bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Application of an Industry Foundation Classes-Based Metro Protection Information Model
Authors: Zhou Yi , Hu Zhen-Zhong , Zhang Wei-Zhong
Published: August 2018

Metro protection is the task of evaluating, detecting, and controlling the potential threats presented by external projects to metro structures. To solve the problems encountered in metro protection work, including the isolation of models, difficulties in information extraction, and lack of data processing methods, this study introduced a building information model/modeling (BIM) technology and proposed a metro protection information model (the MPIM) based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) international data standard and its expansion mechanism. According to the information exchange requirements for metro protection, the MPIM defines new customized IFC entities, property sets, and enumeration types to express the models in the metro protection domain. Then the conversion methods of the MPIM and other model formats and the information extraction and application technologies are studied. A metro protection system was developed to implement the MPIM-based model integration and provide assist in preliminary evaluation of external projects via information-rich the MPIM. A trial of the system from Guangzhou Metro’s Modiesha Station to Xingangdong Station indicated that the utilization of the MPIM in metro protection workflow could improve working efficiency and save time obviously; management staff claimed that the application of the system saved more than 40% of the time for project evaluation.
Vibration of Shaft System in the Mixed‐Flow Pump Induced by the Rotor‐Stator Interaction under Partial Load Conditions
Authors: Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Shi Weidong , Wang Yulu , Zhou Ling , Jiang Xiaoping
Published: August 2018

In order to reveal the relationship between rotor‐stator interaction‐induced unsteady flow and the shaft vibration of the mixed‐flow pump, PIV (particle image velocimetry) and axis orbit experiments were carried out synchronously in a mixed‐flow pump under designed flow rate (1.0Qdes) and the partial load conditions (0.4Qdes and 0.2Qdes). The distribution of the relative velocity and the vorticity in the rotor‐stator interaction region at a certain position of the mixed‐flow pump impeller was captured; the axis orbit diagram and the time‐domain diagram of shaft system were acquired as well. Besides, the waterfall diagrams of the frequency spectrum under different flow rate conditions were compared. The results show that the backflow and the flow separation phenomenon appear in the rotor‐stator interaction flow field under the partial load condition, indicating the flow instability. The medium‐frequency exciting force and high‐frequency exciting force induced by these unstable flows resulting from the rotor‐stator interaction are the main factors to intensify the shaft vibration at the power frequency. The rotor‐stator interaction under partial load condition is the main reason for the deterioration of shaft system vibration. The 2X frequency also affects the axis orbit in a low level, while other frequencies have less influence on the shaft vibration. The research results can provide the reference and theory instruction for revealing the operating characteristic of mixed‐flow pump when it operates under partial load conditions and to reduce or to prevent the deterioration of vibration of shaft system.
SYKT Alleviates Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity via Modulating ROS‐Mediated p53 and MAPK Signal Pathways
Authors: Chen Ting , Deng Zhiyong , Zhao Ruilian , Shen Hongmei , Li Wenhui
Published: August 2018

Backgrounds. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective therapeutic drug for malignant tumors; however, its clinical applications were limited by its side effects, especially the cardiotoxicity caused by ROS‐mediated p53 and MAPK signal pathways’ activation‐induced cell apoptosis. Sanyang Xuedai mixture (SYKT) has been reported as an antioxidant agent and attenuated DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by targeting ROS‐mediated apoptosis, but the mechanisms are still not fully delineated. Objective. This study aimed at investigating whether SYKT alleviated DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ROS‐mediated apoptosis and elucidating the role of ROS‐mediated p53 and MAPK signal pathways’ activation in this process. Materials and Methods. Identification, separation, and culture of mouse primary cardiomyocytes. Cells were treated with DOX (1 μM), SYKT (30 mg/mL), or SYKT coupled with DOX. The p53 inhibitor Pifithrin‐α (PFT‐α), p38/MAPK inhibitor SB203583 (SB), and JNK inhibitor SP600125 (SP) were used as positive control. Western blot was employed to detected p53 and p38 as well as JNK expressions and the activation and translocation of Bax and cytochrome C. Flow cytometer (FCM) was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential and cell apoptosis. Results. After separation and culture, 95% of cells showed positive cTnI expression, which indicated that mouse primary cardiomyocytes were successfully identified in our research. DOX activated p53 and MAPK signal pathways in a time‐dependent manner, which were inactivated by being cotreated with SYKT, PFT‐α, or SB, respectively. DOX significantly decreased Bax and increased cytochrome c expressions in the cytoplasm, whereas Bax was upregulated and cytochrome c was downregulated in the mitochondria, which were reversed by SYKT treatment. Besides, DOX reduced mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) in cardiomyocytes compared to the control group; SYKT recovered its MMP and attenuated DOX‐induced cardiomyocyte injury. Of note, DOX increased the expression levels of cleaved caspase‐3 as well as poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) and promoted cell apoptosis, which were also reversed by SYKT treatment. Discussion and Conclusions. Our results indicated that SYKT alleviated DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting p53 and MAPK signal pathways’ activation‐mediated apoptosis, and it might serve as a potential therapeutic agent for DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Willingness to Work and the Working Environment of Japanese Dental Hygienists
Authors: Nomura Yoshiaki , Okada Ayako , Miyoshi Jun , Mukaida Masaru , Akasaka Eriko , Saigo Keietsu , Daikoku Hideki , Maekawa Hidenori , Sato Tamotsu , Hanada Nobuhiro
Published: August 2018

Japanese dental hygienists’ employment rate is low. The environment factors and daily job contents that contribute to willingness to work of Japanese dental hygienists and their structures were investigated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered postal questionnaire distributed for one thousand and twenty-three members of Japan Dental Hygienist Association registered in Iwate prefecture affiliation. Three items concerning willingness to work, satisfaction for the 9 items about working environment, anxiety for work, and 106 daily job contents were used for analysis. Structural equation modeling, decision analysis, and correspondence analysis were carried out. The present study found that working environment such as interpersonal relationship was more important than social environment such as salary for the regular employee of Japanese dental hygienist working at private dental office. However, salary was only the determinant for the dental hygienist who strongly disliked their work. And daily job contents affected the willingness to work. Especially, jobs concerned with prosthodontic treatments were of major concern. Improving the working environment and avoiding assignment of tasks that require lower level of skill may improve dental hygienists’ willingness to work and may assist to improve the employment rate of dental hygienist in Japan.
Effects of Landscape Design on Urban Microclimate and Thermal Comfort in Tropical Climate
Authors: Yang Wei , Lin Yaolin , Li Chun-Qing
Published: August 2018

A climate-responsive landscape design can create a more livable urban microclimate with adequate human comfortability. This paper aims to quantitatively investigate the effects of landscape design elements of pavement materials, greenery, and water bodies on urban microclimate and thermal comfort in a high-rise residential area in the tropic climate of Singapore. A comprehensive field measurement is undertaken to obtain real data on microclimate parameters for calibration of the microclimate-modeling software ENVI-met 4.0. With the calibrated ENVI-met, seven urban landscape scenarios are simulated and their effects on thermal comfort as measured by physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) are evaluated. It is found that the maximum improvement of PET reduction with suggested landscape designs is about 12°C, and high-albedo pavement materials and water bodies are not effective in reducing heat stress in hot and humid climate conditions. The combination of shade trees over grass is the most effective landscape strategy for cooling the microclimate. The findings from the paper can equip urban designers with knowledge and techniques to mitigate urban heat stress.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Dietetic Functional Mixed Cerrado Fruit Jam during Storage
Authors: Brandão T. M. , Carmo E. L. do , Elias H. E. S. , Carvalho E. E. N. de , Borges S. V. , Martins G. A. S.
Published: August 2018

The objective of the research was to evaluate changes of dietetic functional mixed cerrado fruit jam (marolo, sweet passion fruit, and soursop) processed in a vacuum pot and stored for 180 days in BODs at 25°C and 35°C. The parameters evaluated were pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), total sugars (TS), total carotenoids (TC), total phenolics (TP), vitamin C, antioxidant activity (DPPH), and microbiological analysis. There was a significant effect of storage time on pH, SS, TA, TC, TS, and TP. Vitamin C and DPPH showed an effect for the temperature x storage time interaction. Statistical models are not adjusted for pH and SS, presenting an average of 4.15 and 61%, respectively. Carotenoids decreased up to105 days; total sugars increased up to 105 days. The TP, vitamin C, and DPPH, at the temperatures evaluated, showed a decrease up to 105 days. Yeasts and filamentous fungi were not detected.
Clinical Evaluation of Herbal Medicine (ICH‐012) in Treating Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage: Safety and Efficacy from 6‐ to 72‐Hour Time Window (CRRICHTrial‐II)
Authors: Zhang Qixin , Zeng Liling , Chen Xiuyan , Zhou Yuexiang , Gong Baoying , Li Haijun , Guo Jianwen
Published: August 2018

Background. Hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage (HICH), which is characterized by rapid change, high morbidity, and mortality, is extremely dangerous. Both medical and surgical treatments lack definitive evidence and remain controversial. A prospective RCT that we have conducted has shown that the usage of the herbal medicine ICH‐012 within 6 h of the event may increase the risk of haematoma enlargement and gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the volume of haematoma remains stable after 6 h. Thus, we will increase the time window to the period from 6 to 72 h after onset to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ICH‐012 treating ICH (ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT03354026). Methods/Design. The CRRICHTrial‐II study, a prospective, double‐blinded, controlled, multicentre RCT, includes three groups: A, B, and C. Group A patients were treated with 8 herbal medicines (with 2 herbal medicines of Hirudo and Tabanus as well as 6 other combined herbal medicines of Group B) and Group C were placebo. Patients should meet all the inclusion criteria: age between 18 and 80 and diagnosis of HICH by brain CT scan between 6 and 72 h from the onset. The CT scan will be taken at four critical time points: baseline, between 6 and 72h, 24h after onset, and between 10 and 14 days after onset. The drug intervention lasts 10 days, and there is a follow‐up visit taken after 90 days. The haematoma enlargement after 24 h onset as demonstrated by CT is the primary outcome. Discussion. A large amount of data from high‐quality RCTs is needed for the extensive clinical application of herbal medicine. The CRRICHTrial‐II will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ICH‐012 in a safer time window between 6 and 72 h and investigate the possible mechanisms of action and direction of herbal medicine in the haematoma growth after HICH. Trial registration at ClinicalTrial.gov, ID: NCT03354026, is registered on 23rd Nov. 2017.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prevalence and Associated Factors among District Hospital Nurses in Haiphong, Vietnam
Authors: Luan Hoang Duc , Hai Nguyen Thanh , Xanh Pham Thu , Giang Hoang Thi , Van Thuc Pham , Hong Nguyen Mai , Khue Pham Minh
Published: August 2018

Background. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health problematic among healthcare workers, and the prevalence is especially high among nurses. In high income countries, the prevention of MSDs is an occupational health priority. But in Vietnam, there is no data available among health professionals.Objectives. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among district hospital nurses in Haiphong city.Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1179 nurses working in 15 district hospitals using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire.Results. A very high prevalence of MSDs in the past 12 months (74.7%) and during the last 7 days (41.1%), with the two most common sites being the low back (44.4%) and neck (44.1%), was found; 37.8% complained that MSDs symptoms limit their work. When analyzing factors related to MSDs, the results showed that women were 2.1 times more likely to develop MSDs than men; people with a previous history of MSDs were more likely to develop MSDs symptoms in the past 12 months than those with no history (OR = 7.1); nurses with symptoms of psychological distress and frequent absenteeism in the workplace had a higher prevalence of MSDs compared to the rest (p<0.001).Conclusions. Due to the high prevalence of MSDs among nurses in district hospitals in Haiphong, preventive actions are needed to improve the working conditions and to raise the awareness of nurses about MSDs prevention.
Inhibitory Activity and Docking Analysis of Antimalarial Agents from Stemona sp. toward Ferredoxin-NADP+ Reductase from Malaria Parasites
Authors: Pudjiastuti Pratiwi , Puspaningsih Ni Nyoman T. , Siswanto Imam , Fanani Much. Z. , Ariga Yoko K. , Hase Toshiharu , Sarker Satyajit D. , Nahar Lutfun
Published: August 2018

Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductases (FNRs, EC 1.18.1.2) were found in the plastids of Plasmodium and have been considered as a target for the development of new antimalarial agents. Croomine, epi-croomine, tuberostemonine, javastemonine A, and isoprotostemonine are isolated alkaloids from the roots of Stemona sp. and their inhibitory effect on FNRs from Plasmodium falciparum (PfFNR) was investigated. Croomine showed the highest level of inhibition (33.9%) of electron transfer from PfFNR to PfFd, while tuberstemonine displayed the highest level of inhibition (55.4%) of diaphorase activity of PfFNR. Docking analysis represented that croomine is located at the middle position of PfFNR and PfFd. Croomine from S. tuberosa appeared to have potential as an antimalarial agent.
Odontogenic Abscess-Related Emergency Hospital Admissions: A Retrospective Data Analysis of 120 Children and Young People Requiring Surgical Drainage
Authors: Doll Christian , Carl Fabian , Neumann Konrad , Voss Jan Oliver , Hartwig Stefan , Waluga Richard , Heiland Max , Raguse Jan-Dirk
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Even today, despite medical progress and intensive health education, odontogenic infections leading to surgical intervention and hospitalization are common in children and young people. The aim of this study was to give a detailed overview of clinical and economic data on children and young people treated and hospitalized due to an odontogenic abscess at a tertiary university hospital. Methods. A single-center retrospective analysis of patients under the age of 18 years who were hospitalized and surgically treated under local or general anesthesia for an odontogenic abscess during a period of 24 months was performed. Results. A total of 120 patients (77 males; 43 females) within the observation period of 2 years were included. The mean age was 6.3 years (ranging from 1 to 17 years). The most frequent diagnosis was a canine fossa abscess (n = 52; 43.3%) and the left primary maxillary first molar could be identified as the most frequent source of infection. The average length of hospital stay was 1.82 days (ranging from 0 to 8 days). The duration was significantly correlated with the kind of abscess diagnosed (p < 0.001) and the duration of the surgical intervention in patients who were treated under general anesthesia (rho = 0.259, p = 0.005). A statistically significant relationship was observed between the kind of abscess and cost (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The length of hospital stay was significantly correlated with the kind of abscess diagnosed. The left primary maxillary first molar could be identified as the most frequent source of infection. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the kind of abscess and cost.
Tocilizumab for the Treatment of Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency
Authors: Rafiq Nadia K. , Lachmann Helen , Joensen Frodi , Herlin Troels , Brogan Paul A.
Published: August 2018

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is a severe autoinflammatory disease caused by recessive mutations in MVK resulting in reduced function of the enzyme mevalonate kinase, involved in the cholesterol/isoprenoid pathway. MKD presents with periodic episodes of severe systemic inflammation, poor quality of life, and life-threatening sequelae if inadequately treated. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with MKD and severe autoinflammation that was resistant to IL-1 and TNF-αblockade. In view of this, she commenced intravenous tocilizumab (8 mg/kg every 2 weeks), a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) that binds to membrane and soluble IL-6R, inhibiting IL-6-mediated signaling. She reported immediate cessation of fever and marked improvement in her energy levels following the first infusion; after the fifth dose, she was in complete clinical and serological remission, now sustained for 24 months. This is one of the first reported cases of a child with MKD treated successfully with tocilizumab and adds to the very limited experience of this treatment for MKD. IL-6 blockade could therefore be an important addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of this rare monogenic autoinflammatory disease.
Bushen‐Yizhi Formula Alleviates Neuroinflammation via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mo Yousheng , Xu Erjin , Wei Renrong , Le Baoluu , Song Lei , Li Dongli , Chen Yonggen , Ji Xiaotian , Fang Shuhuan , Shen Jiangang , Yang Cong , Wang Qi
Published: August 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in PD remain unclear, neuroinflammation is considered as the vital mediator in the pathogenesis and progression of PD. Bushen‐Yizhi Formula (BSYZ), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to exert antineuroinflammation in our previous studies. However, it remains unclear whether BSYZ is effective for PD. Here, we sought to assess the neuroprotective effects and explore the underlying mechanisms of BSYZ in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1, 2, 3, 6‐tetrahydropyridine‐ (MPTP‐) induced mouse model of PD. Our results indicate that BSYZ significantly alleviates the motor impairments and dopaminergic neuron degeneration of MPTP‐treated mice. Furthermore, BSYZ remarkably attenuates microglia activation, inhibits NLPR3 activation, and decreases the levels of inflammatory cytokines in MPTP‐induced mouse brain. Also, BSYZ inhibits NLRP3 activation and interleukin‐1β production of the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐pyridinium (MPP+) stimulated BV‐2 microglia cells. Taken together, our results indicate that BSYZ alleviates MPTP‐induced neuroinflammation probably via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia. Collectively, BSYZ may be a potential therapeutic agent for PD and the related neurodegeneration diseases.
A Game-Theoretic Precoding for Secure Communication in MIMO Interference Channels
Authors: Huang Boyang , Fang Yanjun , Kong Zhengmin
Published: August 2018

We investigate the problem of secure communication in multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) interference channels from the perspective of physical layer security (PLS). We focus on the design of joint transceiver, which aims at maximizing the difference of mean-squared errors (MSE) between legitimate users and the eavesdropper. To reduce the complexity, the problem is formulated as a noncooperative game, and an asynchronous algorithm is proposed to obtain the Nash equilibrium solution. In each iteration, the closed-form solution is obtained by using Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions. Furthermore, the performance of the joint transceiver, including both the secrecy rate and the MSE, is evaluated by simulations. Experimental result shows that the proposed algorithm has fast convergence speed and the security performance in different scenarios is effectively improved.
Operational Modal Analysis: A Tool for Assessing Changes on Structural Health State of Historical Constructions after Consolidation and Reinforcement Works—Jura Chapel (Jerez de la Frontera, Spain)
Authors: Romero Manuel , Pachón Pablo , Compán Víctor , Cámara Margarita , Pinto Francisco
Published: August 2018

Today’s society is sensitive to the architectural heritage conservation. This implies to perform works to maintain these buildings and to assure their structural security. In the last years, the structural analysis of historical masonry constructions has experienced a great progress, thanks to the use of techniques based on the study of the dynamic properties of building structures. In this context, changes on the structural health state of a building are one of the elements that can be assessed considering changes on their dynamic properties. This is useful to evaluate the effectiveness of structural interventions on this kind of buildings by analysing these properties before and after it. This paper focuses on the Jura Chapel, in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain). This chapel is part of San Juan de los Caballeros Church and is dated from the 15th century. In 2015 and after the identification of some structural damages in the chapel vault, an intervention was initiated to improve its structural behaviour and to recover its original appearance. The present work reports the evaluation of the effects that this intervention has on the structural health state of the building, using nondestructive techniques based on ambient vibration tests (AVT) and Operational Modal Analysis (OMA). The AVT were performed for both prerestored and restored states and under environmental loads. A discussion about the validity of doing AVT from extrados when a vault presents disconnection between ribs and web is included in the paper. As a result, the first five natural frequency values have increased while the corresponding mode shapes have not changed significantly. This proves a structural health improvement caused by the repairing process without changing the original behaviour of the structure. This work shows OMA capabilities for evaluating the effectiveness of intervention works on the health state of a historical masonry structure.
DNA Repair Gene XRCC1 and XPD Polymorphisms and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study Outcome from Kashmir, India
Authors: Nissar Bushra , Kadla Showkat A. , Khan Nuzhat Shaheen , Shah Idrees A. , Majid Misbah , Afshan Falaque ul , Ganai Bashir Ahmad
Published: August 2018

Coding polymorphisms in several DNA repair genes have been reported to affect the DNA repair capacity and are associated with genetic susceptibility to many human cancers, including gastric cancer. An understanding of these DNA repair gene polymorphisms might assess not only the risk of humans exposed to environmental carcinogens but also their responses to different therapeutical approaches, which target the DNA repair pathway. In the present study, polymorphic variants of two DNA repair genes, XRCC1 Arg399Gln and XPD Lys751Gln, were chosen to be studied in association with gastric cancer susceptibility in the Kashmiri population. A total of 180 confirmed cases of gastric cancer (GC) and 200 hospital-based controls from Government Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital, Srinagar, were included in the study. The genotyping for XRCC1 and XPD genes was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We found that tobacco smoking is strongly associated with GC risk (OR = 25.65; 95% CI: 5.49–119.7). However, we did not find any association of polymorphism of XRCC1 Arg399Gln (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 0.32–7.82) and XPD Lys751Gln (OR = 0.46; CI: 0.10–2.19) with GC risk in the study population. The combination of genotypes and gender stratification of XRCC1 and XPD genotypic frequency did not change the results. Consumption of large volumes of salt tea was also not associated with gastric cancer risk. Polymorphic variants of XRCC1 Arg399Gln and XPD Lys751Gln are not associated with the risk of gastric cancer in the Kashmiri population. However, replicative studies with larger sample size are needed to substantiate the findings.
Blast Demolition Study of Guyed Masts
Authors: Habtemariam Abinet K. , Zabel Volkmar , Bianco Marcelo J. , Könke Carsten
Published: August 2018

Demolition of guyed masts is usually carried out by cutting down some of the supporting guy cables using an explosive in such a way that the mast can fall into the desired direction. Without the cable supports, guyed tubular masts are very slender structures which are susceptible to local buckling based on the internal force distribution. If this local buckling occurs at the early stage of the demolition processes, it can cause uncertainty in the failure mechanism. The risk of undesirable demolition outcome due to this uncertainty can be mitigated by using controlled detonation setups. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis is presented using a case study to determine the influence of the explosive detonation time on the collapse development and pattern of the guyed mast. Then, the results of the sensitivity analysis are systematically categorized using cluster analysis to show possible types of collapse regimes which can be used to setup a controlled demolition scheme.
Actinomycesand Alimentary Tract Diseases: A Review of Its Biological Functions and Pathology
Authors: Li Jun , Li Ying , Zhou Yu , Wang Changzheng , Wu Benyan , Wan Jun
Published: August 2018

Actinomycesare nonmotile, filamentous, Gram-positive bacteria that cause actinomycosis in immunodeficiency patients. Although the prognosis of actinomycosis is good, the diagnosis of actinomycosis is quite difficult. Recent studies on actinomycosis have shown thatActinomycesplay an important role in various biological and clinical processes, such as the formation of dental plaque and the degradation of organics in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, the distribution ofActinomycesin the digestive tract, and different biological effects of actinomycosis, and its clinical association with inflammatory diseases are discussed. Furthermore, an overview of the most commonly used treatment methods and drugs used to treatActinomycesinfected alimentary canal diseases is presented.
Assessment of the Use and Status of New Drug Information Centers in a Developing Country, Ethiopia: The Case of Public University Hospital Drug Information Centers
Authors: Ashenef Ayenew , Reshid Elham , Yilma Zewdu , Melaku Tadesse , Chane Tesfahun
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Drug information center (DIC), in most cases, is part and parcel of pharmacy service established as a unit that deals with offering recent, balanced, truthful facts about drugs to the public, patients, and health care professionals. Objective. To assess the query receiving and response trends by the drug information centers (DICs) found in main university affiliated teaching health care institutes in Ethiopia. Settings. The drug information centers located in Mekelle, Gondar, Jimma, Tikur Anbessa Specialized University Hospitals, and St. Peter Public Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods. It employed analytical, descriptive (cross-sectional), and retrospective methods. The study was performed from June to August, 2015. All the available documented data were gathered with the help of checklist and questionnaire (self-administered). Results. A total of 439 queries submitted to the DICs during their active service period were included in this study of which 407 were found to be suitable for this assessment. The highest inquiries had come from public hospitals (60 %) from health care workers (95.1 %), out of which pharmacists were the highest (63.57 %) submitters, followed by health care students (12.7 %). The major purposes of query submission were to improve treatment outcome of patients (33.9 %) and then to update the knowledge (25.1 %) although 39.3 % of the queries did not document it. The most common requests concern drug interaction (19.7 %) followed by therapeutic use (17.8 %) and the major pharmacological group is about antimicrobials (23.3 %) followed by antihypertensives (11.4 %). Web sites (31.4 %) were the most highly used references followed by Micromedex (19.0 %). Conclusion. The assessment of the DICs had shown that it is feasible to establish and develop DIC services in a developing country setting, Ethiopia. The study found that most of the common queries deal with drug interaction, therapeutic use, and general product information (most commonly about antimicrobials).
Second Trimester Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy and Hemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Munoz Jessian L. , Kalan Amanda , Singh Katherine
Published: August 2018

Cervical ectopic pregnancies are a rare occurrence in the United States. Here we present the interdisciplinary and conservative management approach to a cervical ectopic at an advanced gestational age. In addition, we review the surgical management of hemorrhage from cervical ectopic pregnancies, which is often catastrophic and life-threatening.
Single Oral Acute Toxicity of Banhasasim‐Tang and Its Antiobesity Effect on Diet‐Induced Obese Mice and 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Yoo Sae-Rom , Jeong Soo-Jin , Lee Mee-young , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo , Seo Chang-Seob , Ha Hyekyung
Published: August 2018

We had tested antiobesity effect of 52 traditional herbal formulas in 3T3‐L1 adipocyte, and Banhasasim‐tang (BHSST) was chosen as one of the effective medications to inhibit triglyceride accumulation. We investigated the antiobesity effect of BHSST on 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) induced obese mice. In addition, we evaluated the acute toxicity of BHSST in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells were treated with various concentrations of BHSST for 8 days. Accumulated triglyceride level and the expressions of adipogenesis‐related genes and proteins were subsequently investigated. To evaluate the single oral toxicity of BHSST, the SD rats of each sex were administered a single dose (5000 mg/kg) of BHSST via oral gavage; the control group received vehicle only. After a single administration, the mortality, clinical signs, gross findings, and body weight were monitored for 15 days. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed HFD for 4 weeks to induce obesity and randomly received 50 mg/kg of Orlistat (n=12, OR), 200 mg/kg of BHSST (n=12, B200), and 1000 mg/kg of BHSST (n=12, B1000) for another 8 weeks. BHSST suppressed the triglyceride contents and lipid accumulation in a dose‐dependent manner in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. BHSST also downregulated the adipogenesis‐related gene levels and protein expression compared with those in undifferentiated adipocytes. In a single oral dose toxicity study, there was no adverse effect on mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, and gross findings in the treatment group. HFD‐fed mice treated with BHSST showed significantly reduced body weight gain, food efficiency ratio, and white adipose tissue weight. The medial lethal dose (LD50) of BHSST was 5000 mg/kg/day body weight for each sex in the rats. BHSST decreased the body weight gain in HFD‐fed obese mice and inhibited triglyceride accumulation via a cascade of multiple factors at the mRNA and protein levels in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.
Behavior of Concrete‐Filled Steel Tube Columns Subjected to Axial Compression
Authors: Li Pengfei , Zhang Tao , Wang Chengzhi
Published: August 2018

The behavior of concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) columns subjected to axial compression was experimentally investigated in this paper. Two kinds of columns, including CFST columns with foundation and columns without foundation, were tested. Columns of pure concrete and concrete with reinforcing bars as well as two steel tube thicknesses were considered. The experimental results showed that the CFST column with reinforcing bars has a higher bearing capacity, more effective plastic behavior, and greater toughness, and the elastoplastic boundary point occurs when the load is approximately 0.4–0.5 times of the ultimate bearing capacity. The change of rock‐socketed depth and the presence of steel tube will affect the ultimate bearing capacity of rock‐socketed pile. The bearing capacities of the rock‐socketed CFST columns are lower than those of rock‐socketed columns without a steel tube under a vertical load; besides, the greater the rock‐socketed depth, the greater the bearing capacity of the rock‐socketed piles. In addition, a numerical comparison between the ultimate load and the theoretical value calculated from the relevant specifications shows that the ultimate load is generally considerably greater than the theoretical calculation results.
Energy Recovery Strategy Numerical Simulation for Dual Axle Drive Pure Electric Vehicle Based on Motor Loss Model and Big Data Calculation
Authors: Xiong Huiyuan , Zhu Xionglai , Zhang Ronghui
Published: August 2018

Aiming at the braking energy feedback control in the optimal energy recovery of the two‐motor dual‐axis drive electric vehicle (EV), the efficiency numerical simulation model based on the permanent magnet synchronous motor loss was established. At the same time, under different speed and braking conditions, based on maximum recovery efficiency and data calculation of motor system, the optimization motor braking torque distribution model was established. Thus, the distribution rule of the power optimization for the front and rear electric mechanism was obtained. This paper takes the Economic Commission of Europe (ECE) braking safety regulation as the constraint condition, and finally, a new regenerative braking torque distribution strategy numerical simulation was developed. The simulation model of Simulink and CarSim was established based on the simulation object. The numerical simulation results show that under the proposed strategy, the average utilization efficiency of the motor system is increased by 3.24% compared with the I based braking force distribution strategy. Moreover, it is 9.95% higher than the maximum braking energy recovery strategy of the front axle. Finally, through the driving behavior of the driver obtained from the big data platform, we analyze how the automobile braking force matches with the driver’s driving behavior. It also analyzes how the automobile braking force matches the energy recovery efficiency. The research results in this paper provide a reference for the future calculation of braking force feedback control system based on big data of new energy vehicles. It also provides a reference for the modeling of brake feedback control system.
Positive Seatbelt Sign with Avulsed Leiomyoma following Motor Vehicle Accident Leading to Hemoperitoneum
Authors: Manoukian Martin A. C. , Tembhekar Amode R. , Medeiros Sarah E.
Published: August 2018

A positive seatbelt sign following a motor vehicle accident is associated with an increased risk of intra-abdominal injury and hemoperitoneum. Injury to the uterus in reproductive-age women can also occur. In this report, we describe a 29-year-old nulligravida female who presented to the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident at freeway speeds. A positive seatbelt sign was noted, and a focused assessment with sonography for trauma revealed hemoperitoneum with an incidental finding of uterine leiomyomata. Upon exploratory laparotomy, a free-floating intraperitoneal mass was identified as an avulsed uterine leiomyoma. A uterine laceration containing a subserosal leiomyoma was also identified. The gynecological team was consulted, and a myomectomy of the subserosal leiomyoma followed by a closure of the uterine laceration was performed. The patient was transfused with a total of three units of packed red blood cells and two units of fresh frozen plasma. The postoperative course was without major complication. A positive seatbelt sign and hemoperitoneum in a reproductive-age woman with leiomyomata should increase the clinical suspicion for uterine injury and decrease the threshold for obtaining a gynecological consultation.
Osteoporosis and Jaw Abnormalities in Panoramic Radiography of Chronic Liver Failure Patients
Authors: Ghapanchi Janan , Zahed Maryam , Haghnegahdar Abdolaziz , Niakan Niloofar , Sadeghzadeh Azita
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Patients with chronic liver failure (CLF) are faced with many complications, because this organ is involved in various metabolic activities. Hepatic osteodystrophy is one of the major health issues encountered by this group of patients. The current study evaluated osteoporosis and bone changes in oral panoramic radiographies of cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods. In this study, 138 panoramic views of CLF patients, candidates for liver transplant (65 females, 73 males, aged 19-68 years) referred to Shiraz University Dental Clinic (Shiraz, Iran) for pretransplant oral examination, were evaluated. Also 138 healthy individuals (69 females, 69 males, aged 18-70 years) referred to the same clinic were examined. Abnormalities such as osteoporosis, pathologic radiolucencies, pathologic calcifications, tonsilloliths, condylar degeneration, and other findings in the alveolar bones were recorded. Results. Osteoporosis was a common finding in CLF patients (p<0.001), and the probability of detecting low bone density in the panoramic view was 20.37 times higher among patients than healthy subjects. The probability of detecting pathologic jaw radiolucencies was 8.92 times higher in the case group than in the controls (p<0.001). Other bone abnormalities such as condylar degeneration and idiopathic osteosclerosis were also more prevalent in CLF patients compared to healthy subjects (p<0.001). Conclusion. Cirrhotic patients are prone to osteoporosis of the alveolar bones. Also, pathologic jaw radiolucencies as a result of oral infections are more prevalent in this group of patients. Routine oral panoramic views are acceptable and cost-effective radiographies for use in detecting such abnormalities in the alveolar bones as well as overall dental health. These findings also support the importance of dental health examinations prior to liver transplantation to reduce the risk of organ rejection.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Biological Activity of New Arylphosphoramidates
Authors: Thebti Amal , Sanhoury M. A. K. , Ouzari H-I. , Barhoumi-slimi T.
Published: August 2018

The synthesis of new substituted arylphosphoramidates is performed in two steps through phosphorylation of the corresponding alcohols followed by aminolysis. The formation of the desired phosphoramidates depends on the subsequent addition of the two alcohols with the amine being added at the last step. The products were obtained in 58–95% yields. They were characterized mainly by multinuclear (1H, 13C, 31P, and 19F) NMR and IR spectroscopy. In addition, the antimicrobial and antiacetylcholinesterase activities were evaluated. The results showed acetylcholinesterase activity by some compounds, whilst no significant inhibitory effect against the tested bacterial strains has been recorded.
A Negotiation Optimization Strategy of Collaborative Procurement with Supply Chain Based on Multi-Agent System
Authors: Chen Chouyong , Xu Chao
Published: August 2018

In the process of collaborative procurement, buyers and suppliers are prone to conflict in cooperation due to differences in needs and preferences. Negotiation is a crucial way to resolve the conflict. Aimed at ameliorating the situations of underdeveloped self-adaptive learning effect of current collaborative procurement negotiation, this paper constructs a negotiation model based on multi-agent system and proposes a negotiation optimization strategy combined with machine learning. It provides a novel perspective for the analysis of intelligent SCM. The experimental results suggest that the proposed strategy improves the success rate of self-adaptive learning and joint utility of agents compared with the strategy of single learning machine, and it achieves win-win cooperation between purchasing enterprise and supplier.
Modeling and Simulation of VEGF Receptors Recruitment in Angiogenesis
Authors: Salvadori A. , Damioli V. , Ravelli C. , Mitola S.
Published: August 2018

Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation from preexisting ones, plays a pivotal role in tumor growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is the main proangiogenic tyrosine kinase receptor expressed by endothelial cells (ECs). VEGFR2 binds different ligands triggering vascular permeability and growth. VEGFR2-ligands accumulate in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and induce the polarization of ECs as well as the relocation of VEGFR2 in the basal cell membrane in contact with ECM. We propose here a multiphysical model to describe the dynamic of VEGFR2 on the plasma membrane. The governing equations for the relocation of VEGFR2 on the membrane stem from a rigorous thermodynamic setting, whereby strong simplifying assumptions are here taken and discussed. The multiphysics model is validated against experimental investigations.
Safety and Efficacy of Ferula asafoetida in Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Mala K. N. , Thomas Jestin , Syam Das S. , Maliakel Balu , Krishnakumar I. M.
Published: August 2018

Despite the availability of various synthetic drugs for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD), the side effects and their cost have always created a great interest in the search for novel natural alternatives for the management of gut disorders. The present contribution reports the safety and efficacy of the kitchen spice asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) in FD for the first time. In the double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study, 43 subjects diagnosed to have moderate to severe discomforts of nonulcer FD were randomized to receive hard‐shell capsules (250 mg × 2/day) of either placebo (n=22) or a food‐grade formulation of asafoetida (Asafin) (n=21) for 30 days. When evaluated by a set of validated indexing tools (GSRS, GDSS, and NDI), almost 81% in the Asafin group showed significant (p < 0.01) improvement in the overall score and quality of life as compared to the placebo. At the end of the study, 66% of subjects in the Asafin group remained symptoms‐free. Although the symptoms score improved significantly in both the groups (from ‐5.67 to ‐25.29 in Asafin group versus ‐1.55 to ‐6.0 in the placebo; p ≤ 0.001), the relative percentage of subjects in the Asafin group with more than 80% reduction in various symptoms were: bloating (58%), appetite (69%), postprandial fullness (74%) motion sickness (75%), and digestion (77%) as compared to less than 10% nonspecific improvement in the placebo group. All the subjects remained safe with no adverse events or variations in haematological and biochemical parameters. The study was registered at http://ctri.nic.in/ (CTRI/2018/ 01/011149).
Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Married Women in Rural Nepal
Authors: Shakya Sunila , Thingulstad Solveig , Syversen Unni , Nordbø Svein Arne , Madhup Surendra , Vaidya Krista , Karmacharya Biraj Man , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Afset Jan Egil
Published: August 2018

Introduction. We have previously determined the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among women in rural Nepal. In the current study, we also wanted to examine the prevalence of and risk factors for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the same population. Methods. Population-based study of nonpregnant women ≥ 15 years who were married or had a history of marriage in the past, residing in five rural villages in Nepal. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, and genitourinary symptoms were collected, and a gynecological examination was conducted. Cervical samples were analyzed by real-time PCR for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis and HPV, and a serum sample was analyzed for syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV infection by serology. Results. Of 2416 eligible women, 62% participated. Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, HPV and HBV infection, and syphilis were detected in 5.4%, 0.8%, 14.3%, 0.3%, and 0.2% of the women. None had gonorrhea or HIV infection. Of those with genitourinary symptoms, 6.3% had a curable STI. Vaginal discharge classified as abnormal by gynecological examination, but not self-reported discharge, was significantly associated with laboratory diagnosis of a curable STI. Risk factors for trichomoniasis were reproductive age and high cast/ethnicity. Due to low prevalence, risk factors for other STIs could not be disclosed. Conclusion. We observed high prevalence of HPV infection followed by trichomoniasis, while other STIs were rare among women in rural Nepal. There was no association between genitourinary symptoms and laboratory-confirmed STIs.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Orphan Adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Demoze Mekdes Beze , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Mulat Haregwoin
Published: August 2018

Background. Orphan adolescents are a special group of people who are generally deprived and prone to develop psychiatric disorder even if reared in a well-run institution.Objective. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among orphan adolescents living in Addis Ababa orphan centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 among 453 orphan adolescents in Ethiopia. All orphan adolescents who were living in the selected orphan centers were included in the study. The data was collected by interviewing the orphan adolescents at the orphan center by using a structured questionnaire. Kocher adolescent depression scale and MSPSS scale were used to measure orphan level of depression and their perceived social support. After appropriate coding, the collected data had been entered into EPI info version 7 and it was exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. The OR with 95% CI was used to measure association and p value < 0.05 was used as statistically significant value in multivariable binary logistic regressions.Result. The overall prevalence of depression among the orphan adolescents was found to be 36.4%. The majority of the respondents, 302 (66.7%), were within the age range of 15-19 years. Perceived social support (OR 5.86; 95% CI 3.47, 9.91), community discrimination (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.58, 4.56), length of stay (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.08, 3.35), age of entrance (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.32, 3.69), and presence of visitors (OR 3.62; 95% CI 2.06, 6.37) were the main variables associated with depression.Conclusion. The prevalence of depression among orphan adolescents was found to be high. Low level of social support, higher length of stay, community discrimination, the presence of visitors, and younger age of entrance were statistically significant variables to develop depression.