bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between child maltreatment and central sensitivity syndromes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Chandan Joht Singh , Thomas Tom , Raza Karim , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Taylor Julie
Published: February 2019

Introduction

A growing body of evidence is identifying the link between a history of child maltreatment and a variety of adverse health outcomes ultimately leading to significant social and healthcare burden. Initial work has identified a potential association between child maltreatment and the development of a selection of somatic and visceral central sensitivity syndromes: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, chronic lower back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, tension-type headache, migraine, myofascial pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and restless legs syndrome.

Methods and analysis

Primary electronic searches will be performed in the Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, PyscINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases and a number of Grey Literature sources including child protection and paediatric conference proceedings. Following independent screening of studies by two review authors, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses template will be used to aid extraction. A meta-analysis will be conducted on the included case-control and cohort studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa grading system will be used to assess the quality of included studies. Results will be expressed as pooled ORs for binary data and mean differences for continuous data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be required. The final results of the review and meta-analysis will be submitted for peer-review publication and also disseminated at relevant conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018089258.
Necessity of dural tenting sutures in modern neurosurgery: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Przepiórka Łukasz , Kunert Przemysław , Żyłkowski Jarosław , Fortuniak Jan , Larysz Patrycja , Szczepanek Dariusz , Wiśniewski Karol , Jaskólski Dariusz , Ładziński Piotr , Rola Radosław , Trojanowski Tomasz , Marchel Andrzej
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The ongoing need for dural tenting sutures in a contemporary neurosurgical practice has been questioned in the literature for over two decades. In the past, these sutures were supposed to prevent blood collecting in the potential space between the skull and the dura by elevating the latter. Theoretically, with modern haemostasis and proper postoperative care, this technique should not be necessary and the surgery time can be shortened. Unfortunately, there is no evidence-based proof to either support or reject this hypothesis.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review will be performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Eight electronic databases of peer-reviewed journals will be searched, as well as other sources. Eligible articles will be assessed against inclusion criteria. The intervention is not tenting the dura and this will be compared with the usual dural tenting sutures. Where possible, ‘summary of findings’ tables will be generated.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical committee approval is not required for a systematic review protocol. Findings will be presented at international neurosurgical conferences and published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018097089.
Complete clot ingestion with cyclical ADAPT increases first-pass recanalization and reduces distal embolization
Authors: Arslanian Rose A , Marosfoi Miklos , Caroff Jildaz , King Robert M , Raskett Christopher , Puri Ajit S , Gounis Matthew J , Chueh Ju-Yu
Published: February 2019

Background

Evidence is mounting that first-pass complete recanalization during mechanical thrombectomy is associated with better clinical outcomes in patients presenting with an emergent large vessel occlusion. We hypothesize that aspiration achieving complete clot ingestion results in higher first-pass successful recanalization with quantitative reduction in distal emboli.

Methods

A patient-specific cerebrovascular replica was connected to a flow loop. Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was achieved with clot analogs. Independent variables were the diameter of the aspiration catheter (0.054–0.088in) and aspiration pattern (static versus cyclical). Outcome measures were the first-pass rates of complete clot ingestion, the extent of recanalization, and the particle-size distribution of distal emboli.

Results

All aspiration catheters were successfully navigated to the occlusion. Complete clot ingestion during aspiration thrombectomy resulted in first-pass complete recanalization in every experiment, only achieved in 21% of experiments with partial ingestion (P<0.0001). Aspiration through the large bore 0.088in device resulted in the highest rates of complete clot ingestion (90%). Cyclical aspiration (18–29 inHg, 0.5 Hz) significantly increased the rate of complete clot ingestion (OR21 [1.6, 266]; P=0.04). In all experiments, complete clot ingestion resulted in fewer and smaller distal emboli.

Conclusions

Complete clot ingestion results in fewer distal emboli and the highest rates of first-pass complete recanalization. The rate of complete ingestion during aspiration thrombectomy is a function of both the inner diameter of the aspiration catheter and use of cyclical aspiration.
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and benzodiazepine for intraoperative sedation in elderly patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Silva-Jr João Manoel , Katayama Henrique T , Nogueira Fernando A M , Moura Tatiane B , Alves Thiago L , de Oliveira Barbara W
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives

Elderly individuals have a greater sensitivity to sedation, and the most commonly used drugs for sedation are benzodiazepines, which exhibit some complication. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the use of dexmedetomidine and midazolam regarding proper sedation and postoperative complications in elderly individuals who require intraoperative sedation.

Methods

This study was a parallel-randomized clinical trial, which included 120 patients aged >70 years undergoing regional anesthesia and sedation. The exclusion criteria consisted of bradycardia, heart failure, respiratory failure, a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤14, liver failure and refusal to participate. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group received midazolam (MDZ), while the second group received dexmedetomidine (DEX). The doses were titrated to achieve an intraoperative Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between −3 and −1. Incidences of complications were recorded.

Results

During a 120 min follow-up, the depth of sedation (RASS score) revealed variations less often in the DEX group (p=0.002). Patients in the DEX group (n=67) had lower rates of intraoperative complications (19.4% vs 73.6%, p<0.001). Intraoperatively, the incidence rates of psychomotor agitation (15.1% vs 1.5%, p=0.005), arterial hypotension (28.3% vs 3.0%, p<0.001) and respiratory depression (73.6% vs 0%, p<0.001) were higher in the MDZ group (n=53). During postanesthesia care, the incidence rates of shivering (p<0.001), residual sedation (p=0.04) and use of supplemental oxygen (p<0.001) were significantly lower in the DEX group.

Conclusions

The use of DEX for sedation during surgery provides better control over the depth of sedation and produces fewer complications in elderly individuals.

Trial registration number

NCT02878837.
Safety of tirofiban and dual antiplatelet therapy in treating intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Samaniego Edgar A , Gibson Emilee , Nakagawa Daichi , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Zanaty Mario , Roa Jorge A , Jabbour Pascal , Hasan David M
Published: February 2019

Background

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms usually involves stent-assisted coiling (SAC) and flow diverters. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors such as tirofiban and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are required to prevent thromboembolic complications afterwards. We sought to determine the safety of tirofiban and DAPT in these cases.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of our database for patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent SAC or flow diversion. The tirofiban-DAPT protocol used is described. Data regarding duration of infusion, placement of external ventricular devices (EVDs), complications, haemoglobin levels and platelet count before and 24 hours after antiplatelet therapy were collected and analysed.

Results

One-hundred and forty-one patients with 148 aneurysms/procedures were included. 110 aneurysms were treated acutely and 38 electively. Minor and major haemorrhagic events were recognised in 20% (30/148) aneurysms. Only 5 (3.4%) intracerebral haemorrhages were symptomatic: 3 cortical/SAH and 2 EVD-related. The average blood volume in symptomatic haemorrhages was 24.8 cc versus 5.42 cc in asymptomatic haemorrhages (p=0.002). The rate of EVD-related haemorrhages was 15.7% (19/121) and only 2 (1.7%) were symptomatic. Most haemorrhagic events occurred in ruptured aneurysms (90.1%, p=0.01). No significant change in platelet count or haemoglobin levels before and 24 hours after administration of tirofiban and DAPT was documented. Concomitant administration of heparin did not increase haemorrhagic events.

Conclusion

The use of the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors tirofiban and DAPT in this series was safe. Tirofiban and DAPT did not affect platelet count or haemoglobin levels and did not increase rate of symptomatic haemorrhages or thromboembolic complications.
Preservation of reserve intestinal epithelial stem cells following severe ischemic injury
Authors: Gonzalez Liara M. , Stewart Amy Stieler , Freund John , Kucera Cecilia Renee , Dekaney Christopher M. , Magness Scott T. , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: February 2019

Intestinal ischemia is an abdominal emergency with a mortality rate >50%, leading to epithelial barrier loss and subsequent sepsis. Epithelial renewal and repair after injury depend on intestinal epithelial stem cells (ISC) that reside within the crypts of Lieberkühn. Two ISC populations critical to epithelial repair have been described: 1) active ISC (aISC; highly proliferative; leucine-rich-repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 positive, sex determining region Y-box 9 positive) and 2) reserve ISC [rISC; less proliferative; homeodomain only protein X (Hopx)+]. Yorkshire crossbred pigs (8–10 wk old) were subjected to 1–4 h of ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion or recovery by reversible mesenteric vascular occlusion. This study was designed to evaluate whether ISC-expressing biomarkers of aISCs or rISCs show differential resistance to ischemic injury and different contributions to the subsequent repair and regenerative responses. Our data demonstrate that, following 3–4 h ischemic injury, aISC undergo apoptosis, whereas rISC are preserved. Furthermore, these rISC are retained ex vivo in spheroids in which cell populations are enriched in the rISC biomarker Hopx. These cells appear to go on to provide a proliferative pool of cells during the recovery period. Taken together, these data indicate that Hopx+cells are resistant to injury and are the likely source of epithelial renewal following prolonged ischemic injury. It is therefore possible that targeting reserve stem cells will lead to new therapies for patients with severe intestinal injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The population of reserve less-proliferative intestinal epithelial stem cells appears resistant to injury despite severe epithelial cell loss, including that of the active stem cell population, which results from prolonged mesenteric ischemia. These cells can change to an activated state and are likely indispensable to regenerative processes. Reserve stem cell targeted therapies may improve treatment and outcome of patients with ischemic disease.
Influence of Coating Application Methods on the Postharvest Quality of Cassava
Authors: Atieno Loreto , Owino Willis , Ateka Elijah M. , Ambuko Jane
Published: February 2019

Various modes of edible coating application vary in their coat dispersion and film formation, hence the need to determine the most effective mode of application for cassava. Edible surface coatings have been found to be effective in preserving the quality of various food products. However, there are variations in effectiveness among the different coating solutions, hence the need for optimization of the concentrations of the gums used. This study aimed at determining the most efficient coating application method on the cassava postharvest quality. Physiologically mature cassava (variety KME 1) was harvested and divided into seven portions. The various portions were coated using 1.5% xanthan gum, 1.5% xanthan/guar gum, and 2% xanthan/guar gum by both dipping and spraying method. There was no significant difference on the colour, total cyanide, ethylene production, and total phenolic content between the two application methods. The 2% xanthan/guar gum coating showed a significant difference on the dry matter content while the 1.5% xanthan gum coating had a significant difference on the respiration rate and weight loss. The 1.5 xanthan treated roots had a final dry matter content of 72.5% for the sprayed samples and 75.98% for the dipped sample while the 2% xanthan/guar gum treated roots had a final dry matter content of 64.6% and 74.1% for the dipped and sprayed root samples, respectively. The 1.5% xanthan and 2% xanthan/guar gum treated roots showed no significant difference in their action on dry matter content. The 1.5% xanthan/guar dipped and sprayed samples differed significantly on their effect on flesh firmness with final values of 35.4N and 46.1N, respectively, at 20 days after harvest. This study suggested that based on the coating solution and the parameters being observed, there generally was no varying effect of dipping and spraying methods of coating application. The choice of the efficient mode of application to use will depend on other factors such as the easiness of application.
How Pore Hydrophilicity Influences Water Permeability?
Authors: Xu Fang , Wei Mingjie , Zhang Xin , Song Yang , Zhou Wei , Wang Yong
Published: February 2019

Membrane separation is playing increasingly important role in providing clean water. Simulations predict that membrane pores with strong hydrophobicity produce ultrahigh water permeability as a result of low friction. However, experiments demonstrate that hydrophilic pores favor higher permeability. Herein we simulate water molecules transporting through interlayers of two-dimensional nanosheets with various hydrophilicities using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics. We reveal that there is a threshold pressure drop (ΔPT), exceeding which stable water permeability appears. Strongly hydrophobic pores exhibit extremely high ΔPT, prohibiting the achievement of ultrahigh water permeability under the experimentally accessible pressures. Under pressures < ΔPT, water flows in hydrophobic pores in a running-stop mode because of alternative wetting and nonwetting, thus leading to significantly reduced permeability. We discover that hydrophilic modification to one surface of the nanosheet can remarkably reduce ΔPT by > 99%, indicating a promising strategy to experimentally realize ultrafast membranes.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Regulate Insulin Sensitivity and Oxidative Markers in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Lopez-Pascual Amaya , Urrutia-Sarratea Andoni , Lorente-Cebrián Silvia , Martinez J. Alfredo , González-Muniesa Pedro
Published: February 2019

Insulin resistance is associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and a chronic low-grade inflammatory status. In this sense, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are promising nanomaterials with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of CeO2 NPs in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes, RAW 264.7 macrophages, and C2C12 myotubes under control or proinflammatory conditions. Macrophages were treated with LPS, and both adipocytes and myotubes with conditioned medium (25% LPS-activated macrophages medium) to promote inflammation. CeO2 NPs showed a mean size of ≤25.3 nm (96.7%) and a zeta potential of 30.57±0.58 mV, suitable for cell internalization. CeO2 NPs reduced extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in adipocytes with inflammation while increased in myotubes with control medium. The CeO2 NPs increased mitochondrial content was observed in adipocytes under proinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the expression of Adipoq and Il10 increased in adipocytes treated with CeO2 NPs. In myotubes, both Il1b and Adipoq were downregulated while Irs1 was upregulated. Overall, our results suggest that CeO2 NPs could potentially have an insulin-sensitizing effect specifically on adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Spatial Crowdsourcing Quality Control Model Based on K-Anonymity Location Privacy Protection and ELM Spammer Detection
Authors: Zeng Mengjia , Cheng Zhaolin , Huang Xu , Zheng Bo
Published: February 2019

The spatial crowdsourcing task places workers at a risk of privacy leakage. If positional information is not required to submit, it will result in an increased error rate and number of spammers, which together affects the quality of spatial crowdsourcing. In this paper, a spatial crowdsourcing quality control model is proposed, called SCQCM. In the model, the spatial k-anonymity algorithm is used to protect the position privacy of the general spatial crowdsourcing workers. Next, an ELM (extreme learning machine) algorithm is used to detect spammers, while an EM (expectation maximization) algorithm is used to estimate the error rate. Finally, different parameters are selected, and the efficiency of the model is simulated. The results showed that the spatial crowdsourcing model proposed in this paper guaranteed the quality of crowdsourcing projects on the premise of protecting the privacy of workers.
Fracture Segmentation Method Based on Contour Evolution and Gradient Direction Consistency in Sequence of Coal Rock CT Images
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Zhang Guoying
Published: February 2019

The coal rock exhibits obvious heterogeneity and anisotropy after a long‐term geological evolution in nature. Therefore, the coal rock CT (computed tomography) image shows uneven grey scale, low contrast, and the fractures with weak boundaries. The accurate segmentation of the coal rock fracture networks is challenging. In this paper, a segmentation method of fractures based on contour evolution and gradient direction consistency is proposed to accurately segment the fracture networks in the sequence of coal rock CT images. According to the contour variation rule of the fractures in the discrete 3D (three dimensional) space formed by the sequence of CT images, the fracture contour evolution model (FCEM) is constructed and the preliminary segmentation results of fractures are obtained from FCEM. A 3D adaptive median filtering (3DAMF) and a 3D bilateral filtering (3DBF) are proposed. The high density miscellaneous point noises in the coal rock CT images are filtered by the 3DAMF. And the boundaries of fractures are enhanced by 3DBF. According to the similarity of the preliminary segmentation results of fractures and the real contours of fractures, the preliminary segmentation results of fractures are optimized based on the gradient direction consistency model (GDCM) proposed in this paper to obtain the accurate boundaries of fractures. The fracture segmentation method proposed in this paper can obtain accurate boundaries of fractures with weak boundaries, and the experimental results show that the segmentation efficiency for sequence is high and adaptability is strong.
Correlation of Surface Cracks of Concrete due to Corrosion and Bond Strength (between Steel Bar and Concrete)
Authors: Apostolopoulos Charis Alk. , Koulouris Konstantinos F. , Apostolopoulos Alkiviadis Ch.
Published: February 2019

The current experimental study presents the results of bond strength loss (steel bar concrete) due to the corrosion damage of steel bar specimens, semiembedded in concrete, at various times of exposure to corrosive environment. In this case, a correlation was made between the width of the surface cracks of concrete caused by reinforcing steel corrosion and bond strength for different distances between stirrups and different cover thickness of concrete. The study indicates close relationship between the width of surface cracking, the percentage mass loss of embedded reinforcing bar, the distance between stirrups, and the cover thickness. In addition, mathematical predictive models of bond strength loss of corroded specimens were proposed. The model outcomes showed that the cracking development on concrete surface up to a width of 1.6 mm is accompanied by an exponential reduction of bond strength loss between steel reinforcement and concrete. Furthermore, the investigation has shown that the increase of transverse reinforcement (stirrups) percentage and the cover thickness play a significant role in durability of reinforced concrete elements and in bond strength maintenance between rebar and concrete.
Patiromer Acetate Induced Hypercalcemia: An Unreported Adverse Effect
Authors: Bhattarai Shreeyukta , Pupillo Stephen , Man Singh Dangol Gulshan , Sarac Erdal
Published: February 2019

Hyperkalemia, a potential life threating condition, is a commonly encountered problem in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Patiromer acetate, a nonabsorbable cation exchange polymer, is a gastrointestinal agent for chronic therapy in patients with persistent hyperkalemia. Patiromer is generally well tolerated in patients; common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting. Hypercalcemia, although a theoretical possibility, has not been reported in any major clinical trials. We present a case of hypercalcemia associated with patiromer acetate used for treatment of hyperkalemia in a stage IV CKD patient. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of hypercalcemia while taking patiromer.
Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Challenging Diagnosis in a Patient with Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Casault Colin , Posadas-Calleja Juan G.
Published: February 2019

Background. We describe a case of secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) from autoimmune hepatitis mimicking severe sepsis in a man admitted to the intensive care unit. Case Presentation. A 34-year-old Pakistani male with a prior history of biopsy-proven autoimmune hepatitis presented to a regional hospital with severe fever, cytopenias, hyperferritinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, splenomegaly, and a bone marrow biopsy showing hemophagocytosis. After ruling out mimicking conditions, a diagnosis of HLH was made using the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. He was treated with dexamethasone and etoposide, without bone marrow transplantation (BMT) due to poor functional status. At one-year after follow-up, he had returned to his baseline functional status without recurrence. Conclusion. We describe a rare case of secondary HLH in the setting of autoimmune hepatitis. Broadly, this case report educates clinicians to consider this potentially missed diagnosis. This case also informs clinicians that treatment of secondary HLH with BMT may not be necessary for the management of secondary HLH due to autoimmune hepatitis. Finally, it provides a detailed description of the natural history of a single patient with secondary HLH due to autoimmune hepatitis.
A Novel Local Human Visual Perceptual Texture Description with Key Feature Selection for Texture Classification
Authors: Chi Jianning , Yu Xiaosheng , Zhang Yifei , Wang Huan
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a novel local texture description method which defines six human visual perceptual characteristics and selects the minimal subset of relevant as well as nonredundant features based on principal component analysis (PCA). We assign six texture characteristics, which were originally defined by Tamura et al., with novel definition and local metrics so that these measurements reflect the human perception of each characteristic more precisely. Then, we propose a PCA‐based feature selection method exploiting the structure of the principal components of the feature set to find a subset of the original feature vector, where the features reflect the most representative characteristics for the textures in the given image dataset. Experiments on different publicly available large datasets demonstrate that the proposed method provides superior performance of classification over most of the state‐of‐the‐art feature description methods with respect to accuracy and efficiency.
Effects of Cervical Rotatory Manipulation (CRM) on Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaque in Vulnerability: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study Using Animal Model
Authors: Qi Ji , Ping Ruiyue , Zhang Shaoqun , Xu Yanxiao , Wu Kai , Li Yikai
Published: February 2019

Background. The safety of cervical rotatory manipulation (CRM) is still controversial, especially in patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAS). The study aimed to investigate the effects of CRM on carotid plaques in vulnerability. Methods. 50 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: model rabbits with CRM [CAS-CRM (n=15)]; model rabbits without CRM [CAS (n=15)]; normal rabbits with CRM [Normal-CRM (n=10)]; and Blank-control group (n=10). CAS disease models were induced by carotid artery balloon injury combined with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Then, CRM technique was performed in CAS-CRM and Normal-CRM groups for 3 weeks. In the end, determination of serum level of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2, histological analysis under HE and Masson trichromic staining, and immunohistochemical analysis with CD34 and CD68 antibody were completed in order. Results. Carotid stenosis rates on successful model rabbits ranged from 70% to 98%. The CAS-CRM group had an increased level of hs-CRP (P<0.05), in comparison with the CAS group, whereas effects were not significant between the Normal-CRM group and Blank-control group. In comparison with the CAS group, the positive expression of CD34 and CD68 in the CAS-CRM group increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion. CRM therapy may increase the vulnerability of carotid plaque in rabbits with severe CAS.
Combination Treatments of Plasma Exchange and Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Clinical Trial in China
Authors: Xu Wen-xiong , He Hong-liang , Pan Shun-wen , Chen Yuan-li , Zhang Mei-ling , Zhu Shu , Gao Zhi-liang , Peng Liang , Li Jian-guo
Published: February 2019

Background. Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a common type of liver failure with a high mortality. This study aimed at investigating the safety and efficacy of the combination treatment of plasma exchange (PE) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSCs) transplantation for HBV-ACLF patients.Methods. A total of 110 HBV-ACLF patients treated in our hospital from January 2012 to September 2017 were enrolled into this trial and divided into the control group (n=30), UC-MSC group (n=30), PE group (n=30), and UC-MSC + PE group (n=20) based on their treatments. The hepatic function, coagulation, and virological and immunological markers were assessed at baseline and 30, 60, 90, 180, and 360 days. The endpoint outcomes were death and unfavorable outcome (need for liver transplantation or death).Results. The UC-MSC + PE group had the lowest rates of death and unfavorable outcome at 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days posttreatment among the four groups, but the difference did not reach significances. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hemoglobin, prothrombin activity, and MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score were the independent factors associated with the unfavorable outcome (allP<0.05). The levels of total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and MELD score were significantly decreased during treatments (allP<0.05).Conclusion. UC-MSCs combined with PE treatment had good safety but cannot significantly improve the short-term prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients with as compared with the single treatment. The long-term efficacy should be further evaluated. This trial is registered with registration no.NCT01724398.
Protective Effects ofGalium verum L.Extract against Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Bradic Jovana , Zivkovic Vladimir , Srejovic Ivan , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Petkovic Anica , Turnic Tamara Nikolic , Jeremic Jovana , Jeremic Nevena , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Sobot Tanja , Ponorac Nenad , Ravic Marko , Tomovic Marina
Published: February 2019

Galium verum L. (G.verum,lady’s bedstraw) is a perennial herbaceous plant, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It has been widely used throughout history due to multiple therapeutic properties. However, the effects of this plant species on functional recovery of the heart after ischemia have still not been fully clarified. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the effects of methanol extract ofG. verumon myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), with a special emphasis on the role of oxidative stress. Rats involved in the research were divided randomly into two groups: control (spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)) andG. verumgroup, including SHR rats treated with theG. verumextract (500 mg/kg body weight per os) for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment,in vivocardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken for spectrophotometric determination of systemic redox state. Hearts from all rats were isolated and retrogradely perfused according to theLangendorfftechnique. After a stabilization period, hearts were subjected to 20-minute ischemia, followed by 30-minute reperfusion. Levels of prooxidants were spectrophotometrically measured in coronary venous effluent, while antioxidant enzymes activity was assessed in heart tissue. Cell morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. 4-week treatment withG. verumextract alleviated left ventricular hypertrophy and considerably improvedin vivocardiac function. Furthermore,G. verumextract preserved cardiac contractility, systolic function, and coronary vasodilatory response after ischemia. Moreover, it alleviated I/R-induced structural damage of the heart. Additionally,G. verumextract led to a drop in the generation of most of the measured prooxidants, thus mitigating cardiac oxidative damage. Promising potential ofG. verumin the present study may be a basis for further researches which would fully clarify the mechanisms through which this plant species triggers cardioprotection.
Increased Sulfiredoxin Expression in Gastric Cancer Cells May Be a Molecular Target of the Anticancer Component Diallyl Trisulfide
Authors: Wang Juan , Si Ligang , Wang Genyu , Bai Zhigang , Li Wenmei
Published: February 2019

Sulfiredoxin (Srx) is a newly discovered antioxidant enzyme playing a role in the catalytic reduction of oxidative modifications. Srx is overexpressed in a variety of cancers. It may promote carcinogenesis as well as tumor progression. In this study, we report for the first time that Srx expression might be positively associated with the development of gastric cancer and tumor malignancy. Immunohistochemistry showed that, compared to normal tissues (42%, 20/47), Srx expression in gastric tumors (85%, 40/47) was much more common (chi-square test, p<0.01). In addition, the staining of Srx was stronger in poorly differentiated gastric cancer than in well-differentiated gastric cancer. Western blotting showed that, in the gastric tumor cell line BGC823, the Srx protein was upregulated in response to H2O2 treatment, although it was inadequate to counteract the increased oxidative stress, as indicated by the gradually increasing level of malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, Srx expression, MDA levels, and ROS levels in BGC823 cells were markedly inhibited upon treatment with diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a major constituent of garlic oil with proven anticancer effects. These results suggest that Srx may be an oxidative stress marker. Antioxidation may account for the anticancer potential of garlic.
Intermittent Hypoxia Composite Abnormal Glucose Metabolism-Mediated Atherosclerosis In Vitro and In Vivo: The Role of SREBP-1
Authors: Ma Linqin , Zhang Jingchun , Qiao Yu , Sun Xinli , Mao Ting , Lei Shuyan , Zheng Qiaoxian , Liu Yue
Published: February 2019

Objective. The aim of this study was to establish a 3T3-L1 adipocyte model and ApoE−/− mouse model of intermittent hypoxia (IH) composite abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) in vitro and in vivo and explore their synergistic damage effect leading to atherosclerosis (AS) and the influence of SREBP-1 signaling molecule-related mechanisms. Methods. Mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured with complete culture medium containing DEX 1×106 mol/L for 96 h to establish an AGM-3T3-L1 adipocyte model. Then, AGM-3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with IH for 0 cycles, 2 cycles, 4 cycles, 8 cycles, 16 cycles, and 32 cycles and sustained hypoxia (SH). ApoE−/− mice were treated with high-fat diet and injection of STZ solution to establish an AGM-ApoE−/− mouse model. A total of 16 AGM-ApoE−/− mice were randomly and averagely divided into the normoxic control group (NC) and model group (CIH). AGM-ApoE−/− mice of the CIH group were treated with IH, which meant that the oxygen concentration fell to 10±0.5% in the first 90 seconds of one cycle and then increased to 21±0.5% in the later 90 seconds, continuous for eight hours per day (09 : 00-17 : 00) with a total of eight weeks. Eight C57BL/6J mice were used as the blank control group (Con) which was fed with conventional diet. qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression level of SREBP-1c, FAS, and IRS-1. Oil Red O staining was used to compare the plaque of the aorta among each mouse group. Results. As a result, within 32 cycles of IH, mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1c and FAS in AGM-3T3-L1 adipocytes were elevated with the increase in IH cycles; the mRNA expression of IRS-1 was decreased after IH 32 cycles and lower than that of the SH group. For the study in vivo, Oil Red O staining showed a more obvious AS aortic plaque in the CIH group. After CIH treatment of 4 w and 8 w, fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the NC group and CIH group was higher than that of the Con group, and the insulin level of the CIH group was higher than that of the Con group after IH treatment of 8 w. The expressions of the IRS-1 mRNA level in the aorta, skeletal muscle, and liver of the CIH group were lower than those in the Con group. The mRNA and protein expression of SREBP-1c and its downstream molecule FAS in the aorta, skeletal muscle, and liver significantly enhanced in the CIH group in contrast with those in the Con group. Conclusion. The CIH composite AGM could promote the progress of AS, which might be related to the modulation of the expression of SREBP-1-related molecular pathways.
Review of Roundabout Capacity Based on Gap Acceptance
Authors: Guo Ruijun , Liu Leilei , Wang Wanxiang
Published: February 2019

Circulating vehicles have priority at modern roundabouts. Entrance vehicles can enter the roundabout when there is a time gap larger than the critical gap; otherwise, the vehicles need to wait until there is a large enough gap. The gap acceptance theory was used to analyze the entrance capacity of roundabouts, which can be derived by queuing theory involving two vehicle streams. The paper introduces the main styles of headway distribution, which are named as bunched exponential distribution or M3 distribution. The calculation model of free stream ratio is also introduced. The entrance capacity models can be classified by different entrance vehicle types, which are piecewise function or linear function, or by different critical gap types, which are constant or stochastic function. For each form, the typical capacity expressions are given. The calculation values show a very small difference between these kinds of models. The capacity value based on the critical gap of stochastic function is more realistic and more complex in function style. Some conclusions were derived that drivers’ nonhomogeneous and inconsistent character is more realistic than the fixed critical gap and following gap. The calculation results of capacity are similar to the field capacity under the assumption of homogeneity and continuance, with only a minor percent deviation. Finally, the paper points out additional problems and the suggested research in capacity of roundabouts.
Apatinib Promotes Apoptosis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Downregulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α and Increased Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: He Ke , Wu Lu , Ding Qianshan , Haider Farhan , Yu Honggang , Wang Haihe , Xiang Guoan
Published: February 2019

At present, apatinib is considered a new generation agent for the treatment of patients with gastric cancer. However, the effects of apatinib on pancreatic cancer have not been clarified. This study investigated the impact of apatinib on the biological function of pancreatic cancer cells and the potential mechanism involved in this process. Using the Cell Counting Kit-8 method, we confirmed that apatinib treatment inhibited cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, the migration rate of pancreatic cells was inhibited. The effects of apatinib on apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of pancreatic carcinoma cells were detected by flow cytometry. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased, and the cell cycle was altered. Furthermore, we demonstrated that apatinib inhibited the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor, and markers of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in vitro. Apatinib significantly inhibited the biological function of pancreatic cancer cells. It promoted apoptosis, downregulated the expression of HIF-1α, and increased the levels of reactive oxygen species.
Numerical Modeling and Experimental Characterization of Elastomeric Pads Bonded in a Conical Spring under Multiaxial Loads and Pre‐Compression
Authors: Lalo Debora Francisco , Greco Marcelo , Meroniuc Matias
Published: February 2019

Elastomeric components are widely used in the engineering field since their mechanical properties can vary according to a specific condition, enabling their applications under large deformations and multiaxial loading. In this context, the present study seeks to investigate the main challenges involved in the finite element hyperelasticity simulation of rubber‐like material components under different cases of multiaxial loading and precompression. The complex geometry of a conical rubber spring was chosen to deal with several deformation modes; this component is in the suspension system placed between the frame and the axle for railway vehicles. The framework of this study provides the correlation between axial and radial stiffness under precompression obtained by experimental tests in prototypes and virtual modeling obtained through a curve fitting procedure. Since the material approaches incompressibility, different shape functions were adopted to describe the fields of pressure and displacements according to the finite element hybrid formulation. The material parameters were accurately adjusted through an optimization algorithm implemented in Python program language which calibrates the finite element model according to the prototype test data. However, as an initial guess, the proper constitutive model and its parameters were first defined based only on the uniaxial tensile test data, since this test is easy to perform and well understood. The validation of the simulation results in comparison with the experimental data demonstrated that care should be given when the same component is subjected to different multiaxial loading cases.
PM2.5/PM10 Ratios in Eight Economic Regions and Their Relationship with Meteorology in China
Authors: Zhao Danting , Chen Hong , Yu Erze , Luo Ting
Published: February 2019

China is suffering severe ambient air pollution in recent decades and particulate matter (PM) has become the major pollutant, especially for PM2.5 and PM10, which have highly raised scholars and policy-makers’ attention in last few years. The existing research has focused on the characteristics of PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, or analyzed the correlation between the two pollutants, while the ratio of PM2.5 to PM10 has been taken less consideration. In this study, daily mean PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations in 31 provincial capitals from 2014 to 2016 were used to present the temporal variations and spatial distribution of PM2.5/PM10 ratios among eight economic regions. And then, statistical method and correlation analysis were adopted to investigate the relationship between the ratios and AQI, the rate of change on the ratios, and the impact of meteorological parameters on the ratios. The results indicated that PM2.5/PM10 ratios showed an increasing trend from northwest to southeast due to different economic development and industrial types. The highest values were observed in winter among all regions, and the ratios on weekends were higher than that of on weekdays in most of the regions. Besides, domestic heating in northern China had a significant contribution to the ratios. Moreover, ratios had less changes, and the rate of change was stable in summer. As for air quality, the higher the ratio, the larger the possibility of high AQI so that the air pollution will be more severe. In terms of meteorological factors, the results demonstrated that relative humidity, precipitation, and pressure were the most important factors and had significantly positive impacts, while sunshine duration, temperature, and wind speed had negative effects on the ratios. The findings could identify the pollution sources among PM10 and be helpful for making regulation locally to reduce emission which considers anthropogenic sources and meteorological diffusion simultaneously.
First-Principle Prediction on STM Tip Manipulation of Ti Adatom on Two-Dimensional Monolayer YBr3
Authors: Liu Pan , Wu Maokun , Liu Hui , Lu Feng , Wang Wei-Hua , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: February 2019

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is an important tool in surface science on atomic scale characterization and manipulation. In this work, Ti adatom manipulation is theoretically simulated by using a tungsten tip (W-tip) in STM based on first-principle calculations. The results demonstrate the possibility of inserting Ti adatoms into the atomic pores of monolayer YBr3, which is thermodynamically stable at room temperature. In this process, the energy barriers of vertical and lateral movements of Ti are 0.38 eV and 0.64 eV, respectively, and the Ti atoms are stably placed within YBr3 by >1.2 eV binding energy. These theoretical predictions provide an insight that it is experimentally promising to manipulate Ti adatom and form artificially designed 2D magnetic materials.
Clinical Significance of Preoperative Serum CEA, CA125, and CA19-9 Levels in Predicting the Resectability of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fang Tianyi , Wang Hao , Wang Yufu , Lin Xuan , Cui Yunfu , Wang Zhidong
Published: February 2019

To explore the clinical significance of preoperative serum CEA, CA125, and CA19-9 levels in predicting the resectability of cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed by radiologic examination and admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from September 1, 2011, to November 30, 2017, were retrospectively included. The relationship between the preoperative serum CEA, CA125, and CA19-9 levels and the resectability of cholangiocarcinoma was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, as well as the best cut-off point. A total of 112 met the inclusion criteria. In 50 patients with radical surgeries, the levels of preoperative serums CEA, CA125, and CA19-9 were 5.0 ± 13.9 ng/mL, 15.3 ± 11.8 U/mL, and 257.5 ± 325.6 U/mL, respectively, which were lower than those in patients with unresectable tumor. Based on the ROC curve, the ideal CA19-9 cut-off value was determined to be 1064.1 U/mL in prediction of resectability, with a sensitivity of 53.2%, a specificity of 94.0%, and the area under the ROC curve of 0.73 (P<0.05). The cut-off value of CA125 was 17.8 U/mL with a sensitivity of 72.6%, a specificity of 78.0%, and the area under the ROC curve of 0.81 (P<0.05). The cut-off value of CEA was 2.6 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 79.0%, a specificity of 48.0%, and the area under the ROC curve of 0.66 (P<0.05). In addition to this, we found that using the combination of three tumor markers could improve the value in predicting resectability of cholangiocarcinoma. In summary, this study suggested that the preoperative serum CEA, CA125, and CA19-9 levels can help predict the resectability of cholangiocarcinoma.
Design of Complexly Graded Structures inside Three-Dimensional Surface Models by Assigning Volumetric Structures
Authors: Brünler Ronny , Hausmann Robert , von Münchow Maximilian , Aibibu Dilbar , Cherif Chokri
Published: February 2019

An innovative approach for designing complex structures from STL-datasets based on novel software for assigning volumetric data to surface models is reported. The software allows realizing unique complex structures using additive manufacturing technologies. Geometric data as obtained from imaging methods, computer-aided design, or reverse engineering that exist only in the form of surface data are converted into volumetric elements (voxels). Arbitrary machine data can be assigned to each voxel and thereby enable implementing different materials, material morphologies, colors, porosities, etc. within given geometries. The software features an easy-to-use graphical user interface and allows simple implementation of machine data libraries. To highlight the potential of the modular designed software, an extrusion-based process as well as a two-tier additive manufacturing approach for short fibers and binder process are combined to generate three-dimensional components with complex grading on the material and structural level from STL files.