bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Stage Revision Surgery in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: A PRISMA Systematic Review
Authors: Yaghmour Khaled M. , Chisari Emanuele , Khan Wasim S.
Published: February 2019

Periprosthetic joint infection in total knee arthroplasty is a significant complication that is a common reason for revision surgery. The current standard of care is two-stage revision surgery. There is however increasing evidence to support the use of single-stage revision surgery. We conducted a PRISMA systematic review of the current evidence on the use of single-stage revision for infected total knee arthroplasty. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library) were systematically screened for eligible studies. The risk bias of each study was identified using ROBINS-I tool, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria. Sixteen articles were retained after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria that evaluated 3645 knee single-stage revision surgeries. Our review reveals satisfactory outcomes for single-stage revision in the management of infected total knee arthroplasty. The reinfection rates in the studies included in our review varied however the majority reported low reinfection rates and good functional outcomes. Although strict patient selection criteria have yielded successful results, good results were also reported when these criteria were not applied. The greater use of risk factors in identifying patients likely to have a successful outcome needs to be balanced with the practical benefits of performing a single stage procedure in higher risk patients. Future large clinical randomized control trials are required to confirm our results.
Effects of Adding Interferential Therapy Electro-Massage to Usual Care after Surgery in Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Albornoz-Cabello Manuel , Sanchez-Santos Jose Antonio , Melero-Suarez Rocio , Heredia-Rizo Alberto Marcos , Espejo-Antunez Luis
Published: February 2019

Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is a prevalent condition that results in loss of function. Surgery is indicated when pain and functional limitations persist after conservative measures, with scarce evidence about the most-appropriate post-operative approach. Interferential therapy (IFT), as a supplement to other interventions, has shown to relieve musculoskeletal pain. The study aim was to investigate the effects of adding IFT electro-massage to usual care after surgery in adults with SAPS. A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial was carried out. Fifty-six adults with SAPS, who underwent acromioplasty in the previous 12 weeks, were equally distributed into an IFT electro-massage group or a control group. All participants underwent a two-week intervention (three times per week). The control group received usual care (thermotherapy, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and ultrasound). For participants in the IFT electro-massage group, a 15-min IFT electro-massage was added to usual care in every session. Shoulder pain intensity was assessed with a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Secondary measures included upper limb functionality (Constant-Murley score), and pain-free passive range of movement. A blinded evaluator collected outcomes at baseline and after the last treatment session. The ANOVA revealed a significant group effect, for those who received IFT electro-massage, for improvements in pain intensity, upper limb function, and shoulder flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation (all, p < 0.01). There were no between-group differences for shoulder extension (p = 0.531) and adduction (p = 0.340). Adding IFT electro-massage to usual care, including manual therapy and exercises, revealed greater positive effects on pain, upper limb function, and mobility in adults with SAPS after acromioplasty.
Features of Autosomal Recessive Alport Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Jiwon M. , Nozu Kandai , Choi Dae Eun , Kang Hee Gyung , Ha II-Soo , Cheong Hae II
Published: February 2019

Alport syndrome (AS) is one of the most frequent hereditary nephritis leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although X-linked (XLAS) inheritance is the most common form, cases with autosomal recessive inheritance with mutations in COL4A3 or COL4A4 are being increasingly recognized. A systematic review was conducted on autosomal recessive Alport syndrome (ARAS). Electronic databases were searched using related terms (until Oct 10th, 2018). From 1601 articles searched, there were 26 eligible studies with 148 patients. Female and male patients were equally affected. About 62% of patients had ESRD, 64% had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and 17% had ocular manifestation. The median at onset was 2.5 years for hematuria (HU), 21 years for ESRD, and 13 years for SNHL. Patients without missense mutations had more severe outcomes at earlier ages, while those who had one or two missense mutations had delayed onset and lower prevalence of extrarenal manifestations. Of 49 patients with kidney biopsy available for electron microscopy (EM) pathology, 42 (86%) had typical glomerular basement membrane (GBM) changes, while 5 (10%) patients showed GBM thinning only. SNHL developed earlier than previously reported. There was a genotype phenotype correlation according to the number of missense mutations. Patients with missense mutations had delayed onset of hematuria, ESRD, and SNHL and lower prevalence of extrarenal manifestations.
The Effect of Daily Iron Supplementation with 60 mg Ferrous Sulfate for 12 Weeks on Non-Transferrin Bound Iron Concentrations in Women with a High Prevalence of Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Steele Shannon L. , Kroeun Hou , Karakochuk Crystal D.
Published: February 2019

There is a lack of evidence for the safety of untargeted daily iron supplementation in women, especially in countries such as Cambodia, where both anemia and hemoglobinopathies are common. Our aim was to assess serum non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI), a toxic biochemical that accumulates in blood when too much iron is absorbed, in Cambodian women who received daily iron supplements in accordance with the 2016 global World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We used fasting venous blood samples that were collected in a 2015 supplementation trial among predominantly anemic Cambodian women (18–45 years). Serum NTBI was measured with use of the FeROS™ eLPI assay (Aferrix Ltd., Tel-Aviv, Israel) in randomly selected sub-groups of women who received 60 mg daily elemental iron as ferrous sulfate (n = 50) or a placebo (n = 50) for 12 weeks. Overall, n = 17/100 (17%) of women had an elevated serum NTBI concentration (≥0.1 μmol/L) at 12 weeks; n = 9 in the Fe group and n = 8 in the placebo group. Elevated serum NTBI concentration was not associated with age, iron supplementation, transferrin saturation or severe hemoglobinopathies (p > 0.05). In this population of women with a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies, we found that daily iron supplementation was not associated with elevated serum NTBI concentrations at 12 weeks, as compared to placebo.
Risk Factors for Same Pathogen Sepsis Readmission Following Hospitalization for Septic Shock
Authors: Kim June-sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Ryoo Seung Mok , Sohn Chang Hwan , Ahn Shin , Seo Dong Woo , Lim Kyoung Soo , Kim Won Young
Published: February 2019

(1) Background: Septic shock survivors frequently readmit because of subsequent infection. This study aimed to determine the rate and risk factors for same pathogen sepsis readmissions following hospitalization for septic shock. (2) Methods: We performed this retrospective study using data from a prospective septic shock registry at a single urban tertiary center. All the patients were treated with a protocol-driven resuscitation bundle therapy between 2011 and 2016. We collected data from adult (older than 18 years) patients readmitted with sepsis within 90 days of discharge following hospitalization for septic shock. (3) Results: Among 2062 septic shock patients, 690 were readmitted within 90 days of discharge. After excluding scheduled and non-sepsis admissions, we analyzed the data from 274 (13.3%) patients readmitted for sepsis. Most of the readmissions following septic shock were new infections rather than relapses of the initial infection. The culture-negative rate was 51.4% (141/274), while the same pathogen was isolated in 25% of cases (69/274). Multivariate analysis revealed that previous gram-negative bacteremia (OR, 9.902; 95% CI, 2.843–34.489), urinary tract infection (OR, 4.331; 95% CI, 1.723–10.882) and same site infection (OR, 6.894; 95% CI, 2.390–19.886) were significantly associated with readmission for sepsis caused by the same pathogen. (4) Conclusions: The sepsis readmission rate following the previous hospitalization for septic shock was 13.3% and one-quarter of those patients had the same pathogen isolated. Previous gram-negative bacteremia, and/or same site infection are predisposing factors for recurrent same-pathogen sepsis.
The Homuncular Jigsaw: Investigations of Phantom Limb and Body Awareness Following Brachial Plexus Block or Avulsion
Authors: Pazzaglia Mariella , Leemhuis Erik , Giannini Anna Maria , Haggard Patrick
Published: February 2019

Many neuropsychological theories agree that the brain maintains a relatively persistent representation of one’s own body, as indicated by vivid “phantom” experiences. It remains unclear how the loss of sensory and motor information contributes to the presence of this representation. Here, we focus on new empirical and theoretical evidence of phantom sensations following damage to or an anesthetic block of the brachial plexus. We suggest a crucial role of this structure in understanding the interaction between peripheral and central mechanisms in health and in pathology. Studies of brachial plexus function have shed new light on how neuroplasticity enables “somatotopic interferences”, including pain and body awareness. Understanding the relations among clinical disorders, their neural substrate, and behavioral outcomes may enhance methods of sensory rehabilitation for phantom limbs.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Family in the Progression of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Teishima Jun , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Nagamatsu Hirotaka , Shoji Koichi , Shikuma Hiroyuki , Yamanaka Ryoken , Sekino Yohei , Goto Keisuke , Inoue Shogo , Matsubara Akio
Published: February 2019

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and FGF receptors (FGFRs) play an important role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and the development and differentiation of prostate tissue through epithelial-stromal interactions. Aberrations of this signaling are linked to the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). The FGF family includes two subfamilies, paracrine FGFs and endocrine FGFs. Paracrine FGFs directly bind the extracellular domain of FGFRs and act as a growth factor through the activation of tyrosine kinase signaling. Endocrine FGFs have a low affinity of heparin/heparan sulfate and are easy to circulate in serum. Their biological function is exerted as both a growth factor binding FGFRs with co-receptors and as an endocrine molecule. Many studies have demonstrated the significance of these FGFs and FGFRs in the development and progression of PCa. Herein, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the role of FGFs and FGFRs—including paracrine FGFs, endocrine FGFs, and FGFRs—in the development and progression of PCa, focusing on the representative molecules in each subfamily.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Aerobic and Coordinative Training on Neural Correlates of Inhibitory Control in Children
Authors: Ludyga Sebastian , Koutsandréou Flora , Reuter Eva-Maria , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia , Budde Henning
Published: February 2019

Whereas aerobic training has found to be beneficial for inhibitory control, less is known on the efficiency of other exercise types in children. The present study compared the effects of aerobic and coordinative training on behavioral and neurophysiological measures of inhibitory control. Forty-five children were randomly assigned (1:1:1 ratio) to groups performing aerobic training, coordinative training or assisted homework sessions over 10 weeks. Before and after intervention, all participants completed a Flanker task. The P300 component of event-related potentials elicited from the task was recorded via electroencephalography. Additionally, aerobic fitness and gross-motor skills were assessed using 20 m Shuttle Run and Heidelberg Gross-Motor Test, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed no time by group interactions for the P300 component (amplitude, latency), p = 0.976, η2 = 0.007, and behavioral performance (reaction time, accuracy), p = 0.570, η2 = 0.045. In contrast, there was a significant group-difference in pre- to post-test changes in aerobic fitness, p = 0.008, η2 = 0.246, with greater improvements following aerobic and coordinative training compared to assisted homework sessions. In conclusion, no differences regarding the efficiency of aerobic and coordinative training for the enhancement of inhibitory control were found as both exercise programs failed to elicit changes in speed and accuracy of stimulus evaluation and the allocation of attentional resources.
Interaction of Swell and Sea Waves with Partially Reflective Structures for Possible Engineering Applications
Authors: Lira-Loarca Andrea , Baquerizo Asunción , Longo Sandro
Published: February 2019

In this work, we investigate the interaction between the combination of wind-driven and regular waves and a chamber defined by a rigid wall and a thin vertical semi-submerged barrier. A series of laboratory experiments were performed with different values of incident wave height, wave period, and wind speed. The analysis focuses on the effect of the geometry of the system characterized in terms of its relative submergence d/h and relative width B/L. Results show that for the case of d/h = 0.58 a resonant effect takes place inside the chamber regardless of the wind speed. Wind-driven waves have a higher influence on the variation of the wave period of the waves seaward and leeward of the plate, as well as on the phase lag. Results show that the amplification or reduction of the wave energy inside the chamber is closely related to the wave period as compared to the 1st order natural period of the chamber.
An Operational Wave System within the Monitoring Program of a Mediterranean Beach
Authors: Ruju Andrea , Passarella Marinella , Trogu Daniele , Buosi Carla , Ibba Angelo , De Muro Sandro
Published: February 2019

This work assesses the performance of an operational wave system in the Mediterranean Sea by comparing computed data with measurements collected at different water depths. Nearshore data measurements were collected through a field experiment carried out at Poetto beach (Southern Sardinia, Italy) during spring 2017. In addition to coastal observations, we use intermediate and deep water wave data measured by two buoys: one situated North-West of Corsica and the other in the Gulf of Lion. The operational wave system runs once a day to predict the wave evolution up to five days in advance. We use a multi-grid approach in which a large grid extends over the entire Mediterranean basin and a fine grid covers the coastal seas surrounding the islands of Sardinia and Corsica. The comparison with measurements shows that the operational wave system is able to satisfactorily reproduce the wave evolution in deep and intermediate waters where the relative error of the significant wave height is 17%. The error exceeding 25% in coastal waters suggests that the use of a finer grid and the coupling with an atmospheric model able to catch local effects is advisable to accurately address nearshore wave processes driven by coastal wind forcing.
In Vitro Anti-Biofilm Activities of Citral and Thymol Against Candida Tropicalis
Authors: Chatrath Apurva , Gangwar Rashmi , Kumari Poonam , Prasad Ramasare
Published: February 2019

Candida tropicalis is an emerging non-albicans Candida species which is pathogenic to the immune-compromised humans, especially in tropical countries, including India. The acquired resistance of Candida species towards antifungal therapies is of major concern. Moreover, limited efficacy and dosage constraint of synthetic drugs have indicated the prerequisite of finding new and natural drugs for treatment. In the present study, we have compared the influence of citral and thymol on C. tropicalis and its biofilm along with expression levels of certain antifungal tolerance genes. The antifungal and anti-biofilm activities of the both were studied using 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide sodium salt (XTT) reduction assay, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Citral and thymol have damaged the cells with distorted surface and less viability. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed augmented expression of the cell membrane biosynthesis genes including ERG11/CYT450 against citral and the cell wall related tolerance genes involving CNB1 against thymol thus, depicting their differential mode of actions.
Low-Digit and High-Digit Polymers in the Origin of Life
Authors: Strazewski Peter
Published: February 2019

Extant life uses two kinds of linear biopolymers that mutually control their own production, as well as the cellular metabolism and the production and homeostatic maintenance of other biopolymers. Nucleic acids are linear polymers composed of a relatively low structural variety of monomeric residues, and thus a low diversity per accessed volume. Proteins are more compact linear polymers that dispose of a huge compositional diversity even at the monomeric level, and thus bear a much higher catalytic potential. The fine-grained diversity of proteins makes an unambiguous information transfer from protein templates too error-prone, so they need to be resynthesized in every generation. But proteins can catalyse both their own reproduction as well as the efficient and faithful replication of nucleic acids, which resolves in a most straightforward way an issue termed “Eigen’s paradox”. Here the importance of the existence of both kinds of linear biopolymers is discussed in the context of the emergence of cellular life, be it for the historic orgin of life on Earth, on some other habitable planet, or in the test tube. An immediate consequence of this analysis is the necessity for translation to appear early during the evolution of life.
IPS e.max for All-Ceramic Restorations: Clinical Survival and Success Rates of Full-Coverage Crowns and Fixed Partial Dentures
Authors: Brandt Silvia , Winter Anna , Lauer Hans-Christoph , Kollmar Fritz , Portscher-Kim Soo-Jeong , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: February 2019

The IPS e.max system by Ivoclar Vivadent, offering a variety of products and indications, is widely used for all-ceramic restorations. We analyzed the clinical track record of these products in daily clinical practice, associating their restorative survival rate with various parameters to define recommendations for long-term stability. A total of 1058 full-coverage crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) were evaluated retrospectively over up to 66.48 (37.05 ± 18.4) months. All were made of IPS e.max Press, IPS e.max CAD, IPS e.max Ceram or IPS e.max ZirPress and had been delivered by a private dental practice within three years. Uses not recommended by the manufacturer were also deliberately included. The five-year cumulative survival was 94.22% (i.e., 94.69% or 90.58% for glass-ceramic crowns or FDPs and 100% or 90.06% for zirconia-based crowns or FDPs). Significantly superior outcomes emerged for conventional vs. adhesive cementation and for vital vs. non-vital abutment teeth, but not for recommended vs. non-recommended uses. Caution is required in restoring non-vital teeth, but the spectrum of recommended uses should generally be reconsidered and expanded, given our finding of high survival and success rates for IPS e.max ceramics, even for uses not currently recommended by the manufacturer.
Mechanical Properties and Sulfate Resistance of High Volume Fly Ash Cement Mortars with Air-Cooled Slag as Fine Aggregate and Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Kim Jun Hyeong , Qudoos Abdul , Jakhrani Sadam Hussain , Atta-ur-Rehman  , Lee Jeong Bae , Kim Seong Soo , Ryou Jae-Suk
Published: February 2019

The depletion of natural sand and production of the huge amount of cement in the construction industry are serious threats to the environment, which can be reduced by the utilization of by-products as cement replacement material. In this study, cement was replaced with fly ash up to 45% (by weight). In addition, the natural fine aggregate was replaced with air-cooled blast furnace slag aggregate (here referred to as “slag aggregate”) at a level of 50% and 100% (by weight). Polypropylene fiber was also added, at a dosage of 0.25% of binder weight. Mortar specimens were prepared and analyzed using tests for compressive, flexure, and splitting tensile strength, as well as for microhardness, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. In addition, the specimens were exposed to sulfate solution and investigated for changes in length, mass, and compressive strength. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were performed to examine the microstructure and phase changes of mortar specimens exposed to sulfate solution. The results indicate that mortar specimens made with 50% slag aggregate and 0.25 % fiber showed enhanced mechanical properties. The performance of slag aggregate mortars under sulfate attack was improved significantly.
Electrical and Thermal Transport Properties of Layered Superconducting Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.86Pt0.14)2As2)5 Single Crystal
Authors: Wu Dapeng , Meng Xiaodong , Zhai Yingying , Yu Huaming , Yu Jiao , Qi Yang
Published: February 2019

We have synthesized single crystals of iron-based superconducting Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.86Pt0.14)2As2)5 and performed extensive measurements on their transport properties. A remarkable difference in the behavior and a large anisotropy between in-plane and out-of-plane resistivity was observed. Disorder could explain the in-plane square-root temperature dependence resistivity, and interlayer incoherent scattering may contribute to the out-of-plane transport property. Along the ab plane, the estimated value of the coherence length is 15.5 Å. From measurements of the upper critical magnetic field Hc2 (T ≥ 20 K), we estimate Hc2(0) = 313 T. Thermal conductivity for Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.86Pt0.14)2As2)5 is relatively small, which can be accounted for by the disorder in the crystal and the low-charge carrier density as verified by the Hall effect.
Dynamic Performance of a Squeeze Film Damper with a Cylindrical Roller Bearing under a Large Static Radial Loading Range
Authors: Meeus Hans , Fiszer Jakob , Van De Velde Gabriël , Verrelst Björn , Desmet Wim , Guillaume Patrick , Lefeber Dirk
Published: February 2019

Turbomachine rotors, supported by little damped rolling element bearings, are generally sensitive to unbalance excitation. Accordingly, most machines incorporate squeeze film damper technology to dissipate mechanical energy caused by rotor vibrations and to ensure stable operation. When developing a novel geared turbomachine able to cover a large power range, a uniform mechanical drivetrain needs to perform well over the large operational loading range. Especially, the rotor support, containing a squeeze film damper and cylindrical roller bearing in series, is of vital importance in this respect. Thus, the direct objective of this research project was to map the performance of the envisioned rotor support by estimating the damping ratio based on the simulated and measured vibration response during run-up. An academic test rig was developed to provide an in-depth analysis on the key components in a more controlled setting. Both the numerical simulation and measurement results exposed severe vibration problems for an insufficiently radial loaded bearing due to a pronounced anisotropic bearing stiffness. As a result, a split first whirl mode arose with its backward component heavily triggered by the synchronous unbalance excitation. Hence, the proposed SFD does not function properly in the lower radial loading range. Increasing the static load on the bearing or providing a modified rotor support for the lower power variants will help mitigating the vibration issues.
Field Induced Single Ion Magnetic Behaviour in Square-Pyramidal Cobalt(II) Complexes with Easy-Plane Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Mondal Amit Kumar , Mondal Arpan , Konar Sanjit
Published: February 2019

Two penta-coordinate CoII complexes with formulae [Co(14-TMC)Cl](BF4) (1, 14-TMC = 1,4,8,11-Tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) and [Co(12-TBC)Cl](ClO4)·(MeCN) (2, 12-TBC = 1,4,7,10-Tetrabenzyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) were synthesized and characterized. Structural analysis revealed that ligand coordinates to the CoII centre in a tetradentate fashion and the fifth position is occupied by chloride ion and the geometries around CoII centres are best described as distorted square pyramidal. Detailed magnetic measurements disclose the presence of significant easy-plane magnetic anisotropy and field induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviours of the studied complexes. More insight into the magnetic anisotropy has been given using ab initio theory calculations, which agree well with the experimental values and further confirmed the easy-plane magnetic anisotropy.
Hybrid Mann Viscosity Implicit Iteration Methods for Triple Hierarchical Variational Inequalities, Systems of Variational Inequalities and Fixed Point Problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Yuan Qing
Published: February 2019

In the present work, we introduce a hybrid Mann viscosity-like implicit iteration to find solutions of a monotone classical variational inequality with a variational inequality constraint over the common solution set of a general system of variational inequalities and a problem of common fixed points of an asymptotically nonexpansive mapping and a countable of uniformly Lipschitzian pseudocontractive mappings in Hilbert spaces, which is called the triple hierarchical constrained variational inequality. Strong convergence of the proposed method to the unique solution of the problem is guaranteed under some suitable assumptions. As a sub-result, we provide an algorithm to solve problem of common fixed points of pseudocontractive, nonexpansive mappings, variational inequality problems and generalized mixed bifunction equilibrium problems in Hilbert spaces.
ON H+Type Multivalued Contractions and Applications in Symmetric and Probabilistic Spaces
Authors: Patle Pradip , Patel Deepesh , Aydi Hassen , Radenović Stojan
Published: February 2019

The main idea in this article is to establish some fixed and common fixed point results for multivalued H + -type contraction mappings in symmetric spaces. New results are accompanied with illustrative examples. An application of the obtained results to probabilistic spaces is presented.
Chaotic Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Incorporating Clone Immunity
Authors: Sun Ying , Gao Yuelin , Shi Xudong
Published: February 2019

It is generally known that the balance between convergence and diversity is a key issue for solving multi-objective optimization problems. Thus, a chaotic multi-objective particle swarm optimization approach incorporating clone immunity (CICMOPSO) is proposed in this paper. First, points in a non-dominated solution set are mapped to a parallel-cell coordinate system. Then, the status of the particles is evaluated by the Pareto entropy and difference entropy. At the same time, the algorithm parameters are adjusted by feedback information. At the late stage of the algorithm, the local-search ability of the particle swarm still needs to be improved. Logistic mapping and the neighboring immune operator are used to maintain and change the external archive. Experimental test results show that the convergence and diversity of the algorithm are improved.
Glycerolipid Composition of the Red Macroalga Agarophyton Chilensis and Comparison to the Closely Related Agarophyton Vermiculophyllum Producing Different Types of Eicosanoids
Authors: Honda Masaki , Ishimaru Takashi , Itabashi Yutaka , Vyssotski Mikhail
Published: February 2019

The red macroalga Agarophyton chilensis is a well-known producer of eicosanoids such as hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, but the alga produces almost no prostaglandins, unlike the closely related A. vermiculophyllum. This indicates that the related two algae would have different enzyme systems or substrate composition. To carry out more in-depth discussions on the metabolic pathway of eicosanoids between the two algae, we investigated the characteristics of glycerolipids, which are the substrates of eicosanoids production, of A. chilensis and compared them to the reported values of A. vermiculophyllum. In A. chilensis, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were the major lipid classes and accounted for 44.4% of the total lipid extract. The predominant fatty acids were arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), an eicosanoids precursor, and palmitic acid (16:0). The 20:4n-6 content was extremely high in MGDG and PC (>70%), and the 16:0 content was extremely high in DGDG and SQDG (>40%). A chiral-phase HPLC analysis showed that fatty acids were esterified at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of those lipids. The glycerolipid molecular species were determined by reversed-phase HPLC–ESI–MS analysis. The main glycerolipid molecular species were 20:4n-6/20:4n-6 (sn-1/sn-2) for MGDG (63.8%) and PC (48.2%), 20:4n-6/16:0 for DGDG (71.1%) and SQDG (29.4%). These lipid characteristics of A. chilensis were almost the same as those of A. vermiculophyllum. Hence, the differences of the eicosanoids producing ability between the two algae would not be due to the difference of substrate composition but the difference of enzyme system.
Clinical Value of Presepsin in Comparison to hsCRP as a Monitoring and Early Prognostic Marker for Sepsis in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Hassan Elham A. , Abdel Rehim Abeer S. , Ahmed Asmaa O. , Abdullahtif Hanan , Attia Alaa
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives: Sepsis carries a poor prognosis for critically ill patients, even withintensive management. We aimed to determined early predictors of sepsis-related in-hospital mortality and to monitor levels of presepsin and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) during admission relative to the applied treatment and the development of complications. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted on 68 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis. Blood samples from each patient were collected at admission (day 0) for measuring presepsin, hsCRP, biochemical examination, complete blood picture and microbiological culture and at the third day (day 3) for measuring presepsin and hsCRP. Predictors of sepsis-related in-hospital mortality were assessed using regression analysis. Predictive abilities of presepsin and hsCRP were compared using the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the overall survival rate. Results: Results showed that the sepsis-related in-hospital mortality was 64.6%. The day 0 presepsin and SOFA scores were associated with this mortality. Presepsin levels were significantly higher at days 0 and 3 in non-survivors vs. survivors (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001 respectively) and it decreased over the three days in survivors. Presepsin had a higher prognostic accuracy than hsCRP at all the evaluated times. Conclusions: Overall, in comparison with hsCRP, presepsin was an early predictor of sepsis-related in-hospital mortality in ICU patients. Changes in presepsin concentrations over time may be useful for sepsis monitoring, which in turn could be useful for stratifying high-risk patients on ICU admission that benefit from intensive treatment.
The Relationship between Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lesions and 24-Hour Rhythm Holter Findings in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Gürdoğan Muhammet , Kehaya Sezgin , Korkmaz Selçuk , Altay Servet , Özkan Uğur , Kaya Çağlar
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives: Cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings of patients considered to be cryptogenic stroke may be useful in determining the clinical and prognostic significance of arrhythmias, such as atrial premature beats and atrial run attacks, that are frequently encountered in rhythm Holter analysis. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between short atrial runs and frequent premature atrial contractions detected in Holter monitors and infarct distributions in cranial magnetic resonance imaging of patients diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke. Materials and Methods: We enrolled the patients with acute ischemic stroke whose etiology were undetermined. We divided the patients in two groups according to diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as single or multiple vascular territory acute infarcts. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and rhythm Holter analyses were compared. Results: The study investigated 106 patients diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke. Acute cerebral infarctions were detected in 31% of the investigated patients in multiple territories and in 69% in a single territory. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the total premature atrial contraction count (OR = 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001–1.004, p = 0.001) and short atrial run count (OR = 1.086, 95% CI: 1.021–1.155, p = 0.008) were found as independent variables that could distinguish between infarctions in a single or in multiple vascular territories. Conclusions: Rhythm Holter monitoring of patients with infarcts detected in multiple vascular territories showed significantly higher premature atrial contractions and short atrial run attacks. More effort should be devoted to the identification of cardioembolic etiology in cryptogenic stroke patients with concurrent acute infarcts in the multiple vascular territories of the brain.
Hard Metal Production by ERS: Processing Parameter Roles in Final Properties
Authors: Gallardo José María , Agote Iñigo , Astacio Raquel , Schubert Thomas , Cintas Jesús , Montes Juan Manuel , Torres Yadir , Cuevas Francisco G.
Published: February 2019

Cemented carbide is a hard composite material, used widely in a variety of industries. The value of the global tungsten carbide market is expected to grow by 4.4% (compound annual growth rate) from 2017 to 2022. One of the main markets is in metal cutting and wear parts, where small pieces (or inserts), a few grams in weight, are used. Field-assisted sintering technique (FAST) technologies allow for the production of small blanks in a single step from powder, which are near final dimensions. Production cycles are very short. In this paper, one of the FAST processes, the ERS technology, is applied to obtain WC10Co parts. A review of the process variable effects on the final properties of the parts is accomplished. Final properties of a range of conventionally produced inserts are obtained, using 100 MPa compacting pressure, 80 MA/m2 of current density, and processing times of around 800 ms.
Effect of Saliva and Mucin-Based Saliva Substitutes on Fretting Processes of 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Mystkowska Joanna , Łysik Dawid , Klekotka Marcin
Published: February 2019

The paper presents the results of research of the fretting process of 316 austenitic stainless steel in the environment of natural saliva and mucin-based saliva preparations. The aim of the work was the evaluation of synthetic saliva preparations on biomaterial wear during fretting and fretting-corrosion. The fretting process, in the oscillatory micro-movements conditions, occurs in the joints of removable dentures, especially during the chewing phase. Fretting usually leads to the intensification of fatigue damage processes of materials. Experimental research, through rheological, fretting, fretting-corrosion, and microscopic analysis were performed. Tests indicate that natural saliva and saliva preparations are similar in terms of viscoelastic properties. The statistically significant proposed saliva solutions reduced the material wear in comparison to dry sliding, which is important in the case of people with saliva secretion problem. The addition of xanthan gum to the artificial saliva composition improved rheological characteristics, but on the other hand, led to an increase of secondary wear. It was confirmed by the volumetric wear of the samples and evaluation of energy dissipated during friction. Fretting-corrosion processes were explained by a mechanism related to crevice corrosion supported by friction.
Modification of Microstructure and Texture in Highly Non-Flammable Mg-Al-Zn-Y-Ca Alloy Sheets by Controlled Thermomechanical Processes
Authors: Yi Sangbong , Victoria-Hernández José , Kim Young Min , Letzig Dietmar , You Bong Sun
Published: February 2019

The influence of rolling temperature and pass reduction degree on microstructure and texture evolution was investigated using an AZXW3100 alloy, Mg-3Al-1Zn-0.5Ca-0.5Y, in wt.%. The change in the rolling schedule had a significant influence on the resulting texture and microstructure from the rolling and subsequent annealing. A relatively strong basal-type texture with a basal pole split into the rolling direction was formed by rolling at 450 °C with a decreasing scheme of the pass reduction degrees with a rolling step, while the tilted basal poles in the transverse direction were developed by using an increasing scheme of the pass reduction degrees. Rolling at 500 °C results in a further distinct texture type with a far more largely tilted basal pole into the rolling direction. The directional anisotropy of the mechanical properties in the annealed sheets was caused by the texture and microstructural features, which were in turn influenced by the rolling condition. The Erichsen index of the sheets varied in accordance to the texture sharpness, i.e., the weaker the texture the higher the formability. The sheet with a tetrarchy distribution of the basal poles into the transverse and rolling directions shows an excellent formability with an average Erichsen index of 8.1.
A New Empirical Life Prediction Model for 9–12%Cr Steels under Low Cycle Fatigue and Creep Fatigue Interaction Loadings
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Tianyu , Gong Jianming , Abdel Wahab Magd
Published: February 2019

Low cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep fatigue interaction (CFI) loadings are the main factors resulting in the failure of many critical components in the infrastructure of power plants and aeronautics. Accurate prediction of life spans under specified loading conditions is significant for the design and maintenance of components. In the present study, various LCF and CFI tests are conducted to investigate the effects of temperature, strain amplitude, hold time and hold direction on the fatigue life of P92 steel. To predict fatigue life under different experimental conditions, various conventional life prediction models are evaluated and discussed. Moreover, a new empirical life prediction model is proposed based on the conventional Manson-Coffin-Basquin (MCB) model. The newly proposed model is able to simultaneously consider the effects of temperature, strain amplitude, hold time and hold direction on predicted life. The main advantage is that only the known input experimental parameters are required to perform the prediction. In addition to the validation made through the experimental data of P92 steel conducted in the present paper, the model is also verified through numerous experimental data reported in the literature for various 9–12% Cr steels.
Metabolomic Profiling of Cerebral Palsy Brain Tissue Reveals Novel Central Biomarkers and Biochemical Pathways Associated with the Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alpay Savasan Zeynep , Yilmaz Ali , Ugur Zafer , Aydas Buket , Bahado-Singh Ray O. , Graham Stewart F.
Published: February 2019

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of motor disability in childhood, with complex and heterogeneous etiopathophysiology and clinical presentation. Understanding the metabolic processes associated with the disease may aid in the discovery of preventive measures and therapy. Tissue samples (caudate nucleus) were obtained from post-mortem CP cases (n = 9) and age- and gender-matched control subjects (n = 11). We employed a targeted metabolomics approach using both 1H NMR and direct injection liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (DI/LC-MS/MS). We accurately identified and quantified 55 metabolites using 1H NMR and 186 using DI/LC-MS/MS. Among the 222 detected metabolites, 27 showed significant concentration changes between CP cases and controls. Glycerophospholipids and urea were the most commonly selected metabolites used to develop predictive models capable of discriminating between CP and controls. Metabolomics enrichment analysis identified folate, propanoate, and androgen/estrogen metabolism as the top three significantly perturbed pathways. We report for the first time the metabolomic profiling of post-mortem brain tissue from patients who died from cerebral palsy. These findings could help to further investigate the complex etiopathophysiology of CP while identifying predictive, central biomarkers of CP.
Controls on the Distribution of Invisible and Visible Gold in the Orogenic Gold Deposits of the Yangshan Gold Belt, West Qinling Orogen, China
Authors: Li Nan , Deng Jun , Groves David , Han Ri
Published: February 2019

Six orogenic gold deposits constitute the Yangshan gold belt in the West Qinling Orogen. Gold is mostly invisible in solid solution or in the sulfide lattice, with minor visible gold associated with stibnite and in quartz-calcite veins. Detailed textural and trace-element analysis of sulfides in terms of a newly-erected paragenetic sequence for these deposits, together with previously published data, demonstrate that early magmatic-hydrothermal pyrite in granitic dike host-rocks has much higher Au contents than diagenetic pyrite in metasedimentary host rocks, but lower contents of As, Au, and Cu than ore-stage pyrite. Combined with sulfur isotope data, replacement textures in the gold ores indicate that the auriferous ore-fluids post-dated the granitic dikes and were not magmatic-hydrothermal in origin. There is a strong correlation between the relative activities of S and As and their total abundances in the ore fluid and the siting of gold in the Yangshan gold ores. Mass balance calculations indicate that there is no necessity to invoke remobilization processes to explain the occurrence of gold in the ores. The only exception is the Py1-2 replacement of Py1m, where fluid-mediated coupled dissolution-reprecipitation reactions may have occurred to exchange Au between the two pyrite phases.
Trace Element and Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Lwamondo and Zebediela Kaolins, Limpopo Province, South Africa: Implication for Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
Authors: Raphalalani Avhatakali , Ekosse Georges-Ivo , Odiyo John , Ogola Jason , Bukalo Nenita
Published: February 2019

The aim of the present study was the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the prevailing environment under which the Lwamondo and Zebediela kaolin deposits were formed. Hence, this study reports deuterium and oxygen stable isotope values and trace and rare earth element concentrations for two samples of kaolin. Upper continental crust-normalised trace-element patterns reveal that large ion lithophile elements and high-field-strength elements are generally depleted in Lwamondo and Zebediela kaolins, whereas transition trace elements are generally enriched in these kaolins. Upper continental crust-normalised rare earth element (REE) patterns show that there is a slight enrichment of heavy REEs (HREEs) compared to light REEs (LREEs) in these kaolins. The δ18O and δD stable isotope values for kaolinite from Lwamondo ranged from 17.4‰ to 19.1‰ and from −54‰ to 84‰, respectively, whereas those values for kaolinite from Zebediela varied from 15.6‰ to 17.7‰ and from −61‰ to −68‰ for δ18O and δD, respectively. The REE patterns and the content of other trace elements indicate ongoing kaolinitisation in the Lwamondo and Zebediela kaolins with minimum mineral sorting. The sources of the kaolins varied from basic to acidic and these were derived from an active margin tectonic setting. Lwamondo kaolin was deposited in an oxic environment whereas Zebediela kaolin was deposited under suboxic/anoxic conditions. Based on the δ18O and δD values of the kaolinite, they formed in a supergene environment at temperatures generally below 40 °C.
Olive Leaf Addition Increases Olive Oil Nutraceutical Properties
Authors: Tarchoune Imen , Sgherri Cristina , Eddouzi Jamel , Zinnai Angela , Quartacci Mike Frank , Zarrouk Mokhtar
Published: February 2019

The aim of the present research was to study the effects of olive leaf addition (0 and 3%) on the major antioxidants and the antioxidant activity of Neb Jmel and Oueslati olive oils. Olives and leaves of the two Tunisian varieties were harvested during the 2016/2017 crop season. Both leaves and oils were characterised for their concentrations in phenolics, tocopherols and antioxidant power. Other parameters such as free acidity, peroxide value, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations were also taken into consideration. Compared to Oueslati, the Neb Jmel oil showed a lower free acidity (50%) and peroxide value (5.6-fold), and higher chlorophyll (1.6-fold), total phenolics (1.3-fold), flavonoid (3-fold) and oleuropein derivative (1.5-fold) concentrations, in addition to an increased antioxidant activity (1.6-fold). Leaf addition promoted a significant increment in total chlorophyll, α-tocopherol and phenolics in both varieties, above all in Oueslati oil, due to a higher abundance of bioactive constituents in the corresponding leaves. In particular, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations reached values twice higher than in Neb Jmel leaves, and flavonoids and oleouperin derivatives were three-fold higher. This prevented the oxidation and the formation of peroxides, reducing the peroxide value of the fortified oil to the half. The results provide evidence on the performance of the Tunisian Neb Jmel and Oueslati varieties, showing that their oils present a chemical profile corresponding to the extra virgin olive oil category and that, after leaf addition, their nutritional value was improved.