bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prehospital delay and its associated psychosocial factors in patients presenting with acute appendicitis in a southwestern city in China: a single-centre prospective observational study
Authors: Li Jian , Xu Run , Hu Dengmin , Zhang Yao , Gong Tuping , Wu Xuelian
Published: June 2019

Objective

Prehospital delay is common among patients with acute appendicitis. The aim of this study was to measure the association of a wide range of psychosocial factors with the prehospital delay among adult patients with acute appendicitis in a southwestern city in China.

Methods

Sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive and psychosocial factors were collected from 421 adult patients with acute appendicitis from November 2016 to December 2017. In addition, factors associated with prehospital delay were determined by binary logistic regression, after adjusting for selected potentially confounding factors.

Results

Only 179 (42.5%) of the 421 patients were transferred to the hospital within 24 hours; the mean prehospital delay was 27.68 hours with a median of 26 hours, while the mean in-hospital delay was 5.16 hours with a median of 5 hours. In the logistic regression analyses, eight variables or subvariables were found to be associated with prehospital delay >24 hours.

Conclusion

Delayed presentation for acute appendicitis was associated with older age, living alone, a lack of knowledge of the disease, low social support, an unstable introvert personality trait and negative coping style, intensity of the pain and the symptoms occurring on a workday. A better understanding of the association between psychosocial factors and prehospital delay can help identify patients with acute appendicitis at risk of prehospital delay and lead to the establishment of an effective campaign to promote hospital visits when the symptoms are noticed.
Lifestyle medicine and physical activity knowledge of final year UK medical students
Authors: Radenkovic Dina , Aswani Ram , Ahmad Imtiaz , Kreindler Jack , Robinson Rebecca
Published: June 2019

Objectives

It has previously been reported in theBritish Journal of Sports Medicinethat final year UK medical students are lacking knowledge of the physical activity guidelines. This study assesses whether the knowledge and training of final year UK medical students has improved, whether knowledge correlates with lifestyle choices and whether there is a need for lifestyle medicine training, which includes physical activity guidance, to be offered to this cohort.

Methods

A questionnaire consisting of nine key questions was sent to 1356 final year medical students from seven different UK medical schools.

Results

Completed questionnaires (n=158) were analysed and revealed that 52% were unaware of the current exercise guidelines in the UK. 80% stated they had not received training in lifestyle medicine over the last 2 years while 48.1% were unacquainted with motivational interviewing. 76% wanted more lifestyle medicine teaching to be incorporated into the medical school curriculum.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that final year UK medical students still lack knowledge of the physical activity guidelines. In addition, there is a demand among this cohort for increased lifestyle medicine training which may in turn be an effective way of improving physical activity knowledge.
A multimodal MRI-based classification signature emerges just prior to symptom onset in frontotemporal dementia mutation carriers
Authors: Feis Rogier A , Bouts Mark J R J , de Vos Frank , Schouten Tijn M , Panman Jessica L , Jiskoot Lize C , Dopper Elise G P , van der Grond Jeroen , van Swieten John C , Rombouts Serge A R B
Published: June 2019

Background

Multimodal MRI-based classification may aid early frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis. Recently, presymptomatic FTD mutation carriers, who have a high risk of developing FTD, were separated beyond chance level from controls using MRI-based classification. However, it is currently unknown how these scores from classification models progress as mutation carriers approach symptom onset. In this longitudinal study, we investigated multimodal MRI-based classification scores between presymptomatic FTD mutation carriers and controls. Furthermore, we contrasted carriers that converted during follow-up (‘converters’) and non-converting carriers (‘non-converters’).

Methods

We acquired anatomical MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional MRI in 55 presymptomatic FTD mutation carriers and 48 healthy controls at baseline, and at 2, 4, and 6 years of follow-up as available. At each time point, FTD classification scores were calculated using a behavioural variant FTD classification model. Classification scores were tested in a mixed-effects model for mean differences and differences over time.

Results

Presymptomatic mutation carriers did not have higher classification score increase over time than controls (p=0.15), although carriers had higher FTD classification scores than controls on average (p=0.032). However, converters (n=6) showed a stronger classification score increase over time than non-converters (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings imply that presymptomatic FTD mutation carriers may remain similar to controls in terms of MRI-based classification scores until they are close to symptom onset. This proof-of-concept study shows the promise of longitudinal MRI data acquisition in combination with machine learning to contribute to early FTD diagnosis.
Recurrence in mean for group actions
Authors: Zhao Cao , Ji Yong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the mean values of the recurrence are computed for general group actions. Let [Formula: see text] be a metric space with a finite measure [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be a countable group acting on [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a sequence of subsets of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and put [Formula: see text]. If the Hausdorff measure [Formula: see text] is finite on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-invariant. We assume that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are concordant. Then the function [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-integrable and for any [Formula: see text]-measurable set [Formula: see text] we have [Formula: see text] If moreover, [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] without the concordance condition for the measure [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]
A UNIFIED COMMUNITY DETECTION ALGORITHM IN LARGE-SCALE COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: LONG HAO , LIU XIAO-WEI
Published: June 2019

A community is the basic component structure of complex networks and is important for network analysis. In recent decades, researchers from different fields have witnessed a boom of community detection, and many algorithms were proposed to retrieve disjoint or overlapping communities. In this paper, a unified expansion approach is proposed to obtain two different network partitions, which can provide divisions with higher accuracies and have high scalability in large-scale networks. First, we define the edge intensity to quantify the densities of network edges, a higher edge intensity indicates a more compact pair of nodes. Second, vertices of higher density edges are extracted out and denoted as core nodes, whereas other vertices are treated as margin nodes; finally we apply an expansion strategy to form disjoint communities: closely connected core nodes are combined as disjoint skeleton communities, and margin nodes are gradually attached to the nearest skeleton communities. To detect overlapping communities, extra steps are adopted: potential overlapping nodes are identified from the existing disjoint communities and replicated; and communities that bear replicas are further partitioned into smaller clusters. Because replicas of potential overlapping nodes might remain in different communities, overlapping communities can be acquired. Experimental results on real and synthetic networks illustrate higher accuracy and better performance of our method.
Effects of Fluoride and Calcium Phosphate Materials on Remineralization of Mild and Severe White Spot Lesions
Authors: Dai Zixiang , Liu Min , Ma Yansong , Cao Li , Xu Hockin H. K. , Zhang Ke , Bai Yuxing
Published: June 2019

Fixed orthodontic treatments often lead to enamel demineralization and cause white spot lesions (WSLs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineralization degree of 2 types of WSLs based on ICDAS index and compare the remineralizing efficacy of 3 oral hygiene practices after 1 month and 3 months. 80 mild demineralized and 80 severe demineralized enamel specimens were randomized into three treatments: fluoride toothpaste (FT), fluoride varnish plus fluoride toothpaste (FV+FT), and CPP-ACP plus fluoride toothpaste (CPP-ACP+FT). Microhardness tester, DIAGNODent Pen 2190, and scanning electron microscope were used to evaluate the changes of mineralization degree. Both qualitative and quantitative indicators suggested that the mild and severe white spot lesions were different in the degree of mineralization. Severe WSLs demineralized much more seriously than mild lesions even after 3 months of treatment. Despite the variation in severity, both lesions had the same variation trend after each measure was applied: FT had weak therapeutic effect, FV + FT and CPP-ACP + FT were effective for remineralization. Their remineralizing efficacy was similar after 1 month, and combined use of CPP-ACP plus F toothpaste was more effective after 3 months. In order to fight WSLs, early diagnosis was of great importance, and examination of the tooth surface after air-dry for 5 seconds was recommended. Also, when WSLs were found, added remineralizing treatments were required.
An Estimation of a Hybrid Log-Poisson Regression Using a Quadratic Optimization Program for Optimal Loss Reserving in Insurance
Authors: Woundjiagué Apollinaire , Mbele Bidima Martin Le Doux , Waweru Mwangi Ronald
Published: June 2019

In this article, we are interested in developing an alternative estimation method of the parameters of the hybrid log-Poisson regression model. In our previous paper, we have proposed a hybrid log-Poisson regression model where we have derived the analytical expression of the fuzzy parameters. We found that the hybrid model provide better results than the classical log-Poisson regression model according to the mean square error prediction and the goodness of fit index. However, nowhere we have taken into account the optimal value of h(α-cut) which is of greatest importance in fuzzy regressions literature. In this paper, we provide an alternative estimation method of our hybrid model using a quadratic optimization program and the optimized h-value (α-cut). The expected value of fuzzy number is used as a defuzzification procedure to move from fuzzy values to crisp values. We perform the hybrid model with the alternative estimation we are suggesting on two different numerical data to predict incremental payments in loss reserving. From the mean square error prediction, we prove that the alternative estimation of the new hybrid model with an optimized h-value predicts incremental payments better than the classical log-Poisson regression model as well as the same hybrid model with analytical estimation of parameters. Hence we have optimized the outstanding loss reserves.
Research on Improvement of Truck Vibration Based on Systematic G8D Method
Authors: Guo Hongfei , Chen Minshi , Zhang Ru , Li Jianke , Li Congdong , Qu Ting , Huang George Q. , He Zhihui , Zeng Yunhui
Published: June 2019

In view of the common and difficult to solve vehicle vibration problem, taking a large truck manufacturing enterprise in China as an example, an improved model for solving truck vibration problem is established by using the G8D method, and the unbalanced excitation force of the wheel system is analysed. The coupling of the excitation frequency and the natural frequency of the system leads to the resonance phenomenon, as well as the inadequate damping function of the system, is the fundamental cause of the vibration problem. After verifying and implementing permanent correction measures at the same time at the three levels of components, devices, and the entire vehicle, the acceleration of the seat guide rails for the vibration performance of the truck reduces from the original state 1.04 m/s2 to 0.6 m/s2, a decrease of 42.3%, which reaches the best level of mainstream cars in the country and is close to the optimal level of 0.5 m/s2 among the same kinds of cars in Germany. Therefore, the improved model can improve the sustainability of product manufacturing, provide industry guidance for solving the quality problem of truck vibration, and provide a sustainable guarantee for social public transport safety.
A Computational Analysis of Two‐Phase Casson Nanofluid Passing a Stretching Sheet Using Chemical Reactions and Gyrotactic Microorganisms
Authors: Sabir Zulqurnain , Akhtar Rizwan , Zhiyu Zhu , Umar Muhammad , Imran Ali , Wahab Hafiz Abdul , Shoaib Muhammad , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor
Published: June 2019

In this study, an attempt is made to explore the two‐phase Casson nanofluid passing through a stretching sheet along a permeable surface with the effects of chemical reactions and gyrotactic microorganisms. By utilizing the strength of similarity transforms the governing PDEs are transformed into set of ODEs. The resulting equations are handled by using a proficient numerical scheme known as the shooting technique. Authenticity of numerical outcomes is established by comparing the achieved results with the MATLAB built‐in solver bvp4c. The numerical outcomes for the reduced Nusselt number and Sherwood number are exhibited in the tabular form, while the variations of some crucial physical parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are demonstrated graphically. It is observed that Local Nusselt number rises with the enhancement in the magnetic field parameter, the porous media parameter, and the chemical reactions, while magnetic field parameter along with porous media parameter retards the velocity profile.
Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen-to-Serum Albumin Ratio as a Factor That Negatively Affects the Mortality of Patients with Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Feng Ding-Yun , Zhou Yu-Qi , Zou Xiao-Ling , Zhou Mi , Yang Hai-Ling , Chen Xiao-Xia , Zhang Tian-Tuo
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the factors that affect 30-day mortality of patients with HAP. The data used in this study were collected from all HAP occurred in our hospital between January 2014 and December 2017. A total of 1158 cases were included. 150 (13.0%) of whom died within 30 days. This reported mortality identified by the univariate Cox regression analysis is found to have been affected by the following factors: age greater than 70 years, presence of diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastric tube intubation, administration of proton-pump inhibitor, blood albumin level less than 30 g/l, elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, antibiotics therapy in the preceding 90 days, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, blood lymphocyte count less than 0.8 × 109/L, elevated blood urea nitrogen/albumin (BUN/ALB) level, and presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. In the second multivariate analysis, administration of proton-pump inhibitor, administration of antibiotics in the preceding 90 days, ICU admission, blood lymphocyte count less than 0.8 × 109/L, elevated BUN/ALB level, and presence of MDR pathogens were still associated with 30-day mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves in the BUN/ALB predicting 30-day mortality due to HAP was 0.685. A high BUN/ALB was significantly associated with a worse survival than a low BUN/ALB P<0.001. Therefore, an elevated BUN/ALB level is a risk factor for mortality on patients with HAP.
Multimodality Treatment Options and Outcomes of Laryngeal Carcinosarcoma: A Clinical Analysis of a Rare Tumor from a Single Hospital
Authors: Zhang Yang , Huang Zhigang , Gross Neil , Fang Jugao , Chen Xiaohong , Chen Xuejun , Hou Lizhen , Li Pingdong , Li Guojun , Zhong Qi
Published: June 2019

Primary laryngeal carcinosarcoma is a rare type of malignancies, and the standard therapeutic protocol for its treatment has yet to be established. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical and pathological characteristics, risk factors, treatment options, and prognosis of 13 patients with primary laryngeal carcinosarcomas. This case series included 11 males and 2 females with an age range from 32 to 78 years at diagnosis. The initial clinical symptoms included hoarseness, dyspnea, and foreign body sensation in the throat. The primary tumor sites were at the glottis, supraglottis, and larynx. All these patients were active or passive smokers, and more than half of them were alcohol addictive. The surgical treatment for laryngeal carcinosarcomas included CO2 laser surgery in seven cases, partial laryngectomy and neck dissection in three cases, and total laryngectomy and neck dissection in three cases. Among them, seven cases received postoperative radiotherapy. After follow-up with a mean of 31.15-month, four cases died. Primary laryngeal carcinosarcoma is a rare but more aggressive malignancy. Contralateral lymph node metastasis can occur at the early stage of this disease. A treatment combining surgery and postoperative radiotherapy is strongly recommended.
C⁎-Basic Construction from the Conditional Expectation on the Drinfeld Double
Authors: Xin Qiaoling , Jiang Lining , Cao Tianqing
Published: June 2019

Let D(G) be the Drinfeld double of a finite group G and D(G;H) be the crossed product of C(G) and CH, where H is a subgroup of G. Then the sets D(G) and D(G;H) can be made C⁎-algebras naturally. Considering the C⁎-basic construction C⁎〈D(G),e〉 from the conditional expectation E of D(G) onto D(G;H), one can construct a crossed product C⁎-algebra C(G/H×G)⋊CG, such that the C⁎-basic construction C⁎〈D(G),e〉 is C⁎-algebra isomorphic to C(G/H×G)⋊CG.
Design of Flexible Structural System for Building Customization
Authors: Lozano Diego , Martín Ángel , Serrano Miguel A. , López-Colina Carlos
Published: June 2019

The main aim of this research work is to design a structural system for building customization, through simple industrialized components. The system is able to adapt to different orthogonal geometries and presents the necessary flexibility to allow modifications over the structure of the building throughout its life. The so‐named “flexible structural system” (FSS) is characterized by using only small industrialized components, handled by one person, which exhibit an easy and simple assembly. The new system proposes the use of just two different pieces named basic units (BUi) with only two possible thicknesses for any of them. The system is composed of only 5 different pieces. The generating process of the structural system is based on different combinations of the basic units (BUi) to obtain resistant members (RMn). These resistant members allow to build structural frames (F), and finally, the addition of structural frames allows to generate diaphanous volumes (DV) and obtain the desired structure for the building. The limit of structural length is set at 4.8 meters. Finally, an example is shown where a structure for a diaphanous volume is obtained, using the referred industrialized elements. This shows that the system is systematic and easy to understand by users. We want the users themselves to design and build their own home as well as make the necessary modifications throughout the useful life of the building. This is the final objective.
Case Series of Recurring Spontaneous Closure of Macular Hole
Authors: Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M. , Smiddy William E. , Flynn Harry W. , Schwartz Stephen G.
Published: June 2019

Macular hole can undergo spontaneous reopening and reclosure. This is a retrospective review of three patients who had spontaneous reopening and reclosure of previously spontaneously closed macular hole documented by optical coherence tomography. We report the first case of nivolumab-uveitis-associated macular hole formation. The authors hypothesize that cystoid macular edema (CME) might alter the integrity of foveal tissues or conversely the orientation of the macular hole edges and play a role in formation and resolution of a macular hole.
Study on Fire Resistance Ability and Mechanical Properties of Composites Based on Epikote 240 Epoxy Resin and Thermoelectric Fly Ash: An Ecofriendly Additive
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Quang Tung , Nguyen Xuan Canh , Nguyen Van Hoan
Published: June 2019

In this study, fly ash was tested as a filler in epoxy with concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 wt.%. Fly ash particles were modified by chemical treatments (using NaOH and HCl) to enhance the compatibility and adhesion, making mechanical properties and flame retardancy of materials better. Flexural strength, tensile strength, and impact resistance decrease as fly ash content increases. The compressive strength is further increased by the addition of fly ash (compressive strength of the materials including 5, 10, 20 wt.% of fly ash modified with NaOH is 176.01, 189.90, and 197.07 MPa, respectively). The interface between fly ash and epoxy matrix plays an important role in determining the mechanical strength and flame retardancy of synthetic materials. The results of UL-94HB and LOI test method for composite materials including 20 wt.% fly ash (modified by NaOH) reached 13.45 mm/min and 22.4%, respectively. These results showed that fly ash is an efficient additive as a flame retardant which decreases the amounts of additives in products and improves their efficiency. Fly ash was also dispersed into epoxy resin to enhance its resistance to oxidation.
Chloride Diffusivity in Blended Cement Made from Selected Industrial and Agrowastes
Authors: Wachira Jackson Muthengia , Marangu Joseph Mwiti
Published: June 2019

This paper reports study findings on the diffusivity of chloride ions in potential blended cement. The cement, abbreviated as PCDC, was made from blending ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with dried calcium carbide residue and an incinerated mix of rice husks, spent bleaching earth, and broken bricks. The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of PCDC to withstand aggressive chloride environment. 10 cm × 10 cm mortar cubes were prepared using PCDC and cured for 28 days in saturated calcium hydroxide solution. The cured mortar cubes were subjected to aggressive chloride media in a laboratory set up. The test cement was subjected to chloride profile analysis with depth of cover as a function of w/c ratio and curing period in alternate dry and wet environments of 3.5 percent sodium chloride solution. The experiments were carried alongside neat OPC and OPC + 25% pulverised fuel ash (OPC + 25% PFA). Results showed that PCDC exhibited lower chloride ingress as the depth of cover increased. In conclusion, the study showed that PCDC was a potential cementitious material with high ability to withstand aggressive environment of chlorides.
Impacts of Orthognathic Surgery on Patient Satisfaction, Overall Quality of Life, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zamboni Rodrigo , de Moura Flávio Renato Reis , Brew Myrian Camara , Rivaldo Elken Gomes , Braz Marcylene Arruda , Grossmann Eduardo , Bavaresco Caren Serra
Published: June 2019

Several treatments have been suggested to correct dentofacial abnormalities, including orthognathic surgery. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the impact of orthognathic surgery on patient satisfaction, overall quality of life, quality of life related to oral health—and to orthognathic surgery in particular—among adult patients. Two investigators independently reviewed the available literature in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, Trip, and Google Scholar (gray literature) based on the keywords “orthognathic surgery” and “quality of life.” An analysis of bias was performed based on the MINORS (methodological index for nonrandomized studies). A total of 245 relevant studies were retrieved from the databases, and 6 additional studies were located after a manual search of the references. Following selection based on titles, abstracts, and full-text analysis, 30 studies were included in the present systematic review. To evaluate quality of life before and after orthognathic surgery, 12 studies applied the surgery-related Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), 12 used the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and 4 used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Orthognathic surgery results in improvements in quality of life both physically and psychosocially after surgery and is associated with high rates of patient satisfaction.
The Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Resveratrol Derivatives Modified by Different γ-Aminobutyric Acid Esters
Authors: Tian Bing Ren , Liu Jia Yue , Ge Hu Rong , Wang Zhi Zhong , Huang Shao Yun , Wang Yu Ying , Huang Qing , Zhang Rui Xia
Published: June 2019

A novel series of resveratrol modified by γ-aminobutyric acid esters were designed and synthesized. Then, the products were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and MS, and the melting point was determined. Molecular water solubility, polar surface area, and octanol-water partition were calculated, which correlated well with molecular transport through membranes and, therefore, enabled prediction of transport properties of drugs.
Mechanical Properties and Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resin/Nanoclay/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Quang Tung , Bach Trong Phuc
Published: June 2019

This paper reports the improvement of the mechanical properties and flame retardant properties of epoxy Epikote 240/nanoclay I.30E/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite prepared by mechanical stirring method combined with ultrasonic vibration, nanoclay I.30E content (1; 2; 3 wt.%) and content of MWNT (0.01; 0.02; 0.03 wt.%). When burned, MWCNT reduces degradation speed of epoxy Epikote 240 resin and increases the char yield, and nanoclay acts as an energy storage medium to hinder the heat transfer in epoxy resin. The limiting oxygen index value and UL94 test indicated improvement of flame retardancy of the nanocomposites. The results exhibit the potentiality of these based epoxy Epikote 240 resin/nanoclay I.30E/MWCNTs nanocomposites for multifaceted advanced applications. These fillers can produce environmental friendly products with high thermal and mechanical properties.
Resonance‐Size Parameter Relationship and Dynamics of an AFM Subjected to Multimode Excitation and Based on the Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Lin Shueei-Muh , Chang Ching-Yao
Published: June 2019

The mathematical model of AFM probe subjected to multimode excitation based on the modified couple stress theory is presented. The semianalytical solution of the system is proposed. The transient behavior and response spectrum of AFM probe subjected to multimode excitation are investigated. It is very helpful to predict the nanotopography and surface properties based on the response of multimodes excitation. The effects of the root excitation, size parameter, and interacting distance on the response spectrum and frequency shift are investigated. The resonant frequency relation of the two systems with different size parameters is discovered and expressed in a formula. The natural frequencies predicted via the formula and those determined by the semianalytical method are significantly consistent.
Energy-Efficient Coalition Games with Incentives in Machine-to-Machine Communications
Authors: Juma Raymond W. , Kurien Anish M. , Olwal Thomas O.
Published: June 2019

The need to achieve energy efficiency in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications has been a driver of the use of coalition game-based cooperative communication schemes. The proposed schemes have shown good energy-efficient performance results in the recent past. However, sustaining cooperation amongst coalition games of M2M devices from different network-operating authorities requires appropriate incentives. A review of the literature demonstrates that a limited number of contributions have considered the use of coalition games with incentives in M2M communications. In this paper, an energy-efficient coalition game with incentives in M2M communications is proposed. This work considers a Sierpinski triangle technique to partition M2M devices into multiple networks of hierarchical zones. Based on the constructed zones, a contract-modelled incentive is invoked to stimulate multihop transmissions between devices up to the BS/sink. The results obtained demonstrate that the proposed approach is on average 10% more energy efficient than the closely related existing algorithm, the coalition game theoretical clustering (CGTC).
Long Pentraxin 3 as a Broader Biomarker for Multiple Risk Factors in End-Stage Renal Disease: Association with All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Valente Maria João , Rocha Susana , Coimbra Susana , Catarino Cristina , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Bronze-da-Rocha Elsa , Oliveira José Gerardo , Madureira José , Fernandes João Carlos , do Sameiro-Faria Maria , Miranda Vasco , Belo Luís , Santos-Silva Alice
Published: June 2019

Persistent inflammation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is known to underlie the progression of chronic kidney disease and to be associated with multiple risk factors including malnutrition, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The acute-phase protein pentraxin 3 (PTX3) has a proven potential as a local inflammatory biomarker, but its clinical utility in ESRD remains unclear. Circulating levels of PTX3 and classical inflammatory mediators, including the clinical prototypical C-reactive protein (CRP), were assessed in 246 ESRD patients on dialysis and analysed in relation to the lipid profile, adipokine levels, and nutritional, cardiac, and renal fibrosis markers. Occurrence of deaths was recorded for the following year. Contrarily to the classical inflammatory markers, PTX3 levels were negatively correlated with nutritional markers and associated with a less atherogenic lipid profile. Levels of the cardiac and renal fibrosis markers and of the oxidized LDL/LDL-C ratio were found to be independent determinants of PTX3 concentration. When comparing inflammatory mediators, the increase in the PTX3 levels was the only predictor of all-cause mortality in dialysis patients in a survival model adjusted to all markers under study, other than the inflammatory ones, besides common confounding factors in dialysis. Data support the clinical applicability of PTX3 as a broader inflammatory biomarker than the classical ones, presenting a close association with inflammation, malnutrition, CVD, and renal fibrosis and a great potential to predict all-cause mortality in dialysis patients. The pleiotropic character of PTX3 may be of clinical relevance, and it could be targeted to ameliorate the high morbidity and mortality associated with ESRD.
Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination among Vietnamese Children: Implications for the Expanded Program on Immunization
Authors: Nguyen Si Anh Hao , Vo Hoang-Long , Hoang Bao Long , Tran Minh Hien , Tran Thi Thu Ha , Kien Vu Duy
Published: June 2019

Background. This study assesses the prevalence of Vietnamese children receiving the hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine birth dose and explores its associated socioeconomic factors. Methods. We used the data of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2014. We estimated the overall percentage of HepB birth dose vaccination among 0–23-month-old children and its percentages according to selected characteristics. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Results. 62.8% of children received the HepB vaccine birth dose. The prevalence rates by selected factors ranged from 35.3% to 76.7%. The categories with the lowest prevalence rates were children who had low birth weight (41.6%), had a mother aged less than 20 years (35.3%), had a mother with primary or less education (42.7%), belonged to ethnic minorities (30.3%), resided in rural areas (59.9%), and were in the 1st quintile of mother’s socioeconomic status (38.6%). Receiving HepB vaccine birth dose was associated with child’s birth weight, mother’s age, mother’s education, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. Conclusions. This study identified vulnerable groups, upon which policy-makers should focus their efforts to equitably and sustainably tackle birth dose HepB vaccine coverage as well as the full vaccination coverage, thereby promoting long-lasting herd immunity in this country.
Effect of Wetting‐Drying Cycles on Mechanical Behaviour and Electrical Resistivity of Unsaturated Subgrade Soil
Authors: Hu Zhi , Peng Kai , Li Lihua , Ma Qiang , Xiao Henglin , Li Zhichao , Ai Pinbo
Published: June 2019

Compacted soil is widely used in road and railway subgrade, while alternation of seasons can cause fluctuations in moisture content of soil (i.e., wetting‐drying cycles) and influence the performance of soil. In order to research the effect of wetting‐drying cycles on mechanical behaviour and electrical resistivity of compacted unsaturated subgrade soil, wetting‐drying tests considering different number and cyclic amplitude were conducted on compacted unsaturated clay specimens, and the electrical resistivity and unconfined compressive strength of soil were measured in this study. The AC (alternative current) two‐electrode method was applied in the resistivity measurement. The experimental results show that increasing number and cyclic amplitude of wetting‐drying cycles can both reduce the strength and electrical resistivity of the compacted unsaturated specimens. After 3‐4 wetting‐drying cycles, the strength and electrical resistivity tend to be constant value. The change of pore structure can be the key factor leading to the reduction of electrical resistivity of soil subjected to wetting‐drying cycles and consequently causing the decrease of soil strength in the present study. Thus, the electrical resistivity can be adopted to indirectly assess the mechanical behaviour of unsaturated compacted soil after wetting‐drying cycles.
An Efficient T1 Contrast Agent for Labeling and Tracking Human Embryonic Stem Cells on MRI
Authors: Haedicke Inga E. , Loai Sadi , Cheng Hai-Ling Margaret
Published: June 2019

Noninvasive cell tracking in vivo has the potential to advance stem cell-based therapies into the clinic. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an excellent image-guidance platform; however, existing MR cell labeling agents are fraught with limited specificity. To address this unmet need, we developed a highly efficient manganese porphyrin contrast agent, MnEtP, using a two-step synthesis. In vitro MRI at 3 Tesla on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) demonstrated high labeling efficiency at a very low dose of 10 µM MnEtP, resulting in a four-fold lower T1 relaxation time. This extraordinarily low dose is ideal for labeling large cell numbers required for large animals and humans. Cell viability and differentiation capacity were unaffected. Cellular manganese quantification corroborated MRI findings, and the agent localized primarily on the cell membrane. In vivo MRI of transplanted hESCs in a rat demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity of MnEtP for noninvasive stem cell tracking.
Efficacy of Two-Stage Treatment of Onychomycosis Using a Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG 1064-nm Laser
Authors: Zhong Shan , Lin Guan-ting , Zhao Jun-ying
Published: June 2019

Objectives. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail bed, nail matrix, and nail plate. Lasers have recently been studied as future clinical options for onychomycosis. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of the long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser on onychomycosis using a two-stage treatment. Methods. A total of 100 affected nails (88 toenails and 12 fingernails from 22 patients) were treated using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser. The self-controlled treatment schedule included the first stage (1 session per week for 8 weeks) and the second stage (1 session every 4 weeks for 16 weeks). Patients were followed up with for 12 weeks after the last laser treatment. Direct microscopy, cultures, and clinical assessments were performed at various time points. Results. Of the nails studied, 84% were infected by Trichophyton rubrum, while others were coinfected with T. rubrum and other fugal strains. The mycological clearance rate and the clinical efficacy rate of the nails were 29% and 21% after the first stage, 69% and 35% after the second stage, and 67% and 39% during follow-up, respectively. The second stage of laser treatment significantly improved the mycological clearance and clinical efficacy. Conclusion. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser two-stage treatment was effective for onychomycosis, with significantly improved mycological clearance and clinical efficacy. This trial is registered with ChiCTR 1900021669.
An Ancient Chinese Herbal Decoction Containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Astragali Radix, Jujuba Fructus, and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens Stimulates the Browning Conversion of White Adipocyte in Cultured 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Gong Guowei , Han Guangyi , He Huan , Dong Tina T. X. , Tsim Karl W. K. , Zheng Yuzhong
Published: June 2019

Background. Abnormal storage of white adipocyte tissue (WAT) is the major factor causing obesity. The promising strategies for obesity treatment are building up the brown adipocyte tissue (BAT) and/or expedite fatty acid catabolism. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sheds light on preventing obesity. Ginger is one of the most effective herbs for antiobesity by accelerating browning WAT. To fortify the antiobesity effect of ginger, an ancient Chinese herbal decoction composed of four herbs, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR), Astragali Radix (AR), Jujuba Fructus (JF), and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (ZRR; ginger), was tested here: this herbal formula was written in AD 1155, named as Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT1155). Therefore, the antiobesity function of this ancient herbal decoction was revealed in vitro by cultured 3T3-L1 cells. Materials and Method. The lipid accumulation was detected by Oil Red O staining. Furthermore, the underlying working mechanisms of antiobesity functions of DBT1155 were confirmed in 3T3-L1 cells by confocal microscopy, western blot, and RT-PCR. Results. DBT1155 was able to actuate brown fat-specific gene activations, which included (i) expression of PPARγ, UCP1, and PCG1α and (ii) fatty acid oxidation genes, i.e., CPT1A and HSL. The increase of browning WAT, triggered by DBT1155, was possibly mediated by a Ca2+-AMPK signaling pathway, because the application of Ca2+ chelator, BAMPTA-AM, reversed the effect. Conclusion. These findings suggested that the herbal mixture DBT1155 could potentiate the antiobesity functions of ginger, which might have potential therapeutic implications.
Intelligent Fault Inference of Inverters Based on a Three‐Layer Bayesian Network
Authors: Han Sumin , He Yongsheng , Zheng Shuqing , Wang Fuzhong
Published: June 2019

A three‐layer Bayesian intelligent fault inference model (BIFIM) for an inverter is established to infer the probable uncertain faults. The topological structure of the BIFIM includes the inverter’s operation conditions for the first layer, the inverter’s faults for the second layer, and the fault symptoms for the third layer, which combines the field technicians’ knowledge and experiences with historical running data. The prior probability table of the root node is acquired by the method of basic probabilities corrected historical operation data. The conditional probability parameter table of the BIFIM is obtained by the improved maximum expectation algorithm. Four kinds of incomplete evidence were reasoned and verified, including simple evidence with obvious support, incomplete evidence information, complex evidence without obvious support, and evidence with information conflict. The proposed strategy can make use of the available evidences to inference the probabilities of faults, indicating different reasoning abilities under the different degree of completeness of evidence, especially demonstrating the same inference result under some incomplete evidence information as under complete evidence information.
Eya2 Is Overexpressed in Human Prostate Cancer and Regulates Docetaxel Sensitivity and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential through AKT/Bcl-2 Signaling
Authors: Liu Zhongyuan , Zhao Long , Song Yongsheng
Published: June 2019

The aberrant expression of Eya2 has been observed in a wide range of cancer types. However, the clinical significance and biological effects of EYA2 in human prostate cancer remain unknown. In this study, we showed that increased levels of Eya2 protein correlated with advanced TNM stage, T stage, and a higher Gleason score. Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) prostate cohort consistently revealed that Eya2 mRNA was positively correlated with a higher Gleason score, higher T stage, and positive nodal metastasis in prostate cancer. Furthermore, data from the Oncomine database showed increased levels of EYA2 mRNA expression in prostate cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Eya2 protein expression was also higher in prostate cancer cell lines compared with a normal RWPE-1 cell line. We selected LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines for plasmid overexpression and shRNA knockdown. CCK-8, colony formation, and Matrigel invasion assays demonstrated that the overexpression of Eya2 promoted proliferation, colony number, and invasion while Eya2 shRNA inhibited proliferation rate, colony formation, and invasion ability. CCK-8 and Annexin V assays showed that Eya2 reduced sensitivity to docetaxel and docetaxel-induced apoptosis while Eya2 shRNA showed the opposite effects. The overexpression of Eya2 also downregulated the cleavage of caspase3 and PARP while Eya2 depletion upregulated caspase3 and PARP cleavage. Notably, JC-1 staining demonstrated that Eya2 upregulated mitochondrial membrane potential. We further revealed that the overexpression of Eya2 upregulated Bcl-2, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), and AKT phosphorylation. Accordingly, data from the TCGA prostate cohort indicated that EYA2 mRNA was positively correlated with the expression of Bcl-2 and MMP7. The inhibition of AKT attenuated EYA2-induced Bcl-2 upregulation. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Eya2 was upregulated in prostate cancers. EYA2 promotes cell proliferation and invasion as well as cancer progression by regulating docetaxel sensitivity and mitochondrial membrane potential, possibly via the AKT/Bcl-2 axis.
Evaluation of Biophysical Interaction between Newly Synthesized Pyrazoline Pyridazine Derivative and Bovine Serum Albumin by Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Al-Mehizia Abdulrahman A. , Bakheit Ahmed H. , Zargar Seema , Bhat Mashooq A. , Asmari Majid Mohammed , Wani Tanveer A.
Published: June 2019

In this research, the pyrazoline pyridazine derivative 7-methyl-2-phenyl-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazine (5d) was studied for its interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Various spectroscopic techniques along with molecular docking analysis were utilized to understand the mechanism of interaction. The quenching of BSA fluorescence by using investigational drug 5d was the basic principle for the methodology. Spectrofluorometric methods and UV-absorption studies were conducted for exploration of the 5d and BSA binding mechanism. The fluorescence quenching mechanism involved in BSA and 5d interaction was static quenching, and a complex formation also occurred between them. Both enthalpy and entropy attained positive values suggesting involvement of hydrophobic forces in BSA and 5d interaction. The Förster distance of 2.23 nm was calculated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). An alteration in BSA secondary structure was proven from the conformational studies of BSA-5d interaction. This binding interaction study provided a basis to comprehend the binding interaction between 5d and BSA. These results provided information about sites of BSA involved in its interaction with 5d.
Current Status and Prospects of Health-Related Sensing Technology in Wearable Devices
Authors: Cho Jaegeol
Published: June 2019

The healthcare-related functions of wearable devices are very useful for continuous monitoring of biological information. Wearable devices equipped with communication function can be used for additional healthcare services. Among the wearable devices, the wristband type is most suitable for acquiring biological signals, and the wear preference of the user is high, so it is highly likely to be used more in the future. In this paper, the health-related functions of wristband were investigated and the technical limitations and prospects were also reviewed. Most current wristband-type devices are equipped with the combination of accelerometer, optical sensor, and electrodes for their health functions, and continuously measured data are expanding the possibility of discovering new medical meanings. The blood pressure measurement function without using cuff is the most useful and expected function among the health-related functions expected to be mounted on the wrist wearable device, in spite of its technical limits and difficulties.
Effective-Range-Expansion Study of Near Threshold Heavy-Flavor Resonances
Authors: Gao Rui , Guo Zhi-Hui , Kang Xian-Wei , Oller J. A.
Published: June 2019

In this work, we study the resonances near the thresholds of the open heavy-flavor hadrons using the effective-range-expansion method. The unitarity, analyticity, and compositeness coefficient are also taken into account in our theoretical formalism. We consider the Zc(3900), X(4020), χc1(4140), ψ(4260), and ψ(4660). The scattering lengths and effective ranges from the relevant elastic S-wave scattering amplitudes are determined. Tentative discussions on the inner structures of the aforementioned resonances are given.
Application of Urinary Polyphenol Biomarkers Measured by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry to Assess Polyphenol Intake and Their Association with Overweight and Obesity in Free-Living Healthy Subjects
Authors: Yang Ruiyue , Xiu Helu , Zhou Qi , Sun Liang , Mu Hongna , Li Hongxia , Wang Siming , Li Xianghui , Chen Wenxiang , Dong Jun
Published: June 2019

Although some polyphenol biomarkers in serum or urine have been identified by untargeted metabolomics and proved to reflect dietary polyphenol intake, only a few of them have been validated in different studies and populations with simple and reliable targeted methods. In the present study, a targeted metabolomics method by LC/MS/MS for the measurement of twenty-two polyphenol biomarkers in urine samples was established and validated to effectively assess the habitual polyphenol intake in free-living healthy Chinese subjects. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess relationships of biomarkers with overweight and obesity after adjusting for potential confounders. The levels of urinary polyphenol biomarkers, especially gut microbial metabolites of polyphenols, were inversely associated with overweight and obesity, and this association was more pronounced in the inflammatory groups, suggesting that it is of great importance to maintain polyphenol biomarkers at high levels or intake-sufficient polyphenols in obesity with chronic inflammation than others. The measurement of these biomarkers may offer a valid alternative or complementary addition to self-reported survey for the evaluation of polyphenol intake and investigation into their relationships with chronic disease-related endpoints in large-scale clinical and epidemiologic studies.