bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Rice Cultivar, Type, Form, and Moisture Content on the Angle of Repose
Authors: Shi Hu , Siebenmorgen Terry J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract.The angle of repose (AoR) is a primary characteristic determining the flowablity of grains and thus is an important property for designing rice handling and storage facilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the AoR of contemporary rice cultivars grown in the United States. An apparatus was constructed to measure both the emptying and piling AoR of rice samples. The effect of rice cultivars (pureline and hybrid), rice types (long-, medium-, and short-grain rice), rice forms (rough, brown, head, and broken milled rice), and moisture content on the AoR of rice were evaluated. Results indicated that all of these factors significantly affected the AoR of rice. The piling AoR was significantly less than the emptying AoR. Hybrid rice cultivars tended to have greater AoR than purelines, which was attributed to the pubescence characteristic of their hulls. The emptying AoR and piling AoR of tested long-grain rough rice cultivars at 12% to 21% moisture content were in the range of 32.7° to 39.7° and 29.6° to 36.9°, respectively.Increasing the moisture content of long-grain rough rice led to greater AoR, possibly due to increased cohesion of rice kernels. Long-grain rough rice cultivars had slightly lesser AoR than those of medium- and short-grain rice cultivars. Among all tested rice forms, brown rice had the least AoR. Head and broken milled rice had approximately the same AoR as rough rice. Keywords: Angle of repose, Bridging, Flowablity, Friction, Rice.
Experimental Study on Jet Breakup Morphologies and Jet Characteristic Parameters of Non-circular Nozzles under Low-intermediate Pressures
Authors: Jiang Yue , Li Hong , Hua Lin , Zhang Daming , Issaka Zakaria 
Published: September 2019

Abstract. A High-Speed Photography (HSP) technique was used to investigate the breakup process and flow behavior of low-intermediate pressure water jets issued from square and triangular shaped nozzles. The non-circular orifices were designed based on the principle of equal flowrate with the same pressure in relation to the circular orifice. The breakup morphologies and boundary structures of the jets were studied under different nozzles and working pressures. Two forms of droplet formation and the process of droplet formation, in addition to the jet breakup lengths, initial amplitudes of surface waves and jet diffusion angles of different nozzles were evaluated. It was found that the jet presented a good continuity and fluidity in the initial section, and the fluid bands gradually appeared due to the air resistance and the jet break up as the disturbance intensifies. The degree of jet breakup was enhanced with the increase of pressure and cone nozzle angle. The random appearance of the fluid band structures and the dactylitic textures near the nozzles for non-circular jets appeared earlier than those produced by the circular jets. The small satellite droplets with different shapes and sizes were seen inside and outside the jet interface. Triangular jets exhibited the shortest breakup length, the initial amplitude of surface wave, and the diffusion angle of the jet at the same pressure were largest compared with square and circular jets. Two index equations of jet characteristic lengths and equivalent diameters of both circular and non-circular nozzles were fitted with a relative error of less than 10%, which means the fitting formulas are accurate. Keywords: Breakup length, High-speed photography, MATLAB simulation, Non-circular nozzle, Surface wave amplitude.
Serum S100B and intelligence in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Noviarisa Nurul , Chundrayetti Eva , Lubis Gustina 
Published: September 2019

Background Down syndrome is characterized by physical and mental retardation and caused by chromosome 21 (Hsa21) abnormalities. The S100B is a protein that is overproduced in Down syndrome due to overexpression of chromosome 21 genes. Comorbidities caused by S100B in Down syndrome are cognitive deterioration and early onset of dementia.
Objective To assess for a possible association between S100B protein and intelligence levels in children with Down syndrome.
Method This cross-sectional study included students in a special needs school in Padang, West Sumatera, who had the characteristic clinical features of Down syndrome and trisomy 21 by chromosome analysis. Examination of S100B levels was carried out using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured using the 4th edition of the Wechlser Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) method.
Results A total of 39 children with Down syndrome participated in the study. There were 25 children with mild mental retardation and 15 children with moderate-severe mental retardation. The mean S100B levels were not significantly different between groups [479.1 (SD 204) pg/mL in the mild mental retardation group and 458.7 (SD 158) pg/mL in the moderate-severe mental retardation group; P > 0.05]. The mean S100B level was significantly higher in subjects aged ≤ 10 years than in those aged > 10 years [566.9 (SD 210.0) pg/mL and 434.4 (SD 167.2) pg/mL, respectively (P<0.05)].
Conclusion There is no association between S100B and intelligence levels in children with Down syndrome. There is a significant association between higher S100B levels and younger age in children with Down syndrome.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy and left ventricular diastolic function in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Agustini Ni Made Ayu , Gunawijaya Eka , Venny Kartika Yantie Ni Putu , Dewi Kumara Wati Ketut , Ayu Witarini Komang , Santoso Hendra 
Published: September 2019

Background In the past, cardiovascular involvement did not seem to be a common complication of HIV, but in recent years it has been described more frequently. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the symptoms of cardiac disease has changed, as the number of HIV-infected patients with abnormal diastolic parameters has increased significantly, often presenting as symptomatic rather than asymptomatic.
Objective To analyze for a possible correlation between HAART duration and left ventricular diastolic function in HIV-infected children.
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to December 2017 at the Cardiology and Allergy-Immunology Division/Department of Child Health, Universitas Udayana Medical School/Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali. Subjects with HAART were collected using a consecutive sampling method. The following data were recorded for each subject: age, sex, current stage of HIV, CD4+ level, as well as HAART regimen and duration of use. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed for tissue doppler imaging (TDI) of diastolic function. Spearman’s test was used to analyze the strength of correlation based on normality test results.
Results This study involved 53 subjects, 21 of whom had impaired diastolic function. There was no correlation between HAART duration and diastolic function in children with HIV infection (r= -0.03; P=0.82).
Conclusion Diastolic dysfunction is found in children under HAART treatment, but there is no correlation between HAART treatment duration and diastolic dysfunction.
UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms and jaundice in Indonesian neonates
Authors: Rohsiswatmo Rinawati , Amandito Radhian , Putri Andiani Wanda , Sartika Nilam , Malik Amarila 
Published: September 2019

Background Uridine diphospho-glucuronocyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) polymorphisms are a risk factor for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. UGT1A1 polymorphisms decrease bilirubin conjugation, thus causing hyperbilirubinemia. A variety of polymorphisms have been reported, with UGT1A1*60 and UGT1A1*6 especially prominent in the Asian population. Hyperbilirubinemia polymorphism studies are lacking in Indonesian populations.
Objective To identify UGT1A1*60 and UGT1A1*6 profiles in Indonesian populations of heterogeneous ethnicity.
Methods We enrolled 42 jaundiced neonates who were born from January to April 2017 and treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of our national referral center, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. Genetic mutations *60 of exon 1 and *6 of the promoter region were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism methods, with DraI and AvaII as restriction enzymes, respectively. Clinical data including total serum bilirubin and racial information were obtained by medical records and interviews with parents.
Results There were no homozygous mutations of UGT1A1*6, but 4.8% of subjects were heterozygous. As for UGT1A1*60, 4.8% were heterozygous and 95.2% were homozygous. Racial variations were not observed for UGT1A1*60, while Betawi descendents were found to have many heteroygous forms of UGT1A1*6.
Conclusion Polymorphisms of the UGT1A1 gene were found in Indonesian neonates. Some ethnicities also showed increased tendency towards its incidence, such as the heterozygous form of UGT1A1*6.
A five-year review of children with neuroblastoma at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Sutaryo Sutaryo , Kristian Scolastika Dita 
Published: September 2019

Background Neuroblastoma is the third most common tumor in children, after leukemia and retinoblastoma. The disease presents with a wide range of symptoms.
Objective To assess the clinical profiles of children with neuroblastoma at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital from 2012-2016.
Methods A retrospective review of all children with neuroblastoma under 18 years of age in the Children’s Ward of Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta from 2012-2016. Patients diagnosed and treated in other hospitals were excluded. Data were taken from the Yogyakarta Pediatric Cancer Registry (YPCR) and medical records. Outcomes were assessed by patient status: alive, died, or lost to follow-up.
Results A total of 40 subjects were included in this study. Six (15.0%) patients were diagnosed at <1 year of age, 26 (65.0%) patients at 1 to <5 years of age, 6 (15.0%) patients at 5 to <10 years of age, and 2 (5.0%) patients at ≥10 years of age. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. Four (10.0%) patients had stage IV-S, 34 (85.0 %) patients had stage IV, and 2 (5.0 %) patients had stage II/III of the disease. Proptosis (40.0%) and abdominal mass (35.0%) were the most common chief complaints. Eight (20.0%) patients were alive at the end of observation, 15 (37.5%) died, and 17 (42.5%) were lost to follow-up. The deaths were mostly caused by sepsis.
Conclusion Most patients are diagnosed at the age of 1 to <5 years, with a median age of 3 years. Proptosis is the most common chief complaint. Most patients present in stage IV. Overall survival rate is very low. The high numbers of lost to follow-up should be noted.
P: 2 Opioid Prescriptions Increase the Risk of Hepatic Encephalopathy in a National Cohort of Privately Insured Patients With Compensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Moon Andrew M. , Jiang Yue , Rogal Shari S. , Tapper Elliot B. , Lieber Sarah R. , Barritt A. Sidney 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of cirrhosis associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Opioids are commonly used to treat pain in patients with cirrhosis and may increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy. In a population of patients with cirrhosis and no prior decompensation events, we aimed to assess whether opioids were associated with (1) HE and (2) other decompensation events (variceal bleed, hepatocellular carcinoma, ascites).

METHODS:
We used the IMS PharMetrics database, which includes claims from >70 million privately-insured people in the United States, to identify patients aged 18–64 years with cirrhosis diagnosed from 1/1/2007 to 10/1/2015 based on the presence of two ICD-9 codes (571.2 or 571.5) on separate dates. We excluded patients with any decompensation event (defined by ICD codes, procedures and medications) from 1 year before cirrhosis diagnosis to 3 months after cirrhosis diagnosis. Opioid exposure was assessed over a 6 month period after cirrhosis diagnosis. Exposure to gabapentin and statins were assessed as positive and negative controls, respectively, to assure internal validity of the database. Our outcomes (HE and other decompensation events) were assessed in the subsequent 6 months (i.e. 6 months-1 year after cirrhosis diagnosis). We performed multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for Charlson comorbidity index, cirrhosis etiology, sex and age to assess the association between opioid, gabapentin and statin prescription and decompensation events.

RESULTS:
Of all patients with compensated cirrhosis (n = 7,580), 30.3%, 2.6% and 10.0% received opioid, gabapentin and statin prescriptions within 6 months after cirrhosis diagnosis. In the subsequent 6 months, 3.1% developed HE and its diagnosis was more common among those with prescriptions for opioids than those without (4.2% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001) but not associated with prescriptions for gabapentin (4.1% vs 3.0%, P = 0.397) or statins (2.8% vs 3.1%, P = 0.738). In the multivariable model, a higher odds of HE was seen in patients with opioid prescriptions (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.29–2.22), but not gabapentin (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.65–2.78) or statin prescriptions (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.54–1.36). In multivariable models, opioids were not significantly associated with other decompensation events.

CONCLUSION:
In this nationwide cohort of privately-insured patients with cirrhosis, opioid prescriptions were common and significantly associated with higher odds of developing HE. Positive and negative controls performed as expected, supporting the validity of the data. Given their potential risks, opioids should be minimized in patients with cirrhosis, even in the absence of prior decompensation events.
P: 4 Uncovering Sex-based Differences in a Rat Model of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Oliveira Mariana M. , Monnet-Aimard Alexis , Tremblay Mélanie , Rose Christopher F. 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:
The impact of sex differences on chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is unknown. The majority of animals used in research are male since the main difficulty with using female animals is the potential impact of the estrous cycle, increasing intragroup variability. The bile duct ligated (BDL) rat is a well-characterized model of CLD and HE in males which has not been investigated in females. Therefore, we aimed to characterize a female BDL model of CLD and HE and compare to male BDL rats.

METHODS:
Female rats underwent either BDL (n = 8) or Sham (n = 8) surgery. After 5 weeks, we assessed estrous cycle phase (by cellular cytology), anxiety (open field test), motor incoordination (rota-rod test) and night-time activity. We also assessed body weight, body composition (MRI), gastrocnemius muscle weight/circumference, grip strength, and ammonia and liver enzymes in plasma. Results from female BDL rats were compared to historical laboratory data from male BDL rats.

RESULTS:
Female BDL rats had increased liver enzymes (ALP (P = 0.001) and AST (P < 0.0001) (but not ALT)), bilirubin (P < 0.0001) and ammonia (P < 0.001), and decreased albumin (P < 0.0001) compared to female Shams. These results were comparable to male BDL rats except ALT and ammonia which were lower in females (P < 0.01). Female BDL rats did not differ in body weight, muscle circumference/weight and grip strength but had decreased fat mass (P < 0.0001), increased lean mass (P < 0.005) compared to female shams. Whereas, male BDL rats have decreased fat mass, muscle circumference/weight and grip strength. BDL in female rats induced a dysregulated estrous cycle compared to Sham (increased metestrus phase (P < 0.01)). Similar to male BDL rats, female BDL rats had increased anxiety (P < 0.005), motor incoordination (P < 0.05), and decreased night activity (P < 0.05) independent of the estrous cycle phase.

CONCLUSIONS:
We demonstrated BDL surgery in females leads to hepatic and neurological impairment comparable to male BDL rats (similar intra-group variability). Interestingly, female BDL rats developed unique features. Contrary to male BDL vs Shams, body weight and muscle mass does not differ between female BDL and Shams. Since muscle mass plays an important compensatory role in regulating ammonia levels, this could explain why the increase in blood ammonia levels in female BDL rats (vs. female Shams) was lower compared to male BDL. We expect that this model will provide new insights on the effect of sex differences on the pathogenesis of CLD and HE and help to personalize HE treatment.
P: 5 Let7f Expression Is Upregulated in the Frontal Cortex During Acute Liver Failure and Contributes to Hepatic Encephalopathy via Downregulation of IGF1 Expression
Authors: Williams Elaina , Grant Stephanie , Petrescu Anca , Blaney Hanna , Davis Sam , Frampton Gabriel , McMillin Matthew , DeMorrow Sharon 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication that arises due to loss of liver function and is associated with increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, neuroinflammation and subsequent onset of cognitive decline. We have previously shown that increased circulating TGFβ levels induce BBB permeability and contribute to the development of HE. Associated with the aberrant TGFβ signaling during HE was an upregulation of the microRNA Let7f, a known modulator of IGF1 expression in the brain. However, whether Let7f contributes to the development of HE is unknown. The aims of this study were to assess the expression of Let7f in a mouse model of Type A HE and to determine its involvement in the neurological complications of acute liver failure (ALF).

METHODS:
C57Bl/6 mice were injected with azoxymethane (AOM) to induce ALF and HE. In parallel, mice were given an intracerebroventricular infusion of a Let7f antagomir or recombinant IGF1 (rIGF1) for 3 days prior to AOM injection. Cognitive impairment was monitored by reflex response assessment at various time points. Neuromuscular deficits were assessed using a grip strength meter, and a digigait analysis system was utilized to measure ataxia. Liver damage was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and serum chemistry. IGF1, Let7f and proinflammatory cytokine expression were assessed by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and/or qPCR. Microglia were stained by IBA1 and cortex field staining and cell morphology were assessed. In vitro, mouse neurons were transfected with a Let7f mimic and treated with vehicle or rIGF1 for 4 to 24 hr. The expression and secretion of IGF1 and the proinflammatory chemokine, CCL2 was assessed by qPCR and EIA.

RESULTS:
Mice injected with AOM had increased Let7f and decreased IGF1 expression in the frontal cortex. Treatment with a Let7f antagomir attenuated the i) suppression of cortical IGF1, ii) neuroinflammation, and iii) neurological and neuromuscular deficits of AOM-treated mice. Specific targeting of IGF1 expression by Let7f was demonstrated in vitro, where treatment of neurons with a Let7f mimic suppressed IGF1 expression and secretion. Furthermore, treatment of neurons with Let7f mimic increased the expression of CCL2, which could be attenuated with the co-treatment with rIGF1. Lastly, infusion of rIGF1 to restore the dampened IGF1 signaling attenuated the neurological and neuromuscular deficits, as well as the neuroinflammation observed in AOM-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS:
Elevated cortical Let7f expression contributes to the pathogenesis of HE in AOM-treated mice via mechanisms involving the suppression of IGF1 expression. These deleterious effects of Let7f during HE can be reversed by inhibiting Let7f expression or by increasing IGF1 concentration in the brain.
P: 6 Interaction of Pre-dementia Mild Cognitive Impairment and Hepatic Encephalopathy in Elderly Patients With Cirrhosis: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Xie Jessie , Acharya Chathur , Vargas Hugo , Duarte-Rojo Andres , Wade James B. , Thacker Leroy R. , Kelly Megan , Fagan Andrew , White Melanie B. , Flud Christopher , Garcia-Saenz-de-Sicilia Mauricio , Bajaj Jasmohan S. 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:
Patients with cirrhosis are growing older and the overlap between hepatic encephalopathy (HE) & pre-dementia mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is unclear. HE affects visuospatial/psychomotor speed while MCI affects memory. Aim: Determine the performance of elderly cirrhotics on tests for HE and dementia and their impact on quality of life (QOL).

METHODS:
Outpatient cirrhotics and controls ages 65–95 years were recruited at 4 centers. Subjects had to have MMSE > 25, no current HE or dementia to be eligible. All subjects got tests for HE (psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score, PHES: 5 tests & low score = poor, EncephalApp, OffTime + OnTime, high score = poor) and QOL: Sickness Impact profile (SIP, high score = poor QOL). Cirrhotics also got tests for MCI; RBANS (tests immediate memory, delayed memory, language, visuo-spatial & attention). A neuro-psychologist evaluated results and divided cirrhotics into (A) unimpaired (B) MCI only (C) HE only & (D) (MCI/HE overlap). Demographics, MELD, alcohol etiology, and SIP were compared. Finally, age, gender and education-adjusted norms were created for PHES and EncephalApp based on the controls. Presence of MHE and sensitivity of EncephalApp for MHE diagnosis were evaluated.

RESULTS:
109 cirrhotics and 100 non-cirrhotic subjects were included. Demographics/education levels were statistically similar between centers. Controls were older than cirrhotics (74.9 ± 6.6 vs 70.5 ± 4.4, P < 0.05) and had similar education/gender distribution. Despite this, controls performed better than cirrhotics on all tests (PHES 2.9 ± 12.4 vs −4.5 ± +4.5, P < 0.001, EncephalApp Off+On 181.4 ± +71.9 vs 218.2 ± +80.0, P = 0.03) and had a better QOL (SIP total 3.8 ± +7.1 vs 7.9 ± +9.5, Psych 3.3 ± +8.4 vs 7.2 ± +11.1, Phys 3.0 ± +6.2 vs 6.7 ± +9.5, all P < 0.001). Within cirrhosis subgroups (Table 1), demographics, MELD/alc & MMSE were similar. Pts with both MCI/HE had worse cognition on all tests, which translated into a worse QOL compared to other groups. Presence of HE, with/without MCI, contributed towards poor QOL. Norms for PHES/EncephalApp: Adjusting for age, gender & education, 17% (n = 17) patients were positive for MHE on PHES compared to controls. On EncephalApp, 49% (n = 47) patients were positive. AUC for EncephalApp using PHES as the gold standard was 0.86 (0.78-0.95 CI).

CONCLUSIONS:
In this multi-center study, adjusted norms defining the high sensitivity of EncephalApp to diagnose HE in older individuals were created. Presence of HE regardless of MCI contributed towards poor cognition and QOL in patients >65 years.