Artificial kidney: Challenges and opportunities

This review aims to present the developments occurring in the field of artificial organs and particularly focuses on the presentation of developments in artificial kidneys.The challenges for biomedical engineering involved in overcoming the potential difficulties are showcased,as well as the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in this marriage of medicine and technology.In this review,modern artificial kidneys and the research efforts trying to provide and promise artificial kidneys are presented.But what are the problems faced by each technology and to what extent is the effort enough to date?

Critical considerations for the management of acute abdomen in transplant patients

The number of solid organ transplantations performed annually is increasing and are increasing in the following order:Kidney,liver,heart,lung,pancreas,small bowel,and uterine transplants.However,the outcomes of transplants are impro-ving(organ survival>90%after the 1st year).Therefore,there is a high probability that a general surgeon will be faced with the management of a transplant patient with acute abdomen.Surgical problems in immunocompromised patients may not only include graft-related problems but also nongraft-related problems.The perioperative regulation of immunosuppression,the treatment of accompanying problems of immunosuppression,the administration of cortisol and,above all,the realization of a rapidly deteriorating situation and the accurate evaluation and interpretation of clinical manifestations are particularly important in these patients.The perioperative assessment and preparation includes evaluation of the patient’s cardiovascular system and determining if the patient has hypertension or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,or if the patient has had any coagulation mechanism abnormalities or thromboembolic episodes.Immunosuppression in transplant patients is associated with the use of calci-neurin inhibitors,corticosteroids,and antiproliferation agents.Many times,the clinical picture is atypical,resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment and leading to increased morbidity and mortality.Multidetector computed tomo-graphy is of utmost importance for early diagnosis and management.Transplant recipients are prone to infections,especially specific infections caused by cytomegalovirus and Clostridium difficile,and they are predisposed to intraop-erative or postoperative complications that require great care and vigilance.It is necessary to follow evidence-based therapeutic protocols.Thus,it is required that the clinician choose the correct therapeutic plan for the patient(conservative,emergency open surgery or minimally invasive surgery,including laparoscopic or even robotic surgery).

Motivations for and barriers to innovation in non-profit organizations: The case of nursing homes in Northern Portugal

To contribute to the empirical literature on innovation in non-profit organizations,this study examines innovation in Private Social Solidarity Institutions with social responses for the elderly in Northern Portugal.It enriches the literature by clarifying the concept of innovation applied to non-profit organizations,which represents a perspective different from the business context.Moreover,it is important to support the innovation decisionmaking process in similar non-profit organizations.For this study,the population was surveyed through questionnaires based on the PUBLIN research project,which has already been applied in different countries,and the targets were employees of organizations with social responses for the elderly.Our sample is small,with 28 respondent institutions and 51 employees,but it is representative,as it includes institutions from all districts in Northern Portugal.The study employed a quantitative approach,particularly factor analysis,multiple linear regression,and correlation analyses,using scales already applied in other dimensions of the social sector,to understand the effect of each innovation dimension/determinant on creativity and innovation in nonprofit organizations.The results show that in these organizations with social responses for the elderly,learning orientation,risk-taking,and job satisfaction have a positive impact on innovation.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition in diagnosing hepatic focal lesions

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)has become an established method in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in gastroenterology;however,it has recently gained a growing role in hepatology.AIM To evaluate the role of EUS features,strain elastography(SE),and EUS-tissue acquisition in diagnosing hepatic focal lesions(HFLs)that could affect further management.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 215 patients with pancreatic,biliary,or gastrointestinal malignancies referred for EUS examination.HFLs were identified in 43 patients(20%),and EUSguided tissue acquisition was performed from these lesions.RESULTS EUS features were highly sensitive(100%)but much less specific(57%)in diagnosing HFLs;the overall accuracy was 94%.Real-time elastography was also very sensitive(97%)but less specific(67%)in diagnosing HFLs;however,the overall accuracy was 92%.EUS tissue acquisition was extremely sensitive(100%)and specific(100%),with a 100%overall diagnostic accuracy.CONCLUSION The diagnostic utility of EUS-guided tissue acquisition was extremely accurate in diagnosing HFLs.EUS characteristics and real-time SE accurately predicted the histological diagnosis of both benign and malignant HFLs.

Advances in Pharmacology and Toxicology of Marine

The natural alkaloids extracted from Chinese herbal medicine have shown high medicinal value in vivo and in vitro, such as bacteriostasis, anti-virus, anti-tumor and anti-inflammation. This paper focuses on matrine and reviews its action mechanism and toxicological action. It is concluded that the medicinal prospect of matrine is very broad, but more basic research and clinical trials are needed for more comprehensive evaluation.

Serum miR-339-3p as a potential diagnostic marker for non-small cell lung cancer

Objective:MicroRNA(miRNA),a short noncoding RNA,is claimed to be a potential blood-based biomarker.We aimed to identify and evaluate miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:Profiles of 745 miRNAs were screened in the serum of 8 patients with NSCLC and 8 age-and sex-matched controls using TaqMan low-density arrays(TLDAs)and validated in 25 patients with NSCLC and 30 with other lung diseases(OLs)as well as in 19 healthy persons(HPs).The diagnostic performance of the candidate miRNAs was assessed in 117 cases of NSCLC and 113 OLs using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Differences in miRNA expression between patients with NSCLC and controls were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U test.The area under receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)was obtained based on the logistic regression model.Results:Ten miRNAs were found to be differentialy expressed between patients with NSCLC and controls,including miR-769,miR-339-3p,miR-339-5p,miR-519a,miR-1238,miR-99a#,miR-134,miR-604,miR-539,and miR-342.The expression of miR-339-3p was significantly higher in patients with NSCLC than in those with OLs(P<0.001)and HPs(P=0.020).ROC analysis revealed an miR-339-3p expression AUC of 0.616[95%confidence interval(CI):0.561–0.702].The diagnostic prediction was increased(AUC=0.706,95%CI:0.649–0.779)in the model combining miR-339-3p expression and other known risk factors(i.e.,age,smoking status,and drinking status).Conclusions:MiR-339-3p was significantly upregulated in patients with NSCLC compared with participants without cancer,suggesting a diagnostic prediction value for high-risk individuals.Therefore,miR-339-3p expression could be a potential blood-based biomarker for NSCLC.

Attenuation of oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death by Hydnophytum formicar-um Jack.

Objective: To investigate protective effects of Hydnophytum formicarum Jack.(H. formicarum) extracts via regulation of SIRT1-FOXO3a-ADAM10 signaling and antioxidant activity against H_2O_2-induced neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods: Cell viability and apoptosis of neuronal cells pretreated with H. formicarum Jack. extracts under oxidative stress were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) was performed using Carboxy-DCFDA assay. Additionally, a profile of protein expressions related to neuroprotection was detected by western blot analysis. Results: The plant extracts(methanol and ethyl acetate) elicited protective effects on the neuronal cell death as performed by the MTT assay and by apoptosis analysis via the activation of BCL-2. Both ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exerted inhibitory effects against H_2O_2-induced ROS generation in the SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of neuroprotection of H. formicarum Jack. was observed through its antioxidant properties by maintaining the levels of catalase and SOD2 proteins as well as activating SIRT1-FOXO3a pathway. Importantly, pretreatment of neuronal cells with H. formicarum Jack. significantly recovered the levels of ADAM10 protein compared with the H_2O_2 treatment alone. Conclusions: The recent findings suggest the protective effects of H. formicarum Jack. plant extracts on attenuating H_2O_2-induced neurotoxicity in human SH-SY5Y cells.

Modeling the Spike Response for Adaptive Fuzzy Spiking Neurons with Application to a Fuzzy XOR

A spike response model(SRM)based on the spikes generator circuit(SGC)of adaptive fuzzy spiking neurons(AFSNs)is developed.The SRM is simulated in MatlabTM environment.The proposed model is applied to a configuration of a fuzzy exclusive or(fuzzy XOR)operator,as an illustrative example.A description of the comparison of AFSNs with other similar methods is given.The novel method of the AFSNs is used to determine the value of the weights or parameters of the fuzzy XOR,first with dynamic weights or self-tuning parameters that adapt continuously,then with fixed weights obtained after training,finally with fixed weights and a dynamic gain or self-tuning gain for a fine adjustment of amplitude.

Visualizing Clashes and Alliances in Social Networks of Political Discussions

Political discussions are characterized by conflicts of interest, and decisions are made based on negotiations. In general, participants need to reinforce their opinions and influence other participants. In this context, it is important to know how allies and opponents are positioned, in order to understand the discussion dynamics and plan adequate actions. This paper suggests the use of social network visualizations to explicit oppositions and alliances in order to support the understanding and following of political discussions. A system which supports these visualizations was built. An experiment performed to test the proposed visualizations showed to which extent they can be more efficient in identifying information about clashes and alliances than an online discussion system can.

Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments Based on a Simulation Model of Air Traffic Flow Optimization in Panama

There is a growing in number of operations in aviation all over the world.This growing is increasing the necessity of innovation and new technology to respond the increment of the demand.As a respond of this demand,FAA(Federal Aviation Administration)is working with NextGen in the United States and the EUROCONTROL is implementing the Point Merge as solution in the air traffic flow management in Europe.However,the FAA alternative and EUROCONTROL alternative are not mutually exclusive since Panama,a small country in Latin America,is trying to use a combination between the vectoring approach and the Point Merge in the air traffic flow management.In addition,the AAC(Autoridad de Aereonautica Civil)and the Tocumen(Tocumen International Airport)are working in a continuous collaboration between FAA and Panama with the mutual challenge to improve the actual system.As a result,the main airline of Panama,the Compania Panamena de Aviacion(COPA Airlines),and the Autoridad de Aeronautica Civil(AAC)constructed a simulation model to select an air traffic flow alternative that can be able to change the actual situation.In other words,COPA Airlines and AAC are pursuing the minimization of the numbers of conflicts,the number of sequence actions,the flight time,the track flight distance and the fuel burn.Furthermore,this study aims to use the final draft of this previous analysis based on a simulation methodology to conduct a Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments with the final objective to increment the statistical significance of the actual model.

Stability and infectivity of enteroviruses on dry surfaces:Potential for indirect transmission control

Hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)is a contagious disease mainly occurring in young children,and outbreaks commonly occur among young children in the Asia–Pacific region including Thailand.Moreover,the World Health Organization(WHO)monitors HFMD in the Western Pacific region to detect outbreaks and other significant events by the Regional Event Based Surveillance System.HFMD is mainly caused by a group of enteroviruses(EVs)transmitted through direct contact(person to person)and indirect contact with contaminated objects(surface-to-hand).However,few studies have examined the surface stability of EVs.In this study,we investigated the stability of enterovirus A71(EV-A71)and coxsackievirus A16(CVA16)on three different dry surfaces(wood,plastic,and stainless steel)using the endpoint titration using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)staining of viable cells and real-time polymerase chain reaction(viral genome detection).The results revealed that virus infectivity dramatically decreased within a few hours on dry surfaces.However,viral RNA could be detected on dry surfaces for up to 28 days.Concerning heat inactivation,both EV-A71 and CVA16 were inactivated after exposure to 60°C for 15 min.Information on virus stability on different dry surfaces will provide useful information for HFMD transmission control.

Challenges involved in the application of artificial intelligence in gastroenterology:The race is on!

Gastroenterology is a particularly data-rich field,generating vast repositories of data that are a fruitful ground for artificial intelligence(AI)and machine learning(ML)applications.In this opinion review,we initially elaborate on the current status of the application of AI/ML-based software in gastroenterology.Currently,AI/ML-based models have been developed in the following applications:Models integrated into the clinical setting following real-time patient data flagging patients at high risk for developing a gastrointestinal disease,models employing non-invasive parameters that provide accurate diagnoses aiming to either replace,minimize,or refine the indications of endoscopy,models utilizing genomic data to diagnose various gastrointestinal diseases,computer-aided diagnosis systems facilitating the interpretation of endoscopy images,models to facilitate treatment allocation and predict the response to treatment,and finally,models in prognosis predicting complications,recurrence following treatment,and overall survival.Then,we elaborate on several challenges and how they may negatively impact the widespread application of AI in healthcare and gastroenterology.Specifically,we elaborate on concerns regarding accuracy,cost-effectiveness,cybersecurity,interpretability,oversight,and liability.While AI is unlikely to replace physicians,it will transform the skillset demanded by future physicians to practice.Thus,physicians are expected to engage with AI to avoid becoming obsolete.

氢氧化铝/硼酸锌协同配合对炭黑填充氯丁橡胶性能的影响

采用氢氧化铝/硼酸锌(ATH/ZB)为协效阻燃体系,考察了阻燃剂用量、炭黑用量对氯丁橡胶(CR)硫化特性及其硫化胶物理机械性能、动态力学性能以及燃烧性能的影响。结果表明,当炭黑用量相同时,随着ATH/ZB用量的增加,CR混炼胶的硫化速率降低,引燃时间延长,火灾性能指数明显增大,但ATH/ZB的过量加入会阻碍CR的应力诱导结晶,不利于材料的拉伸强度和扯断伸长率。当阻燃剂用量相同时,炭黑用量的增加会使CR混炼胶的焦烧时间缩短,正硫化时间延长,炭黑的增多有助于CR燃烧时的成炭行为,热释放速率峰值明显降低,但不利于引燃时间。

水滑石复配氢氧化铝对氯丁橡胶阻燃性能和力学性能的影响

采用机械共混法制备了水滑石(LDH)/氢氧化铝(ATH)/白炭黑填充的氯丁橡胶(CR)复合材料,考察了LDH用量对CR基复合材料硫化特性、填料分散性、热稳定性、力学性能和阻燃性能的影响。结果表明:与未加LDH的试样相比,添加LDH后CR混炼胶的交联程度和硫化速率下降。当LDH质量份为5份时,体系具有较好的填料分散性。随着LDH用量的增加,CR/ATH/LDH/白炭黑硫化胶的拉伸强度略微下降,定伸应力先下降后升高,热氧稳定性和氧指数不断提高,特别是当LDH质量份超过10份以后,CR硫化胶的热释放速率峰值以及总释放热均维持在较低水平。

Neuroprotective effect of Spilanthes acmella Murr. on pesticide-induced neuronal cells death

Objective: To investigate protective effects of Spilanthes acmella(S,acmella) Murr,extracts against pesticide-induced neuronal cells death and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism in dopaminergic(SH-SY5Y) cells lines,Methods: Cell viability of SH-SY5 Y cells was studied by treating the cells with various concentration of pirimicarb for 24 hr,Neuroprotective effect of S,acmella Murr,extracts was investigated by adding the plant extracts to the medium for 24 hr prior to the incubation with 100 μM H_2O_2 or with pirimicarb for 24 hr,Control-untreated cells were incubated with the culture medium,Cell viability was measured by MTT assay,calpain and calpastatin expressions were analyzed by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry,Results: Pretreatment of SH-SY5 Y cells with S,acmella Murr,extracts(1 μg/m L) for 24 hr significantly increased the dopaminergic neurons in pirimicarb-induced neurotoxicity,In addition,pretreatment with the S,acmella Murr,extracts led to decreased calpain but increased calpastatin protein levels,Conclusion: S,acmella Murr,extracts exerted neuroprotective effect,via an alteration of calcium homeostasis,against pirimicarb induced neurotoxicity,The S,acmella Murr,might be a potential natural candidate with neuroprotective activity.

Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1(IFIT1) polymorphism as a genetic marker of cerebral malaria in Thai population

Objective:To know whether the effect of interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats(IFIT)1 polymorphism influences the susceptibility of cerebral malaria outcome.Methods:Case-control association study was performed among 314 Thai patients(110 with cerebral malaria and 204 with uncomplicated malaria)infected with Plasmodium falciparum.Genotyping for five tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms of IFIT1 was performed by endpoint genotyping.Results:Genotype frequencies of all tag-SNPs(single nucleotide polymorphisms)showed no association with malaria outcome.However,C allele of rs11203109 was associated with the protection from cerebral malaria(OR=0.62,95%CI=0.38-0.99,P=0.048).Two single nucleotide polymorphisms(rs5786868 and rs57941432)were in linkage disequilibrium with rs11203109.Conclusions:This suggests that our associated single nucleotide polymorphism(rs11203109)might be a genetic marker of cerebral malaria progression in the Thai population.

The protective effect of dietary flavonoid fraction from Acanthophora spicifera on streptozotocin induced oxidative stress in diabetic rats

The present investigation was considered in arraying of antidiabetic and antioxidant activity from dietary flavonoid loaded fraction of Acanthophora spicifera(A.spicifera,Family:Rhodomelaceae)on streptozotocin(STZ)induced oxidative stress rats.The testings were acted upon male rats,which were alienated into five groups:control group,diabetic group(single dose of 65 mg/kg,streptozotocin(STZ)i.p.),diabetic with insulin(6 IU),and diabetic with flavonoid rich fraction groups(FRF)at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight,given orally for 21 days.The blood glucose level was determined at different week intermissions.The antioxidant consequences of FRF on STZ-induced diabetic rats were determined by the estimations of the oxidative stress marker like malonyldialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase,catalase and glutathione in tissue homogenates of heart,liver and kidney.FRF treatment of diabetic rats significantly(P<0.05)diminishes the blood glucose altitudes to normal in contrast with diabetic rats.However,FRF administration,significantly decreased the malonyldialdehyde(MDA)and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)and glutathione levels(GSH)in diabetic rats.The outcome designates that FRF fraction from red algae A.spicifera was potent anti diabetic and antioxidant asset against STZ induced diabetes and oxidative tissue breakups.©2016 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

A review on biomedical and dental applications of cerium oxide nanoparticles——Unearthing the potential of this rare earth metal

Nanotechnology deals with particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm in size called as nanoparticles.These nano particles exhibit unique properties which find an application in many industries and medical fields.A growing body of evidence points out the newer developing technologies adopted in the field of medicine in terms of target therapies,imaging systems,drug deliveries,etc.is through the incorporation of nanoparticles.Cerium oxide nanoparticles have gained attention in the last decade due to exceptional properties such as redox activity,biofilm inhibition,antibacterial activity,anti-inflammatory activity,etc.The method of synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles plays a pivotal role in its application.It exhibits redox properties and catalytic activity and thus has found its use in biomedical applications.Nanoparticles are incorporated into dental materials such as restorative cements/sealants,adhesives,and denture systems to improve their properties.Among the various metal oxide nanoparticles,ce rium oxide nanoparticles(CeO_(2)NPs)are known to exhibit lower toxicity to mammalian cells and possess unique antibacterial mechanism.In addition,they exhibit potent properties such as antitumor,antiinflammatory,antibacterial activities,and functions as an immunosensor.CeO_(2)NPs have excellent scavenging properties for reactive oxygen species,which is why they are being considered for therapeutic purposes.In this review,various methods of synthesis of CeO_(2)NPs are discussed.Several factors that determine the particle size and morphology of these materials are important for biomedical and dental applications.Emphasis is given to preparation methods and variables such as calcination temperature,which have a profound effect on particle size and morphology.This article also presents various applications of CeO_(2)NPs in the biomedical and dental fields.

Modeling of Fluidized Bed Gasification:Assessment of Zero-dimensional and CFD Approaches

In modeling fluidized bed gasification experiments,equilibrium and CFD models are valuable options.The existence of multi-dimensional effects inside the reactor vessel due to the kinetics of the process and the fluid dynamics phenomena could result in deviation from the zero-dimensional assumption.Complex models integrating kinetics and hydrodynamics are being developed by using a computer fluid dynamics(CFD)approach.The objective of this investigation is to assess and compare the adequacy of zero-dimensional and CFD approaches in modeling fluidized bed gasification regarding a semi-industrial scale(numerical results are validated under experimental runs).Results show that the zero-dimensional model based on the approach of dual stage equilibrium performs reasonably well in adequately predicting the product gas composition at different operating conditions and for different feedstocks,although with quantitative discrepancy.Furthermore,the discrepancy depends on the oxygen content of the oxidation agent and on the steam-to biomass ratio decreasing when these parameters increased.CFD models provide deeper information being able to estimate the syngas composition or other operating parameter at any point of space and time.Despite of some quantitative discrepancy,the zero-dimensional modeling approach is deemed satisfactory from the viewpoint of the determining design conditions simulation.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme(ACE)Inhibitors May Moderate COVID-19 Hyperinflammatory Response:An Observational Study with Deep Immunophenotyping

Background:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEi)and angiotensin-II receptor blockers(ARB),the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications,counter renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)activation via induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)expression.Considering that ACE2 is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells,the association of ACEi and ARB with COVID-19 outcomes needs thorough evaluation.Methods:We conducted retrospective analyses using both unmatched and propensity score(PS)-matched cohorts on electronic health records(EHRs)to assess the impact of RAAS inhibitors on the risk of receiving invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV)and 30-day mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Additionally,we investigated the immune cell gene expression profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with prior use of antihypertensive treatments from an observational prospective cohort.Results:The retrospective analysis revealed that there was no increased risk associated with either ACEi or ARB use.In fact,the use of ACEi showed decreased risk for mortality.Survival analyses using PS-matched cohorts suggested no significant relationship between RAAS inhibitors with a hospital stay and in-hospital mortality compared to non-RAAS medications and patients not on antihypertensive medications.From the analysis of gene expression profiles,we observed a noticeable up-regulation in the expression of 1L1R2(an anti-inflammatory receptor)and RETN(an immunosuppressive marker)genes in monocytes among prior users of ACE inhibitors.Conclusion:Overall,the findings do not support the discontinuation of ACEi or ARB treatment and suggest that ACEi may moderate the COVID-19 hyperinflammatory response.