bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESULTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENHANCED RECOVERY PROGRAM IN COLOPROCTOLOGY
Authors: Achkasov S. I. , Surovegin E. S. , Sushkov O. I. , Lukashevych I. V. , Savushkin A. V.
Published: June 2019

AIM. Evaluation of the results of the implementation of ERP in practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two consecutive series of patients were analyzed. The first cohort was recruited in 2013-2015 (n=124), the second - in 2015-2017 (n=152). Patients were randomized into groups with traditional management and ERP. The postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS) and program adherence were estimated. RESULTS. There was no difference in complication rate in first and second series, and between groups. The postoperative length of stay in the first cohort of patients with ERP was 4.7±0.1, in the second - 5.8±0.2 days (p=0.0003). Age and comorbidity rate did not affect the outcomes of treatment. The factor associated with doctor was significant in terms of discharge. The postoperative LOSin patients with traditional management decreased from 9±0,6 to 7,8±0,3 (p=0,046) with implementation of ERP. CONCLUSION. ERP reduces the postoperative length of stay and does not affect the postoperative complications. This Protocol is doctor-dependent. The implementation of ERP improves the results of treatment for all patients in the clinic.
ADDISON-BIERMER DISEASE IN THE STRUCTURE OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSISCROHN DISEASE (clinical observation)
Authors: Achkasov S. I. , Sushkov O. I. , Khudyakova K. A. , Likutov A. A. , Vardanyan A. V.
Published: June 2019

The paper describes a clinical case in which the diagnosis of colon Crohn’s disease has been changed to Addison - Biermer’s Disease. Detailed differential diagnosis of these diseases is presented.
EFFECTIVE BOWEL CLEANSING FOR COLONOSCOPY: PICOPREP USE
Authors: Pozdeev I. V. , Belyayev M. V. , Shengeliya E. I. , Parfenyuk A. V.
Published: June 2019

AIM: to evaluate efficacy of PICOPREP (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and citric acid) for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy compared to LAVAKOL (polyethylene glycol, sodium sulfate anhydrous, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride) and FLEET PHOSPHATE (sodium phosphates mixed). MATERIALS AND METHODS: a randomized single center study included 365 patients. LAVAKOL group included 320 pts, PHOSPHATE-SODA group -165 and PIKOPREP - 150. Evaluation criteria included laboratory data, organoleptic features of the drug, subjective perception of the drug by patients and the quality of bowel cleansing. RESULTS: minimal laboratory changes occurred only in FLEET PHOSPHATE group. PICOPREP was the most comfortable by organoleptic features. There was no significant difference in the quality of bowel cleansing between groups. CONCLUSION: PICOPREP is comparable by efficacy to other agents for the bowel cleansing, however it is better by organoleptic features and is safer than on sodium phosphate.
DOES LESION SITE AFFECTS OUTCOMES OF ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR COLON NEOPLASIA?
Authors: Mtvralashvili D. A. , Likutov A. A. , Veselov V. V. , Maynovskaya O. A. , Kashnikov V. N. , Khomyakov E. A. , Chernyshov S. V.
Published: June 2019

AIM: to assess results of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for colon neoplasms due to lesion site.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred thirteen patients (66 females, aged 65,7±11,0 years) with colon neoplasms which underwent ESD for one year (January 2017 – January 2018) were included in the study. All patients were divided in two groups depending on lesion site. The first group included patients with lesions in caecum, ascending colon and proximal third of tranverse colon, the second group – other colon parts and intraperitoneal part of the rectum. All patients underwent preoperative tests including colonoscopy, gastroscopy and transabdominal ultrasound. ESD included lesion marking, injection, circular incision and dissection. The results obtained were analyzed statistically using Graph Pad 7 for Mac. RESULTS: the 1st group included 61 (54.0%) patients and the 2nd – 52 (46.0%). Laterally spreading tumors (LST) were detected more often in the 1st group (56 patients of the 1st group vs 38 – in the 2nd, p=0.03). The lesion size in the 1st group was 31±13 (7-80) mm and 29±11 (8-76) in the 2nd one (p=0.3). Conversion from ESD to resection occurred in 9 (8.0%) patients, in 5 patients of the 1st group and in 4 – the 2nd one (p=1.0). The only reason for conversion was unfavorable lesion lifting (≤2 mm).

Most of the lesions were removed en bloc, specimen fragmentation after ESD occurred in 10 (9.6%) patients: in 5 (9.0%) in the 1st group and in 5 (10.4%) in the 2nd (р=1.0). Intraoperative complications during ESD in the 1st group occurred in 2 (3.5%) cases and in 2 (4.1%) – in the 2nd (р=1.0). Postoperative complications were detected in 2 (1.9%) patients. Histopathology showed adenocarcinoma in 9 (8.0%) patients. Two (1.7%) patients produced local recurrence. CONCLUSION: ESD is a safe method removal of colon ademonas. The intra- and postoperative complications rate is 3.5% and 1.9% for the 1st and the 2nd group. Local recurrences occurred in 2,04%. Unfavorable lesion lifting (≤2 mm) in right colon is a risk factor for specimen fragmentation or conversion.
MULTIMODAL DIAGNOSTICS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ABNORMALITIES OF COLON DEVELOPMENT AND FIXATION IN ADULTS
Authors: Muminov F. B. , Kakharov M. A. , Juraev H. A.
Published: June 2019

AIM: to improve treatment results of adults with colon malformations and fixation abnormalities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: retrospective observational study included 157 adults with colon malformations and fixation abnormalities.

RESULT: bioelectric excitability in colon malformations and fixation anomalies is typical due to stage of the disease and localization. It was found that disease progress is followed by the inhibition of bio-potentials and intestinal wall atrophy and atony. Sixty-nine (43.9%) patients had the compensated constipation. In 88 (56.1%) patients with sub- and decompensation have met indications for surgery. Seventy-two (45.9%) of them underwent surgery by open and laparoscopic approach. The type of the procedure depended on the type of abnormality. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 (6.9%) patients with mortality rate 1.4%. Better quality of life was detected in operated patients than of those, who refused surgery.

CONCLUSION: multimodal diagnostics with precise evaluation of the motor-evacuation function of the colon in patients with colon malformations and fixation abnormalities, assessment of conservative treatment, the determination of the type of surgery allows to improve functional results and quality of life.
Impact of Thiamethoxam in Papaya Cultivation (Carica papaya Linnaeus) in Rotation with Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Crops
Authors: Juan Valente Megchún-García , María del Refugio Castañeda-Chávez , Daniel Arturo Rodríguez-Lagunes , Joaquín Murguía-González , Fabiola Lango-Reynoso , Otto Raúl Leyva-Ovalle
Published: June 2019

Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid with systemic and contact action, used in Mexico for the care of different traditional fruit crops, mainly in the cultivation of papaya. Soils of agroecosystems with papaya in the Gulf of Mexico area, the main producers of this fruit, are currently characterized as 45% of the producers organize papaya cultivation in rotation with watermelon at different sowing dates. The objective of this study was to determine the presence and concentration of thiamethoxam in soil and water during the rotation of papaya crop with watermelon culture in the central zone of Veracruz, Mexico. An analysis was carried out to know the management of thiamethoxam in different types of soil and in the region; and in an experimental plot. Soil and water samples were taken at different stages during the rotation of both crops. Those samples were taken systemically, starting with the watermelon culture cycle and then, during the phenological stages in the papaya crop cycle. Soil and water samples were analyzed using HPLC-UV equipment for its determination. The design was random blocks with six repetitions and the software used for data analysis was the Statistica 2007 program. Thiamethoxam was concentrated in amounts of ≥0.40 mg/L in 79% of the samples in water and ≥0.55 mg/kg in 75% of the samples in soil. The highest values of thiamethoxam in soil were in the stage of watermelon culture with 0.4 mg/kg and in the soil preparation of the papaya crop with concentrations of 0.8 mg/kg. Whereas irrigation water from the watermelon cultivation and the soil preparation for the papaya showed concentrations of 0.5 and 0.7 mg/L, respectively. The presence of thiamethoxam was identified in 100% of the samples analyzed in the stage of preparation of soil and water of the cultivation area, concluding a possible risk of residuality of thiamethoxam in fruits that exceed the maximum limits of tolerance established by the EPA, EFSA and FAO.
UV-B Exposure of Black Carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens) Plants Promotes Growth, Accumulation of Anthocyanin, and Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Müller Renate , Acosta-Motos José R. , Großkinsky Dominik K. , Hernández José A. , Lütken Henrik , Barba-Espin Gregorio
Published: June 2019

Black carrot (Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus var. atroburens) is a root vegetable with anthocyanins as major phenolic compounds. The accumulation of phenolic compounds is a common response to UV-B exposure, acting as protective compounds and as antioxidants. In the present study, black carrot plants grown under a 12-h photoperiod were supplemented with UV-B radiation (21.6 kj m−2 day−1) during the last two weeks of growth. Carrot taproots and tops were harvested separately, and the effect of the UV-B irradiance was evaluated in terms of size (biomass and length), total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMC), total phenolic content (TPC), and phytohormones levels. The results showed that UV-B irradiance promoted plant growth, as shown by the elevated root (30%) and top (24%) biomass, the increased TMC and TPC in the root (over 10%), and the increased TPC of the top (9%). A hormone analysis revealed that, in response to UV-B irradiance, the levels of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) decreased in tops while the level of the cytokinins cis-zeatin (cZ) and trans-zeatinriboside (tZR) increased in roots, which correlated with an amplified growth and the accumulation of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds. Beyond the practical implications that this work may have, it contributes to the understanding of UV-B responses in black carrot.
Remote Identification of Sheep with Flystrike Using Behavioural Observations
Authors: Grant Emily P. , Wickham Sarah L. , Anderson Fiona , Barnes Anne L. , Fleming Patricia A. , Miller David W.
Published: June 2019

Flystrike is a major problem affecting sheep in Australia. Identification of ‘flystruck’ individuals is crucial for treatment; but requires labour-intensive physical examination. As the industry moves toward more low-input systems; there is a need for remote methods to identify flystruck individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour of sheep with breech flystrike within a paddock setting. Video footage of sixteen Merino sheep; eight later confirmed with flystrike and eight without; was collected as they moved freely within the paddock with conspecifics. Quantitative behavioural measurements and a qualitative behavioural assessment (QBA) were conducted and compared to their breech conditions (i.e., faecal/urine staining; flystrike severity). Both qualitative and quantitative assessments indicated behavioural differences between flystruck and non-flystruck animals. Flystruck sheep had a behavioural profile characterised by restless behaviour; abnormal postures and reduced grazing time (p < 0.05). Furthermore; flystruck sheep were scored to have a more ‘exhausted/irritated’ demeanour using QBA (p < 0.05). The behavioural responses also corresponded to the flystrike severity scores and condition of the breech area. We conclude that remotely assessed behaviour of flystruck sheep diverges markedly from non-flystruck sheep; and thus could be a low-input method for identifying and treating affected animals.
Effects of Grazing on the Behaviour, Oxidative and Immune Status, and Production of Organic Dairy Cows
Authors: Di Grigoli Antonino , Di Trana Adriana , Alabiso Marco , Maniaci Giuseppe , Giorgio Daniela , Bonanno Adriana
Published: June 2019

This study compared the effects of a short daily grazing time with those of permanent free-stall housing on the behaviour, oxidative status, immune response, and milk production of organically reared cows. During a 63-day period, two homogeneous groups of eight lactating Brown cows were allocated to either housing (H) in a free-stall building for 24 h/day. Feeding was based on a total mixed ration or grazing (G) on barley grass for 5 h/day, and housing in a free-stall structure with feeding was based on the same total mixed ration offered to the H group. With regard to behaviour, H cows spent more time idling, walking, drinking, and self-grooming, whereas G cows showed a greater intent to eat and interact socially. Moreover, G cows exhibited slightly higher reactive oxygen metabolites and similar biological antioxidant potential concentrations than the H group, which indicates that short grazing resulted in an almost negligible increase in oxidative stress and an unchanged antioxidant capacity. Skin tests, performed by injecting phytohemoagglutinin intradermally, indicated that G cows had thicker skin than H cows at the end of the trial, an index of a better cell-mediated immune response. Grazing did not affect milk yield but improved milk quality in terms of an increase in fat and a reduction in urea content, somatic cell count, and total microbial count. Milk from G cows was richer in saturated fatty acids, likely because of the contribution of palmitic acid present in the grazed barley grass, and also showed higher contents of some healthy fatty acids, such as rumenic acid and α-linolenic acid, and a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio. These results show that including a short grazing time in the diets of organic dairy cows does not have negative consequences for milk production and contributes to improved milk quality as well as to a more efficient immune response in the cows.
Targeting Heme Oxygenase-1 in Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease
Authors: Drummond Heather A. , Mitchell Zachary L. , Abraham Nader G. , Stec David E.
Published: June 2019

Heme oxygenase (HO) plays an important role in the cardiovascular system. It is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes in all organs of the cardiovascular system. From the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow to the adaptive response to end-organ injury, HO plays a critical role in the ability of the cardiovascular system to respond and adapt to changes in homeostasis. There have been great advances in our understanding of the role of HO in the regulation of blood pressure and target organ injury in the last decade. Results from these studies demonstrate that targeting of the HO system could provide novel therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of several cardiovascular and renal diseases. The goal of this review is to highlight the important role of HO in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function and protection from disease and to highlight areas in which targeting of the HO system needs to be translated to help benefit patient populations.
The Effect of Grain Size on the Hydrodynamics of Mudflow Surge from a Tailings Dam-Break
Authors: Jing Xiaofei , Chen Yulong , Xie Dan , Williams David J. , Wu Shangwei , Wang Wensong , Yin Tianwei
Published: June 2019

Due to the differences in mineral processing techniques, the grain-size of tailings used in the construction of a tailings pond is not commensurate. It has been determined that the hydrodynamic characteristics of mudflow resulting from the failure of tailings dams are directly influenced by grain-size, solids concentration, and the surface roughness of gully and impoundment geometry. However, the behavior and influence of the grain size of mudflow resulting from a tailings dam failure have not been sufficiently examined. To investigate the effect of grain size on the hydrodynamic characteristics of mudflow surging from tailings dam failure, the law of mudflow evolution, the change of dynamics pressure, and the velocity distributions of mudflow have been obtained via a series of flume experiments utilizing three types of grain size tailings (d50 = 0.72 mm; d50 = 0.26 mm; d50 = 0.08 mm, respectively). This study proves conclusively that with an increase in grain size, the peak value of mudflow depth notably decreases in the same section. Furthermore, it has been noted that both the velocity and the dynamic pressure raise significantly, wherein the velocity displays two distinct primary stages; namely a rapid reduction stage and a slow reduction stage. This research provides a framework for the exploration of the effect of grain size on the hydrodynamics of slurry surging from a tailings dam failure, and all presented results provide an indispensable tool in terms of the accurate assessment of potential damage in the case of a prospective impoundment failure.
Model-Based 3D Pose Estimation of a Single RGB Image Using a Deep Viewpoint Classification Neural Network
Authors: Su Jui-Yuan , Cheng Shyi-Chyi , Chang Chin-Chun , Chen Jing-Ming
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a model-based approach for 3D pose estimation of a single RGB image to keep the 3D scene model up-to-date using a low-cost camera. A prelearned image model of the target scene is first reconstructed using a training RGB-D video. Next, the model is analyzed using the proposed multiple principal analysis to label the viewpoint class of each training RGB image and construct a training dataset for training a deep learning viewpoint classification neural network (DVCNN). For all training images in a viewpoint class, the DVCNN estimates their membership probabilities and defines the template of the class as the one of the highest probability. To achieve the goal of scene reconstruction in a 3D space using a camera, using the information of templates, a pose estimation algorithm follows to estimate the pose parameters and depth map of a single RGB image captured by navigating the camera to a specific viewpoint. Obviously, the pose estimation algorithm is the key to success for updating the status of the 3D scene. To compare with conventional pose estimation algorithms which use sparse features for pose estimation, our approach enhances the quality of reconstructing the 3D scene point cloud using the template-to-frame registration. Finally, we verify the ability of the established reconstruction system on publicly available benchmark datasets and compare it with the state-of-the-art pose estimation algorithms. The results indicate that our approach outperforms the compared methods in terms of the accuracy of pose estimation.
Full-scale Studies of Improving Energy Performance by Renovating Historic Swedish Timber Buildings with Hemp-lime
Authors: Strandberg-de Bruijn Paulien , Donarelli Anna , Balksten Kristin
Published: June 2019

With an increased focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy saving is of great importance in all sectors of society. EU directives set targets for member states to reduce energy use in buildings. Energy saving in historic buildings requires special measures, balancing energy-saving renovations against the preservation of heritage values. Traditional constructions are open to vapor diffusion and generally work differently from modern constructions. Modern materials in traditional constructions sometimes damages the original material as they are usually diffusion-tight. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hemp-lime could be used as an insulation material to improve the energy efficiency of historic timber building envelopes with a rendered façade in Sweden. The objective was to determine the actual energy savings for space heating. An additional objective was to determine the actual thermal transmittance and to study thermal buffering through in-situ measurements in a full-scale wall renovated with hemp-lime. Two full-scale wall sections were constructed at the Energy and Building Design laboratory at Lund University: A traditional post-and-plank wall with a lime render (80 mm), and a post-and-plank wall with a hemp-lime render (90 mm). Energy use for space heating was monitored continuously over a period of one year. The wall with a hemp-lime render required 33% less energy for space heating than the traditional post-and-plank wall with a lime render. This was accomplished without changing the framework, appearance or material in the render and without drastically changing the hygric properties of the façade. From the gathered data, the thermal transmittance (U-values) for both walls was calculated using two different methods, one based on material properties and the other based on energy use data. For both walls, thermal transmittance based on actual energy use data during the heating period was lower than what was expected from their material properties. This indicates that more material properties than thermal conductivity and material thickness need to be taken into account when performing energy use calculations. With hemp-lime, a renovation can be accomplished without damaging the timber structure and wooden slats, and it can be done with local traditional materials and building methods with no difference in appearance to a traditional lime render. This allows for heritage values to be preserved, while also allowing the building to comply with modern standards and with increased thermal comfort and reduced energy use.
Prioritization of Drugs for Fungal Keratitis Eye Infections: An In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Thambidurai Punitha , Raja Vinodhini , Ashokapuram Selvam Saranya , Kannaiyan Moorthy , Shanmugam Gnanendra
Published: June 2019

The fungal keratitis (FK) infections that cause cornea inflammations are more virulent than other bacterial keratitis infections and remain one of the most ethereal and challenging infections for ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat. Thus, the urgency in understanding the current perspectives of antifungal agents and their interactions with novel therapeutic targets and the identification of novel anti-fungal agents are at the frontline of studies in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, DNA dependent RNA polymerase was modelled and virtually screened against eight antifungal agents, and it was found that Itraconazole (−22.0427 kJ/mol), Ketoconazole (−20.2194 kJ/mol), and Voriconazole (−12.6388 kJ/mol) exhibited better binding interactions. further, the structural and electronic properties of Itraconazole calculated through density functional theory studies revealed the sites of chemical reactivity that are vital in the compounds for possible interactions with RNA polymerase (RNAP). Hence, this study explores the binding efficacies of various anti-fungal agents through docking studies and their chemical entities, which might pave a significant path for the design of novel anti-fungal agents against hyalohyphomycetes causing keratitis.
Development of High-Efficiency, High-Speed and High-Pressure Ambient Temperature Filling System Using Pulse Volume Measurement
Authors: Oh SeBu , Oh SeHoon , Min ByeongRo
Published: June 2019

Adjusting the filling pressure is essential to fit the final gas volume when charging a carbonated beverage with high pressure. However, in the previous mechanical carbonated ambient filling system, it was difficult to control and monitor the charging conditions such as pressure, temperature and flow rate. In this study, we have developed a high efficiency carbonated ambient filling system capable of high speed and high pressure filling, by using a pulse type electronic flow-meter. The response speed characteristics of the M(BC) and F(MH) series valves were investigated. LMS Imagine.Lab Amesim (Siemens PLM Software) was used to calculate the charging and discharging time of the system under a high CO2 gas pressure condition. The quantitative and precise charging system was implemented with the change of filling time and monitoring/controlling/correction of flow rate. Moreover, a dual controller of the high-speed pulse output was established and a high-speed data processing/flow rate charging algorithm was applied in the system. The filling variation of the system was in the range of ±3 gram(gr) (standard deviation 0.57). The developed system could be applied to improve the quality of goods and economic feasibility at various industrial sectors.
16th Sound and Music Computing Conference SMC 2019 (28–31 May 2019, Malaga, Spain)
Authors: Tardón Lorenzo J. , Barbancho Isabel , Barbancho Ana M. , Peinado Alberto , Serafin Stefania , Avanzini Federico
Published: June 2019

The 16th Sound and Music Computing Conference (SMC 2019) took place in Malaga, Spain, 28–31 May 2019 and it was organized by the Application of Information and Communication Technologies Research group (ATIC) of the University of Malaga (UMA). The SMC 2019 associated Summer School took place 25–28 May 2019. The First International Day of Women in Inclusive Engineering, Sound and Music Computing Research (WiSMC 2019) took place on 28 May 2019. The SMC 2019 TOPICS OF INTEREST included a wide selection of topics related to acoustics, psychoacoustics, music, technology for music, audio analysis, musicology, sonification, music games, machine learning, serious games, immersive audio, sound synthesis, etc.
Blind Image Quality Assessment Based on Multi-Window Method and HSV Color Space
Authors: Tang Yiling , Jiang Shunliang , Xu Shaoping , Liu Tingyun , Li Chongxi
Published: June 2019

To improve the evaluation accuracy of the distorted images with various distortion types, an effective blind image quality assessment (BIQA) algorithm based on the multi-window method and the HSV color space is proposed in this paper. We generate multiple normalized feature maps (NFMs) by using the multi-window method to better characterize image degradation from the receptive fields of different sizes. Specifically, the distribution statistics are first extracted from the multiple NFMs. Then, Pearson linear correlation coefficients between spatially adjacent pixels in the NFMs are utilized to quantify the structural changes of the distorted images. Weibull model is utilized to capture distribution statistics of the differential feature maps between the NFMs to more precisely describe the presence of the distortions. Moreover, the entropy and gradient statistics extracted from the HSV color space are employed as a complement to the gray-scale features. Finally, a support vector regressor is adopted to map the perceptual feature vector to image quality score. Experimental results on five benchmark databases demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves higher prediction accuracy and robustness against diverse synthetically and authentically distorted images than the state-of-the-art algorithms while maintaining low computational cost.
A High Resolution XUV Grating Monochromator for the Spectral Selection of Ultrashort Harmonic Pulses
Authors: Fabris Nicola , Miotti Paolo , Frassetto Fabio , Poletto Luca
Published: June 2019

A new monochromator with high spectral resolution in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) has been developed for high-order laser harmonics selection. The system has three optical elements—a cylindrical (or spherical) focusing mirror, a uniform-line-spaced plane grating, and a plane mirror. The last element is required to maintain the focus on a fixed vertical slit when the grating subtended angle is changed in order to minimize the spectral defocusing aberration. The parameters of the focusing mirror are determined to introduce a coma that compensates for the coma given by the grating. The possibility of using two interchangeable gratings made the set-up optimized for a broad energy range of 12–50 eV. As a design test case, the set-up has been applied to a selection of the discrete spectral lines emitted by a gas-discharge lamp as the XUV source, obtaining a resolving power E/ Δ E > 3000.
Discrete-Time Fractional Order Integral Sliding Mode Control of an Antagonistic Actuator Driven by Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Dao Quy-Thinh , Nguyen Manh-Linh , Yamamoto Shin-ichiroh
Published: June 2019

Recently, pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs), a lightweight and high-compliant actuator, have been increasingly used in assistive rehabilitation robots. PAM-based applications must overcome two inherent drawbacks. The first is the nonlinearity due to the compressibility of the air, and the second is the hysteresis due to its geometric construction. Because of these drawbacks, it is difficult to construct not only an accurate mathematical model but also a high-performance control scheme. In this paper, the discrete-time fractional order integral sliding mode control approach is investigated to deal with the drawbacks of PAMs. First, a discrete-time second order plus dead time mathematical model is chosen to approximate the characteristics of PAMs in the antagonistic configuration. Then, the fractional order integral sliding mode control approach is employed together with a disturbance observer to improve the trajectory tracking performance. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified in multi-scenario experiments using a physical actuator.
System for Evaluation and Compensation of Leg Length Discrepancy for Human Body Balancing
Authors: Vrhovski Zoran , Obrovac Karlo , Nižetić Josip , Mutka Alan , Klobučar Hrvoje , Bogdan Stjepan
Published: June 2019

Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD) causes a shift of the Center of Mass (CoM) of the human body, as well as an asymmetry in load distribution on the lower extremities. Existing LLD evaluation methods do not take into account this shift in the human body’s CoM. In this paper, a methodology and mechatronic system for the Evaluation and Compensation of LLD for Human Body Balancing are described. The human body’s CoM is measured with two force plates located on two parallel manipulators. Since persons with LLD experience a shift in their CoM, by raising the force plate that is under the shorter leg, the human body can be balanced. For this purpose, the Human Body Balancing Algorithm (HBBA) was proposed and developed. By running the HBBA, the height difference between the force plates under the left and right leg can be measured, which then represents the LLD evaluation. Based on this evaluation, it is possible to design and make a shoe insole which compensates the influence of LLD with the goal of equalizing the load on the legs. A virtual mathematical model of the system was created and the simulation results of the HBBA are presented. The mechatronic system, developed and used to conduct experiments and measurements, is described in detail.
Aerobic and Anaerobic Biological Degradation of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds in Rice Paddy Soils
Authors: Nazhakaiti Pahaerdin , Tsutsui Hirofumi , Urase Taro
Published: June 2019

One of the concerns against the use of sewage sludge for agricultural purposes is emerging contaminants contained in sewage sludge. Most of the studies on biological degradation of pharmaceutically active compounds in agricultural land were carried out with water-unsaturated soils under relatively aerobic conditions. In this study, the degradation of pharmaceuticals mainly including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was investigated in Asian rice paddy soils that are flooded in anaerobic condition. The experimental results showed that the concentrations of the target pharmaceuticals excluding the exception of naproxen were poorly decreased in anaerobic condition. On the other hand, the microbial communities of the soils contained the aerobic degraders of clofibric acid and diclofenac, which are generally persistent in biological wastewater treatment. The higher degradation rates in aerobic condition suggest the possibility of enhanced degradation of pharmaceuticals by supplying oxygen with plowing anaerobic rice fields or with drying the field in off-season for farming.
Application of Plasmid Engineering to Enhance Yield and Quality of Plasmid for Vaccine and Gene Therapy
Authors: Folarin Olusegun , Nesbeth Darren , Ward John M. , Keshavarz-Moore Eli
Published: June 2019

There is an increased interest in plasmid DNA as therapeutics. This is evident in the number of ongoing clinical trials involving the use of plasmid DNA. In order to be an effective therapeutic, high yield and high level of supercoiling are required. From the bioprocessing point of view, the supercoiling level potentially has an impact on the ease of downstream processing. We approached meeting these requirements through plasmid engineering. A 7.2 kb plasmid was developed by the insertion of a bacteriophage Mu strong gyrase-binding sequence (Mu-SGS) to a 6.8 kb pSVβ-Gal and it was used to transform four different E. coli strains, and cultured in order to investigate the Mu-SGS effect and dependence on strain. There was an increase of over 20% in the total plasmid yield with pSVβ-Gal398 in two of the strains. The supercoiled topoisomer content was increased by 5% in both strains leading to a 27% increase in the overall yield. The extent of supercoiling was examined using superhelical density (σ) quantification with pSVβ-Gal398 maintaining a superhelical density of −0.022, and pSVβ-Gal −0.019, in both strains. This study has shown that plasmid modification with the Mu-phage SGS sequence has a beneficial effect on improving not only the yield of total plasmid but also the supercoiled topoisomer content of therapeutic plasmid DNA during bioprocessing.
The Role of Wnt and R-spondin in the Stomach During Health and Disease
Authors: Fischer Anne-Sophie , Sigal Michael
Published: June 2019

The Wnt signaling pathway is one of the most prominent developmental signals. In addition to its functions in development, there is emerging evidence that it is also crucial for various organ functions in adult organisms, where Wnt signaling controls tissue stem cell behavior, proliferation and differentiation. Deregulation of Wnt signaling is involved in various pathological conditions and has been linked to malignant tissue transformation in different organ systems. The study of the Wnt signaling pathway has revealed a complex regulatory network that tightly balances the quality and strength of Wnt signaling in tissues. In this context, R-spondins are secreted proteins that stabilize Wnt receptors and enhance Wnt signaling. In this review we focus on new insights into the regulatory function of Wnt and R-spondin signaling in the stomach. In addition to its function in the healthy state, we highlight the connection between Wnt signaling and infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a pathogen that colonizes the stomach and is the main risk factor for gastric cancer. In addition to experimental data that link Wnt signaling to carcinogenesis, we discuss that Wnt signaling is affected in a substantial proportion of patients with gastric cancer, and provide examples for potential clinical implications for altered Wnt signaling in gastric cancer.
A New Strategy for Glioblastoma Treatment: In Vitro and In Vivo Preclinical Characterization of Si306, a Pyrazolo[3,4-d]Pyrimidine Dual Src/P-Glycoprotein Inhibitor
Authors: Fallacara Anna Lucia , Zamperini Claudio , Podolski-Renić Ana , Dinić Jelena , Stanković Tijana , Stepanović Marija , Mancini Arianna , Rango Enrico , Iovenitti Giulia , Molinari Alessio , Bugli Francesca , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Torelli Riccardo , Martini Maurizio , Maccari Laura , Valoti Massimo , Dreassi Elena , Botta Maurizio , Pešić Milica , Schenone Silvia
Published: June 2019

Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and other ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells is responsible for the reduction of intracellular drug accumulation, thus decreasing the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. P-gp is also found at endothelial cells’ membrane of the blood-brain barrier, where it limits drug delivery to central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We have previously developed a set of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines and their prodrugs as novel Src tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), showing a significant activity against CNS tumors in in vivo. Here we investigated the interaction of the most promising pair of drug/prodrug with P-gp at the cellular level. The tested compounds were found to increase the intracellular accumulation of Rho 123, and to enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel in P-gp overexpressing cells. Encouraging pharmacokinetics properties and tolerability in vivo were also observed. Our findings revealed a novel role of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines which may be useful for developing a new effective therapy in MDR cancer treatment, particularly against glioblastoma.
Developing Multicompartment Biopolymer Hydrogel Beads for Tandem Chemoenzymatic One-Pot Process
Authors: Pauly Jan , Gröger Harald , Patel Anant V.
Published: June 2019

Chemoenzymatic processes have been gaining interest to implement sustainable reaction steps or even create new synthetic routes. In this study, we combined Grubbs’ second-generation catalyst with pig liver esterase and conducted a chemoenzymatic one-pot process in a tandem mode. To address sustainability, we encapsulated the catalysts in biopolymer hydrogel beads and conducted the reaction cascade in an aqueous medium. Unfortunately, conducting the process in tandem led to increased side product formation. We then created core-shell beads with catalysts located in different compartments, which notably enhanced the selectivity towards the desired product compared to homogeneously distributing both catalysts within the matrix. Finally, we designed a specific large-sized bead with a diameter of 13.5 mm to increase the diffusion route of the Grubbs’ catalyst-containing shell. This design forced the ring-closing metathesis to occur first before the substrate could diffuse into the pig liver esterase-containing core, thus enhancing the selectivity to 75%. This study contributes to addressing reaction-related issues by designing specific immobilisates for chemoenzymatic processes.
Effect of Structure-Controlled Ruthenium Oxide by Nanocasting in Electrocatalytic Oxygen and Chlorine Evolution Reactions in Acidic Conditions
Authors: Han Jisu , An Hyung Jun , Kim Tae-Wan , Lee Kwan-Young , Kim Hyung Ju , Kim Youngmin , Chae Ho-Jeong
Published: June 2019

RuO2 has been used for various applications because of its good catalytic properties. To further improve its electrocatalytic properties, we used a nanocasting technique. By using this technique, we obtained structure-controlled (SC) RuO2 with a high surface area and an ordered porous structure, which created enhanced electrocatalytic properties over commercial RuO2 nanoparticles for both oxygen and chlorine evolution reactions.
Cortisol Excess-Mediated Mitochondrial Damage Induced Hippocampal Neuronal Apoptosis in Mice Following Cold Exposure
Authors: Xu Bin , Lang Li-min , Li Shi-Ze , Guo Jing-Ru , Wang Jian-Fa , Wang Di , Zhang Li-Ping , Yang Huan-Min , Lian Shuai
Published: June 2019

Cold stress can induce neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus, but the internal mechanism involving neuronal loss induced by cold stress is not clear. In vivo, male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 4 °C, 3 h per day for 1 week. In vitro, HT22 cells were treated with different concentrations of cortisol (CORT) for 3 h. In vivo, CORT levels in the hippocampus were measured using ELISA, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to assess the neuronal population and oxidation of the hippocampus. In vitro, western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and other methods were used to characterize the mechanism of mitochondrial damage induced by CORT. The phenomena of excessive CORT-mediated oxidation stress and neuronal apoptosis were shown in mouse hippocampus tissue following cold exposure, involving mitochondrial oxidative stress and endogenous apoptotic pathway activation. These processes were mediated by acetylation of lysine 9 of histone 3, resulting in upregulation involving Adenosine 5‘-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (APMK) phosphorylation and translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus. In addition, oxidation in male mice was more severe. These findings provide a new understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the cold stress response and explain the apoptosis process induced by CORT, which may influence the selection of animal models in future stress-related studies.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs): Structures and Small Molecule Inhibitors
Authors: Dai Shuyan , Zhou Zhan , Chen Zhuchu , Xu Guangyu , Chen Yongheng
Published: June 2019

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases expressed on the cell membrane that play crucial roles in both developmental and adult cells. Dysregulation of FGFRs has been implicated in a wide variety of cancers, such as urothelial carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer and lung adenocarcinoma. Due to their functional importance, FGFRs have been considered as promising drug targets for the therapy of various cancers. Multiple small molecule inhibitors targeting this family of kinases have been developed, and some of them are in clinical trials. Furthermore, the pan-FGFR inhibitor erdafitinib (JNJ-42756493) has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable urothelial carcinoma (mUC). This review summarizes the structure of FGFR, especially its kinase domain, and the development of small molecule FGFR inhibitors.
RETRACTED: Circular RNA circ-FoxO3 Inhibits Myoblast Cells Differentiation
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Li Cunyuan , Liu Zhijin , Ni Wei , Yao Rui , Xu Yueren , Quan Renzhe , Zhang Mengdan , Li Huixiang , Liu Li , Hu Shengwei
Published: June 2019

CircRNA is a type of closed circular non-coding RNA formed by reverse splicing and plays an important role in regulating the growth and development of plants and animals. To investigate the function of circ-FoxO3 in mouse myoblast cells’ (C2C12) differentiation and proliferation, we used RT-qPCR to detect the expression level of circ-FoxO3 in mouse myoblast cells at different densities and different differentiation stages, and the specific interference fragment was used to inhibit the expression level of circ-FoxO3 in myoblast cells to observe its effect on myoblast cells proliferation and differentiation. We found that the expression level of circ-FoxO3 in myoblast cells increased with the prolongation of myoblast cells differentiation time, and its expression level decreased with the proliferation of myoblast cells. At the same time, we found that the differentiation ability of the cells was significantly increased (p < 0.05), but the cell proliferation was unchanged (p > 0.05) after inhibiting the expression of circ-FoxO3 in myoblast cells. Combining the results of bioinformatics analysis and the dual luciferase reporter experiment, we found that circ-FoxO3 is a sponge of miR-138-5p, which regulates muscle differentiation. Our study shows that circ-FoxO3 can inhibit the differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells and lay a scientific foundation for further study of skeletal muscle development at circRNA levels.
The Effect of Agulhas Eddies on Absorption and Transport of Anthropogenic Carbon in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Orselli Iole B. M. , Goyet Catherine , Kerr Rodrigo , Azevedo José L. L. de , Araujo Moacyr , Galdino Felippe , Touratier Franck , Garcia Carlos A. E.
Published: June 2019

The South Atlantic Ocean is currently undergoing significant alterations due to climate change. This region is important to the global carbon cycle, but marine carbon data are scarce in this basin. Additionally, this region is influenced by Agulhas eddies. However, their effects on ocean biogeochemistry are not yet fully understood. Thus, we aimed to model the carbonate parameters in this region and investigate the anthropogenic carbon (Cant) content in 13 eddies shed by the Agulhas retroflection. We used in situ data from the CLIVAR/WOCE/A10 section to elaborate total dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) and total alkalinity (AT) models and reconstruct those parameters using in situ data from two other Brazilian initiatives. Furthermore, we applied the Tracer combining Oxygen, inorganic Carbon, and total Alkalinity (TrOCA) method to calculate the Cant, focusing on the 13 identified Agulhas eddies. The CT and AT models presented root mean square errors less than 1.66 and 2.19 μmol kg−1, indicating Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network climate precision. The Cant content in the Agulhas eddies was 23% higher than that at the same depths of the surrounding waters. We observed that Agulhas eddies can play a role in the faster acidification of the South Atlantic Central Water.
Surface Functionalization of Bioactive Glasses with Polyphenols from Padina pavonica Algae and In Situ Reduction of Silver Ions: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Biological Response
Authors: Sayed Abdelgeliel Asmaa , Ferraris Sara , Cochis Andrea , Vitalini Sara , Iriti Marcello , Mohammed Hiba , Kumar Ajay , Cazzola Martina , Salem Wesam M. , Verné Enrica , Spriano Silvia , Rimondini Lia
Published: June 2019

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are attractive materials for bone replacement due to their tailorable chemical composition that is able to promote bone healing and repair. Accordingly, many attempts have been introduced to further improve BGs’ biological behavior and to protect them from bacterial infection, which is nowadays the primary reason for implant failure. Polyphenols from natural products have been proposed as a novel source of antibacterial agents, whereas silver is a well-known antibacterial agent largely employed due to its broad-ranged activity. Based on these premises, the surface of a bioactive glass (CEL2) was functionalized with polyphenols extracted from the Egyptian algae Padina pavonica and enriched with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an in situ reduction technique only using algae extract. We analyzed the composite’s morphological and physical-chemical characteristics using FE-SEM, EDS, XPS and Folin–Ciocalteau; all analyses confirmed that both algae polyphenols and AgNPs were successfully loaded together onto the CEL2 surface. Antibacterial analysis revealed that the presence of polyphenols and AgNPs significantly reduced the metabolic activity (>50%) of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in comparison with bare CEL2 controls. Finally, we verified the composite’s cytocompatibility with human osteoblasts progenitors that were selected as representative cells for bone healing advancement.
High-Density Well-Aligned Dislocations Introduced by Plastic Deformation in Bi1−xSbx Topological Insulator Single Crystals
Authors: Tokumoto Yuki , Fujiwara Riku , Edagawa Keiichi
Published: June 2019

Topological insulators (TIs) have a bulk bandgap and gapless edge or surface states that host helically spin-polarized Dirac fermions. Theoretically, it has been predicted that gapless states could also be formed along dislocations in TIs. Recently, conductivity measurements on plastically deformed bismuth antimony (Bi1−xSbx) TIs have revealed excess conductivity owing to dislocation conduction. For further application of them, fundamental study on dislocations in TIs is indispensable. Dislocations controlled based on fundamental studies could potentially be useful not only for experimental investigations of the dislocation properties but also for diverse device applications. In the present study, Bi1−xSbx TI single crystals were fabricated by a zone-melting method. The crystals were plastically deformed at room temperature. The resultant dislocations were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that high-density dislocations with the Burgers vector satisfying the condition for the formation of gapless states were successfully introduced. The dislocations were mostly of edge type with lengths on the order of more than a few micrometers.