bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the unstable DelftaCopter vertical take-off and landing tailsitter unmanned air vehicle in hover and forward flight from flight test data
Authors: De Wagter Christophe , Meulenbeld Joost
Published: October 2019

The DelftaCopter is a tilt-body tailsitter unmanned air vehicle which combines a large swashplate controlled helicopter rotor with a biplane delta-wing. Previous research has shown that the large moment of inertia of the wing and fuselage significantly interacts with the dynamics of the rotor. While this rigid rotor cylinder dynamics model has allowed initial flight testing, part of the dynamics remains unexplained. In particular, higher frequency dynamics and the forward flight dynamics were not modeled. In this work, the cylinder dynamics model is compared with the tip-path plane model, which includes the steady-state flapping dynamics of the blades. The model is then extended to include the wing and elevon dynamics during forward flight. Flight test data consisting of excitations with a large frequency content are used to identify the model parameters using grey-box modeling. Since the DelftaCopter is unstable, flight tests can only be performed while at least a rate feedback controller is active. To reduce the influence of this active controller on the identification of the dynamics, one axis is identified at a time while white noise is introduced on all other axes. The tip-path plane model is shown to be much more accurate in reproducing the high-frequency attitude dynamics of the DelftaCopter. The significant rotor–wing interaction is shown to differ greatly from what is seen in traditional helicopter models. Finally, an Linear-Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller based on the tip-path plane model is derived and tested to validate its applicability. Modeling the attitude dynamics of the unstable DelftaCopter from flight test data has been shown to be possible even in the presence of the unavoidable baseline controller.
Phenylspirodrimane Derivatives From Cultures of the Fungus Stachybotrys chartarum YIM DT 10079
Authors: Ding Zhang-Gui , Ding Jian-Hai , Zhao Jiang-Yuan , Li Ming-Gang , Hu Dong-Bao , Jiang Xian-Jun , Gu Shao-Jie , Wang Fei , Wen Meng-Liang
Published: October 2019

A new phenylspirodrimane derivative, stachartin F (1), and 2 known secondary metabolites stachybonoid E (2) and stachybonoid F (3) were isolated from cultures of the tin mine tailings-associated fungus Stachybotrys chartarum YIM DT 10079. Their structures were determined with the help of extensive spectroscopic analyses and absolute configuration of compound 1 was rationalized by quantum chemical calculations of the electronic circular dichroism spectra.
Inhibitory Effects of Essential Oil Extracts From Panax Plants Against β-Secretase, Cholinesterase, and Amyloid Aggregation
Authors: Kawamoto Hirokazu , Takeshita Fumiaki , Murata Kazuya
Published: October 2019

Numerous pharmacological studies on Panax plants have been performed. However, these studies were limited to ginsenosides, which are typical constituents in Panax plants. In our research program to discover novel agents to prevent dementia and improve dementia symptoms, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we investigated the inhibitory activities of essential oil (EO) extracts from 4 Panax plants against β-secretase, amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). An EO extract of Panax japonicus showed the most potent activity with 51.3% inhibition at 500 μg/mL against β-secretase. Panax ginseng showed the most potent inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE with 70.4% and 84.4% inhibition at 50 μg/mL, respectively. Panax notoginseng extract showed the most potent activity with 57.3% inhibition at 500 μg/mL against Aβ aggregation. From these results, an EO extract of P. ginseng could be an effective agent to improve AD symptoms, while EO extracts of P. japonicus and P. notoginseng could be suitable for AD prevention.
Cerebrovascular complications in tuberculous meningitis—A magnetic resonance imaging study in 90 patients from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Soni Neetu , Kumar Sunil , Shimle Anil , Ora Manish , Bathla Girish , Mishra Prabhakar
Published: October 2019

Background

Cerebrovascular complications of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We retrospectively reviewed clinicoradiological findings of 90 TBM patients who presented to a tertiary care hospital, with emphasis on frequency and distribution of infarcts on diffusion imaging and pattern of vascular involvement on magnetic resonance (MR) angiography (MRA).

Materials and methods

MR images of 90 TBM patients at presentation (2012–2018) were coanalyzed by two radiologists for tuberculomas, leptomeningeal enhancement (LM), hydrocephalus, infarct and vascular abnormalities. Infarcts were categorized based on location (“tubercular” (TB) or “ischemic” zones) and arterial supply (perforators and cortical branches). Clinical and laboratory findings were correlated with imaging data.

Results

Ninety TBM patients (age 10–82 years) were enlisted after application of inclusion criteria. Tuberculomas were most common (100%) followed by LM (84.4%), cerebral infarcts (57.7%) and hydrocephalus (29%). Location-wise, 35% infarcts were in ischemic, 13% in TB and 15% in both zones. According to arterial supply, infarcts equally (50%) involved perforators from the lateral lenticulostriate and posterior cerebral (PCA)/basilar artery (BA) followed by medial lenticulostriate arteries (23%). MRA was available in 74.4% and abnormal in 43.2%. The middle cerebral artery was frequently involved (76%) followed by the anterior cerebral artery (38%), internal carotid artery (31%), PCA and BA. Six had diffuse narrowing with a paucity of distal vessels. Cerebral infarction was associated with hydrocephalus ( p = .0019) and vasculitis ( p < .001).

Conclusion

In TBM, strokes are common and mainly involve the perforators and cortical branches. MR is the imaging modality of choice for early diagnosis and timely management.
Severe pulmonary hypertension and reduced right ventricle systolic function associated with maternal mortality in pregnant uncorrected congenital heart diseases
Authors: Hartopo Anggoro B. , Anggrahini Dyah W. , Nurdiati Detty S. , Emoto Noriaki , Dinarti Lucia K.
Published: October 2019

Background

Pregnant uncorrected congenital heart disease patients, especially those who already developed pulmonary hypertension, have increased risk for maternal mortality. The pulmonary hypertension severity and right ventricle function may be associated with higher maternal mortality. The study aimed to investigate the mortality rate of pregnant uncorrected congenital heart disease and the impact of pulmonary hypertension severity on mortality.

Methods

This is the sub study of COngenital HeARt Disease in adult and Pulmonary Hypertension Registry. The data of pregnant uncorrected congenital heart disease patients were analyzed from registry database. The maternal mortality was recorded. The data of demography, clinics, obstetrics, and transthoracic echocardiography were collected. The factors that influenced maternal mortality were analyzed. A statistical significance was determined when p value < 0.05.

Results

From 2012 until 2017, there were 78 pregnant congenital heart disease patients. Of them, 56 patients were eligible for analyses. The majority of congenital heart disease was atrial septal defect (91.1%). The maternal mortality rate was 10.7% (6 of 56). Pulmonary hypertension occurred in 48 patients, therefore the maternal mortality rate among congenital heart disease‐pulmonary hypertension with majority of atrial septal defect was 12.5% (6 of 48). Among nonsurvivors, 100% suffered from severe pulmonary hypertension as compared to survivors (56.0%), p = 0.041. Most nonsurvivors were Eisenmenger syndrome (83.3%), significantly higher compared to survivors (22.0%), p = 0.006. Nonsurvivors had significantly worsened WHO functional class, reduced right ventricle systolic function, and right heart failure. The modes of maternal death were severe oxygen desaturation (66.7%) and respiratory failure and sepsis (33.3%). Most of the maternal deaths occurred within 24 h postpartum period.

Conclusion

Maternal mortality rate among pregnant uncorrected congenital heart disease with majority of atrial septal defect was 10.7% and among congenital heart disease‐pulmonary hypertension with majority of atrial septal defect was 12.5%. Factors related with maternal mortality were severe pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger syndrome, and reduced right ventricle systolic function.
Evaluating Reserved Seats as a Measure of Substantive Representation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through the Analysis of Parliamentary Questions in the Lok Sabha (1999–2016)
Authors: Imtiyaz Aisha , Fakhruz-Zaman
Published: October 2019

The provision of reserved seats for scheduled castes and tribes (SC/ST) in legislative bodies has been celebrated as one of the most empowering measures for them to overcome historical disadvantage. However, historical trajectory of reserved seats for SCs/STs suggests that key players like Ambedkar preferred separate electorate, multi-member constituencies and double vote as measures of effective representation for SCs over simply reserved seats with the joint electorate. It was out of political compromise in the face of Gandhi’s fast unto death that Ambedkar accepted reserved seats with a double vote from which double vote was taken out later. As per the general assumption, the presence of SCs representatives in decision-making bodies makes the voices of their community better heard. This study attempts to empirically know the ‘representativeness’ of SC/ST members of legislative bodies as far as substantiveness of their representation is concerned by comparatively analysing parliamentary questions raised by them and non-SC Members of Parliament (MPs) on the issues concerning SCs. Our analysis confirms a positive relationship between reserved seats and number of questions asked on SC/ST interests by the reserved seat MPs. However, several other factors like party affiliation, membership in ruling or opposition party and ideology appear to affect SC/ST MPs’ ability to represent their community.
Caste Inequality, Land Relations and Agrarian Distress in Contemporary Agrarian Economy of Bardhaman, West Bengal
Authors: Saha Atrayee
Published: October 2019

The contemporary agrarian economy of rural West Bengal is characterized by distinct division of the farming community along caste and class lines. Unlike the belief that the communist regime in the state has significantly reduced instances of caste and class inequalities, the present article based on a fieldwork in Paarhaati village of Memary II block of Purba Bardhaman district argues in favour of the persistence of such inequalities till date. With the help of narratives collected and instances captured in a year-long fieldwork in the village, the present article attempts to bring forth the existence of domination of economically and politically powerful castes of landowners, deprivation of agricultural and landless labourers, formation of factions at the local party level, lack of initiative from the panchayat and increasing intervention of merchants, traders and middlemen that is hindering social, economic and political developments in these regions. The article argues that the ‘change’ proclaimed by the new regime has done nothing exceptional for the contemporary rural economy than the previous regime.
An exploratory survey of the graphic variants used in Japan: Part one
Authors: Xiaohong Liang
Published: October 2019

This article examines the variant Chinese characters used in Japan. On the basis of past research, this article redefines the so-called nihon (no) zokuji (demotic characters used in Japan) as follows: they refer to the Chinese characters which, after having been introduced to Japan, were developed by the Japanese literati, excluding genuine kokuji (characters made in Japan) and demotic characters transmitted from China. The article also discusses the research materials on the Japanese demotic characters, drawing particular attention to two points: one is the considerable amount of influence the wayō shodō (Japanese style calligraphy) imparted to the generation of the Japanese demotic characters, and the other forms the initial causes for the generation of certain wazokuji (demotic characters used in ancient Japan) when the Japanese adopted the Chinese characters under certain cognitive consciousness.
A sketch of Chinese character variants in Vietnam: With a focus on the variants of ‘Buddha’
Authors: Manh Khac Trinh
Published: October 2019

In Vietnam, based on documents researched by the author, Chinese character variants appeared and were used in writing from the 12th century at the latest, during the independent and self-reliant period in Vietnamese history, when Chinese characters were particularly prevalent among Vietnamese people. This paper analyses 14 variants of the character ‘佛’ (Vietnamese: Phật; Chinese: Fó; i.e. Buddha) and some other characters (such as ‘之’ Vn. Chi/Ch. Zhi, ‘聽’ Vn. Thính/Ch. Ting, ‘聖’ Vn. Thánh/Ch. Sheng), in comparison with variants in reference books of China, aiming at demonstrating the diversity of Chinese character variants generally and those of the character ‘Buddha’ specifically in Vietnam.
Research of square scripts in Vietnam: An overview and prospects
Authors: Cu̓ò̓ng Nguyễ˜n Tuấn
Published: October 2019

This paper first assesses the achievements and limitations of square scripts research in Vietnam, and then progresses to sketch out necessary steps that should be undertaken in the near future. The paper argues that researchers in Vietnam need to face the reality that the field of grammatology (or graphology), specifically regarding the research of square scripts, on the whole remains weak in many areas, despite some achievements, such as in the aspect of Nom script. Within the present academic circumstances, a key issue will be entering into the international arena and co-operating on multiple levels with international academia in order to absorb the knowledge and experience of the international community, thereby creating a stable foundation on which this field can be developed in Vietnam.
To enhance the quality of CPR performed by youth layman
Authors: Abelsson Anna , Nygårdh Annette
Published: October 2019

Background

By educating laymen, survival after cardiac arrest can increase in society. It is difficult to reach the entire population with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. However, if 15% of the population knows how to perform CPR, an increase in short- and long-term survival in patients suffering a cardiac arrest could be seen. To educate youth is a way to reach parts of the population. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 2-h CPR intervention for youth.

Methods

Data were collected through an intervention utilizing simulation and consisted of a pre- and post-assessment of 50 participants’ CPR performance.

Results

The participants’ compression depths are, after training, within guidelines. However, the compression rate increases from within limits (117) to become too fast (128). The range of the minimum compression rate rises from 70 to 92 which is an improvement. The ventilation volume increases from 112 ml in pre-test to 579 ml in post-test. In the pre-test, 88% of the participants did not succeed in securing an open airway; only six participants succeeded in securing an open airway. In the post-test, 49% of the participants underperform in the ventilation. However, only 12 participants failed in securing an open airway in the post-test. Compression recoil and hand position marginally improved from pre- to post-test.

Conclusion

Educating young people at school is one way to disseminate CPR knowledge in society. In this study, the ventilation of the patient arose as a major weakness. To be able to establish an open airway and ventilate the patient with the correct volume as well as to overcome the psychological barrier to initiate mouth-to-mouth ventilation seems to require more than 2 h training. The training may need to consist of repeated sessions over the year with feedback, to give young people the skills to perform CPR with good quality.
The association between residential density and physical activity among urban adults in regional China
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Qin Zhenzhen , He Jing , Ma Yuyang , Ye Qing , Xiong Yaqing , Xu Fei
Published: October 2019

Background

Studies from Western countries reported a positive relationship between residential density (RD) and physical activity (PA) among adults. There was no such study from China, a rapidly-urbanizing country in the world. This study aimed to investigate the RD-PA association among urban adults in China.

Methods

A multistage sampling approach was used to randomly select participants (aged 35–74 years old) in urban areas of Nanjing in 2017. The outcome variable was PA (dichotomized into “sufficient” or “insufficient”), while the independent variable was RD (tertiled into three sub-groups). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to examine the RD-PA association using mixed-effects logistic regression models with adjustment for age, sex, nationality, marriage, educational attainment, employment status, body weight status, green space and neighborhood-level clustering effects.

Results

Of the 1568 eligible participants, 1551 were interviewed (response rate = 98.9%), with the mean age (standard deviation) of 54.7 (11.1) years old, and 46% of men. After adjustment for potential confounders and community-level clustering effects, participants lived in communities with higher (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.47) and middle (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50, 0.99) residential density were significantly less likely to achieve sufficient physical activity relative to their counterparts lived in the lower densed communities. Similar negative RD-PA association was examined for men or women, separately. The difference in the ORs between the middle and higher RD tertiles was also statistically significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

A negatively gradient RD-PA association, independent of body weight status and green space, was observed among urban adults in regional China. It has public health implications for China to help residents’ promote and maintain physical activity through planning and constructing PA−/health-friendly built environment in future.
Primary hepatic leiomyoma in a Chinese female patient without underlying disease: a case report
Authors: Jia Baoxing , Jin Zhe , Gao Pin , Liu Yahui
Published: October 2019

Background

Primary hepatic leiomyoma (PHL) is a rare manifestation of tumors in the liver; it is mainly characterized by its origin in the mesenchymal tissue. To date, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease remain unclear, however most reported PHL patients suffer from acquired immunity deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or take immunosuppressive medications after organ transplantation.

Case presentation

In this case report we describe a rare case of PHL in a middle-aged Chinese woman who was asymptomatic with no history of hepatitis or other liver disease. She had no history of immune suppression medication therapy. In view of the benign features of the hepatic lesion, along with our implementation of the respecting the patience choices, a laparoscopic partial hepatectomy of the right lower liver was performed, which appeared to be highly effective and give a good prognosis.

Conclusions

Clinical characteristics of the patient should be compared to previously reported aspects of this disease to reach a clear diagnosis. Moreover, although PHL is extremely rare, it should still be considered a possibility. Surgical intervention is effective in treating this disease.
Designing a customized clinical practice guideline regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for Iranian general dentists
Authors: Savadi Najmeh , Barati Omid , Mirhadi Hossein , Golkari Ali
Published: October 2019

Background

Clinical practice guidelines produced by developed countries seemed to be not completely feasible for developing countries due to their different local context. In this study, we designed a customized guideline about antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures for Iranian general dentists.

Methods

This study was conducted of two parts, including a qualitative part and a cross-sectional analytic part. A multidisciplinary team searched for related guidelines and other documents, selected the most updated and high quality ones, customized their recommendations based on available antibiotics in Iran, prepared a draft adapted guideline and summarized its recommendations in 3 flowcharts. An expert panel (20 specialists of four Iranian dental universities) participated in a consensus process, afterwards to determine the relevance and clarity of the flowcharts and their items. Then the Content Validity Indices (CVIs) were calculated and any items with CVI higher than 0.79 remained.

Results

The adapted recommendations were summarized in flowcharts A to C. Two separate groups of patients who need antibiotic prophylaxis were presented in flowchart A; including those with high risk for distant-site infection (infective endocarditis and prosthetic joint infection) and those at risk for poor healing and orofacial infection (due to impaired immunologic function). Flowcharts B and C described antibiotic regimen and also the dental procedures where antibiotic prophylaxis was needed for mentioned groups. The content validity indices and the percentages of agreement between the expert panel members were considerably high.

Conclusions

A localized, clear and straight forward guideline that addresses all groups of dental patients who need antibiotic prophylaxis has been produced for Iranian general dentists.
Uptake of a fluorescently tagged chloroquine analogue is reduced in CQ-resistant compared to CQ-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum parasites
Authors: Reiling Sarah J. , Rohrbach Petra
Published: October 2019

Background

Chloroquine (CQ) was the drug of choice for decades in the treatment of falciparum malaria until resistance emerged. CQ is suggested to accumulate in the parasite’s digestive vacuole (DV), where it unfolds its anti-malarial properties. Discrepancies of CQ accumulation in CQ-sensitive (CQS) and CQ-resistant (CQR) strains are thought to play a significant role in drug susceptibility. Analysis of CQ transport and intracellular localization using a fluorescently tagged CQ analogue could provide much needed information to distinguish susceptible from resistant parasite strains. The fluorescently tagged CQ analogue LynxTag-CQ™GREEN (CQGREEN) is commercially available and was assessed for its suitability.

Methods

IC50 values were determined for both CQ and CQGREEN in two CQS and two CQR Plasmodium falciparum strains. Buffer solutions with varying pH were used to determine pH-dependent localization of CQGREEN in infected red blood cells. Before CQS or CQR parasites were exposed to different pH buffers, they were pre-loaded with varying concentrations of CQGREEN for up to 7 h. Intracellular accumulation was analysed using live cell confocal microscopy. CQGREEN uptake rates were determined for the cytosol and DV in the presence and absence of verapamil.

Results

In CQS strains, twofold higher IC50 values were determined for the CQGREEN analogue compared to CQ. No significant differences in IC50 values were observed in CQR strains. Addition of verapamil reversed drug resistance of CQR strains to both CQ and CQGREEN. Live cell imaging revealed that CQGREEN fluorescence was mainly seen in the cytosol of most parasites, independent of the concentration used. Incubation periods of up to 7 h did not influence intracellular localization of CQGREEN. Nevertheless, CQGREEN uptake rates in CQR strains were reduced by 50% compared to CQS strains.

Conclusion

Although fluorescence of CQGREEN was mainly seen in the cytosol of parasites, IC50 assays showed comparable efficacy of CQGREEN and CQ in parasite killing of CQS and CQR strains. Reduced uptake rates of CQGREEN in CQR strains compared to CQS strains indicate parasite-specific responses to CQGREEN exposure. The data contains valuable information when CQGREEN is used as an analogue for CQ.
Prevalence and distribution of G6PD deficiency: implication for the use of primaquine in malaria treatment in Ethiopia
Authors: Lo Eugenia , Zhong Daibin , Raya Beka , Pestana Kareen , Koepfli Cristian , Lee Ming-Chieh , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Yan Guiyun
Published: October 2019

Background

G6PD enzyme deficiency is a common enzymatic X-linked disorder. Deficiency of the G6PD enzyme can cause free radical-mediated oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to premature haemolysis. Treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria with primaquine poses a potential risk of mild to severe acute haemolytic anaemia in G6PD deficient people. In this study, the prevalence and distribution of G6PD mutations were investigated across broad areas of Ethiopia, and tested the association between G6PD genotype and phenotype with the goal to provide additional information relevant to the use of primaquine in malaria treatment.

Methods

This study examined G6PD mutations in exons 3–11 for 344 febrile patient samples collected from seven sites across Ethiopia. In addition, the G6PD enzyme level of 400 febrile patient samples from Southwestern Ethiopia was determined by the CareStart™ biosensor. The association between G6PD phenotype and genotype was examined by Fisher exact test on a subset of 184 samples.

Results

Mutations were observed at three positions of the G6PD gene. The most common G6PD mutation across all sites was A376G, which was detected in 21 of 344 (6.1%) febrile patients. Thirteen of them were homozygous and eight were heterozygous for this mutation. The G267+119C/T mutation was found in 4 (1.2%) individuals in South Ethiopia, but absent in other sites. The G1116A mutation was also found in 4 (1.2%) individuals from East and South Ethiopia. For the 400 samples in the south, 17 (4.25%) were shown to be G6PD-deficient. G6PD enzyme level was not significantly different by age or gender. Among a subset of 202 febrile patients who were diagnosed with malaria, 11 (5.45%) were G6PD-deficient. These 11 infected samples were diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax by microscopy. Parasitaemia was not significantly different between the G6PD-deficient and G6PD-normal infections.

Conclusions

The prevalence of G6PD deficiency is modest among febrile patients in Ethiopia. G6PD deficiency testing is thus recommended before administrating primaquine for radical cure of P. vivax infected patients. The present study did not indicate a significant association between G6PD gene mutations and enzyme levels.
A successful intraoperative diagnosis of coexisting lymphoma and endometrial cancer
Authors: Yoshino Ai , Kobayashi Eiji , Shiomi Mayu , Sato Kazuaki , Ichii Michiko , Ueda Yutaka , Kimura Tadashi
Published: October 2019

Background

The coexistence of hematological malignancy with endometrial cancer is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of coexistence of endometrial cancer with follicular lymphoma which we suspected preoperatively and diagnosed during surgery by a multidisciplinary intraoperative assessment.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to a suspicion of an endometrial cancer. Endometrial biopsy revealed grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma. MRI showed invasion of the tumor into the outer half of the myometrium, and abdominal CT showed para-aortic and atypical mesentery lymphadenopathy which was suspected to be metastasis of endometrial cancer or malignant lymphoma. Abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, partial omentectomy, and mesentery lymph node biopsy for endometrial cancer were performed. The mesentery and para-aortic lymph nodes that were sent for frozen section analysis showed no metastasis of the endometrial cancer. We simultaneously conducted an unusual intraoperative emergent four-color flow cytometry and intraoperatively diagnosed a B cell lymphoma in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Because this multidisciplinary assessment, we were able to avoid an unnecessary intestinal resection. The final pathological diagnosis was an endometrioid carcinoma (G1, FIGO stage IA), with a synchronous follicular lymphoma.

Conclusion

Although a rare event in endometrial cancer surgery, it is necessary to be alert to the possibility of a synchronous lymphoma in cases of unusual site adenopathy.
Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in wild carnivores in north-eastern Poland
Authors: Szewczyk Tomasz , Werszko Joanna , Myczka Anna W. , Laskowski Zdzisław , Karbowiak Grzegorz
Published: October 2019

Background

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate parasitic intracellular bacterium. It is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis, with effects on human and animal health. In Europe, the pathogen is mainly transmitted among a wide range of vertebrate hosts by blood-sucking arthropods. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of A. phagocytophilum in wild carnivores, viz raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), badgers (Meles meles), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), martens (Martes sp.) and European polecats (Mustela putorius), using molecular methods.

Methods

In the present study, 174 spleen samples were collected from adult, wild carnivores hunted in the years 2013–2016. A short fragment (383 bp) of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene partial sequence was used as a marker to identify A. phagocytophilum in spleen samples collected from carnivores using nested PCR.

Results

The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in wild carnivores was 31.61% (55/174). Seven sequences of A. phagocytophilum were generated from two raccoon dogs, two badgers, one marten, one red fox and one European polecat. Six identical nucleotide sequences were obtained from one raccoon dog, two badgers, one marten, one red fox and one European polecat (A. phagocytophilum sequences 1: MH328205–MH328209, MH328211), and these were identical to many A. phagocytophilum sequences in the GenBank database (100% similarity). The second sequence (A. phagocytophilum sequence 2: MH328210) obtained from the raccoon dog shared 99.74% identity with A. phagocytophilum sequence 1.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to use molecular methods to determine the presence of A. phagocytophilum in wild carnivores, viz raccoon dog, badger, marten and European polecat, in Poland. The detected A. phagocytophilum sequences (1 and 2) were closely related with those of A. phagocytophilum occurring in a wide range of wild and domestic animals and vectors.
Mycobacterium indicus pranii therapy induces tumor regression in MyD88- and TLR2-dependent manner
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Das Gobardhan , Bhaskar Sangeeta
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) is an atypical mycobacterium species with potent antitumor efficacy. Macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells, playing key roles in the activation of antitumor immunity. We have previously shown the potent activation of macrophages and DCs by MIP, which is mediated by MyD88–TLR2 signaling axis. In the present study, we further examined the role of MyD88 and TLR2 in MIP-mediated tumor regression.

Results

Wild-type and MyD88−/− mice were implanted with B16F10 tumor cells, treated with MIP or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and monitored for tumor growth. As expected, MIP therapy led to significant tumor regression in wild-type mice. However, antitumor efficacy of MIP was lost in MyD88−/− animals. Both PBS-treated (control) and MIP-treated MyD88−/− mice developed tumors with comparable volume. Since MyD88 relays TLR engagement signals, we analyzed the antitumor efficacy of MIP in TLR2−/− and TLR4−/− mice. It was observed that MIP therapy reduced tumor burden in wild-type and TLR4−/− mice but not in TLR2−/− mice. Tumor volume in MIP-treated TLR2−/− mice were comparable with those in PBS-treated wild-type animals. These results implicated the MyD88–TLR2 signaling axis in the antitumor efficacy of MIP.
Co-inhibition of HDAC and MLL-menin interaction targets MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia cells via disruption of DNA damage checkpoint and DNA repair
Authors: Ye Jing , Zha Jie , Shi Yuanfei , Li Yin , Yuan Delin , Chen Qinwei , Lin Fusheng , Fang Zhihong , Yu Yong , Dai Yun , Xu Bing
Published: October 2019

While the aberrant translocation of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene drives pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it represents an independent predictor for poor prognosis of adult AML patients. Thus, small molecule inhibitors targeting menin-MLL fusion protein interaction have been emerging for the treatment of MLL-rearranged AML. As both inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and menin-MLL interaction target the transcription-regulatory machinery involving epigenetic regulation of chromatin remodeling that governs the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis, we hypothesized that these two classes of agents might interact to kill MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) AML cells. Here, we report that the combination treatment with subtoxic doses of the HDAC inhibitor chidamide and the menin-MLL interaction inhibitor MI-3 displayed a highly synergistic anti-tumor activity against human MLL-r AML cells in vitro and in vivo, but not those without this genetic aberration. Mechanistically, co-exposure to chidamide and MI-3 led to robust apoptosis in MLL-r AML cells, in association with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and a sharp increase in ROS generation. Combined treatment also disrupted DNA damage checkpoint at the level of CHK1 and CHK2 kinases, rather than their upstream kinases (ATR and ATM), as well as DNA repair likely via homologous recombination (HR), but not non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Genome-wide RNAseq revealed gene expression alterations involving several potential signaling pathways (e.g., cell cycle, DNA repair, MAPK, NF-κB) that might account for or contribute to the mechanisms of action underlying anti-leukemia activity of chidamide and MI-3 as a single agent and particularly in combination in MLL-r AML. Collectively, these findings provide a preclinical basis for further clinical investigation of this novel targeted strategy combining HDAC and Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors to improve therapeutic outcomes in a subset of patients with poor-prognostic MLL-r leukemia.
Virus persistence in pig herds led to successive reassortment events between swine and human influenza A viruses, resulting in the emergence of a novel triple-reassortant swine influenza virus
Authors: Chastagner Amélie , Bonin Emilie , Fablet Christelle , Quéguiner Stéphane , Hirchaud Edouard , Lucas Pierrick , Gorin Stéphane , Barbier Nicolas , Béven Véronique , Garin Emmanuel , Blanchard Yannick , Rose Nicolas , Hervé Séverine , Simon Gaëlle
Published: October 2019

This report describes the detection of a triple reassortant swine influenza A virus of H1avN2 subtype. It evolved from an avian-like swine H1avN1 that first acquired the N2 segment from a seasonal H3N2, then the M segment from a 2009 pandemic H1N1, in two reassortments estimated to have occurred 10 years apart. This study illustrates how recurrent influenza infections increase the co-infection risk and facilitate evolutionary jumps by successive gene exchanges. It recalls the importance of appropriate biosecurity measures inside holdings to limit virus persistence and interspecies transmissions, which both contribute to the emergence of new potentially zoonotic viruses.
Shock index in patients with traumatic solid organ injury as a predictor of massive blood transfusion protocol activation
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman , Jabbour Gaby , Asim Mohammad , Abdelrahman Husham , Mahmood Ismail , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

We aimed to assess the utility of shock index (SI) to predict the need for massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in patients with solid organ injury (SOI) in a Level 1 Trauma center.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis for patients with SOI between 2011 and 2014. Patients were categorized according to on-admission SI into low (< 0.8) and high SI (≥0.8) group.

Results

A total of 4500 patients were admitted with trauma, of them 572 sustained SOIs (289 patients had SI ≥0.8). In comparison to low SI, patients with high SI were younger, had higher injury severity scores (ISS) and lower Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS); (p < 0.001). The proportion of exploratory laparotomy (EXLap), blood transfusion (BT), MTP activation, sepsis and hospital mortality were significantly higher in patients with high SI. Serum lactate (r = 0.34), hematocrit (r = − 0.34), ABC score (r = 0.62), ISS (r = 0.35), and amount of transfused blood (r = 0.22) were significantly correlated with SI. On multivariable regression analysis using 9 relevant variables (age, sex, ISS, ED GCS, serum lactate, hematocrit, Abdomen AIS and Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) and SI), SI ≥ 0.8 was an independent predictor of BT (OR 2.80; 95%CI 1.56–4.95) and MTP (OR 2.81;95% CI 1.09–7.21) .

Conclusions

In patients with SOI, SI is a simple bedside predictor for BT and MTP activation. Further prospective studies are needed to support our findings.
Ethanol effects on 68Ga-radiolabelling efficacy and radiolysis in automated synthesis utilizing NaCl post-processing
Authors: Meisenheimer Michael , Kürpig Stefan , Essler Markus , Eppard Elisabeth
Published: October 2019

Objective

Recent studies showed that ethanol in the reaction mixture improves radiolabelling with trivalent radiometals in terms of precursor amount, reaction time, reaction temperature and radiolysis. With regard to clinical application, this effect is of practical interest in radiopharmacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the positive effect of ethanol can be exploited in automated systems utilizing NaCl-post processing.

Methods

Gallium-68 was obtained from a 1.85 GBq 68Ge/68Ga-generator. Radiolabelling was performed on an automated 68Ga-labelling cassette module. The standard labelling protocol was used without modifications. 0–40 vol% ethanol were added to the reaction mixture. Quality control was performed using radioHPLC and radioTLC.

Results

Utilization of additional ethanol on an automated cassette module can be achieved by adding ethanol directly to the buffer solution without further modifications of the standard procedure. Radiolysis was decreased significantly as analysed by radioHPLC.

Conclusion

It was possible to combine the positive effects of ethanol on radiolabelling efficacy and radiolysis with the standard labelling procedure of an automated cassette module system. The whole process guarantees safe preparation of highly pure 68Ga-peptide for clinical application.
An overview of RNA virus-encoded microRNAs
Authors: Li Xihan , Zou Xiaoping
Published: October 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a number of small non-coding RNAs playing a regulatory part in gene expression. Many virus-encoded miRNAs have been found, which manifests that viruses as well apply the basic pattern of gene regulation, however, mostly in viruses transcribed from double-stranded DNA genomes. It is still in dispute if RNA viruses could encode miRNAs because the excision of miRNA might result in the cleavage of viral RNA genome. We will focus on the miRNAs encoded by RNA virus and discuss their potential role in viral replication cycle and host cells.
Intestinal FDG-PET/CT imaging of an Eritrean with schistosomiasis seen in Denmark
Authors: Daghigh Ata , Grüner Julie Marie , Mørup Peter
Published: October 2019

Background

Schistosomiasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases in subtropical and tropical areas and still is considered of public health significance. This disease affects about 200 million people around the world. Intestinal schistosomiasis is mainly diagnosed by parasitological, serological, and molecular methods.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old Eritrean man who had lived in Denmark for the past 3 years presented to the hospital with 4 months’ history of abdominal pain, back pain, and weight loss of 12 kg. He underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT scanning. The scan findings were consistent with schistosomiasis, which were confirmed by serological and pathological tests.

Conclusion

PET/CT is a common modality neither to detect schistosomes nor to diagnose schistosomiasis. A presumptive diagnosis can be made based on coincidence of high FDG uptake in visceral lymph nodes below the diaphragm and in relation to abdominal viscera, travel history suggestive of schistosome infection, and exclusion of other causes of abdominal pain.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene polymorphism as a risk factor for vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Khalaf Fatma A. , Ibrahim Hatem R. , Bedair Hanan M. , Allam Maha M. , Elshormilisy Amr A. , Ali Samia T. , Gaber Waseem M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to microvascular and macrovascular damages through hyperglycemia that is the main cause of diabetic complications. Other factors such as hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia may worsen or accelerate the others. Several studies have revealed definitive genetic predispositions to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and development of vascular complications. This study aimed to address the association between plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphism and T2DM, and if this gene polymorphism may have a possible role in the development of vascular complications in T2DM. This study is a case control; it included 200 patients with T2DM, 117 patients had no vascular complications, and 83 had previous vascular complications (VCs). One hundred eighty volunteer blood donors were selected as a healthy control group. All patients and controls were subjected to clinical examination, and laboratory investigations included lipid profile, fasting and 2 h blood glucose, complete blood cell count,d-dimer, PAI-1, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and detection of PAI-1 gene polymorphism by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

The most prevalent genotype of PAI-1 gene polymorphism in all studied groups, including controls, was 4G/5G with the highest allele frequency as 4G. The 4G/5G and 4G/4G genotypes were associated with increased risk of DM development as compared to 5G/5G genotype. The 4G/5G and 4G/4G genotypes also had a highly significant increased risk of VCs among diabetic patients, as compared to 5G/5G. The 4G allele also was highly associated with DM with VCs. Thed-dimer TAFI, PAI-1 showed the highest levels in 4G/5G genotype followed by 4G/4G genotype. The lowest level was expressed in 5G/5G genotype in diabetic patients with and without VCs. The univariable analysis showed that genotypes 4G/5G and 4G/4G were potentially risk factors for development of VCs with T2DM patients.

Conclusion

This study concludes that the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism may be associated with T2DM and may be considered as a risk factor for development of thrombotic events. It may also help in selection and dosing of patients being treated with anticoagulant and fibrinolytic agents. Further large-scale studies are recommended to assess the possible role of environmental factors and gene interactions in the development of T2DM vascular risks.
Adding the merits of contrast to the ease of mammography; can we highlight what’s behind breast asymmetries?
Authors: Kamal Rasha Mohamed , Moustafa Amr Farouk Ibrahim , Fakhry Sherihan , Kamal Eman Faker , Radwan Amira , Hilal Amany , Hassan Maher
Published: October 2019

Background

Breast symmetry is one of the major things that radiologists assess when looking at mammograms and is one of the most challenging mammographic findings to evaluate. Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is an emerging mammography technique that has shown comparable sensitivity and specificity to MRI. The purpose of this study is to assess the value of CESM in characterization of breast asymmetries (BAs) and if it should be incorporated in its diagnostic work-up.

Results

Three hundred sixty-five patients with mean age of 47 years were included in the study. CESM was performed aiming for characterization of 380 suspicious or indeterminate breast asymmetries. Assessment of subtracted high-energy images (HEI) markedly improves the overall accuracy reaching 88.4%. Further improvement of the overall accuracy was achieved on combined assessment of the low-energy images (LEI), subtracted high-energy images (HEI), and ultrasound reaching 91.3%.

Conclusion

CESM is considered as a valuable complementary imaging tool considering the evaluation of breast asymmetries and should be incorporated in its diagnostic work-up in cases not resolved on an initial combined mammography and targeted ultrasound study especially in the presence of a heterogeneous dense breast parenchyma. Yet, this may be hindered in the presence of inflammatory signs because of the overlapping imaging criteria.
Automatic velocity analysis using convolutional neural network and transfer learning
Authors: Park Min Jun , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: October 2019

Velocity analysis can be a time-consuming task when performed manually. Methods have been proposed to automate the process of velocity analysis, which, however, typically requires significant manual effort. We have developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) to estimate stacking velocities directly from the semblance. Our CNN model uses two images as one input data for training. One is an entire semblance (guide image), and the other is a small patch (target image) extracted from the semblance at a specific time step. Labels for each input data set are the root mean square velocities. We generate the training data set using synthetic data. After training the CNN model with synthetic data, we test the trained model with another synthetic data that were not used in the training step. The results indicate that the model can predict a consistent velocity model. We also noticed that when the input data are extremely different from those used for the training, the CNN model will hardly pick the correct velocities. In this case, we adopt transfer learning to update the trained model (base model) with a small portion of the target data to improve the accuracy of the predicted velocity model. A marine data set from the Gulf of Mexico is used for validating our new model. The updated model performed a reasonable velocity analysis in seconds.
A convolutional neural network approach to deblending seismic data
Authors: Sun Jing , Slang Sigmund , Elboth Thomas , Larsen Greiner Thomas , McDonald Steven , Gelius Leiv-J.
Published: October 2019

For economic and efficiency reasons, blended acquisition of seismic data is becoming increasingly commonplace. Seismic deblending methods are computationally demanding and normally consist of multiple processing steps. Furthermore, the process of selecting parameters is not always trivial. Machine-learning-based processing has the potential to significantly reduce processing time and to change the way seismic deblending is carried out. We have developed a data-driven deep-learning-based method for fast and efficient seismic deblending. The blended data are sorted from the common-source to the common-channel domain to transform the character of the blending noise from coherent events to incoherent contributions. A convolutional neural network is designed according to the special characteristics of seismic data and performs deblending with results comparable to those obtained with conventional industry deblending algorithms. To ensure authenticity, the blending was performed numerically and only field seismic data were used, including more than 20,000 training examples. After training and validating the network, seismic deblending can be performed in near real time. Experiments also indicate that the initial signal-to-noise ratio is the major factor controlling the quality of the final deblended result. The network is also demonstrated to be robust and adaptive by using the trained model to first deblend a new data set from a different geologic area with a slightly different delay time setting and second to deblend shots with blending noise in the top part of the record.