bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Bee Colony Optimization of NOx Emission and Reheat Steam Temperature in a 1000 MW Boiler
Authors: Gao Xian-hua , Su Zhi-gang
Published: November 2019

This paper puts forward a new viewpoint on optimization of boiler combustion, namely, reducing NOx emission while maintaining higher reheat steam temperature rather than reducing NOx emission while improving boiler efficiency like traditional practices. Firstly, a set of multioutputs nonlinear partial least squares (MO‐NPLS) models are established as predictors to predict these two indicators. To guarantee better predictive performance, repeated double cross-validation (rdCV) strategy is proposed to identify the structure as well as parameters of the predictors. Afterward, some controllable process variables, taken as inputs of the predictors, are then optimized by minimizing NOx emission and maximizing reheat steam temperature via multiobjective artificial bee colony (MO‐ABC). Results show that our rdCV‐MO‐NPLS model with MO‐ABC optimization methods can reduce NOx emission synchronously and improve reheat steam temperature effectively compared with nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) and combustion adjustment experimental data on a real 1000 MW boiler.
A Case of Aortic Dissection Presenting with Atypical Symptoms and Diagnosed with Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Solhjoo Mahdis , Swarup Supreeya , Makaryus Amgad N.
Published: November 2019

We present a case of an extensive aortic dissection (AD) identified in a woman with atypical symptoms. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) allowed the identification of an intimal flap in multiple locations and resulted in rapid diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, CT angiography is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of AD. TTE is rapid and accurate and can be used in kidney failure. Our case highlights the important role of bedside echocardiography in the diagnosis of AD, especially in the patient with a typical symptoms in whom this diagnosis of AD may not be entertained and actually missed leading to negative and possibly deadly consequences.
Left Ventricular Noncompaction in a Child with Turner Syndrome
Authors: Bhatia Snigdha , Qasim Amna , Almasri Murad , Frank Luba , Aly Ashraf M.
Published: November 2019

Congenital heart disease (CHD) may cause a significant comorbidity in patients with Turner syndrome. The commonly reported CHD in these patients includes bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation of the aorta. Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that has been reported in literature only three times in adult patients with Turner syndrome. We report the first case of a 6-year-old asymptomatic female with Turner syndrome who was referred for cardiac evaluation after her Turner syndrome diagnosis. Echocardiogram was suspicious for LVNC, which was confirmed on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Multifacet of Cornea Patch Graft in Anterior Segment Diseases
Authors: Chendran Prema , Meng Hsien Yong , Wan Abdul Halim Wan Haslina
Published: November 2019

Incidence of cornea melting or perforation is commonly seen in variety of cornea conditions. It can cause debilitating vision loss and impair patient’s daily activity. Several techniques have been described to surgically treat cornea perforation and melting. In this article, a series of corneal diseases treated with corneal patch graft are highlighted to relate different approach of cornea patch graft surgery. Post-operative management and complications are discussed.
Polymer Optical Fiber-Based Respiratory Sensors: Various Designs and Implementations
Authors: Arifin A. , Agustina Nelly , Dewang Syamsir , Idris Irfan , Tahir Dahlang
Published: November 2019

This research discusses the polymer optical fiber sensor for respiratory measurements. The infrared LED that produces light will propagate along the polymer optical fiber which will be received by the phototransistor and the differential amplifier. The output voltage in the form of an analog signal will be converted to a digital signal by the Arduino Uno microcontroller and displayed on the computer. The polymer optical fiber sensor is installed on the corset using a variety of configuration (straight, sinusoidal, and spiral), placed in the abdomen, and a variety of positions (abdomen, chest, and back) using only a spiral configuration. While doing the inspiration, the stomach will be enlarged so that the optical fiber sensor will have strain. The strain will cause loss of power, the resulting light intensities received by the phototransistor are reduced, and the output voltage on the computer decreases. The result shows that the highest voltage amplitudes were in the spiral configuration placed in the abdominal position for slow respiration measurements with the highest range, sensitivity, and resolution which are 0.119 V, 0.238 V/s, and 0.004 s, respectively. The advantages of our work are emphasized on measurement system simplicity, low cost, easy fabrication, and handy operation and can be connected with the Arduino Uno microcontroller and computer.
Psychometric Properties of the Korean Dispositional Hope Scale Using the Rasch Analysis in Stroke Patients
Authors: Park Eun-Young , Choi Yoo Im , Kim Jung-Hee
Published: November 2019

Background. It is reported that hopeful thinking plays a positive role in encouraging patients to achieve functional goals during the rehabilitation process. Hope is a key concept in evaluating stroke outcomes in research and rehabilitation practice. Aims. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Korean Dispositional Hope Scale (K-DHS) using the Rasch analysis in patients with hemiplegic stroke. Methods. The K-DHS was completed by 166 community-dwelling hemiplegic stroke patients in Korea. Data were analyzed according to item fit, item difficulty, and the appropriateness of the rating scale using the Rasch analysis. Results. Item fit analysis showed that 8 items of the K-DHS are appropriate because the infit MSNQ was between 0.7 and 1.3. Item difficulty results revealed that there is a difference in distribution between personal attributes and item difficulty. It shows that the item fit statistics of the 4-point Likert scale of K-DHS are all good. The person separation index demonstrated that the K-DHS could differentiate two or three hope status strata in stroke patients. The item separation index indicated that the items were useful with high reliability. Conclusion. The K-DHS comprises appropriate items for measuring the hope of stroke patients living in the community, and the rating scale of the K-DHS is also appropriate. This study is the first to conduct an analysis of the rating scale and its appropriateness, as well as the difficulty of items based on item response theory, and offers new insights for enhancing hope and improving well-being following stroke.
The Accuracy of 3D Printing Assistance in the Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Chen Po-Chen , Chang Chien-Chun , Chen Hsien-Te , Lin Chia-Yu , Ho Tsung-Yu , Chen Yen-Jen , Tsai Chun-Hao , Tsou Hsi-Kai , Lin Chih-Sheng , Chen Yi-Wen , Hsu Horng-Chaung
Published: November 2019

Background. The pedicle screw is one of the main tools used in spinal deformity correction surgery. Robotic and navigated surgeries are usually used, and they provide superior accuracy in pedicle screw placement than free-hand and fluoroscopy-guided techniques. However, their high cost and space limitation are problematic. We provide a new solution using 3D printing technology to facilitate spinal deformity surgery. Methods. A workflow was developed to assist spinal deformity surgery using 3D printing technology. The trajectory and profile of pedicle screws were determined on the image system by the surgical team. The engineering team designed drill templates based on the bony surface anatomy and the trajectory of pedicle screws. Their effectiveness and safety were evaluated during a preoperative simulation surgery. The surgery consisted in making a pilot hole through the drill template on a computed tomography- (CT-) based, full-scale 3D spine model for every planned segment. Somatosensory evoke potential (SSEP) and motor evoke potential (MEP) were used for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Postoperative CT was obtained 6 months after the correction surgery to confirm the screw accuracy. Results. From July 2015 to November 2016, we performed 10 spinal deformity surgeries with 3D printing technology assistance. In total, 173 pedicle screws were implanted using drill templates. No notable change in SSEP and MEP or neurologic deficit was noted. Based on postoperative CT scans, the acceptable rate was 97.1% (168/173). We recorded twelve pedicle screws with medial breach, six with lateral breach, and five with inferior breach. Medial breach (12/23) was the main type of penetration. Lateral breach occurred mostly in the concave side (5/6). Most penetrations occurred above the T8 level (69.6%, 16/23). Conclusion. 3D printing technology provides an effective alternative for spinal deformity surgery when expensive medical equipment, such as intraoperative navigation and robotic systems, is unavailable.
Targeting INHBA in Ovarian Cancer Cells Suppresses Cancer Xenograft Growth by Attenuating Stromal Fibroblast Activation
Authors: Li Xiaoting , Yang Zongyuan , Xu Sen , Wang Zhengzheng , Jin Ping , Yang Xin , Zhang Zeyu , Wang Ya , Wei Xiao , Fang Tian , Gao Qinglei
Published: November 2019

INHBA-encoded inhibin β A is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. INHBA has been reported to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of cancer including ovarian cancer (OC). However, the mechanisms by which INHBA affects OC progression are not well-characterized. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic value of INHBA for different stages and grades of OC and to identify the possible mechanisms by which INHBA promotes OC progression. Our results demonstrated that INHBA was specifically expressed in OC epithelium, and higher expression was associated with higher risk of mortality in patients with advanced and higher-grade serous OC (SOC). In addition, knockdown of INHBA in cancer cells impaired cancer xenograft growth through reducing OC stromal fibroblast activation in vivo. Further results confirmed that Smad2 signaling pathway was involved in INHBA-induced stromal fibroblast activation, and inhibiting this pathway could effectively reverse activation of stromal fibroblasts. In summary, our results showed that blocking INHBA in cancer cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit SOC progression.
Mathematical Models for Possible Roles of Oxytocin and Oxytocin Receptors in Autism
Authors: Gottlieb Mark M.
Published: November 2019

This paper develops mathematical models examining possible roles of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in the development of autism. This is done by demonstrating that mathematical operations on normalized data from the Stanford study, which establishes a correspondence between severity of autism in children and their oxytocin blood levels, generate a graph that is the same as the graph of mathematical operations on a normalized theoretical model for the severity of autism. This procedure establishes the validity of the theoretical model and the significance of oxytocin receptors in autism. A steady-state model follows, explaining the constant baseline concentrations of oxytocin observed in the cerebral spinal fluid and blood in terms of the neuromodulation by oxytocin of oxytocin receptors on the magnocellular neurons that produce oxytocin in nuclei in the hypothalamus. The implications of these models for possible roles of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in autism are considered for several unrelated conditions that may be associated with autism. These are oxytocin receptor desensitization and downregulation as factors during labor in offspring autism development; reductions in the oxytocin receptor numbers in the fixed oxytocin receptor expression that occurs before birth; MAST Immune System disease; and the excess number of dendritic spines from lack of pruning observed in brains of autistic people. Research into the feasibility of generating magnocellular neurons and other neurons from adult stem cells is suggested as a way of doing in vitro studies of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors to assess the validity of theories presented in this paper.
Neuroprotective Effect of SCM-198 through Stabilizing Endothelial Cell Function
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Yan , Wang Zhi-Jun , Miao Lei , Wang Ying , Chang Ling-Ling , Guo Wei , Zhu Yi-Zhun
Published: November 2019

Leonurine, also named SCM-198, which was extracted from Herba leonuri, displayed a protective effect on various cardiovascular and brain diseases, like ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, ultimately caused irreversible neuron damage. This study is aimed at exploring the possible therapeutic potential of SCM-198 in the protection against postischemic neuronal injury and possible underlying mechanisms. A transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat model was utilized to measure the protective effect of SCM-198 on neurons. TEM was used to determine neuron ultrastructural changes. The brain slices were stained with Nissl staining solution for Nissl bodies. Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) was used for staining the degenerating neurons. In the oxygen-glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation (OGD/R) model of bEnd.3 cells treated with SCM-198 (0.1, 1, 10 μM). Then, the bEnd.3 cells were cocultured with SH-SY5Y cells. Cell viability, MDA level, CAT activity, and apoptosis were examined to evaluate the cytotoxicity of these treatments. Western blot and immunofluorescent assays were used to examine the expression of protein related to the p-STAT3/NOX4/Bcl-2 signaling pathway. Coimmunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between p-STAT3 and NOX4. In the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat model, we found that treatment with SCM-198 could ameliorate neuron morphology and reduce the degenerating cell and neuron loss. In the in vitro model of bEnd.3 cell oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R), treatment with SCM-198 restored the activity of catalase (CAT), improved the expression of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) production. SCM-198 treatment prevented OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis as indicated by increased cell viability and decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells, accompanied with upregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl protein and downregulation Bax protein. The results were consistent with SH-SY5Y cells which coculture with bEnd.3 cells. The forthcoming study revealed that SCM-198 activated the p-STAT3/NOX4/Bcl-2 signaling pathway. All the data indicated that SCM-198 protected against oxidative stress and neuronal damage in in vivo and in vitro injury models via the p-STAT3/NOX4/Bcl-2 signaling pathway. Our results suggested that SCM-198 could be the potential drug for neuroprotective effect through stabilizing endothelial cell function.
Jieduan-Niwan Formula Reduces Liver Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure by Regulating the E2F1-Mediated Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Hao Yulin , Hou Weixin , Fang Xian , Fang Peng , Jiang Tianyuan , Ma Chongyang , Zhang Qiuyun
Published: November 2019

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a serious and complicated disease that threatens human health because its pathogenesis is unclear, and the outcome of the current therapies has been less than satisfactory. A national famous doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, Qian Ying, created the Jieduan-Niwan Formula (JDNW), based on his long-term clinical experience. However, despite the good clinical outcome, the biological mechanism by which it works is unknown. In the current study, we established an ACLF rat model by administering human serum albumin (HSA) combined with D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to explore the potential mechanism of JDNW in treating ACLF. The rats were treated with JDNW by administration of the model substances and sacrificed after 4, 8, and 12 h. Then we divided the rats into normal group, model at 4 h, model at 8 h, model at 12 h, JDNW at 4 h, JDNW at 8 h, and JDNW at 12 h. Biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed to compare the rats in different groups. Compared with the ACLF model group, expression levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and TNF-α and IL-6 proteins were reduced in the JDNW group at the corresponding time points, the survival rates of rats were increased, and the pathological condition of the liver was improved. In addition, JDNW treatment improved the ultrastructure of hepatocytes and mitochondria and decreased the hepatocyte apoptosis index. E2F1, P53, P73, Apaf-1, p14ARF, caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-7 levels in the JDNW group were distinctly lower than those in the untreated rats. Moreover, Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 levels increased. Thus, JDNW decreases ACLF-induced mortality in rats by modulating the E2F1-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
Palmitic Acid Induces MicroRNA-221 Expression to Decrease Glucose Uptake in HepG2 Cells via the PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 Pathway
Authors: Huang Fang , Chen Jie , Wang Jingwen , Zhu Pingping , Lin Wenting
Published: November 2019

Obesity-related insulin resistance and high fatty acid concentrations occur during the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The role of high concentrations of plasma-free fatty acids is not fully understood. In this study, palmitic acid (PA, 0.8 mM for 24 h) induced the expression of miR-221 that bound to phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) mRNA to inhibit glucose uptake by HepG2 cells. Compared with controls, PA significantly decreased glucose uptake, increased insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) and miR-221 expression, and decreased phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) mRNA expression. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-221 binding inhibited PI3K expression. Transfection of HepG2 cells with an miR-221 mimic induced miR-221 expression and inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway. PA decreased glucose uptake in HepG2 cells by inducing the expression of miR-221, which bound to PI3K mRNA and suppressed PI3K/AKT signaling. miR-221 may be a novel target for preventing and treating obesity-induced insulin resistance.
Thermal Analyses and Responses of Bridge Deck Hydronic Snow Melting System
Authors: Feng Junjie , Yin Guansheng
Published: November 2019

The hydronic snow melting pavement (HSMP) system is an environmentally friendly, clean, and sustainable alternative to traditional approaches for bridge deck snowmelt. The objective of this paper is to investigate the temperature field and thermal responses of HSMP by a three‐dimensional finite element (3D FE) model based on the thermal‐fluid coupling method. Considering the full fluid domain, the model simulates the dynamic temperature field and obtains the dynamic heat load of HSMP. Results show that the model factually simulates the decrease of fluid temperature along the pipe. The insulation of bridge deck bottom reduces heat loss, and heating demand can be lowered. Due to the ambient temperature changes, preheating is an effective approach of energy conservation and the start time of heating proposed is at 10 : 00 to 16 : 00. The flow velocity has a slight influence, and the recommended magnitude is 0.6 m/s. The shallower pipe embedded depth and the narrower pipe spacing can improve the surface temperature of HSMP and the uniformity of snowmelt process. Under ambient temperature loads, the maximum principle tensile stress of HSMP is induced at the contact interface between pipes and surrounding concrete, and the magnitude is greater than that of the conventional pavement. Under ambient temperature loads and fluid circulation, heated pipes can effectively prevent thermal shrinkage cracking and extend service life of HSMP. With increase of the pipe embedded depth and decrease of the pipe spacing, the chance of thermal shrinkage cracks decreases. For both optimum snowmelt efficiency and thermal cracking reduction, the pipe embedded depth of 7 cm and pipe spacing of 10 cm are recommended for HSMP with the inlet fluid temperature of 15°C.
A Competitive Multiattribute Group Decision-Making Approach for the Game between Manufacturers
Authors: Zhang Quan , Jiang KeXin , Yan ManTing , Ma JiYun
Published: November 2019

Under the competitive market environment, the game between manufacturers comes down to the competitive multiattribute group decision-making problem. In this study, the evaluation information of experts is given in the form of 2-dimension 2-tuple linguistic variables, and an approach is proposed for the competitive multiattribute group decision-making problem based on game theory and evidence theory. Firstly, based on the evidence theory, the attribute values of each situation are obtained by aggregating the 2-dimension 2-tuple linguistic evaluation information given by experts. Secondly, according to the attribute values of every situation, the evidence theory is applied for the second aggregation to obtain the overall values of every situation, and then the game matrix of competitive multiattribute group decision problem is formed. Then, according to the bivariate game matrix, the Nash equilibrium point of competitive multiattribute group decision-making problem is determined based on game theory. Finally, a practical case about the alternative selections for a duopoly problem is used to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach for the competitive multiattribute group decision-making problem.
lncRNA Expression Reveals the Potential Regulatory Roles in Hepatocyte Proliferation during Rat Liver Regeneration
Authors: Bai Haijing , Jin Wei , Guo Jianlin , Ding Yi , Chang Cuifang , Guo Xueqiang , Song Yaping , Zhang Jingbo , Xu Cunshuan
Published: November 2019

Liver regeneration is a tissue growth process after loss or injury of liver tissue, which is a compensatory hyperplasia rather than true regeneration, mainly depending on hepatocyte proliferation. Currently, a large number of studies on hepatocyte proliferation have been conducted. However, studies on the regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) on hepatocyte proliferation are still limited. To identify specially expressed lncRNA during rat liver regeneration, high-throughput sequencing technology was performed, and a total of 2446 lncRNAs and 4091 mRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed to analyze the role of differentially expressed mRNAs, and 695 mRNAs were identified to be related to cell proliferation. Then, an lncRNA-mRNA coexpression network based on the differentially expressed lncRNAs and proliferation-related genes was constructed to analyze the potential function of lncRNAs on hepatocyte proliferation, and ten lncRNAs, NONRATT003557.2, NONRATT005357.2, NONRATT003292.2, NONRATT001466.2, NONRATT003289.2, NONRATT001047.2, NONRATT005180.2, NONRATT004419.2, NONRATT005336.2, and NONRATT005335.2, were selected as key regulatory factors, which may play crucial roles in hepatocyte proliferation during rat liver regeneration. Finally, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to illuminate the interaction between proliferation-related genes, and ten hub genes (Aurkb, Cdk1, Cdc20, Bub1b, Mad2l1, Kif11, Prc1, Ccna2, Top2a, and Ccnb1) were screened with the MCC method in the PPI network, which may be important biomarkers involved in the hepatocyte proliferation during rat liver regeneration. These results may provide clues for a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism of hepatocyte proliferation during rat liver regeneration.
Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Orthotopic Liver Transplantation-Induced Acute Gut Injury via α2-Adrenergic Receptor-Dependent Suppression of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Lv Peibiao , Chen Tufeng , Liu Peibin , Zheng Lei , Tian Jingling , Tan Fan , Chen Jiaxin , Deng Yingqing , Li Jun , Cai Jun , Chi Xinjin
Published: November 2019

Patients with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) frequently develop acute gut injury (AGI), and dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been reported to exert a protective effect against AGI. We investigated whether Dex protects against AGI through antioxidative stress effects by the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidative signaling pathway. Rats were randomly allocated into a sham group and six orthotopic autologous liver transplantation (OALT) groups receiving different doses of Dex together with/without α2-adrenergic receptor (AR) blockers. Intestinal tissues were collected to visualize the barrier damage and to measure the indexes of oxidative stress. For in vitro studies, rat intestinal recess epithelial cells (IEC-6) underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and the protective role of Dex was evaluated after α2A-AR siRNA silencing. OALT resulted in increased oxidative stress, significant intestinal injury, and barrier dysfunction. Dex attenuated OALT-induced oxidative stress and intestinal injury, which was abolished by the pretreatment with the nonspecific α2A-AR siRNA blocker atipamezole and the specific α2A-AR siRNA blocker BRL-44408, but not by the specific 2B/C-AR siRNA blocker ARC239. Silencing of α2A-AR siRNA also attenuated the protective role of Dex on alleviating oxidative stress in IEC-6 cells subjected to H/R. Dex exerted its protective effects by activating Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidative signaling. Collectively, Dex attenuates OALT-induced AGI via α2A-AR-dependent suppression of oxidative stress, which might be a novel potential therapeutic target for OALT-induced AGI.
Astigmatism Associated with Allergic Conjunctivitis in Urban School Children
Authors: Kim Yangho , Oh Inbo , Lee Jiho , Sim Chang Sun , Oh Yeon Suh , Lee Ju-Hyang
Published: November 2019

Introduction. We first examined the association of an ocular refractive error with allergic conjunctivitis in school children and then examined this association in children attending a suburban school and an urban school. Methods. We enrolled 426 children attending a primary school in a suburban area and 550 children attending a primary school in an urban area which had a higher level of air pollution. Allergic conjunctivitis was defined as the diagnosis of this condition at any time during a child’s life. The ophthalmic examinations included measurements of visual acuity and refraction, and a slit lamp examination. Skin prick tests were also performed at each school during 2018. The significance of associations was determined by the calculation of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Astigmatism (increase of 1 cylindrical diopter) was associated with allergic conjunctivitis in children overall (OR = 1.287, 95% CI = 1.010 to 1.642) and in children attending the urban school (OR = 1.408, 95% CI = 1.029 to 1.926), but not in children attending the suburban school (OR = 1.040, 95% CI = 0.672 to 1.610). Allergic conjunctivitis also had a higher prevalence among children attending the urban school. The urban school had higher levels of air pollutants than the suburban school. Skin prick tests indicated that the major allergens in children with allergic conjunctivitis were house dust mites and various types of pollen. Conclusion. Astigmatism is associated with allergic conjunctivitis in children attending an urban school.
An Improved Route‐Finding Algorithm Using Ubiquitous Ontology‐Based Experiences Modeling
Authors: Barzegar Maryam , Sadeghi-Niaraki Abolghasem , Shakeri Maryam , Choi Soo-Mi
Published: November 2019

Every day, people are hired in different organizations and old and retiring employees are eliminated from enterprise systems. Eliminating these individuals from organizations leads to the loss of their spatial experiences. In addition, since new employees lack relevant experience, they need a long time to develop the correct skills for the company and may even cause damage to the organization during this learning process. Therefore, storing the spatial experience of individuals is a critical issue. Due to the intelligence of ubiquitous Geospatial Information System (GIS), any experience from any user can be received and stored. In the future, based on these experiences, an appropriate service to each user may be provided as needed. This paper aims to propose an ontology‐based model to store spatial experiences in the field of ubiquitous GIS route finding. For this purpose, first ontology is designed for route finding, and then according to this ontology, an ontology‐based route‐finding algorithm is developed for ubiquitous GIS. Finally, this algorithm is implemented for Tehran, Iran, and its results are compared with the shortest path algorithm (Dijkstra’s algorithm) in terms of the route length and travel time for peak traffic time. The results show that while the route length obtained from the ontology‐based algorithm is more than Dijkstra’s algorithm, the travel time is lower, and on some routes the difference in travel time saved reaches 35 minutes.
Opportunities and Limitations of Vascular Risk Factor Models in Studying Plasticity-Promoting and Restorative Ischemic Stroke Therapies
Authors: Hermann Dirk M. , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Popa-Wagner Aurel
Published: November 2019

Major efforts are currently made promoting neuronal plasticity and brain remodeling in the postacute stroke phase. Experimental studies evaluating new stroke therapies are mostly performed in rodents, which compared to humans exhibit a short lifespan. These studies widely employ young, otherwise healthy, rodents that lack the vascular risk factors and comorbidities of stroke patients. These risk factors compromise postischemic neurological recovery and brain plasticity and in several contexts reduce the brain responsiveness to recovery-inducing plasticity-promoting treatments. By examining risk factor models, which have hitherto been used for studying experimentally induced ischemic stroke, this review outlines the possibilities and limitations of risk factor models in the evaluation of plasticity-promoting and restorative stroke treatments.
An Error Evaluation Method for the Ship Angular Flexure Measurement Based on the Principle of Relevance
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Ma Xianglu , Qin Shiqiao , Wu Wei , Tan Wenfeng
Published: November 2019

Due to the lack of true ship angular flexure data, it is difficult to evaluate its measurement error of the angular velocity matching method in practice. In this paper, the cause of the measurement error of the ship flexure angle is analyzed in theory, and an evaluation method for the ship angular flexure measurement error based on the principle of relevance is proposed. The proposed method provides a prediction formula to describe the estimation error of the static flexure angle based on the off‐diagonal elements of the error covariance matrix P in Kalman filtering. In addition, the optimized coefficient F is introduced to make the prediction error range better describe the real error variation. The optimized coefficient F ensures that the proposed formula has good prediction effects in all three directions. Simulations based on the actual measured ship flexure data are carried out, and the simulation results verify the capability of the prediction formula. The proposed method can be used in the evaluation of the ship flexure measurement error.
How Does the Academic and Scientific Profile of European Health Ministers and State Secretaries Matter for Informed Decisions?
Authors: Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Martinho-Dias Daniel , Araújo Fernando , Costa-Pereira Altamiro
Published: November 2019

Background: The impact of health politicians’ qualifications on healthcare quality has not been widely studied. Objectives: To assess whether academic qualifications and scientific output of European health decision makers correlate with healthcare quality, as well as with other developmental and scientific indices. Methods: We assessed the academic qualifications and scientific output of health ministers and state secretaries of EU member states. Based on the highest academic degree held, we created an academic score for each politician, and calculated the average academic score of each country’s health politicians. Associations between the average academic score and public perception of healthcare quality and other developmental and scientific variables were tested by means of simple and multiple linear regression models. Results: Half of the politicians held qualifications in the field of health, followed by economics and management (37%) and social sciences (35%). Over the last 10 years, 28% politicians had authored publications indexed in Web of ScienceTM, mostly in the field of health. The average academic score of health European politicians was negatively correlated with both public perception of healthcare quality (ρ = –0.473; p = 0.011) and with countries’ gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (ρ = –0.664; p < 0.001). In a multiple linear regression model, the GDP per capita was independently and negatively associated with the average academic score (p = 0.038), but the same was not observed for the public perception of healthcare quality (p = 0.722). Conclusions: While correlation does not imply causation, in European countries with higher GDP per capita, health politicians tend to be less qualified.
Genetically Elevated Serum Uric Acid and Renal Function in an Apparently Healthy Population
Authors: Ge Ji-Yong , Ji Yuan , Zhu Zhen-Yan , Li Xun
Published: November 2019

Background: The association between uric acid and kidney disease has been extensively investigated. Numerous studies have reported the association between circulating levels of uric acid and renal function. Objectives: To test, by the Mendelian randomization method, whether there is a causal association between circulating levels of uric acid and renal function. Methods: In 989 participants, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated, the circulating level of uric acid was tested, and the uric acid polymorphism (rs11722228) was genotyped. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, smoking history, alcohol intake, antihypertensive medication, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine, a significant allelic difference was found in uric acid levels for each genotype (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the circulating levels of uric acid were negatively associated with eGFR after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and other potential confounders (p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, eGFR was significantly associated with the genotypes of rs11722228 (β = –0.07; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Evidence from the Mendelian randomization approach implied a causal relationship between uric acid and renal function in an apparently healthy population.
ОЦІНКА БЕЗПЕЧНОСТІ ВНУТРІШНЬОПЕЧІНКОВОГО ВВЕДЕННЯ 10 % РОЗЧИНУ КАЛЬЦІЮ ХЛОРИДУ У ЩУРІВ ЛІНІЇ WISTAR: ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЕ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ
Authors: Dronov O. I. , Kovalska I. O. , Zemskov S. V. , Kozachuk Ye. S. , Bakunets P. P. , Zhulkevych I. V.
Published: November 2019

Мета дослідження – оцінити безпечність внутрішньопечінкового введення 10 % розчину кальцію хлориду в експерименті in vivo.
Матеріал і методи. Експеримент виконано на 26 дорослих щурах-самицях лінії Wistar. Інтрапечінкове введення 10 % кальцію хлориду здійснювали одноразово. Доза становила 5,0 мг/100,0 г ваги тіла тварини, у середньому (0,16±0,03) мл. Оцінювали показники гемограми, печінкових проб, концентрацію іонів кальцію, специфічні ускладнення, летальність. Терміни контролю – 1, 3 5, доби для гемограми та печінкових проб і 1, 5, 10 хвилини для іонізованого кальцію. Ускладнення та летальність оцінювали до 21 доби.
Результати. На 1 та 3 доби зміни параметрів гемограми та печінкових проб характеризувались зниженням рівня гемоглобіну (р=0,004) та збільшенням кількості лейкоцитів (р=0,005), рівнів загального білірубіну (р=0,005), АлАт (р=0,005), АсАт (р=0,005), ЛФ (р=0,005), порівняно з початковими. На 5 добу відмічалась нормалізація цих параметрів до вихідних: гемоглобін (р=0,366), лейкоцити (р=0,051), загальний білірубін (р=0,469), АлАт (р=0,575), АсАт (р=0,959), ЛФ (р=0,169) відповідно. Підвищення концентрації іонізованого кальцію сироватки крові щурів на 1 хвилині, порівняно з вихідними (р=0,005), не супроводжувалось фатальними наслідками. Зміни всіх гематологічних параметрів відбувалися в межах референтих норм і не супроводжувались клінічними проявами. Післяопераційні ускладнення та летальність не були пов’язані з внутріньопечінковим введенням препарату.
Висновок. Внутрішньопечінкове введення 10 % розчину кальцію хлориду в дозі 5,0 мг /100,0 мг ваги тіла тварини не супроводжується порушенням функціонального стану печінки, гомеостазу іонів кальцію крові, розвитком локальних ускладнень та летальністю.
АКАНТАМЕБИ ЯК РЕЗЕРВУАР ПАТОГЕННИХ БАКТЕРІЙ ТА ВІРУСІВ (огляд літератури)
Authors: Chobotar A. P.
Published: November 2019

Вільноживучі найпростіші роду Acanthamoeba є представниками багатьох об’єктів зовнішнього середовища та постійно взаємодіють з іншими мікроорганізмами (вірусами і бактеріями), що населяють ці екологічні ніші. Особливості цих взаємовідносин вивчають дослідники з усього світу вже понад 20 років. Досліджено низку патогенних та умовно патогенних бактерій, які здатні співіснувати з акантамебами. Описано симбіотичну взаємодію амеб з ентеробактеріями, мікобактеріями, легіонелами, псевдомонадами, стафілококами, стрептококами та рядом інших прокаріот. Встановлено, що при співкультивуванні найпростіших з бактеріями збільшується термін виживання останніх та підвищується їх резистентність до впливу шкідливих факторів навколишнього середовища. Ряд наукових робіт присвячено також вивченню взаємодії Acanthamoeba sp. з представниками царства Vira, а саме родів Adenovirus, Norovirus, Rotavirus та Enterovirus. Характер взаємодії бактерій та вірусів із представниками вільноживучих найпростіших на клітинному рівні досліджується найчастіше з використанням мікроскопічних та сучасних молекулярно-генетичних методів. Мета – аналіз здатності вільноживучих амеб взаємодіяти з бактеріями та вірусами, а також виконувати роль резервуара для патогенних мікроорганізмів. Висновок. Детальний аналіз літературних джерел дозволив зробити висновок, що вільноживучі амеби здатні активно поглинати патогенні мікроорганізми. Доведено також, що вільноіснуючі найпростіші можуть виконувати роль резервуара для патогенних мікроорганізмів та слугувати вектором передачі збудників інфекційних захворювань. Таким чином, амеби виконують роль «троянського коня» мікробного світу.
КЛІНІЧНЕ ЗНАЧЕННЯ ТЕРМОГРАФІЇ ПРИ ХРОНІЧНОМУ ПОДАГРИЧНОМУ АРТРИТІ
Authors: Andreychyn S. M. , Mudra U. O. , Chernets T. Yu.
Published: November 2019

В останні роки значно підвищився інтерес до вивчення подагри у зв’язку з високим рівнем захворюваності на цю патологію та частими рецидивами, що приводять до тривалої втрати працездатності. До важливих клініко-патогенетичних проявів подагри належать порушення терморегуляції та реґіонарного кровотоку. Разом з тим, термографія подагричного артриту залишається мало вивченою. Мета дослідження – клініко-патогенетичне обґрунтування можливого застосування термографії для розпізнавання хронічного подагричного артриту. Матеріал і методи. У дослідження включено 40 стаціонарних пацієнтів з хронічним подагричним артритом (37 чоловіків і 3 жінки) віком від 45 до 74 років. Тривалість захворювання склала понад 5 років. Термографічне дослідження здійснювали за допомогою тепловізора ULIRvision ТІ 120 (Zhejiang Ulirvision Technology Co., Китай), дотримуючись рекомендацій виробника. Результати. Встановили, що зі зростанням тривалості захворювання збільшується число уражених суглобів, тофусів, збільшуються інтенсивність болю за ВАШ, частота загострень протягом року. На термограмах, отриманих у фазі загострення хронічного подагричного артриту, видно зону інтенсивної гіпертермії, яка за розмірами перевищувала видиму гіперемію. Границі еритеми чіткі. Δ Т дорівнювала 1,8–5,4 °C. У реконвалесцентів при виписуванні зі стаціонару зона гіпертермії мала менші площу й інтенсивність, чіткість контурів втрачалася. Δ Т склала 0,7–3,3 °C. Через 2 місяці після виписування у більшості хворих зберігалася гіпертермія невеликої інтенсивності над досліджуваним суглобом. Δ Т становила 0,6–1 °C. Висновки. При подагричному артриті у фазі загострення наявне інтенсивне інфрачервоне випромінювання з ураженої ділянки. На термограмах воно проявляється термоасиметрією, із зоною гіпертермії, яка перевищує площу запалення. У фазі загострення цього захворювання перепад радіаційної температури у вогнищі запалення, порівняно із симетричними здоровими ділянками шкіри, коливається від 1,8 до 5,4 °C. У період ремісії хронічного подагричного артриту, за відсутності клінічних змін з боку ураженого суглоба, має місце підвищення місцевої температури, що вказує на наявність субклінічного запалення.
КЛІНІЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ХРОНІЧНОГО ПАНКРЕАТИТУ В ПОЄДНАННІ ІЗ ВІРУСНИМ ГЕПАТИТОМ С
Authors: Babinets L. S. , Shaygen O. R.
Published: November 2019

У статті проаналізовані особливості поєднаного перебігу хронічного панкреатиту із вірусним гепатитом С. Проведені дослідження показали негативний вплив супутнього вірусного гепатиту С на перебіг хронічного панкреатиту, що виражався більш значно вираженими клінічними патологічними ознаками, порівняно із групою ізольованого хронічного панкреатиту.

В останні роки збільшилась увага до інфекційного чинника, вплив якого може призвести до розвитку запального процесу в підшлунковій залозі. Значне поширення вірусного гепатиту С серед населення, різноманітність його позапечінкових проявів обумовлюють актуальність проблеми. Недостатність розробки питань первинної та вторинної профілактики хронічного панкреатиту мотивує до глибшого вивчення механізму його розвитку на тлі вірусного гепатиту С.

Мета – вивчити клінічний перебіг хронічного панкреатиту у хворих із супутнім вірусним гепатитом С.

Матеріал і методи. Обстежено 57 хворих на хронічний панкреатит із супутнім вірусним гепатитом С. Групу порівняння склали 20 осіб, хворих на хронічний панкреатит. Для встановлення клінічного діагнозу хронічного панкреатиту та вірусного гепатиту С усі хворі були обстежені згідно із протоколами МОЗ України (накази № 638 МОЗ України від 10.09.2014 р. та № 729 МОЗ України від 18.07.2016 р.). Діагноз хронічного панкреатиту та вірусного гепатиту С верифікували на підставі даних анамнезу захворювання, клінічних проявів і результатів лабораторно-інструментальних досліджень. Загальноклінічні й біохімічні обстеження проводили хворим на хронічний панкреатит у фазі загострення та нестійкої ремісії, хворим на вірусний гепатит С – у фазі стійкої ремісії.

Результати. У клінічному перебігу хронічного панкреатиту із супутнім вірусним гепатитом С провідне місце займали больовий, диспепсичний синдроми та порушення випорожнення. Вони були більш значно виражені, ніж у групі порівняння (вірогідна відмінність стосовно показників групи ізольованого хронічного панкреатиту (p<0,05)). У хворих на хронічний панкреатит із супутнім вірусним гепатитом С виявили анемію легкого ступеня, зниження рівня альбуміну в крові, гіпербілірубінемію, гіперхолестеринемію, підвищення рівнів АЛТ та АСТ, амілази крові та діастази сечі (p<0,05). У хворих на хронічний панкреатит із супутнім вірусним гепатитом С сумарний рівень копрограми у балах склав (5,20±0,82), а в хворих на хронічний панкреатит – (3,10±0,32); було виявлено значно гірші рівні показників, більш виражений запальний синдром і дисбактеріоз. У двох досліджуваних групах переважала стеаторея II типу. Глибина структурних змін у підшлунковій залозі за даними УЗД у групі хворих на хронічний панкреатит із супутнім вірусним гепатитом С становила (2,56±1,10) балів, що відповідає процесу середнього ступеня тяжкості, у групі ізольованого хронічного панкреатиту – (1,90±0,60) балів.

Висновки. За оцінкою даних дослідження встановлено негативний вплив супутнього вірусного гепатиту С на клінічний перебіг хронічного панкреатиту.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОГО ЕНДОМЕТРІОЗУ ПРИ ЗАСТОСУВАННІ АГОНІСТА ДОФАМІНОВИХ РЕЦЕПТОРІВ
Authors: Barbe A. M. , Berbets A. M. , Yuzko O. M.
Published: November 2019

Ендометріоз – це хронічний доброякісний гормонозалежний стан, при якому за межами слизової оболонки матки відбувається розростання тканини, за морфологічними та функціональними властивостями ідентичної ендометрію. Одним із перспективних напрямків консервативного лікування зовнішнього генітального ендометріозу є пригнічення ангіонеогенезу шляхом застосування агоністів дофаміну.

Мета – визначення ефективності застосування агоністів дофаміну на експериментальній моделі ендометріозу на самках білих щурів.

Матеріал і методи. 21 особина статевозрілих нелінійних білих щурів Rattus Norvegicus Wistar жіночої статі масою 170–200 г, макроскопічне та гістологічне дослідження ендометріоїдних уражень. Особини були рандомізовано поділені на контрольну (20 щурів) та дослідну групу (21 щур).

Результати. При визначенні типів уражень отримані такі дані: у 72,5 % не визначено кістозних структур у місцях автотрансплантованих імплантів або визначено дрібні карункулярні структури без ознак розвитку, у 17,5 % визначено кісти з прозорим вмістом на місці імплантів, а у 10 % визначено кісти з мутним вмістом. При мікроскопічному дослідженні ендометріоїдних уражень у групі тварин, яким застосували каберголін, спостерігали сплющений залозистий секретуючий епітелій. При проведенні порівняльного аналізу морфометричних показників у даної групи тварин, порівняно із контрольною, визначено, що висота епітеліоцитів (18,06 мкм проти 50,01 мкм), висота секреторного полюсу епітеліоцитів (4,83 мкм проти 16,3 мкм) та площа ядра (18,71 мкм2 проти 76,27 мкм2) були достовірно меншими (p<0,0001), ніж у контрольній групі. Натомість, відносна щільність ядра у групі досліду була вищою (93,65 проти 84,92), ніж у контролі (p<0,05).

Висновки. Застосування каберголіну у щурів із індукованим експериментальним ендометріозом у дозі 0,03 мг/кг маси тіла протягом 14 днів привело до достовірного зменшення утворення кістоподібних утворень на місці імплантів, зменшення макроскопічних розмірів та об’єму уражень, зменшення розмірів епітеліоцитів та їх активності.