bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supervised injectable opioid agonist therapy in a supported housing setting for the treatment of severe opioid use disorder
Authors: Brar Rupinder , Sutherland Christy , Nolan Seonaid
Published: August 2019

Currently, North America is facing a national opioid overdose crisis. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing condition requiring varying intensities of treatment. Injectable opioid agonist therapy (iOAT) is an effective, high-intensity treatment option for people who are unsuccessful on conventional oral opioid agonist treatments (eg, methadone, buprenorphine). This case highlights the effectiveness of the provision of iOAT in a low-barrier setting. More specifically, we discuss a patient with severe OUD and untreated HIV infection, who was disengaged from medical care and, consequently, was prescribed iOAT in a supportive housing setting.
Yellow subconjunctival deposits
Authors: Zloto Ofira , Rosner Mordechai , Vishnevskia-Dai Vicktoria
Published: August 2019

In this case report, we present a healthy man who was referred for removal of subconjunctival yellow lesions found during a routine eye examination. In histopathological examination, an amyloidosis was found. There were no remnants or new lesions during 1-year follow-up. There was no systemic involvement. Conjunctival amyloidosis is a rare diagnosis that often is overlooked. Failure to recognise conjunctival amyloidosis might lead to late diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis. This case may rise the awareness to this rare diagnosis.
A cross-sectional study of self-rated health among older adults: a comparison of China and the United States
Authors: Xu Dongjuan , Arling Greg , Wang Kefang
Published: August 2019

Objectives

We used nationally representative samples of China and the US older population to investigate (1) whether factors influencing self-rated health among older Chinese were similar to those among older Americans; and (2) whether there was a significant cross-national difference in self-rated health between China and the USA after controlling those available influencing factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study. Data came from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study and China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study conducted from 2014 to 2015.

Participants

Our final sample size totaled 8905 older adults in the USA and 4442 older adults in China.

Outcome

The response variable was self-rated health. Ordered logistic regression models were conducted to investigate factors influencing self-rated health among older adults.

Results

More than three-fourths (78%) of older adults in China reported fair or poor health status, while almost 74% of older adults in the USA reported excellent, very good or good health status. In the overall ordered logistic regression model, when controlling statistically for sociodemographics, family structure, functional limitations, cognition, chronic conditions, mental health and health-related behaviours, the Chinese survey respondents were much more likely to rate their health as being poorer than the US respondents. The odds of having better versus poorer health was almost five times greater in American older adults than those in China (OR=4.88, 95% CI 4.06 to 5.86). Older adults in China living alone rated their health better than those living with spouse/partner; however, no significant difference was found between these two living arrangements in older Americans. In contrast, older adults in the USA living with others rated their health worse compared with those living with spouse/partner. In addition, older adults who had more activities of daily living limitations, poorer self-reported memory, worse mental health and chronic health conditions had lower self-rated health in both countries.

Conclusions

We found a striking difference in self-rated health between China and the USA even after controlling for measures of disease, functional status and other influencing factors. Relative to their American counterparts, Chinese elders were much more likely to report worse health.
Is the introduction of violence and injury observatories associated with a reduction in violence-related injury in adult populations? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jabar Ardil , Fong Francisco , Chavira Monica , Cerqueira Maria Teresa , Barth Dylan , Matzopoulos Richard , Engel Mark E
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to summarise the results from existing studies reporting on the effectiveness of the introduction of violence and injury observatories (VIOs).

Design

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Data sources

We searched multiple electronic databases including but not limited to PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Cochrane Collaboration, Campbell Collaboration and Web of Knowledge.

Eligibility criteria

We included non-randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, controlled before-and-after studies and cross-sectional studies. We sought to include studies performed in any country and published in any language. The primary outcome was homicide, while the secondary outcome was assault.

Data extraction and synthesis

We searched a number of databases, supplemented by searches in grey literature including technical reports. Searches comprised studies from January 1990 to October 2018.

Results

Of 3105 potentially relevant unique citations from all literature searches, 3 empirical studies and 4 technical reports met our inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted in the UK (n=3), Colombia (n=2), Brazil (n=1) and Uruguay (n=1). Subgroup analyses according to the two types of models implemented, the VIO and the injury surveillance system (ISS), provided evidence for an association between implementing the VIO model and a reduction in homicide count in high-violence settings (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.06; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.19; four studies), while the introduction of ISS showed significant results in reducing assault (IRR=0.80; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.91; three studies).

Conclusion

This systematic review provides the best evidence available for the effectiveness of the introduction of VIOs and ISSs in reducing violence outcomes in adults in high-violence settings. The implementation of VIOs should be considered in high-violence communities where reduction in homicide rates is desired.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42014009818.
Is a clinician’s personal history of domestic violence associated with their clinical care of patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: McLindon Elizabeth , Humphreys Cathy , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: August 2019

Objective

To investigate whether domestic violence (DV) impacts on health professionals’ clinical care of DV survivor patients.

Design, setting

Descriptive, cross-sectional study at an Australian tertiary maternity hospital.

Participants

471 participating female health professionals (45.0% response rate).

Outcome measures

Using logistic and linear regression, we examined whether health professionals’ exposure to lifetime DV was associated with their clinical care on specific measures of training, attitudes, identification and intervention.

Results

DV survivor health professionals report greater preparedness to intervene with survivor patients in a way that is consistent with ideal clinical care. This indicates that personal DV experience is not a barrier, and may be a facilitator, to clinical care of survivor patients.

Conclusions

Health professionals are at the front line of identifying and responding to patients who have experienced DV. These findings provide evidence that survivor health professionals may be a strength to the healthcare organisations in which they work since among the participants in this study, they appear to be doing more of the work seen as better clinical care of survivor patients. We discuss the need for greater workplace supports aimed at promoting safety and recovery from violence and strengthening clinical practice with patients.
Cannabis in homes with children: use and storage practices in a legalised state
Authors: Brooks-Russell Ashley , Hall Katelyn , Peterson Anne , Graves Janessa , Van Dyke Mike
Published: August 2019

Our objective was to examine the prevalence of cannabis in homes with children and temporal trends in storage practices among caregivers. Caregivers of children ages 1–14 in Colorado, identified through a representative population-based telephone survey, participated in a repeated telephone survey from 2014 to 2017. Representing 79 805 households in Colorado with children, 8.6% (95% CI 7.3 to 10.0) of caregivers reported cannabis in the home. From 2014 to 2017, the prevalence of reporting cannabis in the home increased significantly from 6.9% to 11.2% (p=0.02). Among caregivers who reported cannabis in the home, 91.4% reported storage locations inaccessible to children, such as ‘out of reach’. Fewer, 67.0%, caregivers reported storage in a locked container, such as a cabinet, drawer or safe. In a state with recreational cannabis, an increasing number of children live in homes where cannabis is present. Public health practitioners should promote messages to caregivers about safe cannabis storage practices.
CSF and blood Kallikrein-8: a promising early biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Teuber-Hanselmann Sarah , Rekowski Jan , Vogelgsang Jonathan , von Arnim Christine , Reetz Kathrin , Stang Andreas , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Wiltfang Jens , Esselmann Herrmann , Otto Markus , Tumani Hayrettin , Herring Arne , Keyvani Kathy
Published: August 2019

Objective

There is still an urgent need for supportive minimally invasive and cost-effective biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous work in our lab has identified Kallikrein-8 (KLK8) as a potential candidate since it shows an excessive increase in human brain in preclinical disease stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood KLK8 for AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD.

Methods

In this multi-centre trans-sectional study, clinical and laboratory data as well as CSF and/or blood serum samples of 237 participants, including 98 patients with mild AD, 21 with MCI due to AD and 118 controls were collected. CSF and/or serum KLK8 levels were analysed by ELISA. The diagnostic accuracy of KLK8 in CSF and blood was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses and compared with that of CSF core biomarkers Aβ42, P-tau and T-tau.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy of CSF KLK8 was as good as that of core CSF biomarkers for AD (area under the curve (AUC)=0.89) and in case of MCI (AUC=0.97) even superior to CSF Aβ42. Blood KLK8 was a similarly strong discriminator for MCI (AUC=0.94) but slightly weaker for AD (AUC=0.83).

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate the potential clinical utility of blood and CSF KLK8 as a biomarker for incipient AD. Future prospective validation studies are warranted.
Changes in risky sexual behaviours among West African MSM enrolled in a quarterly HIV testing and counselling prevention programme (CohMSM ANRS 12324 – Expertise France)
Authors: Coulaud Pierre-Julien , Sagaon-Teyssier Luis , Mimi Mohamed , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Mora Marion , Bourrelly Michel , Dembélé Keita Bintou , Keita Abdoul Aziz , Anoma Camille , Yoro Stéphane-Alain Babo , Dah Elias Ter Tiero , Coulibaly Christian , Mensah Ephrem , Agbomadji Selom , Palvadeau Pamela , Bernier Adeline , Rojas Castro Daniela , Couderc Clotilde , Laurent Christian , Spire Bruno
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Whether regular HIV testing and counselling reduce risky sexual behaviours in African men who have sex with men (MSM) is still a matter for debate. We aimed to identify behavioural trajectories based on HIV risk exposure (HRE) and factors affecting their evolution.

Methods

Data were collected from 621 HIV-negative West African MSM (Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo) included in a community-based cohort providing quarterly HIV testing and counselling. Sociobehavioural data were collected every 6 months. HRE was defined as reporting inconsistent condom use during receptive anal sex with male partners of unknown HIV status in the previous 6 months. Using 18-month follow-up data, group-based trajectory modelling helped identify behavioural trajectories and determine the factors associated with their evolution. HIV seroconversions (n=67) were specified in each group trajectory.

Results

Two distinct group trajectories were identified: medium-risk exposure MSM (ME-MSM) (61%, 6.4% of whom having seroconverted) and high-risk exposure MSM (HE-MSM) (39%, 17.5% of whom having seroconverted). A significant declining trend in the probability of reporting HRE over time ((95% CI)) was observed for HE-MSM (from 0.59 (0.48 to 0.70) at M0 to 0.31 (0.22 to 0.41) at M18), while it remained constant for ME-MSM (0.034 (0.0 to 0.079)). This can be explained by a progressive use of risk reduction strategies (less receptive anal sex, better knowledge of their partners’ status and increasing condom use). Being younger, living in Burkina Faso, self-considering both a man and a woman and reporting a higher level of depression were all associated with HE membership. Among HE-MSM, HRE was higher in those practising transactional or group sex and those experiencing psychological harassment.

Conclusions

Quarterly HIV testing and counselling seem to reduce risky sexual behaviours in HIV-negative MSM at greatest risk of infection. Specific support for young MSM, focusing on identity and mental health, is needed to strengthen HIV prevention in West African MSM.
Scalable Sender-Based Message Logging Protocol with Little Communication Overhead for Distributed Systems
Authors: Ahn Jinho
Published: August 2019

The inherent shortcoming of the conventional Sender-Based Message Logging (SBML) protocols is to require additional control message interactions per application message to satisfy the always-no-orphans condition in case of sequential failures. In this paper, a scalable SBML protocol is introduced to lower the communication overhead by handling a sequence of messages consecutively received by each process before sending as a party. The protocol enables the process to delay the update of their receive sequence numbers to their senders until there comes out the first message it is willing to send, and then perform the collective filling out task with each sender requiring only one control message exchange. Experimental results show that our protocol outperforms the previous one in terms of the number of control messages generated.
The Protective Role of Garlic on Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Chen , Peng Wen-Huang , Tseng Hsien-Hao , Liang Shan-Yuan , Chen Li-Jen , Tsai Jen-Chieh
Published: August 2019

Asthma is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease worldwide. Garlic extracts have long been used as a food source and in traditional medicine. Crude extracts of garlic are used as an anti-inflammatory agent and have been reported to exhibit antiasthmatic properties. However, molecular mechanisms of garlic extracts in the context of antiasthmatic airway inflammation are still unclear. In this study, the antiasthmatic effect of garlic extracts on Th1, Th2, and Th3 cytokine profiles and immunoregulatory mechanism were explored using an animal model of allergic asthma. Garlic extracts significantly reduced total inflammatory cell counts and eosinophil infiltration and decreased the production of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus IgE in serum and Th1/Th2/Th3 cytokine in bronchoalveolar fluid. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis demonstrated that garlic extracts downregulated the levels of cytokines and chemokines, namely Th2-related IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13; but they simultaneously upregulated Th1-related IFN-[Formula: see text], IL-12, and Th3-related IL-10 and TGF-[Formula: see text] expression in BALF. The mechanism may be ascribed to the modulation of Th1-, Th2-, and Th3-related cytokine imbalance.
Bifurcations and Chaos in a Photovoltaic Plant
Authors: Abdelmoula Mohamed , Robert Bruno
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a comprehensive approach to analyze the dynamics of a photovoltaic system by using a discrete-time modeling approach. The proposed structure consists of a photovoltaic array, a two-cell DC–DC buck converter and a load connected in cascade through a DC bus. The research efforts focus on the modeling process and stability analysis, which leads to an implementation with a comprehensive description validated through simulation results. The research efforts focus on the numeric simulation improvements and dynamic investigation of the photovoltaic system under digital controls. The chaotic behaviors that appear in the photovoltaic plant are then studied. The aim of the last part is to detail the stability study using numerical simulation.
Complex Canard Explosion in a Fractional-Order FitzHugh–Nagumo Model
Authors: Abdelouahab Mohammed-Salah , Lozi René , Chen Guanrong
Published: August 2019

This article investigates the complex phenomena of canard explosion with mixed-mode oscillations, observed from a fractional-order FitzHugh–Nagumo (FFHN) model. To rigorously analyze the dynamics of the FFHN model, a new mathematical notion, referred to as Hopf-like bifurcation (HLB), is introduced. HLB provides a precise definition for the change between a fixed point and an [Formula: see text]-asymptotically [Formula: see text]-periodic solution of the fractional-order dynamical system, as well as the stability of the FFHN model and the appearance of the HLB. The existence of canard oscillations in the neighborhoods of such HLB points are numerically investigated. Using a new algorithm, referred to as the global-local canard explosion search algorithm, the appearance of various patterns of solutions is revealed, with an increasing number of small-amplitude oscillations when two key parameters of the FFHN model are varied. The numbers of such oscillations versus the two parameters, respectively, are perfectly fitted using exponential functions. Finally, it is conjectured that chaos could occur in a two-dimensional fractional-order autonomous dynamical system, with the fractional order close to one. After all, the article demonstrates that the FFHN model is a very simple two-dimensional model with an incredible ability to present the complex dynamics of neurons.
Dynamics of nonlinear interacting dark energy models
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos , Pan Supriya , Yang Weiqiang
Published: August 2019

We investigate the cosmological dynamics of interacting dark energy models in which the interaction function is nonlinear in terms of the energy densities. Considering explicitly the interaction between a pressureless dark matter and a scalar field, minimally coupled to Einstein gravity, we explore the dynamics of the spatially flat FLRW universe for the exponential potential of the scalar field. We perform the stability analysis for three nonlinear interaction models of our consideration through the analysis of critical points and we investigate the cosmological parameters and discuss the physical behavior at the critical points. From the analysis of the critical points we find a number of possibilities that include the stable late-time accelerated solution, [Formula: see text]CDM-like solution, radiation-like solution and moreover the unstable inflationary solution.
Shape equations for two-dimensional manifolds through a moving frame variational approach
Authors: Bracken Paul
Published: August 2019

A variational approach is given which can be applied to functionals of a general form to determine a corresponding Euler–Lagrange or shape equation. It is the intention to formulate the theory in detail based on a moving frame approach. It is then applied to a functional of a general form which depends on both the mean and Gaussian curvatures as well as the area and volume elements of the manifold. Only the case of a two-dimensional closed manifold is considered. The first variation of the functional is calculated in terms of the variations of the basic variables of the manifold. The results of the first variation allow for the second variation of the functional to be evaluated.
THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGICAL RISK, MARKET UNCERTAINTY AND THE LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY ON NEW TECHNOLOGY VENTURES’ SUCCESS
Authors: SADEH ARIK , DVIR DOV
Published: August 2019

Innovations in products and services have become a necessity for the survival of modern organizations. The impact of Complexity, Technological risk and Market risk and uncertainty on the success of new technological ventures is investigated. The Complexity dimension reflects the way new ventures are managed during the development and marketing phases. The Novelty dimension reflects market uncertainty, mainly affects the way information about the customers' needs is collected and incorporated into the product design. The technology dimension, deals with the way the development process should be managed. Higher levels of technological risk require longer development periods, more design cycles and later design freeze. Projects are classified by their level of Novelty, Complexity and Technological risk. Structural equation modeling is used in this study to explore the relationships between the various components describing the innovation nature and assessing its success. The study's approach enables testing the relationships between the dependent variables (the Success Measures) and the innovation characteristics. It is shown that building technological infrastructure and new knowledge or technology has a greater impact on the venture's success than meeting operational and economic goals. The question this paper is trying to answer is what factors are more important and how organizations should structure their market and technological strategy.

We found that there is no contradiction between high levels of risk or uncertainty and business success. The success of system ventures is significantly higher than the success of lower levels of complexity. Older and more experienced entrepreneurs are likely to be engaged in more complex and novel initiatives than younger, less experienced ones. This study highlights the importance of technological risk with respect to market uncertainty. It is shown that to overcome technological obstacles and to enrich the developing organization with better knowhow and technology will lead to higher innovation success. Although risk and uncertainty that are associated with technology and market may have a negative impact on innovations' success, they are also a source for new opportunities. The research investigates the impact of Technological risk and Market uncertainty on Innovations' success. This approach enables to identify the most important factors affecting technological innovations success.
The maximum 1-2 matching problem and two kinds of its variants
Authors: Izumi Hiroki , Nishida Yuki , Watanabe Sennosuke , Watanabe Yoshihide
Published: August 2019

We present an algorithm for solving the maximum 1-2 matching problem in bipartite graphs by reducing it to solving the 1-1 matching in general undirected graphs. Further, we propose two variants of the maximum 1-2 matching problem: one is the maximum 1-2 matching problem of the different kind in divided bipartite graphs and the other is the maximum 1-2 matching problem of the same kind in divided bipartite graphs. The former one is shown to be solved by a similar algorithm to that of the maximum 1-2 matching problem by reducing it to solve the maximum 1-1 matching problem in bipartite graphs. For the latter one, we can only present the augmenting subgraph theorem, which is an extension of our augmenting trail theorem for the maximum 1-2 matching problem.
Impacts of aquatic walking on arterial stiffness, exercise tolerance, and physical function in patients with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Park Song-Young , Kwak Yi-Sub , Pekas Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2019

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that is associated with attenuated vascular function, cardiorespiratory capacity, physical function, and muscular strength. It is essential to combat these negative effects on health by incorporating lifestyle interventions to slow disease progression, such as exercise. We sought to examine the effects of aquatic walking exercise on cardiovascular function, cardiorespiratory capacity [maximal volume of oxygen consumption (V̇o2max)], exercise tolerance [6-min walking distance (6MWD)], physical function, muscular strength, and body composition in patients with PAD. Patients with PAD ( n = 72) were recruited and randomly assigned to a 12-wk aquatic walking training group (AQ, n = 35) or a control group (CON, n = 37). The AQ group performed walking and leg exercises in waist-to-chest-deep water. Leg arterial stiffness [femoral-to-ankle pulse wave velocity (legPWV)], heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), ankle-to-brachial index (ABI), V̇o2max, 6MWD, physical function, muscular strength, body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and flexibility were measured before and after 12 wk. There were significant group × time interactions ( P < 0.05) after 12 wk for legPWV and HR, which significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) in AQ, and V̇o2max, 6MWD, physical function, and muscular strength, which significantly increased ( P < 0.05) in AQ, compared with no changes in CON. There were no significant differences ( P > 0.05) for BP, ABI, RMR, or flexibility after 12 wk. Interestingly, there was relatively high adherence (84%) to the aquatic walking exercise program in this population. These results suggest that aquatic walking exercise is an effective therapy to reduce arterial stiffness and resting HR and improve cardiorespiratory capacity, exercise tolerance, physical function, and muscular strength in patients with PAD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results of this study reveal for the first time that aquatic walking exercise can decrease arterial stiffness and improve exercise tolerance, cardiorespiratory capacity, and muscular strength in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Aquatic walking exercise training demonstrates relatively high exercise adherence in this population. Aquatic walking exercise training may be a useful therapeutic intervention for improving physical function in patients with PAD.
Combining Users’ Cognition Noise with Interactive Genetic Algorithms and Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers for Product Color Design
Authors: Yang Yan-pu , Tian Xing
Published: August 2019

Product color plays a vital role in shaping brand style and affecting users’ purchase decision. However, users’ preferences about product color design schemes may vary due to their cognition differences. Although considering users’ perception of product color has been widely performed by industrial designers, it is not effective to support this activity. In order to provide users with plentiful product color solutions as well as embody users’ preference into product design process, involving users in interactive genetic algorithms (IGAs) is an effectual way to find optimum solutions. Nevertheless, cognition difference and uncertainty among users may lead to various understanding in line with IGA progressing. To address this issue, this study presents an advanced IGA by combining users’ cognition noise which includes cognition phase, intermediate phase, and fatigue phase. Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are employed to represent uncertainty of users’ evaluations. An algorithm is designed to find key parameters through similarity calculation between RGB value and their area proportion of two individuals and users’ judgment. The interactive product color design process is put forward with an instance by comparing with an ordinary IGA. Results show that (1) knowledge background will significantly affect users’ cognition about product colors and (2) the proposed method is helpful to improve convergence speed and evolution efficiency with convergence increasing from 67.5% to 82.5% and overall average evolutionary generations decreasing from 18.15 to 15.825. It is promising that the proposed method can help reduce users’ cognition noise, promote convergence, and improve evolution efficiency of interactive product color design.
Enhancement of the Soluble Form of OX40 and OX40L Costimulatory Molecules but Reduction of the Membrane Form in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Authors: An Jingnan , Ding Sisi , Li Sicheng , Sun Lili , Chang Xin , Huang Ziyi , Zhou Bin , Fang Chen , Liu Cuiping , Zhang Xueguang
Published: August 2019

This study analyzed the expression of membrane OX40 and OX40L (mOX40 and mOX40L) and levels of soluble OX40 and OX40L (sOX40 and sOX40L) in T1D patients to determine their clinical significance. Peripheral blood (PB) was collected from patients with T1D and healthy control participants. Expression of mOX40 and mOX40L on immune cells was detected by flow cytometry. Levels of sOX40 and sOX40L in sera were measured by ELISA. We demonstrated for the first time enhanced sOX40 and sOX40L expression and reduced mOX40 and mOX40L levels in T1D patients which correlated with the clinical characteristics and inflammatory factors. These results suggest that OX40/OX40L signal may be promising biomarkers and associated with the pathogenesis of T1D.
Evidence-Based Prevention of Preeclampsia: Commonly Asked Questions in Clinical Practice
Authors: Wertaschnigg Dagmar , Reddy Maya , Mol Ben W. J. , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Rolnik Daniel L.
Published: August 2019

In this review, we discuss the recent literature regarding the prevention of preeclampsia and aim to answer common questions that arise in the routine antenatal care of pregnant women. Prescription of low-dose aspirin for high-risk patients has been shown to reduce the risk of preeclampsia (PE). A daily dose between 100 and 150 mg taken in the evening should be initiated prior to 16 weeks of gestation and can be continued until delivery. Calcium supplementation seems to be advantageous but currently it is only considered for patients with poor dietary intake and high risk for PE. Recent data about heparin are still conflicting, and therefore, heparin can currently not be recommended in the prevention of PE.
Analysis of the Possibility and Conditions of Application of Methylene Blue to Determine the Activity of Radicals in Model System with Preaccelerated Cross-Linking of Polyester Resins
Authors: Hęclik Karol , Duliban Jerzy , Dębska Barbara , Lubczak Jacek
Published: August 2019

Unsaturated polyester resins are usually processed using a curing system consisting of initiator and accelerator introduced into the resin. Actually, the producers apply built-in amine accelerators which can be named as preaccelerators. Commonly used preaccelerators for unsaturated resins are tertiary aromatic amines of which incorporation into resin structure may bring better stability. It also causes shorter gelation time of resins because of formation of active RO• radicals that initiate polymerization. Investigated radical reactions are too fast and there is no possibility of freezing it (in unsaturated polyester) to measure with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The analytical methodology on radicals activity measurement in model of preaccelerated unsaturated polyester resin reaction with methylene blue as indicator was presented. Using methylene blue as indicator allows us to determine the activity of forming radicals in three-component system (cobalt salt, amine preaccelerator, peroxide, or hydroperoxide) during the reaction of radicals generating. Changes in radicals activity using methylene blue as interceptor can be observed by changes of transmittance in the UV-Vis spectrum in the range 400-950 nm.
Plasma Treatment and TEOS Modification on Wood Flour Applied to Composite of Polyvinyl Chloride/Wood Flour
Authors: Tran Trung H. , Thai Hoang , Mai Huynh D. , Dao Hung Q. , Nguyen Giang V.
Published: August 2019

In this work, the effects of wood flour and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) content on the fusion time, fusion torque, fusion temperature, and fusion energy of polyvinyl chloride/wood flour (PVC/WF) composites were studied. Plasma-assisted surface treatment of WF before modifying with TEOS to form the silica nanoparticles on the surface of wood flour plays a role as a reinforcement of the phase interaction. This modification was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. Moreover, BET data showed that specific surface area and volume of plasma treated WF and TEOS modified WF (WS) were considerably improved in comparison with original WF. By increasing WF, a remarkable increase in time, temperature, and energy of mixing process led to the enhancement of fusion torque. In the case of composite using WS, the increase of TEOS content resulted in shorter fusion time, whereas the other fusion characteristics of composites increased. The investigation of mechanical and rheological properties such as Young’s modulus and dynamic storage modulus G′ showed the stiffness of the PVC/WF composites has been significantly improved with increasing wood flour and modifier contents. The research showed an application of nanoparticles in the industrial production of polymer composite materials.
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasia Characterization in Portugal: Results from the NETs Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Authors: Santos A. P. , Vinagre J. , Soares P. , Claro I. , Sanches A. C. , Gomes L. , Fernandes I. , Catarino A. L. , Preto J. , Pereira B. D. , Marques A. P. , Rodrigues F. , Amaral C. , Rocha G. , Mellidez J. C. , Simões H. , Lopes J. M. , Bugalho M. J. ,   On behalf of the NETs Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Published: August 2019

Background. The incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) has been increasing in the last five decades, but there is no large-scale data regarding these tumours in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional, multicentric study in main Portuguese centers to evaluate the clinical, pathological, and therapeutic profile of GEP-NENs. Methods. From November, 2012, to July, 2014, data from 293 patients diagnosed with GEP-NENs from 15 centers in Portugal was collected and registered in an online electronic platform. Results. Median age at diagnosis was 56.5 (range: 15-87) years with a preponderance of females (54.6%). The most frequent primary sites were the pancreas (31.1%), jejunum-ileum (24.2%), stomach (13.7%), and rectum (8.5%). Data regarding hormonal status was not available in most patients (82.3%). Stratified by the tumour grade (WHO 2010 classification), we observed 64.0% of NET G1, 24.7% of NET G2, and 11.3% of NEC. Poorly differentiated tumours occurred mainly in older patients (p=0.017), were larger (p<0.001), and presented more vascular (p=0.004) and lymphatic (p=0.001) invasion. At the time of diagnosis, 44.4% of GEP-NENs presented metastatic disease. Surgery (79.6%) and somatostatin analogues (30.7%) were the most frequently used therapies of GEP-NENs with reported grading. Conclusion. In general, Portuguese patients with GEP-NENs presented similar characteristics to other populations described in the literature. This cross-sectional study represents the first step to establish a national database of GEP-NENs that may aid in understanding the clinical and epidemiological features of these tumours in Portugal.
Effect of Prebiotics-Enhanced Probiotics on the Growth ofStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Nunpan Santichai , Suwannachart Chatrudee , Wayakanon Kornchanok
Published: August 2019

Streptococcus mutanspredominantly creates an acidic environment in an oral cavity. This results in dental demineralization and carious lesions. The probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that modulate the bacterial balance in the digestive system. Prebiotics are defined as nondigestible oligosaccharides that are utilized for the selective stimulation of the beneficial microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the prebiotics, galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), for enhancing the probioticLactobacillus acidophilusATCC 4356, for inhibitingStreptococcus mutans(A32-2) for the prevention of dental caries. The growth rate of theS. mutanssignificantly decreased when cocultured withL. acidophilusin the GOS-supplemented medium at 3%, 4%, and 5%. In the FOS-supplemented medium, the growth rate ofS. mutanssignificantly decreased in all concentrations when cocultured withL. acidophilus. There was no significant difference in the growth rate ofL. acidophilusin all concentrations of either GOS or FOS. It can be concluded that the growth rate ofS. mutanswas significantly retarded when cocultured withL. acidophilusand the proper concentration of prebiotics. These prebiotics have potential for a clinical application to activate the function of the naturally intraoralL. acidophilusto inhibitS. mutans.
A Toxicological Evaluation of Mango Leaf Extract (Mangifera indica) Containing 60% Mangiferin
Authors: Reddeman Robin A. , Glávits Róbert , Endres John R. , Clewell Amy E. , Hirka Gábor , Vértesi Adél , Béres Erzsébet , Szakonyiné Ilona Pasics
Published: August 2019

A battery of OECD- and GLP-compliant toxicological studies was performed on mango leaf extract (Mangifera indica) containing 60% mangiferin (MLE). No evidence of genotoxicity was found in a bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames). While evidence of clastogenic activity was noted in an in vitro chromosomal aberration test, an in vivo mammalian micronucleus test showed no findings up to the limit dose (2000 mg/kg bw). A 90-day repeated dose oral toxicity study was conducted in rats using doses of 0 (vehicle control), 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg bw/day. Based on the lack of mortality or toxic effects in the 90-day study, the NOAEL for MLE in Han:Wist male and female rats was determined to be 2000 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested.
Preventative Effects of Vitamin E on Testicular Damage and Sperm Parameters in the First-Generation Mice Pups due to Pre- and Postnatal Mancozeb Exposure
Authors: Saddein Esmaeil , Haghpanah Tahereh , Nematollahi-Mahani Seyed Noreddin , Seyedi Fatemeh , Ezzatabadipour Massood
Published: August 2019

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E on mancozeb-induced testis damage of the first-generation pups during intrauterine and lactating periods. Two groups of pregnant NMRI mice received 500 mg/kg mancozeb (MNZ) as MNZ group and 200 mg/kg vitamin E as MNZ+vit.E group before receiving MNZ. In addition, a vehicle and a control group were designed every other day in gestation and lactation periods. The male pups from each group were maintained until adulthood (8-10 W). The left testes and epididymides were removed following the sacrifice of the pups. Then, they were weighed, and sperm parameters including number, viability, motility, and morphology and testis structure were evaluated. A significant decrease occurred in sperm parameters of the mancozeb-treated pups compared to the control and vehicle groups. Treatment with vitamin E reversed the deleterious effects of MNZ to a nearly normal condition. Testis parameters including the weight, gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubule diameters, and Johnsen’s score, as well as the number of germ cells such as spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and Sertoli, decreased significantly in the MNZ group, compared to the amount in the control and vehicle groups. Interestingly, the treatment with vitamin E was reversed in most of these parameters. Based on the results, the exposure of pups to mancozeb during pregnancy and lactating periods negatively affects the reproductive system of male pups. However, the coadministration of vitamin E could prevent the deleterious effects of mancozeb on sperm and testis parameters.
Radiographic and Functional Results following Subtalar Arthroereisis in Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot
Authors: Ruiz-Picazo David , Jiménez-Ortega Plácido , Doñate-Pérez Francisco , Gaspar-Aparicio Natalia , García-Martín Victor , Ramírez-Villaescusa José , Losa-Palacios Sergio
Published: August 2019

Introduction. Flexible flatfoot (FFF) is one of the most common skeletal disorders in children. In symptomatic patients who do not respond to conservative measures, surgery may be an option. Subtalar arthroereisis consists of limiting excessive eversion of the subtalar joint through different types of implants. Materials and Methods. We carried out a retrospective study of 16 patients (32 feet) intervened for FFF with a subtalar device (arthroereisis), across the period of 2008-2015 with a minimum follow-up period of one year. Pre- and postoperative measures of the Moreau-Costa-Bartani angle, dorsoplantar (DP) and lateral (L) talocalcaneal angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and naviculocuboid overlap were used to evaluate correction of the deformity. Two expert surgeons from the Pediatric Orthopedics Unit took separate measurements of these angles for subsequent analysis purposes and to obtain the interobserver correlation coefficient for quantitative variables. Pre- and postoperative differences in the measurement of angles were ascertained using Student’s t-test for paired samples; and a functional evaluation of the patients intervened was carried out pre- and postoperatively by administering the parent version of the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C) during a clinical interview. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS v. 19.0 program (SPSS, Chicago, IL), with values being deemed statistically significant at p<0.05. Results. A breakdown of the study population showed 81.25% (13 patients) males and 18.75% (3 patients) females, with mean age of 9 years (7-11). The interobserver coefficient for quantitative variables displayed a very high degree of concordance (0.7-0.9), indicating that the validity of the measures was adequate. Pre- and postoperative analysis of differences in the measurement of angles was statistically significant (p<0.005). In terms of functional evaluation, the postoperative results were positive, with statistical significance for the “school and play”, “emotional”, and “footwear” domains of the OxAFQ-C scale and no differences in the “physical” domain. Conclusion. Subtalar arthroereisis is a valid option for the treatment of symptomatic pediatric flatfoot, with good postoperative functional and radiographic results.
Analytical Modeling and Simulation of an Electromagnetic Energy Harvester for Pulsating Fluid Flow in Pipeline
Authors: Bakhtiar Sadia , Khan Farid Ullah
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the analytical modeling and simulation of an electromagnetic energy harvester (having linear behaviour) that generates power from pulsating fluid flow for pipeline condition monitoring systems. The modeled energy harvester is comprised of a cylindrical permanent magnet and a wound coil attached to a flexible membrane which oscillates due to the pulsating fluid flow in the pipe over which the prototype is considered to be mounted. In the harvester electrical energy is produced due to the relative motion between the coil and magnet. Based on the harvester’s architecture a lumped parameter model (single degree of freedom system) is developed and is simulated at different physical operational conditions. The simulation is performed at pressure amplitude of 625 Pa. When subjected to the operational frequency sweep, at the harvester’s resonant frequency (500 Hz) and damping ratio of 0.01, the devised model predicted the maximum open circuit voltage of 2.55 V and load voltage of 1.27 V. While operating under resonance, the maximum load voltage of 2.45 V is estimated at load resistance of 100 Ω. However, at an optimum load of 4.3 Ω, the simulation shows a production of 188151.2 μW power at a frequency of 500 Hz.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Blast‐Induced Vibration for Short‐Delay Cut Blasting in Underground Mining
Authors: Huang Dan , Qiu Xianyang , Shi Xiuzhi , Gou Yonggang , Zhou Jian
Published: August 2019

It is essential to control the damage to the surrounding rock and engineering structures in the process of cut blasting with a single free surface in underground mining. To reduce vibration induced by cut blasting, this paper proposes short‐delay cut blasting, in which blast holes that are near each other are sequentially initiated with short‐delay times. Experimental tests of cut blasting were conducted in a roadway in the Shaxi copper mine to compare the peak particle velocity (PPV) and frequency characteristics of simultaneous blasting and short‐delay blasting. Numerical modelling was then developed to study the influence of short‐delay times on blast vibration. The accuracy of the numerical simulation was verified by the comparison of the test and simulated data of single‐hole blasting. The results show that the amplitude reduction ratio (ARR) value increases gradually with the increase in delay intervals, and the vibration reduction for delay intervals smaller than 6 ms is very limited, particularly in the near field. The principal frequencies (PFs) for short‐delay blasting are similar to those for simultaneous blasting, which implies that the frequencies do not increase directly with the decrease of the delay intervals. The experimental tests also show that the mean frequencies (MFs) for the 8 ms delay are slightly higher than those for the 0 ms delay blast. In the case of ensuring the rock breaking of cut blasting, longer delay intervals of 8∼10 ms are beneficial to further reduce PPV in practical blasting.
Medical Image Segmentation Algorithm Based on Feedback Mechanism CNN
Authors: An Feng-Ping , Liu Zhi-Wen
Published: August 2019

With the development of computer vision and image segmentation technology, medical image segmentation and recognition technology has become an important part of computer-aided diagnosis. The traditional image segmentation method relies on artificial means to extract and select information such as edges, colors, and textures in the image. It not only consumes considerable energy resources and people’s time but also requires certain expertise to obtain useful feature information, which no longer meets the practical application requirements of medical image segmentation and recognition. As an efficient image segmentation method, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely promoted and applied in the field of medical image segmentation. However, CNNs that rely on simple feedforward methods have not met the actual needs of the rapid development of the medical field. Thus, this paper is inspired by the feedback mechanism of the human visual cortex, and an effective feedback mechanism calculation model and operation framework is proposed, and the feedback optimization problem is presented. A new feedback convolutional neural network algorithm based on neuron screening and neuron visual information recovery is constructed. So, a medical image segmentation algorithm based on a feedback mechanism convolutional neural network is proposed. The basic idea is as follows: The model for obtaining an initial region with the segmented medical image classifies the pixel block samples in the segmented image. Then, the initial results are optimized by threshold segmentation and morphological methods to obtain accurate medical image segmentation results. Experiments show that the proposed segmentation method has not only high segmentation accuracy but also extremely high adaptive segmentation ability for various medical images. The research in this paper provides a new perspective for medical image segmentation research. It is a new attempt to explore more advanced intelligent medical image segmentation methods. It also provides technical approaches and methods for further development and improvement of adaptive medical image segmentation technology.