metalloid found naturally and released by different industries, especially in developing countries. Purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) are known for wastewater treatment and plant growth promoting abilities. As-resistant PNSB were isolated from a fish pond. Based on As-resistance and plant growth promoting attributes, 2 isolates CS2 and SS5 were selected and identified as Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Rhodopseudomonas faecalis, respectively, through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Maximum As(V) resistance shown by R. faecalis SS5 and R. palustris CS2 was up to 150 and 100 mM, respectively. R. palustris CS2 showed highest As(V) reduction up to 62.9% (6.29±0.24 mM), while R. faecalis SS5 showed maximum As(III) oxidation up to 96% (4.8±0.32 mM), respectively. Highest auxin production was observed by R. palustris CS2 and R. faecalis SS, up to 77.18±3.7 and 76.67±2.8 μg mL−1, respectively. Effects of these PNSB were tested on the growth of Vigna mungo plants. A statistically significant increase in growth was observed in plants inoculated with isolates compared to uninoculated plants, both in presence and in absence of As. R. palustris CS2 treated plants showed 17% (28.1±0.87 cm) increase in shoot length and 21.7% (7.07±0.42 cm) increase in root length, whereas R. faecalis SS5 treated plants showed 12.8% (27.09±0.81 cm) increase in shoot length and 18.8% (6.9±0.34 cm) increase in root length as compared to the control plants. In presence of As, R. palustris CS2 increased shoot length up to 26.3% (21.0±1.1 cm), while root length increased up to 31.3% (5.3±0.4 cm), whereas R. faecalis SS5 inoculated plants showed 25% (20.7 ± 1.4 cm) increase in shoot length and 33.3% (5.4 ± 0.65 cm) increase in root length as compared to the control plants. Bacteria with such diverse abilities could be ideal for plant growth promotion in As-contaminated sites.
Geofluids Assessment of the Ayub and Shafa Hot Springs in Kopet-Dagh Zone (NE Iran): An Isotopic Geochemistry Approach
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Hossein , Kazemi Majid
Published: March 2017

Geothermal energy has a wide range of uses in our life. It is very important to characterize the temperature and the depth of geothermal reservoirs. The aim of this paper is the determination of type, origin source of water temperature, and depth of water circulation in the Ayub-Peighambar and Shafa (AP and SH) hot springs, located in NE Iran, using hydrogeochemistry and environmental isotopes (2H and18O). AP hot spring has elevated temperature (36–40°C) and as such is very important for balneotherapy and geotourism industry purposes. The average values ofδ18O andδ2H for this hot spring (−10‰and −73‰, resp.) are analogous to that of geothermal and meteoric waters. This indicates that the heat source cannot be related to volcanic activities (with averageδ18O value of about 5‰) and it is most probably associated with geothermal gradient with deep circulation of groundwater through faults. Based on Na-K geothermometers coupled with isotopic (18O and2H) geochemistry the temperature of the AP geothermal reservoir was estimated to be in the range of 100–150°C with 3–5 and 4.2 kilometres’ depth, respectively. Chemically, the AP samples are CaSO4facies with a chemically homogeneous source and steam heated waters type.
Global Status ofPorcine circovirusType 2 and Its Associated Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Afolabi Kayode O. , Iweriebor Benson C. , Okoh Anthony I. , Obi Larry C.
Published: March 2017

Globally,Porcine circovirustype 2 (PCV2) is a recognized viral pathogen of great economic value in pig farming. It is the major cause of ravaging postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and many other disease syndromes generally regarded asPorcine circovirusassociated diseases (PCVAD) in Europe. PCV2 infections, specifically PMWS, had impacted huge economic loss on swine production at different regions of the world. It has been studied and reported at different parts of the globe including: North and South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East, and the Caribbean. However, till date, this virus and its associated diseases have been grossly understudied in sub-Sahara African region and the entire continent at large. Two out of forty-nine, representing just about 4% of countries that make up sub-Sahara Africa presently, have limited records on reported cases and occurrence of the viral pathogen despite the ubiquitous nature of the virus. This review presents an overview of the discovery ofPorcine circovirusand its associated diseases in global pig herds and emphasizes the latest trends in PCV2 vaccines and antiviral drugs development and the information gaps that exist on the occurrence of this important viral pathogen in swine herds of sub-Saharan Africa countries. This will serve as wake-up call for immediate and relevant actions by stakeholders in the region.
Laparoscopic Hepatectomy: Current State in Japan Based on the 4th Nationwide Questionnaire
Authors: Takahashi Yutaka , Katagiri Satoshi , Ariizumi Shun-ichi , Kotera Yoshihito , Egawa Hiroto , Wakabayashi Go , Kaneko Hironori , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: March 2017

Purpose. Since laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) became covered by national health insurance in April 2010 in Japan, the numbers of applied cases and institutions performing it have increased and the indication has expanded. We surveyed the current state and safety of LH in Japan. Methods. A questionnaire survey was performed in 41 institutions related to the Japanese Endoscopic Liver Surgery Study Group and 747 institutions certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery, and responses concerning all 2962 cases of LH performed by August 2011 were obtained. Results. The surgical procedure employed was hemihepatectomy in 234 (8%), segmentectomy in 88 (3%), left lateral segmentectomy in 434 (15%), segmentectomy in 156 (5%), and partial resection in 1504 (51%) cases. The approach was pure laparoscopy in 1835 (63%), hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery in 201 (7%), and laparoscopy-assisted surgery in 926 (31%). Regarding perioperative complications, surgery was switched to laparotomy in 59 (2.0%), reoperation was performed in 4 (0.1%), and surgery-related death occurred in 2 (0.07%). Intraoperative accidents occurred in 68 (2.3%), and postoperative complications developed in 94 (3.2%). Conclusions. When the selection of cases is appropriate, LH for liver diseases can be safely performed.
Prevalence and Complications of Pregestational and Gestational Diabetes in Saudi Women: Analysis from Riyadh Mother and Baby Cohort Study (RAHMA)
Authors: Wahabi Hayfaa , Fayed Amel , Esmaeil Samia , Mamdouh Heba , Kotb Reham
Published: March 2017

The objectives of this study were to estimate the burden of diabetes and to explore the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with pregestational diabetes mellitus (pre-GDM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among the Saudi pregnant population. In this subcohort, we compared the maternal and the neonatal outcomes of diabetic women with pre-GDM and GDM to the outcomes of nondiabetic mothers who delivered during the same period. From the total cohort, 9723 women participated in this study. Of the participants, 24.2% had GDM, 4.3% had pre-GDM, and 6951 were nondiabetic. After adjustment for confounders, women with GDM had increased odds of delivering a macrosomic baby (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.1). Women with pre-GDM were more likely to deliver by Cesarean section (OR: 1.65; CI: 1.32–2.07) and to have preterm delivery < 37 weeks (OR: 2.1; CI: 1.5–2.8). Neonates of mothers with pre-GDM were at increased risk of being stillbirth (OR: 3.66; CI: 1.98–6.72), at increased risk of admission to NICU (OR: 2.21; CI: 1.5–3.27), and at increased risk for being macrosomic (OR: 2.40; CI: 1.50–3.8). The prevalence of GDM and pre-GDM in the Saudi pregnant population is among the highest in the world. The conditions are associated with high maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities.
Integrating Characterization of Smallholders’ Feeding Practices with On-Farm Feeding Trials to Improve Utilization of Crop Residues on Smallholder Farms
Authors: Kashongwe B. O. , Bebe B. O. , Ooro P. A. , Migwi P. K. , Onyango T. A.
Published: March 2017

This study characterized wheat straw feeding practices in smallholder farms using cross sectional survey and the results informed the design of an experiment to improve the nutritive value of wheat straw with urea and yeast culture treatment. Three diets tested in 49 days’ feeding trial were farmers’ rainy season feeding practice (FP), addition of urea to wheat straw at the time of feeding (USWS), and 14 days’ incubation of straw with urea (UTWS). Yeast culture (15 g/day) was mixed with commercial dairy meal at the point of feeding. Survey data identified farmers’ strategies in utilizing crop residues of which most important were improving storage facility (77.6%), adding molasses (54.5%), and buying a shredding machine (45.1%). On-farm feeding trial showed that intake was higher for UTWS than (p<0.05) for USWS while milk yield was higher with FP than (p<0.005) with UTWS or USWS but not different (p≥0.05) between UTWS and USWS. Results imply that farmers feeding practices of crop residues may be improved for dairy cows’ feeding and therefore UTWS could be used to support maintenance and milk production during dry season. Improving farmers feed storage facilities and training on incubation of wheat straw for dairy cattle feeding were recommended.
Experimental Investigation on Flutter Similitude of Thin-Flat Plates
Authors: Rahtika I. P. G. Sopan , Wardana I. N. G. , Sonief A. A. , Siswanto E.
Published: March 2017

This paper shows the experimental results of the flutter speed of thin-flat plates with free leading edge in axial flow as a function of plates’ geometry, fluid densities, and viscosities, as well as natural frequencies of the plates. The experiment was developed based on similitude theory using dimensional analysis and Buckingham Pi Theorem. Dimensional analysis generates four dimensionless numbers. Experiment was conducted by placing the thin-flat plates in a laminar flow wind tunnel in order to obtain the relationship among those dimensionless numbers. The flutter speed was measured by varying the flow velocity until the instability occurred. The dimensional analysis gives a map of the flutter Reynolds number as a function of a new type of dimensionless number that is hereby called flutter fluid structure interaction number, thickness-to-length, and aspect ratios as the correcting factors. This map is a very useful tool for predicting the flutter speed of thin-flat plates in general. This investigation found that the flutter Reynolds number is very high at the region of high flutter fluid structure and thickness-to-length ratios numbers; however, it is very sensitive to the change of those two dimensionless numbers. The sensitivity is higher at lower aspect ratio.
A Thermostabilized, One-Step PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeandHaemophilus influenzae
Authors: Khazani Nur Amalina , Noor Nik Zuraina Nik Mohd , Yean Yean Chan , Hasan Habsah , Suraiya Siti , Mohamad Suharni
Published: March 2017

Klebsiella pneumoniaeandHaemophilus influenzaeare two common pathogens associated with respiratory tract infections. The identification of these pathogens using conventional molecular diagnostic tests requires trained personnel, cold-chain transportation, and storage-dependance, which does not render them user-friendly. The aim of this study was to develop a thermostabilized, cold-chain-free, one-step multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection ofK. pneumoniaeandH. influenzae.The multiplex PCR assay was designed to amplify thephpgene ofK. pneumoniae(202 bp) andp6gene ofH. influenzae(582 bp). In addition, the specific primer to amplifyglmgene ofHelicobacter pylori(105 bp) was included as an internal amplification control. Subsequently, the designed primers and all PCR reagents were thermostabilized by lyophilization. The stability of the thermostabilized PCR was evaluated using theQ10method. The sensitivity and specificity of performances for thermostabilized PCR were evaluated using 127 clinical isolates and were found to be 100% sensitive and specific. The thermostabilized PCR mix was found to be stable for 30 days and theQ10 accelerated stability was found to be 3.02 months. A cold-chain-free, PCR assay for easy, rapid, and simultaneous detection ofK. pneumoniaeandH. influenzaewas successfully developed in this study.
Influence of Front and Back Contacts on Photovoltaic Performances of p-n Homojunction Si Solar Cell: Considering an Electron-Blocking Layer
Authors: Ali Md. Feroz , Hossain Md. Faruk
Published: March 2017

In this simultion work, the effect of front and back contacts of p-n homojunction Si solar cell with an electron-blocking layer (EBL) has been studied with the help of a strong solar cell simulator named AMPS-1D (analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures one dimensional). Without the effect of these contact parameters, low solar cell efficiency has been observed. Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) with high work function (5.45 eV) has been used as the front contact to the proposed solar cell. Zinc (Zn) metal which has a work function of 4.3 eV has been used as the back contact of the proposed model. With FTO as the front contact and Zn as the back contact, the optimum efficiency of 29.275% (Voc = 1.363 V, Jsc = 23.747 mA/cm2, FF = 0.905) has been observed. This type of simple Si-based p-n homojunction solar cell with EBL of high efficiency has been proposed in this paper.
The Effect of Phototherapy on Cancer Predisposition Genes of Diabetic and Normal Human Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Chotikasemsri Pongsathorn , Tangtrakulwanich Boonsin , Sangkhathat Surasak
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether LED light at different wavelengths affects the expression profile of 143 cancer predisposition genes in both diabetic and normal human fibroblasts. In this study, both diabetic and normal fibroblast cell lines were cultured and irradiated with red (635 nm), green (520 nm), and blue (465 nm) LED light for 10 minutes at 0.67 J/cm2 each. After that, mRNA from all cell lines was extracted for microarray analysis. We found that green light activates EPHB2, KIT, ANTXR2, ESCO2, MSR1, EXT1, TSC1, KIT, NF1, BUB1B, FANCD2, EPCAM, FANCD2, NF, DIS3L2, and RET in normal fibroblast cells, while blue and red light can upregulate RUNX1, PDGFRA, EHBP1, GPC3, AXIN2, KDR, GLMN, MSMB, EPHB2, MSR1, KIT, FANCD2, BMPR1A, BUB1B, PDE11A, and RET. Therefore, genetic screening before phototherapy treatment may be required.