bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UK news media representations of smoking, smoking policies and tobacco bans in prisons
Authors: Robinson Amy , Sweeting Helen , Hunt Kate
Published: February 2018

Background

Prisoner smoking rates remain high, resulting in secondhand smoke exposures for prison staff and non-smoker prisoners. Several jurisdictions have introduced prison smoking bans with little evidence of resulting disorder. Successful implementation of such bans requires staff support. As news media representations of health and other issues shape public views and as prison smoking bans are being introduced in the UK, we conducted content analysis of UK news media to explore representations of smoking in prisons and smoke-free prisons.

Methods

We searched 64 national and local newspapers and 5 broadcast media published over 17 months during 2015–2016, and conducted thematic analysis of relevant coverage in 106 articles/broadcasts.

Results

Coverage was relatively infrequent and lacked in-depth engagement with the issues. It tended to reinforce a negative view of prisoners, avoid explicit concern for prisoner or prison staff health and largely ignore the health gains of smoke-free policies. Most coverage failed to discuss appropriate responses or support for cessation in the prison context, or factors associated with high prisoner smoking rates. Half the articles/broadcasts included coverage suggesting smoke-free prisons might lead to unrest or instability.

Conclusions

Negative news media representations of prisoners and prison smoking bans may impact key stakeholders’ views (eg, prison staff, policy-makers) on the introduction of smoke-free prison policies. Policy-makers’ communications when engaging in discussion around smoke-free prison policies should draw on the generally smooth transitions to smoke-free prisons to date, and on evidence on health benefits of smoke-free environments and smoking cessation.
Comparison of pain response after subcutaneous injection of two maropitant formulations to beagle dogs
Authors: Deckers Nynke , Ruigrok Catharina A , Verhoeve Hans Peter , Lourens Nicky
Published: February 2018

The antiemetic maropitant, with metacresol as preservative (Cerenia, Zoetis), has been associated with pain after subcutaneous injection in dogs and cats. Recently, a generic formulation containing benzyl alcohol was authorised (Prevomax, Le Vet). Benzyl alcohol is reported to have local anaesthetic properties and reduce injection pain. This study compared local pain after subcutaneous injection of the two maropitant formulations, administered at approximately 4°C and 25°C, to dogs. Thirty‐two healthy beagle dogs were enrolled into a blinded, randomised, cross‐over study. Dogs received subcutaneous injections of maropitant injection containing metacresol as preservative and maropitant injection containing benzyl alcohol as preservative, both at approximately 4°C and 25°C, with at least three days in between treatments. Injection pain was evaluated by two blinded observers using a visual analogue scale immediately after injection and a simple descriptive scale at two minutes after injection. In healthy beagle dogs, subcutaneous injection of maropitant with benzyl alcohol is significantly less painful than injection of maropitant with metacresol.
Lane Departure Avoidance Control for Electric Vehicle Using Torque Allocation
Authors: Wu Yiwan , Chen Zhengqiang , Liu Rong , Li Fan
Published: February 2018

This paper focuses on the lane departure avoidance system for a four in-wheel motors’ drive electric vehicle, aiming at preventing lane departure under dangerous driving conditions. The control architecture for the lane departure avoidance system is hierarchical. In the upper controller, the desired yaw rate was calculated with the consideration of vehicle-lane deviation, vehicle dynamic, and the limitation of road adhesion. In the middle controller, a sliding mode controller (SMC) was designed to control the additional yaw moment. In the lower layer, the yaw moment was produced by the optimal distribution of driving/braking torque between four wheels. Lane departure avoidance was carried out by tracking desired yaw response. Simulations were performed to study the effectiveness of the control algorithm in Carsim®/Simulink® cosimulation. Simulation results show that the proposed methods can effectively confine the vehicle in lane and prevent lane departure accidents.
The Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Glucose Metabolism and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 in Goto-Kakizaki Rats
Authors: Li Laiyuan , Wang Xiaolin , Bai Liangliang , Yu Huichuan , Huang Zenghong , Huang Anpei , Luo Yanxin , Wang Jianping
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To investigate the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on glucose metabolism and changes in glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Methods. GK rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: SG, SG pair-fed plus sham surgery (PF-sham), and ad libitum-fed no surgery (control). Food intake, body weight, blood glucose, GLP-1 and insulin levels, and GLP-1 expression in the jejunum and ileum were compared. Results. The SG rats exhibited lower postoperative food intake, body weight, and fasting glucose than did the control rats (P<0.05). SG significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance (P<0.05). Plasma GLP-1 levels were higher in SG rats than in control or PF-sham rats in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (P<0.05). Blood glucose levels expressed as a percentage of baseline were higher in SG rats than in control rats after exendin (9-39) administration (P<0.05). The levels of GLP-1 expression in the jejunum and ileum were higher in SG rats than in PF-sham and control rats (P<0.05). Conclusions. Improvement of glucose metabolism by SG was associated with increased GLP-1 secretion. SG contributes to an increase in plasma GLP-1 levels via increased GLP-1 expression in the mucosa of the jejunum and/or ileum.
Association of Maternal and Fetal Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Metalloproteinase (MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9) Genes with Preeclampsia
Authors: Sakowicz Agata , Lisowska Michalina , Biesiada Lidia , Rybak-Krzyszkowska Magda , Gach Agnieszka , Sakowicz Bartosz , Grzesiak Mariusz , Huras Hubert , Pietrucha Tadeusz
Published: February 2018

Background. Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role during the process of trophoblast invasion and placentation. The appearance of five functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the genes of the metalloproteinases most commonly implicated in the implantation process may influence the development of preeclampsia. Methods. Blood samples were collected from 86 mothers and 86 children after preeclampsia and 85 mothers and 85 children with uncomplicated pregnancies. The distribution of genotypes for −1607 1G/2G MMP1, −735 C/T MMP2, −1306 C/T MMP2, −1171 5A/6A MMP3, and −1562C/T MMP9 polymorphisms was determined by RFLP-PCR. Results. The occurrence of 1G/1G MMP1 or 5A/5A MMP3 genotype in the mother or 1G/1G MMP1 or 5A/6A MMP3 genotype in the child is associated with preeclampsia development. Moreover, simultaneous maternal and fetal 1G/1G homozygosity increases the risk of preeclampsia development 2.39-fold and the set of maternal 5A/5A and fetal 5A/6A MMP3 genotypes by over 4.5 times. No association between the carriage of studied MMP2 or MMP9 polymorphisms and the predisposition to preeclampsia was found. Conclusion. The maternal 1G/1G MMP1 and 5A/5A MMP3 and fetal 1G/1G MMP1 and 5A/6A MMP3 gene polymorphisms may be strong genetic markers of preeclampsia, occurring either individually or together.
The Infection Returns: A Case of Pulmonary Sporotrichosis Relapse after Chemotherapy
Authors: Farooqui Samid M. , Youness Houssein
Published: February 2018

Background. Pulmonary sporotrichosis is a rare disease caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii. It is rarely found in association with malignancy. We present a case of pulmonary sporotrichosis recurrence after chemotherapy. Case Presentation. A 44-year-old man, treated for pulmonary sporotrichosis in the past, presented with dysphagia and was found to have squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. After undergoing chemotherapy, extensive cavitary lesions were observed on thoracic computed tomography scan. A bronchoalveolar lavage revealed the presence of Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato. Despite treatment with itraconazole, he eventually required a left pneumonectomy for progressive destructive cavitary lesions involving the left lung. Conclusion. This case highlights the importance of considering past fungal infections, albeit cured, in patients initiating immunosuppressive therapy.
On the Feature Selection and Classification Based on Information Gain for Document Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Pratiwi Asriyanti Indah , Adiwijaya
Published: February 2018

Sentiment analysis in a movie review is the needs of today lifestyle. Unfortunately, enormous features make the sentiment of analysis slow and less sensitive. Finding the optimum feature selection and classification is still a challenge. In order to handle an enormous number of features and provide better sentiment classification, an information-based feature selection and classification are proposed. The proposed method reduces more than 90% unnecessary features while the proposed classification scheme achieves 96% accuracy of sentiment classification. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that the combination of proposed feature selection and classification achieves the best performance so far.
Management of Patients with Graves’ Disease and Orbital Involvement: Role of Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Bruscolini Alice , La Cava Maurizio , Gharbiya Magda , Sacchetti Marta , Restivo Lucia , Nardella Chiara , Marenco Marco , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To investigate the role of choroidal thickness evaluation with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and enhanced depth imaging (EDI) technique in the management of patients with Graves’ disease and orbitopathy (GO). Methods. Thirty-six eyes of 18 patients with GO and 36 eyes of 18 age-matched control subjects were included in this retrospective observational study. All the subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological evaluation, including clinical activity score (CAS) and exophthalmometry. The SDOCT images of the choroid were obtained by EDI modality. Results. Choroidal thickness was significantly increased in GO than in control eyes (p<0.01). A significant correlation was found between choroidal thickness and CAS, proptosis, and the duration of disease (p<0.05). Conclusion. This study shows that choroidal thickness, evaluated with EDI-OCT, is significantly increased in patients with GO and correlates with the activity of the disease, proptosis, and duration of the disease. The choroidal thickening may reflect the ocular hemodynamic changes, and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography may be a useful tool for the evaluation of orbital congestion and management of patients with Graves’ disease and orbital involvement.
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Status in Gastric Carcinomas with Distinctive Prevalent Cribriform Component
Authors: Ieni Antonio , Angelico Giuseppe , Barresi Valeria , Giuffrè Giuseppe , Arena Francesco , Caruso Rosario Alberto , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: February 2018

Objectives. A cribriform architectural pattern has been reported in 9% of one unselected consecutively collected series of gastric carcinomas (GC) with unfavourable prognostic outcome. Taking into consideration the biological relevance of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, we have analyzed a cohort of GC with a cribriform component more than 40% (CGC) to evaluate the HER2 amplification rate as a potential target for therapy with trastuzumab. Results. HER2 overexpression was encountered in 21 of 100 (21%) GC; a progressive increase in HER2 amplification was appreciated moving from non-CGC (20.6%) towards CGC cases (21.6%), although this difference does not reach a statistical significance. Nevertheless, either in univariate or in multivariate analyses, stage and HER2 status showed a significant p value (<0.001) in CGC patients. Conclusions. Our data confirmed a worse prognosis in all CGC patients with HER2 amplification, resulting in a shorter survival time. We invite all pathologists in their daily practice to specify the occurrence of cribriform neoplastic component in GC, either in surgical or in bioptical samples, taking into practical assessment the high HER2 overexpression rate in order to correctly treat these patients with worse behavior.
Towards Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Puccetti Matteo , Paolicelli Giuseppe , Oikonomou Vasileios , De Luca Antonella , Renga Giorgia , Borghi Monica , Pariano Marilena , Stincardini Claudia , Scaringi Lucia , Giovagnoli Stefano , Ricci Maurizio , Romani Luigina , Zelante Teresa
Published: February 2018

Tryptophan (trp) metabolism is an important regulatory component of gut mucosal homeostasis and the microbiome. Metabolic pathways targeting the trp can lead to a myriad of metabolites, of both host and microbial origins, some of which act as endogenous low-affinity ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a cytosolic, ligand-operated transcription factor that is involved in many biological processes, including development, cellular differentiation and proliferation, xenobiotic metabolism, and the immune response. Low-level activation of AhR by endogenous ligands is beneficial in the maintenance of immune health and intestinal homeostasis. We have defined a functional node whereby certain bacteria species contribute to host/microbial symbiosis and mucosal homeostasis. A microbial trp metabolic pathway leading to the production of indole-3-aldehyde (3-IAld) by lactobacilli provided epithelial protection while inducing antifungal resistance via the AhR/IL-22 axis. In this review, we highlight the role of AhR in inflammatory lung diseases and discuss the possible therapeutic use of AhR ligands in cystic fibrosis.
Effects of Vonoprazan Compared with Esomeprazole on the Healing of Artificial Postendoscopic Submucosal Dissection Ulcers: A Prospective, Multicenter, Two-Arm, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ishii Yasuaki , Yamada Hiroaki , Sato Takeshi , Sue Soichiro , Kaneko Hiroaki , Irie Kuniyasu , Sasaki Tomohiko , Tamura Toshihide , Ikeda Ryosuke , Fukuchi Takehide , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Makazu Makomo , Sato Chiko , Hirasawa Kingo , Kondo Masaaki , Shibata Wataru , Maeda Shin
Published: February 2018

Background. Vonoprazan affords more clinical benefits than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) during the healing of gastroduodenal ulcers. However, it remains controversial whether vonoprazan is more effective than PPIs when used to heal artificial ulcers arising after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Aim. This study investigated the effects of vonoprazan compared with esomeprazole on the healing of post-ESD artificial ulcers. Methods. Sixty patients who underwent gastric ESD between May 2015 and May 2017 were randomized to treatment with vonoprazan (V group) or esomeprazole (E group) for 8 weeks. Upper endoscopy was performed at 4 and 8 weeks after ESD, and drug effects were estimated based on the ulcer healing rates and shrinkage rates. Results. Fifty-three patients were analyzed. The respective 4- and 8-week ulcer healing rates did not differ significantly between V and E groups (8.0 versus 11.5%, P=0.669; 88.9 versus 84.6%, P=0.420). Similarly, the respective 4- and 8-week ulcer shrinkage rates did not differ significantly between V and E groups (96.8 versus 97.5%, P=0.656; 100 versus 100%, P=0.257). Conclusion. The healing of artificial ulcers after ESD did not differ using vonoprazan or esomeprazole. Both vonoprazan and esomeprazole were effective when used to promote artificial ulcer healing after ESD.
A Network‐Based Impact Measure for Propagated Losses in a Supply Chain Network Consisting of Resilient Components
Authors: Valenzuela Jesus Felix Bayta , Fu Xiuju , Xiao Gaoxi , Goh Rick Siow Mong
Published: February 2018

The topology of a supply chain network affects the impacts of disruptions in it. We formulate a network‐based measure of the impact of a disruption loss in a supply chain propagating downstream from an originating node. The measure takes into account the loss profile of the originating node, the structure of the supply network, and the resilience of the network components. We obtain an analytical expression for the impact measure under a beta‐distributed initial loss (generalizable to any continuous distribution supported on the interval [0,1]), under a breakthrough scenario (in which a fraction of the initial production loss reaches a focal company downstream as opposed to containment upstream or at the originating point). Furthermore, we obtain a closed‐form solution for a supply chain network with a k‐ary tree topology; a numerical study is performed for a scale‐free network and a random network. Our proposed approach enables the evaluation of potential losses for a focal company considering its supply chain network structure, which may help the company to plan or redesign a robust and resilient network in response to different types of disruptions.
Combined Dorsal and Ventral Onlay Buccal Graft Technique for Large and Complex Penile Strictures
Authors: Mertziotis Nikolaos , Konandreas Andreas , Kyratsas Christos
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To present a modified technique of managing extensive penile urethral strictures with dorsal and ventral onlay buccal mucosa grafts. Patients and Methods. From October 2014 to January 2016, a total of 12 patients underwent urethroplasty for penile urethral strictures, using dorsal and ventral onlay grafts from buccal mucosa. The mean age was 42.75 (17–71). All patients completed the IPSS and QoL questionnaire, and uroflowmetry was done preoperatively. After surgery, the follow-up included completion of IPSS and QoL questionnaire and measuring of uroflow at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Postoperative urethrography was performed in complex cases or in the event of deterioration of voiding symptoms. Results. The mean length of the strictures was 5.45 (2, 2–16) cm. Mean Qmax changed from 3.45 ml/sec preoperatively to 18.33 postoperatively, and mean IPS score significantly decreased from 20.1 preoperatively to 8.98 postoperatively. All values were statistically significant (p<0.001). No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were recorded. Overall, at 12 months, 11 out of 12 patients (91.6%) had a marked improvement in quality of life and uroflowmetry parameters. Conclusions. In the properly selected patient, the combined use of double graft for penile urethral strictures can be successful with minimal morbidity, at short-term follow-up.
Comparative Study of Soil Grouting with Cement Slurry and Cement‐Sodium Silicate Slurry
Authors: Zhu Mingting , Zhang Qingsong , Zhang Xiao , Hui Bing
Published: February 2018

Cement slurry and cement‐sodium silicate slurry are most widely applied for soil grouting reinforcement project. The viscosity change of cement slurry is negligible during grouting period and presumed to be time independent, while the viscosity of cement‐sodium silicate slurry increases with time quickly and is presumed to be time dependent. Due to the significant rheological differences between them, the grouting quality and the increasing characteristics of grouting parameters may be different. Those are main factors for grouting design. In this paper, a large‐scale 3D grouting simulation device was developed to simulate the surrounding curtain grouting for a tunnel. Two series of surrounding curtain grouting experiments under different initial pressures of 100 kPa, 150 kPa, and 200 kPa were performed. The overload test on the tunnel was performed to evaluate the grouting quality of all surrounding curtain grouting experiments. The results show that the increasing trend of grouting pressure for cement‐sodium silicate is similar to its viscosity; the setting time of cement‐sodium silicate slurry obtained from the laboratory test is less than that in the practical grouting environment where grout slurry solidifies in soil; the grouting quality of cement‐sodium silicate slurry is better than cement slurry, and the grouting quality decreases with initial pressure.
Failure Assessment for the High‐Strength Pipelines with Constant‐Depth Circumferential Surface Cracks
Authors: Liu X. , Lu Z. X. , Chen Y. , Sui Y. L. , Dai L. H.
Published: February 2018

In the oil and gas transportation system over long distance, application of high‐strength pipeline steels can efficiently reduce construction and operation cost by increasing operational pressure and reducing the pipe wall thickness. Failure assessment is an important issue in the design, construction, and maintenance of the pipelines. The small circumferential surface cracks with constant depth in the welded pipelines are of practical interest. This work provides an engineering estimation procedure based upon the GE/EPRI method to determine the J‐integral for the thin‐walled pipelines with small constant‐depth circumferential surface cracks subject to tension and bending loads. The values of elastic influence functions for stress intensity factor and plastic influence functions for fully plastic J‐integral estimation are derived in tabulated forms through a series of three‐dimensional finite element calculations for different crack geometries and material properties. To check confidence of the J‐estimation solution in practical application, J‐integral values obtained from detailed finite element (FE) analyses are compared with those estimated from the new influence functions. Excellent agreement of FE results with the proposed J‐estimation solutions for both tension and bending loads indicates that the new solutions can be applied for accurate structural integrity assessment of high‐strength pipelines with constant‐depth circumferential surface cracks.
Dysregulated Functions of Lung Macrophage Populations in COPD
Authors: Kapellos Theodore S. , Bassler Kevin , Aschenbrenner Anna C. , Fujii Wataru , Schultze Joachim L.
Published: February 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a diverse respiratory disease characterised by bronchiolitis, small airway obstruction, and emphysema. Innate immune cells play a pivotal role in the disease’s progression, and in particular, lung macrophages exploit their prevalence and strategic localisation to orchestrate immune responses. To date, alveolar and interstitial resident macrophages as well as blood monocytes have been described in the lungs of patients with COPD contributing to disease pathology by changes in their functional repertoire. In this review, we summarise recent evidence from human studies and work with animal models of COPD with regard to altered functions of each of these myeloid cell populations. We primarily focus on the dysregulated capacity of alveolar macrophages to secrete proinflammatory mediators and proteases, induce oxidative stress, engulf microbes and apoptotic cells, and express surface and intracellular markers in patients with COPD. In addition, we discuss the differences in the responses between alveolar macrophages and interstitial macrophages/monocytes in the disease and propose how the field should advance to better understand the implications of lung macrophage functions in COPD.
Short-Term Treatment with Esmolol Reverses Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Adult Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats via Inhibition of Akt/NF-κB and NFATc4
Authors: Quintana-Villamandos Begoña , Goukassian David A. , Sasi Sharath P. , Delgado-Baeza Emilio
Published: February 2018

Our group has previously demonstrated that short-term treatment with esmolol reduces left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The present study aimed to assess the molecular mechanisms related to this effect. Fourteen-month-old maleSHRswere treated intravenously with saline as vehicle (SHR) or esmolol (SHR-E) (300 μg/kg/min). Age-matched vehicle-treated male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats served as controls. After 48 hours of treatment, the hearts were harvested and left ventricular tissue was separated and processed for Western blot analysis to determine the levels of Akt, NF-κB, NFATc4, Creb1, Serca2a, Erk1/2, and Sapk/Jnk. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as catalase, protein carbonyls, total thiols, and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Esmolol reversed the levels of p-NFATc4, p-Akt, and p-NF-κB in SHRs to the phospholevels of these proteins in WKY rats without modifying p-Erk1/2, p-Sapk/Jnk, p-Creb1, or Serca2a in SHR. Compared with SHR, esmolol increased catalase activity and reduced protein carbonyls without modifying total thiols or total antioxidant capacity. Short-term treatment with esmolol reverses LVH in aged SHRs by downregulation of Akt/NF-κB and NFATc4 activity. Esmolol treatment also increases catalase activity and reduces oxidative stress in SHRs with LVH.
Syphilis-Related Eye Disease Presenting as Bilateral Papilledema, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Hemorrhage, and Anterior Uveitis in a Penicillin-Allergic Patient
Authors: Dietze Jamie , Havens Shane
Published: February 2018

Purpose. Treponema pallidum is known as the “great masquerader” for its many presentations and ocular findings in patients who are infected and develop secondary and tertiary stage of syphilis. Syphilitic ocular manifestations include uveitis, chorioretinitis, retinitis, vasculitis, vitritis, and panuveitis all with or without decreased visual acuity. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is known to expedite the progression of syphilis when patients are coinfected, thus compounding the potential ophthalmic presentations. This report summarizes the presentation, management, and clinical course of a patient with known HIV and penicillin allergy that presented with bilateral optic nerve edema, retinal hemorrhages, and iritis without vision loss.
Comparative Study on the Performance of Blended and Nonblended Fly Ash Geopolymer Composites as Durable Construction Materials
Authors: Dutta Debabrata , Ghosh Somnath
Published: February 2018

This article represents that the mechanical and microstructural properties and durability of fly ash‐based geopolymers blended with silica fume and borax are better than those of conventional fly ash‐based geopolymers. Fly ash itself contains the sources of silica and alumina which are required for geopolymerisation. But a sufficient amount of high‐reactive silica is able to rapidly initiate geopolymerisation with activation. Pure potassium hydroxide pellets and sodium silicate solution were used for preparation of alkaline activator solution. Fly ash geopolymer paste exhibited better mechanical properties in the presence of silica fume with slight portion of borax. The effect of silica fume‐blended geopolymer paste on temperature fluctuation (heating and cooling cycle at certain temperatures) showed better performance than nonblended fly ash‐based specimens. Durability property was evaluated by immersion of geopolymer specimens in 10% magnesium sulfate solution for a period of one year. The change in weight, strength, and microstructure was studied and compared. In the magnesium sulfate solution, a significant drop of strength to around 37.26% occurred after one year for nonblended fly ash‐based specimens. It is evident that specimens prepared incorporating silica fume had the best performance in terms of their properties.
A Novel Indoor Positioning System Using Kernel Local Discriminant Analysis in Internet‐of‐Things
Authors: Imran Sajida , Ko Young-Bae
Published: February 2018

WLAN based localization is a key technique of location‐based services (LBS) indoors. However, the indoor environment is complex; received signal strength (RSS) is highly uncertain, multimodal, and nonlinear. The traditional location estimation methods fail to provide fair estimation accuracy under the said environment. We proposed a novel indoor positioning system that considers the nonlinear discriminative feature extraction of RSS using kernel local Fisher discriminant analysis (KLFDA). KLFDA extracts location features in a well‐preserved kernelized space. In the new kernel featured space, nonlinear RSS features are characterized effectively. Along with handling of nonlinearity, KLFDA also copes well with the multimodality in the RSS data. By performing KLFDA, the discriminating information contained in RSS is reorganized and maximally extracted. Prior to feature extraction, we performed outlier detection on RSS data to remove any anomalies present in the data. Experimental results show that the proposed approach obtains higher positioning accuracy by extracting maximal discriminate location features and discarding outlying information present in the RSS data.
Damaging Effects of Bisphenol A on the Kidney and the Protection by Melatonin: Emerging Evidences from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Kobroob Anongporn , Peerapanyasut Wachirasek , Chattipakorn Nipon , Wongmekiat Orawan
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) contamination on the kidney and the possible protection by melatonin in experimental rats and isolated mitochondrial models. Rats exposed to BPA (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 weeks demonstrated renal damages as evident by increased serum urea and creatinine and decreased creatinine clearance, together with the presence of proteinuria and glomerular injuries in a dose‐dependent manner. These changes were associated with increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also evident as indicated by increased reactive oxygen species production, decreased membrane potential change, and mitochondrial swelling. Coadministration of melatonin resulted in the reversal of all the changes caused by BPA. Studies using isolated mitochondria showed that BPA incubation produced dose‐dependent impairment in mitochondrial function. Preincubation with melatonin was able to sustain mitochondrial function and architecture and decreases oxidative stress upon exposure to BPA. The findings indicated that BPA is capable of acting directly on the kidney mitochondria, causing mitochondrial oxidative stress, dysfunction, and subsequently, leading to whole organ damage. Emerging evidence further suggests the protective benefits of melatonin against BPA nephrotoxicity, which may be mediated, in part, by its ability to diminish oxidative stress and maintain redox equilibrium within the mitochondria.
Metabolic Heterogeneity Evidenced by MRS among Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Multiforme Stem-Like Cells Accounts for Cell Clustering and Different Responses to Drugs
Authors: Grande Sveva , Palma Alessandra , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia , Luciani Anna Maria , Buccarelli Mariachiara , Biffoni Mauro , Molinari Agnese , Calcabrini Annarica , D’Amore Emanuela , Guidoni Laura , Pallini Roberto , Viti Vincenza , Rosi Antonella
Published: February 2018

Clustering of patient-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) through unsupervised analysis of metabolites detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) evidenced three subgroups, namely clusters 1a and 1b, with high intergroup similarity and neural fingerprints, and cluster 2, with a metabolism typical of commercial tumor lines. In addition, subclones generated by the same GSC line showed different metabolic phenotypes. Aerobic glycolysis prevailed in cluster 2 cells as demonstrated by higher lactate production compared to cluster 1 cells. Oligomycin, a mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor, induced high lactate extrusion only in cluster 1 cells, where it produced neutral lipid accumulation detected as mobile lipid signals by MRS and lipid droplets by confocal microscopy. These results indicate a relevant role of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for energy production in GSCs. On the other hand, further metabolic differences, likely accounting for different therapy responsiveness observed after etomoxir treatment, suggest that caution must be used in considering patient treatment with mitochondria FAO blockers. Metabolomics and metabolic profiling may contribute to discover new diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers to be used for personalized therapies.
Protective Effects of Hydroxychloroquine against Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Floris Alberto , Piga Matteo , Mangoni Arduino Aleksander , Bortoluzzi Alessandra , Erre Gian Luca , Cauli Alberto
Published: February 2018

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are a challenge in management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Higher risk of CV disease in SLE patients is mostly related to accelerated atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, high prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients does not fully explain the increased CV risk. Despite the pathological bases of accelerated atherosclerosis are not fully understood, it is thought that this process is driven by the complex interplay between SLE and atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a cornerstone in treatment of SLE patients and has been thought to exert a broad spectrum of beneficial effects on disease activity, prevention of damage accrual, and mortality. Furthermore, HCQ is thought to protect against accelerated atherosclerosis targeting toll-like receptor signaling, cytokine production, T-cell and monocyte activation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. HCQ was also described to have beneficial effects on traditional CV risk factors, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes. In conclusion, despite lacking randomized controlled trials unambiguously proving the protection of HCQ against accelerated atherosclerosis and incidence of CV events in SLE patients, evidence analyzed in this review is in favor of its beneficial effect.
A Regional Scale Investigation on Groundwater Arsenic in Different Types of Aquifers in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Hou Qinxuan , Sun Jichao , Jing Jihong , Liu Chunyan , Zhang Ying , Liu Jingtao , Hua Mengjian
Published: February 2018

Nearly 400 groundwater samples were collected from different types of aquifers in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), and the concentrations of groundwater arsenic (As) and other 22 hydrochemical parameters in different types of aquifers were then investigated. Results showed that groundwater As concentration was up to hundreds μg/L in granular aquifers, while those in fissured aquifers and karst aquifers were only up to dozens and several μg/L, respectively. Correspondingly, about 9.4% and 2.3% samples with high concentrations (>0.01 mg/L) of As were in granular and fissured aquifers, respectively, but no samples with high concentration of As were in karst aquifers. The source and mobilization of groundwater As in granular aquifers are likely controlled by the following mechanism: organic matter in marine strata was mineralized and provided electrons for electron acceptors, resulting in the release of NH4+ and I- and the reduction of Fe/Mn and NO3-, and was accompanied with the mobilization of As from sediments into groundwater. By contrast, both natural processes including the competitive adsorption between As anions and F-/PO43-/HCO3- and anthropogenic processes including industrialization were responsible for high concentrations of groundwater As in fissured aquifers.
Beneficial Effects of Gagam‐Palmultang on Scopolamine‐Induced Memory Deficits in Mice
Authors: Kim Yu Ri , Kwon Min Young , Pak Malk Eun , Park So Hyun , Baek Jin Ung , Choi Byung Tae
Published: February 2018

From text mining of Dongeuibogam, the 7 herbs in Palmultang can be considered effective candidates for memory enhancement. We sought to determine whether Gagam‐Palmultang, comprising these 7 herbs, ameliorates scopolamine‐induced memory impairment in mice, by focusing on the central cholinergic system and memory‐related signaling molecules. Behavioral tests were performed after inducing memory impairment by scopolamine administration. The cholinergic system activity and memory‐related molecules were examined in the hippocampus by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays. Gagam‐Palmultang ameliorated scopolamine‐induced memory impairment in the Morris water maze test, producing a significant improvement in the mean time required to find the hidden platform. Treatment with Gagam‐Palmultang reduced acetylcholinesterase activity and expression in the hippocampus induced by scopolamine. The diminished phosphorylated phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), and mature brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) expressions caused by scopolamine administration were attenuated by treatment with Gagam‐Palmultang. This treatment also promoted neuronal cell proliferation in the hippocampus. Gagam‐Palmultang has beneficial effects against scopolamine‐induced memory impairments, which are exerted via modulation of the cholinergic system as well as the PI3K and ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Therefore, this multiherb formula may be a useful therapeutic agent for diseases associated with memory impairments.
Methotrexate Combined with 4-Hydroperoxycyclophosphamide Downregulates Multidrug-Resistance P-Glycoprotein Expression Induced by Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes via the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Qin Kaili , Chen Kailin , Zhao Wenpeng , Zhao Xiangcong , Luo Jing , Wang Qun , Gao Chong , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Caihong
Published: February 2018

Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) multidrug resistance is associated with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression. We investigated the effects of methotrexate (MTX) alone and combined with 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC) on P-gp expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with RA and examined the signaling pathway involved. Methods. RA-FLSs were treated with MTX, MTX + 4-HC, AG490 + MTX, or AG490 + MTX + 4-HC for 72 h. Proliferation inhibition rates were determined by MTT assay; P-gp expression was measured by flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); JAK2 and STAT3 were measured by RT-PCR and cell-based ELISA to assess STAT3 signaling. Results. MTX alone significantly induced P-gp expression and mRNA production in RA-FLSs. P-gp expression and mRNA levels were lower in the MTX + 4-HC group than in the MTX-alone group. In contrast to MTX, MTX + 4-HC reduced the STAT3 phosphorylation and downregulated JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA production. Inhibition of constitutively active STAT3 accompanied by 4-HC suppressed P-gp levels in RA-FLSs. The MTT assays revealed no significant differences in proliferation inhibition rates among groups. Conclusions. The increased anti-P-gp effect of MTX + 4-HC versus MTX alone in RA-FLSs was mediated via inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and may have helped reverse MDR in refractory RA patients with high-P-gp levels.
Assessment of Anti-TB Drug Nonadherence and Associated Factors among TB Patients Attending TB Clinics in Arba Minch Governmental Health Institutions, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gube Addisu Alemayehu , Debalkie Megbaru , Seid Kalid , Bisete Kiberalem , Mengesha Asfaw , Zeynu Abubeker , Shimelis Freselam , Gebremeskel Feleke
Published: February 2018

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Nonadherence to anti-TB treatment may result in the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB, prolonged infectiousness, and poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Ethiopia is one of the seven countries that reported lower rates of treatment success (84%). This study assessed anti-TB drug nonadherence and associated factors among TB patients in Arba Minch governmental health institutions. Methods. An institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 15 to May 30, 2017. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select the study subjects. Data was collected using a semistructured questionnaire with Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and was entered, cleaned, and analyzed in SPSS version 20. Results. The study included 271 TB patients with a response rate of 96.4%; 58.3% were males and 64.9% were Gamo by ethnicity. The overall nonadherence was 67 (24.7%) (CI = 20.0–30.4). Nonadherence was high if the patients experienced side effects (AOR = 13.332; 95% CI = 2.282–77.905), were far from the health facility (AOR = 21.830; 95% CI = 0.054–77.500), and experienced prolonged waiting time to get medical services (AOR = 14.260; 95% CI = 2.135–95.241). Conclusions. The proportion of TB patients that did not adhere to anti-TB drugs was high in Arba Minch governmental health institutions.
Corticosteroid Weaning in Stable Heart Transplant Patients: Guidance by Serum Cortisol Level
Authors: Baran David A. , Rosenfeld Cheryl , Zucker Mark J.
Published: February 2018

Background. Despite earlier studies describing the feasibility of steroid weaning in heart transplant patients, the majority of patients are maintained on steroid therapy for life. We examined a strategy based on a single morning serum cortisol measurement. Methods. We assigned stable posttransplant patients, who were maintained on tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids, into one of two groups based on a screening morning cortisol level. Patients with a cortisol < 8 micrograms/deciliter were assigned to a “maintenance” group and the others were assigned to the weaning group and steroids were tapered off over 4–6 weeks. Patients were monitored on subsequent office visits for adrenal insufficiency and allograft rejection. Results. Thirty-one patients were enrolled (6 patients in the maintenance group and 25 in the steroid-weaning group). Mean follow-up was 10.2±4 years for the weaning group and 9.0±4.9 years in the maintenance group (p=0.6). No cases of rejection were noted, nor did any patient resume steroid treatment following discontinuation. Conclusion. Steroids can be safely discontinued in stable heart transplant patients with an AM serum cortisol ≥ 8 micrograms/deciliter with appropriate outpatient follow-up. In this study, no patient suffered late rejection or clinically noted adrenal insufficiency.
KIT D816V Positive Acute Mast Cell Leukemia Associated with Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Lopes Marta , Teixeira Maria dos Anjos , Casais Cláudia , Mesquita Vanessa , Seabra Patrícia , Cabral Renata , Palla-García José , Lau Catarina , Rodrigues João , Jara-Acevedo Maria , Freitas Inês , Vizcaíno Jose Ramón , Coutinho Jorge , Escribano Luis , Orfao Alberto , Lima Margarida
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Mast cell (MC) leukemia (MCL) is extremely rare. We present a case of MCL diagnosed concomitantly with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). Case Report. A 41-year-old woman presented with asthenia, anorexia, fever, epigastralgia, and diarrhea. She had a maculopapular skin rash, hepatosplenomegaly, retroperitoneal adenopathies, pancytopenia, 6% blast cells (BC) and 20% MC in the peripheral blood, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, cholestasis, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and increased serum tryptase (184 μg/L). The bone marrow (BM) smears showed 24% myeloblasts, 17% promyelocytes, and 16% abnormal toluidine blue positive MC, and flow cytometry revealed 12% myeloid BC, 34% aberrant promyelocytes, a maturation blockage at the myeloblast/promyelocyte level, and 16% abnormal CD2−CD25+ MC. The BM karyotype was normal, and the KIT D816V mutation was positive in BM cells. The diagnosis of MCL associated with AML was assumed. The patient received corticosteroids, disodium cromoglycate, cladribine, idarubicin and cytosine arabinoside, high-dose cytosine arabinoside, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The outcome was favorable, with complete hematological remission two years after diagnosis and one year after HSCT. Conclusions. This case emphasizes the need of an exhaustive laboratory evaluation for the concomitant diagnosis of MCL and AML, and the therapeutic options.
Huntington’s Disease in a Patient Misdiagnosed as Conversion Disorder
Authors: Nogueira João Machado , Franco Ana Margarida , Mendes Susana , Valadas Anabela , Semedo Cristina , Jesus Gustavo
Published: February 2018

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, progressive, and neurodegenerative neuropsychiatric disorder caused by the expansion of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide in Interested Transcript (IT) 15 gene on chromosome 4. This pathology typically presents in individuals aged between 30 and 50 years and the age of onset is inversely correlated with the length of the CAG repeat expansion. It is characterized by chorea, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. Usually the psychiatric disorders precede motor and cognitive impairment, Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety disorders being the most common presentations. We present a clinical case of a 65-year-old woman admitted to our Psychiatric Acute Unit. During the 6 years preceding the admission, the patient had clinical assessments made several times by different specialties that focused only on isolated symptoms, disregarding the syndrome as a whole. In the course of her last admission, the patient was referred to our Neuropsychiatric Team, which made the provisional diagnosis of late-onset Huntington’s disease, later confirmed by genetic testing. This clinical vignette highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to atypical clinical presentations and raises awareness for the relevance of investigating carefully motor symptoms in psychiatric patients.
Erector Spinae Plane Block for Different Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgeries: Case Series
Authors: Tulgar Serkan , Selvi Onur , Kapakli Mahmut Sertan
Published: February 2018

The ultrasound guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a recent block described for various surgeries for postoperative analgesia. ESP block has effect on both visceral and somatic pain; therefore, its use in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and other abdominal surgeries can be advantageous. We describe successful ESP block application in three different cases for postoperative pain. Two patient were operated on using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic cholecystectomy and one patient was operated on using laparoscopic cholecystectomy together with the inguinal hernia operation.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Nail Psoriasis in a Patient with Concomitant Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Eichhoff Gerhard , Harun Noriko Soffi
Published: February 2018

Coincidence of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) is considered to be very rare, as a result of the different underlying immunopathology. This case report describes a patient with long history of atopy and AD who developed psoriatic nail changes and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The patient’s skin, however, revealed only eczematous lesions without manifestation of psoriasis.
Combination Treatment of C16 Peptide and Angiopoietin-1 Alleviates Neuromyelitis Optica in an Experimental Model
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Tian Kewei , Jiang Hong , Wang Beibei , Han Shu
Published: February 2018

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease that mainly affects the spinal cord and optic nerve, causing blindness and paralysis in some individuals. Moreover, NMO may cause secondary complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), leading to oligodendrocyte and neuronal damage. In this study, a rodent NMO model, showing typical NMO pathogenesis, was induced with NMO-IgG from patient serum and human complement. We then tested whether the combination of C16, an αvβ3 integrin-binding peptide, and angiopoietin-1 (Ang1), a member of the endothelial growth factor family, could alleviate NMO in the model. Our results demonstrated that this combination therapy significantly decreased disease severity, inflammatory cell infiltration, secondary demyelination, and axonal loss, thus reducing neural death. In conclusion, our study suggests a possible treatment that can relieve progressive blindness and paralysis in an animal model of NMO through improvement of the inflammatory milieu.