bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Cooking Characteristics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces of Lamjung and Tanahun Districts, Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Amrit , Dhakal Anup , Sharma Shishir , Poudel Ankur
Published: August 2020

After the Green Revolution, the increase in the choice of modern varieties at the expense of landraces has become a major cause of varietal loss. The preference, choice, and the economy of rice (Oryza sativa L.) largely depend on its physicochemical and cooking properties, which are found to be superior for landraces than modern varieties. In this study, we assessed and evaluated milled rice of 30 rice landraces on their physicochemical and cooking characteristics which aim to promote the revival of old landraces. Six parameters of physical properties, four parameters of chemical properties, and five parameters of cooking properties were evaluated based on the standard protocols. Significant variations (p<0.05) were found in all the properties that were evaluated. The result showed that the highest milling recovery was found in Indrabeli (75.55%) whereas the lowest was found in Kalo Masino (66.98%) and bulk density ranged from 0.81 g/cm3 to 0.88 g/cm3 showing not much variability. Although most of them were of medium grain type, their 1000 kernel weight varied between 12.62 g and 25.65 g. From the observed chemical properties, Pahelo Anadi (9.73±0.55 mm) showed the highest gel consistency and lowest apparent amylose content (7.23±0.36%). Also, 13% of landraces possessed strong aroma while noble cooking properties were showed by Thakali Lahare Marsi with the highest elongation ratio (2.41±0.05) and by Chiniya with the lowest gruel solid loss (0.033±0.03%) and minimum optimum cooking time (23.45±0.03 min). In the principal component analysis, the first four principal components retained 73.8% of the variance. The first and second principal components were mostly related with the physical and chemical characteristics while the third and fourth principal components were concerned with cooking characters. Superior characters possessed by rice landraces can be further assessed for the breeding programs so that the cultivation of these cherished rice landraces can be enhanced.
Development of a New Lateral Flow Assay Based on IBMP‐8.1 and IBMP‐8.4 Chimeric Antigens to Diagnose Chagas Disease
Authors: Silva Edimilson D. , Silva Ângelo A. O. , Santos Emily F. , Leony Leonardo M. , Freitas Natália E. M. , Daltro Ramona T. , Ferreira Antônio G. P. , Diniz Rafaela L. , Bernardo Aline R. , Luquetti Alejandro O. , Krieger Marco A. , Celedon Paola A. F. , Viñas Pedro A. , Zanchin Nilson I. T. , Santos Fred L. N.
Published: August 2020

Despite several available methodologies for Chagas disease (CD) serological screening, the main limitation of chronic CD diagnosis is the lack of effective tools for large‐scale screening and point‐of‐care diagnosis to be used in different CD epidemiological scenarios. Taking into account that developing such a diagnostic tool will significantly improve the ability to identify CD carriers, we aimed at performing a proof‐of‐concept study (phase I study) to assess the use of these proteins in a point‐of‐care platform using serum samples from different geographical settings of Brazil and distinct clinical presentations. The diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on a panel of two WHO International Standards (IS) and 14 sera from T. cruzi‐positive and 16 from T. cruzi‐negative individuals. The results obtained with the test strips were converted to digital images, allowing quantitative comparison expressed as a relative band intensity ratio (RBI). The diagnostic potential and performance were also determined. Regardless of the geographical origin or clinical presentation, all sera with T. cruzi antibodies returned positive both for IBMP‐8.1 and IBMP‐8.4 chimeric antigens. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values was 100% for both antigens, demonstrating an outstanding overall diagnostic accuracy (100%). Based on the data, we believe that the lateral flow assays based on these antigens are promising methodologies for screening CD.
Latrine Ownership and Its Determinants in Rural Villages of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ajemu Kiros Fenta , Desta Abraham Aregay , Berhe Asfawosen Aregay , Woldegebriel Ataklti Gebretsadik , Bezabih Nega Mamo
Published: August 2020

Background. Open defecation was largely a rural phenomenon most widely attributed to poor latrine ownership at community level. We aimed at examining latrine ownership and its determinants in rural villages of the Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2018. A total of 756 randomly selected households were involved in the study. The multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select study households. Data were checked, coded, and entered into Epi-Info version 7. Besides, it was exported to SPSS version 20 for data analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was involved to estimate the net effect size of factors associated with latrine ownership. Results. The proportion of households owning latrine was 35.7%. The majority (84.4%) of constructed latrines were utilized by household families. Households advocated latrine IEC by Health Extension Workers (HEWs) (AOR = 1.902, 95% CI: 1.269–2.852), living in their private house (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.528–6.401), and the occupation status of government employees (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 0.586–21.397) are more likely to lead to the construction of latrines. The availability of latrine made on slab floor (AOR = 1.790, 95% CI: 0.297–3.102), having a latrine constructed inside the household compound (AOR = 4.463, 95% CI: 1.021–19.516), and delivery of latrine IEC by Women Development Armies (WDAs) (AOR = 2.425, 95% CI: 0.728–8.083) may lead to better latrine utilization at the household level. Conclusion. Households owning latrine at the community level were low. The desired level of latrine ownership will be realized if all sanitation and hygiene components are kept on eye side by side in line with identified predictor factors.
Berberine Improves Inflammatory Responses of Diabetes Mellitus in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats and Insulin-Resistant HepG2 Cells through the PPM1B Pathway
Authors: Wu Yang Sheng , Li Zhe Ming , Chen Yi Tao , Dai Shi Jie , Zhou Xiao Jie , Yang Yuan Xiao , Lou Jian Shu , Ji Li Ting , Bao Yu Ting , Xuan Ling , Lin Lu Ning , Li Chang Yu
Published: August 2020

Berberine (BBR), a natural compound extracted from a Chinese herb, has been shown to effectively attenuate insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation in the clinic. However, its ameliorative mechanism against IR is not well defined. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of BBR and protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1B (PPM1B) on IR. Biochemical measurements and liver histopathology were detected using the biochemical analyzer and HE staining in ZDF rats, respectively. Microarray analysis of liver tissues was performed, and differentially expressed gene (DEG) levels were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. Additionally, the effect of BBR was also explored in HepG2-IR cells. The glucose oxidase method and the fluorescent glucose analog were used to detect glucose consumption and uptake, respectively. The PKA inhibitor H89, ELISA, qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were employed to estimate the expression levels of related signaling pathways. To evaluate the roles of PPM1B, HepG2-IR cells were stably infected with lentivirus targeting PPM1B. The administration of BBR drastically decreased the body weight, urine volume, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), CHOL, hepatic index levels, and pathologic changes and improved ALB levels in ZDF rats with PPM1B upregulation. Furthermore, BBR effectively improves glucose consumption, uptake, and inflammation in HepG2-IR cells. The knockdown of PPM1B expression aggravated the inflammatory response and glycometabolism disorder in HepG2-IR cells. Mechanistically, a reversal in the expression of cAMP, PKA, PPM1B, PPARγ, LRP1, GLUT4, NF-κB p65, JNK, pIKKβ Ser181, IKKβ, IRS-1 Ser307, IRS-1, IRS-2 Ser731, IRS-2, PI3K p85, and AKT Ser473 contributes to ameliorate IR in HepG2-IR cells with BBR treatment. Altogether, these results suggest that BBR might regulate IR progression through the regulation of the cAMP, PKA, PPM1B, PPARγ, LRP1, GLUT4, NF-κB p65, JNK, pIKKβ Ser181, IKKβ, IRS-1 Ser307, IRS-1, IRS-2 Ser731, IRS-2, PI3K p85, and AKT Ser473 expression in the liver.
Herb‐Drug Interaction: Application of a UPLC‐MS/MS Method to Determine the Effect of Polygonum capitatum Extract on the Tissue Distribution and Excretion of Levofloxacin in Rats
Authors: Yuan Li , Chen Hao , Ma Xue , Pan Jie , Gong Zi-Peng , Chen Si-Ying , Li Yue-Ting , Wang Ai-Min , Zheng Lin , Huang Yong
Published: August 2020

Polygonum capitatum has unique curative effects on the urinary system. In fact, many Polygonum capitatum‐based preparations are currently used in the clinic. In China, the combination of levofloxacin (LVFX) with a Chinese herbal preparation derived from Polygonum capitatum has been used for the clinical treatment of urinary system diseases, which can improve the curative effects and reduce the side effects of LVFX. However, the herb‐drug interaction (HDI) between these drugs has not been reported and the effect of Polygonum capitatum on the in vivo process of LVFX is unclear. In this article, a sensitive ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC‐MS/MS) method was developed to evaluate the effects of the combined application of LVFX and the Polygonum capitatum extract on tissue distribution and excretion. Thereafter, the method was validated for selectivity, accuracy, precision, linearity, lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), dilution integrity, recovery, and matrix effect. Based on tissue distribution, LVFX could diffuse into all of the tested tissues, with significant differences in the content of each tissue between the coadministration group and single administration group. At 48 h after the combination was orally administered, the urinary cumulative excretion of LVFX decreased from 20.69% to 11.84% while its fecal cumulative excretion decreased from 26.08% to 13.28%. Our results suggest that a drug interaction exists between the two drugs in the process of distribution and excretion. This study provides important experimental evidence for further studies on the clinical efficacy and mechanism of the Polygonum capitatum extract and LVFX.
Plant Disease Identification Based on Deep Learning Algorithm in Smart Farming
Authors: Guo Yan , Zhang Jin , Yin Chengxin , Hu Xiaonan , Zou Yu , Xue Zhipeng , Wang Wei
Published: August 2020

The identification of plant disease is the premise of the prevention of plant disease efficiently and precisely in the complex environment. With the rapid development of the smart farming, the identification of plant disease becomes digitalized and data-driven, enabling advanced decision support, smart analyses, and planning. This paper proposes a mathematical model of plant disease detection and recognition based on deep learning, which improves accuracy, generality, and training efficiency. Firstly, the region proposal network (RPN) is utilized to recognize and localize the leaves in complex surroundings. Then, images segmented based on the results of RPN algorithm contain the feature of symptoms through Chan–Vese (CV) algorithm. Finally, the segmented leaves are input into the transfer learning model and trained by the dataset of diseased leaves under simple background. Furthermore, the model is examined with black rot, bacterial plaque, and rust diseases. The results show that the accuracy of the method is 83.57%, which is better than the traditional method, thus reducing the influence of disease on agricultural production and being favorable to sustainable development of agriculture. Therefore, the deep learning algorithm proposed in the paper is of great significance in intelligent agriculture, ecological protection, and agricultural production.
Tumor Size as a Critical Prognostic Factor in T1-2 Stage Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wu Zilong , Yu Bentong
Published: August 2020

Background. Tumor size has been measured in esophageal cancer for decades, but the role of tumor size in relation to T stage in the prediction of survival is still underappreciated. Thus, the present study is aimed at investigating the influence of T stage on the predictive value of tumor size in clinical stage I–IV esophageal cancer patients. Materials and Methods. Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) cancer registry program. Cox proportional hazards regression was utilized to identify the independent prognostic ability of the factor. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the distribution of survival outcome. Harrell’s concordance index (c-index) was used to quantify the predictive ability of the prognostic model and prognostic factor. Results. According to the T stage, subgroup analysis showed that tumor size was not an independent risk factor in T3 and T4 stage esophageal cancer patients. Furthermore, the predictive power of tumor size was negatively impacted by the increase in T stage. Furthermore, the discriminative ability of the Cox model based on the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system with tumor size outperformed the model based on the TNM system only. Conclusion. The current study identified tumor size as a critical clinical prognostic signature for esophageal cancer with considerable discriminatory ability and prognostic value. Therefore, tumor size should be included in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging of T1-2 esophagus cancer patients.
Long‐Term Effects of Half‐Time Photodynamic Therapy on Retinal Sensitivity in Eyes with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Iwase Takehito , Yokouchi Hirotaka , Kitahashi Masayasu , Kubota-Taniai Mariko , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effects of half‐time photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the retinal sensitivity in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Twenty‐two eyes of 22 patients with chronic CSC were studied. PDT was applied with full‐dose verteporfin and half‐time laser duration. The best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal sensitivity in the central 2 and 10 degrees were evaluated at the baseline, and at 12 and 24 months after the half‐time PDT. The retinal sensitivity was determined by Macular Integrity Assessment microperimetry (MAIA, Centervue, Padova, Italy). The results showed that the mean retinal sensitivities in the central 2 and 10 degrees were significantly improved at 12 months (25.6 ± 2.79 dB, median; 26.11 dB, 25.6 ± 2.25 dB, median; 25.65 dB, respectively; P < 0.001) and at 24 months (26.3 ± 2.62 dB, median; 27.38 dB, 26.6 ± 2.21 dB, median; 27.45 dB, respectively; P < 0.001) after the treatment compared to that at the baseline (19.2 ± 3.93 dB, median; 19.34 dB, 20.9 ± 2.92 dB, median; 20.9 dB, respectively). The BCVA was also significantly improved from 0.18 ± 0.19 median; 0.15 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units at the baseline to 0.07 ± 0.15 median; 0 logMAR units at 12 months (P < 0.001) and to 0.049 ± 0.16 median; ‐0.039 logMAR units at 24 months (P < 0.001). We conclude that half‐time PDT results in a significant improvement of the mean central retinal sensitivity for at least 24 months in eyes with chronic CSC. Thus, half‐time PDT is beneficial in resolving chronic CSC for a relatively long period.
The Carrier Transport Properties of B-Doped Si Nanocrystal Films with Various Doping Concentrations
Authors: Shan Dan , Cao Yunqing , Yang Ruihong , Wang Hongyu , Tao Tao
Published: August 2020

B-doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films with various doping concentrations were prepared by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique. After thermal annealing, the as-deposited samples, B-doped silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs), were obtained in the films. The electronic properties of B-doped Si NC films with various doping concentrations combined with the microstructural characterization were investigated. A significant improvement of Hall mobility rising to the maximum of 17.8 cm2/V·s was achieved in the Si NC film after B doping, which is due to the reduction of grain boundary (GB) scattering in the B-doped samples. With increasing the doping concentration, it was interesting to find that a metal-insulator transition (MIT) took place in the B-doped Si NC films with high doping concentrations. The different carrier transport properties in the B-doped Si NC films with various doping concentrations were investigated and further discussed with emphasis on the scattering mechanisms in the transport process.
High-Performance Standalone Photovoltaic Water Pumping System Using Induction Motor
Authors: Errouha Mustapha , Derouich Aziz , El Ouanjli Najib , Motahhir Saad
Published: August 2020

This work is aimed at achieving a simple and reduced-cost configuration of photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system (PVWPS) using an induction motor with high efficiency. The proposed PV system is composed of two stages of converters which the first one ensures the maximum power point by controlling the duty ratio of boost converter using variable step size incremental conductance (VSS INC) technique. Fuzzy logic control based on direct torque control is proposed to serve the purpose of operating an induction motor. Moreover, the combining of these proposed control strategies has been never discussed. The proposed control scheme is modeled and simulated in detail under MATLAB/Simulink software to evaluate its performance under fast variations of irradiance and daily climatic profile. The obtained simulation results using the suggested control strategies are compared to those using the most used method in the literature (variable step size perturb and observe (VSS P&O) algorithm). The simulation results indicate that the proposed PVWPS performed best in terms of the time of response; pumped water, flux ripples, and the stator currents are reduced.
Green Synthesis of ZnO-GO Composites for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Lin Yi , Hong Ruoyu , Chen Huaiyin , Zhang Di , Xu Jinjia
Published: August 2020

Beneficial from the excellent optical performance of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals and the absorption properties of graphene oxide (GO), the nanocomposites of ZnO and GO with synergistic photocatalytic effects were prepared by a precipitation method, in which GO is utilized as the catalyst carrier. The prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy and also performed photocatalytic activity for the nanocomposites. The results show that ZnO is uniformly loaded on the surface of GO assisted by an effective interface coupling. Due to interface coupling between ZnO and GO, electrons can be directly transferred from the valence band of ZnO to GO. The photodegradation efficiency of the composites reaches to 97.6%, and the first-order reaction rate constant of photodegradation is calculated to be 0.04401 min-1. The novel ZnO-GO composites with excellent photocatalytic performance display promising potential applications in the field of photocatalysis and will provide a new platform for building next-generation graphene-based semiconductor composites.
Identification of Recurrent Variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 across Multiple Cancers in the Chinese Population
Authors: Jiang Yue , Tian Ting , Yu Chengxiao , Zhou Wen , Yang Junzhe , Wang Yifeng , Wen Yang , Chen Jiaping , Dai Juncheng , Jin Guangfu , Ma Hongxia , Shen Hongbing , Hu Zhibin
Published: August 2020

BRCA1 and BRCA2 as important DNA repair genes have been thoroughly investigated in abundant studies. The potential relationships of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants between multicancers have been verified in Caucasians but few in Chinese. In this study, we performed a two‐stage study to screen BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants or variants of uncertain significance (VUS) with 7580 cancer cases and 4874 cancer‐free controls, consisting of a discovery stage with 70 familial breast cancer cases and a subsequent validation stage with 7510 cases (3217 breast cancer, 1133 cervical cancer, 2044 hepatocellular carcinoma, and 1116 colorectal cancer). 48 variants were obtained from 70 familial breast cancer cases after BRCA1/2 exon detection, and finally, 20 pathogenic variants or VUS were selected for subsequent validation. Four recurrent variants in sporadic cases (BRCA1 c.4801A>T, BRCA1 c.3257del, BRCA1 c.440del, and BRCA2 c.7409dup) were identified and three of them were labeled Class 5 by ENIGMA. Two variants (BRCA1 c.3257del and c.440del) were specific in breast cancer cases, while BRCA2 c.7409dup and c.4307T>C were detected in two hepatocellular carcinoma patients and the BRCA1 c.4801A>T variant in one cervical cancer patient, respectively. Moreover, BRCA1 c.3257del was the most frequent variant observed in Chinese sporadic breast cancer and showed increased proliferation of BRCA1c.3257del‐overexpressing triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐231) in vitro. In addition to the known founder deleterious mutations, our findings highlight that the recurrently pathogenic variants in breast cancer cases could be taken as candidate genetic screening loci for a more efficient genetic screening of the Chinese population.
Fuzzy Theory-Based Data Placement for Scientific Workflows in Hybrid Cloud Environments
Authors: Chen Zheyi , Zhao Xu , Lin Bing
Published: August 2020

In hybrid cloud environments, reasonable data placement strategies are critical to the efficient execution of scientific workflows. Due to various loads, bandwidth fluctuations, and network congestions between different data centers as well as the dynamics of hybrid cloud environments, the data transmission time is uncertain. Thus, it poses huge challenges to the efficient data placement for scientific workflows. However, most of the traditional solutions for data placement focus on deterministic cloud environments, which lead to the excessive data transmission time of scientific workflows. To address this problem, we propose an adaptive discrete particle swarm optimization algorithm based on the fuzzy theory and genetic algorithm operators (DPSO-FGA) to minimize the fuzzy data transmission time of scientific workflows. The DPSO-FGA can rationally place the scientific workflow data while meeting the requirements of data privacy and the capacity limitations of data centers. Simulation results show that the DPSO-FGA can effectively reduce the fuzzy data transmission time of scientific workflows in hybrid cloud environments.
Effect of Particle Shape on Repose Angle Based on Hopper Flow Test and Discrete Element Method
Authors: Fu Jian-Jun , Chen Cheng , Ferellec Jean-Francois , Yang Juan
Published: August 2020

The repose angle of granular material is an essential parameter to understand the microbehavior of the granular material and, then, to relate it with the macrobehavior. In this study, a self‐design large‐scale hopper flow test apparatus has been developed to measure the repose angle of the ballast using a fixed funnel method. Then, the numerical simulation using the realistic clump is compared with the experimental test to prove its validity. Meanwhile, the idealized clumps with custom shape parameters, including roughness of particle and ground, angularity, aspect ratio, and sphericity, were chosen to analyze the influences of particle shape on the repose angle. The results show that the angle of repose generally tends to increase with the increase of the friction coefficient of particles and the roughness of the ground. With the increase of the angularity from 0 to 4, the pile height and the repose angle increase. Meanwhile, the extended area decreases accordingly. For cuboid particles, with aspect ratio increasing from 1.0 to 1.67, the angle of repose increases firstly and then maintains a constant between aspect ratio 1.25–1.67. For ellipsoid particles, the angle of repose decreases, then reaches a minimum at aspect ratio around 1.3, and finally increases.
Use of Rubber Mat to Improve Deformation Behaviors of Ballastless Tracks Laid on Bridges
Authors: Zheng Weiqi , Sheng Xingwang , He Hongqiang , Xu Hongyi , Yang Ying
Published: August 2020

The deformation behaviors of ballastless tracks have an important influence on their service performance. In this work, rubber mats commonly used in metro traffic were employed in ballastless tracks laid on bridges to improve their deformation behaviors. In order to research the effect of rubber mat for deformation behaviors, a series of static loading tests were carried out based on two full‐scale ballastless tracks with different types of isolation layers. Main conclusion include that, for ballastless track with geotextile isolation layers, gaps and voids are formed at interlayers with the increasing static load. However, for ballastless track with rubber mat isolation layer, the maximum tensile deformation in the thickness direction unexceeds the precompression of rubber mat under the deadweight of its upper structures. Interlayer gaps and voids can be eliminated due to the precompression of rubber mat. Besides, the rubber mat isolation layer is still in the linear elasticity stage under the routine service condition, and the interlayer behaviors of the ballastless tracks perform well. It is a feasible way to use a rubber mat isolation layer to improve the deformation behaviors of ballastless tracks laid on bridges.
Dandy-Walker Syndrome Associated with Scoliosis: Clinical Presentation, Preoperative Assessment, and Treatment
Authors: Tsirikos Athanasios I. , Wordie Sarah J.
Published: August 2020

Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) affects the posterior cranial fossa resulting in characteristic dysmorphic facial and body features. Scoliosis is not typically reported as an extracranial manifestation of this condition. We present a 12-year-old female patient who developed a right thoracic scoliosis measuring 60° with increased lumbar lordosis. Scoliosis correction was indicated to alleviate back pain, improve cosmesis, and prevent respiratory complications. A multidisciplinary preoperative assessment included cardiac, respiratory, anaesthetic, and neurology reviews. She underwent a posterior spinal fusion from T2 to L3 with pedicle hook/screw and rod instrumentation and a combination of locally harvested autologous and allograft bone. This resulted in excellent deformity correction and a balanced spine in the coronal and sagittal planes. The patient made an uneventful recovery and returned gradually to her normal level of activities. She was monitored in clinic until she completed her growth (4 years after surgery); the satisfactory surgical outcome was maintained at follow-up and was associated with high patient satisfaction. Scoliosis can occur in children with DWS with resemblance to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in regard to type of coronal deformity, age at presentation, surgical techniques, and postoperative recovery. Early identification of scoliosis in patients with DWS can allow preoperative planning and prompt surgical management in order to reduce the risk of significant morbidity which can occur if the scoliosis is allowed to deteriorate. Excellent deformity correction can be achieved and maintained beyond skeletal maturity in order to improve physical appearance, as well as preserve level of function and quality of life.
Ascorbic Acid, Inflammatory Cytokines (IL-1β/TNF-α/IFN-γ), or Their Combination’s Effect on Stemness, Proliferation, and Differentiation of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Fawzy El-Sayed Karim M. , Nguyen Nhung , Dörfer Christof E.
Published: August 2020

Objective. Ascorbic acid (AA) and controlled inflammatory stimuli are postulated to possess the ability to independently exert positive effects on a variety of proliferative, pluripotency, and differentiation attributes of gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (G-MSCs). The current study’s objective was to explore and compare for the first time the impact of the major inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β/TNF-α/IFN-γ), AA, or their combination on multipotency/pluripotency, proliferative, and differentiation characteristics of G-MSCs. Design. Human G-MSCs (n=5) were isolated and cultured in basic medium (control group), in basic medium with major inflammatory cytokines; 1 ng/ml IL-1β, 10 ng/ml TNF-α, and 100 ng/ml IFN-γ (inflammatory group), in basic medium with 250 μmol/l AA (AA group) and in inflammatory medium supplemented by AA (inflammatory/AA group). All media were renewed three times per week. In stimulated G-MSCs intracellular β-catenin at 1 hour, pluripotency gene expression at 1, 3, and 5 days, as well as colony-forming units (CFUs) ability and cellular proliferation over 14 days were examined. Following a five-days stimulation in the designated groups, multilineage differentiation was assessed via qualitative and quantitative histochemistry as well as mRNA expression. Results. β-Catenin significantly decreased intracellularly in all experimental groups (p=0.002, Friedman). AA group exhibited significantly higher cellular counts on days 3, 6, 7, and 13 (p<0.05) and the highest CFUs at 14 days [median-CFUs (Q25/Q75); 40 (15/50), p=0.043]. Significantly higher Nanog expression was noted in AA group [median gene-copies/PGK1 (Q25/Q75); 0.0006 (0.0002/0.0007), p<0.01, Wilcoxon-signed-rank]. Significant multilineage differentiation abilities, especially into osteogenic and chondrogenic directions, were further evident in the AA group. Conclusions. AA stimulation enhances G-MSCs’ stemness, proliferation, and differentiation properties, effects which are associated with a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation. Apart from initially boosting cellular metabolism as well as Sox2 and Oct4A pluripotency marker expression, inflammation appeared to attenuate these AA-induced positive effects. Current results reveal that for AA to exert its beneficial effects on G-MSCs’ cellular attributes, it requires to act in an inflammation-free microenvironment.
Measuring Green Innovation Efficiency for China’s High-Tech Manufacturing Industry: A Network DEA Approach
Authors: Deng Qunzhao , Zhou Shuzhen , Peng Feng
Published: August 2020

Earlier studies on the innovation process in the high-tech manufacturing industry failed to take environmental pollution into account, making it difficult to estimate green innovation efficiency in the industry. From a perspective of innovation value chain, this paper decomposes green innovation process in the high-tech manufacturing industry into two stages: R&D stage and achievement transformation stage; a network DEA approach considering undesirable outputs is utilized to estimate the green innovation efficiency in China’s high-tech manufacturing industry. Compared with the method of conventional innovation efficiency without considering environmental pollution, the estimation method for green innovation efficiency can not only avoid bias of estimation results of provinces producing low pollution emissions like Inner Mongolia and Hainan but also reflect the volatility in efficiency of the high-tech manufacturing industry before and after the implementation of the environmental law.
A Cross‐Sectional Study on the Association of Patterns and Physical Risk Factors with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Academicians in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algarni Fahad Saad , Kachanathu Shaji John , AlAbdulwahab Sami S.
Published: August 2020

Background. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are considered one of the most common health issues in working population and have a high social and economic impact. This study is aimed at determining the MSD patterns and associated risk factors among higher education academicians in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among higher education academicians, randomly selected from different universities within Saudi Arabia. A sample of 207 academicians participated in the present study from different faculties such as nursing, applied medical sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, computer science, science, and engineering for a period of 1 year. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ‐E) was used to assess the MSD patterns and prevalence for the different parts of the body regions, and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) was used to determine the physical risk factors associated with the working conditions in the higher academic occupations. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson chi‐squared test were used for data analysis. Results. The overall prevalence rate was 42.5%, and the pattern of body parts involved was almost similar on both study variables, i.e., descending from the lower back (31.9%), followed by the neck (26.1%), knees (21.3%), shoulder (16.9%), upper back (13%), ankle and foot (10.1%), wrist and hand (7.2%), and elbow (6.3%), and the least common observed region was the hip and thigh (2.4%). The physical risk factors and its association with the body regions based on DMQ related to workload, period of use, and repetitive movements were observed in the wrist and hand (43%), followed by the neck (42%) and trunk (21%). Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the MSDs are lower among the higher academic occupations. However, the most common MSDs observed in this group of subjects are the back, neck, and knee pain, and it is found that some of the lifetime physical activities also have a significant association with these involved body regions.
Integrative Analysis of MAPK14 as a Potential Biomarker for Cardioembolic Stroke
Authors: Li Zhao , Xu Li , Wang Qingxiu
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to obtain the candidate genes and biomarkers that are significantly related to cardioembolic stroke (CS) by applying bioinformatics analysis. In accordance with the results of the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) in the GSE58294 dataset, 11 CS‐related coexpression network modules were identified in this study. Correlation analysis showed that the black and pink modules are significantly associated with CS. A total of 18 core genes in the black module and one core gene in the pink module were determined. We then identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of CS at 3 h, 5 h, and 24 h postonset. After performing intersection, it was found that 311 genes were coexpressed at these three time points. These genes were majorly enriched in positive regulation of transferase activity and regulation of peptidase activity. The abovementioned coexpressed DEGs were subjected to protein‐protein interaction analysis and subnetwork module analysis. Subsequently, we used cytoHubba to obtain 11 key genes from DEGs. The intersection of the core genes screened from WGCNA and the key genes selected from DEGs yielded the MAPK14 gene. The expression level of MAPK14 on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of CS at 3 h, 5 h, and 24 h showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.923, 0.934, and 0.941, respectively. In a nutshell, MAPK14 screened out by using WGCNA showed differential expression in CS. We conclude that MAPK14 can be used as a potential biological marker of CS and exhibits potential to predict the physiopathological condition of CS patients.
A Rare Case of Metastatic Primary Peritoneal Ependymoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cheung Ben Man Fei , Lau Johnny Kin Sang , Lo Anthony W. I. , Luk Mai-Yee , Yuen Kwok Keung
Published: August 2020

Background. Primary peritoneal ependymoma is an exceedingly rare tumour with only four cases reported in the literature. It typically follows an indolent disease course. We describe a rare case of metastatic primary peritoneal ependymoma which was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy resulting in prolonged survival to date for 10 years.Case Presentation. The patient was a 23-year-old female on presentation. She presented with right upper quadrant pain associated with an abdominal mass. Computed tomography demonstrated a large mass displacing the liver. Debulking surgery was done revealing a tumour arising from the peritoneum as well as multiple metastatic pleural and peritoneal nodules. Pathology was consistent with primary peritoneal ependymoma. The patient was then treated with multiple lines of chemotherapy containing etoposide as the backbone. She also received palliative radiotherapy to the thoracic metastases with good and durable response.Conclusion. We reported a rare case of metastatic primary peritoneal ependymoma. Etoposide containing the chemotherapy regimen is effective in the treatment of peritoneal ependymoma. Radiotherapy is also effective for palliation of local symptoms with durable response.
Intratumoral Copper Modulates PD-L1 Expression and Influences Tumor Immune Evasion
Authors: Voli Florida , Valli Emanuele , Lerra Luigi , Kimpton Kathleen , Saletta Federica , Giorgi Federico M. , Mercatelli Daniele , Rouaen Jourdin R.C. , Shen Sylvie , Murray Jayne E. , Ahmed-Cox Aria , Cirillo Giuseppe , Mayoh Chelsea , Beavis Paul A. , Haber Michelle , Trapani Joseph A. , Kavallaris Maria , Vittorio Orazio
Published: August 2020

Therapeutic checkpoint antibodies blocking programmed death receptor 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling have radically improved clinical outcomes in cancer. However, the regulation of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells is still poorly understood. Here we show that intratumoral copper levels influence PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. Deep analysis of the The Cancer Genome Atlas database and tissue microarrays showed strong correlation between the major copper influx transporter copper transporter 1 (CTR-1) and PD-L1 expression across many cancers but not in corresponding normal tissues. Copper supplementation enhanced PD-L1 expression at mRNA and protein levels in cancer cells and RNA sequencing revealed that copper regulates key signaling pathways mediating PD-L1–driven cancer immune evasion. Conversely, copper chelators inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 and EGFR and promoted ubiquitin-mediated degradation of PD-L1. Copper-chelating drugs also significantly increased the number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T and natural killer cells, slowed tumor growth, and improved mouse survival. Overall, this study reveals an important role for copper in regulating PD-L1 and suggests that anticancer immunotherapy might be enhanced by pharmacologically reducing intratumor copper levels.

Significance:

These findings characterize the role of copper in modulating PD-L1 expression and contributing to cancer immune evasion, highlighting the potential for repurposing copper chelators as enhancers of antitumor immunity.
Immune Activation in Patients with Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Treated with Ipilimumab Following Definitive Chemoradiation (GOG-9929)
Authors: Da Silva Diane M. , Enserro Danielle M. , Mayadev Jyoti S. , Skeate Joseph G. , Matsuo Koji , Pham Huyen Q. , Lankes Heather A. , Moxley Katherine M. , Ghamande Sharad A. , Lin Yvonne G. , Schilder Russell J. , Birrer Michael J. , Kast W. Martin
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

A phase I clinical trial (GOG-9929) examined the safety and efficacy of adjuvant immune-modulation therapy with the checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab [anti–CTL antigen-4 (anti–CTLA-4)] following chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for newly diagnosed node-positive human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical cancer. To better understand the mechanism of action and to identify predictive biomarkers, immunologic and viral correlates were assessed before, during, and after treatment.

Patients and Methods:

Twenty-one patients who received CRT and ≥2 doses of ipilimumab and 5 patients who received CRT only were evaluable for translational endpoints. Circulating T-cell subsets were evaluated by multiparameter flow cytometry. Cytokines were evaluated by multiplex ELISA. HPV-specific T cells were evaluated in a subset of patients by IFNγ ELISpot.

Results:

Expression of the activation markers ICOS and PD-1 significantly increased on T-cell subsets following CRT and were sustained or increased following ipilimumab treatment. Combined CRT/ipilimumab treatment resulted in a significant expansion of both central and effector memory T-cell populations. Genotype-specific E6/E7-specific T-cell responses increased post-CRT in 1 of 8 HPV16+ patients and in 2 of 3 HPV18+ patients. Elevation in levels of tumor-promoting circulating cytokines (TNFα, IL6, IL8) post-CRT was significantly associated with worse progression-free survival.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that CRT alone and combined with ipilimumab immunotherapy show immune-modulating activity in women with locally advanced cervical cancer and may be a promising therapeutic option for the enhancement of antitumor immune cell function after primary CRT for this population at high risk for recurrence and metastasis. Several key immune biomarkers were identified that were associated with clinical response.
The Paradoxical Effects of COVID-19 on Cancer Care: Current Context and Potential Lasting Impacts
Authors: Broom Alex , Kenny Katherine , Page Alexander , Cort Nicole , Lipp Eric S. , Tan Aaron C. , Ashley David M. , Walsh Kyle M. , Khasraw Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has fundamentally disrupted the practice of oncology, shifting care onto virtual platforms, rearranging the logistics and economics of running a successful clinical practice and research, and in some contexts, redefining what treatments patients with cancer should and can receive. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, there has been considerable emphasis placed on the implications for patients with cancer in terms of their vulnerability to the virus and potential exposure in healthcare settings. But little emphasis has been placed on the significant, and potentially enduring, consequences of COVID-19 for how cancer care is delivered. In this article, we outline the importance of a focus on the effects of COVID-19 for oncology practice during and potentially after the pandemic, focusing on key shifts that are already evident, including: the pivot to online consultations, shifts in access to clinical trial and definitions of “essential care,” the changing economics of practice, and the potential legacy effects of rapidly implemented changes in cancer care. COVID-19 is reshaping oncology practice, clinical trials, and delivery of cancer care broadly, and these changes might endure well beyond the short- to mid-term of the active pandemic. Therefore, shifts in practice brought about by the pandemic must be accompanied by improved training and awareness, enhanced infrastructure, and evidence-based support if they are to harness the positives and offset the potential negative consequences of the impacts of COVID-19 on cancer care.
Structural Brain Network Correlated with Reading Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ota Miho , Koshibe Yuko , Higashi Shinji , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Tsukada Eriko , Tamura Masashi , Takahashi Takumi , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: August 2020

Aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease and leads to dementia. AD is characterized by progressive declines in memory and, as the disease progresses, language dysfunction. Although it has been reported that AD patients show progressive aphasia, no study has examined the relationship between language functions estimated by the Standard Language Test for Aphasia (SLTA) and brain network connectivity in Japanese AD patients. If present, such a relationship would be of particular interest because Japanese speakers are accustomed to mingling ideography and phonography. Methods: 22 Japanese patients with AD who underwent 1.5-tesla MRI scan and SLTA, the scale for speech and reading impairment, participated in this study. We computed brain network connectivity metrics such as degree, betweenness centrality, and clustering coefficient, and estimated their relationships with the subscores of SLTA. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between the score for “reading aloud Kanji words” and the clustering coefficient in the left inferior temporal region, bilateral hippocampal regions, and right parietotemporal region. We also found a significant negative correlation between the score for “auditory comprehension of words” and the clustering coefficient in the left prefrontal region. No significant relationship was found between the other SLTA scores and the network metrics. Conclusions: Our data suggest relationships between reading impairments and regional brain network connectivity in Japanese patients with AD. The brain connectome may provide adjunct biological information that could improve our understanding of reading impairment.
A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism
Authors: Chaliha Devahuti , Albrecht Matthew , Vaccarezza Mauro , Takechi Ryu , Lam Virginie , Al-Salami Hani , Mamo John
Published: August 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive behaviours, cognitive rigidity/inflexibility, and social-affective impairment. Unfortunately, few pharmacological treatments exist to alleviate these socio-behavioural impairments. Prenatal administration of valproic acid (VPA) has become an accepted animal model of ASD and has been extensively used to explore new pharmacotherapies in rodents. We conducted a systematic review of the behavioural impairments induced by the VPA model in rodents, with specific reference to 3 core socio-behavioural alterations associated with ASD: repetitive behaviours, cognitive rigidity/inflexibility, and social-affective impairment. We systematically reviewed studies attempting to alleviate these core behavioural alterations using pharmacological means. We include 132 studies exploring the prenatal effects of VPA in rodents. Gestational exposure to VPA in rodents has significant effects on rodent-equivalent measures of the 3 core behavioural traits characteristic of ASD in humans, inducing social impairments, repetitive behaviour, and cognitive rigidity/inflexibility after birth. This model’s validity has seen it used to test potential drug treatments for ASD and is likely to continue doing so. We conclude the rodent VPA model may be suitable to examine future therapeutic interventions for ASD, providing an overview of the progress made so far.
A Case of Ofuji Disease Successfully Treated with the Combination of Low-Dose Indomethacin and Topical Tacrolimus
Authors: Marasca Claudio , Ruggiero Angelo , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Megna Matteo
Published: August 2020

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) (Ofuji disease) is a chronic, noninfectious pruritic cutaneous disorder of unknown etiology. No official guidelines are available for its treatment. Herein we present the case of a 59-year-old Caucasian man admitted to our outpatient clinic due to a generalized itchy skin rash characterized by papulo-pustules involving the face, trunk, and limbs. Histological examination supported the clinical diagnosis of EPF (Ofuji disease). The combination of low-dose oral indomethacin and topical tacrolimus ointment once a day led to a complete resolution of the lesions as well as associated symptoms in 8 weeks.