bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similar dysregulation of lupus-associated miRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and splenic lymphocytes in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Heid Bettina , Dai Rujuan , Ahmed Sattar Ansar
Published: November 2018

Objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; lupus). We have previously reported a common pattern of miRNA dysregulation in splenic lymphocytes from several mouse models of lupus. In this study, we investigated whether there is a similar miRNAs expression dysregulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and splenocytes in a classical murine lupus model, MRL/lpr.

Method

PBMCs were isolated from blood samples of control MRL and lupus MRL/lpr mice aged 14–15 weeks by gradient centrifugation with Histopaque 1083 density media. miRNA TaqMan assays were performed to analyse the expression of 10 lupus-associated miRNAs including miR-182-96-183 cluster, miR-146a, miR-148a, miR-21, miR-31, miR-127, miR-155, and miR-411 in MRL and MRL/lpr PBMCs.

Result

In this study, we found that 8 out of 10 examined miRNAs (miR-21, miR-31, miR-127, miR-155, miR-96, miR-182, miR-183 and miR-411) were similarly dysregulated in both PBMCs and splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice when compared with MRL control mice. Only two miRNAs (miR-146a and miR-148a) showed different dysregulation pattern in the PBMCs and splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice. By comparing with the published miRNA data in human lupus, we demonstrated similarity in miRNA dysregulation in murine and human lupus PBMCs.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that the miRNA changes observed in PBMCs largely reflect the miRNA dysregulation in cells from the lymphoid organ spleen. Analysis of miRNAs in PBMCs has an advantage over the splenocytes since it allows for monitoring the kinetics of lupus-associated miRNAs expression with peripheral blood cell samples during the development of the disease or after instituting treatment. The similar dysregulation of miRNAs in murine and human lupus PBMCs supports the importance and the feasibility of using murine lupus models to study the pathogenic and therapeutic function of miRNAs in human lupus.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: contemporary aspects of diagnosis and patient management
Authors: Macaya Fernando , Salinas Pablo , Gonzalo Nieves , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Macaya Carlos , Escaned Javier
Published: November 2018

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an increasingly recognised cause of acute coronary syndromes, especially in young and middle-age women. Recognising its particularities and differences with atherosclerotic disease is central for appropriately identifying and approaching these patients. The authors review the current state of knowledge on spontaneous coronary artery dissection and provide practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of this condition, both in the acute and convalescence phases.
ACPA and RF as predictors of sustained clinical remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: data from the Ontario Best practices Research Initiative (OBRI)
Authors: Pope Janet E , Movahedi Mohammad , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Cesta Angela , Sampalis John S , Keystone Edward , Thorne Carter , Bombardier Claire
Published: November 2018

Objective(s)

This study evaluated the interaction of anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in predicting sustained clinical response in an observational registry of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) followed in routine practice.

Methods

Patients with RA enrolled in the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative registry, with ≥1 swollen joint, autoantibody information and ≥1 follow-up assessment were included. Sustained clinical remission was defined as Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≤2.8 in at least two sequential visits separated by 3–12 months. Time to sustained remission was assessed using cumulative incidence curves and multivariate cox regression.

Results

Among 3251 patients in the registry, 970 were included, of whom 262 (27%) were ACPAneg/RFneg, 60 (6.2%) ACPApos/RFneg, 117 (12.1%) ACPAneg/RFposand 531 (54.7%) ACPApos/RFposat baseline. Significant between group differences were observed in age (p=0.02), CDAI (p=0.03), tender joint count (p=0.02) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (p=0.002), with ACPApospatients being youngest with lowest disease activity and disability. No difference in biologic use was found between groups (20.2% of patients).

Over a mean follow-up of 3 years, sustained remission was achieved by 43.5% of ACPApos/RFpospatients, 43.3% of ACPApos/RFnegpatients, 31.6 % of ACPAneg/RFpospatients and 32.4% of ACPAneg/RFnegpatients (p=0.01). Significant differences were observed in CDAI improvement based on ACPA and RF status where ACPApos/RFposhad a shorter time to achieving sustained remission (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.67) and experienced significantly higher improvements compared with ACPAneg/RFnegpatients.

Conclusion(s)

Combined ACPA and RF positivity were associated with improved and faster response to antirheumatic medications in patients with RA.
Comparative effectiveness of subcutaneous tocilizumab versus intravenous tocilizumab in a pan-European collaboration of registries
Authors: Lauper Kim , Mongin Denis , Iannone Florenzo , Klami Kristianslund Eirik , Kvien Tore K , Nordström Dan , Pavelka Karel , Pombo-Suarez Manuel , Rotar Ziga , Santos Maria Jose , Codreanu Catalin , Lukina Galina , Courvoisier Delphine S , Gabay Cem
Published: November 2018

Objective

To compare the real-word effectiveness of subcutaneous tocilizumab (TCZ-SC) and intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ-IV) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Patients with RA with TCZ from eight European registries were included. Drug retention was compared using unadjusted Kaplan-Meier and Cox models adjusted for baseline patient, disease and treatment characteristics, using a strata term for year of treatment initiation and country of registry. The proportions of patients achieving Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission and low disease activity (LDA) at 1 year were compared using samples matched on the same covariates and corrected for attrition using LUNDEX.

Results

3448 patients were retrieved, 2414 with TCZ-IV and 1034 with TCZ-SC. Crude median retention was 3.52 years (95% CI 3.22 to 3.85) for TCZ-IV and 2.12 years for TCZ-SC (95% CI 1.88 to 2.38). In a country-stratified and year of treatment initiation–stratified, covariate-adjusted analysis, hazards of discontinuation were similar between TCZ-SC and TCZ-IV treated patients (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.09). The average adjusted CDAI change at 1 year was similar in both groups (−6.08). After matching, with 560 patients in each group, CDAI remission corrected for attrition at 1 year was also similar between TCZ-SC and TCZ-IV (10.4% in TCZ-IV vs 12.8% in TCZ-SC (difference: 2.4%, bootstrap 95% CI −2.1% to 7.6%)), but CDAI LDA was lower in TCZ-IV patients: 41.0% in TCZ-IV versus 49.1% in TCZ-SC (difference: 8.0 %; bootstrap 95% CI 2.4% to 12.4%).

Conclusion

With similar retention and effectiveness, TCZ-SC is an adequate alternative to TCZ-IV for RA. When possible, considering the costs of the TCZ-IV route, TCZ-SC should be the preferred mode of administration.
Modeling head-on crash severity on NCDOT freeways: a mixed logit model approach
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Fan Wei (David)
Published: November 2018

This study employs a mixed logit model approach to evaluate contributing factors that significantly affect the severity of head-on crashes. The head-on crash data are collected from Highway Safety Information System (HSIS) from 2005 to 2013 in North Carolina. The effects that vehicle, driver, roadway, and environmental characteristics have on the injury severity of head-on crashes are examined. The results of this research demonstrate that adverse weather, young drivers, rural roadways, and pickups are found to be better modeled as random-parameters at specific injury severity levels, while others should remain fixed. Also, the model results indicate that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, grade or curve roadway configuration, old drivers, high speed limit, motorcycles will increase the injury severity of head-on crashes. Adverse weather condition, two-way divided road, traffic control, young drivers, and pickups will decrease the injury severity of head-on crashes.
Establishing baseline biological conditions and monitoring metrics for stream benthic macroinvertebrates and fish in an area of potential shale gas development
Authors: Lento Jennifer , Gray Michelle A. , Ferguson Allison J. , Curry R. Allen
Published: November 2018

Potential for shale gas production is linked to regional geology, which influences water chemistry of freshwater systems. However, there has been little work to establish baseline ecological conditions of rivers within areas of shale gas development. In this study, water chemistry and monitoring metrics for fish and benthic macroinvertebrates were compared among varying-sized streams in New Brunswick, Canada, with different underlying geology. Water chemistry and biotic community structure differed strongly among geological age classes. Early Carboniferous stations, with highest potential for shale gas production, had the highest ions, invertebrate abundances, and richness of invertebrates and fish, with strongest differences between Early Carboniferous and Older Classes of bedrock. A reference condition model indicated numerous sites deviated from normal, but this was not specific to geological classes and reflected the lack of model reference site coverage. These results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate reference sites for bioassessment in areas of resource development to ensure that response to perturbation is differentiated from natural variability along environmental gradients in geology and resource-dependent variables that potentially influence aquatic ecosystem composition.
Identification ofBorrelia bissettiiinIxodes scapularisticks from New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Lewis Julie , Lloyd Vett K.
Published: November 2018

Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that is emerging in Canada. The disease is caused by spirochetes of the Lyme borreliosis group, which is expanding as new species are discovered. In Canada, Lyme disease risk has so far been assessed primarily by detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Of Ixodes scapularis ticks collected between 2014 and 2016 in New Brunswick, Canada, 7 were shown to be infected with Borrelia bissettii by nested PCR and sequencing of 5 B. bissettii genes. Since different Borrelia species are associated with different clinical manifestations and are not detected with the same diagnostic tests, the identification of a previously undocumented or underreported pathogenic Borrelia species has important implications for public and veterinary medicine.
Ginseng for the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related cardiovascular complications: a discussion of the evidence
Authors: Karmazyn Morris , Gan Xiaohong Tracey
Published: November 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with elevated blood glucose levels due either to insufficient insulin production (type 1 DM) or to insulin resistance (type 2 DM). The incidence of DM around the world continues to rise dramatically with more than 400 million cases reported today. Among the most serious consequences of chronic DM are cardiovascular complications that can have deleterious effects. Although numerous treatment options are available, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological, there is substantial emerging interest in the use of traditional medicines for the treatment of this condition and its complications. Among these is ginseng, a medicinal herb that belongs to the genus Panax and has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal agent especially in Asian cultures. There is emerging evidence from both animal and clinical studies that ginseng, ginseng constituents including ginsenosides, and ginseng-containing formulations can produce beneficial effects in terms of normalization of blood glucose levels and attenuation of cardiovascular complications through a multiplicity of mechanisms. Although more research is required, ginseng may offer a useful therapy for the treatment of diabetes as well as its complications.
Transcriptomic characterization elucidates a signaling network that controls antler growth
Authors: Yao Baojin , Zhang Mei , Liu Meixin , Liu Yuxin , Hu Yaozhong , Zhao Yu
Published: November 2018

Deer antlers are amazing appendages with the fastest growth rate among mammalian organs. Antler growth is driven by the growth center through a modified endochondral ossification process. Thus, identification of signaling pathways functioning in antler growth center would help us to uncover the underlying molecular mechanism of rapid antler growth. Furthermore, exploring and dissecting the molecular mechanism that regulates antler growth is extremely important and helpful for identifying methods to enhance long bone growth and treat cartilage- and bone-related diseases. In this study, we build a comprehensive intercellular signaling network in antler growth centers from both the slow growth stage and rapid growth stage using a state-of-art RNA-Seq approach. This network includes differentially expressed genes that regulate the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, calcium signaling, and adherens junction. These signaling pathways coordinately control multiple biological processes, including chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, matrix homeostasis, mechanobiology, and aging processes, during antler growth in a comprehensive and efficient manner. Therefore, our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating antler growth and provides valuable and powerful insight for medical research on therapeutic strategies targeting skeletal disorders and related cartilage and bone diseases.
Effect of post weld heat treatment and welding parameters on mechanical and corrosion characteristics of friction stir welded aluminium alloy AA2014-T6
Authors: Kannusamy Ashok S. , Ramasamy Ravindran
Published: November 2018

This paper addresses the effect of post weld heat treatment methods on the mechanical and corrosion characteristics of friction stir welded aluminum alloy AA2014-T6. Aluminum alloy AA2014 is mainly used in applications that demand high strength to weight ratios, such as aerospace, marine, and industrial applications. In this work, AA2014-T6 plates of 6 mm thick were butt welded using a tool with a square profile. Tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion characteristics were compared between the samples as welded and post weld heat treated. Welded samples that were heat treated for a shorter ageing period (8 h) showed improved tensile strength irrespective of welding process parameters, compared to as-welded samples. The samples heat treated for a longer ageing period (9 h) showed a decline in tensile strength for low tool rotation speed. Hardness increased in welded samples heat treated for 8 h. Welded samples heat treated for 9 h show high passivity in corrosion media.
Spreading in scale-free computer networks with improved clustering
Authors: Türker İlker , Albayrak Zafer
Published: November 2018

In this study, we investigated data spreading in computer networks with scale-free topology under various levels of improved clustering. Starting from a pure Barabási–Albert (BA) network topology, we applied a Poisson-based rewiring procedure with increasing rewiring probability, which promotes local connections. We then performed wired computer network simulations in NS2 simulator for these topologies. We found that for pure BA network, data transfer (throughput) is maximum, where time required for establishing routing scheme, end-to-end delays in data transmission and number of nodes acting in data transfer are at their minimum levels. Improving clustering increases these parameters those are at their minima. A noteworthy finding of this study is that, for moderate levels of clustering, total throughput remains close to its maximum yielding stable transfer rates, although number of infected nodes and end-to-end delay increase. This indicates that clustering promotes spreading phenomena in networks, although it increases average separation. As a result, clustering property emerges as a catalyzer in data spreading with minimal effects on the total amount of transmission.
Noise-induced transition in an underdamped asymmetric bistable system driven by Lévy noise
Authors: Guo Yong-Feng , Wei Fang , Wang Lin-Jie , Tan Jian-Guo
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the Lévy noise-induced transition in an underdamped asymmetric bistable system is discussed. Lévy noise is generated  through the Janicki–Weron algorithm and the numerical solutions of system equation is obtained by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Then the stationary probability density functions are obtained by solving the equation of system. The influence of the damped coefficient [Formula: see text], asymmetric parameter r of system, stability index [Formula: see text], skewness parameters [Formula: see text] and noise intensity D on the stationary probability density are analyzed. The numerical simulation results show that the asymmetric parameter r, stability index [Formula: see text], skewness parameters [Formula: see text] and noise intensity D can induce the phase transition. However, the phase transition cannot be induced by the damped coefficient [Formula: see text].
Physical Layer Key Generation
Authors: Wan Jiang , Lopez Anthony , Faruque Mohammad Abdullah Al
Published: November 2018

Modern automotive Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are increasingly adopting wireless communications for Intra-Vehicular, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) protocols as a promising solution for challenges such as the wire harnessing problem, collision detection, and collision avoidance, traffic control, and environmental hazards. Regrettably, this new trend results in new security challenges that can put the safety and privacy of the automotive CPS and passengers at great risk. In addition, automotive wireless communication security is constrained by strict energy and performance limitations of electronic controller units and sensors. As a result, the key generation and management for secure automotive CPS wireless communication is an open research challenge. This article aims to help solve these security challenges by presenting a practical key generation technique based on the reciprocity and high spatial and temporal variation properties of the automotive wireless communication channel. Accompanying this technique is also a key length optimization algorithm to improve performance (in terms of time and energy) for safety-related applications constrained by small communication windows. To validate the practicality and effectiveness of our approach, we have conducted simulations alongside real-world experiments with vehicles and RC cars. Last, we demonstrate through simulations that we can generate keys with high security strength (keys with 67% min-entropy) with 20× reduction in code size overhead in comparison to the state-of-the-art security techniques.
Development of a Representative EV Urban Driving Cycle Based on a k-Means and SVM Hybrid Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Yu Qiang , Ma Jian , Wu Yan , Yu Man , Ye Yiming
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a scientific and systematic methodology for the development of a representative electric vehicle (EV) urban driving cycle. The methodology mainly includes three tasks: test route selection and data collection, data processing, and driving cycle construction. A test route is designed according to the overall topological structure of the urban roads and traffic flow survey results. The driving pattern data are collected using a hybrid method of on-board measurement method and chase car method. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the dimensionality of the characteristic parameters. The driving segments are classified using a hybrid k-means and support vector machine (SVM) clustering algorithm. Scientific assessment criteria are studied to select the most representative driving cycle from multiple candidate driving cycles. Finally, the characteristic parameters of the Xi’an EV urban driving cycle, international standard driving cycles, and other city driving cycles are compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the Xi’an EV urban driving cycle reflects more aggressive driving characteristics than the other cycles.
Particulate Air Pollution, Blood Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number, and Telomere Length in Mothers in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: Effects on Fetal Growth
Authors: Iodice S. , Hoxha M. , Ferrari L. , Carbone I. F. , Anceschi C. , Miragoli M. , Pesatori A. C. , Persico N. , Bollati V.
Published: November 2018

Growing evidences have shown that particulate matter (PM) exposures during pregnancy are associated with impaired fetal development and adverse birth outcomes, possibly as a result of an exaggerated systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Telomere length (TL) is strongly linked to biological age and is impacted by oxidative stress. We hypothesized that PM exposure during different time windows in the first trimester of pregnancy influences both mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), an established biomarker for oxidative stress, and TL. Maternal blood TL and mtDNAcn were analysed in 199 healthy pregnant women recruited at the 11th week of pregnancy by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We also examined whether maternal mtDNAcn and TL were associated with fetal growth outcomes measured at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (fetal heart rate, FHR; crown‐rump length, CRL; and nuchal translucency, NT) and at delivery (birth weight, length, head circumference). The possible modifying effect of prepregnancy maternal body mass index was evaluated. PM10 exposure during the first pregnancy trimester was associated with an increased maternal mtDNAcn and a reduced TL. As regards ultrasound fetal outcomes, both FHR and CRL were positively associated with PM2.5, whereas the association with FHR was confirmed only when examining PM10 exposure. PM10 was also associated with a reduced birth weight. While no association was found between mtDNAcn and CRL, we found a negative relationship between mtDNAcn and fetal CRL only in overweight women, whereas normal‐weight women exhibited a positive, albeit nonsignificant, association. As abnormalities of growth in utero have been associated with postnatal childhood and adulthood onset diseases and as PM is a widespread pollutant relevant to the large majority of the human population and obesity a rising risk factor, our results, if confirmed in a larger population, might represent an important contribution towards the development of more targeted public health strategies.
Data Association Methodology to Improve Spatial Predictions in Alternative Marketing Circuits in Ecuador
Authors: Padilla Washington R. , García Jesús
Published: November 2018

This work proposes a methodology that reduces the error of future estimations in commercialization based on multivariate spatial prediction techniques (cokriging) considering the products with strong associations. It is based on the Apriori algorithm to find association rules in sales of agricultural products of local markets. Results show the improvement in spatial prediction accuracy after using the best association rules.
RPAR: Location Privacy Preserving via Repartitioning Anonymous Region in Mobile Social Network
Authors: Zhang Jinquan , Yuan Yanfeng , Wang Xiao , Ni Lina , Yu Jiguo , Zhang Mengmeng
Published: November 2018

Applying the proliferated location-based services (LBSs) to social networks has spawned mobile social network (MSN) services that allow users to discover potential friends around them. While enjoying the convenience of MSN services, the mobile users also are confronted with the risk of location disclosure, which is a severe privacy preserving concern. In this paper, we focus on the problem of location privacy preserving in MSN. Particularly, we propose a repartitioning anonymous region for location privacy preserving (RPAR) scheme based on the central anonymous location which minimizes the traffic between the anonymous server and the LBS server while protecting the privacy of the user location. Furthermore, our scheme enables the users to get more accurate query results, thus improving the quality of the location service. Simulation results show that our proposed scheme can effectively reduce the area of anonymous regions and minimize the traffic.
Phenolic-Rich Baccaurea angulata Modulates Inflammatory Biomarkers of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , Mikail Maryam Abimbola , Ahmed Idris Adewale , Abdul Ghani Radiah
Published: November 2018

Purpose. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading and the most critical type of chronic disease. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of CVD. Inflammation has been progressively acknowledged as a vital and central player in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Baccaurea angulata is an underutilized fruit of the island of Borneo. It was obtained from Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia. In our previous studies, B. angulata did not only increase antioxidant enzyme activities, but also slowed the lipid peroxidation process in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits. It was hypothesized that B. angulata fruit would exert an anti-inflammatory effect. This study, therefore, aimed at evaluating and comparing the effects of three different B. angulata whole fruit (WF) juice doses on 11 serum inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Methods. Thirty-five male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into seven groups (n=5). Group CH was fed 1% cholesterol diet only, group C1 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 0.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group C2 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.0 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group C3 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group N was fed standard pellet only, group N1 was fed standard pellet and 0.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, and group N2 was fed standard pellet and 1.0 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice for 12 weeks. Results. The administration of the various juices reduced the concentrations of induced serum inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusion. This protective effect of B. angulata fruit against cardiovascular risk might be due to its polyphenol content.
Renal Dysfunction among Ghanaians Living with Clinically Diagnosed Hypertension in the Asutifi-South District: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study at the St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hwidiem
Authors: Lokpo Sylvester Yao , Osei-Yeboah James , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Ussher Francis Abeku , Orish Verner Ndudiri , Gadzeto Felix , Ntiamoah Paul , Botchway Felix , Muanah Ivan , Asumbasiya Aduko Romeo
Published: November 2018

Background. This study aimed at evaluating the burden of renal dysfunction among people living with hypertension in the Asutifi-South District of the Brong Ahafo Region, who were attending clinic at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hwidiem. Methodology. A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among two hundred (200) hypertensive clients aged between 27 and 88 years who reported for clinical management from January to March, 2018. Data on sociodemography, comorbid disease status, antihypertensive medication, and their duration was obtained using a semistructured questionnaire and patient folders. Blood pressure, weight, and creatinine were measured using standard methods. Kidney function was assessed using Cockcroft Gault (CG), Four-Variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (4v-MDRD) and the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations. The 2012 Kidney Disease Improvement Global Outcome (KDIGO) Criteria were used to categorize renal function among study participants. Results. Renal impairment was observed among 25.00%, 9.50%, and 10.50% of study participants using CG, 4v-MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations, respectively. With the exception of CKD-EPI equation, females significantly recorded higher scores compared to their male counterparts (28.95% vs 12.5%, 11.84%, vs 2.08%) using CG and 4v-MDRD, respectively. Participants aged 50 years or more recorded the highest renal impairment. Conclusion. Renal dysfunction is common among people living with hypertension in the Asutifi-South District of the Brong Ahafo Region. Femininity, older age, disease comorbidity with diabetes, Thiazide diuretic and AR Blocker usage, and increasing duration of medication accounted for higher kidney dysfunction. Regular screening and management are therefore recommended to avert progression to end-stage renal failure (ESRD).
Simplified Attitude Determination Algorithm Using Accelerometer and Magnetometer with Extremely Low Execution Time
Authors: Liu Zhuohua , Liu Wei , Gong Xiangyang , Wu Jin
Published: November 2018

Accelerometer-magnetometer attitude determination is a common and vital medium processing technique in industrial robotics and consumer electronics. In this paper, we report a novel analytic attitude solution to the accelerometer-magnetometer combination in the sense of Wahba’s problem. The Davenport matrix is analytically given and its eigenvalues are computed. Through derivations, the eigenvalues are simplified to very short expressions. Then, the corresponding eigenvectors are given accordingly via matrix row operations. The system is highly optimized based on the factorization and simplification of the obtained row-echelon form, which makes it computationally fast in practice. In this way, it is named as the fast accelerometer-magnetometer combination (FAMC). Experiments on the correctness and advantages of the proposed solution are conducted. The results show that compared with conventional solutions, the proposed analytic solution is not only correct and accurate, but to our knowledge, the most time efficient as well.
Prediction Model for Liner Wear Considering the Motion Characteristics of Material
Authors: Liu Ruiyue , Shi Boqiang , Shen Yanhua , Li Guoguang
Published: November 2018

A generic model to explore the relationship between the parameters of cone crusher and liner wear is provided in this paper. Relative slide and squeezing between material and liner are considered based on the operating conditions, structure parameters, and material properties. The sliding distance of the material under different conditions is discussed. It is detailed how operating parameters and structural parameters influence the pressure on the liner surface. Considering that the process of liner wear evolves over time, the updating method of the geometry of crushing chamber is adopted. The wear model is derived based on Archard theory and is calibrated with the measured wear profiles of the liner from a PYGB1821 cone crusher. Experiments show that the predicted wear amount is consistent with the measured results. The wear model can be used to predict the wear state of liner and quantify the influence of operating parameters and structural parameters on the liner wear.
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in the Era of Personalized Medicine: A More Tailored Approach to Systemic Therapy
Authors: Yu Irene S. , Cheung Winson Y.
Published: November 2018

Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy diagnosed in Canada. Despite declining incidence and mortality rates in recent years, there is still a significant number of cases that are metastatic at presentation. Fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy was the backbone of colorectal cancer treatment, but the addition of irinotecan and oxaliplatin to form combination regimens has significantly improved overall survival. In the past decade, the development of novel biologic agents including therapies directed against vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor has further altered the landscape of metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. However, clinical trials have demonstrated that not all patients respond to these therapies similarly and consideration must be given to individual patient- and tumor-related factors. A more tailored and biomarker driven approach to treatment selection can optimize outcomes and avoid unnecessary adverse effects. In this review article, we offer a comprehensive overview of the panel of clinical- and tumor-associated characteristics that influence treatment decisions in metastatic colorectal cancer and how this sets the foundation for a more personalized treatment strategy in oncology.
Three-Dimensional Free Vibration Analysis of Gears with Variable Thickness Using the Chebyshev–Ritz Method
Authors: Li Yi , Lv Ming , Wang Shi-ying , Qin Hui-bin , Fu Jun-fan
Published: November 2018

To reflect vibration more comprehensively and to satisfy the machining demand for high-order frequencies, we presented a three-dimensional free vibration analysis of gears with variable thickness using the Chebyshev–Ritz method based on three-dimensional elasticity theory. We derived the eigenvalue equations. We divided the gear model into three annular parts along the locations of the step variations, and the admissible function was a Ritz series that consisted of a Chebyshev polynomial multiplying boundary function. The convergence study demonstrated the high accuracy of the present method. We used a hammering method for a modal experiment to test two annular plates and one gear’s eigenfrequencies in a completely free condition. We also applied the finite element method to solve the eigenfrequencies. Through a comparative analysis of the frequencies obtained by these three methods, we found that the results achieved by the Chebyshev–Ritz method were close to those obtained from the experiment and finite element method. The relative errors of four sets of data were greater than 4%, and the errors of the other 48 sets were less than 4%. Thus, it was feasible to use the Chebyshev–Ritz method to solve the eigenfrequencies of gears with variable thickness.
Some Results on N-Tupled Coincidence and Fixed Points of Graphs on Metric Spaces and an Application to Integral Equations
Authors: Soliman Ahmed H. , Nabil Tamer
Published: November 2018

In this work, we establish some N-tupled common coincidence and N-tupled common fixed points for the mappings satisfying a (φ-ψ)-type contractive condition in a complete metric space endowed with a directed graph (for short digraph). Also, we apply our theoretical results to study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for systems of integral equations.
The Influence of Suspension Containing Nanodiamonds on the Morphology of the Tooth Tissue Surface in Atomic Force Microscope Observations
Authors: Gronwald Helena , Mitura Katarzyna , Volesky Lukas , Kejzlar Pavel , Szczypiński Michał , Kubala Elżbieta , Strzelecka Paulina , Grzegocka Marta , Baszuk Piotr , Skomro Piotr , Lietz-Kijak Danuta , Mitura Stanisław , Louda Petr , Bakalova Totka
Published: November 2018

Reduced friction and wear of materials after the use of the carbon nanomaterials including nanodiamonds (NDs) have been confirmed by several studies in material engineering. Mechanical cleaning of the tooth surface by brush bristles should leave as little tissue roughened as possible. Higher surface roughness increases the tissue’s wear and encourages the redeposition of the bacteria and the colouring agents present in the diet. Therefore, we evaluated the tooth tissues’ surface’s morphological changes after brushing them with the NDs suspension. Ten human teeth were brushed with the NDs aqueous suspension. The surfaces were observed using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). We found that the nature of the tissue surface became milder and smoother. A number of selected profilometric parameters were compared before and after brushing. We observed that brushing with the suspension of NDs resulted in a significant reduction in the enamel and dentine’s surface roughness both in the range of the average parameters (Ra; p-0,0019) and in the detailed parameters (Rsk; p-0,048 and Rku; p-0,036). We concluded that the NDs used in the oral hygiene applications have a potentially protective effect on the enamel and the dentine’s surfaces.
Immunotherapy and Hyperprogression: Unwanted Outcomes, Unclear Mechanism
Authors: Knorr David A. , Ravetch Jeffrey V.
Published: November 2018

Hyperprogression (HP) is a recently defined clinical phenomenon in which patients treated with immunotherapy paradoxically exhibit rapid tumor growth. The mechanisms of hyperprogression remain ill-defined, although recent studies in this issue point to a possible role for Fc receptors in this process.

See related article by Lo Russo et al., p. 989
Exosomes Released from Tumor-Associated Macrophages Transfer miRNAs That Induce a Treg/Th17 Cell Imbalance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhou Jieru , Li Xiaoduan , Wu Xiaoli , Zhang Ting , Zhu Qinyi , Wang Xinjing , Wang Husheng , Wang Kai , Lin Yingying , Wang Xipeng
Published: November 2018

The immune microenvironment is crucial for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progression and consists of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and T lymphocytes, such as regulatory T cells (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. In this study, the Treg/Th17 ratio was significantly higher in EOC in situ and in metastatic peritoneal tissues than in benign ovarian tumors and benign peritoneum. The Treg/Th17 ratio was associated with histologic grade and was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of EOC patients. On the basis of microarray analysis of exosomes derived from TAMs, we identified miRNAs enriched in the exosomes, including miR-29a-3p and miR-21-5p. When the two miRNA mimics were transfected into CD4+ T cells, they directly suppressed STAT3 and regulated Treg/Th17 cells, inducing an imbalance, and they had a synergistic effect on STAT3 inhibition. Taken together, these results indicate that exosomes mediate the interaction between TAMs and T cells, generating an immune-suppressive microenvironment that facilitates EOC progression and metastasis. These findings suggest that targeting these exosomes or their associated miRNAs might pave the way for the development of novel treatments for EOC.
Phase I Trial of Autologous CAR T Cells Targeting NKG2D Ligands in Patients with AML/MDS and Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Baumeister Susanne H. , Murad Joana , Werner Lillian , Daley Heather , Trebeden-Negre Helene , Gicobi Joanina K. , Schmucker Adam , Reder Jake , Sentman Charles L. , Gilham David E. , Lehmann Frédéric F. , Galinsky Ilene , DiPietro Heidi , Cummings Kristen , Munshi Nikhil C. , Stone Richard M. , Neuberg Donna S. , Soiffer Robert , Dranoff Glenn , Ritz Jerome , Nikiforow Sarah
Published: November 2018

NKG2D ligands are widely expressed in solid and hematologic malignancies but absent or poorly expressed on healthy tissues. We conducted a phase I dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a single infusion of NKG2D-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, without lymphodepleting conditioning in subjects with acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Autologous T cells were transfected with a γ-retroviral vector encoding a CAR fusing human NKG2D with the CD3ζ signaling domain. Four dose levels (1 × 106–3 × 107 total viable T cells) were evaluated. Twelve subjects were infused [7 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 5 multiple myeloma]. NKG2D-CAR products demonstrated a median 75% vector-driven NKG2D expression on CD3+ T cells. No dose-limiting toxicities, cytokine release syndrome, or CAR T cell–related neurotoxicity was observed. No significant autoimmune reactions were noted, and none of the ≥ grade 3 adverse events were attributable to NKG2D-CAR T cells. At the single injection of low cell doses used in this trial, no objective tumor responses were observed. However, hematologic parameters transiently improved in one subject with AML at the highest dose, and cases of disease stability without further therapy or on subsequent treatments were noted. At 24 hours, the cytokine RANTES increased a median of 1.9-fold among all subjects and 5.8-fold among six AML patients. Consistent with preclinical studies, NKG2D-CAR T cell–expansion and persistence were limited. Manufactured NKG2D-CAR T cells exhibited functional activity against autologous tumor cells in vitro, but modifications to enhance CAR T-cell expansion and target density may be needed to boost clinical activity.
Transoral Robotic Surgery Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Lawson Georges , Mendelsohn Abie , Fakhoury Raja , Van der Vorst Sebastien , Remacle Marc , Bachy Vincent , Delahaut Gilles
Published: November 2018

Objective: The aim of our study is to demonstrate our technique for performing transoral robotic surgical total laryngectomy (TORS-TL) with the use of the da Vinci robotic system. Materials and Methods: We provide a comprehensive description of the TORS-TL operative techniques. Two fresh-frozen human cadavers were selected after ethics approval to describe the appropriate step-by-step surgical resection. We adopted a 5-step procedure that was later applied to 2 of our patients. The first patient presented initially with a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the laryngeal glottis area. A lack of clinical response to initial treatment by chemoradiotherapy led to the decision of performing salvage TL surgery. The second patient had a previous history of head and neck SCC (HNSCC); he had no recurrence of his primary tumor but suffered significantly from postoperative breathing and swallowing difficulties due to severe laryngeal incompetence. Results: TORS-TL was successfully performed in all cases. The operative time for the cadavers was approximately 65 and 55 min, respectively. It was significantly longer for the patients, 210 and 235 min, respectively, despite the fact that exactly the same steps were followed throughout all procedures. There were no intra- or postoperative complications or surgical morbidity related to the use of the da Vinci system. Conclusion: TORS-SL for SCC was performed in a safe, reliable, and smooth manner and was shown to be successful in treating our patients. We thus believe that our step-by-step surgical technique for TORS-SL is efficient and reproducible.
Omalizumab in Chronic Urticaria: An Italian Survey
Authors: Damiani Giovanni , Diani Marco , Conic Rosalynn R.Z. , Colli Laura , Ferrucci Silvia , Martina Emanuela , Offidani Anna Maria , Pigatto Paolo Daniele Maria
Published: November 2018

Omalizumab is approved for use in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU); however, it is not approved for chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU). The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of omalizumab in treating CSU and CIndU in Italy. This is a multicentre prospective observational real-life study involving patients with severe urticaria capable of undergoing omalizumab therapy. We enrolled 127 patients (59.1% females), ranging in age from 15 to 83 years, 69.3% had CSU alone, 26.8% had CSU and CIndU, and 3.9% had only CIndU (30.8% delayed pressure, 35.9% dermographic, 15.3% cholinergic, 12.8% cold, 5.1% aquagenic). After the first cycle of omalizumab (300 mg every 4 weeks for 24 weeks), 16 CSU patients and 10 patients (20.5%) with CIndU with or without CSU did not require a second cycle of omalizumab (300 mg every 4 weeks for 20 weeks). The patient with aquagenic urticaria achieved remission after the first cycle. None showed a lack of response to the second cycle of omalizumab. Omalizumab is a promising drug for both spontaneous and inducible chronic urticaria. Current evidence indicates that omalizumab may be approved also for CIndU.
Subretinal Fluid Optical Density and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Characteristics for the Diagnosis of Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma
Authors: Zur Dinah , Frenkel Shahar , Leshno Ari , Iglicki Matias , Ben-Artzi Cohen Noa , Khoury Alla , Martínez Cartier Mauricio , Barak Adiel , Moroz Iris , Loewenstein Anat , Neudorfer Meira , Vishnevskia-Dai Vicktoria
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To investigate spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of untreated circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH), and the optical density (OD) of the associated subretinal fluid (SRF). Procedures: This international retrospective multicenter study conducted at 5 tertiary retina referral centers included 34 patients with symptomatic CCH imaged on SD-OCT. CCH surface, size, and overlying retinal changes and OD ratio (ODR) were evaluated. Results: The mean ODR of the SRF was 0.808 ± 0.287. Tumor base measured on ultrasound correlated significantly with the ODR (p = 0.012). ODR values in cases of CCH were similar to those of choroidal metastasis, but significantly lower than those of choroidal melanoma (p = 0.006). Thirty-two out of 34 cases (94%) presented with a regular smooth choroidal surface. OCT demonstrated SRF overlying the CCH in 29 eyes (85%). The presence of SRF correlated significantly with a larger basal tumor diameter (p = 0.035). OCT displayed sub- and intraretinal hyperreflective foci, correlating with both larger maximal retinal thickness overlying the tumor (p = 0.031) and the amount of SRF (p = 0.016) in 29 eyes (85%). Conclusion: CCH displays typical findings on SD-OCT. ODR is a new important tool in the differential diagnosis of choroidal tumors and should be considered for enhancing the accuracy of diagnosing CCH. This benefit is especially relevant for cases in which the presentation of CCH is atypical.
Host Peptidic Hormones Affecting Bacterial Biofilm Formation and Virulence
Authors: Lesouhaitier Olivier , Clamens Thomas , Rosay Thibaut , Desriac Florie , Louis Mélissande , Rodrigues Sophie , Gannesen Andrei , Plakunov Vladimir K. , Bouffartigues Emeline , Tahrioui Ali , Bazire Alexis , Dufour Alain , Cornelis Pierre , Chevalier Sylvie , Feuilloley Marc G.J.
Published: November 2018

Bacterial biofilms constitute a critical problem in hospitals, especially in resuscitation units or for immunocompromised patients, since bacteria embedded in their own matrix are not only protected against antibiotics but also develop resistant variant strains. In the last decade, an original approach to prevent biofilm formation has consisted of studying the antibacterial potential of host communication molecules. Thus, some of these compounds have been identified for their ability to modify the biofilm formation of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition to their effect on biofilm production, a detailed study of the mechanism of action of these human hormones on bacterial physiology has allowed the identification of new bacterial pathways involved in biofilm formation. In this review, we focus on the impact of neuropeptidic hormones on bacteria, address some future therapeutic issues, and provide a new view of inter-kingdom communication.