bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution Testing Lower Bounds via Reductions from Communication Complexity
Authors: Blais Eric , Canonne Clément L. , Gur Tom
Published: February 2019

We present a new methodology for proving distribution testing lower bounds, establishing a connection between distribution testing and the simultaneous message passing (SMP) communication model. Extending the framework of Blais, Brody, and Matulef [15], we show a simple way to reduce (private-coin) SMP problems to distribution testing problems. This method allows us to prove new distribution testing lower bounds, as well as to provide simple proofs of known lower bounds.

Our main result is concerned with testing identity to a specific distribution,
p
, given as a parameter. In a recent and influential work, Valiant and Valiant [55] showed that the sample complexity of the aforementioned problem is closely related to the ℓ
2/3
-quasinorm of
p
. We obtain alternative bounds on the complexity of this problem in terms of an arguably more intuitive measure and using simpler proofs. More specifically, we prove that the sample complexity is essentially determined by a fundamental operator in the theory of interpolation of Banach spaces, known as Peetre’s
K-functional
. We show that this quantity is closely related to the size of the effective support of
p
(loosely speaking, the number of supported elements that constitute the vast majority of the mass of
p
). This result, in turn, stems from an unexpected connection to functional analysis and refined concentration of measure inequalities, which arise naturally in our reduction.
Innate Lymphoid Cells of the Lung
Authors: Barlow Jillian L. , McKenzie Andrew N.J.
Published: February 2019

Although, as the major organ of gas exchange, the lung is considered a nonlymphoid organ, an interconnected network of lung-resident innate cells, including epithelial cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells is crucial for its protection. These cells provide defense against a daily assault by airborne bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as prevent the development of cancer, allergy, and the outgrowth of commensals. Our understanding of this innate immune environment has recently changed with the discovery of a family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs): ILC1s, ILC2s, and ILC3s. All lack adaptive antigen receptors but can provide a substantial and rapid source of IFN-γ, IL-5 and IL-13, and IL-17A or IL-22, respectively. Their ability to afford immediate protection to the lung and to influence subsequent adaptive immune responses highlights the importance of understanding ILC-regulated immunity for the design of future therapeutic interventions.
The Effectiveness of Sterile Wound Drapes in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Karapınar Kemal , Kocatürk Celalettin İbrahim
Published: February 2019

Background. The rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) has decreased in parallel to advances in sterilization techniques. Such infections increase morbidity and hospitalization costs. The use of iodine-impregnated sterile wound drapes (SWDs) is recommended to prevent or reduce the incidence of these infections. However, there is a paucity of data regarding their use in thoracic surgical procedures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sterile wound drapes in the prevention of these infections and the effects on hospitalization costs. Methods. Perioperative iodine-impregnated SWDs have been used since January 2015 in the Thoracic Surgery Clinic of our hospital. A retrospective evaluation was made of patients who underwent anatomic pulmonary resection via thoracotomy with SWD in the period January 2015–2017, compared with a control group who underwent the same surgery without SWD in the 2-year period before January 2015. Factors that may have increased the risk of surgical site infection were documented and the occurrence of SSI was recorded from postoperative follow-up data. The cost analysis was performed as an important criterion to investigate the benefits of SWD. Results. Evaluation was made of 654 patients in the study group (n:380) using SWD, the operation time was significantly longer, and perioperative blood transfusion was significantly higher, whereas treatment costs (p=0.0001) and wound culture positivity (p=0.004) were significantly lower and less surgical wound debridement was performed (p=0.002). Conclusion. The findings suggest that the use of sterile wound draping in thoracic surgery procedures reduces surgical site infections and hospitalization costs.
Mental Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Toward Understanding the Emotional Status of People with Chronic Disease
Authors: Ziarko Michał , Siemiątkowska Katarzyna , Sieński Michał , Samborski Włodzimierz , Samborska Joanna , Mojs Ewa
Published: February 2019

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disorder significantly impairing the somatic, emotional, and psychological functioning of its sufferers. Previous research has shown that affected individuals are characterized by an increased level of anxiety and depression. Currently, there are two main treatment schemes for RA; the first uses anti-inflammatory drugs, and the second utilizes biologic agents. This begs the question whether sufferers differ in intensities of pain, anxiety, and depression depending on the type of treatment and what the determinants of these affective states in patients treated using different methods are. Methods. The study comprised 85 patients affected by RA (including 57 receiving biologically inactive medication). Research participants filled out a set of questionnaires measuring levels of anxiety and depression, intensity of experienced pain, strategies of coping with pain, and ego resiliency. Results. The collected data was analyzed through intergroup comparisons, calculating simple correlation coefficients, developing and solving regression equations. The results imply that the choice of treatment differentiates the intensity of pain experienced by patients. Those receiving biologic agents reported lower levels of pain compared to those taking anti-inflammatory medication. It has also been noted that there are distinct configurations of conditions conducive to anxiety and depression in both anti-inflammatory and biologic agent groups. Discussion. The observed constellation of dependencies between variables indicates that the choice of treatment scheme differentiates pain levels. This confirms the assumption that pain intensity, coping strategies, and ego resiliency depend on the severity of anxiety and depression.
Involvement of the Dectin-1 Receptor upon the Effector Mechanisms of Human Phagocytic Cells against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: de Quaglia e Silva Juliana Carvalho , Della Coletta Amanda Manoel , Gardizani Taiane Priscila , Romagnoli Graziela Gorete , Kaneno Ramon , Dias-Melicio Luciane Alarcão
Published: February 2019

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America, occurs after inhalation of mycelial components of Paracoccidioides spp. When the fungus reaches the lungs and interacts with the alveolar macrophages and other cells, phagocytic cells such as neutrophils and monocytes are immediately recruited to the injured site. The interaction between surface molecules of pathogens and homologous receptors, present on the surface membrane of phagocytes, modulates the innate immune cell activation. Studies have shown the importance of fungal recognition by the Dectin-1 receptor, which can induce a series of cellular protective responses against fungi. The objective of the present study was to evaluate Dectin-1 receptor expression and the effector mechanisms of human monocytes and neutrophils activated or not with different cytokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF, followed by the challenge with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis or Pb265). Therefore, analysis of Dectin-1 receptor expression was done by flow cytometry whereas the effector mechanisms were evaluated by fungal recovery by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Our results showed that, after treatment with IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF and challenge with Pb265, cells, especially monocytes, demonstrated an increase in Dectin-1 expression. Both types of cells treated with the cytokines exhibited a decreased fungal recovery and, conversely, an increased production of H2O2. However, when cultures were treated with an anti-Dectin-1 monoclonal antibody, to block the P. brasiliensis binding, a decrease in H2O2 production and an increase in fungal recovery were detected. This effect was observed in all cultures treated with the specific monoclonal antibody. These results show the involvement of the Dectin-1 receptor in fungal recognition and its consequent participation in the induction of the killing mechanisms against P. brasiliensis.
Self‐Organized Fission‐Fusion Control Algorithm for Flocking Systems Based on Intermittent Selective Interaction
Authors: Yang Panpan , Yan Maode , Song Jiacheng , Tang Ye
Published: February 2019

In nature, gregarious animals, insects, or bacteria usually exhibit paradoxical behaviors in the form of group fission and fusion, which exerts an important influence on group’s pattern formation, information transfer, and epidemiology. However, the fission‐fusion dynamics have received little attention compared to other flocking behavior. In this paper, an intermittent selective interaction based control algorithm for the self‐organized fission‐fusion behavior of flocking system is proposed, which bridges the gap between the two conflicting behaviors in a unified fashion. Specifically, a hybrid velocity coordination strategy that includes both the egalitarian and selective interactions is proposed, where the egalitarian interaction is to maintain the flock’s order and achieve the fusion behavior while the selective interaction strategy is for the response to external stimulus information and generates the fission behavior. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed control algorithm can realize the self‐organized fission‐fusion behavior of flocking system under a unified framework. The influences of the main control parameters on the performance of the fission‐fusion behavior are also discussed. In particular, the trade‐off parameter α balances the exploration (fission) and exploitation (fusion) behaviors of flocking system and significantly enhances its movement flexibility and environmental adaptivity.
H∞ Control for Mixed‐Mode Based Switched Nonlinear Systems with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Liu Zhen , Miao Shu , Ye Canbo , Liu Xingbo
Published: February 2019

This paper investigated H∞ performance of the switched nonlinear systems with time‐varying delay, which contains mixed modes, important characteristics of switched delay systems. Most of the references ignored the existence of mixed modes in such systems, which is a fatal mistake. This paper will correct the mistake of the existing references. The mixed modes give the H∞ control for switched nonlinear delay systems a challenge. With this difficulty, we take measures to handle the effects of mixed modes on such systems and achieve the H∞ performance of such systems. Firstly, the H∞ control analysis is divided into two cases, and the sufficient conditions for the exponential decay of the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals are given with the integral interval approach. Secondly, the combination of average dwell‐time approach and subsystem activation rate is utilized to achieve the H∞ performance for the mixed‐mode based switched systems with time‐varying delay. Finally, simulation examples show the efficiency of the switching control strategy.
A Case of Bilateral Spontaneous Chylothorax with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis
Authors: Briceno-Medina Mario , Perez Michael , Zhang Jie , Naik Ronak , Shah Samir , Kimura Dai
Published: February 2019

A case of bilateral spontaneous chylothorax with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis has never been reported. We report the case of a 7-month-old boy born at 33 weeks gestation with a history of Down syndrome, atrial septal defect, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic lung disease, hospitalized due to RSV bronchiolitis who developed bilateral spontaneous chylothorax with exacerbation of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The patient died after 9 weeks of mechanical ventilation and treatment for PH. The autopsy showed acute infectious signs, a chronic interstitial lung disease with pulmonary hypertensive changes and subpleural cysts with no evidence of congenital lymphangiectasia. The cause of chylothorax in this child could be multifactorial. However, worsening pulmonary hypertension with RSV infection might have partially contributed to the development of chylothorax through elevated superior venous cava pressure. Thoracentesis should be considered for patients with Down syndrome and PH associated with congenital heart disease who develop persistent pleural effusion during RSV bronchiolitis to rule out chylothorax.
Opinion Dynamics Model Based on Cognitive Styles: Field‐Dependence and Field‐Independence
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhao Shen , Li Wei
Published: February 2019

Two distinct cognitive styles exist from the perspective of cognition: field‐dependence and field‐independence. In most public opinion dynamics models, people only consider that individuals update their opinions through interactions with other individuals. This represents the field‐dependent cognitive style of the individual. The field‐independent cognitive style is ignored in such cases. We consider both cognitive styles in public opinion dynamics and propose a public opinion evolution model based on cognitive styles (CS model). The opinions of neighbors and experiences of the individual represent field‐dependent cognition and field‐independent cognition, respectively, and the individual combines both cognitive styles to update his/her own opinion. In the proposed model, the experience parameter is designed to represent the weight of the current opinion in terms of the individual’s experiences and the cognitive parameter is proposed to represent the tendencies of his/her cognitive styles. We experimentally verify that the CS and Hegselmann–Krause (HK) models are similar in terms of public opinion evolution trends; with an increase in radius of confidence, the steady state of a social system shifts from divergence to polarization and eventually reaches consensus. Considering that individuals from different cultures have different degrees of inclination for the two styles, we present experiments focusing on cognitive parameter and experience parameter and analyze the evolutionary trends of opinion dynamics in different styles. We find that when an individual has a greater tendency toward the field‐independent cognitive style under the influence of culture, the time required for a social system to reach a steady state will increase; the system will have greater difficultly in reaching consensus, mirroring the evolutionary trends in public opinion in the context of eastern and western cultures. The CS model constitutes an opinion dynamics model that is more consistent with the real world and may also serve as a basis for future cross‐cultural research.
Analyzing the Departure Runway Capacity Effects of Integrating Optimized Continuous Climb Operations
Authors: Villegas Díaz Manuel , Gómez Comendador Fernando , García-Heras Carretero Javier , Arnaldo Valdés Rosa María
Published: February 2019

Performing Continuous Climb Operation (CCO) procedures enable the reduction of the environmental footprint and the improvement of the trajectory efficiency when individually operated. However, its operation may affect negatively the overall operational efficiency at Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMAs). The estimation of capacity is a matter of paramount importance to all airport planning and analyzing the capacity effects of this particular operational technique on a certain scenario will definitely help on evaluating its potential applicability. In this paper, departure runway capacity at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport was operationally evaluated when introducing CCOs. The considered trajectories consisted of multiobjective optimized CCOs based on the optimal control theory, using the pseudospectral direct numerical method. These scenarios allowed addressing of the incremental variations of CCOs versus conventional departures, through fast time simulation, with the objective to assess the effects on the operations.
Multilayer Architecture Model for Mobile Cloud Computing Paradigm
Authors: Mora Higinio , Mora Gimeno Francisco J. , Signes-Pont María Teresa , Volckaert Bruno
Published: February 2019

Mobile Cloud Computing is one of today′s more disruptive paradigms of computation due to its effects on the performance of mobile computing and the development of Internet of Things. It is able to enhance the capabilities of devices by outsourcing the workload to external computing platforms deployed along the network, such as cloud servers, cloudlets, or other edge platforms. The research described in this work presents a computational model of a multilayer architecture for increasing the performance of devices using the Mobile Cloud Computing paradigm. The main novelty of this work lies in defining a comprehensive model where all the available computing platforms along the network layers are involved to perform the outsourcing of the application workload. This proposal provides a generalization of the Mobile Cloud Computing paradigm which allows handling the complexity of scheduling tasks in such complex scenarios. The behaviour of the model and its ability of generalization of the paradigm are exemplified through simulations. The results show higher flexibility for making offloading decisions.
Immunoglobulin Gamma-Like Therapeutic Bispecific Antibody Formats for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Chen Shixue , Li Lingling , Zhang Fan , Wang Yu , Hu Yi , Zhao Lei
Published: February 2019

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are a sort of dual functional proteins with specific binding to two distinct targets, which have become a focus of interest in antibody engineering and drug development research and have a promising future for wide applications in cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune disease. The key of clinical application and commercial-scale manufacturing of BsAbs is the amenability to assembly and purification of desired heterodimers. Advances in genetic engineering technology had resulted in the development of diverse BsAbs. Multiple recombinant strategies have been used to solve the mispairing problem between light and heavy chains, as well as to enforce accurate dimerization of heterologous heavy chains. There are 23 platforms available to generate 62 BsAbs which can be further divided into IgG-like ones and fragment-based ones, and more than 50 molecules are undergoing clinical trials currently. BsAbs with IgG-like architecture exhibit superior advantages in structure (similar to natural antibodies), pharmacokinetics, half-life, FcR-mediated function, and biological activity. This review considers various IgG-like BsAb generation approaches, summarizes the clinical applications of promising new BsAbs, and describes the mechanism of BsAbs in tumor therapy.
A Genetic Variant in GPR126 Causing a Decreased Inclusion of Exon 6 Is Associated with Cartilage Development in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Population
Authors: Xu Enjie , Shao Wei , Jiang Heng , Lin Tao , Gao Rui , Zhou Xuhui
Published: February 2019

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity disease in adolescents but its etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. The current study aims to identify the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of G protein-coupled receptor 126 (GPR126) gene and AIS predisposition. GPR126 contains 26 exons and alternative splicing of exon 6 and exon 25 produces 4 protein-coding transcripts. We genotyped SNPs of GPR126 gene around exon 6 and exon 25 in 131 Chinese AIS patients and 132 healthy controls and provided evidence that SNP rs41289839 G>A is strongly associated with AIS susceptibility. Linkage disequilibrium analysis suggests that rs41289839 and other AIS-related SNPs were in strong LD. Next, we demonstrated that rs41289839 G>A inhibits the inclusion of exon 6 during alternative splicing, resulting in a decreased expression level of exon 6-included transcript (GPR126-exon6in) relative to the exon 6 excluded transcript (GPR126-exon6ex) by minigene assay. Chondrogenic differentiation experiment showed that GPR126-exon6in has a high expression level relative to GPR126-exon6ex during chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Our findings indicate that newly discovered SNP is related to cartilage development and may provide valuable insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
A Case of Progressive Ossifying Fibrodysplasia of Tracheobronchial Respiratory Muscles
Authors: Habib Nouraly , Konan Anhum , Bi Zamble Olivier Didier Tra
Published: February 2019

The authors report a case of progressive ossifying myositis (POM) in a 13-year-old boy, revealed by dry cough and dyspnea. Conventional chest x-rays and whole-body CT showed extraskeletal ossification that seems to affect the left bronchial strain and trachea. This lesional topography, if established, not yet described to our knowledge, contrasts with the observations of all the authors, including Munchmeyer, for whom smooth muscles and muscles attached to the skeleton by a single end are spared by the heterotopic ossifications characteristic of the disease. Therefore, this observation raises the question of the ubiquity of muscle ossifications during POM.
Research on Relationships among Different Distress Types of Asphalt Pavements with Semi‐Rigid Bases in China Using Association Rule Mining: A Statistical Point of View
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Guoqiang , Yang Tao , Zhou Jian , Zhao Yongli
Published: February 2019

Distress types are significant for asphalt pavement maintenance decision, and relationships among them can greatly influence the decision outcomes. In this study, to analyze the relationships among different distress types from a statistical point of view, 282 asphalt pavements with semirigid base structures in 23 regions of China were surveyed to identify 12 distress types, which were subsequently investigated by association rule mining. Results show that the distress types can be categorized into independent distress types (IDDTs), dependent distress types (DDTs), and rutting secondary distress types (RSDTs) based on the relationships. The relationships among IDDTs are the strongest, and those between IDDTs and DDTs, between rutting and RSDTs, and among depression, pumping, and raveling are also strong, while the others are weak. The weak relationships should be ignored, while the strong ones should be considered to reduce cost and guarantee accuracy of maintenance decision. The IDDTs are the most important distress types, so preventing them from occurring or maintaining them immediately can greatly preserve good performance of asphalt pavements. To help analyze the relationships, a distress‐type system was established and verified. In conclusion, this work provides new insights to understand distress types.
Enhancement of Hydrophobicity of Fish Skin Gelatin via Molecular Modification with Oxidized Linoleic Acid
Authors: Theerawitayaart Wipawee , Prodpran Thummanoon , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: February 2019

Fish gelatin possesses hydrophilicity in nature since it contains a few hydrophobic amino acids and a large portion of hydrophilic amino acids. Low hydrophobicity of fish gelatin results in poor water vapor barrier and water resistance of gelatin films. This can limit its usage as packaging material. To overcome this drawback, the molecular attachment of hydrophobic domains can effectively improve the hydrophobicity of fish gelatin. In this study, fish skin gelatin modified with oxidized linoleic acid (OLA) prepared under various conditions using different molar ratios of OLA/free amino group content was characterized. When OLA was prepared at 60 and 80°C for various oxidation times (0–24 h), the peroxide value (PV) increased continuously up to 9 and 12 h when reaction was performed at 80 and 60°C, respectively. Consequently, the PV decreased until the end of the reaction (24 h). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of OLA were increased sharply up to 12 h, regardless of reaction temperatures. Thus, primary and secondary lipid oxidation products mainly occurred within the first 12 h. As gelatin was modified with different OLA at various OLA/free amino group molar ratios, the one modified with OLA prepared at 60°C for 24 h at a molar ratio of 10 : 1 had the highest increases in surface hydrophobicity and carbonyl content with the coincidentally lowest free amino group content, compared with control gelatin (without OLA modification). Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra also reconfirmed the presence of fatty acid covalently attached to resulting gelatin. Therefore, OLA could be used to modify gelatin and increase its hydrophobicity.
Radiologically Guided Renal Artery Embolization with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug as a Rescue Therapy for Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome in AL-Amyloidosis
Authors: Züst I. Spozio , Räz H. R. , Burkhalter F.
Published: February 2019

Nephrotic syndrome is common in immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and successful therapy may pose a challenge. We report the case of a 63-year-old patient with severe nephrotic syndrome due to primary renal AL-amyloidosis with well-preserved renal function at first presentation. Therapy with high dose steroids, loop diuretics, and ACE-inhibitors did not affect his proteinuria and he was seriously disabled because of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension and anasarca. With the patient’s informed consent, medical nephrectomy was tried with nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclosporine, and aminoglycosides, with significant deterioration of his renal function, but without relevant effect on his proteinuria. Despite adequate anticoagulation life threatening thrombotic and bleeding complications occurred. Total renal ablation was finally achieved using an Amplatzer vascular plug Typ IV (AVP 4) with a self-expanding Nitinol mesh design, which was placed in both main renal arteries in the same intervention. The patient became completely anuric, protein loss stopped, and serum albumin slowly rose to normal levels. The patient’s clinical condition dramatically improved and he regained his full mobility at the price of a lifelong renal replacement therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported usage of such a vascular occluder in the setting of refractory nephrotic syndrome with normal kidney function at the time of first presentation.
White Ginseng Ameliorates Depressive Behavior and Increases Hippocampal 5-HT Level in the Stressed Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Jang Daehyuk , Lee Hyun-ju , Lee Kyungjun , Kim Kyu-Ri , Won Ran , Lee Seung Eun , Shim Insop
Published: February 2019

Postmenopausal depression is closely associated with depletion of estrogen which modulates transmission of 5-HT, a key neurotransmitter that regulates stress-managing circuits in the brain. In this study, antidepressive efficacy of white ginseng (Panax gingseng Meyer,WG) was evaluated in stressed ovariectomized rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized and repeatedly restraint stressed for 2 weeks (2h/day). Thirty minutes before restraint stress, rats were administered saline (control), WG 200 mg/kg (p.o.), WG 400 mg/kg (p.o.), or fluoxetine (PC, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were performed to assess antidepressant effect of WG. After behavioral tests, levels of serum corticosterone (CORT) and hippocampal 5-HT were measured. Significant decrease of immobility time in TST and FST was shown in rats administered with PC or WG 400 compared to the control. WG200-treated rats showed remarkable reduction in immobility time of TST. PC, WG 200, or WG 400-administred group exhibited significant reduction of CORT compared to the control. PC or WG-treated rats exhibited remarkable increase in hippocampal 5-HT concentration compared to the control. Hippocampal 5-HT levels in WG groups were higher than those in the PC group. The present study demonstrated that WG had antidepressant efficacy in an animal model of menopausal depression. Treatment with WG enhanced hippocampal 5-HT level while suppressing depressive symptom and serum CORT level. These results provide evidence that WG plays an important role in activating serotonergic neurons in stressful situation, suggesting that WG might be a reliable natural alternative of antidepressant drugs to treat menopausal depression.
Implementation of Mass Cytometry for Immunoprofiling of Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Poláková Ingrid , Pelák Ondřej , Thürner Daniel , Pokrývková Barbora , Tachezy Ruth , Kalina Tomáš , Šmahel Michal
Published: February 2019

Monitoring immune responses to solid cancers may be a better prognostic tool than conventional staging criteria, and it can also serve as an important criterion for the selection of individualized therapy. Multiparametric phenotyping by mass cytometry extended possibilities for immunoprofiling. However, careful optimization of each step of such method is necessary for obtaining reliable results. Also, with respect to procedure length and costs, sample preparation, staining, and storage should be optimized. Here, we designed a panel of 31 antibodies which allows for identification of several subpopulations of lymphoid and myeloid cells in a solid tumor and peripheral blood simultaneously. For sample preparation, disaggregation of tumor tissue with two different collagenases combined with DNase I was compared, and removal of dead or tumor cells by magnetic separation was evaluated. Two possible procedures of barcoding for single-tube staining of several samples were examined. While the palladium-based barcoding affected the stability of several antigens, the staining with two differently labeled CD45 antibodies was suitable for cells isolated from a patient’s blood and tumor. The storage of samples in the intercalation solution for up to two weeks did not influence results of the analysis, which allowed the measurement of samples collected within this interval on the same day. This procedure optimized on samples from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma enabled identification of various immune cells including rare subpopulations.
Evaluating the Spatial Deprivation of Public Transportation Resources in Areas of Rapid Urbanization: Accessibility and Social Equity
Authors: Han Chunyang , Liu Xinquan , Shen Xiaojing , Zhang Ling , Feng Nana
Published: February 2019

To better understand the transportation situation in rapid urbanization areas and to improve social equity, this study constructed an approach to assess the spatial differentiation of public transportation resources based on deprivation theory and an accessibility analysis. Chenggong New District in Kunming, a typical rapid urbanization area in China, was analyzed as a case study. We introduced 6 indexes to establish a public transportation spatial deprivation evaluation system and applied SPSS to screen out two main factors that reflected the spatial deprivation associated with public transportation resources and services. Then, we adopted the accessibility model and spatial cluster model to embody residents’ opportunities to obtain access to public transportation and to judge whether public transportation resource allocation is appropriate. In addition, we used ArcGIS technology to better understand the spatial deprivation characteristics of public transportation. We found that the pattern of public transportation spatial deprivation in Chenggong could be summarized as “multicore and local radiation”: the spatial accessibility characteristics of public transportation take the form of a circular layer along with the metro lines and decline progressively toward the peripheral areas, where public transportation resource allocation is lacking. These findings show that the public transportation situation in rapid urbanization areas is consistent with the local land-use context and the suitability of established methods for extracting spatial public transportation characteristics.
Intentional Foreign Body Ingestion: A Complex Case of Pica
Authors: Guinan D. , Drvar T. , Brubaker D. , Ang-Rabanes M. , Kupec J. , Marshalek P.
Published: February 2019

Intentional ingestion of foreign objects, a form of self-injurious behavior, is rarely discussed in the medical literature but often requires extensive evaluation, management, and resources. It can be especially problematic for gastroenterologists, who are often consulted for removal of the foreign body. Pica is the psychiatric diagnosis for intentional ingestion of nonnutritive objects and is most commonly seen in prison inmates and those diagnosed with intellectual disability or psychiatric illness. This case report presents a challenging case of pica, highlighting the complexity involved in diagnosis and the need for early psychiatric intervention. It also aims to provide a general review of the literature and practical recommendations to assist with managing this form of self-injurious behavior in the inpatient setting. Collaborative efforts among specialties in addition to primary prevention are vital to successful management of these patients.
Can Preoperative 3D Printing Change Surgeon’s Operative Plan for Distal Tibia Fracture?
Authors: Kang Hwa Jun , Kim Bom Soo , Kim Seung Min , Kim Yu Mi , Kim Hyong Nyun , Park Jae Yong , Cho Jae Ho , Choi Youngrak
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to determine if 3D printing can affect surgeon’s selection of plate for distal tibia fracture surgery and to find out whether orthopedic surgeons consider this technology necessary and would use it in their practice. A total of 102 orthopedic surgeons were asked to choose anatomically contoured locking plates among 5 most commonly used types for one simple and one complex distal tibia fracture based on X-ray and CT images. Next, they were provided real-size 3D printed models of the same fractures, allowed to apply each of the 5 plates to these models, and asked if they would change their choice of plate. A 10-point numeric rating scale was provided to measure the extent of the help that 3D printing provided on preoperative planning. Finally, we asked the surgeons if they would use 3D printing in their practice. Seventy-four percent of inexperienced surgeons changed their selection of plate after using 3D printed models for the complex fracture. In contrast, only 9% of experienced surgeons changed their selection of plate for the simple fracture. Surgeons rated the extent of usefulness of the 3D models in preoperative planning as a mean of 4.84 ± 2.54 points for the simple fracture and 6.63 ± 2.54 points for the complex fracture. The difference was significant (p < 0.001). Eighty-six percent of inexperienced surgeons wanted to use 3D models for complex fractures. However, only 18% of experienced surgeons wanted to use 3D printed models for simple fractures. The use of a real-size 3D-printed model often changed surgeon’s preoperative selection of locking plates, especially when inexperienced surgeons evaluated a complex fracture. However, experienced surgeons did not find 3D models very useful when assessing simple fractures. Future applications of 3D models should focus on training beginners in fracture surgery, especially when complex fractures are concerned.
Microsatellite Markers Reveal Genetic Diversity and Relationships within a Melon Collection Mainly Comprising Asian Cultivated and Wild Germplasms
Authors: Hu Jianbin , Gao Luyin , Xu Yanbin , Li Qiong , Zhu Huayu , Yang Luming , Li Jianwu , Sun Shouru
Published: February 2019

Melon,Cucumis meloL., is an important horticultural crop with abundant morphological variability, but the genetic diversity and relationships within wild and cultivated melons remain unclear to date. In this study, thick-skinned (TC) (cultivated subspeciesmelo), thin-skinned (TN) (cultivated subspeciesagrestis), and wild accessions were analyzed for genetic diversity and relationships using 36 microsatellite markers. A total of 314 alleles were detected with a mean allelic number of 8.72 and polymorphism information content of 0.67. Cluster analysis of the accessions resulted in four distinct clusters (I, II, III, and IV) broadly matching with the TC, TN, and wild groups. Cluster I contained only two Indian wild accessions. Cluster II was consisted of 49 South Asian accessions, 34 wild accessions, and 15 TN accessions. Cluster III was a typical TC group including 51 multiorigin TC accessions and one wild accession. The remaining 88 accessions, including 75 TN accessions, 6 wild accessions, and 7 TC accessions, formed the cluster IV, and all the TN and wild accessions in this cluster were from China. These findings were also confirmed by Principal component analysis and STRUCTURE analysis. The South Asian subspeciesagrestisaccessions, wild and cultivated, had close genetic relationships with a distinctive genetic background. Chinese wild melons showed closeness to cultivated subspeciesagrestislandraces and could be a return from the indigenous cultivated melons. The AMOVA and pairwise F statistics (FST) presented genetic differentiation among the three groups, with the strongest differentiation (FST= 0.380) between TC and TN melons. These results offer overall information on genetic diversity and affiliations within a variety of melon germplasms and favor efficient organization and utilization of these resources for the current breeding purpose.
A Novel ZnII Complex Bearing Two Monodentate (4-Methoxyphenyl)[(1E, 2E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ilidene] Schiff Bases: Crystal Structure and DFT Study
Authors: Cordeiro Giuliano M. , Hottes Emanoel , Esteves-Souza Andressa , Guedes Guilherme P. , de Sant’Anna Carlos Maurício R. , Herbst Marcelo H.
Published: February 2019

A novel ZnII complex bearing two monodentate (4-methoxyphenyl)[(1E, 2E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ilidene] Schiff bases was synthesized and investigated both in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and FTIR and in solution by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The complex crystallizes in the P21/c monoclinic space group. The asymmetric unit contains one ZnII ion coordinated to two Schiff base ligands and two chloride ions, in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The title complex was also investigated by DFT, using the hybrid functional B3LYP with basis set 6-31G++, which reproduced the geometry and structural features of the complex in the crystal, and was used to assign the main bands in the FTIR spectrum. In solution, the complex maintains its integrity against decomposition to the parent reagents.
Tunisian Table Olive Oil Traceability and Quality Using SNP Genotyping and Bioinformatics Tools
Authors: Ben Ayed Rayda , Rebai Ahmed
Published: February 2019

To enhance and highlight the authentication and traceability of table olive oil, we considered the analysis of 11 Tunisian table olive cultivars based on seven SNP molecular markers (SOD, CALC, FAD2.1, FAD2.3, PAL70, ANTHO3, and SAD.1) localized in six different genes. Accordingly, we assessed the potential genotype-phenotypes links between the seven SNPs, on the one hand, and the quantitative and qualitative parameters, on the other. The obtained genotypes were analyzed with computational biology tools based on bivariate analysis, multinomial logistic regression, and the Bayesian networks modeling. Obtained results showed that PAL70 SNP marker was negatively influenced by the phenol rate (r = -0.886; p <0.001), the oxidative stability (r = -0.884; p <0.001), traducing a direct effect of the PAL70 genotype deviations on the proportion of total phenol for each variety. Additionally, we revealed a significant association of SAD.1 marker with the content of the linolenic unsaturated fatty acids (C18:3; p=0.046). Moreover, SAD.1 was positively correlated with the saturated stearic acid C18:0 (r = 0.644; p = 0.032) based on multinomial logistic regression and Bayesian networks modeling, respectively. This research work provides better understanding and characterization of the quality of Tunisian table olive and supplies a significant knowledge and data information for table olive traceability and breeding.
Unusual Case of Life-Threatening Gastro Intestinal Bleed from a Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Menaria Puneet , Muddana Venkata
Published: February 2019

Large upper gastro intestinal (GI) bleeding can be life-threatening. Splenic artery pseudoaenurysm (SAP) is rare but can cause massive upper GI bleeding. We report a case of a 57-year-old woman who had massive upper GI bleeding from SAP eroding into distal duodenum. Literature review shows SAP can bleed into stomach or pancreatic pseudocyst or biliary tree and peritoneal cavity; however, there are no previous reported cases of SAP bleeding into distal duodenum. Splenic artery embolization (SAE) is the preferred treatment for a bleeding SAP. Splenic infarcts can result following a SAE.
Elbow Cystic Lymphangioma in an 8-Month-Old Boy
Authors: Rahal Mohammad Jawad H. , Abou Al Ezz Morad R. , El Hajj Rabab A. , Chokor Jad Z. , Nasser Selim M. , Moucharafieh Ramzi C.
Published: February 2019

Cystic lymphangiomas are benign tumors originating mainly in the head and neck of the pediatric population. The authors report a rare case of cystic lymphangioma in the right elbow of an 8-month-old baby treated successfully by complete surgical resection.
Association between Peripheral Artery Disease and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Findings from the Gulf COAST Registry
Authors: Al-Zakwani Ibrahim , Al Siyabi Ekram , Alrawahi Najib , Al-Mulla Arif , Alnaeemi Abdullah , Shehab Abdulla , Zubaid Mohammad
Published: February 2019

Objective: To evaluate the association between peripheral artery disease (PAD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the Arabian Gulf. Methods: Data from 4,044 consecutive patients diagnosed with ACS admitted to 29 hospitals in four Arabian Gulf countries from January 2012 to January 2013 were analyzed. PAD was defined as any of the following: claudication, amputation for arterial vascular insufficiency, vascular reconstruction, bypass surgery, or percutaneous intervention in the extremities, documented aortic aneurysm or an ankle brachial index of <0.8 in any of the legs. MACE included stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, and readmissions for cardiac reasons diagnosed between hospital admission and at 1-year post discharge. Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Results: The overall mean age of the cohort was 60 ± 13 years and 66% (n = 2,686) were males. A total of 3.3% (n = 132) of the patients had PAD. Patients with PAD were more likely to be associated with smoking, prior MI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke/TIA. At the 1-year follow-up, patients with PAD were significantly more likely to have MACE (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–3.06; p< 0.001). The higher rates of events were also observed across all MACE components; stroke/TIA (aOR, 3.22; 95% CI: 1.80–5.75; p< 0.001), MI (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI: 1.29–3.59; p =0.003), all-cause mortality (aOR, 2.21; 95% CI: 1.33–3.69; p =0.002), and readmissions for cardiac reasons (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI: 1.24–2.70; p =0.003). Conclusions: PAD was significantly associated with MACE in ACS patients in the Arabian Gulf.
СЕПСИС – СИНДРОМ ЧИ ІНФЕКЦІЙНА ХВОРОБА? ЕВОЛЮЦІЯ ДИЛЕМИ
Authors: Kopcha V. S.
Published: February 2019

Мета роботи – звернути увагу лікарів на невідповідності «нових» уявлень про сепсис, нав’язаних лікарському співтовариству і безумовно прийнятих не лише анестезіологами-реаніматологами та хірургами, але й багатьма інфекціоністами.

Визначаючи наріжним каменем при сепсисі «системність» запальної відповіді у вигляді цитокінових порушень, автори відповідної концепції змушені визнавати етіологічними факторами практично усіх без винятку збудників інфекційних захворювань (від вірусів до найпростіших), які закономірно перебігають з підвищенням активності цитокінів у сироватці крові. Не применшуючи значення цих важливих компонентів запалення, варто звернути увагу на постулат про те, що не тільки віруси та найпростіші ніколи не спричиняють сепсис, але й усі «небактеріємічні збудники» (клостридії ботулізму та правця, бордетелли кашлюка, дифтерійні палички, холерні вібріони та ін.) за визначенням не бувають етіологічними факторами цього захворювання, хоча й неодмінно зумовлюють тяжкі системні реакції, що супроводжуються збільшенням рівня прозапальних цитокінів.

Тому сепсис – це генералізована ациклічна інфекційна хвороба бактерійної та/або грибкової етіології, що розвивається в імунодефіцитному організмі з характерними патоморфологічними і патогістологічними змінами в органах і тканинах.

Наведено детальний аналіз клінічного випадку сепсису у молодої жінки, яка завдяки адекватній активній хірургічній та потужній і тривалій консервативній терапії благополучно одужала.
Paradoxo da liberdade: a reflexão sobre ser livre no pacto social de Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Authors: Chiaparin Isabelle Merlini
Published: February 2019

Filósofo e romancista, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) pode ser considerado como um dos autores mais complexos da filosofia política. Buscando resolver a grande questão dessa área, a saber, como o Estado pode ser legitimado, Rousseau argumenta em prol de uma teoria do pacto, buscando justificar a existência do Estado enquanto uma instituição artificial, fundada pelos próprios homens. Apoiado na natureza humana, Rousseau tem por finalidade argumentar por que os homens devem se submeter ao Estado e de que forma isso lhes seria vantajoso. Tentando convencer os homens das benesses do estado civil, Rousseau faz um longo estudo sobre a questão da liberdade, desde sua forma mais primitiva, vivida pelo homem no estado de natureza contido no Segundo discurso, à sua forma mais evoluída, no estado civil, apresentada no Contrato social. Esse artigo se propõe a analisar a construção teórica do que seria ser livre nos dois momentos propostos por Rousseau, com o objetivo de explicitar como esse conceito é capaz de basear a argumentação do autor.