bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue Infiltrating Immune Cells as Prognostic Biomarkers in Endometrial Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Fang , Dong Yishan , Tan Qingqing , Kong Jing , Yu Bin
Published: January 2020

Background. The association between tumour-infiltrating immune cells and the prognosis of endometrial cancer (EC) is controversial due to the smaller sample sizes and limited statistical power of the extant studies. We carried out a meta-analysis of the relationship between tumour-infiltrating immune cells and EC survival outcomes. Methods. A literature search in multiple databases was carried out up to December 2019. Pooled hazard ratio (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by the Z-test to assess the association between infiltrating immune cells and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS). A subgroup analysis was performed based on the localisation of immune cells in tumour parenchyma or stroma, immune markers, and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage. Heterogeneity and publication bias between studies were evaluated by Cochran’s Q-test and Egger regression test, respectively. Results. Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. The pooled HR of OS, PFS, DSS, and DFS indicated that a high CD8+ T cell density was associated with a favorable prognosis in EC patients. A significant relationship was found between a high density of CD45RO+ T cells and a favorable OS in EC patients, but the FoxP3+ T cell density was not associated with either OS or RFS. A high TAM density was associated with a worse PFS. However, a sensitivity analysis indicated that the findings of PFS and DSS in CD8+ T cell and PFS in TAM were not robust results. Conclusion. This is the first meta-analysis of the relationship between tumour-infiltrating immune cells and the prognosis of EC. High CD8+ and CD45RO+ T cell densities in tumours were associated with favorable outcomes in EC patients.
Public Interest in Cognitive Impairment: An Analysis of the Top 50 Articles on Cognitive Impairment on Altmetric
Authors: Kim Yeo Jin , Kim Yerim , Kim Jee-Eun , Kim Yoo Hwan , Yoon Dae Young , Bae Jong Seok
Published: January 2020

Background. As the average life expectancy continues to increase, interest in cognitive impairment is increasing. Nowadays, as social media expands its reach, academic research is spreading through social media, changing the way and speed by which research is propagated and also who consumes this content. Therefore, using Altmetric, a new web‐based set of metrics that analyzes the impact of content on social media platforms, we investigated the characteristics of influential research articles on the topic of cognitive impairment in social media. Methods. An Altmetric Explorer search was performed on May 25, 2018, to extract the following information: (i) journal name, (ii) journal impact factor (IF), (iii) year of publication, (iv) article topic, (v) article type, and (vi) cognitive impairment subtype. Results. The journal “Neurology” was the most cited journal for cognitive impairment articles shared on social media. Among the various types of cognitive impairment, most articles were related to dementia (all subtypes), Alzheimer’s disease, and aging. The most common article type was original scientific paper, especially cohort study. The most popular topic was the identification of protective or risk factors for cognitive impairment. Conclusion. The characteristics of articles with a high Altmetric Attention Score were somewhat different from those of articles with a high number of traditional citations. Social media had the disadvantage that it was difficult to verify the authenticity of the primary source in question, but the advantage was that it could immediately determine the trends regarding how information about that source was being shared and consumed. Therefore, it may be advisable to use Altmetric analysis in combination with traditional methods of evaluating the research articles to understand the dissemination of scientific research and to direct future research.
Evaluation of the Effects of Agro Pesticides Use on Liver and Kidney Function in Farmers from Buea, Cameroon
Authors: Manfo Faustin Pascal Tsagué , Mboe Sharon Asukia , Nantia Edouard Akono , Ngoula Ferdinand , Telefo Phélix Bruno , Moundipa Paul Fewou , Cho-Ngwa Fidelis
Published: January 2020

Agro pesticides are increasingly used worldwide to increase crop production. However, health hazards resulting from human exposure to these chemicals, especially from agricultural areas of developing countries have been a growing concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure to agro pesticides on the health of farmers in the Buea subdivision, which is one of the major agrarian areas in Cameroon. The study was transversal and involved 90 participants including 58 farmers using pesticides and a reference population of 32 men not involved in occupational use of agro pesticides. The participants were interviewed on agro pesticide use and their health status. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from the participants and used for the assessment of biochemical markers of the liver (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and the kidney (creatinine and uric acid) function. Results revealed that farmers frequently used insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides in their farming activities. Farmers reported several acute health symptoms related to pesticides use with the common ones being skin rash, eye irritation, and face burn. When compared to the reference population, the farmers showed significantly elevated (p<0.01) alanine aminotransferase activity. However, other parameters investigated were not affected significantly. These results suggested that farmers were exposed to 3 different classes of agro pesticides, which induced eye and skin affections. Pesticides exposure resulted in alterations of the liver function hence the increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Therefore, there is a need to sensitize the farmers on toxicity and liver alteration potential of agro pesticides and the importance of appropriate protective equipment that may minimize exposure.
Rat Olfactory Mucosa Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (OM-MSCs): A Characterization Study
Authors: Alvites Rui D. , Branquinho Mariana V. , Caseiro Ana R. , Amorim Irina , Santos Pedrosa Sílvia , Rêma Alexandra , Faria Fátima , Porto Beatriz , Oliveira Cláudia , Teixeira Paula , Magalhães Rui , Geuna Stefano , Varejão Artur S. P. , Maurício Ana C.
Published: January 2020

Stem/stromal cell-based therapies are a branch of regenerative medicine and stand as an attractive option to promote the repair of damaged or dysfunctional tissues and organs. Olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem/stromal cells have been regarded as a promising tool in regenerative therapies because of their several favorable properties such as multipotency, high proliferation rate, helpful location, and few associated ethical issues. These cells are easily accessible in the nasal cavity of most mammals, including the rat, can be easily applied in autologous treatments, and do not cope with most of the obstacles associated with the use of other stem cells. Despite this, its application in preclinical trials and in both human and animal patients is still limited because of the small number of studies performed so far and to the nonexistence of a standard and unambiguous protocol for collection, isolation, and therapeutic application. In the present work a validation of a protocol for isolation, culture, expansion, freezing, and thawing of olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem/stromal cells was performed, applied to the rat model, as well as a biological characterization of these cells. To investigate the therapeutic potential of OM-MSCs and their eventual safe application in preclinical trials, the main characteristics of OMSC stemness were addressed.
Differences in the Clinical Characteristics of Early‐ and Late‐Onset Asthma in Elderly Patients
Authors: Liu Qin-Hua , Kan Xu , Wang Yong Bin , Liu Kai-xiong , Zeng Dunhuang
Published: January 2020

Differences between early‐onset and late‐onset asthma in elderly subjects have not been comprehensively described in China. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to determine the phenotypic differences between early‐onset asthma (EOA) and late‐onset asthma (LOA) in elderly patients. We collected clinical and physiological data from 176 elderly patients with asthma. Participants were divided into two groups: EOA group and LOA group. Demographics, comorbidities, inflammatory parameters, lung function, severity, asthma control, and medication use among EOA and LOA elderly patients were compared. Elderly subjects with EOA had more atopic disease, a stronger positive family history of asthma, higher IgE, and exhaled nitric oxide levels as compared to those with LOA. In contrast, elderly subjects with LOA had lower lung function and more marked fixed airflow obstruction (FAO). Elderly subjects with LOA had a higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). No differences were observed in age, gender, BMI, history of smoking, severity, and asthma control between the two groups. Both similarities and differences exist between elderly subjects with EOA and those with LOA in China. Further work is required to determine the pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic implications for different asthma phenotypes in elderly subjects.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms inTLR4Affect Susceptibility to Tuberculosis in Mexican Population from the State of Veracruz
Authors: Ortega Enrique , Hernández-Bazán Sujhey , Sánchez-Hernández Beatriz , Licona-Limón Ileana , Fuentes-Dominguez Javier
Published: January 2020

Tuberculosis is still a global public health problem, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2017. Of all humans infected withM. tuberculosis, only 10-15% will develop active tuberculosis disease during their lifetime, and data suggest that along with environmental factors, genetic factors influence susceptibility to develop active disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that play a central role in the initiation and shaping of adaptive immune responses, and several TLRs have been shown to recognize mycobacterial components. In this work, we performed a case-control study to determine if common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding TLRs 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 are associated with susceptibility to develop active tuberculosis in population from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The study included 279 cases and 569 controls. The results show that the frequency of two SNPs in TLR4 was significantly higher in controls than in tuberculosis patients. The minor allele (G) of rs4986790 inTLR4(D299G) decreased the risk of active tuberculosis in the allelic (A vs. G,OR=0.31,95%CI=0.09‐0.81,p=0.01) and in the dominant genetic model (AA vs. GG+AG,OR=0.26,95%CI=0.09‐0.77,p=0.02). Similarly, the minor allele (T) of rs4986791 inTLR4(T399I) decreased the risk of active disease in the allelic model (C vs. T,OR=0.29,95%CI=0.10‐0.90,p=0.03). We did not find an association of SNPs inTLR1(N248S),TLR2(R753Q),TLR6(S249P), andTLR10(A153S and V298I) with tuberculosis disease. These results suggest that in this population, genetic variants ofTLR4affect the susceptibility for suffering active tuberculosis disease.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cytopenia in HIV‐Infected Patients before and after the Initiation of HAART
Authors: Fan Lina , Li Cuilin , Zhao Hongxin
Published: January 2020

Background. Cytopenia is a frequent hematological disorder in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, the distribution and risk factors of cytopenia in patients starting highly active anti‐retrovirus treatment (HAART) and the effect of HAART on cytopenia were not fully investigated. Methods. From November 2004 to August 2016, a retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of cytopenia in 4325 HAART‐naïve patients. Risk factors of cytopenia at baseline and on recovery from cytopenia were analyzed using logistic regression analysis after 24 months of HAART in Beijing Ditan Hospital. Results. The prevalence of cytopenia was 19.1% in HIV‐naïve patients. Risk factors for cytopenia in HAART‐naïve patients were a CD4 cell count<200 cells/μL, femaleness, WHO stage IV, coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), BMI <18.5 kg/m2, a viral load ≥100,000 copies/ml, and age ≥40 years. In total, 70.2% and 76.4% of patients with cytopenia recovered after 6 and 24 months of HAART, respectively. The predictors of patients without normal blood cells after 24 months HAART were a CD4 cell count of <200 cells/μL at baseline, femaleness, WHO stage IV, coinfection with HBV, and treatment with AZT. Conclusion. Early detection could decrease the prevalence of HIV‐related cytopenia, while starting HAART as early as possible seems to be effective for normalization of the blood cells in HIV‐infected patients.
Carious Lesion Severity Induces Higher Antioxidant System Activity and Consequently Reduces Oxidative Damage in Children’s Saliva
Authors: Araujo Heitor Ceolin , Nakamune Ana Cláudia Melo Stevanato , Garcia Wilson Galhego , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Antoniali Cristina
Published: January 2020

Oxidative stress biomarkers can be found at detectable concentrations in saliva. These salivary biomarkers reflect specific oxidation pathways associated with caries and periodontitis. Our study evaluated the influence of dental caries severity (assessed using the ICCMS™ criteria) on the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in saliva from children. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from patients (from one to three years old) in a day care center in Birigui, SP, Brazil, two hours after fasting. Children were divided into four groups (n=30/group), according to caries severity: caries free (group A), early carious lesions (group B), moderate carious lesions (group C), and advanced carious lesions (group D). The following salivary biomarkers were determined: total proteins (TP), measured by the Lowry method; oxidative damage, measured by the TBARS method; total antioxidant capacity (TAC); superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic antioxidant activity; and uric acid (UA) non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, and multivariable linear regression (p<0.05). TP, TAC, SOD enzymatic antioxidant activity, and UA non-enzymatic antioxidant activity increased with caries severity, consequently reducing salivary oxidative damage. It was concluded that higher caries severity increases salivary antioxidant system activity, with consequent reduction in salivary oxidative damage.
Survey of Methodologies, Approaches, and Challenges in Parallel Programming Using High-Performance Computing Systems
Authors: Czarnul Paweł , Proficz Jerzy , Drypczewski Krzysztof
Published: January 2020

This paper provides a review of contemporary methodologies and APIs for parallel programming, with representative technologies selected in terms of target system type (shared memory, distributed, and hybrid), communication patterns (one-sided and two-sided), and programming abstraction level. We analyze representatives in terms of many aspects including programming model, languages, supported platforms, license, optimization goals, ease of programming, debugging, deployment, portability, level of parallelism, constructs enabling parallelism and synchronization, features introduced in recent versions indicating trends, support for hybridity in parallel execution, and disadvantages. Such detailed analysis has led us to the identification of trends in high-performance computing and of the challenges to be addressed in the near future. It can help to shape future versions of programming standards, select technologies best matching programmers’ needs, and avoid potential difficulties while using high-performance computing systems.
Two Different Clinical Approaches with Mortality Assessment of Four Cases: Complete and Incomplete Type of Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome
Authors: Akbas Ahmet , Hacım Nadir Adnan , Dagmura Hasan , Meric Serhat , Altınel Yüksel , Solmaz Ali
Published: January 2020

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), also called sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis, is a condition characterized by encapsulation of all or some of small bowel loops by a thick fibrous membrane. Etiologic cause is not fully known. It is among the rare causes of intestinal obstruction in adults. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, and high suspicion is required. Diagnosis is generally made during laparotomy performed due to mechanical obstruction. In treatment of the condition, large scale surgical resections should be avoided. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate all clinical and radiological characteristics and surgical treatment of ACS in light of the literature through four patients operated in our clinic.
An Unusual Retinal Vessel Modification in Patients Affected by JIA-Uveitis with a Follow-Up Longer Than 16 Years
Authors: Abbouda Alessandro , Abicca Irene , Bruschi Simone , Ricci Federico , Aloe Gianluca , Paroli Maria Pia
Published: January 2020

Purpose. To report unusual and rare clinical changes of retinal vessel pattern in a series of patients affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) uveitis with a follow-up longer than 16 years. Methods. A series of three patients with JIA-uveitis followed at the University of Rome “Sapienza” from 1998 to 2014 were reported. The retinal vessels were analyzed with fluorescein angiography using Heidelberg Retinal Angiogram-2 (HRA-2; Heidelberg Engineering GmBH, Dossenheim, Germany) and the Topcon TRC-50LX retinal camera (Topcon Europe, The Netherlands). A Spectralis Domain OCT (SD-OCT) (Spectralis Family Heidelberg, Germany) was performed to evaluate vessel anatomy. Results. Fundus photography showed sheathed vessels localized around the optic disc in every case. Angiography revealed a normal physiology of vessel walls and flow; no sheathing or leakage of dye was observed. SD-OCT demonstrated reflective vessel walls. Vessel lumen appeared patent, and the normal “hourglass configuration” was blurred, but identifiable. Conclusions. Vessel modifications observed in long-standing JIA-uveitis are not signs of vascular inflammation and are not associated to hypoperfusion. In these cases, ophthalmologists should avoid further invasive investigation and should consider introducing SD-OCT as a routine method to evaluate the vessel changes during the follow-up.
Virtual Line Shafting-Based Total-Amount Coordinated Control of Multi-Motor Traction Power
Authors: He Jing , Chen Xueyuan , Mao Songan , Zhang Changfan , Liu Jianhua
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates a virtual line shafting-based total-amount coordinated control method of multi-motor traction power to solve the traffic safety problem caused by train traction power loss. This method considers the total amount instead of the synchronous control amongst single motors in a multi-motor control system. Firstly, a block diagram of the proposed method is built. Secondly, on the basis of this diagram, an accurate system model with parameter perturbations is constructed. Thirdly, a virtual controller is designed to quickly adjust the output torque of the virtual motor and to realise a tracking control of the reference torque. A total-amount coordinated control strategy based on the integral sliding mode is also designed to keep the total traction power of the multi-motor system constant under uncertain and unknown disturbances. Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove the system stability. The simulation and experiment results verify the effectiveness of the virtual controller and the total-amount coordinated control strategy in guaranteeing system robustness under disturbances and parameter perturbations.
SiO2-TiO2 Films Supported on Ignimbrite by Spray Coating for the Photocatalytic Degradation of NOx Gas and Methyl Orange Dye
Authors: Florez Daily Maria Magdalena Gallegos , Ale Rivalino Benicio Guzman , Idme Albeniz Ferdinand Huaracallo , Alarcon Luis Antonio Lazo , Huallpa Edgar Apaza , Castro Yolanda , Apestegui Pierre Giovanny Ramos , Rodriguez Rodriguez Juan Martin
Published: January 2020

In this work, a SiO2-TiO2 coating, composed of different numbers of TiO2 and SiO2 layers, was fabricated by a spray-coating technique. The films were deposited onto ignimbrite rock and divided into two groups according to the number of SiO2 layers applied, 10 and 15 layers of SiO2 and 5 layers of TiO2 for each group. The morphology and chemical composition of the synthesized samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), which reveal the successful SiO2-TiO2 coating on ignimbrite. The photocatalytic activities of samples obtained were evaluated toward the decomposition of 3 ppm of methyl orange (MO). Finally, NOx gas degradation was studied. The obtained results evidenced that the SiO2 and TiO2 coating improved the photocatalytic activity of ignimbrite.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Procalcitonin Compared to C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin 6 in Recognizing Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infection: A Meta-Analytic Study
Authors: Lai Liying , Lai Yijie , Wang Hao , Peng Liang , Zhou Ning , Tian Yi , Jiang Yongfang , Gong Guozhong
Published: January 2020

Objective. Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GNBSIs), especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant species, have become a public health challenge. Procalcitonin (PCT) showed promising potential in early diagnosis of GNBSI; however, little was known about its performance under different clinical settings. We here systematically assessed the diagnostic accuracy of PCT in recognizing GNBSI and made direct comparisons with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Methods. PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 15th, 2019. Area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model was used for the investigation of heterogeneity and for comparisons between markers. Results. 25 studies incorporating 50933 suspected BSI episodes were included. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for PCT were 0.71 and 0.76, respectively. The overall AUC was 0.80. The lowest AUCs were found in patients with febrile neutropenia (0.69) and hematological malignancy (0.69). The highest AUC was found in groups using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (0.87). In direct comparisons, PCT showed better overall performance than CRP with the AUC being 0.85 (95% CI 0.81–0.87) for PCT and 0.78 (95% CI 0.74–0.81) for CRP, but the relative DORs varied with thresholds between PCT and CRP (p<0.001). No significant difference was found either in threshold (p=0.654) or in accuracy (p=0.480) between PCT and IL-6 in diagnosing GNBSI. Conclusions. PCT was helpful in recognizing GNBSI, but the test results should be interpreted carefully with knowledge of patients’ medical condition and should not serve as the only criterion for GNBSI. Further prospective studies are warranted for comparisons between different clinical settings.
Virgin Coconut Oil Supplementation Prevents Airway Hyperreactivity of Guinea Pigs with Chronic Allergic Lung Inflammation by Antioxidant Mechanism
Authors: Vasconcelos Luiz Henrique C. , Silva Maria da Conceição C. , Costa Alana C. , Oliveira Giuliana A. de , Souza Iara Leão Luna de , Righetti Renato F. , Queiroga Fernando R. , Cardoso Glêbia A. , Silva Alexandre S. , da Silva Patrícia M. , Vieira Giciane C. , Tibério Iolanda de F. L. C. , Madruga Marta S. , Cavalcante Fabiana de A. , da Silva Bagnólia A.
Published: January 2020

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by immune cell infiltrates, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and declining lung function. Thus, the possible effects of virgin coconut oil on a chronic allergic lung inflammation model were evaluated. Morphology of lung and airway tissue exhibited peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia, and smooth muscle thickening in guinea pigs submitted to ovalbumin sensitization, which were prevented by virgin coconut oil supplementation. Additionally, in animals with lung inflammation, trachea contracted in response to ovalbumin administration, showed a greater contractile response to carbachol (CCh) and histamine, and these responses were prevented by the virgin coconut oil supplementation. Apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, did not reduce the potency of CCh, whereas tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, reduced potency only in nonsensitized animals. Catalase reduced the CCh potency in nonsensitized animals and animals sensitized and treated with coconut oil, indicating the participation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in the hypercontractility, which was prevented by virgin coconut oil. In the presence of L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, the CCh curve remained unchanged in nonsensitized animals but had increased efficacy and potency in sensitized animals, indicating an inhibition of endothelial NOS but ineffective in inhibiting inducible NOS. In animals sensitized and treated with coconut oil, the CCh curve was not altered, indicating a reduction in the release of NO by inducible NOS. These data were confirmed by peribronchiolar expression analysis of iNOS. The antioxidant capacity was reduced in the lungs of animals with chronic allergic lung inflammation, which was reversed by the coconut oil, and confirmed by analysis of peribronchiolar 8-iso-PGF2α content. Therefore, the virgin coconut oil supplementation reverses peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia, smooth muscle thickening, and hypercontractility through oxidative stress and its interactions with the NO pathway.
A Deep Learning-Aided Detection Method for FTN-Based NOMA
Authors: Pan Jianxiong , Ye Neng , Wang Aihua , Li Xiangming
Published: January 2020

The rapid booming of future smart city applications and Internet of things (IoT) has raised higher demands on the next-generation radio access technologies with respect to connection density, spectral efficiency (SE), transmission accuracy, and detection latency. Recently, faster-than-Nyquist (FTN) and nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) have been regarded as promising technologies to achieve higher SE and massive connections, respectively. In this paper, we aim to exploit the joint benefits of FTN and NOMA by superimposing multiple FTN-based transmission signals on the same physical recourses. Considering the complicated intra- and interuser interferences introduced by the proposed transmission scheme, the conventional detection methods suffer from high computational complexity. To this end, we develop a novel sliding-window detection method by incorporating the state-of-the-art deep learning (DL) technology. The data-driven offline training is first applied to derive a near-optimal receiver for FTN-based NOMA, which is deployed online to achieve high detection accuracy as well as low latency. Monte Carlo simulation results validate that the proposed detector achieves higher detection accuracy than minimum mean squared error-frequency domain equalization (MMSE-FDE) and can even approach the performance of the maximum likelihood-based receiver with greatly reduced computational complexity, which is suitable for IoT applications in smart city with low latency and high reliability requirements.
Pretransplant Donor-Specific Anti-HLA Antibodies and the Risk for Rejection-Related Graft Failure of Kidney Allografts
Authors: Betjes Michiel G. H. , Sablik Kasia S. , Otten Henny G. , Roelen Dave L. , Claas Frans H. , de Weerd Annelies
Published: January 2020

Background. The presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) against HLA before kidney transplantation has been variably associated with decreased long-term graft survival. Data on the relation of pretransplant DSA with rejection and cause of graft failure in recipients of donor kidneys are scarce. Methods. Patients transplanted between 1995 and 2005 were included and followed until 2016. Donor-specific antibodies before transplantation were determined retrospectively. For cause, renal transplant biopsies were reviewed. Results. Pretransplant DSAs were found in 160 cases on a total of 734 transplantations (21.8%). In 80.5% of graft failures, a diagnostic renal biopsy was performed. The presence of pretransplant DSA (DSApos) increased the risk of graft failure within the first 3 months after transplantation (5.2% vs. 9.4%) because of rejection with intragraft thrombosis (p<0.01). One year after transplantation, DSApos recipients had an increased hazard for antibody-mediated rejection at 10 years (9% DSAneg vs. 15% DSApos, p=0.01) with significant decreased graft survival at 10 years (79% DSAneg vs. 69% DSApos, p=0.02). This could largely contribute to an increased graft loss because of antibody-mediated rejection in the DSApos group. The incidence and graft loss because of T cell-mediated rejection was not affected by the presence of pretransplant DSA. Conclusions. Pretransplant DSAs are a risk factor for early graft loss and increase the incidence for humoral rejection and graft loss but do not affect the risk for T cell-mediated rejection.
Positive Emotions from Brain Injury: The Emergence of Mirth and Happiness
Authors: Mendez Mario F. , Parand Leila
Published: January 2020

Brain injury can result in an increase in positive emotions. We describe a 63-year-old man who presented with a prominent personality change after a gunshot wound to the head. He became “content,” light-hearted, and prone to joking and punning. Prior to his brain injury, he suffered from frequent depression and suicidal ideation, which subsequently resolved. Examination showed a large right calvarial defect and right facial weakness, along with memory impairment and variable executive functions. Further testing was notable for excellent performance on joke comprehension, good facial emotional recognition, adequate Theory of Mind, and elevated happiness. Neuroimaging revealed loss of much of the right frontal and right anterior lobes and left orbitofrontal injury. This patient, and the literature, suggests that frontal predominant injury can facilitate the emergence of mirth along with a sense of increased happiness possibly from disinhibited activation of the subcortical reward/pleasure centers of the ventral striatal limbic area.
Laboratory Evaluation on Performance of Fiber‐Modified Asphalt Mixtures Containing High Percentage of RAP
Authors: Zhu Yuefeng , Li Yanwei , Si Chundi , Shi Xiaote , Qiao Yaning , Li Haoran
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the significant demand for sustainable paving materials has led to a rapid increase in the utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials. When RAP is mixed with virgin asphalt concrete, particularly when its percentage is high, performance of the binder and asphalt concrete can be adversely affected. For this reason, different types of additives need to be identified and evaluated beforehand to mitigate the adverse effects. In this study, different types of fiber materials were identified and selected as binder/mixture additives, including lignin fiber (LF), polyester fiber (PF), and basalt fiber (BF). Various samples of fiber‐modified binders and asphalt mixtures with different RAP contents (0%, 20%, and 40%) were prepared and were evaluated using two sets of laboratory testing: (i) dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were performed to study the rheological properties of fiber‐modified binders; (ii) the wheel tracking test, bending creep test, moisture susceptibility test, fatigue test, and self‐healing fatigue test were conducted to characterize the laboratory properties of fiber‐modified RAP mixtures. Test results for the modified binders show that the BF‐modified binder has the greatest positive effect on the high‐temperature performance of the asphalt binder, followed by PF‐ and LF‐modified binders. However, the virgin asphalt shows the best low‐temperature property than the fiber‐modified asphalt binder. Test results for the whole RAP mixtures show that all fibers have a significant effect on the properties (including high‐ and low‐temperature stability, moisture susceptibility, fatigue, and self‐healing ability) of RAP mixtures. Among them, adding BF shows the greatest improvement in high‐temperature stability, fatigue resistance, and self‐healing ability of RAP mixtures. LF is found to significantly enhance low‐temperature properties, and PF can greatly improve the resistance to moisture damage of RAP mixtures. For high percentage of RAP using on sites, adding multiple additives may further enhance its durability.
Physicochemical, Rheological, and Morphological Characteristics of Products from Traditional and Extrusion Nixtamalization Processes and Their Relation to Starch
Authors: Enríquez-Castro Carlos Martín , Torres-Chávez Patricia Isabel , Ramírez-Wong Benjamín , Quintero-Ramos Armando , Ledesma-Osuna Ana Irene , López-Cervantes Jaime , Gerardo-Rodríguez Jesús Enrique
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical, rheological, and morphological characteristics of corn, nixtamalized flour, masa, and tortillas from the traditional nixtamalization process (TNP) and the extrusion nixtamalization process (ENP) and their relationship with starch. The traditional and extrusion processes were carried out using the same variety of corn. From both processes, samples of ground corn, nixtamalized flour, masa, and tortillas were obtained. The extrusion process produced corn flour with particle sizes smaller (particle size index, PSI = 51) than that of flour produced by the traditional nixtamalization process (PSI = 44). Masa from the TNP showed higher modulus of elasticity (G′) and viscosity (G″) values than that off masa from the ENP. Furthermore, in a temperature sweep test, masa from the TNP showed a peak inG′andG″, while the masa from the ENP did not display these peaks. The ENP-produced tortillas had higher resistant starch contents and comparable firmness and rollability to those from the TNP but lower quality parameter values. A comparison of the products’ physicochemical properties obtained by the two processes shows the importance of controlling the damage to starch during the milling and extrusion processes to obtain tortillas of better quality. For the first time, we propose the measurement of the viscoelastic parametersG′andG″in temperature sweep mode to monitor changes in the degree of starch damage.
Arabic Sentiment Analysis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ghallab Abdullatif , Mohsen Abdulqader , Ali Yousef
Published: January 2020

With the recently grown attention from different research communities for opinion mining, there is an evolving body of work on Arabic Sentiment Analysis (ASA). This paper introduces a systematic review of the existing literature relevant to ASA. The main goals of the review are to support research, to propose further areas for future studies in ASA, and to smoothen the progress of other researchers’ search for related studies. The findings of the review propose a taxonomy for sentiment classification methods. Furthermore, the limitations of existing approaches are highlighted in the preprocessing step, feature generation, and sentiment classification methods. Some likely trends for future research with ASA are suggested in both practical and theoretical aspects.
Macrophage-Based Therapies for Atherosclerosis Management
Authors: Peng Renyi , Ji Hao , Jin Libo , Lin Sue , Huang Yijiang , Xu Ke , Yang Qinsi , Sun Da , Wu Wei
Published: January 2020

Atherosclerosis (AS), a typical chronic inflammatory vascular disease, is the main pathological basis of ischemic cardio/cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Long-term administration was characterized with low efficacy and serious side effects, while the macrophages with attractive intrinsic homing target have great potential in the efficient and safe management of AS. In this review, we focused on the systematical summary of the macrophage-based therapies in AS management, including macrophage autophagy, polarization, targeted delivery, microenvironment-triggered drug release, and macrophage- or macrophage membrane-based drug carrier. In conclusion, macrophage-based therapies have great promise to effectively manage AS in future research and clinic translation.
Postantique Soils as a Source of Land Use Information: A Case Study of an Ancient Greek Agricultural Area on the Northern Black Sea Coast
Authors: Lisetskii Fedor , Stolba Vladimir , Golyeva Aleksandra , Marinina Olga , Poletaev Arseniy
Published: January 2020

As an effect of intensive agricultural development of the steppes of the northern Black Sea coast, the finds of postantique agricultural landscapes that preserve relic elements of ancient land-use infrastructure are extremely rare. To these belongs the uniquely preserved ancient Greek land division system on the Tarkhankut Peninsula (north-western Crimea), which was studied using the methods of soil science and biomorphic analysis. This paper explores ancient land-use practices in order to reconstruct the original parameters of the land division system, as well as agricultural techniques employed. For postantique agricultural landscapes, an integrated geoarchaeological approach that includes GIS and remote sensing methodologies, in-field study of microrelief and soil registrograms, pedochronological dating technique, and physicochemical, geochemical, and biomorphic soil analyses has been developed and tested. The soil-geomorphological reconstruction shows that the Hellenistic land division system included a 4.5–4.9 m wide strip of land bordered by a 4.1–4.7 m wide (at the base) and c. 0.2 m high wall and a c. 2 m wide and over 15 cm deep trench, which controlled surface runoff and erosion. Ancient agricultural practices of slope farming resembled the modern ones. Surface runoff and soil erosion were controlled by dividing the catchment area into narrow plots, the borders of which on arable land were marked by simple earthen structures (low walls with shallow trenches). The biomorphic analysis of soil sampled atop these structures indicates that in ancient times, these earthen walls were not cultivated. The study of conservative properties preserved in pedomemory of postagrogenic soils provided valuable evidence of agricultural techniques used in the palaeogeographic conditions of the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
A Similarity Comparison Method of Homologous Fault Response Fragments under Variable Rotational Speed
Authors: He Zhiyang , Cheng Weidong , Wen Weigang
Published: January 2020

Effective fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) for rotating machinery is always a focus issue in improving the prognostic and health management (PHM) of the equipments. The existing usage of similarity measurement has been widely spread in searching the homologous fault responses from vibration signals, but most of them are just suitable for stable speed and cannot be applied in all variable speed conditions. In order to improve measurement performance, a fast-meshed phase portrait (FMPP) frame combining the phase-space technique and box-scoring calculation is proposed. Firstly, the variable-speed signal is divided into multiple undetermined fragments according to fault characteristic orders (FCOs). Secondly, the undetermined fragments are reconstructed into corresponding phase-space trajectories to overcome the time-delay matching inconsistency of the variable speed fragments. Thirdly, the phase-space trajectories are mapped into meshed phase portraits via box-scoring calculation. Such decisive calculation can effectively transforms the diverse unequal fragments into the phase diagrams with same size, which saves time for the subsequent similarity measurement. Finally, the proposed FMPP is tested both for accuracy and timeliness on a self-built bearing bench, where the order tracking (OT) and dynamic time warping (DTW) methods are used for the comparisons. The experiments proved the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Mosquito Repellent Activity of the Active Component of Air Freshener Gel from Java Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon winterianus)
Authors: Eden Willy Tirza , Alighiri Dante , Supardi Kasmadi Imam , Cahyono Edy
Published: January 2020

This study examines the active component of Cymbopogon winterianus (Java citronella) oil, as a green mosquito repellent, obtained through a steam distillation method. Java citronella oil, which contains citronellol, citronellal, and geraniol, was isolated by batch vacuum fractional distillation, and their effect was tested against the dengue fever (DF) vector, known as Aedes aegypti. Furthermore, air freshener gels were formulated with Java citronella oil, carrageenan, gum, sodium benzoate, ethylene glycol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, and distilled water, at varying concentrations. The results show that formula I has the best controlled release evaporation for citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, as well as the best storage time of 16.82 days and 12.77 days for geraniol and citronellol, respectively. The most significant specific gravity (0.0136) was recorded in formula V, while gel formula I exhibited the highest level of instability at 35°C, with a syneresis value of 77.11% in t=72 h and pH 5.33. In addition, formula IV at 5°C demonstrated the highest syneresis (75.34%) in t=72 h, with pH 7.04, while a peak viscosity of 100,958 cP was recorded in formula IV. The repellent activity of each active component was measured based on the period of protection conferred against the bites of Aedes aegypti within one hour, and the results showed geraniol and citronellol, with respective activity of 78.00%±4.83 and 77.34%±3.57, as the most effective.
Evaluating the Impact of Blast‐Induced Damage on the Rock Load Supported by Liner in Construction of a Deep Shaft: A Case Study of Ventilation Shaft of Micangshan Road Tunnel Project
Authors: Fang Yong , Yao Zhigang , Walton Gabriel , Zhou Jian , Xu Wanghao , Zheng Yuchao
Published: January 2020

The rock load acting on the lining of an underground excavation is influenced by multiple factors, including rock type, rock mass condition, depth, and construction method. This study focuses on quantifying the magnitude and distribution of the radial loads on the lining of a deep shaft constructed in hard rock by the so‐called short-step method. The blasting‐induced damage zone (BDZ) around the shaft was characterized using ultrasonic testing and incorporated into the convergence‐confinement method (CCM) and 3D numerical analyses to assess the impact of BDZ on rock loading against the liner. The results show that excavation blasting of shafts is an important controlling factor for the degradation of the rock mass, while the orientation and magnitude of the principal stress had a minimal influence on the distribution of blast‐induced damage. The analysis shows that increasing the depth of blast damage in the walls can increase the loads acting on the lining, and the shear loads acting on the liner could be significant for shafts sunk by the short‐step method in an area with anisotropic in situ stresses.
Endothelin-1 Downregulates Sulfur Dioxide/Aspartate Aminotransferase Pathway via Reactive Oxygen Species to Promote the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Tian Xiaoyu , Zhang Qingyou , Huang Yaqian , Chen Selena , Tang Chaoshu , Sun Yan , Du Junbao , Jin Hongfang
Published: January 2020

The regulatory mechanisms for proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells have not yet been clear. The present study was designed to investigate whether and how endothelin-1 (ET-1) impacted the generation of endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2) in rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration. Primary VSMCs and purified aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) protein were used in this study. We found that in the presence of ET-1, the expression of PCNA and Ki-67 was upregulated and the migration of VSMCs was promoted, while the AAT activity and SO2levels in VSMCs were reduced without any changes in AAT1 and AAT2 expression. SO2supplementation successfully prevented the ET-1-facilitated expression of PCNA and Ki-67 and the migration of VSMCs. Interestingly, ET-1 significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in association with SO2/AAT pathway downregulation in VSMCs compared with controls, while the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) significantly abolished the ET-1-stimulated downregulation of the SO2/AAT pathway. Moreover, the AAT activity was reduced in purified protein after the treatment for 2 h. However, NAC and GSH blocked the hydrogen peroxide-induced AAT activity reduction. In conclusion, our results suggest that ET-1 results in the downregulation of the endogenous SO2/AAT pathway via ROS generation to enhance the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.
Peripheral Arterial Disease and Its Associated Factors among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Akalu Yonas , Birhan Ambaye
Published: January 2020

Background. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), one of the major macrovascular complications of diabetes, is associated with cardiovascular mortality and a high rate of disability following the amputation of an extremity in diabetes patients. However, there is no data on the prevalence of PAD among type 2 diabetes patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study is aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of PAD among type 2 diabetes patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from February 1 to August 30, 2019. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The presence of stenosis and its grading were determined by color Doppler ultrasonography. Data were entered using EpiData-V.4.6 and analyzed by STATA-14. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors of peripheral arterial disease. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and its confidence interval were estimated for potential predictors included in the final model. P≤0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results. The mean age of the study participants was 61.2±7.3 years. One hundred seventy-two (61.4%) patients were males. The prevalence of PAD in this study was 30.7% (95% CI (25.3-36.2%)). Of these, 37 (43%) were symptomatic. Age (AOR=1.09, 95% CI (1.03-1.16)), higher HbA1c (AOR=1.97, 95% CI (1.03-3.40)), being an ex-smoker (AOR=4.68, 95% CI (1.93-11.30)), and current cigarette smoking (AOR=5.84, 95% CI (1.79-19.04)) were significantly associated with PAD. Conclusion. The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease among type 2 diabetes patients was high. Increasing age, high HbA1c, and being cigarette smokers increase the likelihood of developing peripheral arterial disease. Clinicians should prevent PAD; screen T2DM patients who are aged, with high HbA1c, and cigarette smokers; and treat them timely.