bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy-directed dye marking for locating pulmonary nodules
Authors: Wang Long-long , He Bi-fang , Cui Jing-hua , Gao Xing-lin , Chen Ping-ping , Zhong Wen-zhao , Liao Ri-qiang , Li Jing , Sun Jia-yuan
Published: February 2020

Background

Small peripheral pulmonary nodules, which are usually deep-seated with no visual markers on the pleural surface, are often difficult to locate during surgery. At present, CT-guided percutaneous techniques are used to locate pulmonary nodules, but this method has many limitations. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) with pleural dye to locate small peripheral pulmonary nodules before video-associated thoracic surgery (VATS).

Methods

The ENB localisation procedure was performed under general anaesthesia in an operating room. Once the locatable guide wire, covered with a sheath, reached the ideal location, it was withdrawn and 0.2–1.0 mL of methylene blue/indocyanine green was injected through the guide sheath. Thereafter, 20–60 mL of air was instilled to disperse the dye to the pleura near the nodules. VATS was then performed immediately.

Results

Study subjects included 25 patients with 28 nodules. The mean largest diameter of the pulmonary nodules was 11.8 mm (range, 6.0–24.0 mm), and the mean distance from the nearest pleural surface was 13.4 mm (range, 2.5–34.9 mm). After the ENB-guided localisation procedure was completed, the dye was visualised in 23 nodules (82.1%) using VATS. The average duration of the ENB-guided pleural dye marking procedure was 12.6 min (range, 4–30 min). The resection margins were negative in all malignant nodules. Complications unrelated to the ENB-guided localisation procedure occurred in two patients, including one case of haemorrhage and one case of slow intraoperative heart rate.

Conclusion

ENB can be used to safely and accurately locate small peripheral pulmonary nodules and guide surgical resection.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900021963.
Navigating new sexual partnerships in midlife: a socioecological perspective on factors shaping STI risk perceptions and practices
Authors: Lewis Ruth , Mitchell Kirstin R , Mercer Catherine H , Datta Jessica , Jones Kyle G , Wellings Kaye
Published: February 2020

Objective

Despite increases in STIs among those over 40, little is known about the social context of STI transmission among people experiencing relationship transition in midlife, and few sexual health promotion initiatives are targeted at this group. This study sought to identify factors shaping STI risk perceptions and practices among midlife individuals either contemplating or having sex with new partners following the end of a long-term relationship.

Methods

Participants were purposively selected from respondents to Britain’s third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, using three eligibility criteria: aged 40–59, reported experience of the end of a marital or cohabiting relationship with an opposite-sex partner in the past 5 years, and willingness to participate in a qualitative interview. Qualitative data were generated via face-to-face interviews with 10 women and 9 men and analysed inductively using thematic analysis, with themes then organised using a socioecological framework.

Results

Participants’ accounts of new sexual partnerships in midlife indicate that STI risk perceptions and practices are shaped by factors operating at multiple levels across the socioecological arena (individual, partnership, peers and communities, societal). Constraints on, and resources for, the navigation of sexual safety include self-perceived STI risk rooted in past rather than present circumstances; legacies of mistrust within former relationships; intersecting gender-age dynamics in negotiation of risk prevention strategies with new partners; peers and younger relatives’ influences on understandings of sexual risk and safety; postrelationship change in social networks that increase or mitigate vulnerability to sexual risk; age-related barriers to accessing condoms; and disconnection from safer sex messaging and services culturally coded as for the young.

Conclusions

Improving sexual health among midlife adults requires age-sensitive interventions designed to address multilevel constraints, and harness positive influences, on the navigation of sexual safety at this stage of life.
‘Friends with benefits’: how tobacco companies influence sales through the provision of incentives and benefits to retailers
Authors: Watts Christina , Burton Suzan , Freeman Becky , Phillips Fiona , Kennington Kelly , Scollo Michelle , Lindorff Kylie , Egger Sam
Published: February 2020

Background

In countries banning advertising and display of tobacco at point-of-sale, little is known about tobacco companies’ continuing promotion of products through incentives and benefits to retailers.

Method

A telephone survey of 4527 randomly selected Australian retailers was conducted in August 2018, and identified 800 current tobacco retailers (response rate: 72.4%) who were asked a series of questions about benefits offered to them by tobacco companies and what retailers agreed to in return.

Results

41.1% of retailers reported being provided with a tobacco cabinet and 38.3% reported having a price list supplied by a tobacco company. One-third (33.3%) reported being offered at least one benefit from a tobacco company for doing something in return. Price discounts were the most frequently reported benefit (19.0%), followed by rebates (8.4%) and gifts (3.0%). Retailers also reported offers of prizes and incentives for increasing sales or demonstrating product knowledge. In return, retailers reported giving companies benefits such as prominence on the price list and/or in the tobacco cabinet and/or influence over the product range and stock levels.

Conclusion

Tobacco companies are continuing to market tobacco and influence sales through provision of incentives and benefits to retailers. Laws that ban the supply of benefits to consumers should be extended to also prohibit the provision of benefits to tobacco retailers.
Charged scalar quasi-normal modes for higher-dimensional Born–Infeld dilatonic black holes with Lifshitz scaling
Authors: Hashemi S. Sedigheh , Zangeneh Mahdi Kord , Faizal Mir
Published: February 2020

We study quasi-normal modes for a higher dimensional black hole with Lifshitz scaling, as these quasi-normal modes can be used to test Lifshitz models with large extra dimensions. We analyze quasi-normal modes for higher dimensional dilaton-Lifshitz black hole solutions coupled to a non-linear Born–Infeld action. We will analyze the charged perturbations for such a black hole solution. We will first analyze the general conditions for stability analytically, for a positive potential. Then, we analyze this system for a charged perturbation as well as negative potential, using the asymptotic iteration method for quasi-normal modes.
Spherically symmetric black holes with electric and magnetic charge in extended gravity: physical properties, causal structure, and stability analysis in Einstein’s and Jordan’s frames
Authors: Elizalde E. , Nashed G. G. L. , Nojiri S. , Odintsov S. D.
Published: February 2020

Novel static black hole solutions with electric and magnetic charges are derived for the class of modified gravities: $$f({{{\mathcal {R}}}})={{{\mathcal {R}}}}+2\beta \sqrt{{{\mathcal {R}}}}$$f(R)=R+2βR, with or without a cosmological constant. The new black holes behave asymptotically as flat or (A)dS space-times with a dynamical value of the Ricci scalar given by $$R=\frac{1}{r^2}$$R=1r2 and $$R=\frac{8r^2\Lambda +1}{r^2}$$R=8r2Λ+1r2, respectively. They are characterized by three parameters, namely their mass and electric and magnetic charges, and constitute black hole solutions different from those in Einstein’s general relativity. Their singularities are studied by obtaining the Kretschmann scalar and Ricci tensor, which shows a dependence on the parameter $$\beta $$β that is not permitted to be zero. A conformal transformation is used to display the black holes in Einstein’s frame and check if its physical behavior is changed w.r.t. the Jordan one. To this end, thermodynamical quantities, as the entropy, Hawking temperature, quasi-local energy, and the Gibbs free energy are calculated to investigate the thermal stability of the solutions. Also, the casual structure of the new black holes is studied, and a stability analysis is performed in both frames using the odd perturbations technique and the study of the geodesic deviation. It is concluded that, generically, there is coincidence of the physical properties of the novel black holes in both frames, although this turns not to be the case for the Hawking temperature.
Demonstration of a length control system for ALPS II with a high finesse 9.2 m cavity
Authors: Põld Jan H. , Spector Aaron D.
Published: February 2020

Light-shining-through-a-wall experiments represent a new experimental approach in the search for undiscovered elementary particles not accessible with accelerator based experiments. The next generation of these experiments, such as ALPS II, require high finesse, long baseline optical cavities with fast length control. In this paper we report on a length stabilization control loop used to keep a 9.2 m cavity resonant. The finesse of this cavity was measured to be 101,300 ±500 for 1064 nm light. Fluctuations in the differential cavity length as seen with 1064 nm and 532 nm light were measured. Such fluctuations are of high relevance, since 532 nm light will be used to sense the length of the ALPS II regeneration cavity. Limiting noise sources and different control strategies are discussed, in order to fulfill the length stability requirements for ALPS II.
Multi-task Information Bottleneck Co-clustering for Unsupervised Cross-view Human Action Categorization
Authors: Yan Xiaoqiang , Lou Zhengzheng , Hu Shizhe , Ye Yangdong
Published: February 2020

The widespread adoption of low-cost cameras generates massive amounts of videos recorded from different viewpoints every day. To cope with this vast amount of unlabeled and heterogeneous data, a new multi-task information bottleneck co-clustering (MIBC) approach is proposed to automatically categorize human actions in collections of unlabeled cross-view videos. Our motivation is that, if a learning action category from each view is seen as a single task, it is reasonable to assume that the tasks of learning action patterns from the videos recorded by multiple cameras are dependent and inter-related, since the actions of the same subjects synchronously recorded from different camera viewpoints are complementary to each other. MIBC aims to transfer the shared view knowledge across multiple tasks (i.e., camera viewpoints) to boost the performance of each task. Specifically, MIBC involves the following two parts: (1) extracting action categories for each task by independently maintaining its own relevant information, and (2) allowing the feature representations of all tasks to be compressed into a common feature space, which is utilized to capture the relatedness of multiple tasks and transfer the shared knowledge across different camera viewpoints. These two parts of MIBC work simultaneously and can be solved in a novel co-clustering mechanism. Our experimental evaluation on several cross-view action collections shows that the MIBC algorithm outperforms the existing state-of-the-art baselines.
An Optimization Study of Estimating Blood Pressure Models Based on Pulse Arrival Time for Continuous Monitoring
Authors: Shao Jiang , Shi Ping , Hu Sijung , Liu Yang , Yu Hongliu
Published: February 2020

Continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring has a significant meaning for the prevention and early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. However, under different calibration methods, it is difficult to determine which model is better for estimating BP. This study was firstly designed to reveal a better BP estimation model by evaluating and optimizing different BP models under a justified and uniform criterion, i.e., the advanced point-to-point pairing method (PTP). Here, the physical trial in this study caused the BP increase largely. In addition, the PPG and ECG signals were collected while the cuff bps were measured for each subject. The validation was conducted on four popular vascular elasticity (VE) models (MK-EE, L-MK, MK-BH, and dMK-BH) and one representative elastic tube (ET) model, i.e., M-M. The results revealed that the VE models except for L-MK outperformed the ET model. The linear L-MK as a VE model had the largest estimated error, and the nonlinear M-M model had a weaker correlation between the estimated BP and the cuff BP than MK-EE, MK-BH, and dMK-BH models. Further, in contrast to L-MK, the dMK-BH model had the strongest correlation and the smallest difference between the estimated BP and the cuff BP including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) than others. In this study, the simple MK-EE model showed the best similarity to the dMK-BH model. There were no significant changes between MK-EE and dMK-BH models. These findings indicated that the nonlinear MK-EE model with low estimated error and simple mathematical expression was a good choice for application in wearable sensor devices for cuff-less BP monitoring compared to others.
The Effect of Diacerein on Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Guo Shizhe , Guo Xianshan , Zhang Hongya , Zhang Xuan’e , Li Zhen
Published: February 2020

Aims. To figure out the effect of diacerein supplementation on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. An electronic search was processed on Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of diacerein with placebo on T2DM. The primary outcome was fasting blood glucose (FBG). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to test the reliability of this pooled outcome. Secondary outcomes were glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, hematological indexes including hematocrit and platelet count, and systematic inflammatory level expressed as a C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Safety outcome was the rate of complications. The difference in continuous data was measured by mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI), while the difference of dichotomous data was calculated by relative risk (RR) and 95% CI. A two-tailed P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results. Five RCTs with 278 participants were included. Compared with control, diacerein provided significant improvement on FBG (MD -0.52; 95% CI (-0.89~-0.14); P=0.007), but TSA showed that this positive effect required more support. Besides, diacerein also significantly improved HbA1c (MD -0.71; 95% CI (-1.07~-0.36); P<0.001), BMI (MD -0.40; 95% CI (-0.49~-0.31); P<0.001), and CRP level (MD -1.49; 95% CI (-2.78~-0.19); P=0.02). No superiority was noted in favor of either treatment regarding lipid profiles or hematological indexes. Among all complications, diacerein caused significantly more gastrointestinal syndromes (RR 1.39; 95% CI (1.08~1.77); P=0.009). Conclusion. Based on the current analysis, diacerein as an add-on treatment provided better glycemic control for T2DM but this benefit requires more verification. Compared with control, additional diacerein also lowered body weight and CRP level in T2DM, but increased the rate of gastrointestinal syndromes.
CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B Cell Dysfunction in Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Chen Qubo , Lai Lanmin , Chi Xiaoling , Lu Xinyi , Wu Huaxian , Sun Jing , Wu Weilin , Cai Li , Zeng Xuan , Wang Chuyang , Chen WeiCheng , Peng Anping
Published: February 2020

CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells are immature transitional B cells that, in normal individuals, exert suppressive effects by IL-10 production but are quantitatively altered and/or functionally impaired in individuals with various autoimmune diseases. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease, clinically presents as chronic cholestasis and nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis. A role for CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells in PBC is unknown. This study investigated the frequency and functional variation of circulating CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells in PBC patients. Flow cytometry was employed to quantify the percentage of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells in peripheral blood samples. Correlations between CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells and routine laboratory parameters were assessed. Levels of IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12, and Tim-1 in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells from PBC patients were analyzed. The effect of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells on CD4+T cell differentiation was evaluated. The percentage of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells in PBC patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls and was positively correlated with liver cholestasis. After activation by anti-B cell receptor and CpG, the production of IL-10 was decreased and the production of IL-6 and IL-12 was increased in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells from PBC patients. Moreover, Tim-1 levels were significantly downregulated in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells from PBC patients. Coculture showed that PBC-derived CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells were less capable of CD4+T cell inhibition, but promoted Th1 cell differentiation. In conclusion, PBC patients have expanded percentages, but impaired CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells, which correlate with disease damage. In PBC patients, this B cell subset has a skewed proinflammatory cytokine profile and a decreased capacity to suppress immune function, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of PBC.
Modeling of Vibration Condition in Flat Surface Grinding Process
Authors: Gasagara Amon , Jin Wuyin , Uwimbabazi Angelique
Published: February 2020

This article presents a new model of the flat surface grinding process vibration conditions. The study establishes a particular analysis and comparison between the influence of the normal and tangential components of grinding forces on the vibration conditions of the process. The bifurcation diagrams are used to examine the process vibration conditions for the depth of cut and the cutting speed as the bifurcation parameters. The workpiece is considered to be rigid and the grinding wheel is modeled as a nonlinear two-degrees-of-freedom mass-spring-damper oscillator. To verify the model, experiments are carried out to analyze in the frequency domain the normal and tangential dynamic grinding forces. The results of the process model simulation show that the vibration condition is more affected by the normal component than the tangential component of the grinding forces. The results of the tested experimental conditions indicate that the cutting speed of 30 m/s can permit grinding at the depth of cut up to 0.02 mm without sacrificing the process of vibration behavior.
Safety Evaluation Method of Antifloating Anchor System Based on Comprehensive Weighting Method and Gray-Fuzzy Theory
Authors: Jingwen Li , Jiangang Qiao , Yuanming Dou , Xu Fu , Xiaoli Liu
Published: February 2020

The risk factors in the safety evaluation of antifloating anchor system of underground structure have the characteristics of complexity, grey, and fuzziness. Based on the Delphi method, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and entropy weight method, this paper establishes a three-level evaluation index system based on four main risk factors and calculates the subjective and objective comprehensive weights of the index according to the comprehensive weighting method. It not only takes into account the valuable experience of the expert group but also reflects the objective impact of the subjective score on the system. On the basis of the above research, the grey-fuzzy safety evaluation method of antifloating anchor system is established by using the grey theory and the relevant theory of fuzzy mathematics. The reliability of the method is verified by an example, which has certain theoretical significance and application value.
Trauma Induced Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Greca Indrit , Ben Gabr Jihad , Perl Andras , Bryant Stephanie , Zaccarini Dan
Published: February 2020

Inflammatory arthritis, such as pseudogout or otherwise referred to as calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal arthritis or calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease, is characterized by the deposition of crystal formation and deposition in large joints. CPPD is known to affect the elderly population and commonly manifests as inflammation of knees, hips, and shoulders. CPPD disease involving the spine has been infrequently encountered in practice and rarely described in the literature. Here, we describe a case of an 80-year-old female with no known history of inflammatory arthritis who presented with left lower extremity weakness and fall, initially thought to have discitis, later confirming CPPD of the spine through biopsy and ultimately resolution of symptoms with anti-inflammatory agents. Although consisting of different clinical presentations, two other case reports have described CPPD of the spine with similar radiographic findings, to this author’s knowledge. With the radiologic similarities, this unique case serves to raise awareness in the medical community and possibly place pseudogout of the spine on the differential list when such cases are encountered. As a result, patients can be initiated on benign anti-inflammatory agents, avoiding invasive testing and unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
Antitumor Activity ofFicus deltoideaExtract on Oral Cancer: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Al-koshab May , Alabsi Aied M. , Mohd Bakri Marina , Ali-Saeed Rola , Selvi Naicker Manimalar
Published: February 2020

Background. The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities ofFicus deltoidea(FD) in an animal model induced for oral cancer using 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO).Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into six groups (n = 7 per group): Group 1 (untreated group); Group 2 (control cancer group) received 4NQO only for 8 weeks in their drinking water; Groups 3 and 4 (chemopreventive) received 4NQO for 8 weeks and were simultaneously treated with FD extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, by oral gavage; Groups 5 and 6 (chemotherapeutic) received 4NQO for 8 weeks followed by the administration of FD extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, for another 10 weeks. The incidence of oral cancer was microscopically evaluated. Moreover, immunohistochemical expression was analysed in tongue specimens using an image analyser computer system, while the RT2profiler PCR array method was employed for gene expression analysis.Results. The results of the present study showed a beneficial regression effect of the FD extract on tumor progression. The FD extract significantly reduced the incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from 100% to 14.3% in the high-dose groups. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that the FD extract had significantly decreased the expression of the key tumor marker cyclin D1 and had significantly increased the expression of theβ-catenin and e-cadherin antibodies that are associated with enhanced cellular adhesion. Based on the gene expression analysis, FD extract had reduced the expression of theTWIST1andRAC1genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and had significantly downregulated theCOX-2andEGFRgenes associated with cancer angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Our data suggest that the FD extract exerts chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities in an animal model induced for oral cancer using 4NQO, thus having the potential to be developed as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents.
Recurrent Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in Children with Philadelphia-Positive B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated with Dasatinib: Case Reports
Authors: Liao Xin , Guo Yuxia , Shen Yali , Xiao Jianwen
Published: February 2020

Dasatinib, a second-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been widely used in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + B-ALL). Although dasatinib has been well tolerated, side effects including hemorrhage are not rare. Cases of bleeding disorders ultimately result in thrombocytopenia, but platelet aggregation dysfunction induced by dasatinib has also been demonstrated in Ph + B-ALL and CML patients. We report three Chinese children with Ph + B-ALL who received a combination treatment of chemotherapy and dasatinib and developed gastrointestinal bleeding several months later. The platelet count and clotting tests were normal, and these patients presented with dasatinib-induced platelet dysfunction. These findings reveal that physicians should be aware of and carefully monitor for side effects, including bleeding disorders.
SPARC Levels Modulate the Capacity of Mitomycin to Inhibit the Proliferation of Human Tenon’s Capsule Fibroblasts
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Ni Shouxiang , Zhou Weiyan , Hou Jiangping , Shen Jiaquan
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the role of SPARC in the antiproliferation effect of MMC on human Tenon’s fibroblasts (HTF). Method. Sixteen PACG patients aged 59 ± 10 years (31–72 years), including 6 males and 10 females, were recruited. Tenon tissue was harvested during filtering surgery. Cell density was evaluated after MMC application with different concentrations and application times, by which the optimized MMC application modality was determined. MMC, si-SPARC, or SPARC protein was used when needed to evaluate the cell densities under different conditions, by which the role of SPARC in MMC-mediated antifibrotic process was identified. Results. Considering that the cell densities, as well as SPARC expression on mRNA and protein levels, are relatively stable when the MMC concentration is higher than 0.02% and exposure time longer than 90 s, we chose the MMC application pattern with 0.02% and 90 s as an optimized pattern for the downstream work. Compared to control, the si-SPARC and MMC downregulated the SPARC protein by 91% (P<0.01) and 65% (P<0.01) and mRNA by 96% (P<0.01) and 64% (P<0.01), respectively. MMC decreases the cell densities by 53.50% compared to control. si-SPARC + MMC dramatically deceased the cell density no matter compared to the control group (P<0.01) or MMC group (P<0.01); correspondingly, the relative collagen gel area in the MMC + si-SPARC group was higher than that in the MMC group or si-SPARC group (P<0.05). The reactive oxygen species expression in the MMC + si-SPARC group is higher than that in the MMC group (P<0.05). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that in HTF, (1) MMC downregulates the expression of SPARC in protein and mRNA levels; (2) SPARC depletion has synergistic effect on the antifibrotic effect of MMC; and (3) reactive oxygen species are the possible mediator in the antifibrotic effect of MMC and si-SPARC.
Beyond Acephalic Spermatozoa: The Complexity of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes
Authors: Nie Hua , Tang Yunge , Qin Weibing
Published: February 2020

This review analyses the genetic mechanisms of acephalic spermatozoa (AS) defects, which are associated with primary infertility in men. Several target genes of headless sperms have been identified but intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes are complex. Based on electron microscopic observations, broken points of the sperm neck are AS defects that are based on various genes that can be classified into three subtypes: HOOK1, SUN5, and PMFBP1 genes of subtype II; TSGA10 and BRDT genes of subgroup III, while the genetic mechanism(s) and aetiology of AS defects of subtype I have not been described and remain to be explored. Interestingly, all AS sperm of subtype II achieved better ICSI outcomes than other subtypes, resulting in clinical pregnancies and live births. For subtype III, the failure of clinical pregnancy can be explained by the defects of paternal centrioles that arrest embryonic development; for subtype I, this was due to a lack of a distal centriole. Consequently, the embryo quality and potential ICSI results of AS defects can be predicted by the subtypes of AS defects. However, this conclusion with regard to ICSI outcomes based on subtypes still needs further research, while the existence of quality of oocyte and implantation failure in women cannot be ignored.
The Long-Term Effects of Acupuncture on Hippocampal Functional Connectivity in aMCI with Hippocampal Atrophy: A Randomized Longitudinal fMRI Study
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Zhiqun , Yu Haikuo , Pang Ran , Ni Hong , Li Chiang-shan R. , Li Kuncheng
Published: February 2020

Background. Acupuncture has been used to treat amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) for many years in China. However, the long-term effects of continuous acupuncture treatment remained unclear. Objective. We aimed to explore the long-term effects of continuous acupuncture treatment on hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) in aMCI. Methods. Fifty healthy control (HC) participants and 28 aMCI patients were recruited for resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at baseline. The 28 aMCI patients were then divided into the aMCI acupuncture group, which received acupuncture treatment for 6 months, and the aMCI control group, which received no intervention. All aMCI patients completed the second resting-state fMRI scanning after 6 months of acupuncture treatment. Analysis based on the region of interest and two-way analysis of covariance were both used to explore the long-term effects of acupuncture on cognition change and hippocampal FC in aMCI. Results. Compared to HC, aMCI showed decreased right hippocampal FC with the right inferior/middle temporal gyrus (ITG/MTG), left amygdala, and the right fusiform and increased FC with bilateral caudates at baseline. After acupuncture treatment, the right hippocampal FC with right ITG/MTG enhanced significantly in the aMCI acupuncture group, but continued to decrease in the aMCI control group. Whole brain FC analysis showed enhanced right hippocampal FC with the right ITG and the left MTG in the aMCI acupuncture group relative to the aMCI control group. Furthermore, FC strength of the right hippocampus with right ITG at baseline was negatively correlated with the changes in memory scores of aMCI acupuncture patients. Conclusion. Acupuncture treatment could alleviate the progression of cognitive decline and could enhance hippocampal FC with ITG and MTG in aMCI that may be associated with resilience to resistant against neurodegeneration. The findings provided a better understanding of the long-term effects of acupuncture treatment and confirmed the therapeutic role of acupuncture in aMCI.
Surprise Lymph Node Histology in a Patient with Ovarian Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Karunanithi Jayanthi , Busmanis Inny
Published: February 2020

We report a case of a sixty-three-year-old Chinese female with a known past history of primary, biopsy-diagnosed, ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma. Following three cycles of chemotherapy, she underwent total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy cytoreductive surgery with lymphadenectomy, and multiple peritoneal biopsies. In this situation, the lymph nodes would be expected to demonstrate possible residual metastatic serous carcinoma with or without chemotherapy effect. The final diagnostic assessment in the lymph nodes, in this patient, however, was a rare combination of the following pathologies: metastatic serous carcinoma, with areas of chemotherapy effect, and incidental PEComatosis, focally in association with endometriosis, both within lymph nodes and surrounding connective tissue. PEComas have been described in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex, but the current patient was not known to suffer from this condition. This case is also unusual, as although PEComas have been described as arising in the female genital tract, the associated phenomenon of endometriosis is exceedingly rare, and this is the first known reported case of lymph nodes harbouring a similar combination of pathologies.
Uterine Torsion Dystocia Complicated by Perosomus Elumbis in an Angus Calf Associated with a Consanguineous Mating
Authors: Helms Alyssa B. , Thompson Riley E. , Lawton Sam , Petersen Jessica L. , Watson Allison , Sula Mee-Ja , Steffen David , Whitlock Brian K.
Published: February 2020

A six-year-old multiparous Angus cow was presented for dystocia. Vaginal and rectal examinations revealed an approximately 360° counterclockwise uterine torsion. The torsion was corrected by rolling the cow counterclockwise (three episodes) with the aid of a plank coupled with manual detorsion via the vagina. The placement of obstetric chains followed by manual traction ultimately delivered a stillborn male calf with evidence of vertebral aplasia, arthrogryposis, and abdominal organ herniation. Patient history and subsequent parentage verification revealed that the calf was the result of a consanguineous (mother to son) mating. Tissue samples from the affected calf and blood samples from the dam, sire, and ten half siblings were collected for genetic testing and parentage verification. Necropsy, radiographic, and computed tomography examinations all supported a diagnosis of perosomus elumbis. Perosomus elumbis is a congenital abnormality of unknown origin(s), and this is the first report of a case associated with a consanguineous mating.
Establishment of an Experimental Procedure for Preparing Trial Serum Samples for the Specific Serodiagnosis of Toxocara canis for External Quality Assessment Schemes
Authors: Vu Quang Huy , Tran Diep Tuan , Tran Phu Manh Sieu , Le Van Chuong , Huynh Thi Diem Phuc , Bui Quang Sang
Published: February 2020

Background. External quality assessment (EQA) provides evidence of reliable, accurate, and precise results for customers using the diagnostic test for Toxocara canis. Objective. To establish a procedure for producing standard Toxocara canis serum samples for serodiagnostic testing in EQA. Methods. The collected serum samples to contain anti-Toxocara canis antibodies were screened by ELISA and confirmed by Western blotting. These samples were found to be negative for other helminth antibodies, anti-HIV-1 and -2 antibodies, anti-HCV antibodies, and antibodies to HBs antigen. The sera were divided, processed by both freeze-drying and freezing methods, and then stored. The stability and homogeneity of the samples were evaluated after 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. An F-test and a T-test were applied to evaluate their homogeneity and stability. Results. Among eleven samples positive by ELISA, ten of them were confirmed via Western blotting by positive reaction with 5 specific Toxocara canis bands. Two lots of trial standard sera containing specific anti-Toxocara canis antibodies were successfully produced. Lot DK had a concentration of 31.01±1.1 NovaTec Units (NTU), and Lot DL had a concentration of 27.18±0.9 NTU. After storage at -80°C, the samples prepared by the freeze-drying method were stable for at least 3 months, and the samples prepared by the freezing method were stable for 6 months (p>0.05). Samples produced by both methods were stable for 7 days at 30°C (p>0.05). Conclusion. Specific serodiagnosis samples of anti-Toxocara canis antibodies for EQA could be produced that possessed homogeneity and stability lasting for 3 months and 6 months by the freeze-drying and freezing methods, respectively. At 30°C, the samples produced by both methods were stable for 7 days, suitable for delivery to remote laboratories.
An Improved Deep Residual Network-Based Semantic Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Method for Monocular Vision Robot
Authors: Ni Jianjun , Gong Tao , Gu Yafei , Zhu Jinxiu , Fan Xinnan
Published: February 2020

The robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is a very important and useful technology in the robotic field. However, the environmental map constructed by the traditional visual SLAM method contains little semantic information, which cannot satisfy the needs of complex applications. The semantic map can deal with this problem efficiently, which has become a research hot spot. This paper proposed an improved deep residual network- (ResNet-) based semantic SLAM method for monocular vision robots. In the proposed approach, an improved image matching algorithm based on feature points is presented, to enhance the anti-interference ability of the algorithm. Then, the robust feature point extraction method is adopted in the front-end module of the SLAM system, which can effectively reduce the probability of camera tracking loss. In addition, the improved key frame insertion method is introduced in the visual SLAM system to enhance the stability of the system during the turning and moving of the robot. Furthermore, an improved ResNet model is proposed to extract the semantic information of the environment to complete the construction of the semantic map of the environment. Finally, various experiments are conducted and the results show that the proposed method is effective.
Late-Onset Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders after Solid Organ Transplantation in Adults: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gandhi S. , Behling E. , Behrens D. , Ferber A. , Schwarting R. , Budak-Alpdogan T.
Published: February 2020

The posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that have wide variety of clinical and histological presentations. The management of PTLDs is challenging due to variety of involvement sites and histological types. The length and type of immunosuppression are correlated with the emergence of PTLDs, and most of the cases appear within the first two years after transplant. This case series describes five late-onset PTLDs with rare histological features and multiorgan involvement.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Pain‐Related Emotion by Upregulating the Expression of NPS and Its Receptor NPSR in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Hypothalamus
Authors: Xu Zitong , Fang JunFan , Xiang Xuaner , Sun HaiJu , Wang SiSi , Fang Jianqiao , Du Junying
Published: February 2020

Objective. Electroacupuncture (EA) is reported effective in alleviating pain‐related emotion; however, the underlying mechanism of its effects still needs to be elucidated. The NPS‐NPSR system has been validated for the involvement in the modulation of analgesia and emotional behavior. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of the NPS‐NPSR system in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), hypothalamus, and central amygdala (CeA) in the use of EA to relieve affective pain modeled by complete Freund’s adjuvant‐ (CFA‐) evoked conditioned place aversion (C‐CPA). Materials and Methods. CFA injection combined with a CPA paradigm was introduced to establish the C‐CPA model, and the elevated O‐maze (EOM) was used to test the behavioral changes after model establishment. We further explored the expression of NPS and NPSR at the protein and gene levels in the brain regions of interest by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real‐time PCR. Results. We observed that EA stimulation delivered to the bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Kunlun (BL60) acupoints remarkably inhibited sensory pain, pain‐evoked place aversion, and anxiety‐like behavior. The current study showed that EA significantly enhanced the protein expression of this peptide system in the ACC and hypothalamus, while the elevated expression of NPSR protein alone was just confined to the affected side in the CeA. Moreover, EA remarkably upregulated the mRNA expression of NPS in CeA, ACC, and hypothalamus and NPSR mRNA in the hypothalamus and CeA. Conclusions. These data suggest the effectiveness of EA in alleviating affective pain, and these benefits may at least partially be attributable to the upregulation of the NPS‐NPSR system in the ACC and hypothalamus.
Regenerative Endodontic Management of an Immature Molar Using Calcium Hydroxide and Triple Antibiotic Paste: a Two-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Alasqah Mohannad , Khan Sulthan Ibrahim Raja , Alfouzan Khalid , Jamleh Ahmed
Published: February 2020

The regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) is considered a viable treatment option for immature teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical radiolucency which can facilitate continued root formation. In this report, an immature necrotic mandibular molar received REP in three appointments wherein chemomechanical debridement was performed with a sequential application of nonsetting calcium hydroxide (in the whole canal) and triple antibiotics paste (in the root’s middle third) dressings in the first and second appointments, respectively. In the third appointment, blood clots were created in the root canals. MTA was placed over the blood clots and the tooth was restored with a composite filling and stainless-steel crown. Recall appointments were performed for two years where the tooth was deemed asymptomatic clinically and a complete root formation with significant periapical healing was evident radiographically. More cases are required to warrant the feasibility of this disinfection protocol.
Pilot Reuse Mode Based on Continuous Pilot Reuse Factors
Authors: Han Dongsheng , Fu Kai , Chen Zhixiong
Published: February 2020

Massive multiple-input multiple-output techniques have attracted wide attention as one of the key technologies of 5G. Pilot reuse based on the same pilot sequence is necessary among different users due to limited pilot resources. In this study, a pilot reuse mode based on continuous pilot reuse factors is proposed to pursue a flexible pilot reuse mode with high spectral efficiency (SE). In this mode, users in every cell are grouped, and different groups use different pilot reuse factors. Therefore, any overall pilot reuse factor is achieved to increase the flexibility of pilot reuse considerably. A theoretical analysis proves that the proposed pilot reuse based on continuous pilot reuse factors is superior to the traditional pilot reuse based on single pilot reuse factor to some extent in terms of SE. A new method to search the optimal pilot reuse based on continuous pilot reuse factors is also introduced. Simulation results demonstrate that, in most cases, the optimal pilot reuse mode based on continuous pilot reuse factors is better than the traditional mode. Such superiority still exists under a limited number of antennas.
Changes in Ocular Blood Flow after Ranibizumab Intravitreal Injection for Diabetic Macular Edema Measured Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy
Authors: Toto Lisa , Evangelista Federica , Viggiano Pasquale , Erroi Emanuele , D’Onofrio Giada , Libertini Daniele , Porreca Annamaria , D’Aloisio Rossella , Mariacristina Parravano , Di Antonio Luca , Di Nicola Marta , Mastropasqua Rodolfo
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment on the blood flow of the optic nerve head (ONH) and of retinal vessels of the peripapillary region of eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). Methods. Forty eyes of 30 patients treated with IVR for DME were included in this prospective clinical study. Mean blur rate (MBR) and relative flow volume (RFV) of the ONH and of a superior retinal artery and an inferior retinal vein of the peripapillary region were measured using LSFG at baseline, 2 weeks (T1), and 1 month (T2) after IVR injection. In addition, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured in all cases. Results. The BCVA improved and CRT decreased significantly during the follow‐up period (p < 0.010). MBR‐related parameters of the ONH such as MBR of all area (MA), MBR of vascular area (MV), and MBR of tissue area (MT) decreased significantly at 2 weeks after IVR compared to baseline values (MA, p = 0.046; MT, p = 0.023; MV, p = 0.025), with no significant change at T2 compared to T1. MBR of the retinal artery and vein changed significantly at 2 weeks after IVR and did not change significantly thereafter (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively). The median of RFV of the 2 vessels was 269.5 (221.6–285.5) and 306.8 (285.6–372.4) at baseline and 199.7 (152.4–204.7) and 259.1 (140.9–336.8) at 4 weeks, respectively (p = 0.292 and p = 0.002, respectively). Blowout time changed significantly in ONH from 47.6 (44.2–50.2) at baseline to 54.4 (46.8–65.3) at 1 month after IVR (p = 0.001). Conclusion. IVR injection leads to a reduction of ocular blood flow both in the ONH and in the retinal peripapillary vessels associated with peripapillary vessel constriction. The reduction of CRT and related improvement of vision may be related to the changes in ocular blood flow.
Look at Your Hair the Way You Look at Your Face: Concept of Total Facial Skin and Hair Care
Authors: Calvo Peretti Murilo , Caballero Uribe Natalia , Régnier Antonia , Trüeb Ralph M.
Published: February 2020

With today’s increasing life expectation and quality of life, the desire to look young and beautiful plays a bigger role than ever. Aging of the hair is particularly visible. And yet, cosmetic dermatology has paid comparatively little attention to the care of the aging hair. The professional market for cosmetic interventions into the face has preceded those into the hair for a number of reasons. First, the market for facial rejuvenation has been dominated by plastic surgeons, until the fillers and botulinum toxin were introduced. Second, investigative dermatology found a profound interest in the study of skin aging, particularly as it relates to ultraviolet exposure, and exposed mechanisms at the level of the DNA and repair mechanisms, opening venues for effective preventive measures and pharmacological treatments of aging-related conditions of the skin. Finally, at the level of health professionals, the care for the skin has been overrated in relation to the hair, mostly due to economic reasons. Nevertheless, the hair represents an integral part of the face and our appearance. Moreover, the discovery of pharmacological targets and the development of safe and effective drugs for treatment of hair loss indicate strategies of the drug industry for maintenance of hair growth and quantity, while the hair care industry has become capable of delivering active compounds directed toward meeting the consumer demand for maintenance of hair cosmesis and quality. To offer patients the best outcomes toward a more youthful look, we therefore should look at the whole face including the condition of the hair for a more comprehensive approach toward a total facial skin and hair care concept.