bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obstrução intestinal mecânica por Caryocar brasiliense em cão: relato de caso
Authors: Ataide Wanessa Ferreira , Amaral Andréia Vitor Couto do , Martins Andreia Moreira , Leandro Giovana Alves , França Francyelle Martins , Carvalho Camila Franco , Bruno Filho Fábio Fernandes , Saturnino Klaus Casaro , Ramos Dirceu Guilherme de Souza
Published: May 2020

O objetivo desse relato é descrever um caso de obstrução intestinal mecânica (OIM) incomum em um cão, causada por pequi (Caryocar brasiliense), que resultou em óbito do paciente, descrevendo os achados nos exames físicos, de auxílio ao diagnóstico e necroscópico. A OIM constitui causa frequente de emergência na medicina veterinária de pequenos animais. Geralmente, é causada por corpos estranhos ingeridos pelo animal. Como metodologia, reportou-se, em um cão de cinco anos, histórico de emagrecimento e anorexia há três dias, além de vômitos frequentes. Os resultados e discussão evidenciaram exame ultrassonográfico abdominal com uma estrutura de formato ovalado, medido cerca de 3,5 cm de comprimento, formadora de forte sombra acústica, com a presença de dilatação segmentar em porção intestinal anterior. O exame radiográfico mostrou segmentos de alças intestinais dilatadas e repletos de gás, com a presença de estrutura radiopaca de formato ovalado, com dimensões de 2,7 x 1,5 cm, na região do Intestino delgado, próximo a bexiga. O exame de necropsia confirmou a localização do corpo estranho na porção proximal do jejuno, já identificada pelos exames de imagem, tratando-se do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense). Foi possível concluir que o caroço de pequi demonstrou ser um considerável agente etiológico da OIM, apesar de não haver outros relatos.
Perfil dos pacientes admitidos em UTI por agravos neurológicos
Authors: Carvalho Anne Caroline Brito de , Souza Isabel Cristina da Cósta , Fernandes João Paulo Costa , Melo Rafael Leandro Fernandes , Silva Neto José Maria Damasceno , Queiroz Johny Carlos de , Oliveira Carmem Josaura de Lima , Vieira Alcivan Nunes
Published: May 2020

As Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) admitem cada vez mais pacientes diagnosticados com agravos neurológicos. A lesão cerebral proveniente de traumas é considerada um problema de saúde mundial. A mortalidade desses pacientes está diretamente relacionada à gravidade clínica e à dependência de cuidados especializados. Desta forma, é preciso elucidar o perfil dos pacientes internados na UTI com diagnóstico de agravo neurológico, de modo a organizar as intervenções em saúde e atuar na prevenção dos fatores desencadeantes destes agravos, contribuindo para a sistematização da assistência de enfermagem nesse setor. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar o perfil dos pacientes admitidos na UTI com o diagnóstico de agravo neurológico. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem quantitativa, partindo da análise dos prontuários dos usuários internados na UTI do Hospital Regional Tarcísio de Vasconcelos Maia localizado no município de Mossoró-RN. Após a análise dos dados, constatou-se que o Traumatismo Cranioencefálico (TCE) foi o motivo de internação mais prevalente no pronto socorro do hospital e o agravo neurológico foi o motivo de admissão mais prevalente na UTI. A maior parte dos pacientes com agravos neurológicos eram homens, com uma idade média de 47 anos de idade. Com relação ao desfecho, 77,50% dos usuários com agravo neurológico foram a óbito, sendo 37,71% diagnosticados com TCE. As características encontradas na pesquisa podem vir a contribuir para a elaboração de estratégias de cuidados para oferecer uma assistência de enfermagem de qualidade ao paciente diagnosticado com agravo neurológico, otimizando o cuidado prestado e o suporte adequado.
High-power diode laser for second-stage implant surgery: a randomized pilot clinical trial
Authors: Grigio Geise da Silva , Tateno Ricardo Yudi , Palma Luiz Felipe , Shitsuka Caleb , Sendyk Wilson Roberto , Campos Luana
Published: May 2020

The present study aimed to compare the conventional scalpel technique and the use of a high-power diode laser for second-stage implant surgery. For that, fifteen patients were randomly assigned to receive either the conventional scalpel technique (Control Group, n = 7) or a diode laser-assisted technique (Laser Group, n = 8) for second-stage surgery of submerged dental implants placed at bone level. The local anesthetic amount required, and the total surgical time was determined just after surgery. Local pain, peri-implant mucosa status, and bleeding were assessed at the end of the surgery and after 7 and 15 days. Information on the need for postoperative pain medication on the first day and during the next two weeks was also gathered. The surgical time was significantly shorter in the Laser Group (P = 0.001) and only the Control Group presented bleeding at the end of surgery and on the seventh day (P = <0.001, P = 0.026). The other evaluations did not show differences between the groups. Within the limitations of the present pilot study and in comparison to clinical outcomes of the conventional scalpel technique, the use of a high-power diode laser seems to be slightly advantageous for the second-stage implant surgery.
Оцінка несучої здатності металевих пальових стійок каркасно-модульних конструкцій фотогальванічної електростанції на слабких грунтах
Authors: Belokon A.M. , Ben І.V. , Fesenko О.А. , Chornovol V.О.
Published: May 2020

У статті було розглянуто конструктивні рішення каркасно-модульних систем фотогальванічних сонячних електростанцій (ФЕС), що являє собою каркасно-модульну конструкцію із металевих елементів похилих ригелів та пальових стійок. Фотогальванічні сонячні електростанції є одним із різновидів підприємств відновлювальної енергетики, що інтенсивно розвивається в Україні.У статті представлено результати проведення натурних випробувань металевих пальових стійок каркасно-модульних конструкцій фотогальванічної електростанції при дії сумарних навантажень, які включають в себе власну вагу конструкцій, обледеніння, снігове та вітрове навантаження. Проведення випробувань відбувалося відповідно до Методики, яка включала в себе вимоги, які поширюються на будівельні конструкції будівель і споруд, що зводяться, і встановлює граничні значення прогинів і переміщень несучих конструкцій. В методиці були розроблені схеми прикладення навантажень та встановлення вимірювальних приладів. Під час підготовки до проведення випробувань були проаналізовані інженерно-геологічні умови майданчика будівництва фотогальванічної сонячної електростанції. В результаті інженерно- геологічних вишукувань, що були проведені на майданчику, в межах ділянки досліджень було виділено п’ять інженерно-геологічних елементів, визначено склад ґрунту та його фізико-механічні характеристики. До початку випробування пальових стійок були виконані: огляд конструкцій на предмет виявлення дефектів або пошкоджень, встановлення випробувального обладнання, встановлення вимірювальних приладів, перевірка роботоздатності всіх систем і приладів. Навантаження на стійку прикладалось ступенями із витримкою під навантаженням не менше десяти хвилин і фіксацією переміщень на кожній ступені. Під час випробування, здійснювалося прикладення навантаження на елементи стійок до настання втрати несучої здатності або досягнення елементами стійок граничних деформацій зазначених при проектуванні; виконувалася фіксація переміщень та деформацій пальових стійок, значення переміщень представлено на графіках.За результатами випробувань було визначено несучу здатність пальових стійок на дію горизонтального навантаження, на вдавлювання та на висмикування вертикальним навантаженням. Експериментально було підтверджено можливість безпечного використання металевих конструкцій каркасно-модульних технологій у будівництві енергетичних об’єктів згідно з вимогами чинних нормативних документів.
Short-Term Effects of Organic Amendments on Soil Properties and Maize (Zea maize L.) Growth
Authors: Calamai Alessandro , Chiaramonti David , Casini David , Masoni Alberto , Palchetti Enrico
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the application of biochar as soil amendment has generated a huge interest for the preservation of soil fertility by improving the physicochemical and biological properties of soil, and for the reduction of the negative effects of greenhouse emissions (climate-change adaptation). In this study, we investigated the effect of three soil amendments, namely, biochars derived from wood (BC), solid digestate (SD), and biochar derived from solid digestate (BSD), on soil parameters and their influence in maize-growth performance. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse where organic amendments were applied to the soil control (C) at different application rates: 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% w/w (equivalent at 0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha−1, respectively). The results indicated that all applications of organic amendments significantly enhanced soil parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity, while only BSD and SD showed a significant increase in secondary macro-(i.e., Ca, Mg) and micronutrient-element content (i.e., Na, Fe, Mn and Zn). The best maize performance (i.e., plant height, stem diameter, biomass dry weight, seed number, and weight per ear) was observed while using BSD, while plant growth in BC had reduced results, probably due to the low presence of elemental content and the relatively high volatile-matter (VM) content, which may have altered nitrogen dynamics.
An Analysis of the Genetic Diversity of Bread Wheat x Spelt Breeding Lines in Terms of Their Resistance to Powdery Mildew and Leaf Rust
Authors: Goriewa-Duba Klaudia , Duba Adrian , Suchowilska Elżbieta , Wiwart Marian
Published: May 2020

The main aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of breeding lines derived from bread wheat and spelt (bread wheat cvs. Zebra, Torka and Kontesa; spelt breeding lines S10–S14) in terms of their resistance to infections caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici and Puccinia triticina Eriks. The genomes of all analyzed lines harbored the markers for Pm2a, Pm4b and Pm6a alleles, which confer resistance to the infection caused by B. graminis f. sp. tritici. The markers for Pm4c and Pm4a alleles were also identified in many objects. The high number of Pm markers was noted in the crosses Zebra × S11 and Zebra × S12 whose genomes harbored the markers for Pm2a, Pm3d, Pm4a-4c and Pm6. Most of the studied lines harbored the marker linked to the Lr10 gene, which encodes resistance to the infection caused by P. triticina in wheat. The analysis of the presence of markers linked to the resistance to infections caused by B. graminis f. sp. tritici and P. triticina demonstrated that Zebra × S12 was the most promising breeding line with the highest number of markers for genes/alleles encoding resistance to powdery mildew and leaf rust. This breeding line was also highly resistant to both pathogens under field conditions.
Effect of Row Spacing, Sowing Density, and Harvest Time on Floret Yield and Yield Components of Two Safflower Cultivars Grown in Southwestern Germany
Authors: Steberl Kathrin , Hartung Jens , Munz Sebastian , Graeff-Hönninger Simone
Published: May 2020

The current demand for safflower florets (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in the food-coloring industry, especially in Europe, is rising. The present production, mainly located in China, is not sufficient. Unlike for the production of seeds, there are currently no recommendations for the cultivation of safflower for floret production in Germany. Therefore, field experiments were conducted at the experimental station Ihinger Hof, Southwestern Germany, in 2017 and 2018. The aim was to evaluate yield and yield parameters, such as number of capitula, floret yield, and carthamidin content for (i) two cultivars grown with (ii) two row spacing (12 and 33 cm) using (iii) two sowing densities (40 and 75 plants m−2), and (iv) five harvest dates. Results showed that lower sowing densities resulted in a significantly larger number of branches and capitula per plant and higher yields of florets and carthamidin. Harvesting two to three weeks after flowering resulted in the significantly highest floret and carthamidin yields. More capitula per plant, higher carthamidin contents, and higher floret and carthamidin yields were obtained with the Chinese cultivar. In general, yields of flowering florets (2.30–468.96 kg ha−1), carthamidin contents (2.53–8.29%), and carthamidin yields (0.04–37.86 kg ha−1) were comparable to or higher than in other studies. In conclusion, this study showed that safflower has great potential for the production of florets in Southwest Germany, for the food-color industry.
Effect of Antioxidants on High-Temperature Stability of Renewable Bio-Oils Revealed by an Innovative Method for the Determination of Kinetic Parameters of Oxidative Reactions
Authors: Mollica Fabio , Lucarini Marco , Passerini Cinzia , Carati Claudio , Pavoni Silvia , Bonoldi Lucia , Amorati Riccardo
Published: May 2020

Bio-oils employed for various industrial purposes, such as biodiesel production, undergo extensive oxidation and degradation during transformation processes. Therefore, it is extremely important to predict their stability at high temperature. We report herein a new procedure based on the optically detected profile of headspace O2 concentration during isotherms at 130 °C for evaluating the oxidation kinetic parameters of several bio-oil feedstocks. The slope of O2 consumption and the induction period duration were related to the oil characteristics (molecular structure, acidity, and presence of intrinsic antioxidants or metals). The increase of the induction time caused by a standardized propyl gallate addition yielded a semiquantitative value of radical generation rate. Investigated oils included used cooking oils; mono-, di-, and triglycerides from natural sources; free fatty acids; transesterified oils; and their blends. With respect to other methods, this characterization presents the advantage of disentangling and evaluating the role of both fatty acids composition and naturally occurring antioxidants, and allows the development of rational strategies for antioxidant protection of oils and of their blends.
Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA Profiling in Early-Stage Bovine Embryos Treated with Glutathione
Authors: Guo Qinqin , Cui Lixin , Sun Weijun , Li Feng , Hao Haisheng , Zhao Xueming , Zhu Huabin , Du Weihua
Published: May 2020

We measured differential expression profiles of genes and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) using RNA sequencing in bovine embryos with or without glutathione (GSH) treatment. Bovine embryos fertilized in vitro were treated with GSH to blastocyst. Embryos at the 8-16-cell and morula stages were collected, with embryos without GSH treatment as the control. RNA was isolated, amplified, and sequenced. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were identified and bioinformatic analyses carried out. Transcript levels were confirmed using quantitative RT-PCR. A total of 4100 DEGs were identified, of which 3952 were in GSH-treated morulae and 884 in untreated morulae. More gene ontology (GO) terms were associated with GSH treatment than with control conditions. KEGG analysis showed that glutathione metabolism, citrate cycle, and metabolic pathways involving glycine, serine, and threonine were observed only in GSH-treated embryos. Among 4273 DElncRNAs identified, 59 were potentially important in GSH-treated embryo development, including 14 involved in glutathione metabolism. The 59 DElncRNAs co-expressed with protein-coding mRNAs involved similar GO terms and pathways as the DEGs. This appears to be the first comprehensive profiling of DEGs and DElncRNAs in bovine embryos fertilized in vitro with or without GSH, and the first systematic screen of potential lncRNAs in bovine embryos.
Fragile Watermarking of 3D Models in a Transformed Domain
Authors: Botta Marco , Cavagnino Davide , Gribaudo Marco , Piazzolla Pietro
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an algorithm aimed at the integrity protection of 3D models represented as a set of vertices and polygons. The proposed method defines a procedure to perform a fragile watermarking of the vertices’ data, namely 3D coordinates and polygons, introducing a very small error in the vertices’ coordinates. The watermark bit string is embedded into a secret vector space defined by the Karhunen–Loève transform derived from a key image. Experimental results show the good performance of the method and its security.
Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill Residues—Properties and Application Possibilities in Food Supplements
Authors: Manzur-Valdespino Salvador , Ramírez-Moreno Esther , Arias-Rico José , Jaramillo-Morales Osmar Antonio , Calderón-Ramos Zuli Guadalupe , Delgado-Olivares Luis , Córdoba-Díaz Manuel , Córdoba-Díaz Damián , Cruz-Cansino Nelly del Socorro
Published: May 2020

Recently, industry has been focusing on the development of new products made from food by-products in order to reduce and take advantage of food wastes. The objective of this study was to evaluate tablet formulations developed by mixing two commercial excipients, microcrystalline cellulose (M) and α-lactose-monohydrate (L), added with powder from residues (mesocarp and pericarp) of green and red (G and R) cactus pear fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill), having the following formulations: green with microcrystalline cellulose (GM), green with lactose (GL), red with microcrystalline cellulose (RM), and red with lactose (RL). The results showed lower disintegration times for the tablets with microcrystalline cellulose. The fiber functional properties presented good values for lipid and water holding capacity. There was a higher total phenolic content (TPC) in formulations with green cactus pear residue powder with microcrystalline cellulose and lactose (GM and GL, respectively), but the DPPH and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) values were higher in the formulations with red cactus pear residues (RM and RL), while ABTS values were similar among all formulations. In conclusion, tablets made from Opuntia residues are proposed as a product of interest for the food supplement industry because of the good quality parameters and the functional and antioxidant properties that they provide.
Dynamic Multi-Objective Auction-Based (DYMO-Auction) Task Allocation
Authors: Baroudi Uthman , Alshaboti Mohammad , Koubaa Anis , Trigui Sahar
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we address the problem of online dynamic multi-robot task allocation (MRTA) problem. In the existing literature, several works investigated this problem as a multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem and proposed different approaches to solve it including heuristic methods. Existing works attempted to find Pareto-optimal solutions to the MOO problem. However, to the best of authors’ knowledge, none of the existing works used the task quality as an objective to optimize. In this paper, we address this gap, and we propose a new method, distributed multi-objective task allocation approach (DYMO-Auction), that considers tasks’ quality requirement, along with travel distance and load balancing. A robot is capable of performing the same task with different levels of perfection, and a task needs to be performed with a level of perfection. We call this level of perfection quality level. We designed a new utility function to consider four competing metrics, namely the cost, energy, distance, type of tasks. It assigns the tasks dynamically as they emerge without global information and selects the auctioneer randomly for each new task to avoid the single point of failure. Extensive simulation experiments using a 3D Webots simulator are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed DYMO-Auction. DYMO-Auction is compared with the sequential single-item approach (SSI), which requires global information and offline calculations, and with Fuzzy Logic Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem (FL-MTSP) approach. The results demonstrate a proper matching with SSI in terms of quality satisfaction and load balancing. However, DYMO-Auction demands 20% more travel distance. We experimented with DYMO-Auction using real Turtlebot2 robots. The results of simulation experiments and prototype experiments follow the same trend. This demonstrates the usefulness and practicality of the proposed method in real-world scenarios.
Estimation of Rock Load of Multi-Arch Tunnel with Cracks Using Stress Variable Method
Authors: Lee Jae Kook , Yoo Hankyu , Ban Hoki , Park Won-Jun
Published: May 2020

In multi-arch tunnels, the increased rock load on the concrete lining of the main tunnel and side walls due to the excavation of adjacent tunnels is critical and must be considered in the design stage. Therefore, this study estimates the rock load of a multi-arch tunnel using two-dimensional numerical analysis, considering rock mass classifications, overburden, and construction steps. The rock load is estimated using two criteria: the factor of safety and stress variable. The rock load is underestimated when the factor of safety is applied to rock mass class III. However, the stress variable method reveals a reasonable rock load as overburden increases. Particularly, the rock load is estimated to be equal to the overburden in shallow tunnels and approximately 0.7 times the tunnel width in deep tunnels. Additionally, the crack-induced rock load is computed using back analysis at the excavation completion stage of adjacent tunnels, yielding the relation between the rock load height and the deformation modulus of the rock mass. Therefore, an accurate estimation of the rock load of multi-arch tunnels emphasizes the importance of a more economical and realistic design and must be addressed in the process of performance-based tunnel design.
Optimization Methods of Compressively Sensed Image Reconstruction Based on Single-Pixel Imaging
Authors: Wei Ziran , Zhang Jianlin , Xu Zhiyong , Liu Yong
Published: May 2020

According to the theory of compressive sensing, a single-pixel imaging system was built in our laboratory, and imaging scenes are successfully reconstructed by single-pixel imaging, but the quality of reconstructed images in traditional methods cannot meet the demands of further engineering applications. In order to improve the imaging accuracy of our single-pixel camera, some optimization methods of key technologies in compressive sensing are proposed in this paper. First, in terms of sparse signal decomposition, based on traditional discrete wavelet transform and the characteristics of coefficients distribution in wavelet domain, a constraint condition of the exponential decay is proposed and a corresponding constraint matrix is designed to optimize the original wavelet decomposition basis. Second, for the construction of deterministic binary sensing matrices in the single-pixel camera, on the basis of a Gram matrix, a new algorithm model and a new method of initializing a compressed sensing measurement matrix are proposed to optimize the traditional binary sensing matrices via mutual coherence minimization. The gradient projection-based algorithm is used to solve the new mathematical model and train deterministic binary sensing measurement matrices with better performance. Third, the proposed optimization methods are applied to our single-pixel imaging system for optimizing the existing imaging methods. Compared with the conventional methods of single-pixel imaging, the accuracy of image reconstruction and the quality of single-pixel imaging have been significantly improved by our methods. The superior performance of our proposed methods has been fully tested and the effectiveness has also been demonstrated by numerical simulation experiments and practical imaging experiments.
Flash Flood Forecasting in São Paulo Using a Binary Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Viteri López Andrea Salomé , Morales Rodriguez Carlos Augusto
Published: May 2020

This study presents a flash flood forecasting model that uses a binary logistic regression method to determine the occurrence of flash flood events in different watersheds in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. This study is based on two years (2015–2016) of rain estimates from a dual-polarization S-band Doppler weather radar (SPOL) and flood locations observed by the Climate Emergency Management Center (CGE) of São Paulo City Hall. The logistic regression model is based on daily accumulated precipitation, a maximum precipitation rate, and daily rainfall duration. The model presented a probability of detection (POD) of 46% (71%) on average for flood events (conditional), while, for events without flash flood, it reached 98% probability. Despite the low averaged POD for flash flood occurrence, the model demonstrated a good performance for watersheds located in the east of the city near the Tietê River and in the southeast with probabilities above 50%.
One-Year Measurements of Equivalent Black Carbon, Optical Properties, and Sources in the Urumqi River Valley, Tien Shan, China
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Zhongqin , Ming Jing , Wang Feiteng
Published: May 2020

Equivalent black carbon (EBC) was measured with a seven-wavelength Aethalometer (AE-31) in the Urumqi River Valley, eastern Tien Shan, China. This is the first high-resolution, online measurement of EBC conducted in the eastern Tien Shan allowing analysis of the seasonal and hourly variations of the light absorption properties of EBC. Results showed that the highest concentrations of EBC were in autumn, followed by those in summer. The hourly variations of EBC showed two plateaus during 8:00–9:00 h local time (LT) and 16:00–19:00 h LT, respectively. The contribution of biomass burning to EBC in winter and spring was higher than in summer and autumn. The planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) showed an inverse relationship with EBC concentrations, suggesting that the reduction of the PBLH leads to enhanced EBC. The aerosol optical depths (AOD) over the Urumqi River Valley, derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data and back trajectory analysis, showed that the pollution from Central Asia was more likely to affect the atmosphere of Tien Shan in summer and autumn. This suggests that long-distance transported pollutants from Central Asia could also be potential contributors to EBC concentrations in the Urumqi River Valley, the same as local anthropogenic activities.
Nanotechnology-Based Strategies to Develop New Anticancer Therapies
Authors: Magro Massimiliano , Venerando Andrea , Macone Alberto , Canettieri Gianluca , Agostinelli Enzo , Vianello Fabio
Published: May 2020

The blooming of nanotechnology has made available a limitless landscape of solutions responding to crucial issues in many fields and, nowadays, a wide choice of nanotechnology-based strategies can be adopted to circumvent the limitations of conventional therapies for cancer. Herein, the current stage of nanotechnological applications for cancer management is summarized encompassing the core nanomaterials as well as the available chemical–physical approaches for their surface functionalization and drug ligands as possible therapeutic agents. The use of nanomaterials as vehicles to delivery various therapeutic substances is reported emphasizing advantages, such as the high drug loading, the enhancement of the pay-load half-life and bioavailability. Particular attention was dedicated to highlight the importance of nanomaterial intrinsic features. Indeed, the ability of combining the properties of the transported drug with the ones of the nano-sized carrier can lead to multifunctional theranostic tools. In this view, fluorescence of carbon quantum dots, optical properties of gold nanoparticle and superparamagnetism of iron oxide nanoparticles, are fundamental examples. Furthermore, smart anticancer devices can be developed by conjugating enzymes to nanoparticles, as in the case of bovine serum amine oxidase (BSAO) and gold nanoparticles. The present review is aimed at providing an overall vision on nanotechnological strategies to face the threat of human cancer, comprising opportunities and challenges.
On-Treatment Changes in FIB-4 and 1-Year FIB-4 Values Help Identify Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Receiving Entecavir Therapy Who Have the Lowest Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hung-Wei , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Hu Tsung-Hui , Su Wen-Pang , Lu Sheng-Nan , Lin Chia-Hsin , Hung Chao-Hung , Chuang Po-Heng , Wang Jing-Houng , Lee Mei-Hsuan , Chen Chien-Hung , Peng Cheng-Yuan
Published: May 2020

Noninvasive fibrosis indices can help stratify the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy. We investigated the predictive performance of on-treatment changes in FIB-4 (△FIB-4) and 1-year FIB-4 values (FIB-4 12M) for HCC risk in patients with CHB receiving entecavir therapy. We included 1325 NA-naïve patients with CHB treated with entecavir, retrospectively, from January 2007 to August 2012. A combination of △FIB-4 and FIB-4 12M was used to stratify the cumulative risk of HCC into three subgroups each in the noncirrhotic and cirrhotic subgroups with p < 0.0001 by using the log-rank test (noncirrhotic: the highest risk (n = 88): FIB-4 12M ≥ 1.58/△FIB-4 ≥ 0 (hazard ratio (HR): 40.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.107–318.7; p <0.0001) and cirrhotic: the highest risk (n = 89): FIB-4 12M ≥2.88/△FIB-4 ≥0 (HR: 9.576; 95% CI: 5.033–18.22; p < 0.0001)). Patients with noncirrhotic CHB treated with entecavir who had a FIB-4 12M < 1.58 or FIB-4 12M ≥ 1.58/△FIB-4 < 0 exhibited the lowest 5-year HCC risk (0.6%). A combination of on-treatment changes in FIB-4 and 1-year FIB-4 values may help identify patients with CHB receiving entecavir therapy with the lowest risk of HCC.
Targeting Nuclear NAD+ Synthesis Inhibits DNA Repair, Impairs Metabolic Adaptation and Increases Chemosensitivity of U-2OS Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Kiss Alexandra , Ráduly Arnold Péter , Regdon Zsolt , Polgár Zsuzsanna , Tarapcsák Szabolcs , Sturniolo Isotta , El‐Hamoly Tarek , Virág László , Hegedűs Csaba
Published: May 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone tumor in children and adolescents. Modern OS treatment, based on the combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin + doxorubicin + methotrexate) with subsequent surgical removal of the primary tumor and metastases, has dramatically improved overall survival of OS patients. However, further research is needed to identify new therapeutic targets. Here we report that expression level of the nuclear NAD synthesis enzyme, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase-1 (NMNAT1), increases in U-2OS cells upon exposure to DNA damaging agents, suggesting the involvement of the enzyme in the DNA damage response. Moreover, genetic inactivation of NMNAT1 sensitizes U-2OS osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin, doxorubicin, or a combination of these two treatments. Increased cisplatin-induced cell death of NMNAT1−/− cells showed features of both apoptosis and necroptosis, as indicated by the protective effect of the caspase-3 inhibitor z-DEVD-FMK and the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1. Activation of the DNA damage sensor enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), a major consumer of NAD+ in the nucleus, was fully blocked by NMNAT1 inactivation, leading to increased DNA damage (phospho-H2AX foci). The PARP inhibitor, olaparib, sensitized wild type but not NMNAT1−/− cells to cisplatin-induced anti-clonogenic effects, suggesting that impaired PARP1 activity is important for chemosensitization. Cisplatin-induced cell death of NMNAT1−/− cells was also characterized by a marked drop in cellular ATP levels and impaired mitochondrial respiratory reserve capacity, highlighting the central role of compromised cellular bioenergetics in chemosensitization by NMNAT1 inactivation. Moreover, NMNAT1 cells also displayed markedly higher sensitivity to cisplatin when grown as spheroids in 3D culture. In summary, our work provides the first evidence that NMNAT1 is a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma and possibly other tumors as well.
Long-Term Follow-Up Outcomes after Percutaneous US/CT-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for cT1a-b Renal Masses: Experience from Single High-Volume Referral Center
Authors: Mauri Giovanni , Mistretta Francesco Alessandro , Bonomo Guido , Camisassi Nicola , Conti Andrea , Della Vigna Paolo , Ferro Matteo , Luzzago Stefano , Maiettini Daniele , Musi Gennaro , Piacentini Nicolò , Varano Gianluca Maria , de Cobelli Ottavio , Orsi Franco
Published: May 2020

Image-guided thermal ablations are increasingly applied in the treatment of renal cancers, under the guidance of ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT). Sometimes, multiple ablations are needed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term results in patients with renal mass treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with both US and CT, with a focus on the multiple ablations rate. 149 patients (median age 67 years) underwent RFA from January 2008 to June 2015. Median tumor diameter was 25 mm (IQR 17–32 mm). Median follow-up was 54 months (IQR 44–68). 27 (18.1%) patients received multiple successful ablations, due to incomplete ablation (10 patients), local tumor progression (8 patients), distant tumor progression (4 patients) or multiple tumor foci (5 patients), with a primary and secondary technical efficacy of 100%. Complications occurred in 13 (8.7%) patients (6 grade A, 5 grade C, 2 grade D). 24 patients died during follow-up, all for causes unrelated to renal cancer. In conclusion, thermal ablations with the guidance of US and CT are safe and effective in the treatment of renal tumors in the long-term period, with a low rate of patients requiring multiple treatments over the course of their disease.
Functional Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Melanoma
Authors: Napoli Salvatore , Scuderi Chiara , Gattuso Giuseppe , Di Bella Virginia , Candido Saverio , Basile Maria Sofia , Libra Massimo , Falzone Luca
Published: May 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the regulation of the tissue microenvironment and in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Several proteins with a proteolytic activity toward several ECM components are involved in the regulation and remodeling of the ECM. Among these, Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of peptidase able to remodel the ECM by favoring the tumor invasive processes. Of these peptidases, MMP-9 is the most involved in the development of cancer, including that of melanoma. Dysregulations of the MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways can lead to an aberrant overexpression of MMP-9. Even ncRNAs are implicated in the aberrant production of MMP-9 protein, as well as other proteins responsible for the activation or inhibition of MMP-9, such as Osteopontin and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases. Currently, there are different therapeutic approaches for melanoma, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies. However, no biomarkers are available for the prediction of the therapeutic response. In this context, several studies have tried to understand the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential of MMP-9 in melanoma patients by performing clinical trials with synthetic MMPs inhibitors. Therefore, MMP-9 may be considered a promising molecule for the management of melanoma patients due to its role as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Model of LQT2 Syndrome Derived from Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Mutation Carriers Reproduces Clinical Differences in Aggregates but Not in Single Cells
Authors: Shah Disheet , Prajapati Chandra , Penttinen Kirsi , Cherian Reeja Maria , Koivumäki Jussi T. , Alexanova Anna , Hyttinen Jari , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: May 2020

Mutations in the HERG gene encoding the potassium ion channel HERG, represent one of the most frequent causes of long QT syndrome type-2 (LQT2). The same genetic mutation frequently presents different clinical phenotypes in the family. Our study aimed to model LQT2 and study functional differences between the mutation carriers of variable clinical phenotypes. We derived human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) from asymptomatic and symptomatic HERG mutation carriers from the same family. When comparing asymptomatic and symptomatic single LQT2 hiPSC-CMs, results from allelic imbalance, potassium current density, and arrhythmicity on adrenaline exposure were similar, but a difference in Ca2+ transients was observed. The major differences were, however, observed at aggregate level with increased susceptibility to arrhythmias on exposure to adrenaline or potassium channel blockers on CM aggregates derived from the symptomatic individual. The effect of this mutation was modeled in-silico which indicated the reactivation of an inward calcium current as one of the main causes of arrhythmia. Our in-vitro hiPSC-CM model recapitulated major phenotype characteristics observed in LQT2 mutation carriers and strong phenotype differences between LQT2 asymptomatic vs. symptomatic were revealed at CM-aggregate level.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Derived Exosomes for Immunomodulatory Therapeutics and Skin Regeneration
Authors: Ha Dae Hyun , Kim Hyun-keun , Lee Joon , Kwon Hyuck Hoon , Park Gyeong-Hun , Yang Steve Hoseong , Jung Jae Yoon , Choi Hosung , Lee Jun Ho , Sung Sumi , Yi Yong Weon , Cho Byong Seung
Published: May 2020

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that serve as mediators for cell-to-cell communication. With their unique nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids cargo compositions that reflect the characteristics of producer cells, exosomes can be utilized as cell-free therapeutics. Among exosomes derived from various cellular origins, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) have gained great attention due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative functions. Indeed, many studies have shown anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and wound healing effects of MSC-exosomes in various in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, recent advances in the field of exosome biology have enabled development of specific guidelines and quality control methods, which will ultimately lead to clinical application of exosomes. This review highlights recent studies that investigate therapeutic potential of MSC-exosomes and relevant mode of actions for skin diseases, as well as quality control measures required for development of exosome-derived therapeutics.
Myofunctional Trainer versus Twin Block in Developing Class II Division I Malocclusion: A Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial
Authors: Elhamouly Yasmine , El-Housseiny Azza A. , Ismail Hanan A. , El Habashy Laila M.
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the dentoalveolar effects of the myofunctional trainer T4KTM versus twin block in children with class II division I malocclusion. Two parallel arm randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted, including twenty healthy children, 9–12 years old, showing Angle’s class II division I malocclusion due to mandibular retrusion. Children were randomly assigned into two groups according to the appliance used; Group 1: T4k, and Group II: twin block. Follow-up was done every 4 weeks for 9 months. Postoperative cephalometric X ray, study casts and photographs were taken for measurements and comparison. T4K showed a statistically significant reduction in the overjet (−2.50 ± 1.00 mm) (p < 0.0001), and a significant increase in the lower arch perimeter (LAP) (1.19 ± 0.96 mm) (p = 0.01). The twin block showed a statistically significant reduction in the overjet (−3.75 ± 1.10 mm) (p < 0.0001), a significant reduction in the overbite (−16.22 ± 17.02 %) (p = 0.03), and a significant increase in the LAP (1.69 ± 0.70 mm) (p < 0.0001). The overjet showed a higher significant decrease in the twin block group than in T4K (p = 0.03). The mean values of the overbite were significantly decreased in twin block than in T4k (p < 0.0001). Both groups showed significant dentoalveolar improvements toward class I occlusion; however, the twin block showed significantly better results than T4K appliance.
Direct Effect of TC on the LME Copper Prices
Authors: Lim Byungkwon , Kim Hyeon Sook , Park Jaehwan
Published: May 2020

The motivation of this paper is to identify the effect of treatment charge (TC) on LME (London Metal Exchange) copper prices. It is a fundamental variable as a supply side factor, because it is related to the smelting process and reflects the level of concentrates market tightness. To examine this question carefully, the regression model is applied. This paper finds a statistically significant negative link between TC and LME copper prices. It is found that a 10% increase in TC of copper decreases in copper return by 1.8%. Subsequently, the vector autoregression (VAR) model is introduced to consider the impact of TC to copper prices as a permanent effect. It is found that the negative impact of the TC to copper returns dies out quickly. The statistical estimation in this article will provide a good reference for future study.
Hand Movement Activity-Based Character Input System on a Virtual Keyboard
Authors: Rahim Md , Shin Jungpil
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, gesture-based technology is revolutionizing the world and lifestyles, and the users are comfortable and care about their needs, for example, in communication, information security, the convenience of day-to-day operations and so forth. In this case, hand movement information provides an alternative way for users to interact with people, machines or robots. Therefore, this paper presents a character input system using a virtual keyboard based on the analysis of hand movements. We analyzed the signals of the accelerometer, gyroscope, and electromyography (EMG) for movement activity. We explored potential features of removing noise from input signals through the wavelet denoising technique. The envelope spectrum is used for the analysis of the accelerometer and gyroscope and cepstrum for the EMG signal. Furthermore, the support vector machine (SVM) is used to train and detect the signal to perform character input. In order to validate the proposed model, signal information is obtained from predefined gestures, that is, “double-tap”, “hold-fist”, “wave-left”, “wave-right” and “spread-finger” of different respondents for different input actions such as “input a character”, “change character”, “delete a character”, “line break”, “space character”. The experimental results show the superiority of hand gesture recognition and accuracy of character input compared to state-of-the-art systems.
Forecasting the Fuel Consumption of Passenger Ships with a Combination of Shallow and Deep Learning
Authors: Panapakidis Ioannis , Sourtzi Vasiliki-Marianna , Dagoumas Athanasios
Published: May 2020

An accurate fuel consumption prediction system for transportation units is the pillar that a more efficient fuel management can rely on. This in turn may eventually lead to cost and emission savings for the unit’s owner. Numerous studies have been conducted for predicting the fuel usage in various means of transportation (i.e., airplanes, trucks, and vehicles). However, there is a limited number of researches that focus on passenger ships. These researches involve traditional machine learning models. There is a lack of literature on deep-learning-based forecasting models. The present paper serves as an initial study for exploring the potential of deep learning in day-ahead fuel consumption on a passenger ship. Firstly, a discussion is provided for the parameters that influence the fuel consumption. Secondly, the day-ahead fuel forecasting problem is formulated. To fully examine the influence of exogenous parameters on the consumption, various scenarios are formulated that differ in the types and number of inputs. The proposed forecasting model combines shallow and deep learning. Several machine learning and time series models were compared, and the results indicate the robustness of the proposed approach.
High Impedance Fault Detection and Location in Combined Overhead Line and Underground Cable Distribution Networks Equipped with Data Loggers
Authors: Khavari Saeid , Dashti Rahman , Shaker Hamid Reza , Santos Athila
Published: May 2020

Power distribution networks are vulnerable to different faults, which compromise the grid performance and need to be managed effectively. Automatic and accurate fault detection and location are key components of effective fault management. This paper proposes a new framework for fault detection and location for smart distribution networks that are equipped with data loggers. The framework supports networks with mixed overhead lines and underground cables. The proposed framework consists of area detection, faulty section identification, and high impedance fault location. Firstly, the faulty zone and section are detected based on the operation of over-current relays and digital fault recorders. Then, by comparing the recorded traveling times at both ends of lines, which are related to the protection zone, the faulty line is identified. In the last step, the location of the fault is estimated based on discrete wavelet transform. The proposed method is tested on a 20 kV 13 node network, which is composed of overhead lines and underground cables. The method is tested in both balanced and unbalanced configurations. The obtained results confirm the advantages of the proposed method compared with the current state-of-the art.
Experimental Validation of Heat Transport Modelling in Large Solar Thermal Plants
Authors: Sartor Kevin , Dickes Rémi
Published: May 2020

Solar thermal plants are often considered as a convenient and environmentally friendly way to supply heat to buildings or low temperature industrial processes. Some modelling techniques are required to assess the dynamic behaviour of solar thermal plants in order to control them correctly. This aspect is reinforced while large plants are considered. Indeed, some atmospheric conditions, such as local clouds, could have significant influence on the outlet temperature of the solar field. A common modelling approach to assess the heat transport in pipes is the one-dimensional finite volume method. However, previous work shows limitations in the assessment of the temperatures and in the computational time required for simulating large pipe networks. In this contribution, a previous alternative method developed and validated in a district heating network is used and extended to a solar thermal plant considering the thermal solar gain and the inertia of the pipes. The present contribution intends to experimentally validate this model on an existing solar plant facility available at the Plataforma Solar de Almeria in Spain.
A Novel RC-Based Architecture for Cell Equalization in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Alvarez-Diazcomas Alfredo , Estévez-Bén Adyr A. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Martínez-Prado Miguel-Angel , Mendiola-Santíbañez Jorge D.
Published: May 2020

Nowadays, research on electric vehicles is increasing because they have the potential to decrease greenhouse-gas emissions dramatically in the transport sector. For these types of vehicles, the battery is one of the main components. The traction system needs a cell series connection to fulfill the energy requirements. Nevertheless, batteries differ from each other due to a normal dispersion in their capacity, internal resistance, and self-discharge rate. This paper presents a novel battery equalizer circuit using an RC-based topology to equalize two adjacent cells of a battery pack. It has the advantage of merging a resistor-based equalizer, a capacitor-based equalizer, and an RC-based equalizer in one circuit. In this way, it is possible to limit the current stress in the components of the circuit. The proposed method increases the equalization time by 35% for a threshold current of 4 A. However, it is possible design the system for another threshold current. Finally, the complexity of the controller is not compromised in the proposed architecture. The operation, analysis, and design of the architecture are presented and compared to the classic schemes. The theoretical analysis is validated through simulation results.