bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Wastewater Revealed by Genomic Analysis
Authors: Gomi Ryota , Matsuda Tomonari , Yamamoto Masaki , Chou Pei-Hsin , Tanaka Michio , Ichiyama Satoshi , Yoneda Minoru , Matsumura Yasufumi
Published: February 2018

Wastewater is considered a major source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria released into the environment. Here, we characterized carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) in wastewater by whole-genome analysis. Wastewater samples (
n
= 40) were collected from municipal wastewater treatment plants and hospital wastewater in Japan and Taiwan. Samples were screened for CPE using selective media, and the obtained isolates were sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq. The isolates (
n
= 45) included the following microorganisms:
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
(
n
= 12),
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 10),
Enterobacter cloacae
complex (
n
= 10),
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(
n
= 8),
Klebsiella variicola
(
n
= 2),
Raoultella ornithinolytica
(
n
= 1),
Citrobacter freundii
(
n
= 1), and
Citrobacter amalonaticus
(
n
= 1). Among the 45 isolates, 38 harbored at least one carbapenemase-encoding gene. Of these, the
bla
GES
(
bla
GES-5
,
bla
GES-6
, and
bla
GES-24
) genes were found in 29 isolates. The genes were situated in novel class 1 integrons, but the integron structures were different between the Japanese (In1439 with
bla
GES-24
and In1440 with
bla
GES-5
) and Taiwanese (In1441 with
bla
GES-5
and In1442 with
bla
GES-6
) isolates. Other carbapenemase-encoding genes (
bla
VIM-1
,
bla
NDM-5
,
bla
IMP-8
,
bla
IMP-19
, and
bla
KPC-2
) were found in one to three isolates. Notably, class 1 integrons previously reported among clinical isolates obtained in the same regions as the present study, namely, In477 with
bla
IMP-19
and In73 with
bla
IMP-8
, were found among the Japanese and Taiwanese isolates, respectively. The results indicate that CPE with various carbapenemase-encoding genes in different genetic contexts were present in biologically treated wastewater, highlighting the need to monitor for antibiotic resistance in wastewater.
Transferable Plasmid-Borne
mcr-1
in a Colistin-Resistant Shigella flexneri Isolate
Authors: Liang Beibei , Roberts Adam P. , Xu Xuebin , Yang Chaojie , Yang Xiaoxia , Wang Jinyan , Yi Shengjie , Li Yongrui , Ma Qiuxia , Wu Fuli , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin
Published: February 2018

Since the initial discovery of
mcr-1
in an
Escherichia coli
isolate from China, the gene has also been detected in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Salmonella enterica
but is rarely reported in other
Enterobacteriaceae
. Here, we report the isolation and identification of a
Shigella flexneri
strain harboring
mcr-1
from stool samples in a pig farm in China from 2009. The MIC of colistin for the isolate is 4 μg/ml. Conjugation assays showed that the donor
S. flexneri
strain has functional and transferable colistin resistance. Sequencing revealed that
mcr-1
was present on a putative composite transposon flanked by inverted repeats of IS
Apl1
.

IMPORTANCE
There are four species of
Shigella
, and
Shigella flexneri
is the most frequently isolated species in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this study, we report a functional, transferable, plasmid-mediated
mcr-1
gene in
S. flexneri
. We have shown that
mcr-1
is located on a novel composite transposon which is flanked by inverted repeats of IS
Apl1
. The host strain is multidrug resistant, and this multidrug resistance is also transferable. The finding of a functional
mcr-1
gene in
S. flexneri
, a human-associated
Enterobacteriaceae
family member, is a cause for concern as infections due to
S. flexneri
are the main
Shigella
infections in most low- and middle-income countries.
The Many Lives of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Claeys Tiffany A. , Robinson Richard T.
Published: February 2018

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include species that colonize human epithelia, as well as species that are ubiquitous in soil and aquatic environments. NTM that primarily inhabit soil and aquatic environments include the
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) (
M. avium
and
Mycobacterium intracellulare
) and the
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex (MABSC) (
M. abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
,
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
, and
M. abscessus
subsp.
bolletii
) and can be free living, biofilm associated, or amoeba associated. Although NTM are rarely pathogenic in immunocompetent individuals, individuals who are immunocompromised, due to either an inherited or acquired immunodeficiency, are highly susceptible to NTM infection (NTMI). Several characteristics, such as biofilm formation and the ability of select NTM species to form distinct colony morphotypes, all may play a role in pathogenesis that is not observed in the related, well-characterized pathogen
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Different morphotypes of NTM have been recognized and characterized since the 1950s, but the mechanisms that underlie colony phenotype change and subsequent differences in pathogenicity are just beginning to be explored. Advances in genomic analysis have led to progress in identifying genes important to the pathogenesis and persistence of MAC disease as well as in illuminating genetic aspects of different colony morphotypes. Here we review recent literature regarding NTM ecology and transmission, as well as the factors which regulate colony morphotype and pathogenicity.
Foodborne Outbreak of Group G Streptococcal Pharyngitis in a School Dormitory in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Takahiro , Kawahara Ryuji , Katsukawa Chihiro , Kanki Masashi , Harada Tetsuya , Yonogi Shinya , Iwasaki Satomi , Uehara Hirokazu , Okajima Saori , Nishimura Hiroshi , Motomura Kazushi , Miyazono Masaya , Kumeda Yuko , Kawatsu Kentaro
Published: February 2018

In September 2016, 140 patients with primary symptoms of sore throat and fever were identified in a school dormitory in Osaka, Japan. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations determined that these symptomatic conditions were from a foodborne outbreak of group G streptococcus (GGS), with GGS being isolated from samples from patients, cooks, and foods. The strain of GGS was identified asStreptococcus dysgalactiaesubsp.equisimilisof twoemmtypes (stG652.0andstC36.0). The causative food, a broccoli salad, was contaminated with the two types ofS. dysgalactiaesubsp.equisimilis, totaling 1.3 × 104CFU/g. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of samples from patients, cooks, and foods produced similar band patterns among samples with the sameemmtype. This result suggested the possibility of exposure from the contaminated food. The average onset time was 44.9 h and the prevalence rate was 62%. This is the first report to identify the causative food of a foodborne outbreak byStreptococcus dysgalactiaesubsp.equisimilis.
B3GNT3 overexpression is associated with unfavourable survival in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gao Liuwei , Zhang Hua , Zhang Bin , Zhu Jinfang , Chen Chen , Liu Weiran
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-3 (B3GNT3) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to investigate the relevance of B3GNT3 expression in tumour prognosis.

Methods

In this study, B3GNT3 expression was examined in five pairs of resectable NSCLC tissue by Western blot and in 42 pairs of resectable NSCLC tissue by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry and statistical analysis were performed to assess the relationship between B3GNT3 expression scores and clinicopathological parameters, as well as clinical prognosis in a retrospective cohort of 176 NSCLC patients.

Results

Both B3GNT3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in NSCLC tissue than in adjacent normal tissue. In the 176 NSCLC cases, a high B3GNT3 expression level was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and advanced TNM stage (P=0.043). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high B3GNT3 expression had significantly lower disease-free survival (DFS) (P<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.001) than those with low B3GNT3 expression. Moreover, in the multivariate analyses, B3GNT3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 0.329, 95% CI 0.213 to 0.508, P<0.001) and OS (HR 0.383, 95% CI 0.249 to 0.588, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that high expression of B3GNT3 was associated with unfavourable DFS and OS in NSCLC patients, suggesting that B3GNT3 might be a potential prognostic biomarker for NSCLC.
Understanding haemorrhagic risk following thrombolytic therapy in patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk pulmonary embolism: a hypothesis paper
Authors: Abraham Paul , Arroyo Diego A , Giraud Raphael , Bounameaux Henri , Bendjelid Karim
Published: February 2018

While systemic intravenous thrombolysis decreases mortality in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), it clearly increases haemorrhagic risk. There are many contraindications to thrombolysis, and efforts should aim at selecting those patients who will benefit most, without suffering complications. The current review summarises the evidence for the use of thrombolytic therapy in PE. It clarifies the pathophysiological mechanisms in PE and acutecor pulmonalethat increase the risk of bleeding following thrombolysis. It discusses future management challenges, namely tailored drug administration, new treatment monitoring techniques and catheter-directed thrombolysis.
Long-term efficacy and predictors of remission following adalimumab treatment in peripheral spondyloarthritis: 3-year results from ABILITY-2
Authors: Van den Bosch Filip , Mease Philip J , Sieper Joachim , Baeten Dominique L , Xia Yinglin , Chen Su , Pangan Aileen L , Song In-Ho
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Describe efficacy and safety of 3 years of adalimumab treatment in patients with peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) and identify predictors of remission.

Methods

Patients with pSpA were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week or placebo for 12 weeks; a 144-week open-label extension followed (NCT01064856). Remission was assessed by the Peripheral SpA Response Criteria (PSpARC) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score inactive disease (ASDAS ID). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of remission at 1 and 3 years and sustained remission (≥24 consecutive weeks).

Results

In 165 patients, ASDAS ID was achieved by 47% at 1 year and 39% at 3 years; 36% and 33% achieved PSpARC remission, respectively. Sustained ASDAS ID and PSpARC remission were achieved by 52% (86/165) and 42% (70/165) of patients, respectively. Achieving ASDAS ID at week 12 significantly predicted 1 year (OR, 8.64 (95% CI 2.97 to 25.14)), 3 year (OR, 36.12 (95% CI 2.29 to 569.08)) and sustained ASDAS ID (OR, 8.01 (95% CI 2.47 to 25.97)); achieving PSpARC remission at week 12 consistently predicted 1 year (OR, 6.47 (95% CI 1.91 to 21.95)), 3 years (OR, 15.66 (95% CI 4.19 to 58.56)) and sustained PSpARC remission (OR, 20.27 (95% CI 5.37 to 76.46)). No baseline variables consistently predicted 1-year or 3-year remission or sustained remission. The safety profile of adalimumab was consistent with observations in other SpA disease indications.

Conclusions

In patients with pSpA, early response to adalimumab, but not baseline demographics or disease characteristics, was a better predictor of long-term remission.
Combined abdominal and targeted perineal approach for omentalisation of a canine paraprostatic cyst
Authors: Henderson Elisabeth , Yool Donald , Woods Samantha
Published: February 2018

A male entire boxer was presented for investigation of haematuria and urinary incontinence. Rectal examination identified bilateral perineal herniation and enlargement of the prostate. Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings were consistent with diffuse prostatic enlargement and intrapelvic paraprostatic cyst formation, with mineralisation of the cyst wall. Omentalisation of the cyst was carried out in conjunction with colopexy and vas deferens pexy. The dog was represented two weeks later with severe dysuria, urinary retention, tenesmus and recurrent haematuria. A combined abdominal and targeted perineal surgical approach was performed to allow omentalisation of the cyst from the region of the bladder to the perineal fossa. One‐year follow‐up confirmed resolution of clinical signs. A combined abdominal and perineal technique for omentalisation of intrapelvic paraprostatic cysts is a novel technique, which can be used when faced with reduced surgical exposure within the pelvic cavity.
High-nitrogen nitrotetrazole substituted tetrazole 3-N-oxides as potential high energy density compounds
Authors: Wu Qiong , Li Qidi , Li Kai , Li Hang , Kou Bo , Hang Zusheng , Zhu Weihua
Published: February 2018

In this work, two series of novel high-nitrogen tetrazole 3-N-oxides substituted by different nitrotetrazoles were designed, and their structure and properties were investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The results shown that though there are only one to two energetic substituents in the structure, because of the high nitrogen content, ideal oxygen balance, and the big conjugated structure, all eight designed compounds not only have high heat of formation (655.4–845.6 kJ/mol), high density (1.83–1.93 g/cm3), and high detonation performance (detonation velocity: 9.06–9.50 km/s; detonation pressure: 36.7–41.8 GPa), but also possess reduced impact sensitivity (23–98 cm). Fully analyzing the energy and sensitivity, A1 and A4 have higher energy and lower sensitivity than one famous high energy compound 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX), and A3, B1, and B4 have comparable overall performance with HMX, showing that these five designed compounds may be considered as the potential high energy density compounds. In addition, the introduction of one extra nitro group into the tetrazole 3-N-oxide could not improve the combination property generally.
Estimating observer error and steelhead redd abundance using a modified Gaussian area-under-the-curve framework
Authors: Murdoch Andrew R. , Herring Chad J. , Frady Charles H. , See Kevin , Jordan Chris E.
Published: February 2018

This study examined how a suite of habitat and environmental variables relate to the ability of a stream surveyor to identify (observer efficiency) and distinguish (observer accuracy) steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) redds from other stream features. Two existing spawning survey protocols that included one or two redd observers were used to develop models to estimate redd observer error. In most cases, steelhead redd abundances using raw redd counts were underestimated. Mean annual rates of observer efficiency ranged from 0.44 to 0.57, and observer accuracy ranged from 0.67 to 0.83. Regardless of the observer error model used, adjusted annual redd abundance estimates were generally unbiased (range 1.6–0.6 redds). A Gaussian area-under-the-curve methodology that incorporates redd count data and observer error rates was used to generate unbiased estimates of steelhead redd abundance in the Wenatchee (170 redds, coefficient of variation (CV) = 44%) and Methow (106 redds, CV = 41%) rivers. Unbiased estimates of redd abundance will help inform new population viability analyses to better prioritize those populations with the greatest conservation need.
The Super Spanning Connectivity of Arrangement Graphs
Authors: Li Pingshan , Xu Min
Published: February 2018

A [Formula: see text]-container [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] is a set of [Formula: see text] internally disjoint paths between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. A [Formula: see text]-container [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-container if it is a spanning subgraph of [Formula: see text]. A graph [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-connected if there exists a [Formula: see text]-container between any two different vertices of G. A [Formula: see text]-regular graph [Formula: see text] is super spanning connected if [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-container for all [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that the arrangement graph [Formula: see text] is super spanning connected if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
A spring-mass-damper system dynamics-based driver-vehicle integrated model for representing heterogeneous traffic
Authors: Munigety Caleb Ronald
Published: February 2018

The traditional traffic microscopic simulation models consider driver and vehicle as a single unit to represent the movements of drivers in a traffic stream. Due to this very fact, the traditional car-following models have the driver behavior related parameters, but ignore the vehicle related aspects. This approach is appropriate for homogeneous traffic conditions where car is the major vehicle type. However, in heterogeneous traffic conditions where multiple vehicle types are present, it becomes important to incorporate the vehicle related parameters exclusively to account for the varying dynamic and static characteristics. Thus, this paper presents a driver-vehicle integrated model hinged on the principles involved in physics-based spring-mass-damper mechanical system. While the spring constant represents the driver’s aggressiveness, the damping constant and the mass component take care of the stability and size/weight related aspects, respectively. The proposed model when tested, behaved pragmatically in representing the vehicle-type dependent longitudinal movements of vehicles.
Quadratic forms in characteristic 2 and a Wedderburn decomposition over rationals
Authors: Kaur Dilpreet , Kulshrestha Amit
Published: February 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a field of characteristic 2. In this paper, we provide an interesting application of quadratic forms over [Formula: see text] in determination of the Wedderburn decomposition of the rational group algebra [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a real special [Formula: see text]-group. We further apply these computations to exhibit two non-isomorphic real special [Formula: see text]-groups with isomorphic rational group algebra.
On (α + uβ)-constacyclic codes of length 4ps over 𝔽pm + u𝔽pm∗
Authors: Dinh Hai Q. , Nguyen Bac T. , Sriboonchitta Songsak , Vo Thang M.
Published: February 2018

For any odd prime [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], the structures of all [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] over the finite commutative chain ring [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] are established in term of their generator polynomials. When the unit [Formula: see text] is a square, each [Formula: see text]-constacyclic code of length [Formula: see text] is expressed as a direct sum of two constacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text]. In the main case that the unit [Formula: see text] is not a square, it is shown that the ambient ring [Formula: see text] is a principal ideal ring. From that, the structure, number of codewords, duals of all such [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes are obtained. As an application, we identify all self-orthogonal, dual-containing, and the unique self-dual [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text].
A note on species realizations and nondegeneracy of potentials
Authors: López-Aguayo Daniel
Published: February 2018

In this note, we show that a mutation theory of species with potential can be defined so that a certain class of skew-symmetrizable integer matrices have a species realization admitting a nondegenerate potential. This gives a partial affirmative answer to a question raised by Jan Geuenich and Daniel Labardini-Fragoso. We also provide an example of a class of skew-symmetrizable [Formula: see text] integer matrices, which are not globally unfoldable nor strongly primitive, and that have a species realization admitting a nondegenerate potential.
Irreducible continuous representations of the simple linearly compact n-Lie superalgebra of type S
Authors: Boyallian Carina , Meinardi Vanesa
Published: February 2018

In the present paper, we classify all irreducible continuous representations of the simple linearly compact [Formula: see text]-Lie superalgebra of type [Formula: see text]. The classification is based on a bijective correspondence between the continuous representations of the [Formula: see text]-Lie algebras [Formula: see text] and continuous representations of the Lie algebra of Cartan type [Formula: see text], on which some two-sided ideal acts trivially.
Faster convergence of a randomized coordinate descent method for linearly constrained optimization problems
Authors: Fang Qin , Xu Min , Ying Yiming
Published: February 2018

The problem of minimizing a separable convex function under linearly coupled constraints arises from various application domains such as economic systems, distributed control, and network flow. The main challenge for solving this problem is that the size of data is very large, which makes usual gradient-based methods infeasible. Recently, Necoara, Nesterov and Glineur [Random block coordinate descent methods for linearly constrained optimization over networks, J. Optim. Theory Appl. 173(1) (2017) 227–254] proposed an efficient randomized coordinate descent method to solve this type of optimization problems and presented an appealing convergence analysis. In this paper, we develop new techniques to analyze the convergence of such algorithms, which are able to greatly improve the results presented in the above. This refined result is achieved by extending Nesterov’s second technique [Efficiency of coordinate descent methods on huge-scale optimization problems, SIAM J. Optim. 22 (2012) 341–362] to the general optimization problems with linearly coupled constraints. A novel technique in our analysis is to establish the basis vectors for the subspace of the linear constraints.
Fusion of Color Images Based on Fuzzy Transform and Spatial Frequency
Authors: Gambhir Deepak , Manchanda Meenu
Published: February 2018

Multiple images of a scene, captured using different imaging devices and containing complementary information, are required to be combined into a single fused image. The fused image, so obtained, should ideally contain all important features of individual input images. Further, color image processing is also gaining importance in most of the real-life applications. Color images provide better visual information and are highly suitable for human visual perception. Motivated by the gaining importance of color image processing, fusion of color images is proposed. The fusion algorithm is proposed in HSV color space where the luminance components of multiple input images, based on fuzzy transform and spatial frequency, are fused. The chrominance information of input images provides color to the fused image. The fused image contains all important information and possesses natural color appearance. Experiments performed on various pairs of visible–infrared and multifocus images demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm over recent state-of-the-art image fusion algorithms.
Changes in Vulnerability and Response Capacities of Rural Communities After Extreme Events: Case of Major Floods of 2010 and 2014 in Pakistan
Authors: Jamshed Ali , Rana Irfan Ahmad , Birkmann Joern , Nadeem Obaidullah
Published: February 2018

Vulnerability and response capacities of disaster-affected communities might change due to extreme events and response measures taken thereafter. This has also been acknowledged there are only very few empirical studies on how spatio-temporal changes in vulnerability and response capacities at community level occur and how they affect risk management and development. Against this background, the paper investigates changes in vulnerability and response capacities of flood-affected rural communities in Pakistan. A major flood hit Pakistan in 2010 that had also a global repercussion in international media; however, also in 2014 various rural areas were hit by an extreme flood event. In order to examine specific vulnerability and response capacities of rural communities, the authors focus on two flood-affected districts (Muzaffargarh and Jhang) in rural areas that were hit by major flood events in 2010 and 2014. Based on a qualitative and participatory research approach, a weighted matrix index was developed to assess changes in vulnerability and response capacities of community’s livelihood assets i.e., human, natural, physical, financial and social. Results revealed that variations observed in vulnerability and response capacities were not only due to the flood itself but also due to the response measures taken thereafter. Changes in vulnerability across time and space of rural households affected by the extreme floods underscore, for example, that the role of immovable and movable assets is quite important and that governmental institutions had only a limited influence in terms of factors that allowed households to reduce vulnerability. Overall, the paper shows empirically that dynamics of vulnerability are characterized by distinctive features of space, flood events, socio-economic and physical situations over the period of time.
Dynamics of Climate Change, Drought and Migration: A Mixed Method Research in Ningxia
Authors: ZHENG Yan , MENG Huixin , XIE Xinlu , SHI Shangbai
Published: February 2018

Western China is typically sensitive to climate change and ecologically fragile. It also has large numbers of people living in poverty, and it is a hot spot for emigration. This paper takes the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR) as a case and, employing a mixed-method research combining exploratory research and confirmatory research where quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis are made, conducts an empirical study on the dynamics of climate change impacts on migration. Firstly, this paper identified the fragile characteristics of different types of migrant groups (including policy-facilitated migrants, voluntary migrants and economic migrants) in the context of climate change; secondly, based on confirmatory factor analysis, this paper conducted climate change vulnerability assessment at county level, and explored several common potential factors affecting the regional fragility of climate change in Ningxia, include: climate capacity, social and economic development level, human capital, transportation infrastructure, and education level, etc. The result shows that the climate capacity factor accounts for 37.5% of contribution to regional climate change vulnerability. This paper justified that lacking climate capacity in long-term climate change is the major driving factor of climate-induced poverty and migration in the middle and south Ningxia. Based on a DPISR model, this paper developed a theoretical framework with its core concept “climate capacity”. Within this analytical framework, a series of indicators on climate capacity and climate-induced poverty were suggested to assess climate change related migration risks, which can support local migration planning in Ningxia and other western China areas.
Existence of Three Positive Solutions for a Class of Boundary Value Problems of Caputo Fractional q-Difference Equation
Authors: Chen Huiqin , Kang Shugui , Kong Lili , Gao Ying
Published: February 2018

A class of boundary value problems of Caputo fractional q-difference equation is introduced. Green’s function and its properties for this problem are deduced. By applying these properties and the Leggett-Williams fixed-point theorem, existence criteria of three positive solutions are obtained. At last, some examples are given to illustrate the validity of our main results.
Prevalence of Functional Constipation and Relationship with Dietary Habits in 3- to 8-Year-Old Children in Japan
Authors: Fujitani Asami , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Inui Ayano , Kawakubo Kiyoshi
Published: February 2018

Objectives. To determine the prevalence and effect of dietary habits on functional constipation in preschool and early elementary school children in Japan. Study Design. A total of 3595 children aged 3 to 8 years from 28 nursery schools and 22 elementary schools in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, were evaluated. The subjects were divided into a functional constipation group and a nonfunctional constipation group according to the Rome III criteria. Dietary intake data were collected using a brief-type, self-administered, diet-history questionnaire validated for Japanese preschool-aged children. Results. Of the 3595 subjects evaluated, 718 (20.0%) had functional constipation. The association between functional constipation and gender was not statistically significant (p=0.617). A decrease in bowel frequency was observed in 15.9% of those with functional constipation. There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants in the constipation group by age (p=0.112). Binomial logistic regression analysis indicated that only fat per 100 kcal positively correlated with functional constipation [odds ratio = 1.216, 95% confidence interval: 1.0476–1.412]. Conclusions. Functional constipation is common among children in preschool and early elementary school in urban areas of Japan. Parents should pay attention to constipation-related symptoms other than defecation frequency. A high-fat diet should be avoided to prevent functional constipation.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy Applied to Monitoring Biodiesel Degradation: Correlation with Acid Value and UV Absorption Analyses
Authors: Vasconcelos Maydla dos Santos , Passos Wilson Espíndola , Lescanos Caroline Honaiser , Pires de Oliveira Ivan , Trindade Magno Aparecido Gonçalves , Caires Anderson Rodrigues Lima , Muzzi Rozanna Marques
Published: February 2018

The techniques used to monitor the quality of the biodiesel are intensely discussed in the literature, partly because of the different oil sources and their intrinsic physicochemical characteristics. This study aimed to monitor the thermal degradation of the fatty acid methyl esters of Sesamum indicum L. and Raphanus sativus L. biodiesels (SILB and RSLB, resp.). The results showed that both biodiesels present a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, ∼84% (SILB) and ∼90% (RSLB). The SILB had a high content of polyunsaturated linoleic fatty acid (18  :  2), about 49%, and the oleic monounsaturated (18  :  1), ∼34%. On the other hand, RSLB presented a considerable content of linolenic fatty acid (18  :  3), ∼11%. The biodiesel samples were thermal degraded at 110°C for 48 hours, and acid value, UV absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis were carried out. The results revealed that both absorption and fluorescence presented a correlation with acid value as a function of degradation time by monitoring absorptions at 232 and 270 nm as well as the emission at 424 nm. Although the obtained correlation is not completely linear, a direct correlation was observed in both cases, revealing that both properties can be potentially used for monitoring the biodiesel degradation.
Clinical Anxiety among Saudi Postgraduate Pediatric Dentistry Students in Jeddah City
Authors: Almalik Manal , Alnowaiser Abeer , El Meligy Omar , Sallam Jamal , Balkheyour Yusra
Published: February 2018

Objective. To determine anxiety in relation to gender, Grade Point Average (GPA), level of education and academic and clinical situations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Also, to identify academic and clinical anxiety levels among postgraduate pediatric dentistry students. Methods. A cross-sectional study at governmental training hospitals was conducted. All registered postgraduate students in pediatric dental programs during the year 2015-2016 were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically to 60 postgraduate pediatric dentistry students aged between 25 and 45 years old. The questionnaire is composed of 55 questions that investigated demographic data, academic and clinical related situations including investigations, diagnosis, treatment, and complications in treatment. Results. The study showed a higher anxiety level in younger age dental students (76.7% compared to 23.3%) and Saudi board residents (60%). Comparing gender differences in anxiety revealed that a significant difference (P≤0.05) was found and anxiety seems to be more among female dental students (2% very anxious, 64% slightly anxious, and 34% not anxious) as compared to male dental students (8% very anxious, 69% slightly anxious, and 23% not anxious). Conclusions. There was increased awareness, detailed understanding, and handling of the patients by senior postgraduate pediatric dentistry students compared to junior students.
An Enhancement Deep Feature Extraction Method for Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Kernel Function and Autoencoder
Authors: Wang Fengtao , Dun Bosen , Liu Xiaofei , Xue Yuhang , Li Hongkun , Han Qingkai
Published: February 2018

Rotating machinery vibration signals are nonstationary and nonlinear under complicated operating conditions. It is meaningful to extract optimal features from raw signal and provide accurate fault diagnosis results. In order to resolve the nonlinear problem, an enhancement deep feature extraction method based on Gaussian radial basis kernel function and autoencoder (AE) is proposed. Firstly, kernel function is employed to enhance the feature learning capability, and a new AE is designed termed kernel AE (KAE). Subsequently, a deep neural network is constructed with one KAE and multiple AEs to extract inherent features layer by layer. Finally, softmax is adopted as the classifier to accurately identify different bearing faults, and error backpropagation algorithm is used to fine‐tune the model parameters. Aircraft engine intershaft bearing vibration data are used to verify the method. The results confirm that the proposed method has a better feature extraction capability, requires fewer iterations, and has a higher accuracy than standard methods using a stacked AE.
Quantification of Volumetric Bone Mineral Density of Proximal Femurs Using a Two-Compartment Model and Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Liu Yan-Lin , Hsu Jui-Ting , Shih Tian-Yu , Luzhbin Dmytro , Tu Chun-Yuan , Wu Jay
Published: February 2018

Objectives. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is frequently used to measure the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in clinical practice. However, DXA measurements are affected by the bone thickness and the body size and are unable to indicate nonosseous areas within the trabecular bone. This study aims to quantify the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) using computed tomography (CT) images and the two-compartment model (TCM) methods.Methods. The TCM method was proposed and validated by dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) phantoms and a standard forearm phantom. 28 cases with DXA scans and pelvic CT scans acquired within six months were retrospectively collected. The vBMD calculated by TCM was compared with the aBMD obtained from DXA.Results. For the K2HPO4phantoms with vBMD ranging from 0.135 to 0.467 g/cm3, the average difference between the real and calculated vBMD was 0.009 g/cm3and the maximum difference was 0.019 g/cm3. For the standard forearm phantom with vBMD of 0.194, 0.103, and 0.054 g/cm3, the average differences between the real and calculated vBMD were 0.017, 0.014, and 0.011 g/cm3. In the clinical CT image validation, a good linear relationship between vBMD and aBMD was observed with the Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.920 (p<0.01).Conclusions. The proposed TCM method in combination with the homemade cortical bone equivalent phantom provides accurate quantification and spatial distribution of bone mineral content.
Increased Zinc Serum Level: New Clues in Babol Stroke Patients, Northern Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Ahangar Alijan , Saadat Payam , Niroomand Sona , Alijanpour Shayan , Sohrabnezhad Reza , Firozejahi Alireza , Biani Mohamad Ali , Arab Fatemeh , Hosseinzadeh Hamed , Faraji Sekine , Niroomand Jalal
Published: February 2018

Background. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The role of zinc as a new predictor of stroke was considered. Methods. This prospective study was conducted in Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital within a year on 100 stroke and 100 control patients. Findings. The difference in zinc serum level in two groups was significant (deficiency: 3 (3%) in patients versus 20 (20%) in control group, normal: 25 (25%) versus 54 (54%), and increased level: 72 (72%) versus 26 (26%); p<0.001). Difference in zinc serum levels was statistically significant with ischemic heart disease (deficiency: 0 cases (0%), normal: 8 cases (24%), increased level: 24 cases (75%), p=0.003). Increases in zinc serum level were significantly correlated with the frequency of hemorrhagic and ischemic patients (deficiency: 3 (3.3%) hemorrhagic versus 0 (0%) ischemic; normal: 19 (21%) versus 6 (60%), increased level: 68 (75.6%) versus 4 (40%); p=0.025). Regression logistics showed that ischemic heart disease (p<0.001; OR = 28.29, %95 CI: 5.53; 144.87), hyperlipidemia (p<0.001; OR = 0.26, %95 CI: 0.12; 0.56), and zinc serum level (p<0.001, OR = 15.53, %95 CI: 4.03; 59.83) each had a significant role. Conclusions. Babol stroke patients are prone to increased zinc serum level as a new parameter. Ischemic heart disease, increased levels of zinc, and hyperlipidemia were found to be probable predictor factors for stroke in Babol.
Hemodynamic Instability during Dialysis: The Potential Role of Intradialytic Exercise
Authors: McGuire Scott , Horton Elizabeth Jane , Renshaw Derek , Jimenez Alofonso , Krishnan Nithya , McGregor Gordon
Published: February 2018

Acute haemodynamic instability is a natural consequence of disordered cardiovascular physiology during haemodialysis (HD). Prevalence of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) can be as high as 20–30%, contributing to subclinical, transient myocardial ischemia. In the long term, this results in progressive, maladaptive cardiac remodeling and impairment of left ventricular function. This is thought to be a major contributor to increased cardiovascular mortality in end stage renal disease (ESRD). Medical strategies to acutely attenuate haemodynamic instability during HD are suboptimal. Whilst a programme of intradialytic exercise training appears to facilitate numerous chronic adaptations, little is known of the acute physiological response to this type of exercise. In particular, the potential for intradialytic exercise to acutely stabilise cardiovascular hemodynamics, thus preventing IDH and myocardial ischemia, has not been explored. This narrative review aims to summarise the characteristics and causes of acute haemodynamic instability during HD, with an overview of current medical therapies to treat IDH. Moreover, we discuss the acute physiological response to intradialytic exercise with a view to determining the potential for this nonmedical intervention to stabilise cardiovascular haemodynamics during HD, improve coronary perfusion, and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in ESRD.
Mathematical Formulation of Soft‐Contact Problems for Various Rheological Models of Damper
Authors: Grzesikiewicz Wiesław , Zbiciak Artur
Published: February 2018

The paper deals with analysis of selected soft‐contact problems in discrete mechanical systems. Elastic‐dissipative rheological schemes representing dampers as well as the notion of unilateral constraints were used in order to model interaction between colliding bodies. The mathematical descriptions of soft‐contact problems involving variational inequalities are presented. The main finding of the paper is a method of description of soft‐contact phenomenon between rigid object and deformable rheological structure by the system of explicit nonlinear differential‐algebraic equations easy for numerical implementation. The results of simulations, that is, time histories of displacements and contact forces as well as hysteretic loops, are presented.
TNFAIP3 mRNA Level Is Associated with Psychological Anxiety in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Chen Ruei-An  , Huang Tiao-Lai  , Huang Kai-Wei  , Hung Yi-Yung
Published: February 2018

Background: Major depressive disorder has been shown to be associated with inflammation and the dysregulation of innate immune responses. Previously, we showed an inverse correlation between the severity of depression and level of TNFAIP3 mRNA expression. The present study further evaluated the association between TNFAIP3 mRNA expression level and symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) in 91 patients (20 men and 71 women). Methods: The relationships between subscores on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and TNFAIP3 mRNA levels were assessed by multiple linear regression. Results: Only psychological anxiety on the HAMD-17 correlated significantly with TNFAIP3 mRNA expression. Other symptoms, such as depressed mood, insomnia, work and activities, and suicide, were not associated with TNFAIP3 mRNA expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest a significant association between anxiety and TNFAIP3 mRNA levels in patients with MDD.
CHK2 Promotes Anoikis and is Associated with the Progression of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Chen Shaobo , Hou Xianming , Chen Ge , Zhao Yupei
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) performs essential cellular functions and might be associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Here, we explored the function and molecular mechanisms of CHK2 in the progression of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods: The expression levels of both total CHK2 and activated CHK2 (p-CHK2) in tissues from 100 PTC patients were detected and evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The roles of CHK2 on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers were investigated by CCK-8, Transwell, flow cytometry, western blot and ALDEFLOUR assay. PTC cells cultured in suspension conditions were assayed for anoikis. The anchorage-independent condition was further detected by soft agar colony formation assay. Furthermore, anoikis associated regulatory proteins were explored by western blot and verified by forced downregulation experiment, respectively. Results: We found that the levels of both CHK2 and p-CHK2 were significantly upregulated in PTC cancer tissues compared with those in tumor-adjacent tissues. The overexpression of p-CHK2 in primary tumor tissues was associated with tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential. However, the levels of both CHK2 and p-CHK2 were decreased in metastatic lymph nodes. Our results showed that CHK2 upregulated the levels of CSC markers with no effect on cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Interestingly, we revealed a previously undescribed anoikis-promoting role for CHK2 in PTC. Specifically, the detachment of PTC cells from the extracellular matrix (ECM) triggers CHK2 degradation. Then, the forced downregulation of CHK2 rescued PTC cells from anoikis, but no effect was observed on the apoptosis of adherent PTC cells. Additionally, as a novel regulator of anoikis, CHK2 can induce cell death in a p53-independent manner via the regulation of PRAS40 activation. Conclusion: High expression levels of CHK2 and p-CHK2 were associated with the progression of PTC. Our results defined an unexpected role for CHK2 as a mediator of anoikis that functions through the regulation of PRAS40 activation, which may be associated with the survival of circulating tumor cells and metastatic behavior.
Characterizing the Tumor Suppressor Role of CEACAM1 in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Xu Jinge , Liu Bin , Ma Shoubao , Zhang Jubin , Ji Yuhan , Xu Liangjing , Zhu Mingqing , Chen Suning , Wu Xiaojin , Wu Depei
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), also known as CD66a, is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily that belongs to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family which plays a dual role in cancer. Previous studies showed high expression of CEACAM1 in multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of this study was to investigate the biological consequences of CEACAM1 overexpression in MM. Methods: pEGFP-N1-CEACAM1 and pcDNA3.1-CEACAM1 expression plasmids were transfected into U-266 and RPMI8266 cell lines . Effect of CEACAM1 overexpression on the proliferation of two cell lines were tested by the CCK8 assay. Cell cycle and Apoptotic changes after CEACAM1 transfection were examined with AnnexinV–FITC/PI by flow cytometry. Hochest staining assay was used to confirm the apoptotic changes. Caspase-3 activity was examined by Western blotting. The cell invasion and migration activity change after CEACAM1 transfection were performed by well chamber assays and a wound healing, respectively. MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins expression were detected by Western blotting. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping was be evaluated on myeloma cells from bone marrow taken from 50 patients with symptomatic MM newly diagnosed. The correlations between CEACAM1 expression levels and the clinical features across all groups were investigated. Results: CEACAM1 overexpression significantly suppressed MM cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell invasion and migration possibly through activation of caspase-3 and downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9. CEACAM1 expression in patients with DS stage I was more frequent (61.5%) than those with DS stage II (21.1%) or III (22.2%). Furthermore, patients with β2-microglobulin levels equal to or less than 3.5 mg/L had higher CEACAM1 expression than those with β2-microglobulin levels greater than 3.5 mg/L. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CEACAM1 may act as a tumor suppressor in MM.
Abnormal Downregulation of Caveolin-3 Mediates the Pro-Fibrotic Action of MicroRNA-22 in a Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yin Hongli , Jiao Lei , Liu Tianyi , Gao Yuqiu , Shao Yingchun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Shan Hongli , Zhang Ying , Yang Baofeng
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Cardiac fibrosis is an important cardiac remodeling event that can ultimately lead to the development of severe arrhythmia and heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of caveolin-3 (Cav3) on the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Cav3 expression was decreased in cardiac fibrosis in vivo and in vitro model. To investigate the role of Cav3 in cardiac fibrosis, we transfected cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) with the siRNA of Cav3 and Cav3-overexpressing plasmid. The collagen content and proliferation of CFs were detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, MTT, and immunofluorescence. A luciferase reporter gene assay and gain/loss of function were used to detect the relationship between miR-22 and Cav3. Results: Cav3 depletion in CFs induced an increase in collagen content, cell proliferation, and phenotypic conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Conversely, Cav3 overexpression in CFs was shown to inhibit angiotensin II-mediated excessive collagen deposition through protein kinase C (PKC)ε inactivation. Cav3 was experimentally confirmed as a direct target of miR-22, containing two seed binding sites in its 3′-untranslated region, and miR-22 was demonstrated to be significantly upregulated in the ischemic border zone in mice after myocardial infarction and in neonatal rat CFs pretreated with angiotensin II. miR-22 overexpression increased CFs proliferation, and collagen and α-smooth muscle actin levels in CFs, while the knockdown of endogenous miR-22 decreased CFs numbers. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that miR-22 accelerates cardiac fibrosis through the miR-22-Cav3-PKCε pathway, which, therefore, may represent a new therapeutic target for treatment of excessive fibrosis-associated cardiac diseases.