bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
О ДЕТЕРМИНИРУЮЩЕЙ РОЛИ И ВЛИЯНИИ МЕДИКО-БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ И МЕДИКО-ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННЫХ ФАКТОРОВ НА РИСК ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ЛЕГКИХ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ РЕСПУБЛИКИ МОЛДОВА (АСПЕКТЫ ЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИИ И КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ), "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательск
Authors: Яворский Константин Михайлович , Болотникова Валентина Андреевна , Брумару Albina G.
Published: September 2018

Несмотря на достижения современной медицины, туберкулез легких (ТБ), являясь опасным инфекционным заболеванием, уносящим жизни людей во всем мире, представляет серьезную угрозу и для населения Республики Молдова. Цель: изучить частоту и структуру медико-биологических и медико-организационных факторов, повышающих риск заболевания ТБ. Материал и методы. Объектом ретроспективно-проспективного исследования, которое проводилось в 2014-2016 гг., были 4 района Центральной и Южной Зон Правобережного региона реки Днестр Р. Молдова. Использовались учетно-отчетные формы официальной государственной статистики, медицинская документация на больных ТБ. Результаты. С учетом эпидемиологической и клинико-патогенетической значимости проведена стратификация факторов, и обозначены наиболее важные группы морбидных рисков. Показана их роль в развитии и распространении ТБ. Заключение. Полученные результаты обусловливают необходимость постоянного мониторинга эпидемической ситуации с использованием знаний о роли и влиянии факторов риска на показатели бремени туберкулеза.
СЛУЧАЙ ВОЛНООБРАЗНОГО ТЕЧЕНИЯ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА ВНУТРИГРУДНЫХ ЛИМФАТИЧЕСКИХ УЗЛОВ У РЕБЕНКА РАННЕГО ВОЗРАСТА С ОТЯГОЩЕННЫМ АНАМНЕЗОМ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Хохлова Юлия Юрьевна , Губкина Марина Федоровна , Петракова Ирина Юрьевна , Юхименко Наталья Валентиновна
Published: September 2018

Цель публикации: на примере конкретной истории болезни показать волнообразный характер течения туберкулезного процесса у ребенка раннего возраста при позднем выявлении, наличии нескольких факторов риска развития заболевания и отсутствии профилактических осмотров на туберкулез. Представленное клиническое наблюдение, демонстрирует позднее выявление и волнообразный характер течения туберкулезного процесса у ребенка раннего возраста, вызванный сочетанием нескольких факторов риска. Грудной ребенок, не вакцинированный против ­туберкулеза, с 6 месячного возраста оказался на попечении няни, ранее находившейся в местах лишения свободы и страдающей туберкулезом. Ребенок не обследовался должным образом на туберкулез (не проводилась туберкулинодиагностика 2 раза в год), в связи с чем заболевание было выявлено поздно. В возрасте 2 лет 3 мес. диагностирован туберкулез внутригрудных лимфатических узлов в фазе инфильтрации и начинающейся кальцинации, осложненный бронхолегочным поражением, МБТ (-). Поздно установленный контакт с больной туберкулезом с наличием множественной лекарственной устойчивости M. Tuberculosis (МЛУ МБТ) не позволил своевременно начать адекватную химиотерапию, что и явилось основной причиной волнообразного течения туберкулезного процесса. Изменение схемы лечения с учетом данных о лекарственной чувствительности МБТ у источника инфекции позволило достичь значительного положительного эффекта через 18 мес. химиотерапии.
НЕТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНЫЕ МИКОБАКТЕРИИ, МИКОБАКТЕРИОЗЫ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Литвинов Виталий Ильич
Published: September 2018

В обзоре литературы охарактеризованы основные аспекты изучения нетуберкулезных микобактерий и вызываемой ими патологии - микобактериозов: нетуберкулезные микобактерии в окружающей среде, пути заражения, патология у животных и человека; механизмы взаимодействия нетуберкулезных микобактерий и макроорганизма, лечение микобактериозов и лекарственная чувствительность нетуберкулезных микобактерий. В заключение сформулированы основные положения о состоянии проблемы и перспективах.
ГЕНДЕРНЫЕ РАЗЛИЧИЯ В РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИИ РАЗНЫХ ГЕНОТИПОВ MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS СРЕДИ БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ САРАТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Салина Татьяна Юрьевна , Морозова Татьяна Ивановна
Published: September 2018

Цель - сравнительное изучение генетического полиморфизма Mycobacterium tuberculosis (МБТ), циркулирующих среди больных туберкулезом мужчин и женщин Саратовской области. Обследовано 307 больных с впервые выявленным туберкулезом легких (ТБ) в возрасте от 22 до 62 лет. Больные распределены на 2 группы по гендерному признаку. Группу 1 составили 49 женщин, группу 2 - 258 мужчин. Обе группы сопоставимы по клиническим формам, тяжести течения ТБ, наличию деструкций в легочной ткани и массивности бактериовыделения. Проводили сполиготипирование МБТ в образцах мокроты методом гибридизации на биологическом микрочипе с использованием набора реагентов «Сполиго-биочип» (ООО «БИОЧИП-ИМБ», Москва). Результаты реакции учитывали с помощью аппаратно-программного комплекса «Чипдетектор-01» и специальной программы «ImaGeWare®», позволяющей проводить сравнение сполиготипа с профилем сполиготипирования базы данных SpolDB4 (http: www.pasteur-guadeloupe.fr/tb/bd_myco.html). Установлено, что среди мужчин, больных ТБ (группа 2), циркулируют 11 генетических семейств МБТ (Bejing, Beijing-like, Haarlem+Ural, LAM, T, Microti, Rus 1, EAI, Canetti, Cas, Manu). В нашем исследовании мы объединили группу Haarlem и Ural, как две родственные группы. В образцах мокроты, полученных от женщин, больных ТБ (группа 1), выявлены МБТ шести генетических семейств (Beijing, Beijing-like, Haarlem + Ural, LAM, T, Microti). Доминирующими генотипами в группе 1 были Bejing - 15 (30,6%), Beijing-like -13 (26,5%) Haarlem+Ural - 14 (28,6%), в группе 2 - Haarlem+Ural - 53 (20,5%), T - 68 (26,4%), Beijing - 46 (17,8%), Beijing-like - 44 (17,1%). Достоверно чаще в группе 1 по сравнению с группой 2 были зарегистрированы МБТ Bejing -15 (30,6%) против 46 (17,8%) соответственно, p = 0,0381. В группе 2 значительно чаще были выявлены МБТ семейства Т - 68 (26,4%) против 3 (6,1%) в группе 1, p = 0,0024. Достоверных различий по распространению сполиготипов внутри генетических семейств МБТ среди мужчин и женщин не установлено.
МОДЕЛЬ ЭПИДЕМИЧЕСКОЙ СИТУАЦИИ ПО ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗУ С ШИРОКОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬЮ В РЕГИОНАХ РОССИИ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Стерликов Сергей Александрович , Русакова Лариса Ивановна
Published: September 2018

Актуальность моделирования эпидемической ситуации по туберкулезу с широкой лекарственной устойчивостью (ШЛУ ТБ) обусловлена высокой эпидемической опасностью заболевания, отсутствием результативных мер его профилактики и лечения, отсутствием статистических данных, описывающих частоту его распространения. Материалы и методы. Базируясь на сведениях федерального статистического наблюдения, а также на результатах специального запроса Минздрава России о частоте ШЛУ ТБ у случаев туберкулеза из различных регистрационных групп, была разработана модель расчета ожидаемой частоты распространения ШЛУ ТБ. В основе модели лежат данные о числе больных туберкулезом органов дыхания с множественной лекарственной устойчивостью, охвате больных туберкулезом органов дыхания с бактериовыделением тестами на лекарственную чувствительность микобактерий туберкулеза к противотуберкулезным препаратам, числе больных туберкулезом внелегочных локализаций с бактериовыделением, охвате случаев лечения туберкулеза с множественной лекарственной устойчивостью (МЛУ ТБ) тестами на наличие ШЛУ ТБ, выявление случаев ШЛУ ТБ среди случаев МЛУ ТБ. Результаты. Ожидаемое число больных МЛУ ТБ на окончание отчетного года составило 43025, что на 5099 больше, чем зарегистрированное число больных МЛУ ТБ органов дыхания, состоящих на окончание отчетного года в медицинских организациях Минздрава России. Охват случаев МЛУ ТБ тестами на наличие широкой лекарственной устойчивости микобактерий туберкулеза в большинстве регионов России приближался к 100%, однако был низким в республиках Калмыкия, Карелия, Кабардино-Балкария. Медианная доля больных ШЛУ ТБ среди больных МЛУ ТБ составила 12,3%. Обсуждение. К недостаткам модели относится учет данных только среди больных туберкулезом, наблюдающихся в противотуберкулезных организациях Минздрава России, которая не учитывает больных, наблюдающихся в других ведомствах. Также искажающее влияние может вносить неравномерность качества культуральной диагностики и проведения тестов на лекарственную чувствительность к препаратам основного и резервного ряда, неполный охват больных туберкулезом культуральной диагностикой. Заключение. Предложенная модель позволяет дать ориентировочные характеристики частоты распространения ШЛУ ТБ. Ожидаемое число больных ШЛУ ТБ, состоящих на бациллярном учете на окончание 2016 года, составило от 5 до 8,5 тыс. (­оптимальный прогноз - 6,5 тыс.), а ожидаемая частота распространения - от 3,3 до 3,9 на 100 000 населения. ­Несмотря на невысокую частоту распространения ШЛУ ТБ, в 10 регионах России имеется более 100 больных ШЛУ ТБ, что ­позволяет говорить о высоком финансовом бремени данного заболевания.
АЛЬТЕРАЦИИ В ГЕНАХ PNCA И RPSA И АКТИВНОСТЬ ПИРАЗИНАМИДАЗЫ У ШТАММОВ M.?TUBERCULOSIS ФЕНОТИПИЧЕСКИ ЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНЫХ И УСТОЙЧИВЫХ К ПИРАЗИНАМИДУ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Андреевская Софья Николаевна , Андриевская Ирина Юрьевна , Смирнова Татьяна Геннадьевна , Устинова Вера Витальевна , Альварес Мария Викторовна , Маслов Дмитрий Антонович , Ларионова Елена Евгеньевна , Черноусова Лариса Николаевна
Published: September 2018

Для определения механизмов формирования лекарственной устойчивости к пиразинамиду у M. tuberculosis проведен комплексный анализ, включающий одновременное определение фенотипической чувствительности к пиразинамиду, активности пиразинамидазы, структуры генов, кодирующих пиразинамидазу и мишень воздействия пиразинамида, а также МИК препарата. Показана ведущая роль нарушения активности пиразинамидазы вследствие мутаций в гене pncA. Описан широкий спектр мутаций в этом гене и выделены те из них, которые приводят к пограничной устойчивости к пиразинамиду. Мутации на уровне гена rpsA, кодирующего мишень действия препарата, не оказывали влияния на формирование устойчивости к пиразинамиду.
ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗ У ДЕТЕЙ РАЗНЫХ ВОЗРАСТНЫХ ГРУПП: ВЕДУЩИЕ СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ И ИННОВАЦИИ В ДИАГНОСТИКЕ, ЛЕЧЕНИИ И ПРОФИЛАКТИКЕ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ МОЛДОВА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Яворский Константин Михайлович , Болотникова Валентина Андреевна
Published: September 2018

Согласно данным доказательной медицины в общих методических подходах при оценке бремени туберкулеза (ТБ) среди детско-подросткового населения, влияния на его показатели наиболее значимых морбидных факторов рис­ка и особенностей в системе противотуберкулезных мероприятий ключевую роль играет учет возраста пациентов. Это положение предопределило цель исследования и ее составляющие, явилось предметом изучения возрастной специфики ТБ в когорте (445 чел.) больных 0-17 лет по данным регистра за 2015-2017 гг. В статье представлены статистические данные о заболеваемости, распространенности и смертности от ТБ, обозначены его социально-эпидемиологические и клинико-демографические особенности. Показано, что дети раннего возраста и подростки являются наиболее уязвимой группой по инфицированию и заболеванию ТБ. Изложены приоритетные современные направления и действующие методы профилактики, диагностики и лечения ТБ у детей и подростков в Республике Молдова.
ВОСПАЛИТЕЛЬНЫЕ РЕАКЦИИ ПРИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗЕ У?ПОДРОСТКОВ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Тюлькова Татьяна Евгеньевн , Чугаев Юрий Петрович , Пирогова Наталья Давыдовна , Козлов Николай Владимирович - , Мезенцева Алеся Валентиновна
Published: September 2018

При туберкулезе у некоторой части пациентов отмечается увеличение острофазовых белков ( 1- 2-фракции глобулинов). Целью исследования стало определение особенностей туберкулезного процесса у подростков в зависимос­ти от выраженности воспалительных реакций. Группы сформированы по факту обнаружения уровня 2-глобулинов в пределах референсных (первая группа, n = 47), и выше рекомендованных значений (вторая группа, n = 42). В ходе исследования отмечено, что во второй группе подростков чаще, чем в первой, туберкулез выявлялся в раннем периоде первичного инфицирования (р p р р 2-глобулинов требовало тщательного эпидемиологического, микробиологического, молекулярно-генетического и лучевого методов обследования для исключения неблагоприятного, в том числе осложненного течения туберкулеза с лекарственно-устойчивыми штаммами МБТ.
Transforming growth factor‐β blocks glucose‐induced inflammation and apoptosis in corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Fengge , Kong Hui , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: September 2018

Diabetic retinopathy is the most important ocular complication associated with diabetes. Corneal defects due to diabetes mellitus (DM) may cause severe vision impairments. This study aimed to identify the effect of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) on biological events, such as apoptosis and inflammation, in the diabetic cornea. High‐glucose treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and several biological events, including apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine secretion, in human corneal epithelial cells. However, administration of TGF‐β significantly decreased ROS production, Annexin V‐positive cells, and levels of inflammatory cytokines. Sprague Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) as a model of DM. Inflammatory cytokine secretion, apoptosis, and inflammation were all increased by STZ treatment. However, apoptosis and inflammation were markedly reduced following TGF‐β treatment. In conclusion, TGF‐β can ameliorate the enhancement of apoptosis and inflammation in diabetic cornea in in vivo and in vitro.
Altered tryptophan metabolism is associated with pediatric multiple sclerosis risk and course
Authors: Nourbakhsh Bardia , Bhargava Pavan , Tremlett Helen , Hart Janace , Graves Jennifer , Waubant Emmanuelle
Published: September 2018

Objective

To determine if altered tryptophan (Trp) metabolism is associated with MS risk or disease severity in children.

Methods

Participants with pediatric‐onset MS and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) within 4 years of disease onset and healthy controls underwent collection of serum. Longitudinal disability and processing speed measures and relapse data were collected in cases. Global metabolomics were conducted in 69/67 cases/controls. Targeted Trp measurement was performed in a discovery group (82 cases, 50 controls) and a validation group (92 cases, 50 controls), while functional gut microbiome analysis was done in 17 cases. Adjusted logistic, linear and negative binomial regression and Cox‐proportional hazard models were used.

Results

Using global metabolomics data, higher relative abundances of Trp and indole lactate, a known gut microbiota‐derived Trp metabolite, were associated with lower risk of MS. In cases, higher relative abundances of gut microbiota‐derived Trp metabolites were associated with lower disability and higher processing speed scores and higher relative abundance of kynurenine was associated with higher relapse rate. Using targeted tryptophan measures, in the discovery and validation groups, each 1 mcg/mL increase in serum Trp level was associated with 20% (95% CI: 4–34%) and 32% (95% CI: 16–44%) decrease in adjusted odds of having MS, respectively. A lower relative abundance of gut microbial genes involved in Trp catabolism was associated with higher relapse risk.

Interpretation

Trp metabolism by the gut microbiota and the kynurenine pathway may be relevant to the risk of MS in children as well as MS activity and severity.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Low Doped‐Zr TC4 Alloy Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Chen Aijun , Deng Hao , Chen Longqing , Wei Yongqiang , Xia Zuxi , Tang Jun
Published: September 2018

The effects of Zr‐doping on TC4 alloy are investigated by mechanical milling and subsequent spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the sintered ingots are studied. It is shown that the microstructure of the alloys undergoes a β‐phase increase through low Zr‐doping, thus the mechanical properties of the studied alloy is improved. Tensile tests are performed to investigate the strength of TC4‐xZr alloys at room temperature. The tensile strength increases and the ductility maintains at a high level with increased Zr content. As a result, the TC4‐5Zr alloy exhibits the highest tensile strength (1106 MPa) and excellent ductility (δ = 16.1%). It is demonstrated that low Zr‐doping in combination with mechanical milling and SPS provides an effective way to enhance the mechanical properties of TC4 alloys.
Band Structure Engineering in 2D Materials for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Bao Xiaozhi , Ou Qingdong , Xu Zai‐Quan , Zhang Yupeng , Bao Qiaoliang , Zhang Han
Published: September 2018

Recent advances in the development of 2D‐layered materials have witnessed the use of these materials as intriguing building blocks for various optoelectronic applications. The versatility of 2D material systems makes them particularly attractive for photodetection with fast response and high sensitivity over a broad spectral coverage, ranging from ultraviolet, visible to infrared. However, due to the atomically thin nature and inherent electronic structure, light that is harvested by monolayer 2D materials is extremely low and the photodetector devices often operate as Schottky junctions, which significantly limit the efficiency for photocurrent generation. Here, recent progress on the exploration of 2D material–based heterostructures and the engineering of the band structures for energy‐efficient optoelectronic applications is reviewed. First, the strategies to introduce a bandgap in graphene are reviewed and discussed. This is followed by a discussion on the engineering of electronic structures in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides by localized chemical doping, dual gating, liquid gating, thickness modulation, and constructing heterojunctions. It is concluded by a summary and perspective on the challenges and future directions.
A Parallel Multiscale Simulation Framework for Complex Polymerization: AB2‐Type Monomer Hyperbranched Polymerization as an Example
Authors: Zhang Zidan , Krajniak Jakub , Samaey Giovanni , Nies Erik
Published: September 2018

A multiscale simulation framework for polycondensation and other types of polymerization mechanisms, which is used to study the hyperbranched polymerization of AB2 type monomer 4,4‐bis‐(4'‐hydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid is presented. The reaction framework is established by combining the coarse‐grained molecular dynamics and the reactive Monte Carlo method, in which the coarse‐grained molecular dynamics handles the diffusion of particles and the reactive Monte Carlo method determines the bond formation. The influence of parameters in the simulation model on the quality of the simulation results is explicitly evaluated. Specific guidelines on how to choose proper values for the simulation model parameters are given here. It is shown that i) the reaction interval should be chosen from the ballistic region of the diffusion profile; and ii) the first valley of the radial distribution function of reactants is a good value for the reaction capture radius for polycondensation in terms of accuracy of the calculations. Moreover, a recipe to determine the rate constant from the kinetic equation is explicitly proposed. Using the guidelines, excellent agreement between simulation results and the experimental data is obtained.
Fabrication of graphene/single wall carbon nanotubes/polyaniline composite gels as binder‐free electrode materials
Authors: Du Xiangxiang , Luo Fubin , Guo Yuyue , Zhu Qingqing , Xiao Fei , Wu Kun , Lu Mangeng
Published: September 2018

A three‐dimensional (3D) graphene‐based hydrogels system containing one‐dimensional (1D) carbon material‐single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and pseudocapacitor material‐polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by combination of cross‐linking, reduced and in situ polymerization. The polyaniline nanoparticles were combined with the reduced graphene sheet by π‐π conjugation. The as‐perpared composite gels could be directly used as electrode materials without binders. Due to the synergistic effect between SWCNTs, graphene sheet and PANI, the graphene/single wall carbon nanotubes/polyaniline (GH/SWCNTs/PANI) composite gel shows the enhanced electrochemical performances. The resultant GH/SWCNTs/PANI gel electroactive material shows a gravimetric specific capacitance of 145.4 F/g at 0.5 A/g and has improved 45% compared with initial graphene hydrogel (GH) at the same current density. And it keeps high retention of 98.8% of the initial capacity after 10,00 charge/discharge cycles at high current density of 10 A/g. The great cycle stability achieved is fundamentally attributed to the support of graphene sheet and single wall carbon nanotubes, which favors stress distribution and charge transfer during the longtime charge/discharge process. The graphene‐based hydrogels could be a potential applicant for high rate charge/discharge applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46948.
Expanding the Cathodic Potential Window of Activated Carbon Electrodes in a Lithium‐Salt Containing Electrolyte
Authors: Dsoke Sonia
Published: September 2018

Activated carbon is the most common material used for electrochemical double layer capacitors. With the recent development of Li‐ion capacitors, activated carbon is also used in Li‐salt‐containing organic electrolytes. The cathodic potential of activated carbon is in general limited to 1.5 V vs. Li/Li+, in order to avoid the decomposition of the electrolyte, which can block the porosity and accessible area of the carbon. This work aims to investigate the unexplored region, below 1.5 V vs. Li/Li+ to understand how a lower limit cut‐off can influence the electrochemical performance of activated carbon. Interestingly, a very critical potential is 1.0 V. When an electrode is cycled until this limit, the performance drastically falls down. On the other side, by further expanding the lower potential limit to 0.5 V, the capacity increases, without substantially compromising the resistance and the cycling stability. At even lower potentials (i. e., 0.2 V, 0.1 V and 0.005 V) the capacity further increases, but at the cost of the cycling stability. This work opens new directions on the use of activated carbon at potentials below the standard cathodic limit of 1.5 V vs. Li/Li+.
Structural Biology of the HEAT‐Like Repeat Family of DNA Glycosylases
Authors: Shi Rongxin , Shen Xing‐Xing , Rokas Antonis , Eichman Brandt F.
Published: September 2018

DNA glycosylases remove aberrant DNA nucleobases as the first enzymatic step of the base excision repair (BER) pathway. The alkyl‐DNA glycosylases AlkC and AlkD adopt a unique structure based on α‐helical HEAT repeats. Both enzymes identify and excise their substrates without a base‐flipping mechanism used by other glycosylases and nucleic acid processing proteins to access nucleobases that are otherwise stacked inside the double‐helix. Consequently, these glycosylases act on a variety of cationic nucleobase modifications, including bulky adducts, not previously associated with BER. The related non‐enzymatic HEAT‐like repeat (HLR) proteins, AlkD2, and AlkF, have unique nucleic acid binding properties that expand the functions of this relatively new protein superfamily beyond DNA repair. Here, we review the phylogeny, biochemistry, and structures of the HLR proteins, which have helped broaden our understanding of the mechanisms by which DNA glycosylases locate and excise chemically modified DNA nucleobases.
Protective effect of docosahexaenoic acid on lipotoxicity‐mediated cell death in Schwann cells: Implication of PI3K/AKT and mTORC2 pathways
Authors: Descorbeth Magda , Figueroa Karen , Serrano‐Illán Miguel , De León Marino
Published: September 2018

Background and Aim

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exhibits neuroprotective properties and has been shown to preserve nerve cells following trauma and ischemic injury. Recently, we showed that DHA pretreatment improved locomotion and reduced neuropathic pain after acute spinal cord injury in adult rats. These improvements were associated with an increase in the levels of AKT in spinal cord injury neurons. In this study, we investigate the implication of PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathway in DHA‐mediated protection of primary cultured Schwann cells (pSC) undergoing palmitic acid‐induced lipotoxicity (PA‐LTx).

Methods

Primary cultured Schwann cells were treated with PA (PA:BSA, 2:1) in the presence or absence of DHA (1–200 µM) for 24–48 hr. Cell viability was determined by crystal violet staining and nuclear morphology was examined using Hoechst staining.

Results

We found that pSC cultures exposed to palmitic acid (PA) overload showed chromatin condensation, a decrease in cell viability and an inhibition of AKT phosphorylation in a time‐dependent manner. Next, pSC exposed to PA overload were treated with DHA. The data show that co‐treatment with DHA inhibited the loss of cell viability and apoptosis caused by PA. Moreover, treatment with DHA inhibited chromatin condensation, significantly stimulated p‐AKT phosphorylation under PA‐LTx condition, and DHA alone increased AKT phosphorylation. Additionally, when these pSC cultures were treated with PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and, BKM120 and mTOR inhibitors Torin 1 (mTORC1/mTORC2), but not rapamycin (mTORC1), the protective effects of DHA were not observed.

Conclusion

These findings suggest PI3K/AKT and mTORC2 kinase pathways are involved in the protective function (s) of DHA in PA‐induced Schwann cell death.
Applying eye tracking and electroencephalography to evaluate the effects of placement disclosures on brand responses
Authors: Guo Fu , Ye Guoquan , Duffy Vincent G. , Li Mingming , Ding Yi
Published: September 2018

Product placement is regarded as a covert advertising strategy because viewers are often unaware of the persuasion attempt when they are exposed to product placement due to the high integration of the commercial content into the media content. In order to guarantee fair communication and prevent viewers from being influenced without their awareness, regulations prescribing proper disclosure of product placement have been issued in many countries. However, there are no consistent findings of the effectiveness of disclosures in prior studies. This study first combined eye‐tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) technologies with self‐reported measures to better understand the effects of disclosures on viewers' brand responses. The results show that (a) disclosure is an effective method to increase viewers' awareness of the embedded persuasive message and brand recognition, while also causing a decrease in brand attitude; (b) viewers exposed to a product placement disclosure tend to show longer fixation time on the placed product and evoke decreased frontal alpha band and increased frontal and right‐hemisphere gamma band compared with those who are exposed to non‐disclosed product placement; and (c) the positive effects of disclosures on the awareness of the embedded persuasive message and brand recognition are mediated by fixation time, and the negative effect of disclosures on brand attitude is mediated by fixation time and right‐hemisphere gamma band. These findings indicate that such eye movement indices and EEG bands can be viewed as reference measures reflecting viewers' cognitive and emotional processing of product placement and disclosures.
Use of self‐reported psychopathy assessments with older adults: An update on evaluation of their psychometrics for people over 60 years
Authors: Holzer Katherine J. , Vaughn Michael G.
Published: September 2018

Background

Psychometric properties of self‐report psychopathy scales have generally been established in samples of people under the age of 40. Personality traits are, however, likely to persist into old age, so it is important to understand the performance of user‐friendly self‐report psychopathy measures among older people.

Aims

The aims of this study were to find out the extent to which self‐reported scales developed for rating psychopathy have been used with people of 60 years or older and the extent of any evidence that the psychometric properties of the scales vary with age.

Methods

A systematic literature review, with searching limited to PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar for the years 1990‐2017, of studies of the psychometric properties of five prominent self‐report psychopathy scales: the Self‐Report Psychopathy Scale, Levenson Self‐Report Psychopathy Scale, Psychopathic Personality Inventory, Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, and the Elemental Psychopathy Assessment according to age of participants.

Results

Fourteen studies were found for the years 1990–2017. Age ranges in these samples are wide, with a typical mean age of approximately 30 years. None of these studies focused solely on adults of 60 years or older or attempted to isolate findings by specific age group.

Conclusions and Implications for Future Research

Studies of the use of self‐rated psychopathy tools remain inconclusive about their psychometrics in older people. Further investigations should follow three main paths: first, deriving samples solely of older adults from the general population—to improve the generalisability of their results; second, item response theory methods should be used to detect differential item functioning between younger and older adults; finally, modifications of extant measures with and without items with potential age‐bias should be tested.
Nonsurgical management of a large necrotic nasal tip wound using a viable cryopreserved placental membrane
Authors: Johnson Eric L. , Danilkovitch Alla
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical Message

A large necrotic nasal wound with interdomal subcutaneous tissue loss and the exposed greater alar cartilage was managed conservatively with a placental allograft. This approach is an alternative to the complex staged surgical reconstructive procedures for poor surgical candidates, patients unwilling to undergo facial surgeries, or autologous nasal graft failures.
Prospective analysis of 30‐day mortality following palliative chemotherapy at a tertiary cancer centre
Authors: McCracken James A. , Dabscheck Adrian , Coperchini Maria , Hornung Ilana , Jalali Azim , Akers Georgina , Karahalios Amalia , Gore Fran , Lipton Lara
Published: September 2018

Background

Thirty‐day mortality after chemotherapy has been suggested as a marker of quality in oncology care. Retrospective audits worldwide have put this figure at between 8.1% and 43%, with previous retrospective Australian audits putting this figure at between 3.4% and 18%. To date, there has not been a prospective cohort study of patients receiving palliative intent chemotherapy at an Australian chemotherapy day unit.

Aim

The aim of the study is to benchmark 30‐day mortality for patients receiving palliative intent chemotherapy and identify associated factors at an Australian tertiary cancer centre.

Methods and results

A prospective cohort study of all patients with a diagnosis of malignancy referred for palliative intent intravenous chemotherapy to the Sunshine Hospital Chemotherapy Day Unit over a 12‐month period. The primary outcome was death within 30 days of receiving palliative intent chemotherapy. Other outcome measures included place of death and whether the patient received an outpatient palliative care referral. A total of 314 patients were enrolled in the study, and 98 patients died within the audit period. Of these, 21 (6.6%) died within 30 days of commencing palliative intent chemotherapy, and 60 (18.8%) died more than 30 days after receiving chemotherapy. Of the 34 patients that were referred, but did not start chemotherapy, 18 (52%) died. Multivariable logistic regression found that patients who received an outpatient palliative care referral and received chemotherapy were more likely to die within 30 days, although these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion(s)

This prospective cohort study demonstrated that 6.6% of patients died within 30 days of the administration of palliative intent chemotherapy; however, none of the prespecified factors were found to be statistically significantly associated with 30‐day mortality.
Isolation, Culture, and Differentiation of Mammary Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells from Fresh or Ex Vivo Cultured Human Breast Tissue
Authors: Chen Guang , Bouamar Hakim , Sun Lu‐Zhe
Published: September 2018

In vivo transplantation is the gold standard method for characterization of stem/progenitor cell self‐renewal, tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. The method requires an enriched population of stem cells that represent a small fraction of a given tissue. An enriched population of stem/progenitor cells increases the likelihood of engraftment and reduces the number of recipient animals needed for in vivo transplantation. Methods for mammosphere formation by mammary epithelial stem and progenitor cells have been widely adopted for enriching stem/progenitor cells, allowing researchers to study genetic and epigenetic properties, interaction with other cell types, and differentiation and oncogenic transformation. The generation of mammospheres is complex, however, involving many steps and requiring particular skill. Here we describe a detailed mammosphere protocol, including isolation and culture of human primary mammary epithelial stem/progenitor cells and their differentiation and passage in 3D organoid culture. We also describe a protocol for ex vivo culture of fresh human breast tissue for use in assays of clinical treatment. Step‐by‐step instructions detail tissue handling through passage of the stem/progenitor cell‐generated 3D organoids, which can be used to assess the properties, function, and neoplastic transformation of mammary stem/progenitor cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Research on application of data mining in fast character recognition based on big data
Authors: Zheng Ying , Song Wangan , Shen Longfeng
Published: September 2018

For improving the speed of character recognition, this paper applies data mining technology to character recognition under the condition of big data architecture. As an effective method of data mining, artificial neural network is a computational model established by simplifying, abstracting, and simulating the biological neural mechanism of human brain. Artificial neural network ensemble method, by training several weak learning devices to form the final strong learning device, can better improve the learning generalization ability of the model, and it has a broad application prospect. The main difficulties in the research of license plate recognition are the low quality of vehicle license plate image, the small proportion of license plate area, the distortion of characters to be recognized, and the large interference noise. In this paper, wavelet transform, edge detection, and line scanning methods are used to realize multi‐size and multi‐type license plate location, which overcomes the influence of illumination, color, size, and position. In the character recognition module, the improved BP neural network and the neural network integrated classifier based on weight clipping are used to identify. Experimental results show that the proposed data mining algorithm can further improve the learning efficiency and improve the performance of the time.
Optimized all‐to‐all communication on multicore architectures applied to FFTs with pencil decomposition
Authors: Jocksch Andreas , Kraushaar Matthias , Daverio David
Published: September 2018

All‐to‐all communication is a basic functionality of parallel communication libraries such as the Message Passing Interface (MPI). Typically, there are multiple different underlying algorithms, which are chosen according to message size. We propose a communication algorithm, which exploits the fact that modern supercomputers combine shared memory parallelism and distributed memory parallelism. The application example of our algorithm is FFTs with pencil decomposition. Furthermore, we propose an extension of the MPI standard in order to accommodate this and other algorithms in an efficient way.
From genome to anatomy: The architecture and evolution of the skeletogenic gene regulatory network of sea urchins and other echinoderms
Authors: Shashikant Tanvi , Khor Jian Ming , Ettensohn Charles A.
Published: September 2018

The skeletogenic gene regulatory network (GRN) of sea urchins and other echinoderms is one of the most intensively studied transcriptional networks in any developing organism. As such, it serves as a preeminent model of GRN architecture and evolution. This review summarizes our current understanding of this developmental network. We describe in detail the most comprehensive model of the skeletogenic GRN, one developed for the euechinoid sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, including its initial deployment by maternal inputs, its elaboration and stabilization through regulatory gene interactions, and its control of downstream effector genes that directly drive skeletal morphogenesis. We highlight recent comparative studies that have leveraged the euechinoid GRN model to examine the evolution of skeletogenic programs in diverse echinoderms, studies that have revealed both conserved and divergent features of skeletogenesis within the phylum. Last, we summarize the major insights that have emerged from analysis of the structure and evolution of the echinoderm skeletogenic GRN and identify key, unresolved questions as a guide for future work.
Solar power technology for electricity generation: A critical review
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Ghazvini Mahyar , Sadeghzadeh Milad , Alhuyi Nazari Mohammad , Kumar Ravinder , Naeimi Abbas , Ming Tingzhen
Published: September 2018

Negative environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption highlight the role of renewable energy sources and give them a unique opportunity to grow and improve. Among renewable energy sources solar energy attract more attention and many studies have focused on using solar energy for electricity generation. Here, in this study, solar energy technologies are reviewed to find out the best option for electricity generation. Using solar energy to generate electricity can be done either directly and indirectly. In the direct method, PV modules are utilized to convert solar irradiation into electricity. In the indirect method, thermal energy is harnessed employing concentrated solar power (CSP) plants such as Linear Fresnel collectors and parabolic trough collectors. In this paper, solar thermal technologies including soar trough collectors, linear Fresnel collectors, central tower systems, and solar parabolic dishes are comprehensively reviewed and barriers and opportunities are discussed. In addition, a comparison is made between solar thermal power plants and PV power generation plants. Based on published studies, PV‐based systems are more suitable for small‐scale power generation. They are also capable of generating more electricity in a specific area in comparison with CSP‐based systems. However, based on economic considerations, CSP plants are better in economic return.
The morphology of the human cerebrovascular system
Authors: Bernier Michaël , Cunnane Stephen C. , Whittingstall Kevin
Published: September 2018

While several methodologies exist for quantifying gray and white matter properties in humans, relatively little is known regarding the spatial organization and the intersubject variability of cerebral vessels. To resolve this, we developed a fast, open‐source processing algorithm using advanced vessel segmentation schemes and iterative nonlinear registration to isolate, extract, and quantify cerebral vessels in susceptibility weighting imaging (SWI) and time‐of‐flight angiography (TOF‐MRA) datasets acquired in a large cohort (n = 42) of healthy individuals. From this, whole‐brain venous and arterial probabilistic maps were generated along with the computation of regional densities and diameters within regions based on popular anatomical and functional atlases. The results show that cerebral vasculature is highly heterogeneous, displaying disproportionally large vessel densities in brain areas such as the anterior and posterior cingulate, cuneus, precuneus, parahippocampus, insula, and temporal gyri. On average, venous densities were slightly higher and less variable across subjects than arterial. Moreover, regional variations in both venous and arterial density were significantly correlated to cortical thickness (R = 0.42). This publicly available new atlas of the human cerebrovascular system provides a first step toward quantifying morphological changes in the diseased brain and serving as a potential regression tool in fMRI analysis.
Lymphoid Enhancer Factor 1 Contributes to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through Transcriptional Regulation of Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition Regulators and Stemness Genes
Authors: Chen Chih‐Li , Tsai Yu‐Shuen , Huang Yen‐Hua , Liang Yuh‐Jin , Sun Ya‐Yun , Su Chien‐Wei , Chau Gar‐Yang , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Chang Yung‐Sheng , Hu Jui‐Ting , Wu Jaw‐Ching
Published: September 2018

Lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) activity is associated with progression of several types of cancers. The role of LEF1 in progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly known. We investigated LEF1 expression in HCC and its interactions with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulators (e.g., Snail, Slug, Twist) and stemness genes (e.g., octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 [Oct4], sex determining region Y‐box 2 [Sox2], Nanog homeobox [Nanog]). Microarray analysis was performed on resected tumor samples from patients with HCC with or without postoperative recurrence. LEF1 expression was associated with postoperative recurrence as validated by immunohistochemical staining in another HCC cohort. Among 74 patients, 44 displayed a relatively high percentage of LEF1 staining (>30% of HCC cells), which was associated with a reduced recurrence‐free interval (P <0.001) and overall survival (P= 0.009). In multivariate analysis, a high percentage of LEF1 staining was significantly associated with low albumin level (P= 0.035), Twist overexpression (P= 0.018), Snail overexpression (P= 0.064), co‐expression of Twist and Snail (P= 0.054), and multinodular tumors (P= 0.025). Down‐regulation of LEF1 by short hairpin RNA decreased tumor sphere formation, soft agar colony formation, and transwell invasiveness of HCC cell lines Mahlavu and PLC. Xenotransplant and tail vein injection experiments revealed that LEF1 down‐regulation in Mahlavu reduced tumor size and metastasis. LEF1 up‐regulation in Huh7 increased sphere formation, soft agar colony formation, and transwell invasiveness. LEF1 was shown to physically interact with and transcriptionally activate promoter regions of Oct4, Snail, Slug, and Twist. Furthermore, Oct4, Snail, and Twist transactivated LEF1 to form a regulatory positive‐feedback loop.Conclusion:LEF1 plays a pivotal role in HCC progression through transcriptional regulation of Oct4 and EMT regulators.
Attachment experience and cortisol recovery from romantic conflict among young Chinese couples: A dyadic analysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Han Zhuo Rachel , Bai Liu , Li Xiaomei
Published: September 2018

Using a sample of young adults, the present study investigated how the participants' attachment to romantic partners was related to that with their parents and peers and how this specific attachment experience was associated with their physiological stress response. We examined 121 pairs of young Chinese (N = 242) heterosexual couples (men's age: 22.26 ± 2.40; women's age: 21.62 ± 2.22) and their attachment to parents, peers, and romantic partners as well as their cortisol recovery from romantic conflict. Robust actor–partner interdependence mediation models showed that women's insecure parental and peer attachment was associated with blunted cortisol recovery from romantic stress through their fearful attachment with romantic partners, whereas men's insecure parental and peer attachment was associated with their partners' adaptive cortisol recovery from romantic stress through their fearful romantic attachment. These findings suggested that women's hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal‐axis functioning seemed to be more strongly associated with their own and their partners' attachment relationships compared to men.
A case of syphilis presenting with prolonged etiology‐unrevealed fever, accompanying activated partial thromboplastin time prolongation
Authors: Yasuo Kazuhiro
Published: September 2018

A 58‐year‐old woman presenting with 3‐week‐prolonged fever was referred to our department. Her present history and physical examination results were unremarkable. Her activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was prolonged. Upon further investigation, anticardiolipin/beta2‐glycoprotein I complex antibodies (CL‐β2GPI) were detected, occasionally associated with syphilis. On day 14 of her fourth visit as an outpatient, serological tests confirmed the diagnosis, with newly appeared roseola on her palms and soles. She was in the transitional phase to secondary syphilis. Four months later, after successful treatment, her APTT was normalized with CL‐β2GPI negative. Syphilis should be considered in patients with APTT prolongation.
Pork protein addition effect on structural and qualitative parameters of frankfurter‐type sausage
Authors: Petrášová Michaela , Král Martin , Pospiech Matej , Halamová Petra , Tremlová Bohuslava , Walczycka Maria
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Several raw materials and additives are used in meat production. In terms of origin, proteins which are the closest related to meat are derived from slaughtered carcasses. The aim of the work was to assess the effect of their addition on the microstructure, texture and colour of frankfurter‐type meat products.

RESULTS

Calleja staining, instrumental textural analysis and colour analysis were applied. The microscopic results were evaluated qualitatively. Canonical component and Tukey's HSD were used for textural and RGB evaluation. Microscopically, protein matrix formation in products containing pork haemoglobin (155_16) and pork plasma P (158_16) was found to be different from that in other samples. Texture analysis revealed differences (P < 0.05) in shear force between pork haemoglobin 155_16 and all tested samples, in the hardness between the control (154_16) and pork collagen protein (157_16) and between 157_16 and 160_16. Chewiness showed differences between control 154_16 and collagen proteins 157_16. Colour analysis showed a difference between pork haemoglobin (155_16) and other products (P < 0.05) by component analysis.

CONCLUSION

All tested additives were incorporated into the protein matrix. Therefore, they may be used as additives even for unrecommended meat products. Addition of pork haemoglobin has a significant impact on the colour of the final product. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Incandescence‐based single‐particle method for black carbon quantification in lake sediment cores
Authors: Chellman N. J. , McConnell J. R. , Heyvaert A. , Vannière B. , Arienzo M. M. , Wennrich V.
Published: September 2018

Refractory black carbon (rBC) is an important contributor to radiative forcing, so quantifying rBC emissions and transport is critical for accurate climate modeling. Formed during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or biofuels, rBC is emitted to the atmosphere from large wildfires and industrial sources where it can be transported and deposited globally. Ice cores have been used to reconstruct historical changes in biomass burning and industrial emissions but they are available only from glaciers and ice sheets, with reliable records longer than a few centuries generally limited to polar regions. Lake sediment cores provide a possible alternative to develop longer term, widely distributed records from mid‐ and low‐latitude regions, albeit with lower temporal resolution and less directly linked to atmospheric concentrations than ice‐core rBC records. Here, we present a new incandescence‐based method for measuring rBC in lake sediment cores using the Single‐Particle Soot Photometer. Compared to existing filter‐based techniques, this highly sensitive method requires a much smaller sample size, resulting in reproducible, relatively high‐temporal‐resolution records of past rBC deposition.