bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of outcomes between Aurolab aqueous drainage implant placed in the
superotemporal versus inferonasal quadrant
Authors: Puthuran George Varghese , Palmberg Paul Frederic , Wijesinghe Hiruni Kaushalya , Shreya Thandra Sai , Krishnadas S R , Gedde Steven J , Robin Alan L
Published: June 2020

Aim

To determine the outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI)
placed in the superotemporal versus the inferonasal quadrant in adult eyes with
refractory glaucoma.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of eyes that had AADI placement and
completed a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The choice of the quadrant was at the
surgeon’s discretion and mainly depended on the amount of scarring and
conjunctival mobility. The cumulative failure rate of the AADI was defined as
intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mm Hg or not reduced by 20% below baseline on
two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, IOP ≤5 mm Hg on two
consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma or a
complication, or loss of light perception vision.

Results

We included 84 eyes with AADI in the inferonasal quadrant versus 69 eyes
in the superotemporal quadrant. A significant drop in IOP was seen in both
groups (18.4±10.4 mm Hg in the inferonasal group vs 17.7±11.1 mm Hg in the
superotemporal group; p=0.63) at 3-month follow-up and this was maintained
until last follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity, IOP, number of IOP-lowering
medications and complications were similar between the two groups at all time
points. The cumulative success rate at 2-year follow-up without IOP-lowering
medications was 57.1% (47.1%–68.1%) in the inferonasal group and 50.7%
(39.8%–63.1%) in the superotemporal group (p=0.47).

Conclusions

Inferonasal AADI placement appears to be an equally safe and effective
surgical option compared with superotemporal AADI placement and may be helpful
in certain clinical situations.
Enhanced injury prevention programme for recreational runners (the SPRINT study): design of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fokkema Tryntsje , de Vos Robert-Jan , Visser Edwin , Krastman Patrick , IJzerman John , Koes Bart W , Verhaar Jan A N , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Running-related injuries (RRIs) are frequent, but no effective injury prevention measures have been identified yet. Therefore, we have set up the INSPIRE trial in 2017, in which the effectiveness of an online injury prevention programme was tested. Although this programme was not effective in reducing the number of RRIs, we gained new insights from this study, which we used to design an enhanced, online multidisciplinary injury prevention programme. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of this enhanced injury prevention programme in a group of recreational runners.

Methods and analysis

For this randomised controlled trial, we aim to include 3394 recreational runners aged 18 years or older who register for a running event (distances 10 to 42.2 km). During the preparation for the running event, runners in the intervention group get access to the enhanced online injury prevention programme. This online programme consists of 10 steps, all covering separate items of RRI prevention. Runners in the control group will follow their regular preparation. With three follow-up questionnaires (1 month before, 1 week before and 1 month after the running event), the proportions of self-reported RRIs in the intervention group and the control group are compared.

Ethics and dissemination

An exemption for a comprehensive application has been obtained by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The results of the study will be disseminated among the running population, published in peer-reviewed international journals and presented on international conferences.

Trial registration number

NL7694
Impact of a targeted bundle of audit with tailored education and an intubation checklist to improve airway management in the emergency department: an integrated time series analysis
Authors: Groombridge Christopher , Maini Amit , Olaussen Alexander , Kim Yen , Fitzgerald Mark , Mitra Biswadev , Smit De Villiers
Published: June 2020

Background

Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a commonly performed but potentially high-risk procedure in the emergency department (ED). Requiring more than one attempt at intubation has been shown to increase adverse events and interventions improving first-attempt success rate should be identified to make ETI in the ED safer. We introduced and examined the effect of a targeted bundle of airway initiatives on first-attempt success and adverse events associated with ETI.

Methods

This prospective, interventional cohort study was conducted over a 2-year period at an Australian Major Trauma Centre. An online airway registry was established at the inception of the study to collect information related to all intubations. After 6 months, we introduced a bundle of initiatives including monthly audit, monthly airway management education and an airway management checklist. A time series analysis model was used to compare standard practice (ie, first 6 months) to the postintervention period.

Results

There were 526 patients, 369 in the intervention group and 157 in the preintervention comparator group. A total of 573 intubation attempts were performed. There was a significant improvement in first-attempt success rates between preintervention and postintervention groups (88.5% vs 94.6%, relative risk 1.07; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.14, p=0.014). After the introduction of the intervention the first-attempt success rate increased significantly, by 13.4% (p=0.006) in the first month, followed by a significant increase in the monthly trend (relative to the preintervention trend) of 1.71% (p<0.001). The rate of adverse events were similar preintervention and postintervention (hypoxia 8.3% vs 8.9% (p=0.81); hypotension 8.3% vs 7.0% (p=0.62); any complication 27.4% vs 23.6% (p=0.35)).

Conclusions

This bundle of airway management initiatives was associated with significant improvement in the first-attempt success rate of ETI. The introduction of a regular education programme based on the audit of a dedicated airway registry, combined with a periprocedure checklist is a worthwhile ED quality improvement initiative.
Are ED-based violence intervention programmes effective in reducing revictimisation and perpetration in victims of violence? A systematic review
Authors: Brice James Matthew , Boyle Adrian A
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Community violence bears significant human and economic costs. Furthermore, victims requiring ED treatment are at a greater risk of violent reinjury, arrest due to perpetration and violent death. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ED-based violence intervention programmes (EVIPs), which aim to reduce future violence involvement in these individuals.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science, in addition to hand-searching. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they enrolled victims of community violence requiring ED treatment, evaluated interventions taking place in the ED and used violent revictimisation, arrests or intermediate outcome measures as endpoints. We included trials that had a Jadad score of 2 or above.

Results

297 records were identified, and 13 articles were included in our final qualitative analysis, representing 10 RCTs and 9 different EVIPs. The risk of selection bias was low; the risk of performance, detection and attrition bias was moderate. 9 out of 13 papers reported statistically significant improvements in one or more outcome measures related to violence, including violent reinjury and arrests due to violence perpetration.

Conclusion

The results of this literature review show that EVIPs may be capable of reducing violent reinjury and arrests due to violence perpetration. Larger RCTs, taking place in different regions, in different age groups and using different techniques, are justified to determine which conditions may be required for success and whether EVIPs are generalisable.
Acute intermittent porphyria presenting with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and abdominal pain
Authors: Swart Grace , Lim Su San , Jude Martin
Published: June 2020

Acute intermittent porphyria is a rare genetic condition in which disrupted haem synthesis causes overproduction of porphyrin precursors. Occasionally, it is associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), presenting with headache, confusion, seizures and visual disturbance. We describe a patient with acute intermittent porphyria who presented with seizures and PRES, and who had previous unexplained severe abdominal pain. Acute intermittent porphyria should be considered as a possible cause of PRES, especially in those with unexplained abdominal pain, since delays in its diagnosis can result in permanent complications.
Nasopharyngeal stenosis treated with mechanical dilatation in a domestic longhair cat
Authors: Michalik Aleksandra , Spurgeon Jonathan
Published: June 2020

A seven‐year‐old domestic longhair cat was referred with a history of recurrent stertor following conservative treatment. Nasopharyngoscopy showed a stenosis with an opening of 2 mm, which was dilated with cotton buds of increasing size. Histopathology of the stenosed tissues revealed chronic active inflammation. Dilatation relieved the clinical signs for four years before recurrence. The same procedure was repeated after the stenosis recurred, but the improvement lasted for only two weeks. At that point, a ‘balloon dilatation’ was performed using a Foley catheter. At the time of writing of this paper, the cat is still clinically normal (six months postprocedure).
Ru-catalyzed oxidation and C–C bond formation of indoles for the synthesis of 2-indolyl indolin-3-ones under mild reaction conditions
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Yu , Chen Xia
Published: June 2020

Herein, we described a ruthenium catalyzed oxidation and C–C bond formation reaction of 2-alkyl or 2-aryl substituted indoles using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. Coupled with cascade transformation, it provided a mild catalytic oxidation system for the synthesis of 2-indolylindolin-3-ones. The reaction could readily occur using RuCl3·3H2O as catalyst, and the target product was obtained with medium to high yield.
Versatile method to measure locomotion in adult Drosophila
Authors: Barwell Taylor , Raina Sehaj , Seroude Laurent
Published: June 2020

Many studies require the ability to quantify locomotor behavior over time. The list of tracking softwares and their capabilities are constantly growing. At the 2019 CanFly Conference, we presented preliminary results from an investigation of the effects of expressing polyglutamine repeats in fly muscles on longevity, locomotion, and protein aggregation. Numerous requests have been received regarding our protocol to measure locomotion and how to use the FlyTracker MatLab software. This report describes a versatile locomotion measuring device and custom MatLab scripts for the extraction, analysis, and compilation of FlyTracker data in a format compatible with spreadsheet softwares. The measurement and analysis of multiple genotypes of both sexes across age demonstrates that this method yields reproducible results that confirm that normal aging is associated with a progressive decline in locomotion as indicated by increased immobility and reduced velocity.
Helicity form factors for $$D_{(s)} \rightarrow A \ell \nu $$ process in the light-cone QCD sum rules approach
Authors: Momeni S.
Published: June 2020

The helicity form factors of the $$D_{(s)}\rightarrow A \ell ^+ \nu $$D(s)→Aℓ+ν with $$A=a_{1}^{-}, a_{1}^{0}, b_{1}^{-}, b_{1}^{0}, K_{1}(1270)$$A=a1-,a10,b1-,b10,K1(1270) and $$K_{1}(1400)$$K1(1400) are calculated in the light-cone sum rules approach, up to twist-3 distribution amplitudes of the axial vector meson A. In the helicity form factors parametrization the unitarity constraints are applied to the fitting parameters. In addition, the effects of the low-lying resonances are included in series expansions of aforementioned form factors. The properties of the $$D_{(s)}\rightarrow A \ell ^+ \nu $$D(s)→Aℓ+ν semileptonic decays are studied by extending the form factors to the whole physical region of $$q^2$$q2. For a better analysis, a comparison is also made between our results and the predictions obtained using transition form factors via LCSR, 3PSR and CLFQM methods.
Potential analysis of holographic Schwinger effect in the magnetized background
Authors: Zhu Zhou-Run , Hou De-fu , Chen Xun
Published: June 2020

We study the holographic Schwinger effect with magnetic field at RHIC and LHC energies by using the AdS/CFT correspondence. We consider both weak and strong magnetic field cases with $$B\ll T^2$$B≪T2 and $$B\gg T^2$$B≫T2 solutions respectively. Firstly, we calculate separating length of the particle pairs at finite magnetic field. It is found that for both weak and strong magnetic field solutions the maximum value of separating length decreases with the increase of magnetic field , which can be inferred that the virtual electron-positron pairs become real particles more easily. We also find that the magnetic field reduces the potential barrier and the critical field for the weak magnetic field solution, thus favors the Schwinger effect. With strong magnetic field solution, the magnetic field enhances the Schwinger effect when the pairs are in perpendicular to the magnetic field although the magnetic field increases the critical electric field.
Selecting and Combining Classifiers Based on Centrality Measures
Authors: Assumpção Silva Ronan , Britto Alceu S. , Enembreck Fabricio , Sabourin Robert , Oliveira Luiz S.
Published: June 2020

Centrality measures have been helping to explain the behavior of objects, given their relation, in a wide variety of problems, since sociology to chemistry. This work considers these measures to assess the importance of every classifier belonging to an ensemble of classifiers, aiming to improve a Multiple Classifier System (MCS). Assessing the classifier’s importance by employing centrality measures, inspired two different approaches: one for selecting classifiers and another for fusion. The selection approach, called Centrality Based Selection (CBS), adopts a trade-off between the classifier’s accuracy and their diversity. The sub-optimal selected subset presents good results against selection methods from the literature, being superior in 67.22% of the cases. The second approach, the integration, is named Centrality Based Fusion (CBF). This approach is a weighted combination method, which is superior to literature in 70% of the cases.
THE IMPACT OF SAVINGS WITHDRAWALS ON A BANKER’S CAPITAL HOLDINGS SUBJECT TO BASEL III ACCORD
Authors: PERERA RYLE S. , SATO KIMITOSHI
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we analyze the impact of savings withdrawals on a bank’s capital holdings under Basel III capital regulation. We examine the interplay between savings withdrawals and the investment strategies of a bank, by extending the classical mean–variance paradigm to investigate the bankers optimal investment strategy. We solve this via an optimization problem under a mean–variance paradigm, subject to a quadratic optimization function which incorporates a running penalization cost alongside the terminal condition. By solving the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation, we derive the closed-form expressions for the value function as well as the banker’s optimal investment strategies. Our study provides a novel insight into the way banks allocate their capital holdings by showing that in the presence of savings withdrawals, banks will increase their risk-free asset holdings to hedge against the forthcoming deposit withdrawals whilst facing short-selling constraints. Moreover, we show that if the savings depositors of the bank are more stock-active, an economic expansion will imply a greater reduction in bank savings. As a result, the banker will reduce his/her loan portfolio and will depend on high stock returns with short-selling constraints to conform to Basel III capital regulation.
Role of Feedback Connections in Central Visual Processing
Authors: Briggs Farran
Published: June 2020

The physiological response properties of neurons in the visual system are inherited mainly from feedforward inputs. Interestingly, feedback inputs often outnumber feedforward inputs. Although they are numerous, feedback connections are weaker, slower, and considered to be modulatory, in contrast to fast, high-efficacy feedforward connections. Accordingly, the functional role of feedback in visual processing has remained a fundamental mystery in vision science. At the core of this mystery are questions about whether feedback circuits regulate spatial receptive field properties versus temporal responses among target neurons, or whether feedback serves a more global role in arousal or attention. These proposed functions are not mutually exclusive, and there is compelling evidence to support multiple functional roles for feedback. In this review, the role of feedback in vision will be explored mainly from the perspective of corticothalamic feedback. Further generalized principles of feedback applicable to corticocortical connections will also be considered.
Electrochemical Determination of Metronidazole Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Nanoporous Bimetallic Carbon Derived from a ZnCo-Based Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Baikeli Yiliyasi , Mamat Xamxikamar , Wumaer Mailidan , Muhetaer Muhebaiti , Aisa Haji Akbar , Hu Guangzhi
Published: June 2020

ZnCo-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 were synthesized at room temperature. Direct carbonization of the ZnCo-MOF under nitrogen atmosphere produced a nanoporous ZnCo/C composite which exhibited a large surface area (1111.499 m2∙g−1) and narrow pore-size distribution (1 ∼ 2 nm). A glassy carbon electrode was modified with the nanoporous ZnCo/C and Nafion for the electrochemical determination of the antibiotic metronidazole by linear sweep voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, the reduction peak current (observed at −0.66 V vs Ag/AgCl) increased linearly with increasing metronidazole concentration in the range of 0.05–100 μM, with a detection limit estimated at 17 nM. These results are attributed to the large surface area, porous structure, high nitrogen content, and synergistic effects of the Zn and Co constituents. The sensor was satisfactorily used for metronidazole analysis in pharmaceutical samples.
Review—Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic (bio)sensors Based on Phthalocyanines. A Minireview
Authors: Stefanov Cristina , van Staden Jacobus (Koos) Frederick , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana
Published: June 2020

Phthalocyanines forms a class of compounds with excellent properties. Due to their electrochemical and electrocatalytic activities they were used as an electron mediator between the enzyme molecules and electrode substrate. In this minireview, the importance of utilization of phthalocyanines in the design of the sensors and biosensors was investigated.
Naked mole-rats suppress energy metabolism and modulate membrane cholesterol in chronic hypoxia
Authors: Farhat Elie , Devereaux Maiah E. M. , Pamenter Matthew E. , Weber Jean-Michel
Published: June 2020

Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are mammalian champions of hypoxia tolerance that enter metabolic suppression to survive in low oxygen environments. Common physiological mechanisms used by animals to suppress metabolic rate include downregulating energy metabolism (ATP supply) as well as ion pumps (primary cellular ATP consumers). A recent goldfish study demonstrated that remodeling of membrane lipids may mediate these responses, but it is unknown if NMR employs the same strategies; therefore, we aimed to test the hypotheses that these fossorial mammals 1) downregulate the activity of key enzymes of glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and β-oxidation, 2) inhibit sodium-potassium-ATPase, and 3) alter membrane lipids in response to chronic hypoxia. We found that NMRs exposed to 11% oxygen for 4 wk had a lower metabolic rate by 34%. This suppression occurs concurrently with tissue-specific 25–99% decreases in metabolic enzymes activities, a 77% decrease in brain sodium/potassium-ATPase activity, and widespread changes in membrane cholesterol abundance. By reducing glycolytic and β-oxidation fluxes, NMRs decrease the supply of acetyl-CoA to the TCA cycle. By contrast, there is a 94% upregulation of citrate synthase in the heart, possibly to support circulation and thus oxygen supply to other organs. Taken together, these responses may reflect a coordinated physiological response to hypoxia, but a clear functional link between changes in membrane composition and enzyme activities could not be established. Nevertheless, this is the first demonstration that hypometabolic NMRs alter the lipid composition of their membranes in response to chronic in vivo exposure to hypoxia.
Proximal tubule-targeted overexpression of the Cyp4a12-20-HETE synthase promotes salt-sensitive hypertension in male mice
Authors: Gilani Ankit , Agostinucci Kevin , Pascale Jonathan V. , Hossain Sakib , Kandhi Sharath , Pandey Varunkumar , Garcia Victor , Nasjletti Alberto , Laniado Schwartzman Michal
Published: June 2020

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) has been linked to blood pressure (BP) regulation via actions on the renal microvasculature and tubules. We assessed the tubular 20-HETE contribution to hypertension by generating transgenic mice overexpressing the CYP4A12-20-HETE synthase (PT-4a12 mice) under the control of the proximal tubule (PT)-specific promoter phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). 20-HETE levels in the kidney cortex of male (967 ± 210 vs. 249 ± 69 pg/mg protein) but not female (121 ± 15 vs. 92 ± 11 pg/mg protein) PT-4a12 mice showed a 2.5-fold increase compared with wild type (WT). Renal cortical Cyp4a12 mRNA and CYP4A12 protein in male but not female PT-4a12 mice increased by two- to threefold compared with WT. Male PT-4a12 mice displayed elevated BP (142 ± 1 vs. 111 ± 4 mmHg, P < 0.0001), whereas BP in female PT-4a12 mice was not significantly different from WT (118 ± 2 vs. 117 ± 2 mmHg; P = 0.98). In male PT-4a12 mice, BP decreased when mice were transitioned from a control-salt (0.4%) to a low-salt diet (0.075%) from 135 ± 4 to 120 ± 6 mmHg ( P < 0.01) and increased to 153 ± 5 mmHg ( P < 0.05) when mice were placed on a high-salt diet (4%). Female PT-4a12 mice did not show changes in BP on either low- or high-salt diet. In conclusion, the expression of Cyp4a12 driven by the PEPCK promoter is sex specific, probably because of its X-linkage. The salt-sensitive hypertension seen in PT-4a12 male mice suggests a potential antinatriuretic activity of 20-HETE that needs to be further explored.
Compensatory eating behaviors in male and female rats in response to exercise training
Authors: Foright Rebecca M. , Johnson Ginger C. , Kahn Darcy , Charleston Catherine A. , Presby David M. , Bouchet Courtney A. , Wellberg Elizabeth A. , Sherk Vanessa D. , Jackman Matthew R. , Greenwood Benjamin N. , MacLean Paul S.
Published: June 2020

Exercise is often used as a strategy for weight loss maintenance. In preclinical models, we have shown that exercise may be beneficial because it counters the biological drive to regain weight. However, our studies have demonstrated sex differences in the response to exercise in this context. In the present study, we sought to better understand why females and males exhibit different compensatory food eating behaviors in response to regular exercise. Using a forced treadmill exercise paradigm, we measured weight gain, energy expenditure, food intake in real time, and the anorectic effects of leptin. The 4-wk exercise training resulted in reduced weight gain in males and sustained weight gain in females. In male rats, exercise decreased intake, whereas it increased food intake in females. Our results suggest that the anorectic effects of leptin were not responsible for these sex differences in appetite in response to exercise. If these results translate to the human condition, they may reveal important information for the use and application of regular exercise programs.
Influencing Factors on Vehicles Lateral Stability on Tunnel Section in Mountainous Expressway under Strong Wind: A Case of Xi‐Han Highway
Authors: Wang Lu , Chen Xiaoxin , Chen Hong
Published: June 2020

When a car is running at high speed, the canyon wind at the bridge‐tunnel junction in the mountainous area brings along the acceleration effect. The aerodynamic lateral force will cause the vehicle sideslip and unsteady steering, which is extremely harmful to driving safety. In this paper, Xi‐Han Expressway is taken as the research object to analyze the influencing factors of vehicle’s lateral stability by combining the theoretical research of the finite element method, automobile aerodynamics, and speed limit with field investigation and simulation test. CarSim software is used for simulation to explore the influence of different positions of the circular curve on vehicle lateral stability. The results show that the wind level affects the tunnel exit’s unfavorable section on the circular curve. The larger the wind level, the larger the proportion of the tunnel exit’s unfavorable section on the circular curve. The proportions of tunnel exit’s unfavorable section on the circular curve under 6–9 wind levels are 33.33%, 38.89%, 55.56%, and 66.67%, respectively. In addition, the lateral stability of vehicles under level 6–8 wind scale is the worst when the tunnel exit is located at 5° position on the circular curve. The results indicate the influence of strong wind on the lateral stability of vehicles in mountainous expressway. The research can optimize the design of the highway tunnel group and provide the basic theory and method basis for the quantitative management and scientific management of the road traffic management department.
The Effect of Chinese Traditional Medicine Huaiqihuang (HQH) on the Protection of Nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Cheng Yiyu , Zhou Qian , Huang Haojie , Dong Yinmiao , Yang Yang , Zhao Mingyi , He Qingnan
Published: June 2020

Kidney disease is one of the common diseases with high morbidity and high mortality, which brings a huge burden to the society and the patient’s family. The pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of kidney diseases are related to oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial damage, and immune dysfunction. However, existing treatments always cause some damage to the kidneys. Kidney disease and immunosuppressant used together often lead to drug toxicity, patients with weakened immunity, organic rupture of the normal structure of the kidney, damage to the physiological function of the kidney, etc. Huaiqihuang is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with a history of more than one thousand years. According to research, Robinia pseudoacacia can regulate the immune function by regulating oxidative stress, calcium inflow, and mitochondrial ATP. At the same time, it is also involved in regulating the ways of cell death, such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and clockophagy, to reduce kidney damage, which has important clinical value. This article reviews the exact mechanism and clinical application of Huaiqihuang in different types of nephropathy. The aim is to provide new ideas for the treatment of clinical nephropathy.
Distribution of Zinc in Mycelial Cells and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Mycelia Zinc Polysaccharides from Thelephora ganbajun TG-01
Authors: Zheng Lan , Ma Yaohong , Zhang Yunjuan , Meng Qingjun , Yang Junhui , Gong Weili , Liu Qingai , Cai Lei , Hao Lujiang , Wang Binglian , Yang Yan
Published: June 2020

This study demonstrates that Thelephora ganbajun had a strong ability to absorb zinc, and zinc can be compartmentally stored in the small vesicles and mainly accumulated in the form of zinc-enriched polysaccharides (zinc content was 25.0±1.27 mg/g). Mycelia zinc polysaccharides (MZPS) and its fractions were isolated. The main fraction (MZPS-2) with the highest antioxidant activity in vitro was composed of mannose : galacturonic acid : glucose : galactose in a molar ratio of 61.19 : 1 : 39.67 : 48.67, with a weight-averaged molecular weight of 5.118×105 Da. MZPS-2 had both α-pyranose and β-pyranose configuration and had a triple helical conformation. By establishing zebrafish models, we found that MZPS-2 can significantly scavenge free radicals, reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species caused by inflammation, and inhibit the recruitment of neutrophils toward the injury site. Therefore, MZPS-2 exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and can be used as a zinc supplement with specific biological activities to alleviate zinc deficiency complications, such as chronic oxidative stress or inflammation.
Gentiopicroside Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Lipid Accumulation through Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Activation
Authors: Jin Meiyu , Feng Haihua , Wang Yue , Yan Siru , Shen Bingyu , Li Zheng , Qin Haiyan , Wang Qi , Li Jinxia , Liu Guowen
Published: June 2020

The activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is closely related to the alleviation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by regulating oxidative stress and lipid homeostasis. Gentiopicroside (GPS), an iridoid glycoside found in the Gentianaceae, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the protective effects of GPS on lipid accumulation and oxidative damage have not been investigated thoroughly in free fatty acid- (FFA-) induced HepG2 cells and tyloxapol- (Ty-) induced hyperlipidemia mice. Cell counting kit-8 assays, Oil Red O staining, Western blotting analysis, extraction of nuclear and cytosolic proteins, and biochemical index assay were employed to explore the mechanisms by which GPS exerts a protective effect on FFA-induced HepG2 cells and Ty-induced hyperlipidemia mouse model. This paper demonstrates that GPS could effectively alleviate NAFLD by elevating cell viability, reducing fatty deposition, downregulating TG, and activating nucleus Nrf2 in FFA-induced HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, GPS significantly regulated the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway, Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and GPS-inhibited sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) expression in FFA-stimulated lipid accumulation of HepG2 cells and Ty-treated mice. Interestingly, we highlight that PI3K/AKT inhibitor (LY294002) markedly increased the expression of Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, PPARα, and downregulated SREBP-1c in FFA-stimulated HepG2 cells. For these reasons, we found that the deletion of Nrf2 could lose the protective effects of GPS on the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and PPARα activation and SREBP-1c inactivation in FFA-stimulated HepG2 cells and Ty-treated mice. GPS treatment had no effect on abnormal lipogenesis and antioxidant enzymes in Ty-induced Nrf2-/- mice. This work gives a new explanation that GPS may be a useful therapeutic strategy for NAFLD through upregulation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, which can alleviate oxidative damage and lipid accumulation.
Asymptomatic Intestinal Malrotation Progressing to Midgut Volvulus in a Decompensated Alcoholic Cirrhotic Adult: A Rare Scenario Requiring Special Considerations
Authors: Melkonian Vatche , Quadri Pablo , Varma Chintalapati R. , Nazzal Mustafa , Randall Henry B. , Nguyen Minh-Tri J. P.
Published: June 2020

Intestinal malrotation usually presents in the pediatric population with midgut volvulus requiring emergency Ladd’s procedure. Rarely, it remains asymptomatic and is discovered incidentally only during adulthood when it seldom causes intestinal complications. The scenario of a cirrhotic adult being diagnosed with asymptomatic intestinal malrotation with subsequent intestinal complications is thus extremely rare and to our knowledge has not been previously reported. We describe a 56-year-old man with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class C, MELD score 22) who was initially observed after an incidental diagnosis of intestinal malrotation on computed tomography. Observation continued as his liver disease improved with alcohol cessation (Child-Pugh class A, MELD score 8). He later presented with a closed loop bowel obstruction secondary to midgut volvulus at the time of alcohol relapse and liver redecompensation (Child-Pugh class C, MELD score 22-29). He underwent emergency Ladd’s procedure during which his midjejunum was volvulized into an internal hernia space created by a thick Ladd’s band containing large varices. The postoperative course was complicated by ileus and loculated bacterial peritonitis. Based on our experience, we discuss special considerations with regard to the surgical technique and timing of Ladd’s procedure when encountering intestinal malrotation in a cirrhotic adult with portal hypertension.
Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth.
Authors: Nabatanzi Alice , Nkadimeng Sanah M. , Lall Namrita , Kabasa John D. , McGaw Lyndy J.
Published: June 2020

Kigelia africana is used to manage inflammation among indigenous communities. We hypothesized that K. africana extracts contain phytoconstituents with good antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. The methanolic extract of K. africana fruits and Spathodea campanulata leaves (SPK04), K. africana aqueous fruit extract (KFM02), and K. africana acetone fruit extract (KFM05) were subjected to antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory assays. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS radical scavenging assay, and the MTT cell viability assay was used for cytotoxicity. The extracts were preincubated with enzymes and assayed for 15‐LOX and COX‐2 enzyme activity using an ELISA method. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory effect of the extracts was evaluated and measurement of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6) and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10) was done using ELISA kits. SPK04 had the highest antioxidant activity with a mean inhibition of 99.37 ± 0.56% and an IC50 of 4.28 µg/mL. SPK04 and KFM05 did not inhibit 15‐LOX as their IC50 values were >1000 μg/mL. All extracts were safe on Vero cells at the highest concentration (200 µg/mL) tested. KFM02 was the best inhibitor of NO production and had the highest cell viability at both the lowest (50 µg/mL) and highest concentrations (200 µg/mL). SPK04 was the best COX‐2 inhibitor while KFM05 expressed the strongest suppression effect for IL‐β and IL‐6. KFM02 did not inhibit IL‐6 at the highest concentration (200 µg/mL). The order of suppression of TNF‐α by the extracts differed across concentrations, KFM05 > SPK04 > KFM02 at 200 µg/mL, KFM02 > SPK04 > KFM05 at 100 µg/mL, and SPK04 > KFM02 > KFM05 at 50 µg/mL. All the tested extracts had no inhibitory effect against IL‐10. SPK04, KFM05, and KFM02 had good antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity and this supports their use as potential anti‐inflammatory therapies. This study presents for the first time the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity of K. africana and S. campanulata polyherbal extract. It is also among the very few studies that have reported the inhibitory effect of cytokines IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐10 by K. africana.
Direct Signal Space Construction Luenberger Tracker with Quadratic Least Square Regression for Computationally Efficient DoA Tracking
Authors: Byeon Bukeun , Lee Ho-Kyoung , Yoo Do-Sik
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient direction-of-arrival (DoA) tracking scheme called the direct signal space construction Luenberger tracker (DSPCLT) with quadratic least square (QLS) regression. Also, we study analytically how the choice of observer gain affects the algorithm performance and illustrate how we can use the theoretical results in determining optimal observer gain value. The proposed scheme (DSPCLT) has several distinct features compared with existing algorithms. First, it requires only a fraction of computational complexity compared with other schemes. Secondly, it maintains robustness by treating separately the special case of object overlap in which subspace-based algorithms often suffer from lack of resolvability. Thirdly, the proposed scheme achieves enhanced performance by a method of delay compensation, which accounts for observation delay. Through numerical analysis, we show that DSPCLT achieves performance similar or superior to existing algorithms with only a fraction of computational requirement.
Magnitude of Prelacteal Feeding and Its Associated Factors among Mothers Having Children Less than One Year of Age: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Eastern Zone, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremeskel Senait Gebreslasie , Gebru Tesfay Tsegay , Kassahun Selam Shushay , Gebrehiwot Berhanu Gebresilassie
Published: June 2020

Background. Prelacteal feeding is an obstacle to optimal breastfeeding practices in developing countries. It directly or indirectly affects the health of the infants. Despite its importance, this issue has received little attention in Ethiopia. As a result, this study aimed to assess prelacteal feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged less than 12 months in the rural eastern zone, Tigray, Ethiopia.Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The final sample size was 828, and the multistage sampling technique was used. Pretested and structured interviewer-administered tool was used for data collection. Data were entered, coded, and cleaned by Epi-Info version 7 and analyzed by using SPSS 22.0. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control the effect of confounding.Results. Eight hundred three mothers participated in this study. During the first three days after birth, 198 (24.7%) mothers practiced prelacteal feeding. Parity (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04–2.23), late initiation of breastfeeding (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.30–2.59), and colostrum discard (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06–2.33) were strongly associated with prelacteal feeding practice.Conclusion and Recommendation. One-fourth of participants practiced prelacteal feeding. Late initiation of breastfeeding, colostrum discard, and parity were significant determinants of prelacteal feeding. Awareness creation and health education concerning the advantages of early initiation of breastfeeding and the importance of colostrum during their health visits is necessary.
Noniterative Localized and Space-Time Localized RBF Meshless Method to Solve the Ill-Posed and Inverse Problem
Authors: Hamaidi Mohammed , Naji Ahmed , Ghafrani Fatima , Jourhmane Mostafa
Published: June 2020

In many references, both the ill-posed and inverse boundary value problems are solved iteratively. The iterative procedures are based on firstly converting the problem into a well-posed one by assuming the missing boundary values. Then, the problem is solved by using either a developed numerical algorithm or a conventional optimization scheme. The convergence of the technique is achieved when the approximated solution is well compared to the unused data. In the present paper, we present a different way to solve an ill-posed problem by applying the localized and space-time localized radial basis function collocation method depending on the problem considered and avoiding the iterative procedure. We demonstrate that the solution of certain ill-posed and inverse problems can be accomplished without iterations. Three different problems have been investigated: problems with missing boundary condition and internal data, problems with overspecified boundary condition, and backward heat conduction problem (BHCP). It has been demonstrated that the presented method is efficient and accurate and overcomes the stability analysis that is required in iterative techniques.
Colorimetric Sensor Based on β-Cyclodextrin-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles for Zidovudine Sensitive Determination
Authors: Ghanizadeh Gerayeli Farhad , Hosseini Farnaz , Bagheri Zohreh , Savardashtaki Amir , Shabaninejad Zahra , Amani Ali Mohammad , Najafipour Sohrab
Published: June 2020

Zidovudine (ZDV) is an antiviral drug against HIV that was approved by the FDA on March, 1987. It is a reverse transcriptase inhibitor. This type of drug stops the reproduction of DNA and decreases the amount of the virus in the patients’ blood. Due to the ability of forming various molecular bonds, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used for the detection of large range of agents, including drugs. In this study, we synthesized AgNP-modified β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) using green synthesis for the sensitive and selective zidovudine (ZDV) determination. Characterization of nanoparticles was done using different methods including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and also, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The AgNP λ-max peak was at approximately 405 nm. In the presence of ZDV, yellow solution was turned to red color, and surface plasmon absorption band was dramatically centered at 560 nm. ZDV was determined in the range of 50–500 μM, and the detection limit value was obtained as 42 μM. The sensor was used to determine ZDV in tablets with good recovery.
Biofunctionalization of Microgroove Surfaces with Antibacterial Nanocoatings
Authors: Lai Yingzhen , Xu Zhiqiang , Chen Jiang , Zhou Renbin , Tian Jumei , Cai Yihuang
Published: June 2020

Objectives. To investigate the physical properties of the modified microgroove (MG) and antibacterial nanocoated surfaces. In addition, the biological interactions of the modified surfaces with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the antibacterial activity of the surfaces against Porphyromonas gingivalis were studied. Methods. The titanium nitride (TiN) and silver (Ag) coatings were deposited onto the smooth and MG surfaces using magnetron sputtering. A smooth titanium surface (Ti‐S) was used as the control. The physicochemical properties including surface morphology, roughness, and hydrophilicity were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and an optical contact angle analyzer. The “contact guidance” morphology was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell proliferation was analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The expression level of the main focal adhesion‐related structural protein vinculin was compared using quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting. The antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis was evaluated using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit. Results. The Ag and TiN antibacterial nanocoatings were successfully deposited onto the smooth and MG surfaces using magnetron sputtering technology. TiN coating on a grooved surface (TiN‐MG) resulted in less nanoroughness and greater surface hydrophilicity than Ag coating on a smooth surface (Ag‐S), which was more hydrophobic. Cell proliferation and expression of vinculin were higher on the TiN‐MG surface than on the Ag‐coated surfaces. Ag‐coated surfaces showed the strongest antibacterial activity, followed by TiN‐coated surfaces. Conclusion. Nano‐Ag coating resulted in good antimicrobial activity; however, the biocompatibility was questionable. TiN nanocoating on an MG surface showed antibacterial properties with an optimal biocompatibility and maintained the “contact guidance” effects for HGFs.
Autocrine IL6-Mediated Activation of the STAT3–DNMT Axis Silences the TNFα–RIP1 Necroptosis Pathway to Sustain Survival and Accumulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Smith Alyssa D. , Lu Chunwan , Payne Daniela , Paschall Amy V. , Klement John D. , Redd Priscilla S. , Ibrahim Mohammed L. , Yang Dafeng , Han Qimei , Liu Zhuoqi , Shi Huidong , Hartney Thomas J. , Nayak-Kapoor Asha , Liu Kebin
Published: June 2020

Although accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) is a hallmark of cancer, the underlying mechanism of this accumulation within the tumor microenvironment remains incompletely understood. We report here that TNFα–RIP1–mediated necroptosis regulates accumulation of MDSCs. In tumor-bearing mice, pharmacologic inhibition of DNMT with the DNA methyltransferease inhibitor decitabine (DAC) decreased MDSC accumulation and increased activation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. DAC-induced decreases in MDSC accumulation correlated with increased expression of the myeloid cell lineage-specific transcription factor IRF8 in MDSCs. However, DAC also suppressed MDSC-like cell accumulation in IRF8-deficient mice, indicating that DNA methylation may regulate MDSC survival through an IRF8-independent mechanism. Instead, DAC decreased MDSC accumulation by increasing cell death via disrupting DNA methylation of RIP1-dependent targets of necroptosis. Genome-wide DNA bisulfite sequencing revealed that the Tnf promoter was hypermethylated in tumor-induced MDSCs in vivo. DAC treatment dramatically increased TNFα levels in MDSC in vitro, and neutralizing TNFα significantly increased MDSC accumulation and tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Recombinant TNFα induced MDSC cell death in a dose- and RIP1-dependent manner. IL6 was abundantly expressed in MDSCs in tumor-bearing mice and patients with human colorectal cancer. In vitro, IL6 treatment of MDSC-like cells activated STAT3, increased expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3b, and enhanced survival. Overall, our findings reveal that MDSCs establish a STAT3–DNMT epigenetic axis, regulated by autocrine IL6, to silence TNFα expression. This results in decreased TNFα-induced and RIP1-dependent necroptosis to sustain survival and accumulation.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that targeting IL6 expression or function represent potentially effective approaches to suppress MDSC survival and accumulation in the tumor microenvironment.
Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta Induces a Tumor-Suppressive Program in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Bolf Eric L. , Gillis Noelle E. , Davidson Cole D. , Rodriguez Princess D. , Cozzens Lauren , Tomczak Jennifer A. , Frietze Seth , Carr Frances E.
Published: June 2020

The thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ), a key regulator of cellular growth and differentiation, is frequently dysregulated in cancers. Diminished expression of TRβ is noted in thyroid, breast, and other solid tumors and is correlated with more aggressive disease. Restoration of TRβ levels decreased tumor growth supporting the concept that TRβ could function as a tumor suppressor. Yet, the TRβ tumor suppression transcriptome is not well delineated and the impact of TRβ is unknown in aggressive anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Here, we establish that restoration of TRβ expression in the human ATC cell line SW1736 (SW-TRβ) reduces the aggressive phenotype, decreases cancer stem cell populations and induces cell death in a T3-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis of SW-TRβ cells via RNA sequencing revealed distinctive expression patterns induced by ligand-bound TRβ and revealed novel molecular signaling pathways. Of note, liganded TRβ repressed multiple nodes in the PI3K/AKT pathway, induced expression of thyroid differentiation markers, and promoted proapoptotic pathways. Our results further revealed the JAK1–STAT1 pathway as a novel, T3-mediated, antitumorigenic pathway that can be activated in additional ATC lines. These findings elucidate a TRβ-driven tumor suppression transcriptomic signature, highlight unexplored therapeutic options for ATC, and support TRβ activation as a promising therapeutic option in cancers.

Implications:

TRβ-T3 induced a less aggressive phenotype and tumor suppression program in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells revealing new potential therapeutic targets.