bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Lactoferrin andα1-Antitrypsin in Gingival Retention Fluid to Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Koshi Ryosuke , Kotani Kazuhiko , Ohtsu Mariko , Yoshinuma Naoto , Sugano Naoyuki
Published: November 2018

Objectives.Periodontal disease is prevalent and has an inflammation associated with not only oral but also systemic pathologies. The diagnosis by biomarkers is required for clinical practice on periodontal disease. The lactoferrin andα1-antitrypsin were both inflammation-related molecules. The present study investigated the relationship between the periodontal status and the two biomarkers in gingival retention fluid (GRF).Patients and Methods. In 63 subjects with periodontitis, the GRF was sampled from maxillary anterior gingiva using a microbrush for 30 seconds. The lactoferrin andα1-antitrypsin levels in GRF were measured by an enzyme-link solvent immunoassay. Periodontal status was evaluated by probing pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP).Results. There was a higher level of these biomarkers in saliva (median (ng/mL), lactoferrin: 3611.9,α1-antitrypsin: 4573.3) than in GRF (lactoferrin: 61.0,α1-antitrypsin: 54.7). There was a mild-to-moderate but significantly positive correlation in lactoferrin orα1-antitrypsin between GRF and saliva. There was a positively mild-to-moderate accuracy (area under the curve: 0.60–0.81) of lactoferrin orα1-antitrypsin in GRF or in saliva to distinguish the severity of periodontal status. The cutoff level (ng/mL) of lactoferrin in GRF for detecting ≥30% of PD ≥ 4 mm (moderate periodontitis) was 68.6 and for detecting ≥20% of BOP (clinically active periodontitis) was 61.2. The cutoff level (ng/mL) ofα1-antitrypsin in GRF for detecting ≥30% of PD ≥ 4 mm was 54.5 and for detecting ≥20% of BOP was 35.3.Conclusions.The data can promote an application of the measurements of lactoferrin andα1-antitrypsin in GRF to clinical practice on periodontal disease.
Biochemical Activity and Hypoglycemic Effects ofRumex obtusifoliusL. Seeds Used in Armenian Traditional Medicine
Authors: Aghajanyan Anush , Nikoyan Armine , Trchounian Armen
Published: November 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious chronic metabolic disorder. Various diseases are being treated with medicinal plants and that is because of the less side effects of the current therapy. The diversity of plants in Armenia is due to the singularity of natural environment. However, biochemical activity of these plants has not been studied well. Thus, the goal was to investigate biochemical activity and antihyperglycemic properties ofRumex obtusifoliusL. in rabbits with hyperglycemia. The high content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins has been determined in this plant extract. Oral administration of ethanol extract showed significant effect on hyperglycemia, reducing fasting glucose levels (57.3%, p<0.05), improving glucose tolerance, and increasing liver glycogen content (1.5-fold, p<0.01) compared to the hyperglycemic control group. Furthermore, ethanol extract ofR. obtusifoliusreduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and vice versa increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and also decreased liver enzymes levels (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) compared with untreated group. These findings suggest thatR. obtusifoliusmay have beneficial effects and should be supplement, as herbal remedy in the treatment of DM.
A Hybrid Discrete Grey Wolf Optimizer to Solve Weapon Target Assignment Problems
Authors: Wang Jun , Luo Pengcheng , Hu Xinwu , Zhang Xiaonan
Published: November 2018

We propose a hybrid discrete grey wolf optimizer (HDGWO) in this paper to solve the weapon target assignment (WTA) problem, a kind of nonlinear integer programming problems. To make the original grey wolf optimizer (GWO), which was only developed for problems with a continuous solution space, available in the context, we first modify it by adopting a decimal integer encoding method to represent solutions (wolves) and presenting a modular position update method to update solutions in the discrete solution space. By this means, we acquire a discrete grey wolf optimizer (DGWO) and then through combining it with a local search algorithm (LSA), we obtain the HDGWO. Moreover, we also introduce specific domain knowledge into both the encoding method and the local search algorithm to compress the feasible solution space. Finally, we examine the feasibility of the HDGWO and the scalability of the HDGWO, respectively, by adopting it to solve a benchmark case and ten large-scale WTA problems. All of the running results are compared with those of a discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO), a genetic algorithm with greedy eugenics (GAWGE), and an adaptive immune genetic algorithm (AIGA). The detailed analysis proves the feasibility of the HDGWO in solving the benchmark case and demonstrates its scalability in solving large-scale WTA problems.
Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and Sodium Velocity Predicts Overall Survival in Nonmetastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Tang Justin Y. , Ohri Nitin , Kabarriti Rafi , Aparo Santiago , Chuy Jennifer , Goel Sanjay , Schwartz Jonathan M. , Kinkhabwala Milan , Kaubisch Andreas , Guha Chandan
Published: November 2018

Background & Aims. The significance of short-term changes in model for end-stage liver disease and Sodium (MELD-Na) following hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis is unknown. In this report, we explore the value of the rate of short-term changes in MELD-Na as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with nonmetastatic HCC. Methods. We reviewed a cohort of patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic HCC at our institution between 2001 and 2011. We evaluated potential predictors of overall survival, including baseline MELD-Na and the change in MELD-Na over 90 days. We explored survival times of cohorts grouped by baseline MELD-Na and the change in MELD-Na. Results. 182 patients met eligibility criteria. With a median follow-up of 21 months for surviving patients, 110 deaths were observed (60%). Median MELD-Na at the time of diagnosis was 9.7 (IQR 7.5 to 13.9). The median changes in percentage of MELD-Na over 90 days were an increase of 9% (IQR -4% to 55%). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling demonstrated that both baseline MELD-Na (HR=1.07 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.11, p<0.001) and changes in MELD-Na exceeding 40% (HR=3.69, 95% CI 2.39 to 5.69, p<0.001) were independently associated with increased mortality risk. Median survival among patients whose changes in MELD-Na were greater than 40% was 4.5 months, and median survival among the 131 other patients was 25.8 months (p<0.001). Conclusions. We identified a subset of HCC patients who have extremely poor prognosis by incorporating the rate of short-term change in MELD-Na to baseline MELD-Na score.
Duality of Complex Systems Built from Higher‐Order Elements
Authors: Biolek Dalibor , Biolek Zdeněk , Biolková Viera
Published: November 2018

The duality of nonlinear systems built from higher‐order two‐terminal Chua’s elements and independent voltage and current sources is analyzed. Two different approaches are now being generalized for circuits with higher‐order elements: the classical duality principle, hitherto restricted to circuits built from R‐C‐L elements, and Chua’s duality of memristive circuits. The so‐called storeyed structure of fundamental elements is used as an integrating platform of both approaches. It is shown that the combination of associated flip‐type and shift‐type transformations of the circuit elements can generate dual networks with interesting features. The regularities of the duality can be used for modeling, hardware emulation, or synthesis of systems built from elements that are not commonly available, such as memristors, via classical dual elements.
Nonsurgical Intervention in a Preeclamptic Patient with Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma
Authors: Nguyen Michelle , Kronen Maria Raquel , Nhan Alex , Liu Antonio
Published: November 2018

Background. Spontaneous epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare finding in pregnancy, especially since most pregnant women do not have risk factors for developing SEH. The presence of epidural anesthesia can delay the diagnosis of SEH in pregnant patients. Immediate surgical decompression is the current standard of care for treating SEH. Case Presentation. We present the case of a 37-year-old pregnant woman with preeclampsia with severe features who developed neurological deficits that were initially attributed to her epidural anesthesia. She was eventually found to have SEH with spinal stenosis at T5-T6 on MRI. Oral antihypertensives were used to keep the patient’s blood pressures within normal limits, and she subsequently had complete resolution of her neurological symptoms and her SEH on imaging. Conclusion. Preeclampsia may contribute to the development of SEH in pregnancy, and strict blood pressure control may potentially provide a safe and effective alternative to neurosurgery for these patients.
Changes in Echocardiographic Parameters among Beninese Soccer Referees during the Division 1 Championship in 2016
Authors: Coffi Quenum , Arnaud Sonou , Polycarpe Gouthon , Hyacinthe Ahissou , Folly Messan , Basile Nouatin , Murielle Hounkponou , Martin Houénassi D.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. The goal of this study was to describe the echocardiographic parameters of soccer referees and to examine the changes in these parameters after a period of intensive physical exercise. Methods and Patients. We conducted a prospective study that included Beninese soccer referees. The study of the geometry and function of the left ventricle (LV) was made at the beginning and end of the national Division 1 championship, which was held during the course of 10 weeks. Results. There were 37 referees included in this study; 20 at the national level (G1: 27.8 ± 6.6 years) and 17 at the international level (G2: 32.1 ± 6.4 years). Dimensions of the LV were normal for all the referees. At the beginning of the championship, 51.3% of the referees had a normal LV geometry, 37.8% had concentric remodelling, 2.7% had concentric hypertrophy, and 8.1% had eccentric hypertrophy. In the group of referees with normal LV geometry, a modification in concentric remodelling at the end of the championship was seen in 30% of the referees in G1, 33.3% of the referees in G2, and 31.6% of the whole sample. In the group of subjects who presented concentric LV remodelling, a modification in the normal geometry was observed in 37.5% of those in G1, in 0% of those in G2, and in 21.4% of the whole sample. The cases of LV hypertrophy showed no change regardless of the group considered. An LV ejection fraction of more than 50% and an E/E′ ratio less than 8 were found in all referees. Conclusion. All the referees studied had normal cardiac morphology and function. The intensity of the physical load was insufficient to impact this morphology.
An Encrypted File Deduplication Scheme with Permission in Cloud Storage
Authors: Deng Zuojie , Tan Xiaolan , Chen Shuhong
Published: November 2018

Encrypted file deduplication scheme (EFD) can improve its storage space utilization of cloud storage and protect the privacy of files in cloud storage. However, if an enterprise stores its files to cloud storage that has deployed an encrypted file deduplication scheme that does not support permission checking, this will destroy the permission of the enterprise files and bring some security problems. This seriously affects the practical value of EFD and prevents it from deploying in concrete cloud storage. To resolve this problem, we propose an encrypted file deduplication scheme with permission (EFDSP) and construct the EFDSP by using the hidden vector encryption (HVE). We have analyzed the security of EFDSP. The results have shown that EFDSP is secure and it can prevent the online deduplication oracle attack. We implement EFDSP and conduct the performance evaluation. The results show that the performance of EFDSP is little inferior to that of SADS, which is the only existing encrypted file deduplication scheme with permission, but the performance gap decreases with the increasing number of the authorized users and EFDSP has overcome the security weakness of SADS.
Protein-Based Salivary Profiles as Novel Biomarkers for Oral Diseases
Authors: Lorenzo-Pouso Alejandro I. , Pérez-Sayáns Mario , Bravo Susana B. , López-Jornet Pía , García-Vence María , Alonso-Sampedro Manuela , Carballo Javier , García-García Abel
Published: November 2018

The Global Burden of Oral Diseases affects 3.5 billion people worldwide, representing the number of people affected by the burden of untreated dental caries, severe periodontal disease, and edentulism. Thus, much more efforts in terms of diagnostics and treatments must be provided in the fight of these outcomes. In this sense, recently, the study of saliva as biological matrix has been identified as a new landmark initiative in the search of novel and useful biomarkers to prevent and diagnose these conditions. Specifically, saliva is a rich reservoir of different proteins and peptides and accessible due to recent advances in molecular biology and specially in targeted and unbiased proteomics technologies. Nonetheless, emerging barriers are an obstacle to the study of the salivary proteome in an effective way. This review aims at giving an overall perspective of salivary biomarkers identified in several oral diseases by means of molecular biology approaches.
Incremental Gene Expression Programming Classifier with Metagenes and Data Reduction
Authors: Jedrzejowicz Joanna , Jedrzejowicz Piotr
Published: November 2018

The paper proposes an incremental Gene Expression Programming classifier. Its main features include using two‐level ensemble consisting of base classifiers in form of genes and the upper‐level classifier in the form of metagene. The approach enables us to deal with big datasets through controlling computation time using data reduction mechanisms. The user can control the number of attributes used to induce base classifiers as well as the number of base classifiers used to induce metagenes. To optimize the parameter setting phase, an approach based on the Orthogonal Experiment Design principles is proposed, allowing for statistical evaluation of the influence of different factors on the classifier performance. In addition, the algorithm is equipped with a simple mechanism for drift detection. A detailed description of the algorithm is followed by the extensive computational experiment. Its results validate the approach. Computational experiment results show that the proposed approach compares favourably with several state‐of‐the‐art incremental classifiers.
A Stepwise Risk Assessment for Explosion Events considering Probability Distribution of Explosion Load Parameters
Authors: Kang Ki-Yeob , Wang Xiangyu
Published: November 2018

The potential risk of explosion always exists in offshore topside facilities that deal with flammable materials. Thus, explosion risk analysis taking into account possible scenarios should be performed during the design process to reduce probability of such terrible accidents. There are several technical documents for explosion risk analysis. The analysis usually includes performance criteria, risk acceptance range, and corresponding explosion design load taking into account explosion pressure. However, this standard procedure is not sufficient to assess the potential risk of explosion, since it is usually based solely on the severity of overpressure. Therefore, more in‐depth analysis is required to understand the potential risk taking explosion wave profiles into account. In the present paper, a stepwise analysis of gas explosion risk elements has been performed. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of explosion risk have been performed based on the framework of typical explosion risk analysis methods. In addition, both the probability distribution of explosion load parameters taking into account overpressure and its impulse and their correlation have been investigated extensively.
Multifactorial Origin of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis, Recurrent Hematuria, and Episodic Pain in a Service Member with Sickle Cell Trait
Authors: Sambuughin Nyamkhishig , Ren Mingqiang , Capacchione John F. , Mungunsukh Ognoon , Chuang Kevin , Horkayne-Szakaly Iren , O’Connor Francis G. , Deuster Patricia A.
Published: November 2018

Individuals with Sickle Cell Trait (SCT), generally considered a benign carrier state of hemoglobin S (HbAS), are thought to be at risk for exertional rhabdomyolysis and hematuria, conditions that can also be caused by various other acquired and inherited factors. We report an SCT positive service member with an exertional rhabdomyolysis event, recurrent hematuria with transient proteinuria, and episodic burning pain in the lower extremities. Clinical and genetic studies revealed the multifactorial nature of his complex phenotype. The service member was taking prescription medications known to be associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis. He carried a pathogenic mutation,NPHS2p.V260E, reported in nephropathy and a new variant p.R838Q inSCN11A, a gene involved in familial episodic pain syndrome. Results suggest that drug-to-drug interactions coupled with the stress of exercise, coinheritance of HbAS andNPHS2p.V260E, and p. R838Q inSCN11Acontributed to exertional rhabdomyolysis, recurrent hematuria with proteinuria, and episodic pain, respectively. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive clinical and genetic evaluations to identify underlying causes of health complications reported in SCT individuals.
Effects of Ropivacaine in Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia on Uterine Electromyographic Activities during Labor
Authors: Qian Xueya , Wang Qingning , Ou Xinxu , Li Pin , Zhao Baisong , Liu Huishu
Published: November 2018

Epidural analgesia is effective in relieving pain during labor. However, concerns as to compromised labor progress and outcomes arise. This study aimed to assess the effect of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with ropivacaine on uterine electromyography (EMG) activities and outcomes in labor. A total of 213 pregnant women were divided into three groups: the PCEA with ropivacaine group (n = 78), the PCEA with levobupivacaine group (n = 66), and a control group that did not receive PCEA (n = 69). Uterine EMG activities were recorded during the first stage of labor. Maternal and fetal outcomes also were assessed. The primary outcomes of this study were EMG activities. No significant differences were observed in patient demographics or neonatal weight among the three groups. Compared to the PCEA with levobupivacaine group, the control and PCEA with ropivacaine groups had lower rates of oxytocin administration (P < 0.05) and shorter durations of the first stage of labor (P < 0.05). For the EMG activities, the PCEA with ropivacaine group showed a higher power (P < 0.01) and higher peak frequency (P < 0.05) than the PCEA with levobupivacaine group. With ropivacaine, the EMG activities remained stable 30–120 min. Compared with levobupivacaine, the use of ropivacaine in PCEA has no suppressive effect on uterine EMG activities during the first stage of labor. In addition, ropivacaine leads to labor progress and delivery outcomes similar to those in the control group, as well as similar and favorable analgesic satisfaction with the use of levobupivacaine.
The Dynamic Roles of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Colon Cancer
Authors: Wang Shan , Miao Zhiguo , Yang Qiyuan , Wang Yimin , Zhang Jinzhou
Published: November 2018

Colon cancer is still one of the most common causes of cancer in human and is characterized by lymphocyte infiltrates and originates from the epithelial cells found in the lining of colon or rectum of the gastrointestinal tract. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are composed of the multipotent stem cell group of stroma and can be differentiated as various cell lineages, such as fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and adipocytes. MSCs provide mechanical and structural support and have potential functions during tumor growth and metastasis. The efficacy of MSC-based therapies is partly dependent on the migration and homing of MSCs to tumors and metastatic sites. However, their migratory and engraftment potential is poorly understood. In this review, the characteristics and mechanisms of MSC’s dynamic interaction with colon cancer were summarized, particularly the potential functions of MSCs on colon cancer, including its role in improving tumor growth and as a potential candidate for tumor therapy. Understanding MSC homing provides new insights into the manipulation of MSC and the improvement of their efficacy for colon cancer therapy.
Fractional-Order Adaptive Backstepping Control of a Noncommensurate Fractional-Order Ferroresonance System
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Ling , Liu Chongxin , Zhu Ziwei , Sun Zhenquan
Published: November 2018

In this paper, fractional calculus is applied to establish a novel fractional-order ferroresonance model with fractional-order magnetizing inductance and capacitance. Some basic dynamic behaviors of this fractional-order ferroresonance system are investigated. And then, considering noncommensurate orders of inductance and capacitance and unknown parameters in an actual ferroresonance system, this paper presents a novel fractional-order adaptive backstepping control strategy for a class of noncommensurate fractional-order systems with multiple unknown parameters. The virtual control laws and parameter update laws are designed in each step. Thereafter, a novel fractional-order adaptive controller is designed in terms of the fractional Lyapunov stability theorem. The proposed control strategy requires only one control input and can force the output of the chaotic system to track the reference signal asymptotically. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a noncommensurate fractional-order ferroresonance system with multiple unknown parameters. Numerical simulation confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, the proposed control strategy also applies to commensurate fractional-order systems with unknown parameters.
Duality Identities for Moduli Functions of Generalized Melvin Solutions Related to Classical Lie Algebras of Rank 4
Authors: Bolokhov S. V. , Ivashchuk V. D.
Published: November 2018

We consider generalized Melvin-like solutions associated with nonexceptional Lie algebras of rank 4 (namely, A4, B4, C4, and D4) corresponding to certain internal symmetries of the solutions. The system under consideration is a static cylindrically symmetric gravitational configuration in D dimensions in presence of four Abelian 2-forms and four scalar fields. The solution is governed by four moduli functions Hs(z) (s=1,…,4) of squared radial coordinate z=ρ2 obeying four differential equations of the Toda chain type. These functions turn out to be polynomials of powers (n1,n2,n3,n4)=(4,6,6,4),(8,14,18,10),(7,12,15,16),(6,10,6,6) for Lie algebras A4, B4, C4, and D4, respectively. The asymptotic behaviour for the polynomials at large distances is governed by some integer-valued 4×4 matrix ν connected in a certain way with the inverse Cartan matrix of the Lie algebra and (in A4 case) the matrix representing a generator of the Z2-group of symmetry of the Dynkin diagram. The symmetry properties and duality identities for polynomials are obtained, as well as asymptotic relations for solutions at large distances. We also calculate 2-form flux integrals over 2-dimensional discs and corresponding Wilson loop factors over their boundaries.
Safety Times for Multistage Assembly System
Authors: Lazovic Goran , Sesum-Cavic Vesna , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Radojevic Slobodan , Dedovic Nebojsa , Ishtiaq Chaudhary Naveed
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, a wide class of problems can be solved by using the classical newsboy model. However, in problems where uncertainty of events and randomness are omnipresent, there is a necessity to adapt the existing solutions and/or find new extensions that will properly answer all requirements. This paper considers a multistage assembly system where interrelated assembly operations with independent stochastic operation times should be planned in an optimal way. Delivery of items in a requested time implies that either delay costs or holding costs appear. The goal is to find optimal safety times. We propose an approximate technique based on successive application of the solution of simpler one-stage problem. The generalized mathematical model suggested is built up on the relaxed hypothesis and can be used in multistage assembly networks. The existence and uniqueness of the solution are proven. The preliminary tests are performed and our approximate technique is compared to exact results.
Price Dynamics in an Order‐Driven Market with Bayesian Learning
Authors: Wang Jiahua , Zhu Hongliang , Li Dongxin
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we have developed a model of limit order book with learning mechanism and investigated its price dynamics. In this model, continuous Bayesian learning is introduced to describe the dynamics of self‐adjusting learning mechanism of agents, which can result in some important stylized facts of limit order markets. This study also provides some behavioral explanations for these well‐known stylized facts that are commonly observed in the financial markets.
[Retracted] 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid‐Based Photodynamic Therapy Pretreatment Mitigates Ultraviolet A‐Induced Oxidative Photodamage
Authors: Hua Hui , Cheng Jiawei , Bu Wenbo , Liu Juan , Ma Weiwei , Si Chenchen , Wang Jie , Zhou Bingrong , Luo Dan
Published: November 2018

Aim. To determine whether 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) is effective in combating ultraviolet A‐ (UVA‐) induced oxidative photodamage of hairless mice skin in vivo and human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. Methods. In in vitro experiments, the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) was divided into two groups: the experimental group was treated with ALA‐PDT and the control group was left untreated. Then, the experimental group and the control group of cells were exposed to 10 J/m2 of UVA radiation. ROS, O2− species, and MMP were determined by fluorescence microscopy; p53, OGG1, and XPC were determined by Western blot analysis; apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry; and 8‐oxo‐dG was determined by immunofluorescence. Moreover, HaCaT cells were also treated with ALA‐PDT. Then, SOD1 and SOD2 were examined by Western blot analysis. In in vivo experiments, the dorsal skin of hairless mice was treated with ALA‐PDT or saline‐PDT, and then, they were exposed to 20 J/m2 UVA light. The compound 8‐oxo‐dG was detected by immunofluorescence. Conclusion. In human epidermal keratinocytes and hairless mice skin, UVA‐induced oxidative damage can be prevented effectively with ALA‐PDT pretreatment.
Administration of RAS Inhibitor before the Onset of Diabetic Nephropathy Counteracts the Adverse Effect of Chronic Hyperglycemia and Reduces the Augmentation of Urinary Albumin Excretion: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Hirukawa Hidenori , Kamei Shinji , Kimura Tomohiko , Obata Atsushi , Kohara Kenji , Tatsumi Fuminori , Shimoda Masashi , Nakanishi Shuhei , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: November 2018

It is very important to explore how we can reduce urinary albumin excretion which is an independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the effects of RAS inhibitor therapy on diabetic nephropathy in Japanese subjects whose urinary albumin levels were within normal range. We enrolled 100 subjects with type 2 diabetes who did not take any renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor. We defined the subjects taking RAS inhibitor for more than 3 years as RAS inhibitor group. RAS inhibitor exerted protective effect on the progression of urinary albumin excretion in subjects with type 2 diabetes without diabetic nephropathy. In addition, RAS inhibitor exerted more protective effects on renal function especially in subjects with poor glycemic control. In conclusion, RAS inhibitor could protect renal function against the deleterious effect of chronic hyperglycemia in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes even before the onset of diabetic nephropathy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ti-Fe Oxide Nanomaterials for Lead Removal
Authors: Abebe Buzuayehu , Ananda Murthy H. C.
Published: November 2018

TiO2-Fe2O3 binary oxides containing different percentage of Fe2O3 were synthesized using impregnation method. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric with differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA) analytical techniques were used for understanding of the physicochemical properties and well impregnation of Fe2O3 in TiO2 lattice. During adsorption study, pH of the solution, adsorbent dosage, time of contact, agitation speed, and concentration of adsorbate were optimized. From Langmuir, Freundlich, FG, D-RK, Temkin, and FH adsorption isotherm models, relatively, Langmuir isotherm model fits well. For adsorption-reaction kinetic model, pseudo-first order (PFO), pseudo-second order (PSO), and Elovich were tested and intraparticle diffusion (IPD) for adsorption-diffusion kinetic models. Out of those, the PSO fits well; this indicates that the mechanism of adsorption is under control of adsorption-reaction. The mean adsorption energy, spontaneity, and reproducibility of the adsorbent were also conducted, and all of those studies support the domination of physical adsorption mechanism.
The Antineuroinflammatory Effect of Simvastatin on Lipopolysaccharide Activated Microglial Cells
Authors: Zheng Xinrui , Liao Ye , Wang Jiu , Hu Shijie , Rudramurthy Gudepalya Renukaiah , Swamy Mallappa Kumara , Rohit Komdur Channabasavaraju , Wang Yangang
Published: November 2018

Microglial cells, upon hyperactivation, produce proinflammatory cytokines and other oxidative stress mediators causing neuroinflammation, which is associated with the progress of many neurodegenerative diseases. Suppressing the microglial activation has hence been used as an approach for treating such diseases. In this study, the antineuroinflammatory effect of simvastatin was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated rat C6 glioma cells. The cell proliferation and cytotoxic effect of LPS and simvastatin on C6 glioma cells was evaluated by (MTT) assay. Neuroinflammation was induced in differentiated cell lines by treatment with 3.125 μg/mL of LPS for 12 h. Upon induction, the cell lines were treated with different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μM) of simvastatin and incubated in a humidified CO2 incubator for 24 to 48 h. The optimum concentrations of LPS and simvastatin were found to be 3.125 μg/mL and 25 μM, respectively, with a cell viability of more than 90% at 24 h postincubation. Furthermore, proinflammatory marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry and showed a decrease in interferon‐γ, interleukin 6, nuclear factor‐κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in simvastatin‐treated and LPS‐induced neuroinflammatory cells, and the mean fluorescent values were found to be 21.75 ± 0.76, 20.9 ± 1.90, 19.72 ± 1.29, and 16.82 ± 0.97, respectively, as compared to the untreated cells. Thus, we show that simvastatin has the potential to regulate the anti‐inflammatory response in microglial cells upon LPS challenge. Hence, simvastatin can be employed as a potent anti‐inflammatory drug against neuroinflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
Development of an Artificial Intelligence Model to Guide the Management of Blood Pressure, Fluid Volume, and Dialysis Dose in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients: Proof of Concept and First Clinical Assessment
Authors: Barbieri Carlo , Cattinelli Isabella , Neri Luca , Mari Flavio , Ramos Rosa , Brancaccio Diego , Canaud Bernard , Stuard Stefano
Published: November 2018

Background: Fluid volume and blood pressure (BP) management are crucial endpoints for end-stage kidney disease patients. BP control in clinical practice mainly relies on reducing extracellular fluid volume overload by diminishing targeted postdialysis weight. This approach exposes dialysis patients to intradialytic hypotensive episodes. Summary: Both chronic hypertension and intradialytic hypotension lead to adverse long-term outcomes. Achieving the optimal trade-off between adequate fluid removal and the risk of intradialytic adverse events is a complex task in clinical practice given the multiple patient-related and dialysis-related factors affecting the hemodynamic response to treatment. State-of-the-art artificial intelligence has been adopted in other complex decision-making tasks for dialysis patients and may help personalize the multiple dialysis-related prescriptions affecting patients’ intradialytic hemodynamics. As a proof of concept, we developed a multiple-endpoint model predicting session-specific Kt/V, fluid volume removal, heart rate, and BP based on patient characteristics, historic hemodynamic responses, and dialysis-related prescriptions. Key Messages: The accuracy and precision of this preliminary model is extremely encouraging. Such analytic tools may be used to anticipate patients’ reactions through simulation so that the best strategy can be chosen based on clinical judgment or formal utility functions.
Outcome of Internal Neurolysis for Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression and Its Relationship with Intraoperative Trigeminocardiac Reflex
Authors: Wu Min , Jiang Xiaofeng , Niu Chaoshi , Fu Xianming
Published: November 2018

Background: Internal neurolysis (IN) is an effective surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without neurovascular compression (NVC) or postoperative recurrence. However, the trigeminal nerve is directly manipulated during the procedure, and there is a high incidence of trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR). The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the outcome of IN and to explore its relationship with the occurrence of intraoperative TCR. Methods: Surgical and anesthesia records of 27 TN patients who underwent surgical treatment with IN at our department between March 2010 and September 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the occurrence of TCR during surgery, and clinical characteristics were compared. Pain intensity was assessed by the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score and BNI facial numbness score. Results: TCR was observed in 23 of 27 patients (85.2%); it manifested as obvious changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate by at least 20% of the baseline values. Trigeminal nerve atrophy was found in 9 patients (33.3%). The immediate pain-free rate was 96.3%, and the “excellent” rate was 72.1% for follow-up, with a rate of numbness or hypesthesia of 97.1%. These outcomes were retrospectively compared between the TCR and non-TCR groups, and there was a nonsignificantly higher “excellent” rate in the TCR group than in the non-TCR group. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that IN is an effective treatment for TN without NVC and has a close relationship with intraoperative TCR. To our knowledge, this is the first research describing TCR during IN.
Lesions Mimicking Melanoma at Dermoscopy Confirmed Basal Cell Carcinoma: Evaluation with Reflectance Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Peccerillo Francesca , Mandel Victor Desmond , Di Tullio Francesca , Ciardo Silvana , Chester Johanna , Kaleci Shaniko , de Carvalho Nathalie , Del Duca Ester , Giannetti Luca , Mazzoni Laura , Nisticò Steven Paul , Stanganelli Ignazio , Pellacani Giovanni , Farnetani Francesca
Published: November 2018

Background: Atypical basal cell carcinoma (BCC), characterized by equivocal dermoscopic features typical of malignant melanoma (MM), can be difficult to diagnose. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) enables in vivo imaging at nearly histological resolution. Objectives: To evaluate with RCM atypical melanocytic lesions identified in dermoscopy, according to common RCM criteria for the differential diagnosis of BCC, and to identify representative RCM parameters for superficial (sBCCs) and nonsuperficial (nsBCCs) basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients evaluated with RCM, selecting excised lesions classified at dermoscopy with ≥1 score from the re visited 7-point checklist, mimicking melanoma, registered between 2010 and 2016. Cluster analysis identified BCC subclassifications. Results: Of 178 atypical lesions, 34 lesions were diagnosed as BCCs with RCM. Lesions were confirmed BCCs with histopathology. Dermoscopic features included atypical network (55.9%) and regression structures (35.5%) associated with sBCCs, and an atypical vascular pattern (58.8%) and irregular blotches (58.8%) with nsBCCs. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified 2 clusters: cluster 1 (100% sBCCs) was characterized by the presence of cords connected to the epidermis (90%, p < 0.001), tumor islands located in the epidermis (100%, p < 0.001), smaller vascular diameter (100%, p < 0.001) and solar elastosis (90%, p = 0.017), and cluster 2 (nsBCCs 85%) was defined by the dermic location of tumor islands (87.5%, p < 0.001) with branch-like structures (70.8%, p = 0.007) and surrounding collagen (83.3%, p = 0.012), peripheral palisading (83.3%, p = 0.012) and coiled vascular morphology (79.2%, p < 0.001) with a larger vascular diameter (50%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: RCM is able to diagnose BCCs mimicking melanoma at dermoscopy and seems able to identify sBCCs and nsBCCs.
Redesigning Skin Cancer Early Detection and Care Using a New Mobile Health Application: Protocol of the SKIN Research Project, a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Janda Monika , Horsham Caitlin , Koh Uyen , Gillespie Nicole , Loescher Lois J. , Vagenas Dimitrios , Soyer H. Peter
Published: November 2018

Patients often detect melanoma themselves; therefore, regular skin self-examinations (SSEs) play an important role in the early detection and prompt treatment of melanoma. Mobile teledermoscopy is a technology that may facilitate consumer SSEs and rapid communication with a dermatologist. This paper describes the planned randomised controlled trial of an intervention to determine whether mobile technologies can help improve the precision of SSE in consumers. A randomised controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate mobile teledermoscopy-enhanced SSE versus naked-eye SSE. Participants in each group will conduct three home whole-body SSEs at baseline, 1 and 2 months, then present for a clinical skin examination (CSE) by a doctor after the 2-month SSE. Specifically, participants will identify skin lesions that meet the AC (asymmetry and colour) rule for detecting a suspicious skin spot. The primary outcomes are sensitivity and specificity of the skin lesions selected by the participants as needing attention by a doctor, compared to the clinical diagnosis by the dermatologist that will serve as the reference standard for this analysis. For the mobile teledermoscopy-enhanced SSE group, researchers will assess the number, location and type of lesions (1) sent by the participant via mobile teledermoscopy, (2) found at CSE or (3) missed by the participant. For the naked-eye SSE group, researchers will assess the number, location and type of lesions (1) recorded on their body chart by the participant, (2) found at CSE or (3) missed by the participant. Secondary outcomes are based on participants’ self-reported data via online questionnaires.
EEG and Clinical Factors Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Tarasova Irina V. , Trubnikova Olga A. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: November 2018

Background: Although an impaired cognitive status in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is not rare, the neurophysiological and clinical indicators of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been insufficiently investigated so far. Methods: EEG and neuropsychological testing as well as clinical examination were performed on 122 patients with CAD, who were divided into two groups, those with MCI (n = 60; mean age 57.4 ± 5.81 years) and those without MCI (n = 62; mean age 57.0 ± 5.04 years). Binary logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between EEG and clinical variables and the probability of MCI. Results: Higher theta/alpha ratios, theta1 rhythm power with closed eyes in the frontal and occipital areas of the left hemisphere, and alpha2 rhythm power with eyes open in the frontal areas of the right hemisphere were associated with an increased risk for MCI in CAD patients. A low educational level, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and severe coronary lesions according to the SYNTAX Score (≥23 points) increased the risk for MCI as well. Conclusions: The findings of our study show that a theta activity increase in frontal and occipital sites, as well as high theta/alpha ratios, may be considered as the earliest EEG markers of vascular cognitive disorders.
VRK2, a Candidate Gene for Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders
Authors: Li Ming , Yue Weihua
Published: November 2018

Recent large-scale genetic approaches, such as genome-wide association studies, have identified multiple genetic variations that contribute to the risk of mental illnesses, among which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near the vaccinia related kinase 2 (VRK2) gene have gained consistent support for their correlations with multiple psychiatric and neurological disorders including schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and genetic generalized epilepsy. For instance, the genetic variant rs1518395 in VRK2 showed genome-wide significant associations with SCZ (35,476 cases and 46,839 controls, p = 3.43 × 10–8) and MDD (130,620 cases and 347,620 controls, p = 4.32 × 10–12) in European populations. This SNP was also genome-wide significantly associated with SCZ in Han Chinese population (12,083 cases and 24,097 controls, p = 3.78 × 10–13), and all associations were in the same direction of allelic effects. These studies highlight the potential roles of VRK2 in the central nervous system, and this gene therefore might be a good candidate to investigate the shared genetic and molecular basis between SCZ and MDD, as it is one of the few genes known to show genome-wide significant associations with both illnesses. Furthermore, the VRK2 gene was found to be involved in multiple other congenital deficits related to the malfunction of neurodevelopment, adding further support for the involvement of this gene in the pathogenesis of these neurological and psychiatric illnesses. While the precise function of VRK2 in these conditions remains unclear, preliminary evidence suggests that it may affect neuronal proliferation and migration via interacting with multiple essential signaling pathways involving other susceptibility genes/proteins for psychiatric disorders. Here, we have reviewed the recent progress of genetic and molecular studies of VRK2, with an emphasis on its role in psychiatric illnesses and neurological functions. We believe that attention to this important gene is necessary, and further investigations of VRK2 may provide hints into the underlying mechanisms of SCZ and MDD.
JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL Mutations and Bone Marrow Histology in Patients with Essential Thrombocythaemia
Authors: Pich Achille , Riera Ludovica , Francia di Celle Paola , Beggiato Eloise , Benevolo Giulia , Godio Laura
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Mutations in the JAK2, CALR, and MPL genes have been shown to have prognostic value in essential thrombocythaemia (ET), but no clear association with morphological changes has been reported so far. We investigated the possible correlation between gene mutations and histopathological features in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of patients with ET. Methods: Marrow cellularity, fibrosis, and the number of total and dysmorphic megakaryocytes and clusters of megakaryocytes were compared to gene mutations in 90 cases of ET at diagnosis. Results: The JAK2V617F mutation was found in 58.9%, CALR in 28.9%, and MPL in 4.4% of the cases, and 7.8% were triple-negative. JAK2V617F-mutated ET showed a high BM cellularity, the lowest number of clusters of megakaryocytes and the highest number of dysmorphic megakaryocytes; CALR-mutated ET showed a reduced BM cellularity, many clusters of large megakaryocytes, and very few dysmorphic megakaryocytes; MPL-mutated ET showed the lowest BM cellularity, the highest number of clustered and large megakaryocytes, and the lowest number of dysmorphic megakaryocytes. Triple-negative ET cases had the highest BM cellularity. Conclusions: Distinct morphological patterns were associated with gene mutations in ET, supporting the classification of ET into different subtypes.
Giant Prolactinomas
Authors: Shimon Ilan
Published: November 2018

Prolactin-secreting adenomas (prolactinomas) are the most common secreting adenomas of the pituitary. Microprolactinomas (diameter <10 mm) are frequently diagnosed in women, whereas macroprolactinomas (maximum diameter ≥10 mm) are generally seen in men. Most macroprolactinomas measure between 10 and 40 mm. Giant prolactinomas, measuring >40 mm, are rare, accounting for only 1–5% of all prolactinomas. Although generally benign, giant prolactinomas are aggressive and invasive, extending into the suprasellar region and also involving the cavernous sinuses. The optic chiasm is frequently involved, which leads to visual damage, and patients occasionally suffer from ophthalmoplegia. Long-term (usually lifetime) therapy with high-dose dopamine agonists (cabergoline or bromocriptine), together with pituitary surgery in some cases and radiotherapy if required, can achieve biochemical remission, tumor control, and clinical improvement in most patients.
Bathyconchoecilla, a new genus of deep plankto-benthic halocyprids (Ostracoda, Myodocopa) from the northern Pacific and an overview of Bathyconchoeciinae
Authors: Chavtur Vladimir G. , Bashmanov Alexander G.
Published: November 2018

Plankto-benthic ostracods of the subfamily Bathyconchoeciinae constitute an extremely heterogeneous group of species, as well in body size, as well as in the shape and structure of carapace and limbs. At present, their fauna contains 35 known (described) species, belonging to four genera. Besides that, about 50 species with still open nomenclature were noted in the literature and have been found in material from our collections. A preliminary morphological analysis of the bathyconchoeciines allowed, in addition, to single out 13 species complexes (= putative genera). One of these genera is described herein as Bathyconchoecilla gen. nov., from the deep-sea zone of the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench. The new genus differs from other genera in this subfamily by the shape and sculpture of the carapace, the location of the left hook on the second antenna in the male, and the structure of the coxale and basale of the mandible and the endites of the maxilla.
A new species of Ochna (Ochnaceae) from the Barberton Mountains of Mpumalanga, South Africa
Authors: SHAH TORAL , BURROWS JOHN , DARBYSHIRE IAIN
Published: November 2018

Ochna barbertonensis is described as a new species from the Barberton Mountains in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The new species is characterised by its suffrutescent habit, elongate-deltoid stipules sometimes with broadened base, mucronate leaf tip and high anther to filament ratio, where the anthers are ca. two times longer than the filaments. It is placed within sect. Ochna due to its poricidal anthers and subglobose drupes, attached at the base. It is most likely to be confused with the superficially similar suffrutescent species Ochna confusa, but that species has longitudinal anther dehiscence and anthers shorter than the filaments. The new species occurs within well protected nature reserves, but is only known from five collections with an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of 34 km2, making it a ‘Rare’ species under the Red List of South African Plants. A species description, illustration and distribution map are provided.