bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AID and TET2 co-operation modulates FANCA expression by active demethylation in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Jiao J , Jin Y , Zheng M , Zhang H , Yuan M , Lv Z , Odhiambo W , Yu X , Zhang P , Li C , Ma Y , Ji Y
Published: October 2018

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is traced to a mature B malignance carrying abnormal activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) expression. AID activity initially focuses on deamination of cytidine to uracil to generate somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination of the immunoglobulin (Ig), but recently it has been implicated in DNA demethylation of genes required for B cell development and proliferation in the germinal centre (GC). However, whether AID activity on mutation or demethylation of genes involves oncogenesis of DLBCL has not been well characterized. Our data demonstrate that the proto-oncogene Fanconi anaemia complementation group A (FANCA) is highly expressed in DLBCL patients and cell lines, respectively. AID recruits demethylation enzyme ten eleven translocation family member (TET2) to bind the FANCA promoter. As a result, FANCA is demethylated and its expression increases in DLBCL. On the basis of our findings, we have developed a new therapeutic strategy to significantly inhibit DLBCL cell growth by combination of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib with AID and TET2 depletion. These findings support a novel mechanism that AID has a crucial role in active demethylation for oncogene activation in DLBCL.
Altered metabolic pathways regulate synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fearon U , Hanlon M M , Wade S M , Fletcher J M
Published: October 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by synovial proliferation, neovascularization and leucocyte extravasation leading to joint destruction and functional disability. The blood vessels in the inflamed synovium are highly dysregulated, resulting in poor delivery of oxygen; this, along with the increased metabolic demand of infiltrating immune cells and inflamed resident cells, results in the lack of key nutrients at the site of inflammation. In these adverse conditions synovial cells must adapt to generate sufficient energy to support their proliferation and activation status, and thus switch their cell metabolism from a resting regulatory state to a highly metabolically active state. This alters redox-sensitive signalling pathways and also results in the accumulation of metabolic intermediates which, in turn, can act as signalling molecules that further exacerbate the inflammatory response. The RA synovium is a multi-cellular tissue, and while many cell types interact to promote the inflammatory response, their metabolic requirements differ. Thus, understanding the complex interplay between hypoxia-induced signalling pathways, metabolic pathways and the inflammatory response will provide better insight into the underlying mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.
Hungry, Hungry Gringos: Solving the Problems Posed by Feeding Tourists
Authors: Griffith Lauren Miller
Published: October 2018

Tourist demand for food stuffs like delicate lettuce varieties that are ill‐suited to the local environment are setting off a chain of reactions within the Cayo District of Belize. To meet demand, farmers are learning to grow these crops organically, synthesizing knowledge from a variety of sources in order to succeed in this new market. This paper takes readers through the experiences of villagers who work in several key sites of a luxury eco‐resort—the restaurant, kitchen, store room, and organic farm—before turning to the implications for the village at large. Though catering to tourists’ tastes is often treated as a form of neocolonialism, this case study examines the agency and creativity expressed by local community members as they adapt to this changing market.
Effects of Mexican dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatumsubsp.vaginatum) on the growth ofPinus cooperiin Durango, Mexico—A case study
Authors: González‐Elizondo Martha , Flores‐Villegas Mónica Yazmín , Álvarez‐Zagoya Rebeca , González‐Elizondo M. Socorro , Márquez‐Linares Marco A. , Quiñonez‐Barraza Sergio , Howell Brian E. , Mathiasen Robert L.
Published: October 2018

Mexican dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatumsubsp.vaginatum, Viscaceae) is the most widespread and damaging parasitic plant in Mexico. It parasitizes 10 species of pines (Pinusspp., Pinaceae) as principal hosts, includingPinus cooperi, one of the economically most important pines in the state of Durango. As a case study, we used stem analysis to estimate the effects of Mexican dwarf mistletoe on volume and height growth of dwarf mistletoe‐infectedP. cooperiin western Durango (Ejido El Brillante, Municipality Pueblo Nuevo). This case study sampled a total of 48 trees, 12 in each of four infection classes estimated using the 6‐class dwarf mistletoe rating system (DMR): uninfected (DMR0), lightly infected (DMR1–2), moderately infected (DMR3–4) and severely infected (DMR5–6). Significant reductions in both volume and height growth were found for moderately and severely infected trees when compared to uninfected trees. On average, reductions in volume growth and height growth were as high as 50% and 17%, respectively. The largest growth reductions were for moderately infected trees, but large growth reductions also occurred for severely infected trees. Because of the reduced growth associated with moderate to severe infection, Mexican dwarf mistletoe‐infested pine forests in Durango, where timber production is a high priority, should be managed using harvesting practices that reduce dwarf mistletoe infection, and thereby, increase forest productivity.
Global ammonia emissions from synthetic nitrogen fertilizer applications in agricultural systems: Empirical and process‐based estimates and uncertainty
Authors: Xu Rongting , Tian Hanqin , Pan Shufen , Prior Stephen A. , Feng Yucheng , Batchelor William D. , Chen Jian , Yang Jia
Published: October 2018

Excessive ammonia (NH3) emitted from nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications in global croplands plays an important role in atmospheric aerosol production, resulting in visibility reduction and regional haze. However, large uncertainty exists in the estimates of NH3 emissions from global and regional croplands, which utilize different data and methods. In this study, we have coupled a process‐based Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM) with the bidirectional NH3 exchange module in the Community Multiscale Air‐Quality (CMAQ) model (DLEM‐Bi‐NH3) to quantify NH3 emissions at the global and regional scale, and crop‐specific NH3 emissions globally at a spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° during 1961–2010. Results indicate that global NH3 emissions from N fertilizer use have increased from 1.9 ± 0.03 to 16.7 ± 0.5 Tg N/year between 1961 and 2010. The annual increase of NH3 emissions shows large spatial variations across the global land surface. Southern Asia, including China and India, has accounted for more than 50% of total global NH3 emissions since the 1980s, followed by North America and Europe. Rice cultivation has been the largest contributor to total global NH3 emissions since the 1990s, followed by corn and wheat. In addition, results show that empirical methods without considering environmental factors (constant emission factor in the IPCC Tier 1 guideline) could underestimate NH3 emissions in context of climate change, with the highest difference (i.e., 6.9 Tg N/year) occurring in 2010. This study provides a robust estimate on global and regional NH3 emissions over the past 50 years, which offers a reference for assessing air quality consequences of future nitrogen enrichment as well as nitrogen use efficiency improvement.
Determination of Abundances of Fifty‐Two Elements in Natural Waters by ICP‐MS with Freeze‐Drying Pre‐concentration
Authors: Hoang Que D. , Kunihiro Tak , Sakaguchi Chie , Yamanaka Masahiro , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Nakamura Eizo
Published: October 2018

To precisely determine the abundances of fifty‐two elements found within natural water samples, with mass fractions down to fg g−1 level, we have developed a method which combines freeze‐drying pre‐concentration (FDC) and isotope dilution internal standardisation (ID‐IS). By sublimation of H2O, the sample solution was reduced to < 1/50 of the original volume. To determine element abundance with accuracy better than 10%, we found that for solutions being analysed by mass spectrometry the HNO3 concentration should be > 0.3 mol l−1 to avoid hydrolysis. Matrix‐affected signal suppression was not significant for the solutions with NaCl concentrations lower than 0.2 and 0.1 cg g−1 for quadrupole ICP‐MS and sector field ICP‐MS, respectively. The recovery yields of elements after FDC were 97–105%. The detection limits for the sample solutions prepared by FDC were ≤ 10 pg g−1, except for Na, K and Ca. Blanks prepared using FDC were at pg‐levels, except for eleven elements (Na, Mg, Al, P, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn). The abundances of fifty‐two elements in bottled drinking water were determined from five different geological sources with mass fractions ranging from the fg g−1 to μg g−1 level with high accuracy.
Relationship between various hepatic function scores and the formation of esophageal varices in patients with HIV/hepatitis C virus co‐infection due to contaminated blood products for hemophilia
Authors: Yoshimoto Tomoko , Eguchi Susumu , Natsuda Koji , Hidaka Masaaki , Adachi Tomohiko , Ono Shinichiro , Hamada Takashi , Huang Yu , Kanetaka Kengo , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa
Published: October 2018

Aim

It is reportedly difficult to accurately assess the liver reserve capacity of patients with HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co‐infection through contaminated blood products by the Child–Pugh (CP) classification. Therefore, we investigated a clinically applicable scoring system in determining the risk of esophageal varices in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients, known as latent portal hypertension leading to esophageal varices.

Methods

Forty‐three patients with HIV/HCV co‐infection underwent clinical examinations, including endoscopy and assessment of hepatic reserve, in our department between 2009 and 2017. Child–Pugh score, the recently developed albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade, and the albumin–indocyanine green evaluation (ALICE) were compared to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy for the detection of esophageal varices using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

The patients were all male hemophiliacs and were positive for both HIV and HCV antibodies, with a median age of 45 years (range, 29–66 years). Thirty‐seven patients (84.1%) were classified as CP A at the examination. The comparison of AUROCs showed a superior diagnostic accuracy for ALICE (AUROC = 0.814) to detect esophageal varices. The positive prediction rate was the highest with ALICE if −2.325 was set, and the negative prediction rate was the highest with ALBI if −2.575 was set. The ALICE showed the highest accuracy compared to other two scores.

Conclusion

The ALICE score was found to be the most valuable system for portal hypertension in HIV/HCV co‐infected hemophilia patients. Because of its high specificity, ALICE for secondary surveillance could be used after other markers such as the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and Fibrosis‐4 index.
Proposed model for the prediction of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA level in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Iwata Yoshinori , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Takata Ryo , Yoh Kazunori , Ishii Noriko , Yuri Yukihisa , Nishimura Takashi , Iijima Hiroko , Hatano Etsuro , Fujimoto Jiro , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: October 2018

Aim

We sought to create a prediction model for intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (IH‐cccDNA) level in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and to validate the model's predictive accuracy.

Methods

Patients who did not receive previous nucleoside analogue (NA) therapy were assigned to the training cohort (n = 57), and those who received previous NA therapy were assigned to the validation cohort (n = 69). Factors linked to IH‐cccDNA levels in the training cohort were analyzed and a formula to predict IH‐cccDNA levels was constructed. Next, the reproducibility of that formula was assessed.

Results

In the multivariate analysis for the prediction of IH‐cccDNA level in the training cohort, fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P = 0.0227), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) (P = 0.0067) and log10(HB surface antigen [HBsAg]) (P = 0.0497) were significant, whereas HB core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) tended to be significant (P = 0.0562). The formula was constructed and named the FBS‐cres score based on the variables used (FBS, HBcrAg, HBeAg, and HBsAg). The FBS‐cres score was calculated as: 3.1686 − (0.0148 × FBS) + (0.1982 × HBcrAg) + (0.0008168 × HBeAg) + (0.1761 × log10(HBsAg)). In the training cohort, a significant correlation was noted between HBcrAg and IH‐cccDNA levels (P < 0.0001, r = 0.67), whereas the FBS‐cres score was more closely correlated to IH‐cccDNA level (P < 0.0001, r = 0.81). In the validation cohort, significant correlation was found between HBcrAg and IH‐cccDNA levels (P = 0.0012, r = 0.38), whereas the FBS‐cres score was more closely linked to IH‐cccDNA levels (P < 0.0001, r = 0.51). Similar tendencies were observed in all subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

Our proposed model for the prediction of IH‐cccDNA level could be helpful in CHB patients.
Comparison of light transmission aggregometry and multiple electrode aggregometry for the evaluation of patients with mucocutaneous bleeding
Authors: Sun Ping , McMillan‐Ward Eileen , Mian Rajibul , Israels Sara J.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The “gold standard” diagnostic test for assessing in vitro platelet function, light transmission aggregometry (LTA), has limitations to application because of sample requirements. Whole blood or multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) using the Multiplate® analyzer (Roche Diagnostics) requires smaller blood volumes and less sample manipulation than LTA, making it an attractive clinical testing option. Direct comparisons of MEA with LTA for diagnosis of platelet aggregation abnormalities are few.

Methods

Ninety‐nine patients (66 F/33 M; median age 26 [range 2‐86] years), referred for initial laboratory evaluation of mucocutaneous bleeding, had parallel MEA/LTA testing. Concentrations of ADP, arachidonic acid (AA), collagen, and thrombin receptor‐activating peptide (TRAP) that produced threshold responses in normal controls were used for testing patients.

Results

Twenty‐nine of the 99 patients (30%) had at least one abnormal agonist response by LTA; 15 of these patients had >1 abnormal agonist response. Thirty‐six patients (36%) had at least one abnormal agonist response by MEA; 27 had >1 abnormal agonist response. Sensitivity/specificity of MEA relative to LTA: ADP, 0.70/0.72; AA, 0.71/0.85; collagen, 0.85/0.71; TRAP 0.25/0.84. Negative predictive values (NPVs) for MEA relative to LTA: ADP, 0.90; AA, 0.93; collagen, 0.97; TRAP, 0.96.

Conclusions

Specific abnormal results of MEA testing did not adequately predict specific abnormalities in LTA testing using threshold agonist concentrations. However, favorable NPVs suggest that MEA may be useful in screening patients for platelet aggregation abnormalities; those with normal MEA results not requiring further diagnostic testing by LTA.
How do visual‐spatial and psychomotor abilities influence clinical performance in periodontal plastic surgery?
Authors: Burkhardt Rino , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Lang Niklaus P. ,   the Research Group on Oral Soft Tissue Biology & Wound Healing
Published: October 2018

Aim

We want to evaluate the relationship of self‐assessed experience and proficiency, manual dexterity and visual‐spatial ability with surgical performance.

Material and methods

A total of 26 professionals were included in the study which consisted of four parts: (a) self‐assessment by a questionnaire regarding proficiency and experience, (b) evaluation of visual‐spatial ability, (c) testing of manual dexterity assessed by validated psychomotor tests and (d) evaluation of surgical performance by Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS).

Results

Self‐assessed proficiency and experience levels did not correlate with objectively evaluated surgical performances (OSATS). However, low‐level visual‐spatial ability tests strongly correlated with OSATS while intermediate‐ and high‐level tests did not. No correlation was found between psychomotor ability and clinical performance.

Conclusions

Self‐assessed proficiency is not a good predictor for surgical performance as experts tend to be overconfident. To evaluate and predict surgical performance, visual‐spatial ability tests seem to be more appropriate than measuring manual dexterity which failed to correlate with the surgical outcome.
Assessment of antagonistic activity of free and encapsulated Bifidobacterium bifidum against Salmonella
Authors: Yasmin Hafiza Maryam , Zahoor Tahir , Sagheer Ambreen , Nadeem Muhammad , Khaliq Adnan , Iqbal Rabia , Ahsan Samreen , Ahmad Zulfiqar
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of Bifidobacterium bifidum in the yoghurt with and without encapsulation. The B. bifidum was encapsulated with 6% sodium alginate concentration (SAC) and 0.8% Carboxymethyl‐Hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) as a single coating and then double‐coated with whey protein concentrate (WPC). After that, yoghurt was prepared with the addition of free and encapsulated probiotic (B. bifidum) along with the starter cultures and studied weekly up to 28th day of storage. Organoleptic analysis also shows higher score in encapsulated probiotic bacteria rather than free. The viable count of probiotic and yoghurt cultures was affected significantly (p < .01) during refrigerated storage of yoghurt and their survivability remained higher (8.81 ± 0.35 to 5.39 ± 0.58 log cfu/ml) in double‐coated encapsulated yoghurt. Encapsulated cells of probiotic culture have shown minimum zone of inhibition compared with free cells, and antibiotic (gentamicin) has shown maximum resistance against Salmonella.

Practical applications

The present study concludes that probiotics can be used against foodborne pathogens but antibiotic has shown more resistant as compared to probiotic. The most efficient and significant technology for probiotics preservation is encapsulation against unfavorable environmental conditions. So, to improve the physical stability of alginate gels, chitosan coating material enhanced the survival of encapsulated probiotic in the yoghurt. The results of this study can be used at industrial level to claim health benefits of encapsulated probiotics for consumers.
Correlation of curd‐associated fungi with NPK and Na concentrations in cauliflower
Authors: Siddique Sana , Mahmood Rashid , Khan Salik Nawaz
Published: October 2018

Understanding relations among nutrients and fungi infestation may help to produce fungi‐free cauliflower curds by managing plant nutrition. Structural equation modeling was used to express correlations among curd‐associated fungi and NPK and Na concentrations in 66 curds collected from 22 fields. Five out total nine isolated fungi were found correlated with the nutrients and Na as suggested by final fitted model. The model expressed 7–30% occurrence of the fungi because of estimated factors. In general, fungi infections were favored with nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium concentrations whereas discouraged with potassium. The model highlighted the synergistic effect of Fusarium avenaceum and Aspergillus fumigatus on the occurrence of Fusarium polyphialidicum and Aspergillus nigar, respectively, and an antagonistic effect of A. nigar on Alternaria brassicicola. The findings indirectly discourage overdose of N and P, whereas encourage application of K and reclamation of sodic soils to reduce fungi infestation of cauliflower.

Practical applications

Microbial analysis of cauliflower will help in recognizing possible fungal contaminants of apparently healthy curds. Relationship of these curd‐associated fungi with NPK and Na status of curds will highlight the importance of managing macronutrient fertilizers and reclamation of sodic soils in fungi‐free cauliflower production.
Development and evaluation of real‐time loop mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat products
Authors: Arunrut Narong , Kiatpathomchai Wansika , Ananchaipattana Chiraporn
Published: October 2018

Salmonella spp., one of the most prevalent bacterial causes of foodborne disease, is a major public health concern due to its common occurrence in chicken meat products. The detection of Salmonella spp. using conventional culturing methods requires an excessive amount of time and effort. Thus, in response to the need for a rapid, sensitive, and convenient method for Salmonella detection, a quantitative assay using real‐time Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (real‐time LAMP) was developed using gene62181533 as the target sequence amplified. The real‐time LAMP assay does not show cross‐reactivity with several other common bacterial pathogens and the detection limit for genomic DNA in pure culture was found to be 1.2 CFU/ml. Testing with spiked samples simultaneously detected 7 CFU/ml of Salmonella pathogen in the artificially inoculated samples after enrichment for 6 hr. In comparison with the standard culture‐based methods in the analysis of 120 raw chicken meat samples, the results of the sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity tests of the real‐time LAMP assay were 94.02, 90.83, and 86.79%, respectively. These results indicate that this method is not only sensitive and specific but can also be used for rapid detection and differentiation of foodborne disease‐causing bacteria.

Practical applications

Salmonella is an important bacterial genus which causes most of the common foodborne illnesses worldwide. The disease mainly caused by Salmonella spp. through consumption of contaminated eggs and poultry products is salmonellosis which can manifest as bacterial diarrhea through to septicemia. The result indicates the potential usefulness of real‐time LAMP assay based on the gene62181533 for a rapid, specific, sensitive, and quantitative assay for Salmonella detection in food products. This assay offers a low cost quantitative method in the clinical diagnosis of Salmonella in resource‐limited health‐care facilities and clinical laboratories in developing countries and in field tests.
Risk of colorectal cancer for fecal immunochemistry test‐positive, average‐risk patients after a colonoscopy
Authors: Kawamura Takuji , Nakamura Shiho , Sone Daiki , Sakai Hiroaki , Amamiya Kana , Inoue Naonori , Sakiyama Naokuni , Shirakawa Atsushi , Okada Yusuke , Sanada Kasumi , Nakase Kojiro , Mandai Koichiro , Suzuki Azumi , Morita Atsuhiro , Tanaka Kiyohito , Uno Koji , Yasuda Kenjiro
Published: October 2018

Background and Aim

Because the risk of colorectal cancer has not been well examined in fecal immunochemistry test (FIT)‐positive patients who previously underwent colonoscopy, this study aimed to investigate this topic.

Methods

This was a single‐center, observational study of prospectively collected data in Japan. FIT‐positive, average‐risk patients who underwent colonoscopy were divided into groups as follows: those who never underwent colonoscopy in the past (no colonoscopy group), those with a history of colonoscopy between 6 months and 5 years (0.5‐ to 5‐year colonoscopy group), and those with a history of colonoscopy more than 5 years ago (> 5‐year colonoscopy group). We investigated the prevalence of advanced neoplasia and invasive cancer among these groups using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Detection rates of advanced neoplasia in the no colonoscopy group, 0.5‐ to 5‐year colonoscopy group, and > 5‐year colonoscopy group were 14.8% (240/1626), 3.9% (13/330), and 6.9% (17/248), respectively. Detection rates of invasive cancer in each aforementioned group were 5.7% (92/1,626), 0.3% (1/330), and 1.2% (3/248), respectively. Odds ratios of advanced neoplasia in the 0.5‐ to 5‐year colonoscopy group and > 5‐year colonoscopy were 0.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.42) and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.24–0.68), respectively, in multivariate analysis. The odds ratios of invasive cancer in each aforementioned group were 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01–0.37) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06–0.61), respectively.

Conclusion

Re‐screening with the FIT should not be recommended for at least 5 years for average‐risk patients after colonoscopy without high‐risk neoplasms, because the risks of colorectal cancer are low in such patients.
Natural history of gastrointestinal manifestations in vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: A 17‐year retrospective review
Authors: Frank Michael , Adham Salma , Zinzindohoué Franck , Jeunemaitre Xavier
Published: October 2018

Background and Aim

Vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder due to heterozygous mutations in the COL3A1 gene with a dominant negative effect. Spontaneous bowel perforation and intra‐abdominal organ rupture are common complications of vEDS. Other gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations may occur but have not been extensively characterized. We herein describe the natural history of GI events and surgery‐related complications in patients with vEDS.

Methods

A retrospective review of GI events in a large cohort of molecularly proven vEDS patients was conducted, after exclusion of mild forms of the disease.

Results

Of 133 patients, 41% had a history of GI manifestations with 112 events, mean 2.0 ± 1.3 events per patient. There was an earlier occurrence of GI events in men (P 0.008). Cumulative incidence was 58% for all patients, higher in men and in patients with splice‐site variants. Recurrence of GI events was reported in more than 50% of patients. Colonic perforation was the first digestive event for 47% of patients. Of 85 GI surgeries, 37 (43%) were complicated with 43 events. Nine deaths were reported in this population.

Conclusions

Vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is characterized not only by bowel perforation but also by a wide variety of GI complications that occur in close to half (41%) of patients. The pattern of GI fragility seems more severe in males and splice‐site variants. Complications of GI surgery are common and are related with tissue fragility/friability.
Adalimumab mitigates ovarian ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis and resolution of inflammation
Authors: Beyazit Fatma , Büyük Başak , Turkon Hakan , Elmas Sait , Uzun Metehan
Published: October 2018

Aim

Ovarian torsion is a rare but an important reason of acute lower abdominal pain in women and associated with serious morbidity and mortality, if not treated promptly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an antitumor necrosis factor‐α antibody on ovarian torsion in a rat model of ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods

Forty female Wistar Albino rats were used in the present study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (sham), group II (I/R), group III (I/R + isotonic saline) and group IV (I/R + adalimumab). The I/R model was induced by torsion of both ovaries. Immunohistochemical staining for interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and inducible nitric oxide synthase was performed. Tissue and serum oxidative stress markers in conjunction with apoptotic index (AI) with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method were also calculated.

Results

Tissue total oxidant status, oxidative stress index and nitric oxide values were significantly decreased, and tissue total antioxidant status was found to be increased in group IV. Inflammation, vascular congestion and hemorrhagia were significantly lower in adalimumab‐treated group. Serum oxidative stress markers and tissue malondialdehyde levels did not differ in study groups. The AI was significantly increased in groups 2 and 3. Adalimumab treatment significantly decreased the AI.

Conclusion

Adalimumab therapy in rats attenuated I/R induced ovarian injury, possibly suppressing inflammation, inhibiting oxidative stress, and altering apoptotic pathways.
A 52‐week multicenter randomized controlled study of the efficacy and safety of add‐on dutasteride and imidafenacin to tamsulosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with remaining overactive bladder symptoms (DIrecT study)
Authors: Yamanishi Tomonori , Asakura Hirotaka , Seki Narihito , Tokunaga Shoji
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the long‐term efficacy of combination of tamsulosin 0.2 mg + dutasteride 0.5 mg + imidafenacin 0.2 mg (TDI) therapy compared with tamsulosin + dutasteride (TD) therapy for 52 weeks in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with a prostate volume (PV) ≥30 mL and remaining overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after having received tamsulosin for ≥8 weeks. Previously, we reported that the improvement in OAB symptoms at 24 weeks was significantly greater in the TDI than TD group.

Methods

BPH patients with OAB symptoms after ≥8 weeks tamsulosin were randomly assigned to the TDI or TD group in a ratio of 1:1 ratio, and followed‐up for 52 weeks. Changes in the OAB Symptom Score (OABSS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and post‐void residual (PVR) were evaluated.

Results

In all, 163 patients were randomized, and 125 patients (76.7%) completed 52 weeks of treatment. At Week 52, there were significant decreases in the OABSS and IPSS storage subscore compared with baseline in the TDI versus TD group, but the change in the total IPSS did not differ significantly between the two groups. There was no change in PVR from Week 24 to Week 52 in either group.

Conclusions

For BPH patients with PVR ≥30 mL and remaining storage symptoms despite tamsulosin monotherapy, TDI treatment showed better results in terms of improved OAB symptoms than TD treatment up to 52 weeks.
Review: Neuropathology of non‐tau frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Neumann M. , Mackenzie I. R. A.
Published: October 2018

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) as a relatively consistent neuropathological hallmark feature. However, the discoveries in the past decade of many of the relevant pathological proteins aggregating in human FTD brains in addition to several new FTD causing gene mutations underlined that FTD is a diverse condition on the neuropathological and genetic basis. This resulted in a novel molecular classification of these conditions based on the predominant protein abnormality and allows most cases of FTD to be placed now into one of three broad molecular subgroups; FTLD with tau, TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 or FET protein accumulation (FTLD‐tau, FTLD‐TDP and FTLD‐FET respectively). This review will provide an overview of the molecular neuropathology of non‐tau FTLD, insights into disease mechanisms gained from the study of human post mortem tissue as well as discussion of current controversies in the field.
Use of best–worst scaling to estimate the magnitude of stressful life events in older adults
Authors: Zorigt Ganchimeg , Enkh‐Amgalan Nomin , Yu Tsung
Published: October 2018

Aim

The magnitude of stressful life events can be measured by using rating scales such as the Social Readjustment Rating Scale. This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of stressful life events by using a best–worst scaling approach in a sample of community‐dwelling older persons in Taiwan.

Methods

Participants aged 55 years or older were asked to rate the stressfulness of 11 life events on a scale from 0 to 10 and the best–worst scaling. We used the case one (object case) best–worst scaling design: each task on a list of events was presented to participants, and they were asked to indicate the events that they considered most and least stressful.

Results

A total of 61 persons (66% women) provided valid responses for analysis; the mean age was 64.8 ± 8.6 years. For best–worst scaling, ‘major illness of family member’ (mean best‐minus‐worst score = 128) was rated the most stressful, and ‘sexual difficulties’ was rated the least stressful (mean best‐minus‐worst score = −153). For the rating scale, ‘major personal illness’ was rated the most stressful (mean rating = 6.95), and ‘sexual difficulties’ was again the least stressful (mean rating = 2.05). Rankings of events based on both methods were similar but were different from ratings based on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale.

Conclusion

The current study explored using BWS to estimate the magnitude of stressful life events. The magnitude of events estimated in our study was found to differ from the magnitude estimated previously by some common scales for assessing stressful life events.
Semiautonomous Vehicle Risk Analysis: A Telematics‐Based Anomaly Detection Approach
Authors: Ryan Cian , Murphy Finbarr , Mullins Martin
Published: October 2018

The transition to semiautonomous driving is set to considerably reduce road accident rates as human error is progressively removed from the driving task. Concurrently, autonomous capabilities will transform the transportation risk landscape and significantly disrupt the insurance industry. Semiautonomous vehicle (SAV) risks will begin to alternate between human error and technological susceptibilities. The evolving risk landscape will force a departure from traditional risk assessment approaches that rely on historical data to quantify insurable risks. This article investigates the risk structure of SAVs and employs a telematics‐based anomaly detection model to assess split risk profiles. An unsupervised multivariate Gaussian (MVG) based anomaly detection method is used to identify abnormal driving patterns based on accelerometer and GPS sensors of manually driven vehicles. Parameters are inferred for vehicles equipped with semiautonomous capabilities and the resulting split risk profile is determined. The MVG approach allows for the quantification of vehicle risks by the relative frequency and severity of observed anomalies and a location‐based risk analysis is performed for a more comprehensive assessment. This approach contributes to the challenge of quantifying SAV risks and the methods employed here can be applied to evolving data sources pertinent to SAVs. Utilizing the vast amounts of sensor‐generated data will enable insurers to proactively reassess the collective performances of both the artificial driving agent and human driver.
Minimal erythema dose, minimal persistent pigment dose which model for whitening products evaluation is better?
Authors: Li Xiangzi , Zheng Yue , Ye Congxiu , Theng Angelie Tengguna , Diana  , Yin Songchao , Lai Wei
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims

How to select a suitable method in whitening products evaluation is still under discussion. Here, we compared two different artificial pigmentation models and explored an ideal UV dosage for skin whitening products evaluation model establishment.

Methods

Thirty five healthy volunteers with type IV human skin were recruited and the skin minimal erythema dose (MEDs) and minimal persistent pigment dose (MPPDs) were measured. All volunteers were simultaneously exposed to six increasing doses of radiations from different ultraviolet sources on lower back bilateral flattening area: 95% UVA/5% UVB with the radiating doses of 0.75, 0.94, 1.17, 1.46, 1.83, 2.29 MEDs was used on the left side; meanwhile 99% UVA/1% UVB with radiating doses of 6.0, 7.5, 9.4, 11.7, 14.6, 18.3 MPPDs were used on the right side. Observations and pigmentation measurements were carried out before and after UV radiation for 24 weeks.

Result

1.83 MED and 2.29 MED induced medium depth pigmentation by 95% UVA/5% UVB irradiation. 1.83 MED dose causing minimal photo‐damage on skin was selected as the most suitable dose. With 99% UVA/1% UVB irradiation, 9.4 MPPD and 11.7 MPPD induced medium depth pigmentation. 9.4 MPPD dose causing minimal photo‐damage on skin was selected.

Conclusion

These findings potentiate advanced understanding of UV model establishment and selection for skin whitening products evaluation as related to dermatopharmacology and dermatotoxicology.
Leisure Boredom Scale: A Research on University Students
Authors: Korkutata Abdulmenaf
Published: October 2018

The aim of this research was to review the leisure boredom perceptions of students who study in the faculty of sports sciences by different variables. 1223 students voluntarily participated in this research. These students study in the faculty of sports sciences in three universities in Turkey and they were selected by random sampling method. 367 of participants were female (30%); 856 (70%) of participants were males. Leisure boredom scale (LBS) that was developed by Iso-Ahola and Weissinger (1990) was used in this research to collect the data. Kara, Gürbüz, and Öncü (2014) adapted this scale into Turkish. Besides, an information form that includes socio-demographic attributes was asked participants to fill. T-test, ANOVA test and descriptive statistical methods analyzed the data. While there was found a statistically significant difference (p<0,05) in boredom sub-dimension in terms of gender variable, there was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction sub-dimension. About the monthly income variable, a statistically significant difference (p<0,05) was observed in both boredom and satisfaction sub-dimensions. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0,05) in leisure boredom perception based on the age variable.
Vertical Wind Profiles in Non-Neutral Conditions: Comparison of Models and Measurements From Frøya
Authors: Domagalski Piotr , Bardal Lars Morten , Sætran Lars Roar
Published: October 2018

This paper presents an analysis of stratification-dependent mean velocity profiles measured in a Norwegian coastal wind climate, and its comparison with models available in the literature. For this purpose, we use 3 years of observations from a 100 m meteorological mast located at the Frøya island (150 km west of Trondheim, Norway), equipped with a set of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonic anemometers. The presented analysis is preceded by a general description of the site wind climate, the atmospheric stratification, the roughness length, and the surface layer height. Finally, the measured wind velocity profile is compared with selected models: the basic power and logarithmic law and the stability-corrected models: stability-corrected logarithmic wind profile, the Panofsky and Dutton model, the Peña boundary layer height corrected model, and the correlation-based Smedman-Högström model.
Aerodynamic Drag Measurement in a High-Enthalpy Shock Tunnel
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Jiang Zonglin , Teng Honghui
Published: October 2018

Shock tunnels create very high temperature and pressure in the nozzle plenum and flight velocities up to Mach 20 can be simulated for aerodynamic testing of chemically reacting flows. However, this application is limited due to milliseconds of its test duration (generally 500 μs–20 ms). For the force test in the conventional hypersonic shock tunnel, because of the instantaneous flowfield and the short test time [1–4], the mechanical vibration of the model-balance-support (MBS) system occurs and cannot be damped during a shock tunnel run. The inertial forces lead to low frequency vibrations of the model and its motion cannot be addressed through digital filtering. This implies restriction on the model’s size and mass as its natural frequencies are inversely proportional the length scale of the model. As to the MBS system, sometimes, the lowest natural frequency of 1 kHz is required for the test time of typically 5 ms in order to get better measurement results [2]. The higher the natural frequencies, the better the justification for the neglected acceleration compensation. However, that is very harsh conditions to design a high-stiffness MBS structure, particularly a drag balance. Therefore, it is very hard to carried out the aerodynamic force test using traditional wind tunnel balances in the shock tunnel, though its test flow state with the high-enthalpy is closer to the real flight condition.
Flow Characteristics of Water Jets Discharging From Rectangular and Elliptical Injectors
Authors: Jaberi Amin , Tadjfar Mehran
Published: October 2018

The flow and breakup characteristics of water jets issuing from rectangular and elliptical injectors into still atmosphere were experimentally compared. Injectors were of the same cross-sectional area and a circular injector was also employed as the reference case. Digital images taken by a diffused backlight technique were processed to extract the main characteristics of the jet column at different jet velocities. The measurements were carried out for mass flow rates varying from 2 L/h to 120 L/h with small enough steps at low speeds to capture Rayleigh regime. Aside from the qualitative description of the jet flows, stability curve was plotted to make a comparison between different jets. The comparison revealed that the ellipse jet is the first one to reach the critical Weber number, while the circular jet remains laminar at higher velocities than the other two jets. Moreover, axis-switching phenomenon was carefully studied as the common characteristic of rectangular and elliptical jets. The wavelength and maximum amplitude of axis-switching were measured at different flow conditions and the results were compared. Though the axis-switching wavelength of both jets demonstrated a linear increment with Weber number, the rectangular jet was found to increase with a higher slope. Furthermore, the non-dimensional maximum amplitude of axis-switching showed an approximate behavior.
Numerical Analysis of Tip Clearance Effects in an Unshrouded Impeller for Liquid Rocket Engines
Authors: Veggi Lucrezia , Reganaz Mattia , Pauw Julian D. , Haidn Oskar J. , Wagner Bernd
Published: October 2018

For rocket engine applications an unshrouded impeller is a relatively new technology compared to the traditional shrouded impeller. An unshrouded impeller has advantages in blade optimisation, easier manufacturing, and — moreover — a potential for weight reduction of the turbopump and consequentely of the entire rocket engine. However, it also results in tip clearance during operation which has detrimental effects on the performance. Therefore, a better understanding of the impact of tip clearance on the overall flow would help to develop and adapt new design concepts. In this study a comparison between shrouded and unshrouded impellers has been numerically undertaken. The shrouded impeller L17, designed within the framework of the research project KonRAT at the Technical University of Munich, is chosen as reference geometry for this study. The unshrouded impellers are derived from the L17 design by simply removing the shroud. Three configurations of the unshrouded L17 impeller have been numerically investigated by varying the tip clearance: geometry G4 with a constant tip clearance of 4% and geometry G7 with 7% of the blade passage height at impeller outlet. The third configuration is a fictitious unshrouded impeller without any tip clearance (geometry G0). The intention of the comparison between the shrouded impeller L17 and the geometry G0 is to isolate the effects on the flow caused by the relative movement between casing and blade to allow a quantification of the tip vortex losses. The obtained performance data as well as the mechanisms of the tip vortex inside the blade passage are discussed in detail. The results show that the effects of the shear forces due to the relative movement and the effects of the tip vortex do not undergo a linear coupling and their interaction inhibits a precise quantification of the tip vortex losses. The analysis also shows that the crucial factor for the deterioration of the performance is the change of the inflow due to the influence of the tip clearance on the flow.
Oxidation-Assisted Pulsatile Three-Stream Non-Newtonian Slurry Atomization
Authors: Strasser Wayne
Published: October 2018

Past work involving validated “cold-flow” CFD modeling of self-generating and self-sustaining pulsating transonic non-Newtonian slurry atomization elucidated acoustic signatures, atomization mechanisms, and the effects of numerics and geometric permutations. The numerical method has now been incorporated with exothermic oxidation reaction kinetics relations along with radiation, i.e. no longer cold-flow. These models provide substantially increased model rigor and allow for new pulsing thermal measures which help assess injector thermal stresses. Twelve models have been run for extended periods of time in order to assess the effects of dramatic changes in gas feed rate and prefilming (retraction) length. Given the new metrics and models, multiple statistically optimized designs are potentially available depending on the objective function(s) and their relative weightings in the overall value proposition to the project. In the case in which all metrics have equal value to the project and are simultaneously considered in a statistical model, the optimum design involves a mid-level of retraction and a mid-level gas feed rate. If, however, more relative weighting is placed on the importance of droplet size minimization and injector thermal management in lieu of feed passage pressure drop minimization, the optimum design involves a similar retraction but a very high level of gas feed rate.
Electroosmotic Flow Separation in a Corrugated Micro-Channel: A Numerical Study
Authors: Banerjee A. , Nayak A. K.
Published: October 2018

A two dimensional numerical study is made on the electroosmotic flow separation and vortex formation in a symmetric wavy micro/nano channel filled with a Newtonian, incompressible electrolyte. Flow domain is modelled by two superimposed sinusoidal functions which is mapped into a simpler rectangular computational domain using a suitable coordinate transformation. The distributions of flow field and electric potential are obtained by solving a coupled set of nonlinear governing equations involving Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation and Navier-Stokes equation using finite volume method. Threshold value of the scaled wave amplitude for flow reversal is obtained for fixed Debye-Hückel parameter and solute strength where flow separation plays a vital role for micromixing which can be a major interest for many research problems of biological flows.