bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No gains for bigger brains: Functional and neuroanatomical consequences of relative brain size in a parasitic wasp
Authors: van der Woude Emma , Groothuis Jitte , Smid Hans M.
Published: March 2019

Heritable genetic variation in relative brain size can underlie the relationship between brain performance and the relative size of the brain. We used bidirectional artificial selection to study the consequences of genetic variation in relative brain size on brain morphology, cognition and longevity in Nasonia vitripennis parasitoid wasps. Our results show a robust change in relative brain size after 26 generations of selection and six generations of relaxation. Total average neuropil volume of the brain was 16% larger in wasps selected for relatively large brains than in wasps selected for relatively small brains, whereas the body length of the large‐brained wasps was smaller. Furthermore, the relative volume of the antennal lobes was larger in wasps with relatively large brains. Relative brain size did not influence olfactory memory retention, whereas wasps that were selected for larger relative brain size had a shorter longevity, which was even further reduced after a learning experience. These effects of genetic variation on neuropil composition and memory retention are different from previously described effects of phenotypic plasticity in absolute brain size. In conclusion, having relatively large brains may be costly for N. vitripennis, whereas no cognitive benefits were recorded.
Role of melatonin in sleep deprivation‐induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice
Authors: Gao Ting , Wang Zixu , Dong Yulan , Cao Jing , Lin Rutao , Wang Xintong , Yu Zhengquan , Chen Yaoxing
Published: March 2019

Intestinal diseases caused by sleep deprivation (SD) are severe public health threats worldwide. This study focuses on the effect of melatonin on intestinal mucosal injury and microbiota dysbiosis in sleep‐deprived mice. Mice subjected to SD had significantly elevated norepinephrine levels and decreased melatonin content in plasma. Consistent with the decrease in melatonin levels, we observed a decrease of antioxidant ability, down‐regulation of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in sleep‐deprived mice, which resulted in colonic mucosal injury, including a reduced number of goblet cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive cells, expression of MUC2 and tight junction proteins and elevated expression of ATG5, Beclin1, p‐P65 and p‐IκB. High‐throughput pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA demonstrated that the diversity and richness of the colonic microbiota were decreased in sleep‐deprived mice, especially in probiotics, including Akkermansia, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium. However, the pathogen Aeromonas was markedly increased. By contrast, supplementation with 20 and 40 mg/kg melatonin reversed these SD‐induced changes and improved the mucosal injury and dysbiosis of the microbiota in the colon. Our results suggest that the effect of SD on intestinal barrier dysfunction might be an outcome of melatonin suppression rather than a loss of sleep per se. SD‐induced intestinal barrier dysfunction involved the suppression of melatonin production and activation of the NF‐κB pathway by oxidative stress.
Airway management in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses: The progression toward difficult intubation
Authors: Madoff Lauren U. , Kordun Anna , Cravero Joseph P.
Published: March 2019

Background

Patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) have physical changes to their airways over time. Due to the natural progression of their disease, these patients become more difficult to intubate as they get older.

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the difficulty of airway management in MPS patients over time, and to evaluate the effect of bone marrow transplant and/or enzyme replacement therapy on airway difficulty.

Methods

A retrospective review of MPS patients presenting for surgery from January 2012 to May 2018 was performed. Patients were assigned to groups based on their ages at the time of surgery, number of intubation attempts, equipment used for intubation, difficulty of mask ventilation, and difficulty of laryngeal mask airway placement. The same designations were applied to patients with a history of a bone marrow transplant (BMT) and/or enzyme replacement therapy, and they were compared to patients of similar ages who had received no treatment. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of difficult intubation.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐eight anesthetic records were reviewed. In 27 cases, the patient had a BMT and in 54 cases, the patient had received enzyme replacement therapy. Adults (18 years and older) had the highest likelihood of difficult intubation (OR 13.44, CI 1.45‐124.86, P = 0.022). Mask ventilation and laryngeal mask airway placement were not significantly more difficult in any age groups. Bone marrow transplant did not improve airway management. A history of enzyme replacement therapy was associated with an increased risk of difficult intubation in patients under the age of 12.

Conclusions

As patients with MPS get older, there is a progression toward difficult intubation. Mask ventilation and laryngeal mask airway placement does not become more difficult with age. Bone marrow transplantation did not affect airway difficulty in our population, while enzyme replacement therapy was associated with difficult intubations in younger patients.
Metabolic profiling of elite athletes with different cardiovascular demand
Authors: Al‐Khelaifi Fatima , Donati Francesco , Botrè Francesco , Latiff Aishah , Abraham David , Hingorani Aroon , Georgakopoulos Costas , Suhre Karsten , Yousri Noha A. , Elrayess Mohamed A.
Published: March 2019

Intensive exercise of elite athletes can lead to physiological alterations in the cardiovascular system in response to increased stroke volume and blood pressure, known collectively as cardiovascular demand (CD). This study aimed to compare metabolic differences in elite athletes with high vs low/moderate CD and to reveal their underlying metabolic pathways as potential biomarker signatures for assessing health, performance, and recovery of elite athletes. Metabolic profiling of serum samples from 495 elite athletes from different sport disciplines (118 high CD and 377 low/moderate CD athletes) was conducted using non‐targeted metabolomics‐based mass spectroscopy combined with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results show that DAGs containing arachidonic were enriched in high CD together with branched‐chain amino acids, plasminogens, phosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylethanolamines, potentially indicating increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the high CD group. Gamma‐glutamyl amino acids and glutathione metabolism were increased in low/moderate CD group, suggesting more efficient oxidative stress scavenging mechanisms than the high CD group. This first most comprehensive metabolic profiling of elite athletes provides an evidence that athletes with different CD show a unique metabolic signature that reflects energy generation and oxidative stress and potentially places the high CD group at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Further studies are warranted for confirmation and validation of findings in other sport groups in light of potential confounders related to limited available information about participants.
Impact of immunoglobulin G2 subclass level on late‐onset bacterial infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yamazaki Rie , Kato Jun , Koda Yuya , Sakurai Masatoshi , Tozawa Keiichi , Okayama Mikio , Nakayama Hitomi , Watanuki Shintaro , Kikuchi Taku , Hasegawa Naoki , Okamoto Shinichiro , Mori Takehiko
Published: March 2019

Background

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G2 subclass deficiency is known to be associated with recurrent bacterial respiratory infections caused by capsulated bacteria and is found mostly in pediatric patients. However, its impact after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has not been fully assessed.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between IgG2 subclass levels and bacterial pneumonia in 74 adult patients who survived longer than 2 years after allogeneic HSCT.

Results

During the evaluation period, nine patients developed bacterial pneumonia. The median IgG2 level was significantly lower in patients with an infectious episode than in those without (143 mg/dL vs 287 mg/dL; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, a history of rituximab therapy and cord blood as a stem cell source were significantly associated with decreased levels of both IgG2 and IgG2/IgG ratios (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Suboptimal serum IgG2 levels could increase susceptibility to late‐onset bacterial pneumonia after allogeneic HSCT. IgG2 levels should be considered carefully, especially in patients receiving cord blood transplantation and/or rituximab treatment.
Prevalence of active hepatitis E virus infection and efficacy of ribavirin treatment in renal allograft recipients
Authors: Friebus‐Kardash Justa , Eisenberger Ute , Ackermann Jessica , Kribben Andreas , Witzke Oliver , Wenzel Jürgen , Rohn Hana , Fiedler Melanie
Published: March 2019

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infection frequently progresses to chronic disease with persisting HEV viremia in immunocompromised patients. Here, we evaluated the prevalence of HEV infection in renal allograft recipients and investigated the efficacy and tolerability of ribavirin monotherapy.

Methods

A total of 947 recipients on average 8.7 years post transplant were screened for anti‐HEV IgG, IgM and HEV‐RNA. Sixteen HEV‐viremic renal allograft recipients were treated with ribavirin for 12 weeks. HEV‐RNA concentration, laboratory and clinical parameters were assessed at baseline, during therapy and 12 weeks after treatment cessation. HEV‐genotyping was performed in all HEV‐viremic patients.

Results

Past HEV infection was detected serologically in 18% of the renal allograft recipients. Ongoing HEV replication was found in 16 recipients (all genotype 3). Unanimously, distinct HEV sequences were revealed in all HEV‐viremic patients. At the start of ribavirin treatment, median HEV‐RNA viral load was 4.3 × 106 (8000‐5.0 × 106) IU/mL. Ninety‐four percentage of HEV‐infected allograft recipients showed a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment cessation. Ribavirin treatment was associated with rapid decrease in liver enzymes and rare occurrence of anemia.

Conclusions

Prevalence of active HEV infection is important in renal transplant patients without signs of nosocomial infection. Ribavirin treatment was safe and effective.
2-Allylphenol Reduces IL-1βand TNF-α, Promoting Antinociception through Adenosinergic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Mechanisms
Authors: Aragão Neto Humberto de Carvalho , da Fonsêca Diogo Vilar , Braga Renan Marinho , Scotti Marcus Tullius , do Nascimento Terezinha Weyne Araújo Borges , Assis Davidson Barbosa , Rodrigues-Mascarenhas Sandra , Silva Luiz Henrique Agra Cavalcante , Galvão José Guilherme Ferreira Marques , Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira , Vidal Arthur Antunes Jacome , Filho José Maria Barbosa , de Almeida Reinaldo Nóbrega
Published: March 2019

2-Allylphenol (2-AP) is a synthetic phenylpropanoid, structurally related to cardanol, thymol, and ortho-eugenol. Phenylpropanoids are described in the literature as being capable of promoting biological activity. Due to the similarity between 2-AP and other bioactive phenylpropanoids, the present research aims at evaluating the antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory potential of 2-AP in silico,in vitro, andin vivo. At 30 min prior to the start ofin vivopharmacological testing, administration of 2-AP (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg i.p.), morphine (6 mg/kg i.p.), dexamethasone (2 mg/kg s.c.), or vehicle alone was performed. In the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing tests, pretreatment with 2-AP significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhes, as well as decreased licking times in the glutamate and formalin tests. Investigation of the mechanism of action using the formalin model led to the conclusion that the opioid system does not participate in its activity. However, the adenosinergic system is involved. In the peritonitis tests, 2-AP inhibited leukocyte migration and reduced releases of proinflammatory mediators TNF-αand IL-1β.In vitroantioxidant assays demonstrated that 2-AP presents significant ability to sequester superoxide radicals.In silicodocking studies confirmed interaction between 2-AP and the adenosine A2a receptor through hydrogen bonds with the critical asparagine 253 residues present in the active site. Investigation of 2-AP demonstrated its nociception inhibition and ability to reduce reactive oxygen species. Its interaction with A2a receptors may well be related to proinflammatory cytokines TNF-αand IL-1βreduction activity, corroborating its antinociceptive effect.
Aberrant Expression of Folate Metabolism Enzymes and Its Diagnosis and Survival Prediction in Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jia , Li Li
Published: March 2019

This study was to validate changes in the levels of folate receptor-α (FOLR1), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) in the tissue of OC patients. The expression of FOLR1, DHFR, and MTRR was evaluated in 80 cases of primary OC, 50 cases of benign ovarian tumors, and 30 normal ovarian tissues. Associations between protein expression and clinicopathological characters were assessed, and diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of FOLR1, DHFR, and MTRR was performed. Results showed that upregulated FOLR1 and MTRR and downregulated DHFR were detected in OC. Patients with abnormality of FOLR1, DHFR, and MTRR tend to have a higher percentage of platinum resistance. Moreover, the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs-ROC) for FOLR1, DHFR, and MTRR were 0.723, 0.717, and 0.714, respectively. The combination of FOLR1, DHFR, and MTRR could produce an area of 0.864 under the receiver-operating characteristic curve in distinguishing platinum-resistant patients from platinum-sensitive patients (P<0.0001). Correlations were present between the expression of FOLR1, DHFR, and MTRR. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that the patients with overexpressed MTRR had a poorer overall survival time compared to those with low expression (P<0.05). Thus, folate metabolic enzymes could provide a potential promising biomarker for diagnosis platinum-resistant in OC.
Design and Implementation of Single-Layer 4 × 4 and 8 × 8 Butler Matrices for Multibeam Antenna Arrays
Authors: Adamidis George A. , Vardiambasis Ioannis O. , Ioannidou Melina P. , Kapetanakis Theodoros N.
Published: March 2019

Single-layer 4 × 4 and 8 × 8 Butler matrices (BMs) that operate in the L and S bands are implemented in this paper. Easy-to-fabricate microstrip layout topologies are designed and constructed; the final arrangement of the BMs allows realization without any crossovers. The performance of the networks is evaluated by measuring their frequency response. The return loss (RL) and the isolation are below -15 dB over the operation bandwidth for all structures, whereas the average insertion loss is less than 1 dB for the 4 × 4 BM and does not exceed 3 dB for the 8 × 8 BM. The amplitude imbalance is at most 0.5 dB and 1.5 dB, for the 4 × 4 and the 8 × 8 BMs, respectively. Moreover, multibeam antenna arrays fed by the BMs are constructed. The radiation patterns are measured and compared with theoretical data; a good agreement is achieved. The side lobes are sufficiently low, compared to the theoretical predictions, whereas they are further reduced by applying appropriate excitation schemes to the input ports of the BMs.
The Status of Assessments and Treatments for Osteoporosis in Patients 5 Years after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Cross-Sectional Survey of 194 Post-THA Patients
Authors: Kamo Keiji , Kijima Hiroaki , Okuyama Koichiro , Yamada Shin , Konishi Natsuo , Kubota Hitoshi , Tazawa Hiroshi , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Shimada Yoichi
Published: March 2019

Background. Assessments for osteoporosis in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) are very important with respect to the clinical results. However, few studies have investigated the status of the assessments and treatments for osteoporosis in post-THA patients. The purpose of this multicenter study was to investigate the status of assessments and treatments for osteoporosis in post-THA patients. Methods. The results of a self-report questionnaire and the medical records of 194 post-THA patients over 40 years of age who visited the outpatient departments of the five hospitals participating in the study were analyzed. Results. A total of 125 patients (64.4%) had been examined for osteoporosis, and 69 patients (35.6%) had never been assessed for osteoporosis. It was assumed, based on the questionnaire results, that 50 (40%) of the 125 patients should have been receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Forty-five (90%) of these 50 patients were actually taking medication for osteoporosis at the time of the investigation. Overall, a total of 58 (29.9%) patients were receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Conclusions. The present survey revealed that 64.4% of post-THA patients had been evaluated for osteoporosis. Moreover, while 40% of post-THA patients over 40 years of age may require treatment for osteoporosis, only 29.9% were actually receiving treatment.
Regulation of Redox Homeostasis by Nonthermal Biocompatible Plasma Discharge in Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Li Ying , Choi Eun Ha , Han Ihn
Published: March 2019

Recently, a growing body of evidence has shown the role of reactive species as secondary messengers in cell proliferation and differentiation, as opposed to the harmful metabolism byproducts that they were previously solely recognized as. Thus, the balance of intracellular reduction-oxidation (redox) homeostasis plays a vital role in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Nonthermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) has emerged as a novel tool in biomedical applications. Recently, NBP has also emerged as a powerful tool in the tissue engineering field for the surface modification of biomaterial and the promotion of stem cell differentiation by the regulation of intracellular redox biology. NBP can generate various kinds of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which may play the role of the second passenger in the cell signaling network and active antioxidant system in cells. Herein, we review the current knowledge on mechanisms by which NBP regulates cell proliferation and differentiation through redox modification. Considering the importance of redox homeostasis in the regulation of stem cell differentiation, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms involved will provide important new insights into NBP-induced stem cell differentiation for tissue engineering.
Unsteady Flow and Vibration Analysis of the Horizontal‐Axis Wind Turbine Blade under the Fluid‐Structure Interaction
Authors: Zhu Rui , Chen Da-duo , Wu Shi-wei
Published: March 2019

A 1.5 MW horizontal‐axis wind turbine blade and fluid field model are established to study the difference in the unsteady flow field and structural vibration of the wind turbine blade under one‐ and two‐way fluid‐structure interactions. The governing equations in ﬂuid field and the motion equations in structural were developed, and the corresponding equations were discretized with the Galerkin method. Based on ANSYS CFX fluid dynamics and mechanical structural dynamics calculation software, the effects of couplings on the aerodynamic and vibration characteristics of the blade are compared and analyzed in detail. Results show that pressure distributions at different sections of the blade are concentrated near the leading edge, and the leeward side of two‐way coupling is slightly higher than that of one‐way coupling. Deformation along the blade span shows a nonlinear change under the coupling effect. The degree of amplitude attenuation in two‐way coupling is significantly greater than that in one‐way coupling because of the existence of aerodynamic damping. However, the final amplitude is still higher than the one‐way coupling. The Mises stress fluctuation in the windward and leeward sides is more obvious than one‐way coupling, and the discrepancy must not be ignored.
Fully Biobased Aliphatic Anionic Oligoesters: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Kacem Yosra Hadj , Bougarech Abdelkader , Abid Souhir , Abid Majdi , Fleury Etienne
Published: March 2019

Biobased aliphatic sulfonated oligoesters with 10 to 30% of sulfonated units were synthesized by melt polycondensation of biobased monomers such as diethyl succinate, z-octadec-9-enedioic acid, dimer fatty acid, sodium (sulfonated dimethyl succinate), and various diols like 1,4-butane diol and isosorbide. Structural characterization of the resulting oligoesters was determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF MS technique. Showing a regular structure, the nature of the different expected species present in the macromolecular structure allowed the detection of etherification and cyclisation side reactions. The study of the thermal properties indicates that the resulting oligoesters are amorphous or semicrystalline that essentially depend on the nature of monomers. Films of oligoesters treated in acidic, basic, and natural media at 37°C indicate that the remaining weight depends essentially on the composition of oligoesters. Finally, sulfonated oligoester was used to prepare a biobased poly(ester-urethane) thermoset, a material having tunable properties.
An SDP Characteristic Information Fusion‐Based CNN Vibration Fault Diagnosis Method
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxun , Zhao Jianhong , Hou Dongnan , Han Zhonghe
Published: March 2019

This study proposes a symmetrized dot pattern (SDP) characteristic information fusion‐based convolutional neural network (CNN) fault diagnosis method to resolve issues of high complexity, nonlinearity, and instability in original rotor vibration signals. The method was used to conduct information fusion of real modal components of vibration signals and SDP image identification using CNN in order to achieve vibration fault diagnosis. Compared with other graphic processing methods, the proposed method more fully expressed the characteristics of different vibration signals and thus presented variations between different vibration states in a simpler and more intuitive way. The proposed method was experimentally investigated using simulation signals and rotor test‐rig signals, and its validity and advancements were demonstrated using experimental analysis. By using CNN through deep learning to adaptively extract SDP characteristic information, vibration fault identification was ultimately realized.
Design of a Dual-Band Frequency Reconfigurable Patch Antenna Based on Characteristic Modes
Authors: Mahlaoui Zakaria , Antonino-Daviu Eva , Latif Adnane , Ferrando-Bataller Miguel
Published: March 2019

A frequency reconfigurable patch antenna design based on the characteristic mode analysis is presented. The antenna presents a reconfigurable lower band and a steady band at higher frequencies. A slot is etched on the ground plane of the antenna, where two varactor diodes are placed on each side of the slot in order to tune the lower band. The first resonant frequency shifts down by varying the reverse voltage of the varactor, whereas the second operating frequency keeps stable. The proposed antenna is designed to cover WLAN bands, offering a first band operating at 2 GHz and a second band ranging from 5.3 GHz to 5.8 GHz. A prototype has been fabricated and measurements are provided, which validate the proposed analysis, method, and design procedure.
Virtual Screening of Conjugated Polymers for Organic Photovoltaic Devices Using Support Vector Machines and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Chen Fang-Chung
Published: March 2019

Herein, we report virtual screening of potential semiconductor polymers for high-performance organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices using various machine learning algorithms. We particularly focus on support vector machine (SVM) and ensemble learning approaches. We found that the power conversion efficiencies of the device prepared with the polymer candidates can be predicted with their structure fingerprints as the only inputs. In other words, no preliminary knowledge about material properties was required. Additionally, the predictive performance could be further improved by “blending” the results of the SVM and random forest models. The resulting ensemble learning algorithm might open up a new opportunity for more precise, high-throughput virtual screening of conjugated polymers for OPV devices.
Characteristics of Bituminous Coal Permeability Response to the Pore Pressure and Effective Shear Stress in the Huaibei Coalfield in China
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ye Zhiwei , Huang Mengqian , Zhang Cun
Published: March 2019

The coal permeability is known to be influenced by the pore pressure and effective stress in coal mines. In this study, the characteristics of the bituminous coal permeability response to the pore pressure and effective shear stress in the Xutuan coal mine in Huaibei Coalfield in China were investigated under different stress conditions. For this purpose, gas seepage tests with various stress levels were conducted via the original gas flow and displacement testing apparatus using bituminous coal samples from the Xutuan coal mine. The pore pressure effect on the permeability under different stress conditions was assessed by varying the pore pressure in coal samples and simulating different in situ stresses. The axial and radial pressures were controlled to study the response of coal permeability to the effective shear stress. The experimental results revealed that with an increase in pore pressure, the permeability of coal in different stress environments firstly drops and then rises. The permeability increased gradually with the effective shear stress, which trend became more pronounced when the effective shear stress exceeded zero. In case of the axial pressure exceeding the radial one, the cross shear slip was observed, for which the permeability of coal samples increased with the effective shear stress. In the opposite case, the separated shear slip was observed, with the reverse trend.
Cordyceps militarisImproves Chronic Kidney Disease by Affecting TLR4/NF-κB Redox Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sun Tingli , Dong Wenpeng , Jiang Guohong , Yang Jingbo , Liu Jizhang , Zhao Lijie , Ma Peilong
Published: March 2019

Cordyceps militarismay show good promise in protecting against chronic kidney disease (CKD) but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. CKD risk is associated with the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway. Cordycepin is the main component ofCordyceps militarisand may affect the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Cordycepin was prepared by preparative HPLC. CKD patients were assigned intoCordyceps militaris(COG, 100 mg daily) and placebo (CG) groups. Cordycepin activity was measured using human embryo kidney cells (HEK293T). Biochemical indices, the levels of TLR4, NF-κB, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), were measured by real-time qRT-PCR, or ELISA kits and or Western blot. After 3-month treatment, cordycepin reduced the levels of urinal protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine by36.7%±8.6%,12.5%±3.2%, and18.3%±6.6%, respectively (P<0.05).Cordyceps militarisimproved lipid profile and redox capacity of CKD patients by reducing the serum levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C by12.8%±3.6%,15.7%±4.1%, and16.5%±4.4%and increasing the HDL-C level by10.1%±1.4%in the COG group when compared with the CG group, respectively (P<0.05). The serum levels of cystatin-C (Cys-C), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were reduced by14.0%±3.8%,26.9%±12.3%, and19.7%±7.9%while nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased by12.5%±2.9%and25.3%±13.4%in the COG group when compared with the CG group, respectively (P<0.05). Cordycepin reduced the levels of TLR4, NF-κB, COX2, TNF-α, and IL-1βin HEK293T cells too (P<0.05). However, cordycepin could not affect the levels anymore if TLR4 was silenced.Cordyceps militarisprotected against CKD progression by affecting the TLR4/NF-κB lipid and redox signaling pathway via cordycepin.
Dynamic Rheological Investigation during Curing of a Thermoset Polythiourethane System
Authors: Du Weiping , Tan Lianjiang , Zhang Yang , Yang Haipeng , Chen Huifang
Published: March 2019

A polythiourethane thermoset system based on a diisocyanate and a trithiol was investigated by dynamic rheological measurements. Strain sweep was performed to determine the linear elastic region of the thermosetting system. The changes of characteristic parameters including elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and complex viscosity were recorded in a heating ramp to trace the cross-linking and structural evolution during the curing process. Time sweep at constant temperatures was also performed to explore possible curing strategy at reduced temperatures. In addition, frequency sweep was conducted to confirm the temperature- and time-dependent viscoelastic properties of the thermoset system during the curing process. Both continuous heating and isothermal aging gave rise to solidification of the polythiourethane with similar critical structure, as evidenced by the critical values of relaxation exponent. A combination of isothermal aging and heating is expected to be a facile strategy for fabricating thermoset polythiourethane polymers at lower temperature or/and reduced curing time. A kinetic study was done to confirm the gelation characteristics of the polythiourethane system, and the activation energy was also calculated.
ECG-Based Subject Identification Using Common Spatial Pattern and SVM
Authors: Alotaiby Turky N. , Alshebeili Saleh A. , Aljafar Latifah M. , Alsabhan Waleed M.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a nonfiducial electrocardiogram (ECG, the process of recording the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on the skin) identification system based on the common spatial pattern (CSP) feature extraction technique is presented. The single- and multilead ECG signals of each subject are divided into nonoverlapping segments, and different segment lengths (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, or 15 seconds) are investigated. Features are extracted from each signal segment through projection on a CSP projection matrix. The extracted features are then used to train a radial basis function kernel-based Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, which is then employed in the identification phase. The proposed identification system was evaluated on 10, 20, …, 200 reference subjects of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) ECG database. Using a single limb-based lead (I) with 200 reference subjects, the system achieved an identification rate of 95.15% and equal error rate of 0.1. The use of a single chest-based lead (V3) for 200 reference subjects resulted in an identification rate of 98.92% and equal error rate of 0.08.
Spontaneous Regression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Review of Reports in the Published English Literature
Authors: Chohan Moaz B. Y. , Taylor Nick , Coffin Carla , Burak Kelly W. , Bathe Oliver F.
Published: March 2019

Background. Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare event, although it has been described by numerous groups. The long-term fate of individuals experiencing an SR is not well described, and the underlying mechanism(s) of SR are unknown.Case Presentation: A 79-year-old Asian female with metastatic HCC taking only valsartan for hypertension had a marked reduction in tumor dimension in the primary tumor and the pulmonary metastases. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) decreased from 17,833 μg/L to 26 μg/L. Her disease progressed after 71 months, and she died shortly after. In a review of 66 patients with SR reported in the English literature, median survival was 83 months. Median survival in 37 cases that underwent resection after SR was 108 months.Conclusions. The case and a review of the literature illustrate that SR is often durable and associated with an excellent prognosis. Understanding the underlying mechanism of SR may point to novel therapeutic strategies.
Prevalence and Public Health Importance of Hydatidosis in Sheep Slaughtered by Unlicensed Ways
Authors: Al-Muhsin Al-Khayat Fadia Abd
Published: March 2019

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic, helminthes parasitic disease that cause veterinary and human problems due to economic burden. Amis of the current study was to estimate the prevalence rate of hydatidosis infecting different organs of sheep slaughtered in street. In addition, investigate the relationship between age, gender and the infected rates in some Baghdad areas during a period from may to end of July 2018.A total of 188 sheep was examined for detection of Hydatid cyst in different organs using macroscopic and microscopic examination The overall prevalence rate of 47.9% was recorded. The results indicate non significant differences according to age and gender, the highest rate 57% was observed in sheep more than one year old compared with small ages 31.3%. The females showed the highest rate 59.3% while the male recorded 30.7%. The most affected organ was the liver 64.4% followed by the lung 25.6% and finally the spleen 10%. Conclusion of this study indicates the higher prevalence rate lead to the necessity for control programs against hydatidosis includ preventing of illegal slaughtering.
Antioxidants and Hepatoprotective Study of a Purified Bauhinia Variegate Leaves and Flowers Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity in Experimental Rats
Authors: Taher Al-Isawi Jameelah Kadhim , Fadel Al-Jumaily Essam
Published: March 2019

This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity and antioxidant enzymes of purified Bauhinia variegate leaves extract and purified flowers extract were administered (200 mg/kg, orally once daily) to reduce the effect of carbon tetrachloride-damage in rat's liver for three weeks. Thereafter, the levels of some serum biochemical factors such as alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and the activity of three different antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were investigated. Liver homogenate can used to estimated antioxidant parameters: glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. The purified Bauhinia variegate leaves and purified flowers significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the carbon tetrachloride-induced increase in alanine aminotransferase (149.0± 4.40 and 133.08±6.84) unit/L, aspartate aminotransferase (114±9.28 and 117.93±1.96) unit/L, alkaline phosphatase (3.60±0.28 and 2.43±0.11) unit/100 ml, levels at the tested doses, respectively after treatment. However, purified Bauhinia variegate leaves and purified flowers treatment noticeably improved the activity of antioxidant limitations: glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The hepatoprotective activity can confirmed by histological finding. From these results it can be concluded that the Bauhinia variegate leaves and flowers extracts contain remarkable of flavonoid can be used as reducing oxidative stress.
Decrease of Peripheral Monocyte Relative Number and Mean Platelet Volume in Iron Overloaded Mice
Authors: Ghozali M. , Praptama Suhendra , Widyastuti Rini , Panigoro Ramdan , Setiabudiawan Budi , Reniarti Lelani , Syamsunarno M. R. A. A.
Published: March 2019

Iron overload (IO) because of multiple blood transfusion as a definite therapy for hematological disease with chronic and severe anemia has become a major concern. Deleterious complication contributed by chemically reactive deregulated iron may affect cellular homeostasis systemically lead to tissue and organ damage. When this toxicity occurred in blood cells, alteration of peripheral hematological profile concerning erythrocyte, leucocyte, and platelet most likely to be modified and imperatively need to be evidenced. The experimental IO mice model was established by injecting a low and high dose of iron dextran intraperitoneally. Peripheral erythrocyte, leucocyte and platelet indices measured by hematology analyzer were analyzed. A dynamic tendency of leucocyte absolute cell number and differential cell count of low and high dose iron treatment and a significant decrease of differential monocyte count were found. In addition, high dose iron treatment showed a significantly lower mean platelet volume. In conclusion, this study verified that IO impaired the cellular hematological indices by selectively suppress monocyte number addressing that this mononuclear phagocyte was the most affected immune cell. Furthermore, low mean platelet volume following acquired platelet function defect was evidenced. This research provided an animal experimental model that could be used for further study in finding alternative therapeutic targets on the pathophysiology of iron overload diseases, such as thalassemia.
Correlation of Serum Vitamin D Receptor Level with Bacterial Index in Multibacillary Leprosy Patients at Sanglah General Hospital, Bali-Indonesia
Authors: Rusyati L. M. , Adiguna M. S. , Wiraguna A. A. G. P. , Puspawati N. M. D. , Sudarsa P.
Published: March 2019

Leprosy cases were still a common problem in Indonesia. Even though Bali was not considered as a high epidemic region in Indonesia, new cases of multibacillary leprosy continuously appeared. Vitamin D and its receptor, Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) has a role in modulation of immune system against M. leprae. This study aimed to find correlation between blood VDR serum level with bacterial index of multibacillary leprosy patients. Study design using cross-sectional model conducted in Sanglah General Hospital involving 47 multibacillary leprosy patients taken consecutively from July-October 2017. The level of VDR was examined by ELISA method. Characteristic of study participant is 29 (61.7%) male patients and 18 (38.3%) female patients. The mean age of the patient was 38.83 years. The mean VDR level was 27.80 pg/dl. Spearman correlation test found that there is a strong negative correlation (r = - 0.954; p < 0.001) between plasma level of VDR with bacterial index in multibacillary patients. This result suggests that the lower the VDR level, the higher bacterial index in leprosy patients. This study emphasizes more the role of Vitamin D and its receptor in immunomodulation especially in leprosy infection.
Impact of obesity on operative treatment and inpatient outcomes of paediatric limb fractures
Authors: Li N. Y. , Kalagara S. , Hersey A. , Eltorai A. E. M. , Daniels A. H. , Cruz Jr A. I.
Published: March 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to utilize a national paediatric inpatient database to determine whether obesity influences the operative management and inpatient outcomes of paediatric limb fractures.

Patients and Methods

The Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) was used to evaluate children between birth and 17 years of age, from 1997 and 2012, who had undergone open and closed treatment of humeral, radial and ulna, femoral, tibial, and ankle fractures. Demographics, hospital charges, lengths of stay (LOS), and complications were analyzed.

Results

Obesity was significantly associated with increased rates of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for: distal humeral (odds ratio (OR) = 2.139, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92 to 3.44; p < 0.001); distal radius and ulna fractures (OR = 1.436, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.16; p < 0.05); distal femoral (OR = 2.051, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.60; p < 0.05); tibial and fibula shaft (OR = 2.101, 95% CI 2.10 to 3.50; p < 0.001); and ankle (OR = 1.733, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.39; p < 0.001). Older age was significantly associated with ORIF for all fractures (p < 0.05). LOS, hospital charges, and complications were significantly increased in obese patients following ORIF for upper and lower limb fractures (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Obese paediatric patients are more likely to undergo ORIF in both upper and lower limb fractures and have more inpatient complications. These findings may assist in informing obese paediatric fracture patients and their families regarding the increased risk for open operative fixation and associated outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:491–496.
Informed consent in spinal surgery
Authors: Todd N. V. , Birch N. C.
Published: March 2019

Informed consent is a very important part of surgical treatment. In this paper, we report a number of legal judgements in spinal surgery where there was no criticism of the surgical procedure itself. The fault that was identified was a failure to inform the patient of alternatives to, and material risks of, surgery, or overemphasizing the benefits of surgery. In one case, there was a promise that a specific surgeon was to perform the operation, which did not ensue. All of the faults in these cases were faults purely of the consenting process. In many cases, the surgeon claimed to have explained certain risks to the patient but was unable to provide proof of doing so. We propose a checklist that, if followed, would ensure that the surgeon would take their patients through the relevant matters but also, crucially, would act as strong evidence in any future court proceedings that the appropriate discussions had taken place. Although this article focuses on spinal surgery, the principles and messages are applicable to the whole of orthopaedic surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:355–360.
Rotational acetabular osteotomy for symptomatic hip dysplasia in patients younger than 21 years of age
Authors: Yasunaga Y. , Tanaka R. , Mifuji K. , Shoji T. , Yamasaki T. , Adachi N. , Ochi M.
Published: March 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) for symptomatic hip dysplasia in patients aged younger than 21 years at the time of surgery.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated 31 patients (37 hips) aged younger than 21 years at the time of surgery retrospectively. There were 29 female and two male patients. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 17.4 years (12 to 21). The mean follow-up was 17.9 years (7 to 30). The RAO was combined with a varus or valgus femoral osteotomy or a greater trochanteric displacement in eight hips, as instability or congruence of the hip could not be corrected adequately using RAO alone.

Results

The mean Merle d’Aubigné clinical score improved significantly from 15.4 to 17.2 (p < 0.0001). The mean centre-edge (CE) angle improved from -2.6° to 26°, the mean acetabular roof angle improved from 3.0° to 5.2°, and the mean head lateralization index improved from 0.68 to 0.62. Progression of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) was seen in seven hips, but no patient underwent total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion

RAO is an effective form of correction for a severely dysplastic hip in adolescent and young adult patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:390–395.
Hip capsule biomechanics after arthroplasty
Authors: Logishetty K. , van Arkel R. J. , Ng K. C. G. , Muirhead-Allwood S. K. , Cobb J. P. , Jeffers J. R. T.
Published: March 2019

Aims

The hip’s capsular ligaments passively restrain extreme range of movement (ROM) by wrapping around the native femoral head/neck. We determined the effect of hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), dual-mobility total hip arthroplasty (DM-THA), conventional THA, and surgical approach on ligament function.

Materials and Methods

Eight paired cadaveric hip joints were skeletonized but retained the hip capsule. Capsular ROM restraint during controlled internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) was measured before and after HRA, DM-THA, and conventional THA, with a posterior (right hips) and anterior capsulotomy (left hips).

Results

Hip resurfacing provided a near-native ROM with between 5° to 17° increase in IR/ER ROM compared with the native hip for the different positions tested, which was a 9% to 33% increase. DM-THA generated a 9° to 61° (18% to 121%) increase in ROM. Conventional THA generated a 52° to 100° (94% to 199%) increase in ROM. Thus, for conventional THA, the capsule function that exerts a limit on ROM is lost. It is restored to some extent by DM-THA, and almost fully restored by hip resurfacing. In positions of low flexion/extension, the posterior capsulotomy provided more normal function than the anterior, possibly because the capsule was shortened during posterior repair. However, in deep flexion positions, the anterior capsulotomy functioned better.

Conclusion

Native head-size and capsular repair preserves capsular function after arthroplasty. The anterior and posterior approach differentially affect postoperative biomechanical function of the capsular ligaments. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:426–434.
Cell therapy in orthopaedics
Authors: Rodeo S. A.
Published: March 2019

Stem cells are defined by their potential for self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into numerous cell types, including cartilage and bone cells. Although basic laboratory studies demonstrate that cell therapies have strong potential for improvement in tissue healing and regeneration, there is little evidence in the scientific literature for many of the available cell formulations that are currently offered to patients. Numerous commercial entities and ‘regenerative medicine centres’ have aggressively marketed unproven cell therapies for a wide range of medical conditions, leading to sometimes indiscriminate use of these treatments, which has added to the confusion and unpredictable outcomes. The significant variability and heterogeneity in cell formulations between different individuals makes it difficult to draw conclusions about efficacy. The ‘minimally manipulated’ preparations derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue that are currently used differ substantially from cells that are processed and prepared under defined laboratory protocols. The term ‘stem cells’ should be reserved for laboratory-purified, culture-expanded cells. The number of cells in uncultured preparations that meet these defined criteria is estimated to be approximately one in 10 000 to 20 000 (0.005% to 0.01%) in native bone marrow and 1 in 2000 in adipose tissue. It is clear that more refined definitions of stem cells are required, as the lumping together of widely diverse progenitor cell types under the umbrella term ‘mesenchymal stem cells’ has created confusion among scientists, clinicians, regulators, and our patients. Validated methods need to be developed to measure and characterize the ‘critical quality attributes’ and biological activity of a specific cell formulation. It is certain that ‘one size does not fit all’ – different cell formulations, dosing schedules, and culturing parameters will likely be required based on the tissue being treated and the desired biological target. As an alternative to the use of exogenous cells, in the future we may be able to stimulate the intrinsic vascular stem cell niche that is known to exist in many tissues. The tremendous potential of cell therapy will only be realized with further basic, translational, and clinical research.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:361–364.