bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Candidate Biomarkers in Malignant Ascites from Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma by iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jinyan , Liang Rong , Wei Jiazhang , Ye Jiaxiang , He Qian , ChunlingYuan  , Ye Jiazhou , Li Yongqiang , Liu Zhihui , Lin Yan
Published: September 2018

Almost all the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at advanced stage experience pathological changes of chronic liver cirrhosis, which generally leads to moderate ascites. Recognition of novel biomarkers in malignant ascites could be favorable for establishing a diagnosis for the HCC patients with ascites, and even predicting prognosis, such as risk of distant metastasis. To distinguish the proteomic profiles of malignant ascites in HCC patients from those with nonmalignant liver cirrhosis, an iTRAQ pipeline was built up to analyze the differentially distributed proteins in the malignant ascites from HCC patients (n=10) and benign ascites from hepatic decompensation (HD) controls (n=9). In total, 112 differentially distributed proteins were identified, of which 69 proteins were upregulated and 43 proteins were downregulated (ratio <0.667 or >1.3, respectively) in the malignant ascites. Moreover, 19 upregulated proteins (including keratin 1 protein and rheumatoid factor RF-IP20, ratio>1.5) and 8 downregulated proteins (including carbonic anhydrase 1, ratio<0.667) were identified from malignant ascites samples. Functional categories analyses indicated that membrane proteins, ion regulation, and amino acid metabolism are implicated in the formation of HCC malignant ascites. Pathways mapping revealed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and complement/coagulation cascades are the mostly affected cell life activities in HCC malignant ascites, suggesting the key factors in these pathways such as Enolase-1 and fibrinogen are potential ascitic fluid based biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis for HCC.
A Novel Approach for Classifying MANETs Attacks with a Neutrosophic Intelligent System based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Elwahsh Haitham , Gamal Mona , Salama A. A. , El-Henawy I. M.
Published: September 2018

Recently designing an effective intrusion detection systems (IDS) within Mobile Ad Hoc Networks Security (MANETs) becomes a requirement because of the amount of indeterminacy and doubt exist in that environment. Neutrosophic system is a discipline that makes a mathematical formulation for the indeterminacy found in such complex situations. Neutrosophic rules compute with symbols instead of numeric values making a good base for symbolic reasoning. These symbols should be carefully designed as they form the propositions base for the neutrosophic rules (NR) in the IDS. Each attack is determined by membership, nonmembership, and indeterminacy degrees in neutrosophic system. This research proposes a MANETs attack inference by a hybrid framework of Self-Organized Features Maps (SOFM) and the genetic algorithms (GA). The hybrid utilizes the unsupervised learning capabilities of the SOFM to define the MANETs neutrosophic conditional variables. The neutrosophic variables along with the training data set are fed into the genetic algorithm to find the most fit neutrosophic rule set from a number of initial subattacks according to the fitness function. This method is designed to detect unknown attacks in MANETs. The simulation and experimental results are conducted on the KDD-99 network attacks data available in the UCI machine-learning repository for further processing in knowledge discovery. The experiments cleared the feasibility of the proposed hybrid by an average accuracy of 99.3608 % which is more accurate than other IDS found in literature.
Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Group G Streptococcus Infection
Authors: Okumura Rie , Yamazaki Sawako , Ohashi Tsukasa , Magara Shinichi , Tohyama Jun , Sakuma Hiroshi , Hayashi Masaharu , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: September 2018

Immune-mediated central nervous system manifestations of group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) infection include Sydenham’s chorea, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS)—which includes tic and obsessive compulsive disorders—and a variety of neurobehavioral disorders. We report a case of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (group G Streptococcus) (GGS) infection associated with involuntary movements, complex tics, and emotional lability in an 11-year-old Japanese girl. Serum IgM and IgG antibodies to lysoganglioside were positive, and she responded rapidly to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Neuropsychiatric disorder associated with GGS infection was ultimately diagnosed. The present findings suggest that neuropsychiatric disorders can result from GGS infection and that the pathogenic mechanism is similar to that of GABHS infection. Future large-scale studies should examine the relation between GGS infection and onset of neuropsychiatric disorder.
Robust Exponential Stability Analysis of Switched Neural Networks with Interval Parameter Uncertainties and Time Delays
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Xue Huanbin , Peng Yiqiang , Zhang Jiye
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the stability of switched neural networks (SNNs) with interval parameter uncertainties and time delays is investigated. First, the conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the equilibrium point of the system are discussed. Second, the average dwell time approach and M‐matrix property are employed to obtain conditions to ensure the globally exponential stability of the delayed SNNs under constrained switching. Third, by resorting to inequality technique and the idea of vector Lyapunov function, sufficient condition to ensure the robust exponential stability of the delayed SNNs under arbitrary switching is derived. The form of the constructed Lyapunov functions is simple, which has certain commonality in studying delayed SNNs, and the proposed results not only are explicit but also reveal the relationship between the constrained switching and the arbitrary switching of the SNNs. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and less conservativeness of the main results compared with the existing literature.
Biological Properties and the Role of IL-25 in Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Yuwan , Shao Zewei , Shangguan Guoqiang , Bie Qingli , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2018

The interleukin- (IL-) 17 superfamily, a T cell-derived cytokine, consists of 6 ligands (IL-17A–IL-17F) and 5 receptors (IL-17RA–IL-17RE). IL-17A, a prototype member of this family, is involved in the pathogenesis of allergies, autoimmune diseases, allograft transplantations, and malignancies. By contrast, IL-17B is reported to be closely related to certain diseases, particularly tumors such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Recently, the biological function of IL-17E (also called IL-25) in disease, particularly airway diseases, has attracted the attention of researchers. However, studies on IL-25 are scant. In this review, we detail the structural characteristics, expression patterns, responder cells, biological properties, and role of IL-25 in disease pathogenesis.
On the Impact of Labeled Sample Selection in Semisupervised Learning for Complex Visual Recognition Tasks
Authors: Protopapadakis Eftychios , Voulodimos Athanasios , Doulamis Anastasios
Published: September 2018

One of the most important aspects in semisupervised learning is training set creation among a limited amount of labeled data in such a way as to maximize the representational capability and efficacy of the learning framework. In this paper, we scrutinize the effectiveness of different labeled sample selection approaches for training set creation, to be used in semisupervised learning approaches for complex visual pattern recognition problems. We propose and explore a variety of combinatory sampling approaches that are based on sparse representative instances selection (SMRS), OPTICS algorithm, k‐means clustering algorithm, and random selection. These approaches are explored in the context of four semisupervised learning techniques, i.e., graph‐based approaches (harmonic functions and anchor graph), low‐density separation, and smoothness‐based multiple regressors, and evaluated in two real‐world challenging computer vision applications: image‐based concrete defect recognition on tunnel surfaces and video‐based activity recognition for industrial workflow monitoring.
Risk Assessment of Low-Speed Wind Power Projects Based on an Aggregated Cloud Method: A Case in China
Authors: Wu Yunna , Ji Shaoyu , Wang Jing , Song Zixin
Published: September 2018

Due to the aggravating wind curtailment phenomenon, low-speed wind power project (LSWPP) with the superiority of its generation being absorbed locally is rapidly developing in China. As the risk and opportunity coexist, a comprehensive risk assessment should be implemented to evaluate the risk level of a LSWPP. This paper firstly identified 38 risk factors based on a questionnaire survey and then sorted out 17 critical risk factors and divided them into 4 criteria to form the evaluation index system. In order to overcome the deficiencies of not considering randomness of linguistic variables and neglecting the interrelationship between factors, we proposed an aggregated method which combined ANP, the cloud theory, and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for LSWPPs risk assessment. After a case in China was studied and the sensitivity was tested, the effectiveness and application of this framework are demonstrated. Through the calculation of membership of each project, it indicated that the overall risk level of LSWPPs is relatively high. Finally, some recommendations of each critical risk factor were given for government, investors, and decision-makers to help them make more appropriate decisions and distribute the limited resources more rationally.
IR and UV/VIS Spectroscopic Characterization of the Higher Fullerene C76-D2 for Its Quantitative and Qualitative Determination
Authors: Jovanović Tamara , Koruga Djuro , Mitrović Aleksandra , Stamenković Dragomir , Dević Gordana
Published: September 2018

The only stable isomer of the higher fullerene C76 of D2 symmetry was isolated from carbon soot by the new and advanced extraction and chromatographic methods and processes. Characterization of the isolated C76-D2 was performed by the IR(KBr) and UV/VIS method in the absorption mode. All of the experimentally observed infrared and electronic absorption bands are in excellent agreement with the theoretical calculations for this fullerene. The molar absorptivity ε and the integrated molar absorptivity Ψ of the observed entire new series of various characteristic, both deconvoluted and convoluted IR absorption bands of the C76-D2 isomer, in different integration ranges were determined. In addition, the molar extinction coefficients of its UV/VIS absorption bands were determined. The obtained novel IR and UV/VIS spectroscopic parameters are significant for the quantitative assessment of C76-D2. All the presented data are important both for its qualitative and quantitative determination, either in natural resources on Earth and in space or in artificially synthesized materials, electronic and optical devices, optical limiters, sensors, polymers, solar cells, nanophotonic lenses, diagnostic and therapeutic agents, pharmaceutical substances, for targeted drug delivery, incorporation of metal atoms, in biomedical engineering, industry, applied optical science, batteries, catalysts and so forth.
Association of Antibiotic Resistance, Cell Adherence, and Biofilm Production with the Endemicity of NosocomialKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Alcántar-Curiel María Dolores , Ledezma-Escalante Carmen Alejandra , Jarillo-Quijada Ma Dolores , Gayosso-Vázquez Catalina , Morfín-Otero Rayo , Rodríguez-Noriega Eduardo , Cedillo-Ramírez María Lilia , Santos-Preciado José Ignacio , Girón Jorge A.
Published: September 2018

Klebsiella pneumoniaeis a leading cause of multiple nosocomial infections, some of which are associated with high mortality. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains highlights their clinical importance and how complicated managing treatment can be. In this study, we investigated antimicrobial resistance, cell adherence, and biofilm production of nosocomialK. pneumoniaestrains isolated from surveillance studies in a Mexican tertiary hospital and evaluated the potential association of these phenotypes with endemicity. The great majority of the clones exhibited adhesion to cultured epithelial cells and were strong biofilm producers. A direct relationship between adhesion phenotypes, biofilm production, and endemicity was not always apparent. Biofilm formation and production of ESBL did not appear to be directly associated. Notably, all the endemic strains were multidrug-resistant. This study emphasizes that while endemic strains possess various virulence-associated properties, antimicrobial resistance appears to be a determining factor of their endemicity.
Bond Model of Second‐ and Third‐Harmonic Generation in Body‐ and Face‐Centered Crystal Structures
Authors: Hardhienata Hendradi , Sumaryada Tony Ibnu , Pesendorfer Benedikt , Alejo-Molina Adalberto
Published: September 2018

In this work, we describe the third‐ and fourth‐rank tensors of body‐ and face‐centered cubic systems and derive the s‐ and p‐polarized SHG far field using the simplified bond‐hyperpolarizability model. We also briefly discuss bulk nonlinear sources in such structures: quadrupole contribution, spatial dispersion, electric‐field second‐harmonic generation, and third‐harmonic generation, deriving the corresponding fourth rank tensor. We show that all the third‐ and fourth‐rank tensorial elements require only one independent fitting parameter.
Study on Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Full Tailings Cemented Backfilling Impacted by Cement‐Sand Ratio
Authors: Yang Shan , Zhou Zhiyong , Zhao Yifei , Yang Wei
Published: September 2018

In order to study the effect of cement‐sand ratio on the dynamic mechanical properties of the full tailings cemented backfilling, three sets of full tailings cemented backfilling specimens with different cement‐sand ratios were prefabricated. The uniaxial impact of the prefabricated specimens was performed by the Ф50 mm SHPB test system. Test results showed that full tailings cemented backfilling had strong reflection and damping effects on elastic wave propagation. At lower strain rates, specimens presented strength hardening, and at higher strain rates, the test specimens presented rapid‐softening strength; the strength‐hardened specimen reached the peak stress at 40 μs, and the softening specimen reached the peak stress at about 18 μs; with the increase of strain rate, dynamic compressive strength, growth factor of dynamic strength, peak strain, and dynamic‐static strain ratio of specimens increased totally. When the cement‐sand ratio increased, ultimate dynamic compressive strength, limit dynamic strength growth factor, and ultimate peak strain of the specimen were higher; at the same strain rate, with the increase of cement content, the dynamic compressive strength, dynamic strength growth factor, and dynamic‐static strain ratio of the test piece all decreased. The failure mode of the specimen was crushing failure. Under the same strain rate, when the cement content decreased, there was a higher damage degree of specimens.
A Fractional Derivative-Based Lateral Preview Driver Model for Autonomous Automobile Path Tracking
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Qingyun , Wan Maosong , Chen Ning
Published: September 2018

The concept of focus point preview is proposed, and fractional calculus is introduced to driver model to build focus point preview driver model. A formula for calculating lateral error is given, where the weight coefficients of fractional calculus are designed to imitate the driver’s focus preview property. The relationship between the speed and the order of fractional calculus is studied. A driver-vehicle-road simulation system is set up to illustrate the performances of the proposed preview model. The S-type road is used to test the model in the case of continuous small curvature turns and the Shanghai F1 track model is used as the case that automobile passing large curvature curve. The performances are evaluated from two aspects: path tracking effect and vehicle dynamic responses. It is concluded that, as the speed of the vehicle increases, the optimal order of fractional integral increases, so that the order is seen as the degree of driver’s attention. What is more, in the case of large curvature, the path tracking performance is improved by increasing the corresponding fractional order. Simulations results also show that, compared with the single-point preview model, the performances of the focus point preview model are better. On the one hand, the proposed driver model can be used to control the vehicle steering and path tracking. On the other hand, fractional calculus is used to reveal the driver preview property and the order is given a certain physical meaning, which is conducive to the development of fractional calculus applications.
Sepiapterin Improves Vascular Reactivity and Insulin‐Stimulated Glucose in Wistar Rats
Authors: Keller A. C. , Knaub L. A. , Scalzo R. L. , Hull S. E. , Johnston A. E. , Walker L. A. , Reusch J. E. B.
Published: September 2018

In the vasculature, sedentary behavior leads to endothelial abnormalities, resulting in elevated cardiovascular disease risk. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) aberrations characterize endothelial dysfunction; eNOS also regulates mitochondrial function. We hypothesized that sepiapterin (a precursor to eNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)) supplementation would improve endothelium‐dependent vascular relaxation in sedentary animals via modulation of NOS function and mitochondrial activity. Sedentary male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum for a total of 10 weeks. Sepiapterin was administered in diet during the final 5 weeks. Intraperitoneal insulin and glucose tolerance tests (IP‐ITT/IP‐GTT) were conducted at baseline and endpoint. Aorta was assessed for vasoreactivity and mitochondrial respiration. Insulin tolerance, determined by IP‐ITT, significantly improved in rats treated with sepiapterin (p < 0.05, interaction of time and treatment). Acetylcholine‐ (ACh‐) driven vasodilation was significantly greater in aorta from sepiapterin‐treated rats as compared with control (76.4% versus 54.9% of phenylephrine contraction at 20 μM ACh, p < 0.05). Sepiapterin treatment resulted in significantly elevated state 3 (9.00 oxygen pmol/sec ∗mg versus 8.17 oxygen pmol/sec ∗mg, p < 0.05) and 4 (7.28 oxygen pmol/sec ∗mg versus 5.86 oxygen pmol/sec ∗mg, p < 0.05) aortic mitochondrial respiration with significantly lower respiratory control ratio (p < 0.05) during octanoylcarnitine‐driven respiration. Vasodilation and insulin sensitivity were improved through targeting NOS via sepiapterin supplementation.
Relation between Headache and Mastication Muscle Tone in Adolescents
Authors: Wozniak Ewa , Loster Jolanta E. , Wieczorek Aneta
Published: September 2018

Headache is a common problem in the population, which decreases the quality of life and makes everyday functioning difficult. It often coexists with typical symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. The objective of the study was to clarify whether there is a relationship between the presence of headache in young volunteers and the mastication muscle tone. Material and Method. Volunteers aged 18 years who underwent general dental examination, clinical evaluation, and examination using the dual-axis diagnostic system Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) form in the Polish language version participated in the study. On the basis of the examination results, these individuals were divided into three groups according to RDC results. A group of healthy individuals (axis I value 0), a group of sick individuals (axis I diagnosis Ia, IIa, or IIIa), and a group of individuals suffering from depression (axis II values 1–3) were singled out. Then, volunteers were divided into two groups: group I reporting headache and group II without any pain. In each of these individuals, the contractile activity of the masseter muscles and anterior temporal muscles was recorded bilaterally as the surface electromyographic activity (sEMG) at rest, during swallowing, and maximum clenching. The activity index ranging between +100 (activity of the masseter muscles only) and −100 (activity of the anterior temporal muscles only) was used to indicate the predominance of activity of the study muscles. Results. The statistical analysis of data showed that there was a significant relationship between the presence of headache and a change in the mastication muscle tone, expressed as the predominant activity of the temporal muscles, only in the group of sick individuals during maximum clenching. Summary. The diversity of sEMG results implies that a change in the mastication muscle tone is not a direct consequence of headache, but it has to be modified by other factors.
Application of Radiomics and Decision Support Systems for Breast MR Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Tsougos Ioannis , Vamvakas Alexandros , Kappas Constantin , Fezoulidis Ioannis , Vassiou Katerina
Published: September 2018

Over the years, MR systems have evolved from imaging modalities to advanced computational systems producing a variety of numerical parameters that can be used for the noninvasive preoperative assessment of breast pathology. Furthermore, the combination with state-of-the-art image analysis methods provides a plethora of quantifiable imaging features, termed radiomics that increases diagnostic accuracy towards individualized therapy planning. More importantly, radiomics can now be complemented by the emerging deep learning techniques for further process automation and correlation with other clinical data which facilitate the monitoring of treatment response, as well as the prediction of patient’s outcome, by means of unravelling of the complex underlying pathophysiological mechanisms which are reflected in tissue phenotype. The scope of this review is to provide applications and limitations of radiomics towards the development of clinical decision support systems for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
On the Control of Coefficient Function in a Hyperbolic Problem with Dirichlet Conditions
Authors: İğret Araz Seda , Subaşi Murat
Published: September 2018

This paper presents theoretical results about control of the coefficient function in a hyperbolic problem with Dirichlet conditions. The existence and uniqueness of the optimal solution for optimal control problem are proved and adjoint problem is used to obtain gradient of the functional. However, a second adjoint problem is given to calculate the gradient on the spaceW210,l.After calculating gradient of the cost functional and proving the Lipschitz continuity of the gradient, necessary condition for optimal solution is constructed.
Hsa_circ_0008309 May Be a Potential Biomarker for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Bowen , Wang Feng , Li Xiang , Sun Shuai , Shen Yuehong , Yang Hongyu
Published: September 2018

Objective. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer of the head and neck region. The circular RNA (circRNA) is known to serve an important role in the carcinogenesis of different types of cancer. However, the circRNA role of OSCC remains unclear. Methods. 8 pairs of OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained to detect circRNAs expression by high-throughput sequencing, and 45 pairs of OSCC tissues were selected to verify the differentially significant circRNAs by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). To further investigate the role of hsa_circ_0008309, the circRNA-microRNA (miR)-mRNA network was predicted using bioinformatics databases. The expression levels of hsa_circ_0008309, miR-1290, miR-136-5P, and miR-382-5P in SCC-15 and CAL27 cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR. Western blotting was performed to detect the protein level of Ataxin 1 (ATXN1). Results. The high-throughput sequencing results demonstrated that circRNAs were abundantly expressed in OSCC, and 16 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed. Hsa_circ_0008309 was significantly downregulated in 45 pairs of OSCC tissue samples and was statistically correlated with pathological differentiation. The bioinformatics databases suggested that hsa_circ_0008309 could combine with miR-1290, miR-136-5P, and miR-382-5P, respectively, to regulate the expression of ATXN1. It was subsequently identified that hsa_circ_0008309 may inhibit miR-136-5P and miR-382-5P expression and increase ATXN1 expression in the OSCC cell lines. Conclusion. In summary, the results of the present study revealed that OSCC tissues have abundant circRNAs and, to the best of our knowledge, we firstly explore the regulatory role of the hsa_circ_0008309-miR-136-5P/hsa-miR-382-5P-ATXN1 network in OSCC. The results indicated that hsa_circ_0008309 may be a potential biomarker for OSCC.
Mutations in Homocysteine Metabolism Genes Increase Keratin N-Homocysteinylation and Damage in Mice
Authors: Borowczyk Kamila , Wróblewski Jacek , Suliburska Joanna , Akahoshi Noriyuki , Ishii Isao , Jakubowski Hieronim
Published: September 2018

Genetic or nutritional deficiencies in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism increase Hcy-thiolactone, which causes protein damage by forming isopetide bonds with lysine residues, generating N-Hcy-protein. In the present work, we studied the prevalence and genetic determinants of keratin damage caused by homocysteinylation. We found that in mammals and birds, 35 to 98% of Hcy was bound to hair keratin via amide or isopeptide bond (Hcy-keratin), while 2 to 65% was S-Hcy-keratin. A major fraction of hair Hcy-keratin (56% to 93%), significantly higher in birds than in mammals, was sodium dodecyl sulfate-insoluble. Genetic hyperhomocysteinemia significantly increased N-Hcy-keratin levels in the mouse pelage. N-Hcy-keratin was elevated 3.5-, 6.3-, and 11.7-fold in hair from Mthfr−/−, Cse−/−, or Cbs−/− mice, respectively. The accumulation of N-Hcy in hair keratin led to a progressive reduction of N-Hcy-keratin solubility in sodium dodecyl sulfate, from 0.39 ± 0.04 in wild-type mice to 0.19 ± 0.03, 0.14 ± 0.01, and 0.07 ± 0.03 in Mthfr−/−, Cse−/−, or Cbs−/−animals, respectively. N-Hcy-keratin accelerated aggregation of unmodified keratin in Cbs−/− mouse hair. Keratin methionine, copper, and iron levels in mouse hair were not affected by hyperhomocysteinemia. These findings provide evidence that pelage keratin is N-homocysteinylated in vivo in mammals and birds, and that this process causes keratin damage, manifested by a reduced solubility.
Mathematical Analysis and an Exact Solution Combined with Preprocessing Method for Resynchronizing of Bus Timetable Problem
Authors: Wu Yinghui , Zhu Yifan , Cao Tianyu
Published: September 2018

Bus timetabling is a subproblem of bus network planning, and it determines departure time of each trip of lines to make vehicles from different lines synchronously arrive at transfer stations. Due to the well-designed coordination of bus timetables, passengers can make a smooth transfer without waiting a long time for connecting buses. This paper addresses the planning level of resynchronizing of bus timetable problem allowing modifications to initial timetable. Timetable modifications consist of shifts in the departure times and headways. A single-objective mixed-integer programming model is proposed for this problem to maximize the number of total transferring passengers benefiting from smooth transfers. We analyze the mathematical properties of this model, and then a preprocessing method is designed to reduce the solution space of the proposed model. The numerical results show that the reduced model is effectively solved by branch and bound algorithm, and the preprocessing method has the potential to be applied for large-scale bus networks.
Acute Brucellosis Presenting with Bleeding Tendency due to Isolated Severe Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Aon M. , Al-Enezi T.
Published: September 2018

Mild anemia and leukopenia are the most common hematologic findings in the course of acute brucellosis. Severe form of thrombocytopenia is less frequently reported. We describe a case of acute brucellosis in a 20-year-old man, who presented with fever, purpuric skin lesions, epistaxis, and hematuria. The absolute platelet count was 2 × 109/L. The patient was diagnosed as suffering from brucellosis on the basis of a strongly positive serologic reaction and was treated with antibiotics and a short course of corticosteroids, with a rapid rise in platelet count. Brucella infection can cause immune-mediated thrombocytopenia that is reversible after appropriate antimicrobial therapy and steroid treatment.
Perioperative Care of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Focus on Nutritional Support
Authors: Stoner Patrick L. , Kamel Amir , Ayoub Fares , Tan Sanda , Iqbal Atif , Glover Sarah C. , Zimmermann Ellen M.
Published: September 2018

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly require surgery despite the availability of an increasingly large repertoire of powerful immunosuppressive medications for the treatment of IBD. Optimizing patients’ care preoperatively is crucial to obtaining good surgical outcomes. This review discusses preoperative assessment and management principles including assessing disease location and activity with cross-sectional or endoscopic imaging, addressing modifiable risk factors (i.e., stopping smoking, weaning steroids, and correcting anemia), and properly managing medications. The major focus of our literature review is the evaluation for malnutrition, a common finding that affects up to 70% of patients with IBD and a well-known, independent risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes. Our review confirms that whenever feasible, oral or enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred method of nutritional support; parenteral nutrition (PN) should be reserved for nutritionally deficient IBD patients unable to tolerate EN. In selected patients, recent data demonstrated that the use of preoperative PN resulted in improved nutritional status, fewer postoperative complications, and reduced disease severity. Our review highlights the need for well-designed, prospective trials investigating perioperative nutritional support in patients with IBD. Future studies should perform modern nutritional assessment, standardize for diet, and include patients with UC since this subset of patients is underrepresented in existing studies. In addition, relevant outcome of interest specific to Crohn’s disease (CD) patients such as length of small bowel resected, number of anastomoses, and need for an ostomy should be included as these patients may require repeated small bowel resections.
Quantum Cascade Laser Infrared Spectroscopy for Online Monitoring of Hydroxylamine Nitrate
Authors: Morales-Rodriguez Marissa E. , McFarlane Joanna , Kidder Michelle K.
Published: September 2018

We describe a new approach for high sensitivity and real-time online measurements to monitor the kinetics in the processing of nuclear materials and other chemical reactions. Mid infrared (Mid-IR) quantum cascade laser (QCL) high-resolution spectroscopy was used for rapid and continuous sampling of nitrates in aqueous and organic reactive systems, using pattern recognition analysis and high sensitivity to detect and identify chemical species. In this standoff or off-set method, the collection of a sample for analysis is not required. To perform the analysis, a flow cell was used for in situ sampling of a liquid slipstream. A prototype was designed based on attenuated total reflection (ATR) coupled with the QCL beam to detect and identify chemical changes and be deployed in hostile environments, either radiological or chemical. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) at 3σ for hydroxylamine nitrate ranged from 0.3 to 3 and from 3.5 to 10 g·L−1, respectively, for the nitrate system at three peaks with wavelengths between 3.8 and 9.8 μm.
Sustained Results in Long-Term Follow-Up of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) for Distal Femur Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans (JOCD)
Authors: Beck Jennifer J. , Sugimoto Dai , Micheli Lyle
Published: September 2018

Introduction. Concern regarding ability of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to correct for the bone and cartilage pathology of knee juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) exists. The purpose of this study was to determine long-term, patient-based outcomes of ACI treatment of JOCD in young patients. Authors hypothesized long-term outcomes are comparable to reported mid-term outcomes. Methods. A single institution, longitudinal cohort study design combining medical record review and outcome surveys was used. Inclusion criteria included isolated JOCD diagnosis, failed primary healing of operatively treated JOCD, ACI surgery > 5 years ago, and ≤20 years of age at time of ACI. Results. 10/26 eligible patients (38.5%) participated (M: F = 5:5, age at ACI: 18.3 ± 2.5 y, current age: 30.8 ± 5.1 y, and current BMI: 24.6 ± 2.1). Follow-up was 12.0 ± 4.5 y. Lesion size at ACI was 9.1 ± 1.9 cm2. Femoral condyle location was medial = 6 and lateral = 4. All required treatment at some point for knee symptoms after ACI. During the past one year, four patients required treatment. Patient reported outcome scores at 12 years following ACI were IKDC score: 73.0 ± 3.6, KOOS scores including pain [88.7 ± 2.3], symptoms [78.2 ± 4.6], activity of daily living [94.7 ± 1.9], function, sports, and recreational activities [73.0 ± 5.3], and quality of life [57.5 ± 5.8], and Modified Cincinnati Knee Rating score was 77.9 ± 4.1. A moderate to good relationship was found between KOOS symptoms and BMI and lesion size. Function, sports, and recreational activities of the KOOS were greater in participants who had ≤1 lesion prior to ACI procedures (p = 0.044). Conclusion. This study of ACI treatment of knee JOCD patients confirms sustained, long-term results. Number of lesions prior to ACI procedure influenced status of function, sports, and recreational activities.
Co-composting of Olive Mill Waste and Wine-Processing Waste: An Application of Compost as Soil Amendment
Authors: Majbar Z. , Lahlou K. , Ben Abbou M. , Ammar E. , Triki A. , Abid W. , Nawdali M. , Bouka H. , Taleb M. , El Haji M. , Rais Z.
Published: September 2018

In order to decrease the environmental harm produced by the agro industries’ wastes’, an investigation of the co-composting of olive mill waste (olive mill wastewater (OMW), olive mill sludge (OMS)) and wine by-products (grape marc and winery wastewater) was done. Three aerated windrows of variable compositions were performed; these windrows differ in terms of their initial composition and the liquid used for their humidification; OMW and wastewater winery were used for humidification to replace water for windrow moistening. Moreover, the main physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and C/N) were monitored to evaluate the co-composting process. The latter lasted around three months. The elaborated composts were characterized by low C/N ratio, and they were rich in fertilizing and nutriment elements and of low heavy metal contents. The humidification of the windrows with OMW showed effectiveness in improving the windrows temperature, reflected by the high temperatures monitored during the composting process in comparison with the windrow humidified with winery wastewater. Furthermore, a longer thermophilic phase was held in windrows carrying OMS. The valorization of the produced composts for soil amendment significantly improved the soil fertility. Indeed, field experiments showed an increase in radish yield by 10%, the composts were harmless and did not have any phytotoxic effect on radish growth.
Violence Experience among Immigrants and Refugees: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy
Authors: Napolitano Francesco , Gualdieri Luciano , Santagati Gabriella , Angelillo Italo Francesco
Published: September 2018

The objectives of this cross-sectional investigation among a random sample of immigrants and refugees in Italy were to gain an insight into the extent and type of the episodes of violence and to assess their association with different characteristics. Data was collected from September 2016 to July 2017 using a face-to-face structured interview. A total of 503 subjects participated. Overall, 46.5% and 40% of the sample reported having experienced some form of violence in Italy at least once since they arrived and during the last 12 months. Psychological violence was the most common form experienced by 53.2% of the participants, 40.3% experiencing physical violence, 18.9% economic violence, and only 6.5% intimate partner violence. The risk of experiencing at least one form of violence in the last 12 months in Italy was more likely to occur among immigrants who have been in Italy much longer and less likely in those who lived in a camp. The number of episodes of violence experienced since they arrived in Italy was significantly higher in female, in those who have been in Italy much longer and in those who had experienced at least one racially discriminatory episode of violence, whereas those with middle and high school or above educational level and those who did not experience psychological consequences of the violence had experienced a lower number of episodes. These results must be used to strengthen interventions and policies aimed at preventing violence among this population.
Improving the Reliability and Utility of Streptozotocin-Induced Rat Diabetic Model
Authors: Wang-Fischer Yanlin , Garyantes Tina
Published: September 2018

The Streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic model is widely used; however, unexplained acute toxicity has given the model an unreliable reputation. To improve the reliability and utility of this model, we characterize the age dependence of STZ toxicity and introduce novel endpoints to assess diabetic complications and reveal possible mechanisms for diabetic development. Diabetes was induced by STZ injection into male, 6 to 23 weeks old, Sprague-Dawley rats. Their metabolic (glucose, lipids, and hormones), inflammatory (cytokines), histologic and behavioral endpoints were observed for 1.2 years. Analgesic compounds were assessed for efficacy treating neuropathy. Acute mortality, within a week of STZ injection (50–65 mg/kg i.v.), was inversely correlated to animal age. Only 3% of rats, age 6–11 weeks, died in the week following STZ injection, whereas 83% of rats 12 to 17 weeks old and 91% of rats 18 weeks or older died in the same week. Partial model recovery (normalized insulin, glucose and food/water intake) was observed starting at week 36; however, pain scores, kidney enlargement, and cataract formation continued to show progression consistent with the diabetic state. Unique noninvasive observational measurements, such as haircoat quality and diarrhea scores, served as useful endpoints for this model. The increased plasma cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6) and inflammatory cell infiltration into the pancreatic islets are strong evidence of inflammation in the STZ-induced diabetic model. Pancreatic tissue staining revealed total islet area reduction and confirmed STZ-specific pancreatic toxicity; however, theβ-cell density per area in pancreatic islets and insulin levels statistically increased over time in the diabetic rats, suggesting a mechanism for partial recovery of diabetic symptoms. Voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV1.7 specific, peripherally restricted) blocker, CC4148, inhibited neuropathy without side effects as compared to a nonspecific sodium channel inhibitor, Mexiletine, or GABA analog, Pregabalin, which inhibited neuropathy with side effects.
Evaluation of Commonly Used Algorithms for Thyroid Ultrasound Images Segmentation and Improvement Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Poudel Prabal , Illanes Alfredo , Sheet Debdoot , Friebe Michael
Published: September 2018

The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the human body, which is involved in several body mechanisms like controlling protein synthesis and the body's sensitivity to other hormones and use of energy sources. Hence, it is of prime importance to track the shape and size of thyroid over time in order to evaluate its state. Thyroid segmentation and volume computation are important tools that can be used for thyroid state tracking assessment. Most of the proposed approaches are not automatic and require long time to correctly segment the thyroid. In this work, we compare three different nonautomatic segmentation algorithms (i.e., active contours without edges, graph cut, and pixel-based classifier) in freehand three-dimensional ultrasound imaging in terms of accuracy, robustness, ease of use, level of human interaction required, and computation time. We figured out that these methods lack automation and machine intelligence and are not highly accurate. Hence, we implemented two machine learning approaches (i.e., random forest and convolutional neural network) to improve the accuracy of segmentation as well as provide automation. This comparative study intends to discuss and analyse the advantages and disadvantages of different algorithms. In the last step, the volume of the thyroid is computed using the segmentation results, and the performance analysis of all the algorithms is carried out by comparing the segmentation results with the ground truth.
Late Presentation of an Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysm of the Profunda Femoris Artery following Intramedullary Nailing
Authors: Vande Voorde Kira , Dauwe Jan , Van Oost Jan
Published: September 2018

Introduction. Hip fractures are one of the most common osteoporotic fractures, and the incidence is expected to increase in the future. Vascular injury of the femoral vessels, although uncommon, is an intermittently reported complication in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures. This may be iatrogenic or less frequently as a result of the fracture itself. The profunda femoris artery is most commonly involved, probably because of its close relationship to the femur in the subtrochanteric region. Case Presentation. We report a well-documented case of pseudoaneurysm of the profunda femoris artery after intramedullary nailing of an intertrochanteric femoral fracture. Arterial damage was due to overpenetration when drilling the distal locking hole. Because of the late presentation, pressure on the medial femoral diaphysis caused severe cortical scalloping. This resulted in an obvious radiographic image rarely reported before. Conclusion. This case report illustrates the uncommon complication of pseudoaneurysm after intramedullary hip nailing. Because of the risk of potentially limb- and life-threatening complications, we advise careful drilling and placement of the distal locking screw. Excessive screw length should be avoided. The injured limb should be returned to the neutral position and lower-limb traction should be reduced before drilling the distal locking hole.
Protective Effects of Taraxasterol against Ethanol‐Induced Liver Injury by Regulating CYP2E1/Nrf2/HO‐1 and NF‐κB Signaling Pathways in Mice
Authors: Xu Lu , Yu Yifan , Sang Rui , Li Jinxia , Ge Bingjie , Zhang Xuemei
Published: September 2018

Taraxasterol, a pentacyclic‐triterpene compound, is one of the main active components isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Taraxacum. The objective of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of taraxasterol and its possible underlying mechanisms against ethanol‐induced liver injury in mice. ICR mice were fed with Lieber‐DeCarli diet containing 5% ethanol for 10 d and then challenged with a single dose of 20% ethanol (5 g/kg BW) by intragastric administration. The mice were intragastrically treated daily with taraxasterol (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Tiopronin was used as a positive control. The liver index was calculated, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in sera were detected. The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the livers were measured. The histopathological changes of liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The protein expression levels of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), antioxidant protein heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot methods. Taraxasterol significantly reduced the ethanol‐induced increases of liver index, ALT, AST, and TG levels in sera and TG and MDA contents in the livers and hepatic ROS production and suppressed the ethanol‐induced decreases of hepatic GSH level and SOD activity. Taraxasterol also significantly inhibited the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6 induced by ethanol. In addition, taraxasterol improved the liver histopathological changes in mice with ethanol‐induced liver injury. Further studies revealed that taraxasterol significantly inhibited the ethanol‐induced upregulation of CYP2E1, increased the ethanol‐induced downregulation of Nrf2 and HO‐1, and inhibited the degradation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα) and the expression level of NF‐κB p65 in liver tissues of ethanol‐induced mice. These findings suggest that taraxasterol possesses the potential protective effects against ethanol‐induced liver injury in mice by exerting antioxidative stress and anti‐inflammatory response via CYP2E1/Nrf2/HO‐1 and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2/SiO2 Monoliths as Photocatalysts on Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Regalado-Raya Rigoberto , Romero-Romero Rubí , Avilés-García Osmín , Espino-Valencia Jaime
Published: September 2018

Photocatalytic materials based on silica-titania (SiO2-TiO2) were synthesized by sol-gel and dip-coating method. TEOS and titanium butoxide were used as precursors of the silica-titania, respectively. A thin film with anatase phase was obtained on the surface of the support. The effect of variables as dispersion mechanism, immersion time, and number of treatment cycles were studied. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion scanning, and N2 adsorption-desorption. The highest crystallinity of TiO2 on silica, high specific surface area in TiO2-SiO2 materials, and thin film formation were obtained by using a stirring plate and minimum immersion time. The so synthesized catalyst allowed the production of formaldehyde from the photocatalyzed methanol oxidation in a packed-bed reactor.