bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Simultaneous Multiple Fracturing Using the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method
Authors: Liu Quansheng , Sun Lei , Liu Pingli , Chen Lei
Published: February 2018

Simultaneous multiple fracturing is a key technology to facilitate the production of shale oil/gas. When multiple hydraulic fractures propagate simultaneously, there is an interaction effect among these propagating hydraulic fractures, known as the stress-shadow effect, which has a significant impact on the fracture geometry. Understanding and controlling the propagation of simultaneous multiple hydraulic fractures and the interaction effects between multiple fractures are critical to optimizing oil/gas production. In this paper, the FDEM simulator and a fluid simulator are linked, named FDEM-Fluid, to handle hydromechanical-fracture coupling problems and investigate the simultaneous multiple hydraulic fracturing mechanism. The fractures propagation and the deformation of solid phase are solved by FDEM; meanwhile the fluid flow in the fractures is modeled using the principle of parallel-plate flow model. Several tests are carried out to validate the application of FDEM-Fluid in hydraulic fracturing simulation. Then, this FDEM-Fluid is used to investigate simultaneous multiple fractures treatment. Fractures repel each other when multiple fractures propagate from a single horizontal well, while the nearby fractures in different horizontal wells attract each other when multiple fractures propagate from multiple parallel horizontal wells. The in situ stress also has a significant impact on the fracture geometry.
Inexpensive Measuring System for the Characterization of Organic Transistors
Authors: Pérez-Fuster Clara , Lidón-Roger José Vicente , Contat-Rodrigo Laura , García-Breijo Eduardo
Published: February 2018

A measuring module has been specifically designed for the electrical characterization of organic semiconductor devices such as organic field effect transistors (OFETs) and organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) according to the IEEE 1620-2008 standard. This device has been tested with OFETs based on 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethinyl)pentacene (TIPS-pentacene). The measuring system has been constructed using a NI-PXIe-1073 chassis with integrated controller and two NI-PXI-4132 programmable high-precision source measure units (SMUs) that offer a four-quadrant ± 100 V output, with resolution down to 10 pA. LabVIEW™ has been used to develop the appropriate program. Most of the main OFET parameters included in the IEEE 1620 standard can be measured by means of this device. Although nowadays expensive devices for the characterization of Si-based transistors are available, devices for the characterization of organic transistors are not yet widespread in the market. Fabrication of a specific and flexible module that can be used to characterize this type of transistors would provide a powerful tool to researchers.
The Comparison between Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Surgery in Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Junbi , Zhao Yan , Ren Mudan , Li Yarui , Lu Xinlan , Lu Guifang , Zhang Dan , Chu Dake , He Shuixiang
Published: February 2018

Aims. There are two treatment modalities for early gastric cancer (EGC)—surgery and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of ESD with surgery. Method. The article was performed by searching PubMed databases. Data were extracted using predefined form and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated and P value. Results. 13 studies were identified. The incidence of perforation in two groups was different [OR = 6.18 (95% CI: 1.37–27.98), P=0.02]. The prevalences of synchronous and metachronous cancer in the ESD group were higher than those in the surgery group [OR = 8.52 (95% CI: 1.99–36.56), P = 0.004 and OR = 7.15 (95% CI: 2.95–17.32), P<0.0001]. The recurrence and complete resection rates were different [OR = 6.93 (95% CI: 2.83–16.96), P<0.0001 and OR = 0.32 (95% CI: 0.20–0.52), P<0.00001]. Compared with the surgery group, the hospital stay was shorter [IV = −7.15 (95% CI: −9.08–5.22), P<0.00001], the adverse event rate was lower, and the quality of life (QOL) was better in the ESD group. The difference of bleeding was not found. Conclusion. ESD appears to be preferable for EGC, due to a lower rate of adverse events, shorter hospital stay, cheaper cost, and higher QOL.
The Effect of Microcrack Length in Silicon Cells on the Potential Induced Degradation Behavior
Authors: Gou Xianfang , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Shaoliang , Zhuang Hao , Huang Xixi , Jiang Likai
Published: February 2018

The presence of microcracks may lead to loss in the module output power and safety hazard of the module. This paper investigated whether the existed microscopic microcracks in cells will facilitate the PID behavior. Cells with different degrees of microcracks were fabricated into small modules to undergo the simulated PID test. The I-V performance and EL images of the modules were characterized before and after the PID test. The obtained results demonstrate that with the increase in the microcracked area or length, the modules would show a more serious PID behavior. The mechanism of this microcrack length-related degradation under high negative bias was proposed.
Iris Template Protection Based on Local Ranking
Authors: Zhao Dongdong , Fang Shu , Xiang Jianwen , Tian Jing , Xiong Shengwu
Published: February 2018

Biometrics have been widely studied in recent years, and they are increasingly employed in real-world applications. Meanwhile, a number of potential threats to the privacy of biometric data arise. Iris template protection demands that the privacy of iris data should be protected when performing iris recognition. According to the international standard ISO/IEC 24745, iris template protection should satisfy the irreversibility, revocability, and unlinkability. However, existing works about iris template protection demonstrate that it is difficult to satisfy the three privacy requirements simultaneously while supporting effective iris recognition. In this paper, we propose an iris template protection method based on local ranking. Specifically, the iris data are first XORed (Exclusive OR operation) with an application-specific string; next, we divide the results into blocks and then partition the blocks into groups. The blocks in each group are ranked according to their decimal values, and original blocks are transformed to their rank values for storage. We also extend the basic method to support the shifting strategy and masking strategy, which are two important strategies for iris recognition. We demonstrate that the proposed method satisfies the irreversibility, revocability, and unlinkability. Experimental results on typical iris datasets (i.e., CASIA-IrisV3-Interval, CASIA-IrisV4-Lamp, UBIRIS-V1-S1, and MMU-V1) show that the proposed method could maintain the recognition performance while protecting the privacy of iris data.
TGF-β Polymorphisms Are a Risk Factor for Chagas Disease
Authors: Ferreira Roberto Rodrigues , Madeira Fabiana da Silva , Alves Gabriel Farias , Chambela Mayara da Costa , Curvo Eduardo de Oliveira Vaz , Moreira Aline dos Santos , Almeida de Sá Renata , Mendonça-Lima Leila , Cabello Pedro Hernan , Bailly Sabine , Feige Jean-Jacques , Araujo-Jorge Tania Cremonini , Saraiva Roberto Magalhães , Waghabi Mariana Caldas
Published: February 2018

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is an important mediator in Chagas disease. Furthermore, patients with higher TGF-β1 serum levels show a worse clinical outcome. Gene polymorphism may account for differences in cytokine production during infectious diseases. We tested whether TGFB1 polymorphisms could be associated with Chagas disease susceptibility and severity in a Brazilian population. We investigated five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (−800 G>A, −509 C>T, +10 T>C, +25 G>C, and +263 C>T). 152 patients with Chagas disease (53 with the indeterminate form and 99 with the cardiac form) and 48 noninfected subjects were included. Genotypes CT and TT at position −509 of the TGFB1 gene were more frequent in Chagas disease patients than in noninfected subjects. Genotypes TC and CC at codon +10 of the TGFB1 gene were also more frequent in Chagas disease patients than in noninfected subjects. We found no significant differences in the distribution of the studied TGFB1 polymorphisms between patients with the indeterminate or cardiac form of Chagas disease. Therefore, −509 C>T and +10 T>C TGFB1 polymorphisms are associated with Chagas disease susceptibility in a Brazilian population.
Guava Leaf Extract Diminishes Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress, Prevents β-Cell Death, Inhibits Inflammation, and Regulates NF-kB Signaling Pathway in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Jayachandran Muthukumaran , Vinayagam Ramachandran , Ambati Ranga Rao , Xu Baojun , Chung Stephen Sum Man
Published: February 2018

Traditional Chinese medication has been utilized by Chinese medical practitioners to treat the varied symptoms of diabetes mellitus (DM). Notably, guava leaf has been used to treat diabetes in Asia. Our present study has been designed to analyze the action of guava leaf extract (GLE) at the molecular level in treating DM. A low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce experimental diabetes in animals. Rats were treated with GLE at different concentrations (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.). The standard drug glibenclamide (GB) (600 μg/kg b.w.) was used for comparison. The diabetic rats showed a reduced level of insulin, accompanied by exaggerated levels of blood glucose, lipid peroxidation product, and augmented expressions of inflammatory cytokines, and showed reduced levels of antioxidants compared to the control rats. Supplementation with GLE counteracted the consequences of STZ. It suppresses the oxidative stress and inhibits the state of inflammation and the results are almost similar to that of standard drug group (GB group 5). Our present research, therefore, provides useful data concerning guava leaf extract by a thorough assessment in diabetes management. Being a natural product, additional analysis on GLE can shed light on finding effective phytochemicals within the field of diabetes mellitus.
Influence of Genetically Modified Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells on the Expression of Schwann Cell Molecular Determinants in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Galieva L. R. , Mukhamedshina Y. O. , Akhmetzyanova E. R. , Gilazieva Z. E. , Arkhipova S. S. , Garanina E. E. , Rizvanov A. A.
Published: February 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) unavoidably results in death of not only neurons but also glial cells. In particular, the death of oligodendrocytes leads to impaired nerve impulse conduction in intact axons. However, after SCI, the Schwann cells (SCs) are capable of migrating towards an area of injury and participating in the formation of functional myelin. In addition to SCI, cell-based therapy can influence the migration of SCs and the expression of their molecular determinants. In a number of cases, it can be explained by the ability of implanted cells to secrete neurotrophic factors (NTFs). Genetically modified stem and progenitor cells overexpressing NTFs have recently attracted special attention of researchers and are most promising for the purposes of regenerative medicine. Therefore, we have studied the effect of genetically modified human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells on the expression of SC molecular determinants in SCI.
Gengnianchun Extends the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via the Insulin/IGF‐1 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Meng Fanhui , Li Jun , Rao Yanqiu , Wang Wenjun , Fu Yan
Published: February 2018

Gengnianchun (GNC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is believed to have beneficial effects on ageing‐related diseases, such as antioxidant properties and effects against Aβ‐induced toxicity. We previously found that GNC extended the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. However, the mechanism underlying this effect was unclear. In this study, we further explored the mechanisms of GNC using a C. elegans model. GNC significantly increased the lifespan of C. elegans and enhanced oxidative and thermal stress resistance. Moreover, chemotaxis increased after GNC treatment. RNA‐seq analysis showed that GNC regulated genes associated with longevity. We also conducted lifespan assays with a series of worm mutants. The results showed that GNC significantly extended the lifespan of several mutant strains, including eat‐2 (ad465), rsks‐1 (ok1255), and glp‐1 (e2144), suggesting that the prolongevity effect of GNC is independent of the function of these genes. However, GNC failed to extend the lifespan of daf‐2 (e1370), age‐1 (hx546), and daf‐16 (mu86) mutant strains. Our findings suggest that GNC extends the lifespan of C. elegans via the insulin/IGF‐1 signalling pathway and may be a potential antiageing agent.
The Effect of Confining Pressure and Water Content on Energy Evolution Characteristics of Sandstone under Stepwise Loading and Unloading
Authors: Wang Shuren , Hagan Paul , Zhao Yanhai , Chang Xu , Song Ki-Il , Zou Zhengsheng
Published: February 2018

To investigate the mechanical properties and energy evolution characteristics of sandstone depending on the water contents and confining pressure, the uniaxial and triaxial tests were conducted. The test results show that the strain energy was stored in the sandstone samples at the prepeak stage, and that is suddenly released when the failure occurred, and energy dissipation is sharply increased at the postpeak stage. The damage and energy dissipation characteristics of the samples are observed clearly under the stepwise loading and unloading process. The critical strain energy and energy dissipation show a clear exponential relationship. The critical elastic energy decreases linearly as the water content increases. As the confining pressure increases, the critical elastic energy of the samples transforms from linear to exponential. The concept of energy enhancement factor is proposed to characterize the strengthening effect induced by the confining pressure on the energy storage capacity of the rock samples. The energy evolution of the sandstone samples is more sensitive to the confining pressure than that of the water content.
Potential Hypoglycaemic and Antiobesity Effects of Senna italica Leaf Acetone Extract
Authors: Malematja R. O. , Bagla V. P. , Njanje I. , Mbazima V. , Poopedi K. W. , Mampuru L. , Mokgotho M. P.
Published: February 2018

Background. Type II diabetes is on the rise while obesity is one of the strongest risk factors of type II diabetes. The search for a drug for type II that can equally mitigate obesity related complication is desired. Methods. The acetone leaf extract of Senna italica was evaluated for its cytotoxic, antiglycation, and lipolytic effect, glucose uptake, and GLUT4 translocation and expression using published methods, while that for adipogenesis and protein expression levels of obesity related adipokines was assessed using adipogenesis assay and mouse adipokine proteome profiler kit, respectively. The possible mechanism of glucose uptake was assessed through the inhibition of PI3K pathway. Results. The extract had no adverse effect on 3T3‐L1 cell viability (CC50 > 1000 μg/ml). High antiglycation effect was attained at 10 mg/ml, while at 25–200 μg/ml it showed no significant increase in adipogenesis and lipolysis. The extract at 100 μg/ml was shown to decrease the expression levels of various adipokines and minimal glucose uptake at 50–100 μg/ml with a nonsignificant antagonistic effect when used in combination with insulin. GLUT4 translocation and expression were attained at 50–100 μg/ml with an increase in GLUT4 expression when in combination with insulin. Conclusion. The acetone leaf extract of S. italica stimulates glucose uptake through the PI3K‐dependent pathway and can serve as a source of therapeutic agent for the downregulation of obesity‐associated adipokines in obesity and antiglycation agents.
Relationship between Joint Position Sense, Force Sense, and Muscle Strength and the Impact of Gymnastic Training on Proprioception
Authors: Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Kochanowicz Andrzej , Mieszkowski Jan , Piskorska Elżbieta , Żychowska Małgorzata
Published: February 2018

The aims of this study were (1) to assess the relationship between joint position (JPS) and force sense (FS) and muscle strength (MS) and (2) to evaluate the impact of long-term gymnastic training on particular proprioception aspects and their correlations. 17 elite adult gymnasts and 24 untrained, matched controls performed an active reproduction (AR) and passive reproduction (PR) task and a force reproduction (FR) task at the elbow joint. Intergroup differences and the relationship between JPS, FS, and MS were evaluated. While there was no difference in AR or PR between groups, absolute error in the control group was higher during the PR task (7.15 ± 2.72°) than during the AR task (3.1 ± 1.93°). Mean relative error in the control group was 61% higher in the elbow extensors than in the elbow flexors during 50% FR, while the gymnast group had similar results in both reciprocal muscles. There was no linear correlation between JPS and FS in either group; however, FR was negatively correlated with antagonist MS. In conclusion, this study found no evidence for a relationship between the accuracy of FS and JPS at the elbow joint. Long-term gymnastic training improves the JPS and FS of the elbow extensors.
Coexistence of Cervical Leiomyosarcoma and Gastric-Type Adenocarcinoma In Situ with Extensive Extension to the Endometrium and Fallopian Tube
Authors: Ura Ayako , Ogura Kanako , Sakaguchi Asumi , Onagi Hiroko , Ogishima Daiki , Sugimori Yayoi , Hamamura Kensuke , Fukunaga Masaharu , Matsumoto Toshiharu
Published: February 2018

Cervical leiomyosarcoma is known to be rare from the previous reviews of a large number of malignant cervical tumors. The patient was a 66-year-old woman with irregular vaginal bleeding. She underwent modified radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy. Histopathologically, we diagnosed the coexistence of uterine cervical leiomyosarcoma and cervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ with endometrial lesions that had continuous and skip patterns and fallopian tubal lesions with a partial lesion. To the best of our knowledge, cases of synchronous leiomyosarcoma and cancers have not often been reported; only two cases of synchronous cervical leiomyosarcoma and cervical squamous cell carcinoma have been published. This case is the first presentation of coincidental primary cervical leiomyosarcoma and cervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ. Additionally, we considered cervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ with continuous lesions on the endometrium and skip lesions on the left fallopian tube.
Synaptic Plasticity and Excitation-Inhibition Balance in the Dentate Gyrus: Insights fromIn VivoRecordings in Neuroligin-1, Neuroligin-2, and Collybistin Knockouts
Authors: Jedlicka Peter , Muellerleile Julia , Schwarzacher Stephan W.
Published: February 2018

The hippocampal dentate gyrus plays a role in spatial learning and memory and is thought to encode differences between similar environments. The integrity of excitatory and inhibitory transmission and a fine balance between them is essential for efficient processing of information. Therefore, identification and functional characterization of crucial molecular players at excitatory and inhibitory inputs is critical for understanding the dentate gyrus function. In this minireview, we discuss recent studies unraveling molecular mechanisms of excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission, long-term synaptic plasticity, and dentate granule cell excitability in the hippocampus of live animals. We focus on the role of three major postsynaptic proteins localized at excitatory (neuroligin-1) and inhibitory synapses (neuroligin-2 and collybistin).In vivorecordings of field potentials have the advantage of characterizing the effects of the loss of these proteins on the input-output function of granule cells embedded in a network with intact connectivity. The lack of neuroligin-1 leads to deficient synaptic plasticity and reduced excitation but normal granule cell output, suggesting unaltered excitation-inhibition ratio. In contrast, the lack of neuroligin-2 and collybistin reduces inhibition resulting in a shift towards excitation of the dentate circuitry.
Lymphatic Drainage of Legs Reduces Edema of the Arms in Children with Lymphedema
Authors: Pereira de Godoy Lívia Maria , Pereira de Godoy Capeletto Paula , de Fátima Guerreiro Godoy Maria , Pereira de Godoy Jose Maria
Published: February 2018

Objective. The aim of the present study is to report on the reduction of edema of lymphedematous arms just by treating the lower limbs. Methods. A 16-year-old girl reported that she has started having right lower limb edema at the age of three. At age 13, she performed a lymphoscintigraphy that confirmed the diagnosis of primary lymphedema of the four limbs. Recently she sought treatment at the Clínica Godoy in São Jose do Rio Preto where she was submitted to intensive treatment for eight hours per day for five days using manual (Godoy & Godoy technique) and mechanical lymphatic therapy (RA Godoy®) of the lower limbs, cervical lymphatic therapy (cervical stimulation), and the continuous use of a grosgrain stocking. Results. At the end of treatment, reductions in the sizes of both arms and legs were noted even without the use of any specific therapy for the arms. After four years, the size of the arms was normal. Conclusion. Treatment of lymphedema of the legs has systemic repercussions that may lead to the reduction in swelling of other untreated regions of the body.
Emerging Roles of Immune Cells in Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Liu Yue , Yin Yiqing
Published: February 2018

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), a long-lasting cognitive decline after surgery, is currently a major clinical problem with no clear pathophysiological mechanism or effective therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in POCD. After surgery, alarmins are leaked from the injury sites and proinflammatory cytokines are increased in the peripheral circulation. Neurons in the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory, can be damaged by cytokines transmitted to the brain parenchyma. Microglia, bone marrow-derived macrophages, mast cells, and T cells in the central nervous system (CNS) can be activated to secrete more cytokines, further aggravating neuroinflammation after surgery. Conversely, blocking the inflammation network between these immune cells and related cytokines alleviates POCD in experimental animals. Thus, a deeper understanding of the roles of immune cells and the crosstalk between them in POCD may uncover promising therapeutic targets for POCD treatment and prevention. Here, we reviewed several major immune cells and discussed their functional roles in POCD.
Hybrid Robust Optimization for the Design of a Smartphone Metal Frame Antenna
Authors: Lee Sungwoo , Lee Jong Min , Hwang Keum Cheol , Park Sanguk , Lee Soonyong
Published: February 2018

Hybrid robust optimization that combines a genetical swarm optimization (GSO) scheme with an orthogonal array (OA) is proposed to design an antenna robust to the tolerances arising during the fabrication process of the antenna in this paper. An inverted-F antenna with a metal frame serves as an example to explain the procedure of the proposed method. GSO is adapted to determine the design variables of the antenna, which operates on the GSM850 band (824–894 MHz). The robustness of the antenna is evaluated through a noise test using the OA. The robustness of the optimized antenna is improved by approximately 61.3% relative to that of a conventional antenna. Conventional and optimized antennas are fabricated and measured to validate the experimental results.
Analysis and Design of a Metamaterial Lens Antenna Using the Theory of Characteristic Modes
Authors: Santillán-Haro Daniel , Antonino-Daviu Eva , Sánchez-Escuderos Daniel , Ferrando-Bataller Miguel
Published: February 2018

A new single-layer metamaterial lens antenna aimed to operate at 10 GHz is proposed in this paper. The lens antenna consists of twelve capacitively coupled unit cells distributed along a ring and illuminated by an open-ended circular waveguide with a metallic resonant ring. The theory of characteristic modes is used to analyze the metamaterial lens, in order to provide an insight into the radiation characteristics of the antenna. The proposed antenna has been optimized, obtaining a large bandwidth and a maximum directivity of 12.88 dBi at 10 GHz.
Use of the Pelvic C-Clamp to Mitigate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Patient with an Unstable Sacral Fracture
Authors: DeRogatis Michael J. , Issack Paul S.
Published: February 2018

Case. We present the case of a 21-year-old man who fell from a roof, sustaining a displaced sacral fracture with pelvic instability. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) within 24 hours of injury. Placement of the pelvic C-clamp resulted in rapid resolution of pulmonary dysfunction, allowing for definitive internal fixation. Conclusion. The C-clamp is most commonly used to control hemorrhage in unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. Our case demonstrates a rare use of the C-clamp to stabilize the posterior pelvis in a patient with an unstable sacral fracture and ARDS, to rapidly improve pulmonary function prior to definitive surgery.
Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Water Extract of Galla Chinensis In Vivo Models
Authors: Sun Kai , Song Xu , Jia RenYong , Yin Zhongqiong , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Yin Lizi , He Changliang , Liang Xiaoxia , Yue Guizhou , Cui Qiankun , Yang Yi
Published: February 2018

Aim. Pain and inflammation are associated with many diseases in humans and animals. Galla Chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, has a variety of pharmacological properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities of Galla Chinensis through different animal models. Method. The analgesic activities were evaluated by hot‐plate and writhing tests. The anti‐inflammatory effects were assessed by ear edema, capillary permeability, and paw edema tests. The contents of cytokines (NO, iNOS, PGE2, and IL‐10) in serum of rats in paw edema test were inspected by ELISA assays. Results. In the hot‐plate test, Galla Chinensis could significantly extend pain threshold when compared to control group. The inhibitory rates of writhes ranged from 36.62% to 68.57% in Galla Chinensis‐treated mice. Treatment with Galla Chinensis (1 and 0.5 g/kg) could significantly inhibit ear edema (47.45 and 36.91%, resp.; P < 0.01). Galla Chinensis (1 g/kg) had significant (P < 0.05) anti‐inflammatory activity in capillary permeability test (29.04%). In carrageenan‐induced edema test, the inhibitory rates were 43.71% and 44.07% (P < 0.01) at 1 h and 2 h after administration of Galla Chinensis (1 g/kg), respectively, and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced. Conclusion. These results suggest that Galla Chinensis has analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects, which may be a candidate drug for the treatment of inflammation and pain.
Roles of Macrophage Subtypes in Bowel Anastomotic Healing and Anastomotic Leakage
Authors: Shi Jinyao , Wu Zhouqiao , Li Ziyu , Ji Jiafu
Published: February 2018

Macrophages play an important role in host defense, in addition to the powerful ability to phagocytose pathogens or foreign matters. They fulfill a variety of roles in immune regulation, wound healing, and tissue homeostasis preservation. Macrophages are characterized by high heterogeneity, which can polarize into at least two major extremes, M1-type macrophages (classical activation) which are normally derived from monocytes and M2-type macrophages (alternative activation) which are mostly those tissue-resident macrophages. Based on the wound healing process in skin, the previous studies have documented how these different subtypes of macrophages participate in tissue repair and remodeling, while the mechanism of macrophages in bowel anastomotic healing has not yet been established. This review summarizes the currently available evidence regarding the different roles of polarized macrophages in the physiological course of anastomotic healing and their pathological roles in anastomotic leakage, the most dangerous complication after gastrointestinal surgery.
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Evaluation of Cervical Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: An Observational Study with 3.0 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chen Pinjie , Wu Chunlei , Huang Minghua , Jin Guangjian , Shi Qinglei , Han Zhihua , Chen Chun
Published: February 2018

Aims. To investigate the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and cervical intervertebral disc degeneration in adult symptomatic patients. Methods. A total of 52 symptomatic and 40 healthy volunteers were included. DWI and routine MRI examinations were performed to their cervical spines. The cervical discs (from C2-C3 to C6-C7) were graded according to the Pfirrmann grading system, and ADC values of the nucleus pulposus (NP) were measured. Differences of the ADC values between different genders and anatomic levels were analyzed; the correlation between the ADC value and the Pfirrmann grade was investigated. The cut-off ADC values of each Pfirrmann grade were calculated. Results. The mean ADC value of the NP decreased with increasing Pfirrmann grade (I–V) upon both patients and asymptotic volunteers. The ADC value decreased descendingly from C2-C3 to C5-C6 (P<0.05) and then increased at C6-C7 (P<0.05). Additionally, the comparison of the ADC values between different genders achieved statistical significance at each anatomical level (P<0.05), except at C6-C7 (P>0.05). Significant negative correlations between the ADC value and either age or Pfirrmann grade were observed. Conclusions. Our preliminary findings suggest that the ADC value obtained by DWI can provide a reliable indicator to evaluate the cervical disc degeneration.
Investigation of Antibacterial Susceptibility of Ag‐Doped Oxide Coatings onto AZ91 Magnesium Alloy by Microarc Oxidation Method
Authors: Sukuroglu Ebru Emine
Published: February 2018

This study is focused on enhancing surface characteristics of AZ91 alloy with the microarc oxidation (MAO) method and bringing in antibacterial susceptibility to it. It is aimed to bring in antibacterial effect of silver (Ag) to AZ91 magnesium base materials covered with the MAO method. The structural and chemical compositions of the coating were analysed by using XRD, SEM, and EDS. In order to analyse antibacterial susceptibilities and bacteria adhesions, bacteria are marked using crystal violet in antibacterial efficacy tests. Susceptibility of coatings to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus‐ATCC 29213) bacteria having high adhesion is analysed. In the study, it is concluded that the silver‐containing coatings have a lot poor bacterial susceptibility than silver‐free coatings, and noncoated samples have very strong bacterial susceptibilities. When the antimicrobial activity of the samples coated on silver‐containing electrolyte is evaluated (zone diameter ∼40 mm), it is found as sensitive. Antimicrobial activity of samples coated in silver‐free electrolyte is found as medium‐sensitive (zone diameter ∼15 mm), and uncoated samples are observed to form any zones against bacterial infection.
Dirac Equation on the Torus and Rationally Extended Trigonometric Potentials within Supersymmetric QM
Authors: Yeşiltaş Özlem
Published: February 2018

The exact solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Dirac equation on the torus and the new extension and generalization of the trigonometric Pöschl-Teller potential families in terms of the torus parameters are obtained. Supersymmetric quantum mechanics techniques are used to get the extended potentials when the inner and outer radii of the torus are both equal and inequal. In addition, using the aspects of the Lie algebraic approaches, the iso(2,1) algebra is also applied to the system where we have arrived at the spectrum solutions of the extended potentials using the Casimir operator that matches with the results of the exact solutions.
Tracheocutaneous Sinus following Tracheocutaneous Fistula Repair: Management Strategies in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Bender-Heine Adam , Zalzal Habib G. , Nanda Nainika , Ramadan Hassan
Published: February 2018

Objective. To present a rare case of a pediatric tracheocutaneous sinus years after repair of a tracheocutaneous fistula and to review management strategies. Background. A tracheocutaneous fistula is a common sequela of pediatric tracheostomy and can occur in as many as one in three pediatric patients. There is debate in the literature regarding optimal surgical management. Case Presentation. An 8-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with swelling and erythema over the anterior neck. Clinical exam and diagnostic imaging revealed an underlying tracheocutaneous sinus. Discussion. Complications following pediatric tracheostomy are common and range in complexity from stomal granulation to tracheocutaneous fistula. There is some debate regarding the optimal surgical management of children with tracheocutaneous fistula following tracheostomy. This report discusses the management of a pediatric child with an unusual tracheocutaneous sinus and reviews the various surgical techniques which have been described for definitive repair.
Inflammatory Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Stem Cell-Like Characteristics of Cancer Cells in an IL-1β-Dependent Manner
Authors: Luo Xiaohe , Huang Shan , He Ningning , Liu Chen , Chen Yanan , Liu Yanhua , Mi Xue , Li Na , Sun Peiqing , Li Zongjin , Xiang Rong , Su Weijun
Published: February 2018

To ensure the safety of clinical applications of MSCs, thorough understanding of their impacts on tumor initiation and progression is essential. Here, to further explore the complex dialog between MSCs and tumor cells, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were employed to be cocultured with either breast or ovarian cancer cells. Though having no obvious influence on proliferation or apoptosis, UC-MSCs exerted intense stem cell-like properties promoting effects on both cancer models. Cocultured cancer cells showed enriched side population, enhanced sphere formation ability, and upregulated pluripotency-associated stem cell markers. Human cytokine array and real-time PCR revealed a panel of MSC-derived prostemness cytokines CCL2, CXCL1, IL-8, and IL-6 which were induced upon coculturing. We further revealed IL-1β, a well-characterized proinflammatory cytokine, to be the inducer of these prostemness cytokines, which was generated from inflammatory UC-MSCs in an autocrine manner. Additionally, with introduction of IL-1RA (an IL-1 receptor antagonist) into the coculturing system, the stem cell-like characteristics promoting effects of inflammatory UC-MSCs were partially blocked. Taken together, these findings suggest that transduced inflammatory MSCs work as a major source of IL-1β in tumor microenvironment and initiate the formation of prostemness niche via regulating their secretome in an IL-1β-dependent manner.
Evaluation of Lymphocyte Response to the Induced Oxidative Stress in a Cohort of Ageing Subjects, including Semisupercentenarians and Their Offspring
Authors: Sizzano Federico , Collino Sebastiano , Cominetti Ornella , Monti Daniela , Garagnani Paolo , Ostan Rita , Pirazzini Chiara , Bacalini Maria Giulia , Mari Daniela , Passarino Giuseppe , Franceschi Claudio , Palini Alessio
Published: February 2018

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may promote immunosenescence if not counterbalanced by the antioxidant systems. Cell membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids become the target of ROS and progressively lose their structure and functions. This process could lead to an impairment of the immune response. However, little is known about the capability of the immune cells of elderly individuals to dynamically counteract the oxidative stress. Here, the response of the main lymphocyte subsets to the induced oxidative stress in semisupercentenarians (CENT), their offspring (OFF), elderly controls (CTRL), and young individuals (YO) was analyzed using flow cytometry. The results showed that the ratio of the ROS levels between the induced and noninduced (I/NI) oxidative stress conditions was higher in CTRL and OFF than in CENT and YO, in almost all T, B, and NK subsets. Moreover, the ratio of reduced glutathione levels between I/NI conditions was higher in OFF and CENT compared to the other groups in almost all the subsets. Finally, we observed significant correlations between the response to the induced oxidative stress and the degree of methylation in specific genes on the oxidative stress pathway. Globally, these data suggest that the capability to buffer dynamic changes in the oxidative environment could be a hallmark of longevity in humans.
Clinicopathological Features and Increased Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 4 of Gastric Cardia Cancer in a High-Risk Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Guangcan , Xu Muming , Chen Jingyao , Hong Liangli , Lin Wenting , Zhao Shukun , Zhang Guohong , Dan Guo , Liu Shuhui
Published: February 2018

The incidence of gastric cardia cancer (GCC) is high in China. However, the clinicopathological characteristics and the carcinogenesis of GCC are unclear. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important innate immunity receptor and has a role in non-GCC (NGCC). We compared the clinicopathological characteristics of GCC patients from a high-risk area in China to esophageal cancer (EC) patients. Immunohistochemistry for TLR4 was performed in 201 histological samples of normal gastric cardia mucosa (n=11), gastric cardia inflammation (n=87), and GCC (n=103). We included 84 patients with EC and 99 with GCC. GCC tissue was more poorly differentiated than EC tissue and more invasive, with more histomorphologic variation. Lymph node metastasis was more frequent in GCC than in EC. TheHelicobacter pyloriinfection rate was higher but not significantly with GCC than EC. Survival was shorter with lymph node metastasis. We found a statistically significant trend for progressive increase of TLR4 expression from normal mucosa to inflammation in GCC. GCC in this high-risk area displays clinicopathologic characteristics different from those of EC and different from those of gastroesophageal junction carcinomas in other countries, although this was not analyzed statistically. Increased TLR4 expression in gastric cardia lesions may be associated with GCC tumorigenesis.
DDoS-Capable IoT Malwares: Comparative Analysis and Mirai Investigation
Authors: De Donno Michele , Dragoni Nicola , Giaretta Alberto , Spognardi Angelo
Published: February 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution has not only carried the astonishing promise to interconnect a whole generation of traditionally “dumb” devices, but also brought to the Internet the menace of billions of badly protected and easily hackable objects. Not surprisingly, this sudden flooding of fresh and insecure devices fueled older threats, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In this paper, we first propose an updated and comprehensive taxonomy of DDoS attacks, together with a number of examples on how this classification maps to real-world attacks. Then, we outline the current situation of DDoS-enabled malwares in IoT networks, highlighting how recent data support our concerns about the growing in popularity of these malwares. Finally, we give a detailed analysis of the general framework and the operating principles of Mirai, the most disruptive DDoS-capable IoT malware seen so far.
Physics-Based Modeling and Experimental Study of Si-Doped InAs/GaAs Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Cédola A. P. , Kim D. , Tibaldi A. , Tang M. , Khalili A. , Wu J. , Liu H. , Cappelluti F.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical study on the impact of doping and recombination mechanisms on quantum dot solar cells based on the InAs/GaAs system. Numerical simulations are built on a hybrid approach that includes the quantum features of the charge transfer processes between the nanostructured material and the bulk host material in a classical transport model of the macroscopic continuum. This allows gaining a detailed understanding of the several physical mechanisms affecting the photovoltaic conversion efficiency and provides a quantitatively accurate picture of real devices at a reasonable computational cost. Experimental results demonstrate that QD doping provides a remarkable increase of the solar cell open-circuit voltage, which is explained by the numerical simulations as the result of reduced recombination loss through quantum dots and defects.
Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Polikandrioti Maria , Koutelekos Ioannis , Vasilopoulos Georgios , Gerogianni Georgia , Gourni Maritsa , Zyga Sofia , Panoutsopoulos George
Published: February 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important public health problem that is increasing at an alarming rate, worldwide. The most common type is permanent AF followed by the paroxysmal and persistent AF. Purpose. This study was aimed at exploring anxiety and depression and the associated factors in patients with permanent AF. Materials and Methods. The sample of the study included 170 AF patients. Data collection was performed by the method of interview using the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS) to assess anxiety and depression and a questionnaire including patients’ characteristics. Results. 70% of the participants were men, and 32.4% were above 70 years old. Furthermore, 34.9% of the patients had high levels of anxiety, and 20.2% had high levels of depression. Anxiety levels were statistically significantly associated with gender p=0.022, age p=0.022, educational level p=0.025, years having the disease p=0.005, and relations with nursing staff p=0.040. Depression levels were statistically significantly associated with age p=0.037, degree of information of the state of health p<0.001, years having the disease p<0.001, and relations with medical staff p=0.041. Conclusions. Patients’ characteristics are associated with anxiety and depression and need to be evaluated when treating this frequently encountered arrhythmia.
Cortical Bone Trajectory Screws in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Maximal Muscle Sparing—A Prospective Comparative Study with the Traditional Open Technique
Authors: Marengo Nicola , Ajello Marco , Pecoraro Michele Federico , Pilloni Giulia , Vercelli Giovanni , Cofano Fabio , Zenga Francesco , Ducati Alessandro , Garbossa Diego
Published: February 2018

Introduction. A prospective comparative study between classical posterior interbody fusion with peduncular screws and the new technique with divergent cortical screws was conducted. Material and Methods. Only patients with monosegmental degenerative disease were recruited into this study. We analyzed a cohort of 40 patients treated from January 2015 to March 2016 divided into 2 groups (20 patients went to traditional open surgery and 20 patients under mini-invasive strategy). Primary endpoints of this study are fusion rate and muscular damage; secondary endpoints analyzed were three different clinical scores (ODI, VAS, and EQ) and the morbidity rate of both techniques. Results. There was no significant difference in fusion rate between the two techniques. In addition, a significant difference in muscular damage was found according to the MRI evaluation. Clinical outcomes, based on pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index status, and Euroquality-5D score, were found to be also statistically different, even one year after surgery. This study also demonstrated a correlation between patients’ muscular damage and their clinical outcome. Conclusions. Cortical bone trajectory screws would provide similar outcomes compared to pedicle screws in posterior lumbar interbody fusion at one year after surgery, and this technique represents a reasonable alternative to pedicle screws.
Synthesis, Characterization, and BSA-Binding Studies of Novel Sulfonated Zinc-Triazine Complexes
Authors: Abeydeera Nalin , Perera Inoka C. , Perera Theshini
Published: February 2018

Four Zn(II) complexes containing a pyridyl triazine core (L1 = 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-di(2-furyl)-1,2,4-triazine-5′,5″-disulfonic acid disodium salt and L2 = 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine-4′,4″-disulfonic acid sodium salt) were synthesized, and their chemical formulas were finalized as [Zn(L1)Cl2]·5H2O·ZnCl2 (1), [Zn(L1)2Cl2]·4H2O·2CH3OH (2), [Zn(L2)Cl2]·3H2O·CH3OH (3), and [Zn(L2)2Cl2] (4). The synthesized complexes are water soluble, making them good candidates for biological applications. All four complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis and 1H NMR, IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The IR stretching frequency of N=N and C=N bonds of complexes 1–4 have shifted to lower frequencies in comparison with free ligands, and a bathochromic shift was observed in UV-Vis spectra of all four complexes. The binding studies of ligands and complexes 1–4 with bovine serum albumin (BSA) resulted binding constants (Kb) of 3.09 × 104 M−1, 12.30 × 104 M−1, and 16.84 × 104 M−1 for ferene, complex 1, and complex 2, respectively, indicating potent serum distribution via albumins.
Genetic Variants Associated with Hyperandrogenemia in PCOS Pathophysiology
Authors: Dadachanji Roshan , Shaikh Nuzhat , Mukherjee Srabani
Published: February 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a multifactorial endocrine disorder whose pathophysiology baffles many researchers till today. This syndrome is typically characterized by anovulatory cycles and infertility, altered gonadotropin levels, obesity, and bulky multifollicular ovaries on ultrasound. Hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance are hallmark features of its complex pathophysiology. Hyperandrogenemia is a salient feature of PCOS and a major contributor to cosmetic anomalies including hirsutism, acne, and male pattern alopecia in affected women. Increased androgen levels may be intrinsic or aggravated by preexisting insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Studies have reported augmented ovarian steroidogenesis patterns attributed mainly to theca cell hypertrophy and altered expression of key enzymes in the steroidogenic pathway. Candidate gene studies have been performed in order to delineate the association of polymorphisms in genes, which encode enzymes in the intricate cascade of steroidogenesis or modulate the levels and action of circulating androgens, with risk of PCOS development and its related traits. However, inconsistent findings have impacted the emergence of a unanimously accepted genetic marker for PCOS susceptibility. In the current review, we have summarized the influence of polymorphisms in important androgen related genes in governing genetic predisposition to PCOS and its related metabolic and reproductive traits.
Recurrent Migratory Transient Bone Marrow Edema of the Knees Associated with Low Vitamin D and Systemic Low Bone Mineral Density: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alsaed Omar , Hammoudeh Mohammad
Published: February 2018

Transient bone marrow edema (TBME) is a self-limiting disease characterized by joint pain with localized bone marrow edema by MRI and has been reported in many case series and case reports. It is well known that joints of the lower extremity including hips, knees, ankles, and feet are the classical sites for TBME. Many theories have been proposed for the pathogenesis of TBME. Systemic osteopenia and vitamin D deficiency is one of the theories that have been suggested in the last few years. In this case report, we present a middle-aged male patient, who presented with 4 attacks of TBME in both knees between September 2016 and August 2017. The patient was found to have persistently low vitamin D and osteopenic T score in DXA scan of the lumbar spine and hips. Patients of TBME usually present with joint pain that is provoked by weight-bearing physical activity. The aim of this case report is to raise the awareness that TBME can be the initial presentation of systemic loss of bone mineral density.