bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticopuncture Facilitated Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Authors: Suzuki Selly Sayuri , Braga Laila Fernanda Souza , Fujii Denise Nami , Moon Won , Suzuki Hideo
Published: December 2018

Introduction. Microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) has been considered an alternative to avoid extensive surgical procedures. In order to obtain skeletal results of MARPE, force should be enough to overcome areas of resistance and the first one that is required to be disrupted is the midpalatal suture, which becomes increasingly interdigitated after adolescence. Objective. The present study aimed at providing a novel approach using a minimally invasive method called corticopuncture (CP) in association with MARPE illustrated by a case report of a 35-year-old Brazilian female Caucasian patient presenting maxillary transverse deficiency. Method. Treatment plan started with an orthopedic correction of the transverse problem using a MARPE device. After many unsuccessful attempts to activate MARPE, corticopunctures were performed along the midpalatal suture. CP procedure at the midpalatal suture included 8 perforations (2 mm apart), performed after previous predrilling followed by miniscrew insertion (5 mm thread length and 1.8 mm diameter). Results. After CP and new activation protocol, the opening of the midpalatal suture was observed by CBCT images, showing skeletal results, suture split of 3.14 mm (premolar area) and 2.06 (molar area), an increase of 4.3 mm (premolar) and 3.03 mm (molar) in basal bone width, 4.43 mm (premolar) and 3.1 mm (molar) in cortical bone width, and minimal dental effects (mean of 1.2° of tooth tipping). Conclusion. The combination of MARPE and corticopuncture method was proved to be a nonsurgical treatment option to correct maxillary transverse deficiency in an adult patient. CP was able to weaken suture interdigitation thus facilitating the split.
Counting Footsteps with a Pedometer to Improve HMW Adiponectin and Metabolic Syndrome among Young Female Adults in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hasan Hayder , Attlee Amita , Jan Bin Jan Mohamed Hamid , Aris Norliyana , Bin Wan Muda Wan Abdul Manan
Published: December 2018

Introduction. Physical activity (PA) may improve cardiometabolic fitness and increase high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Adip). The pedometer is an effective, user-friendly device to monitor PA with the aim of improving health. This study examined how counting footsteps, using a pedometer, might affect HMW-Adip and MetS components among young females.Methods. Fifty-two females (21.43 ± 4.8 years) were divided into “normal” (BMI = 18–24.9 kg/m2) and “high” (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) BMI groups. Participants wore pedometers throughout the day for nine weeks. Pre-post intervention tests performed on anthropometric, biochemical, and nutrient intake variables were tested atp≤0.05.Results. Participants walked 7056 ± 1570 footsteps/day without a significant difference between normal (7488.49 ± 1098) and high (6739.18 ± 1793) BMI groups. After week 9, the normal BMI group improved significantly in BMI, body fat mass (BFM), and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Additionally, percent body fat, waist circumference (WC), and visceral fat area also reduced significantly in the high BMI group. A significant decrease in triglycerides (TG) (71.62 ± 29.22 vs. 62.50 ± 29.16 mg/dl,p=0.003) and insulin (21.7 ± 8.33 µU/l vs. 18.64 ± 8.25 µU/l,p=0.046) and increase in HMW-Adip (3.77 ± 0.46 vs. 3.80 ± 0.44 μg/ml,p=0.034) were recorded in the high BMI group. All participants exhibited significant inverse correlations between daily footsteps and BMI (r=−0.33,  p=0.017), BFM (r=−0.29,  p=0.037), WHR (r=−0.401,  p=0.003), and MetS score (r=−0.49,  p<0.001) and positive correlation with HMW-Adip (r=0.331,  p=0.017). A positive correlation with systolic (r=0.46,  p=0.011) and diastolic (r=0.39,  p=0.031) blood pressures and inverse correlation with the MetS score (r=−0.5,  p=0.005) were evident in the high BMI group.Conclusion. Counting footsteps using a pedometer is effective in improving MetS components (obesity, TG) and increasing HMW-Adip levels.
Obesity May Provide Pro-ILC3 Development Inflammatory Environment in Asthmatic Children
Authors: Wu Yumin , Yue Jiawei , Wu Juncheng , Zhou Wei , Li Dapeng , Ding Kai , Barnie Prince Amoah , Xu Xu , Xu Huaxi , Shi Weifeng
Published: December 2018

The prevalence of obesity in children has dramatically increased in the last few decades, and obesity has also emerged as an important risk factor for asthma. Innate mechanisms have been shown to be involved in both diseases, particularly through the recently described innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), in which ILC3s have been linked to obesity both in human and in murine models. The aim of this study was to explore whether being overweight in asthmatic children was associated with elevated circulating ILC3 or elevated messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of RORC, IL-17A, and IL-22. Our results showed significantly elevated ILC3 frequencies in overweight asthmatic children compared with nonoverweight controls based on the detection of Lin+CD127+IL-23R+ cells by flow cytometry. Moreover, elevated ILC3 frequencies positively correlated with the mRNA expression of RORC which has been identified as a transcription factor of ILC3s. The relative mRNA expression level of IL-17A was also upregulated in overweight compared to nonoverweight children, as was the relative mRNA level of IL-22. However, there were no correlations between ILC3 frequencies or the expressions of RORC, IL-17A, and IL-22 and asthma severity. These results suggested that childhood obesity is an independent factor that is associated with an elevated frequency of circulating ILC3s and higher expressions of RORC, IL-22, and IL-17A.
Robust Impulsive Stabilization of Uncertain Nonlinear Singular Systems with Application to Transportation Systems
Authors: Fang Shaohong
Published: December 2018

We consider the robust asymptotical stabilization problem for uncertain singular systems. We design a new impulsive control technique to ensure that the controlled singular system is robustly asymptotically stable and hence derive the corresponding stability criteria. These sufficient conditions are expressed in the form of algebra matrix inequalities and can be implemented numerically. We finally provide a numerical example of a transportation system to illustrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed criteria.
Right Diaphragmatic Eventration with an Intrathoracic Kidney: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Carrasco Anibal , Castro Ricardo
Published: December 2018

We aimed to review the publications on the diagnosis of diaphragmatic eventration and report on the clinical presentation and surgical treatment of a female patient aged 17 years. The present case, though quite infrequent, shows the presence of an ectopic thoracic kidney on the right side. The clinical features included dry cough, chest pain, respiratory distress, and bronchial spasms for 4 years; additionally, the patient had episodes of bronchial asthma since her childhood. The right hemithorax presented invasion of the thin loops, right colon, and kidney. The treatment approach was laparoscopic followed by thoracotomy using a dual mesh. The intrathoracic kidney remained in place. The outcome was satisfactory. Diaphragmatic eventration associated with thoracic renal ectopia is a very rare entity, considering the age, sex, and right location of the condition. It represents a clinical and diagnostic challenge; clinicians, radiologists, and surgeons must be alert with a high degree of suspicion in order to correlate symptoms and imaging findings and understand the etiopathogenesis. In addition, they should plan an adequate and individualized surgical repair making use, as far as possible, of the minimally invasive procedures that are currently used.
A Study of a Diseased Prey-Predator Model with Refuge in Prey and Harvesting from Predator
Authors: Abdulghafour Ahmed Sami , Naji Raid Kamel
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a mathematical model of a prey-predator system with infectious disease in the prey population is proposed and studied. It is assumed that there is a constant refuge in prey as a defensive property against predation and harvesting from the predator. The proposed mathematical model is consisting of three first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which describe the interaction among the healthy prey, infected prey, and predator. The existence, uniqueness, and boundedness of the system’ solution are investigated. The system's equilibrium points are calculated with studying their local and global stability. The persistence conditions of the proposed system are established. Finally the obtained analytical results are justified by a numerical simulation.
Are There Gender-Dependent Study Habits of Medical Students in Times of the World Wide Web?
Authors: Benditz A. , Pulido L. , Renkawitz T. , Schwarz T. , Grifka J. , Weber M.
Published: December 2018

This study evaluates how medical students rate the different types of teaching materials and methods available as well as possible gender-specific differences in the use of such materials. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study a questionnaire with short, one-dimensional questions with a 4-step Likert scale was developed by a presurvey within 493 students (4th year) at a University Medical School (January-December 2015). The anonymous survey was performed from July 2016 to February 2017 with 252 students within an orthopaedic surgery course at University Medical School. After exclusion of (1) nonnative speakers and (2) incomplete forms, 233 samples were included. Practical education was regarded as the most important (n=160/68.7%) teaching method followed by Internet research (n=147/63.1%) as the most important teaching material, while traditional frontal teaching (n=19/8.2%) and e-books (n=11/4.7%) ranked last. The evaluation of gender-specific differences in the use of teaching materials showed that female students prefer to highlight text (p<0.0001) as well as a trend to Internet research (p=0.053) and small-group teaching (p=0.057). Despite some gender-specific differences, traditional learning methods retain their importance besides new learning possibilities such as Internet research.
The Natural History of Incidental Colonic Diverticulosis on Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Sharara Ala I. , Ziade Nathalie , Shayto Rani H. , Rustom Luma Basma O. , Chehab Hamed , Rimmani Hussein H. , Hanna Krystelle , Chalhoub Jean M. , Sarkis Fayez S. , Rahal Mahmoud A. , Soweid Assaad , Mourad Fadi H. , Barada Kassem , Harb Ali H.
Published: December 2018

Background. The natural history of colonic diverticulosis is unclear.Methods. Patients with incidental diverticulosis identified in a previous prospective cross-sectional screening colonoscopy study were evaluated retrospectively for clinic or hospital visit(s) for diverticular disease (DD= acute diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding) using review of electronic health records and patient phone interview.Results. 826 patients were included in the screening colonoscopy study. Three were excluded for prior DD. In all, 224 patients (27.2%; mean age 62.3 ± 8.2) had incidental diverticulosis distributed in the left colon (67.4%), right colon (5.8%), or both (22.8%). Up-to-date information was available on 194 patients. Of those, 144 (74.2%) could be reached for detailed interview and constituted the study population. Over a mean follow-up of 7.0 ± 1.7 years, DD developed in 6 out of 144 patients (4.2%) (4 acute cases of diverticulitis, 1 probable case of diverticular bleeding, and 1 acute case of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding). Two patients were hospitalized, and none required surgery. The time to event was 5.1 ± 1.6 years and the incidence rate was 5.9 per 1000 patient-years. On multivariate analysis, none of the variables collected at baseline colonoscopy including age, gender, obesity, exercise, fiber intake, alcohol use, constipation, or use of NSAIDs were associated with DD.Conclusion. The natural history of incidental diverticulosis on screening colonoscopy was highly favorable in this well-defined prospectively identified cohort. The common scenario of incidental diverticulosis at screening colonoscopy makes this information clinically relevant and valuable to physicians and patients alike.
Renoprotective Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Huayu Tongluo Formula against Diabetic Nephropathy in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Feng-li , Wang Yue-hua , Han Lin , An Hai-yan , Zhang Jiang-hua , Zhang Xue-yun , Chen Zhi-qiang , Qin Jian-guo
Published: December 2018

Diabetic nephropathy is developed in 20‐40% of patients with diabetes mellitus, and patients with diabetic nephropathy require dialysis and renal transplantation. Traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used in treating patients with diabetic nephropathy in China. However, the detailed mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine remain unclear. Yiqi Yangyin Huayu Tongluo formula (ZY formula) is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula. Here, we demonstrated kidney protective effect of ZY formula on the rats with diabetic nephropathy. The therapeutic effect of ZY formula on the diabetic nephropathy was almost the same as that of Irbesartan, which proved to have excellent curative effects on diabetic nephropathy. We also demonstrated the mechanism of ZY formula effect on the diabetic nephropathy. First, we validated that the activation of ROS‐JNK signaling pathway in diabetic rats could be reduced by ZY. Furthermore, collagen I expression could be downregulated by ZY formula treatment. Meanwhile, cell apoptosis in the kidney of diabetic rats could be alleviated by ZY formula.
Laminated Veneers with Stratified Feldspathic Ceramics
Authors: Tuzzolo Neto Henrique , Nascimento Wagner Ferreira do , Erly Larissa , Ribeiro Rodrigo Alves , Barbosa Jorge de Sá , Zambrana Jessica Mina , Raimundo Lariça Barbosa , Mendes Cristiane da Silva , Silva Ivan Pereira da , Mesquita Alfredo Mikail Melo , Salgado Daniela Miranda Richarte de Andrade , Costa Claudio
Published: December 2018

Currently, there has been a growing demand for restorations of anterior teeth in the routine of doctors in dental offices. With advances in adhesive technology and good properties of the available ceramics, the use of ceramic veneers has been offered as a treatment option for cases where teeth have minor color changes and shape and position changes. Through careful treatment planning, it is possible to conservatively use ceramic veneers in the treatments, applying techniques with minimal wear of the teeth and obtaining excellent aesthetic results with mechanical stability and biocompatibility with the periodontal tissues and clinical longevity. This clinical case report was used to design the digital smile, which guided the production of the diagnostic waxing of the superior model. Silicone guides were then made to create the mock-up, orienting enamel/dentin wear and assisting the preparation of the crowns with bis-acryl resin. When the wear was finished, the gingival separation was performed using the double-thread technique. In the molding process, the second wire was withdrawn and the molding material flowed into the gingival groove, copying the terminal region. After analysis of the quality of the impression, the temporary crowns were made with bis-acryl resin, using the guide. The color of the cementing agent was chosen using a glycerin-based compound which simulates the final color of the cement. After two hours of drying, two different layers of silane were applied for 60 seconds. After the preparation of the piece, gingival isolation and separation were done. The dental substrate was degreased with detergent solution and conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds and then washed for 45 seconds for subsequent drying, leaving the substrate moistened. The adhesive system was applied for 30 seconds, waiting for the adhesive to penetrate into the conditioned dentinal tubules. A light air jet was applied, and then each tooth was photopolymerized for 30 seconds. The resin cement was placed inside the pieces and placed in position and photopolymerized. The excess cement was removed; after a layer of glycerin in the cervical region, aiming to block the entry of oxygen and polishing was performed. The purpose of this case report was to describe a sequence of clinical steps, from planning to cementation, in a case of aesthetic correction using feldspathic ceramic veneers.
Reliability Evaluation and In-Orbit Residual Life Prediction for Satellite Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhang Tao , Liu Tianyu , Yao Lei
Published: December 2018

As a new type of secondary battery, lithium-ion battery is widely used in the aerospace industry with the advantages of long lifetime, high energy density and low pollution, etc. In this paper, we focus on the problem of offline and online life prediction for satellite lithium-ion batteries. Firstly, based on the NASA laboratory battery dataset, a Wiener process with time-scale transformation is used to capture battery capacity fading, and then the battery reliability point and interval estimation equation are derived, respectively. Secondly, by analyzing the charge and discharge profiles of the batteries in orbit environments, an accurate capacity prediction model is proposed based on the partial charging curves. Finally, the Bayesian framework is used to perform capacity degradation model online updating, and the analytical expression of residual life distribution is derived to achieve RL prediction for in-orbit satellite lithium-ion batteries.
Model Predictive Control to Autonomously Approach a Failed Spacecraft
Authors: Wang Xun , Wang Zhaokui , Zhang Yulin
Published: December 2018

In this study, a model predictive control (MPC) method is developed for a servicer spacecraft autonomously approaching a tumbling failed spacecraft at an ultraclose range. Flight safety and collision avoidance are basic requirements during the approach. Two types of a failed spacecraft with complex configurations are considered, and a double-ellipsoid composite envelope strategy is designed to model their keep-out zones. Given the keep-out zone of the servicer, two expanded ellipsoids are subsequently introduced to determine the collision and sufficient conditions for collision avoidance are derived by using the form of concave constraint. The tumbling motion of the target is considered, and a CW-based translational dynamics and derived attitude dynamics of the target are formulated to predict the motion of the docking point and keep-out zone. The MPC is formulated to drive the servicer tracking the docking point with collision avoidance and handle constraints including control input saturation and relative velocity bound. Convexification of the collision avoidance constraint and sequential convex programming are adopted for the implementation of MPC. Scenarios on the servicer with different initial positions approaching the target with different angular velocities are simulated, and the simulation results indicate that the proposed MPC method is effective.
Performance of the Restarted Homotopy Perturbation Method and Split Bregman Method for Multiplicative Noise Removal
Authors: Han Yu Du , Yun Jae Heon
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we first propose restarted homotopy perturbation methods (RHPM) for multiplicative noise removal of the RLO and AA2 models. The main difficulty in applying the RHPM to the nonlinear denoising problem is settled by using binomial series techniques. We next propose the split Bregman methods for multiplicative noise removal of the RLO and AA2 models. The difficulty in applying the split Bregman method to the nonlinear denoising problem can be handled by transforming ill-conditioned linear systems into well-conditioned linear systems using splitting techniques of singular matrices. Lastly, numerical experiments for several test problems are provided to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the RHPM and split Bregman methods.
A SVM Approach of Aircraft Conflict Detection in Free Flight
Authors: Jiang Xu-rui , Wen Xiang-xi , Wu Ming-gong , Wang Ze-kun , Qiu Xi
Published: December 2018

Probabilistic conflict detection methods typically require high computational burden to deal with complex multiaircraft conflict detection. In this article, aircraft conflict detection is considered as a binary classification problem; therefore, it can be solved by a pattern recognition method. A potential conflict would be identified, as long as its flight data features are extracted and fed to a classifier which has been trained by a large number of flight datasets. Based on this, a new method based on support vector machine (SVM) is employed to detect multiaircraft conflict in “Free Flight” airspace and to estimate the conflict probability. For that purpose, the current positions, velocity vectors, and predicted look-ahead time are selected as detection factors, and the detection model is established by SVM to detect aircraft conflict within look-ahead time during short and medium terms. Moreover, conflict probabilities are determined by the sigmoid function mapping method. Nevertheless, false alarm rate is always a first and foremost problem that troubles air traffic controllers. For the purpose of reducing false alarm rates, Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) method is used to handle imbalanced datasets. Extensive simulation results are presented to illustrate the rationality and accuracy of this method.
Numerical Investigation of Gob‐Side Entry Retaining through Precut Overhanging Hard Roof to Control Rockburst
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Gan Li , Chengwei Zhao , Jianquan Tang , Manchao He , Peng Song , Chengyu Miao
Published: December 2018

Gob‐side entry retaining through precut overhanging hard roof (GERPOHR) method is one of the commonly used methods for nonpillar mining. However, feasibility studies of controlling rockburst by this method are few. Rockburst occurs in hard thick strata with a higher probability, larger scale, and higher risk. To better understand the GERPOHR method is beneﬁcial for rockburst mitigation. In this paper, the design of GERPOHR was ﬁrst introduced. And the layout of the working face was optimized. Then, based on the numerical simulation, the stress and displacement distribution characteristics were compared under the condition of conventional mining and GERPOHR method. The research shows that the intervals of main roof weighting could be decreased through the precut overhanging hard roof method. And the peak value of abutment pressure decreased. Meanwhile, the energy accumulation and the stress fluctuation could be alleviated in roadway surrounding rock.
The Therapeutic Effect of a Multistrain Probiotic on Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Seok-Hoon , Joo Nam-Seok , Kim Kwang-Min , Kim Kyu-Nam
Published: December 2018

Backgrounds. Recent studies suggest that diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with intestinal bacterial microflora, colonic inflammation, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multistrain probiotic intake on these associated factors in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Methods. The recruited volunteers were adults who were diagnosed with diarrhea-predominant IBS according to the Rome III criteria. After 8 weeks of probiotic ingestion, changes in gastrointestinal symptoms, fecal microbiome, SIBO, and fecal calprotectin were determined. Results. There was an increase in beneficial bacteria (41.2 ± 16.8% vs. 53.7 ± 15.3%, P=0.018) and a decrease in harmful bacteria (13.0 ± 13.9% vs. 4.7 ± 4.0%, P=0.010) in the microbial stool analysis. The SIBO prevalence also decreased at the end of treatment. However, the average levels of fecal calprotectin showed a decreasing tendency, without reaching statistical significance (364.4 ± 729.1 mg/kg vs. 200.9 ± 347.6 mg/kg, P=0.375). Conclusion. Treatment with a multistrain probiotic for 8 weeks led to significant increases in beneficial bacteria in the gut as well as the improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms. This study is registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0002906).
The Association of Vitamin A and Vitamin D with Hypertension in Children: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Liang Xiaohua , Chen Min , Qu Ping , Hao Guang , Huang Yisong , Chen Jie , Li Tingyu
Published: December 2018

Background. The prevalence of hypertension in children increases rapidly. This paper is to investigate the association of vitamin A and serum 25(OH)D level with hypertension and to explore the risk factors of hypertension in children. Methods. 164 children (age: 6-12 years, females: 49.39%) were included in this case-control study. The serum vitamin A and serum 25(OH)D level, the transcription level of RARs and RXRs, 25(OH)D receptor, and the retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), an indicator of vitamin A storage function, were measured. Results. The serum vitamin A level in hypertensive subjects was not significantly different compared to control, but the serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in hypertensive subjects compared to control (38.22±12.00umol/L vs. 43.28±12.33 umol/L, P=0.02). The transcription levels of RARα, RARβ, and RARγ were not significantly different between the two groups; but the LRAT was lower in the hypertensive group than that in the control (P<0.001). Compared with control group, the level of 25(OH)D receptor was lower in hypertension children (P=0.003). Logistic regression model showed that LRAT, HDL, and breastfed duration were negatively associated with blood pressure, and waist circumference was positively associated with blood pressure. Conclusions. The LRAT, serum 25(OH)D, and 25(OH)D receptor were significantly associated with blood pressure level, and both breastfed and HDL-C were independent protective factors of blood pressure level in children.
Demarcation of Structural Domains in Fractured Rock Masses Using a Three‐Parameter Simultaneous Analysis Method
Authors: Zhou Xin , Chen Jianping , Ruan Yunkai , Zhang Wen , Song Shengyuan , Zhan Jiewei
Published: December 2018

A structural domain represents a volume of a rock mass with similar mechanical and hydrological properties. To demarcate structural domains (or statistically homogeneous regions) in fractured rock masses, this study proposes a three‐parameter simultaneous analysis method (3PSAM) that simultaneously considers rock fracture orientation, trace length, and aperture to evaluate statistical homogeneity between two regions. First, a 102‐patch three‐dimensional Schmidt net, which represents a new comprehensive classification system, is established to characterize rock fractures based on their orientation and aperture. Two populations of rock fractures can then be projected to the corresponding patches. Second, the Wald–Wolfowitz runs test is used to measure the similarity between the two populations by considering the fracture trace lengths. The results obtained by applying the 3PSAM to seven simulated fracture populations show that the homogeneity is influenced by both the distributions of the fracture parameters and the sequences of the fracture parameters. The influence of a specific combination sequence makes it impractical to analyze the rock fracture parameters individually. Combined with previous methods, the 3PSAM provides reasonable and accurate results when it is applied to a fractured rock slope engineering case study in Dalian, China. The results show that each fracture population should be identified as an independent structural domain when using the 3PSAM. Only the 3PSAM identifies the west exploratory trench 2 and the east exploratory trench as being nonhomogeneous because the difference in the aperture of the two fracture populations is considered. The benefit of the 3PSAM is that it simultaneously considers three parameters in the demarcation of structural domains.
Antimalarial Activity of Piperine
Authors: Thiengsusuk Artitaya , Muhamad Phunuch , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: December 2018

Malaria remains a public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinins in Southeast Asia is a great concern for disease control and research on discovery and development of new alternative antimalarial drugs is urgently required. In a previous study, the fruit of Piper chaba Hunt. was demonstrated to exhibit promising antimalarial activity against the asexual stage of 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) and K1 (chloroquine-resistant) P. falciparum clones. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the antimalarial activity of piperine, the major isolated constituent of Piper chaba Hunt. fruits against both P. falciparum clones. The antimalarial activity was determined using SYBR green-I-based assay and morphological change was observed under the light microscope with Giemsa staining. The median IC50 (concentration that inhibits parasite growth by 50%) values of piperine against 3D7 and K1 P. falciparum were 111.5 and 59 μM, respectively. A marked change in parasite morphology was observed within 48 hours of piperine exposure. Results of real-time PCR showed no effect of piperine on modulating the expression of the three genes associated with antimalarial drug resistance in P. falciparum, i.e., pfcrt, pfmdr1, and pfmrp1. Piperine could be a promising candidate for further development as an antimalarial drug based on its antimalarial potency and low risk of resistance development.
Comparative Controlling of the Lorenz Chaotic System Using the SMC and APP Methods
Authors: Köse Ercan , Mühürcü Aydın
Published: December 2018

The Lorenz chaotic system is based on a nonlinear behavior and this causes the system to be unstable. Therefore, two different controller models were developed and named as the adaptive pole placement and sliding mode control (SMC) methods for the establishment of continuous time nonlinear Lorenz chaotic system. In order to achieve this, an improved controller structure was developed first theoretically for both the controller methods and then tested practically using the numerical samples. During the establishment of adaptive pole placement method for the Lorenz chaotic system, various stages were applied. The nonlinear chaotic system was also linearized by means of Taylor Series expansion processes. In addition, the feedback matrix of the adaptive pole placement method was determined using linear Jacobian matrix. The chaotic system reached an equilibrium point by using both the SMC and adaptive pole placement methods; however the simulation results of the SMC had better success than adaptive pole placement control technique.
Identifying Potentially Modifiable Factors Associated with Treatment Non-Adherence in Paediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Systematic Review
Authors: Graham Selina , Weinman John , Auyeung Vivian
Published: December 2018

Background: Despite the developments of recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) treatment and the benefits in long-term clinical health outcomes, evidence has shown that many children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) still fail to achieve their target adult height. Suboptimal outcomes have been largely attributed to treatment non-adherence. Methods: A search of 11 electronic databases was undertaken to identify relevant articles, published in English, between 1985 and 2018. Additional search strategies included hand-searching topic review articles to identify eligible studies. Articles were screened against the inclusion eligibility criteria and data on sample characteristics, study design, outcomes, and key findings was extracted. The results were narratively synthesised and categorised using the COM-B theoretical framework. Results: Twenty-one full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 6 articles met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of non-adherence in the included studies varied from 7 to 71%. Potentially modifiable factors associated with rhGH non-adherence were categorised within the COM-B framework; key factors included: a lack of knowledge and understanding of the condition and treatment, discomfort and pain associated with injections, and the quality of the healthcare professional-patient relationship. Conclusion: This review highlights the scope of the adherence problem evident amongst the paediatric GHD population and in addition presents the wide range of potentially modifiable factors that explain this health-related behaviour.
Cigarette Smoke Extract Promotes TIM4 Expression in Murine Dendritic Cells Leading to Th2 Polarization through ERK-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Jiang Rui , Jiang Yaping , Xia Ping , Luo Guangwei , Huang Wei , Hu Zhimin , Cheng Guilian , Xiong Yin , Wang Yueqin , Cui Tianpen
Published: December 2018

Smoking is considered to be the main source of indoor pollution, and it has been identified as an important environmental factor contributing to asthma onset. We know that T helper 2 (Th2) response plays a crucial role in the process of asthma disease. We have investigated the reaction of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on Th polarization which is controlled by dendritic cells (DCs). Stimulated by CSE, immature DCs from murine bone marrow showed upregulated levels of TIM4. Cocultured with CD4+ T cells, stimulated DCs increased the ratio of IL-4+ versus IFN-γ+ of CD4+ T cells. This suggests a differentiation towards Th2 response. Moreover, antibodies against TIM4 reversed the upexpression of the IL-4+/IFN-γ+ ratio provoked by CSE, indicating that the Th2 polarization which was induced by CSE is via TIM4 mechanisms. CSE could activate mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways like ERK and p38. Upregulation of TIM4 expression by CSE stimulation was found to be inhibited by an ERK inhibitor but not p38 and JNK. In conclusion, DC-induced Th2 polarization is a hallmark of CSE allergy, and this aspect can be explained by CSE-induced TIM4 expression.
Direct Effect of Septic Plasma in Human Cell Lines Viability
Authors: Virzì Grazia Maria , Borga Chiara , Pasqualin Chiara , Pastori Silvia , Brocca Alessandra , de Cal Massimo , Nalesso Federico , Zanella Monica , Brendolan Alessandra , Ronco Claudio
Published: December 2018

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition often associated with a high incidence of multiple organs injury. Several papers suggested the immune response by itself, with the production of humoral inflammatory mediators, is crucial in determining organ injury. However, little is known of how sepsis directly induces organ injury at the cellular levels. To assess this point, we set up an in vitro study to investigate the response of renal tubular cells (RTCs), monocytes (U937) and hepatocytes (HepG2) after 24 h-incubation with septic patients’ plasma. Methods: We enrolled 26 septic patients (“test” group). We evaluated cell viability, apoptosis and necrosis by flow cytometer. Caspase-3,-8,-9 and cytochrome-c concentrations have been analyzed using the Human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: We found that a decrease of cell viability in all cell lines tested was associated to the increase of apoptosis in RTCs and U937 (p < 0.0001) and increase of necrosis in HepG2 (p < 0.5). The increase of apoptosis in RTCs and U937 cells was confirmed by higher levels of caspase-3 (p < 0.0001). We showed that apoptosis in both RTCs and U937 was triggered by the activation of the intrinsic pathway, as caspase-9 and cytochrome-c levels significantly increased (p < 0.0001), while caspase-8 did not change. This assumption was strengthened by the significant correlation of caspase-9 with both cytochrome-c (r = 0.73 for RTCs and r = 0.69 for U937) and caspase-3 (r = 0.69 for RTCs and r = 0.63 for U937). Conclusion: Humoral mediators in septic patients’ plasma induce apoptosis. This fact suggests that apoptosis inhibitors should be investigated as future strategy to reduce sepsis-induced organ damages.
Association of Central Venous Oxygen Saturation Variability and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Zhang Hanjie , Campos Israel , Chan Lili , Meyring-Wösten Anna , Tapia Silva Leticia M. , Rivera Fuentes Lemuel , Preciado Priscila , Thijssen Stephan , Kooman Jeroen P. , van der Sande Frank M. , Kotanko Peter
Published: December 2018

Background: Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is correlated with cardiac output. In most patients, ScvO2 declines during hemodialysis (HD) due to factors such as reduced preload, myocardial stunning, and intermittent arrhythmias. Previous research has shown that low ScvO2 is associated with higher mortality in chronic HD patients. In this research, we tested the hypothesis that ScvO2 variability is associated with all-cause mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 232 chronic HD patients with central venous catheter as vascular access. ScvO2 was recorded 1× per minute during dialysis using the Crit-Line monitor. A 6-month baseline comprising at least 10 dialysis treatments with ScvO2 recordings preceded a follow-up period of up to 3 years. The coefficient of variation (CV) of ScvO2 (100 times the ratio of the standard deviation and mean of ScvO2) served as a measure of ScvO2 stability during baseline. Patients were stratified by median population CV of ScvO2 during baseline, and survival during follow-up was compared between the 2 groups by Kaplan Meier and multivariate Cox analysis. The association between CV of ScvO2 and all-cause mortality during follow-up was further assessed by Cox analysis with a spline term for CV of ScvO2. Results: The mean CV ± standard deviation of ScvO2 in our population was 6.1 ± 2.7% and the median was 5.3%. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.043) and multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16; p = 0.0005) indicated that a CV of ScvO2 > 5.3% was significantly associated with increased mortality. In Cox analysis with spline term, a CV of ScvO2 >  11% was associated with a significantly increased HR for all-cause mortality. Conclusion: High ScvO2 variability during dialysis is associated with increased all-cause mortality.
Efficacy of Clutch Cutter for Standardizing Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Dohi Osamu , Yoshida Naohisa , Terasaki Kei , Azuma Yuka , Ishida Tsugitaka , Kitae Hiroaki , Matsumura Shinya , Ogita Kazuyuki , Takayama Shun , Mizuno Naoki , Nakano Takahiro , Hirose Ryohei , Inoue Ken , Kamada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Konishi Hideyuki , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using the Clutch Cutter (CC), a scissor-type knife, compared with those of procedures using conventional devices. Methods: This single-center retrospective study evaluated 237 patients with early gastric cancer: 83 who underwent ESD using the CC group and 154 who underwent ESD using the insulated-tip knife 2 (IT2 group). Clinicopathological features and technical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups using a propensity score-matched analysis. Results: In 61 pairs of matched patients, there was no significant difference in R0 resection, perforation, or postoperative bleeding between the CC and IT2 groups. Comparisons between the 2 groups showed similar treatment outcomes for an expert endoscopist. Nevertheless, there were significant differences between the 2 groups for nonexperts in terms of self-completion (61.7 and 24.5%, respectively, p < 0.001), mean procedure times (45 and 61 min, respectively, p = 0.002), and mean numbers of intraoperative bleeding points and bleeding points requiring hemostatic forceps (3 and 0 vs. 8 and 3, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Better self-completion rates and shorter procedure times were noted for gastric ESD using the CC by nonexperts than for that using IT2, probably due to hemostatic efficacy.
β-Elemene Inhibits Human Sperm Function by Affecting Sperm Vitality and Intracellular Calcium
Authors: Chen Wen , Weng Shi-qi , Lv Meng-ge , Chen Wen-qiong , Bi Zhuo-fei , Chen Hou-yang , Luo Tao , Hu Hai , Liao Wen-bo
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: β-Elemene is a bioactive sesquiterpene compound that exhibits a potent anti-tumor effect and is used in various clinical applications. However, little is known about its effect on the male reproductive system. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro actions of β-elemene on human sperm function and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Methods: The cytotoxicity of β-elemene toward MCF-10A, MDA-MD-231, and A549 cells was evaluated with cell proliferation and colony formation assays. Additionally, human sperm were treated with different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 µM) of β-elemene in vitro. The characteristics in human sperm essential for fertilization, including vitality, motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, responsiveness to progesterone, and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were examined with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system, chlortetracycline staining, and a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. Results: A comprehensive evaluation of sperm motility, especially hyperactivated motility, revealed that treatments with 40–320 μM β-elemene decreased human sperm vitality, motility (total motility, progressive motility, and curvilinear velocity), and penetrating ability in a dose-dependent manner, but were non-toxic or minimally toxic toward MCF-10A, MDA-MD-231, and A549 cells. Although 10 and 20 μM β-elemene did not affect sperm vitality and motility, these concentrations increased the spontaneous acrosome reaction and inhibited progesterone-induced sperm functions by affecting sperm [Ca2+]i. Conclusion: These results suggest that β-elemene inhibits human sperm function by affecting sperm vitality and [Ca2+]i. These observations must be considered when using β-elemene to treat cancer patients who may wish to preserve their fertility.
Sestrin 2 Attenuates Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell (HSC) Activation and Liver Fibrosis via an mTOR/AMPK-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Hu Yi-Bing , Ye Xiao-Ting , Zhou Qing-Qing , Fu Rong-Quan
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Sestrin 2 is associated with the pathophysiology of several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Sestrin 2 in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrogenesis. Methods: In this study, Sestrin 2 protein expression was detected in rat HSC-T6 cells challenged with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a well-known model of hepatic fibrosis. Next, HSC-T6 cells and fibrotic mice were transfected with lentivirus. The mRNA expression levels of markers of liver fibrosis [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1A1 (Col1A1)] were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell death and proliferation were evaluated by the MTT assay, and biochemical markers of liver damage in serum [alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)] were also measured using a biochemical analyzer. Histopathological examination was used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis, and protein expression [phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), AMPK, phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and mTOR] was determined by western blotting. Results: We found that Sestrin 2 was elevated in both the HSC-T6 cell and hepatic fibrosis models. In vitro, overexpression of Sestrin 2 attenuated the mRNA levels of α-SMA and Col1A1, suppressed α-SMA protein expression, and modulated HSC-T6 cell proliferation. In vivo, overexpression of Sestrin 2 reduced the ALT and AST levels as well as the α-SMA and Col1A1 protein expression in the CCl4 model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, the degree of liver fibrosis was ameliorated. Interestingly, overexpression of Sestrin 2 increased p-AMPK but decreased p-mTOR protein expression. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Sestrin 2 may attenuate the activation of HSCs and ameliorate liver fibrosis, most likely via upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation and suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway.
Myofibroblast-Specific TGFβ Receptor II Signaling in the Fibrotic Response to Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein C-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Meng Qinghang , Bhandary Bidur , Bhuiyan Md Shenuarin , James Jeanne , Osinska Hanna , Valiente-Alandi Iñigo , Shay-Winkler Kritton , Gulick James , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Blaxall Burns C. , Robbins Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs with a frequency of about 1 in 500 people. Approximately 30% of those affected carry mutations within the gene encoding cMyBP-C (cardiac myosin binding protein C). Cardiac stress, as well as cMyBP-C mutations, can trigger production of a 40kDa truncated fragment derived from the amino terminus of cMyBP-C (Mybpc3
40kDa
). Expression of the 40kDa fragment in mouse cardiomyocytes leads to hypertrophy, fibrosis, and heart failure. Here we use genetic approaches to establish a causal role for excessive myofibroblast activation in a slow, progressive genetic cardiomyopathy—one that is driven by a cardiomyocyte-intrinsic genetic perturbation that models an important human disease.

Objective:

TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) signaling is implicated in a variety of fibrotic processes, and the goal of this study was to define the role of myofibroblast TGFβ signaling during chronic

Mybpc3
40kDa

expression.

Methods and Results:

To specifically block TGFβ signaling only in the activated myofibroblasts in

Mybpc3
40kDa

transgenic mice and quadruple compound mutant mice were generated, in which the TGFβ receptor II (TβRII) alleles (
Tgfbr2
) were ablated using the periostin (
Postn
) allele, myofibroblast-specific, tamoxifen-inducible Cre (
Postnmcm
) gene-targeted line.
Tgfbr2
was ablated either early or late during pathological fibrosis. Early myofibroblast-specific
Tgfbr2
ablation during the fibrotic response reduced cardiac fibrosis, alleviated cardiac hypertrophy, preserved cardiac function, and increased lifespan of the

Mybpc3
40kDa

transgenic mice.
Tgfbr2
ablation late in the pathological process reduced cardiac fibrosis, preserved cardiac function, and prolonged

Mybpc3
40kDa

mouse survival but failed to reverse cardiac hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

Fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction induced by cardiomyocyte-specific expression of

Mybpc3
40kDa

were significantly decreased by
Tgfbr2
ablation in the myofibroblast. Surprisingly, preexisting fibrosis was partially reversed if the gene was ablated subsequent to fibrotic deposition, suggesting that continued TGFβ signaling through the myofibroblasts was needed to maintain the heart fibrotic response to a chronic, disease-causing cardiomyocyte-only stimulus.