bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Rock Plate Cutting with Three Sides Fixed and One Side Free
Authors: Lu Zhenguo , Wan Lirong , Zeng Qingliang , Zhang Xin , Gao Kuidong
Published: June 2018

In order to overcome conical pick wear in the traditional rock cutting method, a new cutting method was proposed on account of increasing free surface of the rock. The mechanical model of rock plate bending under concentrated force was established, and the first fracture position was given. The comparison between experimental and numerical results indicated that the numerical method is effective. A computer code LS‐DYNA (3D) was employed to study the cutting performance of a conical pick. To study the rock size influenced on the cutting performance, the numerical simulations with different thickness, width, and height of a rock plate was carried out. The numerical simulation with the different cutting parameters of cutting speed, cutting angle, and cutting position influenced on cutting performance was also carried out. The numerical results indicated that the peak force increased with the increasing thickness of rock plate. With the increasing width and height of the rock plate, the peak force decreased and then became stable. Besides, the peak force decreased with the increasing of cutting position lxp/lx. Moreover, the peak force increased and then decreased with the increasing of cutting angle. The cutting speed has nonsignificant influence on the peak force. The strong exponential relationship was obtained between the peak force and cutting position, thickness, height, and width of the rock plate at a confidence level of 0.95. A binomial relationship was observed between the peak force and cutting angel. The cutting force comparison between traditional rock cutting and rock plate cutting indicated that the new cutting method can effectively reduce peak cutting force.
The Role of Nrf2 Signaling in PPARβ/δ‐Mediated Vascular Protection against Hyperglycemia‐Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Jimenez Rosario , Toral Marta , Gómez-Guzmán Manuel , Romero Miguel , Sanchez Manuel , Mahmoud Ayman M. , Duarte Juan
Published: June 2018

Hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress and plays a substantial role in the progression of vascular diseases. Here, we demonstrated the potentiality of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)β/δ activation in attenuating high glucose‐induced oxidative stress in endothelial cells and diabetic rats, pointing to the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). HUVECs exposed to high glucose showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated NOX‐2, NOX‐4, Nrf2, and NQO‐1 effects that were significantly reversed by the PPARβ/δ agonists GW0742 and L165041. Both PPARβ/δ agonists, in a concentration‐dependent manner, induced transcriptional and protein upregulation of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) under low‐ and high‐glucose conditions. All effects of PPARβ/δ agonists were reversed by either pharmacological inhibition or siRNA‐based downregulation of PPARβ/δ. These in vitro findings were confirmed in diabetic rats treated with GW0742. In conclusion, PPARβ/δ activation confers vascular protection against hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress by suppressing NOX‐2 and NOX‐4 expression plus a direct induction of HO‐1; with the subsequent downregulation of the Nrf2 pathway. Thus, PPARβ/δ activation could be of interest to prevent the progression of diabetic vascular complications.
Clinical Features and Surgical Outcomes of Posterior Segment Intraocular Foreign Bodies in Children in East China
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhuang Hong , Wang Keyan , Xu Gezhi
Published: June 2018

Purpose. To report the long-term follow-up results of posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal in children and to determine the prognostic factors for visual outcome.Methods. Design: retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series; a single tertiary care center study. Participants or samples: eleven eyes (11 patients) under 16 years of age with posterior segment IOFB injuries from May 2014 to November 2017. Main outcome measures: clinical features of injury, visual acuity, and complications.Results. The mean age was 6.8 years, and the mean follow-up was 20.2 months. The main IOFB sources were accidental penetration of the eye by materials in the playground (6 cases) or by pencil lead at school (4 cases). The mean IOFB size was 3.8 (range 1–6) mm. At the last visit, the visual acuities were 20/40 or better in 40.0% of patients and better than 20/200 in 70.0%. Poor visual outcome was correlated with intraoperative rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (P=0.0083). Postoperative complications included elevated transient intraocular pressure, retinal redetachment, and secondary glaucoma.Conclusions. The clinical features of pediatric posterior segment IOFBs suggest insufficient awareness of such injuries both on the playground and at school. Visual outcomes from surgical treatment were relatively favorable in this series.
Outcomes of Corneal Tattooing by Rotring Painting Ink in Disfiguring Corneal Opacities
Authors: Alsmman Alahmady H. , Mostafa Engy Mohamed , Mounir Amr , Farouk Mahmoud Mohamed , Elghobaier Mohamed Gamal , Radwan Gamal
Published: June 2018

Aim. To evaluate corneal tattooing with Rotring painting ink (Rotring Ink, Hamburg, Germany) as an available and affordable surgical technique to improve cosmetic appearance in the eyes with disfiguring corneal opacities. Methods. Fifty-three blind eyes with corneal disfiguring opacities underwent corneal tattooing using Rotring painting ink (Rotring Ink, Hamburg, Germany) by multiple transepithelial intrastromal injections under topical anesthesia. Complete ophthalmic examination and ocular ultrasonography were performed, and photographs of the patients’ eyes were taken. Follow-up period was at least 12 months. Results. On the first postoperative day, all patients presented with mild conjunctival injection and foreign body sensation. After the end of the follow-up period, 51 patients (96%) were satisfied of cosmetic appearance while only 2 patients (4%) post-op cosmetic results were less than their expectations; however, they were better in appearance. No major complications like corneal erosions; corneal ulcers or corneal melting was noted in any case. Conclusions. Corneal tattooing with Rotring painting ink in blind disfigured eyes achieves favourable cosmetic results and is associated with high patient satisfaction. With better case selection, a high post-op satisfaction was achieved. Corneal tattooing acts as an alternative to more sophisticated and expensive cosmetic reconstructive surgery. This trial is registered with ISRCTN46626979.
Evaluating Correlations between a Seaport and Its Dry Ports: Case Study of Xiamen Port in China
Authors: Chen Jihong , Fei Yijie , Zhang Fangwei , Jing Chutao
Published: June 2018

As bridges connecting seaports and their hinterland, dry ports serve to expand the hinterland and increase cargo sources of seaports, rendering efficient international logistics circulation in hinterland areas possible. The roles of dry ports have attracted increasing attention from various ocean shipping countries. Seaports and dry ports possess complementary functions and increasingly close interactions. The paper builds an assessment indicator system on correlations between seaports and dry ports and a two-stage grey relational analysis (GRA) method through collating dry port-related literature to facilitate quantitative studies on the correlations between seaports and dry ports, namely, using two quantitative indicators of Deng’s correlation and absolute correlation to assess and determine the correlations in the development of seaports and dry ports. The paper then carries out case studies on Xiamen Port and its six dry ports to verify the effectiveness of the method and model in the paper. The study results show that Xiamen Port has very high region-varying correlations with its hinterland dry ports. Dry port development not only depends on their shipment volume indicators, but also significantly correlated with their economic indicators, and the hinterland economic indicators become key factors driving the fast development of a seaport. The analyzing method in the paper is conducive for government departments and relevant stakeholders to formulate superior policies and provide theoretical bases for the development of correlations between seaports and their dry ports.
Pavement Manager at Risk in Construction of Hot Mix Asphalt
Authors: Ali Hesham , Baqersad Mohamadtaqi
Published: June 2018

Pavement management is part science, part management, and part experience. After several decades of promoting pavement management, many road owners are still reluctant to use it as they lack the knowledge, the experience, or the confidence. The problem is further complicated by the emergence of a large list of new products and techniques that are self‐proclaimed to achieve miracles but fall short. The outcome of this arrangement is that thousands of miles of roads still cost more to maintain than if effective pavement preservation techniques were used. This paper attempts to resolve this dilemma by introducing the role of Pavement Manager at Risk (PMAR), allowing a Pavement Manager to offer a long‐term pavement preservation service to a client in return for a fixed per‐mile premium. This allows the knowledgeable Pavement Manager, who would typically be a Pavement Engineer or a practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience, to implement effective pavement preservation techniques and share the economic benefit with the owner. In this study, the responsibilities of the Pavement Manager at Risk (PMAR) will be introduced. The type of analysis it needs to run will be demonstrated in a case study. In this paper, a sample analysis is presented to present the financial aspects of managing a network of local roads. Pavement treatment cost, pavement condition, and treatment life extension in addition to the admin, mobilization, striping, and occasional patches expenses are presented. The benefits and risks of this approach are described.
Association of Visual Defects and Occlusal Molar Class in Children
Authors: Caruso Silvia , Gatto Roberto , Capogreco Mario , Nota Alessandro
Published: June 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the presence of any correlations between dysfunctions related to visual impairments and dental occlusion. Methods. The test group included 34 subjects (21 males and 13 females; mean age 11 ± 2 years) randomly selected with the following inclusion criteria: absence of any diagnosis for problems at visual level except those related to refractive defects, visual acuity of at least 1.0, absence of any syndrome or malformation in the craniofacial area, good general health, and absence of any systemic disease able to influence the vision or the craniofacial growth. They underwent visual clinical tests to evaluate the presence of fusional vergence defects and amplitude. Each patient underwent an orthodontic clinical exam and the occlusal molar relationship of each subject was recorded and considered as occlusal variable. A statistical analysis with Chi-Squared test was performed in order to analyze the associations between the visual defects and the occlusal variable. Results. A statistically significant association between the molar occlusal relationship and the occurrence of exodeviations was observed. The percentage of subjects presenting fusional amplitudes with convergence lower of the cut-off value was statistically significantly higher in the group of occlusal molar second class. Conclusions. The results obtained show that there is an association between occlusal second molar class and fusional vergence defects.
Laminated Glass Cantilevered Plates under Static and Impact Loading
Authors: Biolzi Luigi , Bonati Antonio , Cattaneo Sara
Published: June 2018

The structural performance of cantilevered laminated glass plates for different glass thicknesses and interlayers is considered in this paper. Heat‐strengthened and tempered glass plies and two different interlayer films were utilized. The response of laminated glass specimens is then evaluated under low‐velocity hard and semirigid impacts. Experimental findings were simulated and discussed by means of finite element analyses. In particular, this discussion includes the evaluation of the influence that the fixed edge clamping technique (number of clamps, their size, and their stiffness) has on the stress distribution in the specimens.
Local Negative Base Transform and Image Scrambling
Authors: Xiong Gangqiang , Zheng Shengqian , Wang Jiang , Cai Zhanchuan , Qi Dongxu
Published: June 2018

Scrambling transform is an important tool for image encryption and hiding. A new class of scrambling algorithms is obtained by exploiting negative integer as the base of number representation to express the natural numbers. Unlike Arnold transform, the proposed scrambling transform is one-dimensional and nonlinear, and an image can be shuffled by using the proposed transform to rearrange the rows and columns of the image separately or to permute the pixels of the image after scanned into a sequence of pixels; it can be also applied to shuffle certain part region of an image. Firstly, the transformation algorithm for converting nonnegative integers in base B to the corresponding integers in base -B is given in this paper, which is the computational core of scrambling transform and the basis of studying scrambling transform. Then, the three kinds of transforms are introduced, that is, negative base transform (abbreviated as NBT), modular negative base transform (MNBT), and local negative base transform (LNBT) with three parameters, where NBT is an injection and MNBT a surjection and LNBT a bijection. The minimum transform periods of LNBT are calculated for some different values of the three parameters, and the algorithm for calculating the inverse transform of LNBT is given. The image scrambled by LBNT can be recovered by the transform period or the inverse transform. Numerical experiments show that LNBT is an efficient scrambling transform and a strong operation of confusing gray values of pixels in the application of image encryption. Therefore, the proposed transform is a novel tool for information hiding and encryption of two-dimensional image and one-dimensional audio.
Clinical Results of Diffractive, Refractive, Hybrid Multifocal, and Monofocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Dyrda Agnieszka , Martínez-Palmer Ana , Martín-Moral Daniel , Rey Amanda , Morilla Antonio , Castilla-Martí Miguel , Aronés-Santivañez Janny
Published: June 2018

Purpose. To present the outcomes of hybrid multifocal and monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and to compare with refractive and diffractive multifocal IOLs (MFIOLs).Methods. Three hundred twenty eyes (160 patients) underwent cataract surgery with randomized IOLs bilateral implantation. Changes in uncorrected and distance-corrected logMAR distance, intermediate and near (UNVA and DCNVA) visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), presence of dysphotopsia, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction were analyzed.Results. Postoperative VA in the hybrid (OptiVis) group was improved in all distances (p<0.001). OptiVis acted superiorly to monofocal IOLs in UNVA and DCNVA (p<0.001for both) and to refractive ones in DCNVA (p<0.005). Distance, mesopic, without glare CS in OptiVis was lower than in the monofocal group and similar to other MFIOLs. No differences in dysphotopsia pre- and postoperatively and spectacle independence in near for OptiVis and refractive MFIOLs were detected. OptiVis patients were more satisfied than those with monofocal IOLs (p=0.015).Conclusions. After cataract surgery, patients with OptiVis improved VA in all distances. Near and intermediate VA was better than monofocal, and DCNVA was better than the refractive group. CS was lower in OptiVis than in the monofocal group, but there was no difference between MFIOLs. Patient satisfaction was higher in OptiVis than in the monofocal group. This trial is registered withNCT03512626.
Decoction of Chinese Herbal Medicine Fuzheng Kang‐Ai Induces Lung Cancer Cell Apoptosis via STAT3/Bcl‐2/Caspase‐3 Pathway
Authors: Wang Sumei , Long Shunqin , Xiao Shujing , Wu Wanyin , Hann Swei Sunny
Published: June 2018

Decoction of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) Fuzheng Kang‐Ai (FZKA for short) has been applied as adjuvant treatment strategy in advanced lung cancer patients for decades. We previously showed that FZKA decoction inhibited proliferation of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells through activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) signaling pathway, followed by inducing insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and forkhead homeobox type O3a (FOXO3a) proteins, and enhanced the inhibition effect of gefitinib in lung cancer cell growth via inactivating PI3‐K/Akt‐mediated suppressing of cell surface‐associated mucin‐1 (MUC1) expression. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which FZKA decoction affected cell apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Our results show that FZKA induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, FZKA activated the caspase‐3, PARP, and caspase‐9 activities. Both antiapoptotic and proapoptotic proteins from Bcl‐2 family were deregulated by FZKA exposure in lung cancer cells. In addition, FZKA reduced protein expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Jun activation domain‐binding protein 1 (Jab1), while it concomitantly increased p21 protein. Moreover, the inhibitor of caspase‐3 resisted the effect of FZKA on induction of apoptosis. Finally, exogenous overexpression of STAT3 overcame FZKA‐inhibited protein expressions of Bcl‐2 and myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (Mcl‐1) as well as Bax and blocked FZKA‐induced activities of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9. Our results show that FZKA decoction promotes lung cancer cell apoptosis through STAT3/Bcl‐2/caspase‐3 signaling pathways. This study unveils potential novel molecular mechanism by which FZKA controls growth of human lung cancer cells.
Determination of β-Agonist Residues in Animal-Derived Food by a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometric Method Combined with Molecularly Imprinted Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction
Authors: Tang Jiwang , Wang Jianxiu , Shi Shuyun , Hu Shengqiang , Yuan Liejiang
Published: June 2018

A novel clenbuterol molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-coated stir bar was prepared and applied to the determination of six β-agonists in animal-derived food. Characterization and various parameters affecting adsorption and desorption behaviours were investigated. The extraction capacities of clenbuterol, salbutamol, ractopamine, mabuterol, brombuterol, and terbutaline for MIP coating were 3.8, 2.9, 3.1, 3.5, 3.2, and 3.3 times higher, respectively, than those of the NIP coating, respectively. The method of MIP-coated SBSE coupled with HPLC-MS/MS was developed. The recoveries in pork and liver samples were 75.8–97.9% with RSD from 2.6 to 5.3%. Limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.05–0.15 μg/kg and 0.10–0.30 μg/kg, respectively. Good linearities were obtained for six β-agonists with correlation coefficients (R2) higher than 0.994. These results indicated the superiority of the proposed method in the analysis of β-agonists in a complex matrix.
Research on Fusing Multisatellite Soil Moisture Data Based on Bayesian Model Averaging
Authors: Wang Shan , Wang Yuexing , Zhang Chi , Shuai Han , Shi Chun-Xiang
Published: June 2018

Soil moisture (SM) is an important physical quantity that can reflect the land surface condition. There are many ways to measure SM, satellite microwave remote sensing is now considered the primary method because it can provide real-time high-resolution data. However, SM data obtained by satellite remote sensing exhibit certain deviation compared with reference data obtained from ground stations. To improve the accuracy of SM forecasts, this study proposed the use of a Bayesian model averaging (BMA) method to integrate multisatellite SM data. First, China was divided into eight regions. Then, SM data observed by satellites (FY3B, SMOS, and WINDSAT) were fused using the BMA method and a traditional averaging method. Finally, SM data were predicted using data from ground observation stations as a reference standard. Following the fusion process, three parameters (standard deviation, correlation coefficient, and root mean square deviation) were used to evaluate the fusion results, which revealed the superiority of the BMA method over the traditional averaging method.
Inhibition of HDAC6 Activity Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats: Potential Role of Peroxiredoxin 1 Acetylation and Redox Regulation
Authors: Leng Yan , Wu Yang , Lei Shaoqing , Zhou Bin , Qiu Zhen , Wang Kai , Xia Zhongyuan
Published: June 2018

Patients with diabetes are more vulnerable to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, which is associated with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and decreased antioxidant defense. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a regulator of the antioxidant protein peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1), is associated with several pathological conditions in the cardiovascular system. This study investigated whether tubastatin A (TubA), a highly selective HDAC6 inhibitor, could confer a protective effect by modulating Prdx1 acetylation in a rat model of MI/R and an in vitro model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Here, we found that diabetic hearts with excessive HDAC6 activity and decreased acetylated‐Prdx1 levels were more vulnerable to MI/R injury. TubA treatment robustly improved cardiac function, reduced cardiac infarction, attenuated ROS generation, and increased acetylated‐Prdx1 levels in diabetic MI/R rats. These results were further confirmed by an in vitro study using H9c2 cells. Furthermore, a study using Prdx1 acetyl‐silencing mutants (K197R) showed that TubA only slightly attenuated H/R‐induced cell death and ROS generation in K197R‐transfected H9c2 cells exposed to high glucose (HG), but these differences were not statistically significant. Taken together, these findings suggest that HDAC6 inhibition reduces ROS generation and confers a protective effect against MI/R or H/R injury by modulating Prdx1 acetylation at K197.
The Combination of the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib and the WEE1 Inhibitor AZD1775 as a New Therapeutic Option for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lallo Alice , Frese Kristopher K. , Morrow Christopher J. , Sloane Robert , Gulati Sakshi , Schenk Maximillian W. , Trapani Francesca , Simms Nicole , Galvin Melanie , Brown Stewart , Hodgkinson Cassandra L. , Priest Lynsey , Hughes Adina , Lai Zhongwu , Cadogan Elaine , Khandelwal Garima , Simpson Kathryn L. , Miller Crispin , Blackhall Fiona , O'Connor Mark J. , Dive Caroline
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Introduced in 1987, platinum-based chemotherapy remains standard of care for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a most aggressive, recalcitrant tumor. Prominent barriers to progress are paucity of tumor tissue to identify drug targets and patient-relevant models to interrogate novel therapies. Following our development of circulating tumor cell patient–derived explants (CDX) as models that faithfully mirror patient disease, here we exploit CDX to examine new therapeutic options for SCLC.

Experimental Design: We investigated the efficacy of the PARP inhibitor olaparib alone or in combination with the WEE1 kinase inhibitor AZD1775 in 10 phenotypically distinct SCLC CDX in vivo and/or ex vivo. These CDX represent chemosensitive and chemorefractory disease including the first reported paired CDX generated longitudinally before treatment and upon disease progression.

Results: There was a heterogeneous depth and duration of response to olaparib/AZD1775 that diminished when tested at disease progression. However, efficacy of this combination consistently exceeded that of cisplatin/etoposide, with cures in one CDX model. Genomic and protein analyses revealed defects in homologous recombination repair genes and oncogenes that induce replication stress (such as MYC family members), predisposed CDX to combined olaparib/AZD1775 sensitivity, although universal predictors of response were not noted.

Conclusions: These preclinical data provide a strong rationale to trial this combination in the clinic informed by prevalent, readily accessed circulating tumor cell–based biomarkers. New therapies will be evaluated in SCLC patients after first-line chemotherapy, and our data suggest that the combination of olaparib/AZD1775 should be used as early as possible and before disease relapse. Clin Cancer Res; 24(20); 5153–64. ©2018 AACR.
Phase I and Biomarker Study of Plerixafor and Bevacizumab in Recurrent High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Lee Eudocia Q. , Duda Dan G. , Muzikansky Alona , Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Kuhn John G. , Reardon David A. , Nayak Lakshmi , Norden Andrew D. , Doherty Lisa , LaFrankie Debra , Stefanik Jennifer , Vardam Trupti , Smith Katrina H. , McCluskey Christine , Gaffey Sarah , Batchelor Tracy T. , Jain Rakesh K. , Wen Patrick Y.
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Although antiangiogenic therapy for high-grade glioma (HGG) is promising, responses are not durable. Correlative clinical studies suggest that the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis may mediate resistance to VEGFR inhibition. Preclinical data have demonstrated that plerixafor (a reversible CXCR4 inhibitor) could inhibit glioma progression after anti-VEGF pathway inhibition. We conducted a phase I study to determine the safety of plerixafor and bevacizumab in recurrent HGG.

Patients and Methods: Part 1 enrolled 23 patients with a 3 × 3 dose escalation design to a maximum planned dose of plerixafor 320 μg/kg subcutaneously on days 1 to 21 and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic analyses. Plasma and cellular biomarkers were evaluated before and after treatment. Part 2 enrolled 3 patients and was a surgical study to determine plerixafor's penetration in tumor tissue.

Results: In Part 1, no dose-limiting toxicities were seen at the maximum planned dose of plerixafor + bevacizumab. Treatment was well tolerated. After plerixafor 320 μg/kg treatment, the average CSF drug concentration was 26.8 ± 19.6 ng/mL. Plerixafor concentration in resected tumor tissue from patients pretreated with plerixafor was 10 to 12 μg/g. Circulating biomarker data indicated that plerixafor + bevacizumab induces rapid and persistent increases in plasma SDF-1α and placental growth factor. Progression-free survival correlated with pretreatment plasma soluble mesenchymal–epithelial transition receptor and sVEGFR1, and overall survival with the change during treatment in CD34+ progenitor/stem cells and CD8 T cells.

Conclusions: Plerixafor + bevacizumab was well tolerated in HGG patients. Plerixafor distributed to both the CSF and brain tumor tissue, and treatment was associated with biomarker changes consistent with VEGF and CXCR4 inhibition. Clin Cancer Res; 24(19); 4643–9. ©2018 AACR.
Feasibility of Smartphone-Based Testing of Interference in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lee Will , Williams David R. , Evans Andrew
Published: June 2018

Background: Interference refers to learned associations and established behaviors “interfering” with response to new material. It forms a core pillar of executive functions, which are commonly affected in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Cognitive interference test (CIT) forms part of a smartphone application designed for ambulatory assessment in PD. Objective: The aims of this study were to establish that CIT could effectively demonstrate interference and would perform comparably to the Stroop Color-Word Test Victoria version (VST) despite PD-related motor impairment. Methods: Ninety-nine patients with PD were recruited. Initial evaluation included CIT, VST, Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), and Movement Disorders Society-sponsored revision of the ­Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS-III). A group of patients underwent repeat assessment within 2 weeks. Thirty-four healthy controls were recruited for comparison. Results: Patients’ mean age was 66.2 years, disease duration was 8.7 years, on-state MDS-UPDRS-III was 22, and MOCA total score was 27. CIT effectively generated interference, whereby the total time taken to complete the incongruent task was 20% longer compared to that of the baseline task. CIT key test items demonstrated convergent validity to VST (r = 0.478–0.644, p < 0.0001) and satisfactory repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.46–0.808, p ≤ 0.0002). Performance on key CIT test parameters deteriorated with increasing age (r = 0.225–0.478, p < 0.01) and MDS-UPDRS-III total score (r = 0.354–0.481, p < 0.0001). When compared to controls and patients with less motor impairment, patients MDS-UPDRS-III > 30 took longer to complete CIT and VST and had lower MOCA-attention sub-score, implying that the degree of motor impairment could not be the sole explanation for reduced CIT performance. Conclusions: We established that despite motor impairment, the novel approach of using smartphone technology to test interference in PD patients is feasible.
Diaphragm Disease: NSAID-Induced Small Bowel Stricture
Authors: Grattan Jr. Bruce J. , Bennett Tracy , Starks Michael R.
Published: June 2018

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is ubiquitous. However, it remains an oftentimes under-recognized risk factor for the development of strictures and small bowel obstruction. Herein we describe the case of a 63-year-old female with a prolonged course of abdominal pain and occult anemia found to have a diaphragmatic stricture in the small bowel related to chronic NSAID use.
Melatonin Loading Chitosan-Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles: Application in Attenuating Etoposide-Induced Genotoxicity in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Shokrzadeh Mohammad , Ghassemi-Barghi Nasrin
Published: June 2018

Etoposide is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of various types of cancers. However, as a Topoisomerase II inhibitor, during clinical use, several side effects may occur. In addition, in several in vivo and in vitro studies, etoposide has been shown to have a range of genotoxic effects including single and double strand breaks. Melatonin is an anti-aging and antioxidant hormone synthesized from the pineal gland. The genoprotective, antioxidant, and free radical scavenger properties of melatonin have been well explained in various studies. The aim of this study was to explore whether melatonin nanoparticles protects against etoposide-induced genotoxicity in the HepG2 cell line. HepG2 cells (25 × 104 cells/well) were cultured in 24-well plates: a control group and 3 melatonin and its nanoparticles + etoposide groups (pre- and cotreatment conditions). Our results show that etoposide induced a noticeable genotoxic effect in HepG2 cells. Melatonin reduced the effects of etoposide significantly in both types of experiment conditions, through the reduction of the level of DNA damage measured via comet assay. Furthermore, melatonin decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. It also increased the intracellular glutathione levels in HepG2 cells. Nano melatonin is more effective than regular melatonin. The most protective effect was observed with melatonin when it was administrated 24 h before etoposide treatment.
Metabolic Pancreatitis: Pancreatic Steatosis, Hypertriglyceridemia, and Associated Chronic Pancreatitis in 3 Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Melitas Constantine , Meiselman Mick
Published: June 2018

Obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome continue to increase in prevalence. Hypertriglyceridemia is commonly associated and represents a valuable marker of metabolic syndrome. An increase in subcutaneous fat deposition places patients at risk for visceral adipose deposition in sites such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. Pancreatic steatosis in the setting of metabolic syndrome is a rapidly emerging entity whose clinical spectrum remains to be defined. Hypertriglyceridemia is an accepted cause of acute pancreatitis but its role in chronic pancreatic injury remains to be explored. We present 3 patients with chronic abdominal pain and pancreatic steatosis in the setting of underlying metabolic syndrome with hypertriglyceridemia. These cases were identified in one endoscopic ultrasonographer’s practice over a 12-month period. Each patient had documented hypertriglyceridemia but no history of acute hypertriglyceride-induced pancreatitis. A history of significant alcohol exposure was carefully excluded. Each patient underwent endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) which proved critical in delineating the spectrum of chronic pancreatic injury. Each of our patients had EUS documentation of pancreatic steatosis and sufficient criteria to establish a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Intraductal pancreatic calculi were identified in all 3 patients. Our series suggests that in the setting of metabolic syndrome, chronic hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatic steatosis may be associated with chronic pancreatitis. We hypothesize that hypertriglyceridemia may provide a pathogenic role in the development of chronic pancreatic microinjury. In addition, each of our patients had EUS-documented pancreatic ductal lithiasis. To our review, these are novel findings which have yet to be reported. We believe that with an enhanced awareness, it is likely that the entity of metabolic syndrome with features of pancreatic steatosis and hypertriglyceridemia with their associated manifestations of chronic pancreatitis, including ductal lithiasis, will be widely appreciated.
Effect of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring on Patient’s Awareness and Goal Attainment Under Antihypertensive Therapy: The Factors Influencing Results in Anti-HypertenSive Treatment (FIRST) Study
Authors: Spirk David , Noll Sarah , Burnier Michel , Rimoldi Stefano , Noll Georg , Sudano Isabella
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Despite availability of a broad spectrum of blood pressure (BP)-lowering drugs many hypertensive patients do not attain BP goals. We aimed to evaluate the influence of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) on patient’s awareness and attainment of BP goals under antihypertensive treatment with irbesartan alone or in combination with hydro-chlorothiazide. Methods: In total, 1,268 patients with arterial hypertension were enrolled in the Factors Influencing Results in anti-hypertenSive Treatment (FIRST) study by 348 general practitioners and internal medicine specialists across Switzerland. Patients selected for HBPM received detailed information and training on BP self-management. The study endpoints included patient’s awareness and attainment of BP goals, and the efficacy and tolerability of antihypertensive treatment at 3 months. Results: Overall, the mean age was 61±13 years and 616 (49%) were women. The mean systolic/diastolic BP was 161±17/96±11 mmHg, and 239 (19%) patients had diabetes mellitus. 758 (60%) patients were instructed to use HBPM. Both the proportion of patients aware of their BP goals (81% vs. 70%; p< 0.001) and the percentage of patients reaching their BP goal (64% vs. 57%; p=0.028) were higher in those with vs. without HBPM. The mean reduction in systolic/diastolic BP was 23.8/13.2 mmHg. Only 35 (3.0%) patients discontinued antihypertensive therapy. Conclusion: In a large Swiss cohort of patients with arterial hypertension, information and training on BP self-measurement and direct involvement of patients by using HBPM led to improvement in BP control. Treatment with irbesartan alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide was well tolerated and markedly reduced BP.
Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Signaling Pathway Inhibition Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Rats with Asthma
Authors: Cheng Zhe  , Wang Xi , Dai Ling-Ling , Jia Liu-Qun , Jing Xiao-Gang , Liu Ying , Wang Huan , Li Peng-Fei , An Lin , Liu Meng
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine that plays diverse roles in the regulation of immune responses. However, a detailed understanding of the TSLP signaling pathway in asthma remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the TSLP signaling pathway in asthma and its effect on airway inflammation and remodeling. Methods: Forty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were evenly classified into control, asthma, IgG2a mAb and anti-TSLP mAb groups. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma models were successfully established. Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue samples were prepared. Total BALF leukocytes were counted, and the proportions of different leukocyte types were determined. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of TSLP, OX40L, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, a marker of airway remodeling in asthma) and collagen I in the plasma. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to measure the concentrations of TSLP, OX40L, and other inflammatory factors, such as interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13, in the plasma. Results: Compared with the control group, there were more leukocytes, increased EOS and LYM proportions, higher Underwood and PAS scores, increased WTt, WTm, WAt/A0, WAm/WAt, WTt/R0, WTm/WTt, TSLP, OX40L, a-SMA and collagen I mRNA and protein levels, and higher SLP, OX40L, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels, but lower MON proportions and IFN-γ levels in the asthma and IgG2a mAb groups. Compared with the asthma and IgG2a mAb groups, there were less leukocytes, decreased EOS and LYM proportions, lower Underwood and PAS scores, decreased WTt, WTm, WAt/A0, WAm/WAt, WTt/R0, WTm/WTt, TSLP, OX40L, a-SMA and Collagen I mRNA and protein levels, and lower levels of SLP, OX40L, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but higher MON proportions and IFN-γ levels in the anti-TSLP mAb group. WTm and WTt were positively associated with the TSLP, OX40L, α-SMA and collagen-I levels in the rat lung tissues. Conclusion: The results indicate that TSLP may be an important contributor for asthma development as TSLP signaling blockade attenuates airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic rats.
Sensitization of Gastric Cancer Cells to 5-FU by MicroRNA-204 Through Targeting the TGFBR2-Mediated Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Li Liang-Qing , Pan Dun , Chen Qun , Zhang Sheng-Wei , Xie Di-Ya , Zheng Xue-Lan , Chen Hui
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy, causing cancer-related deaths in East Asia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs aberrantly expressed in human tumors. In this study, we aim to investigate the roles of miR-204 in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated chemosensitivity. Methods: The expression of miR-204 was detected in clinical tumor samples and GC cell lines by real time PCR. Tumor cell’s growth, invasion, and migration were measured by MTT assay, wound healing assay, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Western blot method was used to detect the protein levels of indicated genes. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the target gene of miR-204. The in vivo role of miR-204 was measured using a xenograft mouse model of GC. Results: By comparing the expressions of miR-204 in human gastric tumors and their adjacent normal tissues, it was disclosed that miR-204 was significantly downregulated in gastric tumors. Moreover, miR-204 was downregulated in multiple GC cell lines compared with normal gastric epithelial cells. Overexpression of miR-204 suppressed GC cells’ proliferation, invasion, and migration. It is noteworthy that 5-FU treatments induced miR-204 expression and suppressed TGF-β pathway. By establishment of 5-FU resistant GC cell line, it was revealed that miR-204 was significantly downregulated in 5-FU resistant GC cells, representing mesenchymal features with downregulation of epithelial marker, while mesenchymal markers were upregulated. We identified TGFBR2 as a direct target of miR-204 by Western blot method and luciferase assay in GC cells and tumor samples as well. In addition, overexpression of miR-204 sensitized GC cells to 5-FU in vitro. Xenograft experiments demonstrated that the combination of miR-204 and 5-FU efficiently inhibited tumor growth and improved survival rate of mice as well. Eventually, we illustrated the restoration of TGFBR2 in miR-204 overexpression GC cells, which recovered resistance to 5-FU treatments compared with miR-204 overexpression GC cells. Conclusion: This study describes a miRNA-based therapeutic strategy against 5-FU resistance in GC, contributing to the development of anti-chemoresistance therapeutic agents.
Catalogue of Bibionidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) types housed in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Falaschi Rafaela Lopes , Oliveira Sarah Siqueira , Lamas Carlos José Einicker
Published: June 2018

Following a recommendation of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, this paper provides a catalogue of the type specimens of Bibionidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) held in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil (MZUSP). Label data and the condition of 21 type specimens (two holotypes and 19 paratypes) of two Neotropical species is provided. Photographs of the male terminalia of the holotypes are also presented.
Acontecimento e problemas públicos: elementos para uma crítica da cobertura jornalística
Authors: Silva Terezinha
Published: June 2018

O artigo propõe pensar a crítica da cobertura jornalística de um acontecimento a partir de quatro dimensões: 1) enquadramento; 2) construção narrativa; 3) constituição do problema público ou questão coletiva; e 4) condicionantes do processo de produção. A partir dessa grade, é analisada a cobertura que as revistas Veja e CartaCapital realizaram da delação de executivos da Odebrecht, um dos acontecimentos da operação Lava Jato. O texto evidencia semelhanças e diferenças na forma como essas mídias interpretam o acontecimento e tratam o problema da corrupção, constroem uma narrativa e focam em certos atores e sua representação; além de apontar aspectos do processo produtivo que influem no tratamento dessas dimensões e na construção de diferentes coberturas jornalísticas, como as fontes de informação, a linha político-editorial e a relação de cada mídia com seu público.
Atrial Fibrillation and Declining Physical Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Magnani Jared W. , Wang Na , Benjamin Emelia J. , Garcia Melissa E. , Bauer Douglas C. , Butler Javed , Ellinor Patrick T. , Kritchevsky Stephen , Marcus Gregory M. , Newman Anne , Phillips Caroline L. , Sasai Hiroyuki , Satterfield Suzanne , Sullivan Lisa M. , Harris Tamara B.
Published: June 2018

Background—

Age is the foremost risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), and AF has a rising prevalence in older adults. How AF may contribute to decline in physical performance in older adults has had limited investigation. We examined the associations of incident AF and 4-year interval declines in physical performance at ages 70, 74, 78, and 82 years in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study.

Methods and Results—

Health ABC is a prospective cohort of community-dwelling older adults (n=3075). The study conducted serial assessments of physical performance with the Health ABC physical performance battery (scored 0–4), grip strength, 2-minute walk distance, and 400-m walking time. Incident AF was identified from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and related to 4-year interval decline in physical performance. After exclusions, the analysis included 2753 Health ABC participants (52% women, 41% black race). Participants with AF had a significantly greater 4-year physical performance battery decline than those without AF at age 70, 74, 78, and 82, with mean estimated decline ranging from −0.08 to −0.10 U (95% confidence interval, −0.18 to −0.01;
P
<0.05 for all estimates) after multivariable adjustment. Grip strength, walk distance, and walk time similarly showed significantly greater declines at each 4-year age interval in participants with AF.

Conclusions—

In community-based cohort older adults, incident AF was associated with increased risk of decline in physical performance. Further research is essential to identify mechanisms and preventive strategies for how AF may contribute toward declining physical performance in older adults.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Profiles in Pregnant Women With Chronic Hypertension
Authors: Malha Line , Sison Cristina P. , Helseth Geraldine , Sealey Jean E. , August Phyllis
Published: June 2018

Pregnant women with chronic hypertension are at risk for increased blood pressure and superimposed preeclampsia (SPE) in late pregnancy. Alterations in the renin-aldosterone system are a feature of normal pregnancy; however, their role in chronic hypertension with and without SPE is less clear. We performed a prospective, longitudinal trial of 108 women with chronic hypertension and measured plasma renin activity (PRA), 24-hour urine sodium, urine potassium, and urine aldosterone (Ualdo) at 12, 20, 28, and 36 weeks and postpartum. SPE developed in 34% of pregnancies. PRA was lower in women who developed SPE at weeks 28 (5.99 versus 6.22 ng/mL per hour;
P
<0.001) and 36 (5.71 versus 7.74 ng/mL per hour;
P
=0.002). Ualdo was lower in women with SPE compared with those without SPE at 28 weeks (59.6 versus 81.3 μg/d;
P
=0.039). Mean arterial pressure was inversely related to both PRA (
r
=−0.23;
P
<0.0001) and Ualdo (
r
=−0.11;
P
=0.029). PRA and Ualdo were positively associated with each other (
r
=0.5327;
P
<0.0001) after adjusting for urine potassium, urine sodium, serum potassium, and mean arterial pressure. PRA and Ualdo were lower in women of black race compared with other racial groups (
P
<0.001). Our results demonstrate that in women with chronic hypertension PRA and Ualdo increase in early pregnancy and subsequently decrease in women who develop SPE. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that sodium retention may contribute to the elevation in blood pressure in SPE.
Fogones de Fauna: An Experience of Participatory Monitoring of Wildlife in Rural Uruguay
Authors: Bergós Lucía , Grattarola Florencia , Barreneche Juan Manuel , Hernández Daniel , González Solana
Published: June 2018

Rural Uruguay is undergoing a long process of transformations that tend to weaken the maintenance of local cultural traits, including society-nature relationships. To preserve these traits and enhance our understanding of these relationships, it is necessary to both strive for the empowering of rural communities and to establish a constructive exchange of knowledge. JULANA (an acronym from the Spanish for “Playing in Nature”) works towards these goals through the dialogue of the different conceptions of nature and society. This work presents an experience in collaborative-learning, the participatory monitoring project named Fogones de Fauna carried out in the village of Paso Centurión, along with reflections on the value of JULANA’s work and education.
Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis of the Internal Auditory Canal: A Rare Case of Unilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Muelleman Thomas , Kavookjian Hannah , Lin James , Staecker Hinrich
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

To describe and increase awareness of a rare cause of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

We present a 66-year-old female who suffered left-sided sudden sensorineural hearing loss and dizziness. Diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not reveal masses or lesions along the eighth cranial nerve or in the inner ear. Upon eventual referral to neurotology clinic, hypertrophic pachymeningitis of her left internal auditory canal and adjacent middle and posterior fossa dura were identified. The ensuing laboratory workup for autoimmune and infectious etiology revealed mild elevation of ACE 93 (9-67) but otherwise normal results.

Conclusions:

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a diagnosis of exclusion. Neoplastic, infectious, and autoimmune causes must be ruled out. The prevailing treatment for this condition is high-dose corticosteroids. This entity should be considered when evaluating MRI scans obtained in the setting of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.