bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-reactive protein promotes inflammation through TLR4/NF-κB/TGF-β pathway in HL-1 cells
Authors: Sun Weiping , Wu Yongquan , Gao Mingyang , Tian Ying , Qi Peng , Shen Yujing , Huang Lihong , Shi Liang , Wang Yanjiang , Liu Xingpeng 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. Currently, the pathogenesis of AF is not fully understood yet. A growing body of evidence highlighted the strong association between inflammation and the pathogenesis of AF. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker with increased expression in AF. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if CRP promotes inflammation, which may sequentially mediate the onset of AF and the concurrent atrial fibrosis, through TLR4/NF-κB/TGF-β pathway. HL-1 cells were treated with either 25 or 50 μg/ml recombinant human CRP. TGF-β1 and NF-κB inhibitors were given either solely or together to the 50 μg/ml CRP-treated cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, the expression of apoptotic factors and TLR4, IL-6, TGF-β1, Smad2, and the phosphorylation of Smad2 were determined. Data showed that CRP induced dose-dependent inhibition on cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis, which was induced through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Such effects were reversed by inhibiting TGF-β1 and/or NF-κB. Inhibition of TGF-β1 and/or NF-κB also reduced the expression of TLR4 and IL-6. Inhibition of NF-κB alone weakened the expression of TGF-β1 and phosphorylation of Smad2. Our study demonstrated that CRP is not only a marker, but also an important mediator in the induction of inflammation and likely the pathogenesis of AF. We for the first time reported CRP-induced activation and cross-talk between TLR4 and NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway in a cardiomyocyte model. Reducing CRP and targeting TLR4/NF-κB/TGF-β1 pathway may provide new insights in the therapeutic interventions to inflammation-induced AF.
Increased Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Mental Health Problems in Retired Professional Jockeys: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mackinnon Anna-Louise , Jackson Kate , Kuznik Kerry , Turner Alison , Hill Jerry , Davies Madeleine A. M. , Jones Mary Elizabeth , Delmestri Antonella , Sanchez-Santos Maria T. , Newton Julia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTo examine the prevalence of chronic disease and mental health problems in retired professional, male jockeys compared to an age-matched reference population. A cross-sectional study comparing data from a cohort of retired professional jockeys with an age-matched general population sample. Male participants (age range: 50–89 years old) were used to compare health outcomes of self-reported physician-diagnosed conditions: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety between study populations. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between study groups and health outcome. In total, 810 participants (135 retired professional male jockeys and 675 participants from the reference population) were included, with an average age of 64.7±9.9 years old. Increased odds of having osteoporosis (OR=6.5, 95%CI 2.1–20.5), osteoarthritis (OR=7.5, 95%CI 4.6–12.2), anxiety (OR=2.8, 95%CI 1.3–5.9) and depression (OR=2.6, 95%CI 1.3–5.7) were seen in the retired professional jockeys. No differences were found for the remaining health outcomes. Retired professional jockeys had increased odds of musculoskeletal disease and mental health problems compared to the general population. Understanding the prevalence of chronic disease and mental health problems in retired professional jockeys will help inform screening and intervention strategies for jockeys.
Development of New Biokinetic-Dosimetric Models for the Simulation of Iodine Blockade in the Case of Radioiodine Exposure in Man
Authors: Rump Alexis , Eder Stefan , Lamkowski Andreas , Kinoshita Manabu , Yamamoto Tetsuo , Abend Michael , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Port Matthias 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn the case of nuclear incidents, radioiodine may be liberated. After incorporation it accumulates in the thyroid and by internal irradiation enhances the risk of cancer occurrence. By administering a large dose of non-radioactive iodine the uptake of radioiodine into the gland can be inhibited (“iodine blockade”). Biokinetic models using first order kinetics are not suited to simulate iodine blockade, as the uptake into the gland is mediated by a saturable active transport. Therefore, we integrated an uptake mechanism described by a Michaelis-Menten kinetic into a simple ICRP biokinetic model. We moreover added a total uptake blocking mechanism representing the Wolff-Chaikoff effect becoming active when the gland is saturated with iodine. The validity of the model was ascertained by comparison with IMBA software. The competition of radioiodine and stable iodine at the membrane carrier site was modeled according to the rate law for monomolecular reactions for competing substrates. Our simulations show that competition for the uptake at the membrane carrier site accounts for about 60% and the saturation of the gland with iodine for over 35% of the total protective efficacy that exceeds 95%. Following acute radioiodine exposure, it is preferable to administer a single large dose of stable iodine. In the case of continuous radioiodine exposure, a single dose of stable iodine is less effective than after an acute exposure and splitting the total available dose and shortening the dosage intervals enhance efficacy. Model-based simulations may be a useful tool to develop antidote dosage schemes for uncommon emergencies.
General Movements and Outcome in Children with Birthweights ≤ 500 Grams at Age 5 to 6 Years
Authors: Rieger-Fackeldey Esther , Schulz Peter , Schulze Andreas 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background The prognosis of long-term outcome in the delicate subgroup of preterm infants born with a birthweight ≤ 500 g is difficult. We wanted to determine whether general movements (GMs) correlate with outcome at 5 to 6 years of age in preterm children with birthweights ≤500 g.
Methods GMs were assessed up to 20 weeks postterm age in a cohort of infants born consecutively in our unit between 1998 until 2003. A structured neurological examination, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale, and the Kaufman Assessment Battery Test for Children were applied in surviving children at 5 to 6 years. In relation to long-term outcome, only the postterm GM assessment was analysed.
Results Of 44 infants in total, 19 received immediate life support in the delivery room and were admitted to the NICU (GA 25 weeks [22.3–29.5]; BW 440 g [334–490]). All 9 surviving infants received GM assessment, but only 8 out of 9 infants had postterm assessment; all 9 had outcome assessment at 5 to 6 years. Children with female sex and birthweights>400 g had better outcomes than those with male sex and birthweights < 400 g. Normal fidgety movements and normal repertoire were associated with normal development at early school age in 3 children, in one child with moderate cognitive impairment and light motor impairment. Pathological fidgety movements or repertoire were associated with abnormal motor development and moderate and severe cognitive impairment in 3 children and with normal development in one child.
Conclusion This study shows that normal fidgety movements at postterm age combined with birthweight and sex may predict normal motor and cognitive outcome in extremely preterm children with birthweights ≤500 g.
Acute and Long-term Memantine Add-on Treatment to Risperidone Improves Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Acute and Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Schaefer Martin , Sarkar Susanne , Theophil Ines , Leopold Karolina , Heinz Andreas , Gallinat Jürgen 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Introduction Patients with schizophrenia are mainly characterized by negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. In this proof-of-concept study we tested effects on cognition and negative symptoms of a 6- or 24-week memantine add-on treatment to risperidone in patients with acute or chronic schizophrenia.
Materials and Methods Patients with an acute episode of schizophrenia (n=11) and predominating positive symptoms were randomized to a 6-week add-on treatment with memantine (10 mg twice a day) versus placebo and patients with chronic schizophrenia (n=13) and negative symptoms were randomized to a 24-week add-on treatment with memantine (10 mg twice a day) versus placebo. All patients received antipsychotic medication with risperidone (2–8 mg/day). Psychopathological changes were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Cognitive function was measured at baseline, after 6 weeks, and 24 weeks.
Results Patients with acute schizophrenia who received add-on treatment with memantine showed a significantly higher performance in attention intensity (p=0.043), problem-solving (p=0.043), verbal learning (p=0.050), and flexibility (p=0.049). Patients with chronic schizophrenia showed a significantly higher immediate memory in the memantine group compared to the placebo group (p=0.033) and a significantly greater reduction of the PANSS sum score if compared to the placebo group.
Discussions Our study gives further evidence that memantine add-on treatment to risperidone may have neuroprotective effects and improve cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. ClinicalTrials.gov Number: NCT00148590 and NCT00148616.
Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Self-Expanding Metallic Stent for Esophageal Malignancy: A Two-Institute Experience
Authors: Balekuduru Avinash Bhat , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Sreenivasa Kirti Koushik Agrahara , Gururajachar Janaki Manur , Reddyvari Kiran , Subbaraj Satyaprakash Bonthala 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) placement is the procedure of choice for palliation of dysphagia in inoperable esophageal malignancies.
Aim To evaluate the safety of placement of SEMS in esophageal cancer at two institutes using only endoscopic control without fluoroscopy and to determine efficacy of SEMS in palliation of dysphagia after deployment.
Methods: Participants who underwent endoscopy and esophageal SEMS placement at two centers for inoperable esophageal malignancy between 2014 and 2017 were included retrospectively. The indication for the procedure and clinical outcome measures like adverse events and improvement in dysphagia score were recorded on uniform structured data forms.
Results: Eighty-three esophageal SEMS placement was performed in 78 patients (mean age 64 ± 10.1 years; 59 men). The indication of SEMS placement was stricture in 72 (92.3%) and in 6 cases SEMS was placed for closure of trachea–esophageal fistula. All the patients in dysphagia score of 3 have improved to lower dysphagia scores post stent deployment. Postprocedure retrosternal pain, respiratory distress, and aspiration pneumonia in 58, 9, and 2 patients, respectively. Five patients required repeat stenting due to tumor ingrowth/granulation tissue during follow-up. The median survival of patients who received SEMS was significantly different from controls who did not receive SEMS (141 [41–360] days versus 98 [30–165 days]; p = 0.01). In 2 cases stent repositioning was done due to distal migration at the time of placement. There was no SEMS migration or stent related complications at follow-up.
Conclusions: SEMS can be placed effectively under endoscopic control without fluoroscopic control in palliation of esophageal malignancy. Early SEMS deployment for palliating dysphagia may lead to survival advantage.
A Review of Gastric Polyps
Authors: Chowdhury Abu Taiub Mohammed Mohiuddin , He Shuixiang , Wang Ru Hua , Guo Dan , Li Yarui 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGastric lesions presenting as polyps becomes common these days. Many different underlying causes have been suspected with the origin of gastric polyps. Generally, a gastric polyp is considered as benign in the first impression unless proven otherwise. Though, they show a vast variety of malignant potentials. This literature is intended to describe and evaluate the variations, presentations, features, and potentials of gastric polypoid lesions.
Arthroscopy Volume in United States Residency Programs: Are New Trainees Prepared?
Authors: Carender Christopher N. , Shamrock Alan G. , Duchman Kyle R. , Glass Natalie A. , Lynch T. Sean , Westermann Robert W. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractArthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure with a prolonged learning curve. The purpose of this study is to determine if current arthroscopic case volume over the course of an orthopaedic surgery residency is sufficient to meet the number of cases required to achieve competence and/or mastery in complex arthroscopic tasks as well as hip arthroscopy. Publicly available Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case log data for arthroscopic procedures from accredited orthopaedic residencies were reviewed from 2007 to 2017. Linear and segmental regression analyses were used to identify temporal trends, with significance set to p < 0.05. From 2007 to 2013, there was a significant increase in the median number of shoulder and knee arthroscopy case logs (p < 0.001). A sharp decline in the median number of shoulder and knee arthroscopy case logs was seen in 2013 to 2014 (p < 0.001), and the number remained low from 2014 to 2017 (p = 0.02, p = 0.03). The median number of hip arthroscopy procedures logged increased significantly from zero cases in 2012 (range: 0–48 cases) to five cases in 2017 (range: 0–76 cases) (p = 0.02). Over the study period, the median number of total arthroscopic procedures decreased from 301 to 186 (p = 0.01). In the United States, the majority of orthopaedic surgery residents graduate with case log numbers that meet theoretical minimum requirements for competence in basic diagnostic arthroscopy of the shoulder, hip, and knee. Resident experience with hip arthroscopy has increased; however, the majority of residents are graduating with little to no hip arthroscopy experience. Moreover, the median number of total arthroscopic procedures has declined to the point where the average graduate may not be able to perform complex hip or shoulder arthroscopy tasks based on previously published data. These findings support the need for further investigation into the best methods for training residents interested in performing arthroscopy as part of their careers. This was a level of evidence III, retrospective cohort study.
Melanin-dot–mediated delivery of metallacycle for NIR-II/photoacoustic dual-modal imaging-guided chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy
Authors: Sun Yue , Ding Feng , Chen Zhao , Zhang Ruiping , Li Chonglu , Xu Yuling , Zhang Yi , Ni Ruidong , Li Xiaopeng , Yang Guangfu , Sun Yao , Stang Peter J. 
Published: August 2019

Significance
Clinical applications of Pt(II)-based anticancer agents have been hampered because of drug resistance, severe side effects, and lack of precise guidance for the therapeutic procedure. To address these issues, we use molecular-dye–modified melanin dots as a multifunctional drug delivery platform to effectively deliver a Pt(II) metallacycle to tumor sites via an enhanced permeability and retention effect. In vivo studies show that nano-agent 1 displays strong NIR-II fluorescence and photoacoustic signals from tumors with a high signal-to-background ratio and successfully guides chemo-photothermal therapy with a superior antitumor performance and reduced side effects. These promising results will provide an opportunity for the design of novel multimodal and synergistic therapeutic agents for biomedical applications.
When non-renditions are not the exception
Authors: Vargas-Urpi Mireia 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This article seeks to explore the nature and function of non-renditions in a corpus of transcriptions of 55 authentic interpreted court proceedings from Barcelona (the TIPp corpus). By doing so, it establishes a dialogue with Cheung’s (2017) contribution about non-renditions in court interpreting in Hong Kong. The transcriptions of the TIPp corpus were annotated using the software EXAMARALDA following Wadenjsö’s (1998) distinction between “talk as text” and “talk as activity”. Non-renditions were considered a part of “talk as activity”. A distinction was made between justified non-renditions, i.e. those that were used to ask for a pause to interpret, to ask for clarification, to confirm possibly misheard information and to retrieve parts of the original message in case of a lapsus, and unjustified non-renditions, e.g. when interpreters give advice to the defendants or warn them, when they answer on behalf of defendants, or when they supply information not provided in the original utterances. The findings reveal alarming averages of non-renditions in the bilingual parts of the trial (58.3 per bilingual hour), with a higher ratio of unjustified non-renditions. These findings have a clear correlation with the poor working conditions of court interpreters in Spain and reveal an urgent need for professionalisation of this practice in this country.
The influence of the temperature of hydro-pneumatic spring into the state of tracked vehicle
Authors: Jiang Mang 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Based on the multi-body dynamics model, the influence of the temperature of the hydro-pneumatic spring on the state of a lighted tracked vehicle under several driving conditions is studied. A multi-body dynamics model of chassis and body of a tracked vehicle is established, and verified with simulation and experimental results in the relevant literatures. Typical driving conditions are studied including running on a flat road with constant velocity, passing a semi-round obstacle with the radius of 200 mm, and running on a sinusoidal surface with wavelength of 2 m and amplitude of 100 mm. Some responses of the vehicle are compared and analyzed, so as to obtain the influence of the temperature of hydro-pneumatic spring. The numerical analysis results show that the temperature of hydro-pneumatic spring has a significant effect on the vehicle’s responses including height of centroid, vertical acceleration of centroid, pitch angle, track tension and gas pressure of the springs.
Operational Efficiency Improvement of Ply Cutting Machine for Aircraft Tires
Authors: Eaknipitsari Kulanit , Chutima Parames 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This research focuses on the operational efficiency improvement of ply cutting machines for aircraft tires by implementing the design of experiments (DOE) and Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) methods to decrease loss time caused by machine stoppages found at let-off and splicer processes. The problem comes from high loss time because the system’s parameters are not set properly and high setup time of the machine. Therefore, the operations efficiency improvement has been conducted by setting a suitable flow rate at the splicer and changing activities of the operator in order to reduce waiting time. Improved efficiency is implemented in the Ply cutting machine from July 2018 to August 2018. The result shows the increase in the average production from 23 rolls/shift to 28 rolls/shift. Furthermore, a cost saving for efficiency improvement is equal to 36M baht per year.
Energy Output Efficiency of Shielded Mild Detonation Cord in Cylinder Structures
Authors: Feng Lina , Li Dong , Tian Jiandong , Hu Zhenxing , Sun Jing 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Expanding tube separation device is a commonly used linear separation device, whose energy resource is a shielded mild detonation cord (SMDC). In this research, the SMDC is a mild detonation cord sheathed in flat polyethylene. Two experiments were achieved to discuss the energy output efficiency of the SMDC. In the first experiment, the SMDC was inserted into 1060 aluminum cylinder directly. While in the other experiment, the SMDC was insert into aluminum cylinder after contained within a flat steel tube. The velocity and displacement of the characteristic points on the outer surface of the aluminum cylinder during explosion were measured by photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV). The simulation results with Ls-dyna fluid-solid coupling algorithm correspond well with the experimental results. According to the simulation analysis, the distribution of total energy of explosives were obtained. The plastic strain energy of the aluminum cylinder corresponds to the ability of the SMDC to do external work. The result shows that, 39.3% of the total energy in the explosive is output to aluminum cylinder with SMDC acting on it directly, while the energy output efficiency turns to 20.8% after passing through the flat tube.
Prediction of superplastic forming of 7475 aluminium alloy sheets
Authors: Yang J , Giraud E , Dal Santo P , Boude S , Lebrun J-L 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Superplastic forming is mainly used in the aeronautic and astronautic domains and to fabricate the complex shape parts with the materials hard to process. The numerical simulation is used to predict the superplastic forming process due to the difficulty to predict a forming pressure by a traditional trial and error method. In the article, the superplastic behaviour of a 7475 aluminium alloy has been investigated. Uniaxial tensile tests over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates have been performed. An Arrhenius-type model using strain compensation has been identified. A failure criterion based on the evolution of fracture work is also proposed. This material model has been implemented by user subroutine in numerical simulations (ABAQUS) to predict the ability of the material to form a complex revolution part by superplastic forming. A pressure control algorithm has been developed to minimize the pressure instability and decrease the simulation CPU time. The numerical results, in terms of thickness evolution in the formed component and location of damage-risk zones, have finally been compared to experimental results after the realization of some bulging experiments using the generated pressure cycle.
Parametric Study for Calculating Surface Deflection Using the Method of Images
Authors: An Y , Zhang R , Li P , Luo D , Jin X 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The solution of the elastic field for inclusions in an elastic half space has been applied widely in many contact analyses and engineering designs. A popular method to solve the half-space inclusion problem resorts to the method of images, where the solution is decomposed into 3 components consisting of the full space inclusion, mirrored inclusion, and the surface traction cancellation. In the process of cancelling the redundant surface tractions determined from a full space inclusion problem, the computation domain is supposed to be limited in a finite size and there is inevitably truncation error. It has not been quantitatively investigated how the truncation error will influence the accuracy of the numerical computations based on the method of images. This work studies the deflection of the boundary surface of a half-space containing an Eshelby inclusion. Errors due to mesh refinement and domain truncation are quantitatively analyzed. Parametric studies are performed for a systematic examination of surface redundant tractions and their influences.
Non-destructive testing Techniques based on Failure Analysis of Steam Turbine Blade
Authors: Tian Li , Hai Yan , Qingyue Zeng , Qin Yin 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Turbine blades are core components in turbine. It is of great significance to diagnose the blade failures at early stage and regularly inspect them at run time. Based on the analysis of blade failures, a comprehensive application summarize of different non-destructive testing techniques in blade inspection was made in this paper. The non-destructive testing techniques include visual testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, radiological testing, conventional ultrasonic testing, ultrasonic phased array testing, eddy current testing and metal magnetic memory testing. The applicability and limitation of different methods were demonstrated through comparison and analysis.