bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features about pion production in 2.1A and 3.7AGeV4He–nucleus interactions up to and out of kinematical limit
Authors: Abdelsalam A. , Badawy B. M. , Amer H. A. , Osman W. , El-Ashmawy M. M. , Abdallah N.
Published: March 2018

The shower particle multiplicity characteristics are studied in 2.1A and 3.7A GeV4He interactions with emulsion nuclei. The dependencies on emission direction, energy, target size, and centrality are examined. The data are compared with the simulation of the modified FRITIOF model. The forward emitted pion multiplicity distributions exhibit KNO scaling. The decay or peaking shaped curves characterize the pion multiplicity distributions. The decay shape is suggested to be due to a single source contribution and the peaking one results from a multisource superposition. The forward emitted pion is created from fireball or hadronic matter. The target nucleus is the origin of the backward one, regarding the nuclear limiting fragmentation hypothesis.
Design of an Optimal Plan of Accelerated Degradation Test via Acceleration Factor Constant Principle
Authors: Teng Fei , Wang Hao-Wei , Zhou Yuan
Published: March 2018

Accelerated degradation test (ADT) has been extensively applied to reliability assessment. To improve the efficiency–cost ratio of ADT, the optimal design method of ADT has become a research hot topic. An optimal design method based on acceleration factor, in which a Wiener degradation model and a step-stress ADT were considered, was proposed in the paper. In order to establish an accurate accelerated degradation model, acceleration factor constant principle was applied to derive the changing rules of Wiener process parameters with accelerated stress. Besides, the exact expression of acceleration factor was determined for a Wiener degradation model. The asymptotic variance of acceleration factor, which was considered as a measure of the consistency of failure mechanisms, was selected to be the objective function of optimal problem so as to ensure that the failure mechanism of products under accelerated stresses is probably consistent with that under the normal use stresses. A numerical example of designing an optimal ADT plan for a certain type electrical connector was studied, in which the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method were validated.
Probabilistic Damage Detection of Long-Span Bridges Using Measured Modal Frequencies and Temperature
Authors: Deng Yang , Li Aiqun , Feng Dongming
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to develop a new probabilistic monitoring-based framework for damage detection of long-span bridges, by eliminating the temperature effects from the measured modal frequencies, probabilistic modeling of modal frequencies using kernel density estimate, and detection damage using the control chart. A methodology is presented to address the issue of modal frequencies' non-normal distribution, which has been neglected in the past studies using the control chart to detect the modal frequencies' abnormality caused by structural damages. The efficiency of the proposed framework is validated through a case study of long-term monitoring data of a long-span suspension bridge. The results show that after elimination of the temperature effects, the selected modal frequencies are not normally distributed, while the Q statistics transferred from the modal frequencies follow the standard normal distribution. The abnormality of modal frequencies can be detected when the data points of the Q statistics exceed the limits of the control chart. Further, the control chart has sufficient sensitivity and thus can be used to detect minor abnormalities of the prototype bridge's modal frequencies. It is concluded that the proposed probabilistic monitoring-based framework offers an effective technique for structural health monitoring of long-span bridges.
Rotational excitations of diatomic molecule with delta potential barrier
Authors: Lumb Sonia , Lumb Shalini , Prasad Vinod
Published: March 2018

The interatomic interactions in a diatomic molecule can be fairly modeled by the Morse potential. Short range interactions of the molecule with the neighboring environment can be analyzed by modifying this potential by delta functions. Energy spectra and radial matrix elements have been calculated using an accurate nine-point finite-difference method for such an interacting homonuclear diatomic molecule. The effect of the strength and position of a single delta function interaction on the alignment of this molecule has been studied. The dependence of alignment on the strength of applied field has also been analyzed.
Theranostics with radiation-induced ultrasound emission (TRUE)
Authors: Robertson Elijah , Xiang Liangzhong
Published: March 2018

Two novel ultrasound imaging techniques with imaging contrast mechanisms are in the works: X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT), and nanoscale photoacoustic tomography (nPAT). XACT has incredible potential in: (1) biomedical imaging, through which a 3D image can be generated using only a single X-ray projection, and (2) radiation dosimetry. nPAT as a new alternative of super-resolution microscopy can break through the optical diffraction limit and is capable of exploring sub-cellular structures without reliance on fluorescence labeling. We expect these new imaging techniques to find widespread applications in both pre-clinical and clinical biomedical research.
Chinese Society in 2017: Addressing Unbalanced Development
Authors: ZHAO Litao
Published: March 2018

China performed well in 2017 creating jobs, controlling inflation and promoting income growth. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had not been troubled by major disturbing incidents as in previous years. The single most important event in 2017 was the CCP’s 19th National Congress where “people’s ever-growing need for a better life versus unbalanced and inadequate development” was given emphasis. Addressing unbalanced development will likely be the CCP’s central task in the coming years.
Model-Based Calibration of a Robotic C-Arm System Using X-Ray Imaging
Authors: Thürauf Sabine , Hornung Oliver , Körner Mario , Vogt Florian , Knoll Alois , Nasseri M. Ali
Published: March 2018

In interventional radiology or surgery, C-arm systems are typical imaging modalities. Apart from 2D X-ray images, C-arm systems are able to perform 2D/3D overlays. For this application, a previously recorded 3D volume is projected on a 2D X-ray image for providing additional information to the clinician. The required accuracy for this application is 1.5[Formula: see text]mm. Such a spatial accuracy is only achievable with C-arms, if a calibration is performed.

State-of-the-art approaches interpolate between values of lookup tables of a sampled Cartesian volume. However, due to the non-linear system behavior in Cartesian space, a trade-off between the calibration effort and the calibrated volume is necessary. This leads to the calibration of the most relevant subvolume and high calibration times.

We discuss a new model-based calibration approach for C-arm systems which potentially leads to a smaller calibration effort and simultaneously to an increased calibrated volume.

In this work, we demonstrate that it is possible to calibrate a robotic C-arm system using X-ray images and that a static model of the system is required to achieve the desired accuracy for 2D/3D overlays, if re-orientations of the system are performed.
A Life in Food: A Grain of Salt and Some Humble Pie
Authors: Gibney Michael J.
Published: March 2018

From my senior school days, I had wanted to pursue a career in food. In quite what capacity I was not too sure. So my starting points were within the fields of animal nutrition before moving for the major part of my career to medical schools to study human nutrition and health. My career scientific achievements lie within the Kuhnian spectrum of normal science, but within that normality, I was always one to challenge conventional wisdom. An academic career is about more than just research. It is about teaching and not just the minutiae of nutrition, but about life and living, about challenges and failures. Reflecting on the experience of that career, my advice to early stage researchers is this: Be patient, determined, and resilient in the very early stages. Hold no fear of change and be courageous in challenging conventional wisdom. Always favor openness and collaboration and always seek to help others. Citation indices are important to your career, but these other avenues that I advise you to follow are what you will eventually be most proud of.
Spindle Cell Hemangioma in the Mucosa of the Upper Lip: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Murakami Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Sugiura Tsutomu , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: March 2018

Spindle cell hemangioma (SCH) is a unique benign vascular lesion. We present a case of SCH in the upper lip of a 41-year-old woman. A submucosal nodular mass 30 × 20 mm in size was observed in the left upper lip. The mass developed 5 years earlier and enlarged after repeated ethanol injections. The mass was elastic firm, mobile, bluish in color, and well demarcated in magnetic resonance imaging. Under the clinical diagnosis of hemangioma, surgical excision was performed under local anesthesia. Microscopically, the lesion was composed of irregular cavernous spaces and multiple solid cellular areas. Cavernous spaces were filled with a mix of erythrocytes and organizing thrombi. The solid areas showed proliferation of spindle-shaped cells arranged haphazardly or in short interlacing fascicles. Immunohistochemically, most cells strongly reacted with vimentin. CD31, CD34, factor VIII, smooth muscle actin, and Wilms tumor-1 reacted with endothelial cells lining the cavernous spaces. The cells within solid areas consisted of mixed cell population with variable reaction for the markers except for factor VIII. From these findings, the diagnosis of SCH was made. Two years after surgery, no recurrence was noted. A review of SCH in the head and neck region is made.
Initial Investigation of Energy Finite Element Validation on High‐Frequency Flexural Vibration of Stiffened Thin Orthotropic Plates
Authors: Xie Miaoxia , Li Lixia , Shang Xiangtao , Zhao Jianping
Published: March 2018

Energy finite element analysis (EFEA) has unique advantages in solving high‐frequency dynamic responses of orthotropic structures, due to its ability to obtain detailed local response information. In order to accurately predict high‐frequency vibration response of the stiffened orthotropic plate, EFEA theory on the propagation of bending wave in the orthotropic structure and the energy transfer coefficient which express the energy transfer at the stiffener was investigated. Based on the EFEA theory presented, high‐frequency dynamic responses of a stiffened orthotropic plates were predicted. Furthermore, tests were done for the same problem, and differences between prediction and test were discussed. Finally, the future works were pointed out.
Cochlear Implantation in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Anzalone C. Lane , Nuhanovic Sarah , Olund Amy P. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a peripheral hereditary neuropathy associated with motor and sensory impairment and can result in profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Currently, the role of cochlear implantation in the setting of CMT and other progressive peripheral neurodegenerative disorders is not well established. Methods. Case report and review of the English literature. Results. A 70-year-old male with CMT was referred for evaluation of progressive asymmetric SNHL and reported a 15-year duration of deafness involving the left ear. Audiometric testing confirmed profound SNHL in the left ear, while the right ear exhibited moderate-to-severe SNHL. Left-sided cochlear implantation was performed using a conventional length lateral wall electrode. Intraoperative device testing found normal impedance levels throughout the array; however, electrically evoked auditory potentials were absent on all electrodes. Upon initial activation 3 weeks after surgery, the patient reported excellent access to sound in the cochlear implant-only condition. He has made good progress at each subsequent visit; speech perception testing after seven months showed improvement from 0% to 32% on AzBio sentence and 53% on CNC phoneme testing in the cochlear implant-only condition. Conclusion. We report the third case of cochlear implantation in a patient with CMT. SNHL in CMT is hypothesized to result from disruption of synchronous activity of the cochlear nerve. In patients with CMT, cochlear implantation may reconstitute synchronous neural activity by way of supraphysiological electrical stimulation. Our results corroborate two earlier reports that cochlear implantation is a viable option for rehabilitation of SNHL in this unique subset of patients.
Carbon Nanomaterials for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Casais-Molina M. L. , Cab C. , Canto G. , Medina J. , Tapia A.
Published: March 2018

Currently, breast cancer is considered as a health problem worldwide. Furthermore, current treatments neither are capable of stopping its propagation and/or recurrence nor are specific for cancer cells. Therefore, side effects on healthy tissues and cells are common. An increase in the efficiency of treatments, along with a reduction in their toxicity, is desirable to improve the life quality of patients affected by breast cancer. Nanotechnology offers new alternatives for the design and synthesis of nanomaterials that can be used in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and has now become a very promising tool for its use against this disease. Among the wide variety of nanomaterials, the scientific community is particularly interested in carbon nanomaterials (fullerenes, nanotubes, and graphene) due to their physical properties, versatile chemical functionalization, and biocompatibility. Recent scientific evidence shows the potential uses of carbon nanomaterials as therapeutic agents, systems for selective and controlled drug release, and contrast agents for diagnosing and locating tumors. This generates new possibilities for the development of innovative systems to treat breast cancer and can be used to detect this disease at much earlier stages. Thus, applications of carbon nanomaterials in breast cancer treatment are discussed in this article.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Lispro and Aspart Evaluated by Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Bing-li , Yin Guo-ping , Li Feng-fei , Hu Yun , Wu Jin-dan , Chen Mao-yuan , Ye Lei , Su Xiao-fei , Ma Jian-hua
Published: March 2018

Objective. To compare the effect of the rapid-acting insulin analogues (RAIAs) aspart (NovoRapid) and lispro (Prandilin) on glycemic variations by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in patients within newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and metformin intensive therapy. Methods. This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 110 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c%) above 9% was hospitalized and randomly divided into two groups: group Asp (NovoRapid group) and group Lis (Prandilin group). They all received CSII and metformin therapy. Treatments were maintained for 2-3 weeks after the glycaemic target was reached. C-peptide and insulin and fructosamine were determined. CGMS was continuously applied for 4 days after reaching the glycemic target. Results. There were no significant differences in daily dosages of insulin, fasting plasma C-P and 2 h postprandial C-P and insulin, and fructosamine at the baseline and endpoint between the groups Asp and Lis. No significant differences were seen in the 24 h mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), 24 h mean blood glucose (MBG), the standard deviation of the MBG (SDBG), fasting blood glucose, number of glycemic excursion (NGE), and the incidence of hypoglycemia between the two groups. Similarly, no significant differences were found in areas under the curve (AUC) of glucose above 10.0 mmol/L or the decremental area over the curve (AOC) of glucose below 3.9 mmol/L between the two groups. Conclusions. Lispro and aspart had the similar ability to control the glycemic variations in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number ChiCTR-IPR-17010338.
Umbilical Cord Hematoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Scutiero Gennaro , Giulia Bernardi , Iannone Piergiorgio , Nappi Luigi , Morano Danila , Greco Pantaleo
Published: March 2018

Objectives. To deepen the knowledge in obstetrics on a very rare pregnancy complication: umbilical cord hematoma. Methods. A review of the case reports described in the last ten years in the literature was conducted in order to evaluate epidemiology, predisposing factors, potential outcomes, prenatal diagnosis, and clinical management. Results. Spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma is a rare complication of pregnancy which represents a serious cause of fetal morbidity and mortality. There are many risk factors such as morphologic anomalies, infections, vessel wall abnormalities, iatrogenic causes, and traction or torsion of the cord, but the exact etiology is still unknown. Conclusions. Due to the rarity of this condition, every new case of umbilical cord hematoma should be reported in order to improve the knowledge of predisposing factors, prenatal diagnosis, and clinical management.
Coadministration of Nematophagous Fungi for Biological Control over Nematodes in Bovine in the South-Eastern Brazil
Authors: Luns Fábio Dias , Assis Rafaela Carolina Lopes , Silva Laryssa Pinheiro Costa , Ferraz Carolina Magri , Braga Fábio Ribeiro , Araújo Jackson Victor de
Published: March 2018

This study compared the coadministration among the three nematode predatory fungi, Duddingtonia flagrans, Monacrosporium thaumasium, and Arthrobotrys robusta, in the biological control of cattle gastrointestinal nematodiasis in comparison with the use of the fungus D. flagrans alone. Five groups consisting of eight Girolando heifers were kept in paddocks of Brachiaria decumbens for six months. Each heifer received 1 g/10 kg of pellets containing the fungi (0.2 g of fungus/10 kg b.w.). Group 1 (G1) received pellets with D. flagrans and M. thaumasium in coadministration, G2 received D. flagrans and A. robusta, G3 received M. thaumasium, A. robusta, and D. flagrans, and G4 received the fungus D. flagrans alone. Group 5 (control) received pellets without fungi. The monthly mean of fecal egg count (FEC) of Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 93.8, 85.3, 82.7, and 96.4% smaller than the mean of control group. The treatments with pellets containing D. flagrans or D. flagrans + M. thaumasium produced significantly better results than the D. flagrans + A. robusta or the combination of the three fungi. The associations which include A. robusta were less efficient in this study than D. flagrans alone or associated with M. thaumasium.
Effects of Fasudil on Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Left Ventricular Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Prospective Intervention Study
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhang Xueming , Wang Saihua , Luo Jun , Zhao Zhihong , Zheng Changzhu , Shen Jieyan
Published: March 2018

Background. Pulmonary hypertension due to left ventricular heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF) is an increasingly medical problem. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of fasudil on PH-HFpEF elderly patients and to figure out the subtype of PH-HFpEF which may be the therapeutic object of fasudil. Method. 58 PH-HFpEF elderly patients were enrolled. Patients were diagnosed with passive pulmonary hypertension (PPH) or reactive pulmonary hypertension (RPH) by right heart catheterization and all receiving Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil for 2 weeks. The endpoint includes changes in SpO2, NT-pro BNP, cardiac functional classification, and echocardiography measurements after 2 weeks treatment. Results. The course of disease in the RPH group was longer than the PPH group (p<0.05). Cardiac output was found to be worse in the RPH group than the PPH group (p<0.01). Besides, the RPH group demonstrated a greater transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) than the PPH group (p<0.01 for both) as well as pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (p<0.01 for both), which fits the feature of RPH. After treatment of fasudil, in RPH group, PASP significantly decreased (p<0.01) with decreased E/E′ and increased E/A (p<0.05 for both), indicating that pulmonary haemodynamics and cardiac diastolic function were ameliorated, but the measurements in the PPH group had no significant changes. NT-pro BNP and 6 MWD of both groups were improved (p<0.05). The total effective rate of the RPH group was 74.29%, which was higher than 47.83% of the PPH group (p<0.05). Conclusion. The Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil can improve pulmonary and left ventricular haemodynamics in patients with PH-HFpEF. The total effective rate was higher in the RPH group. Fasudil may be a promising targeted drug for the RPH in PH-HFpEF patients. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-INR-16009511.
A Retrospective Analysis of Cyanoacrylate Injection versus Hemoclip Placement for Bleeding Dieulafoy’s Lesion in Duodenum
Authors: Jiang Yu , Hu Julong , Li Ping , Jiang Wen , Liang Wenyan , Wei Hongshan
Published: March 2018

Background. Duodenal Dieulafoy’s lesion (DL) is a rare disease that may lead to lethal hemorrhage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The best technique for endoscopic intervention still remains unclear. In the present study, we performed a retrospective analysis of cyanoacrylate injection versus hemoclip placement for treating bleeding DLs. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed eighteen patients from three medical centers between October 2008 and February 2016; six patients received cyanoacrylate injection, while hemoclips were placed in 12 patients during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results. All patients received first endoscopic examination and/or endotherapy within 12 hours of admission to hospital. No difference was observed in the primary hemostasis rate or the recurrent hemorrhage rate between the cyanoacrylate injection (CI) group and the hemoclip placement (HP) group, except that in one patient from the HP group melena was found three days after the first endotherapy. This patient received cyanoacrylate injection once again. Conclusion. Both cyanoacrylate injection and hemoclip placement are effective in treating duodenal DL, and neither of them causes significant side effects.
TheraCal LC: From Biochemical and Bioactive Properties to Clinical Applications
Authors: Arandi Naji Ziad , Rabi Tarek
Published: March 2018

Background. Direct pulp capping is a popular treatment modality among dentists. TheraCal LC is a calcium silicate-based material that is designed as a direct/indirect pulp capping material. The material might be very attractive for clinicians because of its ease of handling. Unlike other calcium silicate-based materials, TheraCal LC is resin-based and does not require any conditioning of the dentine surface. The material can be bonded with different types of adhesives directly after application. There has been considerable research performed on this material since its launching; however, there are no review articles that collates information and data obtained from these studies. This review discusses the various characteristics of the material with the aim of establishing a better understanding for its clinical use. Methods. A search was conducted using search engines (PubMed and Cochrane databases) in addition to reference mining of the articles that was used to locate other papers. The process of searching for the relevant studies was performed using the keywords pulp protection, pulp capping, TheraCal, and calcium silicates. Only articles in English published in peer-reviewed journals were included in the review. Conclusion. This review underlines the fact that further in vitro and in vivo studies are required before TheraCal LC can be used as a direct pulp capping material.
Apolipoprotein D Concentration in Human Plasma during Aging and in Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Waldner Andreas , Dassati Sarah , Redl Bernhard , Smania Nicola , Gandolfi Marialuisa
Published: March 2018

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), a lipocalin transporter of small hydrophobic molecules, plays an important role in several neurodegenerative diseases. ApoD is expressed in and secreted from a variety of peripheral and brain tissues. Increments of ApoD have been reported in relation with oxidative stress conditions, aging, and degeneration in the nervous system. Preliminary findings support the role of ApoD in neuroprotection. However, its role in PD remains unclear. To date, no studies have been performed on the relationship between ApoD in the blood and PD, as neurodegenerative pathology related to oxidative damage. We investigated the concentration of ApoD in the blood of healthy control subjects and PD patients with mild-to-moderate neurological impairment. ApoD plasma levels were measured using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in 90 healthy subjects (aging-analysis cohort) and in 66 PD patients at different stages compared with 19 age-matched healthy subjects. Significant age-related increase of ApoD was detected in subjects older than 65 years of age (p<0.002). In PD patients, a significant increase in ApoD plasma concentration was found compared with healthy subjects of the same age (p<0.05). ApoD and PD stage are significantly correlated (p<0.05). ApoD might be a valid marker for the progression of PD.
Research on Establishment of Abnormal Phlegmatic Syndrome with Premature Ovarian Failure Rat Model and Effects of Balgham Munziq Treatment
Authors: Yuemaier Muladili , Tuerhong Mayire , Keremu Abulizi , Kadeer Nafeisha , Aimaiti Ayiguzhali , Wushouer Xilinguli , Yiming Adilijiang , Yilike Xiamixinuer
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to establish and explore the biological basis of abnormal phlegmatic syndrome with premature ovarian failure (POF) model in rats based on the Uighur medicine (UM) in the first place and investigate the effects of unique herbal medicine, Balgham Munziq (BMq). Mature female Wistar rats were fed with spinach and coriander in cold and humid condition for approximately 20 weeks until abnormal phlegmatic syndrome (APS) model was established. When APS model was confirmed by Uighur medical experts, APS with POF disease rats were subdivided into APS with POF disease model group and APS with POF disease treated with BMq group; the rest of them were subdivided into APS model group and APS treated with BMq group. The results show that biological characteristics of animals in the course of modeling period were in accordance with clinical features of abnormal phlegmatic syndrome (APS) in Uighur medicine. Herbal medicine BMq not only reverted reproductive hormone levels disorders but also improved the function of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovarian axis and regulated secretion of monoamine neurotransmitters. APS is most likely to cause pathological changes of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovarian axis and lead to the occurrence of POF and BMq is effective in the treatment of APS with POF disease.
A Facile Synthesis of La2O3/GO Nanocomposites in N,N-Dimethylformamide with High Dye Degradation Efficiency
Authors: He Yong Wu , Yin Yao Bing , Chang Tao , Bian Li , Zhang Guang Qing , Li Xiao Liang
Published: March 2018

La2O3/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites were simply synthesized from commercially available LaCl3·7H2O and multilayer GO (5–10 layers) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) under reflux condition without extra stabilizer. The characterization results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) spectroscopies showed that the crystalline La2O3 nanoparticles were successfully attached on the surface of GO. Moreover, the as-prepared nanocomposites greatly enhanced the degradation efficiency of organic dyes after 15 min under ultrasound irradiation in pure water. The degradation efficiency of the nanocomposites for methylene blue could be over 99%.
Morphometric Analysis of the Mental Foramen Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: dos Santos Oliveira Rudyard , Rodrigues Coutinho Maria , Kühl Panzarella Francine
Published: March 2018

This study evaluated the effects of age and sex on the location and size of the mental foramen (MF). A total of 104 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from patients’ aged 18–80 years were selected. Images were evaluated using the following parameters: position and size of the MF, and Distances A (distance from the upper limit of the MF to the apex of the first lower premolar), B (distance from the upper cortical border of the MF to the alveolar crest), and C (distance from the border of the MF to the base of the mandible). Results revealed that the location of the MF was predominantly apical (44.4%), between the long axes of the premolars, at an average distance of 4.92 mm from the root of the first lower premolar. The height of the MF was significantly different between both sexes (3.41 and 2.99 mm, resp.; mean height: 3.11 mm; P=0.003). The MF was located on average at 11.21 mm from the alveolar crest and 12.31 mm from the base of the mandible; the former measurement was significantly different between both sexes (13.13 and 11.98 mm, resp.; P≤0.001). In conclusion, the location of the MF was predominantly apical between the long axes of the premolars, and the mean size and distance of the MF were greater in men.
The Relationship between NAFLD and Sarcopenia in Elderly Patients
Authors: Zhai Yu , Xiao Qian , Miao Jing
Published: March 2018

Aim. Previous studies have shown that individuals with low muscle mass exhibit an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated the association between NAFLD and sarcopenia in elderly patients. Methods. We classified the participants into sarcopenia/nonsarcopenia groups based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), muscle strength (grip strength), or/and physical performance (6 m usual gait speed). We diagnosed NAFLD by ultrasonography combined with the history of alcohol intake. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between sarcopenia and NAFLD. Results. NAFLD was significantly less frequent in the sarcopenia group than in the nonsarcopenia group (P<0.01). However, NAFLD was neither an independent risk factor nor a protective factor for sarcopenia. Conclusions. NAFLD is not independently associated with sarcopenia.
Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis in an Intravenous Drug User with a Preexisting Goiter
Authors: Yegya-Raman Nikhil , Copeland Tabitha , Parikh Payal
Published: March 2018

Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening cause of a rapidly enlarging neck mass. It may present similarly to subacute thyroiditis, a relatively benign and self-limiting condition. We report a case of AST in an adult intravenous (IV) drug user with a preexisting goiter who presented with a left forearm abscess that grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. In this particular case, clinical suspicion for AST was high. As a result, early IV antibiotic therapy was initiated, and this led to rapid clinical improvement furthermore preventing airway compromise. To our knowledge, this is the first case of AST in the literature resulting from likely hematogenous spread in the setting of IV drug use and a preexisting goiter. Overall, this case highlights the importance of assessing risk factors for AST in patients whose presentations may seem more typical of subacute thyroiditis. Such an approach will lead to timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid potentially devastating consequences.
Changes in Cholinesterase Activity in Blood of Adolescent with Metabolic Syndrome after Supplementation with Extract fromAronia melanocarpa
Authors: Duchnowicz Piotr , Ziobro Anna , Rapacka Elżbieta , Koter-Michalak Maria , Bukowska Bożena
Published: March 2018

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are growing problems among children and adolescents. There are no reports of changes in the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome especially after supplementation with extract fromAronia melanocarpa. Materials studied included plasma and erythrocytes isolated from peripheral blood of patients with MetS and healthy subjects. We have estimated the following parameters: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, lipid peroxidation and lipids levels in plasma, and erythrocytes membrane. In patients with MetS, a significant increase in AChE and BChE activity, higher LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, and lower HDL-cholesterol level were observed. Supplementation withA. melanocarpaextract resulted in mild but statistically significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels and caused an increase in HDL-cholesterol level and a decrease in lipid peroxidation in plasma patients with MetS. Additionally, a decrease in lipid peroxidation and cholesterol level and a decrease in AChE activity in the erythrocyte membranes after supplementation withA. melanocarpawere noted. Summarizing, an increase in AChE and BChE activity and disruption of lipid metabolism in patients with MetS were observed. After supplementation of MetS patients withA. melanocarpaextract, a decrease in AChE activity and oxidative stress was noted.
A Cascading Failure Model for Command and Control Networks with Hierarchy Structure
Authors: Gao Xiue , Zhang Duoping , Li Keqiu , Chen Bo
Published: March 2018

Cascading failures in the command and control networks (C2 networks) could substantially affect the network invulnerability to some extent. In particular, without considering the characteristics of hierarchy structure, it is quite misleading to employ the existing cascading failure models and effectively analyze the invulnerability of C2 networks. Therefore, a novel cascading failure model for command and control networks with hierarchy structure is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a method of defining the node’s initial load in C2 networks based on hierarchy-degree is proposed. By applying the method, the impact of organizational positions and the degree of the node on its initial load could be highlighted. Secondly, a nonuniform adjustable load redistribution strategy (NALR strategy) is put forward in this paper. More specifically, adjusting the redistribution coefficient could allocate the load from failure nodes to the higher and the same level neighboring nodes according to different proportions. It could be demonstrated by simulation results that the robustness of C2 networks against cascading failures could be dramatically improved by adjusting the initial load adjustment coefficient, the tolerance parameter, and the load redistribution coefficient. And finally, comparisons with other relational models are provided to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the model proposed in this paper. Subsequently, the invulnerability of C2 networks could be enhanced.
Silibinin Induced Human Glioblastoma Cell Apoptosis Concomitant with Autophagy through Simultaneous Inhibition of mTOR and YAP
Authors: Bai Zhuan-Li , Tay Vincent , Guo Shu-Zhong , Ren Juan , Shu Mao-Guo
Published: March 2018

Silibinin, also known as silybin, is the major flavonolignan isolated from Silybum marianum. Although previous reports demonstrated that silibinin exhibits significant tumor suppressor activities in various cancers by promoting cell apoptosis, it was also shown to trigger autophagy to counteract apoptosis induced by exogenous stresses in several types of cells. However, there is no report to address the role of silibinin induced autophagy in human A172 and SR glioblastoma cells. Our study showed that silibinin treatment not only inhibited the metabolic activities of glioblastoma cells but also promoted their apoptosis through the regulation of caspase 3 and PARP-1 in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Meanwhile, silibinin induced autophagy through upregulation of microtubule-associated protein a light chain 3- (LC3-) II. And autophagy inhibition with chloroquine, a lysosomotropic agent, significantly enhanced silibinin induced glioblastoma cell apoptosis. Moreover, silibinin dose-dependently downregulated the phosphorylation levels of mTOR at Ser-2448, p70S6K at Thr-389, and 4E-BP1 at Thr-37/46. Furthermore, the expression of YAP, the downstream effector of Hippo signal pathway, was also suppressed by silibinin. These results suggested that silibinin induced glioblastoma cell apoptosis concomitant with autophagy which might be due to simultaneous inhibition of mTOR and YAP and silibinin induced autophagy exerted a protective role against cell apoptosis in both A172 and SR cells.
A Modification-Free Steganography Method Based on Image Information Entropy
Authors: ShuangKui Xia , Wu Jianbin
Published: March 2018

In order to improve the security and robustness of the Information Steganography Algorithm under strictly controlled environment, a new algorithm of modification-free steganography based on image and big data is introduced in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, a mapping relationship between the hot image entropy and the secret information is constructed and the payload information is expressed by the mapping relation. At the same time, turbo code is introduced in order to improve robustness, the hot image comes from Internet image big data, and the library of hot image is established. The performance of the proposed algorithm is analyzed using simulation experiment. Because of its none-modifying on carrier image, the results of experiment show that the proposed algorithm can achieve good performance in robustness analysis, dimension scaling attack, and rotation attack. In particular, in the test of dimension scaling attack and the rotation attack, the rate of data recovering can be over 95%. The proposed algorithm can be very valuable in the covert communication which requires high security and low volume, for example, the key exchange of symmetric encryption system.
Pilot Project to Integrate Community and Clinical Level Systems to Address Health Disparities in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity among Ethnic Minority Inner-City Middle School Students: Lessons Learned
Authors: Rieder Jessica , Cain Agnieszka , Carson Erica , Benya Andrea , Meissner Paul , Isasi Carmen R. , Wylie-Rosett Judith , Hoffman Neal , Kelly Colleen , Silver Ellen J. , Bauman Laurie J.
Published: March 2018

Effective obesity prevention and treatment interventions are lacking in the United States, especially for impoverished minority youths at risk for health disparities, and especially in accessible community-based settings. We describe the launch and pilot implementation evaluation of the first year of the B’N Fit POWER initiative as a middle school-based comprehensive wellness program that integrates weight management programming into existing onsite preventive and clinical services. Consistent with the existing implementation science literature, we focused on both the organizational structures that facilitate communication and the development of trust among stakeholders, students, and families and the development of realistic and timely goals to implement and integrate all aspects of the program. New implementation and programming strategies were developed and tested to increase the proportion of students screened, support the linkage of students to care, and streamline the integration of program clinical and afterschool components into routine services already offered at the school. We report on our initial implementation activities using the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) framework using hybrid outcomes combining the Reach element from the RE-AIM framework with a newly conceptualized Wellness Cascade.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole versus No Treatment after Mid-to-Distal Hypospadias Repair: A Prospective, Randomized Study
Authors: Roth Elizabeth B. , Kryger John V. , Durkee Charles T. , Lingongo Melissa A. , Swedler Ruth M. , Groth Travis W.
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the impact of prophylactic antibiotics after distal hypospadias repair on postoperative bacteriuria, symptomatic urinary tract infection, and postoperative complications in a prospective, randomized trial. Materials and Methods. Consecutive patients aged 6 months to 2 years were enrolled at our institution between June 2013 and May 2017. Consenting patients were randomized to antibiotic prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus no antibiotic. Patients had catheterized urine samples obtained at surgery and 6–10 days postoperatively. The primary outcome was bacteriuria and pyuria at postoperative urine collection. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic urinary tract infection and postoperative complications. Results. 70 patients consented to the study, of which 35 were randomized to receive antibiotics compared to 32 who did not. Demographics, severity of hypospadias, and type of repair were similar between the groups. Patients in the treatment group had significantly less pyuria (18%) and bacteriuria (11%) present at stent removal compared to the nontreatment group (55% and 63%; p=0.01 and p<0.001, resp.). No patient had a symptomatic urinary tract infection. There were 11 postoperative complications. Conclusions. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis appears to significantly decrease bacteriuria and pyuria in the immediate postoperative period; however, no difference was observed in symptomatic urinary tract infection or postoperative complications. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT02593903.
Diabetes-Related Distress Assessment among Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Aljuaid Majed O. , Almutairi Abdulmajeed M. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Almalki Dhifallah M. , Alswat Khaled
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases; it is a debilitating and hard to live with. Diabetes-related distress (DRD) refers to the emotional and behavioral changes caused by diabetes. Our study aims to assess the prevalence of DRD among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients using Diabetes Distress Scale-17 items (DDS-17) and its relation to complications and treatment modalities. Methods. A cross-sectional study of adult T2D patients with follow-up visits at the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center in Taif, Saudi Arabia, between January and July 2017. We excluded patients with other forms of diabetes, untreated hypothyroidism, and psychiatric illness. The total score of DDS-17 was calculated by summing the 17 items’ results and then dividing the total by 17. If the total score was >2, then it was considered as clinically significant results (moderate distress), but if it is ≥3, then it is classified as a high distress. Results. A total of 509 T2D patients with a mean age of 58 ± 14 years were included. The majority of participants were male, married, not college educated, and reported a sedentary lifestyle. We found 25% of the screened T2D patients have moderate to high DRD. Regarding the DRD components, emotional distress was the most prevalent followed by physician-related distress. HabA1c was significantly higher in those with high combined distress and high emotional distress compared to those with mild/moderate distress (p=0.015 and 0.030, resp.). Conclusion. Our study shows that DRD is a medically relevant issue that clinicians need to address. Despite observing a low prevalence of DRD compared to other studies, we found significant correlations between DRD scores and HabA1c, triglyceride levels, BMI, T2D duration, and interval between visits.
Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Dietary Polyphenol Intake and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Polish Adults: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Zujko Małgorzata Elżbieta , Waśkiewicz Anna , Witkowska Anna Maria , Szcześniewska Danuta , Zdrojewski Tomasz , Kozakiewicz Krystyna , Drygas Wojciech
Published: March 2018

Specific classes and subclasses of polyphenols have been studied for their potential effects on noncommunicable diseases, but studies on association between dietary polyphenol intake (DPI) and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and MetS (metabolic syndrome) are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine associations between DTAC and DPI and the prevalence of MetS and its components in the Polish adult population. Subjects (5690) were participants of the Polish National Multicentre Health Examination Survey (WOBASZ II study) performed in 2013‐2014. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) criteria. Daily food consumption was assessed by 24‐hour dietary recall. DTAC and DPI were evaluated using the data of food consumption and antioxidant potential of foods, measured by FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant potential) method, and total polyphenol content in foods, measured by Folin‐Ciocalteu assay. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between DTAC and DPI and MetS and its components. Crude, age‐adjusted, and multivariable‐adjusted models were performed. This study demonstrated that in Polish women, high DPI and high DTAC were significantly associated with a reduced odds ratio for the prevalence of MetS components, such as elevated blood pressure and diabetes. In contrast, in men, high DPI and high DTAC did not have the potential to alleviate MetS components.
The CD40 rs1883832 Polymorphism Affects Sepsis Susceptibility and sCD40L Levels
Authors: Liu Zuo-Liang , Hu Jing , Xiao Xue-Fei , Peng Yue , Zhao Shang-Ping , Xiao Xian-Zhong , Yang Ming-Shi
Published: March 2018

Sepsis is a severe and progressive disease characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). CD40 serves as a vital link between immune response and inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the potential association between a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of CD40 (rs1883832) and susceptibility to sepsis. We first performed a case-control study to explore the relationship between the CD40 rs1883832 polymorphism and sepsis. CD40 mRNA expression and protein expression were determined by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from sepsis patients and healthy controls. The plasma sCD40L levels in the two groups were measured by ELISA. The results showed that the frequencies of the TT genotype and the CD40 rs1883832 T allele were significantly higher in sepsis patients than in healthy controls. Plasma sCD40L levels were also significantly increased in sepsis patients. In addition, TT genotype carriers among sepsis patients displayed the highest CD40 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, accompanied by the highest plasma sCD40L concentrations. In conclusion, the CD40 rs1883832 T allele acts as a risk factor for increased susceptibility to sepsis and may be involved in the process of sepsis through regulation of CD40 expression and plasma sCD40L levels.
Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol-Mediated Inhibition of the mTOR Pathway in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhou Jingying , Huo Xue , Botchway Benson O. A. , Xu Luyao , Meng Xiaofang , Zhang Songou , Liu Xuehong
Published: March 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a high rate of morbidity and disability. The clinical features of SCI are divided into acute, subacute, and chronic phases according to its pathophysiological events. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an important role in cell death and inflammation in the acute phase and neuroregeneration in the subacute/chronic phases at different times. Resveratrol has the potential of regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and angiogenesis through the mTOR signaling pathway. Herein, we explicate the role of resveratrol in the repair of SCI through the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway. The inhibition of the mTOR pathway by resveratrol has the potential of serving as a neuronal restorative mechanism following SCI.