bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-Articular Injection of Alginate-Microencapsulated Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Rabbits
Authors: Choi Seongjae , Kim Jun-Hyung , Ha Jeongho , Jeong Bo-Ing , Jung Yun Chan , Lee Geun-Shik , Woo Heung-Myong , Kang Byung-Jae
Published: June 2018

We investigated the effects of intra-articular injections of alginate-microencapsulated adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) during osteoarthritis (OA) development in a rabbit model of anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). We induced OA in mature New Zealand white rabbits by bilateral ACLT. Stifle joints were categorised into four groups according to intra-articular injection materials. Alginate microbeads and microencapsulated ASCs were prepared using the vibrational nozzle technology. Two weeks after ACLT, the rabbits received three consecutive weekly intra-articular injections of 0.9% NaCl, alginate microbeads, ASCs, or microencapsulated ASCs, into each joint. Nine weeks after ACLT, we euthanised the rabbits and collected bilateral femoral condyles for macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Macroscopic evaluation using the modified OA Research Society International (OARSI) score and total cartilage damage score showed that cartilage degradation on the femoral condyle was relatively low in the microencapsulated-ASC group. Histological analysis of the lateral femoral condyles indicated that microencapsulated ASCs had significant chondroprotective effects. Immunohistochemically, the expression of MMP-13 after the articular cartilage damage was relatively low in the microencapsulated-ASC-treated stifle joints. During the development of experimental OA, as compared to ASCs alone, intra-articular injection of microencapsulated ASCs significantly decreased the progression and extent of OA.
Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas Data Reveals Novel Putative ncRNAs Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Falcon Tiago , Freitas Martiela , Mello Ana Carolina , Coutinho Laura , Alvares-da-Silva Mario R. , Matte Ursula
Published: June 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the prevalent type of primary liver malignancy. Different noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that negatively regulate gene expression, such as the microRNAs and the long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), have been associated with cell invasiveness and cell dissemination, tumor recurrence, and metastasis in HCC. To evaluate which regulatory ncRNAs might be good candidates to disrupt HCC proliferation pathways, we performed both unsupervised and supervised analyses of HCC expression data, comparing samples of solid tumor tissue (TP) and adjacent tissue (NT) of a set of patients, focusing on ncRNAs and searching for common mechanisms that may shed light in future therapeutic options. All analyses were performed using the R software. Differential expression (total RNA and miRNA) and enrichment analyses (Gene Ontology + Pathways) were performed using the package TCGABiolinks. As a result, we improved the set of lncRNAs that could be the target of future studies in HCC, highlighting the potential ofFAM170B-AS1andTTN-AS1.
Obesity Exacerbates the Cytokine Storm Elicited by Francisella tularensis Infection of Females and Is Associated with Increased Mortality
Authors: Ramos Muniz Mireya G. , Palfreeman Matthew , Setzu Nicole , Sanchez Michelle A. , Saenz Portillo Pamela , Garza Kristine M. , Gosselink Kristin L. , Spencer Charles T.
Published: June 2018

Infection with Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the human disease tularemia, results in the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, termed the cytokine storm. Excess metabolic byproducts of obesity accumulate in obese individuals and activate the same inflammatory signaling pathways as F. tularensis infection. In addition, elevated levels of leptin in obese individuals also increase inflammation. Since leptin is produced by adipocytes, we hypothesized that increased fat of obese females may make them more susceptible to F. tularensis infection compared with lean individuals. Lean and obese female mice were infected with F. tularensis and the immunopathology and susceptibility monitored. Plasma and tissue cytokines were analyzed by multiplex ELISA and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Obese mice were more sensitive to infection, developing a more intense cytokine storm, which was associated with increased death of obese mice compared with lean mice. This enhanced inflammatory response correlated with in vitro bacteria-infected macrophage cultures where addition of leptin led to increased production of inflammatory cytokines. We conclude that increased basal leptin expression in obese individuals causes a persistent low-level inflammatory response making them more susceptible to F. tularensis infection and heightening the generation of the immunopathological cytokine storm.
SGB-ELM: An Advanced Stochastic Gradient Boosting-Based Ensemble Scheme for Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Guo Hua , Wang Jikui , Ao Wei , He Yulin
Published: June 2018

A novel ensemble scheme for extreme learning machine (ELM), named Stochastic Gradient Boosting-based Extreme Learning Machine (SGB-ELM), is proposed in this paper. Instead of incorporating the stochastic gradient boosting method into ELM ensemble procedure primitively, SGB-ELM constructs a sequence of weak ELMs where each individual ELM is trained additively by optimizing the regularized objective. Specifically, we design an objective function based on the boosting mechanism where a regularization item is introduced simultaneously to alleviate overfitting. Then the derivation formula aimed at solving the output-layer weights of each weak ELM is determined using the second-order optimization. As the derivation formula is hard to be analytically calculated and the regularized objective tends to employ simple functions, we take the output-layer weights learned by the current pseudo residuals as an initial heuristic item and thus obtain the optimal output-layer weights by using the derivation formula to update the heuristic item iteratively. In comparison with several typical ELM ensemble methods, SGB-ELM achieves better generalization performance and predicted robustness, which demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of SGB-ELM.
Bearing Remaining Useful Life Prediction Based on a Nonlinear Wiener Process Model
Authors: Wen Juan , Gao Hongli , Zhang Jiangquan
Published: June 2018

Prognostic is an essential part of condition‐based maintenance, which can be employed to enhance the reliability and availability and reduce the maintenance cost of mechanical systems. This paper develops an improved remaining useful life (RUL) prediction method for bearings based on a nonlinear Wiener process model. First, the service life of bearings is divided into two stages in terms of the working condition. Then a new prognostic model is constructed to reflect the relationship between time and bearing health status. Besides, a variety of factors that cause uncertainties toward the degradation path are considered and appropriately managed to obtain reliable RUL prediction results. The particle filtering is utilized to estimate the degradation state, qualify the uncertainties, and predict the RUL. The experimental studies show that the proposed method has a better performance in RUL prediction and uncertainty management than the exponential model and the linear model.
Discontinuous Deformation Analysis Based on Wachspress Interpolation Function for Detailed Stress Distribution
Authors: Jiang W. , Wang Y. H. , Sun G. H. , Song P. C. , Mao C.
Published: June 2018

In the original discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method, the complete first-order displacement function is used to describe block movement and deformation, which induce constant stress and strain throughout the block. To achieve a more detailed stress distribution, Wachspress interpolation displacement function is employed to express the displacement of blocks in DDA, and the interactions between blocks are still governed under the original DDA. Displacements of the vertexes of all blocks constitute new freedom vectors, and the stiffness and force matrix formulations are derived again. In the new formulation, Wachspress interpolation ensures that the edges of the blocks are straight; therefore, contact detection can be processed based on the original DDA. Several classical examples are analyzed. The results show that the new formulation obtains similar configurations as the original DDA but provides more detailed and continuous stress distributions within block element.
Working Together and Being Physically Active Are Not Enough to Advise Uniformly and Adequately Low Back Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Praz C. , Ducki J. , Connaissa M. L. , Terrier P. , Vuistiner P. , Léger B. , Luthi F.
Published: June 2018

The profession of the health-care providers (HCPs) influences their recommendations to the patients. Conversely, interdisciplinarity seeks to challenge such differences, so that the patient receives one single and consistent therapeutic message. Some studies also suggest associations between HCPs life habits and recommendations. Our hypotheses were (1) that despite interdisciplinary work, the profession remains a predictor of recommendations and (2) that HCPs who are more physically active recommend more activity. Three clinical vignettes were presented to a group of experts of low back pain (LBP) (guidelines), and 20 physicians, 22 physiotherapists, and 23 nurses to assess how they evaluate the symptoms and pathologies of LBP patients and how much work and physical activity they recommend. Physical activity was assessed with accelerometers and questionnaires. Some interprofessional differences remained present within an interdisciplinary team. The nurses were more restrictive and further away from the guidelines. The physicians were the most in line with them. The physiotherapists recommend as much physical activity, but less work activity than the physicians. The level of physical activity of the HCPs is not associated with their recommendations. To ensure a clear and unique message, educational actions may be undertaken to promote the biopsychosocial model and clarify the guidelines.
The Performance Study on the Long‐Span Bridge Involving the Wireless Sensor Network Technology in a Big Data Environment
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Zhang Chao , Sun Zhuo , Dong You , Wei Pu
Published: June 2018

The random traffic flow model which considers parameters of all the vehicles passing through the bridge, including arrival time, vehicle speed, vehicle type, vehicle weight, and horizontal position as well as the bridge deck roughness, is input into the vehicle‐bridge coupling vibration program. In this way, vehicle‐bridge coupling vibration responses with considering the random traffic flow can be numerically simulated. Experimental test is used to validate the numerical simulation, and they had the consistent changing trends. This result proves the reliability of the vehicle‐bridge coupling model in this paper. However, the computational process of this method is complicated and proposes high requirements for computer performance and resources. Therefore, this paper considers using a more advanced intelligent method to predict vibration responses of the long‐span bridge. The PSO‐BP (particle swarm optimization‐back propagation) neural network model is proposed to predict vibration responses of the long‐span bridge. Predicted values and real values at each point basically have the consistent changing trends, and the maximum error is less than 10%. Hence, it is feasible to predict vibration responses of the long‐span bridge using the PSO‐BP neural network model. In order to verify advantages of the predicting model, it is compared with the BP neural network model and GA‐BP neural network model. The PSO‐BP neural network model converges to the set critical error after it is iterated to the 226th generation, while the other two neural network models are not converged. In addition, the relative error of predicted values using PSO‐BP neural network is only 2.71%, which is obviously less than the predicted results of other two neural network models. We can find that the PSO‐BP neural network model proposed by the paper in predicting vibration responses is highly efficient and accurate.
Device‐Free Wireless Localization Using Artificial Neural Networks in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Yongliang , Zhang Xuzhao , Wang Xiaocheng , Zhang Xinggan
Published: June 2018

Currently, localization has been one of the research hot spots in Wireless Sensors Networks (WSNs). However, most localization methods focus on the device‐based localization, which locates targets with terminal devices. This is not suitable for the application scenarios like the elder monitoring, life detection, and so on. In this paper, we propose a device‐free wireless localization system using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). The system consists of two phases. In the off‐line training phase, Received Signal Strength (RSS) difference matrices between the RSS matrices collected when the monitoring area is vacant and with a professional in the area are calculated. Some RSS difference values in the RSS difference matrices are selected. The RSS difference values and corresponding matrix indices are taken as the inputs of an ANN model and the known location coordinates are its outputs. Then a nonlinear function between the inputs and outputs can be approximated through training the ANN model. In the on‐line localization phase, when a target is in the monitoring area, the RSS difference values and their matrix indices can be obtained and input into the trained ANN model, and then the localization coordinates can be computed. We verify the proposed device‐free localization system with a WSN platform. The experimental results show that our proposed device‐free wireless localization system is able to achieve a comparable localization performance without any terminal device.
QFT Derivation of the Decay Law of an Unstable Particle with Nonzero Momentum
Authors: Giacosa Francesco
Published: June 2018

We present a quantum field theoretical derivation of the nondecay probability of an unstable particle with nonzero three-momentum p. To this end, we use the (fully resummed) propagator of the unstable particle, denoted as S, to obtain the energy probability distribution, called dSp(E), as the imaginary part of the propagator. The nondecay probability amplitude of the particle S with momentum p turns out to be, as usual, its Fourier transform: aSp(t)=∫mth2+p2∞dEdSp(E)e-iEt (mth is the lowest energy threshold in the rest frame of S and corresponds to the sum of masses of the decay products). Upon a variable transformation, one can rewrite it as aSp(t)=∫mth∞dmdS0(m)e-imth2+p2t [here, dS0(m)≡dS(m) is the usual spectral function (or mass distribution) in the rest frame]. Hence, the latter expression, previously obtained by different approaches, is here confirmed in an independent and, most importantly, covariant QFT-based approach. Its consequences are not yet fully explored but appear to be quite surprising (such as the fact that the usual time-dilatation formula does not apply); thus its firm understanding and investigation can be a fruitful subject of future research.
Objective Evaluation of a New Epidural Simulator by the CompuFlo®Epidural Instrument
Authors: Capogna Giorgio , Coccoluto Alessandra , Capogna Emanuele , Del Vecchio Angelica
Published: June 2018

Background. In this study, we describe a custom-made new epidural simulator, created by modifying the inner structure of a commercially available one, in the attempt to make it adequately realistic. To validate and evaluate the realism of our device, we used the Computerized Epidural Instrument CompuFlo.Method. The Compuflo CompuFlo curves obtained from 64 experiments on the epidural simulator were compared to 64 curves obtained from a previous human study, from consecutive laboring parturients requesting epidural analgesia.Results. Epidural simulator and human pressure curves were very similar. There was a significant difference between the drop of pressure due to false and true loss of resistance (LOR) in both the groups.Discussion. Our simulator can realistically reproduce the anatomical layers the needle must pass as demonstrated by the similarity between the simulator and human pressure curves and the small differences of pressure values recorded. CompuFlo may be used as an objective tool to create and assess and compare objectively the epidural task trainers.
Cerebral Amyloidoma Resulting from Central Nervous System Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Jagannathan Geetha , Uppal Guldeep , Judy Kevin , Curtis Mark T.
Published: June 2018

Cerebral amyloidomas are rare cerebral mass lesions often associated with significant morbidity. Cerebral amyloid accumulation can be the result of a number of disease states and it is crucial for proper patient care to identify the pathogenic process leading to amyloidoma formation. Low grade clonal B-cell processes are one cause of cerebral amyloidomas. We report a case of an 87-year-old woman who presented with a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma associated cerebral amyloidoma complicated by cerebral hemorrhage, discuss the proper workup of this disease entity, and present a review of the literature on this topic.
The Expansion of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Is Associated with Joint Inflammation in Rheumatic Patients with Arthritis
Authors: Zhu Junqing , Chen Shixian , Wu Lisheng , Wang Ran , Zheng Songyuan , Zhao Di , Wang Xiangyang , Li Juan
Published: June 2018

Introduction. We investigated the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and their subsets in patients with rheumatic diseases and clarified the association between these cells and the patient clinical data.Methods. Patients with rheumatic diseases and healthy controls were recruited. The clinical characteristics were obtained. The MDSCs and their subsets were marked with fluorescently labelled antibodies and were then analyzed with flow cytometry.Results. The patients included 31 with RA, 21 with AS, 14 with OA, 11 with SLE with arthritis, 13 with SLE without arthritis, 9 with Gout, 10 with HUA, and 25 healthy controls. The proportions of MDSCs, M-MDSCs, and G-MDSCs were higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls (6.56±6.77% versus 1.46±0.96%, 2.52±3.81% versus 0.35±0.35%, and 1.13±1.64% versus 0.18±0.14%; p<0.001). The same increased cells were also found in other patients. The proportions of MDSCs and M-MDSCs were mostly correlated with the patient's joint inflammation indexes and the disease activity. When other cell subsets were adjusted, the increased risk of arthritis was also obtained for M-MDSCs (adjusted OR=5.772; p=0.031).Conclusions. The expansion of MDSCs and their subsets was correlated with the disease activity and joint inflammation in patient with different rheumatic diseases. The proportion of M-MDSCs was associated with the risk of arthritis in those populations.
Metformin Treatment Inhibits Motility and Invasion of Glioblastoma Cancer Cells
Authors: Al Hassan Marwa , Fakhoury Isabelle , El Masri Zeinab , Ghazale Noura , Dennaoui Rayane , El Atat Oula , Kanaan Amjad , El-Sibai Mirvat
Published: June 2018

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and deadliest cancers of the central nervous system (CNS). GBMs high ability to infiltrate healthy brain tissues makes it difficult to remove surgically and account for its fatal outcomes. To improve the chances of survival, it is critical to screen for GBM-targeted anticancer agents with anti-invasive and antimigratory potential. Metformin, a commonly used drug for the treatment of diabetes, has recently emerged as a promising anticancer molecule. This prompted us, to investigate the anticancer potential of metformin against GBMs, specifically its effects on cell motility and invasion. The results show a significant decrease in the survival of SF268 cancer cells in response to treatment with metformin. Furthermore, metformin’s efficiency in inhibiting 2D cell motility and cell invasion in addition to increasing cellular adhesion was also demonstrated in SF268 and U87 cells. Finally, AKT inactivation by downregulation of the phosphorylation level upon metformin treatment was also evidenced. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the anti-invasive antimetastatic potential of metformin as well as its underlying mechanism of action.
Effects of Educational Counseling as Solitary Therapy for Chronic Primary Tinnitus and Related Problems
Authors: Liu Yu-Qing , Chen Zhi-Ji , Li Gang , Lai Dan , Liu Peng , Zheng Yun
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and sustained effects of tinnitus educational counseling on chronic primary tinnitus and related problems. A descriptive longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 159 adult patients suffering from chronic primary tinnitus and sleep problems. All patients received tinnitus educational counseling, sleep adjustment, and vegan dietary advice. At short-term assessment within 3 months and long-term follow-up at 6–26 months, perceived changes in tinnitus were assessed with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Tinnitus Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ), respectively. In TEQ, the volume of subjective tinnitus was scored according to realistic environments in which tinnitus could be heard. Sleep quality was assessed with questionnaires developed in our laboratory. Most of the subjects showed significant early improvement in their THI scores (96/159, 60.38%; from 46.11 ± 22.74 to 31.94 ± 20.41,t= 11.16,p< 0.001, Cohen’sd= 0.66). Tinnitus volume (39/159, 24.53%, from 2,2 to 2,1,z= -3.56,p< 0.001) and sleep quality (68/159, 42.77%; from 7.13 ± 3.11 to 6.31 ± 2.75,t= 3.73,p< 0.001, Cohen’sd= 0.28) were also improved. Long-term follow-up TEQ results indicated that tinnitus loudness, the impact of tinnitus on sleep, concentration, and emotional state were all improved since the prior consultation (p= 0.001, 0.026, 0.012, and <0.001). Short-term improvement of tinnitus severity correlated directly with improvement of sleep quality (odds ratio (OR) = 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.64,p= 0.002), initial THI score (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.04,p= 0.006), compliance with sleep advice (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.02–5.05,p= 0.044), and nervous disposition (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.25–6.30,p= 0.013). A future randomized controlled trial would be carried out to examine the effect of sole tinnitus educational counseling.
Development and Validation of New Reverberation Chamber for Wireless Devices
Authors: Sim Dong-Uk , Kwak Sang Il , Kwon Jong Hwa , Park Seong-Ook
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a reverberation chamber structure consisting of new reflectors and mode stirrers for electromagnetic compatibility and wireless terminal measurements. The key design considerations for them are determined through a reasonable approach to analyze the eigenmode for a reverberation chamber and the standard deviation of its working volume based on 3D simulation. The final designs are expected to improve the standard deviation performance of the initial structure of the reverberation chamber and provide a better mode stirring environment. The results measured in the fabricated chamber demonstrate that these predictions are clearly realized. The results satisfy the main requirements of this paper, which are defined in consideration of the specifications of commercial reverberation chamber products. Therefore, the reverberation chamber of this paper is expected to be useful for performance measurement and evaluation of commercial wireless terminals. To verify this logical approach to obtain a good design and its results, the results measured in the actual fabricated reverberation chamber are described along with analytical and computational results.
Association of Initial Serum Total Calcium Concentration with Mortality in Critical Illness
Authors: Wang Benji , Gong Yuqiang , Ying Binyu , Cheng Bihuan
Published: June 2018

Background. Several studies have suggested that serum ionized calcium (iCa) is associated with mortality in critical illness. However, evidence regarding the predictive significance of serum total calcium (tCa) in critical illness remains scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the association of tCa levels with mortality in critical illness. Methods. We employed the MIMIC-III v1.3 database. tCa was measured upon ICU admission and its relationship with mortality was determined using smooth curve fitting. The association between admission tCa levels and hospital mortality was determined using logistic regression. Results. Inclusion criteria were met by 44,886 critically ill patients. A U-shaped pattern was observed between tCa and hospital mortality. Similar trends were observed for hospital mortality when quintiles were used to group patients according to tCa. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex, the model indicated that admission tCa levels ⩽7.6mg/dl, 7.7-8.1mg/dl, and ⩾9.0mg/dl were associated with an increase in mortality when compared to the reference level (8.6-9.0mg/dl). However, adjusted for more clinical characteristics, tCa was not associated with hospital mortality. Conclusions. The relationship between tCa and hospital mortality followed a ‘‘U’’ shaped curve. tCa had certain prognostic value in critically ill patients, but it had no independent association with hospital mortality.
Biliary Tract Abnormalities as a Cause of Distal Bowel Gas in Neonatal Duodenal Atresia
Authors: Puvabanditsin Surasak , Botwinick Marissa , Chen Charlotte Wang , Joshi Aditya , Mehta Rajeev
Published: June 2018

Background. The presence of distal bowel gas in an infant does not exclude the diagnosis of duodenal atresia. Case Presentation. We report a term neonate with Down syndrome. The infant developed vomiting and cyanosis with each feeding soon after birth. Plain film abdominal X-rays showed a nonspecific gas-filled stomach and small bowel. Duodenal atresia and an anomalous common bile were noted on an upper GI study and exploratory laparotomy. Conclusion. In the absence of a “double bubble” appearance and intestinal gas distally on a plain radiograph, one must not exclude duodenal atresia as the differential diagnosis.
The Role of Invariant NKT in Autoimmune Liver Disease: Can Vitamin D Act as an Immunomodulator?
Authors: Smyk Daniel S. , Mavropoulos Athanasios , Mieli-Vergani Giorgina , Vergani Diego , Lenzi Marco , Bogdanos Dimitrios P.
Published: June 2018

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells which express both the T cell receptor (TCR) and natural killer (NK) cell markers. Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells bear an invariant TCR and recognize a small variety of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d (nonclassical MHC-I). CD1d-restricted iNKT cells are regulators of immune responses and produce cytokines that may be proinflammatory (such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) or anti-inflammatory (such as IL-4). iNKT cells also appear to play a role in B cell regulation and antibody production. Alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a derivative of the marine sponge, is a potent stimulator of iNKT cells and has been proposed as a therapeutic iNKT cell activator. Invariant NKT cells have been implicated in the development and perpetuation of several autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Animal models of SLE have shown abnormalities in iNKT cells numbers and function, and an inverse correlation between the frequency of NKT cells and IgG levels has also been observed. The role of iNKT cells in autoimmune liver disease (AiLD) has not been extensively studied. This review discusses the current data with regard to iNKT cells function in AiLD, in addition to providing an overview of iNKT cells function in other autoimmune conditions and animal models. We also discuss data regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D on iNKT cells, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target, given that deficiencies in vitamin D have been reported in various autoimmune disorders.
Electroacupuncture Improves Intestinal Dysfunction in Septic Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Meng Jian-biao , Jiao Yan-na , Zhang Geng , Xu Xiu-juan , Ji Chun-lian , Hu Ma-hong , Lai Zhi-zhen , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2018

Objective. To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at “Zusanli” (ST36) and “Shangjuxu”(ST37) on reducing inflammatory reaction and improving intestinal dysfunction in patients with sepsis-induced intestinal dysfunction with syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi. Methods. A total of 71 patients with sepsis-induced intestinal dysfunction with syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi were randomly assigned to control group (n=36) and treatment group (n=35). Patients in control group were given conventional therapies including fluid resuscitation, anti-infection, vasoactive agents, mechanical ventilation, supply of enteral nutrition, and glutamine as soon as possible. In addition to conventional therapies, patients in treatment group underwent 20 minutes of EA at ST36-ST37 twice a day for five days. At baseline, day 1, day 3, and day 7 after treatment, the plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intestinal fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP), D-lactate, citrulline, and TCM quantitative score of intestinal dysfunction were measured and recorded, respectively. And days on mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), and 28d mortality were recorded. Results. During treatment, the plasma levels of PCT, TNF-α, I-FABP, D-lactate, and TCM quantitative score of intestinal dysfunction were declining in both groups, while the treatment group showed a significant decline (P<0.05). Plasma levels of citrulline were increasing in both groups, while the treatment group showed a significant increase (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the days on MV, length of stay in ICU, and 28d mortality between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions. EA at ST36-ST37 can reduce inflammatory reaction and has protective effects on intestinal function in patients with sepsis-induced intestinal dysfunction with syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi. Trial Registration. This trial was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/(ChiCTR-IOR-17010910).
Positive Effects against UV-A Induced Damage and Oxidative Stress on an In Vitro Cell Model Using a Hyaluronic Acid Based Formulation Containing Amino Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals
Authors: Stellavato Antonietta , Pirozzi Anna Virginia Adriana , Donato Stella , Scognamiglio Ilaria , Reale Sabrina , Di Pardo Alba , Filosa Stefania , Vassallo Valentina , Bellia Gilberto , De Rosa Mario , Schiraldi Chiara
Published: June 2018

Ultraviolet (UV) radiations are responsible for skin photoaging inducing alteration of the molecular and cellular pathways resulting in dryness and reduction of skin elasticity. In this study, we investigated, in vitro, the antiaging and antioxidant effects of hyaluronan formulations based hydrogel. Skinkò E, an intradermic formulation composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), minerals, amino acids, and vitamins, was compared with the sole HA of the same size. For this purpose, HaCaT cells were subjected to UV-A radiations and H2O2 exposure and then treated with growth medium (CTR) combined with M-HA or Skinkò E to evaluate their protective ability against stressful conditions. Cells reparation was evaluated using a scratch in vitro model and Time-Lapse Video Microscopy. A significant protective effect for Skinkò E was shown with respect to M-HA. In addition, Skinkò E increased cell reparation. Therefore, NF-kB, SOD-2, and HO-1 were significantly reduced at the transcriptional and protein level. Interestingly, γ-H2AX and protein damage assay confirmed the protection by hyaluronans tested against oxidative stress. G6pdΔ ES cell line, highly susceptible to oxidative stress, was used as a further cellular model to assess the antioxidant effect of Skinkò E. Western blotting analyses showed that the treatment with this new formulation exerts marked antioxidant action in cells exposed to UV-A and H2O2. Thus, the protective and reparative properties of Skinkò E make it an interesting tool to treat skin aging.
Smoking Relapse Causing an Acute Exacerbation of Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia with Pleural Effusions and Mediastinal Adenopathies
Authors: Pickell Tyler , Donnelly Jamie , Abi Fadel Francois
Published: June 2018

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) is a rare interstitial pneumonia often caused by smoking. DIP is typically regarded as a chronic disease, but acute DIP exacerbations can occur, and some have resulted in death. Factors that can provoke a DIP exacerbation are not well described in the literature. We present a case of a 58-year-old male with DIP, who after being treated successfully with smoking cessation and steroids for 7 months, required hospitalization for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. This acute episode was very likely an exacerbation of his DIP after a smoking relapse period of 6 weeks prior to this acute presentation. This report also highlights unique CT findings in a DIP case of pleural effusions and mediastinal adenopathies seen chronically and relapsing acutely. To the best of our knowledge, CT findings of pleural effusions and mediastinal adenopathies concurrently have not been described in a case of DIP in chronic or acute conditions.
Incidence of Second Malignancy in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 13 Dataset
Authors: Endo Mayumi , Liu Jessica B. , Dougan Marcelle , Lee Jennifer S.
Published: June 2018

Increased risk of second primary malignancy (SPM) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been reported. Here, we present the most updated incidence rates of second primary malignancy from original diagnosis of PTC by using the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results. In this cohort, 3,200 patients developed SPM, a substantially higher number than in the reference population of 2,749 with observed to expected ratio (O/E) of 1.16 (95% CI; 1.12–1.21). Bone and joint cancer had the highest O/E ratio of 4.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33–7.15) followed by salivary gland (O/E 4.15; 95% CI 2.76–6.0) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (O/E 3.98; 95% CI 2.12–6.8). Mean age at the diagnosis of SPM was 64.4 years old. Interestingly, incidence of colorectal cancer was lower in thyroid cancer survivors compared to general population (large intestine O/E 0.3; 95% CI 0.06–0.88, rectum O/E 0.6; 95% CI 0.41–0.85); however, this was not observed in patients who underwent radiation therapy. The incidence of SPM at all sites was higher during 2000–2012 compared to 1992–1999 (O/E 1.24 versus 1.10). Surprisingly, patients with micropapillary cancer had higher incidence of SPM than counterparts with a larger tumor in radiation group (O/E of 1.40 versus 1.15). O/E of all cancers were higher in males compared to females with O/E of 1.41 versus 1.17 during the period of 2000–2012. Diagnosis of PTC before age 50, especially at age 30–34, was associated with higher incidence of overall SPM (age 30–34; O/E 1.43; 95% CI; 1.19–1.71). Efficient monitoring strategies that include age at the time of thyroid cancer diagnosis, exposure to radiation, gender, and genetic susceptibility may successfully detect SPM earlier in the disease course. This is especially important given the excellent prognosis of the initial thyroid cancer itself.
Analysis of the Complete Genome Sequence ofBacillus atrophaeusGQJK17 Reveals Its Biocontrol Characteristics as a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium
Authors: Ma Jinjin , Wang Chengqiang , Wang Haide , Liu Kai , Zhang Tongrui , Yao Liangtong , Zhao Zhou , Du Binghai , Ding Yanqin
Published: June 2018

Bacillus atrophaeusGQJK17 was isolated from the rhizosphere ofLycium barbarumL. in China, which was shown to be a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium as a new biological agent against pathogenic fungi and gram-positive bacteria. We present its biological characteristics and complete genome sequence, which contains a 4,325,818 bp circular chromosome with 4,181 coding DNA sequences and a G+C content of 43.3%. A genome analysis revealed a total of 8 candidate gene clusters for producing antimicrobial secondary metabolites, including surfactin, bacillaene, fengycin, and bacillibactin. Some other antimicrobial and plant growth-promoting genes were also discovered. Our results provide insights into the genetic and biological basis ofB. atrophaeusstrains as a biocontrol agent for application in agriculture.
System Reliability Assessment Based on Failure Propagation Processes
Authors: Lin Shuai , Wang Yanhui , Jia Limin
Published: June 2018

One or several component failures may lead to more related component malfunction and ultimately cause system reliability reduction. Based on this, we focus on the assessment system reliability of complex electromechanical systems (CEMSs) in a fault‐propagation view. First, failure propagation model taking into consideration failure data based on network theory and improved polychromatic sets is proposed for system reliability evaluation. From the node point of view, system effectiveness index is constructed to investigate the variation of efficiency of the holistic network. Subsequently, from the system’s perspective, system reliability measurement is provided and estimated in combination with system effectiveness index and failure propagation models. Finally, the application of proposed method to a bogie system of high‐speed train assesses system reliability, and meanwhile, the effectiveness of the proposed method is able to be illustrated.
MicroRNAs as Immunotherapy Targets for Treating Gastroenterological Cancers
Authors: Yang Yixin , Alderman Christopher , Sehlaoui Ayoub , Xiao Yuan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2018

Gastroenterological cancers are the most common cancers categorized by systems and are estimated to comprise 18.4% of all cancers in the United States in 2017. Gastroenterological cancers are estimated to contribute 26.2% of cancer-related death in 2017. Gastroenterological cancers are characterized by late diagnosis, metastasis, high recurrence, and being refractory to current therapies. Since the current targeted therapies provide limited benefit to the overall response and survival, there is an urgent need for developing novel therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of gastroenterological cancers. Immunotherapy has been developed and underwent clinical trials, but displayed limited therapeutic benefit. Since aberrant expressions of miRNAs are found in gastroenterological cancers and miRNAs have been shown to regulate antitumor immunity, the combination therapy combining the traditional antibody-based immunotherapy and novel miRNA-based immunotherapy is promising for achieving clinical success. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the miRNAs and long noncoding RNAs that exhibit immunoregulatory roles in gastroenterological cancers and precancerous diseases of digestive system, as well as the miRNA-based clinical trials for gastroenterological cancers. This review also analyzes the ongoing challenge of identifying appropriate therapy candidates for complex and dynamic tumor microenvironment, ensuring efficient and targeted delivery to specific cancer tissues, and developing strategy for avoiding off-target effect.
An Adaptive Backoff Mechanism for IEEE 802.15.4 Beacon‐Enabled Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Henna Shagufta , Sarwar Muhammad Awais
Published: June 2018

Carrier sense multiple access mechanism with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) in IEEE 802.15.4‐based wireless body area networks (WBANs) may impair the transmission reliability of emergency traffic under high traffic loads, which may result in loss of high valued medical information. Majority of the recent proposals recommend an early retransmission of failed frame while ignoring the history of past failed transmissions. More importantly, these proposals do not consider the number of failed transmissions experienced by each sensor node, thereby affecting the reliability of retransmissions. In this paper, we propose a dynamic retransmission adaptive intelligent MAC (RAI‐MAC) scheme. In our proposed scheme retransmission class of each sensor node is decided by the coordinator according to the number of failed transmissions of each node as observed by the coordinator during the last superframe. Based on the retransmission class received from the coordinator, each node adjusts its next backoff value. The proposed scheme increases the probability of successful frame retransmissions without incurring extra overhead. The simulation results prove that the proposed scheme based on its adaptive retransmission mechanism achieves higher average throughput and average end‐to‐end delay, while not compromising on energy efficiency as compared to the IEEE 802.15.4 and Block Acknowledgment (Block Ack). Moreover, our scheme appears more stable in terms of average throughput, end‐to‐end delay, and energy efficiency under different values of beacon order (BO) and superframe order (SO).
An Adaptive Image Inpainting Method Based on Continued Fractions Interpolation
Authors: He Lei , Xing Yan , Xia Kangxiong , Tan Jieqing
Published: June 2018

In view of the drawback of most image inpainting algorithms by which texture was not prominent, an adaptive inpainting algorithm based on continued fractions was proposed in this paper. In order to restore every damaged point, the information of known pixel points around the damaged point was used to interpolate the intensity of the damaged point. The proposed method included two steps; firstly, Thiele’s rational interpolation combined with the mask image was used to interpolate adaptively the intensities of damaged points to get an initial repaired image, and then Newton-Thiele’s rational interpolation was used to refine the initial repaired image to get a final result. In order to show the superiority of the proposed algorithm, plenty of experiments were tested on damaged images. Subjective evaluation and objective evaluation were used to evaluate the quality of repaired images, and the objective evaluation was comparison of Peak Signal to Noise Ratios (PSNRs). The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm had better visual effect and higher Peak Signal to Noise Ratio compared with the state-of-the-art methods.
Combined MR Imaging of Oxygen Consumption and Supply Reveals Tumor Hypoxia and Aggressiveness in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Hompland Tord , Hole Knut Håkon , Ragnum Harald Bull , Aarnes Eva-Katrine , Vlatkovic Ljiljana , Lie A. Kathrine , Patzke Sebastian , Brennhovd Bjørn , Seierstad Therese , Lyng Heidi
Published: June 2018

The established role of hypoxia-induced signaling in prostate cancer growth, metastasis, and response to treatment suggests that a method to image hypoxia in tumors could aid treatment decisions. Here, we present consumption and supply-based hypoxia (CSH) imaging, an approach that integrates images related to oxygen consumption and supply into a single image. This integration algorithm was developed in patients with prostate cancer receiving hypoxia marker pimonidazole prior to prostatectomy. We exploited the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) signal in diagnostic diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) images to generate separate images of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional blood volume (fBV). ADC and fBV correlated with cell density (CD) and blood vessel density (BVD) in histology and whole-mount sections from 35 patients, thus linking ADC to oxygen consumption and fBV to oxygen supply. Pixel-wise plots of ADC versus fBV were utilized to predict the hypoxia status of each pixel in a tumor and to visualize the predicted value in a single image. The hypoxic fraction (HFDWI) of CSH images correlated strongly (R2 = 0.66; n = 41) with pimonidazole immunoscore (HSPimo); this relationship was validated in a second pimonidazole cohort (R2 = 0.54; n = 54). We observed good agreement between CSH images and pimonidazole staining in whole-mount sections. HFDWI correlated with tumor stage and lymph node status, consistent with findings for HSPimo. Moreover, CSH imaging could be applied on histologic CD and BVD images, demonstrating transferability to a histopathology assay. Thus, CSH represents a robust approach for hypoxia imaging in prostate cancer that could easily be translated into clinical practice.

Significance: These findings present a novel imaging strategy that indirectly measures tumor hypoxia and has potential application in a wide variety of solid tumors and other imaging modalities.

Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/16/4774/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4774–85. ©2018 AACR.
Upregulation of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase CBLC Enhances EGFR Dysregulation and Signaling in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hong Shiao-Ya , Kao Yu-Rung , Lee Te-Chang , Wu Cheng-Wen
Published: June 2018

CBLC (CBL proto-oncogene c) belongs to the CBL protein family, which has E3 ubiquitin ligase activity toward activated receptor tyrosine kinases. CBLC is frequently upregulated in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet very little is known about the functions of CBLC in tumorigenesis. Here we show that CBLC is an epigenetically demethylated target and its expression can be upregulated in NSCLC after treatment with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5′-azacytidine. Depletion of CBLC significantly inhibited cell viability and clonogenicity in vitro and reduced tumor growth in a xenograft model. CBLC silencing further sensitized EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells to treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Conversely, ectopic expression of CBLC enhanced the activation of EGFR and downstream ERK1/2 signaling after ligand stimulation by competing with CBL for EGFR binding. Analysis of ubiquitin linkages on activated EGFR (aEGFR) revealed that CBLC ubiquitinated and positively regulated aEGFR stability through the conjugation of polyubiquitin by K6 and K11 linkages. This CBLC-mediated polyubiquitination promoted either preferential recycling of aEGFR back to the plasma membrane or trafficking to the cell nucleus. IHC analyses revealed a positive correlation between phospho-EGFR and CBLC in lung adenocarcinoma. In summary, we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which aEGFR escapes lysosomal degradation in a CBLC/ubiquitin-dependent manner to sustain its activation. Our work identifies CBLC as a potential diagnostic biomarker and also points to its utilization as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC therapy.

Significance: This work demonstrates the role of CBLC expression as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res; 78(17); 4984–96. ©2018 AACR.