bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory Hallucinations as a Rare Presentation of Occipital Infarcts
Authors: Ido Firas , Badran Reina , Dmytruk Brandon , Kulairi Zain
Published: June 2018

A stroke is a clinical syndrome characterized by a focal neurologic deficit that can be attributed to a vascular territory within the brain. The presenting features of an acute stroke depends on the area of the brain affected. Although unusual, the presenting feature may include psychosis with auditory and/or visual hallucinations. A 56-year-old female was admitted to the psychiatric unit after threatening her husband with a knife. She reported experiencing altered sensorium for one week with suicidal and homicidal command hallucinations. Given the acute onset, brain images were obtained to rule out an organic etiology. A brain MRI revealed an acute right occipital lobe infarct with hemorrhagic transformation. The patient’s symptoms were self-limited, resolving without antipsychotic medications. Psychosis with auditory hallucinations is not commonly reported following stroke. Since histologic and functional alterations in the occipital lobe appear to play a significant role in psychosis of schizophrenics, it is likely that ischemia in the same area may cause similar changes. Familiarity with this rare presentation is important, as it prevents a delay in diagnosis, which may negatively impact the outcome.
Larvicidal Effectiveness of Azolla pinnata against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) with Its Effects on Larval Morphology and Visualization of Behavioural Response
Authors: Husna Zulkrnin Nor Shaida , Rozhan Nurul Nadiah , Zulkfili Nur Amanina , Nik Yusoff Nik Raihan , Rasat Mohd Sukhairi Mat , Abdullah Nor Hakimin , Ahmad Muhammad Iqbal , Ravi Rajiv , Ishak Intan H. , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz
Published: June 2018

Dengue is vector-borne diseases with 390 million infections per year extending over 120 countries of the world. Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a primary vector for dengue viral infections for humans. Current focus on application of natural product against mosquito vectors has been the main priority for research due to its eco-safety. The extensive use of chemical insecticides has led to severe health problems, environmental pollution, toxic hazards to human and nontarget species, and development of insecticide resistance on mosquitoes. Azolla pinnata is an aquatic fern and predominantly used as feed in poultry industry and as fertilizer in agricultural field for enhancing the fertility of rice paddy soil. The present study was conducted to explore the larvicidal efficacy of A. pinnata using fresh and powdered form against late third-stage larvae (6 days, 5 mm in larvae body length) of Ae. aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). The larvicidal bioassays were performed using World Health Organization standard larval susceptibility test method for different concentration for powdered and fresh A. pinnata. Powdered A. pinnata concentration used during larvicidal bioassay ranges from 500ppm to 2000ppm; meanwhile, fresh A. pinnata ranges from 500ppm to 9,000,000 ppm. The highest mortality was at 1853 ppm for powdered A. pinnata compared with fresh A. pinnata at 2,521,535 ppm, while the LC50 for both powdered and fresh A. pinnata recorded at 1262 ppm and 1853 ppm, respectively. Finally, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference on Ae. aegypti larval mortality (F=30.439, df=1, p≤0.001) and concentration (F=20.002, df=1, p≤0.001) compared to powdered and fresh A. pinnata at 24-hour bioassay test. In conclusion, the powdered A. pinnata serves as a good larvicidal agent against Ae. aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) and this study provided information on the lethal concentration that may have potential for a more eco-friendly Aedes mosquito control program.
Planning for Operation: Can Line Extension Planning Mitigate Capacity Mismatch on an Existing Rail Network?
Authors: Zhu Yadi , Wang Zijia , Chen Peiwen
Published: June 2018

Operational planning in China is perhaps more important today than ever before owing to the ongoing expansion of urban rail in the country. As urban rail networks increase in size and complexity, new lines added to them significantly alter both their topologies and operational characteristics. Thus, appraisal of alternative lines from the perspective of operation while planning is crucial. In this study, a method to forecast demands for new lines and obviate the effects of their addition, in terms of overcrowding in urban rail networks, was developed based on smart card data from existing networks. Using the card data and forecasted demand, transfer demand and section load can be estimated through the route choice model, and hence the influence of new lines on the operation of the network can be analyzed. The results of application of the proposed method to a case of line extension of a network in Beijing showed that it effectively prevented overcrowding by fewer interchanges on the line extension. Approximately 63% of passengers desiring an interchange on the target line altered their interchange from the station that had acted as bottleneck to the new interchange. Consequently, the headway of the feeding line was reduced from 6 min to 3.5 min. Hence, the capacity mismatch problem no longer occurred.
Anti‐Inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, and Antioxidant Activities of Allicin, Norfloxacin, or Their Combination against Pasteurella multocida Infection in Male New Zealand Rabbits
Authors: Alam Rasha T. M. , Fawzi Elshaima M. , Alkhalf Maha I. , Alansari Wafa S. , Aleya Lotfi , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: June 2018

The present study investigated the efficacy of allicin as an antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulant agent in reducing the severity of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) type B infection in rabbits. Fifty New Zealand rabbits, 5 weeks old, were divided equally into five groups. Except for group 1, all groups were intranasally infected with P. multocida type B (2 × 105 colony forming units/ml/rabbit). Then, group 3 rabbits were orally treated with allicin (50 mg/kg BW) for 5 days, group 4 rabbits received a single oral dose of norfloxacin 30% (100 mg/kg BW), while group 5 rabbits were treated with a combination of norfloxacin and allicin. Hematological, serum biochemical, inflammatory cytokine, immunological, and histopathological analyses were performed. Results revealed that rabbits, infected with P. multocida type B, exhibited macrocytic hypochromic anemia and leukocytosis with a significant elevation in the phagocytic percentage and index. Moreover, significant reductions in serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) levels were observed in infected rabbits. Infected rabbits showed significant increases in serum inflammatory cytokine (TNF‐α and IL‐6), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum bilirubin (total, direct, and indirect) levels. Further, P. multocida infection induced oxidative stress as demonstrated by the significant reduction in serum levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase enzyme and marked elevation in serum malondialdehyde. Treatment with allicin, norfloxacin, or their combination significantly ameliorated the alterations in all studied parameters. In conclusion, allicin could ameliorate the inflammation and oxidative stress, induced by P. multocida type B infection in rabbits.
The Migration and Transformation of Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludge during Hydrothermal Carbonization Combined with Combustion
Authors: Liu Meng , Duan Yufeng , Bikane Kagiso , Zhao Liang
Published: June 2018

The migration and transformation behaviors of heavy metals (HMs), including Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb, during the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sewage sludge (SS) were investigated. The immobilization of HMs during the combustion of solid residual (SR) produced from HTC of SS was also analyzed. With increasing HTC temperature and residence time, the majority of HMs (except As) accumulated in the SR. The residual rate of As in the SR decreased from 73.95% to 56.74% when the residence time was increased from 1h to 3h and reduced significantly from 73.95% to 37.48% when the temperature increased from 220°C to 280°C, implying that numerous arsenic compounds dissolved into liquid phase products. Although the HTC process has a positive influence on the transformation of HMs from weakly bound fractions to the more stable fractions, the exchangeable and reducible fractions of Mn, Zn, As, and Cd in the SR were still high. In addition, the leached amounts of Zn and As were high (14.61 and 6.16 mg/kg, respectively) and showed a high leaching risk to the environment. An increase in HTC temperature and residence time led to an increase of the residual rate of HMs in the combustion residual of SR, implying that the HTC process promotes the stabilization of HMs in the combustion process.
Geysers Valley CO2 Cycling Geological Engine (Kamchatka, Russia)
Authors: Kiryukhin A. , Sugrobov V. , Sonnenthal E.
Published: June 2018

1941–2017 period of the Valley of Geysers monitoring (Kamchatka, Kronotsky Reserve) reveals a very dynamic geyser behavior under natural state conditions: significant changes of IBE (interval between eruptions) and power of eruptions, chloride and other chemical components, and preeruption bottom temperature. Nevertheless, the total deep thermal water discharge remains relatively stable; thus all of the changes are caused by redistribution of the thermal discharge due to giant landslide of June 3, 2007, mudflow of Jan. 3, 2014, and other events of geothermal caprock erosion and water injection into the geothermal reservoir. In some cases, water chemistry and isotope data point to local meteoric water influx into the geothermal reservoir and geysers conduits. TOUGHREACT V.3 modeling of Velikan geyser chemical history confirms 20% dilution of deep recharge water and CO2 components after 2014. Temperature logging in geysers Velikan (1994, 2007, 2015, 2016, and 2017) and Bolshoy (2015, 2016, and 2017) conduits shows preeruption temperatures below boiling at corresponding hydrostatic pressure, which means partial pressure of CO2 creates gas-lift upflow conditions in geyser conduits. Velikan geyser IBE history explained in terms of gradual CO2 recharge decline (1941–2013), followed by CO2 recharge significant dilution after the mudflow of Jan. 3, 2014, also reshaped geyser conduit and diminished its power.
Efficacy of Achyranthes aspera (L.) as a Molluscicidal Bait Formulation against Fresh Water Snail Biomphalaria pfeifferi
Authors: Mandefro Belayhun , Mereta Seid Tiku , Ambelu Argaw
Published: June 2018

Molluscicidal plant products have interesting attributes of environmental friendliness and accessibility to local communities. Their bait formulations are more economical and target specific as they are applied only to the snail‐infested sections of the water habitat. Their active ingestion by target snails could also increase gastric concentrations and enhance effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera) leaf hydroethanolic extract in bait and immersion applications. Serial dilutions of the extract in water for immersion, and in snail food pellets for bait test, were set. Adult Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails exposed to the bioassays for 24 hours and data were analyzed using probit model. The plant showed molluscicidal activity in both methods. The respective LC50 and LC90 doses were 20.37 and 46.84 ppm in the immersion and 3.10 and 11.08 ppm in the bait. The more efficient bait method reduced the LC50 by 6.57 and the LC90 by 4.23 times. This finding provides a strong foundation for the molluscicidal potential of A. aspera. It is applicable and possibly more effective if formulated into those commercially available snail food pellets or flakes. However, selection and optimization of suitable baits is a crucial step for maximum output.
Phytochemical Analysis of Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Mahonia aquifolium Flower and Fruit Extracts
Authors: Andreicut Andra-Diana , Pârvu Alina Elena , Mot Augustin Cătălin , Pârvu Marcel , Fischer Fodor Eva , Cătoi Adriana Florinela , Feldrihan Vasile , Cecan Mihai , Irimie Alexandru
Published: June 2018

Oxidative stress and inflammation are interlinked processes. The aim of the study was to perform a phytochemical analysis and to evaluate the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of ethanolic Mahonia aquifolium flower (MF), green fruit (MGF), and ripe fruit (MRF) extracts. Plant extract chemical composition was evaluated by HLPC. A DPPH test was used for the in vitro antioxidant activity. The in vivo antioxidant effects and the anti‐inflammatory potential were tested on a rat turpentine oil‐induced inflammation, by measuring serum nitric oxide (NOx) and TNF‐alpha, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), oxidative stress index (OSI), 3‐nitrothyrosine (3NT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total thiols (SH). Extracts were administrated orally in three dilutions (100%, 50%, and 25%) for seven days prior to inflammation. The effects were compared to diclofenac. The HPLC polyphenol and alkaloid analysis revealed chlorogenic acid as the most abundant compound. All extracts had a good in vitro antioxidant activity, decreased NOx, TOS, and 3NT, and increased SH. TNF‐alpha was reduced, and TAR increased only by MF and MGF. MDA was not influenced. Our findings suggest that M. aquifolium has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support the use in primary prevention of the inflammatory processes.
Influence of Deformation Conditions on the Critical Damage Factor of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Pang Li-juan , Shang Xin , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: June 2018

The influence of deformation conditions on the critical damage factor of AZ31 magnesium alloy was analyzed in this paper. Physical experiments and numerical simulation were used to study the critical damage factor. Compression test was carried out using a Gleeble 1500 device at temperatures between 250°C and 400°C, as well as strain rates from 0.01 s−1 to 1 s−1. True stress‐strain curves of samples were obtained. Based on experimental data, an Arrhenius constitutive model was constructed. Material performance parameters and constitutive model were inputted into the finite element program DEFORM. Simulation results show that the maximum damage appears on the outer edge of the upsetting drum, and damage softening behavior is more sensitive to strain rate. According to the concept of damage sensitive rate, its values were computed. The intersection of line fitted and horizontal axis was obtained in the fracture step, and its relative maximum damage value was as the critical damage factor. The distribution of the critical damage value shows that it is not a constant but fluctuates within the range of 0.1445–0.3759, and it is more sensitive to strain rate compared with temperature.
Numerical Analysis to Enhance Delamination Strength around Bolt Holes of Unidirectional Pultruded Large Smart Composite Platform
Authors: Antony Sheedev , Drissi-Habti Monssef , Raman Venkadesh
Published: June 2018

As a part of the DECID2 French National Project (2008–2012), construction of a large platform entirely made of smart composites was carried out and two demonstrators were installed. During a previous study, an ABAQUS model of smart composite platform was set up to perform numerical simulations that predict the mechanical behaviour of bolt‐fastened platform under static three‐point bending load, and a stress concentration is observed around the bolt holes. Unidirectional composites are subjected to delamination at very low stress, and this cannot be tolerated because most of the applications of pultruded structures are in civil engineering, which involves human safety. Therefore, it is essential to study the correlation of delamination onset and find a technology to enhance delamination strength. In this study, a numerical analysis was carried out to enhance the delamination strength around the bolt holes. Bidirectional fiberglass cloths were wrapped around unidirectional pultruded beams to reinforce the structure and to prevent delamination. Due to the high cost of these cloths, a study was also carried out to select an appropriate cloth material by taking into account two aspects: density and number of layers of cloths. The selected cloth was compared with conventional continuous fibreglass mat, and it was found that bidirectional fibreglass cloth material performs well in preventing delamination, even though it is expensive.
Jiao-Tai-Wan Improves Cognitive Dysfunctions through Cholinergic Pathway in Scopolamine-Treated Mice
Authors: Wang Xin-Chen , Xu Yu-Min , Li Hong-Ying , Wu Chun-Ying , Xu Ting-Ting , Luo Na-Chuan , Zhang Shi-Jie , Wang Qi , Quan Shi-Jian
Published: June 2018

Cognitive dysfunction is characterized as the gradual loss of learning ability and cognitive function, as well as memory impairment. Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a Chinese medicine prescription including Coptis chinensis and cinnamon, is mainly used for the treatment of insomnia, while the effect of JTW in improving cognitive function has not been reported. In this study, we employed a scopolamine- (SCOP-) treated learning and memory deficit model to explore whether JTW could alleviate cognitive dysfunction. In behavioral experiments, Morris water maze, Y-maze, fearing condition test, and novel object discrimination test were conducted. Results showed that oral administration of JTW (2.1 g/kg, 4.2 g/kg, and 8.4 g/kg) can effectively promote the ability of spatial recognition, learning and memory, and the memory ability of fresh things of SCOP-treated mice. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was effectively decreased; the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and concentration of acetylcholine (Ach) were improved after JTW treatment in both hippocampus and cortex of SCOP-treated mice. JTW effectively ameliorated oxidative stress because of decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, JTW promotes the expressions of neurotrophic factors including postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYN) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both hippocampus and cortex. Nissl’s staining shows that the neuroprotective effect of JTW was very effective. To sum up, JTW might be a promising candidate for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.
Penile Gangrene and Necrosis Leading to Death Secondary to Strangulation by Condom Catheter
Authors: Jabbour Youness , Abdoulazizi Bilgo , Karmouni Tarik , El Khader Khalid , Koutani Abdellatif , Iben Attya Andaloussi Ahmed
Published: June 2018

Condom catheters are widely used in the management of male urinary incontinence, bedridden patients, and geriatric population. They are considered to be safe; however they are associated with serious complications in case of an incorrect use. We report a dramatic case of penile strangulation by condom catheter tardily discovered till occurrence of necrosis and gangrene leading to death in an elderly bedridden and diabetic man. Through this case we emphasize the importance of patient education for the correct use of condom catheters and remind care providers to maintain a high level of sensibility to complication generated from long-term use of condom catheters.
Blast Induced Crack Propagation and Damage Accumulation in Rock Mass Containing Initial Damage
Authors: Wang Yixian , Wang Siyao , Zhao Yanlin , Guo Panpan , Liu Yan , Cao Ping
Published: June 2018

Blast induced rock mass damage and crack propagation play important roles in structure safety and stability in mining, quarrying, and civil constructions. This paper focuses on the effect of small blasthole diameter blast on crack propagation and damage accumulation in water‐bearing rock mass containing initial damage composed of inherent geological discontinuities and previous multiblast induced damage. To elucidate this effect, theoretical analysis of calculation method for several important blast influencing factors is firstly presented. Secondly, definition of a practical damage variable using ratio of longitudinal wave velocity in rock mass before blast occurrence to that after blast occurrence and derivation of a damage accumulation calculation equation accounting for initial damage and blasting effect are described. Lastly, a detailed description of the conducted in situ blast tests and plan layout of the sonic wave monitoring holes is reported. The results indicate that blast activates and then extends the initial cracks in rock mass, leading to accumulation of rock mass damage. The rock mass damage accumulation can be conveniently quantified using the proposed damage variable. When the damage variable reaches its threshold of 0.19, occurrence of damage in the surrounding rock mass is indicated. It is also found that the blast induced rock mass damage extent and the blast induced vibration velocities decrease nonlinearly with increasing the distance between blast source and monitoring position.
Timing of Wnt Inhibition Modulates Directed Differentiation of Medial Ganglionic Eminence Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ihnatovych Ivanna , Lew Alexandra , Lazar Evelyn , Sheng Anna , Kellermayer Timot , Szigeti Kinga
Published: June 2018

In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell into relevant cell types is a desirable model system that has the human biological context, is a renewable source, and is scalable. GABA interneurons and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, derivates of the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), are implicated in diverse neuropsychiatric diseases. Various protocols have been proposed to generate MGE progenitors: the embryoid body- (EB-) based rosette-derived (RD), the adherent (AdD), and the nonadherent (NAdD) approaches. While Wnt inhibition is frequently incorporated into the strategy, the timing varies between protocols and there is a lack of standardized outcome reporting, which precludes direct comparison. Here, we report a head-to-head comparison in three distinct experimental models to establish whether Wnt inhibition during neural stem cell, NSC (stage 1), or neural progenitor cell, NPC (stage 2), formation facilitates MGE differentiation. Wnt inhibition at both stages promotes MGE progenitor differentiation when compared to no inhibition. However, NSC (stage 1) Wnt inhibition markedly reduces the number of MGE progenitors available for downstream applications in the RD and the NAdD protocols due to early inhibition of proliferation. NPC (stage 2) Wnt inhibition in the adherent system is comparable to the EB-based methods offering a techically less challenging alternative.
From Presbyopia to Cataracts: A Critical Review on Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome
Authors: Fernández Joaquín , Rodríguez-Vallejo Manuel , Martínez Javier , Tauste Ana , Piñero David P.
Published: June 2018

Dysfunctional lens syndrome (DLS) is a term coined to describe the natural aging changes in the crystalline lens. Different alterations in the refractive properties and transparency of the lens are produced during the development of presbyopia and cataract, such as changes in internal high order aberrations or an increase in ocular forward scattering, with a potentially significant impact on clinical measures, including visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Objective technologies have emerged to solve the limits of current methods for the grading of the lens aging, which have been linked to the DLS term. However, there is still not a gold standard or evidence-based clinical guidelines around these new technologies despite multiple research studies have correlated their results with conventional methods such as visual acuity or the lens opacification system (LOCS), with more scientific background around the ocular scattering index (OSI) and Scheimpflug densitometry. In either case, DLS is not a new evidence-based concept that leads to new knowledge about crystalline lens aging but it is a nomenclature change of two existing terms, presbyopia and cataracts. Therefore, this term should be used with caution in the scientific peer-reviewed literature.
An Accurate Solution Method for the Static and Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Reissner‐Mindlin Rectangular Plate with General Boundary Conditions
Authors: Li Haichao , Liu Ning , Pang Fuzhen , Du Yuan , Li Shuo
Published: June 2018

This paper presents an accurate solution method for the static and vibration analysis of functionally graded Reissner‐Mindlin plate with general boundary conditions on the basis of the improved Fourier series method. In the theoretical formulations, the governing equations and the general elastic boundary equations are obtained by using Hamilton’s principle. The components of admissible displacement functions are expanded as an improved Fourier series form which contains a 2D Fourier cosine series and auxiliary function in the form of 1D series. The major role of the auxiliary function is to remove the potential discontinuities of the displacement function and its derivatives at the edges and ensure and accelerate the convergence of the series representation. The characteristic equations are easily obtained via substituting admissible displacement functions into governing equations and the general elastic boundary equations. Several examples are made to show the excellent accuracy and convergence of the current solutions. The results of this paper may serve as benchmark data for future research in related field.
The Effectiveness of Saireito, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, in Reducing Postoperative Edema after Acquired Ptosis Surgery: A Prospective Controlled Trial
Authors: Morimoto Naoki , Kakudo Natsuko , Mitsui Toshihito , Kuro Atsuyuki , Ueda Yuko , Hihara Masakatsu , Tanaka Yoshihito , Ozaki Yujiro , Suzuki Kenji , Kusumoto Kenji
Published: June 2018

Background. Persistent edema is a common complication after the surgical treatment of blepharoptosis; however, no objective methods have been established for evaluating or treating this condition. We focused on the Japanese herbal medicine, Saireito, and evaluated its efficacy in reducing postoperative edema. Methods. This was a prospective, nonrandomized, and controlled study. We evaluated the incidence of postoperative edema in a Control group using a subjective patient‐assessed visual analog scales (VASs) to assess swelling, pain, itching, and local warmth and an objective surgeon‐assessed VAS to evaluate swelling. Swelling was also assessed by an objective computer‐based analysis of digital images. These methods were used to evaluate the effects of Saireito (8.1 g/day) for 8 weeks. Results. A total of 49 patients and 80 eyelids were enrolled. Twenty‐nine patients and 48 eyelids were assigned to the Control group, and 20 patients and 32 eyelids were assigned to the Saireito group. Our analysis of the Control group indicated that postoperative edema persisted for up to 8 weeks. On the other hand, the postoperative edema in the Saireito group was mostly eliminated at 8 weeks. The computer‐based analysis of digital images showed that the edema tended to be reduced in the Saireito group compared with the Control group. Conclusion. Saireito might be effective for reducing postoperative edema after blepharoptosis surgery and almost completely eliminated it at 8 weeks after surgery. This study was a preliminary and nonrandomized study; therefore, the randomized and placebo‐controlled study will be needed in the next step.
High-Order Degree and Combined Degree in Complex Networks
Authors: Wang Shudong , Wang Xinzeng , Song Qifang , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: June 2018

We define several novel centrality metrics: the high-order degree and combined degree of undirected network, the high-order out-degree and in-degree and combined out out-degree and in-degree of directed network. Those are the measurement of node importance with respect to the number of the node neighbors. We also explore those centrality metrics in the context of several best-known networks. We prove that both the degree centrality and eigenvector centrality are the special cases of the high-order degree of undirected network, and both the in-degree and PageRank algorithm without damping factor are the special cases of the high-order in-degree of directed network. Finally, we also discuss the significance of high-order out-degree of directed network. Our centrality metrics work better in distinguishing nodes than degree and reduce the computation load compared with either eigenvector centrality or PageRank algorithm.
Flavonoid Extract from Propolis Inhibits Cardiac Fibrosis Triggered by Myocardial Infarction through Upregulation of SIRT1
Authors: Wang Qian , Sui Xin , Sui Dian-Jun , Yang Ping
Published: June 2018

The flavonoid extract from propolis (FP) has been shown to protect against heart injury induced by isoproterenol. However, the effect of FP on cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) as well as the underlying mechanisms is not known. In the present study, we used biochemical and histological approaches to examine the effects of FP on MI‐induced cardiac fibrosis and the related mechanisms in a rat MI model and in angiotensin II‐ (Ang II‐) treated rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). In vivo, MI was generated by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which remained for 4 weeks. Rats were randomly divided into the sham, MI, FP (12.5 mg/kg/d), and MI+FP groups. We found that FP treatment improved heart function, reduced cardiac fibrosis, and downregulated the expression of fibrosis‐related factors including collagen I, collagen III, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), MMP‐9, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), and p‐Smad2/3, which coincided with the upregulated expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) in the hearts of MI rats. Our in vitro experiments showed that FP inhibited the proliferation and migration of primary cultured rat CFs and downregulated the expression of the above‐mentioned fibrosis‐related factors in Ang II‐stimulated CFs. In addition, FP can decrease ROS production induced by MI and Ang II in vivo and vitro. Notably, silencing SIRT1 counteracted the FP‐induced effects on CFs treated with Ang II. We conclude that FP inhibits MI‐induced cardiac fibrosis through SIRT1 activation and that FP represents a potential promising drug for the treatment of MI patients in the clinic.
The Effect and Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Formula Sini Tang in Heart Failure after Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Zhu Yuhan , Zhao Jing , Han Qingqing , Wang Zhen , Wang Zhaobo , Dong Xin , Li Jiebai , Liu Lei , Shen Xiaoxu
Published: June 2018

Objective. To investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of the Chinese herbal formula Sini Tang (SNT) which consists of Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi), Zingiber officinale (Gan Jiang), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats. Methods. We established the heart failure after myocardial infarction in model of SD rats by ligating the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups: Sham operation group, HF group, Benazepril group, high dose of SNT group, medium dose of SNT group, and low dose of SNT group. Drugs were administered by oral gavage for eight weeks. The detection indexes include left ventricular function by echocardiogram, Collagen Volume Fraction by Masson staining, level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II and Aldosterone by radioimmunoassay, protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R by western‐blot, and real‐time PCR. Results. The outcomes of this study indicated that SNT significantly improved the LVEF and LVFS, thickened both LVAWd and LVAWs, and reduced LVIDs in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats when compared with control group (P < 0.05). Besides, SNT significantly reduced the Collagen Volume Fraction (P < 0.05). The results of radioimmunoassay showed that SNT decreased the level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone (P < 0.05). The outcomes of western‐blot and real‐time PCR analysis showed that SNT significantly downregulated the protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R (P < 0.05). Conclusions. The Chinese herbal formula SNT could improve left ventricular systolic function in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats and decreased the level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone, as well as downregulating the protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R. Therefore, SNT has potential benefits of improving cardiac function by inhibiting the excessive activation of Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone system in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats.
Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast with Metastasis to the Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Amir R. A. , Rabah Rola S. , Sheikh S. S.
Published: June 2018

Phyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare tumor of the breast accounting for approximately 1% of all breast neoplasms. In 1838, J. Muller coined the term “cystosarcoma phyllodes” based on the leaf-like projections of the tumor extending into the cystic spaces and sarcomatous stromal growth. However, seeing as up to 70% of phyllodes tumors are benign, “cystosarcoma” was removed, and the tumor is now recognized simply as phyllodes tumor. It is mainly seen in females between the ages of 35 and 55. Although most phyllodes tumors are benign, malignant cases do uncommonly occur, 22% of which have distant metastasis typically to the lungs and bones. Rarely, this tumor metastasizes to other locations. Herein, we report a case of malignant phyllodes tumor with metastasis to the pancreas. According to our knowledge, only 3 case reports of pancreatic metastasis from malignant phyllodes tumor have been reported in literature thus far. We aim to increase awareness among physicians of this rare metastasic potential of the uncommonly encountered malignant phyllodes tumor.
Fluid Geochemistry of Fault Zone Hydrothermal System in the Yidun-Litang Area, Eastern Tibetan Plateau Geothermal Belt
Authors: Hou Yanyan , Shi Zheming , Mu Wenqing
Published: June 2018

The geochemical and geothermal characteristics of hydrothermal systems in an area are useful information to appropriately evaluate the geothermal potential. In this paper, we investigated the chemical and isotopic composition of thermal water in an underexploited geothermal belt, Yidun-Litang area, in eastern Tibetan Plateau. 24 hot spring samples from the Yidun and Litang area were collected and analyzed. The water chemical types of the hot springs are mainly Na-HCO3-type water. Water-rock interaction and cation exchange and mixture are the dominant hydrogeochemical processes in the hydrothermal evolution. The significant shift of D and 18O isotopes from the GMWL indicates that these springs have undergone subsurface boiling before rising to the surface. Different ratios of Cl to other conservation species can be found for the springs in Litang and Yidun areas, suggesting the different heat sources of the two hydrothermal systems. The reservoir temperature in the Yidun area is around 230°C while the reservoir temperature in the Litang area is around 200°C. Both hydrothermal systems are recharged by the meteoric water and are heated by the different deep, thermally and topographically driven convection heat along faults and undergoing subsurface boiling before going back to the surface.
Global Stability of Traveling Waves for a More General Nonlocal Reaction-Diffusion Equation
Authors: Yan Rui , Liu Guirong
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the global stability of traveling front solutions with noncritical and critical speeds for a more general nonlocal reaction-diffusion equation with or without delay. Our analysis relies on the technical weighted energy method and Fourier transform. Moreover, we can get the rates of convergence and the effect of time-delay on the decay rates of the solutions. Furthermore, according to the stability results, the uniqueness of the traveling front solutions can be proved. Our results generalize and improve the existing results.
Monoclonal Antibodies versus Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Combination with Bortezomib or Lenalidomide plus Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: An Indirect-Comparison Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zheng Yanhua , Shen Hongyuan , Xu Li , Feng Juan , Tang Hailong , Zhang Na , Chen Xiequn , Gao Guangxun
Published: June 2018

During the past decades, agents with novel mechanisms of action, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been applied to treat relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The treatment outcomes of MAbs versus HDACi in combination with bortezomib or lenalidomide plus dexamethasone remain unknown. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare indirectly the efficacy and safety of MAbs and HDACis in combination with bortezomib or lenalidomide plus dexamethasone. Six trials (eight articles) were included in the meta-analysis with 3270 RRMM patients enrolled. We synthesized hazard ratios (HRs) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), risk ratios (RRs) for complete response (CR),very good partial response (VGPR), overall response (OR), progressive disease plus stable disease (PD + SD) and common at least grade 3 adverse events, and their corresponding 95%confidence intervals (95% CI). Treatment with MAbs in combination with bortezomib or lenalidomide plus dexamethasone resulted in longer PFS (HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66–0.98), fewer incidences of at least grade 3 thrombocytopenia (RR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23–0.53), neutropenia (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51–0.96), and sense of fatigue (RR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17–0.82) than HDACis. The daratumumab plus bortezomib or lenalidomide and dexamethasone might significantly improve PFS in comparison with HDACis plus bortezomib or lenalidomide and dexamethasone (HR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40–0.74). In conclusion, MAbs may be superior to HDACis in achieving longer PFS and may be better tolerated when in combination therapy with bortezomib or lenalidomide plus dexamethasone.
Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Dong Ying , Peng Han , Lavker Robert M.
Published: June 2018

Identification and characterization of the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) has proven to be a major accomplishment in anterior ocular surface biology. These cells have been shown to be a subpopulation of limbal epithelial basal cells, which serve as the progenitor population of the corneal epithelium. LESCs have been demonstrated to play an important role in maintaining corneal epithelium homeostasis. Many ocular surface diseases, including intrinsic (e.g., Sjogren’s syndrome) or extrinsic (e.g., alkali or thermal burns) insults, which impair LESCs, can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). LSCD is characterized by an overgrowth of conjunctival-derived epithelial cells, corneal neovascularization, and chronic inflammation, eventually leading to blindness. Treatment of LSCD has been challenging, especially in bilateral total LSCD. Recently, advances in LESC research have led to novel therapeutic approaches for treating LSCD, such as transplantation of the cultured limbal epithelium. These novel therapeutic approaches have demonstrated efficacy for ocular surface reconstruction and restoration of vision in patients with LSCD. However, they all have their own limitations. Here, we describe the current status of LSCD treatment and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the available therapeutic modalities.
Report of Four Cases with Equestrian Injury: Therapeutic Approach and Outcome
Authors: Oshima Kiyohiro , Murata Masato , Aoki Makoto , Nakajima Jun , Sawada Yusuke , Isshiki Yuta , Ichikawa Yumi , Hagiwara Shuichi
Published: June 2018

Equestrianism is associated with a risk of severe trauma due to falls and/or direct injury from the horse, depending on the mechanism of injury. This article presents four cases of equestrian injury treated in Gunma University Hospital: Case 1: hepatic injury (fall and kick by the horse); Case 2: left hemopneumothorax and pulmonary contusion with multiple rib fractures (fall and trampling by the horse); Case 3: lumbar compression fracture (fall); and Case 4: scrotum injury (horse bite). Equestrian injuries may be high-energy traumas. Therefore, adhering to relevant primary care guidelines may prevent mortality by trauma.
A New Service Module Partition Approach for Product Service System Based on Fuzzy Graph and Dempster-Shafer Theory of Evidence
Authors: Yin Zhen , Gao Qi , Ji Xue
Published: June 2018

Due to the personalized and diverse service needs, service scheme configuration should be more quick and flexible in the process of product service system (PSS) scheme design. Service modularization can effectively improve the service configuration efficiency and modules’ reusability. However, compared with the modularity of tangible products, the partition of service modules in the practical context is still a problem to be discussed. In this paper, a service partition approach for PSS based on the fuzzy graph and Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence is presented. Firstly, service activities correlation analysis is carried out, according to which the fuzzy graph is drawn. By setting different thresholds, the fuzzy graph is cut, and different partition results are obtained. Secondly, the evaluation indexes of customization, generalization, and technological evolution are proposed and used as evidence sources of the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence. Through the synthesis of the evidence sources, the optimal partition scheme is got. Finally, to verify the method, a case study is illustrated through the NC machine tools module partition. And results show that the proposed method can provide specific ideas and concrete guidance of the service module partition.
Comparative Histological and Histomorphometric Results of Six Biomaterials Used in Two-Stage Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Model after 6-Month Healing
Authors: La Monaca Gerardo , Iezzi Giovanna , Cristalli Maria Paola , Pranno Nicola , Sfasciotti Gian Luca , Vozza Iole
Published: June 2018

Objectives. To evaluate the performances of six different bone substitute materials used as graft in maxillary sinus augmentation by means of histological and histomorphometric analysis of bone biopsies retrieved from human subjects after a 6-month healing period. Materials and Methods. Six consecutive patients (3 males, 3 females, aged 50-72 years), healthy, nonsmokers, and with good oral hygiene, presenting edentulous posterior maxilla with a residual bone crest measuring ≤ 4 mm in vertical height and 3 to 5 mm in horizontal thickness at radiographic examination, were selected to receive sinus augmentation and delayed implant placement. Under randomized conditions, sinus augmentation procedures were carried out using mineralized solvent-dehydrated bone allograft (MCBA), freeze-dried mineralized bone allograft (FDBA), anorganic bovine bone (ABB), equine-derived bone (EB), synthetic micro-macroporous biphasic calcium-phosphate block consisting of 70% beta-tricalcium phosphate and 30% hydroxyapatite (HA-β-TCP 30/70), or bioapatite-collagen (BC). After 6 months, bone core biopsies were retrieved and 13 implants were placed. Bone samples were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis. CT scans were taken before and after surgery. After 4 months of healing, patients were restored with a provisional fixed acrylic resin prosthesis, as well as after further 2-4 months with a definitive cemented zirconia or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Results. There were no postoperative complications or implant failures. The histological examination showed that all biomaterials were in close contact with newly formed bone, surrounding the graft granules with a bridge-like network. No signs of acute inflammation were observed. The histomorphometry revealed 20.1% newly formed bone for MCBA, 32.1% for FDBA, 16.1% for ABB, 22.8% for EB, 20.3% for HA-β-TCP 30/70, and 21.4% for BC. Conclusions. Within the limitations of the present investigation, all the six tested biomaterials showed good biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties when used in sinus augmentation procedures, although the FDBA seemed to have a better histomorphometric result in terms of newly formed bone and residual graft material. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (Registration Number): NCT03496688.
Antibacterial Activity of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Plasma: AnIn VitroStudy
Authors: Cieślik-Bielecka Agata , Bold Tadeusz , Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Pierchała Marcin , Królikowska Aleksandra , Reichert Paweł
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to investigate the leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) antimicrobial activity. The studied sample comprised 20 healthy males. The L-PRP gel, liquid L-PRP, and thrombin samples were testedin vitrofor their antibacterial properties against selected bacterial strains using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Two types of thrombin were used (autologous and bovine). Zones of inhibition produced by L-PRP ranged between 6 and 18 mm in diameter. L-PRP inhibited the growth ofStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA and MSSA strains) and was also active againstEnterococcus faecalisandPseudomonas aeruginosa. There was no activity againstEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniae. The statistically significant increase of L-PRP antimicrobial effect was noted with the use of major volume of thrombin as an activator. Additionally, in groups where a bovine thrombin mixture was added to L-PRP the zones of inhibition concerning MRSA,Enterococcus faecalis, andPseudomonas aeruginosawere larger than in the groups with autologous thrombin. Based on the conducted studies, it can be determined that L-PRP can evokein vitroantimicrobial effects and might be used to treat selected infections in the clinical field. The major volume of thrombin as an activator increases the strength of the L-PRP antimicrobial effect.
Cluster‐Based Arithmetic Coding for Data Provenance Compression in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xu Qinbao , Akhtar Rizwan , Zhang Xing , Wang Changda
Published: June 2018

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), data provenance records the data source and the forwarding and the aggregating information of a packet on its way to the base station (BS). To conserve the energy and wireless communication bandwidth, the provenances are compressed at each node along the packet path. To perform the provenances compression in resource‐tightened WSNs, we present a cluster‐based arithmetic coding method which not only has a higher compression rate but also can encode and decode the provenance in an incremental manner; i.e., the provenance can be zoomed in and out like Google Maps. Such a decoding method raises the efficiencies of the provenance decoding and the data trust assessment. Furthermore, the relationship between the clustering size and the provenance size is formally analyzed, and then the optimal clustering size is derived as a mathematical function of the WSN’s size. Both the simulation and the test‐bed experimental results show that our scheme outperforms the known arithmetic coding based provenance compression schemes with respect to the average provenance size, the energy consumption, and the communication bandwidth consumption.